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It was a photo finish for American sprinter Noah Lyles, who secured the fastest-man crown following a very narrow victory in the 100-meter final at the Paris Olympics on Aug. 4. The announcer initially thought Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson crossed the white line first. A closer look, however, showed Lyles the winner by just five thousandths of a second.
FWC’s Venus Garcia lets kids get up close and personal with a scaly friend at National Night Out. See page 26. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
KEYS PR CHIEF ANDY NEWMAN CHARGED WITH PERJURY, FALSE STATEMENTS
28 misdemeanor counts relate to declarations about payments to fictitious company
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
The Florida Keys’ longtime public relations director, Andy Newman, is facing charges of perjury and making false official statements, the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office announced on Aug. 6.
The charges — 14 counts of perjury and 14 counts of false official statement — are first- and second-degree misdemeanors that stem from a series of audits the county clerk’s office conducted beginning last year of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and its public relations contract with NewmanPR, which is owned by Andy Newman. In addition, the state attorney’s office said, it issued subpoenas and conducted its “own independent, in-depth forensic audit,” which uncovered what it says was a series of false declarations made by Newman concerning payments allegedly issued to a fictitious company called Graphics 71.
The 14 counts of “perjury when not in an official proceeding,” each classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, “assert that Newman knowingly provided false statements under oath about payments to the nonexistent entity, Graphics 71.”
“Under Florida law, each count of perjury is punishable by up to 364 days in county jail and a $1,000 fine,” the report states.
The charges pertaining to “making false official statements,” each categorized as a second-degree misdemeanor, allege that “Newman submitted false written certifications
to the Clerk of Court’s office, falsely claiming that payments were made to Graphics 71 to mislead public officials.”
Each count of making false official statements carries a potential penalty of up to six months in county jail and a $500 fine.
“Our investigation underscores the seriousness of these offenses,” State Attorney Dennis Ward said. “Integrity and honesty are cornerstones of public service, and we are committed to prosecuting those who engage in deceitful practices that undermine public trust.”
The Keys Weekly has been in contact with Newman, who had just learned of the charges the afternoon of Aug. 6. He was expected to turn himself in to authorities the same day, but declined to comment on the matter at the time on the advice of his attorney.
NewmanPR, which was launched by Andy Newman’s father, Stuart Newman, as Stuart Newman & Associates, has handled public relations for the Florida Keys’ tourism interests for more than 40 years. The job has involved marketing the Florida Keys to national and international media outlets by providing video and still news photography of noteworthy events, as well as bringing media to the island chain for such events, including CNN’s annual presence in Key West for New Year’s Eve, worldwide Fantasy Fest coverage and celebrity-studded fishing tournaments.
Though Newman declined to comment Aug. 6 on the charges, he and his attorney responded to questions about invoices that Newman
submitted to Monroe County and that the county paid to the alleged fictitious company known as Graphics 71.
“Our review found that NewmanPR regularly requests to be reimbursed for invoices for a company named Graphics 71,” states the county’s October 2023 audit of the TDC’s financial operations. “We discovered that Graphics 71 is not an entity registered to do business in the State and the business name was not listed as an alias for a registered Florida business. We also could not find business tax payment records … for Graphics 71,” the audit report states. “During FY 22, NewmanPR was reimbursed $14,573 for Graphics 71 invoices and in FY 23 the amount reimbursed was $14,998.
“Using a nonexistent company as a vehicle to double bill the TDC shows a general disregard for the importance of ensuring that the TDC is spending Monroe County’s tourist development tax dollars lawfully and judiciously.”
Andy Newman. CONTRIBUTED
MESSAGE FROM THE SHERIFF
The 2024 regular lobster season starts Aug. 6, 2024 and now is a great time to remind everyone of some basic safety rules and laws.
Unfortunately, we’ve had some serious boating-related incidents this year in the Florida Keys already. We can curb these incidents if we work together when it comes to diver-down flags and boating practices.
Always display your diver-down flag unobstructed from the highest point of your boat with a sti ener, so it is clearly visible.
And if you’re operating a boat: Do what I do and stay at least a football field away from anchored vessels in open water, even if you don’t see a diver-down flag.
Better safe than sorry!
Follow the regulations seen on this page. Share them with your friends!
Let’s have a safe lobster season!
Monroe County Sheriff, Rick Ramsay
KEYS PR CHIEF ANDY NEWMAN CHARGED WITH PERJURY, FALSE STATEMENTS
Newman’s response to audit findings
In his written responses to auditors’ follow-up questions, Newman and his attorney denied any double billing or wrongdoing and explained that the Graphics 71 invoices and payments reflected internal financial transfers and payments from NewmanPR to individual photographers and videographers. Newman’s explanation states:
“Graphics 71 was initiated as a separate entity within Stuart Newman Associates to properly document work done outside the scope of work detailed in our client contracts, not only with Monroe County, but others as well.
“Specifically, it focuses on photography, print production and an occasional video production project that would otherwise be done by an outside vendor. It is not commonplace for a PR firm to include photography and production charges within a contract, because it is extremely difficult if not impossible to predict what is going to be required within a budget year.
“We use a number of vendors to do projects and their selection is based on their experience to get the job done as well as their location. … Using those individuals provides us the ability to achieve coverage in major publications, news websites and broadcast platforms around the world….
“My father, the late Stuart G. Newman, came up with the concept to begin Graphics 71 sometime after I joined the company in 1980. My father oversaw the company’s finances up until his death in March 2019. ... I believe Graphics 71 has been in existence for at least 35 years and, as far as Monroe County is concerned, the firm has been billing photo and production charges through Graphics 71 for a long time. (Our accountant) has Quickbooks records that go back to 1996 that show this.
“Originally, Graphics 71 had a separate bank account, but that account was closed several years ago when we changed banks. Stuart Newman, who died in March 2019, did not see a need to incur bank charges for Graphics 71 as it is simply an internal transfer.
“For the past several years, (my accountant) has been processing bills from Graphics 71, as with any other vendor. But the check is not cashed. Our bank will not accept a check payable to Graphics 71, so she destroys checks.
“(The accountant) makes an accounting entry recording the payment to Graphics 71 in a separate income account in our books, which is obviously subject to company income tax and is processed by the company’s accounting firm. The check and deposit offset to $0 in our books. There is no bank transaction. This is why there are no canceled checks to Graphics 71.”
KEYS DEPUTY ALLEGEDLY WARNED BOYFRIEND OF DRUG RAIDS
Jennifer Ketcham faces 19 felony charges
By Mandy Miles and Alex Rickert
AMonroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy will face 19 felony charges after allegedly using police computer systems to help her boyfriend’s drug-dealing activities, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Keys Weekly on July 31.
Jennifer Ketcham, 40, allegedly used law enforcement computers, networks, databases and her position as an acting supervisor to warn her boyfriend, Ryan Hernandez, about impending drug raids and of narcotics officers patrolling certain areas of the Lower Keys, including Stock Island and Big Coppitt Key.
An incident report obtained by the Keys Weekly details the investigation of Ketcham and more than a dozen instances of her using her law enforcement credentials to access the Florida Criminal Information Center and National Criminal Information Center (F/NCIC) and Drivers and Vehicle Information Databases (DAVID) to look up information about Hernandez and send database search results to Hernandez regarding other vehicle plates and individuals.
In text messages between Ketcham and another sheriff’s office employee, Ketcham reportedly stated that “(Hernandez) is dealing dope, and I can’t be tied into that.”
The employee alleged that Hernandez was only 17 years old when the pair began their relationship, eventually living together as a couple. However, the arrest report references a Ryan Hernandez with a birth date of 1990, matching the only individual of the same name with seven arrests in the Keys for drug-related offenses over the past 14 years.
In an interview with sheriff’s office investigators, Ketcham reportedly stated that she did not have any “concrete” evidence that Ryan Hernandez is involved in any criminal activity, but that it had been brought to her attention during a previous investigation. She stated that she searched the databases for Hernandez’s name because he believed his license had been suspended.
The report goes on to allege that in addition to conducting numerous database searches to obtain information about drivers’ licenses and license plates, Ketcham advised Hernandez of areas to avoid on
Stock Island in 2023 while she was an acting supervisor, who dictated the zones to which patrol deputies are assigned.
More than 11,000 pages of text messages allegedly sent between Ketcham and Hernandez, obtained via a search warrant for Hernandez’s phone, show that a contact named “J” warned Hernandez to “stay out of Big Coppitt Key, letting him know that ‘narcs’ are getting ready for a raid” on Sept. 6, 2023. Two days later, text messages from the same contact allegedly warned that a “narc is on Stock Island for a couple of hours.”
In her interview with investigators, Ketcham reportedly stated she had warned deputies to stay away from areas of Stock Island, but “only in a joking manner.”
In another instance, Ketcham reportedly sent Hernandez a Facebook photo of a narcotics officer who was patrolling in a specific area so Hernandez would recognize her.
Numerous other text messages allegedly show Ketcham revealing confidential informants and activities of narcotics officers throughout 2023 and 2024.
Ketcham was hired on June 2, 2021 after graduating from the police academy that is held at the College of the Florida Keys. Ketcham was placed on administrative leave without pay pending an internal affairs investigation. Her bond was set at $1.9 million — $100,000 per felony charge – but was later reduced to $610,000 in an Aug. 5 order from Judge Albert Kelley.
“I am committed to keeping this community informed of significant events that occur in this agency — good and bad,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay.
At press time, Ketcham remained in custody on a $610,000 bond. Her arraignment is currently set for Thursday, Aug. 22. She is represented by attorney Dustin Hunter of Key West-based law firm Robertson & Hunter.
Keys deputy Jennifer Ketcham
ELECT MARGARET ROMERO SUPERVISOR
Margaret has the INTEGRITY, HONESTY, TRANSPARENCY and COMPETENCY to be our next Supervisor of Elections.
Mirna and Dennis Ward wholeheartedly support
for anyone. Her
COMMITTED TO TODAY’S TEACHERS AND TOMORROW’S LEADERS
•
• Strengthen and retain our teachers and staff
• Increase student achievement by providing the necessary resources to ensure their success
•
•
•
Spotlighting the amazing individuals who live and work in the Middle Keys
TRINITY JACOX
trinityjacox@gmail.com
No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
As school bells ring next week, we turn our spotlight to Tracy McDaniel, a third-grade teacher at Stanley Switlik Elementary School. With 25 years of teaching experience, McDaniel’s journey in education has been nothing short of remarkable. Her enthusiasm for education is infectious, and her impact on her students' lives is immeasurable."I love teaching because a good education can change anyone, but a good teacher can change everything," she said.
TRACY McDANIEL
Third-grade teacher, Stanley Switlik Elementary School
How did you end up in the Keys? I was born in Key West and raised in Big Pine. I attended elementary school all the way up to high school in the Keys.
What can people find you doing when you aren’t working? Doing travel baseball with my son.
What is your favorite event or tradition at Stanley Switlik? Definitely the Santa pancake breakfast. We get there around 5 a.m., dressed in little Christmas attire and make pancakes. It’s probably the most fun event for us.
What is the best and worst part of the Keys? The best part would be the tight-knit community atmosphere. The worst part is having to drive more than two hours to a Target or Chick-fil-A.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper.
If you could shop for free at any store, which would it be? Publix. My food bill is outrageous.
Do you have any weird food combinations? I don’t really have any weird food combinations but my teacher friends notice I will have like five open drinks at one time located throughout the class.
What’s the most creative excuse you’ve heard from a student about why they didn’t finish their homework? The horse ate it.
OPPOSITION HEARD AT CITIZENS RATE
HEARING
FIRM says Monroe profited insurance group by more than $859 million
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Premiums paid to Citizens Insurance Property Corporation by Monroe County policyholders resulted in a net profit of more than $859 million between 2003 and 2021.
Mel Montagne, president for Fair Insurance Rates of Monroe (FIRM), told state insurance regulators during an Aug. 1 rate hearing in Tallahassee that 2022 and 2023 were less than active storm seasons in the Keys — and yielding even more profits to Citizens.
Montagne’s statements come as FIRM pushes back against another rate hike for Citizens policyholders in Monroe County. In June, the Citizens’ board of governors unanimously approved an average rate increase of 14% on policies for primary homeowners, condominium unit owners, dwellings and mobile homes statewide.
Citizens is required by law to charge actuarially sound rates that aren’t competitive with the private market, all while complying with a glide path that allows Citizens to increase their rates 1% each year. By 2026, rates could hike to 15% for policyholders who renew.
“As a governmental insurer of last resort, we should never be competing with the private market. And that’s the situation now,” said Citizens CEO Tim Cerio.
Citizens Insurance provides coverage to property owners who are in good faith and can’t obtain a policy through the private market. Officials with Citizens have said the premium rates remain “well below” other private insurance companies providing coverage. During the hearing, Citizens officials acknowledged its rates would need to increase some 53.9% to avoid competing with the private insurance market. A glide path which caps rate increases for Citizens, however, doesn’t allow for such a large hike.
“While there’s been recent im-
provement, since 2019 Citizens only raised rates 31% while private insurers raised 103%,” Cerio stated. “We’re just pointing out how far we’ve fallen behind and how competitive we’ve become with the private market.”
Cerio added Citizens Insurance isn’t taking the rate increase lightly, but he noted it’s important for market recovery and pushing policyholders insured through Citizens to other carriers in the state.
In his statements, Montagne expressed the ever-increasing windstorm premiums are especially hitting working families who live in homes built by local Habitat for Humanity organizations in the Florida Keys. Montagne explained their payments are 30% of the household income, at the time of closing, for a period of 30 years. Any increases such as those proposed by Citizens could price families out of these homes, he said.
“This means that Habitat must now make up the difference, which restricts its ability to continue to provide the services that so many families depend upon,” Montagne said.
Some 18,400 personal lines policyholders in Monroe County face a rate increase, which stands to be the second highest in the state. Primary homes are capped at a 14% rate increase, while secondary homes do not have a cap and face even higher rate hikes.
As for condominium owners with wind only or multi-peril policies, their rates increase another 20%, if state regulators approve Citizens’ request.
“FIRM opposes any rate increase for Monroe County because year after year Monroe consistently is near the top of rate increases in spite of the fact that storm history, mitigation methods and building codes simply are not reflected in the models and we have no reasonable degree of competition,” Montagne said.
Joe Walsh, FIRM vice president, told state insurance regulators a healthy Citizens is critical for Monroe County.
“In fact, Citizens was literally created for us,” he said.
Virginia Christy, Florida Office of Insurance Regulation deputy secretary, said the office will review the filing for rate increases as well as testimony provided during the Aug. 1 hearing before making a final decision. If approved, Citizens’ proposed rate increases would take effect Jan. 1.
FORMER FLIGHT NURSE INDICTED FOR STEALING FENTANYL & OTHER NARCOTICS
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
She faces 14 felony counts for drug theft, 22 counts of misconduct
Agrand jury on Aug. 2 indicted a former chief flight nurse who worked aboard the county’s Trauma Star life-flight helicopter until her colleagues reported missing narcotics and altered inventory logs. A subsequent audit revealed more than 600 missing vials of Fentanyl and other narcotics.
Lynda J. Rusinowski, the former chief flight nurse for Monroe County Fire Rescue, was indicted Aug. 2 on 14 felony counts of grand theft of controlled substances and 22 counts of official misconduct, according to a report from the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office, which empaneled the grand jury for this case.
“Rusinowski is accused of illegally obtaining and using potent medical-grade narcotics, including Fentanyl, Dilaudid, Versed, Ketamine and Morphine, from Monroe County Fire Rescue. Additionally, she is alleged to have falsified official records to conceal these thefts, marking a serious breach of public trust,” the report states.
The investigation began in 2022, when Monroe County Fire Rescue reported discrepancies in their controlled substance logs. Officials discovered that approximately 16 prefilled morphine syringes were missing. On June 24, 2022, an incident revealed a discrepancy in the morphine inventory following a transfer to the Trauma Star controlled substance storage locker. Investigation and a subsequent audit by the Monroe County Clerk’s office uncovered many false entries in the various controlled substance logs to cover up the thefts.
On July 25, 2022, Rusinowski was confronted by members of
A grand jury on Aug. 2 indicted former chief flight nurse Lynda Rusinowski on 14 felony counts of grand theft of controlled substances and 22 counts of official misconduct. Rusinowski worked for Monroe County Fire Rescue aboard the Trauma Star life-flight helicopter. MCSO/Contributed
Monroe County Fire Rescue with the discrepancies and admitted she was responsible and asked for help. She was then driven to a detox center in West Palm Beach by MCFR Capt. Andrea Thompson. Less than two months later, on Sept. 6, 2022, Rusinowski was arrested on charges related to the theft of the morphine syringes and falsification of the controlled substance logs. This week’s indictment is related to the original investigation and audit as well as additional evidence discovered that brought to light a significant abuse of her position and trust, the state attorney’s report states.
“The theft of highly potent medical-grade narcotics is a grave offense that endangers lives and undermines the integrity of our public institutions. This case represents a significant breach of public trust, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served,” said State Attorney Dennis Ward. If convicted, Rusinowski faces significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
REMEMBERING CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM GLOBE 1982-2024
The Marathon community was left in a grief-stricken state of shock when Chris Globe passed away unexpectedly after a medical emergency on July 20.
Born and raised in South Florida, Chris is remembered as a devoted husband and father who never missed one of his children’s games and beamed with pride over their achievements in the classroom as well as on the athletic field.
Chris attended both Miami Sunset and later Miami Killian Senior High School, where he played baseball and soccer and shared the football field with future NFL star Sean Taylor.
“Chris was a sweet boy and everyone liked him,” recalls his mom, Sharon Rojas – a sentiment shared by everyone who had the fortune of knowing Chris.
He excelled in athletics and would continue to play competitive soccer after high school while coaching high-school baseball. When he was 18, he landed a job with Global Security, which launched him toward a career
“Chris was that guy we could always count on to be there. He wasn’t there just to support his kids, but he supported everyone. He always made sure the kids had what they needed. We are gonna miss him. He was a huge supporter of the program both at home and away. He had a passion for the kids and wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of.”
— Luis Gonzalez, Marathon councilman, former mayor and MIddle Keys Booster club president
“You talk about a straight shooter. He did not lie and didn't pull any punches. He wouldn't sell you anything you didn't need and he would always find a way. Like the old lady in the trailer who couldn’t afford a fire alarm – he would go out of his way to help people and make things right. He is definitely going to be missed in my world.”
— Mike Card, Marathon fire inspector
“My son and his son, Cam, are in the same grade. I’ve coached Cam since he was in fourth grade and I always felt an admiration for Chris because he was at every game supporting Cam and he was at his other kids’ events as well. It is heartwarming and rare to see a father as involved with his kids as Chris.”
— Matt Pitcher, football coach
“Chris never missed his kids’ games and was always very supportive of Marathon athletics and all of our student-athletes. He is without question one of the most genuinely kind guys I have ever known and will be deeply missed.”
— Andrea Murphy, Marathon High School educator, coach and friend
in life safety and security. It was that same year he met his future wife and soulmate, Debbie, on a blind date at the Miami-Dade County Fair. The young couple started a family and spent a few years in North Carolina before permanently settling in Marathon in 2011.
A security professional who owned and operated Barnes Alarm in Monroe County, Chris is survived by his wife Debbie; their three children, Dylan, 19, Caylie, 17, and Cameron, 15; his parents, Larry “Pops” Globe of Marathon and Sharon (Johnny) Rojas of Homestead; siblings Jeremy (Valerie) Globe, Candice (Steve) Dvoran and Janine Rojas; and eight nieces and nephews.
“He spent a majority of his time with his family and kids,” said Debbie. “Nothing else mattered. He was all about his family.”
A celebration of Chris’ life will be held on Aug. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Key Colony Inn. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family with funeral and household expenses.
“He loved Marathon and the Marathon High School. He would help any student who needed cleats or equipment. He never wanted any credit, he just wanted all of our students to have everything they needed to be successful.”
— Sean McDonald, Marathon High School educator, coach and friend
“Chris was Jack’s very first baseball coach. I still have him in my contacts as ‘Baseball.’ I’ll always remember that he was devoted to the kids. Always there coaching, helping or just cheering on. He was always positive and I loved running into him at games at the high school.”
— Pete Chapman, friend
”He was kind and generous to everyone whether it was a long time friend or a stranger he just met. He was more than a dedicated professional but also a loving husband and father to three wonderful children.”
— Greg Barnes, business partner and friend
“We were talking about football and friendship and Chris said something like, ‘I’ve watched a lot of these boys grow up and love them all. To see their bonds this strong is something special!’ He truly did root for everyone.”
— Mac Childress, Marathon High School educator, coach and friend
“He only contacted me for two things: to share a very inappropriate joke or to make sure we were aware of a student-athlete’s recent accomplishment. He cared about all the kids in our community. He would always make me smile and I am really going to miss his giggling laugh.”
— Jason Koler, friend
“I met Mr. Globe when I was 5 years old and I’ve played on teams with his son all throughout middle and high school. I have never played a game where he wasn’t there. Mr. Globe didn’t feel like another one of my friends’ parents, but instead an extra father figure.”
— Josh Koler, Marathon High School Class of 2027 and friend
“Mr. Chris was a great guy, and an even better dad. Even though I wasn’t his biological son, he still treated me like one. Mr. Chris always knew how to put a smile on people’s faces, whether it was just him being around the people he loved or making funny jokes around us kids. Even though I was always overstaying my welcome at their house, the Globe family always made me feel at home and appreciated. I always loved going to the Globes’ place just to be around Ms. Debbie and Mr. Chris because they always knew how to make me laugh and smile. Mr. Chris always put his family and friends first. He was one of the main reasons I tried high school football, because he always said, ‘It’s better to try things out to see if you like them, than never try them at all and end up regretting it.’ He always loved coming to our Marathon High baseball and football games. No matter what, he always came up to me after the games and would say ‘Good game li’l D’ and give me a fist bump. That always put a smile on my face no matter what the outcome of the game was. Thank you, Mr. Chris, for everything you have done for your family, me, and everyone else in this community.”
— Dylan Williams, Marathon High School Class of 2027 and friend
FACTS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR
Sam Steele
monroetaxcollector.com
305.295.5000
AUGUST
• Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the 2024 Bubba Awards and thank you for the honor of receiving the award for Best Elected O cial! It is a privilege to serve you!
• The second 2024 property tax installment bills will be mailed on August 31 and are due by September 30.
• Local business tax renewals must be paid by September 30.
• Any property that is being rented for six months or less must have a tourist development tax account.
• All rental properties are required to pay a local business tax regardless of how long they are being rented.
• If you suspect a fraudulent property rental, you may report it on our hotline at 1-855-422-4540.
• Specialty license plates and vouchers may be purchased on our website.
Follow us on for more imortant tax information.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Mon - Fri 11am to Close Sat & Sun 10am to Close
HAPPY HOUR 1-4PM $7 Menu
• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!
• 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm
* $2 Pints of Yuengling and Bud Light!
BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM
• Unique & interesting menu
• $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots
LUNCH & DINNER
• Diver Speared Local Fish
• Prime Rib • Local Lobster our Own Catch
• Great Seafood Selections
oro • Lionfish • Poke • Hamachi collar
• Fresh Uni arrives on Thursday
We would appreciate your nomination for Best Sushi & Best Bloody Mary!
TRINITY JACOX trinityjacox@gmail.com
NEW YEAR, NEW FACES
Marathon High, Stanley Switlik welcome new teachers
With the first day of school just around the corner on Aug. 14, anticipation is building as students prepare to return to their classrooms. Alongside the familiar faces of returning staff, Marathon Middle/ High School and Stanley Switlik Elementary School are also welcoming a new group of teachers. While students are brushing off their backpacks and sharpening their pencils, these fresh faces are also gearing up for their debut. It’s a bit like the teachers’ first day, too — a blend of excitement and nerves. As we all step into a new school year, here are some of the newest members of our educational community.
Name: MICHELLE MACOSKEY
School: Marathon High School
Grade/subject: Freshman seminar and sophomore world history
1. I have a bachelor's degree in marine science from California State University, Monterey Bay.
2. I moved here in February 2020 to work as a marine science Instructor at SeaCamp.
3. It is still in development since this is my first year teaching, but I want my teaching style to be a hybrid of a demonstrator and facilitator, where it's structured and informative, while still being based on group activities and self-learning. I want my classroom to be a safe space where students are always welcome, no matter what is going on in their lives.
4. I can sing. I used to be very shy and self-conscious about my voice since I've never been formally trained, but after one night at Skipjack’s karaoke with friends, I am gaining more confidence.
5. This is my first year teaching, but I was a paraprofessional at MHS last year.
6. I would like my students to know that I am always in their court! Sometimes I will be tough on them and challenge them, but that's because I know they are capable and want them to succeed.
7. I love to act/perform (I frequently appear in plays at the Marathon Community Theatre), spend time on the water (snorkeling, being a jet ski tour guide, hanging with friends at the sandbar) and be artistic (I made almost all the art in my apartment).
Name: TRAYCE ZANDER
School: Stanley Switlik Elementary Grade/subject: Fourth grade
1. I received my B.A. in human services from Western Washington University and my M.A. in education from Antioch University.
2. My husband and I lived in the Keys for 8 years, returned to Seattle for 6 years, and now we’re back to enjoy island life.
3. My classroom focus is on creating a space where students feel safe and supported. Real learning can only happen when kids feel free to make mistakes. My teaching style is all about building meaningful teacher-student relationships so that students can be their best.
4. Very few people know about my love for anything that has to do with fitness and health. My happy place is in the gym, lifting weights!
5. This is my 22nd year of teaching. Sixteen of those were in the Seattle area. Before I became a teacher, I taught DARE to 5th graders for one year. I had so much fun, and I said to myself, “That’s it. I want to be a teacher!”
6. My favorite Yoda quote is, “Do or do not. There is no try.” To commit completely rather than “just trying” is a worthy goal to live by, and I want my students to know I believe they have that superpower in them.
7. I like history, current events, travel, birding and having new adventures.
Name: ALLYSON KNANISHU School: Marathon Middle High School
To get to know the new educators better, the Weekly asked them the following questions:
1. Where did you get your degree?
2. How long have you lived in the Keys?
3. How would you describe your teaching style?
4. What is your special talent that no one knows about?
5. Where have you taught (or is it your first year teaching)?
6. What would you want your students to know about you?
7. What are your hobbies?
Grade/subject: English speakers of other languages (ESOL)
1. I received my degrees from Northern Arizona University, St. Ambrose University and Western Illinois University-Macomb. I also have a TESOL postbaccalaureate from Western Illinois University-Quad Cities.
2. I’ve lived here for 24 glorious days.
3. My teaching style includes a mix of student-focused flexibility, attention to fostering positive relationships, and highlighting social and emotional learning strategies.
4. I am a yoga, meditation and mindfulness teacher.
5. I have taught a range of subjects, including U.S. history, world history, geography, sociology, psychology and government, to grades 8-12. In ESOL classrooms, I taught sheltered-instruction social studies, English and study skills. I was a push-in ESOL teacher for grades K-12 in public and private schools in Illinois and Iowa as well as a community college and for the Kansas City Royals.
6. I am thrilled to be their teacher! I am one of their biggest supporters.
7. I enjoy golfing, reading, swimming, traveling, practicing yoga, existing comfortably in nature and attempting the art of non-doing.
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
16 years later, Rita Irwin terms out of TDC chair role
Veteran Monroe County Tourist Development Council board member and chair Rita Irwin led her final meeting of the TDC on July 30, after 16 years of chairing the volunteer board that administers tourism marketing for the Florida Keys and Key West.
During the TDC’s regularly scheduled meeting at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo, Irwin accepted a plaque from county commissioner Michelle Lincoln that honored her decades of service to both the TDC board and its Marathon-area district advisory council.
“You have been such an unselfish public servant to the Tourist Development Council, the hospitality industry and this community, forever promoting our beautiful Florida Keys,” Lincoln said to Irwin. “You have just given so much, you’ve been an excellent role model, and your love for the Florida Keys is completely evident in your everyday walk and talk.”
“Whether in good or challenging times, TDC has done stellar work in helping to sustain the economy of the Florida Keys,” said Irwin, the longtime president and CEO of Dolphin Research Center in the Middle Keys. “The unwavering dedication of other board members, our staff, award-winning agencies and Keys chambers of commerce has been at the core of our success.”
During her tenure as TDC chair, Irwin guided the nine-member board through numerous challenges to the Keys’ tourismbased economy including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Hurricane Irma and other issues.
— Contributed
COMMERCE CORNER
Established in the 1990, Florida Keys Sailing offers private live-aboard sailing classes and sailing vacations. "We love to engage enthusiasts and curious minds through fun and exciting sunset sails where you take the helm and see your dreams come true" says Capt GDub, owner since 2014. Whether you want to enjoy a beautiful sunset sail or develop your skills through a more advanced class, Florida Keys Sailing has you covered. Local employers can also purchase discounted excursions to show appreciation for their special employees or guests. For more information about making your sailing dreams a reality, go to Sailfloridakeys.com
Capt Gdub
County commissioner Michelle Lincoln presents a plaque to Rita Irwin, honoring her decades of service to the TDC board and Marathon-area District Advisory Council. CONTRIBUTED
What: Great networking, food & beverages; come promote your business and meet Marathon business owners, executives, and leaders!
MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
Aug. 20th 12pm - 1pm
When: Tuesday, August 20th from 12pm - 1pm
Where: Faro Blanco Resort
1996 Overseas Hwy
Speaker: Kimberly Matthews, Director of Strategic Planning, Monroe County
Topic: Monroe County's Future of ROGO/BPAS
FUNDING SCHOOLS
Board approves referendums
During a July 30 meeting, the Monroe County School Board approved two referendums for school funding. Voters will see the two items on their ballots in the November general election.
“The renewal of these funding referendums are crucial to the continued operations of our schools,” said board chair Sue Woltanski. “Without the passage of these referendums, which have been in place for over 20 years, the quality of the education we currently provide to our students will most definitely suffer.”
At a public hearing held during the meeting, board members and Superintendent Theresa Axford discussed the two referendums which voters have supported consistently for more than 20 years. One referendum, known as the half mill, allows the district to move funds from the capital fund to operational funding. This helps pay for teacher salaries, as well as for school resource officers in every school.
The other referendum, known as the half-cent, is a sales tax paying for school building development, repairs and athletic complexes throughout the Keys. Neither referendum requires any additional taxpayer contribution over and above what has been in place for decades.
The board discussed the crucial nature of both areas of funding to the daily operation of the schools and the need to continue funding them at the current level so students will not suffer from funding cuts in the classroom.
“We continue to struggle to attract employees at all levels due to the cost of living here in the Keys. And the costs of operating, including supplies, vendors, the cost of construction and maintenance, are so much higher in our county than elsewhere,” Axford said.
“We are proud of the educational opportunities we are able to provide our students and we don’t want those opportunities to suffer,” she said.
Board members also approved the budget for the 2024-25 school year and a measure to issue tax anticipation notes to cover budgeted items during the first part of the school year, before property taxes are collected.
School budget years start on July 1, but the major source of funding for Florida schools is property tax revenue, which is primarily collected between November and January. Districts have to find funding for those first few months, and many do it through tax anticipation notes.
These can come in two basic forms; as a bank loan which is then repaid when property tax revenue comes in, or in the form of a public offering. In a public offering, the public would purchase bonds for a particular period of time with the school district paying the money back with interest. Current higher interest rates on bank loans makes the public offering a better option this year.
— Contributed
CLICK. LIKE. SHARE. SUCCEED.
Overseas Media Group offers social media & digital marketing seminars
Is your social media helping your business succeed?
Are your online marketing efforts engaging and effective? Is your content reaching the right people? Is your website outdated?
Social media and digital marketing are powerful and essential tools for today’s businesses and some strategies work better than others.
The digital marketing team at Overseas Media Group, in partnership with the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce, will offer two social media and digital marketing seminars on Tuesday, Aug. 13 and Thursday, Aug. 15 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Marathon Library.
Professionals who post for a living will share tips, tools and tactics to ensure that a business’s social media and online marketing efforts are reaching the right audience and connecting with current and future
customers. Attendees should bring their laptops for handson help.
Reserve a spot by calling the chamber at 305-743-5417 or emailing erika@floridakeysmarathon.com. The cost is $15 for Marathon chamber members and $30 for nonmembers. Pay online using the QR code or at the door.
Do you have any specific topics that you’d like the presenters to address at the seminar? Let them know in advance at https://tinyurl.com/ yjd8kdw2.
— Contributed
Hover your phone’s camera over the QR code to go to the payments page of the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce.
SAFE COMMUNITIES, HAPPY KIDS
Monroe
County Sheriff’s Office hosts annual National
Night Out
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Kids and families got their fill of fancy lights, vehicles, aircraft and equipment as law enforcement agencies and community partners throughout the Keys celebrated National Night Out on Aug. 6.
With four separate events from Key Largo to Key West, the annual event gets kids and their families up close and personal to forge positive connections and foster appreciation for those who work tirelessly to keep our streets and waters safe.
1. Zak Pfalzgraf, center, and dad Nic get a meet-and-greet with MCSO’s Aaron Roddy and K9 Mako.
2. Tyler Hill tries on a brand new bomb suit with his dad, Sgt. Tom Hill.
3. Kids take their turn playing motorcycle cop with MCSO’s Zack Gilroy.
4. Ophelia Roddy hops in the Trauma Star pilot’s seat.
5. The Roddy and Zajac families take a closer look at Trauma Star with the helicopter’s medical team.
6. Kasey Lones, right, and son Grady take in the sights with MCSO’s Zack Gilroy.
7. Erika Goodman, center, collects freebies with kids River, right, and Hurley.
8. Elise Carlson explores the hangar with dad James.
9. The Gonzalez family pays a visit to the Monroe County Fire Rescue booth.
10. Key Colony Beach Police Chief Kris DiGiovanni, left, has plenty of giveaways.
Photos by Alex Rickert and Sandra Lee Photography. See more photos at keysweekly.com.
KEYS FISHERIES RESTAURANT MARKET & MARINA
WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
Enjoy our daily specials like Homemade Soup or Chowder, Fresh Fish Sandwich or One of our Daily Specials while overlooking Florida Bay! Open for Lunch & Dinner Every Day!
RETAIL STORE
Fish, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!
MARK HEDDEN
... 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.
Idrove some equipment up to the Florida Keys Hawkwatch site at Curry Hammock State Park in Marathon the other day. It was officially the first day of the season and my friend Rafael Galvez, director of the project, was there, along with one of the new counters, Adrianna Nelson. It was her first day.
This is the 25th anniversary of the start of the Florida Keys Hawkwatch, which traditionally started in early September. The project’s aim is to monitor the populations of raptors –hawks, falcons, kites, eagles, ospreys, vultures, etc. – that migrate through the Keys. Curry Hammock State Park is a great place to survey from because hawks on their way to the Caribbean and more southerly destinations prefer to fly over land as long as possible, because the shorter the water crossing, the safer the water crossing. Little Crawl Key and its neighbor, Long Point Key, are collectively only about a mile across, meaning you can catch sight of most of the birds that pass by.
Rather than starting in early September, though, this will be the third year the hawkwatch has started in early August. The reason? Swallow-tailed kites, which tend to migrate a month or so earlier than the rest of the raptor world, and whose migratory routes have not been surveyed until now.
I’ve been spending time up at the hawkwatch since its early days, when it was based on the back deck of the bathhouse in the middle of the Curry Hammock campground, which was basically a treeless gravel lot with RV hookups. It is still based on the back deck of the bathhouse in the middle of the Curry Hammock campground, though the back deck is about twice the size it used to be, and the gravel lot is now very full of some healthy looking trees, some of which are as tall, if not taller than, the bathhouse, making it a little more challenging to track the raptors that fly over. (Somehow I manage to be surprised at how high the trees have gotten every year.)
Rafael and Adrianna hadn’t seen many raptors yet – three turkey vultures and three osprey – and they were unlikely to in the coming days, as tropical-whatever-storm-categoryit-was Debby was pushing north and going to be there by the next morning at the latest.
Rafael was going to be there for a few days before he had to drive north and on to some other life tasks, and Adrianna was going to have to run the count by herself for a week or so, until the additional two counters arrived from other field work jobs. But there wasn’t much to worry about. Adrianna was obviously sharp.
RIDIN’ THE
STORM OUT
She was the American Birding Association’s Young Birder of the Year in 2020. She was also kind enough to laugh at our jokes.
The only thing I worried about was the boredom she might have to deal with if the raptor numbers were going to be low, though there were other birds to look at. Hundreds of barn swallows and purple martins, a few cliff swallows, and a smattering of early warbler migrants had passed through that day, and would probably be less fickle than the raptors when it came to suitable weather.
While the Florida Keys Hawkwatch is the first project to start surveying migrating swallow-tailed kites that move through South Florida, they are not the only ones to try and track swallow-tails on their migration. The folks at the Avian Research and Conservation Institute (ARCI) based out of Gainesville have been trapping individual swallow-tails and attaching small trackers on them for over a decade.
The most recent tech they are using are GPS trackers made by Cellular Tracking Technologies that record location data, then transmit it via cellular networks whenever they are in contact with them. On Aug. 2 (the day I was at Curry Hammock) ARCI posted a map showing the locations of their baker’s dozen of tagged kites. Most of them were in Florida, but two of them had already crossed over to Mexico, landing in the Quintana Roo area on their way to winter in Brazil.
On Aug. 5, as the storm named Debby was making landfall on the coast of the panhandle, they posted something about the bird named Suwannee 22, who woke on Aug. 3 to “tail winds that should have easily carried her across the Gulf of Mexico to the migrating kites’ traditional waypoint on the Yucatan Peninsula.”
The headline of the post was “Riding the Storm Out,” which is the first REO Speedwagon reference I’ve seen in ornithological circles.
Somewhere around 60 miles north of Cuba she apparently hit heavy winds – the winds of Debby – and couldn’t make any more progress. “Suwannee 22 chose to go with the flow,” ARCI Senior Conservation Scientist Gina Kent wrote.
She rode the winds of the storm northward for 12 hours, coming within 45 miles of the coast of St. Petersburg around 6 p.m. on Aug. 4. From there she spent four hours trying, and failing, to make it to shore.
Kent believes she sought refuge in a different type of shelter.
“Given the time stamps of her subsequent GPS track and Debby’s radar-inscribed path, we are quite certain Suwannee 22 hitched a ride in the developing eye of the storm. It appears that, against all odds, the two simultaneously made landfall in Steinhatchee, a remote outpost in Florida’s Big Bend. By 8 a.m. on Aug. 5, Suwannee 22 was over land in the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area, likely resting after being blown over and through the tree canopy where she sought a strong perch,” Kent wrote.
This was less than 60 miles from where she first had her satellite tracker attached.
After such a harrowing journey, Suwannee 22 will no doubt need to rest up and bulk up before heading south again, but Kent says they will post when she is on the move again. (You can follow their posts on Facebook and their website, arcinst.org.)
Interestingly, the next day Adrianna Nelson sent out a message with a photo on the hawkwatch text string reporting an “insane (swallowtailed kite) tornado” of about 600 birds in a single kettle.
I told her she was kind of overdoing it for her first week. She said to blame the kites.
Barring majorly inclement weather, the counters will be at Curry Hammock every day from now until the end of October. Stop by. You never know what you’ll see.
The path of a swallow-tailed kite named Suwannee 22 is seen during Hurricane Debby. AVIAN RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION INSTITUTE/Contributed
CHERRY
2-year-old female Malinois mix.
Looking for: Adventure. Let’s do everything.
Turnoffs: Being lazy, that’s not my cup of tea.
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 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
MATEO
1.5-year-old male pit bull. Looking for: I love affection, my pool and other dogs.
Turnoffs: Cats.
SAND
2-month-old female domestic shorthair.
Looking for: I’m just a happy, fun-loving kitten. Turnoffs: When people don’t nominate in the Best of Marathon.
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 https://fkspca.org/volunteer/becomea-foster-volunteer/ or call 305-7434800.
Start the school year with low competitive rates, personalized service, and hassle-free approval. Save with low rates on all new, used and refinanced vehicles!
Apply online at KeysFCU.org or at any of our branches from Key West to Tavernier!
*Restrictions may apply. Subject to credit approval. See us for details. NCUA Insured. Membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys.
PLEASE NOMINATE US FOR BEST KEY LIME
START YOUR TURTLES
Rehab patient joins Tour de Turtles ‘race’
Ajuvenile green sea turtle rehabilitated at the Florida Keys-based Turtle Hospital was fitted with a satellitetracking transmitter and released from a Keys beach on Aug. 2 to join the 17th annual Tour de Turtles, a marathon-like “race” that follows the long-distance migration of sea turtles over three months.
The turtle’s rescuers returned early from an African vacation to witness the release.
The educational outreach program is organized annually by the Sea Turtle Conservancy to raise awareness about sea turtles and threats to their survival.
“Roseleigh” (pronounced Roselee), named by her rescuers after being found floating off Islamorada in March 2024, is swimming to raise awareness about water quality. Roseleigh was treated for a severe case of fibropapillomatosis, a deadly tumor-causing disease that may be linked to pollution in the oceans and nearshore waters.
After a series of successful surgeries and treatment with broadspectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a healthy diet, Roseleigh is back in good health and swimming strongly.
taff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
WHAT: Bringing Up Baby (1938)
Roseleigh’s rescuers, Cindy Wright and her husband Bosley, returned early from vacation to watch the turtle be released.
“We just returned from Africa specifically to see Roseleigh released, and now I’m going to cry,” said Cindy Wright. “This is so amazing — we thought she was going to die when we dashed her to the Turtle Hospital, and to see her now, all recovered, is just amazing.”
Wright, a University of Maryland journalism professor who splits time between the Florida Keys and the Baltimore region, described the turtle’s condition when found as extremely dire.
“She was in critical condition, bleeding from her right flipper, just covered — the tumors covered her eyes, covered her shoulders — it was so invasive,” she said.
Hundreds of spectators including Wright cheered and applauded when Roseleigh swam away from Marathon’s Sombrero Beach into the Atlantic Ocean.
“Roseleigh being a girl turtle has the capacity to lay hundreds, if not thousands, of eggs and help up the population of the endangered green turtles,” Wright said. “So that makes her even more special, I think.”
Roseleigh’s progress — and that of nine other hard-shell turtles that have been released to participate in the Tour de Turtles — can be monitored online at TourDeTurtles. org through Oct. 31.
The Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys has been rescuing, rehabilitating and returning sea turtles to the wild for over 35 years.
1. A throng of onlookers surrounds green turtle Roseleigh’s walk to Sombrero Beach with the Turtle Hospital team.
Weekly
2. Freshly fitted with a satellite transmitter, Roseleigh’s movements will be tracked for the Tour de Turtles, a ‘race’ that follows migrating sea turtles for three months.
3. Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach, left, and rehabber Taylor Marcialis start Roseleigh on her final trek home.
4. Roseleigh tests her home waters for the first time since March.
WHY: Screwball comedies are a virtually extinct commodity nowadays, and that’s a shame. The format of the stuffy gentleman crossing paths with a wild and quirky lady makes for absolute fireworks. Nowhere is that better seen than in this film, the textbook example of the insane and outlandish hysterics this genre has to offer. Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn star in the second of four films they made together, and their chemistry is both instant and explosive. With so many modern comedies more interested in gross-out humor and shock value, seeing the creativity that stems from pure lunacy is refreshingly timeless.
WHERE: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app, and as a DVD from the Library.
HOW: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org.
See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/reel-recs.
ALEX RICKERT/Keys
Vacation Rental Law:
NIGHTS!
The City of Marathon vacation rental law requires a vacation rental property license for every dwelling unit that rents between 7 and 28 nights, and the unit cannot be rented for less than seven (7) nights. The renting of any private residence for a period of less than seven (7) nights is prohibited The City of Marathon researches and investigates vacation rental poperties to find and fine scofflaws. Violations of vacation rental law can be as high as $500 per day, per offense and can be up to $5,000 per occurrence.
The City also requires that each vacation rental unit be managed by a licensed agent or the owner. To learn more about Marathon’s vacation rental laws visit Marathon’s website at https://www.ci.marathon.fl.us, and you can take the City’s free vacation rental training course.. The training is free and the management license cost is free for owner-managed properties and $500 for agent-managed properties.
For other questions regarding vacation rental licensing please contact the City at 305-743-5266.
This advertisement was paid with nes from code violation cases. (370.2023)
REVIVING THE REEFS
Monroe County opens bid for first artificial reef deployment since 2009
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recently approved a request for proposals to deploy about 45 concrete power poles received from two sources, including the Florida Keys Electric Co-op’s Sea Oats Beach project in Islamorada. Monroe County’s artificial reefs director, Hanna Koch, has been working closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to prepare for this first deployment, which will be about 16 nautical miles northeast of Key West in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These materials will provide structural habitat in an area where there is none to support marine life and provide new fishing opportunities for locals and visitors. The materials will be deployed to create three distinct patch reefs that will be added over time to increase habitat complexity and space for marine life. The program is funded through a grant from Florida.
The federal permit, submitted in February, is still under review with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but Koch is lining up a contractor now so that as soon as the permit clears, the deployment can follow.
“This deployment is the first in a long line of projects being developed to provide a number of ecosystem and economic-related services,” said Koch. “Education and raising awareness of what we are doing, why and how will also be important parts of this program.”
In August 2023, Monroe County was awarded $10 million from the state to start an artificial reefs program in the Florida Keys. In June 2024, the state awarded an additional $5 million for the program. Artificial reefs can help take pressure off local natural reefs.
“We plan to create networks of habitats from shallow to deep waters on both the Atlantic and Gulf sides that will provide a variety of quality habitat types to a variety of marine species,” said Koch.
Koch is developing the framework for the future of the reefs program in the Florida Keys, collaborating with FWC and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. She’s also been having extensive discussions with local stakeholders and scientists to guide the development.
“Having the community’s input and involvement is crucial to a successful program,” said Koch.
There are more than 4,000 artificial reefs in Florida, and 37 coastal counties already have an artificial reef program. In the Keys, 62 artificial reefs, including wrecks, were placed mainly between 1982 and 1989. The most recent artificial reef placed in Keys waters was the Vandenberg off Key West in 2009.
More information is at www. monroecounty-fl.gov/reefs. — Contributed
HONORING HEROES AT HAWKS CAY
Resort hosts annual salute to military, first responders
Hawks Cay Resort will celebrate and give thanks to the men and women who serve the United States with its 16th annual Heroes Salute and Heroes Salute Tribute Weekend set for Friday through Sunday, Aug. 30-Sept. 1. The events honor active and retired men and women military, fire rescue, police and medical personnel.
The special weekend event at Hawks Cay Resort located on Duck Key will feature concerts by the Jay Valor band and Austin James, paired with fun and tributes.
Events include Saturday’s Heroes Salute Run/Walk to benefit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The race is open to Hawks Cay guests, Florida Keys visitors and residents. Participants are encouraged to dress in their patriotic best or represent their department, and friends and family are invited to attend and cheer on the racers. Advance registration and a $35 participation fee are required.
On-site registration and early packet pickup are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 30, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hawks Cay Resort lobby.
Saturday, Aug. 31, registration and check-in start at 6:30 a.m. at the resort’s Angler and Ale parking area. The race will start at 7 a.m.
A free touch-a-truck event, open to the public, will take place
outside Angler and Ale from 8 to 10 a.m. It will allow kids and adults to view vehicles and life-saving equipment used by everyday heroes from fire and police departments. Also Saturday, live music and special guest appearances are planned from 5 to 10 p.m. A Heroes Tribute is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. to honor fallen heroes and those formerly and currently in action, with guests from the U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard, regional and service dignitaries and representatives from Firehouse Subs.
Guests can listen to live music by the Jay Valor band, followed by a 10 p.m. fireworks show. Attendees can also opt to enjoy a splash and spark dinner with a spot on Hawks Cay’s waterfront dolphin deck and prime fireworks viewing. Sunday, Sept. 1 features live music by Austin James from 7 to 10 p.m. at the resort’s seaside venue. Hawks Cay Resort will donate a portion of proceeds to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Between Aug. 1 and Dec. 25, the Heroes Salute program features exclusive value-added offers for watersports activities, a weekly Heroes Tribute ceremony and specially priced rooms at Hawks Cay Resort for current and former military, fire and rescue, law enforcement and medical personnel and their civilian supporters. Supporters also can book exclusive rates when donating $5 or more to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. — Contributed
The Heroes Tribute at Hawks Cay honors fallen and active heroes with the U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard, regional dignitaries and Firehouse Subs representatives. CONTRIBUTED
The Long Key Bridge Artificial Reef, created from bridge spans in 1986, showcases how secondary-use concrete can create marine habitats. HANNA KOCH/Monroe County
Our Community
Best Place to take the Kids
Best Event
Best Bathroom
Best Sunset
Best Place to Have a Wedding
Best Elected O cial
Best Tourist A raction
Best Local Celebrity
Best Volunteer
Best Non-Profit Organization
Best Place to Take a Date
Best Band/Musician
Best Place to Take a Selfie
Best Summer Camp
Best Sport Coach
Best Educator
Best Thespian/ Performing Artist
Best Hugs
Nominations start Aug. 1 & close Aug. 18
Final Voting Begins Aug. 22 to Sept. 8
Winners & Awards to be presented Saturday, Sept. 21
The Businesses
Best Resort/Hotel
Best Law Firm
Best Gi Shop
Best Fishing Guide
Best Dive Shop
Best Bait & Tackle Shop
Best Customer Service
Best New Business
Best Medical Professional
Best Landscape Company
Best Auto Repair
Best Marine Repair
Best Photographer
Best Marina
Best Vet
Best Realtor
Best Real Estate O ce
Best Bank
Best General Contractor
Best Specialty Contractor
Best Hair Salon
Best Nail Salon
Best Clothing Store
Best Business
Best Family Owned Business
Best Vacation Rental Company
Best Pet Service
Best Fishing Charter
Best Health and Wellness Service
Best Water Sports/ Leisure Cruise
Best Marine Detailing
Best Car Wash/Detailing
Best Pool Service
The Food & Drink
Best Key Lime Pie
Best Fish Sandwich
Best Fine Dining
Best International Food
Best Breakfast
Best Lunch
Best BBQ
Best Cup of Co ee
Best Bar
Best Bartender
Best Server
Best Happy Hour
Best Bloody Mary
Best Waterfront Dining
Best Live Music Venue
Best Pizza
Best Margarita
Best Late Night Spot
Best Beer Selection
Best Catering
Best Taco
Best Food Truck
Best Seafood
Best Steak
Best Sushi
Best Burger
Best Cook your own Catch
Best Overall Restaurant
Best Conch Fri ers
Best Wings
Best Cuban Sandwich
Best Dessert Spot
I’M A BLAMELESS BOATER
Made you look … now read down below
made the natural career transition from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor after six years at Dolphin Research Center. His passions include running, watersports, and civil disagreements with sharks while spearfishing.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve never made a mistake on the water.
…Is what we wish we could all say. But I don’t care if it’s your first time launching a boat (good luck) or you’ve been sailing the high seas since they invented salt water, it’s a lie. We’ve all done something worthy of a social media video with the caption “look at this idiot.” (Side note: For a fantastic collection of these, follow @ thequalifiedcaptain on Facebook or Instagram.)
With lobster season underway this week, everyone up and down the Keys is keeping our fingers crossed that the phrases “no dive flag,” “collision,” “prop strike,” or “drunk” stay out of the headlines.
“We’ve had a number of serious incidents in the last few weeks, even when there was a dive flag up,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay reiterated to me on the phone. “And this time of year, even when there’s not a dive flag up, you just need to assume there’s a snorkeler or somebody in the water. Think about it – if that was your family in the water, how close would you want another boat to come?”
While we’re all the best boaters in our own minds, let’s face it – we ALL need reminders during one of the most dangerous times on the water. And before you think I’m preaching, I’ll admit to committing ALL of the mistakes I’m about to talk about at one point, especially when I first moved here.
So this year, I’m sending myself some reminders before heading out to grab some bugs. I hope you’ll spare a few minutes to read these and join me – and offer some gentle reminders to “googans” who might need to hear them.
STAY AWAY. If you see a dive flag up, you need to stay 300 feet away – that’s a football field – while driving the boat (100 feet inside a canal). That means if you’re close enough to hear your fellow captains hurl expletives at you for crowding their prized lobster holes, you’re way too close. If you MUST (and I mean MUST) come within 300 feet, your boat needs to be at idle speed. But let’s be real – there’s usually another way around.
STICK AROUND. There are two parts to the dive flag agreement. Boats have to stay a certain distance away, but that also means snorkelers and divers need to stick with their flags and boats – within 300 feet in open water, or 100 feet in channels and canals, at MOST. It doesn’t matter if the newest honey hole you just found is absolutely loaded – if you’re not even in the same zip code as your dive flag, it’s doing nothing to protect you. Go back and move the boat. And if you’re thinking of diving in high-traffic areas like bridges and channels, think about whether the risk is truly worth it, especially in the first few weeks of the season.
SIZE MATTERS. And this is coming from a guy who’s 5’8”. If you’re flying a dive flag from a boat, it needs to be 20x24 inches. As I learned a few years ago from a very polite officer, that means no, the little dive flag attached to scuba buoys isn’t big enough to work for an entire boat – but you can, and should, use those smaller flags attached to yourself while in the water. And remember: Flags must have a stiffener (that’s that weird little wire across the back) to keep them extended and obvious for the world to see, even if there’s no wind.
FLY HIGH. No, not “that” kind of high. Make sure your dive flag is the highest point on your boat, and anyone driving toward you can see it from any direction. Hanging it off the bottom of your T-top rail doesn’t count, and neither does attaching it to the poles of your bimini top or throwing it in a lowlying rod holder.
Here’s to a lobster season filled with safe days on the water while hitting the bag limit. See you out there.
SHELF HELP
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Worm: A Cuban-American odyssey” by Edel Rodriguez
Why: Edel Rodriguez is an accomplished illustrator, with covers of magazines like Time, the New Yorker and Der Spiegel in his portfolio. So writing – and illustrating – his memoir in the graphic novel format makes perfect sense. And his story is familiar but entirely individual, too – a childhood in Castro’s Cuba until the family reached the U.S. (via Key West) during the Mariel Boatlift in 1980. The book’s title comes from Fidel Castro’s term for those who wanted to leave the country – and who were not all criminals and patients from mental hospitals, contrary to some portrayals, as Rodriguez’s story makes clear.
Rodriguez’s account of his childhood in Castro’s Cuba is wonderful in its detail. Even better is learning how the boatlift played out on the Cuban end. We don’t hear about what the people endured to get onto those boats — detainment camps and government seizure of all their belongings. Rodriguez’s experience is an account of a classic American tale that helped shape our community and our country.
Where: You can get this as a print book 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: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager
recommendations
ALEX RICKERT
A crumpled, broken dive flag under the Seven Mile Bridge with no boat in sight during mini-season is a disaster waiting to happen. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
THE KEYS HAVE SCULPTURES TO SEE
Find Key West pioneers, a large lobster & Jesus beneath the sea
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 Florida Keys started as something other than a refuge for art and artists. It seems safe to say that the island chain has overcome its initial shortcomings.
Writers, poets and painters are no strangers to the Keys; neither is the art they leave behind. The subject came to mind last week because I talked about two prominent local sculptures with Nicole Malanga at South Florida PBS.
Some of the most visible pieces of art decorating the island chain are sculptures. My favorite is the tremendous collection of not-so-hidden brass busts on display in the shadows of Mallory Square. It is called the Key West Memorial Sculpture Garden. Opened in 1997, it celebrates 36 pioneers who affected Key West’s tremendous history, with cast bronze busts and plaques highlighting their contribution to the island’s story.
The Southernmost Point is more of a monument than a sculpture. The concrete buoy painted with red, black, yellow and white stripes screams, “I’m on vacation in Key West!” For that reason, it is the most photographed object in the Florida Keys; the line of people waiting to have their picture taken in front of it forms at the corner of Whitehead and South Streets pretty early in the day and generally extends into the evening.
The second most popular place to stop and take pictures is over 85 miles up the Overseas Highway. Instead of posing with the buoy, people stop to stand in front of Betsy, the world’s largest anatomically correct Caribbean spiny lobster. The unique sculpture stands in the parking lot of the Rain Barrel, an artisan village in Islamorada’s Plantation Key. Marathon artist Richard Blaes took five years to create the 40-foot-long and 30-foot-high piece of art.
Tom Vellanti bought it. Vellanti owned a Plantation Key property known then as Treasure Village. The “village” was a collection of souvenir and artisan shops. The property’s showpiece was an unusual castle-like building. It was built to house Art McKee’s Museum of Sunken Treasure. Recognized as the father of modern treasure hunting, his museum was the first of its kind in the world.
Betsy was purchased and placed in front of Treasure Village so everyone driving up and down the Overseas Highway could see it. A large percentage of the people who saw Betsy pulled over, parked their cars and took a closer look. Some of that group decided to walk around and look at the shops. A percentage of that group opened their pocketbooks and spent some
money, which was one reason Vellanti bought the big lobster and placed it like a roadside attraction.
When Treasure Village closed and transformed into the Treasure Village Montessori School, having a roadside attraction in front of a school did not seem like a good idea. Betsy was removed from the school grounds and placed into storage until she was relocated to her current resting place in the parking lot of The Rain Barrel — on the other side of the highway from the school. There, the sculpture continues to serve as an eye-catcher, drawing people off the road to stop and take a picture … and hopefully do a little shopping.
Another eye-catching sculpture draws a different kind of attention and is also harder to see. The 9-foot-tall Christ with his arms reaching up is a bronze casting of a statue sculpted by the Italian artist Guido Galletti. At least three bronze castings were commissioned. The first is found in the Mediterranean Sea, near Genoa, Italy. The second casting, the Bianca C Memorial Sculpture, overlooks St. George’s Harbor, Grenada. The third bronze casting found its way to the Florida Keys.
Egidio Cressi, co-founder of Cressi, the world’s oldest scuba diving equipment company, sponsored the third casting. When it was completed, Cressi donated the sculpture to the Underwater Society of America. While the society decided where the statue should go, it was stored at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Florida’s U.S. Sen. Spessard Holland helped to successfully lobby to have the statue placed at the recently established John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
The United States’ first underwater park (or mostly underwater) was dedicated as John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on Dec. 10, 1960. Originally called the Key Largo Coral Reef Preserve, Gov. LeRoy Collins renamed the park Pennekamp to honor one of its most ardent supporters. The park opened to the public in 1963, and an underwater sculpture at an underwater park was clearly seen as an appropriate fit.
When the sculpture arrived at Key Largo, it stood on the park’s shore for nearly two years. Only after the 9-foot-tall statue was fitted with a reinforced concrete base was it taken offshore.
On August 25, 1965, the roughly 20,000-pound sculpture and base were lowered into the clear blue waters at Key Largo Dry Rocks for divers and snorkelers to enjoy. While often referred to as the Christ of the Abyss, when John Pennekamp dedicated the statue on June 29, 1966, its official name was the Christ of the Deep.
Because of where it stands, the statue has become encrusted with purple sea fans and other corals, like a 9-foot-tall artificial reef with its arms open wide. For those curious about the statue and who do not plan on getting their feet wet, a similar statue is located relatively close by. The Justin Martyr Catholic Church commissioned a bronze replica, and in 1991, the statue was installed in front of the church at MM 105.5.
Christ of the Deep at Pennekamp beach 1963-1965. FLORIDA MEMORY PROJECT/Contributed
MARATHON CINEMA DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
DIGITAL MARKETING SEMINAR
2 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home centrally located in mid Marathon. Large screened porch. 50 X 97lot. Reduced $325,000 MLS# 610518 LARGE SOMBRERO WATERFRONT DUPLEX
2 Bedrooms, 2 baths each side in this 2,752 sq ft duplex located on a 10,000 sq ft lot.. Great deep water access to the ocean or Gulf. Listed at appraised value. $1,800,000
CAPTAIN JOEL’S FISHIN’ HOLES
REPORTING BACK FROM LOBSTER MINI-SEASON
…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.
This was the first year we've had a three-day lobster mini-season in the Florida Keys. In late June, Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Dockside Bar and Grill in Marathon and announced that we would have an extra day on July 14 before our regular miniseason dates, which are always the last Wednesday and Thursday of July.
The regular lobster season started on Aug. 6, but lobster mini-season was created years ago to give local recreational divers a chance to get the "pick of the litter" prior to the commercial fishermen harvesting mass amounts of lobster from their traps. It also, in theory, cut down on conflicts between recreational and commercial fishermen targeting the same areas.
Our governor's announcement was met with controversy and excitement. Obviously, the commercial lobster anglers did not like the decision because there was less lobster for them to harvest on the opening day of the regular season, and many Florida Keys residents did not like the decision because of all the extra traffic, drunken chaos and partying. I also understand the scientific and conservation community was upset about the decision because July 14 was still inside the last part of the lobster breeding season.
Since the added day was for Florida residents only, some residents outside the Keys were very excited about the announcement. Certain captains, restaurateurs, hotel/ motel owners and vacation rental homeowners were excited about the extra day of business and considered it a well-needed shot in the arm.
Whether there's a two-day mini-season or a threeday mini-season, Mother Nature always determines how many lobsters will be harvested on mini-season days. For example, last year, both days of the mini-season were met with thunderstorms, high winds, high seas and murky water. Not many lobsters were harvested.
The commercial lobster fishermen crossed their fingers and prayed for bad weather during the mini-season last year, and their wish came true. I’m told last year's opening week of the regular season was a big hit for the commercial lobster fishermen, and they had a big harvest.
This year, although some areas still experienced high winds and rough seas, especially in the Atlantic, conditions in the Gulf were better in some places. For us, this year’s mini-season harvest was great.
Commercial lobster fishermen may face a challenge during their opening week, thanks to a curveball from Mother Nature. On Aug. 1, tropical storm Debby blew through, potentially delaying some lobstermen from setting all of their traps and forcing some to relocate traps moved by, or lost in, the storm.
Our Ana Banana lobster charters were limited out during the days of mini-season, and due to the beautiful weather, we were able to limit out early and catch fish in the afternoon. We went 25 miles northwest to Content Key from our home port at Pancho's Fuel Dock in Marathon. We got there each mini-season day at sunup. Even though we were there early, we were met with a regatta of hundreds of boats, stretching several miles.
We snorkeled in four to six feet of water and caught some of the best quality lobster we've ever caught. Many people who dove near Content Key had the same story that we did; however, I’m told that many people who stuck around Marathon and Grassy Key had a much tougher time gathering their limit. Even some local bully netters had a tough time during mini-season nights.
Content Key just happened to be where the lobster migration was at that time, I guess. I’m told it’s expected to be a good lobster season for commercial and recreational fishermen. Overall, in my opinion, and the opinion of many others I've spoken with, the quality and quantity of lobster is above average this year.
Remember, Ana Banana Fishing Company does lobster diving charters all season long. August, September and October are great months to book your lobster charter or bully net lobster charter.
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
Sunny weather resulted in a bountiful catch for Ana Banana charters during mini-season. JOEL BRANDENBURG/Contributed
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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.
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TRUSTS • WILLS POWERS OF ATTORNEY LADYBIRD DEEDS
Whether you are a resident or a snowbird, it is important to have your assets properly titled in a way that will avoid those assets going through probate.
Trish Represented the Buyers of: 201 E Ocean Dr 2-104, Key Colony Sold for $500,000
J U S T S O L D
FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS
UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING EXERCISE-INDUCED PANIC
...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC. Hello@highlymotivatedfc.com
Exercise is often touted as a key component of a healthy lifestyle, promising benefits ranging from improved cardiovascular health to enhanced mental wellbeing. However, for some individuals, the experience of working out can be marred by the sudden onset of symptoms resembling a panic attack. Understanding why this happens, how common it is and how to manage it can help alleviate the distress. Having worked as a personal trainer for over 12 years, I can attest that I have had many clients experience this sudden feeling. With proper management of the symptoms and understanding the reason it was happening, all of them have been able to go on and exercise and either be symptom-free or quickly adapt and overcome the panicky feelings.
When we exercise, our bodies undergo a series of physiological changes to meet the increased demand for energy. One of the most notable changes is an increase in heart rate. As muscles work harder, they require more oxygen and nutrients, which are delivered through the bloodstream. The only way the heart can do this is by both increasing the heart rate and blood pressure to circulate blood more efficiently, ensuring that working muscles receive the necessary supplies. Simultaneously, the breathing rate increases to facilitate greater oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion.
Here is the clincher — the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s fight-or-flight response, also becomes activated. This system also causes the release of adrenaline, which heightens alertness and prepares the body for physical exertion. It’s an involuntary response to help protect us, but it can also feel very overwhelming. But don’t worry; it’s manageable.
For some individuals, the physiological changes that accompany exercise can mimic the symptoms of a panic attack. Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and increased adrenaline levels are common in both
scenarios. This overlap can create a confusing and distressing experience, especially for those who are prone to anxiety or have a history of panic attacks.
The brain, interpreting these physiological signals, may mistakenly perceive them as indicators of imminent danger, triggering a full-blown panic response. This misinterpretation is often exacerbated by hyperventilation (over-breathing), which can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness and a sense of losing control — all hallmark symptoms of a panic attack.
While there’s no precise statistic on the prevalence of panic attacks during exercise, it’s known to be relatively common, especially among individuals with anxiety disorders. A study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that individuals with panic disorder are more likely to experience panic attacks during physical activity. Even those without a diagnosed anxiety disorder can occasionally experience these symptoms, particularly if they are new to exercise or pushing their physical limits.
If you find yourself experiencing panic symptoms during exercise, there are several strategies you can use to manage and alleviate the discomfort:
• If you start feeling panicky, reduce the intensity of your workout. Slowing down your pace can help lower your heart rate and decrease the intensity of symptoms.
• Practice deep, slow breathing to counteract hyperventilation. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This can help stabilize your breathing and reduce dizziness.
• Dehydration can exacerbate feelings of panic and discomfort. Ensure you drink enough water before, during and after exercise.
• If you’re new to exercise, start with lowintensity workouts and gradually increase the intensity as your fitness level improves. This can help your body acclimate to the physiological changes that occur during exercise.
• Techniques such as mindfulness meditation and positive visualization can help reduce anxiety. Focusing on the present moment and visualizing a calm, safe place can distract your mind from panic-inducing thoughts.
• Exercise in a setting where you feel comfortable and safe. Avoid overcrowded or overly stimulating environments, which can increase anxiety.
• If exercise-induced panic attacks are frequent or severe, consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional. They can help identify underlying issues and suggest appropriate treatments.
By recognizing the overlap between physiological responses to exercise and panic symptoms, individuals can take steps to manage their anxiety and continue to enjoy the myriad benefits of physical activity. And remember, you are not alone with this experience; there is nothing wrong with you. If you need more help, please reach out to me, I would love to help you have a more positive exercise experience.
JENNIFER BOLTZHARVEY
PIXABAY
Sheriff's office increases patrol for school safety
As children return to school on Aug. 14, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will increase patrols in school zones and surrounding areas. Deputies will monitor traffic to ensure drivers adhere to speed limits and stop for school buses.
“I have a no-tolerance policy for speeding in school zones and illegally passing school buses,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay.
Florida law requires that drivers stop for a stopped school bus picking up or dropping off children on two-way streets and highways. Drivers must remain stopped until all children are clear and the bus signal is withdrawn. Parents should ensure children wear helmets when biking to school, as required by Florida law. Additionally, teach children to obey traffic signals, walk with trusted schoolmates, and avoid talking to strangers.
Marathon’s Color Run rescheduled to Aug. 10
Marathon's Color Run has been rescheduled to Saturday, Aug. 10, at 9 a.m. at Marathon Community Park due to weather. The course around the park's perimeter challenges participants to go at their own pace, building a unique palette on their shirts as volunteers shower them with bursts of colored powder. A $25 registration fee covers race entry with goodie bags, shirts, finisher medals and more (additional family members registering receive $10 off). To register, scan the QR code.
Marathon man arrested for domestic abuse
A 27-year-old Marathon man, Ethan Arthur Mick, was arrested on Aug. 5 for allegedly abusing a disabled person. Mick faces charges of domestic battery by strangulation and inflicting injury on a disabled person. Mick held a 26-year-old woman, who is legally blind, on the ground and choked her at a residence on 51st Street around 9:40 p.m., the sheriff's office said. No lifethreatening injuries were reported.
Deadline approaches for Leadership Monroe Class XXXII
The deadline to apply for Leadership Monroe County Class XXXII is Aug. 12. The nonpartisan, nonprofit organization offers an exceptional opportunity for existing and emerging leaders in the Florida Keys to build alliances and enhance their community impact. The program is designed for residents ac-
tive in leadership roles across various sectors, including private, government and nonprofit. It features monthly sessions from September 2024 through April 2025, covering essential areas like the environment, tourism, government and more. Applications are available at leadershipmonroecounty.org/apply. More information is available at 305394-3804 or via email to info@leadershipmonroecounty.org.
Marathon Community Theater hosts story slam event
Share your story at the Marathon Community Theater story slam on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to all ages. The audience will vote for their favorite story, with a $50 cash prize for the winner. Stories, which should be 5 to 6 minutes long, must relate to the "Here’s Your Sign" theme and be true and personal. If you don't have a story but enjoy a fun evening, come to listen and vote. More information is at www.marathontheater.org.
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.
Funders Alliance hosts Florida Keys Nonprofit Day
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.
FORD MUSTANGS, COCOA BEACH AND OTHER DREAMS
Is there still life ahead for someone who never learned how to surf?
Let me begin this week by stating that I am not at all a true car buff — there is no confusing me with a legitimate gearhead. I am nowhere near equipped to converse fluently in the language of horsepower, gear ratios, fuel injection, or “pedal to the metal.” I just know what I like.
And what I like are Ford Mustangs from 1964 to 1969. As a kid growing up near Cocoa Beach during those years, those cars screamed out to me surfing, girls, beaches and all the good things I could look forward to when I hit my teen years on the Space Coast.
When we moved to inland upstate South Carolina in 1969, those dreams turned into mere memories of what my teen years should have been, and my life was shattered for the first time. It’s no wonder that I prefer 1960s vintage automobiles, and the Ford Mustang symbolized all that was good about life back then.
In the 2005 model year, the Ford Motor Company put out a Mustang that took me right back to the 1960s. Similar to what Fender did with their Vintage Reissues of the 1950s and 1960s Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars (another column in itself), Ford put out a car that was designed to capture a boomer’s heart and take him right back to those days on Cocoa Beach. The classic lines … the wide grille … the round headlights … even the foglights on the GT Deluxe; I was ready to take my surfboard to the beach.
The main reason I didn’t buy one of those machines is I never could justify the necessary disposable income to warrant the purchase of a vehicle without a single practical purpose. Pickup trucks and cargo vans have helped me haul around guitars and amps, but they’re not much fun for surfing at the beach. Besides, I’m not the same kid I was in the mid-1960s … although I’d give almost everything to go back to that time (if I could take all my hard-earned knowledge with me).
It seems that Ford’s efforts with the Mustang (and the older T-Bird) weren’t lost on GM and Dodge. The Camaros and Challengers of recent model years really harkened back to those amazing times for the American automobile. There were a lot of great cars produced in the 1950s, as well
John Bartus is a singer-songwriter and the former mayor of Marathon.
as the ’40s and the ’30s; everyone probably has their favorite old car going back to a fondly remembered time. Whatever the item, whether it be an old car, a manual typewriter, 33-1/3 RPM vinyl albums, a Walkman cassette player, a manual Singer sewing machine, or a rotary dial phone — they all remind us of simpler times. Times when we were younger and had a whole lot of future ahead. Perhaps they also remind us of things we might have done differently, or decisions we might have changed given the benefit of hindsight. Regrets are horrible things, stuff that should be left undisturbed in the dumpsters of our former lives … unless we are prepared to do something about them.
In 2013, 64-year-old Diana Nyad completed her dream of swimming across the Florida Straits from Havana to Key West without the drafting benefits of a shark cage. After trying several times previously, her first attempt in 1978, her perseverance and determination led to her ultimate success. At that time, the most badass athlete on Earth was a 64-yearold woman — but her heart and soul were even stronger than her physical self. If there was ever an example of why one should never give up on his or her dreams, Diana Nyad delivered it personally on the shores of Key West 11 years ago.
While upstate South Carolina was a pathetic replacement for the 1970s Cocoa Beach teen years I was robbed of, the Palmetto State does offer one pertinent piece of wisdom. The South Carolina state motto is “Dum Spiro, Spero.” Translated from Latin, it means “While I Breathe, I Hope.” While I may never learn how to surf, I still have some dreams I’m chasing. I hope you do as well.
— Catch John live Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, this Friday with Jade Storm at Lorelei, and next Wednesday at Dockside Boot Key Harbor.
JOHN BARTUS
On this day: In In 1974, President Richard Nixon announced on national television that he would resign the presidency the following day.
In The Bleachers
Mary Jacobs, 77, of Newmarket, England, tried to sell her prized collection of bedpans at auction in July, the Suffolk News reported on July 29, but there were no takers. Jacobs said she started collecting bedpans in 1984: “I just wanted to collect something different,” she said. “It snowballed from there.” Now, with 160 unique items, she’s run out of room to store them. The rarest ones are those with odd shapes, she noted. She’s hoping to find a new home for them: “They’re clean, washed and in fantastic condition.”
Adam
Brevity
Nancy
News of the Weird
TODAY’S HISTORY
In 1963, 15 thieves stole close to 2.6 million pounds sterling from a mail train in Britain’s “Great Train Robbery.”
TODAY’S FACT
Thomas Edison received a patent for the mimeograph on this day in 1876.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“We cannot live without the Earth or apart from it, and something is shriveled in a man’s heart when he turns away from it and concerns himself only with the affairs of men.”
— Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, “Cross Creek”
Adam Brevity
Nancy
Founded by Betty Debnam
Get Some Sleep!
Mini Fact: We dream during Rapid Eye Movement, or REM, sleep.
If you haven’t already, you’ll probably be heading back to school soon. Most kids have to make a big adjustment in their schedules when classes begin in the fall. They may have been sleeping in later or staying up later all summer.
This week, as The Mini Page goes back to school, we’re exploring why sleep is so important.
What is sleep?
Sleep is a state, or condition, that mammals and other animals are in on a regular basis. Think of it this way:
When we are awake, our brains are very aware of what is happening around us. You might smell dinner cooking, hear your mom talking, see the dog come inside or feel a rough spot on the sidewalk with your foot, and you probably notice each of these stimuli (STIMyoo-lye).*
But when you are asleep, your brain doesn’t send you messages about those types of stimuli. Even if you are uncomfortable in your bed, your brain may signal you to turn over without waking you up.
Sleep forces
There are three forces that control our sleep:
• Sleep drive. Whether you’re young or old, your body signals you when it needs rest. You might get cranky or hyperactive. Others might find it hard to concentrate or get sleepy and find their eyes falling closed.
• Daylight. Before we had electric lights, people followed the sun’s cycle. They slept during the dark hours and were awake when it was light.
are events that excite our senses. The singular form is stimulus.
• Internal clock. Human beings have a type of clock in our brains that is aligned with daylight. Scientists call this the circadian (sir-KAY-dee-un) rhythm. This internal clock works even when there isn’t any daylight — for instance, when people live underground with no exposure to day and night.
How much sleep do I need?
• Babies up to about 6 months old need to sleep 14 to 16 hours a day! About half of their sleep is REM. Scientists believe that this is because their brains are developing so quickly.
Researchers have discovered that African elephants can communicate with one another by using unique rumbling sounds (names) that are so low in frequency that humans cannot hear them. Biologists say that using a special microphone to monitor the pachyderms, they have been able to detect the matriarch of a large group calling on the group as a whole, as well as individual members of the group, which clearly respond.
• By 3 years old, most toddlers are sleeping between 12 and 13 hours a night. Sleep patterns at this age are much more like older children’s and adults’.
• In elementary school, most children need between nine and 11 hours of sleep every night. Experts say the most common sleep disorder they see in kids is not getting enough sleep.
Counting Zzz’s
How many of these good sleep routines do you practice? Color in the Zzz’s for the ideas you use at home. Leave the balloons uncolored for the ones you need to work on.
• Go to sleep about the same time every night and get up at about the same time in the morning — even on weekends.
• Sleep in a dark room. Light is a signal to our brains that it’s time to get up.
• Train your brain to link your bed only with sleeping. Don’t use your bed for studying, watching TV or playing games.
• Be quiet and calm before bedtime. Turn off your electronic devices and relax with a book by yourself or with a parent.
RESOURCES
On the Web:
• sleepforkids.org/html/cycles.html
• bit.ly/MPsleepy
At the library:
• “Go To Sleep, Anxiety!” by Luna Chi
• “Naomi and the Secrets of Going To Sleep” by Dr. Jonathan Kushnir and Ram Kushnir
Words that remind us of sleep are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Karen’s Beach Bum Designs located at 210 Apache Street, Tavernier, FL 33070 intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
By: Karen Buono
Publish: August 8, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Florida Keys Council of the Arts
Notice of Upcoming Meetings & Workshops
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the Zoom meetings or for members of the public to provide public input will be:
JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com
Membership & Development Committee Meeting
Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 3:30 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 825 8900 4912 Passcode: 624566
Publish: August 8, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Artificial Reef Materials Deployment to Gulfside Ten (10) Mile Reef Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https:// monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub. com OR www.monroecountyfl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. All prospective proposers are invited to attend the non-mandatory on-site Pre-Proposal Conference to be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., 1015-890 Parrish Ave (off 15th Street Ocean), Marathon, FL 33050. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives proposals via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids/proposals/responses. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that proposals be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl.
bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00P.M. on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. There is no cost to the proposer to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days from unsealing, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. § 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid/proposal amount on the Proposal Form and the bid/proposal amount entered in Bonfire, the bid/ proposal amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid/proposal.
The County reserves the right to waive any bid/proposal irregularity.
The proposal opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom.
us/j/4509326156
Meeting ID: 4509326156
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Publish: August 8, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023-CA-268-M NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
otice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 20th day of August, 2024 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Parcel One: Lot 5 and the southerly 35 Feet of Lot 6, Block 2, Casa Blanca, A Subdivision According to the Plat Thereof, as Recorded in Plat Book 2, Page 86, of The Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, Parcel Two: Lots 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, Block 58, Crains Subdivision According to the Map or Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 51, of The Public Records of Monroe County, Florida Property Address: 329 63rd Court Gulf, Marathon, Florida 33050; and 57468 and 57478 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, Florida 33050.
Pursuant to ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO CANCEL AND RESCHEDULE 7/23/24 FORECLOSURE SALE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23rd day of July 2024 Style of which is: RED MANGROVE HOLDINGS, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Plaintiff, VS. 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, Defendant
And the Docket Number of which is Number 2023-CA268-M WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 30TH day of July 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: August 8 & 15, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO. 20-CA-000044-K THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION, Plaintiff, v. WILLIAM STAFFORD, JEFFREY CAMPBELL, JACK A JENSEN AND RUTH L JENSEN, ANN LOUISE MINI, CHARLOTTE PIRNIA, ANN F MACGOWEN AND SUSAN A MACGOWEN, BARBARA D COMPSON, AMIR ESFANDYARI, JOAN C MANTAS, AND ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE PARTIES HEREIN NAMED, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS Defendant(s).
NOTICE OF ACTION TO: CHARLOTTE PIRNIA, the unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees of CHARLOTTE PIRNIA, and all persons claiming by, through, under or against CHARLOTTE PIRNIA or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described in COUNT IX of the Complaint, and all unknown persons, if alive, and if dead, and if not known to be dead or alive, their unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees or other persons claiming by, through, under or against any unknown person who is known to be dead or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of
the properties described below. YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose liens on the following properties in Monroe County, Florida more particularly described as follows: Unit 802, During Unit Week 38, BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST A CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided interest in the common elements, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1088, Page 1018, as amended from time to time, of the Public Records on Monroe County, Florida. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Jonathan J. Coto, the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is Coto Law Firm, P.A. 1390 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 1800, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, on or before September 2, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.
DATED on July 17, 2024
KEVIN MADOK, CPA As Clerk of the Court
By: Shonta McLeod
As Deputy Clerk
Publish: August 1 & 8, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
SUMMONS SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
DIVISION OF ST. THOMAS & ST. JOHN CASE NO.: ST-2023-CV-00219 CLAIM FOR DAMAGES
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED GUARDIAN INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff, v. NICKOLAS EBENBECK CARIBBEAN LEASING & ECO TRANSPORT d/b/a BUDGET RENT-A-CAR, BUSINESS BASIC VI, LLC, and INTERNATIONAL RENTAL & LEASING CORP., Defendants. To: Nikolas Ebenbeck 33701 Clinton Avenue Denham Springs, LA 70706
Within the time limited by law (see note on the next page) you are hereby required to appear before this Court and to answer to the First Amended Complaint filed against you in this action. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment by default will be taken against you as demanded in the First Amended Complaint for damages.
Witness my hand and the seal of this Court on this 10th day of May, 2024.
TAMARA CHARLES Clerk of the Court
By: Deputy Clerk
BARNES, D’AMOUR & VOGEL P.O. Box 10829
St. Thomas, VI 00801
Tel: (340) 774-8188 / Fax: 7748189
/s/Kevin F. D’Amour
Kevin F. D’Amour, Esq.: VI Bar No. 288
Kdamour@usvilawfirm.com
Attorneys for Plaintiff, Guardian Insurance Company
NOTE: The Defendant, if served personally is required to file his/ her answer or other defense with the Clerk of the Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after service of this summons excluding the date of service If served by publication or by personal service outside of the jurisdiction, the Defendant is required to file his/her answer or other defense with the Clerk of this Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the attorney for the Plaintiffs within thirty (30) days after the completion of the period of publication or personal service outside of the jurisdiction.
Publish: August 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
CITATION
Robert E. Hill, Esq.
Nevada Bar No. 8496
THE HILL LAW GROUP 7341 W. Charleston Blvd., Ste. 160 Las Vegas, Nevada 89117
Telephone: (702) 852-1552
Facsimile: (702) 221-1961 admin@myvegaslaw.com
Attorney for Petitioners DISTRICT COURT FAMILY DIVISION
CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA CASE NO. G-24-060256-M and G-24-060256-M2
In the Matter of Guardianship of the Person and Estate of: MAKAYLA ROSE HALE and RYANN MONROE HALE, Proposed Protected Children. CITATION TO APPEAR AND SHOW CAUSE TO:
MAKAYLA ROSE HALE and RYANN MONROE HALE, PROPOSED MINOR PROTECTED PERSONS; ALL KNOWN RELATIVES OF THE MINORS; AND ANY PERSON HAVING THE CARE, CUSTODY, AND CONTROL OF THE MINOR NICOLE HALE, Mother; DEBRA HEDMAN, Paternal Grandparent; JACQUELYN NESBITT, Maternal Grandparent; and DOUBLAS EDWARD KUTNEYGRANDPA KUTNEY, Maternal Grandparent
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that BRAD JACOB HALE and SHAWNA KIM HALE have petitioned the court to be appointed the guardians of the proposed protected persons named above.
The proposed protected persons may be determined to be incapacitated or of limited capacity; and a guardian may be appointed for the proposed protected persons. The rights of the proposed protected persons may be affected as specified in the petition.
The proposed protected persons have the right to appear at the hearing and to oppose the petition.
The proposed protected persons have the right to be represented by an attorney; who may be appointed by the court if the proposed protected persons is unable to retain one.
At any time after the filing for a Petition to Appoint Guardian, the court may appoint: (1) An attorney; (2) A guardian ad litem or an advocate; or (3) an investigator, if found to be appropriate or necessary in the best interest of the proposed protected persons.
DATE AND TIME OF COURT APPEARANCE YOU ARE DIRECTED TO APPEAR AND SHOW CAUSE why a guardian should not be appointed for the proposed protected persons on the: 8th day of August, 2024 at 1:30 p.m., in Courtroom 03A at: The Family Courts and Services Center, 601 N. Pecos Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101. DATED this 17th day of April, 2024.
STEVEN D. GRIERSON CLERK OF COURT BY: Shaun Salcedo Deputy Court Clerk
NOTE: The proposed guardian(s) and the proposed protected persons (unless excused by a physician) must appear at the scheduled hearing; all other interested parties do not need to appear unless they wish to oppose the guardianship and enter an objection.
Publish: August 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO.: 24-CP-381-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT MORTON DUNNING, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of ROBERT MORTON DUNNING, deceased, whose date of death was June 20,
2024, File Number 24-CP381-P is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice has been served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: August 8, 2024. Personal Representative: MARY S. DUNNING 81131 Old Highway Islamorada, FL 33036
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOE A. CATARINEAU
Florida Bar Number: 0517291 91750 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Telephone: (305) 852-4833 Publish: August 8 & 15, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-385-P DIVISION: FAMILY SA RO MILE, Petitioner, and NANT MARY YIN AYE, Respondent. CORRECTED NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: NANT MARY YIN AYE RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: NO KNOWN ADDRESS
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 Jack Bridges, Counsel for Petitioner, whose address is P.O. Box 1714, Tavernier, FL 33070 on or before September 5, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070, 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: None
Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file 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: August 1, 2024 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jaquelyn Fonseca Deputy Clerk Publish: August 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-106-P DIVISION: FAMILY WAYNE THOMAS LEAHY Petitioner, and TAMIE LEIGH LEAHY, Respondent. CORRECTED NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)
TO: TAMIE LEIGH LEAHY RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN
ADDRESS: 1508 Delaware Avenue, Apt. 1B, Wilmington, DE 19806 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 Jack Bridges, Counsel for Petitioner, whose address is P.O. Box 1714, Tavernier, FL 33070 on or before September 5, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070, 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: None Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file 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: August 1, 2024 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jaquelyn Fonseca Deputy Clerk
Publish: August 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
BOATS FOR SALE
Key Largo 21' Deep V Center Console w/trailer. New 150hp motor & electronics. Ready to fish. REDUCED PRICE $25,000 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
Dock Space available in Marathon. Up to 32' Electric & water available. 305-619-5282
Place your BOAT SLIP FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844
BOAT / TRAILER STORAGE
Gated storage & parking available in Marathon for boats, trailers & RV's - across from boat ramp - MM 54. $8-$10/ foot. 305-610-8002
Place your STORAGE ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.
CAMPING/RV SITE
Camping site/RV site at marina available in Marathon. Monthly/ Daily rates. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. No Pets. 305-610-8002
Place your CAMPING SITE FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844
COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT
Commercial office/ medical/retail space for rent/lease available in Marathon. High highway visibility, 2100-3500 sq. ft. Call for more information 305481-3198 or email drice519@aol.com
Place your COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!
EMPLOYMENT
Marathon: Looking for 2 College Students interested in 2-3 hours of work for 1 day restoring a Trawler Boat. May lead to additional hours. Cleaning, sanding, staining, scraping and painting outside of Boat $30.00 an hour. Contact a Friend and apply together. Call (508) 566-3538
Hiring: Lead Gutter Installer - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED – valid Driver’s Licensemust be comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier. To apply, please call or text Jay 305-587-1581.
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring parttime 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.
Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer serviceoriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-219-3359 and ask for Dave.
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Med Tech PT/Nights, 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 RENTAL - Key Largo2BR/2BA Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community. $3,500/month 786-258-3127
Available for 1 person. 2 1/2 rooms + 8' X 22' screened porch. All utilities incl. wifi, satellite TV, washer/ dryer. 2nd house from ocean. Off-street parking. Private & quiet. MM 96 Key Largo. $1,850/month F/L/S 305-853-3779
ISLAMORADA: Very Large 2 BR apt. for rent. Furnished or unfurnished. Utilities & cable included. $2,200/month. First/ Security. Available Sept. 1st. Yearly lease. 305-522-2702 Leave message.
Single family, elevated canal-front home for long term rental in Marathon. 3BR/2BA, furnished (optional), wrap around balcony, pool, jacuzzi, 40 ft dock, W/D, storage. Call Maria 305-725-8150
Conch HouseStudio for rent in duplex in Marathon. $960/month + utilities. Newly furnished. 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, $1,600/ month unfurnished,. All utilities included. F/L/S Section 8 accepted. 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
ROOMMATE WANTED
2010 27' Wildcat RV FOR SALE. 5th wheel, 1 slide-out. Located in Key West. $9,000 618-559-9143
Place your RV FOR SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844
RV SITE FOR RENT
RV site at marina available in Marathon. Monthly/Daily rates. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. No Pets. 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
STORAGE AVAILABLE
Place your STORAGE ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.
Gated storage & parking available in Marathon for boats, trailers & RV's - across from boat ramp - MM 54. $8-$10/ foot. 305-610-8002
VACATION RENTAL
Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet CarolineSeaport.com
Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.
YOUR CLASSIFIED AD SHOULD BE HERE
CLASSIFIED ADS ARE PUBLISHED FROM KEY LARGO THROUGH KEY WEST FOR ONE LOW PRICE. $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305743-0844 TODAY!
Stock Island - Seeking nonsmoking professional female/no pets. Fully furnished, W/D + TV. Very nice quiet safe place. Gated. $1250/ month. First/Last Call 305-797-5600 ROOMMATE FOUND IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!
Place your ROOMMATE WANTED ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844
RV FOR SALE
• Dock Master/General Manager
Apply in person at: Treasure Harbor Marina 200 Treasure Harbor Dr., Islamorada Email: info@keysboatrental.com Call for more information: 305-664-9943
Absolute Auction
Tuesday August 13th @ 11AM
201 20th St Ocean, Lot # 8 Marathon, FL 33050 (White Building by the dock)
MASSIVE RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT SALE
Automatic Empanada Dumpling Machine, True Stainless Cooler, True Stainless Freezer, Portable Griddle, Portable Char-Broiler, Sun re 6 Burner Range, MicroMatic Keg Cooler, Southbend Convection Oven, Galvanized Baskets, Insulated Coolers, Metro Racks, Large Quantity of Small Wares, Glass Plates, Dipping Plates, Wine Glasses, Shell Shaped Plates, Platters, Oil & Vinegar Holders, Pepper Mills, Bar Supplies, Coffee Cups, Stainless & Poly-Carbon Inserts, Champagne Glasses & Buckets, PLUS, SO MUCH MORE! Live Bidding In-Person &/or Online @ Proxibid.com/TobyNeverett
DIRECT CARE STAFF AT ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM
This position is available at our Adult Day program. This position provides 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 provides 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 of college coursework. * *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. EOE
Come join our family!
FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER
The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for a FULL-TIME Police Officer.
Applicants must posses a current Florida Certification as a police officer. Applicants will undergo a thorough background investigation, including drug screening, medical, polygraph and a psychological exam.
Salary: $60,000.
Full Health & Dental Insurance, 457 (b) Participation.
Email resume to:
Chief of Police at: chief@keycolonybeach.net Or call for additional information: 305-289-1212 ext. 1
Preference in the selection of vacant positions will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans. The Key Colony Beach Police Department is an EEO employer, drug-free and nicotine-free workplace.
NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA
MARINA CASHIERS
Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.
DOCKHANDS
Duties include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking. Morning & a ernoon hours available.
Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING
Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)
Dolphin Research Center has an opening for a Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent) for immediate consideration.
Duties include: Supporting HR Director on everyday activities for the department, recruitment, record keeping, employee support, etc. Must be an organized team player with excellent computer & communication skills. Prior HR experience will be a benefit. Benefits include: medical insurance, 401(k), paid vacation & holidays & so much more!
KEY LARGO FIRE RESCUE & EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DISTRICT IS SEEKING AN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/CLERK
For a detailed description of the position, please visit klfirerescueems.com
All interested individuals kindly submit your resume with a cover letter to clerk@klfrems.org
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.
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
