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For the second year in a row, Josef Newgarden was first to cross the finish line during the Indianapolis 500 on May 26. Kissing the bricks yet again with his crew, Newgarden passed Pato O’Ward on the last lap to win the race.

This paper hits the stands on the eve of the 2024 hurricane season, predicted by NOAA to be one of the most active on record. Get informed, and be prepared. See below.

NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite captured Hurricane Idalia approaching the western coast of Florida while Hurricane Franklin churned in the Atlantic Ocean at 5:01 p.m. EDT on Aug. 29, 2023. NOAA/Contributed

BUCKLE UP: HURRICANE SEASON COULD BE BUSY

NOAA forecasts 17 to 25 named storms

NOAA National Weather Service forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to Nov. 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, eight to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including four to seven major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher). Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges.

The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Niña conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation.

“With another active hurricane season approaching, NOAA’s commitment to keeping every American informed with life-saving information is unwavering,” said NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad. “AI-enabled language translations and a new depiction of inland wind threats in the forecast cone are just two examples of the proactive steps our agency is taking to meet our mission of saving lives and protecting property.”

“Severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today,” said FEMA deputy administrator Erik A. Hooks. “Already, we are seeing storms move across the country that can bring additional hazards like tornadoes, flooding and

A summary infographic showing hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA’s 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook.

hail. Taking a proactive approach to our increasingly challenging climate landscape today can make a difference in how people can recover tomorrow.”

As one of the strongest El Niños ever observed nears its end, NOAA scientists predict a quick transition to La Niña conditions, which are conducive to Atlantic hurricane activity because La Niña tends to lessen wind shear in the tropics. At the same time, abundant oceanic heat in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea creates more energy to fuel storm development.

This hurricane season also features the potential for an above-normal west African monsoon, which can produce African easterly waves that seed some of the strongest and longer-lived Atlantic storms. Finally, light trade winds allow hurricanes to grow in strength without the disruption of strong wind shear, and minimize ocean cooling.

Enhanced communications in store

NOAA will implement improvements to its forecast communications, decision support and storm recovery efforts this season. These include:

A GROUNDBREAKING STEP FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Construction begins for The Heron rebuild in Marathon

The Guidance/Care Center broke ground on May 22 on the long-anticipated rebuild project at The Heron, the only state-licensed assisted living facility with a limited mental health license in Monroe County. This renovation will improve the living conditions and services for adults with chronic and persistent mental illness in the Florida Keys.

The Heron, approaching its 37th year, offers permanent housing and comprehensive supportive services to Monroe County adults in a comfortable, home environment. Serving 16 adults and centrally located in Marathon, The Heron has been a sanctuary for individuals struggling with severe mental health while allowing them to still be near their families.

Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included Maureen Dunleavy, senior vice president of the Guidance/Care Center; Clare Condra, administrator of The Heron; Sherry Reed, from the Community Action Council; Jim Mooney, state representative; Robyn Still, mayor of Marathon; Frank Rabbito, chief operations officer for the Florida region, WestCare; and David Rice, Monroe County commissioner. These leaders highlighted the impact the new facility will have on the community, emphasizing the importance of expanding housing and supportive services for residents in need

More information is available from Dunleavy at 305-896-5964 or maureen.dunleavy@westcare.com.

HOMELESS MAN FACING MURDER CHARGES AFTER COMMUNITY PARK BRAWL

Fight began with an argument over military service

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

A37-year-old homeless Marathon man is facing murder charges after a fight in Marathon Community Park that began over allegations of stolen valor, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

As of press time, Lee Charles Quinn remains in custody as he prepares to face second-degree murder charges after repeatedly punching 54-year-old William “Bill” Claude Prichett in a pavilion at Marathon Community Park on May 25, according to MCSO records. After being discovered unconscious and unresponsive, Prichett was transported to Fishermen’s Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. According to Quinn’s arrest report, multiple witnesses said the two men had been in a verbal confrontation over Quinn’s claims of military service. When Pritchett challenged those claims, they said, Quinn attacked him, continuing to punch him multiple times in the head and neck area after Pritchett had already fallen to the ground. One of the witnesses attempted to pull Quinn away to protect Pritchett, at which point Quinn

Lee Charles Quinn remains in MCSO’s custody after allegedly punching another man until he died at Marathon Community Park. MCSO/Contributed

began punching him in the face and arms as well, the report states.

A second witness said that after leaving the area of the fight, he was approached by an “irate” Quinn near the park’s bathrooms, with Quinn yelling statements like “Do you want to be next?” before throwing two unopened pocket knives at him.

When confronted by deputies on his bicycle nearby, the report states, Quinn initially blamed the victim’s injuries on the other witnesses before changing his story and saying he began punching Pritchett after Pritchett had pulled him by his hair into the bushes.

In later interviews, the report says, Quinn admitted he “may have gone ‘overboard’” in punching a “frail” man, that he was a “professional fighter,” and that his first punch may have rendered Pritchett unconscious.

Quinn’s bond is set at $750,000, and it is unclear if he has legal representation. He has an extensive criminal record in Monroe County, including a March 2024 felony conviction from a November 2023 incident in which Quinn was arrested for allegedly punching another man. As he resisted arrest, Quinn threatened to kill multiple deputies and attempted to disarm one. After pleading no contest to the charges, Quinn was sentenced to 150 days in jail on March 11, 2024, with credit for 111 days served.

While initial reports listed Pritchett as homeless, acquaintances who contacted the Weekly identified him as an Army veteran and member of the Boot Key Harbor liveaboard community for more than 10 years.

“He was just a quiet guy, and had a mind like a steel trap,” Marathon city marina technician Karen Diehl, who was a friend of Pritchett’s, told the Weekly. “He was just a good guy, and I talked to him almost every day.”

Guidance/Care Center staff, supporters and local dignitaries gather to celebrate the May 22 groundbreaking for The Heron’s rebuild in Marathon. CONTRIBUTED

A ‘GOLD STANDARD’

By Alex Rickert and Trinity Jacox

Marathon High School honors the Class of 2024

Aclass of 79 students who began their high-school careers with the COVID-19 pandemic walked through the doors of the Marathon High School Performing Arts Center one final time on May 23 as the school celebrated its 2024 commencement.

Principal Christine Paul and Superintendent Theresa Axford handed out diplomas, hailing the accomplishments of a class that amassed nearly $1 million in scholarships while achieving the highest attendance record in the district.

“It is truly an honor to stand before a graduating class that has set the gold standard for attendance,” said Axford. “Your consistent presence, active involvement and genuine enthusiasm have not only enriched the school community but also set you apart as shining examples of dedication and perseverance.”

Of the 79 graduates, 51 plan to attend college, with 26 set to enter the workforce or trade schools and two students joining the military.

Speeches by salutatorian Cami Wrinn and valedictorian Marquisha Abraham praised the perseverance of their classmates coupled with unwavering support from their families, friends and teachers, reminding them that “our best effort is what truly matters, even when things don’t go perfectly.”

“Together, we have navigated the halls of academia, tackling challenging assignments, and we cheered each other on through victories big and small,” said Wrinn. “Let us also look ahead with excitement and anticipation for the adventures that await us beyond these walls.”

Abraham spoke of the dedication of her immigrant parents, adding that her valedictorian title was “as much (theirs) as it is mine.”

“For my sister and I, you faced countless challenges learning a new language, navigating an unfamiliar culture, and working tirelessly, often in jobs far below your qualifications, all to provide us the opportunities you never had,” she said. “Your sacrifices have been my foundation, and your strength, my inspiration. Honestly, if determination was an Olympic sport, my parents would have multiple medals by now.”

They made it! The Class of 2024 earns a well-deserved celebration.

COUNTY TRASH RATE COULD RISE 20%

BOCC and trash haulers negotiating a new contract

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

Monroe County is negotiating a new contract with trash hauling companies. CONTRIBUTED

County officials are in the midst of negotiations for a new contract with the three trash hauling companies that handle the dirty work, as the previous 10-year contract runs out this year.

When the dust settles, the county residential trash bill will most likely go up, but the total can’t exceed an increase of $91 per year.

In a 5-0 vote May 15, the Board of County Commissioners tentatively approved a 20% increase – $91 more per year for an annual total of about $550 per household.

Officials had to put down a number for the Truth in Millage (TRIM) tax notices, so they can still reduce that figure, but now can’t exceed it.

The BOCC will set the final rate in August for a 5-year contract. Their next regular meeting is July 17 in Marathon.

The current annual household bill for trash, recycling and yard waste pickup plus disposal is $457 per year.

Key West and Islamorada have their own contracts with haulers like Waste Management and Island Disposal Company. The rest of the county is covered by Waste Management, Marathon Garbage Service and Keys Sanitary. The companies negotiate together with the county.

County staff had recommended a 10% increase – a bump of $45.71–that would add up to $502.86 per year for 35,200 homes serviced by the county contract. That would amount to a $17.7 million trash contract overall.

After discussion, the BOCC settled on 20% after commissioner Craig Cates, of Key West, asked for 18%, calling it fair.

“Our garbage companies do an incredible job,” Cates said. “We gave them a special increase of 12% two years ago to help compensate for

that. They deserved it.”

Commissioners noted the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which in April the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported had risen 3.4% over the last 12 months, plus the rising cost of workforce housing in the Keys and the garbage haulers’ working conditions.

“I get how difficult it is for these businesses to find employees to do a job that no one wants to do,” said commissioner Michelle Lincoln, of Marathon.

A 10% increase just isn’t enough, Waste Management district manager Greg Sullivan said.

“The cost of trucks, labor and fuel, it’s expensive,” Sullivan said. “And I don’t have to tell you how much it costs to live down here.”

Sullivan manages Waste Management’s business from Stock Island up to the Seven Mile Bridge. He has 74 employees, including the hourly workers who ride the trucks hauling out rotting garbage for shifts up to 10 hours.

“Last week when it rained 7 inches, guess where my guys were?” Sullivan told Keys Weekly. “Out in the street today, the heat index was 103. Guess where they are?”

Commissioners have shown interest in changing pickups to only once a week and providing a new 96-gallon trash can to each household.

Sullivan said the trucks average 85 miles per day, four days per week. They have to make two pickups a week under the current contract.

“We do 100 tons on Monday and Tuesday each day and we only do 40 tons on Thursday and Friday,” Sullivan said. “It’s a lot of windshield time. We still have to go up and down every street.”

BUCKLE UP: HURRICANE SEASON COULD BE BUSY

• The National Hurricane Center (NHC) will expand its offering of Spanish language text products to include all Public Advisories, the Tropical Cyclone Discussion, the Tropical Cyclone Update and Key Messages in the Atlantic basin.

• On or around Aug. 15, NHC will start to issue an experimental version of the forecast cone graphic that includes a depiction of inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings in effect for the continental U.S. Research indicates that the addition of inland watches and warnings to the cone graphic will help communicate inland hazards during tropical cyclone events without overcomplicating the current version of the graphic.

• This season, the NHC will be able to issue U.S. tropical cyclone watches and warnings with regular or intermediate public advisories. This means that if updates to watches and warnings for storm surge or winds are needed, the NHC will be able to notify the public in an intermediate advisory instead of having to wait for the next full advisory issued every six hours.

New tools for analysis, forecasting

Two new forecast models developed by NOAA researchers will go into operation this season: The Modular Ocean Model or MOM6 will be added to the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System to improve the representation of the key role the ocean plays in driving hurricane intensity. Another model, SDCON, will predict the probability of tropical cyclone rapid intensification.

NOAA’s new generation of Flood Inundation Mapping, made possible through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide information to emergency and water managers to prepare and respond to potential flooding and help local officials better prepare to protect people and infrastructure.

NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, in partnership with the NHC, will issue an experimental rainfall graphic for the Caribbean and Central America during the 2024 hurricane season. This graphic provides forecast rainfall totals associated with a tropical cyclone or disturbance for a specified time period.

System upgrades in operation

NOAA will upgrade its observing systems critical in understanding and forecasting hurricanes. These projects will provide more observations of the ocean and atmosphere in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, on the U.S. East Coast and in the tropical Atlantic.

NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center recently upgraded many coastal weather buoys in the tropical western Atlantic and Caribbean to include time of occurrence and measurements of one-minute wind speed and direction, 5-second peak wind gust and direction and lowest 1-minute barometric pressure to support tropical cyclone forecasting.

New this year, NOAA will gather additional observations using Directional Wave Spectra Drifters (DWSDs), deployed from the NOAA P-3 hurricane hunter aircraft and in the vicinity of Saildrones, uncrewed surface vehicles which will be deployed at the start of the hurricane season, providing one-minute data in real time. Eleven to 12 Saildrones are planned for deployment in 2024.

Starting in June, dozens of observational underwater gliders are planned to deploy in waters off the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the eastern U.S. coast. Additionally, a new lightweight dropsonde called Streamsonde will be deployed into developing tropical storms, collecting multiple real-time observations to collect valuable wind data.

The Coordinated Hurricane Atmosphere-Ocean Sampling (CHAOS) research experiment aims to improve the understanding of air-sea interactions, providing sustained monitoring of key ocean features.

About NOAA seasonal outlooks

NOAA’s outlook is for overall seasonal activity and is not a landfall forecast. In addition to the Atlantic seasonal outlook, NOAA issues seasonal hurricane outlooks for the eastern Pacific, central Pacific and western north Pacific hurricane basins. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center will update the 2024 Atlantic seasonal outlook in early August, prior to the historical peak of the season. — Contributed

9:00 am - 3:00 pm July 8th - August 2nd

Whether

BEYOND TICKETS AND DONUTS

Citizen’s Police Academy lifts the veil on Sheriff’s Office operations

MIKE HOWIE mike@keysweekly.com

Ishot two people a couple of weeks ago in Marathon. I also ticketed the city manager for speeding, toured the jail on Plantation Key and was one of a dozen people gathering around the county’s SWAT vehicle like it was an ice cream truck on a hot summer night.

Three groups — more than 50 people total, in Key West, Marathon and Islamorada — spent one night a week for two months in the ninth Citizen’s Police Academy, a behind-the-scenes look at how the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office works. The annual sessions cover most aspects of police work in the Keys, from training to traffic stops to disposal of explosive devices.

“When most people think ‘police,’ they think ‘tickets and donuts,’” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “We're in the air medical business. We're in 911 dispatch centers. We're in jails. We're in patrol divisions. We investigate every crime, homicide, narcotics. We have traffic motorcycle watchers, we have marine patrol units. We do SWAT, dive, field training. We have an extensive training division.”

Most of those are on display during the seven weekly sessions of the academy. Corrections officials; members of SWAT, dive, K-9 and bomb squads; crime scene investigators and more take their turn describing what they do.

“I've always been deeply curious about how officers leave their homes each day, face lifethreatening challenges on a regular basis, and still return to their families, leaving their duties and responsibilities behind,” said Jesús Parra, one of those attending the class in Marathon.

The classes keep to a schedule, but an individual session might go longer or shorter than the allotted three hours. The specialty teams unit — SWAT, K9, bomb squad and dive team — went nearly four hours in Marathon. No one seemed to mind.

“We try to make it hands-on,” said Ramsay. “We want to make this fun, not boring.”

That worked for Parra, a real estate professional in Marathon.

“I was amazed at how interactive and fun each instructor made the classes every week,” he said.

Most of the sessions begin in a meeting room, but it’s not just sitting and listening. You’ll see how much equipment is stored in a squad car. Go inside the jail. Take fingerprints.

Week three is when you will probably ‘shoot’ someone. As you play the role of an officer, a person trying to break into a building will raise a crowbar and charge at you. You may also encounter a couple camping, bickering in their tent. When you order them out of the tent, the man approaches you holding a pipe wrench aloft. (The first attacker was using the crowbar to jimmy a door; there is no explanation for a

pipe wrench in a tent, but you don’t really have time to think about it – which is the point.)

In both cases, the adviser who is talking you through the exercise explains that the weapons constitute deadly threats — a crowbar or a pipe wrench could kill you — and firing your weapon is an appropriate response. The handgun you’re holding is made to weigh and feel the same as the Glocks that the sheriff’s office uses, but it shoots soap at the assailants, who are covered in protective gear. (Also, the pipe wrench is made of rubber, but you don’t find that out till afterward.)

A later class shows how to search a building. After the instructors explain — and demonstrate — an approach when you don’t know where everyone is, it’s your turn. What do you do with the man who is hiding in this corner, whose hands you can’t see? Oh, and did you notice the leg protruding in the ceiling? You need to look everywhere.

The class on traffic stops, led by Andrew Leird, takes on extra impact just a few days later on May 7, when he is injured on duty. He’s the second officer to be hurt on a traffic stop in a month; Julian Garcia was injured in a crash on April 9. Both were released from the hospital in mid-May, but both are still recuperating.

Each participant is expected to do a ridealong with an officer. On a Saturday afternoon, Sgt. Joshua Brady demonstrates how much information each officer has via a laptop — criminal history, driving and registration records, live maps showing where every officer is at any time. Automated license plate readers notify officers of stolen or wanted vehicles or those with lapsed registrations.

License-plate readers flag an oncoming vehicle whose registration has expired. Brady

1. Sgt. Tom Hill of the MCSO Bomb Squad answers questions.

2. Participants in the Citizen’s Police Academy learn about fingerprinting.

3. Jesús Parra tries out some of the equipment in the SWAT vehicle.

4. Nayeli Olavarrieta tries on the 100 pounds of protective gear worn by Bomb Squad members.

5. Anthony Buscemi discusses a mock crime scene that is based on the actual murder of a quadriplegic.

6. Sheriff Rick Ramsay speaks at the graduation ceremony of the ninth Citizen’s Police Academy.

7. Deputy Andrew Leird guides members of the Citizen’s Police Academy through an exercise in traffic stops on April 24. On May 9, Leird was injured on his motorcycle while trying to conduct a traffic stop.

8. Aaron Roddy tries to keep K-9 Mako quiet.

Photos by MIKE HOWIE/Keys Weekly

pulls the Marathon resident over. She tells Brady she had tried to make an insurance payment on her phone but that it had not gone through — and she was driving to a phone repair business when Brady stopped her.

He can issue a ticket, or give her a verbal or written warning. Generally, he said, he will issue a written warning, because it creates a record, which can increase penalties for a subsequent violation.

“She can’t (say) that she didn’t get knowledge of that fact,” he said after delivering the warning.

If the class that features simulated weapons is fun, the final session on specialty units can rival it. You’ll hear from a member of the dive team, get a close look at the SWAT vehicle, meet the two K-9s and their handlers. And then there’s the bomb squad.

Sgt. Tom Hill leans on the squad’s robot as he talks, explaining the nature of the unit’s calls, the training involved and the range of material they find.

“I like blowing stuff up,” he said. “It’s one of the perks of the job.”

He asks for a volunteer to try on the protective gear the squad members wear. Nayeli Olavarrieta happily says yes and Hill helps her into the gear — all 100 pounds of it.

Many calls are to deal with old military explosives, because so much of the Keys has been connected to the military over the years.

“The most common dangerous thing we deal with is commercial-grade fireworks,” said Hill.

At the end of the academy, Olavarrieta and others said they appreciated the chance to get the behind-the-scenes education about the sheriff’s office.

“I joined Citizen’s Police Academy because I have always had an interest in becoming a police officer,” said Olavarrieta, who added that the experience made her more confident in MCSO’s operations. “I’m so thankful I got the opportunity to be a part of this year’s class and see how our sheriff's department operates to ensure the safety of our community.”

Parra said, “I'm grateful to have met many of the brave men and women who keep our community safe. Thank you for your service!”

George Garrett and his wife took the class. As the longtime city manager of Marathon — and recent recipient of a “ticket” from yours truly — he already knows most of the officers who are involved in the classes.

“I’m working with those guys all the time,” he said. “But, even then, I learned things during the class that I wouldn’t have otherwise.”

That’s the goal, said the sheriff.

“We want to build this relationship with the citizens (so they) know us and see us as their friends,” said Ramsay. “If you don't know us, you can't like us, you can't trust us and you can't respect us.”

CAPTAIN JOEL’S FISHIN’ HOLES

MOTHER’S DAY MAGIC

…is a fifth-generation Floridian and second-generation fishing captain who owns and operates Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon. His passions include fishing, hunting and spending time with his family. CAPT. JOEL BRANDENBURG

This past Mother’s Day, I ran into an awesome couple at Pancho’s Fuel Dock in Marathon — Jim and Tammy Adams from Denver. Jim, an investor, and Tammy, a spiritual adviser, were in town visiting a friend. While exploring the idea of purchasing a waterfront vacation home, they decided to spend a romantic Mother’s Day on the water. Just the two of them set out on their friend’s 26foot Sea Fox. Jim, an avid fly fisherman, brought along his personal 12-weight fly rod and reel, along with a box of his favorite flies. They also borrowed a couple of conventional rods, reels and lures from their friend.

They fished around the reef in the morning with no success. Around 10:30 a.m., as they trolled a fly just outside the reef in 200 feet of water near the Sombrero Lighthouse, Jim hooked and landed an 11-pound cow mahi. A few minutes later, he caught and landed a 5-pound blackfin tuna and hooked and lost a large sailfish. Jim trolled around the 200-foot area for another few hours without a strike. As he managed the trolling spread at the back of the boat, Tammy took the helm. They had been told to follow birds while trolling, but they saw none. They found a white butterfly and Tammy told Jim to follow it.

“The rods doubled over and he got the drag locked down as he pressed his thumb on his line spool, trying to put the brakes on this monster.”

The butterfly came a few feet from the boat a few times and then would fly almost out of sight and come back close again. Tammy, being a very spiritual person, was singing fish songs and said a couple of loud prayers for a fish to bite while still chasing the butterfly. Then, around 1:30 p.m., while still following the butterfly, a huge explosion happened 30 feet behind the boat where Jim was trolling a black, pink and silver fly on his 12-weight fly rod and reel. Jim screamed at Tammy, “I’ve got a big one, so put the boat in neutral.”

Jim had the fight of his life, he said. The rods doubled over and he got the drag locked down as he pressed his thumb on his line spool, trying to put the brakes on this monster. The reel got so hot that Tammy was wringing out a wet rag on it to cool it down. Jim got back some line, then the monster took almost all of it out again. This back-and-forth fight went on for over 20 minutes. Toward the end of the fight, the fish started wearing out, and so did Jim. The fish came boatside; Jim handed his rod to Tammy, grabbed the gaff, and gaffed the giant fish into the boat. Jim had hooked this toothy wahoo right in the corner of the mouth. They came up to Pancho’s Fuel Dock and asked the dockmaster, Dale, if they could weigh the fish. That’s when I heard Dale hollering, “Joel! Are you up there? You’ve got to see this.” I came running out to the balcony, and there were Jim and Tammy with the 69-pound wahoo sitting on the lobster scale. I told them it was one of the largest I’d ever seen in person. I informed Jim that his wahoo was one of the

most sought-after gamefish in the ocean, and great eating. After telling me that he caught it on a fly, I had to come down from the balcony and see it for myself.

After doing some online research on the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world record for wahoo caught on a fly rod and reel, it would have been No. 2 in the all-time wahoo world records. But in this case, Jim’s fish won’t count. The fly rule states that the vessel must be in neutral when the gamefish strikes the fly, and since they were trolling the fly at 6 knots, they were automatically disqualified. Avid wahoo anglers know that most wahoo are caught on a full or new moon, and Mother’s Day was on May 12 on a quarter-/half-moon phase. Anglers also know that most wahoo are caught very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon. Jim and Tammy’s monster was hooked at 1:30 p.m. Most wahoo are caught around the 200-foot-deep range, and the best weather is no wind, clear skies and clear seas. Jim and Tammy did have that going for them.

This was my first Mother’s Day in years without a charter, and I couldn’t understand why because the weather was gorgeous that day. A wahoo is such a trophy fish because it’s hard to find one to bite, and they’re hard to hook. Once you do hook one, they’re hard to fight, and when you do fight one to the boat, they are hard to land, especially on a fly rod and reel. Jim and Tammy had a lot of odds against them last Mother’s Day. Was it the fly? Our wahoo do see every lure known to man come trolling past them on a daily basis. Was it that Tammy, mother of four, was blessed on Mother’s Day, or was it the white butterfly that guided them to a hungry wahoo? “Hoo” knows?

To book a charter with Ana Banana, call or text Capt. Joel at 813-267-4401 or Capt. Jojo at 305-879-0564, or visit anabananafishing.com.

Defying the odds, Jim and Tammy Adams land a 69-pound monster wahoo on Mother’s Day.

JOEL BRANDENBURG/Contributed

COME BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR!

Monday: Closed | Tuesday - Sunday: 11:00am - 10:00pm

SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH

11am - 2:30pm

Regular menu available and BRUNCH items including chorizo breakfast burrito, guava French toast, crab benedict and BOGO mimosas & glasses of sparkling wine

DAILY SPECIALS

MONDAY Closed

Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila

THURSDAY

4-6pm

HAPPY

HOUR

TRINITY JACOX trinityjacox@gmail.com

Christina Greer

Practice manager and tobacco treatment specialist, AHEC

How did you end up in the Keys? I was vacationing with my husband and realized we needed to move here. So, I ended up taking a job with Lower Keys Medical and Keys Medical Group right around COVID-19.

Spotlighting the amazing individuals who live and work in the Middle Keys

No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue. This week’s neighbor has a heart for health care and a passion for our community’s well-being. For almost two years, Christina Greer has worked with the Marathon Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Her role as practice manager and tobacco treatment specialist is vital to addressing the primary health needs of our area.

If you have a bad day, what's the best way to cheer you up? I just go outside and look at the water.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you? When we bought our home in the Keys, we filmed for HGTV.

What’s one thing that’s on the menu that you don’t want to try? Eggplant.

What song gets you on the dance floor? Bob Marley's “Could You Be Loved.”

If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be and what would you want to eat? I would say Hemingway honestly. I’d want to eat the fresh catch of the day.

What can people find you doing when you’re not working? They can find me relaxing on my porch, kayaking or fishing.

If you could improve one thing in the Keys, what would it be? The no-see-ums.

mandy@keysweekly.com

Elwell family’s Royal Furniture celebrates 40 years

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Ross and Janice Elwell’s first furniture store in the Florida Keys likely carried at least a few lacquer dressers, Lucite tables and a variety of vertical blinds.

It was 1984, and Prince’s “Purple Rain” album was topping the charts. Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” was panicking parents and kids were getting “Footloose” with Kevin Bacon.

Meanwhile, the Elwell family was founding a furniture dynasty that would spread throughout the Keys and continue to grow for four decades — and counting.

The single store in Marathon gave way to what is now the Royal Furniture empire — with sprawling showrooms in Key West, Marathon and Key Largo and a distribution warehouse in Florida City that enables same- or next-day delivery for most items.

In 1990, six years after opening their first store in Marathon, the Elwells opened a second location in Key Largo. That’s also when Ross and Janice Elwell’s son, Christopher, joined the family business full-time. His brother Ryan followed suit in 2002 and the Key West store opened in 2005.

“We now have the three stores and distribution center, plus the business has also expanded to include a home improvement division, offering complete remodels, kitchens and bathrooms, flooring, window treatments and complementary interior design services,” Christopher Elwell told the Keys Weekly, adding that Royal Furniture is celebrating its 40th anniversary all year with “fun specials” and anniversary promotions.

The company caters to a variety of clients: second- and thirdhome owners seeking to furnish and design their dream vacation home in the Keys; investor owners of high-end rental properties; “and then we always have our locals, the people who live here full time” and will actually be the ones using the furniture and accessories in their home.

And the Elwells are proud to carry a multitude of brands for all budgets.

“We have fantastic Ashley furniture that’s more affordable, all the way up to Lexington and Tommy Bahama,” he said.

The choices are endless and a quick walk around any of the three showrooms immediately makes anyone despise their current living room or bedroom and want one of each sofa, chair-and-a-half and bedroom set.

Ryan Elwell celebrating Royal Furniture’s 2019 win as ‘Best Furniture Store’ in Marathon. The family-owned business is consistently at the top of the people’s choice awards voting.

“For 40 years we’ve been entirely family-owned, with no outside investors,” Christopher Elwell said. “You don’t see that sort of longevity very often with family businesses, especially in the Florida Keys.”

The family takes pride in both their company and their communities, sponsoring regular charity cookouts to support various causes, while also supporting the local arts culture, scholarships and storm recovery efforts.

The lacquer dressers may be gone, and design trends will always change, but the Elwells and Royal Furniture aren’t going anywhere.

From Fishermen’s Community Hospital to Waterfront Playhouse and Habitat for Humanity, Royal Furniture is synonymous with community contributions through volunteerism and philanthropy.

The Elwell family spans three generations including, from left: Ryan, Tammy, Janice, Christopher, Reece and Ross. CONTRIBUTED

MANDY MILES

FROM OUR BOATS TO YOUR PLATE!

KEYS FISHERIES RESTAURANT MARKET & MARINA

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

Enjoy our daily specials like Homemade Soup or Chowder, Fresh Fish Sandwich or One of our Daily Specials while overlooking Florida Bay! Open for Lunch & Dinner Every Day!

RETAIL STORE

Fish, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Mon - Fri 11am to Close Sat & Sun 10am to Close

HAPPY

$7 Menu

HOUR 1-4PM

• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!

• 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm

* $2 Pints of Yuengling and Bud Light!

BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM

• Unique & interesting menu

• $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots

LUNCH & DINNER

• Lobster Enchiladas

• Diver Speared Local Fish

• Prime Rib • Local Lobster

• Cook Your Own Catch

• Great Seafood Selections

SUSHI

• Toro • Lionfish • Poke • Hamachi collar

• Fresh Uni arrives on Thursday

COCO

3-year-old female pit bull mix.

Looking for: Someone who can keep up with me.

Turnoffs: I’m not so sure about those other dogs.

SWIPE RIGHT

TOOTER

5-month-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: I’m a needy, cuddly boy that wants to be adored.

Turnoffs: None. My foster mom says I’m purrrrfect.

Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA

Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. 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.

See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit 10550 Aviation Blvd.

NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM 2-year-old male rabbit. Looking for: Being the Chosen One, I should’ve been the chosen one. Turnoffs: People who don’t get the Harry Potter references.

Tracy & Karen Represented the Sellers of: 6099 Overseas Hwy 40E, Marathon Sold for $340,000

COMMERCE CORNER

New owners Debra Carroll and Alex Eason took over the business in 2022 and continue to provide window cleaning, pressure washing and floor cleaning services. Their secret to success is to provide quality service that saves local owners money in the long run by preventing salt build up from corroding windows, stucco and siding. “Awax Windows Cleaning is locally owned by an army veteran who works hard for all of the Keys” said Carroll.

305-834-1842 awax33050@gmail.com

NOT JUST FOR BREAKFAST ANY MORE

Slogans and mealtime meet in a harmonic convergence of worldwide day-starters

“It’s not just for breakfast any more!” The Florida Orange Juice Growers (or more likely, their ad agency) created this slogan to try to expand the orange juice market from the confines of morning meal consumers and screwdriver drinkers. I’m not sure how well the campaign worked, but the slogan sure survived. And it brought me to this relatively inconsequential and non-tangential breakfast place that we are about to explore. Come along!

Nutritionists have stated for years that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Many of them also stated with a straight face for years that a high-carb low-fat diet would help a person lose weight. Be that as it may…

If breakfast is the most important meal, then my favorite breakfast of strong black coffee must mean that I am a Coffee Achiever. After all, coffee is the drink that calms you down and picks you up – giving you the serenity to dream it and the vitality to do it (actual slogans from an actual 1983 commercial from the National Coffee Association). The commercial – immortalized on YouTube – is a complete 30-second time capsule of the 1980s … on caffeine, if you will.

Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes are GR-R-R-E-E-A-A-T-T-T!!!! Many people consider Wheaties to be “the breakfast of champions.” Shredded Wheat was called the “Niagara Falls Cereal.” And Quaker Puffed Rice used to proudly proclaim that it was “Shot from Guns!”

Was it just me, or did Cap’n Crunch seem a little tipsy in his TV commercials? And then, this distant relative of Captain Morgan seemingly moved on to the harder stuff, those pseudopsychedelic Crunch Berries.

Now, I’m not suggesting that all the people who came up with cereal concepts like Boo-Berry, Franken-Berry, Count Chocula, Lucky Charms and Froot Loops were tripping their brains out back in the 1960s. I will, however, offer up a few examples for reflection and (not too) deep thought: Quisp and Quake – these two cereals started a breakfast feud back in the mid-1960s that only made the Quaker Oat Company the winner. Trix and Cocoa Puffs – both featured animal mascots, but with a major difference. The Trix Silly Rabbit was always denied (“Trix are for kids!”), while Sonny the Cuckoo Bird

John Bartus is a singer-songwriter and the former mayor of Marathon.

would go into crazy convulsions after eating a bite of his cereal. Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, indeed!

And the number one reason I think the cereal makers and marketers were (at the barest minimum) having spiked threemartini lunches was the otherwise totally inexplicable concept and ad campaign for Freakies Cereal. The full-length original animated commercial, complete with the Freakies song and characters like Boss Moss and Cowmumble, lives on YouTube and can be seen by those not old enough to remember the psychedlic marketing of nutritionally empty sugar products. It bears mentioning that Freakies came into existence during the Nixon administration.

Switching gears … A popular breakfast in Mexico is a dish called chilaquiles. This nutritious day-starter consists of a plate of tortilla chips covered in red or green sauce with cheese and onions, often accompanied by a side of frijoles (refried beans). Nachos for breakfast – who knew? ¿El desayuno de campeones?

In Thailand, presumably when martial law is not in effect, they enjoy a dish made with minty spicy fish combined with sweet spicy pork and served with rice. Yum. There’s Marmite in the UK and Vegemite in the land down under – both allegedly great on toast … if you like salty slimy toast. In Bangladesh, siri paya is a stew made from feet and heads of cows and goats – literal brain food that can help you get a leg up on the new day. The Australian aborigine eats eggs for breakfast – raw crocodile eggs. But there’s probably nothing that tops cuy, a breakfast favorite in Bolivia and Peru. Cuy is, well, barbecued guinea pig. Personally, I’ll stick with the black coffee.

— Catch John live Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, this Friday and Saturday at Isla Bella Resort, and Sundays at Skipjack Tiki Bar. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com • johnbartus.hearnow.com

JOHN BARTUS

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

WHEN A SNEEZE DROPS YOU TO YOUR KNEES

...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC. Hello@highlymotivatedfc.com

It was 2006 when I swiftly realized that a toddler could put you in an ambulance and set you on a course of muscle relaxers, chiropractic appointments and Advil. In 2024, I realized that said toddler set you up for being deathly afraid of sneezing. If you have ever had the joy of watching a toddler throw a tantrum over “not being tired,” then you also know their uncanny ability to become dead weight as you are trying to move them from the floor to their cot for a nap. When you’re expecting a wiggle worm, and you brace your body for that, the dead weight that they surprise you with and a little help from gravity will squish your vertebra(s) and send you to the ground. While you lie there helplessly surrounded by tiny faces, you are convinced you are paralyzed and the toddlers will take over.

That was the day I herniated discs Lumbar 4 and 5.

Fast forward to May 15, 2024. After months of training for my first 50K race in the notorious Keys100 run, I noticed a familiar twinge-y feeling in my back when I handed my client a pair of dumbbells. I stretched a little, hoping that I didn’t do anything major, and went to my next client’s house. Which is where I sneezed. I SNEEZED and I ended up on the ground. I knew I was in trouble when the chiropractor told me I was “too tight” to make an adjustment and that I needed to do a massage and rest. But he was right, and a new MRI confirmed it.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, approximately 2% to 3% of the population experiences a herniated disc each year. Given the current U.S. population of around 332 million, this translates to as many as 9.9 million Americans suffering from herniated discs annually.

Statistics alone make this an important topic. But it goes much further than that. There are many more spinal

injuries that people deal with every single day.

Pelvic floor health is also an important topic, especially when there are exercises and treatments that can improve it. No one should ever be afraid to sneeze. It’s not right.

But first, the spine. Understanding the various spine conditions, their impact on the posterior chain and proactive measures to maintain spinal health is crucial for everyone, especially as we age.

Spine health: the basics

The spine is a complex structure of vertebrae, discs, nerves and muscles. It provides support and flexibility while protecting the spinal cord. However, various conditions can compromise its integrity, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

Herniated discs occur when the inner gel-like core of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in its outer layer. This can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs. It's often referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc.

Bulging discs, on the other hand, involve the disc protruding outward but without the inner core escaping. While not always painful, they can lead to discomfort and nerve compression if they press on surrounding structures.

The posterior chain: muscles and impacts

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This condition often results in pain, numbness or weakness in the legs and can severely affect mobility.

Degenerative disc disease refers to the wear and tear of spinal discs over time. As discs lose hydration and elasticity, they provide less cushioning that can lead to pain and reduced flexibility.

The posterior chain consists of muscles along the back side of the body, including the erector spinae (spinal muscles), glutes, hamstrings, lats and calves. When the spine is compromised, these muscles can become strained or weakened, leading to a cascade of issues such as poor posture, reduced strength and increased risk of injury.

Daily stretches for spine health

Incorporating daily stretches can significantly improve spine flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. Here are three effective stretches:

• Cat-cow stretch: Begin on your hands and knees. Inhale as you arch your back, dropping your belly towards the floor (Cow position). Exhale as you round your spine towards the ceiling (Cat position). Repeat for 1015 breaths.

• Child’s pose: Kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels, and stretch your arms forward on the ground. Rest your forehead on the floor and hold for 30 seconds to a minute. This stretch helps elongate the spine and relieve tension.

• Knee-to-chest stretch: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Bring one knee to your chest, holding it with both hands. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and switch sides. This stretch relieves lower back tension and increases flexibility.

You can look forward to reading more about exercise tips, nutritional tips (yes, food always matters) and how a healthy, strong pelvic floor isn’t just crucial to spine health; it also makes sneezing, jumping, laughing and coughing less scary, so stay tuned.

JENNIFER BOLTZ HARVEY

y & Lynn Represented the Sellers of: 600 Overseas Hwy 56, Marathon Sold for $585,000

... 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.

Birds are not necessarily the first thing on most people’s minds when a hurricane is churning toward them. But birders have some unique personalities, and I’ve received more than the occasional text from mainland birder friends wanting to know what I was seeing as the barometer dropped and the wind came up.

My usual response was that I was mostly seeing a lot of plywood and drill bits, and that boarding up the house was taking the priority to looking for stray birds, which usually earned me a lot of “What kind of half-assed birder are you?” Snark. Over the years, though, I’ve made it down to the beach a few times to scan the horizon for a while, while a hurricane or tropical storm comes in.

What birders are looking for in hurricane and tropical storm situations are weird and exotic things from foreign lands. Birds get caught in storms pretty often — usually pelagic birds, which spend their life at sea, but also the occasional migrant just trying to make it from one place to another. Birds living in tropical oceans, such as bridled terns, sooty terns, magnificent frigatebirds and brown noddies, end up in places like New Jersey, Wisconsin and Montana. Sometimes they are pushed by the front of the storm, sometimes they are caught up in it, and sometimes they ride in the eye of the storm.

In 2005, during Hurricane Wilma, a number of chimney swifts — a North American species, most likely from Canada — were blown across the Atlantic to sites in Portugal, Ireland and England. In 2011 there was a migrating whimbrel — a long-billed shorebird that breeds in Alaska and Canada — with a satellite tracker strapped to her back, who took off in Nova Scotia, most likely trying to get to her wintering territory in St. Croix, but got caught in Tropical Storm Gert. She flew for a solid 27 hours into a headwind, moving at about 7 mph, until she broke through the other side of the storm, where she was pushed by a 90-mph tailwind

BIRDS & STORMS

back to Cape Cod.

Last year, more than 100 American flamingos, birds from the Yucatan most likely migrating to a destination like Cuba, were instead blown to various spots in the United States, among them Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Michigan, Wisconsin and Kansas, though the vast bulk of them — at least 90 birds — landed in Florida.

Honestly, most times I’ve made it out to look for birds in a hurricane or a tropical storm, I haven’t seen much by way of storm-tossed rare birds, which in the birder world are officially called accidentals.

The morning Hurricane Irma was passing, while it was still blowing pretty hard, I went out and did see some birds, but mostly laughing gulls and royal terns, local species which could have landed and ducked out of the wind, but had decided not to. I also saw things like rain drenched mourning doves sitting miserably in downed trees, waiting for the sun to come out so they could dry off.

What non-migratory birds do during hurri-

canes is actually not well-studied. Most of what is known is anecdotal. For instance, I’ve seen chickens hiding behind the tires of parked cars, and I’ve seen mourning doves ducking the wind behind parking blocks. Cavity nesters, such as woodpeckers, are thought to just ride things out in their trees.

The folks at the Avian Research and Conservation Institute did gain some interesting insight during Hurricane Irma. They were satellite-tracking a half-dozen reddish egrets to see how they used their habitat when the storm hit. Most of them simply went to their most commonly used roosting sites — midisland uplands and mangrove forests — and rode the storm out. All of them survived. It was essentially the same story for four snail kites and one short-tailed hawk they were tracking.

Some birds do inevitably die during big storms, though it is not as many as you would think. They generally know what to do, which is get out of the wind. If any creatures in the world understand the full value of being in the lee of things, it’s birds.

A dove during Hurricane Irma in 2017. MARK HEDDEN/Contributed

MARK HEDDEN

THURSDAY, MAY 30

BITTER CREEK 6:30PM

FRIDAY, MAY 31

POPEYE 8PM

SATURDAY, JUN 1

MAASAI 8PM

SUNDAY, JUN 2

TONY MANFREDI 3P

Pay it forward gave out $36,000 in scholarships to the following members of Class of 2024!

DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM

MONDAY, JUN 3 ON THE FLY BAND 6:30PM

TUESDAY, JUN 4

TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY

COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM

WEDNESDAY, JUN 5 JOHN BARTUS 6:30PM

FLORIDA KEYS WEEKLY PODCAST OF THE WEEK

Aurora Boggs, Mikkel Ross, Mason Buxton, Mia Doering, Amaliz Brenes, Adrian Cruz, Rain Banks, Marquisha Abraham, Tommy Norris, Jayda Lugo, Emille Dillard, Hannah Davis, Adam Gonzalez, Emma Momaly, RuthEllen Nunez, Bethann Hewlett, Kayesha Christian, Aidan Gonzalez, Dylan Ziels, Kylie McDaniel, Taylor Sipe, Reese Elwell, Zeko Sharpe, Karl Xavier Grant

I’d like to thank everybody that came out to the fundraiser that was held at the Elks and also everybody who donated something for the silent auction. None of this could’ve been done without any of you.

Gluntz Ocean Beach Hotel and Resort, Havana Jacks, Kaia Miller and Stanley Switlik teachers, Merlou Robinson, Bob Glaser, Brutus Seafood, Kim and Chuck Caton, Brandi and Mike Card, Herbies, SS Wreck and Coast to Coast Pizza, Ryan Banks of True Temp Service, Jessica Borriccino, Captain Hooks, The Tackle Box, Sawyer family, Marathon Lumber, Marathon Seawall and Docks, Design Center, Ginger Henderson, Franks Grill, Florida Keys Air Conditioning, John and Debra Grill, 3rd Generation Plumbing, Royal Furniture, Lynn Goodwin, Dockside, Carroll Distributor, Lisa Joseph, Kris and Hal Schuhmacher, Bike Marathon Bike Rental, Alex Mann, Arlington Electric, Velger and Campbell Family, Sparky’s Landing, Jeff and Leslie Ryder, Milly Cruz-Perez, Off the Hook, Thomas, Tiffany and Ryan Wohlers, Fred’s Beds, Teri Hiller, Fire Rescue Local 4369, Tom & Kelly Norris Keys Tile and Stone, Driftwood Pizza, Coral Construction, Lisa & Todd Ziels, Andy & Cheddar of Overseas Pub & Grill, Kelly Electric, Marathon Electric, WEB Cleaning, Dr Dunn, Katie Carrillo, Joann Cook, Jackie and Luis Gonzales, Ryan and Gina Fredrick, Sandy and Spook Roussin, Rose Lavay, Toni Appel, Ann Lynch, Ed Simms, and Lyn Landry.

WEDDING TALES OF LOVE, LAUGHTER AND HAPPILY

EVER AFTER

THE PARADISE PROBLEM

By Christian Lauren

Marrying West Weston may not have been the greatest plan, but Anna needed housing at UCLA, and West secured a deal for subsidized family dorms. It seemed like a win-win.

SAY YOU’LL BE MINE

By Naina Kumar

KAREN NEWFIELD

Anna and West were excellent roommates and stayed out of each other’s way. He was an introverted intellect finishing grad school, and Anna was a pink-haired party girl who dropped pre-med for life as a starving artist. One small hitch: Anna barely glanced at the documents West had her sign. Three years later, long after they went their separate ways, West appears at Anna’s door. Now a Stanford professor and more handsome than ever, West was trying to protect his inheritance from the Weston Empire. He made Anna an offer she could not refuse: $100,000 to accompany him to a remote island celebration for his sister’s high-profile society wedding. Oh, and by the way, they are still legally married. Shocked but in desperate need of cash, Anna agrees. The couple begins a whirlwind adventure with the crazy Weston clan to prove how married and in love they are. A breathtaking setting and hot fake marriage make this the steamiest beach read of the summer.

First and foremost a reader, she has reviewed hundreds of books on her blog www.readingandeating.com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing.

Meghna teaches theater at the local elementary school. She always dreamed of becoming a writer, but her practical parents pushed her toward engineering. She veered as far the other way as possible. Her best friend Seth, a successful songwriter, recently announced his engagement, which quietly broke Meghna’s heart. After being named “best man,” she realizes she cannot fathom attending these events solo.

Meghna’s mother begs to arrange a suitable match. Suddenly desperate for a plus-one, she relents and meets Karthik, the engineer. Surprisingly good-looking, Karthik has also been coerced by his parents professionally and romantically. The two find themselves in the same frustrating position and come up with a plan called the “fake engagement.” Resistant at first, Meghna and Karthik robotically go through the motions, eventually finding common ground. Their feelings grow alongside the pressures of what an engagement means to their families, and the scheme gets trickier to pull off. Learning about each other and the truth about themselves forces the young couple to make life-changing decisions. This adorable rom-com is filled with Indian culture, family and wedding fun.

THE WEDDING PEOPLE

By Alison Espach

When Phoebe enters the lobby at the Cornwall Inn, she is wearing a beautiful green dress and carrying no luggage. The literature professor from St. Louis books an ocean-view suite for this auspicious occasion: to be alone and mourn the husband and future she lost. In the elevator, Phoebe and the beautiful bride Lila strike up an unexpected conversation, confiding things they probably shouldn’t say out loud. Before she knows it, Phoebe is spending the week with “the wedding people,” who are mostly named Jim and cannot be bothered to ask why this stranger is joining the festivities. While helping Lila have “the most amazing wedding,” Phoebe reflects on the dissolution of her own marriage and the devastating betrayal of the man she loved. As Phoebe observes Lila, she recognizes deep sadness beneath the glitz and glamour. As the women share their lives, they are forced to face their true reflections in the mirror. A million-dollar wedding week filled with outrageous characters, dark humor and the ultimate search for love.

#WORTHWATCHING:

‘MOTHER OF THE BRIDE’ ON NETFLIX

Lana’s daughter returns home from a year in London, announcing she is getting married –in a month, on an island. Things start to really spiral when Lana discovers that her daughter’s love is the son of the man who broke her own heart many years ago.

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

BRIEFLY

Stock up on hurricane supplies during disaster sales tax holiday

The 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday provides residents with the opportunity to purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies tax-free during two 14-day sales tax holidays. The 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays will take place Saturday, June 1 through Friday, June 15 and Saturday, Aug. 24 through Friday, Sept. 6. Eligible items include: pet leashes, collars and muzzles costing $20 or less; flashlights, lanterns and pet beds costing $40 or less; batteries and weather radios costing $50 or less; coolers costing $60 or less; smoke detectors costing $70 or less; tarps costing $100 or less; and generators costing $3,000 or less. A full list of tax-free items is available at floridarevenue.com/disasterprep.

Marathon man charged with burglary

A 60-year-old Marathon man was arrested May 24 for allegedly burglarizing a business. Dennis Joseph Boyer was charged with burglary and criminal mischief. The sheriff’s office was called to the 4600 block of the Overseas Highway around 12:30 a.m. regarding a burglary in progress. A witness reported Boyer was breaking into the business. He was found shortly thereafter on a bicycle near the scene and was detained after attempting to flee. Boyer damaged the building during the burglary, MCSO said. He was taken to jail.

Lincoln appointed to transportation committee

Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln was recently appointed to the Florida Department of Transportation’s Florida Transportation Plan (FTP) steering committee. The plan is updated every five years to ensure Florida communities have guidance and vision into the improvements the transportation network has experienced statewide and empowers local communities to develop strategies complementing statewide efforts to meet the needs of growing infrastructure. The committee will guide the development of the goals and policies that will make up the FTP, supported by focus groups. “This is a great opportunity for Monroe County to be represented statewide on this committee,” Lincoln said.

Community invited to join Kirk of the Keys groundbreaking The community is invited to join the Kirk of the Keys at 8877 Overseas Highway in Marathon on Sunday, June 2 at 10:30 a.m. for a groundbreaking ceremony. Everyone is welcome

as the church begins building a new home for future pastors, called Parker Place, in honor of Jane Parker, a former resident of Duck Key, who generously remembered the Kirk of the Keys in her will.

St. Columba Episcopal Church to host a guitar duo

The Sunday concert series at St. Columba will present a guitar duo featuring classical guitarist Mateo and electric guitarist R.B. Tolar on Sunday, June 2 at 6 p.m. They will play a program of their original works, which will include bossa nova, ballads, Spanish, blues, classical and more. A potluck dinner will occur before the concert at 5 p.m. Donations are appreciated at the door. For more information, call 305-743-6412.

Federal

grants for flood mitigation

Are you interested in obtaining grant funds to elevate, demolish/ reconstruct, or sell your home that is below base flood elevation, at risk of flooding, or has flooded before with a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance claim? If so, Monroe County is participating in a national grant program known as Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) to help with the costs of elevating, or demolishing and reconstructing your home. Buying out your home is also an eligible grant activity. This program is available to all Monroe County homeowners. The program cannot buy any properties that are condominiums or cooperatives or have common-area maintenance requirements. Mobile homes do not qualify for the elevation program. Monroe County is accepting applications for the fiscal 2024 FMA grant program. The deadline to apply is Oct. 30. This is a federal program administered by the state in partnership with Monroe County; it can be a process with slow turnaround times. More information is available from program administrator Mike Lalbachan at 305453-8796 or at www.monroecounty-fl. gov/fma.

Come take a class at the Marathon library

The Marathon library has a wide variety of class offerings, ranging from photography to book clubs, robots, virtual reality and more. Scan the QR code here to see the schedule and get involved.

REEL RECS

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

What: “Summer Stock” (1950)

Why: Kick off summer with one of MGM’s most charming musicals starring two of the studio’s greatest stars – Judy Garland (in her last film for them) and Gene Kelly. You’re probably familiar with the iconic number “Get Happy,” featuring Garland in a waistcoat and fedora. That alone should be reason enough to recommend this film, but luckily it features much more than that. Where else can you see comedian Phil Silvers lose control of a tractor? Or Gene Kelly use newspapers as part of his choreography? It’s a feelgood piece of cozy Americana, and sometimes that’s just what the doctor ordered.

Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.

How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. 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: Kelvin Cedeño, library assistant, Islamorada library branch

See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/reel-recs.

SUSAN PELL HOWARTH

Susan Pell Howarth passed away on April 11, 2024, on Big Pine Key. Susan was a beautiful soul and will be deeply missed by her husband of 23 years, Walt, and daughters Rylee Grace and Aubree Layne.

Susan was raised by Walter and Daria Pell in Livonia, Michigan along with her sister Nancy Dovelle of Duck Key, Florida and her brother Gary Pell of Livonia, Michigan. Her love for the Keys began with visits to see her sister Nancy and her husband Frank. On one of these trips she met Walt and they eventually married and moved to Big Pine Key, where they raised their two girls.

Susan was director of sales for Little Palm Island, where she worked for 33 years and made lifelong friends. She had a huge heart and was a great champion for children. Susan was the first to volunteer to help or to contribute to various causes. Her absence leaves a big hole in many lives to only be partially refilled by memories of her edgy wit and laughter.

Services to celebrate Susan’s life will be held on June 1, 2024, at 9 a.m. at the Gardens at The Oldest House in Key West, 322 Duval St. Please bring a photo and a story to share the joy that this remarkable woman brought into our lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite charity in Susan’s name.

276 89TH ST OCEAN

MARATHON | $1,200,000

Fantastic investment opportunity with excellent boating in the heart of Marathon! Boasting a spacious wood dock, protected boat basin, and no-bridge access to the ocean! Outside, a rooftop sundeck, hot tub, generous front patio with dining space and built-in outdoor kitchen. Inside, a spacious open floor plan and an expansive screened lanai with serene canal views. This ideal location o ers peace and relaxation in Marathon!

146 SUGARLOAF DRIVE

SUGARLOAF KEY | $1,365,999

Iconic Key West Character at this sprawling 1,859 Sq. Ft. canal front home in desirable Sugarloaf Shores! Generous 55' dock with 10K boat lift provides for excellent boating. An open and airy interior with soaring cathedral ceilings and wood-burning fireplace gives way to five sets of pocket sliding doors opening onto an expansive veranda. An additional, sizable downstairs storage room and a generous serene lawn and mature tropical flora.

110 BRUCE COURT

MARATHON | $1,849,000

Amazing 5 bedroom home boasting 75' canal frontage with 7 day rentals allowed, this property is the ultimate investment opportunity, and boasts fantastic rental potential of over $175,000 a year! 75' of concrete dockage and a boat lift, and plenty of entertaining spaces including a sprawling Porch overlooking the water. Room for a pool, tiki and all of your toys and just minutes to world-class fishing and diving!

NEW LISTINGS FEATURED PROPERTY

231 EAST SHORE DRIVE

SUMMERLAND KEY | $3,899,000

Oceanfront, new construction home with 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, and sparkling infinity pool! Located in the exclusive Residences at Summerland Key community, where nightly rentals are allowed! Private boat basin with assigned dock space to convey with home purchase. Enjoy resort-style amenities within a quiet, gated community but just minutes from shops and restaurants in town!

30053 PINE CHANNEL ROAD

BIG PINE KEY | $599,000

Welcome to your dream home on Big Pine Key! Nestled on a quiet street and surrounded by County-owned property, enjoy abundant privacy from this charming home! Step inside and enjoy a perfect blend of modern updates and classic comfort. Chef's will love the updated kitchen which blends seamlessly with an open-concept main living space, ideal for entertaining. Conveniently located just minutes from town!

101 EAST OCEAN DRIVE C304

KEY COLONY BEACH | $1,695,000

Panoramic open Water views and resort-style amenities at this well-equipped oceanfront condo in exclusive Key Colony Beach! Inside, a bright and spacious floor plan caters to entertaining. A wall of sliding glass doors lead out to an expansive balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and private boat slip. Amenities include a resortstyle pool, oceanside hot tub, and well-equipped gym.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

THIS WEEK

ROSS

SPORTS WRAP TAKES A BREATHER FOR THE SUMMER

To our readers:

This edition marks the close of the 2023-24 athletic year with the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap. Since August, we have been proud to serve as your most comprehensive source for prep sports coverage and photography in the Florida Keys.

First things first: Don’t worry. The Sports Wrap isn’t going anywhere. But as school lets out for the summer and prep sports take a short hiatus, we are giving our staff a breather as well to recharge and come back ready to hit the ground running for the 2024-25 school year.

Over the next two months, this section will look a bit different. Instead of weekly prep sports content, the pullout insert will include a variety of content including comics, games and puzzles, many of which our readers have asked for or told us they enjoyed in the past.

We haven’t forgotten about a few of our All-Keys teams from the 2024 spring season, which we will celebrate as they are completed within the pages of our regular editions during the month of June. And when practices resume in August for fall sports, we’ll go right back to the full-blown Sports Wrap coverage our readers have come to love and expect.

So … enjoy the summer, let us know your feedback, and always: Go ’Canes, Fins and Conchs!

Sincerely,

The Sports Wrap Staff

ON THE COVER

Though both Coral Shores’ and Key West’s girls lacrosse teams underwent rebuilding years in 2024, there was no shortage of talent on the field for both

Mikkel has always been a leader on the team. She was always there to encourage the other girls, but all while maintaining hard work and a great attitude.”

— Darby Sheehan, Fins track & field coach.

Marathon’s Mikkel Ross has been a staple for the Lady Fins every season since she was a seventh-grader. Ross has made a multitude of state appearances in cross country, weightlifting and track and field. The multitalented athlete was recently selected as one of just 12 female studentathletes named to the Florida Dairy Farmers FHSAA Academic All-State Team, the highest award given to student-athletes in Florida. Ross was selected for excellence in both athletics and academics. For her outstanding accomplishments on and off the field, Marathon’s Mikkel Ross is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Mikkel

Senior | Marathon Track & Field

Photo by: BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

squads. See page 4. Photos by Mark Hedden and Doug Finger.

donald

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 mcdonald

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

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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.

Described by Lady Conchs head coach Marisa Giacopuzzi as “a force,” senior defender Maeve O’Hearn earned First Team All-District honors by scooping up 40 ground balls, winning 5 draw controls, causing 23 turnovers and then netting 9 goals to show she can attack as well as defend. “She held us together and was instrumental in making game-time change-ups,” said Giacopuzzi of her senior captain.

8

Kaitlyn Piloto

JUNIOR | KWHS MIDFIELDER

Midfielder Kaitlyn Piloto led the Conchs in total offensive points, totaling 23 goals and 3 assists this season. Praised for her stick skills and ability to read the field, the talented junior was credited with 31 ground balls, 11 caused turnovers and 25 draw controls, making her equally effective on offense and defense.

JUNIOR |

With an incredible 86% save rate, Key West goalie Courtney Grabus racked up 139 saves this season.The First Team All-District and Second Team All-Region selectee also tallied 25 ground balls and 11 caused turnovers for the Conchs and will return in goal for one more season to try to reclaim the district title in her senior campaign.

JUNIOR | KWHS MIDFIELDER

Praised for her patientlytimed shots and valuable teamwork, midfielder Deanna Mercier was key offensively and defensively for the Conchs this season. The junior led her team in caused turnovers with 26. Mercier was also credited with 28 draw controls, 28 ground balls, 23 goals and an assist.

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

tracy mc

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Colbie Turner

SOPHOMORE | KWHS DEFENDER

Colbie Turner led the Conchs with 29 draw controls, proving to be a relentless defender willing to fight for every possession. Praised for playing with heart and putting everything she had into every play of the season, Turner managed to net 18 goals, pick up 26 ground balls and cause 15 turnovers in her sophomore season

Leyla Ochoa

SENIOR | CSHS ATTACKER

Hurricane attacker Leyla Ochoa’s keen understanding of the game and ability to read the opposing team’s defense made her an asset to Coral Shores. The twotime team captain was a natural leader for her team’s offense, and with 17 goals and 23 assists this season, she proved to be both accurate and selfless at the net. 2 7

MEET THE 2024 ALL-KEYS GIRLS LACROSSE TEAM

Local stars shine in rebuilding season

The Lady Conchs came out of the gates this season knowing it would be difficult to match the magical season they enjoyed one year ago. The reigning district champions had lost a slew of senior talent and were well aware that 2024 would serve as a rebuild season. But Key West used a healthy combination of desire, determination and love of the game to bring home six wins, including one in the playoffs. The Lady Conchs beat neighboring Coral Shores twice this year, once in the regular season and once in the FHSAA 1A District 16 quarterfinals, to finish 6-10. The Conchs return 14 underclassmen who know what it will take to reclaim their district title.

Coral Shores endured its own rebuild in 2024. The ’Canes managed to fill the gaps and pull out a pair of wins in their 2-8 season, with half of those losses ending in scores close enough to feel confident heading into next season. The Lady ’Canes return seven game-seasoned underclassmen to their roster next season.

Photos by Mark Hedden and Doug Finger

23

Vicky Peña SENIOR | CSHS DEFENDER

A three-year starter for Coral Shores, Vicky Peña helped anchor the ’Canes’ defense. Peña caused 9 turnovers and picked up 23 ground balls during her senior campaign.

27

Iona Holmquist

SENIOR | CSHS

MIDFIELDER

Coral Shores midfielder Iona Holmquist served her team in the role of captain, leading them on and off the field. Holmquist scored 13 goals and 6 assists this season. The senior scooped up 48 ground balls, caused a dozen turnovers and won 53% of draw control situations, making her clutch in transition situations for the ’Canes.

SENIOR | CSHS DEFENDER

Senior captain Makayla Hann led the ’Canes in caused turnovers, stealing the ball 20 times this season. Hann was credited with 45 ground balls to further disrupt opponents’ offenses all season long.

Makayla Hann Shay Stober

SOPHOMORE | CSHS ATTACKER

Coral Shores’ top scorer this season will return for two more, and she just keeps getting better. Shay Stober scored 22 goals plus a pair of assists this season, and an offseason practice routine is already honing her shot for next year. Praised for her solid work ethic and being a supportive teammate, Stober has a bright future with the Lady ’Canes.

Suharevskis

Niks Davis

SENIOR | KWHS

POLE VAULT

As talented as he is hardworking, Key West’s Suharevskis Niks-Davis vaulted his way into Key West’s record books this season. Niks-Davis brought home gold medals from both districts and regionals in the pole vault this season, and won bronze at the FHSAA 2A State Championships. He also holds the school record in the 400 hurdles and is third in 110 high hurdles.

Jay Marshall

JUNIOR | MHS SPRINTING

Mikail “Jay” Marshall is indisputably the fastest athlete in the Keys this year and set school records in both the 100- and 200-meter events. Marshall claimed a pair of gold medals at districts and sprinted fast enough at regionals to qualify for the state meet in both events. He also boasts a blazing 400 and ran a leg of Marathon’s regional-qualifying 4x400 relay.

MEET THE 2024 ALL-KEYS BOYS TRACK & FIELD TEAM

Island athletes prove they can compete with the best in the state

This season, Keys teams fared well on the track, but it was in the field events where the stars of Monroe County were the brightest. Coral Shores produced one district champion and finished sixth overall in FHSAA 2A District 16 competition. Key West, also in the 2A division, produced four district champions and claimed the FHSAA District 16 title for the second year in a row. The Conchs qualified five athletes for the state championships, securing two medals for the southernmost school. 1A Marathon was the runnerup in their district, claiming three district gold medals and sending two athletes to states. One Fins medaled at states this season, making it three state medals for Monroe County’s boys competing at the highest level of competition in Florida.

Jeff Dejean

JUNIOR | KWHS JUMPING

Junior Jeff Dejean brought home silver medals from districts in long and triple jump, and went on to place in the top 10 in both events at regionals. The junior appears in the top five in Key West’s record books for three events: third in long jump, fifth in triple jump and fourth on the 4x100 relay team. Dejean’s jumps got better as the season progressed, setting the stage for a stellar senior campaign.

Shane Lavallee

JUNIOR | KWHS THROWING/SPRINTING

Key West’s Shane Lavallee claimed the No. 2 spot in the Conchs’ record books with a mid-season javelin toss. He earned a fourth-place medal at districts, improved to a bronze at regionals and earned a sixth-place medal at the state championships. Lavallee ran a leg of Key West’s regional-qualifying 4x100 relay, and his individual 100 time won bronze at districts and a lane at the regional race.

Clerf Alexandre

SENIOR | KWHS SPRINTER/JUMPING

Conch jumper Clerf Alexandre won the FHSAA 2A District 16 Championship in triple jump, then placed fifth at regionals. He holds the fourth-best triple jump in school history. Alexandre qualified for regionals in the 100-meter race with a fourth-place finish at districts and ran a leg of Key West’s regional-qualifying 4x100 relay. He appears in Key West’s top-five records in both events.

Jean Louis

SENIOR | KWHS THROWING

Senior strongman Jean Louis made the school record book this season. Louis took first place at districts and brought home bronze at regionals in the shot put, where he claimed the school record and qualified for the state meet, as well. He won the silver medal at districts in discus, qualifying for regionals in that event, too.

Photos by Barry Gaukel, Mark Hedden and Doug Finger

SOPHOMORE | KWHS THROWING

Noah Mercer threw the shot put and discus better than most upperclassmen this season, winning the district championship in discus and a fourth-place medal in shot, qualifying for regionals in both events. Mercer took fourth place at regionals in discus, earning a spot at the state meet in that event. He is top five in both events in the school record books and as the season progressed, so did his distances.

SENIOR | MHS UTILITY

For three years, Mason Buxton has been a member of the Dolphins’ distance domination squad. But he has been able to find success in a variety of events. Buxton brought home a bronze medal at districts in javelin, then did the same at regionals with a toss that qualified for the state championships, where he placed eighth. He has multiple top-five places in Marathon’s all-time record book.

JUNIOR | KWHS

With one more year to develop his skills, Ian Newton is set to continue Key West’s domination in the pole vault. Newton placed second at districts behind his own teammate, then took third at regionals, clearing a height good enough for an at-large bid to the state championships. There, the culmination of his work this season paid off in a personal best and 10th-place finish, indicating that the best is yet to come.

SENIOR | CSHS MIDDLE DISTANCE

Most athletes who prevail in distance events on the track spend their fall seasons running cross country, but not Marguet, the kicker for the football team. An unlikely candidate for taking the No. 23 spot on Coral Shores’ all-time records in the 800. Marguet won silver at districts and finished eighth at regionals. He also ran a leg of the Hurricanes’ 4x400 relay this season, setting the school record in the event.

SOPHOMORE | CSHS MIDDLE DISTANCE

Coral Shores’ distance and middle-distance specialist

Alaric Rodriguez has been steadily climbing the ’Canes’ record charts, and with two seasons to go, the sky’s the limit. Rodriguez finished fourth at districts in the 1600-meter event, a race for which he now owns the school record. He claimed record number two with the Hurricane 4x400 relay team, and he shows promise in the 800 and 3200 as well.

SOPHOMORE | CSHS HURDLES

Xavier Johnson sailed over the 110 high hurdles, claiming a district gold medal this season and an automatic bid to regionals, where he finished ninth. The speedy sophomore’s time broke the school record, which had stood for a dozen years prior to Johnson’s exceptional season.

GETTING TECHNICAL Conchs

focus on form and technique in Red-White

Showcase

Key West held its annual Red-White game on May 23, electing to forgo an outside competitor and instead participating in an intrasquad scrimmage.

Head coach Johnny Hughes explained the rationale behind the scrimmage, stating “We can spend more time on some technical stuff. We can spend two weeks on tackling dummies and work on form instead of putting in a scheme.”

Hughes said the team spent a lot of time “breaking down the nuts and bolts of each position, especially with so many new kids out there.”

Many of the newer players referenced by Hughes currently attend Horace O’Bryant and Sugarloaf schools, whose eighth-graders were welcome to practice with Key West’s current ninth- through 11th-grade athletes. Hughes praised the young players, describing them as “a good eighth-grade group out there. Some of them have a chance to play next year.”

“I thought it went well,” Hughes said of his spring campaign. “We were very focused on the teaching aspect, not so much the scheme aspect. Overall it was very productive for us.”

He credited returning talent with hard work in the offseason and for stepping into leadership roles on the field. He will look to that crew, including Walson Morin, Jaden Fox and Jeff Dejean, to help spark the Conchs’ offense, but noted many of his talented athletes are playing two ways, making things more challenging for a school unable to recruit in the same manner as mainland schools. Hughes anticipates big things from RJ Brown and Shane Lavallee, though Lavallee missed much of the spring for an extended track-and-field season.

“I thought it went well. We were very focused on the teaching aspect, not so much the scheme aspect. Overall it was very productive for us.”

—

Head coach Johnny Hughes

The Conchs also used the spring to sort out their quarterback situation. The vacancy will most likely be filled by Teak Guyet, who showed a lot of promise heading into the fall. Protecting Guyet will be an offensive line with a lot of potential but lacking depth. Hughes hopes a strong summer lifting program will benefit the offensive and defensive lines and more athletes will be technically and physically ready to serve as backups for the existing linemen.

Key West ended the spring with about four dozen athletes in uniform, and the focus on technique and proper form will be crucial come fall.

“Aside from one team in our district, we match up pretty well as long as we stay healthy. Our front-line guys will be competitive but depth will be a challenge,” Hughes said, on his prospects for the 2024 season.

That “one team” referenced is Miami Northwestern, coached by former Miami Dolphin Teddy Bridgewater. Northwestern is new to Key West’s district this season after redistricting added the Bulls to FHSAA’s 3A District 16 group. The Conchs have until October to figure out how to handle Northwestern; Key West’s kickoff classic is scheduled for home on Aug. 16 against the Coyotes of Cypress Creek.

’CANES BEST MIAMI BEACH 20-7

Coral Shores uses spring football to find identity

Coral Shores’ first opponent wisely backed out of a spring matchup, setting the ’Canes scrambling for an opponent. They found one in the Hi-Tides of Miami Beach, who traveled to Tavernier to face the Hurricanes for some gridiron action on May 21. Coral Shores defeated Miami Beach 20-7 in two quarters of quality football, to the satisfaction of head coach Ed Holly.

“I was very happy with the way our guys competed.” Holly said, adding, “The kids were energized and excited to be there.”

The Hurricanes used their spring session to find out who they were as a team. The ’Canes played just one half against Miami Beach, using the time as a scrimmage situation. “We just wanted to get some good work in,” Holly said.

“It’s very important to use spring football to spring into the fall season,” Holly said. “We use it to find our identity.”

Most recently, that identity has been one of a scrappy team with intensity from kickoff to the final whistle. Part of that package has been quarterback Yemcel Moreno, who missed a portion of last season with a knee injury. Moreno, who is back at full strength, connected for a 32-yard reception in limited time out of an abundance of caution.

“Yemcel played great. We were guarded with the reps he got,” Holly said.

Like Moreno, AJ Putetti was spared to ensure an ankle injury would be fully recovered in the fall, giving Jhonathan Mesa a majority of the reps carrying the ball. Mesa scored all three of the ’Canes’ touchdowns and had 145 yards on 11 carries.

Other standouts mentioned were Lucas Carballo, the Hurricanes’ lacrosse player of the year. Carballo stepped into the free safety role and garnered immediate respect from the ’Canes coaching staff. Eddie Holly’s play at linebacker showed great improvement and, coupled with his offensive play, stands to make him a dual threat his senior season. Coach Holly also praised Jamoris Davis, saying that he should have a phenomenal year.

“He worked hard and took on a leadership role. He was all over the field,” Holly said.

The greatest challenge the Hurricanes face this fall is getting their offensive line together. After losing key athletes to graduation, Holly will need to get his three returners to mesh with the freshmen filling the roles left vacant by last year’s seniors. The beginnings of a cohesive unit were already showing last week, when Coral Shores accumulated over 200 offensive yards in just one half of a game of football.

“Spring is very important because it sets up your summer program,” Holly said. “We’re going to work really hard in the weight room this summer so we can have a great fall.”

Coral Shores participates in the Florida Independent Football Conference, which had a pair of teams added to the group this season. Smarten Academy and ABF Academy will join the ’Canes in a quest to bring home a conference championship. Coral Shores’ first matchup is scheduled for Aug. 23 at home against Somerset South Homestead.

Hurricanes running back Jhonathan Mesa escapes defenders on his way to the end zone. Mesa scored the ’Canes’ three touchdowns against the Miami Beach Hi-Tides during a spring game on May 21. JOY SMITH/Purely Joyous Photography

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Keys Wide Appraisal Co. And Property Services located at 2000 Overseas Highway, Apt. 3G, Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL, USA.

By: Denise Peterson

Publish: May 30, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of KEYS YARD

MAINTENANCE & HANDYMAN, located at 58160 Howe Street, Monroe County in the City of Marathon, Florida 330505702, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Marathon, Florida this 23rd day of May, 2024. By: Deamion Duwayne Aubyn Stewart

Publish:

May 30, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE 11TH STREET OCEAN MINI

STORAGE

Notice is here by given that on June 8th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., 11th Street Ocean Mini Storage will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, by Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. 11th Street Ocean Mini Storage does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will be held at 200 11th Street, Ocean, Marathon, Florida 33050. Units to be sold: Unit #19

Publish:

May 23 & 30, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

INVITATION TO BID

The City of Key Colony Beach cordially invites interested contractors to complete and submit sealed bids by June 26th, 2024, no later than 9:30 am, for the following project.

CLEAN AND CAMERA APPROXIMATELY 38,000 FEET OF 8-INCH SEWER GRAVITY MAIN LINE ITB 2024-01

SCOPE: Clean and camera sewer the gravity main line within the City of Key Colony Beach, consisting of one hundred twenty (120) manholes and approximately 38,000 feet of eight (8”) inch width pipe of the City’s main wastewater gravity conveyance line. Debris must be removed, and area cleaned to pre-construction conditions.

All bids must be received no later than June 26th, at 9:30 am, City of Key Colony Beach, Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051. Bids must be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked ‘Sealed Bid for the City of Key Colony Beach ITB 2024-01’ along with the name of your rm.

The bid manual, requirements, and specifications are available on DemandStar at www.Demandstar.com.

All questions regarding the bid process should be directed to City Clerk Silvia Gransee at cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net

CALENDAR OF EVENTS ITB 2024-01

05-22-2024 10:00 am Release Solicitation

05-29-2024 10:00 am Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit (600 8th Street, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051)

06-12-2024 4:00 pm Last Day for submission of written questions to the City

06-18-2024 4:00 pm Last day for the City to post answers to questions

06-26-2024 9:30 am Bid Due & Opening

(Open to Public – 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051)

07-11-2024 9:30 am Utility Board Meeting

Recommendation to Award 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

07-18-2024 9:30 am City Commission meeting Award of Bid

(Open to the Public – 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051)

City of Key Colony Beach PO Box 510141, 600 W Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

Contact Mailing Address

Silvia Gransee, City Clerk PO Box 510141 Phone: 305-289-1212 Ext. 2 Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

Publish: May 30 & June 6, 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: June 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Location: Mile Marker 31 Boat & RV Storage, LLC, 79 Industrial Road, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Vessel: 1996 Hunter Sail Boat

VIN# HUNF0589E696

Mile Marker 31 Boat & RV Storage, LLC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

Publish:

May 23 & 30, 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: June 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Location: Mile Marker 31 Boat & RV Storage, LLC, 79 Industrial Road, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Vessel: 2007 Cadillac STS

(Wrecked)

VIN# 1GSDC67A77015403

Mile Marker 31 Boat & RV Storage, LLC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

Publish:

May 23 & 30, 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: June 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Location: Mile Marker 31 Boat & RV Storage, LLC, 79 Industrial Road, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Vessel: 2018 Coachmen Catalina VIN# 5ZT2CAMB1JU028237

Mile Marker 31 Boat & RV Storage, LLC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

Publish:

May 23 & 30, 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 and workshops 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

Cultural Umbrella Committee

Meeting Time: June 4, 2024 11:00 AM

Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 899 2219 1315

Passcode: 738375

Art in Public Places

Committee Meeting Time: June 18, 2024 12:00 PM

Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 873 1198 9645

Passcode: 952842

Executive Committee Meeting

Time: June 27, 2024 03:00 PM

Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 871 6765 0056

Passcode: 157466

Publish:

May30, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District I Advisory Committee (DAC I) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at

3:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom. us/j/92732703334

Meeting ID: 927 3270 3334

One tap mobile +13052241968,, 92732703334# US +13092053325,, 92732703334# US

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, they will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

Publish: May 30, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District II Advisory Committee (DAC II) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom. us/j/96603792745 Meeting ID: 966 0379 2745 One tap mobile +13052241968,, 96603792745# US +13017158592,, 96603792745# US (Washington DC) All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, they will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Publish: May 30, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District III Advisory Committee (DAC III) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom. us/j/98510798721

Meeting ID: 985 1079 8721

One tap mobile +13052241968,, 98510798721# US +19292056099,, 98510798721# US (New York)

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, they will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

Publish: May 30, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District IV Advisory Committee (DAC IV) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom. us/j/92950853097

Meeting ID: 929 5085 3097

One tap mobile +13052241968,, 92950853097# US +16469313860,, 92950853097# US

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, they will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired,

call “711”.

Publish: May 30, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District V Advisory Committee (DAC V) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom. us/j/92115212058 Meeting ID: 921 1521 2058 One tap mobile +13052241968,, 92115212058# US +13126266799,, 92115212058# US (Chicago) All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, they will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disabilit2y who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Publish: May 30, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Garrison Bight Bridge Navigation Lighting Replacement 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 bonfirehub.comhttps://monroecounty-fl. 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 bonfirehub.com,https://monroecounty-fl. no later than 3:00P.M. on Thursday, June 27, 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 27, 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 30, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA KEY WEST DIVISION

CASE NO: 4:23-cv-10093-JEM NAUTILUS INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff, v. CAPTAIN PIP’S HOLDINGS, LLC, DANIEL COUCH, TANNER HELMER, SRINIVASRAO ALAPARTHI, as P.R. of the Estate of SUPRAJA ALAPARTHI and as parent and natural guardian of Ak.A, a minor child, and RAVIKUMAR SADDA and ASRITHA RAVALA, as parents and natural guardians of V.S., a minor child, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION (NOTICE BY PUBLICATION)

TO: DANIEL COUCH

Last known address of: 213 ANGLERS DR. S., APT. 1 MARATHON, FL 33050

You are notified that Nautilus Insurance Company (“Nautilus”) has initiated an action for declaratory relief under 28 U.S.C. § 2201 against you in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, Key West Division, captioned Nautilus Insurance Company v. Captain Pip’s Holdings, LLC, Daniel Couch, Tanner Helmer, Srinivasrao Alaparthi, as P.R. Of The Estate of Supraja Alaparthi and as parent and natural guardian of Ak.A, a minor child, and Ravikumar Sadda and Asritha Ravala, as parents and natural guardians of V.S., a minor child, bearing Case Number 4:23-cv-10093-JEM. You are required to serve a copy of your written defense, if any, on Michele Vargas, Esq., an attorney at Clyde & Co US LLP, whose address is 1221 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1600, Miami, Florida 33131, on or before July 17, 2024 and file the original with the Clerk of this Court, at 301 Simonton St., Key West, Florida 33040, either before service on Ms. Vargas or immediately after. Otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded against you in the complaint.

Dated at Florida on this 20th day of May, 2024

Clerk of the Court

Angela E. Noble, Clerk United States District Court

Southern District of Florida

By: Ketly Pierre Deputy Clerk

Publish: May 30, June 6, 13 & 20, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-DR-95-K DIVISION: FAMILY MANOL DELVA Petitioner, and, MARIE ELCANA ANILUS Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: MARIE ELCANA ANILUS RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 281 NORTH WARREN AVENUE, COLUMBUS, OH 43204

YOU ARE 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 Manol Delva, whose address is 5B 8th Avenue, Stock Island, FL 33040 on or before June 24, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner 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: N/A 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 Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) 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: May 10, 2024 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson Deputy Clerk Publish: May 23 & 30 and June 6 & 13 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-254-P

DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF GEORGE BORDEN MAKEPEACE, JR. Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of George Borden Makepeace, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was March 27, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, Florida 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 30, 2024.

Personal Representative: George Borden Makepeace III 731 N.W. 18th Street Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33311

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 30 & June 6, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-000210-P IN RE: ESTATE OF SHAKIR HUSSAIN

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Shakir Hussain, deceased, whose date of death was March 20, 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 30, 2024.

Personal Representatives: Sonia Johanna Zairun Hussain 822 Flatbush Avenue Apt 4C Brooklyn, New York 11226

Rohan Dilwar Hussain 1569 NW 17th Ave Apt 613 Miami, FL 33125

Attorney for Personal Representatives: Monique Lavender Greenberg

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 83834

Lavender Greenberg PLLC 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd Suite 300

Coral Gables, FL 33134

Telephone: (786) 832-4694

Fax: (786) 249-7096

E-Mail: monique@lglawmiami. com

Secondary E-Mail: office@ lglawmiami.com

Publish: May 30 & June 6, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-000238-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBIN L. DANEKER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Robin L. Daneker, deceased, whose date of death was October 20, 2023,

is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 1, 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 30, 2024.

Personal Representative: Karrissa Hamilton 1022 Snapper Ln Key Largo, Florida 33037

Attorney for Personal Representative: Ashley T. Steffen, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 0111238 SNYDER & SNYDER, P.A. 7931 S.W. 45th Street DAVIE, FL 33328 Telephone: (954) 475-1139 Fax: (954) 475-2634

E-Mail: Ashley@snyderlawpa. com

Secondary E-Mail: eservice@ snyderlawpa.com Publish: May 30 & June 6, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-246-P DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM R. ALBURY Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of William R. Albury, deceased, whose date of death was April 10, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, Florida 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 23, 2024.

Personal Representative: Shawn William Albury 96050 Overseas Highway Key Largo, Florida 33037

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 23 & 30, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-216-K

DIVISION: KEY WEST IN RE: ESTATE OF CHARLES S. NATION, III

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Charles S. Nation, III, deceased, whose date of death was April 11, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 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 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 23, 2024.

Personal Representative: Douglas S. Lawes

29971 Pine Channel Road

Big Pine Key, Florida 33043

Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173

Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938

Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428

Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com

Publish: May 23 & 30, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

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

FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO. 24-CP-000234-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF KARL JOHN JOHNSON Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of Karl John Johnson, deceased, whose date of death was November 16, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 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 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 23, 2024.

Personal Representative: Karen Johnson 27997 Coral Shores Road Little Torch Key, FL 33042 Attorney for Personal Representative: Seth S. Diamond, Esquire Florida Bar Number: 55714 Sloto & Diamond, PLLC 9100 S. Dadeland Boulevard, Suite 1607 Miami, Florida 33156 Telephone: (305) 379-1792 Fax: (305) 379-2328

E-Mail: eservice@slotolaw.com

Publish: May 23 & 30, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023-CC-78-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 12th day of June, 2024 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit C34, Week 47, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) 1 UNIT C34, WEEK 47 entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3rd day of May 2024 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ROBERT I. CASADY, DECEASED, et.al

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2023-CC-78-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 16TH day of May 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

As Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish:

May 23 & 30, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 2023-CC-75-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 12th day of June, 2024 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5231, Week 14, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) II UNIT 5231, WEEK 14 entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3rd day of May 2024 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST WAYNE NIES ROOT, DECEASED, et.al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2023-CC-75-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 16TH day of May 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: May 23 & 30, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 2023-CC-11-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 12th day of June, 2024 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5511, Week 4, Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) I UNIT 5511, WEEK 4 entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3rd day of May 2024 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MICHAEL THOMAS SAVITSKY, DECEASED, et.al

Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2023-CC-11-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 16TH day of May 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

As Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: May 23 & 30, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023-CC-11-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 12th day of June, 2024 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5234, Week 19, Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) II UNIT 5234, WEEK 19 entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3rd day of May 2024 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MICHAEL THOMAS SAVITSKY, DECEASED, et.al

Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2023-CC-11-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 16TH day of May 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: May 23 & 30, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023-CC-11-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 12th day of June, 2024 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5811, Week 29, Even Year Biennial Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) III UNIT 5811, WEEK 29 entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3rd day of May 2024 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MICHAEL THOMAS SAVITSKY, DECEASED, et.al

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2023-CC-11-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 16TH day of May 2024. KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: May 23 & 30, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

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

BOAT LIFT FOR SALE

Boat Lift For Sale in Marathon - 20,000lb Neptune Atlantic elevator boat lift$7500 407-620-3406

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

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

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

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 305743-7334 for more information.

ATTENTIONMarathon 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.

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

Now Hiring Skilled Plumbers. New construction & full service. Upper Keys Plumbing Contractor looking for immediate hires to fill fulltime or part-time positions. Must have great mechanical & problem solving skills and clean driving record. Experience plus ownership of working toos and/or equipment based rate of pay. Email resume or request application to PlumbersinParadise@ outlook.com

FULL-TIME POSITION BUILDING OFFICIAL

The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for the position of Building Official. Applicants must possess a Florida State Certification as a Building Code Administrator through the Florida Department of Professional Regulation, the Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board or ability to receive certification within one (1) year. Knowledge of fire-rated construction and the Florida Fire Code is required. Thorough knowledge of the Florida Building Code is required.

Work experience must include word processing skills, organizational skills, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. A high level of community interest and familiarity of municipal government is desired. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, managing and directing all building inspection functions of the Building Department. Performs a variety of routine and technical work in connection with enforcement of City Ordinances and Florida Statutes and Building Codes regulating construction.

A full job description is available at www.keycolonybeach.net/apply-for-a-job

Salary: $110,000 +/- Dependent on Qualifications/Experience Full Health & Dental Insurance, 457 (b) Participation

Email resume to:

City Clerk Silvia Gransee at: cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net Or call for additional information: 305-289-1212 ext. 117

The City of Key Colony Beach is an EEO employer, drug-free and nicotine-free workplace

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 305-743-6739 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 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub. com.

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 Manager-Middle 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, 9:30am-7pm 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

Islamorada 3BR/2B

spacious 1800 sq ft home availalbe for yearly lease. New W/D, new stainless steel appliances, large screened in lanai. $3600/mo. Also available boat slip. 315-405-5202

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

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

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

VACATION RENTAL

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

YARD SALES

SARA’S ESTATE SALE: Bachelor Fisherman’s Estate Sale on Duck Key: Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1, 9a to 1p both days, 244 W Seaview Drive, Duck Key. A few fishing rods, pin traps, deep cycle marine battery, buoy, hooks, lures, lines, etc. Plus guitar equipment: amplifier, pedals & cords. Weber BBQ, outdoor loungers, shelves, dock/leaf cart. New 18.3 cu inch refrigerator and new 8000 BTU window AC. New 3- seat couch in leather with electric recliners, 2 side tables, adjustable height coffee table and

66” cathedral arch three-door console. Three full/queen size beds very new, 1 adjustable king sleep number bed and 3 flatscreen TVs, six-chair wood dining table, two desks and chair sets. Nearly new dress shirts, jeans, etc. and 60” fabric wardrobe. Plus small amount of essential kitchenware and appliances, air bed & pump, black out curtains and manly décor.

Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305743-0844 today AND SELL YOUR STUFF!

LPS Contracting is looking for an EXPERIENCED WELDER proficient in both steel and aluminum.

The job is located in Marathon, FL. Pay will be based on years of experience. We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible. Inquire with Mike at 920-241-1933.

NOW HIRING

LEAD MARINE MECHANIC

Experienced to inspect, service & repair marine engines, boat steering & hydraulic systems. Ability to work at sea.

ADMIN/OFFICE HELP

Part-time. Must be able to multi-task, stay calm under pressure and have great communication skills. Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come in the of ce to ll out application. 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050

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

IS HIRING

FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE IN THE UPPER KEYS

Send resume to admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call 305-852-3002

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED

Experience is required. Must have a valid driver’s license. We offer 401K, medical insurance, paid holidays and paid vacation. Positions available in Key West and Marathon. 305-292-3369

to start. Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org

WE ARE HIRING!

DIRECT CARE STAFF /DRIVER AT ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM

KEY WEST OFFICE

This position is available at our Adult Day program. Providing direct care service and support to our clients in the day program. This position requires the minimum of high school completion or GED. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Florida driver’s license w/clean driving record, pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references.

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT COACH

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.

IN HOME SUPPORT FT

KEY WEST

We are 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. Florida driver’s license w/good driving record, references and background screening required. This is a rewarding position for the right person.

CLIENT MEDICAL SERVICES ASSISTANT

Full-time to assist our clients with dental, medical and transportation appts. Act as liaison between clients, families and support staff. Requires some on-call responsibility. Min. requirement Florida certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Fluent in English required. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license.

Come join our family! EOE

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

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.

NOW HIRING

Career-minded individual that can run a crew and take direction in a fast-paced varied environment. Must have current VALID FL Driver’s License. We are willing to train a person with long term goals and will help with education.

Full time position, on-call at times. Partially paid health insurance after 90 days. Benefits also offered. Pay will depend on the interview process. Send resume to: AM Electric, PO Box 510889, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

E-mail: am.companies@gmail.com Call 305-743-0399

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.

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

Bussers

Line Cooks

The Moorings Village is seeking friendly, self motivated, team players for the position:

and great benefits. Weekends are a must.

LIVE IN PARADISE AND SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.

We have openings in multiple departments. Please scan the QR code to visit the careers page on our website.

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN

- Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Marathon, FT

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, Per Diem

- Director of Nursing Services, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, FL

- Exercise Physiologist, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem

DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees by offering a competitive total package. DRC currently offers a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays, vacation, sick and an employee assistance program. DRC also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee.

COME JOIN THE FAMILY!

Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring

ARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

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.

- Group Exercise Instructor, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem

- Lead First Cook, $5,000 Bonus, FT

- Manager Wellness Center, FT

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

- Nuclear Medicine Tech, Per Diem

- Performance Improvement Nurse, FT

- Phlebotomist, Laboratory, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab, Per Diem

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

- Registered Nurse, ICU, $25,000 Bonus, FT

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

- Yoga Instructor, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem

MARATHON

FISHERMEN’S

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Acute Care Tech, Emergency Department, FT

- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus, FT

- Experience Advisor, Patient Experience, FL

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

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

- Radiology Technologist, Radiology, $15,000 Bonus, FT

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, Per Diem

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, Per Diem

- Security Of cer, Per Diem

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

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions: Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

THEME: GEOGRAPHY 101

ACROSS

1. Village People’s “____ Man”

6. Certain tray content

9. Little bit, in Mexico

13. Ammo in a quiver, sing.

14. Geological Society of America

15. Young eel

16. Song of praise

17. Snowy ____ or great horned

18. Must-haves

19. *Strait between Russia and Alaska

21. *Smallest of the Great Lakes

23. Crime scene evidence

24. Peter the Great, e.g.

25. Consumer-protecting org.

28. Skiing helmet manufacturer

30. Mother-of-pearl, pl.

35. Type of sail, pl.

37. #29 Down anagram

39. Like Raphael’s cherubs

40. Face shape

41. Tie with a morning coat

43. Dwarf buffalo

44. Short version

46. “At ____, soldier”

47. Supposed giant Himalayan

48. Drool

50. Swimming hole

52. D.C. V.I.P.

53. Jim Acosta’s announcement

55. *Baltic ____

57. *0∫ latitude

61. *Bay east of India

64. Cuban dance

65. John Keats’ “To Autumn,” e.g.

67. Fortune teller’s card

69. Jeered

70. China’s drinkable export

71. Bird-related

72. Dick and Jane’s dog

73. “Slippery” tree

74. Lean, past tense

DOWN

1. *Atlas page

2. Speedy steed

3. First Nation nation

4. Squirrel away

5. Possessing

6. Full of excitement

7. *Opposite of NNE

8. Saintly rings

9. Guilty, e.g.

10. Last word on walkie-talkie

11. Ghana money

12. Guesstimate phrase (2 words)

15. Catch in a snare

20. Nigerian money

22. A Bobbsey twin

24. Steel on boots, pl.

25. *Inlet in Norway

26. Abalone seeker

27. Olden day calculators

29. *Compass ____

31. TV personality Aiken

32. Ancient Scandinavian characters

33. What actors do

34. *Iberian Peninsula country

36. Serb or Croat

38. Comme ci, comme Áa

42. Past or present

45. Group of five

49. Actor DiCaprio

51. Like floss

54. “That’s all she ____”

56. Tequila source

57. Work units

58. Wisecrack

59. Rounded protuberance

60. Aid in crime

61. Show pleasure

62. Cantatrice’s offering

63. Student aid

66. *Tierra ____ Fuego

68. Big bang maker, acr.