Marathon Weekly 24-0620

Nothing compares to getting more than expected

Explore this well-maintained three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence that boasts ample privacy and space to unwind. A haven for fishing enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation, the property is thoughtfully designed. A recently installed boat lift and a commercial ice machine enhance the experience. With swift ocean access, an expansive swimming pool, a bar, and numerous inviting outdoor spaces, this sturdy concrete home with impact windows is a vacationer's paradise. Seeing is truly believing, and this vacation rental, sold as pictured with a few exceptions for personal items, is a testament to that. Conveniently situated in Central Marathon, it's close to the beach, grocery shopping, and other amenities. Additionally, the buyer has approval from the Army Corp to expand the dockage by over 30 feet.

29 its

9709 Overseas Hwy.

Marathon, FL 33050

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On June 17, the Boston Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 to secure their 18th NBA title. It breaks a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most in league history.

GOP CANDIDATE SEEKING TO CHALLENGE INCUMBENT STATE REP. IS DISQUALIFIED

Three

Republicans vie for county commission’s Upper Keys seat

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Before a qualifying period concluded on June 14, Key Largo resident Jose Peixoto withdrew his name for the county commission’s District 5 seat to challenge Republican incumbent state Rep. Jim Mooney in the August primary.

Peixoto was shown as qualified for the District 120 race for a brief moment on the Florida Division of Elections website. By the time a noon deadline approached, Peixoto’s name was taken off the site as a candidate for District 120.

“We don’t know,” Peixoto told Keys Weekly on June 17. He said he became aware five minutes before the noon qualifying deadline.

“It’s some inside work, I think. We have lawyers looking at it, so I can’t say anything more at this time.”

Keys Weekly reached out to the state elections office regarding Peixoto’s disqualification. No official response was received as of press time.

Peixoto, who ran for county commission in 2020 and 2022, told Keys Weekly on June 14 he believes he had a better chance of winning Florida’s District 120 seat, which represents the Florida Keys and a portion of Miami-Dade.

“I think I have a great chance, especially in South Miami-Dade because I’m Spanish. A great percentage of those voters are Spanish.”

Mooney was qualified as of noon Friday, according to the Florida Division of Elections. A former Islamorada mayor, Mooney is seeking a third term representing the Keys in Tallahassee. Mooney has served as Republican Committee whip for the past two sessions.

Democrat Michael “Erika Rose” Travis,

West, filed for candidacy last July. Travis is qualified and will face Mooney in the general election.

Even with Peixoto’s exit, the race for the county commission’s District 5 seat will see three Republicans vying for the seat in the August primary. Incumbent Holly Raschein, the county mayor; Melissa Ptomey, Tavernier mother of two and local business owner; and Paul Wunderlich, Key Largo resident, have officially qualified. The winner will go on to take the seat with no challengers from other parties.

Voters throughout Monroe County vote for all county commissioners.

Raschein said the county is at a pivotal point amid the ongoing hurricane evacuation model talks, ROGO, transit and infrastructure, among other issues. She believes experience is important in the race.

“Right now, experience counts and we gotta keep moving in the right direction,” Raschein said. “I will spend the next two months sharing the vision and taking in thoughts and input from everybody.”

A former state representative who served eight years, Raschein was appointed in 2021 by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill the remainder of the late County Commissioner Mike Forster’s term. In 2022, she was elected to the board of county commissioners. Raschein, the government relations director for AshBritt, sits on a variety of boards including the Florida National Parks Association, Florida Association of Counties, Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, and the Greater Miami and the Keys chapter of the American Red Cross.

The state of the coral reefs, the fisheries and economy are other big-ticket items for Raschein.

“None of this works without a middle class. If you ask some people, the middle class is gone already. I can’t take that for an answer,” Raschein told Keys Weekly.

Ptomey officially announced her campaign for District 5 on June 14. She owns an environmental consulting firm and Island Music School on Plantation Key. She co-founded the Florida Keys Young Republican Club. She formerly worked at the county

of Key

The gang at Overseas Pub and Grill is ready to make Saturday, June

biggest charitable event yet in support of cancer patient Mallory Martin. See page 10. Pictured are Martin, center, with her support crew. Clockwise from left: Ashley Kelshaw, Catherine Dunn, Andy Sharf, Brian ‘Cheddar’ Geitz, Kyrstyn Ransom. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

When Only the Best will Do

A south-to-north (left to right) cross-section of proposed improvements to Sombrero Boulevard, including a raised sidewalk with lighting as well as drainage channels leading to active pumping stations. WEILER ENGINEERING/Contributed

A FIX FOR SOMBRERO FLOODS?

‘Informal’ meeting adjourned; council session next

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Marathon’s next monthly city council workshop, set for Tuesday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m., will take a second, more formal stab at addressing resident ire over chronic flooding plaguing the east end of Sombrero Boulevard.

An “informal” meeting was scheduled for June 7 to address locals’ concerns about the road, which in recent years has seen both lanes flooded after both moderate and severe rain events, along with three disabled vehicles within the past month. That meeting, however, was adjourned by City Attorney Steve Williams and City Manager George Garrett mere minutes after it began due to the unexpected presence of a court reporter.

“This was the city’s effort to have a friendly, voluntary effort to work with everyone in the neighborhood,” Williams told the dozens gathered that evening. “Now we’re just creating evidence for someone else that we don’t need to be creating, and it can only be used against us. … We will have a formal meeting, and we’ll have the experts here doing the talking.”

Following numerous complaints received about the road through a variety of channels, the Weekly sat down with city staff ahead of Tuesday’s session to relay concerns and attempt to separate fact from fiction about the causes, history and potential remedies for the floods

Except where directly quoted, the following answers were summarized from city agenda documents, previous council meetings, press releases, resident concerns voiced to the Weekly, and an extensive interview with Garrett, Williams and Planning Director Brian Shea.

Keys Weekly: How does the current drainage system on Sombrero Boulevard work?

As it currently stands, drainage of the area happens with the use of two gravity-fed injection wells – one at the corner of Sombrero Boulevard and 53rd Street, and one on the north side of the boulevard between the row of condominiums and Skipjack Resort. Drains on the south side of the road flow to these two injection wells, which until recently would only flow as quickly as gravity allowed.

KW: What is being done currently to address flooding events?

Currently, the output from a four-inch, 450-gallon-per-minute pump is inserted down the injection well next to Skipjack. A balloon-like apparatus seals off the well so that water can be forcibly pumped down the well without backflow, accelerating drainage of the area.

KW: Why has the situation become so much worse in recent years?

Historically, stormwater flowed from the higher-elevation north side of the road, condominium parking lots and Skipjack Resort toward the

south side and onto the Florida Keys Country Club (golf course) property. In the past, the water flowed onto the golf course unimpeded. In early 2022, construction of a berm along the golf course’s north edge in the early stages of the property’s ongoing redevelopment – which was required in order for the property to retain its own stormwater – caused the water from the street to collect and rise, ultimately covering the road.

King tides and historic rain events have contributed to incidents of severe flooding, including three events with more than seven inches of cumulative rain since November of 2023. The most recent storm in late May saw more than eight inches of cumulative rainfall, during which the city’s pumps moved an estimated 1 million gallons of stormwater in draining the road.

KW: The Weekly has received concerns that no permit was issued to build the berm. Is there a permit?

Yes. The berm is a component of the property’s redevelopment agreement in place since 2014. The specific permit number containing the berm is P-2016-0754.

KW: The Weekly received reports and concerns that city staff have previously worked on the berm, which is on private property. Have staff members ever performed repairs to the berm?

No. But we recognized that the berm had broken through during the Memorial Day rain event, and we sandbagged it to prevent water from coming off the golf course from our side of the public right-of-way.

KW: Knowing that this berm would be constructed in 2022 and impede the usual flow of the water, why was a plan not put in place earlier to address the increased stormwater buildup that would eventually flood the road?

“Nobody anticipated how much water was coming off of those condos (on the north side of the road) and Skipjack,” said Garrett. “There’s only one source of that water; it used to flow onto the golf course, and now it doesn’t. … This also goes back to original plans that were approved back in 2014.”

Garrett added that when the area first began to have more significant stormwater problems after the berm’s construction, city staff originally believed the buildup was due to an error made during a recent fix to the drainage system that caused an obstruction in piping crossing under Sombrero Boulevard and leading to the drainage well.

“We didn’t recognize that it was a problem with the berm as much as we recognized that we made a fix,” Garrett said. “We thought it was a problem that in part was our issue because of that construction project.”

BUDGET VETOES HIT ARTS & THEATER COMMUNITIES

Governor slashes almost $1 billion from legislatively-approved spending plan

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Several organizations in the Florida Keys will need to seek funds from another source following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ vetoes of almost a billion dollars from the state Legislature’s 2024-25 spending plan on June 12.

DeSantis signed a $116 billion budget and axed a long list of projects, ranging from education and homeless initiatives to sewer improvement projects and new facilities throughout Florida.

The arts community was especially shocked to see $26 million in grants cut from the budget.

Elizabeth Young, executive director for the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, said the funds go toward salaries, new exhibit programming and other operating expenses for local galleries and theaters. The nearly $26 million in slashed funds, from which the Florida Keys Council of the Arts was hoping to receive around $22,000, represented a tiny piece of the total budget.

Young said the veto has upset more than 650 cultural organizations throughout the state.

“It’s hard to quantify the loss of culture and arts in the community,” Young said. “It does speak to people having jobs in the state. For us, it’s jobs.”

State spending cuts hit 13 local organizations in the arts community to the tune of more than $1 million, including Red Barn Actor’s Studio, Key West Literary Seminar, the Studios of Key West, Bahama Village Music Program and Marathon Community Theater.

“Like most nonprofits, the Studios (of Key West) already operates with a lean budget, and a hit like this is a significant one for us all — especially coming with so little notice,” wrote Jed Dodds, executive director, to friends of the Studios.

A special meeting among organizations and individuals in the arts and theater communities is set for Monday, June 24 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. The meeting will be hosted by the Florida Cultural Alliance, a nonprofit created in 1985 to develop a statewide, nonpartisan advocacy network among the arts and culture groups and policymakers at the local, state and federal levels.

“Once the governor vetoes it, it’s vetoed. We can’t change it,” Young said. “We’ll be advocating to other foundations and funders and philanthropists.”

DeSantis said the $949.6 million in cuts will result in a budget reserve of more than $17 billion.

The governor also vetoed $1.5 million for repairs to the San Carlos Institute in Key West, $300,000 for a marine emergency response vessel for Islamorada, $250,000 for the Good Health Clinic’s building project and $150,000 for the Monroe Association of ReMARCable Citizens for supported employment.

State Rep. Jim Mooney said he was a bit surprised by the governor’s veto of the marine vessel for Islamorada Fire Rescue. The appropriation request was made by fellow state Rep. Lauren Melo, of Naples, to mitigate tragedies on the Florida Keys waters.

As for San Carlos Institute, Mooney said litigation issues over the building’s ownership — the Cuban government claims it’s theirs — may have deterred the governor.

“I’m not sure the governor was in a position to throw a million at the project, although they (San Carlos Institute) needed it,” he said.

from page 4

GOP CANDIDATE SEEKING TO CHALLENGE INCUMBENT STATE REP. IS DISQUALIFIED

Planning and Environmental Resources Department.

Ptomey said her campaign will focus on curbing overdevelopment and its numerous detrimental impacts, cutting annual county spending and promptly fixing citizens’ problems.

“As an environmental consultant and former research diver with thousands of dives, I’ve seen the Keys from the land, the sea and underwater, and I know these islands are in dire straits,” Ptomey said.

She was also critical of Raschein’s vote of support for the proposed Publix and workforce housing project in Tavernier.

“Raschein didn’t listen; instead, she voted to approve it,” Ptomey said. “Working with local residents and community organizations, we were able to get the Florida Department of Commerce to stop the commissioners’ plan.”

Raschein told Keys Weekly in February the project’s 86 new workforce housing units would have a huge effect on the Upper Keys.

“We’ve heard from all those entities, whether it’s the sheriff’s office, the school district and the hospital, that they’re able to hire good employees who are ready to hit the ground, but they end up not making it through the final process because there’s no affordable, safe space to live,” Raschein said.

Ptomey said she will be focusing on innovative workforce housing strategies.

“The county’s current efforts for affordable housing are a total failure,” she said. “We need a completely new approach, and I’ve got one.”

Peixoto told Keys Weekly that Ptomey’s entrance into the race to challenge Raschein also factored into his decision to withdraw from the race.

“I think she (Ptomey) has a better chance,” Peixoto said. “She’s a female. She knows a lot about the issues.”

Wunderlich, the Key Largo resident who recently launched his candidacy bid, didn’t immediately respond to comments regarding his campaign.

The only other contested race for county commission is between Democrat Chris Massicotte and Republican incumbent Jim Scholl for District 3, which covers the west part of Key West. As for Monroe County School Board, the only contested race is between Zach Bentley and Yvette Mira-Talbott for District 2.

All candidates for supervisor of elections are qualified. Republicans Sherri Hodies and Margaret Romero will face off in the Aug. 20 primary. The winner will go against Democrat Ron Saunders in the November general election.

Disney princesses take to the stage for ‘Disenchanted’ at Marathon Community Theatre in March. ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly

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BE A #CERTIFIEDMALPAL

Benefit for lung cancer patient

Mallory Martin set for June 29

made the natural career transition from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor after six years at Dolphin Research Center. His passions include running, watersports, and civil disagreements with sharks while spearfishing.

Itried four separate times to sit down and write this piece as a “news” article. But I just can’t.

On May 7, I was having a pretty stellar day as I enjoyed an annual shower of birthday calls, texts and Facebook messages. But the next day, one text in particular truly got me.

“Dude. So sorry I missed your birthday yesterday! Happy belated birthday!” Sounds like an ordinary text – except for the reason this friend had “missed” my birthday: She was undergoing surgery to remove part of her lung after being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. And the next day, she just wanted me to know SHE was thinking of ME. My brain could barely comprehend it.

But that’s who Mallory Martin is.

On March 23, Mallory suffered a seizure during her work day at Dolphin Research Center. Just 30 years old, doctors discovered a mass the size of a lime in her brain. Three days later, during an 18-day hospital stay, it was surgically removed – only for her to be told that it wasn’t a benign cyst, but the result of metastasized cancer that originated somewhere else in her body.

Dolphin Research Center trainer Mallory Martin, pictured here with boyfriend and Overseas Pub and Grill bartender Brian ‘Cheddar’ Geitz, is battling metastatic lung cancer at the age of 30. CONTRIBUTED

Her medical journey since then could fill our entire newspaper, but over the span of the next two months, she’d undergo three more procedures: gamma knife radiation to treat the tumor margins in her brain, a second surgery to remove affected areas of her lung targeted by Stage 4 adenocarcinoma – and a third emergency operation as complications triggered a massive internal bleed.

“It’s crazy. For me, I’m still stuck in March, although it’s almost the end of June, because that’s when my life stopped,” she told me. “I celebrated my 30th birthday at the top of the Eiffel Tower, and three weeks later I had Stage 4 cancer. … I just remembered holding the doctor’s hand before I went in for that last surgery and telling him that I didn’t want to die.”

After spending more than five years witnessing her strength and selflessness in countless talks on the docks of Dolphin Research Center together, it hardly surprises me that her doctors call her a “Straight-As” cancer patient. Or that she described brain surgery to me as “no big deal.” After all, she reminded me, she’s had general anesthesia 15 times at this point for medical procedures throughout her life – and the lung surgery was way worse than brain radiation, anyway.

Because again: Strength, independence and completely avoiding the spotlight, even when it’s more than deserved, are central to who Mallory is. Just ask the people closest to her.

“Mallory is the kind of friend that you can only live without if you’ve never had her in your life before,” her friend and coworker Kyrstyn Ransom told me. “She is so unapologetically herself and she makes sure those around her know their worth. If you’ve known Mallory’s love, your life is better because of it. ”

“She loves and lives wholeheartedly,” added Catherine Dunn, also a fellow DRC trainer. “I would do absolutely anything for her.”

“The support and laughter she brings to my life are some that I will cherish forever,” said fellow trainer and bartender Ashley Kelshaw. “It is a privilege to love and be loved by her.”

Today, Mallory is back home recovering with an oral targeted therapy drug. But as with any cancer, her battle – and need for the community to rally around her – are far from over.

For those unfamiliar, she’s also the better half – if that’s even possible – of beloved Overseas Pub and Grill bartender Brian “Cheddar” Geitz. It’s one of many reasons why, when Overseas bar manager and charitable fundraising mastermind Andy Sharf sounded his trademark “IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN!” horn a few months ago, he was dead set on making Mallory’s benefit event on Saturday, June 29 his biggest ever.

No, really. He bought a brand new $14,000 jet ski with stacks of cash, just to raffle it off and raise more money.

The Overseas gang will put on a full-court press all day and night to raise funds supporting Mallory’s ongoing medical care and its many related expenses, from a 100-plus item silent auction valued at more than $60,000 running until 10 p.m. and big-ticket raffle items valued at more than $35,000.

All tips to bartenders will go to the cause, as will proceeds from a barbecue pulled pork dinner offered for sale, and there are plenty of “eff cancer” coozies and #CertifiedMalPal wristbands to go around. Native Taxi is set to provide free cab rides to and from the bar, and the evening hours will see Key West legends Mike Stack and D-Lew take the stage for a musical set at 8:45 p.m.

To donate to Mallory’s GoFundMe supporting ongoing medical care, scan the QR code:

“My goal is to make Andy cry,” Mallory joked when asked about the weekend. “But if people want to help me, then maybe somehow my life has changed those people’s lives. So that means a lot.”

“Mallory wears her heart on her sleeve, she’s strong, she speaks her mind, she works hard and loves to help others,” Cheddar told the Weekly. “She’s always quick to lend a helping hand, but sometimes accepting help and having to depend on others has been difficult for her. She loves her family and friends, but most importantly, she loves her animals. Not sure which one I fall under – but I love her.”

ALEX RICKERT

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UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES GET EASY WINS

Keyswide, 20 people won office June 14 in uncontested races

By Gwen Filosa and Alex Rickert

Across the Florida Keys, 20 political races were settled outright on June 14, when the qualifying period for county and state races ended with no other opponents on the ballot. The uncontested races handed many Keyswide officials automatic victories.

Monroe County Commissioner Craig Cates of Key West won another term, along with Monroe County Judge James Morgan III, school board member Mindy Conn and Key West Utility Board member Patrick Labrada.

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay, who enters his fourth term as sheriff, said he’s thankful he was unopposed.

“Coming out uncontested only shows a sign of support and confidence from the community and the work my team and I are doing to keep you safe and secure,” Ramsay said in a video posted on Facebook. “I’m proud of this agency and this community, the men and women I work with and the people I work for.”

The small city of Key Colony Beach followed months of extreme staff and city commission turnover with stability this election cycle, as all four currentlyseated commissioners up for reelection – Mayor Joey Raspe and commissioners Doug Colonell, Tom DiFransico and Tom Harding – were unopposed at the close of the qualifying period. A fifth candidate, Linda Walsh, had previously registered to run but did not qualify.

“When elected officials truly listen to their constituents, great things

can happen,” Raspe told the Weekly. “This is what is happening now in Key Colony Beach.”

“I am looking forward to the next commissioner term for continued work with the value-added projects for the city of Key Colony Beach residents, and to help offer consistency and stability for the work we have been doing as a team,” said Harding. “We continue to value resident feedback in the decision-making process of the commission.”

“As a freshman council member, I hope to continue the efforts and build on the history and the tremendous success of Key Colony Beach,” said Colonell. “Today we’re working on several new and exciting common sense improvements by a simple common sense approach. Not surprising is our paramount job to rebuild and reopen our iconic Marble Hall. The strong leadership in place is committed to effective responsible city governance and proactive growth.”

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board’s Jill Cranney-Black, Brandon Pinder and Dr. Stan Zuba will all return having seen no challengers. Nick Rodriguez and Phillip Schwartz will return to the Key Largo Wastewater District having garnered no additional candidates.

Property Appraiser Scott Russell, County Clerk Kevin Madok and Tax Collector Sam Steele will all return to their posts having gone unopposed.

Michael McDonald, a professor of political science at the University of Florida, said small jurisdictions are much less likely to hold contested elections than big cities.

“You’ve got people fairly satisfied with how local government is being run,” McDonald told Keys Weekly. “Without controversy, you’re not going to get a lot of interest. Local elections aren’t particularly ideological. They’re not about abortion. They’re more about filling potholes. They’re not going to really rouse a lot of passions.”

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Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay has won a fourth term. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

HELP WANTED: NEW TDC PRESIDENT/CEO

Keys tourism agency begins looking for new boss

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

The Florida Keys is hiring for a brand-new position leading Monroe County’s multimillion-dollar tourism agency: president and CEO of the Tourist Development Council.

It pays $210,000 to $250,000, but this job comes with pages filled with duties and responsibilities, high expectations and a new public scrutiny created after the fallout from failed audits.

Just a few duties listed in the job description assembled by the executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global include: preparing the budget, managing invoices and expenditures, developing marketing strategies, media relations, recruiting employees, working with the chambers of commerce Keyswide and “oversight of every aspect of the organization’s operations.”

Also, the TDC president/CEO must handle crises from “hurricanes, health-related incidents, environment-related incidents, social unrest, mass shootings or policy-generated travel boycotts, among others,” the job description reads.

What’s not in the glossy, 8-page job ad prepared by SearchWide Global is that the last TDC director was fired amid a series of scathing audits.

In the first TDC audit released Oct. 31, 2023, County Clerk Kevin Madok’s office found instances of questionable spending, noncompliance with policy and failures in following financial protocols.

Under pressure from the Board of County Commissioners, the TDC board in March fired marketing director Stacey Mitchell by a unanimous vote.

Mitchell’s attorney, Zachary Z. Zermay, told Keys Weekly he’s putting together a wrongful termination lawsuit against Visit Florida Keys, the nonprofit charged with handling the use of the tourism development taxes on lodging and hotel rooms, known locally as the “bed tax.”

The TDC’s millions come from taxes paid by overnight tourists who stay at all lodging establishments in the county.

Searchwide Global has not yet provided the county search committee with the names of any candidates or applicants.

“They’re receiving résumés,” said Roman Gastesi, the former county administrator who serves on the selection committee. “The job has evolved, it’s grown.”

County commissioner Jim Scholl, of Key West, chairs the selection committee. Other members are Daniel Samess, Laura Ciampa, Jodi Weinhofer, Joshua Tomai and Diane Schmidt.

They next meet on Friday, June 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Marathon Government Center. There will also be a Zoom option to join and watch the meeting.

“I want to see them all, every applicant’s résumé,” Gastesi said.

Gastesi, who has worked in Monroe County government for 15 years and recently retired as county administrator, said the TDC outgrew the top-boss marketing director job that Mitchell held.

“When I started they had about $13-$14 million in revenues annually,” he said. “After (the COVID pandemic shutdown) they’re probably going to level off in the $60-$70 million range.

“It’s tough to find one person with a marketing background who can also run a $60 million operation,” Gastesi said.

“That’s where it was unfair for Stacey,” Gastesi said of Mitchell. “She’s a good marketer. She had never run a $60-$70 million operation. That was totally unfair. It outgrew her.”

Minimum qualifications for the president/CEO job start with a bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years’ experience at the executive level.

At the moment, the TDC president/CEO is the only position being advertised. But Gastesi said the agency needs at least one more executive to focus on the financial side.

“If they try to combine the two, they’re going to have the same problem,” Gastesi said. “They’re going to need a leader – an executive director – and probably going to need a CFO.”

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FLORIDA TO VOTE ON POTABORTION, & PARTISAN SCHOOL BOARDS

3 other ballot measures involve property values, hunting & campaign finance

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Should Florida legalize marijuana for people over 21? Should abortion be allowed up until fetal viability (usually around 23 weeks)? And should school board elections become partisan races as of 2026?

Those are three of the six questions that will appear on ballots from the Keys to the Panhandle in November. These questions are in addition to any local referendums placed on ballots by county or city governments. The measures would need 60% approval to pass.

Abortion access

Florida Amendment 4, Right to Abortion Initiative (2024) is a proposed change to the Florida constitution that would override the state’s current ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy and guarantee the right to an abortion up until the point of fetal viability, when the fetus can survive outside the mother’s uterus.

The current six-week ban was enacted by the Florida Legislature, and the proposed initiative to allow abortions until viability was initiated by a group of citizens known as Floridians Protecting Freedom. The campaign to protect women’s access to abortion spent a year gathering the required number of signatures to put the proposed constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot.. The group collected 996,512 signatures — more than 100,000 above the 891,523 that were needed by Feb. 1.

Marijuana legalization

If passed in November, then Florida Amendment 3, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2024) will legalize marijuana in Florida for people over 21.

According to Ballotpedia, “The initiative would legalize recreational

marijuana for adults 21 years old and older. Individuals would be allowed to possess up to three ounces of marijuana (about 85 grams), with up to five grams in the form of concentrate. Existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers would be authorized under the initiative to sell marijuana to adults for personal use. The Florida State Legislature could provide by state law for the licensure of entities other than existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers to cultivate and sell marijuana products.

“Medical marijuana was adopted by Florida voters in 2016 by a vote of 71% to 29%.”

Partisan school board elections

Florida Amendment 1, Partisan School Board Elections Amendment (2024) would make school board elections partisan beginning in 2026, states Ballotpedia.com.

Candidates would be nominated for the general election through partisan primaries and be featured on the ballot with partisan labels, such as Democrat and Republican.

Republican State Sen. Joe Gruters supports the amendment, saying, “There’s no such thing as a non-partisan race anymore. These races are partisan, and the only ones that aren’t informed are being tricked. And what happens is, there are games that are played all the time in these races. And what I’m trying to do is pull the bag off of the voters’ heads.”

On the other hand, Democratic State Rep. Angie Nixon has said, “I believe this bill is not about transparency at all. This bill is about making our school-board elections and our school boards more contentious, more like D.C., which (Republicans) honestly always try to oppose.”

See keysweekly.com for the full story.

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18

TRACY MCDONALD www.keysweekly.com

SENIOR | KWHS RHP

Anthony Lariz proved he had what it takes to join the ranks of legendary Conch pitchers. His 1.63 ERA was the best on the team. Lariz also led Key West in strikeouts, fanning 89 batters, and earned 2 shutouts. He pitched 3 complete games, earning 5 wins and 1 save in a dozen starts. He also proved he could hit, collecting 12 hits and 12 RBI. When Lariz was handed the ball, Key West had a boost in confidence. Lariz will continue his career in-state, at the University of Central Florida.

21 Jacob Burnham

SENIOR | KWHS LHP

Key West’s Jacob Burnham gave the Conchs six of their wins this season, adding a save, a shutout and a pair of complete games to his stats. Burnham struck out 71 batters and boasted a 1.97 ERA. Offensively, Burnham had an impressive .723 on-base percentage in his 42 plate appearances, collecting 6 hits and 4 RBI. Burnham’s endless talent is already spreading; he committed to Boston College, where he will pitch for the Eagles.

MEET THE 2024 ALL-KEYS BASEBALL TEAM

All three Keys teams enjoyed double-digit wins this season, with one team capturing a district championship and another winning their conference. Coral Shores ended the season with a 10-12 record, which included a win against county rival Marathon in an epic Battle of the Keys. The ‘Canes’ season ended in the FHSAA 3A District 16 semifinals, putting them at 5-1 in district action this year. They lost six talented seniors to graduation, but return another 16 athletes in 2025.

Marathon finished 18-6, making it to the district semifinals where, like Coral Shores, their season ended. But the Fins, who participate in the South Florida Baseball Conference in addition to districts, captured their first conference championship with a win over Riviera Prep. Marathon split their district wins and losses at 2-2 this season and will return to action in 2025 with the majority of their roster intact, losing just four seniors to graduation. Key West struggled with arguably one of the most challenging schedules in the country early in the season. Playing the perennial powerhouses of both the east and west coasts gave the Conchs the experience needed to cruise to a district championship and make it all the way to the FHSAA 4A Region 4 semifinal game, where they lost by a single run to the eventual state champions. Key West’s roster was loaded with talent, and despite losing six athletes to graduation, they look formidable for 2025.

18

Dylan Ziels

Anthony Lariz Gabriel Leal

SENIOR | MHS FORWARD/GUARD

Marathon’s ace was 7-1 this season, with a 0.93 ERA during his senior campaign. Ziels delivered 96 strikeouts over 61 innings pitched. Offensively, he hit .387 at the plate, collecting 24 hits, 20 RBI and a home run to cap off a stellar career for the Fins. Ziels is off to Palm Beach State College to continue his baseball career.

20

JUNIOR | MHS CATCHER/RHP

Leal represented a full battery for Marathon, often playing both pitcher and catcher in the same game. Defensively, he protected the plate with perfect accuracy. On the mound, he was 4-2 with a 2.60 ERA. Offensively, he amassed 34 hits including 8 doubles, a triple and 30 RBI with a .423 batting average to lead the Fins in almost every hitting statistic.

3

Jack Chapman Mason Thornton

JUNIOR | MHS 1B/RHP

Junior Mason Thornton was perfect in the field this season, both at first base and on the mound. The 6’5’’ righty fanned 38 batters, going 3-2 in his pitching duties for the Fins. Offensively, Thornton batted .339, collecting 21 hits and 21 RBI.

4

8TH GRADE | MHS INFIELDER

Though still a middle schooler, Marathon’s Jack Chapman earned a starting spot in the Fins’ rotation this season, batting .340 with 18 hits, including 6 doubles and a triple. Chapman batted in 16 runners for Marathon and showed maturity and athleticism beyond his years.

Photos by Barry Gaukel, Mark Hedden and Joy Smith.

Coral Shores’ Zeke Myers earned the top spot for the ’Canes offensively with a .478 batting average and .561 onbase percentage. The senior catcher also led the team in home runs with two, boosting his slugging percentage to .783. Myers batted in 18 runners this season, and his defensive play at the plate was on point. Myers has signed his letter of intent to play at the collegiate level with Freed-Hardeman University in Tennessee.

In his first year with the Conchs, Auggy Davila proved to be an asset on both sides of the plate. Offensively, he had 9 hits, crossing the plate eight times for Key West and batting in 5 runs, but defensively was where he truly shone. Davila was .946 in the field, turning 6 double plays and collecting 27 putouts at shortstop.

Hurricane hurler Grayden Ross had a solid season on the mound with 33 strikeouts and a 4.67 ERA, yet his greatest contribution to his team was his leadership. Ross’ undaunted work ethic and willingness to do what it takes to improve set a model for others to follow, making him an asset the ’Canes will surely miss next year. As for next year, Ross will be busy playing ball at Columbia International University in South Carolina.

In his first season with the Conchs, senior Steel Mientkiewicz made an immediate impact with his bat. Hitting .295, he collected 26 hits, 11 RBI and scored 13 runs this season. Defensively, he was .937 in the field, turning 6 double plays and collecting 32 putouts in his senior campaign. Mientkiewicz will be taking his talent to Georgia Highlands College next season.

Equally talented defensively and offensively, Coral Shores’ Campbell Lavoie is an all-around fantastic ballplayer. Batting .431 with an on-base percentage of .529, Lavoie earned a .638 slugging percentage with the help of 5 doubles, a pair of triples and a home run this year. On the mound, he had a 2.27 ERA with 3 wins this season.

Roman Garcia led the Conchs in multiple offensive stats this season, and he is just a freshman. The first baseman had an impressive .353 batting average, .422 on-base percentage and led his team in slugging at .470. Garcia crossed the plate 10 times, batting in 14 runs while he collected 30 hits, which included 7 doubles and a home run. Defensively, he led Key West in double plays, turning eight this season.

Coral Shores’ leadoff hitter averaged .274 this season with a .387 on-base percentage. Putetti was deadliest rounding the bases, using his athleticism and hustle to steal 13 of them this season. He used the same hustle in the outfield, holding down center field with a .920 fielding percentage.

Another member of Key West’s highly-talented freshman class, Nelson Ong was the team’s top batter, hitting .385 this season with a .524 on-base percentage, boosted by 14 walks and 8 bases from being struck by pitches. Ong racked up 30 hits, scored 17 runs, batted in 13 and was 7 for 7 on stolen bases. On defense, he did not make a single error this season.

716TH SUNDAY FUNDAY

INTOSPRINGSUMMER POOL PARTY

JUNE 23, 2024 Come by boat and enjoy our oceanfront dock!

GRILLED ON THE POOL DECK

• World Famous Cheeseburgers

• Lobster Mushroom Burgers

• 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 Strawberry Mojitos

• $ Raspberry Daiquiris • $2 Jello Shots Cornhole Tournament at 3pm onBeachSunset

Key Colony Beach Motel

MARATHON SETTLES LAST OF ‘BOAT WORKS’ LAWSUITS

An extensive series of legal disputes and state sanctions stemming from a development at the end of 39th Street, colloquially referred to as Boat Works, have been laid to rest after nearly three years. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

On June 12, Marathon announced the successful settlement of multiple lawsuits, marking a long-anticipated resolution of complex legal disputes that originated from the initial appeal of the Boat Works development agreement by the Department of Economic Opportunity, now known as Florida Commerce. The lawsuits also involved appeals regarding Transferable Building Rights (TBRs) that had originally been transferred off of the Boat Works site. Further appeals were filed on building permits that were issued by the city that relied on these building rights.

No fines or legal fees were paid by any side of the multiparty settlement.

“These settlements have been achieved through the concerted efforts of the city’s planning director Brian Shea and city attorney Steve Williams, whose expertise was instrumental in navigating this complex legal landscape,” public information officer Sara Matthis wrote in a press release. “Shea played a crucial role by bringing forward seven critical amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations, which paved the way for these settlement resolutions.”

An anonymous letter sent to state officials alleging that Marathon wasn’t tracking permits and allocations for new construction compounded the appeals. However, the city staff’s tracking and administering of the transfer

of building rights process was a vital component in ensuring the smooth and effective settlement of these disputes.

“Through meticulous record keeping, the city was able to provide spreadsheets tracking determination letters, recorded warranty and transfer deeds for each building right transfer, individual record and transfer numbers for each unit, as well as linked planning and building permits,” said Shea.

These settlements were officially authorized by the city council.

Resolution 2023-12 authorized the initial settlement of the Boat Works Development Agreement. Resolution 2023-100 allowed for the settling of the TBRs that had been previously transferred from the site in 2021 and used to allocate units to vacant buildable land throughout the city. Resolutions 2024-02 & 2024-03 settled specific building permits that had received the market rate building rights in late 2021 and early 2022.

“We are grateful for the tireless efforts of both Brian Shea and Steve Williams, and their dedicated staff,” said City Manager George Garrett. “Their expertise and perseverance have been crucial in achieving these settlements, which will allow us to move forward with confidence and continue to support the smart, environmentally sensitive growth and development of our community.”

— Contributed

Marathon’s annual Fourth of July parade down Sombrero Beach Road includes dozens of bikes, cars, first responders, and a tidal wave of American flags. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

Marathon set to celebrate Independence Day with annual parade, beach party, fireworks

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

For many in Marathon, there’s only one place to be on the Fourth of July, as Sombrero Beach plays host to one of the best small-town Independence Day celebrations and fireworks displays in the country.

Fun on the Fourth starts at 11 a.m. with the city’s annual Fourth of July parade, presented by the Rotary Club of Marathon. As always, the parade route will run from Marathon High School down to the Sombrero Beach traffic circle.

All are welcome to join in the parade with a decorated bicycle, golf cart, car or truck and compete for prizes as the best-decorated parade entry. Bicycles are free to enter, and the best-decorated bike will win $100. The entry fee is $10 for golf carts and $20 for vehicles. Tax-deductible funds raised are donated to the Rotary Club of Marathon. Muster for parade entrants is at 10 a.m. at Marathon High School. Text Kelly Williams at 731-616-0771 to RSVP by Monday, July 1.

Following the parade, the celebration shifts to Rotary’s all-day party at Sombrero Beach, complete with live music, games and plenty of food and drinks. Heavily supported this year by a $10,000 donation from the Key West International Airport, funds from the day’s celebrations will again go to bolster Rotary’s scholarships and community support initiatives.

After the sun sets, the Rotary Club partners with the City of Marathon to light up the sky in one of the Keys’ largest and longest fireworks displays. Spectators on land and hundreds of boaters on the water line up for views of the colorful show. Fireworks will start at about 9 p.m., and US1 Radio 104.1 will play patriotic music along with the display. Just up the road, Isla Bella Beach Resort is to stage its first Keys’ Musician Fest with a full day of live music. The event is free for resort guests, with tickets available for nonguests. The music starts at 11 a.m. and continues through 8:30 p.m., followed by a grand finale fireworks show at 9 p.m. Visit islabellabeachresort.com/summer-music-festival.

A FIX FOR SOMBRERO FLOODS?

KW: In previous city council meetings, Public Works Director Carlos Solis stated that the boulevard’s injection wells do not have backflow preventers because they slow drainage and can easily become clogged. Given that the problematic area on Sombrero Boulevard is nearly at sea level, and king tides are recognized as a complicating factor, what is the plan to address concerns that residents will drive, or already have driven, through salt water?

In general, there are no backflow preventers in our stormwater wells around the city. Is it possible that salt water can come up through the wells at times? Yes, and there are other locations around the city where it happens – namely, 92nd Street and near Sombrero Beach. In a place with low elevations, you have the potential for king tides to have an influence. We have gone out during rain events and tested the water, and have not been able to find salt water.

The salt water issue has not been addressed on that road yet. We have sought out grants to address that issue in other parts of town, and we continue to seek public input on problematic areas as part of our vulnerability assessment. That analysis allows us to apply for more grant funding.

KW: What is the plan currently in place to address the issue, and what will it cost?

Plans currently in the design phase would install a raised area with a sidewalk and lighting along the south edge of Sombrero Boulevard. A piping system or other similar structure between the road and raised sidewalk area would collect and divert stormwater flowing south off the road to injection wells, which will be fitted with three automated pumps to actively pump the water down the wells – essentially a more permanent, upgraded version of the temporary system currently in place.

A disabled Mustang sits in a fullyflooded Sombrero Boulevard during a historic rain event on May 20. CONTRIBUTED

Early estimates of the new pumps’ capacities are roughly 1,200 gallons per minute each, which could theoretically clear a storm similar to the one we experienced this past Memorial Day in four to six hours. Estimated costs are currently north of $1 million.

KW: What is the timeline for this project?

As currently scheduled, the city anticipates designs to be finished by the end of July, when the project will be put out to bid. Bid evaluation is scheduled to take place in September, with the award scheduled for approval at the city council's Sept. 10 meeting. Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-October 2024, with an estimated completion date between June and October 2025.

KW: What will be done in the meantime before the project is complete?

The four-inch pump currently in place will remain there, ready to begin pumping at the start of any rain event. The city plans to acquire a second backup portable pump system in case of the first pump’s failure. During more significant rain events, the city will close the south (eastbound) lane of Sombrero Boulevard, where water depths are higher, and create a one-way alternating traffic pattern in the shallower areas, directed by city employees.

KW: Residents are frustrated that it has taken so long to address the problem since the berm was constructed. Why has it taken from early 2022 until 2024 for a plan to take shape?

“Last year, we didn’t think we had a problem,” said Garrett. “And if there was an issue, it had to do with the actual (drainage) system itself. … It didn’t come to council as much, and council tends to be our bellwether. … This year, there’s no question.”

Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, brings four years of experience as vice chair to his new role.

KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

DAUGHTRY TO LEAD SANCTUARY ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council elected a new chair and vice chair at its June 18 meeting in Marathon while also welcoming five new members. Ben Daughtry, CEO of Marathon’s Aquarium Encounters, was elected chair of the council after serving the last four years as vice chair. Daughtry is a voting member of the council in the conservation and environment seat.

“I admire how active Ben Daughtry is in the community,” said sanctuary superintendent Sarah Fangman. “Whatever he gets involved with, he’s willing to step up and make a difference.”

The gavel was passed to Daughtry by Marathon City Manager George Garrett, who served as chair for the last four years. “I’ve known and worked with George well before in this position and consider him a friend,” said Fangman. “I admire him greatly, and I am pleased he will continue in his new council role as representative of the City of Marathon.”

Erinn Muller, associate vice president of research for Mote Marine Laboratory, was elected vice chair. Muller sits on the council in the research and monitoring seat.

The council represents a variety of user groups, serving as a liaison between the sanctuary and the community and also advising the superintendent.

New members on the council include: Citizen at large

Middle Keys:

Kelly McKinnon, executive director, Pigeon Key Foundation

Lower Keys alternate: Allison Delashmit, executive director, Lower Keys Guides Association

Diving

Upper Keys alternate:

Rachel Bowman, commercial fisher

Lower Keys alternate: Kim Roney, owner, Captain Hook's Marina and Dive Center

Fishing Charter flats: Richard Black, flats captain

Ben Daughtry, CEO of Marathon’s Aquarium Encounters and newly elected chair of the Florida Keys National

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

CANDICE 6:30PPM

FRIDAY, JUNE 21 ON

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 POPEYE 8PM

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

TONY MANFREDI 3PM DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM

MONDAY, JUNE 24 LUKE SOMMERS 6:30PM

TUESDAY, JUNE 25

TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26

PIRATE KARAOKE WITH JR JONES 7PM

LOWER KEYS UNDERWATER MUSIC FESTIVAL TO ‘MAKE WAVES’ FOR REEF PROTECTION JULY 13

The Lower Florida Keys ocean realm will become a one-ofa-kind concert venue on Saturday, July 13, when divers and snorkelers immerse themselves in an undersea musical adventure that promotes environmentally responsible diving and coral reef preservation.

The 40th annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival takes place at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key. The sanctuary protects the waters surrounding the entire Florida Keys island chain, including the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef.

The Underwater Music Festival will be staged from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce and Keys radio station US1 104.1 FM. While swimming among Looe Key’s vivid marine life, participants can listen to music broadcast by the station and piped underwater via speakers suspended from boats.

The playlist typically features marine melodies ranging from Jimmy Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks at 40” and “Fins” to the Beatles’ “Octopus’s Garden” and the theme from “The Little Mermaid” film.

Those planning to submerge

themselves in the festival can learn about reef restoration Friday, July 12 from 6 to 8 p.m., during a free welcome gathering at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration, 24244 Overseas Highway on Summerland Key. Representatives will lead tours of the facility and showcase Mote’s coral cultivation and restoration efforts.

During Saturday’s aquatic experience, the music will be interspersed with messages about ways to minimize environmental impacts on the world’s reefs, whose rich biodiversity has led them to be called the rainforests of the sea.

As well as colorful reef fish and other marine life, divers and snorkelers might even spot “mermaids” and other costumed characters beneath the waves – some adding to the concert component by “playing” musical instruments during an underwater jam session.

Those interested in participating in the experience can reserve space on boats run by Lower Keys dive operators or launch their own boats from public ramps and marinas in the area. More information is at lowerkeyschamber.com/chamberevents.

— Contributed

ROAD TO RECOVERY

Rebuilding Maui faces challenges all too familiar for Keys islanders

Maui's runway shudders as the plane lands. A bittersweet mix of emotions washes over me. It's been four years since I’ve been back to the place I used to call home for more than 15 years before moving to the Keys.

A visit with friends planned for last October was thwarted by the devastating August fires that ravaged West Maui. The wildfires tore through Lahaina, the historic heart of the island, leaving thousands homeless. Though hurricanes and wildfires have their differences, it’s a level of devastation and tragedy to which both my past and present island communities can relate.

Once a bustling capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, Lahaina now bears the scars of the inferno. Many areas remain off-limits, a grim reminder of the destruction. Despite the loss, pockets of resilience emerge. The iconic Lahaina Banyan Tree, a beacon of hope, unfurls new leaves.

But amid this renewal is a pang of loss – King Kamehameha III Elementary, where I once taught right along the Lahaina Harbor, is no more. I simply cannot imagine that kind of devastation taking place at my current school – to the students, the teachers and to the community.

Flickers of life, though, are beginning to return. Waterfront staples like Mala restaurant and the recently reopened Old Lahaina Luau signal a comeback. Yet, a harsh reality still lingers. Tourist numbers are down a staggering 22%, with many visitors choosing alternate destinations such as other Hawaiian Islands or even the Caribbean.

After the fires, many heroes worked tirelessly helping others. But as survivors of the Keys’ hurricanes can attest, recovery is nowhere near complete when the news cameras fly home and headlines fade away.

As the media featured the devastation for a few short weeks, other community members did not forget. Maui Brewing Company’s Garrett Marrero, along with girlfriend Kami Irwin,

is a teacher and volleyball coach at Sugarloaf School. She is a lover of travel, adventure, action, home improvement and family.

A self-proclaimed “master of none,” she is a doer of all and partaker of anything fun and exciting.

worked day in and day out, handing out food and supplies to thousands of needy locals. The couple opened up the restaurant as a distribution center, collecting endless amounts of items from all over the country and even using personal connections to fly in needed supplies such as medicine to be distributed. These two singlehandedly made an amazing difference in the lives of the people on Maui. Visitors to the island can visit such establishments as a “thank you” for all the hard work they’ve done to help. Other establishments such as Papi’s Ohana not only make the best cinnamon rolls on Maui, but in the evening they are still donating pizzas to those in need. Other businesses like Fat Daddy’s BBQ Restaurant and Zensations Spa have also graciously donated to those in need.

“It’s amazing how much of an impact these fires have had on the entire tourism industry of Maui,” said Marrero. “Please come to Maui and show your support. Buy local, support small businesses and please visit all areas of Maui and show your respect and Kokua (help) for Lahaina Town. We definitely welcome you here and need your love.”

Mākaukau Maui, meaning "Maui is Ready," is a program helping to revitalize the island's economy and welcome visitors once again. A return to tourism brings jobs, supports local businesses and helps to revive the community.

Despite recent challenges, Maui's spirit is strong. The community has come together to rebuild, ensuring visitors can experience the island's beauty responsibly. While some areas in Lahaina still remain closed, most of Maui is open for exploration, with a continued emphasis on respectful tourism.

Visitors across Hawaii are encouraged to be mindful, and Maui extends a warm welcome to those who want to experience its magic. Come visit, not just because it's a paradise, but also to support their ongoing recovery.

For more information please visit makaukaumaui.com.

JEN ALEXANDER

Deadly wildfires across Lahaina in August 2023 left hundreds of buildings reduced to ash and ruins. KAMI IRWIN/Contributed

An undersea ‘band’ plays aquatic tunes while promoting marine conservation at the 2022 Underwater Music Festival. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/ Contributed

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

TRINITY JACOX

trinityjacox@gmail.com

No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue. This week’s neighbor, Stacey Nichter, wears multiple hats in our community. As the owner of Stars of the Florida Keys, Stacey channels her lifelong passion for cheerleading into coaching the next generation of athletes. "I had been cheering from when I was 10 or 11, basically all the way until I was 18, and now it is my career,” she said. Simultaneously, she brings a taste of the tropics to Marathon residents at Irie Island Eats, where she has worked for almost four years. If you haven't spotted Stacey at Irie, chances are she's been busy teaching your little one how to tumble!

STACEY NICHTER

Owner, Stars of the Florida Keys

How did you end up in the Keys? I have been here for about 10 years. One of my best friends from college had moved down here, and she told me I should move, so I did! I intended to just work during the weekends, and then I never moved back home.

What can people find you doing when you aren’t working? Taking my dogs to the dog park, hanging out with friends, or sleeping.

If you could shop for free at any store, which would you pick? I would say Home Depot. My husband spends a lot of money there.

What is something most people don’t know about you? I don’t know how to ride a bike. I can still tumble and do back handsprings and tucks, but if you put me on a bike, I would tip right over.

What is the best and worst part of the Keys? The worst thing about the Keys is the traffic. You never know how long it is going to take you to get from point A to point B. I love the fact that I am only a five-minute drive to the beach.

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? In one of my first years taking over Stars of the Florida Keys, my dad told me, “There’s more than one way of doing something.”

What is your dream vacation? I love being at Universal Studios. But I think another ideal vacation would be going to an all-inclusive resort, adult-only (no offense to children, I love them so much) and just sitting by the pool or beach.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be? I’m going to go with Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” because I feel like that's all I got to do. Shake it off.

THERE’S A NEW DENTIST IN THE FAMILY

On May 10, Dr. Sydney Konrath Powell DMD graduated from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine. A Marathon High School Class of 2016 graduate, she attended the University of Miami for four years before continuing with NSU’s dental program. ‘We are so proud of her!’ mom Teresa and dad Greg told the Weekly. CONTRIBUTED

WILLIAMS GRADUATES UPENN, HEADS TO MED SCHOOL

On May 20 Clara Williams of Marathon graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating from Marathon High School in 2020, she attended UPenn for four years, graduating magna cum laude with majors in neuroscience and psychology along with a minor in chemistry. This year she will be performing research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and plans to attend medical school next fall. CONTRIBUTED

SUNKISSED STORIES

Perfect reads for your beach bag this summer

KAREN NEWFIELD

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.

EVERY TIME I GO ON VACATION SOMEONE DIES

By Catherine Mack

Eleanor Dash is on her Italian book tour. She has just completed a series of bestsellers, and her fans cannot get enough of these vacation mysteries and the handsome detective featured within. The problem is, Connor Smith is real. He is the con man she met a decade ago when she was young, naive and thought she was in love. Connor embroils Eleanor in a complicated whodunit involving a bank heist. He receives the reward money and drops her like a hot potato. When Eleanor returns home, she pours her broken heart out into her first novel, a mystery involving a bank heist. Connor quickly blackmails Eleanor for his character and has immersed himself in her life and career ever since. During the book tour, mysterious accidents can no longer be ignored. As motives abound, Eleanor must solve her own cozy murder mystery.

FUNNY STORY

By Emily Henry

Peter and Daphne have every detail of their wedding planned. They move to Peter’s Michigan hometown where his friends and family fill their calendar and Daphne adores her job at the library. Too good to be true? What happens next is not so funny. Plans implode when Peter reconnects with his gorgeous childhood companion Petra and calls off the wedding. Petra’s ex offers Daphne a room to rent, and Miles is adorable in a tattooed hipster sort of way. To Daphne’s surprise, Miles turns out to be an excellent confidant and the kindest soul. Their friendship fills the void Daphne has fallen into. When she lets it slip that she’s dating Miles (to make Peter jealous), the couple begins to enjoy fake dating a little too much. As Daphne listens to her heart, she begins to see a bright future of her own making.

THIS USED TO BE US

By Renee Carlino

Danielle and Alex are going through a nasty divorce. They decide on a nesting apartment – a current concept for yuppies – to not disrupt their children’s lives while the adults manage the shuffling of parental responsibilities. Dani is a successful screenwriter in Hollywood, and after suffering severe writer’s block, has finally submitted a winner. Alex is a physical therapist running his own clinic. Twenty years ago, they were deeply in love, building a home and the life they had dreamed of. But after two miscarriages, caring for Dani’s sick mother and a continuous flow of blame, they admit defeat. Narrated by Dani and Alex’s acerbic conversations and sad little notes left on album sleeves, the reader witnesses the private details of a topsy-turvy marriage, divorce and unfailing commitment to their children. Heartbreakingly beautiful and filled with life lessons buried beneath the banter.

#WORTHWATCHING: Dearest gentle reader, Bridgerton Season 3 focuses on Penelope’s journey for a husband, while Colin, home from Paris, captures the attention of all the girls. He offers to help Penelope search for a proper match. Their friendship takes a complicated turn when Colin realizes he has feelings for her. Don’t miss this fabulous Netflix book-to-screen series!

SUMMER ROMANCE

By Annabel Monaghan

Two years ago, Ali’s mom passed away. They were extremely close, and Ali still finds herself locked in the car asking for advice. Then her husband walks out. This professional organizer and mother of two falls into a deep funk. Keeping busy creates an illusion that makes the days go faster – but to what end? As summer approaches, Ali wants to arrange more than her pantry; she wants a do-over. In walks Ethan, or rather, in rolls skateboarding Scooter. The once-scrawny brother of her best friend throws Ali for a loop de loop. Scooter has grown up, and this hunky guy may be just the fling to spice up her summer. As she juggles her kid’s hectic schedule, Ethan is setting off fireworks in her heart. Set to leave at the end of summer, Ali is terrified she may lose her only chance for a happy future.

OPEN MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.

MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2024 AT 1:00 P.M.

FKEC TAVERNIER HEADQUARTERS, BOARD ROOM

REEL GOOD TIME

Key

Colony Beach hosts 17th Kids Fishing Derby

ALEX RICKERT

Delayed from its original date to provide a better experience with Mother Nature, the 17th annual Ron Sutton Memorial Kids Fishing Derby once again put rods and reels in the hands of dozens of Middle Keys kids to enjoy a free day of fishing on the reef aboard the Marathon Lady on June 18.

Renamed in 2023 to honor the former KCB commissioner who passed away in October 2022 after years of staunch support, the derby pitted children in three age divisions against each other for a morning of friendly competition trying to boat the largest fish of any species.

Later retiring to the Key Colony Inn for a lunch and afterparty, derby co-organizers Joey Raspe and Kris DiGiovanni led a team of volunteers and fundraising efforts to fill the banquet room with the massive raffles, giveaways and trophies that have become synonymous with the annual event – some of which were taller than their pint-sized recipients.

7.

8. Adrianna Dworniczak tops the 9-to-11year division.

9. James Paskiewicz is the top dog in the 12-to-14-year division.

3.

5.

6.

10. The trophy winners in the 17th annual Ron Sutton Memorial Kids Fishing Derby show off their hardware with KCB Police Chief Kris DiGiovanni, commissioners Freddie Foster and Joey Raspe, Marathon Mayor Robyn Still and Marathon City Manager George Garrett.

1. Toni Appell, right, helps kids weigh their options as they pick door prizes.

2. KCB Police Chief and derby founder Kris DiGiovanni, left, presents KCB Mayor and derby fundraising director Joey Raspe with an appreciation plaque for his 12 years of work.

Tristan Frank takes third place in the 6-to-8-year division.

4. Jordyn Smith brings home second place in the 6-to-8-year division.

Andrew Worthington wins top honors in the 6-to-8-year division.

Pablo Rodriguez earns third place in the 9-to-11-year division.

Kayson Young takes second in the 9-to11-year division.

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

BRIEFLY

Accreditation team invites comments on sheriff’s office

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay announced that assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation will visit on Sunday, July 16 to evaluate the zheriff’s office. The assessment will cover policies, procedures, management, operations and support services, aiming to meet critical standards related to life, health, safety and best practices. Public comments are welcome as part of the assessment. The standards manual is available at www.flaccreditation.org. For more information on the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation or to submit written comments about the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office’s accreditation standards, write to CFA, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302, or email flaccreditation@fdle.state.fl.us.

Boot Key liveaboard arrested for hatchet incident

Bertil James Haney, 32, a liveaboard in Boot Key Harbor in Marathon, was arrested June 12 for aggravated battery, throwing a deadly missile into an occupied vessel and criminal mischief. Haney allegedly rowed his dinghy to another vessel around 11 p.m., where he threw a hatchet through one of the victim's windows and struck another window with an oar. There were no reported serious injuries. The victim said the hatchet nearly hit him. Two witnesses corroborated the victim’s version of events, according to MCSO, and Haney was arrested.

Two men cited in separate wildlife cases

Middle Keys Deputy Luis Guiardinu recently issued mandatory notice to appear citations to two men in separate cases during resource checks along Tom’s Harbor Cut. Alberto Luis Gonzalez, 41, of Miami was cited for possessing two undersized and one over-the-limit mangrove snapper as well as a dead parrotfish, and for fishing without a license. Javier Alivera Alvarez, 33, of Lehigh Acres, Florida, was cited for having three out-ofseason lobsters, two of which were undersized, and for harvesting lobsters without a license. For information on wildlife regulations, visit www.myfwc. com

Port St. Lucie man arrested for drugs during traffic stop

James Emory Neitzel, 51, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, was arrested June 13 after Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 1 in Marathon. The sheriff’s office stopped a Toyota pickup truck in Marathon around 3:30 a.m. for suspected illegal window tint. The driver, Neitzel, appeared to be intoxicated, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies said they then discovered 3.3 grams of cocaine, 2.8 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia during a vehicle search.

Man arrested for fishing rod theft

A 31-year-old Boot Key Harbor man was arrested June 14 for allegedly stealing three fishing rods worth about $500. William John Redfords Ball was charged with larceny. The sheriff’s office said Ball stole the three PENN rods from a vessel in Boot Key Harbor and admitted to attempting to pawn them when questioned by deputies.

Keys Democrats host monthly public meeting

The public is invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Keys Democrats on Thursday, June 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Marathon Library. The meeting will be a hybrid Zoom and in-person meeting. For more information, contact Mid-keys@keysdems.com.

Arts Council seeks grant applicants

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts invites Monroe County arts and cultural organizations, as well as artists of all genres, to apply for three grant opportunities, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000: Art Builds Community, Artists in Schools and Special Project grants. The deadline is June 30 at 5 p.m., with applications available at www.keysarts.com. For assistance, contact the council at 305-295-4369 or director@ keysarts.com. The council, as Monroe County's nonprofit arts agency, promotes local arts and culture through grants, Art in Public Places, and various events.

PICKLES

2-month-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: I’d like to live with another cat, please.

Turnoffs: When people call me a tripod (I only have 3 legs).

SWIPE RIGHT

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

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

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

COCO

3-year-old female pitbull mix.

Looking for: All the love and attention to be on me. Turnoffs: Being at the shelter. I don’t like it at all.

LUCY

6-month-old guinea pig.

Looking for: A loving home with lots of fresh food and hay.

Turnoffs: I’m a little shy, so take your time getting to know me, please.

ALMANAC | June 20

On this day: In 1967, boxer Muha ad Ali was convicted of viola ng Selec ve Service laws by refusing to be inducted into the armed forces. The Supreme Court overturned his convic on in 1971.

In The Bleachers

The last four years have brought about 700 reports of orcas a acking boats. On May 12, in the Strait of Gibraltar, a 49-f t-long ve el ca ed Alboran Cognac sank a er repeated blows from a group of orcas, Reuters reported. The yacht ca ied two people, who felt the shocks before water started s ping in. They alerted rescue services, and a nearby oil tanker t k them in.

Adam

Brevity

Brevity

Nancy

News of the Weird

TODAY’S HISTORY

In 1863, West Virginia was admi ed as the 35th U.S. state.

TODAY’S QUOTE

"Since when do we have to agr with people to defend them from injus ce?"

— Li ian He man

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

Li ian He man (1905-1984), playwright; E ol Fly (19091959), actor; Chet Atkins (19242001), singer-songwriter; Audie Murphy (1925-1971), war hero/ actor; Mar n Landau (19282017), actor; Brian Wilson (1942), musician/singer-songwriter; A e Mu ay (1945- ), singer; Bob Vila (1946- ), handyman/TV personality; Lionel Richie (1949- ), singer-songwriter; John G dman (1952- ), actor; Nicole Kidman (1967- ), actre ; Robert Rodriguez (1968- ), l aker; Christopher Mintz-Pla e (1989- ), actor.

Adam

Nancy

Founded by Betty Debnam

Homes Under Water

Have you ever hunted for seashells at the beach? Did you know that they were once the homes of animals from a watery world?

This week, The Mini Page learns more about our world’s beautiful seashells.

A big family

Sea animals with shells belong to a group known as mollusks (MAH-lusks). Mollusks also include some animals with no shells, such as the octopus.

Protection

Shells help protect animals with soft bodies and no backbones, or vertebrae (VER-tuhbray). Soft-bodied animals with no backbone are called invertebrates (in-VER-tuh-brits). Most animals are invertebrates.

Seashells protect invertebrate sea animals. These marine animals, or creatures living in the water, build shell homes and live inside them. Some animals move into the shells of other animals after the original owner dies.

Building a home

Shells are made of a rocklike material formed from calcium and other minerals, like our bones are. Sea animals get these minerals from the water.

Shelled marine animals have a special skinlike covering over their bodies. This is called a mantle. The mantle secretes (siKREETS), or produces and spreads, the material for the shell all around the animal’s body.

Sea animals build their shells over time, layer by layer. You can tell how old a shellfish was by counting the layers spreading out

ECO NOTE

over the shell, much like counting the rings of a tree. Shellfish don’t build their shells at a steady rate. They have growth spurts.

Colors

The beautiful colors on the shell vary depending on the animals’ diets and how fast they are secreting the shell material.

Shellfish in warmer waters, where there is a big variety of food, will usually have many more colors than shellfish in colder waters.

How many shells?

Animals such as snails build single shells to live in. Sea snails such as the conch or whelk usually build shells in a spiral shape.

Other mollusks, such as clams and oysters, have two shells joined together with a kind of hinge. This type of shellfish is called a bivalve (BY-valve).

Have you noticed that you usually find only one half of a shell? When the animal dies or is eaten, the hinge usually breaks, and the two halves of the shell separate.

Record-breaking ocean heat of the past year appears to have caused a never-before-seen decline in phytoplankton, algae and bacteria, which many marine species depend upon for food. A study examined 21 years of satellite data and found that by April 2023, there had been a 22% drop in the microorganisms compared to the 21-year average. The study found that almost three-quarters of the global ocean surface saw such a decline. While marine ecosystems can sometimes recover, one scientists called these results “very concerning.”

SHELLFISH LIFE

Shellfish have a strawlike organ called a siphon (SY-fun) that they use to pull water across their gills. They breathe and feed with their gills. They get their oxygen and food from the water.

Some shellfish also have a type of tiny plant called algae (AL- jee) living with them. The algae can make energy from sunlight and nutrients they get from the water. They share this energy with the shellfish.

Bivalves open their shells when they are eating or breathing. They close their shells when they feel threatened.

Shellfish that live in areas close to the coast may close their shells during low tide. This keeps the animal from drying out. When the tide comes back in, the animal opens up its house and lets the water in.

Collecting shells

Never take a shell that is home to a living animal. All living things are important to the environment.

Some living shellfish can sting you. The nose area of some cone shellfish has a kind of harpoon. They inject their prey with venom to paralyze it, then they eat it. Sometimes people can have serious reactions to the stings.

RESOURCES

On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPmollusks

At the library:

• “Seashells: More Than a Home” by Melissa Stewart

• “Seashells and Beachcombing for Kids” by Stephanie Panlasigui and Erika Zambello

The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Mini Fact: The giant clam is the largest bivalve on Earth. It can weigh up to 500 pounds.

Sinuous whelk

photo courtesy of NOAA

TRY ’N’ FIND

Words that remind us of seashells are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:

ALGAE, ANIMAL, BEACH, BIVALVE, CALCIUM, COLOR, HOME, INVERTEBRATE, LAYER, MANTLE, MOLLUSK, SEA, SECRETE, SHELL, SIPHON, SPIRAL, STING, VERTEBRAE.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI

Notice is hereby given that on July 8th, 2024, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: |103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Yasser Mesa - 1158 $599.25

Dean Todd - 1332 $587.75

Alex Murgas - 1580 $528.40

Sharon Pele - 1200 $425.45| Anthony Atty - 1577 $731.80

Publish:

June 20 & 27, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING:

MONROE COUNTY CONTRACTORS EXAMINING

BOARD

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

Notice is Hereby Given To Whom it may concern, that on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 the Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (CEB) will hold a scheduled meeting at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Second Floor, BOCC Room, Marathon, Florida scheduled to commence at 9:30 A.M. This meeting is to hear the following: any person(s) to come before the board; any reports from Monroe County Assistant Attorney; any reports from Monroe County Building Official; any reports from Staff. The Monroe County Contractors Examining

Board (“CEB”) will review Certificate of Competency Trade applications and the Industry Input Section. All public participation in this meeting may be conducted via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using Zoom Webinar platform, during the scheduled meeting. Meeting Agenda and Zoom Webinar information is available 7 days prior to meeting date on the Monroe County Web Calendar and the Contractors Examining Board webpage: www. monroecounty-fl.gov

PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 286.0105, be advised that, if a person decides to appeal the decision made by the Contractors’ Examining Board with respect to any matter considered at today’s hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, 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.

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

NOTICE:  It shall be the responsibility of each Respondent or other person addressing the Board to have an interpreter if the party is not able to understand or speak the English language. Rick Griffin, Building Official/

INVITATION TO BID

Board Secretary Jamie Gross, Senior Contractor Licensing Coordinator – CEB Board Monroe County Building Department Publish: June 20, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Parking Lot Management Services at Key West International Airport 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

The City of Key Colony Beach cordially invites interested contractors to complete and submit sealed bids by July 25th, 2024, no later than 9:30 am, for the following project. WRF UV CONTACT TANK REHABILITATION ITB 2024-02

THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF: Temporary tankage with associated components to allow bypassing of the City’s existing UV Contact Tank (design, procurement, installation, and demolition/removal of system by contractor and contractor’s engineer of record); existing UV Contact Tank removal; construction of replacement UV Contact Tank with interior and exterior coatings; replacement of all existing control systems (ultrasonic level detector, transducers, floats, etc.); miscellaneous restoration; and other improvements.

All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope to City Clerk Silvia Gransee at 600 W. Ocean, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051 (mailing address PO Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051), no later than July 25th, 2024 at 9:30 am clearly marked ‘Sealed Bid for the City of Key Colony Beach ITB 2024-02’ along with the name of your firm. 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 2024-02

06-18-2024 Release Solicitation

07-08-2024 10:00 am Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Site Visit (600 N. 8th Street, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051)

07-11-2024 4:00 pm

07-18-2024 4:00 pm

07-25-2024 9:30 am

08-08-2024 9:30 am

3:00P.M. on Tuesday, July 30, 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 Tuesday, July 30, 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)

MANDATORY IN-PERSON, ONSITE PRE-BID MEETING:

(Prospective bidders failing to attend the Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting shall forfeit their opportunity to respond to the solicitation.)

Date: July 9, 2024

Time: 2:00 P.M. Location: 3491 S. Roosevelt Blvd., (2nd Floor Airport Administration Conference Room, above Baggage Claim), Key West, Florida Publish: June 20, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-CA-320-P KENNETH STEVENS and CLIFFORD BROWN, Plaintiffs, -v.WOLF CAPITAL FUNDING, LLC, LEOPOLD BALESTRIERI, POOL TECH OF MIAMI, INC., EL MAMEYAL NURSERY, INC., CLOSET PROS, INC., ISLAMORADA VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, CHARLES VIRGIL ROGERS, ONLY AUTHENTICS, LLC, and, AMERICAN ENGINEERS & CONTRACTORS, INC., Defendants.

________________/ FIRST AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION TO: LEOPOLD BALESTRIERI

By: Daniella Lafontant Deputy Clerk Publish: June 20 & 27, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-CA-320-P KENNETH STEVENS and CLIFFORD BROWN, Plaintiffs, -v.WOLF CAPITAL FUNDING, LLC, LEOPOLD BALESTRIERI, POOL TECH OF MIAMI, INC., EL MAMEYAL NURSERY, INC., CLOSET PROS, INC., ISLAMORADA VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, CHARLES VIRGIL ROGERS, ONLY AUTHENTICS, LLC, and, AMERICAN ENGINEERS & CONTRACTORS, INC., Defendants.

________________/ FIRST AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION TO: WOLF CAPITAL FUNDING, LLC

Last Known Address: 101 N. Clematis Street, Suite #306 West Palm Beach, FL 33401

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action seeking the foreclosure of a mortgage upon the real property located at 81975 Old Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036, has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Richard A. Malafy, of the law firm of Campbell & Malafy, Plaintiffs’ attorney, whose address is 10887 Overseas Highway, Suite #201, Marathon, Florida 33050, on or before July 15, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiffs’ attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. Dated on: May 21st, 2024 KEVIN MADOK, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Court By: Daniella Lafontant Deputy Clerk Publish: June 20 & 27, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

Dated: June 13th, 2024

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Leslie Rodriguez

Deputy Clerk

Publish:

June 20 & 27, 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

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Unit A 102, Week 01

$2,219.69

Unit A 102, Week 02

$2,219.69

Cure My Mommy’s Breast Cancer C/O Ellen Schreiber 9 Endo Blvd, # FL 1

Garden City, NY 11530-6748

Unit D 102, Week 36

$3,571.14

Edward Daniel and Mary Daniel P.O. Box 351853 Miami, FL 33135 Unit E 102, Week 36

$4,580.62

Jennifer Edwards f/k/a

Jennifer Leanna and Zachary Edwards 2688 Whispering Drive Largo, FL 33771 Unit E 202, Week 39

$6,702.41 Unit B 202, Week 47

$6,702.41

Maria George 3215 N 65th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85033-5216 Unit D 102, Week 50

$3,585.74

Lowell Higgins and Janine Sanders-Higgins 64 Kilworth PK Drive RR #5 Komoka, ON N0L 1R0 Canada Unit A 102, Week 47

$6,705.00

Bid Due & Opening (Open to Public – 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051) Last Day for submission of written questions to the City Last day for the City to post answers to questions

Recommendation to Award Utility Board Meeting

08-15-2024 9:30 am City Commission meeting

Award of Bid

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

Last Known Address: 10055 Yamato Road, Suite 110 Boca Raton, FL 33498 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action seeking the foreclosure of a mortgage upon the real property located at 81975 Old Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036, has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Richard A. Malafy, of the law firm of Campbell & Malafy, Plaintiffs’ attorney, whose address is 10887 Overseas Highway, Suite #201, Marathon, Florida 33050, on or before July 15, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiffs’ attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

Dated on: May 21st, 2024 KEVIN MADOK, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Court

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2022-CA-239-M HAWKS NEST BOARD OF TRUSTEES President, GARY TUCKER, Plaintiff, vs. NON-VOTING GROUP OF HAWKS NEST, Defendants. ___________________/ NOTICE OF ACTION TO: NON-VOTING MEMBERS OF HAWKS NEST BALLOT TO REBUILD DESTROYED CONDOMINIUM

Lots 9 & 10, KNIGHTS KEY VILLAGE, as recorded in Plat Book 5, at Page 84, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action seeking the partition upon real property located at 1 Kyle Way South, Marathon FL 33050, has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on James J Dorl, Esquire of the law firm James J Dorl PA, Plaintiffs’ attorney whose address is 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 12, Marathon FL 33050, on or before July 15th, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiffs’ attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

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

NOTICE OF ACTION RE: MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC MONROE County, Florida NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE PROCESS TO: Unit Owner(s) Last Known Address Unit Week(s)

Amount due:

Robert A Bradley and Stefane B Bradley 1303 Chestnut Street Murray, KY 42071 Unit E 202, Week 48

$6,703.35

Marion Canty and Remelda Canty 26521 SW 124 Avenue Naranja, FL 33032 Unit E 102, Week 50

$4,601.12

Richard Chosid and Cherie Chosid 3110 NE 48th Street

Dewane L Hose Greystone House Lockton, N Yorkshire YO187QB United Kingdom Unit D 102, Week 42 $3,585.74

Charles Khoury 7343 Brisbane Hills Street Las Vegas, NV 89166 Unit B 102, Week 46

$7,225.00 Unit B 102, Week 47

$7,225.00

Gehard Jacob, Anneliese Bentjerodt & Arquiyecto Eusebio Celi 5150 Comuna Vitacura Santiago Chile Unit C 201, Week 44

$3,585.74

Mary E McHenry, Michael B McHenry & Tina M McHenry 46 Hodgson Avenue Pittsburg, PA 15205 Unit A 102, Week 40

$4,601.12 Unit A 102, Week 41 $4,601.12

Lee M Purcifull 18406 Turning Point Drive Lutz, FL 33549 Unit A 202, Week 36

$6,675.25 Shaki Rehman 11711 SW 130 Avenue Miami, FL 33186 Unit B 201, Week 42

$6,701.46

Jane Rosenthal 444 E 75th Street, Apt #3-B New York, NY 10021 Unit E 101, Week 48 $5,597.15 Unit E 102, Week 48 $5,597.15

Vincent T Salvato and Angela Salvato 4700 Casswell Drive New Port Richey, FL 34652 Unit A 101, Week 43

$3,585.74

Frank Schultz, Trustee of the Frank Schultz Living Trust Agreement Dated March 24, 2000 1751 Beach Road, Apt 202 Englewood, FL 34223 Unit D 202, Week 49

$3,585.74

Frank Stewart and Jeanne C Stewart 3101 82nd Way North St Petersburg, FL 33710 Unit B 202, Week 40 $7,698.79 Chelsa Aran Taggart 1841 E 9th Street, Apt 2 Duluth, MN 55812 Unit D 102, Week 21 $5,619.22 Penny Weiss and Lynne Arnault 105 Kensington Road Syracuse,

Canada Unit B 101, Week 46

$3,585.74

Unit B 101, Week 47

$3,585.74

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED of an action for non-judicial foreclosure of timeshare units on the Claim of Lien on the following described real property, located in MONROE County, Florida, to-wit: Unit Numbers and Annual Timeshare Use Periods (as set forth above) in MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB CONDOMINIUM II, and all appurtenances thereto, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, as recorded in Official Records Book 859, Page 786 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and all amendments and exhibits thereto. has been filed against you. If you fail to cure the default as set forth in this notice or take other appropriate action with regard to this foreclosure matter, you risk losing ownership of your timeshare interest through the trustee foreclosure procedure established in Section 721.855, Florida Statutes. You may choose to sign and send to the trustee an objection form, exercising your right to object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure. If you would like an Objection form, you should contact the undersigned Trustee, Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire, in writing. Upon the trustee’s receipt of your signed objection form, the foreclosure of the lien with respect to the default specified in this notice shall be subject to the judicial foreclosure procedure only. You have the right to cure your default in the manner set forth in this notice at any time before the trustee’s sale of your timeshare interest. Objections must be made in writing to:

Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire

TRUSTEE FOR MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC 201 Fletcher Avenue, Second Floor Sarasota, FL 34237 within 30 days of the first date of publication of this Notice. If you do not object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure, you will not be subject to a deficiency judgment even if the proceeds from the sale of your timeshare interest are insufficient to offset the amounts secured by the lien.

Dated this 3rd day of JUNE, 2024.

Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire, TRUSTEE TRUSTEE for MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC

Publish: June 13 & 20, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-275-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DORIS LAW

A/K/A DORIS B. LAW, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of DORIS LAW A/K/A DORIS B. LAW, deceased, whose date of death was March 5, 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 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 has been

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 PERIOIDS 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 20, 2024. Personal Representative: RICHARD LAW 111 East Ridgewood Avenue, Apt. 1A Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Attorney for Personal Representative: THOMAS R. WALSER, ESQ.

E-mail Addresses: trwalser@ floridaprobatefirm.com

Florida Bar No. 116596

Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC 6751 N. Federal Highway, Ste. 101 Boca Raton, FL 33487

Telephone: (561) 210-5500

Publish:

June 20 & 27, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-272-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MARIE F. COTTON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MARIE F. COTTON, deceased, whose date of death was April 16, 2024, File Number 24-CP-272-P is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice has been served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME 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 SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: June 20, 2024. Personal Representative: CHARLES R. MCWHIRTER 253 Sunset Drive Islamorada, FL 33036 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOE A. CATARINEAU

Florida Bar Number: 0517291

91750 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070

Telephone: (305) 852-4833

Publish:

June 20 & 27, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000299-PK

IN RE: ESTATE OF ANN PARKER FLYNNLAMPMAN

Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ANN PARKER FLYNNLAMPMAN, deceased, whose date of death was April 28, 2024; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 24-CP-000299-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 20, 2024.

Personal Representative: MARK PARKER 44 Sea Meadow Drive Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087 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 20 & 27, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 24-CP-000247-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND H. LEWIS, JR. Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Raymond H. Lewis, Jr. deceased, whose date of death was January 30, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Ste. 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME

OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is June 20, 2024.

Personal Representative: John C. Lewis 831 SE 13 CT Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Attorney for Personal Representative: Nicholas W. Mulick

E-mail Address: reception@ mulicklaw.com

Florida Bar No. 337757

Nicholas W. Mulick P.A. 91645 Overseas Highway Tavernier, Florida 33070

Telephone: (305) 852-9292

Publish:

June 20 & 27, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

2004 Chevy 2500 4X4 LT, 110k miles, original owner. Truck is located in Marathon. $9,500 305-481-4838

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. 305-619-5282

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

Marathon: Looking for 2 College Students interested in 2-3 hours of work for 1 day restoring a Trawler Boat. May lead to additional hours. Cleaning, sanding, staining, scraping and painting outside of Boat $25.00 an hour. Contact a Friend and apply together. Call (508) 566-3538

Seeking full-time dedicated experienced inhome caregiver to provide care to our loved one in a comfortable home environment in Marathon. Please send resume to dale@marathonlumber. com or contact 305-7433688 and ask for Dale or Tricia for more information.

SKILLED PLUMBERS Full Service & Construction. Immediate Openings in Upper Keys. Full-time & Part-time. Motivated - Great Mechanical & Problem Solving Skills – Read & Speak EnglishClean driving record. Pay Rate based on experience, ownership of working tools, and transportation. E-mail: PlumbersinParadise@ outlook.com for application.

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.

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.

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.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Med Tech PT/Nights, 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.

Saturday front desk office person needed to answer phones and greet walk in customers at Big Pine Real Estate Office. Call Frank 561-2839969 or DD 305-289-6486

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

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.

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

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

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

Available for 1 person. 2 1/2 rooms + 8' X 22' screened porch. All utilities incl. wifi, satellite TV, washer/dryer. 2nd house from ocean. Off-street parking. Private & quiet. MM 96 Key Largo. $1,950/ month F/L/S 305-853-3779

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

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!!!

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

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. SweetCarolineSeaport.com

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

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

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

our team! Full and part-time Educational Program Guides/ Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $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

This position is available at our Adult Day program. This position provided direct care service and support to our clients in the day program. This position requires the minimum of high school completion or GED. *

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT COACH FT  KEY WEST

Responsible for development, implementation and documentation of supported employment strategies, interaction with co-workers, vocational rehab and supervision and any miscellaneous training and/or counseling that is needed for clients to acquire and maintain employment. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. *

PLANT STORE MANAGER FT  KEY WEST

MARC is looking for a 40-hr/wk. manager. Good social/business skills, above average computer skills required (knowledge of POS a plus). Knowledge of tropical plants is helpful. Requires a lot of manual labor and must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. Must be able to work weekends and evenings as the season requires.*

IN HOME SUPPORT FT  KEY WEST

MARC is seeking a full-time, split-shift, In-Home Support Coach/ Trainer to provide companionship and assist clients with training/support. HSD/GED & 1 yr. exp in a related field. 1 year of college can substitute for experience. Must be able to use a tablet for documentation purposes. The shift for this job is split shift 7-9 am then 3-9 pm. We can be flexible. This is a rewarding position for the right person. *

CLIENT MEDICAL SERVICES ASSISTANT

Full-time assisting our clients with dental, medical and transpor-tation appts. Act as liaison between clients, families and support staff. Requires some on-call responsibility. Min. requirement Florida certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. *

*ALSO REQUIRED FOR ALL POSITIONS:

Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. 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.

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

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

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. IS HIRING!

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

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist Advocate (PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult) Case Manager (Adult, Child) Substance Abuse Counselor Prevention Specialist

MARATHON 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

available positions at: www.westcare.com (search by zip code) EEOC/DFWP

APPLY AND LEARN MORE

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon