Marathon Weekly 24-0815

Open the door to what’s next.

Welcome to Paraiso Estates, an established oceanside neighborhood. Let the circular paved driveway lead you home, while deep water dockage provides direct access to the ocean. Just minutes away from the renowned Sombrero lighthouse sanctuary and reef, ideal for diving and fishing adventures. This licensed 7-day vacation rental offers the ultimate in boating convenience with a 75 ft concrete seawall and a 13K boat lift, ensuring you're always ready to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys. Featuring three bedrooms and two baths, this home boasts vaulted ceilings and an open concept floor plan that enhances the spacious feel throughout. There is even a separate laundry room. Entertain effortlessly with a screened-in balcony that extends your living space and offers water views. The lower level is a haven for water enthusiasts, complete with ample storage, a utility/workshop area, and an angler's room perfect for storing your gear after a day on the water. Unwind in the hot tub or rinse off in the outdoor shower on the patio, surrounded by lush, mature tropical landscaping. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to experience the epitome of Florida Keys living.

9709 Overseas Hwy.

Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

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Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

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News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

7,175

Several seats are up for grabs in the Aug. 20 primary election. According to the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections, 7,175 voters have cast their ballots (as of Aug. 14) out of the 50,456 eligible voters. A total of 5,934 mailed their ballots, while 1,240 went to the polls early to cast their votes.

There were plenty of smiles and proud tears from parents as kids headed back to school at Stanley Switlik Elementary on Aug. 14. Pictured are MCSO Sergeant Eric Mixon and Captain Derek Paul with ‘Little Mark’ Belile and Luke Blanton. See page 18. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

FIVE RUN FOR MARATHON CITY COUNCIL

Two open seats to be decided in November

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

And then there were five.

Middle Keys voters will choose from a final field of five qualified candidates to represent them in two open seats on the Marathon City Council this November, according to paperwork submitted to Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin at the close of Marathon’s qualifying period on Aug. 13.

Incumbent Kenny Matlock, a welder and real estate agent, will look to retain his seat following the conclusion of the modified two-year term he won in 2022.

“I am running for re-election because I believe the desires of the locals still need better representation,” Matlock told the Weekly, citing “a lot of work we need to do” with the city’s Building Permit Allocation System (BPAS), its balance of development and “cleaning up our city, both physically and ethically.”

“I have proven I am not afraid to say hard things, ask hard questions and fight for what I believe is right for locals and our community,” said Matlock. “We need people on council who are willing to research issues and hold staff accountable when they aren’t being truthful or when they present things that are harmful to our community. I have been that councilman, and I hope to continue that momentum I have on council.”

Former oil field engineer and current real estate agent Ray Wood was the first of the five hopefuls to declare his candidacy.

“I have unique life experience, understanding research as an engineer in the oil field, working for corporate Fortune 500 companies and learning their complexities, to my wife and I

building our own very successful business and raising five children,” Wood told the Weekly when asked for his message to Marathon’s voters. “I bring the skill of working budgets, listening to and understanding people as well as looking to the future for stable growth of our community and citizens.”

Fishing guide Dustin Huff was next to declare, telling the Weekly he is “not OK with the direction Marathon is headed.”

“As a lifelong Marathon resident, something feels really wrong,” he said. “I am running for council to fight for the residents.”

Huff’s campaign site lists destruction of Marathon’s “small-town feel,” “wild development from out-of-town developers” and remediation of the nearshore effects of Marathon’s shallow injection wells for waste disposal as the primary driving forces behind his candidacy.

Former Marathon mayor and eight-year councilman Mark Senmartin was the next to enter the race. Senmartin served from 2013 to 2021, first elected to a two-year term before being re-elected to two additional three-year terms after a change to Marathon’s city charter.

The owner of Cash Flow Guns and Ammo and Cash Flow Jewelry and Pawn Shop, Senmartin told the Weekly that voters should be “looking at the candidates that are focused on bringing solutions to problems, not just pointing them out.”

Real estate agent Jody “Lynny” Del Gaizo was the final candidate to join the race, telling the Weekly she has a “commitment to community and dedication to progress.”

Del Gaizo is no stranger to Marathon campaigns, as she finished third in the city’s 2021 council election. Following the resignation of 2021 election winner Trevor Wofsey two months into his term, Del Gaizo was nearly appointed to fill his seat, ultimately losing a coin-flip decision to current Mayor Robyn Still after a deadlocked council could not agree on Wofsey’s replacement.

“I’m passionate about our community to find a balance between full-time residents and tourists and to provide the best services and facilities for the people that live here,” Del Gaizo said.

2022 council candidate Mike Leonard and residents Kevin Carte and Simone Stanton had previously filed to run in November, but all three withdrew their names before the close of the qualifying period on Aug. 13.

Jody “Lynny” Del Gaizo

Kenny Matlock

Ray Wood

Dustin Huff

Mark Senmartin

As a mother who guided 3 children through Monroe County public schools, a vote for Yvette means:

• Keeping talented teachers here in Monroe County

• Support for students to feel safe and inspired in our schools

• Ensuring our teachers and students have the resources they need to make Monroe County a leader in education

A vote for Yvette Mira-Talbott is more than policy; it's a vote for the future of our children and our teachers. Endorsed by

ELECT MARGARET ROMERO SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

DAILY

Margaret has the INTEGRITY, HONESTY, TRANSPARENCY and COMPETENCY to be our next Supervisor of Elections.

Mirna and Dennis Ward wholeheartedly support

Candidate

She is a no nonsense person, tells the

the

for anyone.

IT'S TIME TO VOTE!

Election Day is Tuesday, August 20th.

Address

Whether you plan to vote on Election Day, Vote Early, or Vote-by-Mail, make your plans to participate today!

Paid for by Holly Merrill Raschein, Republican, for Monroe County Commission

2 MORE INDICTED IN FENTANYL THEFT CASE

Andrea Thompson & Dr. Sandra Schwemmer face felony charges

Grand jury indictments have been issued against Dr. Sandra Schwemmer and Capt. Andrea Thompson in Monroe County.

Schwemmer, 72, the medical director of Monroe County Fire Rescue and Trauma Star, has been charged with one count of official misconduct, one count of providing false information to law enforcement, and one count of altering patient records. Bond for Dr. Schwemmer has been set at $100,000. Thompson, 45, division chief of EMS & Trauma Star, faces two counts of official misconduct, one count of providing false information to law enforcement, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, three counts of tampering with witnesses, and one count of altering patient records. Bond for Thompson has been set at $250,000.

The bonds for both individuals were set and signed by Judge Mark Wilson.

These latest indictments follow the grand jury’s recent decision to indict Lynda Rusinowski, the former chief flight nurse for Monroe County Fire Rescue and Trauma Star, who was involved in related misconduct within the same department.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office initially reported Rusinowski’s arrest, adding that officials with MCFR received an anonymous tip in late July 2022 about Rusinowski altering controlled substance inventory logs in an effort to pilfer the drugs. As chief flight nurse, she was an employee of Monroe County Fire Rescue, not the Sheriff’s Office.

Monroe County Fire Rescue is in charge of the flight nurses, Trauma Star’s medical supplies, patient records and oversight of all three. The Sheriff’s Office is in charge of the pilots and the Trauma Star helicopters that annually transport 1,200 to 1,300 patients, often with life-threatening conditions, to mainland hospitals.

The audit report noted no wrongdoing on the part of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, but was highly critical of Monroe County Fire Rescue and senior county administration.

The charges stem from a scathing audit the county clerk’s office conducted of MCFR’s controlled sub-

stances protocols that was released in May 2023. The nearly 80-page audit report details massive discrepancies in controlled substance inventory records due to theft, stating that “controlled substances were being diverted by MCFR staff along with a widespread lack of management oversight.”

The report cites a lack of attention by Schwemmer as a “primary reason that the chief flight nurse’s alleged drug diversion activities went undetected for so long.” Schwemmer was counseled three times by then-Chief Steve Hudson about proper procedures and oversight, according to the audit report.

Thompson was investigated for allegedly removing syringes, tourniquets and other medical equipment from Rusinowski’s vehicle that could have been used as evidence in the criminal case. Thompson drove Rusinowski to a South Florida rehab facility before she could be arrested.

The same report criticizes the “sloppiness of MCFR’s inventory and patient care records” and finds that “County Administration (did) not have effective preventive or detection measures to ensure … that controlled substances are secure from drug diversion.”

The audit details a total of 623 vials of controlled substances missing from inventory logs during the audit period — June 2021 through July 2022 — including 242 vials of Dilaudid and 219 of fentanyl. Though it acknowledges that some discrepancies could be due to sloppiness in record-keeping, which are extensively criticized throughout the report, it estimates that 246 missing vials – including 91 of fentanyl and 84 of Dilaudid – were likely stolen via the intentional falsification of records.

In an Aug. 9 statement, Monroe County officials said they were in the process of terminating the county’s $124,842.50 annual contract with Schwemmer’s company for medical director services immediately. Thompson, they said, has been suspended without pay pending a pre-determination hearing. — Contributed

A father and son both died Tuesday evening after this personal watercraft slammed into a seawall off Boot Key Harbor. MCSO/Contributed

WATERCRAFT CRASH IN BOOT KEY HARBOR LEAVES FATHER, SON DEAD

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

A47-year-old father and his 9-year-old son died Tuesday night after their personal watercraft (PWC) crashed into a seawall in a Boot Key Harbor canal, multiple officials told the Weekly on Aug. 14.

At press time, officials had yet to release the names of the individuals. The father was pronounced dead at the scene after being thrown over the watercraft’s handlebars and roughly 20 feet onto land after the collision, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay told the Weekly. Bystanders reportedly helped the son, who was thrown into the water, onto land before MCSO deputies arrived.

While en route to Miami Children’s Hospital on Trauma Star, the son went into cardiac arrest, later passing away at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier following an emergency landing, Ramsay said.

The crash occurred just before 7 p.m., with the 250-horsepower Yamaha GP 1800 racemodel watercraft traveling north in the canal toward Castaway Waterfront Restaurant. There are conflicting reports of the craft’s speed before the accident, with some reports saying that the vessel was speeding through the canals, while others said the watercraft had maintained a reasonable speed in the no-wake zone until just before the accident.

“It didn’t look like there was any effort to stop,” Ramsay said, “but there are no reports of alcohol, and we don’t believe alcohol was involved, as far as we can tell.”

Early reports indicated the son may have been seated in front of the father on the watercraft, though both Ramsay and FWC Capt. David Dipre clarified that they were unsure if this was the case.

“We don’t know who was at the controls,” Ramsay said.

“I haven’t seen the video myself, but it appears that’s a possibility,” Dipre said. “We know they accelerated, but whether it was operator error or a mechanical error, we don’t know.”

Castaway owner John Mirabella told the Weekly that video cameras outside his restaurant had captured the moments leading up to the crash, but not the incident itself, saying the PWC appeared to accelerate just before leaving the frame of his camera.

Dipre said the father and son were living part-time in both the Keys and Miami and were planning a move to the Keys.

“It was a chaotic scene, but definitely a strong partnership between us, fire rescue and FWC trying to save these people’s lives, unfortunately to no avail,” Ramsay said.

“It’s terrible,” Dipre said.

Capt. Andrea Thompson, left, and Dr. Sandra Schwemmer. CONTRIBUTED

EARLY VOTING OPEN THROUGH SATURDAY, AUG. 17

14% of Keys voters already cast ballots for Aug. 20 primary

Election workers constantly monitor five ballot dropbox locations. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

The presidential election is still two months away on Nov. 5, but several Florida Keys political races will be decided in the primary that ends on Tuesday, Aug. 20. And plenty of Monroe County voters have already cast their primary ballots either through vote-by-mail or by voting in person at one of the three county election offices.

As of Aug. 14, 14% of eligible voters in Monroe County — 7,158 of 50,456 voters — had voted. Republicans make up 48% of the early voters; Democrats 42% and voters with no partisan affiliation make up the other 10%, according to the supervisor of elections website, which keeps a running tally of early votes, where they are cast and by which party.

Races to watch

The county commission District 5 race features three Republicans and no Democrats, so all Monroe County voters will determine the outcome of that race on Aug. 20, regardless of party affiliation. In District 5, incumbent Holly Merrill-Raschein faces challenges from Melissa Ptomey and Paul Wunderlich.

School board races are nonpartisan in Florida, so all Keys voters will elect either Yvette Mira-Talbott or Zach Bentley, who are running for the District 2 seat long held by Andy Griffiths, who did not seek reelection.

The Key West City Commission races are nonpartisan, so the District 1 race between Monica Haskell and Ben Hennington will be decided Aug. 20, but only by Key West voters who live in

the district.

The Key West District 6 commission race features three candidates — Aaron Castillo, Thaddeus Cohen and Marci Rose. Voters living in that district will choose their preferred candidate on Aug. 20. If one of them receives more than 50% of the vote, they will be declared the winner. If no one garners a majority, then the top two vote-getters will face each other on Nov. 5.

Supervisor of elections race gets attention

In the supervisor of elections race, registered Republicans will decide next week which Republican candidate — Margaret Romero or Sherri Hodies — will face Democrat Ron Saunders in November.

The race to succeed longtime Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin, who is retiring, has prompted some controversy in Monroe County.

Republican Dennis Ward endorsed Romero, although he’s a member of the countywide Republican Executive Committee, which had endorsed Hodies despite opposition from several members about the decision to endorse in a primary that included another Republican candidate and about the voting and vetting process itself.

An ongoing Facebook feud is unfolding between Ward, whose page is called GoodMorning Islamorada, and REC chair Rhonda Rebman-Lopez.

Ward said he is concerned about the MAGA-aligned, election-denying faction of the REC, including Hodies, potentially overseeing Keys elections.

“Wacko Right Wing republicans led by Chief Wacko Rhonda Lopez, are trying to convince you that there are serious problems with our ELECTION SYSTEM in Monroe County,” Ward posted on Aug. 13. “I believe in JOYCE GRIFFIN and the excellent job she’s done keeping our system pristine. Don’t fall for their SCARE TACTICS. Vote MARGARET ROMERO for SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS for MONROE COUNTY!!!”

For complete election and candidate information, visit keyselections. org.

CANDIDATES MAKE FINAL PITCH WITH PRIMARIES LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY

County commissioners and school board candidates tussle over several issues

www.keysweekly.com

Candidates for Monroe County District 5 commissioner and school board District 2 gave their positions at an Aug. 10 open-forum debate presented by the Key Largo Civic Club. As the last debate before the Aug. 20 primary, the event offered candidates a final opportunity to present their platforms to the public ahead of the ballot.

The first debate was among candidates for county commissioner. In an opening statement, prospective commissioner Melissa Ptomey introduced herself as a dedicated marine scientist who’d been inspired to run after witnessing the degradation of local reefs. Ptomey also noted the lack of communication between the Monroe County commission and the community in approving the development of a Publix and workforce housing project at MM 92.5, which had faced stringent opposition from the county’s Planning Commission and the Planning Department, as well as many other local interests and individuals.

Paul Wunderlich introduced himself as a Florida native who served the county for decades as an inspector of roads and bridges, who was likewise moved to run by environ-

mental concerns and issues related to tourism and a lack of affordable housing.

Holly Raschein, the current mayor of Monroe County, spoke about her extensive experience in government service, in both state and local office. Her concerns regarding a shrinking middle class and environmental degradation had motivated her throughout the last four years during her tenure on the board of county commissioners, she said.

Candidates were asked how they intended to support housing for essential workers. Ptomey’s response detailed Monroe County’s drastic increase in budget over the past four years with its corresponding increase in rent. She spoke of the problems of unregulated online and short-term rentals and recommended a tier system to favor essential workers in providing housing. She proposed a department to take charge of ensuring affordable housing, and stressed that “we will never build our way out of workforce housing.”

Wunderlich responded that the county should require big investors and resorts to build onsite housing.

“Affordable housing in the Keys is not affordable,” said Wunderlich.

ZACK WOLTANSKI

DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER

“Essential workers should have the cost of their apartments included as part of their individual salaries.”

Raschein said that she considered this to be “one of the most critical issues facing our community.” She expounded on various housing projects she’d supported during her tenure, including 10 homes on Conch Key paid for by a disaster recovery grant. She clarified that the tier system proposed by Ptomey was already in place, beginning with county employees all the way to law enforcement officers. She admitted the problem of affordable housing still has a lot of hurdles to overcome and “no perfect solution.”

In a rebuttal, Wunderlich responded that in his last 24 years serving the county, he’d seen few real improvements in affordable housing.

“If we keep building, adding on, we’ll never catch up with it,” he said.

“Workforce housing is a baitand-switch to have development pushed through for projects we’d otherwise not want to happen,” Ptomey responded, referencing Raschein’s support of the Publix and workforce housing project.

Candidates were asked generally what they’d do for the community if elected. Wunderlich said he’d focus on the concerns of the community, not those of tourism or big business. Ptomey said her goal would be to reinstate the relationship between the county commission and the community, putting the people of the Keys first, and creating advisory boards for topics of concern such as tourism and real estate. Raschein planned to continue to fight for the Keys,

with the environment remaining a key priority in her agenda.

Referencing the recent Trauma Star scandal, in which a local flight nurse was reportedly in possession of stolen narcotics and two others have been indicted, the candidates were asked what should be done to clean up corruption in the county fire department. Raschein and Wunderlich spoke about the need for greater transparency and more oversight in the hiring process. Ptomey, whose husband is a firefighter, said many firefighters have known about this issue for years. Ptomey called for an audit of both the fire department and the BOCC.

A final question asked candidates how they perceived the importance of policy-making based upon the voice of the constituents. Ptomey emphasized that the commission has lost touch with its constituent base, and that the commission’s best interest should be the interest of the constituents.

“I think everything that goes on in the county should (be guided by) the voice of the people and the constituents,” said Wunderlich.

Raschein said her goal was to rely on the opinions of the public and their input.

“You’re not always going to make everybody happy. If you land somewhere in the middle, you know you’ve done something right.”

School board District 2

A debate was then held for candidates Yvette Mira-Talbott and Zach Bentley, running for school board District 2, the seat held by outgoing member Andy Griffiths. Bentley introduced himself as a former hospitality worker and small business owner who found his vocation and

SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 2

calling as a fishing guide. A graduate of Key West High School, he believes Monroe County public schools have seen some erosion over the past decades.

“My children go to St. Mary’s Basilica ... and they are so happy there. It’s a better educational opportunity for them (than our public schools),” said Bentley. As a school board member, he sees it as his duty to reinstill confidence in public schools, focusing on the well-being of the teachers and the students.

Mira-Talbott, a long-time Keys resident, spoke about her decades of educational advocacy and the need to find creative and innovative ways to keep teachers and staff working in Monroe County.

They were asked how they’d make nonpolitical decisions. “The litmus test for me is if (the school board) benefits the children,” said Bentley. “You won’t consider if it benefits Republicans or Democrats.”

“There’s no place for partisanship,” said Mira-Talbott. “The only decision is to do what’s best for the kids, the teachers and the school system.” Both candidates emphasized their relationships and communication with the current school board.

Asked how he’d support teacher retention, Bentley stressed the need to focus on attracting great educators by creating a culture and institution with a reputation for teaching with dignity. He said he believed there are isolated instances of corruption in the teaching institution, much like in the fire department.

Mira-Talbott argued that attracting great teachers isn’t the primary issue; instead, she would focus on teacher retention. Although local teachers are among the highest paid in the state, Monroe County has

one of the highest costs of living in Florida.

“I’m very interested in finding different ways to help teachers offset the cost of living,” said Mira-Talbott.

The candidates were asked how they’d see themselves negotiating influence as one of five. “It’s very important that you understand who your fellow board members are,” said Bentley, who cited the need for close connections among board members. In her response, Mira-Talbott spoke about her years of experience communicating with board members.

A final question asked how they’d advocate not only for teachers but for the rights of parents and students. Bentley responded that attracting and retaining great teachers creates a positive culture between teachers, parents and students. “I (also) think it’s important to have school board members that are actively parenting,” he said.

“As a school board member I will do what I’ve done for the last 10 months,” said Mira-Talbott. “I’ve visited every school, listened to administrative staff. ... I have been involved with teachers and education since my children were in school.”

The event concluded with short introductions by the Republican candidates for state committeeman and committeewoman. Bethany Bartlett, Jill Davis and Michael Washam spoke about their backgrounds and experience.

On Aug. 13, school board and commissioner hopefuls, as well as other candidates running for local and state seats in the November election, appeared at Crooked Palm Cabana on Plantation Key in Islamorada for a meet-the-candidates mixer.

Holly Raschein Melissa Ptomey Paul Wunderlich

Zach Bentley

Yvette Mira-Talbott

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

2 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home centrally located in mid Marathon. Large screened porch. 50 X 97lot. Reduced $325,000 MLS# 610518

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

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

HAPPY HOUR 1-4PM

$7 Menu

• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!

• 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm

* $2 Pints of Yuengling and Bud Light!

BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM

• Unique & interesting menu

• $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots

LUNCH & DINNER

• Lobster Enchiladas

• Diver Speared Local Fish

• Prime Rib • Local Lobster

• Cook Your Own Catch

• Great Seafood Selections

SUSHI

• Toro • Lionfish • Poke • Hamachi collar

• Fresh Uni arrives on Thursday

We would appreciate your nomination for Best Sushi & Best Bloody Mary!

NEW YEAR, NEW FACES

Marathon High, Stanley Switlik welcome new teachers

As this paper hits newsstands in the Middle Keys, the first day of school is in the books. While dozens of familiar staff members welcomed students back to their classrooms, Marathon Middle/High School and Stanley Switlik Elementary also have a host of new faces.

By Trinity Jacox and Alex Rickert

Name: Kara Durham School: Stanley Switlik Elementary Grade/subject: ESE K-2

1. I received my degree from Florida Gulf Coast University.

2. We moved to the Keys two months after Hurricane Irma. I know – crazy, right? My husband was given a job offer while he was here helping his father work on his home. Everything fell into place despite the devastation Marathon and the rest of the Keys endured from Irma.

3. This is my first year of teaching. However, I plan to embrace this year with patience, kindness and grace.

4. Sometimes I will complete three or four loads of laundry in a single day. This means wash, fold and put ALL the clothes away! It rarely happens – that's why it's a special talent.

5. The upcoming school year will be my first year of teaching. I started out as a substitute in September of 2023, and quickly realized I wanted teaching to be my full time career. I was officially hired as a teacher in March of this year.

6. I would want my students to know that even though this is my first year of teaching, I will be forever grateful to them as they will be the foundation of my teaching career.

7. My hobbies include spending time with my family, watching sunsets, reading, eating desserts before bed, and per my 7-year-old, "You like to clean a lot and then complain that the house is never clean."

While students were brushing off their backpacks and sharpening their pencils, these fresh faces were 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: Kristi Ferrise School: Marathon Middle School

Grade or Subject: 7th grade English language arts

1. I received my degree from Regis University in Denver, CO.

2. I’ve lived in the Keys for 23 years.

3. I’m engaging, hands-on and interactive.

4. I may be a mermaid.

5. I began teaching kindergarten at Switlik Elementary School in 2004. I moved on to teach Title 1, alt. ed. and art in both the elementary and middle/ high school, and now 7th grade English language arts.

6. I care about them and will keep them safe. I also have high expectations. I volunteer at a dog sanctuary for geriatric dogs (Payton’s Promise Sanctuary here in Marathon) and I’m a published author.

7. My hobbies include art, life coaching, swimming, dolphins and dogs.

Part 2

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?

Name: Jonathan D. Atmore School: Marathon High School Grade or Subject: 11-12

1. I have a B.A. in world history from Villanova and a master’s in education, also from Villanova.

2. I’ve lived in the Keys for 11 days.

3. I am direct and nonpartisan – my opinion does not get shared with students.

4. I love my job – this is not working for me. I can spend hours on the beach reading and working; I find it relaxing.

5. I’ve taught at St. Augustine Prep in Richland, NJ.

6. I want my students to know that I’m always here to help and that I wish them all the best.

7. My hobbies include history, sports, golf, fishing, working out and travel.

Name: Ryan Schalk School: Marathon Middle School Grade or Subject: 7th/8th ESE

1. I’m a 2016 graduate of Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s in special education. I graduated in 2021 from BGSU with my master’s in curriculum and teaching.

2. I’ve lived in the Keys for one month.

3. My teaching style is energetic and compassionate with opportunities for hands-on learning.

4. I play the guitar and used to perform publicly.

5. I have taught at Bowling Green City Schools and Maumee City Schools for a total of eight years. Both are located in northwest Ohio.

6. I am approachable, and love talking about sports and video games.

7. My hobbies include being active and playing sports of all kinds, gaming with my friends and cooking.

TANYA SLY NAMED AS STANLEY SWITLIK

ELEMENTARY’S NEW ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Superintendent Theresa Axford has announced that Tanya Sly will serve as the new assistant principal at Stanley Switlik Elementary for the 2024-25 school year. Sly, who has been the literacy coach at Switlik for six years, will step into the position previously held by Sarah Adams, who has moved to the district’s administrative offices.

“Tanya’s dedication to our school as literacy coach has been invaluable, and I am so pleased to welcome her to the administrative team,” said Switlik principal Linda Diaz. “Tanya will continue to build strong relationships with teachers, staff, parents and students. Her enthusiasm, love of literacy, knowledge of curriculum and strong leadership skills make her an ideal fit for the challenges of this position.”

“I am thrilled about the opportunity to continue working within this incredible community,” Sly said. “I look forward to seeing all the familiar faces and welcoming new ones. I am grateful to be part of a community that wholeheartedly supports SSE and our students. Rest assured, every child who walks through our doors is cherished, and we are committed to working together as a team to meet their needs and help them thrive.”

Sly earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Michigan and completed her master’s in educational leadership at Grand Canyon University in 2023.

Sly has demonstrated versatility and dedication to education. She began as a kindergarten teacher in an economically-disadvantaged urban school in Michigan, where she became a certified reading recovery teacher and later served as an interventionist. Her commitment to literacy continued as she took on the role of countywide literacy coach before joining Stanley Switlik Elementary in 2018 as a literacy coach.

During her tenure at Switlik, Sly has been a cornerstone of instructional leadership. Her expertise, passion and empathetic approach have made her a mentor and colleague throughout Monroe County. — Contributed

COMMERCE CORNER

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Daniel Elmore & Cari Sanders 103400 Overseas Hwy, Ste 103, Key Largo signs@vitalsignskeylargo.net

Tanya Sly. CONTRIBUTED

LUXURY ISLAND PROPERTIES

2. Supporters who assisted in the June 23 fundraiser for Julian Garcia stand in the front of the Founders Park Community Center. Garcia expressed his thanks to the many people involved.

3. Sheriff’s deputy Julian Garcia with his family. 4. Islamorada

Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney prepares to hand over a folder with thank you cards and a check totaling more than $60,000 from a June 23 fundraiser she spearheaded at Islander Resort.

5.

DEPUTY WHO LOST LEG IN ACCIDENT RECEIVES PURPLE HEART & MASSIVE DONATION

Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy Julian Garcia stepped into the Founders Park Community Center ahead of an Aug. 7 meeting of the Islamorada Village Council. In his deputy uniform and using his new prosthetic leg, Garcia proceeded to take a front-row seat with his family.

Behind Garcia, a sea of community supporters, sheriff’s deputies and village fire rescuers packed the room. In front of Garcia where council members sat, Islamorada Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney eagerly awaited the chance to hand a folder with a check from a June community fundraiser held for Garcia.

Several months ago, the 26-yearold deputy suffered a life-changing injury when a suspected drunk driver slammed into the back of his patrol car on U.S. 1 in Islamorada. Garcia, who was conducting a traffic stop near MM 87 the evening of April 9, was left pinned between his squad car and the vehicle he initially pulled over. Fellow officers and rescuers from the Islamorada Fire Department rushed to the scene and freed Garcia from the two cars and rendered aid.

Garcia was flown via county Trauma Star to Jackson Hospital in Miami, where he underwent 10 surgeries in hopes of saving his left leg. The decision was made to amputate it from the knee down.

Garcia’s spirits and energy remain high despite all that he’s gone through the past several months, as Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay

stated in a room full of people on Aug. 7.

“To me he’s a true hero,” Ramsay said. “He has been the most upbeat and positive person.”

Following a passionate speech, Ramsay presented Garcia with a Purple Heart ribbon which, as with military members, goes to those who suffer a serious injury while on duty. Ramsay, who was seriously injured in the line of duty 30 years ago, took the ribbon off his uniform and handed it to Garcia.

“I hope it has some memories coming from me to you as a friend, but also this is well deserved for you to wear on your uniform,” Ramsay said. “This isn’t you got a couple stitches or you stubbed your toe.”

Garcia, who is one of four members in the sheriff’s office who’ve received the Purple Heart ribbon, was overcome with emotion as he prepared to share a few words to those in attendance. Garcia credited those who helped save his life and the many others who came to support him in a time of need.

“I wouldn’t be here without obviously God being there for me,” he said. “The support team … it definitely helped me stay positive. The month and a half I was in the hospital, it was tough.”

Garcia mentioned his fellow deputies, Landon Gardner and Richard Rodriguez, who were on patrol that night and quickly provided aid. Gardner moved the car to free Garcia and Rodriguez applied a tourniquet.

Mahoney, who helped spearhead the June 23 fundraiser, handed Garcia a folder with thank you notes

and a $60,519 check.

“It was an honor to do this,” Mahoney told Garcia. “This was a labor of love.”

Mahoney credited many community businesses and individuals for volunteering and assisting in the massive effort.

“Without this community, this town would be nothing,” Mahoney said.

Garcia said he knew there were a lot of vendors at the fundraiser, but didn’t realize how many people were actually involved.

“I truly appreciate you guys,” Garcia told the 30-plus supporters who were called to the front of the room by Mahoney. “My family is beyond grateful for everyone who participated and volunteered.”

Garcia, who continues to adapt to his prosthetic leg, said he wants to eventually return to the sheriff’s office.

“I don’t regret it,” he said. “It’s the career I chose.”

Ramsay spoke about a conversation he had with Garcia about community policing and being there in a time of need. Garcia told Ramsay his experience showed him how the community and its citizens support the sheriff’s office and its members in a time of need.

“We work hard every day to make you safe and secure and to be there in a time of need,” Ramsay said. “Every now and then we do need our community. And every time, this community is there for this agency and its members to show that we love you and you love us.”

1. Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay hands the Purple Heart ribbon to deputy Julian Garcia during a special recognition ceremony on Aug. 7 inside the Founders Park Community Center. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly.

From left, sheriff’s Capt. Derek Paul, deputy Julian Garcia and Lt. Charlene Sprinkle.

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

SCHOOL’S IN SESSION

Marathon heads back to class for 2024-25

An amped-up gang of seniors started the school year off with a bang on Aug. 14 at Marathon High School, hosting a “Senior Sunrise” on Sombrero Beach before making their way to the school for their annual courtyard charge to begin the 2024-25 academic year.

Meanwhile, over at Stanley Switlik Elementary, there was no shortage of proud tears as parents said goodbye and watched their little ones shoulder their backpacks and roam the halls, many for the first time.

From all of the staff at the Keys Weekly, we send our Marathon students, teachers and staff our best wishes for a happy and safe school year full of challenges, growth and learning.

1. Marisol Diaz, left, Rylee Seligson and Ella Dunn lead the senior procession at MHS.

2. A pumped-up Class of 2025 preps for their dash into the MHS courtyard.

3. The Class of 2025 begins their year-long reign as the kings and queens of Marathon High.

4. Christian Fernandez gets a lift from his classmates.

5. Abigail, left, and Jayden Boza start their new year at Switlik.

6. Kai Vitale is ready for a year of learning after dropoff with dad Cody.

7. The Cruz family starts another year at Switlik. From left: mom Kelley, daughter Ava, son Aden and dad Jonathan.

8. Dad and mom Mike and Jessica, and sister Maeve, send Monroe Lyne, right, off to voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK).

9. Emily, left, and Fernanda Naverrete get their pre-first-day photo shoot.

10. A full team from MCSO ensures a safe start to the year.

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly. See more photos at keysweekly.com.

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN NAPOLETAN STYLE

THURSDAY,

CANDICE

FRIDAY, AUG 16

BOBBY HOWARD BAND 8PM

SATURDAY, AUG 17

TONY MANFREDI BAND 8PM

SUNDAY, AUG 18

TONY MANFREDI 3PM

THIRD ROGO/BPAS SURVEY NOW AVAILABLE

SHERIFF’S OFFICE ROLLS OUT NEW WEBSITE

Input

will

help

inform

building allocation requests to the state in 2025

Over the next year, county and municipal leaders will be tasked with arriving at a final number of building allocations to request from the state in 2025. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has launched a third survey regarding the state-mandated hurricane evacuation modeling discussions that will continue through January 2025. In survey No. 1, more than 1,850 people replied, which helped the county learn how people receive their information and their basic knowledge of ROGO and BPAS. Survey No. 2 focused on housing, commuting, and the livability of the Florida Keys with 2,813 respondents. Survey No. 3 focuses on how residents evacuate during a hurricane. It is available until Sunday, Aug. 25 at 5 p.m.

Monroe County community members are invited to take this short survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCROGOSurvey3. It should take three to four minutes to complete.

Additional surveys will be available in September and October to help gauge what the community wants to see moving forward, including the community’s thoughts

on the legality of takings cases and planning for the future.

Monroe County continues to give a monthly update during regularly scheduled BOCC meetings and is meeting with nonprofit and civic groups throughout the Keys regarding the Department of Commerce’s hurricane evacuation modeling. The objective is to gauge public opinion on everything that affects evacuation timing and the number of additional ROGO/BPAS allocations, if any, the county and municipalities should request from the state.

Hurricane evacuation modeling is based on a Florida statute requiring that Monroe County residents be able to evacuate the Keys within 24 hours before a storm. Any allocations awarded could be issued over the next 10 to 30 years or at a rate that does not lead to unbalanced growth or additional takings liability. More information is at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ rogo2024.

— Contributed

Don’t worry, mugshots, traffic reports still easy to find

The new MCSO website is optimized for both mobile and desktop usage. KEYSSO.NET/Contributed

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay announced a fresh new look for the sheriff’s office website — keysso.net. The new site has a mobile-friendly, modern look that users will notice this week. The new website will still contain all the popular features and tabs the previous website offered, with updates throughout.

Keys Weekly’s digital partner, Overseas Media Group, a locally owned and operated digital marketing agency specializing in web design and development, social media and online enhancement, worked extensively with the sheriff’s office to design the new website.

The popular mugshot page on the sheriff’s office website can be found in the same place on the new website.

“I’m excited to bring this new, modern website online and I want to thank our IT department here at the sheriff’s office for their hard work as well as our friends at Overseas Media Group, who really stepped up to the plate when I approached them about this project,” Ramsay said. “This is what strong community partnerships are all about.”

Users who have specific tabs bookmarked from the previous website are encouraged to change those bookmarks when the website goes up within the next 48 hours. The URL remains the same: keysso.net

Users are still encouraged to download the MCSO mobile app for smartphones at the Apple Store or Google Play. Its features remain unchanged. Users can also follow the sheriff’s office at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

— Contributed

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!

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Kids and adults alike built their own T-shirt palettes with bursts of colored powder at Marathon’s second Color Run on Aug. 10. Following a course around Marathon Community Park, racers alternated between running through color stations to make their own rainbow creations and getting heatdefeating showers from the Marathon Fire Department.

“Thank you to the city of Marathon Parks and Recreation; without your support this event wouldn’t be possible,” said Lara Martin, whose HapynKeys Running group co-sponsored the annual run.

There’s no such thing as a clean shirt after blasts of powder during Marathon’s Color Run.

Photos by ROSS SMITH/IslandExposureCo. See more run photos at keysweekly.com.

Raymond Rodriguez, MD Medical Director, Mount Sinai Cardiology of the Keys

Roger Steinfeld,

Joan E. Homan, MD Cardiology

SMOOTH SEAS FOR SKILLED SAILORS

Middle Keys Sailing hosts ‘Mixer in the Middle’ regatta

Instead of angry waves, young sailors found a different type of challenge as they contended with light winds and smooth seas for Middle Keys Sailing’s “Mixer in the Middle” youth regatta on Aug. 10.

Open to sailors ages 7 to 18, the day of racing Optimist, Laser, 420 and Dragon sailboats – plus a post-race pool party at the Marathon Yacht Club – supported the efforts of the Marathon Yacht Club Educational Foundation (MYCEF), a nonprofit dedicated to teaching fun and safety on the water for kids of all backgrounds.

More information on MYCEF and Middle Keys Sailing is at www.mycef. education.

THE WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Optimist Class

1st: Tsunami Sumlin

2nd: Piper Brehm

3rd: Hurricane Sumlin

Sunfish Class

1st: Sophia Rodriguez

2nd: Saylor Ray

3rd: Jovanna Garcia

420 Class

1st: Reif Wallen/Alexia Dryer

2nd: Wyatt Katon/ Hayden Matusicky

3rd: Henry Rodriguez/ Richie Girard

5.

6-8. Sailors in the

hit the water at the 33rd Street boat ramp and make their way to the race course.

9.

always a reason to smile in a day on the water.

11,12. Calm seas with little wind present a different type of challenge to racers.

1-4. Sailors rig their boats at the Marathon Yacht Club for the Mixer in the Middle regatta.

Middle Keys Sailing director Ellie Maus gives a pre-race welcome.

Optimist class

There’s

10. Class winners receive their awards at the post-race pool party. From left: Alexia Dryer, Reif Wallen, Wyatt Katon, Hayden Matusicky, Piper Brehm, Sophia Rodriguez, Jovanna Garcia, Tsunami Sumlin, Hurricane Sumlin, Henry Rodriguez, Richie Girard, Saylor Ray.

BENT PROP BAR & GRILL BENDS THE RULES, TASTEFULLY

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT MARKS 1-YEAR MILESTONE ON CUDJOE KEY

JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

Nestled beside the Cudjoe Gardens Marina with indoor and outdoor dining, the Bent Prop Bar & Grill offers authentic Keys fare with innovative flair. Carolyn Butler and Chuck Miller acquired the waterfront property before the pandemic struck, and unveiled the eatery a year later. They’re now celebrating a full year of fresh seafood, savory steaks and creative classics.

“We came to the Cudjoe Gardens area years ago and always said we’d be down here permanently once the kids were grown,” Butler said. While house-hunting, the pair spotted a dilapidated, abandoned restaurant building on the market. The entrepreneurial couple with construction experience snapped up the property as an investment, envisioning a renovation and resale.

”Our intention was just to fix the real estate and be done with it,” Butler said. “Then, three-quarters of the way through, we started doing more and more research on restaurants and said, ‘Let’s give this a try and see what happens if we surround ourselves with professionals and learn as much as we can.’ Some couples golf; some couples go fishing. We tear things up and rebuild them. It’s who we are.”

They transformed the onceforlorn building into an inviting waterfront restaurant. Bent Prop Bar & Grill, 457 Drost Dr., Cudjoe Key, serves something for every appetite –from seafood and steaks to pasta and pork chops, each with a chef-inspired twist. For their escargot appetizer, the chef offers the traditional snails, as well as a version made with lobster medallions baked in garlic herb butter.

Boasting nearly 200 feet of waterfront, the restaurant invites boaters to arrive in style, and a sophisticated bar completes the experience.

TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Mentoring program offers Florida Prepaid college scholarships

“We wanted to offer a little bit of everything, as long as it was of excellent quality,” Butler said. “We want the best quality and the best presentation at the most economical price. And now that we’re a year into it, we’re finding what works. We are a scratch kitchen, but we know people still want Keys staples, so the menu is constantly evolving.”

The Bent Prop is currently open 3 to 9:30 p.m., but closed on Tuesdays, with the bar area open later. Happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. offers drink specials and appetizers like coconut crusted grouper cheeks and Bang Bang shrimp. Signature cocktails include the Overboard, made with coconut, mango and pineapple rums; the Fuzzy Starfish with strawberry gin, elderflower and champagne; and the Cast Off, which has vanilla vodka, pineapple juice and cream soda. On Wine Down Wednesdays, all bottled wine is half-price.

“We really just want people to know we’re here,” said Butler. “Not being right on the Overseas Highway poses a bit of a challenge, but we are so grateful for this amazing community that has welcomed us with open arms. We have outstanding chefs, front- and back-of-house staff and are always looking for good talent to join our team. It’s a great place for birthdays, dates, rehearsal dinners, engagements, corporate parties and anniversaries. We’ve even had a few weddings here.”

More information is at bentpropkeys.com, info@bentpropkeys.com or 305-741-7017.

Take Stock in Children Monroe is accepting scholarship applications. Monroe County students in grades 6 through 9 who meet the income and academic guidelines are encouraged to apply.

Take Stock in Children is a college and career readiness program that provides a community-based volunteer mentor to each student during the program and a 120-credit-hour Florida Prepaid tuition scholarship upon graduation.

Take Stock scholars meet with their mentor each week for 30 minutes during the school year. Additionally, scholars participate in college- and career-readiness workshops, and receive regular educational and career coaching from a Take Stock college success coach.

“For 20 years, Take Stock in Children has changed lives in Monroe County by providing a pathway to post-secondary education and success,” said Chuck Licis-Masson, executive director of the Monroe County Education Foundation.

New income eligibility thresholds for Take Stock Monroe have been released. Licis-Masson encourages eligible families to apply at www.monroecountyedfound. com.

“Whether their goal is to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or an industry certificate, our team of TSIC success coaches and mentors, along with their teachers and parents, help guide and motivate the TSIC scholars towards their dream of attending the Florida college, university or technical college or their choice,” said Licis-Masson.

Take Stock in Children is the flagship program of the foundation. Over 900 scholarships have been granted to Monroe County students since 2001. Nearly 70% of those students have earned a college degree or career certificate, which is well above the national average of the same peer group.

— Contributed

Lilliam Rodriguez Nunez, left, and Marquisha Abraham complete their Take Stock journeys at the program’s 2024 graduation ceremony. CONTRIBUTED

Bent Prop owners Chuck Miller and Carolyn Butler mark the restaurant’s one-year milestone. JEN ALEXANDER/Keys Weekly

DID YOU NOMINATE?

As this paper goes to print, Marathon grants coordinator Maria Covelli wants you to know there are only four days left to nominate your favorite businesses, people and places for the 2024 Best of Marathon Awards. Our final ballot will feature the top three finalists in each category, but to get there, they need YOUR help. Head to keysweekly.com/bom24 daily to submit your favorites until Sunday, Aug. 18 at midnight. And remember: You need to fill out 75% of the ballot for your nominations to count. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

PRO-LEVEL LESSONS

Marathon High School varsity cheerleaders had the chance to test their mettle in a two-day camp with instructors from the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) on Aug. 9 and 10. ‘The private camp taught them the fundamentals, including team bonding, leadership training, stunting, jumps, a dance and two sideline cheers,’ said coach Michelle Macoskey. ‘I’m so beyond proud of them.’ Funding for the camp was made possible by Marathon’s Kay Gradick Trust. Pictured, from back left: Serena Steele, Madison Sweeney, Natalie Strama, Daniela Gonzalez, Brenda Medina. From front left: Lillian Wiley, Brizni Vargas, UCA instructor Haley Thomas, Haley Price, Marisol Diaz. CONTRIBUTED

MEET AND MINGLE

On Friday, Aug. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Skipjack Resort in Marathon will host a Meet the Candidates event and celebration of women’s right to vote by the Marathon Business and Professional Women. The evening will include appetizers, beer and wine and a cash bar, as well as an opportunity to speak directly with candidates in the upcoming November general election in an informal setting. Invited participants include candidates from the following races: U.S. House, U.S. Senate, Florida House District 120, supervisor of elections, county commission District 5, county commission District 3 and the Marathon City Council. CONTRIBUTED

Earn CASH BACK every month for you and your school with a Keys FCU school pride checking account and debit card! Plus, FREE nationwide ATMs.* Apply online at KeysFCU.org or at any of our branches from Key West to Tavernier!

*E-statements, e-receipts, a debit card, savings and S15 checking account required. Specific transactions required for each reward level. Restrictions may apply. See us for details. NCUA Insured.

... 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.

My initial notion of Arthur Cleveland Bent was one of those nebbishy little guys who spent most of their lives indoors, looking at birds and their parts through a magnifying glass, trying to figure out where in the avian tree of life they should be classified. Brilliant, no doubt, but living a life without much room for anything outside of ornithological study. This came from knowing very little about him, other than the fact that he spent much of his life in the early 20th century collecting, editing and writing the contents of “Life Histories of North American Birds,” a massive, 20-plus volume assemblage of all the then-known information about the bird species found in North America.

Copies are still in print, though a complete set will cost you. I’ve only seen a complete set of “Life Histories of North American Birds” once, at a friend’s house. It took up a solid 3 feet on his bookshelf.

What I imagined, of course, turned out to be the opposite of the truth. Bent was your classic old-school Teddy Roosevelt type of naturalist — rugged, with a kind of boundless energy and apparent enthusiasm for the world you don’t see in many people. In one photo, he had a climbing rope thrown over his shoulder, though he was also wearing a tie.

He was born in 1866. His mother died when he was 6. Apparently a sickly child, his father took him on nature walks to build up his stamina, unintentionally kindling in him a lifelong fascination with birds. He went to the local schools, then to Harvard, where he took up boxing and had his nose smashed in. It remained “bent” for the rest of his life. He also took up exercising with weights and, somehow, axes, a practice he continued into his 80s.

His initial passion was said to be the now largely frowned upon field of oology, or the study and collecting of eggs, though I’m guessing at the root of that was the love of adventure – climbing tall trees and sheer cliff sides to snatch eggs from nests. In his early 20s, Bent experienced a “27 Hours” type scenario when he fell from a high tree while trying to collect eggs from a barred owl’s nest. He managed to break his fall by wedging his arm in a crevice in the tree’s trunk on the way down, but hung there for half an hour. When he managed to extricate himself, he fell further, landing with a serious thud on the forest floor. It left him with a permanent tremor in his hand, and made his handwritten notes look as if composed during a small but steady earthquake.

BENT ON BLUE - GRAY GNATCATCHERS

Though now known for his ornithological work, it was merely a side gig for most of his life. His real career, or at least his profitable one, was as a businessman. He started his career working for a company called the Seamless Pocket Co. (No idea what a seamless pocket is, or why you would sell pockets separate from the clothes they are supposed to be attached to.) He went on to manage a local machine works, then was an owner of several companies that electrified a good part of Massachusetts.

He lived almost all of his 88 years in the town of Taunton, Massachusetts, where he served as an alderman, president of the chamber of commerce, president of alma mater academy, and a member of the yacht club, the rod and gun club, the Boy Scouts, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, three Harvard clubs, and a fistful of nature and ornithology-related societies.

He traveled all over the country – including South Florida and the Keys. He was also married with three children.

And he somehow put together the monster that is “Life Histories of North American Birds,” published by the Smithsonian Institution. I’ve been trying to figure out exactly how many species accounts he published and the only number I can find is 1,200, which seems a lot, considering there are only about 800 bird species that breed in North America. But a lot of what are now considered subspecies were considered full species then, so maybe. But 20 volumes published in his lifetime, three published posthumously, two put together from his notes, all of them tomes.

He didn’t write all of it. He included large blocks of text, many from both his predecessor and his contemporaries. He was said to have been in correspondence with over 1,000 amateur and professional ornithologists. All work was credited. The books actually have multiple

typefaces and sizes, as if instead of resetting the texts, they were simply cut out from other sources and pasted in.

The constant, though, throughout all those volumes, is Bent’s shaping and curation of all that material, but also, more importantly, his voice, which is almost always clear, personal in a rather polite manner, and engaging.

I went down the rabbit hole on Bent because I went over to Fort Zachary Taylor the other day and saw a blue-gray gnatcatcher, a slim little bird that looks like a warbler, but is actually more closely related to wrens. It was an early migrant, spinning in a bare branched tree over one of the bird paths. I hadn’t really looked at “Life Histories of North American Birds” for a while, but suddenly I wanted to know what Arthur Cleveland Bent had to say about them.

“Our acquaintance with a new bird dates, it seems to me, not from the moment we learn to identify it in the field but rather from the first time we really have a glimpse of its ‘personality.’ Thus, my ‘first’ blue-gray gnatcatcher was certainly not the one my ornithological mentor first pointed out to me, but another that came along months later, flitted to a bush within arm’s length of where I stood and, between snatches at insects too small for me to see even at that short distance, spent several minutes looking me over,” he wrote.

“It was upon the foundation laid in those few minutes that I have built whatever else I may have learned about the gnatcatcher. In the course of writing these pages, the memory of that first meeting has come back to me many times, almost with the clarity of a visual picture, and I feel that I am telling of the later adventures of one little bird rather than of the habits of its myriad kin,” he said.

And then I was wondering if I, too, had now somehow seen the same one little bird on an even later adventure.

MARK HEDDEN

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

OLD STORIES, NEW TWISTS

Fabulous classic retellings to inspire back-to-school reading

By Michelle Moran

In 1959, Maria von Trapp furiously marches into the Lunt-Fontanne theater on Broadway. Rodgers and Hammerstein recently acquired the rights to produce “The Sound of Music” and used artistic license to create how they imagined the family escaped the Nazis and became a global singing sensation. But there were many things the play did not capture, and so much their beautiful family had lost. Always indefatigable, Maria meets with Fran, a secretary who works for Hammerstein. As the women walk in Central Park, Maria paints a picture of the Austrian hills and the family’s rise to fame. Born in 1905, Maria was orphaned and sent to live with an abusive uncle. Escaping to attend teachers college, Maria discovered her natural gift for music. After training, she entered the Nonnberg Abbey where she was to become a nun. Maria was offered an opportunity to teach a sickly child nearby at Baron von Trapp’s estate. The Baron, 25 years her senior, was quietly mourning the loss of his wife. Maria brought the family back to life and the hills became alive with the sound of music. The rest is history captured in this imaginative novel I could not put down.

By Sarah Miller

It was almost impossible to grow up in the 1970s without watching “Little House on the Prairie.” The series was adapted from a book, the first series I ever read. Revisiting this beloved family through the eyes of Caroline Ingalls was like time-traveling back to the Big Woods of Wisconsin in 1870, when the family packed up their wagon and headed to a new life in Kansas Indian Territory. Following the timeline of the Ingallses and the political state of America as pioneers moved west and Native Americans were displaced, Caroline narrates their yearlong journey as her young family ventures to the prairie before heading back to Wisconsin and later Walnut Grove. Reminiscent of the original, author Sarah Miller takes us through the hardships they faced traveling through unpredictable terrain and weather, building a home, feeding and caring for the children and her loving relationship with Charles. Yes, friends, she really dug Charles. As Caroline details what it was like to be a woman, mother, sister and friend during a time when luxuries were few and labor took most of their daylight hours, you will see “Little House” in an entirely new way.

JAMES

By Percival Everett

Jim is enslaved on a plantation with his wife and daughter. As he performs work for Miss Watson, he overhears that he will be sold to a man in New Orleans. Devastated to be separated from his family, Jim hides on nearby Jackson Island until he can figure out a plan. Huck Finn, a young man Miss Watson looks after, is terrified when his drunkard father returns. Faking his own death, Huck tracks down Jim and insists they escape together. As the story goes, they travel down the Mississippi on a raft, getting themselves in and out of all sorts of trouble. With a bounty on Jim’s head for murder, theft and kidnapping, it is difficult to figure a way out of this mess. Ironically, Jim speaks beautifully and reads and writes better than most, but he must hide his true self and speak “slave language” while keeping his eyes on the ground. The dream of making their way to a free state so Jim can earn money and buy his family keeps hope alive. Told from a different voice, this becomes a powerful retelling of the horrifying conditions found in the antebellum South.

#WORTHWATCHING: “Rosaline” is a comedic twist on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” told by Romeo’s ex-girlfriend Rosaline. Set in Verona, Rosaline is a witty Capulet who avoids her father’s attempts at marrying her off and at the same time tries to recapture Romeo’s affections while cousin Juliet gets in the way. On Amazon Prime.

MARIA

CAROLINE

KAREN NEWFIELD

CHRIS

M cNULTY

is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com

If you wake up nice and early to take a stroll outside before sunrise, you will see Mars and Jupiter conspiring in the eastern sky. What about?

Well, Mars is always trying to encourage high energy, willpower over planning and striking while the iron is hot. Jupiter, on the other hand, brings about largesse, abundance, a party-all-the-time exuberance and saying “yes” to everything. When Mars and Jupiter come together, you can expect an enormous burst of energy. Whether that energy is productive or conflicting has everything to do with our own choices. It will be prudent to show constraint when it comes to the desire to throw oneself into any whirling festivities.

Here are your horoscopes for the Mars-Jupiter conjunction square Saturn. Read for your rising and sun signs.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

There is a lot of action swirling about in your friend group right now, and they are showing up to support you in a way that might actually be a bit overwhelming. Throw yourself into the party, but be sure to draw the line when you sense that your obligations are being compromised. If the choice is between one more drink and one more hour of sleep, take the slumber. But have the time of your life up until that moment.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

You are setting boundaries and molding the reality of an important relationship right now, Virgo. Let that process inform how

you manage all of the action going on at work and with your public reputation. There is a lot of joy and willpower getting infused into your work life, but it is possible for that power to get out of hand. How you define your “other” will keep it together.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Where are you off to in such a hurry? It’s like you’re excitedly hurrying to the airport for your first plane ride. Yes, there are places to see and people to meet and new things to experience. Go after it. However, remember to get all of your ducks in a row before embarking on your grand adventure. Keep up your daily routines even while on vacation – because you’re worth it.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

There is a lot of collaboration going on in your world right now. Are you consolidating or paying off your debt? Are you coordinating several multiperson projects? Are you issuing a big award? Throw yourself into the fray because there are big payoffs for you. However, remember that your own creative inspiration is important. Don’t get so caught up in other people’s stuff that you set your own projects aside. Let that be your edge.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

There is potential for big loving or disastrous fighting in your partnership right now. How you channel this infusion of energy is up to you and your partner, but you would do well to let the needs of home and family be the line you draw in the sand. Don’t get so carried away in either direction with your partner that your home life is compromised. Your roots are your maturity.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Roll up your sleeves because it is time to get to work. There is a huge focus on your habits, Capricorn, and you would do well to pay attention to them. Either you have so much to do you can barely keep up or your health is telling you to make some big changes. Now is the time to heed the lessons from some siblings or extended family. If they’re giving you advice, it is probably for the best.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

You have so much inspiration welling through your veins that it might just be difficult to contain. There is a high chance of whirlwind romance, artistic output and joyous overconfidence. Dive right in and experience the best of life. However, the caveat here is that you need to pay attention to your financial constraints. Don’t put yourself in the hole because you were inspired.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Be wary of drama at home and with your family. It is quite possible that there is some conflict taking place with your nearest and dearest; however, it also reads as some really hyped-up celebrations. However this energy is emerging at home, be sure to hold yourself together. And by that I mean your self. Keep your own needs in check and don’t revert to old ways.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Is that a block party going on outside? Do people still have those? The aggressive party energy of Jupiter-Mars is taking place in your immediate neighborhood or with your siblings and extended family. What is happening out there that is pulling you into the fray or the fête?

SKIRT THE BOUNDARY

Be a part of it all, but remember that you need to spend some time to yourself.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

“Hey big spender, spend a little time with me!” But really, you have a serious impulse to spend your money right now, so I wouldn’t mind being around. The inverse is that you may be throwing wads of cash into your savings. At any rate, money is moving. Avoid being too loose-handed or miserly, however, because you have friends to calm the extremes.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

It may feel like you have so much fire moving through your veins that you don’t quite know what to do with all the energy. It is a great time to throw yourself into exercise or moving your body in new ways. Perhaps you just want to change your entire look. Use this time to celebrate yourself, and let your work be your structure and your channel.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

Do not be afraid to hole up on your lonesome right now, Cancer, because there is a lot that you can get done when you cut the rest of the world out for a little while. Harness all of the energy available to you in your isolation by maturely materializing new paths that you’ve never walked down. Use the time apart to see what new horizons you can pursue when you emerge.

PIRACY ACCOUNTS ‘ARGH’ ASTONISHING

Recalling an 1819 encounter around the Florida Keys

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.

Idid not consider studying a relevant part of the school experience in high school and those early community college semesters. Better stated, I chose to wait until those last few hours before a test to look at the material.

Waiting until the last minute to cram for a test or write a paper produced armpit-dripping, sweaty-palm anxiety for me. Thankfully, I am a reformed procrastinator. Through trial and error, I discovered that procrastination creates pressure, and I do not do well under some kinds of pressure. Historically, there have been moments when I have demonstrated some level of grace under pressure and some success. Still, there have been far more personal implosions that I conveniently fail to talk about.

Lack of interest did little to help the situation, and it was only when I went back to school in my late 20s that I started to care. The difference was that I wanted to attend classes. I wanted to learn. What it took a shockingly long time to figure out was the level of comfort afforded by even a modicum of preparation.

Astonishingly enough, when I began to read and study as the work was assigned, my grades improved. As it turns out, tests are easier when you are familiar with the material. Also, when you put the time in to learn and understand the material, writing about it becomes fun.

I’ve been writing about the Florida Keys for

more than two decades and talking about the history of the island chain for more than a decade. One of the most surprising things I’ve learned from studying the history of the Keys is that talking about history, whether it is to tens or hundreds of people, is actually a really good time. As I’ll be flying out to Idaho in a couple of weeks to talk about pirates and piracy in the Keys, I have been working out how to break the news that Key West and the Florida Keys were not home to swashbuckling buccaneers. Locals will tell you they were. In fact, on any given day in Key West, you can see someone dressed up like a pirate. However, the lack of documentation of their presence on the island chain tells a different story.

Pirates and piracy were real threats to any boat sailing in the waters of the West Indies. Otherwise, Commodore David Porter’s antipiracy squadron would never have set up shop at what is now Mallory Square in Key West. One of the last little pieces of the Florida Territory, the island’s location and deep natural harbor proved invaluable to Porter’s work. While Porter and his men were stationed at Key West to quell piracy’s threat, only a handful of documented accounts of piratical activity can be attributed to the Keys and the waters surrounding them.

A great example of this idea is a chart titled Map of the West Indies and History of Piracies Committed on American Seamen and Commerce (1818-1825). In addition to the colorful map outlining the West Indies, 89 accounts of piracy against American interests are listed. Some of those accounts reveal the violence enacted by pirates. For instance, an event dated March 1, 1823, stated: “The brig Bellisarius, Perkins, at Kennebunk, was boarded in the bay of Campeachy,

Jean Kirke, Patrick Hemingway and John ‘Bumby’ Hemingway playing pirates in the Hemingway Garden, circa 1933-34. THE HERITAGE HOUSE COLLECTION/Contributed

and robbed of everything. They stabbed the captain in several places, cut off his arms, and one of his thighs – then put oakum dipped in oil in his mouth and under him, and set the whole on fire, which soon put an end to his sufferings.”

The document’s lone mention of the Keys occurred in 1819: “Schooner Adeline, Ellis was boarded off the Florida Keys by a piratical boat, which robbed her of everything, and left her.”

According to the 89 events documented on the map, three West Indian piratical hotspots were identified: the Yucatan Peninsula, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Other newspaper accounts, letters, and reports tell similar stories. However, from his stronghold in Key West, Porter was well situated to address those threats and, by 1825, had largely eliminated the threat of pirates in the area. However, like cockroaches showing up on kitchen counters in the middle of the night, the threat of piracy was never totally eliminated.

Because I will be addressing a Hemingway crowd when I fly out to Ketchum to give the closing talk at the community library’s 16th annual Ernest Hemingway Seminar, I thought it might be fun to break the ice with the picture of a small band of pirates frolicking in the garden of Ernest Hemingway.

These fearless buccaneers are Jean Kirke and two of Hemingway’s sons – Patrick, his first son with Pauline, and John “Bumby,” his only child with his first wife, Elizabeth Hadley Richardson. The picture serves as a great introduction to pirates and piracy in the Florida Keys. While pirate lore is passed from barstool to barstool like gospel up and down the island chain, an old picture of some kids playing pirates in a Key West garden is as close an image of actual pirate activity on the island chain as anything else that I could share.

ROTARY HAS HABITAT’S BACK

On July 24, the Marathon Rotary Club presented Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys with a $5,000 donation to support signs for Habitat’s upcoming ReStore in Marathon, set to open in the coming weeks. ‘It takes an island and we have the most fabulous one,’ said Habitat Middle Keys executive director Chris Todd Young. ‘Many gracious thank-yous to the Marathon Rotary Club for their amazing partnership.’ Pictured, from left, are ReStore manager Lily Williamson, Marathon Rotary past president Sam Williams, Habitat board member and Rotarian Erin Arnett, Rotarian Kelly Vaughn Williams, Marathon Rotary president Brian Tewes, ‘Mr. Marathon’ Mike Puto and Young. CONTRIBUTED

SONGWRITERS STRUGGLE IN THIS NEW MUSIC BUSINESS

Harder than ever

to make a living in music

The music business has always been a bit different in the way artists and creators are compensated. Screen and stage actors have union rates that must be paid. Screenwriters usually earn a writer’s fee. Production costs are usually paid by the studio making the film or TV show. Actors, writers and directors don’t pay for the production costs of making a movie.

Musical artists and songwriters, however, aren’t so lucky. In the “old days” of recording contracts, signed artists were given advances by the labels for the cost of producing recordings and music videos — and these advances had to be paid back by record sales before the artists ever saw any income themselves.

If a songwriter had a cut on an album that sold a lot of copies, then the songwriter had a chance to earn some money. And if the song became a hit single, record sales and radio airplay also helped the songwriter earn a living.

“creator” $0.004 — 4/10 of one cent. If a song is played one million times, that’s $4,000 that’s owed. But who is the “creator” who gets this money? The writer? The artist? The label?

A new study titled “Songwriters Take the Stage” analyzes just how much money songwriters earn when their songs are streamed. The study shows that the amount is severely lacking.

A London-based marketing intelligence firm called MIDIA Research conducted the study. That whopping $0.004 per stream is split up among all those responsible for the song. In my particular case, because I am the artist, the songwriter, the producer, the publisher and the record label, I get to keep most of that money. When an artist releases a song they didn’t write under the auspices of a record label, that paltry amount has to be split up even more.

and, finally, songwriters. From there, anywhere from 2 to 12 songwriters then split that single percentage (68% of 14% of $0.004).”

Using that formula, let’s say a songwriter without any co-writers writes a song that generates 1 million plays. That songwriter then earns $380.80. Let’s contrast that with what just one streaming platform — Spotify — earns. Spotify Technology revenue for the 12 months ending March 31, 2024 was $15.02 billion, an 18.88% increase from the preceding year. They also finally showed a profit of $179 million.

The study, as reported in American Songwriter magazine, revealed a sad reality: “There’s one universal truth of it that doesn’t need a calculator — songwriters make almost nothing from streaming.”

John Bartus is a singer/songwriter, city administrator for Key Colony Beach and the former mayor of Marathon.

I’ll close with my usual request — please support your favorite musicians, either local or well-known — by actually buying their music.

Now that music streaming has taken the place of physical record sales, things are different. The average play on a streaming service pays the share. I wish I knew what the answer was. Some artists have gone so far as to only release music available on a physical product like a CD or vinyl record, or for purchase as downloads from their website. Whatever the solution may be, it’s getting harder and harder to actually make a living writing and recording music.

On average, songwriters get 9.5% of that $0.004. Performers usually receive double that. As stated in the study, “A stream is split into so many different percentages based on labels, artists, distributors, publishing, performing rights organizations

When one had to purchase a physical record or CD, there was a bit more income to split up between the robber baron record labels and the actual content creators. Now, the robber barons are the streaming services that offer virtually every song ever recorded for a low monthly subscription fee. Too bad the writers and artists can’t earn a fair

— Catch John live Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, this Friday at Isla Bella, Saturday at the Boardwalk in Big Pine, and Sunday afternoons at Skipjack Tiki. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com • johnbartus.hearnow.com

JOHN BARTUS

BRIEFLY

Keys Democrats host monthly public meeting

The public is invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Keys Democrats on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Marathon library. The meeting will discuss the upcoming local and national elections. The meeting will be a hybrid Zoom and in-person event. For more information, email midkeys@ keysdems.com.

Sanctuary Advisory Council invites public to meeting

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will meet on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 9 a.m. in Marathon. The council will discuss summer temperatures and water conditions, as well as hear from law enforcement partners on this year’s lobster season outreach and enforcement efforts. Sanctuary staff will present new education tools for the sanctuary buoy program, and ask the council to discuss opportunities to further these messages. A public comment opportunity will be offered around 11:45 a.m. An agenda and supporting materials will be posted at https://floridakeys. noaa.gov/sac. To listen to the meeting virtually in real time, scan the QR code and register in advance.

Marathon man arrested for sexual battery

A 42-year-old Marathon man was arrested Aug. 8 for allegedly having consensual sexual relations with a female minor who was 16 at the time of the incident. Marc Anthony Fanelle was charged with sexual battery. The arrest follows a sheriff’s office investigation involving the incident that occurred this year between Fanelle and the minor.

CPR and first aid courses offered throughout Keys

UF/IFAS Extension Monroe County will be offering American Heart Association CPR (adult, child, and infant) & first aid certification courses. There will be several courses offered throughout the Florida Keys. The CPR/first aid course costs $50. Participants will receive American Heart Association certification after the course. Courses will be offered Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. at 1100 Simonton St. Key West Conference Room; Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Monroe County Public Library Marathon Branch, and Sept 30, 11 a.m. at the Plantation Key School Community Center.

Tire recycling events to be held in September, October, November Tire recycling events for no cost with proof of Monroe County residency will be held at the Long Key transfer station on Sept. 7, Oct. 5 and Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Citizens can recycle up to six passenger vehicle tires no bigger than 20 inches. Tires on rims are accepted. Tires will be recycled into granules for asphalt and road surfacing and other uses at American Tire.

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, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Marathon City Hall. Presented by the Florida Keys Funders Alliance, the event offers free tickets for nonprofit staff, volunteers, students and community members interested in nonprofit service. Pre-registration 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.

Come take a class at the Marathon library

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

OBITUARIES

JAMES AL ASBURY 1935-2024

James Al Asbury died at the Waters Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation facility on Aug. 1. He was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on Oct. 21, 1935 and resided in Kingsport, Tennessee most of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Mabel Asbury, and his first wife, Patricia Johnston Asbury.

Al attended Dobyns Bennett High School, the University of Tennessee and First Presbyterian Church. Al was a past member of the Kingsport Rotary Club. He was in the U.S. Army serving in Europe and Northern Africa, a certified Kentucky Colonel. He was a 32nd degree mason, a member of Mahi Shrine, Miami, Florida and Jericho Shrine, Kingsport.

He founded Quickway Printing in Kingsport in 1967, which is beginning its 58th year of service, and was still actively involved. He was the past president of the Tennessee Trap Shooters Association. He enjoyed spending the winters at his home in Key Colony Beach, Florida in the Keys, where he fished on almost a daily basis.

He is survived by his wife, Ann P. Asbury; sons, Shawn Asbury of Johnson City and Brian Asbury of Golden, Colorado; stepsons, Bert (Jane) McTier and Bill (Sara) McTier; stepdaughter, Betsy Holland (John); grandchildren, Caroline Hillman Andrei’ McTier, Megan Methvin, Morgan Buckles, Kristen Holland and Katelyn Holland; and several great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Petworks Animal Services, 3101 E. Stone Dr., Kingsport, TN 37660.

It was Al’s wish that his remains be donated to medical science and currently no service has been scheduled.

KATHLEEN GILBERT

1948-2024

Kathleen Gilbert, born on Aug. 12, 1948, in Oak Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Aug. 3, 2024. Kathleen was a loving partner to John Paryse and a devoted mother to William Robatzek and the late Mark Stoll.

Kathleen was the cherished daughter of Lucille (Miles) Gilbert and Murray "Bud" Gilbert. She is remembered for her warmth, kindness and dedication to her family.

A service to celebrate Kathleen’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to the Girl Scouts of the USA.

Kathleen will be deeply missed by all who knew her and will be remembered for her love and compassion.

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

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

TRY ’N’ FIND

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

AMERICAN, DOWNS, END ZONE, FIELD, FOOTBALL, GAME, GOAL POST, OFFENSE, POSITION, RECEIVER, SAFETY, SCRIMMAGE, SEASON, SPECIAL, SPORT, TACKLE, TEAM, TOUCHDOWN, UNIT.

Founded by Betty Debnam

Fall for Football

Does your family have a favorite football team? As football season heats up, The Mini Page takes a close look at how this popular American sport is played. Use this issue to guide you as you watch a game.

WHAT IS FOOTBALL?

Football is a complex team sport played in every corner of the United States. It is played by kids and adults alike.

Many people begin playing football as kids and later play in high school.

HOW IT’S PLAYED

In football, the offense tries to put the ball in the opponent’s end zone (6 points) or kick it through the goal posts (3 points).

The defense tries to prevent the offense from doing so.

To move closer to the end zone, a team has four chances, or downs, to move the ball 10 yards. If the offense moves the ball at least 10 yards, it gains a new set of downs.

ECO NOTE

The line of scrimmage (SKRIH-mej) is an imaginary line where the football is placed. The offense lines up on one side, and the defense is on the other.

SCORING

Touchdown: A team scores 6 points if the ball reaches the opponent’s end zone.

Extra point: After a touchdown, a ball kicked through the goal posts adds 1 point.

2-point conversion: After a touchdown, a team may try to move the ball into the end zone again for 2 extra points instead of kicking it.

Field goal: The offensive team may kick the ball through the goal posts for 3 points.

Safety: If the defense tackles an opposing player in his own end zone, it is given 2 points.

WHO’S WHO ON THE FIELD

There are three units, or groups, oneach football team.

Offense: The offense tries to get the ball into the end zone for a touchdown.

Defense: The defense works to stop the other team’s offense.

Special teams: These units come on the field for kicking plays: kickoffs, punts and field goal attempts.

There are always 22 players on a football field at once — 11 for each team. Each player has a specific job to do.

Hundreds of millions of people are threatened with water shortages due to low levels of snow this year in the Himalayas and Hindu Kush mountains in Asia. Snowmelt brings a quarter of the total water flow to the region’s 12 major river basins, and this year’s snow cap is the second smallest for the past 22 years, trailing only slightly behind the record low set in 2018. Scientists said the lack of adequate snow could have devastating consequences in the future for large populations that rely on runoff.

SOME OFFENSIVE POSITIONS

Quarterback: the leader of the offense; takes the snap from the center and may hand off the ball to a running back or throw a pass; may also run with the ball.

Wide receiver: often very fast and able to catch passes far down the field.

Tight end: blocks like a tackle on running plays; can also catch passes.

Tackle: left and right tackles block defenders for running backs; also responsible for protecting the quarterback’s “blind side” — an area behind the thrower where he can’t see.

Running back: takes a “handoff” from the quarterback, or may go out for a pass.

SOME DEFENSIVE POSITIONS

Tackle: two tackles line up to the left and right of the football; they rush the quarterback, knock down passes or try to slow down a running back.

Cornerback: two cornerbacks defend the left and right edges of the defensive formation; usually responsible for guarding the wide receivers.

Safety: one or two safeties are the last line of defense; “free” safeties guard areas down the field against long passes and running plays; “strong” safeties cover tight ends and help stop runners.

RESOURCES

On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPfootball

At the library:

• “Incredible Football Stories for Young Readers” by Trevor Fields

• “It’s a Numbers Game! Football” by Eric Zweig and Patrick Mahomes

Mini Fact: Early players didn’t use helmets or pads. Many players were killed playing football, and it was nearly outlawed.

photo by

Mike Hoff

photo by prayitno

The goal post and field at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

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ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

Friday Night Lights are back … and so is the Sports Wrap | P.10

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

AUG. 15

Date School Sport Opponent Start time

8/15 All Keys Teams Volleyball @ Coral Shores (preseason) 3 p.m.

8/16 Coral Shores Football @ Varela (preseason) 3:30 p.m.

8/16 Marathon Football Mater Academy Charter (preseason) 7 p.m.

8/16 Key West Football Cypress Creek (preseason) 7 p.m.

8/19 Marathon Volleyball @ Basilica 5 p.m.

8/21 Marathon Volleyball @ Mater Bay 4:45 p.m.

8/21 Coral Shores Volleyball @ Silver Palms 5:30 p.m.

8/22 Marathon Golf @ Ocean Reef Club 1 p.m.

8/22 Key West Volleyball Marathon (preseason) 5 p.m.

8/23 Marathon Football Pompano Beach 7 p.m.

8/23 Coral Shores Football South Homestead 7 p.m.

8/30 Coral Shores Volleyball Westwood Christian 5:30 p.m.

8/23 Key West Football Clewiston 7 p.m.

8/23 Key West Cross Country FNU @ Larry & Penny Thompson Park 5:15 p.m.

8/24 Key West Swimming Port Charlotte High School 10 a.m.

8/24 Key West Volleyball Eustis 10:30 a.m.

8/26 Marathon Volleyball Coral Shores 5:30 p.m.

8/26 All Keys Teams Golf @ Marathon 3 p.m.

8/27 Marathon Golf (girls) @ Redlands 3 p.m.

8/28 Key West Swimming @ South Dade 3 p.m.

8/28 Marathon Cross Country @ Palmer 4 p.m.

8/28 Key West Volleyball Basilica School 5 p.m.

8/29 All Keys Teams Golf @ Ocean Reef Club 1 p.m.

8/29 Coral Shores Volleyball Keys Gate 5:30 p.m.

DONʼT WORRY: COMICS AND GAMES ARE HERE TO STAY

We’ve heard plenty about how much our readers enjoyed the addition of comics, puzzles and games over the summer, and we’re proud to announce they’re not going anywhere. Moving forward, readers can find a two-page puzzles and games section in the main body of each Keys Weekly edition, and we’ll be adding comics to our Sports Wrap section as space allows.

ON THE COVER

WE’RE BACK!

Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is ready for action in the fall 2024 season

High school sports and the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap may have been on hiatus this summer, but the athletes and coaches across the Keys certainly were not. Players were busy participating at camps, playing on travel teams and working hard in the weight room to prepare for a successful fall season. Coaches and staff scheduled games, worked out their systems and created offseason training plans for their athletes to prepare for the beginning of the upcoming school year.

After a two-month break, prep sports are back in action across Monroe County. This season, there are some big changes in store for fans of Keys sports. This fall will see an addition to golf, cross country and volleyball coverage as Key West’s Basilica School has added varsity sports. If all goes well, the Mariners anticipate they will also be added to schedules this winter with varsity basketball.

Key West’s football team and fans will enjoy a renovated Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium this season. The Conchs’ stadium complex received a facelift, including new bathrooms, concession stands, bleachers and locker rooms, which were unveiled Aug. 8. The Conchs have been playing in The Backyard since the renovation began in 2021. Key West fans have been eager to return to their home stadium.

Marathon football fans will have a special treat at home games with the return of a marching band. New band director Paul Anderson recently held a band camp and now the Middle Keys will be able to enjoy the entertainment of a fully-uniformed marching band at halftime. Joining Anderson is Aileen Lafave, who will have a color guard to complement the band for the first time in many years.

And in the Upper Keys, coach Ed Holly and his Hurricanes will have an opportunity open only to them. With a late-addition game scheduled against Key West, Coral Shores is the only football team in Monroe County to play all of its in-county opponents, setting the stage for a possible King of the Keys on the gridiron.

This week, our coverage includes a preseason rundown of golf, cross country and volleyball. Next week we will preview swimming and diving and have coverage of preseason football games, the Coral Shores preseason volleyball tournament and some early golf and regular-season volleyball action. Next week you can also catch the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap Podcast, which will resume with the best coverage of Keys prep sports, including behind-the-scenes information you won’t find anywhere else.

As school gets back in session, the stars in the Keys come out under the bright lights, including Coral Shores’ Eddie Holly, left, Key West’s Jaden Fox and Marathon’s Eduardo Garcia. See page 10. Photos by Doug Finger, Mark Hedden and Barry Gaukel.

fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.

sean mcdonald

grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.

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Though Coral Shores will be without its senior leaders from 2023, players like Grace Leffler, left, Abigail Bergeron and Shelby Lynn are expected to take up the mantle for a competitive Lady ’Canes team.

Prep volleyball has been busy practicing since the FHSAA’s official opening day for participation on July 29. Their collective efforts will be put to the test in a preseason tournament scheduled for Aug. 15 at Coral Shores High School. Marathon, Key West, Coral Shores and Somerset South Homestead will be in Tavernier to work out the final wrinkles in their game prior to the official opening date on the Aug. 19. New this season is Basilica School, which has added several varsity sports to its offerings this year, adding a fourth varsity volleyball team in Monroe County.

Head coach Robert Wright’s Mariners may be the newest addition to prep volleyball in the Keys, but they may just surprise the county with a roster full of talent and experience.

“We had a 12-game JV schedule last year,” Wright said, “and we went 12-0 on the season. We hope to continue to build on that.”

Basilica School, a K-12 private school, begins with instruction on fundamentals in volleyball at the club level in the fourth grade. By the time the Mariners join the varsity ranks, they are well-versed on positions, offense, defense and playing with one another. This advantage far outweighs the challenges faced by a small school, whose high school classroom facilities have yet to open their doors.

Like Marathon, Basilica School will rely on some younger athletes to fill out their positions. At least two middle-school students should see significant playing time, including seventh-grade rising star Uma Vogan at middle blocker and eighth-grader Olivia Revoredo, an outside hitter who Wright says is his hardest hitter on the court thus far this season. Other players to watch are juniors Mackenzie Morris and Gloria Slavic. Morris will start as the Mariners’ right side hitter while Slavic is a setter with extraordinary talent.

The Mariners’ key to an undefeated junior varsity season in 2023 was their defense. “We didn’t let the ball hit the floor,” said Wright. This season, they will rely heavily on their stingy defense and focus on attacking to make the most of their matches. The Mariners will find out whether their success at the junior varsity level can translate to a win in varsity when they host Marathon on Aug. 19 for their season opener.

Key West returns to action this season with a strong core and the benefit of having played some of the toughest competition in the state last year. Their experience and depth should benefit them in 2024, especially with the return of setter Reese Haggard, libero Sunisa Kuhn and outside and middle hitters Gabby Garcia and Audrey Smith. Kuhn’s consistency on defense and in passing, coupled with Haggard’s experience and leadership, will keep the Conchs in games this year. Garcia’s talent for putting shots away will serve Key West well offensively and Smith’s explosiveness will be relied upon for getting plenty of air to block as well as hit.

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Former coach Sarah Eckert handed the reins back to Kim Butler

Marathon’s senior duo of Elena Eubank, left, and Jordan MacDonald will lead a new-look squad. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

tracy mcdonald

DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

SETTING THE STAGE FOR VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Basilica School adds a new team to the Keys scene

this season. Butler returns to the helm of a familiar team whose members already know, love and respect her. Butler said a focus this season will be what she calls “teamness.” She said the Conchs will be working on the team’s on-court communication and support system. The team is also set to debut new uniforms, which Butler says will give them a renewed vibe.

spots at the net on Aug. 15.

The Conchs will need to fill in some gaps left behind by graduating seniors, and Butler has been working hard with the team to prepare them for a more challenging level of play. “Our outside hitter two, and middle hitter two will have to adapt to the faster pace in varsity,” she said, adding that, “the play is faster and the players are stronger” compared to what the former junior varsity athletes are accustomed to.

Marathon will be participating in a new district this season, and will compete in 1R (Rural) Region 4 District 8. Several of Marathon’s teams will be participating in the Rural division, open to schools with small high school populations in areas which are not classified as high-density. This new designation gives Marathon competitors similar to those they faced before tiny private schools began to focus more on athletics, making for interesting and often lopsided

Coral Shores had a strong season in 2023, securing the district runner-up trophy. Their winning record was earned, in part, by a trio of talented seniors, making for what one would guess to be a rebuilding year in 2024. However, with the likes of Grace Leffler, Lily Goodrich, Deandra Valverde, Ivy Tiedemann, Shelby Lynn, Sabina Naranjo and Abbie Bergeron gracing the Hurricane roster, Coral Shores has all the talent to pick up right where they left off.

The downside to competing in the new division will be travel. The Dolphins’ district includes Glades Day, Fort Meade and Moore Haven. The vast size of the district led the FHSAA to allow teams to create their own schedules and compete however they prefer until districts, when a tournament will decide the champions.

“This season our greatest strength is going to be our experience. We have many returning players from last year who know what I expect from them and what is needed to be successful this season,” said head coach Sam Ovalle.

“All of our games this season are important since we are in a new district,” said Lady Fins head coach Kelley Cruz. “We do not play the teams in our district in season play, so every game is crucial.”

Cruz anticipates her team’s greatest strength will be leadership this season. Part of that leadership is her senior duo of Elena Eubank and Jordan MacDonald. Eubank’s athleticism makes her a threat anywhere on the court while MacDonald, a setter, is patient and has impeccable timing. Both are multiyear starters for the Fins. Juniors Mackenzie Budi and Addison Collins will also contribute to the team’s leadership as well as depth.

Ovalle said he will find a way to fill the gaps by changing some positions around and work to the strength of his current roster. With plenty of games scheduled this season, Coral Shores will have ample opportunities to figure out the best fit for their athletes. Talent alone won’t cut it for any team, though, as Ovalle explained volleyball is getting more competitive every year.

“We have some strong returning players that I have confidence will lead the team well,” Cruz said.

ence as possible to ensure the younger athletes would have

Cruz said the team anticipated the loss of seven seniors last season, and gave the underclassmen as much experience as possible to ensure the younger athletes would have the confidence they need to be competitive this season. With the wave of new starters, the Lady Fins will look like a different team this year, and to complement the new roster, Marathon will also don new uniforms when they take their

“We will be putting in some hard work to gear up for the season,” he said. “All of our games are going to be competitive.”

IT’S TEE TIME

Camaraderie outshines competitiveness amongst Keys teams

All three of Monroe County’s returning head golf coaches noted the congeniality shared among their teams as one of the greatest assets Keys golfers enjoy as they play one another up and down the islands. Though they compete against one another, they also offer encouragement, tips and genuine friendship, something often lost in prep sports rivalries. The sportsmanship among high school golfers in the Keys is truly remarkable.

At the Southernmost school, Josh Bassett is entering his fourth year as head coach, making this year’s seniors the first group he has coached for the entirety of their prep careers. He has a great balance of new and experienced athletes.

“With every new season we see new faces; it’s the most important thing to a small team and we have no shortage of new faces this year, which is exciting,” said Bassett. The newcomers will join Andrew Bassett, a four-year starter, and Peyton Zubieta, who enters his third year of varsity golf. “The boys team has a lot of experience, so they know what they need to do,” said Bassett, adding, “With their knowledge and leadership, we are looking good.”

The girls team is in the same position with Claudia Steling and Althea Olsen. Both athletes have three years of varsity experience, and Steling has been putting in extra work in the offseason. Breanna Santana and Lexi Finigan also return to the links with experience for the Lady Conchs. “They know the courses and what to expect in match play,” said Bassett, who will work with assistant coach Robert Barrios to help shape the future of Conch golf.

Barrios and Bassett believe enjoyment of the sport is crucial to success, and work to build a positive, fun atmosphere in the hope that the joy of the game translates into solid play. Bassett would like to see his team qualify for a trip to regionals this season, and he knows that it will take more than the efforts of Zubieta and the younger Bassett to do so. He will lean on rising senior Jackson Barroso to help in both match play and leadership, and he praised Barroso’s marked improvement from last season.

In addition to his assistant coach, his team and the coaches and athletes from Marathon and Coral Shores, Bassett is thankful for the efforts of the owners and crews of the courses on which the teams play. Unlike most sports, schools rely upon the community for a place to practice and compete, and in order to do so, the courses must turn away members and customers while the next generation sharpens their skills. “I am at the point where I know how much these courses give up to allow us to play on them, and I’m grateful

to every single one of them for their generosity. Key West Golf Club, Florida Keys Country Club and Ocean Reef, they all take care of these teams and it’s truly humbling to sit back and watch it happen,” he said.

Depth and experience is the theme for Marathon’s Golfin’ Dolphins this season. Head coach Mary Coleman-Sayer credits her team with taking it upon themselves to play recreationally in the offseason and believes it will pay off when their official season opens later this month. In the three years Coleman-Sayer has been at the helm, she has promoted the team in numerous ways, including fundraising to support a scholarship for her team members as well as the regular necessities for a team to compete. Her efforts have proven worthwhile as her roster grows with each season. She has also set up clinics with PGA professional Scott Jones to take the team to the next level.

The Dolphins will have some fantastic leadership from seniors Leo Mendez and Mason Thornton, who Coleman-Sayer said “made tremendous strides all season long.” Thornton and Mendez have the potential to carry the team past districts this season. On the girls’ side, junior Justice Lee has left the gridiron this season to try her hand at golf. The talented athlete is new to the sport, but Coleman-Sayer credits Lee’s positive attitude and enthusiasm and believes she will be a wonderful addition to the team.

Coleman-Sayer understands that in order to be competitive this season, her team will need to fill in the gaps left behind by four seniors last year.

“I foresee that there will be lots of competitiveness among teammates for the top five spots,” she said. She also noted that she is grateful for the facilities offered by the Florida Keys Country Club, which serves as the home course for the Fins.

For Coral Shores, it will be strength in numbers this season. Head coach Danielle Thomas was pleased with the turnout for the ’Canes and anticipates that the core of returners will be advantageous to her team. Seniors Preston Carroll, Derek Ramos, Davis Borders, Tanel Irons, Aidan Althouse and Gabby Thomas bring experience in their final season of prep golf, and their multiple years of match play should benefit the team immensely. Thomas praised her senior core, saying “Our seniors have led our program both on and off the course with their sportsmanship, their willingness to help players get better at the game and the inspiration they give them when a fellow golfer isn’t playing as well as they hoped.”

Thomas hopes to continue to bring down the team’s stroke count as she adds practice rounds to the schedule. Many of Coral Shores’ matches leading into districts will be against fellow Keys teams.

“Our team loves playing against the other Monroe teams. It’s great camaraderie we have with those teams, and the golfers loved talking and joking around in between holes,” she said.

New to the links this season will be a small group of athletes from Basilica School. The Mariners are working on fielding golfers to compete at the varsity level. Their roster is not yet finalized but plans are in the works to practice and play at several matches this season as the Mariners build their varsity programs.

Clockwise from top left: Aidan Althouse, Jackson Barroso, Althea Olsen, Gabby Thomas and Leo Mendez.

Photos by Doug Finger, Alex Behler and Barry Gaukel

KEYS RUNNERS READY TO TOE THE LINE

Strong field of athletes to represent Monroe County this season

With still-sweltering temperatures, runners from Key Largo to Key West are ready to push their limits this season.

A senior-heavy Lady Conchs crew will do their best to repeat last year’s success. When asked what her team’s goal is for 2024, head coach Keara McGraw did not hesitate: “States. We have been working on building a strong, cohesive team over the last few years, and they have been really motivated to get to Tally. My goal is always to see them enjoy the whole season happy and injury-free.” McGraw will be doing double duty this season, serving as both boys and girls coach for the Conchs.

The Lady Conchs’ seasoned crew will toe the line this year with plenty of experience, but it is leadership and camaraderie which McGraw says are their greatest assets. “I see our biggest strength this season is how well our team supports one another. They are always one another’s greatest cheerleaders and it really shows on race days,” she said.

Included in her core of veterans is McGraw’s “natural leader,” Naima Thomas, who works hard to find new drills, add to warmups and keep everyone organized. McGraw also credited Zoe Basham for her organization and help with all of the details.

“I’ve learned cross country teams develop a little more once school starts, so I’m looking forward to meeting new freshman athletes and seeing how they round out our team,” McGraw said. “Our returning athletes have been working really hard this summer, upping their mileage and building a really strong base.” She has already been impressed with incoming freshman Alejandro Caridad, who has been putting in the miles with the veterans in optional summer runs.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing his work ethic play out this season,” McGraw said.

Caridad will join fellow incoming freshman Sawyer Hill. Hill was last year’s middle-school champ at Key West’s

home meet and should give the upperclassmen a run for their money. Providing some leadership for the team will be senior William Forester, whose times dropped precipitously last season.

In order to compete in the postseason, McGraw recognizes that her teams will need to put in some work.

“The boys team will be on a learning curve to see how the new additions round out the team and what we can do this season. The girls team really needs to close that gap between two and five in order to have a championship season,” she explained. The Conchs will start to hash all that out in their first race on Aug. 23 at the FNU meet, held at Larry and Penny Thompson Park in Miami.

The Conchs won’t have the only runners who hail from Key West at the start line. Head coach Jacelyn Gauron of Basilica School has been preparing to field a team this year. Though a complete team is questionable in the inaugural season, Gauron says she will have individual runners in both boys and girls cross country. Freshman Owen Wright and junior Killian Donnelly both have experience running at either the middle school or junior varsity level with the Mariners. Also included with Basilica’s experienced racers is Sofia Balmaceda, a sophomore who showed great promise in her freshman season.

“We are building a program,” said Gauron, who hopes to add a bit each season to her team. Their first scheduled meet will be the Race of the Thoroughbreds Classic held at Larry and Penny Thompson Park in Miami on Aug. 30.

It’s all on the line for Marathon senior Vance Bursa. Bursa burst onto the scene for the Fins as a sophomore and has been their frontrunner ever since. But injuries have plagued the former 7 Mile Bridge Run champ, severely limiting his mileage and putting a third consecutive state appearance in jeopardy.

“We are hoping he comes back from summer healthy and ready to put in the miles that will be necessary for him to be on the podium again,” said Dolphins head coach Jim Murphy. Murphy credited his team’s experience in postseason running, including Bursa’s state showings, as their biggest asset.

“We are entering this season with an experienced group

of runners,” he said. “Most have been around the block a few times and know what it takes for us to get back to the state race at the end of the season on Nov. 16.”

Returning for the Fins are four of the seven state qualifiers in 2023, including Bursa; his freshman brother Tony, whose sub-17-minute pace could set the tempo for the team; freshman Allan Taylor; and senior Adrien Holdinga. Junior Caleb Shelar also returns as a sub-20 runner, giving Marathon’s boys the tools needed for a state nod.

Girls coach Darby Sheehan hopes to return to the state meet with her entire squad again this season. Unlike Murphy, Sheehan lost her top runner last season to graduation, but said Ella Dunn, returning for her senior year, has everything it takes to make it far. Dunn is often seen on the course smiling and waving to friendly faces in the crowd, but don’t let her good nature fool you – she’s a fierce competitor with lots of grit.

Sheehan’s girls team returns state qualifiers Dunn, Maeve Merryman, Sara Robinson, Madelyn Thornton and Rebecca Merryman.

To repeat their success this season, Murphy is well aware of what the teams need to do.

“To be a competitive cross country team, it’s all about your number four and number five runners. Coach Sheehan and myself have to make sure the whole team is ready come districts, not just our number one through three runners,” he said. On the road to states, the teams are looking forward to Boca Raton’s Spanish River course in September, a perennial favorite for the Fins. First up, though, is Palmer Trinity School on Aug. 28.

In the Upper Keys, the Hurricanes will benefit from a strong feeder program at Key Largo School, giving their

rosters some depth with the addition of some freshmen who will join the squad with plenty of miles and experience. Girls coach Lyndie Meyers understands the value of hard work in distance running. “I see our greatest strength being that the girls are willing to put in effort and work hard for themselves and the team,” she said.

Meyers’ team is composed mostly of underclassmen. Her lone senior will be Kai Guth, who qualified for regionals in 2023 and is a solid leader for the team.

“I have also witnessed Hayden Teal running everywhere around the Keys this summer,” Meyers said. “She was hitting a lot of personal records during her track season, too. I honestly see her setting the course on fire.”

Meyers is also excited to see what returners Saige Ensign and Jenna Mandozzi do this season. Both runners are credited with strong work ethics and dedication to the team’s goals.

For the boys, coach Gabe Suarez will also benefit from the addition of freshmen from Key Largo’s program. Joining the new runners will be a solid group of juniors who steadily improved over the past two seasons. Alaric Rodriguez brings speed, talent and an incredible work ethic to the Hurricanes, and could make an appearance in Tallahassee this fall at the state meet. Jamie Cary, Sean Andrews and Nathaniel Shugarman all posted respectable times last season. Sophomores Tristan Sanchez and Connor Daniels also possess the ability to take their running to the next level. Senior Lochlain James’ experience should serve the team well in 2024.

For Coral Shores, which sent just one runner to regionals last season, the goal this season will be steady improvement. “The team goal would be to run consistently throughout the season and by the end, each athlete to hit a new PR,” said Meyers. She said the boys and girls will be working together a bit more this season, which should add to their cohesiveness and team spirit. Meyers also said her team tends to favor the course at Larry and Penny Thompson Park because they are comfortable with it. Fortunately for the ’Canes, that is the location of their kickoff meet this season. They compete at the FNU Invite on Sept. 9.

From left: Naima Thomas, Ella Dunn, Tony Bursa, Vance Bursa and Zoe Basham. Photos by Mark Hedden and Barry Gaukel

TUNE-UP TIME

Keys gridiron gangs get first game action this weekend

For the first time in nine months, football fans in the Middle and Lower Keys will have a chance to watch their teams in action this Friday.

On Friday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m., Marathon hosts the Mater Academy Charter Lions for their preseason classic. The following Friday, the Fins host Pompano Beach for their season opener. Last year, the Golden Tornadoes came away with the win in a heartbreaking 14-13 loss for Marathon. This year, coach Sean McDonald and the Dolphins are hoping to avenge that loss in front of a home crowd.

Key West will play Cypress Creek in a preseason matchup. Conch fans will get a chance to see their team as well as the new digs at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. on Aug. 16. The following week, Key West hosts the Tigers of Clewiston High School. Key West lost their last matchup 2821, and coach Johnny Hughes and his Conchs will look to get some revenge by caging the Tigers in their season opener.

Coral Shores fans will have to travel to watch the ’Canes’ preseason game. Ed Holly and his Hurricanes will be at Varela High to take on the Vipers on Aug. 16 at 3:30 p.m. ’Canes fans won’t have to wait too long to see their team at home, though, as Coral Shores hosts Somerset South Homestead on Aug. 23. Last season, Coral Shores won the battle of the Hurricanes, sending South Homestead back to the locker room looking more like a spring shower after clobbering them 45-14.

Next week, be sure to check out full coverage of the preseason games and your 2024 season preview of prep football in the Florida Keys, right here in the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap.

Carlos Lezcano III. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

On this day: In 1914, the Panama Canal o icia y opened.

In The Bleachers

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Nancy

The first ship to transit the canal at the formal opening, SS Ancon, passes through on 15 August 1914

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The Weekly Newspapers

REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

The Pigeon Key Foundation is requesting proposals for Professional Engineering Services. Interested parties should email pigeonkey@ aol.com for details related to proposals with the subject line ENGINEERING SERVICES. Proposals will be accepted for 21 days after publication.

Publish: August 15, 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-385-M

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF TERRELL W. SMITH

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Terrell W. Smith, deceased, whose date of death was May 2, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: August 15, 2024.

Personal Representative:

Juana M. Smith

1290 92nd Court Ocean Marathon, Florida 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway

MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@

rewarnerlaw.com

Publish: August 15 & 22, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000380-P IN RE: ESTATE OF STEPHEN C. BROWN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Stephen C. Brown, deceased, whose date of death was July 9, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211.

The date of first publication of this notice is: August 15, 2024.

Personal Representative: Brooks R. Brown c/o Goodwin Procter LLP 100 Northern Avenue Boston, MA 02210

Attorney for Personal Representative: DUNWODY WHITE & LANDON, P.A.

Denise B. Cazobon, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 71616 4001 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 200 Naples, FL 34103

Telephone: (239) 263-5885

Fax: (239) 262-1442

Publish: August 15 & 22, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000298-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF BRADLEY RALPH SHANK, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Bradley Ralph Schank, deceased, whose date of death was March 23, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The

names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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

The date of first publication of this notice is August 15, 2024. Personal Representative: Susan Elizabeth Bazin 326 Lance Lane Key Largo, 33037 Monroe County, Florida Attorney for Personal Representative: David Hutchison, Esq. Florida Bar No. 997420 Hutchison & Tubiana, PLLC P.O. Box 1262 Key Largo, Florida 33037 Publish: August 15 & 22, 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 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

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

2005 Chevy Truck for sale in Marathon. $500.00 Call Nicole 305-433-0515

2021 Ford Expedition Ltd. for sale, 71,550 miles. Stealth package & lots of options including: Dual panel vista roof, ventilated seats, wireless charging & more. Good condition.

$31,500. Located in Marathon. Text 305481-1463 if interested.

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

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 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

Professional business offices for rent in beautiful building in Islamorada. U.S. 1 frontage and signage for your business. Call 305-7807265 or email srussolaw@ outlook.com for details.

Commercial office/ medical/retail space for rent/lease available in Marathon. High highway visibility, 2100-3500 sq. ft. Call for more information 305-481-3198 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

Hiring: Lead Gutter

Installer - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED – valid Driver’s License - must be comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier. To apply, please call or text Jay 305-587-1581.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time servers and bartenders. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips.

Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Med Tech PT/Nights, Housing Choice Voucher Asst., Housing ManagerMiddle Keys, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker, and HVAC Maintenance Mechanic $64.480-$72,800/yr. plus benefits. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

Place your EMPLOYMENT ad here.

$25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

ANNUAL RENTALKey Largo - 2BR/2BA Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community. $3,500/ month 786-258-3127

Available for 1 person. 2 1/2 rooms + 8' X 22' screened porch. All utilities incl. wifi, satellite TV, washer/dryer. 2nd house from ocean. 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. 305-5222702 Leave message.

Studio Rental Unit in fourplex available for long-term rent in Marathon. Fully furnished. $2,200/month all in. Call Nicole 305-433-0515

2BR/2BA Single Family Waterfront Home for rent in Marathon. Fully furnished. 70' dock. $4,500/ month includes all utilities, internet & TV. Available for 3 months - Jan, Feb & March. 727-278-1105

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

Marathon: Waterfront 2/1.5 duplex, monthly, furnished, near hospital. 40' of canal, pool, hot tub, pet friendly. Elec. & water paid. $4,950/mo. F/L/D Call or text James 409-370-0025.

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

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

Heavy duty, hard wood Futon Bed for sale in Marathon. Excellent condition. Couch turns into double bed. $250.00 305-849-0975

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

ROOMMATE WANTED

Stock Island - Seeking non-smoking professional female/no pets. Fully furnished, W/D + TV. Very nice quiet safe place. Gated. $1250/month. First/ Last Call 305-797-5600 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

2010 27' Wildcat RV FOR SALE. 5th wheel, 1 slideout. 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

Place

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. *

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! Apply

TREASURE HARBOR MARINA

IN ISLAMORADA IS LOOKING FOR

• Dock Master/General Manager

• Front Desk

• Housekeepers

• Maintenance

Apply in person at: Treasure Harbor Marina 200 Treasure Harbor Dr., Islamorada

Email: info@keysboatrental.com

Call for more information: 305-664-9943

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

e Turtle Hospital in Marathon

Join our team! Full and part-time Educational Program Guides/ Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $18/hour to start. Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org

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

Staff Photographer (Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal)

Join our Visual Communications Department if you enjoy working outdoors around the water, interacting with people, and watching dolphins at play. Photograph program participants to provide lasting memories of their experiences. Some of the responsibilites include: taking candid digital still photos of guests & dolphins during public programs, all phases of video recording & editing, types of projects include promotional, educational, documentary, narrative, & visual music montages. Benefits include medical insurance, 401(k), vacation & paid holidays. Job description available at www.dolphins.org. Email resume and DRC

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS!

We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.

KEY LARGO

Case Manager (PT)

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist

Case Manager (Adult, Child)

Substance Abuse Counselor Prevention Specialist (HIV, Child)

MARATHON

Care Coordinator (PT)

Driver – PT (CDL not required)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child)

RNs/LPNs – 3 shifts (PT/Per Diem)

Peer Support Specialist/BHT

*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT/PT)

*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.

Search Employment/Portal/Location/zip

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE

OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, General Surgery, Tavernier, $3k Bonus

- Patient Access Associate, Tavernier

- Physician Assistant, Ortho, Tavernier

- Nurse Practitioner Physician Assistant, Upper Keys Cardiology, $5k Bonus

- Nurse Practitioner Physician Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus

- Medical Assistant, Concierge Key West, $5k Bonus

- Physician Practice Registered Nurse, Concierge Key West, $15k Bonus

TAVERNIER MARINERS

HOSPITAL

- Cook, $5k Bonus

- Director Nursing Services, ICU

- Exercise Physiologist

- Group Exercise Instructor

- Lead First Cook, $5k Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $20k Bonus

- Nuclear Medicine Tech

- Radiology Technologist, $15k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, $25k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, $15k Bonus

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator, Emergency Department

- Experience Advisor, Patient Experience

- First Cook, $5k Bonus

- Lead Medical Technologist, $15k Bonus

- Lead Phlebotomist

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $20k Bonus

- Medical Technologist, $15k Bonus

- Radiology Technologist, $15k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Emergency, $25k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, $15k Bonus

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, $15k Bonus

- Security Of cer

We are now hiring for the following positions: Diesel Mechanic

Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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.