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Members of
3,517
The number of recipients of the U.S. Medal of Honor so far. About half of the honorees distinguished themselves during the American Civil War.
Marathon Community Theatre’s “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” brings beloved Disney characters like Alice (Isla Mann, center), the White Rabbit (Gabbi Doering, right), the Queen of Hearts (Sophia Hutchins, left) and a cool Caterpillar (Mia Williams) to the stage this weekend. See page 10. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
HOLIDAY WEEKEND TURNS TRAGIC
Boat crashes into Big Pine bridge; spear fisherman killed in separate incident
GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com
With two children and six adults on board, a large SeaHunter boat smashed into a Lower Keys bridge in the early morning hours of July 8.
The crash injured at least seven of the eight people aboard.
“The seven people who were hospitalized were six adults and one child,” county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood told Keys Weekly before press time. “The child was airlifted along with two adults. The other four were taken (to local hospitals]. I’m not sure who was taken where.”
The accident, which shocked locals, turned into a lifesaving mission for Monroe County Fire Rescue. They made it to the scene within about 10 minutes and used ladders from another bridge to swoop down and remove the people, authorities said.
At about 1:30 a.m., the 35-foot SeaHunter boat hit the South Pine Channel Bridge off Big Pine Key.
The boat was “going at a high rate of speed” and began taking on water, Livengood told Keys Weekly the morning of the crash.
Monroe County Fire Rescue made it to the crash scene before the vessel started sinking, though.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and the Towboat US Big Pine/Cudjoe Key boat towing service also responded to the scene not long after the crash.
“We were able to get a boat alongside the vessel before it sank and transfer three of the severely injured to our boat and then transported them to Dolphin Marina, where (paramedics) treated and transferred all three to waiting helicopters and transported (them) to a Miami Hospital,” Towboat U.S. posted on Monday afternoon.
FWC is investigating.
The trip was a fishing charter with a local boat captain leading the way,
according to sources with knowledge of the incident. And several locals have been vocal on Facebook saying that they know the people were out fishing at night for spawning snapper on a charter trip.
The boat crash with multiple injuries follows a boating hit-and-run fatality reported July 5 on the waters off the Lower Keys. A spearfisherman was struck and killed by a boat at 1:15 p.m. July 5 off MM 39, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said.
The 32-foot Contender involved was located later that day in Key Colony Beach after Keys law enforcement put the word out on social media.
But details have not been released by state officials, leaving unanswered questions including whether a required diver-down flag was present or if the boat driver even realized he had struck someone before driving away.
Marathon City Manager George Garrett, in a radio interview and phone call with Keys Weekly on the morning of July 10, said there are questions remaining about the victim’s distance from his own boat and whether a diver-down flag was properly displayed, but Garrett emphasized the reports were not final.
FWC spokeswoman Arielle Callender also told Keys Weekly the reports were not yet available.
“Will share as soon as (reports) are available,” she wrote in an email.
The discourse on social media about the Big Pine boat accident ranged from outrage over the time of night that children were out on the
water to people asking everyone to pray for the injured people and have patience awaiting FWC’s reports. Was alcohol involved? Why were children out so late? How fast was the boat going? Comments and questions blaming all sorts of factors filled the threads.
Others asked for peace and patience while waiting for official investigative reports to be finalized and released.
“People just need to keep their negative thoughts and comments to themselves before the facts are displayed,” one commenter wrote. “We are all humans and make our own decisions in life, yet don't have a reason to judge each other.”
Another replied, “Very naive!”
The South Pine Channel Bridge, off Big Pine Key, is known as a relatively wide passage. Photos of the damaged boat stunned locals.
Capt. David Dipre, a longtime Keysbased FWC officer, urged people to focus on safety regulations and equipment – and the fact that they can work.
“Life jackets,” Dipre told Keys Weekly. “Make sure those red and green lights are on.”
Dipre is not an investigator, but supervises FWC officers.
Initially, the county reported that seven people were on board, including one child. A second child, age 17, was also on the SeaHunter at the time, sources with knowledge of the trip told Keys Weekly. The other boy is 12 years old.
A large SeaHunter crashed into a Lower Keys bridge off Big Pine Key on July 8, sending at least seven people to hospitals. TOWBOAT U.S Big Pine/Cudjoe
BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL
The new school year is around the corner!
The new school year is around the corner!
Avoid rushing to book your child’s at the last minute. Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) provides an affordable way to get your child back-to-school ready.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3,
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One sample image of residents’ visions for the entrance to Marathon, generated by A.I. CONTRIBUTED
TEXT-TO-ART
Marathon workshop uses A.I. to imagine city’s design districts
ALEX RICKERT
alex@keysweekly.com
Close your eyes, and picture what you want the city of Marathon to look like in 10, 20 or 30 years. What do the buildings look like? The houses? The storefronts?
Now … can you describe that exact vision in words?
A full house at Marathon’s June 25 workshop was charged with this very task as the city moves toward updating chapter 105 of its code of ordinances, specifically addressing design standards to create visually cohesive regions throughout the city’s 13-mile span.
“The only design district we’ve adopted is the Old Town district, which runs from 33rd Street down to the Seven Mile Bridge,” said Marathon Planning Director Brian Shea. “And when we adopted that, it was draft language that was to be updated later. Seventeen years down the road, we’re looking at fixing that.”
Working in groups with city employees, residents were tasked to write down their idea of the ideal look for each region described in Marathon’s master plan – a “Midtown District” running from 33rd Street north to the beginning of the airport, an “Airport District,” an “Uptown District” running from the airport’s east end to Vaca Cut, and a “Gateway District” running east from Vaca Cut.
Criteria chosen by each group for each area – from building height to the use of the area, its architectural style and its surroundings –were then fed to a generative artificial intelligence engine, asking the program to take its best shot at visually depicting the given parameters. As participants, including this author, soon found out, the slightest change in phrasing could alter the generated image entirely
Provided with a sample of Marathon’s code text, the groups then fed their freshly-generated images, along with the sample language, to a separate A.I. engine, tasking the program to reverse-engineer code language to achieve the design features of the generated image.
Shea described the A.I. engine as “another tool in the toolbox” for planners – useful in creating sample imagery for grant applications and conceptual designs, but not without its drawbacks. Relying largely on internet content to inform its creations, the program is known for falling into traps of racial, gender-based or age-based biases if not specifically instructed to include diversity.
In some cases, he said, the program will even “make stuff up.”
“Here in Marathon, someone in a code case submitted ‘proof’ that the Florida Statutes said they could do pot sales,” Shea said. “We looked it up, and the Florida Statutes and code sections that were referenced didn’t exist. We backtracked and ran that same query (about pot sales) through ChatGPT, and got the same exact results.”
MONROE COUNTY RELEASES SECOND ROGO SURVEY
Surveys completed by Keys residents will help inform requests to the state Legislature in 2025 for additional building allocations, if any, in the Keys. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO
Make your voice heard on future development in the Keys
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is seeking robust public participation regarding the state-mandated hurricane evacuation modeling discussions that will continue through January 2025. In the county’s first released survey, more than 1,850 people replied, which helped county officials learn how people receive their information and their basic knowledge of ROGO and BPAS.
A second survey is now available with a focus on housing, commuting and the livability of the Florida Keys. The survey is available until Saturday, July 28 at 5 p.m.
Monroe County community members are invited to take this survey, which is the second of several. To participate, scan the QR code:
The 14-question survey shouldn’t take too long (about 4 minutes). Additional surveys will be available in August to help gauge what the community wants to see moving forward.
“The goal of these surveys is to learn and understand more about the issues and challenges our residents encounter in their daily lives concerning housing, essential services, quality of life and more,” said Kimberly Matthews, Monroe County strategic planner. “We will also be asking for your opinions, ideas and desires for the future of our community in upcoming surveys.”
Monroe County continues to host workshops and updates during regularly scheduled BOCC meetings and began meeting with nonprofit and civic groups throughout the Keys regarding the Department of Commerce’s hurricane evacuation modeling. The county is looking to gauge public opinions on everything that affects evacuation timing and the number of additional ROGO/BPAS allocations, if any, the county and municipalities should request from the state in 2025.
The hurricane evacuation modeling is based on a Florida statute requiring that Monroe County residents be able to evacuate the Keys within 24 hours before a storm. Any allocations awarded could be issued over the next 10 to 30 years or at a rate that does not lead to unbalanced growth or additional takings liability.
To learn more about these terms, why they are important, to view the process, or to see upcoming meetings, visit www.monroecounty-fl. gov/rogo2024.
U.S.A. ALL DAY Marathon rings in the Fourth of July
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Choppy conditions on the water just meant more fun on land as Marathon once again provided one of the country’s finest small-town Independence Day celebrations. Fire trucks, golf carts, bikes and trailers filled Sombrero Beach Road in the morning for the city’s annual Fourth of July parade before an all-day beachside celebration culminated in the city’s annual fireworks ‘sky concert’ over an armada of spectator vessels.
1. The Marathon BPW float wins the ‘Most Patriotic’ award.
2. The Turtle Hospital preps for their annual series of saves for ‘turtles in trouble.’ From left: Nathaniel Hagerty, Michelle Macoskey, Victoria Martinez, Kenny Dadacay, Bette Zirkelbach.
3. Denise Pankow wins another ‘Best Bike’ award.
4. The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters crew preps for the parade.
5. Cub Scout Pack 901 loads up their water guns for some sneak attacks along the parade route.
6. Henry Demeo has his Jeep and his best star-spangled getup to watch the parade.
7-. Marathon Mayor and parade grand marshal Robyn Still, second from right, rides shotgun in the Rotary Club of Marathon’s train with councilman Jeff Smith.
8. Uncle Sam (Robert Hardage) and the American Legion serve as the parade’s color guard.
9. The Samess family golf cart joins the parade.
10. Coral Construction’s patriotic cart.
11. The Matlock family makes an appearance in Marathon’s most famous (and only, we think) ‘tank.’
12. The Zonta Club of Marathon’s undersea scene, complete with a wandering Flounder, wins the ‘Best Overall’ award.
From left: Avery Lyons, Natalie Lewis, Kosta Bohnen, Jessica Cooper, Katie Lewis, Alric Lyons, Chelsea Lyons.
Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
TAKE A TRIP DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
‘Alice
in Wonderland Jr.’ takes the MCT stage this weekend
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
All the iconic residents of Wonderland will stop over in the Middle Keys this weekend as the youngsters of Marathon Community Theatre present “Alice in Wonderland Jr.”
Blending classic Disney tunes with new songs, and even some from the 2010 live-action film, the final product of MCT’s Children’s Summer Theatre program brings audiences through the wacky world of Wonderland, following Alice (Isla Mann) as she finds her way home – and finds her truest self along the way.
She’ll chase the always-late White Rabbit (Gabbi Doering) with the Cheshire Cats (Leona Macias, Jordan Spalten and Carli D’Ascanio) as her guides, listen to sage advice from an encouraging Caterpillar (Mia Williams) and dodge the confusion of Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (Casey Torres and Jovanna Garcia).
She’ll even go toe-to-toe with the Queen of Hearts (Sophia Hutchins) in a game of Simon Says, all while meeting a menagerie of Wonderland’s residents, from a puzzling Doorknob (Trevor Gordon) to the Mad Hatter (Hannah Hutchinson), the Dodo Bird (Ian Reyes), the Flowers of the Golden Afternoon and the Royal Cards.
“The show starts off with regular people, but then we immediately jump into lobsters and
talking flowers,” Hutchins said. “It’s from zero to 100 really fast.”
Though this year’s summer program features a younger cast on average, most of the show’s principal actors aren’t strangers on stage, having shared the spotlight in past Children’s Theatre productions or at Marathon High School.
“At first, for shows like ‘Wizard of Oz’ (in 2022), there were a lot of older kids, and I was younger, so I was scared,” said Doering. “Now that we’re the older kids, it’s not that scary any more.”
“It’s way easier with people that you’re more experienced with on stage,” she added. “You know that if you mess up, they understand, because we’ve all been doing this together.”
Longtime children’s theater co-director Kara Pascucci is now in double digits with her summer shows, and “Alice” will mark her third production sharing the helm with Stephanie Zajac.
1. The cast of ‘Alice in Wonderland Jr.’
2. Isla Mann plays the adventurous Alice.
3. The Cheshire Cats (Leona Macias, left, Jordan Spalten and Carli D’Ascanio) guide Alice through her journey – with plenty of commentary.
4. Gabbi Doering plays the never-ontime White Rabbit.
5. Tweedle Dee (Casey Torres) and Tweedle Dum (Jovanna Garcia) get a little tangled up.
6. Small Alice (Miranda Haugen) talks through her entrance to Wonderland with the Doorknob (Trevor Gordon).
7. The Dodo Bird (Ian Reyes, center) braves the high seas with his Lobsters (David Rodriguez, left, and Noah Grinter).
8. Alice gets an overload of sass from the Flowers of the Golden Afternoon (Emma Peterson, left, Madison Crews and Journey Nichols).
by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly. See more photos at keysweekly.com.
“We’re perfect together – we complement each other,” said Pascucci. “Stephanie has all the tech skills, construction and things like that while I do lights, the sound booth, that type of stuff.”
“Kara and Stephanie are really good at adding creative liberties for everybody,” said Hutchins. “They’ll ask what we think is best, and that really adds the sense that they know you know what you’re doing. They want us all to do what’s best for our characters.”
“This is primarily a younger cast, but they’ve listened better,” Pascucci said. “I know that they’ve worked really hard at home, because I’ve gotten phone calls and emails from parents asking questions about music and their parts.”
“Alice in Wonderland Jr.” runs on Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, July 14. Tickets are $15 and are available at marathontheater.org or by calling 305-743-0994.
“Watch out for the parts where everyone’s on stage,” said Hutchins. “That’s how you know it’s about to get chaotic – and really good.”
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Established in 2013, Florida Keys Therapy & Wellness LLC (formerly In Home Therapy of Monroe County) provides Occupational Therapy rehabilitation services including generalized strengthening, balance training and fall prevention. Florida Keys Therapy & Wellness also offers wellness and fitness through therapeutic yoga, and client centered exercise sessions, including programs for Parkinson's and post-Covid weakness.
Owner, Christy Minor specifically specializes in the rehabilitation of the upper extremity shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist and hand and is the only Certified Hand Therapist in the middle or upper Keys. She is also the only ASTYM certified therapist in the area and is certified in Therapeutic Dry Needling. She has recently added Kaasen Cryo-therapy to the list of services.
"When I interviewed for graduate school over 25 years ago, I was asked why I wanted to be an occupational therapist and my answer was that I wanted to help people regain their function and independence after injury or illness and that desire has never changed," said Minor.
Christy L. Minor (Owner) 6799 Overseas Hwy Suite #3 Marathon, Fl 33050 305.481.5180 | floridakeystherapy.com
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the trust she has earned from her patients have solidified her reputation as a provider of what she calls “old-fashioned care.”
“This morning, a patient who signed up with me mentioned how thrilled he was when I promptly returned his call and handled his medical situation efficiently,” Bish said. “The fact that I could meet his needs in a timely manner made a big difference to him.”
Before establishing herself in Marathon, Bish practiced autonomously in New York, serving primary care patients from pediatrics all the way to geriatrics. After transitioning to Marathon, she was employed at Baptist for several years. She's built a towering reputation in primary care, especially with kids.
“I have over 30 years of pediatric experience,” Bish said. "I have an extensive pediatric background and compassion for kids."
YOUR TIME, YOUR HEALTH
Along with serving almost the entire spectrum of pediatrics, Bish will offer a wide range of primary care services. These services include basic wellness exams, acute care for respiratory illnesses and specialized care in men’s and women’s health.
1 To 1 Patient Care brings back traditional, patientcentered
medicine
TRINITY JACOX
trinityjacox@gmail.com
When was the last time you felt truly heard at a doctor's appointment, versus sitting in a waiting room for hours, just to be seen for five minutes? At 1 To 1 Patient Care, Shelly Bish is reshaping local health care by prioritizing time and personal attention. The focus is on you, your time and your health.
Contrary to rampant rumors, Bish isn’t retiring, and she’s not going anywhere. Inspired by strong patient support, the beloved nurse practitioner licensed to practice autonomously saw a future where every patient receives the time they require. It’s a vision that led her to adopt the primary care model for her office.
“My vision truly was to maintain more time with my patients,” Bish said. “This model allows me to offer more personalized care, ensuring that each patient gets the attention they deserve. If you need five minutes, you have five minutes; if you need an hour, you have an hour with me.”
Direct primary care operates as a membership service where patients pay a monthly fee directly to the provider rather than relying on insurance billing. By opting out of insurance billing, Bish said, providers can dedicate more time
to each patient and allow direct access without the constraints of insurance requirements.
“The direct primary care model tailors it to the patient,” Bish said. “If you need to see me after work one day in the evening, this model could allow me to do that possibly.”
Bish believes that allocating adequate time for each patient is fundamental for high-quality care. “Sometimes the nature of the visit changes. I have had that happen numerous times,” she said.
“So the allotment of a longer time period allows me to meet the diversity of the patient's needs.”
The Marathon community’s endorsement of Bish is clear, having named her the “Best Medical Professional” at the 2023 Best of Marathon Awards. Her personalized approach and
Bish is committed to addressing the needs of various community members, including local workers who may benefit from the flexibility and affordability of her services. "The direct primary care model provides freedom for primary care at an inexpensive cost," Bish said.
Bish is also exploring a model where businesses can sponsor memberships for their employees. “Small business owners may have half a dozen employees who don't always have insurance, so it might be more affordable to come to me to get their care done,” she said.
Currently, Bish will serve as the sole health care provider at 1 To 1 Patient Care, with her husband, Carl Bish, assisting in administrative tasks. "Right now, the model is set up for one person to manage the office," she said. “I would like to see the office grow and flourish and eventually bring in another provider.”
Bish attributes her success to the support and faith her patients place in her; any time she recounted a touching story from her career throughout her interview with Keys Weekly, she was visibly moved to tears. She emphasized the importance of fostering positive, personalized experiences through genuine interpersonal relationships.
“You really need to know your patients, and getting to know them is the art of medicine,” Bish said.
On Friday, July 12 at 5:30 p.m., 1 To 1 Patient Care will celebrate its grand opening at 6799 Overseas Highway in Marathon. The event will include a meet-and-greet with Bish and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new facility. In the meantime, 1 To 1 Patient Care is accepting new patients. For more information, visit 1to1patientcare.com, email admin@1to1patientcare.com or call (305) 851-8903.
Shelly Bish, owner of 1 To 1 Patient Care, implements a unique direct primary care model focused on personalized health care. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
Final preparations are underway at 1 To 1 Patient Care; explore their newly designed office during the grand opening on July 12.
‘TITANIC’ PRODUCER & FORMER ISLAMORADA RESIDENT
JON LANDAU PASSES AWAY AT 63
The Keys remember the acts of generosity
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Oscar-winning producer and former Florida Keys resident Jon Landau helped captivate a global audience, from the 1997 film “Titanic” to the recent science-fiction thrillers “Avatar” and “Avatar: Way of the Water.”
He even featured a bit of the Florida Keys’ Seven Mile Bridge in the 1994 action comedy “True Lies,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis and Tom Arnold.
Landau passed away on July 6 at the age of 63. His death was announced by Alan Bergman, co-chairman for Disney Entertainment.
“Jon was a visionary whose extraordinary talent and passion brought some of the most unforgettable stories to life on the big screen,” Bergman said in a statement.
Landau and his wife, Julie, lived at the lushly-landscaped Bali Hai property on the Old Highway in Islamorada before selling it in 2022.
While his productions on the big screen brought accolades and box office records, many Keys residents who came to know Landau remember his many generous acts within the local community. And he wasn’t looking for awards or attention.
“Everyone should know how much Jon Landau loved the Florida Keys and the people who live here,” said Jennifer McComb, president and CEO for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys (CFFK).
After Hurricane Irma and during the COVID pandemic, McComb said, Jon and Julie were genuinely concerned for Keys residents and families in need and how to get them money so they could buy whatever they needed most. Following Hurricane Irma in 2017, the Landaus sprang into action to assist the island chain with the Landau Family Hurricane Relief Fund in the Upper Keys. With help from CFFK, grants were given to businesses and residents in need to rebuild and recover. Together with CFFK’s Emergency Relief Fund, more than $1.4 million was raised and distributed for Irma recovery in the Keys.
Jon and Julie Landau. Jon Landau produced the 1997 film “Titanic” and the
film ‘Avatar.’ The two lived in the Keys for a
home in 2022. CONTRIBUTED
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jon and Julie created the Landau Family COVID-19 Food Fund to help residents in need. The fund complemented CFFK’s Florida Keys Emergency Relief Fund, which provided aid through Keys nonprofits to families, seniors, service workers and others who were out of work and affected by COVID-19’s economic impacts.
With help from CFFK and fellow friends, the Landaus granted more than $315,000 to help Upper Keys residents following Irma and after the pandemic.
“What makes the Keys so special is the community of people that call this island chain their home,” Landau said in April 2020.
McComb said she remembers inviting Jon to a foundation board meeting in which he showed up in a Tshirt as he chatted with the board like old friends.
“This was pure Jon — accessible, genuine and without airs,” McComb said. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked with lots of individuals blessed with fortune and fame. Jon stood out for his remarkable humility, sincerity and being just so crazy unpretentious.”
Jon and Julie were also heavily involved in the academic realm, having launched a scholarship program in the graphic and performing arts for graduating Coral Shores students. The Landaus heard about the Upper
the full application, to Jon and Julie and they were delighted in selecting a special scholarship student,” said Tricia Hynes, Upper Keys Rotary Foundation member.
Inside the classroom, Jon went above and beyond to get students excited about the filmmaking industry. Michele Thiery, video production teacher, said Landau gave her all kinds of materials from his 2019 action sci-fi film “Alita Battle Angel.” From New Zealand, he woke up at 4 a.m. to virtually meet the students.
“Jon also offered many opportunities,” Thiery said. “He did a premiere of ‘Alita Battle Angel’ with the students. Then as a surprise, he brought in Rosa Salazar, lead actress, and Robert Rodriguez, the director, for a question-andanswer session with my students.”
Landau also afforded students the opportunity to visit his production company at the Manhattan Beach Studio, tour Fox Studios and meet the art department for “Avatar.”
Keys Rotary Foundation’s scholarship program and partnered to take advantage of the Rotary’s detailed selection process. The award, which helped students attend prestigious schools for dance, video production and film making, was a four-year scholarship with a significant amount paid every year, if justified by the student’s school record.
“When we found scholarship applicants from Coral Shores interested in performing or graphic arts, we asked the student to create an audition video. We sent that, along with
and his wife Julie’s passions included water activities and community involvement in the Florida Keys. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed
Jon Landau loved all things Islamorada and was a huge supporter of the Islamorada Chamber’s events, especially Holiday Fest and Island Fest. Judy Hull, executive director for the Islamorada Chamber, said he was not only generous with his monetary support, but he also actively contributed ideas and always expressed his love for these events which brought out the community spirit.
“After Hurricane Irma, Jon was the very first person to call, asking what he could do and how he could help,” Hull said.
The Landaus also supported Baptist Health South Florida’s Mariners Hospital as a foundation giving member dating back to 2011. Wendy Gentes, Baptist Health Foundation’s assistant vice chair and chief development office, said Landau was passionate about delivering high-quality healthcare to community members.
“Jon Landau was an exceptionally talented person with a generous spirit that knew no bounds,” Gentes said.
The Landaus also supported Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys, Upper Keys Humane Society and the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center (FKHDC) in Islamorada. Jon designed the FKHDC’s educational theater and headed a committee to select the company to build and equip the facility.
“Jon was so generous with his time, talent and treasure. He was so humble and unpretentious. He personified the term, ‘difference maker,’” FKHDC stated in a Facebook post.
A cause of death wasn’t immediately announced.
2009
number of years before selling their Islamorada
‘Avatar’ producer Jon Landau
DROWNING PREVENTION
Florida Lt. Gov. Nuñez stresses water safety as summer recreating begins
Largo School in May 2023, offers free, no-cost swimming lessons to local youth. ZACK WOLTANSKI/ Keys Weekly
ZACK WOLTANSKI
www.keysweekly.com
Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez made a visit to the Upper Keys on July 2 to speak on the importance of water safety — a crucial issue as summertime kicks off in the Sunshine State.
In a morning press conference at Jacobs Aquatic Center, Nuñez touched on the necessity of affordable kids’ swim education and the governor’s signing of legislation providing free swim lessons for kids 4 and under for families earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4, and Nuñez believes the bill will help alleviate this ongoing issue.
“This is just one more tool in the toolbox to help make sure our families can enjoy our waters and do so safely,” said Nuñez.
Additionally, Nuñez spoke on several water safety tips, encouraging parents to place door alarms to keep track of their young children, learn CPR and follow life jacket laws.
“Supervising children is extremely important,” Nuñez said. “We want to make sure people safely enjoy our beaches, our pools, our springs, our rivers.”
Other guests echoed her concerns, providing statistics and anecdotes concerning drowning deaths.
WOMAN RECOVERS FROM AN ELECTROCUTION AT LOCAL PARK
A light pole is taped off on the morning of July 9 after a woman was reportedly electrocuted when she touched the pole the evening of July 8. CONTRIBUTED
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
“Being around water is a way of life here in our state. … (But) it’s important to stay vigilant,” said Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris. “More than 80% of drowning deaths of children reported to our hotline were during non-swim time. … We cannot leave our guards down.” Children with special needs are at particular risk of drowning if not properly instructed.
“In the Keys, there’s a serious, absolute risk of drowning despite all the beauty that points in another direction,” said Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo.
Mention was made of the Keys Kid Swim Program, a pilot program started by Key Largo School in 2023 providing no-cost swim lessons over the course of two weeks to kindergarteners with goals that were echoed in the swimming legislation.
“It’s amazing to see the kids on day one not be able to put their faces in the water but by the end of the week be able to swim the length of the pool,” said John Allen, Monroe County director of parks & beaches.
The event concluded as youth from the Jacobs Aquatic Center summer camp demonstrated the rescue techniques they’d learned from this week’s lesson. Nùñez encouraged citizens to visit watersmartfl.com to learn more about the layers of protection involved in water safety.
Awoman was airlifted to a hospital on July 8 following a reported electrocution at Rowell’s Waterfront Park in Key Largo.
The person was situated near a light pole, which she touched and received a shock, county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood told Keys Weekly. According to the Key Largo Fire Department, “the victim’s husband stated that his wife touched one of the street light poles and was electrocuted.”
The woman was airlifted to Jackson Hospital in Miami in abundance of caution by Key Largo EMS. She was listed in stable condition.
John Tuckus, the husband of the woman who was shocked, told Keys Weekly by phone that they live not far from the park. John said they frequently take their dog on walks to Rowell’s. He said his wife, Elizabeth, simply leaned her hand on the pole and was shocked. He said his wife suffered from a quarter-sized burn mark on her knee as a result of the electrocution.
“She was really messed up last night, twitching and shaking with muscle spasms. She’s doing a little better today,” John told Keys Weekly on July 9.
On the morning of July 9, officials with Monroe County Parks
County crews and local electricians check to ensure light poles at Rowell’s Park in Key Largo are safe on July 9.
and Beaches along with electricians from Wire Nuts had an area near the restrooms cordoned off with yellow tape as they worked to investigate what happened. Wire Nuts was hired by the county to conduct the repairs. Wire Nuts wasn’t involved with the installation of the lighting poles and had nothing to do with the incident.
Livengood said the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative was notified of the incident. FKEC said none of its equipment was involved in the incident.
“All light poles at Rowell’s Park are being checked to make sure they are safe,” Livengood said, adding the park remained open with exception of the area where the incident occurred.
John said something like this should have never happened. He said “the whole pole was live.”
It wasn’t immediately known what caused the pole to be energized.
“Someone should have caught this. Thank god a child didn’t touch this,” he said.
An 8-acre waterfront park located along Florida Bay, Rowell’s Park underwent a series of improvements in recent years. The park features new restrooms, shared-use paths, site lighting and electricity and a Wi-Fi network.
Young graduates and certified instructors of Keys Kids Swim stand with Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and state officials. Keys Kids Swim, started by Key
COMING IN HOT
Leopoldo: La Verace Napoletana offers authentic Neapolitan pizza
TRINITY JACOX
trinityjacox@gmail.com
At a scorching 900 degrees Fahrenheit, Leopoldo Figlioli's pizza ovens blaze. Each pizza is cooked to perfection in just 60 seconds. This isn't just fast food; it's a culinary art that brings the true flavors of Naples to the Florida Keys.
Owners Leopoldo Figlioli and Marilena Fruncillo opened their food truck in late March. Both were born and raised in Italy and moved to the United States eight years ago.
"We love the Keys. We came to the country to try and do something on our own," Fruncillo said.
Figlioli's passion for pizza-making began long before the food truck hit the streets. At just 15 years old, he started working in his uncle's restaurant in Naples.
"Leopoldo has grown up in the environment of restaurant business all his life," Fruncillo said.
What sets Leopoldo’s apart is its use of tiny gas-flamed ovens, which reach temperatures between 800 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit. "In order to cook a quality (Neapolitan) pizza, you can't have an oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit," Fruncillo said.
The ovens take only five minutes to heat up, and once ready, they cook a pizza faster than you can say the alphabet. "One difference (compared to wood ovens) is the pro-
pane is cleaner,” Fruncillo said. “The pizzas will not get a lot of grease or bits of ash from wood popping. Some people don’t like that.”
With each bite, you're transported to southern Italy. Figlioli and Fruncillo are committed to sharing their love and passion for pizza-making, using ingredients that make each bite truly authentic.
"Pretty much everything is from Italy," Fruncillo said.
"The flour, mozzarella, tomato sauce, the spicy and sweet salami, olive oil, truffle oil … and me, from Italy,” Figlioli added.
While Leopoldo’s specializes in crafting authentic Neapolitan pizza, they recognize
that its traditional style may not appeal to everyone's palate. Some may mistake its softer texture and “soupy” center for sogginess – but that’s how the duo say true Neapolitan pizza is served.
“Each region in Italy has its own pizza style, and Neapolitan pizza is distinctive – it's not crispy like New York-style pizza,” Figlioli said.
Figlioli and Fruncillo appreciate all the various styles of pizza, but they say nothing beats what they grew up with.
"They say the first pizza came to life in Naples," Fruncillo said.
Their menu offers a variety of pizzas, including four cheese, truffle pesto, meat lovers and Figlioli's favorite, the margherita. For those craving something different, they have a selection of sandwiches, from a chicken parmesan to the meatball “Nonna sandwich.” If you have a sweet tooth, try their Nutella pizza with strawberries, bananas and powdered sugar. Daily specials are listed on a whiteboard, so there's always something new to enjoy.
Since the food truck opened just a few months ago, Leopoldo’s has had its first taste of the unique rhythm of Keys tourism, bridging the gaps between the slow season and the busy spring and summer. Despite the challenges, Figlioli and Fruncillo remain committed to their mission.
"We are here to give people a different option, deliver good food with great quality, and introduce a product from another part of the world," Fruncillo said.
Leopoldo and Marilena expressed their dedication to building relationships and supporting their fellow community members. "All our lives, we have never tried to get in trouble with competition,” Marilena said. “We want to help each other.”
Apart from being some of the happiest voices in town to answer the phone on a daily basis, they also engage with the community by offering locals discounts and offering to host private events. “If there are locals willing to do private parties, you are more than welcome to reach out," Marilena said.
Leopoldo’s offers quick, fresh food that brings Italy to your backyard — no need to travel thousands of miles. Visit their food truck at 11587 Overseas Highway, Marathon, located in front of the Two Conchs Marina. For menus and updates, follow “Leopoldo
on Facebook, or call 786-273-2806.
Figlioli”
The family behind the flavor shows off a meat lovers pizza. From left: Judith Zeno, Leopoldo Figlioli, Marilena Fruncillo and Saverio Fruncillo. TRINITY JACOX/Keys Weekly
In under a minute, this pepperoni pizza exits the flaming oven, ready to be savored. TRINITY JACOX/Keys Weekly
Leopoldo Figlioli, owner, shows pizza is not the only thing on the food truck's menu. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR LEADERSHIP MONROE
Meet alumni & learn about the program at recruitment events
July 16-18
Leadership Monroe County, the educational, nonpartisan, nonprofit community organization that brings together existing and emerging leaders to build constructive alliances in the Florida Keys, welcomes applicants for the upcoming Class XXXII, which will launch in September and run through April 2025.
The public is invited to attend any of three upcoming summer socials, which will acquaint interested individuals with the program and its components and introduce candidates to some of the program’s alumni.
The socials will each take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and are set for:
• July 16 at Pinfish Entertainment, 91214 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier
• July 17 at Key Colony Inn Restaurant and Lounge, 700 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach.
• July 18 at the Key West Woman’s Club, 319 Duval St., Key West.
Refreshments will be provided.
At the July 16 event at Pinfish Entertainment graduates of past classes, competing in time-honored tradition for
the title of “Best Class,” will challenge LMC board members at duckpin bowling and axthrowing.
Leadership Monroe County offers an opportunity for community leaders to experience and learn alongside a committed group of peers, and through their engagement increase their future impact within the community.
Celebrating its 32nd year, the program is aimed at residents who are active in leadership roles in the private sector, government or nonprofit community. Through a series of one- and multiday sessions over seven months, topics examined include the environment and natural resources, tourism and the economy, government, education, military, the law and judiciary, emergency management, arts and culture, health care, human services, as well as leadership skill development.
The deadline to apply is Aug. 12. Applications are available at leadershipmonroecounty.org.
More information is available at 305-394-3804 or by email to info@leadershipmonroecounty.org.
Sam Steele monroetaxcollector.com 305.295.5000
JULY
• Local business tax may be renewed beginning on July 1, 2024. The 2024 business tax expires on September 30, 2024.
• Property tax installment bills must be paid by July 31.
• There were 1,756 certificates sold during this year’s tax certificate sale for the amount of $9,745,258.28. In the previous year, there were 1,765 certificates sold.
• The spiny lobster sport season (“mini-season”) begins at 12:01a.m. on July 24 and ends at 12:00 a.m. on July 25.
• A
that is
or
• To sign up for electronic bills, please visit our website or call our o ce for assistance.
• Thank you for nominating us for Best Customer Service and Best Elected O cial for the 2024 Bubba Awards!
Follow us on for more imortant tax information.
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The bag limit for Monroe County is six per person per day.
property
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less must have a tourist development tax account.
WATERFRONT
TAKEOFFS = LANDINGS
And he still made the gig!
There were no reported injuries when Florida Keys Flight Academy’s Sol Bradman landed with one other passenger in the water off Sombrero Boulevard following his plane’s engine failure on July 4. MCSO/Contributed
JOHN BARTUS
John Bartus is a singer-songwriter and the former mayor of Marathon.
The human spirit is an amazing thing. Throughout our history on planet Earth, we have controlled fire, invented the wheel, built amazing structures and even learned how to slip the bonds of Earth and soar high into the sky.
Our achievements are rather impressive considering how far we’ve come since we were hunting woolly mammoths during the last Ice Age.
There is a saying when it comes to gravity: what goes up must come down. Orbital and escape velocities aside, this bit o’ wisdom pretty much holds true. A case in point happened on the Atlantic side of Marathon on July Fourth.
Sol Bradman is living proof. Sol owns and teaches at the Florida Keys Flight Academy at Marathon Airport, and is a damn fine drummer and percussionist. Sol plays drums for the Lady A Band, and they had the late afternoon slot at Sombrero Beach on July Fourth.
Earlier, during a set that Adrienne Z and I were playing, a gentleman came to the stage and let me know that a small plane had just gone down into the water off Sombrero Beach! He told us that the two people on board the plane walked
away seemingly unharmed. That was good news.
Drummer Sol was one of the first of the Lady A Band to arrive for their gig. As he was setting up his drums, he revealed that he was the pilot who set down the plane in the water off the beach! He didn’t look or seem like someone who had just survived a plane crash … and he did share with us some details.
The plane was a vintage singleengine aircraft, and Sol had one other passenger on board. Ironically, John Mavis, Lady A’s bass player, was originally scheduled to be on that flight (he called it off that morning). Sol’s plane lost engine power, and all his training as an experienced pilot and flight instructor took over. As the plane lost altitude in a controlled, powerless descent, he searched for the best place to land. After rejecting any idea of a beach landing because of the number of docks in the vicinity, Sol decided to put the plane down in the ocean just offshore.
Luckily for all, July Fourth was a breezy day. Sol took advantage of that breeze to reduce the plane’s airspeed before the wetter-thannormal touchdown. He said that he went in at about 15 mph, which lessened the force of impact with the water. Sol and his passenger were rescued from the waist-deep water and safely returned to dry land.
Although the land may have been dry, Sol’s clothes certainly weren’t. A quick trip to Beall’s Outlet solved that problem, and he showed up at the gig early and ready to play.
Sol was quick to cite the importance of the what-do-I-do-now lessons he learned, which are the same ones he teaches at the Flight Academy. All the proper procedures for putting down a powerless plane ensured that Sol and his passenger only got wet. He also said that the experience will reinforce these lessons for his flight students, Sol having “been there, done that.”
This is yet another story of our amazing human spirit. Most plane crash survivors probably would take the rest of the day off and count their blessings or lick their wounds.
Sol goes and gets some dry clothes and shows up for the gig.
Sol did have but one request of Ric Arra, Lady A Band’s guitarist and singer, and it was a simple one. Sol asked Ric not to tell him anything he may have done wrong on the drums, saying, “All I want to hear is, ‘Good job, Sol.’”
I think that just showing up was worthy of a “Great Job!” And if you want to learn how to fly with someone who knows from experience, better call Sol. Florida Keys Flight Academy is on Facebook and the World Wide Web … and at the Marathon Airport as well.
— Catch John live Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, this Friday at Isla Bella, Saturday at the Boardwalk in Big Pine and Sundays at Skipjack Tiki Bar. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www. johnbartus.com • johnbartus.hearnow. com
SHELF HELP
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “After I Do” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Why: After 10 years of living together and then being married, Lauren and Ryan have reached a point where they can’t stand each other. Do you just throw in the towel or try something ... perhaps different? Separate for 12 months and then reconnect. Rules: no contact whatsoever. We all think about leaving our spouse at some point, but the temporary nature of Lauren and Ryan’s arrangement makes this book a great philosophical exercise. Without society’s rules, what would any of us do differently? Am I still a wife if I step outside society’s rules? I highly recommend this book.
Where: You can get this as an e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library system.
How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org
Recommended by: Amy Skerly, library assistant, Key West library
See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/shelf-help.
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THE LOBSTER LOWDOWN
Want an all-in-one primer as you get ready to hit the water for mini-season on July 24 and 25? Unsure of what rules apply for the new July 14 ‘mini-mini-season?’ The Keys Weekly has you covered.
THE FINE PRINT MATTERS WHEN HUNTING
• Recreational harvesters are required to possess a valid Florida saltwater fishing license with a current spiny lobster permit. They can be purchased online at gooutdoorsflorida. com/ or by calling 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356).
• Spiny lobster must have a minimum carapace length greater than 3 inches, and the measurement must take place in the water. The carapace is measured beginning at the forward edge between the rostral horns, excluding soft tissue and proceeding along the middle to the rear edge of the carapace. If a lobster gauge can fit over the end of the carapace, the lobster is TOO SHORT. All recreationally harvested lobster must remain in whole condition while at sea.
• Egg-bearing (berried) spiny lobster must be released unharmed. Stripping egg-bearing females of eggs, and possession of spiny lobster tails from which eggs have been removed, is prohibited. Eggs are orange, yellow, brown or red masses found covering the underside of the lobster’s tail.
• During mini-season, bully netting is the only legal way to harvest lobster at night, defined as one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. Night diving is permitted during the regular season, but NOT during mini-season.
Possession of bully nets or hoop nets are prohibited in Everglades National Park.
• It is a felony to molest, damage or take lobster from commercial traps.
• It is illegal to intentionally create “artificial habitat” for lobsters using items like cement blocks, pipes and other debris. It’s also illegal to harvest lobster from artificial habitat in state waters.
• Recreational trapping is prohibited.
LET’S TALK LIMITS
• The bag limit is six lobsters per active, licensed harvester per day in Monroe County, period. Making multiple trips to harvest the bag limit each time is ILLEGAL.
• Possession limits apply both on and off the water. The possession limit, even when off the water, is six lobsters per licensed harvester on July 14 and July 24, or 12 lobsters per licensed harvester on July 25 (six harvested per
THE SEASONS
• New for 2024: A one-day “Floridians-only” sport season begins at 12:01 a.m. July 14 and ends at midnight that same day.
• Sport season/“miniseason”: the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on day one and ending at midnight on day two (July 24-25 in 2024).
• Regular season: Aug. 6 through March 31
STAY AWAY
Most Keys cities have invoked special rules to cut down on neighboron-neighbor – and especially residenton-visitor – “turf wars.” Essentially, local rules establish a “no-go” zone to keep lobster hunters away from private property. In the following areas, there is no diving or snorkeling within 300 feet of enhanced residential or commercial shoreline, any man-made or private canal, or any public or private marina.
In Islamorada, Key West and unincorporated Monroe County, the rule applies during the three days prior to
the sport season (July 21-23 in 2024), the entirety of the sport season (July 24-25) and the first five days of the regular season (Aug. 6-10). In Marathon, the rule only applies during sport season, and in Key Colony Beach, it applies from the four days preceding sport season through 10 days after the opening of regular season. The city of Layton has a prohibition on harvesting lobster any time from waters within city limits.
DON’T GO THERE…
While there are many spots to catch a sizable lobster, there are also many areas protected by a special set of rules. Know where you’re going before you head out.
Don’t lobster in these areas:
Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs) Carysfort Reef, The Elbow, Key Largo Dry Rocks, Grecian Rocks, French Reef, Molasses Reef, Conch Reef, Davis Reef, Hen and Chickens, Cheeca Rocks, Alligator Reef, Coffins Patch, Sombrero Key, Newfound Harbor Key, Looe Key, Eastern Dry Rocks, Rock Key, Sand Key.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR ‘MINI-MINI-SEASON’
• All the same rules that apply during the July 24-25 sport season also apply on July 14, including prohibited areas.
• The extra July 14 harvest only applies in Florida state waters (from shore to 3 nautical miles in the Atlantic, or 9 nautical miles in the Gulf of Mexico).
• On July 14, charter captains who are Florida residents can be hired. All charter customers on July 14 must also be Florida residents with proof of residency.
Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne Bay Card Sound Spiny Lobster Sanctuary, Biscayne National Park Coral Reef Protection Areas, City of Layton, John Pennekamp State Park Lobster Exclusion Zones
DIVE FLAG DETAILS
Divers and snorkelers in the water must display a diver-down flag. The flag must measure 12x12” if flown from a buoy or float, or 20x24” if flown from a vessel or other structure. Flags must be flown from a vessel’s highest point and must be visible from all directions. Divers should stay within 100 feet of their dive flags in channels, or within 100 yards of their flags in open water. Vessels inside these distances must fully slow down to idle speed.
KILL LIONFISH, GET MORE LOBSTER
Recreational lobster hunters can up their bag limits during each of the sport season days by two lobsters per person per day through successful completion of FWC’s annual Lionfish Challenge. All information, including detailed instructions to submit proof of the minimum 25 harvested lionfish, is at fwcreefrangers.com.
• Increased bag limits ONLY apply to harvesters who complete the challenge, submit their tails, and receive a 2024 Challenge Coin.
• The increased bag limit applies ONLY to the harvester who completes the challenge, not all divers aboard a vessel.
CAPTAIN JOEL’S FISHIN’ HOLES
FIGURING OUT FLOATERS
…is a fifth-generation Floridian and second-generation fishing captain who owns and operates Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon. His passions include fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.
As we are heading offshore, I commonly tell my clients we are looking for four things. Number one: birds – the bigger and blacker the better. Number two: an organized weed line. Number three: a floater, which I define as anything floating on the surface bigger than a water bottle. Number four: a boat that may have found what we’re looking for, so we can do some “monkey see, monkey do.”
In the recent past I have written about how to read birds and troll under birds. I’ve also written about what weed lines to look for and how to troll next to them. Now I’m going to write about floaters.
Some of the floaters we find offshore are tree parts, migrant vessels, tangled ropes and buoys, jugs, barrels, boat and plane debris, pallets, boat cushions – and yes, “packages.” The reason a floater is so important to find is that when a large object is floating in the ocean, it’s like an oasis in the desert. Schools of bait fish hang out underneath the floater to get shade, avoid predators and eat smaller organisms that live underneath. Many large floaters have an entire ecosystem under them from the surface of the water straight down to the bottom of the ocean.
Here is how I fish most floaters: The first thing I do is troll ballyhoo and plastic baits past the floater. Most of the time I’ll catch several fish trolling past the floater, and as long as I’m hooking fish, I keep trolling. At some point, we either catch them all or the ones still there are “educated” and not eating.
Regardless of the reason, when the bite stops and I’m not catching any fish trolling, the next thing I do is I stop my boat a few feet off of the floater and chum with live bait fish or chunks of ballyhoo and squid. Sometimes that brings game fish up from the deep and we start catching them as they are feeding on our chum.
Once the bite stops and we don’t see fish coming into our chum, we stop chumming and start vertical jigging. We jig with a medium size vertical jig with a six- or eight-inch wire leader
in a watery ‘desert,’ full of great fish for the taking. JOEL BRANDENBURG/Contributed
attached between our main line and our vertical. We drop the vertical jig under the floater and let it sink for a count of 80 Mississippi. Once you’ve counted 80 Mississippi, start jigging and reeling violently – the more violent the better. We catch a lot of wahoo vertical jigging under floaters.
Earlier, I mentioned that the fourth thing we look for is another boat that may have found what we’re looking for and do “monkey see monkey do.” That doesn’t mean that we find another boat and do a hostile takeover on his floater. In my opinion, you should stay at least a football field away from the floater until the other boat is done fishing.
I’ve had several incidents in the past few weeks of captains racing in for what I felt were “hostile takeovers” of floaters where I was trolling. I figured out a long time ago that yelling and screaming might make you feel better, but usually doesn’t solve any challenges.
Here’s an example of the right way to come in on someone’s floater: Last year, I found a floater that was an old barnacled-up half-sunken kayak in about 600 feet of water. I caught several mahi off of it, chummed it and vertical jigged it. Captain Chris Still, owner of the Tackle Box and a local charter guide, was trolling around me three football fields away, catching a few mahi and watching us. I eventually waved him in, and he asked me if I minded him trolling next to it. I told him yes, no problem. On his first troll past it he caught a nice wahoo. I wasn’t upset, and, just like the preacher I take fishing says, “Sometimes it just be like that.” Anyway, captain Chris handled his approach patiently, courteously and professionally.
Keep your eyes peeled for those oases in the desert.
To book a charter with Ana Banana, call or text Capt. Joel at 813-267-4401 or Capt. Jojo at 305-879-0564, or visit anabananafishing.com.
CAPT. JOEL BRANDENBURG
Floaters, found in hundreds of feet of water and made of just about anything imaginable, can be a tree of life
CHRIS
M cNULTY
is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com
The sky is busy this week. There are three major transit formations among seven different planets emerging more-or-less simultaneously. This will bring up some challenges in our relationships, having us confront our unconscious impulses and emotional survival needs. The way through the challenge will require keeping our ideals in focus and tapping into genuine empathy. Also, the sun is forming a 120-degree trine to Saturn, eliciting support between the ego and our creative striving and the structures and authorities in our lives. Keep an eye out for your mentors because they will naturally be teaching you the lessons you need to learn. Early next week, Mars forms a conjunction with Uranus, which will bring about explosive changes and fights for freedom. We will be feeling this transit now, but it will be ramping up over the weekend. With all this activity, my biggest recommendation is to breathe and keep your wits about you. It’s easy to get swept up in all the hullabaloo, but you only have control over your own actions and reactions.
Here are your horoscopes for the Venus-Pluto-Neptune wedge and the sun-Saturn trine. Read for your rising and sun signs.
CANCER
June 21 - July 22
It may feel like you’re in a standoff with an important obligation in your life, and it may seem that you are the one prioritizing personal relationships while people are pushing your unconscious triggers. Take the time to dream new ways of achieving goals rather than trying to maintain familiar routines. Pay attention to people you admire who push you out of your comfort zone.
LEO
July 23 - Aug. 22
As you enjoy the peaceful quiet time before Leo season bursts onto the scene, listen to teachers in your life who encourage you to conserve your energy. Taking time to yourself can ultimately help you to be more effective when the right time to act presents itself. If a challenge emerges in an important partnership, protect the relationship by idealizing your shared purpose.
VIRGO
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
A tension may be emerging between a deep desire to be with friends and an almost impulsive need to get your work done. Relying on a partner in your life to help you to dream and let go of real world challenges will do more than just provide an escape. Focusing on partnership will provide important lessons regarding who you are in the social sphere.
LIBRA
Sept. 23 - Oct. 23
Your creativity is important and it is a part of your personal power, but focusing on your projects requires time away from friends and community. Your heart is with your people right now, and that can make your work feel like a shadow. Let your routines become your escape so that they give you energy rather than take it away.
SCORPIO
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
There is a tension building in an important relationship, and the release is right on the horizon. Let your partner surprise you, but remember that your integrity is also really important. Your creative impulses, almost as if they were external teachers, are showing you how to do things differently. Listen to your muses. The challenge between work and home will ease when you let your creative angels guide you.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
As you focus on how to invest your time, energy or money, there is a very important lesson or teacher presenting itself from your family history. Perhaps it is a lesson of conservation. Be sure to heed this teaching before making any big decisions, because it is wisdom. As you enter a new chapter in a relationship, there may be a strong, dark desire for familiarity. Dream about home.
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
A partner in your life is taking center stage, and it is important to give your people their time in the spotlight. Your role right now is to remind them of the importance of communication and the world that they come from. Be their voice of reason. If money issues come up in relationships, be sure to have empathy when it comes to different methods of talking about money.
AQUARIUS
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
We all go through phases of being spendy and bring thrifty, and this sky is encouraging your thriftiness. As you conserve, you will fall into fresh daily routines in order to get your needs met. You will really start to analyze how you do things, allowing you to adjust accordingly. If you find that you are struggling in an important relationship, really pay attention to your ideal needs to help make decisions.
PISCES
Feb. 19 - March 20
You are probably finding a love for getting your hands dirty in some project, but that also seems to be accompanied by an almost obsessive need to be alone. Be careful not to over-isolate when you are diving deep into your work. You need and deserve to be with others. Focus on the things in life that bring you bliss because that is where you build your confidence.
CALM IN THE STORM
ARIES
March 21 - April 19
A big surprise is on the horizon, and it has to do with your finances or your material goods. Somehow or another, you will be freed from a burden that you’ve been carrying. The surprise will very likely not be what you are expecting, however, so stay vigilant. As your home and family take your focus, let your metime be a teacher for you. Listen to your stream of thoughts as you sit alone.
TAURUS
April 20 - May 20
There’s no place like home! You get to dive deeply in love with your home and your family right now. As you do, your work and career may be looming like that giant demon in “Fantasia.” Why must your public obligations be so heavy? Fear not. Turn your attention to your friends who share your ideals. They will help you find your way.
GEMINI
May 21 - June 20
Focusing on your own needs will help an important mentor offer lessons that will help you achieve your goals. If you build your own house, this person will come to help you because they see what you are doing. Listen when they arrive. A strong love for your immediate community and familiar world is palpable right now. What is your dream work in this space?
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THANK YOU!
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CREW AND PRODUCERS
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Pyros: Mike Puto • Lyle Cameron • Billy Diaz
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A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO
Monroe County Sheriff Department
• FWC • USCG • Marathon High School Interact Club • Presents in Paradise
• Marathon Fire & Rescue • Hammer Runyon & City of Marathon Staff • Kelly Vaughn Williams
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EVENT CHAIR & COMMITTEE
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LAUNCHING REGULATIONS
City to oversee boat ramps for three-day lobster sport season
The City of Marathon is gearing up for the three lobster sport days in 2024. Yes, three days. By order of Gov. Ron DeSantis, there will be an extra mini-season day scheduled for Sunday, July 14, as well as the regularly planned sport season days of Wednesday and Thursday, July 24 and 25.
Launching a boat is free for locals whose boat trailers are registered to a Marathon or Key Colony Beach address. Visitors pay $25 to launch a boat, $25 to retrieve a boat and $20 for a day of parking at the 33rd Street boat ramp and the Quay boat ramp. Failure to pay the launching fee results in a $200 fine for the registered owner of the trailer. If the ticket is paid within 15 days from notice, the fine is reduced to $100.
While local and state officials handle law enforcement, the City of Marathon will dedicate its resources to staffing the three city-owned boat ramps. All three boat ramps will be staffed Saturday and Sunday, July 1314; Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21; Wednesday and Thursday, July 24-25. They each have their own list of rules to follow.
The Quay boat ramp, located near MM 54, has one parking lot entrance located east and one exit located west. When launching, boat captains should avoid blocking traffic on U.S. 1 and observe lane closures marked with traffic cones. Once in the queue, captains should make preparations to launch as efficiently as possible. Limited parking
is available; trailers parked illegally will be towed.
At the Harbor Drive boat ramp, located behind the airport, boat captains should access the ramp on heavy traffic days by turning off Aviation Boulevard onto Marlin Drive, turning left onto Tuna Drive and then left onto Harbor Drive. This route applies to both the launch and retrieval of the boat. This route to the boat ramp bisects a residential neighborhood, so be aware of pedestrians and drive slowly. This ramp is limited to small boats launching from trailers with only one or two axles. Auto traffic may use Harbor and Marlin Drive in either direction.
The 33rd Street boat ramp will be facilitated by city employees. Traffic is expected to flow smoothly, but boat captains can expect a wait. Paid parking is available at the adjacent elementary school, Stanley Switlick, and the gravel lot on the west side of 33rd Street. When retrieving the boat, use the gravel lot to pause and secure the boat and trailer. Do not stop in front of the Marathon Yacht Club.
— Contributed
2-year-old male Weimaraner mix.
Looking for: Someone to be my one and only.
Turnoffs: I’m a big boy, but the world is a scary place.
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.
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.
Hurricane fosters needed! With hurricane season upon us, the SPCA needs volunteers and fosters in case of a storm. Over 100 animals would need to be evacuated, so it is crucial they all have homes in place before an impending storm. The SPCA provides everything you need; all
REMMY
7-month-old male mixed breed.
Looking for: My dream home would have kids and another dog.
Turnoffs: I’m a ladies’ man and would prefer to be your only man.
FIGARO
2.5-year-old male domestic shorthair.
Looking for: I’m a social dude and I like other cats.
Turnoffs: People that don’t like black cats.
you do is give an animal a safe haven during the storm and return them to the shelter once it’s safe – that is, if you don’t fall in love. For more information on becoming a hurricane foster, visit https://fkspca.org/volunteer/becomea-foster-volunteer/ or call 305-7434800.
BLIPPI
Arrows on the map indicate traffic flow for the Harbor Drive boat ramp, detailing both boat launch and retrieval routes. CONTRIBUTED
View of the 33rd Street boat ramp. CONTRIBUTED
The Florida Association of Counties board poses for a photo at the association’s annual business meeting in Orlando. CONTRIBUTED
LINCOLN CHOSEN PRESIDENTELECT OF FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln was chosen president-elect of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) on June 28. She was elected at the association's annual business meeting during FAC's annual conference in Orlando.
Lincoln has served on FAC's executive committee for two years, most recently as first vice president. She also actively participates in FAC's policy committees, including those on preemption and water and environmental sustainability.
"I love serving Monroe County and my position on FAC's executive committee provides a platform to advocate for my community at a statewide level," said Lincoln. "I am grateful to my peers for advancing me to this position and allowing me to ensure that all 67 counties are represented, including those with unique needs like my own."
Lincoln has earned the advanced county commissioner II designation, the highest level of education offered by the association.
"Commissioner Lincoln exceeds the usual responsibilities of a commissioner, relentlessly advancing her expertise to enhance her growth as a public servant," said Ginger Delegal, executive director of FAC. "She approaches every challenge with fairness and consideration for all counties, and I look forward to what she will accomplish this year."
As president-elect, Lincoln will oversee the association's policy and advocacy efforts and will chair the finance and audit committee.
Lincoln is joined on the FAC executive committee by president Terry Burroughs of Okeechobee County, first vice president Rene Flowers of Pinellas County, second vice president John Meeks of Levy County, and immediate past president Bill Truex of Charlotte County. – Contributed
YES DOCTOR, CHECK MY TESTOSTERONE LEVELS.
YES DOCTOR, I AM AWARE I AM A WOMAN.
Iam on fire, and it has nothing to do with a hot flash.
It has everything to do with the fact that many of my female clients have been asking their local physicians to check their hormone levels, including testosterone, and several of these health care providers are asking why. In fact, one physician in town told my client, “I don’t think that’s really necessary at your age, honey.” To that, I say, “HAH!” Let’s look at why that really is necessary … honey.
Testosterone, often dubbed the “male hormone,” is crucial for women’s health and well-being.
Despite its lower presence in females compared to males, testosterone plays a vital role in women’s physical, emotional and mental health. Yet, the implications of low testosterone in women are often overlooked or misunderstood.
Testosterone levels in women naturally decrease with age. This decline typically begins in the late 20s and continues progressively into the later decades of life. By the time women reach their 40s, testosterone levels have dropped significantly compared to their younger years. This decrease continues into the 50s, coinciding with menopause, where the reduction can become more pronounced.
To understand what constitutes low testosterone, it's essential to recognize the normal ranges. For ages 20-30, the normal range is 15-70 ng/dL. For ages 31-40, it is 13-65 ng/dL. The range for ages 41-50 is 12-60 ng/dL, and for ages 51-60, it is 10-55 ng/dL. For ages 61-70, the normal range is 9-50 ng/dL. For ages 71-80, it is 8-45 ng/dL. For those 80 and older, the normal range is 7-40 ng/dL.
The decline in testosterone affects various bodily systems, often leading to a range of symptoms and health issues. Testosterone is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and bone density. Low levels can result in decreased muscle strength and an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Women may notice a loss of physical strength and endurance.
Low testosterone is associated with an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen, which can contribute to metabolic syndrome and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Women with low testosterone may struggle with weight management and are at higher risk for diabetes and heart disease.
Testosterone influences mood and cognitive functions. Women experiencing low testosterone levels often report feelings of fatigue, depression and a decrease in cognitive sharpness. It can also affect sexual desire and satisfaction, contributing to lower libido and sexual dysfunction.
For women looking to enhance their testosterone levels naturally, there are several lifestyle changes and practices that can help.
Engaging in regular physical activity, especially strength training and high-intensity interval training, can help increase testosterone levels. Resistance exercises, such as weight lifting, are particularly effective.
Consuming a balanced diet rich in zinc, magnesium and healthy fats can support testosterone production. Foods such as lean meats, nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil are beneficial.
Ensuring sufficient, quality sleep is crucial for hormone production. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night to maintain optimal testosterone levels.
When lifestyle changes are not enough, medical interventions may be necessary. There are three common approaches:
...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC. Hello@highlymotivatedfc.com
• Administered through patches, gels, or injections, testosterone replacement therapy can help restore testosterone levels to a normal range. This should be carefully managed and monitored by a healthcare provider to avoid potential side effects.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a precursor hormone that the body converts into testosterone. DHEA supplementation can help boost testosterone levels, particularly in postmenopausal women. However, this should only be taken under medical supervision.
• Hormone replacement therapy, often used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, can include a combination of estrogen and testosterone. This approach not only helps balance testosterone but also addresses other hormonal deficiencies that occur during menopause.
Understanding the effects of low testosterone in women is crucial for addressing the subtle yet significant impacts it has on overall health. As awareness grows, so does the importance of monitoring and managing testosterone levels to ensure a healthier and more vibrant life at any age. Whether through lifestyle adjustments or medical treatments, maintaining balanced testosterone levels is a vital component of women’s health and well-being. You are entitled to know whatever it is you want to know about your health, so do not give up on it. If your health care provider isn’t up to date and isn’t supporting your endeavor to better your health, it is time to find one who is and will. Be your own advocate.
JENNIFER BOLTZ HARVEY
LOBSTER MINI-SEASON MADNESS
For better or worse, crawfish catching forever changed in 1975
Barbara Hand, Judy Tynes, Gwen Collins and Cleo Powell are pictured in an Oct. 30, 1976 Miami Herald photo with a large basket of crawfish (or Florida spiny lobster). WRIGHT LANGLEY COLLECTION/Florida Keys History Center
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
The Dry Tortugas were once fair game when it came time to hunt spiny lobster.
In a newspaper article published in the Naples Daily News on Aug. 3, 1975, Jack Clark, superintendent of the Everglades National Park and the Fort Jefferson National Monument (today the Dry Tortugas National Park), said that the Dry Tortugas were closed to fishermen to study the effects the 197374 lobster season had on the population.
“According to the study, almost 90% of the lobsters on the area’s shallow reefs were removed.”
Ralph C. Webb, the National Park Service’s management assistant, stated, “During the 16 months since the end of the 1973-74 season, the
monument’s lobster population has increased to only one-fourth its previous size.”
In the early 1970s, the Caribbean spiny lobster season opened for recreational and commercial fishermen alike on the same day. Everyone was on the water at the same time and competing for the same prize.
What did it look like? This description was printed in the Playground Daily News (Fort Walton Beach) on August 4, 1974:
“Marathon Key: The first two weeks of the season are a nightmare, said Florida Marine Patrol Capt. E.G. ‘Ed’ Little. ‘Last season we made 250 arrests in the first 10 days. This year, it looks like it will be even more. Every season we’ll have two or three shooting incidents when a commercial fisherman catches a guy diving on his traps,’ he said, ‘and about once a day during the first few weeks we’ll have to break up a fight among some divers.’”
The two-day lobster sport season was introduced for the 1975 lobster season. I always thought the sport or mini-season was developed to put tourist heads in hotel beds. Certainly,
it is one of the reasons the two-day event has persevered for 50 years, but it was not the only reason the “sport” season was enacted. One reason the sport season came to fruition was to act as a way to let some of the steam out of the frantic competition between commercial fishermen and recreational divers that caused the commercial guys not infrequently to break out firearms to protect their livelihood.
In the Florida Today newspaper, dated Aug. 28, 1975, Bill Lyons, marine biologist and crawfish specialist with the Department of Natural Resources, said, “Florida’s laws were set up to accommodate the South Florida lobster. Virtually, it’s a Monroe County law. Down here, the spawning is almost always completed by Aug. 1. Farther north, where water temperatures don’t always increase as quickly, there could be a lag phase. It varies from year to year, depending on the weather.”
The sport season is not just a Monroe County thing but a Florida thing, though the Keys and Biscayne National Park rules are a little different than those in the rest of the state. The limit here and in the park is six lobsters per licensed person per day. For the rest of the state, the limit is 12. Lobsters cannot be speared or hooked and must remain intact until they reach shore. That means that there is no wringing the tails free and dumping the heads and legs offshore.
The lobster’s carapace must measure 3 inches in length to be of legal size. Egg-bearing lobsters, too, are off-limits. However, it is not until a lobster has been “gently” wrangled out of its hiding spot and taken in hand that the tail can be inspected to see if it is full of eggs. Responsible hunters will return the egg-bearing lobsters to their holes. What has become clear to everyone who has lived in the Florida Keys for any length is that, too often, responsibility is replaced by selfish behavior.
At least for Monroe County residents, the two-day lobster miniseason inspires a mixed bag of emotions. For years, residents have been
clamoring to end the two-day event that occurs on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July. The good news is that even though law enforcement is already stretched beyond their limits to patrol such a vast area, the two-day lobster sport season has been expanded to include an additional day. This addition to the calendar is intended only for Florida residents, though the majority of those indulging in the event already call Florida home. In this inaugural year, Sunday, July 14, will be the day added for state residents only.
Before the housing market crashed, we rented a house on a canal. For seven lobster sport seasons, I sat on the screened-in patio overlooking the Tequesta Street canal as boats left their docks to grab their limit of spiny lobster. Every year, some boats returned after the day’s hunt and settled in for a big lobster feast.
The thing about canals is that sound carries over the water, and you can hear what people are talking about from a good distance. Every year, some of the boats unloaded their limit of lobsters and went back out to the warm, clear waters for another round. My observation is just from one canal on Plantation Key, and there are hundreds of canals up and down the Florida Keys where the same scenario plays out year after year.
While the FWC and the Marine Patrol do good work, for every catch of lobster that is checked for legal size and limits, hundreds go unchecked, and those looking to cheat the system understand the risk versus reward of their actions. If caught, some offenders will plead ignorance. Others believe that rules and regulations are for other people and treat the natural resources and the Keys themselves without regard.
It is no wonder why some of the natural resources that make the Florida Keys such an amazing place to live and visit have become scarce commodities. In the years to come, other natural resources, too, will undoubtedly follow.
FAST TRACK TO FALL!
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GETTING THE YIPS WITH THE STILTS
I... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.
can’t get over the length of black-necked stilts’ legs. They’re incredibly long in proportion to their body – hence the name. Your average blacknecked stilt stands a little over a foot tall. Eight inches of that are their legs, which are also bright red and so skinny they look to be made of coat hanger wire. Whenever I see them I go through a brief phase of disbelief. You’re telling me there is muscle and bone and sinew in something that long and thin, not to mention nerves to relay messages from the brain to the feet?
No. Not possible. I don’t believe you.
There’s an oft-quoted F. Scott Fitzgerald line: “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.” So if, rationally, I know there somehow is muscle, bone and sinew in the legs of black-necked stilts, but also, I still don’t believe it, I must be some kind of genius, at least in Fitzgeraldian terms. (Any proposals for other methodologies to test my intelligence will be declined.)
I’m always surprised the stilt’s legs don’t snap like dried spaghetti any time they land. But an account in a 1970s edition of the ornithological journal “The Auk” offers a strange testament to the structural soundness of those legs. The journal describes, in great detail, a scene in the Everglades, where a great white heron snatched up a black-necked stilt by one of its legs and carried it, shaking it some, then flying with it, for a good 10 minutes before swallowing the bird whole.
The black-necked stilt’s bill is long and nearly as skinny as its legs. Whereas other shorebirds tend to probe into the mud to pluck out prey items, stilts grab insects and brine shrimp gingerly from the mud or the surface of the water. Their long legs allow them to feed in deeper water than most other shorebirds that are relegated to the water’s edge.
I saw my first black-necked stilt about 25 years ago. They are in the pantheon of birds that make me say wow every time I see one. It’s not just the slender legs and bill, but also the clean, graphically pleasing black above/white below plumage. They are amazingly nimble, stepping as lightly as any creature I’ve seen.
I’ve never seen them attacked by a predator, and have seen them divert the attention of predators. I witnessed it again the other day up on No Name Key, looking for, and failing to find, a particular rarity. So I drove down to the end of the road and made my way to a small,
muddy salt pond. It was early, so it wasn’t too hot and the bugs weren’t too aggressive, and the light on the water made it feel like a tidy little oasis.
First, a tricolored heron flew in, then stood on the edge of the water like some kind of sentinel. The second bird I saw was a black-necked stilt. Out of nowhere, it flew straight up like a rocket, stopped flapping quickly, then landed on the edge of a small spit of mud 30 yards away. It started yapping, or more realistically, yipping, when it hit the apex of its ascent, making sure I watched it drop and land. Insistent yipping gave way to incessant yipping, with the bird making about three yips per second. It just kept going and going.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website Birds of the World – generally considered the most comprehensive collection of data and information about any species — notes, “After a day of field work near breeding stilts, the yapping echoes in one’s head until the next morning when the sound is renewed by the continuing calls of vigilant parents.”
’Tis the season for distraction displays, the time of year when parents of some nesting species perform a lot of theatrics to distract potential predators from their vulnerable offspring, and at first this seemed a classic one. I expected the stilt to droop a wing onto the ground and do the whole look-how-vulnerableI-am routine.
But like all good performers, the bird had another move. It crouched down, its long skinny legs looking strangely awkward folded under its body, trying to convince me it was on a nest. (I keep wanting to refer to the bird as she, but you can’t tell the sex of a stilt by looking at it, and both genders of stilts brood the eggs and tend the young.)
It’s hard to say whether the stilt was trying to distract me from eggs or chicks. The eggs tend to be camouflaged and difficult to see from a distance. The chicks are precocial
(hatched or born in an advanced state and able to feed themselves and move independently almost immediately, according to Google). They leave the nest within a day and innately know to hide when their parents go into distraction mode.
Black-necked stilts are only known to produce one clutch of eggs a year, though, and it’s pretty well into summer, so odds are the stilt was trying to distract me from chicks.
Years ago I was leading a group of bird photographers on a trip through Trinidad and Tobago when we stopped at a golf course to take pictures of some southern lapwing, one of which started flying around, buzzing us, then landing and dragging a wing, making a lot of noise, then taking off to buzz us again. When it finally dawned on me it was a distraction display, I told the group we were stressing out the lapwing and should leave. Nearly everyone nodded and got back into the van. Except for one guy, who thought himself the dean of bird photography, having started in the pre-digital era. When I again suggested we get in the van, he literally started jumping up and down and stamping his feet, cursing me out à la Yosemite Sam, throwing a tantrum because I was ruining his photography experience. It was kind of physically impressive for a man of his years, but I vowed never to be anything like him.
So on No Name Key the other day, I stayed less than a minute after the stilt started its whole distraction display, maybe time for 100 or so yips. Then I turned and started toward the short coastal trail that led back to my car.
I was only about 15 yards away when the stilt flew over me, leaving a trail of yips, then landing on the sargasso weed, bobbing its head, trying to get my attention. Then its mate flew over, doing pretty much the same thing.
I raised my camera to take a couple shots of the ruckus, then continued on, the birds leapfrogging over each other to show me the way.
A black-necked stilt on No Name Key. MARK HEDDEN/Keys
MARK HEDDEN
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BRIEFLY
Marathon Youth Club hosts open registration for soccer
The Marathon Youth Club invites the community to fall soccer registration night at the Marathon Community Park main pavilion on Friday, July 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Fall 2024 soccer season will run from Aug. 15 to Oct. 27, with sessions scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Open to youth ages 5-12, registration is $85 per player with a $10 discount for siblings. Registration closes on Aug. 8. The Marathon Youth Club is seeking coach volunteers and business sponsors for teams. For questions, contact marathonyouthclub305@gmail.com. Registration is available online at leagues.bluesombrero.com.
Two men cited in separate wildlife cases
Saturday, July 27. The event begins at 4 p.m. with the bar opening, followed by lobster races at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served buffet style with options including fish, pork, or chicken with sides and dessert for $12 per person. Each dinner ticket includes a raffle entry for a luau-themed basket. Enjoy lobster races and a 50/50 drawing, with race proceeds supporting the Marathon Elks Lodge scholarship fund.
Funders Alliance hosts Florida Keys Nonprofit Day
Middle Keys Marine Deputy Willie Guerra has issued mandatory notice to appear citations to two individuals in separate incidents during recent resource checks on July 7. David Silva Enrique Pena, 61, of Miami Gardens was cited for possessing four out-ofseason lobsters – three of which were undersized – and five undersized lane snappers near MM 61 at around 3 p.m. Kenny Ricardo Barrios Martinez, 37, of Miami received a citation for possession of one out-of-season lobster near Toms Harbor Cut Bridge at around 2 p.m.
Marathon SPCA needs hurricane fosters
Hurricane fosters are needed at the Marathon SPCA campus. With hurricane season here, the SPCA needs volunteers and fosters in case of a storm. Over 100 animals would need to be evacuated, so it is crucial they all have homes in place before an impending storm. The SPCA provides everything you need; all you do is give an animal a safe haven during the storm and return them to the shelter once it's safe – that is, if you don't fall in love. For more information on becoming a hurricane foster, visit fkspca.org/volunteer/become-a-foster-volunteer or call 305-743-4800.
Marathon Elks Lodge invites public to luau, membership drive
Marathon Elks Lodge 2139 is hosting a luau and membership drive on
Professionals from countywide charitable organizations will gather for the third annual Florida Keys Nonprofit Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Marathon City Hall from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Presented by the Florida Keys Funders Alliance, the event offers free tickets for nonprofit staff, volunteers, students and community members interested in nonprofit service. Preregistration at cffk.org/nonprofitday is required due to limited seating. The afternoon will feature sessions on presentations, branding and finance, followed by a reception sponsored by First State Bank of the Florida Keys.
Monroe County libraries offer summer reading programs
Every summer, the Monroe County Public Library offers programs to keep kids and their families reading. The community tradition promotes reading for fun and lifelong enrichment. The libraries create an encouraging framework for learning for all ages during the summer. Reading together as a family helps prevent summer learning loss and encourages strong communication and bonding. Summer reading isn’t just for kids, but for teens as well. Families can pick up reading logs, find books (including e-books), attend programs and more at every branch of the Monroe County Public Library – in Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and Key West. This year’s theme is “Adventure Begins At Your Library.” More information is at keyslibraries. org/summer-reading-2024/, at the library branches and via email to info@ keyslibraries.org.
Come take a class at the Marathon library
The Marathon library has a wide variety of class offerings, ranging from photography to book clubs, robots, virtual reality and more. Scan the QR code here to see the schedule and get involved.
KEYS SCHOOLS LAUNCH ENHANCED COMPUTER TRAINING
Local philanthropist offers students cash incentives for IT skills
The Monroe County School District recently announced its IT Premier Pathway, a progressive educational program that encourages students in sixth through 12th grades to integrate information technology skills in their high school experience. The initiative is supported by Key West philanthropist and education advocate John Padget, whose nonprofit Golden Fleece Foundation provides financial incentives for students who succeed in self-paced learning opportunities in computer and technology fields.
“Integrating IT skills is essential for preparing students for future career landscapes,” said Theresa Axford, school superintendent.
“We are grateful for John Padget’s continued support, which enables us to provide these extraordinary learning opportunities.” The IT Premier Pathway offers a structured reward system that motivates students to pursue, and excel in, their IT studies:
• Level 1 certifications: Students receive $50 gift cards for each certification.
• Level 2 certifications: Students receive $150 gift cards for each certification.
• Level 3 certifications: Students earn checks from the Golden Fleece Foundation with a tiered reward system: $300 for the first Level 3 certification, $500 for the
second, $700 for the third (the Silver IT Premier Award), $1,000 for the fourth (the Gold IT Premier Award) and $1,500 for the fifth Level 3 certification (the Platinum IT Premier Award).
Achieving a Level 3 certification also confers three college credits, allowing students to accumulate up to 15 credits before they finish high school. Recipients of the Platinum IT Premier Award could effectively complete half a year of college or university coursework, entirely free of charge.
Students are encouraged to study at their own pace and pass certifications when ready.
Students will receive recognition among their peers in their classrooms. “Certificates and checks will be presented by Golden Fleece Foundation representatives,” said Caroline Bleske, career and technical education coordinator.
“This pathway not only fosters IT skills but also builds lifelong learners,” Padget said. “These awards are designed to recognize significant achievements and inspire a culture of excellence among students.”
More information is available from Bleske at 305-293-1400, ext. 53389, or via email at caroline. bleske@keysschools.com.
Having Fun in the Middle Keys
RECONNECT WITH NATURE
OPEN HOUSES
110 BRUCE COURT
MARATHON | $1,799,000
3827 DYER ROAD
BIG PINE KEY | $1,334,000
Amazing 5 bedroom home boasting 75' canal frontage with 7 day rentals allowed, this property is the ultimate investment opportunity, and boasts fantastic rental potential of over $175,000 a year! 75' of concrete dockage and a boat lift, and plenty of entertaining spaces including a sprawling Porch overlooking the water. Room for a pool, tiki and all of your toys and just minutes to world-class fishing and diving!
Privacy and tranquility abound at this exceptional pool home on an expansive, fenced-in triple lot boasting over half an acre! Two concrete docks, complete with 10K boat lift, and no-bridge access to world-class boating and fishing within minutes! Inside, the airy open concept floorplan feels bright and spacious, and is flooded with natural light. Large, covered balcony a ords views of the pristine pool and canal below.
NEW LISTINGS
14 AVENUE F
MARATHON | $3,999,000
22970 GASPARILLA LANE
CUDJOE KEY | $1,499,000
Seller will consider a deep discount if property is purchased now as-is! Double lot canal front location with excellent boating access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. This list price includes a completed shell which includes metal roof, impact exterior doors and windows, rough plumbing, rough electric, and interior framing and includes all engineering, plans, water and sewer hookup fees paid, and water and sewer to the property.
Angler's paradise with unmatched boating amenities and deep-draft ocean access from 200’ wide canal! With 100' concrete dock, complete with two 50' boat slips, davits, two floating docks, fillet station, swim ladder, dock boxes and paddle board stand, this property is expertly outfitted for the avid boater! This sprawling home features an airy open concept, flooded with natural light and soaring ceilings, and boasts resort-like finishes.
1507 A SOMBRERO BOULEVARD
MARATHON | $3,499,000
Brand new 2024 CBS construction with gorgeous views and excellent boating! Every detail has been considered in this turnkey pool home! Open-concept great room is bright and spacious and a wall of glass doors leading out to a full-length covered veranda boasting stunning open water views! An opulent primary suite o ers sweeping views of Boot Key Harbor and overlooks sparkling pool, generous T-dock and boat lift.
9922 AVIATION BOULEVARD
MARATHON | $2,499,000
Excellent income-producing duplex with open water views in a prime location! Two sparkling pools, direct access to the Gulf of Mexico from private boat slip, and 75’ of dockage. Inside, each unit boasts an airy open concept and updated kitchens and o ers breathtaking views from screened-in balconies. Expansive pool deck and generous sized lot adorned with lush tropical landscaping, and ample storage and parking.
ALMANAC | July 11
On this day: In 1960, Harper L ’s “To Ki a Mockingbird” was published.
In The Bleachers
Scien sts studying African elephants at Kenya’s Samburu Na onal Reserve and Amboseli Na onal Park have discovered that the pachyderms ca to each other and respond to one another using individual names, the A ociated Pre reported on June 10. The names are expre ed in low rumbles that can be heard over long distances -- by elephants. Many of the noises are low enough not to be heard by humans.
Adam
Brevity
News of the Weird
Nancy
In 1798, the U.S. Marine Corps was r stablished, having b n disbanded since April 1783.
TODAY’S FACT
Wi iam Howard Ta , who was sworn in as chief jus ce of the United States on this day in 1921, is the only person in history to serve as both chief jus ce and president of the United States.
TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS
John Quincy Adams (1767-1848), sixth U.S. president; E.B. White (1899-1985), author; Yul Bry er (1920-1985), actor; David Ke y (1929-2012), actor; Giorgio Armani (1934- ), fashion designer; Leon Spinks (1953-2021), boxer; Sela Ward (1956- ), actre ; Suza e Vega (1959- ), singer-songwriter; Je Corwin (1967- ), naturalist/ TV personality; Lil’ Kim (1974- ), ra er; Patrick Peterson (1990-), f tba player; Ale ia Cara (1996- ), singer-songwriter.
Nancy
Founded by Betty Debnam
Time for Republicans
A political party holds a national meeting called a convention before a presidential election. At that meeting, representatives from each state, called delegates, announce which candidate they have chosen to run for president.
The candidate also may announce his or her choice for a running mate, who would be vice president.
At the convention, members of the party also discuss the party’s platform, or its ideas and goals about different issues facing the country.
This year, the Republican National Convention takes place July 15 through 18 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the Fiserv Forum, a large arena. It is expected that the party’s nominee for president will be former President Donald J. Trump. Trump became president in 2016. In 2020, Joseph R. Biden was elected. He is expected to be the Democratic nominee in 2024.
Past conventions
The first national political conventions were held about 185 years ago, in the 1830s.
At one time in our history, no one knew who the nominee would be until after the convention. Delegates voted for whichever candidate they wanted. In fact, in 1968, Democratic delegates chose a candidate who had won no primary elections!
This will be Milwaukee’s first time hosting
the convention.
Meet Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin, a north-central state. About 600,000 people live there. The city lies on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Indigenous peoples have lived in the area for many thousands of years, including Ojibwe and Potawatomi tribes. Later, French explorers settled in the area. Many German immigrants came to the region in the mid-1800s looking for inexpensive farmland. Milwaukee still celebrates a German Fest and Oktoberfest each year.
The Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks play major league baseball and basketball in the city. Residents enjoy the Milwaukee River, many parks, forests and nature centers. Milwaukee has warm, humid summers and cold winters with lots of snow.
SPORTS
In 1914, Babe Ruth made his major league debut, pitching seven i ings for the Boston Red Sox in a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Naps.
REPUBLICAN DELEGATES
Groups of delegates from the same state or territory are called a delegation. A state’s number of delegates is based on population and other factors.
Alabama 50 Alaska 29
43
RESOURCES
On the Web:
• bit.ly/MPRepublicans
At the library:
• “Political Parties: A Kid’s Guide” by Cari Meister
Mini Fact: Delegates at the convention listen to speeches and vote on party issues.
photo by Isaac Rowlett
Donald J. Trump
The Milwaukee River cuts through the city, separating the east and west sides.
TRY ’N’ FIND
Words that remind us of the Republican National Convention are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: CANDIDATE, CONVENTION, DELEGATE, FARMLAND, GERMAN, ISSUE, MICHIGAN, MILWAUKEE, NOMINEE, PARTY, PLATFORM, POLITICAL, PRESIDENT, REPUBLICAN, SPEECH, TRUMP, VOTE, WISCONSIN.
FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of The Greeen House located at 99304 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL.
By: TGHFL 99304 Overseas LLC
Publish: July 11, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of The Greeen House located at 82751 Overseas Highway, Unit B, Islamorada, FL 33036 intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL.
By: TGHFL 82751 Overseas LLC
Publish: July 11, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Notice of Seizure that in accordance with Florida Statutes 83.805/83.506, Upper Keys Commerce Center, 97300 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 will sell or otherwise dispose of the personal contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien. All contents in: Unit 82 – Tonya Skillman Sale of all goods will be 7/26/24 at 10:00 am at 97300 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo Florida 33037. Upper Keys Commerce Center reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.
Publish: July 4 & 11, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
DISTRICT I ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC I) (Encompasses the City Limits of Key West) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists) Any person wishing to participate on the District I Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application.
Publish: July 11, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-CA-000268-M RED MANGROVE HOLDINGS, LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company, Plaintiff, v. MARATHON DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, LLC, a Florida
limited liability company, CEDAR OAK REI, INC., an Idaho for-profit corporation, MARK RAY GERENGER, personal guarantor, ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT(S)WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS, and ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN OCCUPANT(S) or TENANT(S) of 329 63RD COURT GULF, MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050 AND 57468 AND 57478 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, GRASSY KEY, FLORIDA 33050, Defendants. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 23rd day of July, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., on the front courthouse steps at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Property Address: 329 63RD COURT GULF, MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050; AND 57468 AND 57478 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, GRASSY KEY, FLORIDA 33050. Pursuant to FINAL JUDGMENT of FORECLOSURE SALE SCHEDULED FOR JULY 23, 2024, AND SALE DATE entered in a case pending in said Court, of JULY 23, 2024, the Style of which is: RED MANGROVE HOLDINGS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Plaintiff, vs. MARATHON DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, et.al., Defendants, and the Docket Number of which is 23-CA-000268-M. WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of June 2024.
KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within sixty (60) days after the sale.
Publish: July 4 & 11, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-323-P DIVISION: PLANTATION KEY IN RE: ESTATE OF LUCY MARY BELL
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Lucy Mary Bell, deceased, whose date of death was May 9, 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 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 personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211.
The date of first publication of this notice is: July 11, 2024.
Personal Representative: Jessica L. Doolen 6637 Secluded Avenue Las Vegas, Nevada 89110
Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq.
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050
Telephone: (305) 743-9428
Fax: (305) 743-8800
E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com
Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com
Publish: July 11 & 18, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000305-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RUSSELL BENJAMIN JONES, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of RUSSELL BENJAMIN JONES, deceased, whose date of death was January 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 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 personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211.
The date of the first publication of this notice is July 11, 2024.
Personal Representative: PAMELA THOMAS JONES
131 Peace Ave Tavernier, FL 33070
Attorney for Personal Representative: DAN P. HELLER, Esq.
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 472220
HELLER ESPENKOTTER, PLLC
3250 Mary Street Suite 204 Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Telephone: (305) 777-3765
Fax: (786) 749-5296
E-Mail: probate@ hellerlawgroup.com
Secondary: dan@ hellerlawgroup.com
Publish:
July 11 & 18, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO.: 2024-CP-320-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS
IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT ALAN EALES
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of ROBERT ALAN EALES, deceased, whose date of death was May 6, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: July 11, 2024.
Personal Representative: Andrew D. Eales c/o Legacy Law Associates, P.L.
313 South Palmetto Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Attorney for Personal Representative: W. Denis Shelley
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 273872
Legacy Law Associates, P.L.
313 South Palmetto Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Telephone: (386) 252-2531
Fax: (386) 258-0392
E-Mail: shelley@legacylaw313. com
Secondary E-Mail: troy@ legacylaw313.com
Publish:
July 11 & 18, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER: 24-CP-333-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DONNA ARNOLD
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of DONNA ARNOLD, deceased, whose date of death was 8 June 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, 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, 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: July 4, 2024
Personal Representative: Robert Arnold 126 Mohawk St. Tavernier, FL 33070
Attorney for Personal Representative: Tom Woods, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 0525197 116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036
Phone: 305.664.2200 Fax 2205
Primary Email: tom@ tomwoodslaw.com
Secondary Email: eserve@ tomwoodslaw.com
Publish:
July 4 & 11, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2024-CP-000321-M IN RE: ESTATE OF GARY W. BURATTI, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of GARY W. BURATTI, deceased, whose date of death was January 17, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, FL, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are
set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the 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: July 4, 2024.
Personal Representative: Christine M. Watt 66 Coco Plum Drive Marathon, FL 33050
Attorney for Personal Representative: Michael A. Siefert, Esquire Florida Bar No. 042315
Michael A. Siefert, P.A. 121 NW 3rd Street
Ocala, FL 34475
Telephone: (352) 732-0141
E-mail: msiefert@aol.com
Publish: July 4 & 11, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO.: 24-CP-329-M
DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF DALE DENNING
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of DALE DENNING, deceased, whose date of death was June 11, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform
Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211.
The date of first publication of this notice is: July 4, 2024.
Personal Representative: Vesta Medernach Denning 1509 Sombrero Blvd. Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134
RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022
Fax: (305) 743-6216
E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com
Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com
Publish:
July 4 & 11, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000328-PK IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM T. SCHEALL Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of WILLIAM T. SCHEALL, deceased, whose date of death was May 15, 2024; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 24-CP-000328-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: JULY 4, 2024. Personal Representative: JOHN SCHEALL, JR. 1304 Perry St. Lakeland, FL 33801 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: July 4 & 11, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO.:
2024-CP-306-P
IN RE: ESTATE OF GLORYANNE SANDREY
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of GLORYANNE SANDREY, deceased, whose date of death was January 24, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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: July 4, 2024.
Personal Representatives: Christopher Sandrey 1870 Ocean Way Vero Beach, FL 32963 Ilona Joy Sandrey 1870 Ocean Way Vero Beach, FL 32963 Attorney for Personal Representatives: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com
Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035
Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: July 4 & 11, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-535-K DIVISION: FAMILY
SUYAPA Y. DUARTE, Petitioner, and MARIO ROBERTO GARCIA, Respondent.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)
TO: MARIO ROBERTO GARCIA
RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN
ADDRESS: GOLF CLUB DRIVE #112, KEY WEST, FL 33040
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Suyapa Y. Duarte, whose address is 3215 Duck Avenue, Key West, FL 33040 on or before August 12, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following
real or personal property should be divided: N/A
Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: July 3, 2024 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jaquelyn Fonseca Deputy Clerk Publish: July 11, 18 & 25 and August 1, 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
Place your AUTO FOR SALE ad here.
$25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305743-0844
BOATS FOR SALE
Key Largo 21' Deep V Center Console w/trailer. New 150hp motor & electronics. Ready to fish. $32,500 cash. Located in Marathon. 201-696-8906
FREE - 2 PONTOON BOATS 24' AND 18' Located in Marathon. Call 305-610-8002
Place your BOAT FOR SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844
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
Frank’s Grill - NOW HIRING: PM SERVER - 4p-Closing. Apply in person at 11400 Overseas Highway, Marathon 305-289-7772
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
Hiring: Lead Gutter
Installer - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED – valid Driver’s License - must be comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier. To apply, please call or text Jay 305-587-1581.
SKILLED PLUMBERS
Full Service & Construction. Immediate Openings in Upper Keys. Full-time & Parttime. MotivatedGreat Mechanical & Problem Solving Skills – Read & Speak English - Clean 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.
Saturday & Sunday front desk office person needed to answer phones and greet walk in customers at Big Pine Real Estate Office. Call Frank 561-283-9969 or DD 305-289-6486
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time servers and bartenders. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/ dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub. com.
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a full-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere, afternoon/evening hours Tuesday –Sunday. Must provide checking account for direct deposit, photo ID, and social security card or passport. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub. com.
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.
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Housekeeper at Poinciana Gardens, Server at Poinciana Gardens, 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.
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. Offstreet parking. Private & quiet. MM 96 Key Largo. $1,850/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 HouseStudio 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
Place your HOUSING FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844
HOUSING WANTED
Female teacher seeks living space in Key West. Need Washer/Dryer, Bathroom & Kitchen. Available to pet sit for you. 202-531-9878
ROOMMATE WANTED
Stock IslandSeeking non-smoking professional female/ no pets. Fully furnished, W/D + TV. Very nice quiet safe place. Gated. $1250/month. First/ Last Call 305-797-5600
RV SITE FOR RENT
RV site at marina available in Marathon. Monthly rates. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. 305-610-8002
Place your RV SITE FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844
Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. SweetCarolineSeaport. com
YARD SALES
Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.
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!
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COORDINATOR
Join a workforce where innovation and teamwork provide support to the employees, retirees, community and citizens of Monroe County!
The Employee Benefits Coordinator handles the eligibility of all participants in the MC BOCC’s health, pharmaceutical, life, dental and visions plans, including enrollment, dependent coverage, terminations, and retirement. Monroe County offers an excellent benefits package and is a member of the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Onsite position in Key West, 40 HPW. Annual salary range: $54,626.40 - $69,648.67, based on experience.
To view job descriptions and apply, visit: www.monroecounty-fl.gov/jobs. For questions, contact Human Resources at: Careers@MonroeCounty-FL.gov or 305-292-4554. Deadline – Open until filled. Veteran’s preference available; E.O.E.
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.
FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER
The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for a FULL-TIME Police Officer.
Call 305-407-3262 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON
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
Turtle Hospital in Marathon Join 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
Applicants must posses a current Florida Certification as a police officer. Applicants will undergo a thorough background investigation, including drug screening, medical, polygraph and a psychological exam.
Salary: $60,000.
Full Health & Dental Insurance, 457 (b) Participation.
Email resume to:
Chief of Police at: chief@keycolonybeach.net Or call for additional information: 305-289-1212 ext. 1
Preference in the selection of vacant positions will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans. The Key Colony Beach Police Department is an EEO employer, drug-free and nicotine-free workplace.
WE ARE HIRING!
DIRECT CARE STAFF AT ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM
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. *
DIRECT CARE STAFF
GROUP HOMES 24/7 FT/PT
These positions are available at our Group Homes; evening shift. This position provide direct care services and support to our clients in their home. This position requires the minimum of high school completion or GED and 1 year of experience with care giving or 30 hours or college coursework. *
IN HOME SUPPORT
FT
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. *
*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
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
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
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.
(PT)
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 PRACTICE
OPENINGS
- Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Marathon, FT
- Physician Assistant, Surgical Ortho, Tavernier, FT
- Radiology Technologist, Imaging-MRI, $15,000 Bonus, FT
- Registered Nurse, ICU, $25,000 Bonus, FT
- Registered Nurse, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, FT
MARATHON FISHERMEN’S
COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
- ED Team Coordinator, Emergency Department, FT
- Experience Advisor, FT
- First Cook, Dietary, $5,000 Bonus, FT
- Lead Med Technologist, Laboratory, $15,000 Bonus, FT
- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Radiology, $20,000 Bonus, FT
- Medical Technologist, Laboratory, $15,000 Bonus, FT
- Radiology Technologist, Radiology, $15,000 Bonus, FT
- Security Of cer, Security/Safety, Per Diem All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
*Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.
APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net
MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE
We are now hiring for the following positions: Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered.
4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
Applicants must posses a current Florida Certification
