Key West Weekly 24-0516

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Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

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Floridians are forecast to travel in record numbers for this year’s Memorial Day weekend. AAA forecasts more than 2.5 million Floridians will journey 50 miles or more. That’s 126,500 more holiday travelers than the previous high, which was set last year. 2.5M

Explore artist Luis Sottil’s colorful world of wildlife at Key West Gallery, 601 Duval St., where Sottil will host receptions May 16-19 from 7 to 10 p.m. See page 17.

RESORT WOULD FIX ABANDONED EYESORE IN EXCHANGE FOR MORE HOTEL ROOMS

Proposed zoning change near Casa Marina draws neighborhood opposition

Nothing brings neighbors together like a proposal to build new 23 hotel rooms across the street, down the block or 200 yards away from their multimillion-dollar homes.

That’s what’s happening in the Casa Marina neighborhood, where the corporate owners of the Casa Marina Resort, a real estate investment trust called Park Hotels & Resorts, is asking city officials to change the zoning of two parcels, the site of dilapidated buildings that once included 23 units of housing for Casa Marina employees. The buildings have been a vacant and abandoned eyesore in the neighborhood since 2005, when Hurricane Wilma flooded them.

Now, Park Hotels & Resorts is promising the city and the neighbors that they’ll rebuild the employee housing on one of the parcels if they can build six new buildings on the other parcel that would house 23 new hotel rooms. But in order to do so, the resort needs the city to change the zoning of those parcels from residential to commercial. The resort also would need to acquire 23 new transient licenses for the new hotel rooms, licenses that have not been newly issued in Key West for more than a decade.

The city’s Planning Board in March voted to approve the zoning change despite the city’s planning staff’s recommendation that the application be denied for numerous reasons, but mainly because rebuilding the former employee housing units is already permitted under the current zoning. Planning Board members Sam Holland and Ed Russo voted against the zoning change approval, which passed anyway, with three members saying they only approved the application because no neighbors had shown up to speak out against it.

That all had changed by the time the zoning change was before the city commission for approval at the May 9 meeting. The commission ultimately voted to postpone the decision, at the applicant’s request, until November, when four of the seven faces on the commission dais will be new following the coming election. Commissioners Lissette Cuervo Carey, Sam Kaufman and Mary Lou Hoover will be the only remaining lawmakers. Hoover has been working with Casa Marina and with the neighbors, hoping to broker some agreement in order to get the “eyesore” of the dilapidated buildings cleaned up.

More than 80 neighbors gathered in early May at Jeff and Karen Siegel’s house on Washington Street to discuss and formally oppose the zoning change that would bring the new hotel rooms to their neighborhood. The neighbors, who said they had been unaware of the planning board’s meeting and decision in March, sent more than a dozen letters of opposition to the zoning change and more than 20 of them attended the May 9 commission to speak against it, despite the fact that the decision would be postponed.

“No one showed up (to the Planning Board meeting in March) because we didn’t know,” Jeff Siegel told the city commission on May 9. “I live 300 feet from the property and I’m homesteaded, meaning this is our permanent residence.”

He suggested the city revise its notification requirements to ensure more neighbors are made aware of significant development plans and changes for their neighborhoods.

Neighborhood resident Peter Cohen told the commission, “The last thing we need to make is another commercial zone when what we need is housing. Just because the real estate investment trust that owns the Casa Marina has the money to make political donations doesn’t mean they should be able to buy their way into a zoning change.”

Gregory Oropeza, the Key West real estate attorney representing the Casa Marina, defended the zoning change to the planning board in March, saying the state has mandated that cities explore partnerships between private and public entities to develop more affordable housing. He said this proposal would represent such a partnership.

But Karen Siegel, during a neighborhood meeting, told the Keys Weekly that the neighbors feel as if the Casa Marina is trying to hold the neighbors hostage with the eyesore of abandoned buildings that line Waddell Street.

“It’s as if they’re saying they’ll only clean up that mess if they can get the zoning change and another 23 hotel rooms,” she said.

Hoover told her fellow commissioners, “I have been working on this issue (of the eyesore building) since I first came onto the commission. I’ve gotten to know the folks at Parks Hotels and I was pleased when they brought Greg Oropeza on board. I know that what they want to do will address the neighbors’ concerns with that property, but they’re not going to turn that parcel into a park. That’s just not going to happen.”

The commission listened earnestly to the neighbors at the May 9 meeting, but formally voted to postpone the zoning decision until the Nov. 14 commission meeting. The neighbors have said their opposition will not change, and they’re not going anywhere.

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Two blocks of dilapidated buildings on Waddell Street near the Casa Marina Resort have been vacant since 2005 and deemed a nuisance eyesore to the neighborhood. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Tropic Cinema screens documentary about the school band’s London trip

KWHS STUDENTS’ FILM WINS STATE COMPETITION

When the Key West High School marching band, the Marching Conchs, crossed the pond to play in London’s New Year’s Day parade, not all of the students packed instruments or sheet music.

Of the 107 or so students who made the trip, two — William Forster and Valeria Juarez — carried very different tools that would serve them well in London and then back in the States. The two are part of Ed Smith’s video production class at the high school and their London trip was paid for by parttime Key West resident Chris Sloan and his wife, Carla.

Chris has had a very successful career in television production and owns a TV production company called 2C Media. The pair are avid supporters of Key West charities and the high school’s film and TV program.

Forster and Juarez were tasked with filming, editing and producing a documentary of the Marching Conchs’ trip abroad for the school’s Conch 5 Studios. And they delivered in spades, with editing help back home from fellow student Monika Jaroszewicz, who couldn’t make the trip due to a broken foot.

The 44-minute film that resulted, “Key West Marching Conchs in London,” took first place in the Florida Scholastic Press Association’s Short Documentary competition for a 10-minute version of a longer production about the trip.

The film then made its local debut to live audiences on May 8 at Tropic Cinema, which hosted two screenings of the documentary.

The entire London trip became a community-wide effort to raise $400,000. Band students performed

outside Fausto’s Food Palace for donations. They washed cars, held yard sales, solicited donations and scored big from local benefactors, one of which, Isla Bella Resorts in Marathon, donated $20,000 to put them over the edge of the goal.

On New Year’s Day 2024, the Marching Conchs marched along the 2-mile parade route playing the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” and Blondie’s “One Way or Another.”

Band members brought global recognition and reignited a fierce pride in the island city.

“We brought in an incredible amount of money through our generous, very generous community,” said 15-year band director Gary Hernandez.

“We had many, many donors. Individual donors gave us $50, $100. The Florida Keys community really came together.

“It’s a massive deal to represent the southernmost city in the United States of America. Everybody knows Key West. Even though it’s such a small place, they all have some connection to it. They’ve seen it in the movies. And they know, of course, Jimmy Buffett. We have a lot of connections with the world.”

Trip expenses were about $3,600 per person for 76 band members and parent-chaperones, for a total of 107 people, who traveled 4,600 miles across the “pond” to London. The group got matching sweatshirts, winter gloves and hats — foreign attire in the Keys’ subtropical climate — airfare, overnight accommodations, meals and activities, and tickets to two theater shows, “Wicked” and “Hamilton,” wrote Laura Myers for NewmanPR, the Florida Keys’ public relations firm.

1. Student filmmakers William Forster, Valeria Juarez and Monika Jaroszewicz are joined by videography teacher Ed Smith, band director Gary Hernandez and student sponsors Chris and Carla Sloan at the May 8 documentary screening. CONTRIBUTED

2. The documentary screening at Tropic Cinema brings back plenty of London memories for Key West High School’s band students. CHRIS SLOAN/Contributed

3. William Forster and Valeria Juarez learn for the first time that local residents Chris and Carla Sloan will sponsor their trip to London to film the band’s experience. CHRIS SLOAN/Contributed

4. Key West High School’s Conch 5 Studios video production team screens its awardwinning documentary at Tropic Cinema on May 8. CHRIS SLOAN/Contributed

The band was invited by the U.K. parade’s organizers in early 2023 to join other U.S. and international groups to march through the London streets in the famed celebration, which typically draws about 800,000 spectators and a television audience of millions.

“The London New Year’s parade is their version of the Thanksgiving Macy’s parade,” said band captain Eddie Strunk, a tuba player.

The high school musicians also performed at the Grand Piazza in London’s Covent Garden, and discovered British history and culture through guided tours, group activities and theater productions.

For some students, the journey — a trip of a lifetime with memories never to be forgotten — marked their first time on an airplane or first journey outside the state, Myers wrote.

“I’ve never left Florida before, and it’s a scary thought to be so far away from what’s been my home for so long,” said trombone player Alex Gonzalez. “Being able to see a different place was very exciting.”

Hernandez’s goal is for the Key West High School’s Marching Conchs to participate in the London parade at least every four years, giving band students the unforgettable opportunity at least once during their high school years.

Band mom Jamie Strunk, who accompanied the Key West group and served as a fundraising organizer, summed up the experience for the young band members. “It was a lifechanging experience,” she said.

The full “Key West Marching Conchs in London” documentary can be found on YouTube.

VISIT CHI IN THE KEYS

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SHOULD KEY WEST VOTERS SUPPORT A $300M BOND ISSUE ON NOVEMBER BALLOT?

Some city officials support long-term financing for big projects

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Key West voters in November will be choosing more than a U.S. president, mayor and three new city commissioners. The city’s ballot also will ask voters whether they support the issuance of $300 million in general obligation bonds — basically a long-term line of credit that the city can access when it needs to fund major construction projects and then pay back over 30 years with interest.

The city commission on May 9 voted to give preliminary approval to the ballot questions, although a second reading is required next month before they are formally placed on the ballot.

And support for the bond issue is far from unanimous, with commissioners Lissette Cuervo Carey and Billy Wardlow opposing the issuance and the ballot questions for the November election.

The public was also divided in its support versus opposition for the bonds and long-term debt for the city.

Resident Roger McVeigh spoke in support of the bonds on May 9, saying, “This city is a lot bigger than it used to be with $432 million in net assets. It’s extraordinarily unusual to not manage those assets without long-term financing. Right now, we’ve been paying as we go and there’s not enough cash coming in. Most projects are severely needed, and I ask that you support the bond referendums and let the voters decide.”

The potential projects that could be financed by the bonds include a new fire station on Kennedy Drive, renovations to the police station, revitalization of Mallory Square, replacement of the Martin Luther King Community Pool, Bayview Park renovation and addition of a splash pad, and several road-raising, draining improvement projects.

Kerry Baker, who heads the Key West Chamber of Commerce, told the commission on May 9 that “the bond proposal was not well received by our members” due to the burden the debt would place on homeowners and commercial property owners, as the bonds will be repaid with property tax money.

“With interest rates at an all-time high, we don’t feel it’s the right time and we should allow the new commission to consider this issue. We encourage you not to support the ballot questions about the bond, as the cost appears exorbitant.”

Carey was outspoken in her skepticism of the bond issue.

“The $300 million could turn into $500 million with interest,” she said, adding that she had heard a public education campaign is planned to let voters know the details of the bond questions before the November election.

“Who’s going to be handling that public education campaign? And is anyone going to tell the voters about any risks associated with this financing? It seems like the plan is to only discuss the benefits.”

Carey has been meeting regularly with some residents, including George Edson, who has researched the issue. Edson said in an email to city officials that the bonds are a bad idea “for so many reasons.”

“I suggest that $300 million in bonding over 30 years is not the right approach, for so many reasons,” Edson wrote. “The average lifespan of many of the items on the list is way way less than 30 years. It’s like financing your next car for 30 years. … If the bonding fails, you are nowhere. Instead create a short list of the few most important needs and design them, and finance them, and do them. Many items paid for by the bond are overdue maintenance items. Maintenance is clearly not something to be funded with a bond and certainly not for 30 years.”

Edson’s list continues with other concerns about interest rates and the city’s wish list of projects.

Mayor Teri Johnston said that while $300 million “sounds like a big number,” the costs of construction projects are increasing rapidly. “I think these bond questions are the quintessential form of democracy. Let’s let the voters decide.”

Commissioner Sam Kaufman wanted assurance from the city’s bond consultants that each project that would be funded with bond money would come to the commission for approval first, before any of the bond money is spent, which is true. Kaufman compared the bonds to a line of credit on a home.

“It can be used as a last resort, but let’s be honest, if we have a catastrophic event, what would we do? We’d have to rely on federal and state funding to bail us out. We have to have a plan B.”

“This is not the big bogeyman that everyone thinks it is,” commissioner Jimmy Weekley said. “Bonds are how the city got the Key West Bight property. It’s how we can improve people’s quality of life in the city. And these bonds don’t have expiration dates. If interest rates are too high, we can just sit on them with no interest. It’s not the big burden that everyone thinks.”

Stay tuned to the Keys Weekly for a deeper look at the bond issue. The city commission will discuss the issue at the June 13 meeting before giving final approval to the ballot questions for November.

FIRED TDC MARKETING DIRECTOR WILL SUE FOR WRONGFUL TERMINATION

Lawyer claims ‘retaliation’ for denying Cates’ funding request

gwen@keysweekly.com

The former marketing director of the Florida Keys’ top tourism agency will file a wrongful termination lawsuit sometime this year, her attorney told Keys Weekly.

Stacey Mitchell, the former marketing director of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. File photo

Stacey Mitchell was fired March 26 in an 11-0 vote by the Monroe County Tourism Development Council’s board, at the behest of county Mayor Holly Raschein, after a series of audits by County Clerk Kevin Madok found the TDC lacking in financial controls.

TDC staff technically works for the nonprofit Visit Florida Keys – not the county – but its funding comes from taxes on tourist lodging.

“My office is currently drafting a complaint under the Whistleblower Act against Visit Florida Keys,” said Zachary Zermay, an attorney in Coral Gables. “We’re interviewing witnesses.”

Mitchell wasn’t the source of any money management problems, Zermay said Tuesday. The TDC has no chief financial officer on staff. Instead, Mitchell, whose background is in sales and marketing, was the top director.

“The record reflects my client has done a phenomenal job as marketing director of the TDC,” Zermay said. “She’s an advertiser, she’s not a comptroller. People forget Mr. Madok is the comptroller of the county. He was the one signing the checks.”

The county clerk’s title includes “comptroller.”

The audits by the clerk’s office generated enough controversy to get Mitchell fired after 25 years at the TDC, the multimillion dollar agency tasked with promoting the Keys as a tourist destination. She was promoted to its top job in 2017.

Zermay said the audits only came after county commissioner Craig Cates, of Key West, was initially denied TDC funds to pay for a drone show at the county’s 2023 bicentennial celebration because the county had missed the application deadline that applies to everyone requesting event funding.

“All of this stems from my client making Craig Cates go through the proper protocols for a $150,000 drone show,” Zermay said. “There was a campaign of retaliation against Ms. Mitchell in the form of the audits.”

But at first, the TDC board stuck up for Mitchell, voting down a motion that Cates made in person at a February TDC meeting.

Cates said his motion wasn’t personal.

“This is a business decision,” Cates told the board. “We need a better director. We’re not blaming her.”

Audits of TDC practices, though, did blame Mitchell.

The county commission hired its own forensic auditors, Cherry Bekaert, to review Visit Florida Keys’ financials. Their audit, released April 30, found that under Mitchell’s supervision and direction, the nonprofit “caused improper and excessive expenditures to be paid and failed to adhere to established policies and procedures.”

That drone show eventually happened with TDC funding when the county commission went above the TDC and approved it.

On March 25, 2023, 250 drones lit up the night to cap the bicentennial kickoff party at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater.

Seven months later, the first TDC audit conducted in more than 20 years came out, disparaging Mitchell’s leadership.

“The audits were a way of retaliating against my client,” Zermay said. “Mr. Cates needed a pretext to terminate my client. That was one massive pretext.”

Mitchell, whose annual salary was $205,749, had been on paid leave since Nov. 16, 2023, two weeks after Madok released the first of four planned audits on the TDC and its partner agencies NewmanPR, Tinsley Advertising and Two Oceans Digital. Only the Two Oceans Digital audit report remains forthcoming.

TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN CELEBRATES ITS 2024 GRADS

Scholarship program sends 64 students to college

Take Stock in Children Monroe, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing scholarships, mentors, and hope, announced the graduation of 64 seniors from four district high schools. These students are now set to embark on their collegiate journeys, equipped with a Florida Prepaid college tuition scholarship.

On Saturday, May 18 at 11 a.m. in the Marathon Middle High School auditorium, the 24th Take Stock in Children class will receive their medallions and a total value of $1.6 million in Florida Prepaid tuition scholarships. Mrs. Jillian Hasner, president/CEO of Take Stock in Children, will be the honored guest congratulating the students as they join the 1,018 previous Take Stock graduates from the Take Stock Monroe program.

“Our team of success coaches and our family of mentors couldn’t be prouder of this amazing group of 64 graduates,” said Chuck Licis-Masson, Take Stock’s

executive director. “This class represents years of perseverance, grit and determination as well as hundreds and hundreds of combined mentor session hours; we are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments as they begin the next chapter of their educational career with their Take Stock in Children scholarship.”

The ambitions of the Take Stock Monroe class of 2024 reflect a commitment to continued learning and growth. All are pursuing post-secondary education this fall, with 59% enrolling in state colleges, 36% in state universities, and 5% advancing to career technical institutions.

The success of the class of 2024 is a testament to the power of community support, mentorship, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

More information about Take Stock in Children Monroe is available from Licis-Masson at chuck. licis@monroecountyedfound. com or 305-293-1546.

GWEN FILOSA

Take Stock mentor Alyson Crean with mentee Dostmukhammad Bakhtiyorov of Key West High School. CONTRIBUTED

VINTAGE HOLLYWOOD ON EXHIBIT

Florida Movie Posters such as “Beneath the 12 Mile Reef” and “Edward Scissorhands” will be featured in an upcoming temporary exhibit at the Key West Museum of Art & History’s ‘Beaches, Creatures & Cowboys.’ The exhibit opens on May 31, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a free reception for the public. MUSEUM OF FLORIDA HISTORY/Contributed

Custom House features ‘Beaches, Creatures & Cowboys: Florida Movie Posters’

The Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House will celebrate the opening of its newest temporary exhibit, “Beaches, Creatures & Cowboys: Florida Movie Posters” on Friday, May 31. The exhibit was developed by the Museum of Florida History and many of the posters and ephemera are part of its permanent collection. An opening reception will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Bryan Gallery and is open to the public.

In the early days of moviemaking, Florida sunshine lit the sets for many movies, while the palm trees and beaches provided a stunning backdrop. Movie producers have been making films in Florida almost since the dawn of the industry. For a short time in the early 20th century, Florida even rivaled California as a place for movie-making. However, a lack of government support, money and studio facilities hurt the industry here, and movie companies soon began leaving.

“Despite many Florida studios relocating to the country’s West

Coast, many filmmakers still made use of Florida’s landscape, cities and tourist attractions during filming,” said Cori Convertito, curator for the Key West Art & Historical Society. “Tarzan swung through the Florida jungles, swimmingchamp-turned-actress Esther Williams frolicked on the beaches and the Creature from the Black Lagoon lurked in the state’s dark and mysterious springs.”

Colorful, eye-catching posters advertised films and drew people to the movies. Often, several movie posters, each with a different image, promoted one film. The movie’s marketers designed each image to appeal to a specific audience. Depending on the film, a poster might display a dramatic, heroic, romantic or funny scene.

The 40 classic posters that form part of the display include artwork for “Beneath the 12 Mile Reef,” “Cocoon,” “Flipper,” and “Operation Petticoat” and feature such actors as Gregory Peck, Betty Grable, Spencer Tracy, Jessica Tandy, Cary Grant, Tony Curtis, Steve Martin, Burt Reynolds, Sally Field and Jim Carrey.

“Beaches, Creatures & Cowboys” runs through Sept. 1.

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More information is available at kwahs.org/movieposters, or from Convertito at 305-295-6616 x 507 or cconvertito@kwahs.org. — Contributed

MAKING THEM PAY

‘Rock star’ auditor targets tax evasion by vacation rental owners

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Ididn’t expect to use the term “rock star” in a story about the tax collector’s office, ever.

So I was skeptical when a Key West hotelier used it to describe Pamela Sellers, director of audits and enforcement in the tax office. The job title did little to assuage my doubts and I was about to chastise our hotelier friend for his overblown description. A rock-star tax auditor? No way.

Then I spoke with Sellers. She rocks.

She also fights crime, doggedly pursuing those who pocket substantial profits from vacation rental properties without paying the required 5% tourist development tax, commonly known as bed tax, that must be charged for all accommodations rented for fewer than six months.

Bed tax money promotes tourism and funds local construction, improvement and beach renourishment projects. The county tax office collected more than $80 million in bed tax revenue in 2023.

Hotels, guest houses, RV parks, campgrounds and vacation rental companies all pay bed tax.

Individual homeowners who rent out their place pay the bed tax — or they’re supposed to. But many property owners either don’t understand the local tax laws, or simply choose to ignore them. Neither is acceptable to Monroe County Tax Collector Sam Steele or to Sellers, his sole auditor.

Since the dawn of VRBO, Airbnb and other vacation rental websites, some property owners have been trying to beat the system, fly under the radar – in short, break the law.

That’s where Sellers comes in – a certified fraud examiner armed with a new software program called RentalScape that in less than a year has

enabled the tax office to identify tax cheats and collect more than $400,000 in unpaid bed tax, interest and penalties.

“If you’re advertising a place on the internet, this software makes it very difficult to get away with not paying the taxes you owe,” Sellers said on May 14.

While tax cheats despise the software tool, those who follow the laws and pay what they owe applaud RentalScape — and Sellers — for working to level the playing field.

Sellers and Steele have introduced the software to Keys cities, which can use it to identify and shut down illegal rentals of properties that aren’t licensed for transient, or short-term, rentals of less than a month.

But the licensing issues aren’t Sellers’ responsibility — taxes are.

RentalScape cross-references and mines information from roughly 80 different online platforms, including VRBO and Airbnb, finding ads, listings and reviews for properties that may or may not be paying their bed tax.

If a property owner fails to comply and pay what’s owed, the tax office can and does file a tax warrant, or lien, against the property, which can’t be sold until the lien is paid.

“We can also freeze their bank accounts if they remain non-compliant,” Sellers said. “We’ve had some real success stories on the enforcement side of things in the past year. This software provides the concrete evidence I need to make my case.”

“There’s no one I’d rather have testifying on our behalf in these cases than Sellers,” Steele said. “She testified to a grand jury for an Expedia case in which we prevailed. While I may not have a dog in the fight when it comes to illegal vacation rentals that the cities are dealing with, I have teeth when it comes to taxes owed by vacation rentals, and I’ll throw the hammer at them.”

HEALTH DEPARTMENT DONATES REFRIGERATORS TO LOCAL PARK

Commissioner Craig Cates thanks officials

Monroe County Commissioner Craig Cates and Parks and Beaches recreational team lead Mike Piekenbrock met recently with Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOHMonroe)’s public information officer Jennifer Lefelar to install a new commercial refrigerator and commercial freezer at Bernstein Park on Stock Island.

The contribution marks a milestone in the ongoing efforts to support the community and address food security and social engagement initiatives. The donation is made possible through a minority health grant.

“The provision of these refrigeration units will be a great added feature to the amenities of Bernstein Park,” said Cates,

whose district includes Stock Island. “By providing residents access to these amenities, we aim to create a hub where neighbors can come together, share meals, and foster meaningful connections.”

The refrigerator and freezer will be available to community members who book the community room at Bernstein Park.

“These refrigeration units represent more than just appliances; they symbolize our collective commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities,” said Lefelar.

For more information on this initiative and other community health programs, contact the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County at dohmonroe@flhealth.gov.

— Contributed

Tax Collector Sam Steele and auditor Pamela Sellers target tax cheats with vacation rental properties. CONTRIBUTED

From left, Mike Piekenbrock, commissioner Craig Cates and Jennifer Lefelar with donated commercial refrigeration units at Bernstein Park on Stock Island. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN MONROE COUNTY/ Contributed

Offering fabulous brands such as Farm Rio, Trina Turk, Oliphant and more, stop by and check out our island inspired collections.

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

West’s May 10 cleanup event wrapped up seven such events over three weeks. Ploggers met on Duval Street in front of the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, which hosted. In one hour, they collected 166.5 pounds of trash, 11 pounds of recycling, and 3.75 gallons of cigarette butts. CONTRIBUTED

The real estate office of Keller Williams spent its annual Red Day of community service cleaning the area around White Street and Atlantic Boulevard on May 9. More than 20 real estate agents collected 49 pounds of trash, 8 pounds of recycling and 1 gallon of cigarette butts.

One hour a week makes a huge difference, and volunteers are welcome every Friday and some Saturday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., when the Key West Ploggers clean up a designated area of the island.

Gloves, pickers, buckets, vests, hand sanitizer and a parking pass are provided to all volunteers.

A troubling number of cigarette butts and plastic bags have been included in recent hauls. Please remember your reusable bags when shopping so we can keep the plastic off the streets, parking lots and, most importantly, out of the water. And dispose of cigarette butts in any receptacle rather than the street or sidewalk, as from there, they easily end up in the ocean.

The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that

RUNNERS HELPING RUNNERS

Club donates $5K to Key West High School

The Southernmost Runners Club recently donated $5,000 to the Key West High School track and cross country programs. The funds were raised by volunteers who promote and facilitate local running events and races throughout the year. CONTRIBUTED

surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

It takes committed community involvement to keep Key West beautiful and we are making progress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted. Call Dorian Patton at 305-809-3782 to find out how your business, nonprofit or club can help.

— Contributed

Join a Friday morning cleanup each week from 8 to 9 a.m.

May 17: Bertha Street & Flagler Avenue. Meet in Brady’s Pub parking lot, which is the host.

May 24: South Roosevelt at Deadman’s Curve. Meet by the last parking spot before the big curve by the Doubletree Grand Key Resort.

May 31: Truman Waterfront. Meet in the large parking lot closest to the Fitness Trail on the right. Hosted by the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation

PAINTER LUIS SOTTIL VISITS KEY WEST GALLERY

Welcome to his world of colorful wildlife

Artist Luis Sottil developed his “naturalismo” technique to represent Mother Nature in an art form that could bring the two essential values of intensity and tranquility to life.

Sottil was raised in Tampico, Mexico, an area rich in natural resources. Drawing and painting were always his favorite things to do. He did not like taking art classes because he felt his freedom of expression was limited by regulations. He preferred experimenting with different styles and media that eventually led him to create his own technique.

Inspired by nature as his subject, Sottil’s style consists of extracting natural pigments from marine flora as well as the jungles of his native Mexico. The application of these pigments over a rich gold leaf coating creates a multilayered translucent effect of color. Sottil names this technique Natural-

Painter Luis Sottil will host artist receptions on May 16-19 from 7 to 10 p.m, at Key West Gallery, 601 Duval St. CONTRIBUTED

ismo. The subject matter is always simple, relaxed, innocent and yet sophisticated. He wants his paintings to have the intensity to create a dialogue between nature and mankind, a dialogue about the importance of human beings growing in harmony with nature, a dialogue of beauty. — Contributed

Key

WHERE THE BIRDS ARE AND ARE NOT

M... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.

y wife generally doesn’t go out birdwatching with me unless there’s a rarity involved, preferably a species that has been seen fewer than five times in North America, and is reported within five miles of our house. I don’t know why, but standing around, slapping mosquitos and sweating beneath a blazing sun while staring into a bush, waiting for something to happen, is not her idea of fun. But for some reason she has become a big fan of BirdCast.info.

Maybe it’s the fact that she can skip the sweating and mosquito-slapping part. Maybe she likes succinct summations of complicated subjects. Maybe it’s because the website has three core partners: the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Colorado State University and the University of Massachusetts, her alma mater, and the place where both her parents worked. But she definitely looks at the website more often than I do.

It’s been known for several decades that it was possible to watch birds migrating on weather surveillance radar systems. And it’s pretty amazing. Most songbirds migrate at night. On the radar, after the sun sets, you can watch clouds of birds rise up out of Cuba and fly across the Florida Straits. If they hit bad weather they will land here, and when a lot of them land it’s known as fallout. But the 90 miles from Cuba to the Keys isn’t really that long in bird migration terms, so if the weather is good, most will keep going north. They tend to be in a hurry in the fall, with the biological imperative to return to their breeding territories and find a mate.

A birder named Noel Wamer ran a website in the early 2000s called Bad Birdz. It posted images of the radar and analyzed what they meant. When Wamer died, Angel and Mariel Abreu from Miami took it up for a number of years on the Bad Birdz Reloaded blog.

The technology involved in pulling together the information that BirdCast conveys is generations ahead of what was available back then. There are two main thrusts to the site – recording and predicting. The prediction map is based on weather data and computer modeling from 23 years of bird movements recorded on radar.

The recording part essentially takes the information from the 160 NEXRAD high-resolution S-band weather radar stations – one of which is on White Street in Key West – tunes it into birds and shows a map of how they move across the country. But you can also put in your location – use Monroe County, not Key West – and the site will give you an estimate of how many individual birds flew over your location the night before, but also how high they were and what direction they were moving, as well as several other amazing chunks of data. (Interestingly, I could not find a page that compares predictions with results.)

All of this is a long way of leading up to the fact that while I was halfway through my first cup of coffee the other morning, thinking vague thoughts about heading over to Fort Zachary Taylor to see if any migrants were around, my wife looked up from her phone and said, “A hundred-and-twenty-three-thousand birds flew over us last night,” which lit a bit of a fire under me.

After such a crazy-heavy tourist season this year, the park was blissfully uncrowded when I got there. There were people there, but not so you would notice. I stepped expectantly into the hammock near the first parking lot, walking slowly, eyes akimbo. And I immediately saw, well, nothing. So I kept walking, up the hill, along the berm path, down the hill, along the moat, across the field, through the far hammock, back across the field, and into the pines. All I really saw were gulls, grackles, doves and mockingbirds. No migrants to speak of.

If that many birds passed over us the night before, how could none of them have stopped? I was beginning to feel dubious. But dubious of what? Science? Technology? Birds? If it wasn’t 123,000 birds flying over us, what was it, 123,000 forks?

I sat down on one of the park benches and stared out over the ocean, which was full of whitecaps. Waves were breaking loudly on the beach. My hat blew off my head and rolled 20 yards away. And I thought, duh. As the poets would say, it was blowing snot, and it was blowing snot from the south.

The birds had had a rocket ride from Cuba. According to BirdCast they were moving, on average, at 35 miles per hour. They would have only flown two and half hours to get here. There was no bad weather, and there were still so many hours of the night in which they could fly. Why would they have stopped?

As I walked back through the hammock I had a little bit of a consolation prize – two female American redstarts hopping and spinning through the bushes, the two yellow spots on their tails flashing bright as they worked their way deeper into shadow, chasing down as many tiny bugs as possible to fuel up for the rest of their trip north. I had the privilege of seeing .00163 percent of the birds that were migrating through.

When I got to my car I could see a small group of birders on a tour, all staring at the same thing for quite a long while. I was thinking they had found the one really good bird in the park. Turns out they were being led by Angel Abreu, one of the people who ran the Bad Birds Reloaded blog. I hadn’t seen him in years, and we caught up a bit.

Turns out we hadn’t missed any birds. They were looking for butterflies.

As I type this, BirdCast is telling me there are currently 152.4 million birds in flight across the U.S. — and the sun still hasn’t set across half the country.

MARK HEDDEN

PROMOTING CONCH PRIDE

Family owned and operated by Damien, Cathy, Tiffany & Nikki.

MAY EXHIBITIONS

ON VIEW MAY 2-30, 2024 AT THE STUDIOS

CALL TO ARTISTS

FLORIDA ROOM

Anthony Mancuso

Unnatural color conveys the psychological experience of the Sunshine State.

sponsored by Team Kaufelt

OLD TOWN REVIVAL

Andy Thurber + Sean P. Dwyer

Watercolors capture the tropical colors and diversity of the Key West community.

sponsored by 5 Brothers

Chelsi Smith

Gilded silkscreens evoking the complexity and universality of human emotion.

sponsored by Craig Reynolds Landscape Architects

Renee Lai

Large paintings show the sensation of where the body meets the world around it.

sponsored by Fury Water Adventures

MANGO MADNESS MEMBERS’ EXHIBITION

Our annual summer exhibition is an expression of gratitude –for the artists that inspire us, and for the island that inspires them. Join or renew your membership today to participate!

DROP OFF MAY 21-26

ON VIEW JUN 6-JULY 25

GALLERY & BOX OFFICE HOURS: TUE-SUN, 10AM-4PM

COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS HOLDS 68th COMMENCEMENT

94 students earn degrees & certifications

The College of the Florida Keys held its 68th commencement exercises for the spring class of 2024 on May 3 in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West campus. Ninety-four graduates donned blue and orange graduation attire to receive their diplomas. The college expects to award a combined total of 116 credentials, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and college credit certificates, to spring graduates.

U.S. Army veteran Garrett Wills, who earned associate degrees in marine environmental technology and diving business and technology, presented the student address. He also presented the Instructor of the Year award to history instructor Charles Goulding. The college gave the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award to Monroe County school board member Andy Griffiths. Griffiths earned an associate in arts degree at CFK in 1979 before becoming a successful fishing charter business owner and the longest serving elected official in Monroe County. State Sen. Doug Broxson delivered the keynote address and re-

1. Graduates of CFK’s spring class of 2024 pose in the front of the Key West campus.

2. Monroe County school board member Andy Griffiths, who graduated in 1979, received the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

3. Graduate Garrett Wills was the student speaker for the graduating class. 4. CFK President Jonathan Gueverra presents a diploma to Karis Dryer, a dual-enrollment student earning an associate in arts degree prior to her high school diploma.

5. CFK Project ACCESS graduate Kason Ray shares a fist bump with Shel the Tuga before the ceremony. CONTRIBUTED

ceived the 2024 President’s Award for his legislative support of CFK and the Keys. The full ceremony can be viewed at facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys.

Following commencement, the college held a ceremony for students who completed their associate of science degree in nursing this spring semester. Upon passing the national licensure exam, each will become a registered nurse.

CFK’s summer semester began May 14 and fall semester begins Aug.

19. Information about academic programs, steps to become a student, and ways to pay for college can be viewed on cfk.edu/futurestudents.

— Contributed

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB GETS UNEXPECTED GIFT

Haight Family Trust leaves $879K estate to

the child care program

Leaders of the local Boys & Girls Club, with its afterschool and summertime child care programs for working families, may never know what the club did to positively affect the life of Stephen Haight. But they’ll be forever grateful to Haight and his parents, who recently bequeathed their entire estate to the club.

“Our club was named as the sole beneficiary in the Haight Family Trust, with a distribution amount of $879,230,” said Judy Leggett, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Keys.

Don and Gyda Haight, and their son, Stephen, were from Oregon. Don was a development consultant and the three of them traveled the world. Stephen eventually attended boarding school in Florida, where he loved the sunshine and warmth. At some point, as an adult, Stephen made his way to Key West and developed an affinity for the Boys and Girls Club here, so much that he asked his parents to make a donation, which they did.

Stephen’s untimely death in 2018 broke his parents’ hearts, said his cousin, Jill Massinger. “Ultimately, Don Haight chose our club as the sole beneficiary of their estate,” Leggett said adding that Don Haight died in March 2022 at the age of 89, and Gyda Haight died five months later at the age of 87.

Massinger described Stephen as a talented artist. She said she believed that “the Boys and Girls Club of the Keys helped Stephen in some way. Perhaps he served as a volunteer. Perhaps he benefited from one of the organization’s programs. Somehow, Boys and Girls Club of the Keys had an impact on him.”

Massinger said that while her Aunt Gyda and Uncle Don supported many causes throughout their lives, they felt especially strong about helping children.

“This generous donation has left us with nothing but optimism regarding the club’s future,” Leggett said. “We are looking to initiate our Trauma-Informed Program, geared toward mental health to equip teens with the tools to help them support themselves during a mental health crisis. We’re also excited about improving our mentoring program and implementing incentives in our Workforce Readiness Program. We have quite a few artdriven kids in our membership, and they will have more appropriate tools to assist with all the creative ideas.”

The funds mean the club can move forward while engaging its kids in programs and activities that challenge their minds, while enhancing their educational and social experiences.

— Contributed

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Keys, with its Key West location at Bayview Park, provides affordable after-school and summertime care for the children of working parents. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

— Derek Epperly | Real Estate Broker

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is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com

Words hold power, though that may be difficult to remember when we look at the frivolous way people communicate in comment sections nowadays. Despite the willy-nilly word tossing, the ideas they communicate are still sacred and deserve reverence. The cosmic wordsmith, Mercury, is squaring off with the primal power of Pluto right now. Expect battles of words and obsessive thoughts, but remember you can choose whether to humor such intrusive events in your life. Words can be tools for growth and understanding rather than weapons of control. A higher vibration of a Mercury-Pluto square can emerge as powerful dialogue, a metamorphosis of ideas, deep thinking and cognitive transformation. Let your mind be open to the truths that exist beneath the surface of everyday reality, and fend off the inevitable power struggles. So, take your words and thoughts seriously, but not too seriously. That’s the cosmic wink. Think back to themes in your life from early February for a hint of how this transit might affect you. Here are your horoscopes for the Mercury-Pluto square. Read for your rising and sun signs.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

While you are being empowered at work and starting a new journey with your public reputation, the way you think about yourself might be challenged by this new workflow. How do you integrate the personal “you” with the work “you”? Try to avoid conflicts by thinking through how you can perform professionally and still be yourself. Performance can enhance rather than hide.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 21

There is a vast new terrain opening up for you in the years to come, and you can probably feel what it looks like, even if you can’t quite see it yet. While you know there are new skills to learn and people and places that need to be left behind, you can do it. That inner voice telling you you can’t is not healthy. Ask that voice to help as a critical eye rather than hinder as an inner critic.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

You’ve been formulating a powerful plan to collaborate and invest in a shared mission with other people. You will need others to throw in their money, energy and resources for this project to be successful. You may be hearing some friends challenging your plans. Don’t take these critiques as a stop sign; rather, let them help you reformulate. Fine-tune and keep moving.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

Have you been thinking through a powerful new conception of love and relationship? Perhaps you’ve been diving into some deep conversations with a partner since February. Your intimate relationship and public reputation may feel as if they are at odds right now, and you’re thinking about how to maintain your public persona. Find a way to communicate honestly while also protecting privacy.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Our minds need to be maintained just like our bodies. You’ve entered into a new, powerful mental exercise regimen, like reading every day, playing a mind-games app, or learning a new language. You are probably coming across a new idea that would take time away from your new routine. Do you have capacity for both? Prioritize your routine, but flirt with new thoughts.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

What’s stirring in your creative center? A new project has entered into the deep recesses of your mind, and you are well on your way to bringing that project into the world. Right now, you are probably having a little struggle thinking about obligations and investments you have with other people. Give your creative spirit its due. Your responsibilities aren’t going anywhere.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 21

Deep reflections on home and family are most likely taking place in your psyche. What is home? How do we define and enact family? It appears a relationship with an important partner is bringing these thoughts up in a particular way, and this might feel like a challenge. Challenges bring growth, however, so address this conversation headon.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

You have power in your community, and you have a voice that people respond to. How are you using the impact of your communication to lead with intention? It might feel as if you’re caught in a cycle of saying the same things over and over again, diluting your impact. However, repetition sometimes brings new understandings, so stay the course.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Financial and material security are not pipe dreams. All it takes to achieve them is a powerful idea. I imagine you are working out one of those ideas right now, but it looks as if your mind is being drawn into creative projects that are more inspiring than practical. There is a way to combine these two impulses. Be patient and let the solution come to you.

CHOOSE WORDS WISELY

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

You are a powerful and impactful being, Aquarius. While you might feel like you are on the outside looking in, you make waves. You only have so much control over the effect of your ripples, but you can influence their creation. Own your power. While your mind might be turning to themes of home and family in a way that may be destabilizing, stand on your own two feet.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

You are on a deep psychological or spiritual exploration. Something was sparked back in February, and you are bringing light into parts of your subconscious that have been hidden. There is no end to what lies beneath, but continue your research and get to know yourself better. Your mind might seek respite in more familiar themes right now. Take a breath and dive back in.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Being social and spending time with people who support you can either be a distraction from what’s important or it could be exactly what you need. Right now, it looks like the latter. Your mind may be questioning whether or not you should be spending more time making money and solidifying your material needs, but don’t let your friends take a back seat.

CHRIS McNULTY

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS

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Dr. Forsee delivers personalized comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs. Whether it's routine maintenance or advanced procedures, trust Dr. Forsee to rejuvenate your smile with meticulous precision and compassionate care.

HAPPY HOUR

THERE’S A NEW QUEEN IN TOWN

Puddin’ Taine takes the crown

West drag queen Puddin’ Taine was crowned Queen Mother 38 at the 38th annual drag pageant on May 13 at Key West Theater. The event is now in its 38th year. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

For 38 years, Key West has crowned a local drag queen as its honored Queen Mother, and this year was no different.

Puddin’ Taine took home the 2024 crown on May 13 at Key West Theater, where a dozen or so contestants performed while dressed to the nines in sky-high heels, wigs and beaded evening gowns.

Renowned female impersonator Christopher Peterson, who recently opened the Birdcage Cabaret at the Aquaplex, emceed the evening that raised thousands of dollars for Metropolitan Community Church’s Cooking With Love program, which prepares and delivers weekly meals to residents who have a tough time getting around and paying for meals. A portion of the proceeds also benefits the One Human Family foundation, which spreads Key West’s One Human Family philosophy worldwide.

KEY WEST PRIDE CELEBRATES DIVERSITY & DISCO JUNE 5-9

Key West Business Guild has big plans for colorful week

Visitors can join Key West residents to celebrate the island’s unique LGBTQ community – and boogie like it’s the 1970s disco era – during Key West Pride 2024, scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, June 5-9.

Presented by the Key West Business Guild and featuring a retro disco theme, Pride salutes the all-inclusive “One Human Family” mindset of the subtropical island internationally known as a top LGBTQ vacation spot.

Attractions include late-night dance parties, daytime and sunset sailing excursions, films and drag performances, a disco bar crawl for costumed participants and Pride’s traditional street fair - but with a colorful new twist.

Key West Pride 2024 begins Wednesday, June 5, with a lunch recalling the ’70s disco days and contributions that decade’s residents made to gay Key West. A kickoff party, designed to transport attendees back in time to revisit disco-era delights, is set for 5:30 pm. at the Hard Rock Café, 313 Duval St.

Highlights Thursday, June 6, include a “Tea on the Sea” sunset sail and floating tea dance staged by Fury Water Adventures. Later at the Key West Local Bartender Competition, sponsored by Stoli, cocktail connoisseurs can support their favorite mixologists’ skills. The spirited event starts at 9 p.m. at the Bourbon St. Pub, 724 Duval St.

The following day is packed with activities including a brunch sail on the Argo Navis catamaran. Options that evening are the “We Love Our Allies Pride Party” at 22&Co, 504 Angela St.; “I Feel Love: A Queer Disco Revue” at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St.; and a retro discothemed party and ’70s costume competition at Mangoes, 700 Duval St., that’s not to be missed.

Among Saturday’s attractions is the Pride “We Are Family” Street Fair & Dance Party. Featuring live entertainment and dance music, the fun begins at 4 p.m. in the 700, 800 and 900 blocks of Key West’s famed Duval Street. The party in the street will include food and libation offerings.

The final-day schedule Sunday, June 9, features the all-welcome Pride Parade that kicks off at 5 p.m. The parade will proceed along a route that includes most of Duval Street, showcasing a 100-foot section of Key West’s famed 1.25-milelong sea-to-sea rainbow flag, created in 2003 by the late Gilbert Baker.

Participants and spectators can conclude their Pride celebrations at La Te Da’s traditional evening Tea Dance.

More event information, tickets and a complete schedule are at gaykeywestfl.com/pride.

— Contributed

Key

The 2023 Key West Pride parade features a 100-foot-long section of the iconic 1.25-mile-long rainbow flag that lined Duval Street in 2003. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed

TRAVELING AS ONE

JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

Keys unified teams head to Special Olympics games in Orlando

Adelegation of 135 athletes, coaches, partners and volunteers from Monroe County will be making a journey together, traveling on two tour buses with an escort from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol. Up on the mainland, athletes will compete in unified soccer, unified cheerleading, bocce and cycling.

They’re heading to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, to compete in the Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games, the biggest event of the year for the state program, scheduled May 16-19.

This year marks a historic step for Marathon High School and its unified soccer team, which for the first time achieved unified championship school status. This title comes from Special Olympics Florida and recognizes schools that actively promote inclusion by running unified programs.

“Unified programs stem from what we call developmental to competitive,” said Ruth Coleman, Monroe County’s Special Olympics sports training and competition manager. “The Marathon soccer team has moved into the competitive bracket, which has allowed them to travel and compete against teams in other cities.”

Founded by MHS teachers David Justin Hare and Cathy Warner, the squad is composed of 10 athletes ranging from 11 to 15 years old. They’ll be competing at the junior high level, designated for athletes from 12 to 15 years old, after winning an at-large bid at the regional tournament held at IMG Academy in Bradenton in April. Unified soc-

cer combines special needs athletes with partner athletes, promoting teamwork and inclusion on the field.

The Monroe County division of the Special Olympics is ready to shine at the State Summer Games. They’ll be fielding five unified soccer teams, a full cheer squad of 18 athletes, five bocce players and three cyclists. The state contest marks the climax of their summer season, with athletes qualifying through a demanding 12-week training program and an area game in Fort Myers before April’s regional contests at IMG Academy.

The journey kicks off on Thursday, May 16 with buses departing from Marathon High School. Upon arrival, the athletes will celebrate with a victory dinner before competitions begin on Friday, May 17. An opening ceremony in the evening will feature law enforcement representatives carrying a Flame of Hope into the ESPN Wide World of Sports Arena as the final leg of the famed statewide Torch Run, established to support Special Olympics athletes fulfilling their potential with the respect and support they deserve. The athletes will then compete in final contests on Saturday, May 18, aiming to bring home more gold.

“These people will have the experience of a lifetime at no cost to them,” said Coleman. “We receive generous donations from places like Mangoes Restaurant, which pays for food and lodging. If anyone would like to contribute to our cause, please contact me and I can put your gift towards events such as these.”

Additional support for the Keys’ Special Olympics programs is provided by the Ocean Reef Community Foundation, the Key West International Airport, the Key West Women’s Club, First State Bank and DoubleTree Grand Resort.

For more information about the Special Olympics Florida program, information about coaching or volunteering, or to donate, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org or contact Ruth Coleman at 305-923-0288.

1. Horace O’Bryant School will send both junior and pee wee teams to compete in Orlando under coach Stephanie Hill.

2. The unified Keys cheer team, under head coach Jacqueline Caballero, includes 10 team members from Poinciana Elementary, Key West High School, Sugarloaf School, Somerset Island Prep and the MARC program.

3. Brett Schnitzlein, left, and Zander Keen, both from Key West High School, secure their trip to the state competition in doubles bocce at IMG Academy.

4. The Key Largo School Tornadoes unified soccer team celebrates a win in Bradenton in April. CONTRIBUTED

5. The Coral Shores unified soccer team celebrates a gold-medal finish at IMG Academy. The Hurricanes will opt out of state competition this year due to conflicts with the school’s prom.

NAVIGATING ‘OLD BUMPY’

Original State Road 4A once rolled past these iconic Keys spots

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.

The modern path of the Overseas Highway was established in 1944 and generally follows a direct line cleared by the Florida East Coast Railway when they laid tracks for the Over-Sea Railroad.

The first incarnation of the highway, officially identified as State Road 4A, was built in the mid-1920s. It was a dusty, rocky road that was sometimes locally referred to as Old Bumpy. For every mile driven down the road, the automobile (and its passengers) bounced a half-mile up and down.

J. Otto Kirchheiner, chairman of the Monroe County Commission, is credited as the first person to traverse State Road 4A, the inaugural Overseas Highway, when he made the trek between the mainland and Key West on July 18, 1927. The celebrated opening of the road to public use was held on Jan. 25, 1928.

In those days, a car leaving Key West and driving to the mainland would have crossed a wooden trestle bridge over Cow Key Channel to reach Stock Island. From there, State Road 4A roughly paralleled the modern Overseas Highway until it passed Chico’s Cantina (and their yummy tamales) and curved right down the roads now called MacDonald Avenue and Maloney Avenue. A wooden trestle bridge once existed where Maloney Avenue approximately ends and connected Stock Island to Boca Chica Key.

At Boca Chica, the scars of the old road can still be seen where it once skirted the island’s edge and the end of the runway at Naval Air Station Key West. Parts of the road are still used, and it is now identified as both Boca Chica Road and 941. The original path followed Boca Chica Road and crossed the bridge over Geiger Creek. It then traveled to what is now Caribbean Drive. It continued past the Geiger Key Marina (and another of my favorite restaurants) to the end of Geiger Road, where a series of wooden trestle bridges were built to

cross Bird Key and Saddlebunch Harbor before reaching the Saddlebunch Keys.

The old road crossed the Saddlebunch Keys along the island’s Atlantic edge, crossed over Sugarloaf Creek, and on to Sugarloaf Key. On Sugarloaf Key, parts of the road, now identified as 939, are still used. In 1928, the road hugged the Atlantic coastline and crossed Sugarloaf Boulevard before turning left and running up the island, where it passed Pirates Cove and continued to the current Overseas Highway. There, it crossed (what would have been the railroad tracks) at what is Mangrove Mama’s, where the road continued through the restaurant’s parking lot before turning right and crossing Bow Channel on a wooden trestle bridge.

At Cudjoe Key, the road continued to generally parallel the current highway, passing behind Broil Restaurant and continuing across the island until it reached Kemp Channel, where a wooden trestle bridge connected the road to Summerland Key. The original route traveled about a block away from the modern highway to what is today Center Street, located behind Tonio’s Seafood Shack.

There, a wooden trestle bridge crossed Niles Channel to Ramrod Key. The road continued across the island, behind the Five Brothers Market and Boondock’s to the Torch Ramrod Channel. A bridge connected Middle Torch, and the road skirted the Torch Channel to Little Torch Key.

At Little Torch, the road turned left and traveled down the island to just after what is now Lobster Tail Trail, where it ended at a wooden trestle bridge that crossed Pine Channel to Big Pine Key. At Big Pine Key, Watson Boulevard travels along the route originally called State Road 4A. The path travels past the No Name Pub to Bogie Channel and continues to No Name Key, where the original road terminated.

The first Overseas Highway was incomplete and required automobile ferries to bridge the 40-mile gap between No Name Key and Lower Matecumbe Key. Two ferries operated in 1928, one at the terminal at No Name Key and one

at the terminal at Lower Matecumbe Key. They departed twice daily, at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Upon arrival at Lower Matecumbe Key, the road traveled uninterrupted to the mainland. It paralleled the railroad across Lower Matecumbe Key and rambled through the parking lot of what is today Robbie’s Marina and along the bayside of the railroad fills connecting Lower Matecumbe to Upper Matecumbe Key — it was not until 1938 that bridges were added to this span.

On Upper Matecumbe Key, the road continued on the bayside before crossing over the train tracks to the oceanside where the Pines and Palms Resort is now, and traveled down the island, passing behind Midway Café and the Green Turtle Inn. As it is known today, the Old Road can still be used to travel over Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key – with short interruptions at the Whale Harbor Channel and Snake Creek.

On Key Largo, the path of State Road 4A is more clearly defined and is used by everyone driving in the Overseas Highway’s northbound lanes. The modern highway has four lanes: two traveling north and two traveling south. The southbound lanes travel along what was originally the path of Flagler’s train. The northbound lanes use the original path of State Road 4A – at least until MM 106.

At 106, the modern highway turns and crosses Jewfish Creek. The original road traveled up what is today County Road 905. Between North Carysfort Circle and the three-way stop, the original path edged east and traveled closer to the shoreline before turning back and coming to where the three-way stop stands. For those who have stopped there and wondered why the fourth option is barricaded off: It no longer goes anywhere.

From there, the road traveled the same way it does today, but the Card Sound Road route rolled over a wooden trestle Card Sound Bridge to the mainland. Of course, these days, the road goes past Alabama Jack’s and their world-famous conch fritters — always worthy of a stop.

A wooden trestle automobile bridge at Boca Chica circa 1930. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/ Monroe County Library

UKE — PLAY A LITTLE GUITAR

Ukulele. It’s a funny little word, also a spelling conundrum until one sees it written. And to many, the ukulele is a funny little guitar that was made famous by Tiny Tim and Hawaiian music. But corse the ukulele is more than that. Besides actually being, yes, a little guitar, it has its own unique history.

The ukulele is a four-stringed instrument, though some have six or eight strings, usually paired to make for more strumming volume. They customarily come In the familiar figureeight guitar shape. There are six types of ukes, classified by size and thus the range of notes they are able to play. Ukes range from a bass instrument to what is referred to as a ‘pocket” or piccolo ukulele. The pocket uke is usually about 16 inches long while the bass tops out at 32 inches.

The uke originates from stringed instruments played by Portuguese travelers in the 1880s as they hit the island of Hawaii. King Kalākaua loved the instrument and incorporated it into arts and royal ceremonies. The word ukulele translates to “jumping flea,” an apparent reference to one of the king’s officers, an Englishmen namad Edward William Purvis whose ukulele talent made his fingers look like jumping fleas while he played.

In the 1960s, Canada made the uke the recorder of the Canadian school system, using it to teach children the fundamentals of music, much as many of us used the plastic recorder in school to do the same. The program was reinstituted and revised in 2008.

The ukulele hit Japan in 1929. Even after western music was banned in World War II, fans and players kept it

alive. Today Japan is second only to Hawaii in its inclusion of the instrument in popular music.

RAY WEST

... a professional musician, singer, actor and executive director of the Key West Music Awards, is known to sacrifice his comfort for that of his cat.

The ukulele is becoming increasingly popular in both our nation and our own town. The Green Parrot has hosted Uke Night for years, and local players like Wavy Dave, Kaira Jayde and others use it as a staple of their music. “There are a few groups that get together, if you learn three or four chords, you’re in,” said Jamie Sorbelli, co-owner of Island Guitar, purveyor of fine ukuleles and one of the hosts of the Green Parrot’s Uke Night.

Hence the instrument’s popularity. It makes music and songs accessible. People can quickly learn to play familiar tunes and jam with their friends. With some chords formed with one finger on the strings, and a little rhythm in your other hand, you are rockin’.

Size is another reason for their popularity. “They are easy to play, easy to transport and the smaller neck makes forming chord shapes easier,” said Sorbelli. “And with more guitar brands jumping on board, we are getting all kinds of new shapes and sizes.”

There are expert ukuleles players who will blow your mind. Jake Shimabukuro, a semi-regular visitor to Key West, is world-renowned for his prowess on the instrument. Daniel Ho is another name you should know if you’re into the uke. In short, it would seem with a few bucks, some dedication and a little practice, you could be hitting the stage, uke in hand and stars in your eyes.

SHELF HELP

Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.

What: “Funny Story” by Emily Henry

Why: I am a massive fan of Emily Henry’s work, and her latest installment continues to live up to the hype. Henry has a unique ability to transform what could easily be a one-dimensional romantic trope into a heartwrenching story with depth, wry humor and longing. Daphne, a sweet small-town librarian, is blissfully engaged to Peter and counting the days to their nuptials. That is until Peter’s best friend, Petra, confesses her love at his bachelor party and they run off into the sunset together.

With nowhere to go once Peter unceremoniously drops her, Daphne moves in with Petra’s spurned ex-boyfriend, Miles. Hijinks, hilarity and hot summer dates ensue.

Where: This is available as a print book, e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library system.

How: You can request books online by logging in to your account keyslibraries.org and get e-books and e-audiobooks 24/7 at estuff.keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@ keyslibraries.org

Recommended by: Riona Campbell, library associate, Key West library

See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/shelf-help.

Sewer line breaks in Tavernier STINKY SITUATION

Crews repair a wastewater line break at MM 92 on the evening of May 13, as traffic is diverted off U.S. 1 to the Old Highway. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Another year and another sewer line break has occurred in Tavernier.

An alert by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office went out just after 5 p.m. on May 13 of the wastewater line break at MM 92. Vehicles were seen slowly navigating U.S. 1 north as dark, smelly water began surfacing on the highway.

With help from deputies, traffic was diverted off U.S. 1 near MM 92 to the Old Highway so crews with the village of Islamorada and Mark Page Excavating could begin repairs. The break happened to Islamorada’s force main, which sends wastewater to the Key Largo treatment plant. The repairs were completed around 4 a.m. the next day.

In June 2023, a sewer line break occurred just north of the latest break at MM 92.5. Repairs took from June 18 to June 20.

In March 2019, a 20-foot sewer line broke at MM 92.5. Repairs took roughly 12 hours to complete.

Islamorada’s collection system, which serves residents and businesses from Plantation Key to Lower Matecumbe Key, is a combination of vacuum and low pressure with sewage conveyed to the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Wayne Sorbelli is co-owner of Island Guitar, music teacher and ukulele enthusiast.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the use of illicit drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs can make driving a car unsafe—just like driving after drinking alcohol. Drugged driving puts the driver, passengers, and others who share the road at risk. Along with marijuana, prescription drugs are also commonly linked to drugged driving crashes.

Some prescription drugs for anxiety

Some anti-depressants

Products containing codeine

Some cold remedies and allergy products

Tranquilizers

Sleeping pills

Pain relievers

Diet pills, "stay awake" drugs, and other medications with stimulants (e.g. caffeine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine)

Products that contain stimulants may cause excitability or drowsiness.

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

The Keys Weekly family loves animals as much as our friends at the Florida Keys SPCA do, and we’re honored each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adoption at the organization’s Key West campus.

Meet Momo. This beautiful 1-year-old wonder is looking for his forever home. Despite having some kennel stress, it hasn’t dampened his sweet nature a bit. He’ll cuddle up on the couch and offer unconditional love.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.

The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

is a sweet 1-year-old kitty looking for his fur-ever home. He’s a calm, chill dude looking for a sunny spot to bask and a heart to steal with his endless purrs and love.

Jaguar is a 5-year-old cat with the wisdom of a seasoned veteran. He may not be the most social cat, but once you give him some love, he will warm up to you.

Bonnet

Pita is a young, black cat who is 2 years old. She loves a good head rub and ear scratches. Pita is very friendly and allows anyone who comes in to pet her.

Say hello to Gunther, our only aquatic animal currently up for adoption. This beautiful Jack Dempsey fish has been at the Key West campus for a little over a month.

CUSTOM-MADE FOR MOM

Blue Marlin announces jewelry design contest winners

Jewelry contest winner Mariana Ruiz, third-grade student at Treasure Village Montessori, designed a blue necklace for her mom, Ellie, pictured middle.

Three lucky Keys moms received a surprise ahead of Mother’s Day – custommade jewelry designed by their sons and daughters. More than 300 students, from Key Largo to Key West, entered their jewelry designs during Blue Marlin Jewelry’s ninth annual Saige Raiche Memorial Junior Designer Mother’s Day Contest. The team at Blue Marlin, located at 81549 Old Highway

Seventh-grade Treasure Village Montessori student Parker Hyndman designed a ‘Goddess of Serpentine’ necklace for his mother, Tamara.

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com in Islamorada, reviewed the first round and whittled the finalists to 10. From there, the submissions were sent to a fresh team of judges, non-Blue Marlin employees, to pick winners in grades K-3, 4-7 and 8-12. Winners were Vera Rodger, a Key West junior who designed a ring named “The Flow of Family”; Treasure Village Montessori third-grader Mariana Ruiz, who designed a blue necklace; and Treasure Village Montessori seventh-grader Parker Hyndman, who designed a necklace called “Goddess of Serpentine.”

ARE YOU PREPARED?

National Hurricane Center director leads storm preparedness workshop

The director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) will kick off an annual storm conference for the Keys tourism industry that focuses on the importance of paying close attention to storm watches and warnings, no matter whether they are for a tropical storm, a hurricane or storm surge.

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council, in partnership with the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys and Key West, is organizing the free three-hour Zoom virtual event on Thursday, May 30, at 1 p.m.

Director Mike Brennan is scheduled to be the keynote presenter. His remarks will delve into several new programs that the NHC is introducing this year, and heighten public awareness of potential storm impacts, especially storm surge, that can affect areas outside the track forecast cone.

Brennan and others will also emphasize the importance of basing individual and business protective actions on official information from the NHC, National Weather Service forecasters and local emergency management officials.

Presenters will also include Cory Schwisow, Monroe County deputy emergency management director, who will discuss local plans and procedures and preview the county’s new emergency operations center, which should be operating in June.

Chip Kasper, the meteorologist in charge of the Florida Keys National Weather Service Office, will explain how the local office works with the NHC and supports decisions related to storm preparation, response and recovery.

Also on the agenda is Elaine Cooke of Two Oceans Digital, the TDC’s website contractor, who will focus on an emergency accommodations module that will be enacted during a storm

emergency to provide lodging for recovery workers and displaced residents. Andy Newman, the TDC’s media relations director, will discuss how the TDC works with emergency management and the weather service to protect visitors’ safety as well as the Keys' tourism-based economy.

The conference will conclude with a panel discussion about storm watches and warnings and the importance of making preparations even when there is no hurricane warning. The panel will feature Brennan; Shannon Weiner, Monroe County emergency management director; and Jon Rizzo, the Keys weather office’s warning coordination meteorologist.

“We’re trying to help people understand that impacts can and do occur outside the cone, and just because we may not be under a hurricane warning does not mean that you can let your guard down,” Kasper said. “In fact, even just a storm surge watch indicates a level of risk for flooding, which should be a call to action for many.”

Weiner said her office is concerned because the last serious hurricane that affected the Keys was Irma in 2017, and there has been a sizable shift in population since then.

“Many people who were affected by Irma have left the Keys and many more have come with little or no experience in dealing with a hurricane,” Weiner said. “We are not here to scare residents and business owners, but we do want to make sure they understand the need to take the threat of tropical cyclones seriously and to be prepared to enact a hurricane plan.”

Register for the conference by scanning the QR code.

The Atlantic-basin hurricane season formally begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30.

— Contributed

Key West junior Vera Rodger with family upon winning the Blue Marlin jewelry contest. Her mom was presented with a ring her daughter designed called ‘The Flow of Family.’ CONTRIBUTED

Track & field stars head to states | P.5

fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.

sean

grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

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Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

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Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

Coral Shores’ AJ Putetti, seen here in game action during the 2023 season, is one of several key returning stars for the Hurricanes as they begin practices this spring. DOUG FINGER/ Keys Weekly

THE

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP PODCAST

A SNEAK PEEK AT SPRING FOOTBALL

On this week’s Keys Weekly Sports Wrap Podcast, you can hear about all the latest prep sports scores and events, plus get behind-the-scenes information you won’t hear anywhere else. This week, Sean and Tracy will give you a sneak peek of the upcoming spring football games with some key information for each of Monroe County’s teams.

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

tracy mcdonald

mcdonald

IN CONTENTION

Twelve Keys athletes make the cut for the FHSAA Track and Field State Championships

Adozen Keys track and field stars are on their way to Jacksonville to compete in the FHSAA State Championships in track and field this week. The runners, throwers, vaulters and jumpers made the cut for the big show at the regional event held at Calvary Christian High School on May 7.

Both 1A and 2A teams competed from a region spanning 300 miles, encompassing teams from Key West to Vero Beach. The athletes had to overcome the typical obstacles such as nagging end-of-season injuries, long travel in cramped vans and the pressure of qualifying for the ultimate goal.

This year’s competitors had another challenge to navigate, as the inclusion of both the 1A and 2A divisions created a backlog of events and forced the day’s schedule to creep later and later into the evening. The meet’s final event, the boys 4x400 relay, was already slated for a late start, but by the time the other events were complete, the 9:45 p.m. start time had moved into the next day, making it a tough day at school for athletes and coaches who rolled back into school parking lots as late as 4:30 a.m.

Key West’s Niks-Davis Suharevskis was undaunted by the late start times and long day of sitting around waiting for the second-biggest event of the year. Suharevskis cleared the bar at 13’3.5”, winning the FHSAA 2A Region 4 title and besting the runner-up by half a foot. The first-place finish secured an automatic spot at states, and the height he cleared ranks him sixth in the state.

Suharevskis has cleared well over that mark in previous competitions, with his best vault of 14’11” placing him in contention for a medal. Teammate Ian Newton’s 11’9.75” vault was fourth in the region, and though only the top two athletes receive a guaranteed spot at states, Newton qualified for one of 18 at-large places and will make the trip to Jacksonville. Anabel Portuondo, the regional runner-up in pole vault, cleared 8’10.25” to secure a trip to Jacksonville.

Jean Louis placed third in the shot put event, throwing for a personal best 47’7”, good enough to qualify for an at-large bid. Shane Lavallee was third with a 151’5” toss of the javelin. The mark Lavallee set at regionals places him in the middle of the heap at states, but his best throw, 164’11”, puts him in contention for a medal. The same goes for Noah Mercer in discus and Audrey Smith in javelin. Mercer’s fourthplace throw into the wind at regionals traveled 134’5”, about

Dolphin senior Mason Buxton’s javelin throw is good enough to make the state qualifying

Key West’s Ian Newton gets upside down as he earns fourth place at regionals.

Marathon senior Kayesha Christian qualifies for states in the long jump.

Photos by RICK MACKENZIE/Contributed

4 feet shy of his personal best. If he can match or exceed his own top throw, Mercer, too, is in contention for a medal at states. Smith’s 98’10” javelin throw was 25 feet short of her best mark. Smith placed 11th at regionals and despite a strong headwind, Region 4 grabbed half of the 18 at-large spots at states. Smith’s personal best could land her on the podium.

Marathon had five athletes qualify for the state meet. Two earned automatic bids by securing second place in the region. Sophomore Dolphin vaulter Ava Merryman found herself in a dead tie for second place at the end of the pole vault competition. The tie resulted in a jump-off, in which Merryman prevailed to secure her second trip to states in as many years. Her 8’10.25” second-place vault is half a foot off her previous best, which occurred during her seventh-place finish at the state meet last season. Should she match that mark, she could medal again.

Marathon’s best chance for a medal comes from a competitor seasoned in the pressures of state-level performances. Sophomore Justice Lee broke her own personal best and set a new school record throwing the shot put into the wind for a second-place regional medal. Lee is ranked sixth in the state heading into the championships.

Earning an at-large bid was senior Mason Buxton. Buxton qualified with his third-place javelin throw, which landed 11 feet short of his personal best. Like Key West’s throwers, Buxton could medal if he matches his best toss. Fellow senior Kayesha Christian placed seventh at regionals with a 16’5.35” long jump. Christian has jumped 17’2” as recently as April, giving her a shot at a medal to end her senior campaign in style.

Marathon’s final state qualifier is the only Keys athlete to make the cut in two events and the only athlete to earn a lane on the track. Mikail Marshall broke a pair of his own school records, finishing the 100-meter race in 11 seconds flat and the 200 in 22.66. The speedy junior captured seventh and ninth place in the fastest region in Florida, qualifying for both events with at-large bids.

Marathon competed at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville on May 15 (results not available at press time). Key West competes the following day.

Clockwise, from top left: Key West’s Jean Louis qualifies for states in the shot put event.

mark.

CHIEFS KNOCK CONCHS OUT OF CONTENTION

Cardinal Gibbons edges Key West in semifinals

Key West dug deep on May 8 to stay alive in the quest for state championship number 12. The Conchs secured the home-field advantage despite being ranked beneath the Jensen Beach Falcons in FHSAA 4A baseball. Key West played one of the most challenging schedules in the country, priming the team for the postseason.

Coach Ralph Henriquez gave Anthony Lariz the start for Key West. The senior pitcher has performed well under pressure multiple times this season, and May 8 was no different. Lariz struck out the first three batters to set the tone in the top of the first. The Conchs were in good position to get on the board in inning one, during which Caden Pichardo was hit by a pitch and both Lariz and Steel Mientkiewicz singled, but the game remained scoreless until inning three. Jensen Beach held a 1-0 lead until Key West tied it up in the fifth. Nelson Ong was hit by a pitch and took his base, then made his way around via a Mientkiewicz sacrifice bunt and a Jensen Beach error fielding another bunt by Pichardo. Luck, it seemed, was with the Conchs in the regional semifinal contest.

But in inning six, things looked to fall apart for Key West. Lariz handed the ball off to Jacob Burnham following coach Henriquez’s piggyback pitching system. A walk placed a Falcon on base, then a ground out and an intentional walk put him in scoring position. Another hit scored 1, followed by a line-out, giving the Falcons out number two. With two runners on, a Jensen Beach batter sent a fly ball into right field, and before the Conchs could make the final out, 2 more Falcon runs scored, making the game 4-1 in favor of Jensen Beach as the game reached the final stretch.

Key West sent three batters to the plate in inning six and the Jensen Beach defense dispatched them quickly.

Then it was Burnham’s turn to do the dispatching. The senior southpaw struck out the first two batters and his defense took care of the third to give the Conchs one final shot at advancing, and the luck was again with Key West, which was at the top of their batting order. Nelson Ong walked, but was put out on his way to second after a Mientkiewicz single. Roman Garcia, whose bat has been magic all season for Key West, doubled, scoring 1 run. Pichardo and Lariz walked, loading the bases for Sam Holland, whose single scored another. Noah Burnham then grounded out, but not before Pichardo scored to tie the game and make it a nail-biter. In part of their error-free performance, the Conchs’ defense sent three batters back to the dugout, and the game went into extra innings.

Now facing an overtime playoff situation, the Conchs’ offense, seasoned with the toughest schedule in 4A and a history of high expectations, went to work. Nelson Ong doubled on a line drive to center field. Mientkiewicz connected for his third hit of the game, a single that advanced Ong to third. The Falcons then walked Garcia, loading the bases for Pichardo and hoping for an easier out. The gamble, likely made from Pichardo’s batting average and not his on-base percentage, did not pay off for the Falcons. Pichardo’s gift for making it to base and his willingness to not bail on a 90-plusmph fastball sent the Conchs to the regional semifinals.

Pichardo started and ended his night reaching base the hard way.

Mientkiewicz had 3 hits, a sacrifice bunt and was hit by a pitch.

Holland had a pair of hits and an RBI while Garcia and Ong each doubled and Lariz added a single to his stats. The Lariz/Burnham machine struck out 11 batters, walked 4 and gave up just 2 hits in the victory.

The Conchs then faced even greater odds in their next matchup. Top-seeded Cardinal Gibbons stood between Key West and the FHSAA 4A Region 4 championship game, and though a seventh-inning rally brought the Conchs within reach, Key West will need to wait another season for a chance at title number 12.

Gibbons struck first in the bottom of the first; the Conchs tied it up in the second. The teams scored 1 apiece in inning four before Gibbons took the lead in the fifth, then pulled ahead 6-2 in inning six. In what should have been insurmountable odds against the top team in region 4, Key West found a little more magic in their final at-bat.

With one away, Noah Burnham reached base on an error, then advanced when Jose Perdigon walked. Auggy Davila hit a hard line drive to right field, scoring Burnham and advancing Perdigon. Gibbons changed their pitcher, much to the delight of Nelson Ong, who singled to left field to load the bases. Mientkiewicz doubled, scoring 2 runs and advancing Ong to third. Garcia was intentionally walked in what looked like a replay of the quarterfinal game against Jensen Beach. With Pichardo up to bat, the Gibbons pitcher sent in a wild pitch, scoring Ong with the tying run, then elected to intentionally walk Pichardo.

With the bases loaded yet again and still only one out for the Conchs, Lariz put the ball in play. Gibbons turned a double play to end the inning, but not before Mientkiewicz scored, giving Key West the lead with just three outs between them and the regional championship game.

With Key West up 7-6, the collective hopes of all baseball fans from Key Largo to Key West rested on the shoulders of the Conchs. But the storybook ending was not meant to be for the southernmost team, as a pair of uncharacteristic errors, a single, a hit batter and a wild pitch pulled the plug on Key West’s season. Cardinal Gibbons scored a walkoff run to end the game 8-7.

The 15-14 Conchs will begin the arduous process of regrouping and reloading for what will undoubtedly be an equally exciting 2024-25 season. Garcia, Pichardo and Ong each had a pair of hits with Mientkiewicz, Davila and Perdigon adding 1 each to their final stats of the season. In all, four Conchs shared pitching duties, beginning with Burnham, who struck out 3 over four innings, keeping the game close before retiring to the dugout. Felix Ong, Vinnie Moline and Christian Koppal pitched in for the remaining three innings.

Clockwise from top left:

The Key West Conchs celebrate a 5-4 win over the Jensen Beach Falcons on May 8.

Pitcher Anthony Lariz gets the start for Key West.

Catcher Noah Burnham is ready behind the plate.

Photos by GRACE ANDREW/ Keys Weekly.See more game photos at keysweekly.com.

Ralph Riche

SENIOR |KWHS 285 POUNDS

Key West’s Ralph Riche dominated South Florida in two weight classes in as many years. Winning nearly every invitational he entered, Riche secured hardware and bracket cards all season long. When the postseason rolled around, Riche won the FHSAA District 16 1A championship and went on to claim a runner-up medal at regionals. His second-place finish qualified him for his second state championship appearance. Last season, he captured a fifth-place medal at 220 pounds; this year he did the same at 285. Riche amassed an impressive 45-8 record and led his team by example, putting in the work to be one of the best wrestlers in Conch history.

RULERS OF THE MAT

All-Keys wrestlers claimed individual and team titles

Monroe County wrestlers made a strong showing again in the 2023-24 season, claiming a treasure trove of hardware and earning numerous titles across the state.

SENIOR | KWHS 150 POUNDS WRESTLER OF

Coral Shores finished the season in fifth place at the FHSAA 1A District 16 Championships held in their own gym this year. The ’Canes had a pair of wrestlers earn silver medals at the event and continue to have strong performances, especially in the lighter weights. Key West brought home its 15th consecutive district championship in 2024 with eight individual wrestlers striking gold and all 13 athletes qualifying for regionals. Four wrestlers made an appearance at state and one athlete medaled at the event, further solidifying the dynasty Key West wrestling has become.

Flynn

Flynn completed his final season for the Conchs with a record of 18-8. Those wins included a first-place tournament berth at the Key West Invitational as well as a district gold medal to end his senior campaign in style.

SENIOR | KWHS 215 POUNDS

Senior strongman Tristan Yokoyama was a steady force on the mats this season. After placing second at the Key West and Falcon Invitationals, Yokoyama went on to secure a district championship at 215 pounds for the Conchs, helping to earn them another district team championship in the process.

SENIOR | KWHS 157 POUNDS

Completing his junior season with a 56-10 record, Key West’s Alfredo Corrales racked up the wins. He destroyed the brackets and claimed first-place finishes at the Key West Invitational, Somerset Scuffle, Beardown Duals and the Falcon Invitational. He won district gold in the postseason to set the tone for his upcoming senior campaign.

Photos by DOUG FINGER, GRACE ANDREW, MARK HEDDEN and contributed.

Tristan Yokoyama

Alfredo Corrales Jason

Natalie Arguello

SENIOR | KWHS 135 POUNDS

Key West’s Natalie Arguello grappled her way to an 18-11 record this season. Arguello won a bronze medal at districts, qualifying her for the regional event for the second time in as many years. Arguello was the Lady Indian Invitational champion and won first place at the Beardown Duals, going undefeated in her matches.

Key West’s Dost Bakhtiyorov secured a district championship this season, then placed fourth at regionals. The senior’s performance there qualified him for the state championship meet. This season, he amassed a 44-15 record, which included wins in the Key West Invitational, where he was third, and the Beardown Duals, which he won in undefeated fashion.

Key West’s Sheyla Figueira is the only Lady Conch to qualify for the state meet two times. The talented junior won silver at districts, bronze at regionals, and went 19-12 this season. Figueira claimed first place at the Beardown Duals, and second at the Lady Indian Invitational. With another season of eligibility left, Figueira is poised to continue breaking records and blazing trails for future Lady Conch wrestlers.

Wrestling to an impressive 36-14 this year, James Searcy won multiple events, including the Key West Invitational, Falcon Invite and the FHSAA District 16 Championship. With two more seasons of eligibility to develop, Searcy is already a force to be reckoned with.

Sebastian McCoy

SOPHOMORE | CSHS 113 POUNDS

Coral Shores’ Sebastian McCoy wrestled his way to a winning 25-20 record during his sophomore campaign, earning a silver medal at districts and a bid to regionals. With two years of eligibility remaining, McCoy has everything it takes not only to make it to the big show, but also to win a medal in the coming seasons.

Steven DeRobertis

SOPHOMORE | CSHS 106 POUNDS

Hurricane sophomore Steven DeRobertis earned a solid 23-18 record this season, striking silver at the Key West Invitational and fourth at the SFCA King’s Classic. In the postseason, DeRobertis captured the district runnerup medal, paving the way for an exciting future for the ’Canes.

With a 45-24 record this season, Key West’s Abram Canet made a name for himself on mats across the entire state. In the postseason, Canet was district champion, fourth at regionals and qualified for the state meet to cap off a stellar junior season.

Prometheus Delacerda completed his second season with the Conchs collecting hardware and amassing 16 wins. The hardworking sophomore placed second at the Key West Invitational and third at the Falcon Invite. He culminated his season with a bronze medal at districts.

James Searcy

Prometheus Delacerda

Dostmukhammad Bakhtiyorov

Abram Canet

ROAD ENDS IN REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS FOR FINS, CONCHS

Keys softball teams out of the hunt for state titles

The Keys’ softball teams will have to wait until next spring for another shot at state glory.

The Lady Conchs found themselves again facing St. Brendan School on May 9 after an 8-3 loss to the Sabres six days earlier. Key West got on the board first when Alexa Condella singled, allowing Shylo Sanchez, who had reached base on an error, to score. St. Brendan tied it up in their at-bat, then Key West reclaimed the lead off a pair of hits from Tavyn Gage and Skye Sterling.

The Sabres tied it up again in the bottom of the second, then pulled ahead in the third. In the top of the fourth, Gage registered her second hit of the game to start the inning, eventually scoring on a sacrifice fly by Alexandra Rodriguez to tie it up. The score remained 3-3 until the bottom of the seventh, when a walk and a pair of hits scored a Sabre runner, ending the game and the season for the Lady Conchs. Rodriguez and Gage had 2 hits each in the loss. Alexa Condella and Scarlet Niles had 1 apiece to make it 6 hits for Key West. Four errors cost the Conchs in the 4-3 loss. Breanna Breener fanned 6, walking 4 and giving up 4 runs in another solid pitching performance from the freshman. Five Lady Conchs graduate this year, leaving some holes in the roster for Key West, who will attempt to reclaim their district and regional titles again in 2025.

Marathon earned an at-large bid to the FHSAA 2A Region 4 softball tournament, stretching their season by one game. Like Key West, the Fins found themselves facing Miami Christian for the second time in as many games. Marathon was without their starting pitcher against the top-ranked team in the region. Miami Christian went on to officially end Marathon’s season by defeating them 17-0. The 12-6 Dolphins return to action next season with a nearly complete bench, as they will only lose senior Allison Garcia to graduation this year.

Tavyn Gage and the Key West Lady Conchs will look forward to a return to playoff action next season. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Island Life Ventures & All Keys Commercial located at PO Box 1404, Monroe County in the City of Islamorada, Florida 33036, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Gregory Dully LLC Publish: May 16, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Inner Balance Health Care located at 31 S. Carysfort Circle, Key

Largo, FL 33037 intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL, USA.

By: Pedicles, LLC

Publish: May 16, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Island Dogs Liquor Store located at 505 Front Street, Key West, FL 33042 intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Front Street Hospitality, LLC, a Florida limited liability company

Publish: May 16, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given that the following vessel will be sold at public sale on the date listed below at 10AM for monies owed on vessel storage pursuant to Florida Statutes 713.78.

Sale: Friday, May 31, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Location: LAMA Inc., 13755 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 Vessel: 1981 Fly N Fish, Fiberglass, White Color VIN# TPP60045M82A LAMA Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

Publish: May 16 & 23, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Equipment Sale-2024 (#2)

For information or to schedule a viewing of these units & equipment listed above, please contact Joe Zoppy at 305-393-5476

0903/7048 2011 Northstar Generator GCAJT-1317605 $500 Marathon 9337 ENR9337 2018 Nissan Frontier 1N6BD0CT9JN708753 $11,500 Marathon 1485 0903/1485 1997 Pace Trailer 4FPUB1421VG020442 $100 Marathon

For information or to schedule a viewing of these units & equipment listed above, please contact Keith Moriarity at 305-394-5258

County ID Fleet ID Description VIN or Serial # Est. Value Location 2195 R&B2195 1997 Crosley Trailer CTLME4801VS008899 $100 Plantation Key

For information or to schedule a viewing of these units & equipment listed above, please contact Ron Redding at 305-394-5133

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com OR www.monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on June 13, 2024. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, June 13, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: JOIN ZOOM MEETING

https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish: May 16, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings & Workshops

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the Zoom meetings or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com

Art in Public Places

Committee Meeting

Time: May 23, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88 333146152?pwd=ZFBOdzRoN zNoeHlpSGFJU0lyYU84dz09 Meeting ID: 883 3314 6152

Passcode: 017838

Publish: May16, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: MCDC Stock Island Stucco Repairs Monroe County, Florida

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00P.M. on June 12, 2024. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish: May 16, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-207-M

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS

IN RE: ESTATE OF SANDRA A. MORRIS Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Sandra A. Morris, deceased, whose date of death was April 4, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: May 16, 2024. Personal Representative: Lisa Anne Morris Begley 125 Old Saugatuck Rd. Norwalk, Connecticut 06855

Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish: May 16 & 23, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2024-CP-000218-K IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT A. HILL

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Robert A. Hill, deceased, whose date of death was May 1, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead St., Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having

claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: May 16, 2024.

Personal Representative: Thea Flaum 25 East Superior Street, Unit 4901 Chicago, IL 60611

Attorney for Personal Representative: Lorna A. McGeorge, Esq. Florida Bar No. 1012328

Harrison LLP 8625 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 202 Naples, FL 34108

Telephone: (239) 316-1400 E-mail: lmcgeorge@ harrisonllp.com

Secondary E-Mail: krose@ harrisonllp.com

Publish: May 16 & 23, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 2024-CP-000154-M IN RE: ESTATE OF GEORGE RALPH MURRAY, DECEASED.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of George Ralph Murray, deceased, whose date of death was November 27, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is May 9, 2024.

Personal Representative: Susan Hopler 17338 Towers Falls Ln. Humble, TX 77346

Attorney for Personal Representative: Sophia Dean, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 92295

Friedman Law, P.A. 600 Rinehart Road Suite 3040 Lake Mary, FL 32746

Telephone: (407) 830-6331

Fax: (407) 878-2178

E-Mail: sdean@ff-attorneys. com

Secondary E-Mail: sbennett@ ff-attorneys.com

Theresa Ann Martinsen 307 Stone Street Wrens, Georgia 30833

Publish:

May 9 & 16, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 24-CP-000181-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY ELLEN SHERIFF, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MARY ELLEN SHERIFF, deceased, whose date of death was January 15, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: May 9, 2024. Personal Representatives: JOSEPH A. SHERIFF 310 2nd Terrace Key Largo, FL 33037 JEFFREY S. SHERIFF 335 Sound Dr. Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representatives: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw. com Publish: May 9 & 16, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 24-CP-000067-P IN RE: ESTATE OF

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

the estate of SUSAN O. MATTHEWS, deceased, whose date of death was November 1, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: May 9, 2024. Personal Representative: JENNIFER L. MATTHEWS 2018 Elmwood Rd Annapolis, MD 21409 Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070

E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw. com

Publish: May 9 & 16, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 24-CP-63-M IN RE: ESTATE OF CARL C. MOORE, II Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Carl C. Moore, II, deceased, whose date of death was November 22, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN

733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is May 9, 2024. The date of the second publication of this notice is May 16, 2024.

Personal Representative: Carl C. Moore, III 1656 Brentlawn Street Deltona, FL 32725

Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony J. Barrows Attorney for Carl C. Moore, III Florida Bar Number: 662569 WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC 9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-8118 Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Tony@keysclosings. com Publish: May 9 & 16, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-223-K DIVISION: FAMILY FATIMA HERRERA

Petitioner, and, MATEO DIAZ MUNOZ Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: MATEO DIAZ MUNOZ LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 278 King Avenue, Key Largo, FL 33037 CURRENT ADDRESS: Unknown YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Sylvia E. Fernandez, P.A., Petitioners’s Attorney, at 1501 Venera Avenue, Suite 230, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, Phone Number (305) 461-6060, on or before June 17, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this court at 88770 Overseas Highway, Ste 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070 before service on Petitioner’s attorney or immediately thereafter. IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF DEMANDED IN THE PETITION. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Notice of Current Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated on 10th of May, 2024

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Daniella Lafontant

Deputy Clerk Publish: May 16, 23 & 30 and June 6, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2024-01

Notice is hereby given that TLGFY, LLC CAPITAL ONE, N.A., AS COLLATERAL ASSIGNEE OF TLGFY, LLC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2021/1262

Alt Key No: 1484121

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021

RE: 00394487-003800

Description of Property: LT 81 PORT ANTIGUA PLAT NO

2 LOWER MATECUMBE KEY

PB6-18 OR675-810

OR761-1868 OR1084-2348

OR1553-357 OR1913-2433/34

OR2590-2450 OR2609-1077 OR2640-128

Name in which assessed:

PLAZA DEL LAGO LLC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: 5/29/2024

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 15th day of March

2024

KEVIN MADOK

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish: April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2024-02

Notice is hereby given that TLGFY, LLC CAPITAL ONE, N.A., AS COLLATERAL ASSIGNEE OF TLGFY, LLC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/1214

Alt Key No: 1467928

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021

RE: 00384240-000000

Description of Property: BK 1 LOT 11 DUCK KEY YACHT CLUB ISLAND SEC 4 TOMS HARBOR PB5-82 OR425-133 OR3063-2266

Name in which assessed: UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: 5/29/2024

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 15th day of March 2024

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2024-03

Notice is hereby given that GLENN BREDA

holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2018/1235

Alt Key No: 1457477

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2018 RE: 00374400-000000

Description of Property: BK 57 LT 1 CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E OR569-305 OR786-194 OR9802340Q/C

Name in which assessed:

JOHNSON FREDERICK K

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: 5/29/2024

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 15th day of March

2024

KEVIN MADOK

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish: April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2024-04

Notice is hereby given that GLENN BREDA holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2018/1234

Alt Key No: 1457469

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2018

RE: 00374390-000000

Description of Property: BK 56 LT 16 CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E OR569-305 OR777-161 Name in which assessed: WARD FRANK D

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: 5/29/2024

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 15th day of March 2024

KEVIN MADOK

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish:

April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2024-05

Notice is hereby given that SCOTT V MORTON holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2018/934

Alt Key No: 1406180

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2018 RE: 00331061-009200

LEGAL NOTICES

Description of Property: BK 4 LT 32 & PT OF SANDY AVE

SEA-AIR ESTATES VACA KEY PB6-91 (AKA BAYBTM) OR847768 RES NO 373-1981

Name in which assessed: SEA-AIR ESTATES INC

C/O GOSS RICHARD

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: 5/29/2024

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 15th day of March 2024

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2024-06

Notice is hereby given that BENJIE SPERLING holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2019/862

Alt Key No: 1386065

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2019 RE: 00312573-004700

Description of Property: LT 46 DOCTOR’S ARM SUBD. 3RD ADD’N. SECTION C BIG PINE KEY PB6-41 OR587-384 OR1026-572 OR1874-1783 OR2805-2311 OR2808-1740

Name in which assessed: SPERLING CHASE

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: 5/29/2024

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 15th day of March 2024

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2024-08

Notice is hereby given that 5T WEALTH PARTNERS LP holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2017/100 Alt Key No: 1027847

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2017 RE: 00027070-000000

Description of Property: COMMON AREA FOR THE SOUTHERNMOST CABANA TOWNHOMES (.5498 AC) (A/K/A KW PT SQR 1 TR 11) OR139-579/80 OR648-837 OR1086-1400/08 OR24131501/03 OR2772-779 OR2791142/44 OR3172-1526

Name in which assessed: SOUTHERNMOST CABANA TOWNHOMES OWNERS

ASSOCATION INC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: 5/29/2024

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 15th day of March 2024

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish: April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483 AUTOS

Place

Place your BOAT SLIP FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844

Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002

CAMPING SITE

Camping site / RV site at marina available in Marathon. Monthly/ Daily rates. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. 305-610-8002

EMPLOYMENT

Looking for Alarm

Technicians with current working knowledge of fire alarm systems in Marathon & Key West. Competitive pay. Hours: M-F 8:30a-4:30p. Email deborahg@ barnesalarmsystems. com or call 305-743-7334 for more information.

ATTENTION- Marathon Auto & Marine Services looking for Auto Techs and for Trailer Service Tech.Pay based on experience. Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL. Ask for Steve or Jay.

Hiring: Lead Gutter Installer - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED – valid Driver’s License - must be comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier. To apply, please call or text Jay 305-587-1581.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time servers and bartenders. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/ dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305-7436739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a full-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere, afternoon/evening hours Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide checking account for direct deposit, photo ID, and social security card or passport. Call 305743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Part-time Custodian/ Maintenance. Full Benefits for full-time positions. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Med Tech, FT Receptionist, PT Housing Assistant, Housing Choice Voucher Asst., PT Receptionist, Housing ManagerMiddle Keys, HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, and Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker). To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

Place your EMPLOYMENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT

ANNUAL RENTAL -

Key Largo - 2BR/2BA Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community. $3,500/ month 786-258-3127

2BR/2BA Single Family Waterfront Home for rent in Marathon. Fully furnished. 70' dock. $5,000/month includes all utilities, internet & TV. Available for 3 months - Jan, Feb & March. 727-278-1105

2/1-Marathon, furn.,duplex, w/d, near Hospital, 30’ on canal.

$2,500/month, 6 mon. minimum , (or) $4,500/ monthly. Pets nego. Call/Text 409-370-0025 RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

Long-term rental on Lower Matecumbe. 2BR/1BA Tile floors, W/D, 2nd floor w/wrap around balcony on canal. Private beach access. $2,900/ mo incl. internet & cable. Call Phil 305-898-2077 RENTED IN THREE WEEKS!!!

Place your HOUSING FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844

RV SITE FOR RENT

30' X 120' LOT FOR RENT in Marathon. Keys By The Sea, MM50. Cement pad, avail. MayNov $1000/mo plus utilities. 262-716-8987 RENTED IN THREE WEEKS!!!

RV site at marina available in Marathon. Monthly/Daily rates. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. 305-610-8002

Place your RV SITE FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844

VACATION RENTAL

TAVERNIER VACATION

RENTAL HOMES - 3 BR/2BA or 2BR/2BA. Monthly rentals, 28 day minimum includes utilities, resort accessibility. Dockage can be made available. Rental rate depends on number of months rented. 954-383-5395

Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet Caroline Seaport.com

Sat. May 25 from 7:30am - ?? 143 Bimini Drive, Duck Key, MM61 - Big YELLOW House. Fishing Gear, Spear Guns, Clothes, Kids Toys, Dog Toys, Some Patio Furniture & Misc. Household Items.

Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER

The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for a FULL-TIME Police Officer.

Applicants must posses a current Florida Certification as a police officer. Applicants will undergo a thorough background investigation, including drug screening, medical, polygraph and a psychological exam.

Salary: $60,000.

Full Health & Dental Insurance, 457 (b) Participation.

Email resume to:

Chief of Police at: chief@keycolonybeach.net Or call for additional information: 305-289-1212 ext. 1

Preference in the selection of vacant positions will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans. The Key Colony Beach Police Department is an EEO employer, drug-free and nicotine-free workplace.

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIERS

Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.

DOCKHANDS

Duties include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking. Morning & a ernoon hours available.

Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.

ADMINISTRATION/OFFICE HELP

Fast paced, busy resort in need of Of ce Help. Must be able to multi-task, stay calm under pressure and have great communication skills. Be dependable, able to work weekends, 3 to 4 days a week, hours til 7pm.

If you want to be part of a great team, please apply! Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into the of ce at 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon to ll out an application.

NOW HIRING

MARINE MECHANIC

We are looking to hire a skilled marine mechanic to inspect, service, and repair marine engines for our clients. As a lead marine mechanic, you will be responsible for traveling to the dock or seaport where the vessel is located, inspecting and servicing engine equipment, troubleshooting, and making minor repairs. You may also be required to address problems with boat steering and hydraulic systems.

To ensure success as a marine mechanic, you should have extensive knowledge of motorboat engines, be able to work on land and at sea, and be able to diagnose problems with electrical systems. Ultimately, a top-level Marine Mechanic can expertly diagnose and fix problems with marine electrical and mechanical systems of any size.

Marine Mechanic Responsibilities

Traveling to marina or dock where the vessel is located.

Testing the performance of marine engines and electrical systems. Carrying out services and repairs on all engines.

Conducting plumbing and intake repairs.

Troubleshooting engine and electrical problems.

Replacing broken or worn-out engine parts.

Repairing faulty hydraulic and steering systems.

Conducting electrical AC system maintenance. Completing service records and repair documents.

Marine Mechanic Requirements

High school diploma or GED.

Degree in mechanical engineering preferable.

Proven work experience as a marine mechanic.

Knowledge of marine engine and electrical auxiliary systems. High-level welding skills.

Knowledge of marine hydraulic systems and related parts. Ability to lift heavy equipment and work in confined spaces.

Ability to work at sea.

CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM.

Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into the o ce at 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 to fill out an application.

WE ARE HIRING!

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT COACH (FT) – Key West

Responsible for development, implementation and documentation of supported employment strategies, interaction with co-workers, vocational rehab and supervision and any miscellaneous training and/or counseling that is needed for clients to acquire and maintain employment. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. Florida Driver’s license with clean driving record required. Pre-employment training online and in person required. Background screening and references required.

Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org. Phone: 305-294-9526 *32

Come join our family! EOE

IN HOME SUPPORT (FT/PT) – Key West

MARC, Inc. is seeking a full-time, split-shift, In-Home Support Coach/ Trainer to provide companionship and assist clients with training/support. HSD/GED & 1 yr. exp in a related field. 1 year of college can substitute for experience. Must be able to use a tablet for documentation purposes. The shift for this job is split shift 7-9 am then 3-9 pm. We can be flexible. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. FL driver’s license w/good driving record, references and background screening required. This is a rewarding position for the right person.

Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org. Phone: 305-294-9526 *32

Come join our family! EOE

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

The Advocate DUI Program is hiring for part time positions. DUI instructors and evaluators - 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, Orthopedics, PT

- Patient Access Associate, Orthopedics, $1,000 Bonus, FT

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, Per Diem

- Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem

- Manager Wellness Center, FT

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $20,000 Bonus, FT & PT

- Nuclear Medicine Tech, Per Diem

- Pool Group Exercise Instructor

- Pool Yoga Instructor

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $25,000 Bonus, FT

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, $25,000 Bonus, FT

- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15,000 Bonus, FT

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator, Emergency Room, Part Time

- ED/Acute Care Tech, Emergency, Room, FT & PT

- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus, FT

- First Cook, $5,000 Bonus, FT

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, Radiology, $20,000 Bonus, FT

- Mechanic, Facility Operations, FT

- Medical Technologist, Laboratory, $15,000 Bonus, FT, PT and Per Diem

- Patient Experience Advocate, FT

- Radiology Technologist, $15,000 Bonus, FT

- Security Of cer, Security/Safety, FT & Per Diem

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

*Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

GCC offers excellent benefits for full-time employment, but we realize some would prefer part-time to enjoy the Florida Keys lifestyle more. All positions can be considered for full or part-time unless notated. Apply at westcare.com and enter your availability.

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist Advocate (PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Child)

Case Manager (Adult, Forensic) Substance Abuse Counselor MARATHON

Prevention Specialist (any location) Care Coordinator (PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child)

RNs/LPNs - 3 shifts (PT/Per Diem)

Peer Support Specialist

*Support Worker – Assisted Living (PT)

*Behavioral Health Technicians 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Cabinetry Designer

Strong background in designing custom manufactured cabinetry, remodeling, and FF&E specifying.

Interior Designer

Apply knowledge & creative skills to projects at our high-end design center. Must possess history of achievement in quality projects and a strong sales background.

Office Administrator

Ensure smooth operations at the Front Desk and provide essential administrative support. Involves coordination, communication, and document management to facilitate efficient workflow.

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We

THEME: NATIONAL PARKS

ACROSS

1. Rhymes with, and similar in meaning, to blob

5. Refrigerator sound

8. Action word

12. Left, in Russia

13. Departed

14. Locomotive hair

15. As opposed to St. in a city, pl.

16. French cordial flavoring

17. Type of lily, pl.

18. *Voyageurs National Park location

20. Like Andersen’s duckling

21. Poacher’s ware

22. Unit of pressure

23. *Volcanoes National Park location

26. Dionysus’ female followers

30. U.N. labor agency

31. Camels’ relatives

34. Pelvic bones

35. Smears

37. “____ of the land”

38. Gertrude Stein’s reception room

39. Sicilian rumbler

40. Strong influence

42. To sum

43. Blushes

45. *Utah national park

47. What blanket and landing have in common

48. State before birth

50. Eastern European

52. *Yosemite’s famous monolith (2 words)

56. Cockamamie

57. Effect of pain?

58. First weekly news magazine in U.S.

59. South African currency, pl.

60. Tolstoy’s Karenina

61. The 15th of March

62. King Kong and Koko, e.g.

63. Hot one in a bun

64. Copper coin

DOWN

1. Type of shot

2. Strauss of jeans fame

3. Often found under a range

4. Herzegovina’s partner

5. Kind of roll, in school

6. Togetherness

7. *____ Verde National Park

8. *Shenandoah National Park location

9. Twelfth month of Jewish civil year

10. Frost-covered

11. Like certain relief

13. ____ is a byproduct of ___ (2 3-letter words)

14. “____ for alarm”

19. See nor hear this? pl.

22. Faux ____

23. Opposite of seeker

24. Winged

25. One of Florence Nightingale’s concerns

26. American Indians of Yucatan

27. Islam’s Supreme Being

28. D in LED

29. *White ____ National Park in New Mexico

32. Financial help

33. *Need one to navigate a National Park?

36. *The Lakota called it “Mako Sica”

38. Razor sharpener

40. *Old Faithful ____, lodging spot in Yellowstone

41. Poolside hut

44. Roof overhang

46. Rotten Tomatoes contributor

48. Latin American plain

49. Getting an A

50. Finger-produced sound

51. Muffin Man’s Drury ____

52. “Goodness gracious!”

53. Ocean motion

54. Word of agreement

55. *Bald Eagle’s home in Acadia or Olympic National Parks

56. One of the Gershwins