Marathon Weekly 24-0606

Casa Blanca by the Sea

Casa Blanca by the Sea is a spacious five bedroom, three bathroom concrete residence with just over 2,900 sq ft of interior space. Impact doors and windows let in a generous amount of natural light, and the open concept kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a recent kitchen cabinet makeover. A split floor plan affords privacy to the gorgeous primary bedroom, where you will find floor to ceiling windows and a custom designed walk-in closet. The ground floor provides generous enclosed storage space, a one car garage, and covered parking for two vehicles. This piece of paradise is situated on just over half an acre of land, providing ample room for multiple boats, trailers, RVs, and vehicles. The 400 ft of waterfront is complete with two docks and a launch area for hassle-free kayaking and paddle boarding. The 12 ft dock boasts a 16,000 lb boat lift, while the 48 ft dock is equipped with running water and a fish cleaning station. In addition to being a gated turnkey home, this property is a profitable vacation rental. Whether you are looking for a primary home, a home away from home, or an income-producing property, Casa Blanca by the Sea is an ideal retreat for enjoying the relaxed tropical lifestyle of the fabulous Florida Keys.

9709 Overseas Hwy.

Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Digital Editor / Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Diana Striker

Ashley Hobart ashley@overseasmediagroup.com

Comptroller

Sarah Simcic sarah@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

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.

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In an effort to eradicate the invasive Burmese pythons from the wild, state officials gathered in the Everglades on May 30 to announce the 2024 Florida Python Challenge. With $25,000 in prizes, professional and novice participants can complete the required online training to compete in the 10-day competition, which runs Aug. 9-18.

The kayak team from the Castaways Against Cancer’s 2023 ‘Ridiculous Stunt Tour’ take a group photo. Many of the same faces will once again hit the water this Friday for the 160-mile trip from Miami to Key West. See page 20. CONTRIBUTED

BOCC MAKES CLEAR IT CAN REMOVE TDC BOARD MEMBERS

Code will say the TDC board serves ‘at the pleasure’ of county commissioners

gwen@keysweekly.com

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners said it wouldn’t tinker with the overall structure of the Tourist Development Council, in response to a series of audits that exposed failures in the TDC’s financial oversight and operations.

But commissioners want to make certain they have the power to swiftly remove any of the six appointed TDC board members. To do so, they added three sentences to the existing code section about the board.

One of those sentences couldn’t be more clear that the BOCC runs the show when it comes to who stays on the TDC board, which still governs the agency.

At its May 15 meeting, the BOCC moved forward with an ordinance to clarify in the county code that TDC board members serve “at the pleasure of the five commissioners,” just like the rest of the county boards including the planning commission.

Commissioners set a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that drops the new language into the code on July 17 in Marathon.

“Nothing else is changing regarding appointments,” county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood told Keys Weekly. “It just clarifies that people who serve are serving at the pleasure of the BOCC.”

TDC board members apply for the seats and are chosen by the BOCC.

The new rules would allow the removal of an already appointed TDC board member by a vote of at least three commissioners.

The nine-person TDC board is made up of six Keys residents who

Members of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners are clarifying that they can replace members of the Tourist Development Council, which promotes the Keys as a tourism destination. CONTRIBUTED

work in the tourism industry. It’s rounded out by a county commissioner and two locally elected officials, including at least one from Key West.

County Clerk Kevin Madok’s audits of the TDC and the companies it pays to promote the Keys as a tourist destination – NewmanPR, Tinsley Advertising and Two Oceans Digital – started in October 2023 with the release of an in-depth report that clocked the Keys tourism agency for a series of blunders in accounting and spending.

It was the first county audit of the TDC in at least 20 years, a lapse that the BOCC blamed on the agency for not self-regulating. The BOCC in 1981 created the tourism council.

Only one audit is forthcoming: the review of Two Oceans Digital’s financial practices. Madok said this one would take more time.

TDC board members serve staggered four-year terms, and they elect their own chairperson. Current chair Rita Irwin’s term expires Aug. 18. That slot is appointed by commissioner Michelle Lincoln.

While the board members will serve at the pleasure of the BOCC, the TDC holds some independence in running the tourism agency, which runs as a nonprofit called Visit Florida Keys.

When the TDC fired its marketing director Stacey Mitchell in March, it was at the behest of County Mayor Holly Raschein, who showed up at the board meeting to represent the BOCC after commissioner Craig Cates’ motion at a previous TDC meeting to fire Mitchell was voted down.

The BOCC doesn’t meet in June. Its next regular meeting is July 17 at 9 a.m. at the Marathon Government Center.

Another change made in the wake of the failed TDC audits is that its board meetings are now broadcast on Monroe County Television, with the videos available on demand just like the BOCC’s. Previously, meetings were only captured on audio recordings that were available upon request. Since April, the TDC meetings are also available via Zoom.

GWEN FILOSA

Welcome to Even More Convenient Care.

The Fishermen’s Community Hospital campus has expanded.

Our new 10,000-square-foot Medical Arts Building will bring multiple services under one roof:

• Primary care

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy

• Oncology infusion for Baptist Health Cancer Care patients

• Physician offices for orthopedics, general surgery and gastroenterology

At Baptist Health, we’ve got the Middle Keys covered — from emergency care and surgery, to wellness appointments and cancer care. Welcome to expert, compassionate care, all on one campus.

CONSISTENCY, COMMUNICATION, CONSEQUENCES

Marathon permitting process under the microscope in contractors workshop

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Marathon’s internal processes for permit reviews and inspections faced heavy scrutiny from a cohort of frustrated contractors at the city’s monthly workshop on May 28.

The second in what looks to become a series of sessions to address permitting concerns is an extension of ongoing conversations and weekly meetings between Florida Keys Contractors Association president Armand Messina and city staff.

Concerns on Tuesday evening largely centered on what Mayor Robyn Still later identified as the “three Cs”: consistency, communication and consequences.

Several who approached the podium said that they weren’t completely aware of the city’s internal protocols and steps that could be causing delays during the permit review process. Others described instances of waiting several weeks with no response from staff to their questions submitted by phone or email, primarily taking aim at the city’s planning department and saying that it often took direct calls to a city council member to prompt a response from the city.

Virtually all demanded clear expectations for contractors and inspectors along with more constant communication and updates throughout the permit review process, particularly in cases of delays as steps in the review process were passed off to other or additional staff members.

“Our company does work from Key Largo to Key West,” said Design Center owner Andrew George. “I don’t even know any of the (other) council members’

“It always seems like it’s the contractors against (the city). Aren’t we supposed to be working together for the homeowner to make sure that it’s done correctly?”

— John Keller, owner of Paver Dave

names, and I haven’t talked to any of the building officials because we don’t have problems when we submit a permit. We get the application, and we get the permit within a reasonable amount of time.”

“If something gets held up, we need to be able to address it, and we need to be able to talk to somebody about it,” said Messina. “Two weeks without a call back, there’s no excuse. … (After) our last workshop (in October) it was getting better, but somewhere along the line we lost it.”

“One of the worst problems with staff is communication,” said “The Permit Lady” Gay Marie Smith. “We were told at the last workshop that it was going to get taken care of, and it did not. We don’t get returned phone calls, and we don’t get returned emails.”

Others requested more cross-training, overlapping duties among staff members or allowing staff to answer questions on specific projects if department heads were unavailable, lambasting extended wait times to receive answers to simple questions if certain employees were out of the office due to vacations, sick time or time spent working from home.

“When you’re waiting for permits, time is money,” said Paver Dave owner John Keller. “I have to make sure my employees are paid, so we need to do work.”

“It always seems like it’s the contractors against (the city),” he added. “Aren’t

we supposed to be working together for the homeowner to make sure that it’s done correctly? … Us together, we make sure it’s done correctly. But we don’t feel that. … What are we going to do to make sure this doesn’t happen again in the future? That’s where I want to see some answers and steps towards that.”

“The number one reason we became a city was the permitting issue we had with the county,” concluded Messina. “I’m very proud that we’ve gotten where we are now, but we can do a lot better.”

Tuesday’s workshop was the first in the series to officially incorporate members of the Marathon City Council, all of whom pledged accountability and closer attention to the city’s timeliness moving forward.

“The private sector should be wishing they were as good and efficient as we are, and we are the dead opposite,” said councilman Kenny Matlock. “Something needs to be implemented. I don’t think it’s right, and it’s costing people big money. … The average person doesn’t know a councilman. They’re frustrated and annoyed and wondering why they can’t get a response.”

“This is about improvement of our process,” said councilman Jeff Smith. He praised potential solutions raised by public commenters, including the use of computer programs to identify “stagnant” permits within the city’s online system. “What I really appreciate is that anybody can sit here and throw darts and complain, but I heard some very specific things today about working on solutions.”

“Consistency, communication and consequences seem to be the theme, no matter what the issue or the problem was,” said Still. “So that’s what we are personally going to be looking for.”

Announced Tuesday night and again in a press release, City Manager George Garrett said that staff will be required to answer or acknowledge all communications regarding permit reviews within 48 hours, whether submitted by phone, e-mail or through the city’s online permitting portal. He added that staff taking time away from the office will also be required to assign a back-up point of contact to each permitting item assigned to them in the city’s online portal to ensure timely completion of reviews.

“Everyone on staff understands this is a requirement,” he said.

OCEANOGRAPHER SYLVIA EARLE: KEYS A ‘HOPE SPOT’

Island chain chosen for its importance to

the sea

The Florida Keys, along with Biscayne Bay and Ten Thousand Islands, have been selected as a Hope Spot by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue, becoming the 163rd such location lauded for its critical role in ocean health.

Earle, a world-renowned conservationist, made the official announcement on June 3 at the Explorers Club in New York City during activities for Oceans Week.

“Hope Spots are special places scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean,” states Earle’s Mission Blue website. “Our Hope Spots are championed by local conservationists whom we support with communications, expeditions and scientific advisory. I wish you would use all means at your disposal – films, expeditions, the web, new submarines, campaigns – to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, Hope Spots large enough to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet,” Earle said.

Florida International University scientists who work in the South Florida region championed the Hope Spot nomination. FIU manages the Aquarius Reef Base undersea lab located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

“We are grateful for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s

inclusion in Mission Blue’s global network of Hope Spots,” said John Armor, director of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “The waters and diversity of life within the sanctuary are globally significant and help conserve biodiversity and valuable habitats, factors critical to maintaining a healthy ocean. The sanctuary also embodies the hopes and dreams of generations of Florida Keys residents and of those who travel from afar and leave with a sense of wonder and stewardship for this special place.”

This Hope Spot recognizes the area’s ecological and economic importance, spanning mangroves, sea grasses and coral reefs. Balancing the natural wonders of this region with significant human impacts, the Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands Hope Spot sits just one meter (3.2 feet) above sea level – on the front line of climate change.

“Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has experienced significant declines to key resources and habitats caused by a variety of threats, leaving us at a critical juncture,” said Sarah Fangman, superintendent of the sanctuary.

“Establishing these waters as a Mission Blue Hope Spot strengthens our effort to build resilience, while inspiring hope for this national treasure.”

PLANS IN PLACE

Monroe County School District, teachers union reach tentative deal

The United Teachers of Monroe (UTM) and the Monroe County School District (MCSD) began contract negotiations for the upcoming school year in February to address compensation, benefits and evaluation. After 13 collective bargaining sessions, the two teams were able to reach tentative agreements, including new language as well as additional compensation for the two bargaining units.

“We are pleased that our union and MCSD continue to negotiate fair and equitable compensation, benefits and working conditions for our employees in the bargaining units,” said Diana Walker, president of United Teachers of Monroe. “Their hard work and dedication to public education in Monroe County are the reason UTM will always strive to create better lives for our working families.”

“It is important that MCSD continues to offer competitive salaries for all of our employees so we can recruit and retain the best and brightest who contribute to an excellent education system that our stakeholders expect,” said Harry Russell, lead negotiator for the Monroe County School District.

“Congratulations to all the members of the UTM and district bargaining team led by Harry Russell,” said superintendent Theresa Axford. “Their thoughtful negotiations led to a truly amazing salary improvement for all Monroe County employees. This is the first time in many years that employees complete the school year knowing what their salary will be for 2024-25. In addition, we can hire teachers throughout the summer with a starting salary of $62,100, which I believe will be the highest in the state. Kudos to all.”

“I am proud of our district’s ability to work collaboratively with UTM and come to an agreement so quickly,” said school board chair Sue Woltanski. “By working together, we can continue to focus on what matters most: providing a high-quality education for our students.”

The tentative agreements were ratified by instructional and school resource personnel on May 21. The agreements will go before the school board for approval on June 11. The contracts will become effective July 1, 2024, and last through June 30, 2026. — Contributed

Smallmouth grunts in Key Largo. STEPHEN FRINK/Courtesy of NOAA

Harry Russell, lead negotiator for the Monroe County School District, and Diana Walker, president of the United Teachers of Monroe, shake hands after a final contract negotiation session. MCSD/Contributed

THE 38TH ANNUAL

June 14th & 15th, 2024

Schedule of Events:

FRIDAY, JUNE 14TH

SATURDAY JUNE 15TH

4:00pm-5:30pm Weigh Station, 11499 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Fl. 33050

SATURDAY JUNE 15TH

9am-6pm Captain’s Meeting and Final Registration @ Two Conchs, 11499 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Fl. 33050

SATURDAY JUNE 15TH

8:00am lines in & 3:30pm lines out

6:00pm Awards Banquet @ Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, 11710 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

$195 PER PERSON ENTRY FEE

$50 JUNIOR ANGLER 15 AND YOUNGER

LARGEST DOLPHIN

1st Place $4000 2nd Place $2000 3rd Place $1000 4th Place $500

ON CORAL WATCH

Program needs volunteers to monitor reef conditions

Sea surface temperatures are on the rise again in the Florida Keys. Summertime is when local coral reefs may begin to show signs of heat-driven bleaching, a stress response which increases susceptibility to disease, predation and mortality.

Mote Marine Laboratory, in partnership with Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, is seeking volunteers to monitor and report on reef conditions throughout the Keys.

Mote and the sanctuary will host BleachWatch training sessions to engage volunteer divers and snorkelers in the Florida Keys BleachWatch program. BleachWatch provides critical monitoring data before, during and after coral bleaching events in the sanctuary.

As a community-based reporting program, BleachWatch relies on a large network of trained observers to be “eyes on the water” and provide regular reports on actual coral conditions. This field observation data is synthesized with NOAA’s monitoring data to provide scientists, resource managers and the public summaries of current conditions on Florida reefs. The data is also essential to inform future restoration strategy.

The program has operated since 2005 in partnership with the sanctuary, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). BleachWatch receives funding from

NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program and from the Protect Our Reefs grants program, which distributes funds from sales of Florida’s Protect Our Reefs specialty license plate.

How to participate

Recreational and professional divers and snorkelers can get involved by attending an upcoming training session led by Mote. Sessions last about 90 minutes. No scientific background is needed.

• June 10: 6 p.m. at the Keys History & Discovery Center, 82100 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

• June 11: 6 p.m. at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, 35 Quay Road, Key West.

• June 12: 6 p.m. at Marathon City Hall, 9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon.

• June 13: 6 p.m. at Mote’s International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration, 24244 Overseas Highway, Summerland Key.

• June 15: 10 a.m. at Reefhouse Resort Conference Center, 103800 Overseas Highway, Key Largo. Pre-registration is requested at mote.org/bleachwatch. Online training is also available at mote.org/bleachwatch. More information is available from Natalie Springer at bleachwatch@mote.org or 941-685-1860.

— Contributed

Healthy, sexually mature staghorn colonies at Eastern Dry Rocks near Key West in 2022. MOTE MARINE LAB/File Photo

JUNE 12, 2024 8AM

3PM • Ages 6 to 14 are invited for a FREE 1/2 day fishing trip off the shore of Key Colony Beach on the MARATHON LADY • You must register by June 10th Spots limited to first 50 kids

Lunch is provided at Key Colony Inn around 2pm

HAPPY HOUR 1-4PM

$7 Menu

• 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

BUSINESS

AFTER HOURS

Who: Courtyard Marriott

When: Wednesday, June 12th 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Where: 2146 Overseas Highway

What: Great networking, food & beverages; come promote your business and meet Marathon business owners, executives, and leaders!

MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

June 18th 12pm - 1pm

When: Tuesday, June 18th 12pm - 1pm

Where: Key Colony Inn 700 W Ocean Drive, KCB

Speaker: Patrick Stevens & Dale Coburn, Law Offices of Wolfe Stevens

Topic: New Corporate Transparency Act requirements for business (FinCen): What you need to do and know. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED – SPACE IS LIMITED E-mail RSVP to: Erika@floridakeysmarathon.com or Call 305.743.5417

MARATHON CHAMBER

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

HAPPY HOUR

NO DAYS OFF

Trio of Marathon weightlifters medal at Miami AAU meet.

Marathon’s highly successful weightlifting teams did not get that way by accident. The Fins did it the old fashioned way: through hard work and with a nonexistent off-season.

On June 1, three local lifters headed to a familiar venue, Doctors Charter School, to compete in the USA AAU SOFLA Open. Doctors Charter was the location of Marathon’s district meets this past year, and all three competitors medaled in their respective weight

classes at districts and did the same last week. The athletes competed against lifters from larger schools who they would not typically go against in regular or even postseason meets.

Rising senior Damian Stasiewicz competed in the 169-lb. category despite weighing in 11 pounds lighter, striking gold in Olympic lifts and silver in traditional. Joining him were a pair of Lady Fins, both rising juniors. Ella Evans competed at 129 pounds and won bronze in the Olympic event and

silver in traditional. Justice Lee, the defending state champ in both categories, competed at 183 pounds and took silver in Olympic, then decimated her competition in traditional, winning first place by 35 pounds.

Marathon’s boys and girls weightlifting coach, Jessie Schubert, also works year-round as the Dolphins’ strength coach, managing the weight room after school and during the summer. Schubert’s programs are open to all of Marathon High School’s athletes

hoping to make gains in the offseason.

Schubert was very pleased with his athletes at the SOFLA Open. “Justice and Ella and Damian all performed so well,” he said, adding that it was “very exciting to watch them compete in AAU, and they’re all starting right back where they left off in-season.”

Next up for Lee is the Lake Gibson Open on Saturday, June 8. Placing there qualifies athletes to compete at the Florida AAU State Championships early this fall.

Whether you are a resident or a snowbird, it is important to have your assets properly titled in a way that will avoid those

KATHLEEN

Marathon coaches and athletes make a trip to the mainland to compete at the AAU SOFLA Open. From left: coach Sean Roussin, medalists Ella Evans, Damian Stasiewicz and Justice Lee, coach Jessie Schubert. CONTRIBUTED

COMMERCE CORNEr

Established in 2022, Chef Heather has been providing personal chef services for private parties, business meetings, weddings, and other events throughout the Florida Keys. She is able to accommodate anything from an intimate dinner for 2 to parties up to 150 guests. She attributes her success to maintaining a high level of integrity, attention to detail, excellent customer service and striving to exceed her own personal best. "There's nothing like having your own specially tailored dining experience in the comfort of your own home or venue of your choice" said Chef Heather.

City of Marathon City Council Agenda

9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 5:30 P.M.

(*Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval of Agenda)

Public Comments taken on all times and at 6:30pm time certain for items not on the agenda or as soon as possible thereafter of after the last agenda item; whichever comes first.

City Council Items

*A. Approval of Minutes

B. Juneteenth Proclamation

C. July City Council Meeting Date Change (Still)

City Manager Report

*A. MCSO Marathon Substation Report

*B. Grants Update

*C. Public Works Report

*D Park and Recreation Report

*E. Marathon Fire Rescue Report

*F. Marina Report

*G. Code Report

*H. Wastewater Utilities Report

*I. Building Report

*J. Approval of Marathon Rotary 4th of July Event, Including Parade, Fireworks, and Sale of Beer & Wine

*K. Approval of Fishermen’s Community Hospital Evening of Gratitude April 3rd 2025 – April 5th 2025 Permission To Use City Property And Serve Alcohol.

Resolutions For Adoption

*A. Resolution 2024-49, Establishing Temporary Use Permit Fees; And Providing For An Effective Date.

*B. Resolution 2024-50, Awarding A Work Authorization For Completion Of Collection System Action Plans And Power Outage Contingency Plans For Service Areas 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7 To Weiler Engineering In An Amount Not To Exceed $499,999.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date

*C. Resolution 2024-51, Approving A Contract For “Liquid Sludge Hauling And Disposal Services” To Mike Haack Excavating Inc., Revinu Inc., And Synagro South LLC For A Period Of Three Years With A Possible Of A Two One Year Renewal; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.

*D. Resolution 2024-52, Approving A Contract for Sludge Dewatering and Disposal Services To Synagro South LLC, for the period of three years with two possible one-year extensions; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.

*E. Resolution 2024-53, Approving An Amendment To The Residential Lease Between The City and A Deputy With The MCSO, To Extend The Term Of The Lease By One Year; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Extension; And Providing For An Effective Date

JUNE

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

TONY MANFREDI 3PM DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM

MONDAY, JUNE 10

SHAWN BROWN 6:30PM

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY

COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 LUKE SOMMERS 6:30PM

‘THE WORST TRIP YOU’LL EVER LOVE’

Castaways Against Cancer set out to provide ‘silver linings’ with 2024 ‘Here Comes the Sun Tour’

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Saturday, June 8 will mark the 25th time a team of 13 paddlers push off from shore in Miami for one of the most daunting 160-mile treks imaginable. They’ll square off against hordes of mosquitoes, miles of open water, a brutal sun, and ever-changing wind and weather conditions that can either aid them or thwart them at every turn.

But this year, on the shoulders of $2.3 million in fundraising and more than 3,840 miles paddled, the Castaways Against Cancer will do so starting from a beach they can call their own.

This year’s “Here Comes the Sun Tour” will once again send teams of kayakers, runners and cyclists from Miami’s Virginia Key to Simonton Beach in Key West as part of a never-ending fight to raise funds to combat cancer while honoring and celebrating those who have fought the battle before, regardless of the outcome.

Three months ago, the group heard their praises sung in the chambers of the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners, who on March 19 unanimously approved the official naming of the team’s launch site on Hobie Beach as “Castaways Against Cancer Beach.”

In 2022, the group inked a five-year, $1.5 million pledge to the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, with U.M. matching donations 50 cents on the dollar. They’re more than on track for this year, with donations already totaling roughly $260,000 and still climbing. Donations from the Here Comes the Sun Tour

1. An air horn blast from Jaime Lemus heralds the Castaways’ arrival at Simonton Street Beach in 2023. CONTRIBUTED

2. The Castaways’ ‘Mayor of the Keys’ Suzy Curry stops by the Marathon Weekly during the cycling leg of her Golden Oldies Triathlon in March 2024. ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly

3. Ultramarathoners Vince Yllanes, left, and Paige Douglass make their entrance into Key West in 2023 after splitting the 170-mile journey on foot. Though Yllanes will run again in 2024, Douglass’ leg of the trip will be replaced by a relay team as she herself continues a battle with cancer. CONTRIBUTED

will go to support ongoing research for pediatric Ewing sarcoma, a metastatic bone and soft tissue cancer that ranks as the second most prevalent malignant bone tumor, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“I paddle and lead the Castaways because I am inspired by hope and I know what we’re doing is making a difference,” said founder Steve O’Brien. Along with three others whose lives had felt cancer’s cruel touch, the high school teacher completed the first Castaways trek in June 2000 after losing both his mother and grandmother in a seven-month stretch. “The possibility of success, the potential for better treatments, and the opportunity to engage people affected by cancer is our motivation. I hope that our work uplifts people, inspires others, resonates with all who hear our stories and watch us in action.”

The battle against the world’s most insidious disease also hits home for Marathon paddling legend, breast cancer survivor and longtime Castaways stalwart Suzy Curry. Though injuries

will prevent her from making the complete paddle with the team this year, she’s in the middle of completing a “Golden Oldies Triathlon” at her own pace: traversing the length of the Keys three times on foot, in a kayak and on a bike.

“The problem with children’s cancers is that children are such a small population of the ones who get cancer, so the research isn’t there,” she said. “It’s not like breast cancer, which affects one in eight women. The money isn’t there, because it’s not a big population. It’s really sad, especially when you tell that to a parent. We’re shooting for $300,000, so it then becomes a $450,000 grant.”

The public is invited to welcome the Castaways paddlers, runners and cyclists as they arrive at Simonton Street Beach at 4, 4:15 and 4:30 p.m., respectively, on Friday, June 14. To learn more about the Castaways’ mission, make a pledge, or add the name of a loved one who has battled cancer to the team’s Honor List, visit castawaysagainstcancer.org.

714TH SUNDAY FUNDAYJUNE 9, 2024

BLOWSPRING-OUT

POOL & BEACH PARTY

Cornhole Tournament at 3pm on Sunset’s Beach Cash Prizes!

• World Famous Cheeseburgers

• Bacon Guacamole & Cheddar Cheese Burgers

• Grilled Ribeye Steak Sandwiches

• Grilled Bratwurst

• Chili Cheese Dogs

• Blackened Dolphin Sandwiches

• BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

• Bacon Wrapped Scallops

• Bacon Wrapped Lobster

• Barbecue Baby Back Ribs

DRINK SPECIALS

• $3 Coors Light • $5 Cruzan Rum Specials

• $5 Strawberry Mojitos • $2 Jello Shots

305.396.7235 • 7 KNIGHTS KEY BOULEVARD • MM 47 (AT THE FOOT OF THE 7 MILE BRIDGE, OCEAN) • SUNSETGRILLE7MILEBRIDGE.COM

‘BROADWAY, COMEDY AND SILLY STUFF’

Musical talent and a rumored overload of sass are set to take the stage this Friday as 30-year stage veteran Jaimie Roberts presents ‘Colored Lights’ at Marathon Community Theatre. The cabaret-style show features musicians Jeff Dalton and Larry Smith along with a host of local guest performers. The show is intended for adult audiences and ‘may cause early-onset puberty for anyone under 18.’ A cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. with a 7 p.m. curtain. Tickets are $40 and are available at marathontheater.org or by calling 305-743-0994. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

MANATEE STRUCK BY BOAT RESCUED IN KEY LARGO

Marine mammal rescuers rushed to retrieve a struggling 9-foot male manatee off the Key Largo waters on May 28. The manatee had visible boat strikes to its back, causing him to be sideways and buoyant. The rescue effort was led by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Research Institute in collaboration with Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder, Dolphin Research Center and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park rangers. The manatee was transported to SeaWorld in Orlando for treatment. MATT HEYDE/Contributed

STOCK UP ON HURRICANE SUPPLIES

These items are tax-free for a short time

Hurricane preparedness supplies are taxfree now through Saturday, June 15. The sales tax holiday will return Saturday, Aug. 24 through Friday, Sept. 6. ADOBE STOCK

The 2024 Florida disaster preparedness sales tax holiday provides residents with the opportunity to purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies tax-free during two 14-day periods. The 2024 tax holidays are now through Friday, June 15, and again 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.

Stock a disaster supply kit for the entire household, including pets, for at least seven days. The complete disaster supply kit checklist is available for download at floridadisaster.org/kit. For go-to storm prep tips, visit the Keys Weekly’s annual Hurricane Guide at keysweekly.com/florida-keys-hurricane-guides.

LETTER

On behalf of Forgotten Felines, we would like to thank the Marathon City Council for their generosity in again providing crucial grant funding for local nonprofits in 2024.

Forgotten Felines is devoted to improving the lives of feral cats through our trap-neuter-vaccinate-return program, in which humanely-trapped cats are spayed or neutered and returned to their original locations to help control the feral cat population. Since Jan. 1, Forgotten Felines has trapped and released 86 cats.

Along with this program, we are dedicated to feeding feral colony cats in Marathon. Grant funds we received this year will fund our feeding efforts for up to three months – with an estimated cost of $1,000 to $1,500 per month, normally provided solely by donors – and contribute to other necessities like medical bills at Keys Animal Hospital.

The peace of mind this funding provides also helps us focus on our other initiatives, such as limited adoption services for kittens with feral mothers, community education and outreach about the importance of spaying and neutering, and medical care and support for the many cats we encounter in dire need of veterinary aid.

To learn more about us, visit forgottenfelinesofthefloridakeys. com or come see us at our seafood boil fundraiser on Sunday, June 9 at the Brass Monkey. Once again, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the city for their support of our mission and, more importantly, the animals who so deserve our help.

Sincerely,

The Forgotten Felines board of directors

MOTHER’S DAY DOLPHIN TOURNEY REELS IN $60K FOR HABITAT

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Captain Brad Picariello of Marathon led three of his anglers aboard Outlaw to winning spots during Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys’ annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament on May 11, presented by Liechty Marine of Marathon. The 18th iteration of “Fishing For a Cause” treated 129 anglers aboard 33 boats to “the best weather day in our history,” said Habitat Middle Keys executive director Chris Todd Young.

Kristy Yeider of Marathon earned the top lady angler award – and the largest-in-tournament honors – for her 27.8-pound dolphin fish, taking home $1,250 in cash. Picariello’s son, Luca, a Marathon eighth-grade student, was named top junior angler for his 15.5-pounder and won $250.

Also on board the lucky Outlaw was Trisha Hopp of Key West, winning $500 as the second-place lady angler with her 16.3-pound dolphin fish.

Marathon resident Mike Sessler earned first place in the Weekend Warrior category with a 26-pounder, claiming a $2,000 cash prize.

Timothy Hayes of Duck Key took the top spot in the pro category, earning $2,000 for his 16.4-pound dolphin fish.

The tournament is a leading fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys’ projects and programs. Proceeds from the 2024 event netted $60,000 to be used toward the build costs of Bell Haven, Habitat’s most recent Middle Keys build that celebrated its dedication for 10 new homeowners on April 28.

Under captain Brad Picariello, three anglers aboard Outlaw earned prize-winning spots in the 18th annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament. CONTRIBUTED

The Deno family, including second-place junior angler Lorelei, celebrate her 11.8-pound catch with Habitat vice president Ryan Elwell. CONTRIBUTED

BUT DAD, BUT DAD

FABULOUS READS CELEBRATE THE JOYS AND CHALLENGES OF FATHERHOOD

WALKING WITH SAM

By Andrew McCarthy

As a young man, actor Andrew McCarthy completed an extraordinary adventure: the 500-mile trek across Spain’s Camino de Santiago. This legendary pilgrimage, rich in medieval history, leads travelers to a cathedral in the Galicia region of northwest Spain. From the moment Andrew’s son was born, he dreamed they could accomplish this journey together. At 19, Sam was finally ready. Stick in hand, the father-son duo set out on the quiet, arduous task of walking. Essentially off the grid and weighed down with heavy packs, they fell into a nomadic rhythm of hiking, eating and sleeping in small villages with bare necessities. The weeks of open road ahead were filled with conversations ranging from the zombie apocalypse to music to painful memories of divorce. Connecting with adult children is a challenge many of us face. Accepting they are independent while encouraging them to be brave and confident can be the hardest job in the world. Andrew’s memoir of his walk with Sam is filled with love, lessons, patience, blisters and disagreements. It’s the perfect book to celebrate our fathers.

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.

ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE

By Anthony Doerr

Werner is a boy growing up in a German orphanage, caring for his younger sister, Jutta, in a grim mining town during the Nazi invasion. Their only distraction is the world of radios and transmissions. Jutta listens to the world she cannot reach, while Werner discovers a natural gift for repairing and building electronics; his decisions and sense of duty are deeply affected by the loss of their father. Marie-Laure is an imaginative girl in France, blind and skillfully attuned to the smells and sounds around her. When her father, Daniel, a master locksmith at the National Museum, is arrested, her great uncle Etienne, a genius suffering from agoraphobia, becomes her protector and mentor. Etienne nourishes Marie-Laure’s love of science and stories.

A boy and a girl, leading two very different lives, are brought together through the pain and suffering of loneliness, desire and the destruction of beauty during wartime. The novel intricately explores fatherhood through its central characters as protectors, educators and sources of inspiration.

This story, also an incredible Netflix series, showcases both the nurturing and desperate sacrifices of fatherhood against the backdrop of war.

LOOK FOR ME THERE

By Luke Russert

In 2008, when Tim Russert passed away, America mourned a beloved journalist who, for many, was the best television political moderator they had ever seen. Luke Russert lost his dad, a man he loved and admired more than anyone in the world. He also lost confidence in his future and what it represented. His mother, Maureen Orth, also a journalist, encouraged him to explore the world. Her early Peace Corps experiences and deep religious beliefs shaped her views and aspirations. She hoped it would do the same for her son. As Luke’s journey challenged him, it went on for much too long, according to his mother. Luke became desperately lonely and fell into an abyss of grief.

Without his father there to cheer him on, experiences felt pointless. Luke tries his best to really “see” people, like his dad always did, but cannot find his inner voice. At first, this memoir reads like a travel journal or diary, but it transforms as Luke learns more about his parents’ lives, and he begins to grow in ways he never imagined. Facing fears, living with loss and finding faith. Three lessons we all must learn.

#WORTHWATCHING: ‘Old Dads’ on Netflix

Three lifelong friends become fathers later in life and find themselves up against yuppie school principals, hip young CEOs, organic parents and virtually everything created after 1987. Laugh-out-loud Father’s Day fun!

BRIEFLY

City meeting to address Sombrero Boulevard flooding

Marathon is hosting a public meeting on Friday, June 7 at 5 p.m. in City Hall. The subject will be proposed improvements to Sombrero Boulevard, hosted by City Manager George Garrett and staff. The discussion will include plans to address the flooding issue such as the timeline, engineering, bidding, permitting and construction. The public is encouraged to attend.

Marathon Parks and Rec presents Luau Night at Community Park Marathon’s Parks and Recreation Department is set to host a Luau Night at the site of the former Marathon Community Park skate park on Friday, June 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening will include activities for kids, food and drinks, dancing and photos.

Monroe County libraries present summer reading programs

Every summer, the Monroe County Public Library offers programs to keep kids and their families reading. The community tradition promotes reading for fun and lifelong enrichment. The libraries create an encouraging framework for learning for all ages during the summer. Reading together as a family helps prevent summer learning loss and encourages strong communication and bonding. Summer reading isn’t just for kids, but for teens as well. Families can pick up reading logs, find books (including e-books), attend programs and more at every branch of the Monroe County Public Library – in Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and Key West. This year’s theme is “Adventure Begins At Your Library.” More information is at keyslibraries. org/summer-reading-2024/, at the library branches and via email to info@ keyslibraries.org.

Federal grants available 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? 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.

AAA: 27% would ignore evacuations

The Auto Club Group (AAA) is releasing the findings from its annual Hurricane Season survey.

According to the survey, nearly a quarter of Florida residents (23%) do not make advanced preparations for hurricane season or severe weather. Even more concerning, AAA says, 27% say they would ignore warnings to evacuate in the event of a hurricane. Of those who would evacuate, nearly two-thirds (64%) say they would not leave their homes unless an approaching hurricane was a category 3 or stronger. The top reasons Floridians cite for ignoring evacuation warnings: 33% want to stay in case there’s damage to their home or property that they can fix. 29% believe the storm will turn away from their direction. 24% don’t know where to go. 23% cite financial reasons. 20% can’t bring their pets or don’t have a safe option for them. 19% have a fear of looting after the storm. “Staying in the path of a potentially deadly storm is just not worth the risk,” said Mark Jenkins, public relations manager for AAA. “Take steps now to develop an evacuation plan for your family and pets. If you’re worried about property damage, contact your insurance adviser. Having adequate coverage will give you the peace of mind in knowing that anything damaged while you’re gone can be repaired or replaced.”

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.

TIPPING BACKLASH?

Disgruntled Dallas writer takes on the service industry

Christopher Elliot, a writer for the Dallas Morning News, recently penned a piece titled: “Some Americans have stopped tipping. Should you do the same?” The first sentence that came out of his brain and through his keyboard was this: “Tipping is dead.” He continues, “At least tipping, as you and I understand it. A mandatory 20 percent gratuity on every restaurant meal? Obligatory tips for housekeepers, concierges and tour guides? Kiss them goodbye.”

Now, I’m not sure why Mr. Elliot decided to take on the entire service industry.

Virtually all of the servers I’ve ever known – bartenders, waitstaff, even housekeepers and concierges – are hard-working individuals dedicated to making sure they do their jobs for those they serve. The ones who have to deal with the public are the ones who invariably take the most abuse. But all of them legitimately earn whatever gratuities they receive.

Mr. Elliot continues with his reasoning: “An increasing number of Americans believe that tipping expectations are unfair, says Carla Bevins, an expert on business management communication at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. And that’s led to a shift in public attitudes toward gratuities.”

He continues to gripe about those portable payment terminals where you enter your tip (or lack thereof). He shows the slightest bit of empathy by suggesting that those service workers who depend upon gratuities to earn a living are “likely to suffer because of the understandable tipping backlash.” But that’s as far as he goes to show any understanding of the real human issue.

I don’t know how Mr. Elliot was raised; I know nothing about what kind of a person he is. But I wasn’t raised like that. As someone who has spent decades playing music alongside servers, I have firsthand knowledge of how hard they work and the crap they have to endure.

Mr. Elliot seems to have missed a valuable lesson in life. So I’ll clue him in: If you can’t afford to tip, you can’t afford to go out. It’s really that simple. The way the restaurant and bar

JOHN BARTUS

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

economy works in these United States enables business owners to pay less than minimum wage under the assumption that the lion’s share of the server’s income will come from tips. Mr. Elliot continues to dig himself deeper as his little missive goes on. The penultimate section of the article is titled “How to avoid tipping.” The last of his three suggestions in this section shows a callous disregard for those who work in the service industry: “Refuse to tip.” He actually writes, “You can also send a message to a business about tipping by putting a zero in the tip line. (A) retired nurse who has stopped tipping says the reaction from service workers has been one of resignation. It seems they know the system is broken, but they don’t know how to fix it.”

No, Mr. Elliot. That’s not the reaction from service workers. They really don’t care about your errant opinions on the status of the system. The real reaction is that they’ve just spent all this time and effort serving a cheap S.O.B., and that their own income will suffer. Send a message to the business? Bollocks. The business still gets paid. It’s the server who gets stiffed. The undeniable bottom line that Mr. Elliot totally misses with his article is that unless there is a fundamental change in how restaurants, bars and the service industry in general do business, the people who will be affected most by his misguided opinions are the ones who can afford it the least. I assume that Mr. Elliot is proud of his little essay, as he wrote it and the paper published it. He should, however, be ashamed for his (perhaps unintended?) attack on some of the hardest-working people I’ve ever known. Finally, I would seriously recommend to Mr. Elliot that if he feels like going out for dinner or drinks, he should strongly reconsider and just stay home where he won’t have to feel so conflicted about tipping.

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

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TRACY McDONALD

MEET THE 2024 ALL-KEYS GIRLS TRACK & FIELD TEAM

Standouts broke records and put the islands on the map at states

Girls track and field this year culminated in five athletes earning bids to the state championships, with two of those athletes medaling at the highest level of competition in Florida. Marathon achieved third place at the district championship meet, just four points shy of the runner-up trophy. Three district championship titles were claimed by the Dolphins, who went on to qualify three athletes for states and bring home one FHSAA 1A medal to Marathon.

Key West earned runner-up hardware at districts as a team and crowned three district champions, sending a pair of athletes to states and bringing home one FHSAA 2A medal to Key West. Several Fins and Conchs broke school records this season, and of those record breakers, a majority were underclassmen, setting the stage for even greater success in 2025.

Coral Shores endured a rebuilding season, and though no district champions or regional qualifiers were produced, numerous athletes registered personal bests.

athletes

TRACK & FIELD FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

JUSTICE LEE | Sophomore, Marathon | Throwing

medals brought

Sophomore Justice Lee transferred her state-championship strength in weightlifting to the throwing events this season, setting school records in shot put, javelin and discus. At districts, Lee claimed gold medals in shot put and javelin while securing a silver in discus. Her regional throws in shot put placed second and qualified her for the state championships, where Lee brought home a fourthplace medal in the event, re-breaking her own record four times at the big show and proving that the best is yet to come for this exceptional athlete.

Marathon’s Ava Merryman brought home district gold and regional silver in the pole vault this season, qualifying her for a second state championship bid in as many years. The talented sophomore owns the all-time Marathon record in pole vault, ran a leg of Marathon’s second-best-ever 4x100 relay, and often fills in on the 4x800 relay, showing her versatility and willingness to put her skills to work when the Fins need her.

Kayesha Christian capped off her final season with the Fins in style, with a trip to the state championships to compete in the long jump. Christian was a district silver medalist and placed seventh at regionals to claim an at-large bid to states. She owns the school records in both long and triple jump and is the second-fastest 100-meter runner in Marathon history.

AVA MERRYMAN Sophomore, Marathon Pole vault

KAYESHA CHRISTIAN Senior, Marathon Jumping

Photos by Barry Gaukel, Mark Hedden, Doug Finger and contributed images.

Sophomore, Coral Shores

Sprints

Just a sophomore, Mira Jones has already found a place in Coral Shores’ record books with a solid 400-meter time, the third-fastest in school history. Jones’ time improved steadily as the season went on, peaking in the postseason with a fifthplace finish at the district meet and narrowly missing a bid to regionals.

Senior, Coral Shores

Sprints

Senior sprinter Brooke Mandozzi completed her final season with the ’Canes with two top-five all-time school records. Mandozzi is third for Coral Shores in the 100, an event in which she placed seventh at districts. She is the No. 5 all-time Hurricane in the 200-meter event, in which she finished eighth at districts.

Senior,

Key West Distance

When Caylaa Makimaa qualified for the state cross country championships as an individual athlete last fall, it was clear that the senior’s dedication and hard work were paying off. Those same efforts transferred to the track this season, where Makimaa excelled in all things distance. Makimaa was a 3200-meter silver medalist at districts and was sixth at regionals. In the 1600, she was fifth at districts, and she ran a leg of the Conchs’ regional-qualifying 4x800 relay as well. Makimaa finishes her Key West career in second place in the Key West record books for the 800, 1600, 3200 and 4x400 relay.

DAYSI WILLIAMS

Sophomore, Marathon

Jumping/sprinting

Marathon’s Daysi Williams took silver in high jump at the district meet this year, and though her season ended sooner than she would have liked, it was a successful sophomore campaign. Williams broke her own high-jump record earlier in the season and is in Marathon’s record books in the top five in 300 hurdles, long jump and the 4x100 relay as well. In the 200-meter race, Williams was fourth at districts, proving she has speed as well as hops.

Sophomore, Key West Throwing

Key West’s Audrey Smith excelled in two throwing events for the Conchs this season. The sophomore tossed the javelin for a first-place district medal, qualifying for regionals and then states, where she set a personal record and claimed a sixthplace medal in the event. In discus, she placed fourth at districts and qualified for regionals. Smith continues to gain strength and distance on her throws, and with two seasons left to compete, already stands in second for all-time javelin distance in Key West’s record books.

GRACE

Senior, Key West

Hurdles/throwing

Despite sitting out nearly half the season with a foot injury, Key West’s Grace Andrew brought home three bronze medals from districts. The talented senior was third in the 100 and 400 hurdles as well as the javelin event. Andrew is the all-time Conch record-holder in the 400 hurdles and holds the fourth and fifth spots in the 100 hurdles and javelin, respectively.

Senior, Key West Pole Vault

State-qualifying pole vaulter Anabel Portuondo was the silver medalist at districts and regionals, earning an automatic trip to states in the event. Her jumping skills also shined in the high jump, in which she placed fifth at districts. Portuondo is third in Key West’s record books in pole vault.

AUDREY SMITH

ANDREW

MIRA JONES

BROOKE MANDOZZI

CAYLAA MAKIMAA

ANABEL PORTUONDO

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City Council

Robyn Still, Mayor

Lynn Landry, Vice Mayor

Luis Gonzalez, Councilmember

Jeff Smith, Councilmember

Kenny Matlock, Councilmember

City Manager

George Garrett

City Attorney

Steve Williams

City Clerk

Diane Clavier, CMC

Public Meeting to Discuss Sombrero Boulevard Improvements

6/7/24 5:00pm Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

City Council Meeting

6/11/24 5:30pm Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Code Compliance Hearing

6/20/24 2:00pm Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

City Council Workshop

6/25/24 5:30pm Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at any meeting or workshop noted herein, he or she will need a record of the proceedings and for such purposes he or she 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. The City of Marathon complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a disabled person requiring special accommodations or assistance, please notify the City ADA Coordinator at (305) 289-5022 of such need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance.

• Property tax bills for the first installment of 2024 were mailed out and are due by June 30. If the first installment is not paid by July 31, then you will be removed from the plan.

• Delinquent tangible taxes for 2023 must be paid by June 30 or a tax warrant will become e ective on July 1.

• Local business tax renewals will be mailed out at the end of June for the 2025 business cycle.

• Specialty license plates and pre-sale vouchers are available for purchase directly through our website.

• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our o ce. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted.

• A property that is being rented out for six months or less must have a tourist development tax account.

• All rental properties must also have a local business tax, regardless of how long they are being rented.

• Since the implementation of our new vacation rental software one year ago, the Tax Collector’s O ce has collected over $800,000 in back taxes, penalties, and interest from 101 non-compliant vacation rentals.

Follow us on for more imortant tax information.

$3.50

$4

$3

1.5-year-old male pit bull mix.

Looking for: I love affection, my pool and other dogs.

Turnoffs: Cats. I do not like those things.

SWIPE RIGHT

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.

BLAKE

9-year-old female domestic longhair.

Looking for: I’m a snuggly lap cat, looking for someone to love me.

Turnoffs: Mosquitos! I’m allergic to them, just look at my nose.

Diva, right, the longest resident at the Marathon campus, was finally adopted after spending 401 days at the shelter.

MATEO

... 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.

The interior of the 12-year-old Honda CR-V is well insulated, soundwise, but still, the raindrops thumping on the roof were loud. Ellen Westbrook and I had been birding around Grassy Key between the bands of a seemingly endless storm. We were up there looking for a rare bird that we weren’t going to find, but we didn’t know that yet.

There are quite a few houses on Grassy Key, but also quite a few salt ponds that are often full of birds. We’d seen several when we were walking around. But then the rain came.

My camera is advertised as being weather-sealed, which differs, I believe, from waterproof, though I’m not sure how. At a certain point in a Florida deluge, there doesn’t seem to be an appreciable difference between standing in the open air and sitting in a pool, and testing the limits of the definition of weather-sealed didn’t seem a wise decision financially.

This was probably our fourth retreat to the car. We didn’t know how long the rain band would last, but we weren’t yet ready to give up on the rare bird. We’d pulled off the side of the road and down a little dropoff, though not all the way, lest we get stuck. Then we sat, staring straight ahead.

A car windshield, like a camera, can frame the world for you. The stage set in front of us featured mangroves, salt ponds, beige Keys mud and dark clouds. And within that tableau were a few potential protagonists, divided into two camps – a troupe of least terns and a troupe of reddish egrets.

The least terns varied in number. Sometimes there was only one, sometimes eight or nine.

Least terns are so light and quick that when they fly up it looks as if they’re pulled by a force outside the realm of aeronautics, almost as if they’ve been raptured. They land almost as quickly, as if they’d been raptured accidentally and the unnamed forces of the universe were trying to put them back as fast as possible so no one would notice.

Least terns in the Keys are most commonly seen in the air over parking lots near flat-roofed structures — grocery stores, office buildings and government buildings. In the proper order of things, least terns would be nesting on beaches, but there aren’t a lot of beaches in the Keys, or Florida in general, that aren’t dominated by human activity, which makes breeding on them a losing proposition. So they generally nest on gravel rooftops.

Ellen knows a thing or two about least terns. For close to a decade she has worked as a volunteer surveyor, going around Key West once a week during breeding season, monitoring the least tern population.

Sitting there, she pointed out that there weren’t any gravel rooftops for miles, so these birds were probably nesting somewhere on some nearby, slightly elevated upland surrounded by the salt ponds. I was so used to associating them with modern buildings I’d kind of forgotten it was possible for them to nest in more natural habitats.

After a while we noticed one tern that hadn’t joined all the hyper active peripateticism. She, or he – least terns are sexually monomorphic – was just sitting in the same spot for minutes on end.

Ellen and I both lifted our binoculars to see if maybe a least tern was sitting on an egg right in front of us. While a car windshield may be a good framing device, it also warps the light somewhat, like a lens. It’s not something you notice so much naked-eyed or wearing glasses while driving, but it’s definitely something you notice looking through binoculars, because it can be difficult, if not impossible, to focus. And I had the wipers on slow, so the view would slowly blur even further, then periodically get squeegeed clean for a few moments, before blurring again.

All of which can make it difficult to ascertain whether a 9-inch, 1.5-ounce bird 50 yards away is sitting on an inch-long egg. Eventually, though, it was clear there was daylight under the bird, meaning he or she was standing, and not on an egg.

Maybe the disinclined-to-move least tern had enjoyed a successful morning plunge diving for fish and was just digesting. Maybe he or she just wasn’t buying into all the excitability. Meanwhile, the troupe of reddish egrets just stood there, which was also a little odd.

A LEAST TERN AND REDDISH EGRET TABLEAU

I tend to think of reddish egrets as solo acts, probably because in the heron and egret world, they are what the kids used to call a little extra. It’s their feeding technique, which relies largely on drama, fakery and chaos. Whereas wading birds like great egrets, great blue herons or tricolored herons often stand stock still in, or immediately next to, water, waiting for the perfect moment to strike and catch a fish, reddish egrets run around like freaks, splashing, throwing their wings out, spinning, changing direction, stopping quickly. All with the intention of confusing and scaring small fish into showing themselves and inadvertently offering themselves up as meals. That all requires a lot of space. Which is why, to my mind, you tend to only see a single reddish egret working a salt pond or a tidal flat. Even an agent of chaos can only handle so much chaos.

So why were there four reddish egrets standing in the same patch of pond? Reddish egrets come in two color morphs – the purplish/mauve color that gives them their name and white. These were all dark birds, two of them the reddish of adults, and two of them with the paler, chalkier plumage (as David Sibley describes it) of juveniles. It was a family unit, if an unusually subdued one.

Since reddish egrets are visual hunters, there wasn’t much point in them executing their usual antics in heavy rain. So for a long time they just stood.

The kids must have grown hungry, though, because when the rain subsided slightly, they began to move around, slowly and seemingly without a lot of intent at first, but then warming up into their sudden sprints across the pond.

As the rain lessened, the parents followed suit, everyone eventually moving out of the frame.

A young Reddish Egret feeds in the rain on Grassy Key. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

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At the Krefeld Z in Germany, Jan, a Li e's , celebrated his 54th birthday on April 30, making him the oldest living sloth in cap vity -- ever, United Pre Interna onal reported. Z k pers said Jan, who regularly sports a silk robe and cravat, is in te i c health and, as pr f, he just fathered his 22nd o spring.

ALMANAC | June 6

On this day: In 1944, 155,000 A ied tr ps landed at Normandy, France, on D-Day as Opera on Overlord, the invasion of Europe, began.

Adam

In The Bleachers

Brevity

Brevity

Nancy

News of the Weird

How’s the Weather?

Are you a weather-watcher? It’s helpful to know what the conditions will be outside when we’re making plans. With smartphones and weather apps created by weather experts, it’s easier than ever to check the forecast.

How do the experts know what the weather will be like? This week, The Mini Page looks at weather forecasting.

METEOROLOGY

Meteorologists (MEE-tee-or-ALL-uh-jists) are scientists whose job it is to let us know all about the weather.

Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere and all the conditions that produce our weather.

WEATHER MATTERS

The forecasts that meteorologists make affect people’s lives and well-being. For example, forecasts tell:

• pilots what flight plans to make.

• farmers when to plant crops.

• families to evacuate their homes when a hurricane is coming.

• kids when they need to bundle up to go outside.

Most meteorologists work for the National Weather Service, an agency of the U.S. government. Other meteorologists work for private companies that provide special reports or for TV stations.

The weather service has people at work every hour of the day and night at 122 weather-forecasting offices around the country. Each office is responsible for reporting

ECO NOTE

what is going on in its own area. Experts use powerful supercomputers that can create weather maps.

WEATHER CLUES

Meteorologists forecast the weather in the troposphere (TROP-uh-sfeer), or the layer of air closest to us. It is the air we breathe and where most of our weather takes place. This layer goes up 5 to 10 miles. It varies in different parts of the world. Meteorologists are interested in:

• The temperature, or how cold or hot the air is.

• The humidity, or how much moisture is in the air.

• The wind, or how fast the air is moving.

• Air pressure, or the weight of the air around us.

These conditions are collected by doppler radar, radiosondes (packages of equipment attached to balloons), weather satellites, buoys and other instruments. This information is processed by computers and analyzed by meteorologists.

With around 57 million people engaging in bird feeding in the U.S. each year, new research is exploring how the activity not only benefits the birds, but improves human well-being too.

Ashley Dayer of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech said people participating in the new study, FeederWatch, “are not only reporting what they see at their bird feeders, but also their emotional responses to it.” She adds that feeding birds is a great way to maintain a connection to wildlife.

WANT TO BE A METEOROLOGIST?

Are you intrigued by weather? Most meteorologists have a college education. They study:

• Math, so they can figure out what computer-generated figures mean.

• Science, so they can observe what is happening and use this information to make predictions.

• Computer science, so they can tell computers how to interpret the weather data they receive.

• Chemistry, so they will know how gases in the atmosphere (such as carbon dioxide) affect the weather.

• Physics, so they can understand the movements of the Earth’s air.

Meteorologists’ predictions are not always right, but technology and weather forecasting techniques continue to improve.

RESOURCES

On the Web:

• noaa.gov/jetstream

At the library:

• “Weather Watch: Forecasting the Weather” by Ellen Labrecque

• “Weather Prediction” by Clara MacCarald

The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Founded by Betty Debnam

photo courtesy NOAA photo courtesy NOAA photos courtesy NWS

A typical NWS regional office.

An NWS meteorologist in Norman, Oklahoma.

A radiosonde launch.

TRY ’N’ FIND

Words

WEATHER, WIND.

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

QUARTERLY MEETING

NOTICE: LOCAL

COORDINATING BOARD FOR THE TRANSPORTATION

DISADVANTAGED

The Monroe County Local Coordinating Board (LCB) will be holding its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Friday, June 14, 2024 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Marathon Government Center, 1st Floor Media Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The primary purpose of the Coordinating Board is to provide information and advice to the Community Transportation Coordinator on the coordination of services provided to the transportation disadvantaged population of Monroe County, pursuant to Chapter 427.0157, Florida Statutes.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting due to a disability or physical impairment, and any related questions or inquiries concerning this meeting should be directed to Anjana Morris at the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. at (305) 592-1452 ext. 101 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.

Publish: June 6, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT HEARING SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2024-490 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of

REQUEST FOR BIDDERS

Project: The Heron Build Phase 1

the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances.

DATE/TIME: Thursday, June 20th, 2024, 9:35 am OR at the conclusion of the Public Hearing

LOCATION: City of Key Colony Beach, Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach. The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2024-490], entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER FIFTEEN OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, ENTITLED STORMWATER UTILITY SYSTEM; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; REPEALING ANY INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS; PROVIDING

Guidance/Care Center Inc. is soliciting competitive bids for the Phase One construction of a new Heron assisted living facility. This is the first part of a multi-phased master plan for new construction in Marathon, Florida.

Project Description

Guidance/Care Center Inc. will construct a new building adjacent to the existing building.

Acquiring Bidding Documents

Interested parties can obtain the comprehensive construction documents, detailed project specifications, as well as instructions for bidders in the following ways: Online Download: For the convenience of our bidders, all relevant documents can also be downloaded from our website at https://westcare.bid/GCCHeron

Key Dates

• Pre-bid/walk-through Meeting (Strongly Recommended) is Tuesday June 18, 2024 10:00 A.M. at 67 Coco Plum Dr, Marathon, Florida 33050

• Last Day to Submit Questions: June 28, 2024, at 3 P.M. bids@westcare.com

• Bid Submission Deadline: Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. 3000 41st Street Ocean, Marathon, FL 33050

• Public Bid Opening: Tuesday July 9, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. 3000 41st St. Ocean Marathon, Florida 33050

Contact Information

For further inquiries or clarifications:

• Architect: K2M Design

• Contact Name: Devon Ayers, email: dayers@k2mdesign.com

• Owner: The Guidance/Care Center Inc.

• Contact Name: Jeramy Salyer, email: bids@westcare.com

WestCare Foundation, Inc. and The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. are committed to “Uplifting the Human Spirit” for the well-being of our community. All eligible contractors are encouraged to submit complete bid packages.

WestCare Foundation, Inc. and The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bidding process, and to accept the bid that is in the best interest of our mission and the community we serve.

This is a federally-funded (HUD) and State of Florida-funded project, which will require contractor compliance with applicable requirements of governmental funders.

Publish: June 6, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers.

FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.”

The Business Impact Statement is available for review on the City of Key Colony Beach’s website at www.keycolonybeach.net and at City Hall at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose 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.

If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, June 20th, 2024, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record.

To be published: On or before June 10th, 2024 City Clerk City of Key Colony Beach, Florida Publish: June 6, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Upper Keys Landscaping Services for Plantation Key Courthouse Complex and Murray E. Nelson Government Center Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

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

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

that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, July 3, 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: June 6, 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-000268-K IN RE: ESTATE OF DOUGLAS JOHN KENNETT Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of DOUGLAS JOHN KENNETT, deceased, whose date of death was October 25, 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: June 6, 2024. Personal Representative: EILEEN BURTNER JAMESON 5903 Mount Eagle Drive Apt 1014 Alexandria, Virginia 22303 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN FERRARI, JR. Attorney Florida Bar No. 111132 Ferrari, Butler & Moneymaker,

Publish: June 6 & 13, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

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

FILE NO.: 24-CP-000277-K

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF EUGENIA YVONNE BUTLER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of EUGENIA YVONNE BUTLER, deceased, whose date of death was July 3, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division: File Number 24-CP-000277-K the address of which is 500 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040. The

names and addresses of the personal representative(s) and the personal representative(s)’ attorney is set forth below. The Fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in s. 90.5021 FLA. STAT. applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative. All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmature, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED 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 JUNE 6, 2024. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: CARLTON THURSTON 14905 Simmons Grove Drive Haymarket, VA 20169

ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL

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.

REPRESENTATIVE: Nakeitha Sweeting Hodrick, Esq. FBN: 0079847

Sweeting Law & Mediation, P.A. 20451 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite 108 Miami, Florida 33169

786.279.4841

Publish:

June 6 & 13, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000263-PK IN RE: ESTATE OF CYNTHIA L. YELKIN

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of CYNTHIA L. YELKIN, deceased, whose date of death was July 31, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 24-CP-000263-PK, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (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 the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED 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: JUNE 6, 2024.

Personal Representative: SEDAT L. YELKIN 9268 Youngstown-Salem Rd. Canfield, OH 44406

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273

Turner & Lynn, P.A. 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com

Publish: June 6 & 13, 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

LEGAL NOTICES

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

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

BOATS FOR SALE

Rampage 25X10 Diesel Center Console. Charter fish rigged. 20 Rods & Reels + equip. Located in Marathon. 305-691-5282

Place your BOAT 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

EMPLOYMENT

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

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

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

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

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 305743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

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

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, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker, and HVAC Maintenance Mechanic $64.480-$72,800/yr. plus benefits. 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

ANNUAL RENTALKey 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

Conch House - Studio for Rent in Marathon. $960/month furnished + utilities. Dockage available. No Pets. 305-610-8002

Large One Bedroom Suite, Conch House, carpet, tile, appliances, available for rent in Marathon. $2,000/month furnished all included. Weekly payments possible. Dockage available. No Pets. 305-610-8002

2/1-Marathon, furn.,duplex, w/d, near Hospital, 30’ on canal. $2,500/month, 6 mon. minimum , (or) $4,500/ monthly. Pets nego. Call/Text 409-370-0025 RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

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

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

RV SITE FOR RENT

RV site at marina available in Marathon. Monthly 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

Coast Guard Exchange Miami is looking to fill a MWR Lodge Host position for our beautiful Marathon, Florida location.

The job has diverse duties caring for 4 cottages and our boat program. These include business management, grounds maintenance, customer service, and supervising the boating program.

Please visit INDEED or the CGX Careers page and search “Lodge Host 5661”.

The MWR position is for Marathon, FL. $18-$23 an hour, full time. 305-363-9361

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.

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

FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER

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

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

Salary: $60,000.

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

Email resume to:

Chief of Police at: chief@keycolonybeach.net

YARD SALES

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

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

Or call for additional information: 305-289-1212 ext. 1

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

NOW HIRING

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

$18/hour to start. Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org

WE ARE HIRING!

DIRECT CARE STAFF /DRIVER AT ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM FT

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

Hosts

Waitstaff

Bartenders

Bar Backs

Bussers

Line Cooks

Dishwashers

Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

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

Part-time Apply in person at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar,

salary 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.

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

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

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.

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.

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

- 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

LEARN

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

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