Key West Weekly 24-0822

CHEERS TO BREWFEST

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30

• 11am-7pm Sloppy Joe's Sloppy Hoppy IPA Launch Party

• 1-4pm Belly Flop Pool Party with Islamorada Brewing at Southernmost Beach Resort

• 3-7pm Biergarten at 24 North

• 6-8pm Brews & Bites Bash at First Flight

• 4-8pm Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert and Cheeseburger Beach Battle at Southernmost Beach Resort

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

• 8am-2pm Brewery Brunch Pairings at The Perry

• 3-8pm Brewfest Main Beer Tasting at Southernmost Beach Resort VIP 3pm, GA 5pm

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

• 11am-3pm Sunday Funday Sandbar Trip with Beach Weekend

• 11am-5pm Sloppy Joe's Sunshine State Tap Takeover at Joe's Tap Room

• 1-4pm The After Party at Havana Cabana Pool with DJ

• 1-4pm Pool Party and Acoustic Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert at The Marker

• 6-8pm Cayo Hueso Brewery Dinner at The Perry

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

• 7-9pm Bingo at The Green Parrot

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5

Key West, FL 33040

Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

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Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

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Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

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Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Comptroller Sarah Simcic sarah@keysweekly.com

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Members of

NUMBER

27.9%

Between vote by mail, early voting and ballots cast during the Aug. 20 primary, the Monroe County supervisor of elections reported a 27.9% voter turnout. Of the 50,459 eligible voters in the county, a total of 14,078 cast ballots for the various races in the Keys.

By Mandy Miles, Jim McCarthy and Alex Rickert

Key West Sunrise Rotary members and several local musicians who will donate their time celebrate the upcoming Key West Brewfest events scheduled for Labor Day weekend. See page 26. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

ROMAN GASTESI INDICTED FOR ATTEMPTED COVER-UP IN COUNTY DRUG THEFT SCANDAL

Grand jury reports expected to shed light on 4 indictments prompted by fire rescue case

Agrand jury has indicted retired county administrator Roman Gastesi, who was slated to return to the top county job next month, for official misconduct in connection with the ongoing investigation into the theft, loss and attempted cover-up of more than 600 missing vials of fentanyl, morphine and other narcotics from the county’s Trauma Star medical helicopter service.

The misconduct charge “stems from alleged actions that took place between Aug. 11 and Nov. 17, 2022, during which Mr. Gastesi is accused of knowingly and intentionally obstructing, delaying, or preventing the communication of information relating to the commission of a felony that directly affected the government entity he served,” stated an Aug. 16 report from the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office (SAO).

“This charge is classified as a thirddegree felony under Florida Statute 838.022(1)(c). If convicted, Mr. Gastesi could face up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a fine of up to $5,000.”

“Mr. Gastesi’s alleged actions reflect a pattern of misconduct that affects our community’s trust in government, and we are fully committed to ensuring justice is served,” State Attorney Dennis Ward said.

Judge Mark Wilson has signed a document for Mr. Gastesi’s arrest and set bond at $25,000, the state attorney’s office said in its press release. He was book, processed and released from the Plantation Key

Detention Center on Aug. 16

“We literally just found out as we were on our way up here to Key Largo (for the groundbreaking of the Twin Lakes flood mitigation project),” Monroe County Mayor Holly Raschein told the Keys Weekly the morning of Aug. 16. “We need to be proactive and work to restore accountability and transparency and the people’s faith in our county.”

In a press release that same day, county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood said that Gastesi’s position as a voluntary adviser, held since his retirement in February, had been terminated.

“County operations will continue as they have for the past six months. These are serious criminal charges, and we are taking these allegations very seriously,” said acting county administrator Kevin Wilson, who will continue to serve in the post. “We will follow due process while we await formal court proceedings. Our first priority is to ensure that the county’s services continue for our residents and visitors without interruptions.”

“It’s important to remember that the theft of the drugs occurred two years ago, but the ongoing efforts by Monroe County Fire Rescue from medics to managers, all the way up to the top levels of county government, to conceal and cover up the large-scale theft of pharmaceutical narcotics is deeply troubling,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay told the Keys Weekly on Aug. 16. “Trauma Star continues to operate safely and efficiently today. Residents can have confidence in the sheriff, the sheriff’s office and Trauma Star. What’s at issue is people’s trust in county government and Monroe County Fire Rescue.”

Clerk’s Trauma Star audit fueled indictments

Gastesi’s is the fourth indictment connected to the investigation into Monroe County Fire Rescue, which oversees the daily operations of Trauma Star, and its controlled substance protocols, or lack thereof. continued on page 9

Capt. Andrea Thompson, left, and Dr. Sandra Schwemmer, both of Monroe County Fire Rescue and Trauma Star face felony charges.

Retired county administrator Roman Gastesi.

SUPERINTENDENT ANNOUNCES NEW DISTRICTWIDE ROLES

Coordinators

named for reading, English learners & college prep programs

Superintendent Theresa Axford recently announced new selections for district-level roles.

Heidi Roberts — coordinator of English, language arts and reading Roberts is the former assistant principal at Poinciana Elementary and served several years as the literacy coach at Gerald Adams Elementary.

“This opportunity excites me as it aligns perfectly with my passion for fostering literacy and educational excellence,” she said. “I am deeply committed to supporting our teachers and inspiring students, working together to enhance proficiency and drive growth for all learners. My goal is to create a collaborative environment where innovative teaching practices and individualized support empower every student to achieve their full potential. I look forward to contributing to our shared mission inspiring excellence in every student every day.”

Leidy Monteagudo –academic coach for English for speakers of other languages

Monteagudo was a teacher and ESOL interventionist at Key Largo School before taking on the districtwide support role.

“This position has offered me the opportunity to support and empower teachers while contributing to the growth and success of our English Language Learners,” said Monteagudo. “Understanding the needs of our learners allows me to develop resources, and implement effective strategies and for one of our most vulnerable populations. I

am committed to continuing to support our teachers so they may foster a learning environment where every student feels valued and motivated. This role is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students.”

Maureen “Mo” Cattieu — Lower Keys ESOL academic coach

Cattieu has a strong background in ESOL support and compliance and will be working with the Lower Keys schools to support teachers and students. Her recent work was as an ESOL Interventionist at Gerald Adams Elementary.

“I am committed to inspiring our teachers, staff, and students on a daily basis, ensuring that our ELLs receive the support they need to succeed,” said Cattieu.

Sarah Adams – director of instructional resources and AVID

Adams has served as an assistant principal at Stanley Switlik Elementary and as curriculum coordinator of English, language arts and reading along with classroom experience. She has experience with the AVID program as both a teacher and administrator and will work with schools to strengthen the program. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an academic support program that aims to prepare students for college eligibility and success.

“Together, we will advance our district’s goals with AVID and enhance our use of instructional resources/materials,” she said.

— Contributed

FANTASY FEST NEEDS PARADE FLOATS

2024 theme: ’90s Neon Cosmic Carnival

Cosmic creators, float fabricators and costuming artists – it’s time to fill out and submit your 2024 Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade entry forms and prepare to put your ingenuity on display in this year’s “It’s a ’90s NEON Cosmic Carnival!”-themed parade down Duval Street, set to take place Saturday, Oct. 26, in Key West.

The parade is open to entries large and small: walking groups, floats, bicycle brigades, and even human-powered kinetic machines. Cash prizes totaling $20,000 will be awarded in categories including Best

Interpretation of Theme, Best in Entertainment, Best in Costume, Best Overall, Best Walking Group, Best Bike, Green Parrot Best Live Music Award and Directors Choice. Entry fees are waived for Monroe County residents who submit their parade applications on or before Aug. 30, and discounted 50% for those who apply before Sept. 20. Non-residents who register no later than Sept. 20 get a 25% discount. Final deadline to apply is Oct. 14. Fantasy Fest 2024 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. More information and the parade application are at FantasyFest.com/Parade.

— Contributed

This year’s Fantasy Fest parade takes place Oct. 26 in Key West. CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed

ROMAN GASTESI INDICTED FOR ATTEMPTED COVER-UP IN COUNTY DRUG THEFT SCANDAL

All investigations stemmed from a 2023 audit by the county clerk’s office of Monroe County Fire Rescue’s controlled substances protocols. The audit report noted no wrongdoing on the part of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, but offered a scathing review of MCFR’s controlled substances protocols and was highly critical of senior county administration.

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 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.

Former chief flight nurse Lynda Rusinowski, who admitted last year to the theft of narcotics due to an addiction, was the first to be indicted. Rusinowski’s indictment was quickly followed by those of former MCFR and Trauma Star medical director Dr. Sandra L. Schwemmer and Trauma Star division chief Andrea Thompson.

As announced in multiple SAO press releases, Thompson stands to face 11 total charges – a combination of official misconduct, falsifying patient records and providing false information to law enforcement. Schwemmer faces a total of three charges – one count of official misconduct, one of providing false information to law enforcement and one of altering patient records.

In an Aug. 9 press release, the county announced that it would terminate its contract with Schwemmer’s company for medical director services immediately, and suspended Thompson without pay.

The sheriff’s office initially reported Rusinowski’s arrest in connection with 16 missing prefilled morphine syringes, adding that officials with MCFR received an anonymous tip in late July 2022 about Rusinowski continued from page 4

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.

The 2023 audit 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.

On Aug. 14, Monroe County hired Antonio Gandia as its medical director for ground and air ambulance services.

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 also allegedly drove Rusinowski to a South Florida rehab facility before she could be arrested.

County commission reacts, weighs second investigation

Upon learning of Gastesi’s indictment, county commissioner Craig Cates told the Keys Weekly he was very concerned for the county.

“He’s still innocent until proven guilty, but for public trust we have to show citizens we are taking this very seriously and will do what’s necessary to move forward,” he said. “I have faith in our current acting administrator Kevin Wilson to continue doing a great job now as we work through these issues. We can all promise we’ll come out of this better, with better policies so this never happens again.”

Cates told the Weekly he would propose hiring an independent third-party firm to follow up on the 2023 clerk’s audit during the BOCC’s Aug. 21 meeting in Key West. The meeting was in progress at presstime. Cates’ proposed agenda item reads, “Discussion regarding the Monroe County Grand Jury’s ongoing investigation into Monroe County Fire Rescue and the Trauma Star program and direction on whether the Board should retain an outside firm to conduct an independent investigation of this matter.”

“I’m not blaming anyone at all, but I hope my fellow commissioners will agree we need to look closer at this,” he said. “This is life and

death we’re dealing with and I think there are some aspects that weren’t thoroughly investigated or followed up on.”

County commissioner Michelle Lincoln told Keys Weekly that she welcomes an audit and investigation to “make sure we’re doing everything in the way we’re supposed to be doing to keep our county running the way it should run.”

“We’ll be in standby mode to see what this investigation and indictment leads to,” Lincoln said.

Grand jury reports expected

Additional details are expected when the county clerk releases the grand jury report with potentially damning details that prompted the recent MCFR and Monroe County indictments. At presstime, the reports were pending redaction by officials for individuals named in the investigation, but not yet indicted or charged with crimes.

“I don’t expect the report to include any wrongdoing at all by the sheriff’s office, but I do expect it to be highly critical of the management and administration of MCFR and the county,” Ramsay told the Weekly on Aug. 19. “And if it also includes recommendations for improvements and solutions, I’ll be glad to assist in any way I can.”

Schwemmer, Gastesi respond

In an Aug. 16 email to media members, Schwemmer’s attorney Kader Schull listed her career accomplishments, calling the allegations against the former medical director “totally inconsistent with someone who has dedicated most of her career to improving life-saving medical services in Monroe County and throughout South Florida.”

“She has fully cooperated with investigating missing medications from the air rescue hangar and will continue to do so,” he said. “She steadfastly maintains that she has not done any wrongdoing in this matter and looks forward to clearing her name in court.”

Gastesi declined to comment on the ongoing case on Aug. 20.

In Trauma Star operations, Monroe County Fire Rescue is in charge of the flight nurses, Trauma Star’s medical supplies, patient records and oversight of all three. The Monroe County 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.

RACES DECIDED & PARTY NOMINATIONS

SECURED DURING PRIMARY ELECTION

An Aug. 20 primary in the Florida Keys saw several candidates handily winning their races and taking their seats. Others successfully secured the Republican or Democratic nomination as they head to the November general election for a chance to represent Florida Keys residents. Here is a roundup of the results and candidate reactions as the vote tallies came in through the night. Many candidates attended a forum at the Harvey Government Center in Key West as the results came in.

— Keys Weekly staff report

14,078

50,459

27.9%

U.S. SENATE (Republican)

Rick Scott - 1,272,256 (84.39%)

Keith Gross - 140,959 (9.35%)

John S. Columbus - 94,356 (6.26%)

“Thank you, Florida. Looking forward to a big win in November.”

— Rick Scott

U.S SENATE (Democrat)

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell - 735,214 (68.53%)

Stanley Campbell - 209,555 (19.53%)

Brian Rush - 72,158 (6.73%)

Rod Joseph - 55,899 (5.21%)

“Thank you, Florida. Now let’s win November!”

— Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

MONROE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS (Republican)

Sherri Hodies - 3,891 (60.83%)

Margaret Romero - 2,506 (39.17%)

“I had this huge sincerity that I wanted to put myself out there as not a politician but as a person as like any one of us sitting in this room or out there voting.”

— Sherri Hodies

MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 5 (Republican)

Holly Raschein - 7,223 (55.10%)

Melissa Ptomey - 4,802 (36.63%)

Paul Wunderlich - 1,085 (8.28%)

“Negative campaigns don’t work down here in this amazing community. When you personally attack people, I think it diminishes from your reasons for running for office. Recognizing what the people need right now is critical to restoring faith in our communities.”

— Holly Raschein

MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 2

Yvette Mira-Talbott - 7,667 (58.38%)

“I’ve always been a supporter of education and children. I think it was clear from the beginning that was my goal.”

— Yvette Mira-Talbott

STATE COMMITTEEMAN (Republican)

Stephen Hammond - 2,620 (45.70%)

Michael Washam - 1,665 (29.04%)

Casey Scheu - 1,448 (25.26%)

STATE COMMITTEEWOMAN (Republican)

Bethany Bartlett - 2,236 (38.80%)

Kathy Ovide - 1,932 (33.52%)

Jill Davis - 1,595 (27.68%)

CITY OF KEY WEST FINAL RESULTS

KEY WEST CITY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1

Monica Haskell - 643 (77.66%)

Ben Hennington - 185 (22.34%)

KEY WEST CITY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 6

Aaron Castillo - 474 (49.84%) *

Marci L. Rose - 378 (39.75%) *

Thaddeus Cohen - 99 (10.41%)

* Candidates will head to November runoff

KEY WEST UTILITY BOARD SEAT C

Rachel Oropeza - 3,669 (48.83%)*

Timothy Root - 2,728 (36.31%)*

Vidal - 1,117 (14.87%)

* Candidates will head to November runoff

1 KEY WEST RACE DECIDED; 1 HEADS TO RUNOFF

Haskell easily defeats Hennington; Castillo & Rose face off in November

West city commission candidate

celebrates on Aug. 20, but later learned that his 49.84% of the vote fell short of the majority required for him to win. Castillo will head to a runoff against Marci Rose in November. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Three new faces will appear on the Key West city commission dais for the special meeting on Monday, Aug. 26, but commissioner Clayton Lopez will continue to represent District 6 until November.

The two candidates seeking to succeed Lopez — Aaron Castillo and Marci Rose — will face each other in the general election, as neither of them secured 50% plus one vote in the Aug. 20 primary election.

Castillo, a funeral director, was born and raised in Key West and owns Key West Mortuary. Rose, an attorney, has lived in Bahama Village for more than 30 years.

Both candidates complimented each other on their “clean” campaign that did not include attack ads like those leveled in the county commission race for District 5 by Melissa Ptomey, who challenged but lost to incumbent Holly Raschein.

In District 1, Monica Haskell easily defeated Ben Hennington in their race to succeed former mayor and commissioner Jimmy Weekley.

and

close Aug. 20 at the Harvey Government Center in Key West.

Haskell will succeed commissioner Jimmy Weekley.

The other two new faces include incoming commissioner Donie Lee, who ran unopposed for commissioner Billy Wardlow’s seat and incoming Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez, who ran unopposed to replace Teri Johnston, who decided not to seek reelection.

The new officials will be sworn in at noon on Monday, Aug. 26 at city hall and will get to work that evening, when a special meeting will take place to determine whether the newly assembled commission votes to rehire city manager Al Childress, who was fired in late June by four commissioners, three of whom would not return to the commission after the election.

STATE ATTORNEY SUBPOENAS EXPAND CITY HALL DRAMA

Top prosecutor seeks phone & email records for commissioners, attorney & building officer

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Key West’s city government drama continued on the morning of Aug. 21, when State Attorney Dennis Ward’s office subpoenaed cell phone and email records for all six city commissioners and the mayor, as well as for city attorney Ron Ramsingh and his brother, Raj Ramsingh, who is the city’s chief building official.

The subpoenas came just five days before a special city commission meeting that will decide whether to rehire fired city manager Al Childress, who was ousted in late June by four commissioners, three of whom are leaving office in the coming weeks.

The two commissioners who voted with Mayor Teri Johnston to support Childress on June 26 — Sam Kaufman and Mary Lou Hoover — scheduled a special meeting to rehire him on Aug. 26, which will convene just hours after two new commissioners and a new mayor are sworn in the same day.

Monica Haskell will replace Jimmy Weekley; Donie Lee replaces Billy Wardlow and Dee Dee Henriquez replaces Johnston as mayor.

Commissioner Clayton Lopez will remain on the dais until a November runoff determines whether he will be succeeded by Aaron Castillo or Marci Rose.

At the June 26 meeting that saw the firing of Childress, several members of the public accused Weekley and Carey of conspiring wrongfully via text messages with city attorney Ron Ramsingh to oust Childress on June 21, the same day Childress formally reprimanded the city’s chief building official, Raj Ramsingh, who is the city attorney’s brother.

Ward was at the June 26 meeting at city hall, perhaps due to questions of whether those text messages could have violated the state’s Sunshine Laws, which prohibit private communication between public officials about matters that will come to a vote. No text messages were sent directly between Weekley and Carey. Rather,

the city attorney had separate text conversations with each of them. But Johnston pointed out in June that Ron Ramsingh did not send the same messages to all seven lawmakers, and in singling out a few, in effect acted as a go-between to facilitate plans to fire Childress.

Ward’s office recently empaneled a grand jury that handed down four indictments of county officials for official misconduct, tampering with evidence and other charges.

The state attorney also could be seeking information about whether building official Raj Ramsingh acted improperly by approving construction projects without first sending them through the city’s planning department for review. Raj Ramsingh’s actions in the building department were questioned in a recent review by planning consultants from the Corradino Group amid significant friction between two departments’ directors.

But commissioner Sam Kaufman cautioned speculation about the aim of the Aug. 21 subpoenas.

“From my perspective, we should not assume anything from the issuance of subpoenas by the office of the state attorney other than that an investigation is underway,” Kaufman said. “That being said, this is a very serious matter and we should allow for due process to take place. I expect that all current and former city officials will cooperate with this investigation. I look forward to learning the results of the state attorney’s investigation, which I hope is soon so the city can move forward.”

Ron Ramsingh told the Keys Weekly on Aug. 21, “City clerk Keri O’Brien received a subpoena for email and cell phone records for the entire city commission, myself and the (chief building official). I have not been served with any subpoena and I am not aware of anyone else being served thus far. We will all of course comply with any and all lawful requests, although many of these items were already produced via public records requests.”

Key

Aaron Castillo

Key West attorney

longtime Bahama Village resident Marci Rose speaks to media representatives while waiting for the polls to

Monica

KEYS SANCTUARY SUPERINTENDENT TO LEAVE IN THE FALL MUSIC OF YES ROUNDS OUT THE SUMMER

Fangman will take a West Coast post

NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has selected Sarah Fangman, superintendent at Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, as West Coast region director. She replaces William Douros, who retired in June.

The West Coast Regional office of the national marine sanctuaries manages 15,333 square miles of marine protected areas around Channel Islands, Cordell Bank, Greater Farallones, Monterey Bay and Olympic Coast.

“Sarah brings to this position more than 25 years of experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets, leading large teams and executing innovative marine policies and programs,” said John Armor, director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “She excels at building strategic relationships and working collaboratively across multiple stakeholder groups to address complex environmental challenges, and is well known for her ability to set the right tone in difficult situations and as a visionary and a problem solver.”

Fangman has served in many operational and management roles at NOAA. A marine scientist, early in her NOAA career, she served as research coordinator at Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. She was superintendent at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary in Georgia, before coming to the Keys in 2017, where she was charged with managing a protected area covering 3,800 square miles.

“It has been my great honor and privilege to serve as Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary superintendent,” said Fangman. “I want to express my deep appreciation for the staff of the sanctuary who work tirelessly on behalf of our community

In 2023, the Key West Military Affair Committee president-elect, Juan Llera, thanked sanctuary Superintendent Sarah Fangman for her presentation about heat stress on the coral reef. CONTRIBUTED and our marine ecosystem, and who will continue this mission. I have been inspired by working with partners who are innovative, determined and committed to protecting and improving the marine resources of the Florida Keys.”

Fangman earned a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College in Vermont and a master’s degree in marine affairs from the University of Washington. She later obtained a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton master captain’s license in addition to being certified as a submersible pilot. She was twice a saturation diver at the Aquarius Reef Base, an underwater research laboratory located off Key Largo, and served as diver and divemaster on multiple research missions in the Keys aboard the NOAA ship Nancy Foster.

Fangman will move to the West Coast this fall.

— Contributed

Yes tribute band, Awaken, performs Sept. 5 & joins Keys Weekly podcast

BRITT MYERS britt@keysweekly.com

Joe Luca, keyboardist and band leader of Awaken: The Music of Yes, joins the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss their upcoming show on Sept. 5 at the Key West Theater.

Luca discusses how he and his band embarked on the journey of preserving the legacy of Yes, as they tour and perform the legendary band’s songs that span more than three decades. This is one of those interviews that peeks behind the curtain of professional entertainers with a passion for music. And you’ll see and hear why this is a can’t miss show as the band hits Key West in the coming days.

Yes is one of those bands whose songs you don’t realize you know until you hear them. For example, remember, “Owner of a Lonely Heart?” That’s Yes.

The original band Yes was an English progressive rock band formed in London in 1968 by lead singer Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye and drummer Bill Bruford. The band underwent numerous lineup changes throughout its history, during which 20 musicians have been full-time members.

Scan the QR code here to listen to the podcast.

Awaken is a Yes tribute band that will perform Sept. 5 at Key West Theater. Check them out on the Keys Weekly Podcast at keysweekly.com. CONTRIBUTED

RAISING THE BAR

Local pole vaulter places 2nd in national competition

Editor’s note: Local pole vaulter Steve Hanes, president of the Key West Track & Field Club and creator of the annual Pole Vault in Paradise event, recently placed second in the USA Track & Field Nationals and the World Masters Athletics PanAm Games. Hanes will once again bring Olympic pole vaulters to Key West for the Jan. 4 Pole Vault in Paradise demonstration, which benefits the Key West Track & Field Club. The Keys Weekly caught up with Hanes, who surprised us with some connections between Key West and the recent Paris Olympics.

What could Key West possibly have in common with Olympic pole-vaulting? There are several ties, actually. The island record holders for Pole Vault in Paradise — and last year’s winners — Katrina Stefanidi and Anicka Newell, both just competed in this year’s Paris Olympics. Katrina is a former Olympic gold medal winner. Twelve athletes in the US Olympic Trials have competed in Key West’s Pole Vault in Paradise.

Also, our local event, now in its fifth year, is sanctioned by USA Track & Field (USATF), the same organization that runs the U.S. Olympic Trials and sends our young men and women to the Olympics. Six USATF officials ran our event last year.

Who else comes to Key West for Pole Vault in Paradise? We’ve had vaulters from 7 to 82 years old, including some American age-group record holders. Everyone wants to come to Key West to vault, especially in the winter. More than 100 vaulters from about six countries and

about 20 states have come for the event. Unfortunately, the high cost of accommodations prevents many athletes from coming every year.

You had a pretty impressive pole-vaulting career yourself, still holding your high-school record in Kansas. Do you still compete at age 69? I do. I just got back to Key West after eight weeks of traveling and competing in Masters events in Fort Lauderdale and Naples; Port Aransas, College Station and Austin, Texas; Miramar and Sacramento, California and then Cleveland, Ohio, where I placed second in the PanAm Games, which are held every four years. I also took second in the USATF Masters Nationals in Sacramento. I now compete in the 65-69 age group. But in many meets, I compete in “Open” categories that are based on ability, not age, so I frequently compete against high school kids and tell them, “Don’t let your grandpa beat you.”

Pole Vault in Paradise raises money for the Key West Track & Field Club. What does the club do? Key West Track & Field Club’s mission is to raise money for Key West area high school track and field teams and promote the sport of track and field within the Lower Keys community. Our major initiatives include financial support for the Key West High School track team. We provide support that pays for transportation to meets and for new equipment. The club also aims to create a track and field program for middle school students and a Masters-level program for competitors over 30.

Check us out at kwtfc.org and join us Jan. 4, 2025 at Higgs Beach for Pole Vault in Paradise.

YOUNG BASEBALL PLAYERS COMPETE IN WORLD SERIES

Key West Little Conch Baseball makes it to quarterfinals in Texas

The Key West Little Conch Baseball team of players 14 and under traveled recently to Eagle Pass, Texas, where they made it to the quarterfinals of the Babe Ruth World Series. CONTRIBUTED

Baseball is no joke in Key West, where the players start young and often go far.

The past two weeks found local ballplayers, aged 14 and under, with the Key West Little Conch Baseball competing in the Babe Ruth World Series in Eagle Pass, Texas. The series featured teams from all over the country and 12 international teams. Key West represented the Southeast region.

Kade Maltz was named the team’s batting champion for the series, and Kaine Dickerson won the team’s Golden Glove award.

In addition to field practices, hitting clinics and several games, the team managed to squeeze in a history and social studies lesson by heading across the border to Mexico for a half-day. The team also toured a local courthouse and enjoyed a meal of Mexican food sponsored by the local Wells family.

“Key West 14U, you’ve captured our hearts with your talent and unwavering spirit,” states a post on the league’s Facebook page. “This World Series run has been a thrilling ride, filled with unforgettable moments. While the outcome isn’t what we hoped for, your dedication and hard work are undeniable. You’ve made us incredibly proud and have shown us what it means to compete at the highest level, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the future.

“A special thank you to our amazing parents, families, coaches and Key West community for their incredible support. Your tireless efforts and belief in this team have created an unforgettable experience for these players. They couldn’t have done it without you.”

— Contributed

Key West pole vaulter Steve Hanes welcomes Olympic pole vaulters Katerina Stefanidi, left, and Anicka Newell to last year’s Pole Vaulters in Paradise. JOEL BOEHM/Contributed

... 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.

Mark Whiteside texted me Saturday afternoon that he’d seen a pair of smooth-billed anis at Fort Zachary Taylor. Anis are pretty common in the Caribbean and South America, and used to be relatively common – or at least easily findable – in South Florida. I remember seeing my first small gang of them out the window of a classroom at Fairchild Tropical Gardens up in Miami while I was taking the Florida Master Naturalist course. There were four or five of them. One of the anis had a wriggling Cuban anole in its bill; the anole’s tail was whipping back and forth while the ani tried to gain enough control over the lizard to gulp it down. It played out like one of those 1960s stop-motion dinosaur/monster movies, but in miniature. It was a fine first impression.

Anis are about the size of a blue jay, all black with iridescent edges on their feathers and a bill shaped like a guitar pick. Their posture often includes a slight forward hunch, which makes them look like the goth members of the cuckoo family, which makes sense, as they are members of the cuckoo family. As far as I can tell, the smooth-billed ani is the only bird with “smooth” in its name.

They were actually unknown in Florida until the 1930s. Then they were found breeding near Lake Okeechobee. By the mid-1970s they were distributed as widely as Jacksonville, St. Petersburg and Miami. Then their numbers slowly began to decline. You could find populations, like the one at Fairchild, but those too began to diminish. Back when I was guiding, I remember driving around the weedy lots of Fort Lauderdale for two solid days with a couple who really, really, really wanted to see anis. They did not cooperate.

Anis have never been common to the Keys, but they have been persistently uncommon, being seen every year or so. I’ve seen them at Fort Zach a few times, at Indigenous Park and once on Sugarloaf. It is almost always an individual bird, but I did once see a group of six out at the Marquesas. It’s possible they are living life mostly undisturbed out in the refuge. It’s possible they were strays from Cuba.

A week-and-a-half ago, Adrianna Nelson saw one up at the Florida Keys Hawkwatch at Curry Hammock on Grassy Key.

Smooth-billed anis in the Keys don’t tend to stick around. Most are not re-found after their initial sighting. So I was not overwhelmed with hope when I finally made it over to Fort Zach on Monday morning to look for them.

As I was walking along the edge of the moat, heading toward where Whiteside had said he’d seen the birds, I was mostly thinking

ANIS, SEAGRAPES AND PLANS FOR THE END TIMES

about the End Times. Not out of any sense of doom and gloom, but because of the seagrapes.

A couple years ago I started thinking about what skills I had in case of an apocalypse. Semiprofessional birdwatching probably would not be of much use. Nor was writing wise-ass birding columns. I have some rudimentary carpentry skills, but they generally rely on power tools, and there’s a good chance power will be hard to find in a post-apocalyptic world.

At some point I hit upon the idea of booze. Anyone who can make booze will always be able to survive, especially in a barter society. Wine and beer would be good, but if you’re trying to carry around alcohol in a carless landscape, distilled spirits would be a better idea. Transportability would also increase your customer base and keep you competitive.

Distilled spirits require a still, which wouldn’t be too hard to make. The problem would be heating the mash to release the alcohol, which requires a lot of energy. Traditionally this is done with fire. You wouldn’t want to consume a lot of resources in a world with limited options so I came up with the idea of a solar still to avoid such wastefulness. I could use magnifying glasses to harness the near-infinite energy of the sun to send heat to the boiler.

Problem solved, the next question was, what easily grown, locally available, climate-stable fruit could you ferment to create the mash? For years I’ve had the idea of seagrapes, as they are plentiful in Florida and pretty hard to kill. I’d also heard that some Conchs even used to make wine out of them.

The hitch in my plan came about a few weeks ago when I was hanging out with birdwatching guide and bird artist extraordinaire Rafael Galvez. We were standing there talking when he reached down, plucked a dark fruit from a sea grape bush and just threw it in his mouth. I’d never actually thought to eat a sea grape before, so I tried one. And it was pretty good – a little tart, a little tangy. But my whole

post-apocalyptic plan came crashing down in an instant. A good 98% of the thing was seed. It would probably take 200 of them and a lot of work to even fill a shot glass. Distilling would reduce said shot glassful to a fraction of its volume. How was I supposed to create wealth and power in a post-apocalyptic world with something so labor-intensive?

Anyhow, while I was looking for those anis, my path was lined with seagrape after seagrape, as if to mock me. I was broken out of this micro fugue by a distant sound, indistinct but odd enough to raise my hopes. It increased in volume as I entered the hammock on the far end of the open field.

It’s thick in there, with acacias and buttonwoods and tons of other trees, but eventually I caught a glimpse of one of the anis hopping through the trees, then I caught a glimpse of the second one. Anis’ calls always sound kind of fake to me, like a digital creation, a clarion on a very small submarine. But I was also hearing another call I’d never heard before, like a baby nucking on a pacifier, but also kind of electronic.

I spent a long time trying to follow them through the thickets. Oddly, the smooth-billed anis I’ve seen in the Caribbean and South America are always gregarious, not shy about people at all. But all those I’ve seen in Florida in recent years have mostly been shy and stealthy. Which makes me think their temperaments in that regard may be learned, as opposed to innate.

I was nearly done trying to catch a glimpse when they started flying out of the hammock and into the small wedge of native plants that is mostly surrounded by spartina grass. They disappeared down into the grass, then came up with dragonflies in their mouths, first one ani, then the second, then a third.

It was very cool to learn there were more birds than we thought. I took pleasure in that notion until I got halfway back to the car. Then I started to wonder if it would be possible to ferment coconuts.

A smooth-billed ani seen this week at Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West. MARK HEDDEN/Keys

MARK HEDDEN

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WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC NAMED TO TOP CONTRIBUTOR CIRCLE

BY ‘THE FUND’ AWARD PLACES FIRM IN TOP 25 OF 4,600 MEMBERS

Attorneys’ Title Fund Services LLC (The Fund) recently announced that Wright Barrows PLLC was named to the “Top Contributor Circle” for 2023, the highest honor for member firms based on policies remitted in 2023. Wright Barrows PLLC finished in the top 25 from over 4,600 member firms in Florida.

Created in 2009 as a joint venture between Attorneys’ Title Insurance Fund, Inc. and Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, The Fund provides technology, education, marketing support and underwriting to Florida real estate attorneys in keeping with its mission to preserve and facilitate the real estate practices of its members in their protection of the public.

“We are proud to recognize Wright Barrows PLLC’s exemplary performance in 2023 and thank them for their loyalty to The Fund and dedication to their clients,” said Jeff Rogero, chief executive officer and president of The Fund.

“Capturing this honor is a result of the dedication and professionalism of my staff — Michele Brossard, Susan Lovley, Treena McPherson and Brittney Dolan, “ said Anthony J. (Tony) Barrows. “The service they provide our clients is unequaled.”

Barrows is a graduate of Marathon High School, University of Florida and Nova Southeastern University. He became a member of the Florida Bar in 2003. He worked in the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office before opening his own practice in 2012. He was appointed to the Sixteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Committee in 2013 by then-Gov. Rick Scott and still serves on that committee today.

When Tom Wright decided to retire in 2022, Wright Barrows PLLC, was born, where Tony is the sole practitioner and Tom is “retired.” Tony resides in Ramrod Key with his wife, an attorney for Monroe County, and his two sons, who are very active in sports.

CHRIS McNULTY

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

We have been going about our business under some busy skies. First, the sun has just moved into Virgo and our collective focus is shifting from outward expression to a more inner practicality. It is the time of year when we harvest what we have sown and determine how best to use and to save what we have. In other words, let’s get it together, huh?

We are just on the other side of a powerful full moon in Aquarius that formed a 90-degree square with Uranus, offering a major release and some surprise liberation. Right now, though, we are sitting beneath a major four-planet configuration. Graceful Venus sits opposite serious Saturn. Forming a 90-degree square to these two planets sits a conjunction of aggressive Mars and joyful Jupiter. Now, there are so many ways that this formation can materialize in each person’s experience, particularly depending on how it hits someone’s birth chart. But there is a standoff between love and maturity, and the way forward is through passion. So, ask the hard questions about what you love, make some mature decisions, then remember what it is that ignited your fire in the first place.

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

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Happy birthday season to our grounded-yet-mystical, humbleyet-effective, caring Virgos. Under this sky, self-love is paramount and self-criticism needs to be managed. Partnership may pose a particular challenge, but be sure to heed the call to mature relations within the

struggle. Investing big, joyful energy into your work will carry you. With Mercury in retrograde for one more week, remember your patience.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Continue to find your grace and beauty in your solitude, Libra, despite the pressure to self-sabotage. Find your balance between loving your lonesome and buckling down to get the myriad things done. When the struggle seems too much, throw yourself into a grand adventure that will expand your world. There is much delight to be found in lands unseen.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

Time to take some big risks, particularly risks that require investing in other people. There is a great reward by taking the leap. The struggle you find between the simple enjoyment of your friends and the need to materialize your own creative work can be resolved by diving into a group project fullforce.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Partnership is where your reward lies right now. Whether romantic, business or friendly, an important partner in your life is offering you the path forward. The love you have for your work and some perhaps difficult lessons at home are causing some tension. Focusing on your partner is the balm.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Your familiar surroundings may be feeling a bit extra constraining right now, like you’re trapped in the monotony. You are probably feeling pulled toward a change of pace, and a big adventure may be particularly alluring. Honestly, the way to navigate this tension is to throw yourself into your work and focus on maintaining your health. Find the joy in your daily habits.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Getting more conservative with your finances and materializing a budget is in the stars for you, but there is a struggle when there is a love for investing your money in group projects. You can’t have your money and spend it, too. The way through this struggle is to dive headfirst into the things that bring you joy, and put your money into your own creativity. See what happens.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Home and family are looming large right now, but the looming is not ominous. There is a lot of energy at home and a lot of celebration to be had. Focus on that when there is a tension between your personal need to be conservative and mature and your desire to spend more time with a partner in your life. Home and family come first right now.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Focus on how you communicate on a regular basis and have fun with it. There are so many ways to express yourself, and so much of how you express yourself determines the outcomes in your life. There is a challenge present between a need to buckle down and get meditative and a love for being active and getting work done. Pour the energy from that challenge into working on expressive modalities.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

Mmmm … a Taurus with Venus transiting the fifth house. There is so much bliss in your creative output right now. There seems to be some constriction with friends that is challenging your solitary joys, even though your own creativity is booming. The way to release this tension is to bring a lot of energy into the things you surround yourself with. Rearrange your room or go on a spending spree.

HARD LOVE, HYPER JOY

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

Mercury is still retrograde, and as a child of Mercury it is still time to be patient and reflective. However, there is a lot of energy focused on you at the moment and you have to hold the center. The tension between a need to buckle down at work and a love for being at home will release when you realize that it is up to you to be the center of attention for a bit.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

Dive into your alone time wholeheartedly. There is so much joy and energy present for you when you separate yourself from the world and dive into your personal relationship with mystery. A challenge exists between your hardearned beliefs and your need to be congenial in your communication. Avoid dogmatism and take the time to yourself.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

As your birthday season dissipates, it’s time to focus on your money. Did you spend too much celebrating? Just take stock on your financial health. If you discover difficulty managing a desire to build your finances and a need to withdraw from the investments you have with other people, take some time just to enjoy the people in your life who support you. You don’t have to spend anything to be surrounded by friends.

Belly up: Sunrise Rotary event raises money

Labor Day weekend will be a busy one in Key West, where fans of the late Jimmy Buffett — and beer — will find plenty to celebrate while honoring the late singer/songwriter who brought the Margaritaville myth of life in Key West.

The annual BrewFest Aug. 29Sept. 2 will feature several events, with its signature tasting event on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Southernmost Beach Resort. Beer drinkers can sample more than 150 varieties under a giant tent on the beach.

The same weekend brings the Just a Few Friends celebration to honor the life, songs and stories of Buffett, who died of skin cancer the same weekend last year.

BrewFest is scheduled Thursday through Monday, Aug. 29-Sept. 2. Activities include beer-focused dinners, pool parties, live music and the beachfront Key West BrewFest Signature Tasting Event.

BrewFest, presented by the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club of the Conch Republic and hosted by the Southernmost Beach Resort, raises money for local Rotary scholarships and charitable initiatives.

Featured beers range from offerings such as Fat Tire Ale and Cat 5 Key Lime Lager to local favorites from Florida Keys Brewing Co., Waterfront Brewery, Cayo Hueso Brewing and Islamorada Brewery & Distillery among others.

The 2024 BrewFest also features new events including the Brews & Bites Bash at First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery, 301 Whitehead St.; and the Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert and Cheeseburger Beach Battle at the Southernmost Beach Resort, 1319 Duval St., featuring the national touring tribute band Buffett’s Margaritaville. Both events are set for Friday, Aug. 30, with ticket prices of $65 per person and $20-$30 per person, respectively.

The festival highlight is the BrewFest Signature Tasting Event. Featuring more than 150 beers

of the Key West Sunrise

Club and a host of local musical performers prepare for the annual BrewFest Aug. 29 through Sept. 2. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

from leading, boutique and smallbatch breweries, the tasting extravaganza is set for Saturday, Aug. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. on the beach at the Southernmost Beach Resort.

While enjoying the evening beside the Atlantic Ocean, attendees can stroll from booth to booth, savoring live music and unlimited samples of beers, lagers and ales.

General admission is $50 per person. Also available are VIP tickets for $100 per person that include admission to a VIP tasting from 3 to 5 p.m. with passed appetizers from the Southernmost Beach Café.

Fans of brews and on-thewater adventures can participate in a sandbar trip with Beach Weekend Key West on Sunday, Sept. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The trip is limited to 28 people and includes complimentary beer. Tickets are $30 per person, available by calling Beach Weekend at 305-296-0364.

Other festival events include brewery dining experiences, a “Biergarten” and a tap takeover. Activities conclude Monday, Sept. 2, with a bingo gathering at Key West’s iconic Green Parrot Bar, 601 Whitehead St.

For more information about Brewfest, visit keywestbrewfest. com. Learn more about the Buffett weekend events at justafewfriendskeywest.com.

— Contributed

Members

Rotary

FIGHTER & WRITER

Author Ned Buntline penned Buffalo Bill & Black Caesar stories

Today, I am going to write about a man who spent time in the Florida Keys in the ’30s. He had a reputation as a fighter, was married multiple times, and was also a successful writer.

Those few details may conjure up the image of Ernest Hemingway, and if I were talking about the 1930s, Hemingway would undoubtedly be the man in question. However, I am not writing about the 1930s and referencing one of Key West’s favorite characters — whose footsteps still echo through the island’s streets. The man I’m writing about arrived nearly 100 years earlier, and his name was Edward Zane Carroll Judson.

He was born in Harpersfield, New York, on March 20, 1821. His father was a teacher, writer and a lawyer who wanted his son to become a lawyer, too. When Edward was 12 years old, he and his father had a horrendous fight, and the boy was struck. The blow drove him to run away from home, jump on a ship and become a working sailor on a West Indian schooner shipping fruit.

At 17, he saved the lives of several people involved in a boating accident in New York’s East River. As a reward for his brave actions, President Van Buren appointed him a midshipman in the U.S. Navy. His first orders were to report to Commodore Ridgley of the West Indian Squadron.

One of the things that defined the life of Edward Zane Carroll Judson is that he was a fighter. A popular story about him is that he

FLORIDA

Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.

once challenged 13 of his fellow sailors to a fight. As the tale unfolds, Judson fought seven of them, wounded four and left the affair uninjured. He would not always be so lucky.

While serving in the Navy during the second escalation of the Seminole War (1835-1842), he was assigned to three ships that sailed in the waters surrounding the Florida Keys: Constitution, Flirt, and Ostego. Two of those ships, Flirt and Ostego, were familiar with Indian Key as the small island just offshore of the Matecumbe Keys became a part of Fort Paulding, a base of military operations in the Keys. The island was the site of the southernmost attack during the war.

The Navy spent about $12,000 building three red-bricked cisterns, barracks and a makeshift hospital tent in the weeks following the Aug. 7, 1840 attack. Midshipman Judson would have likely been on Indian Key from time to time and met the island’s most colorful character, Jacob Housman. After resigning from the Navy on June 8, 1842, Judson began writing for a living and penned stories about his time in Florida, Housman, and the Indian Key attack.

He became one of the most successful writers of the 19th century. However, Judson was not the name appearing on the bulk of his work. He is best remembered by his nom de plume Ned Buntline. A contemporary of Mark Twain, the nom de plume of Samuel Clemens, Buntline wrote as many as 400 dime novels, inexpensive melodramatic adventures published in paperback between the 1850s and 1920s.

In the 1860s, he was said to have earned $20,000 per year – equal to about $400,000 In 2024. One of his most popular stories chronicled the exploits of a buffalo scout Buntline met circa 1869. The scout’s name was William F. Cody. Buntline called him Buffalo Bill and serialized his story, but also wrote a play that starred Buffalo Bill Cody called “Scouts of the Prairie.”

Unlike Hemingway, Buntline was not a drinker and gave speeches supporting temperance; still, the two writers seem to have been cut from the same cloth. It seems criminal to travel across the country to a Hemingway seminar, deliver the closing keynote presentation and not bring up the Buntline story.

Of course, it is not just the connection the two writers seemingly share but Buntline’s connection to piracy that makes him the perfect addition to the story. As I’ll be talking about pirates and piracy in the Florida Keys, one story I’ll be sharing is that of the island chain’s legendary pirate, Black Caesar.

In 1847, Buntline wrote two pirate novels. The first was “The Black Avenger of the Spanish Main: Or, the Fiend of Blood.” The story had a Black Caesaresque theme and was about a servant who eloped with his master’s daughter and turned to a life of piracy. The second was “The Red Revenger: Or, the Pirate King of the Floridas.” In Buntline’s opening, he writes, “Off the island of Matecumba, distant perchance a mile from the reef, lay a vessel becalmed, which in her appearance was so strange that we must describe her.”

Buntline also wrote the short story, “Jack Weatherwax: The Wrecker of Caesar’s Creek, A Tale Of The Florida Reef in the Olden Times.” Though the story tells the tragic tale of the wrecker Weatherwax, Buntline tells his version of the story of how the creek received its infamous name Black Caesar’s Creek, “because it was formerly the hiding place and rendezvous of a noted pirate known as Black Caesar, who was destroyed, and his gang broken up, by Commodore Porter’s expedition, in 1822 or 3 — perhaps by the same gallant ‘Old Plug,’ of whom I spoke in the Mercury not long since. It is a dark and crooked lane of water, leading to the inner bay, shaded by shelter on either side by high mangroves, and afforded an excellent hiding place for the pirates, who could suddenly dart out upon the merchant vessels passing up or down the Gulf Stream.”

Aerial view of Caesar’s Creek, as taken by the federal government on Oct. 7, 1987. WRIGHT LANGLEY COLLECTION/Florida Keys History Center.

KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

THE SEARCH FOR A SPROCKET

Instant access to and availability of new products is one of the more challenging aspects of living in the Keys. For musicians, the need for gear is continual, whether it’s a new chord, a tuner to replace the one that failed at yesterday’s gig, or a new guitar. Most of the time it is not a hands-on decision. Where our local businesses do their best to balance inventory versus practicality, they cannot possibly cover the myriad products needed and desired by so many different musicians.

Consequently, you do more research than you have time for, agonize over who actually wrote the online reviews, then take a shot and order online.

The research is pivotal. Say you are looking for a sprocket. You immediately look up the oldest, biggest company, Spacely Sprockets, to see their selection. Who knew there were so many sprockets? Seeing the options just shows me how little I actually know about sprockets. So I hit the internet, where every bit of knowledge that has ever been collected awaits my inquisitive eyes. Here I find a 15-year-old boy whose knowledge of sprockets makes me look like a juvenile. He’s even prepared and posted a video to enlighten me and others.

Well, that seemed to make my decision a bit clearer. I find a couple of people who are using the sprocket I’m considering and find that some brands are too expensive to be usable and some are too cheap to be good. So back to the internet I go. Fortunately for me, the same 15-year-old boy also has a video about the differences between the overpriced and underpriced sprockets. Wow,

who knew the amount of solder used in a connection can make a difference? (According to this kid, everyone but me.)

RAY WEST

... a professional musician, singer, actor and executive director of the Key West Music Awards, is known to sacrifice his comfort for that of his cat.

So now I think I have it narrowed down to three products from two different companies. Taking into consideration one of the main variables in this equation — budget — it’s now down to two and I settle on one. After a bit of time, and with a picture of the product continually on an open tab in my browser, I click “buy now” sometime late at night. Mind you, I haven’t used this product yet. When a tool you’re about to buy has a profound effect on your finished product, you tend to be selective. As such, there are fairly even odds this product may not be right for me after all. But I will have to get it to find out.

The company says it will arrive by Tuesday. ButI have lived on this island for a couple minutes, and I know better. It will be here Wednesday and I will be waiting.

It comes. I wait for an opportunity to plug it in and take it for a ride. I know I will be pushing this sprocket’s limits for testing. I wait until I can make some terrible noises that may cause a few neighbors to stare inquisitively into space wondering, “What the?” Whether I decide to keep this sprocket depends on two things: how much I like or dislike it, and how much of a pain it will be to send back.

I have a barely used sprocket for sale if anyone is looking.

PRESENTATIONS SCHEDULED ON FUTURE OF ROGO/BPAS

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has scheduled three public presentations regarding the state-mandated hurricane evacuation modeling discussions, which will continue through January 2025.

The county has scheduled the presentations to give the public every opportunity to participate in the process. These will be the same presentations Kimberly Matthews, Monroe County Strategic planner, has given to many civic groups during the past few months.

The public presentations will be:

• Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Marathon Government Center

• Thursday, Aug. 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Murray Nelson Government Center, Key Largo

• Wednesday, Sept. 4, directly following the budget hearing at Harvey Government Center, Key West The budget hearing is scheduled for 5:05 p.m., and at 3 p.m., there will also be an update from Florida Keys utility officials to discuss future infrastructure abilities in regards to ROGO/ BPAS allocations.

Monroe County gives an update during regularly scheduled BOCC meetings and is meeting with nonprofit and civic groups throughout the Florida Keys regarding the Department of Commerce’s hurricane evacuation modeling to gauge public opinions on everything that affects evacuation timing and the number of additional ROGO/BPAS allocations, if any, the county and municipalities should request from the state. The hurricane evacuation modeling is based on a Florida statute requiring that Monroe County residents be able to evacuate the Keys within 24 hours before a storm.

Any allocations awarded could be issued over the next 10 to 30 years or at a rate that does not lead to unbalanced growth or additional takings liability. More information is at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/rogo2024.

— Contributed

HELP AFTER A HURRICANE

Volunteers aid in recovery & building back stronger

When we think about preparing for a disaster, we focus on protecting ourselves, our personal property and pets. However, it is important to remember that the place we love so much may need our help during difficult times. We came together during Hurricane Irma, and I challenge you to be proactive with disaster preparedness. Sign up to volunteer or attend training that will help your community in a disaster. If we help to build a community that is trained and ready to react during a disaster, we will be better prepared for whatever mother nature has to offer.

The Monroe County emergency management team has created a fantastic county volunteer site with beneficial information for when a disaster strikes. It also provides a direct link to sign up and become a volunteer. (Please follow review the information provided by scanning the QR code on this page).

Community members are needed in all types of situations –shelters, information hotlines, elder care, mental health care, interpret-

ers, donation centers, pet shelters, general labor and much more. When you follow the Monroe County volunteer link, it will take you to a comprehensive questionnaire to determine your volunteer interests, spoken languages, certifications, training, licenses, program affiliations and more. Any skills you may have, even if it is just the ability to answer a telephone, can be useful during a disaster. Think about if you are a volunteer who has the capability to speak a unique language: the opportunity to help and comfort someone with a language barrier who is frightened and has just lost everything can be compelling.

Did you know? Florida has a state agricultural response team (S.A.R.T.). It is a planning, training and response support group with the aid of the University of Florida/ Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, University of Florida college of Veterinary Medicine and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The S.A.R.T. website, flsart.org, is another that I encourage you to visit. It provides a helpful disaster preparedness guide offering information on sheltering in place with pets/ animals and evacuation checklists for animals. It also offers free online self-paced training on pet-friendly sheltering, mental health, FEMA and more. Free online training only takes a little time but can make a tremendous difference.

Every time a storm heads our way the dedicated workers at the Florida Keys SPCA work tirelessly to evacuate as many shelter animals as possible. This is a very daunting task. The Marathon SPCA campus is unsafe to shelter animals during a

storm, which only leaves the option of our Key West facility and volunteer fosters to keep our adoptable pets safe. I have quite a large crew of my own pets that I have to evacuate with; however, during Irma, my family fostered a cat. The shelter provided me with a carrier and food. We kept the cat safe until the storm had passed and the shelter was ready for her return. (Scan the QR code below right and make room for one more during your evacuation).

There are many other volunteer opportunities available in this community. I encourage you to ask around, review community organization websites, sign up for training and become a volunteer. Peak hurricane season is right around the corner; find one thing you could do to help make our community stronger if a disaster occurs.

SHELF HELP

Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.

What: “Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books” by Kristen Miller

Why: Kristen Miller’s ability to draw me into each character’s story was a real thrill. Miller, also the author of “The Change,” took me on an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end. I even thought I had the ending solved, but boy, was I wrong. The story, set in a small southern town in Georgia, pulled together individual accounts of an interaction with Lula Dean’s little lending library.

Lula Dean is your classic busybody and really wants to find relevance in this ever-changing world. However, Ms. Dean does not really like change, but the community around her found themselves unknowingly needing some. Each book cover was very deceiving, but somehow each borrower found the book inside … was just what they needed. I found myself captivated by the characters and their hidden secrets. Miller’s pacing and descriptive details were just right to make this one to pick up and enjoy.

Where: You can get this as a print book, e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library system.

How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org

Recommended by: Angie Konarski, Key Largo lkibrary associate See

recommendations at

Volunteers are vital in hurricane recovery.

Monroe County SPCA

Damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. CONTRIBUTED

is the University of Florida,

IFAS Monroe County Extension coordinator

BRYNN MOREY

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

The Ploggers started with 40 volunteers on Aug 16. They met at Eaton and White streets for the regular Friday morning cleanup. In one hour they collected 187 pounds of trash 23 pounds of recycling and 1.75 gallons of cigarette butts. Thank you to sponsors Mike and Dee Hower, who provided breakfast for the volunteers The next day on Aug. 17, a beach cleanup kicked off Rum Fest and the Ploggers teamed up with Garret Nathan from the Better Days Foundation. Forty-seven volunteers braved the rain and collected 310 pounds of trash, 39 pounds of recycling and a half-gallon of wet cigarette butts. CONTRIBUTED

One hour a week makes a huge difference, and volunteers are welcome every Friday and some Saturday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., when the Key West Ploggers clean up a designated area of the island.

Gloves, pickers, buckets, vests, hand sanitizer and a parking pass are provided to all volunteers.

A troubling number of cigarette butts and plastic bags have been included in recent hauls. Please remember your reusable bags when shopping so we can keep the plastic off the streets, parking lots and, most importantly, out of the water. And dispose of cigarette butts in any receptacle rather than the street or sidewalk, as from there, they easily end up in the ocean.

The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-2968297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

It takes committed community involvement to keep Key West beautiful and we are making progress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted. Call Dorian Patton at 305-809-3782 to find out how your business, nonprofit or club can help.

— Contributed

Join a Friday morning cleanup from 8 to 9 a.m.

Aug. 23: North Roosevelt & Toppino Drive. Meet in the back of First State Bank. Hosted by First State Bank.

Aug. 30: Greene Street to Simonton Beach. Meet in the parking lot by Conch Republic Seafood Co. We will finish at Simonton Beach. Hosted by Just a few Friends, Key West

COUNTY LIBRARY HELPS KIDS LEARN TO CODE

Free software teaches kids website building, app creation & video game design

Anyone aged 8 to 18 with a Monroe County Library card can now use the

The Monroe County Public Library now offers Fiero Code, a new learn-to-code software, free to anyone with a library card. Through this web-based educational software, kids will learn computer programming skills through a series of tutorials and projects. They will work toward building websites, video games, phone apps, animations and more, all while learning how to solve problems and think critically.

The software is geared for kids ages 8-18 and will guide students through a journey that includes project- and story-based learning while incorporating many fun, gamification elements.

While libraries traditionally have been a place to borrow books, they are increasingly transforming into a community resource center, offering classes, courses and experiences for people of all ages and interests. Fiero fits with that mission.

Learn more and sign up for Fiero with your Monroe County Public Library card at keyslibraries.org/fiero-code. All branches of the library also offer laptops for two hours of in-library use for those who don’t have computer or internet access at home.

The Monroe County Public Library is South Florida’s oldest public library, with branches in Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and Key West, along with Library Lending Machines at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo and Bernstein Park on Stock Island. Learn more about the library – and apply online for a library card to get started right away – at keyslibraries.org.

More information is available from your local branch or via email to info@keyslibraries. org.

— Contributed

Fiero Code software program to learn coding and computer programming. CONTRIBUTED

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

The Keys Weekly family loves animals as much as our friends at the Florida Keys SPCA do, and we’re honored each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adoption at the organization’s Key West campus.

Meet Zeus, the 7-month-old German shepherd mix who’s ready to unleash his thunder. Playful yet mighty, this divine pup is searching for his forever Olympus.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.

The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

Meet Bonet, a playful 1-year-old blackand-white male cat. Though he’s grown up, Bonet still has the heart of a

and loves to play.

Meet Jim, the 1-year-old white rabbit with a heart as soft as his fur. Found as a stray, Jim has been charming everyone at our Key West campus.

Meet Joy, the beautiful calico with a personality as bold as her colors. Her loud meow is just the beginning — this gorgeous girl knows how to make an entrance and demands the spotlight.

kitten

Gobi is a sleek 3-year-old all-black cat who’s as friendly as they come. This attention-loving guy adores being around people and never says no to a good petting session. Gobi’s the perfect mix of laid-back and affectionate.

Carrying multiple exclusive retail lines. Plus a selection of unique & carefully curated pre-loved items.

BOUTIQUE HOURS

MONDAY - WEDNESDAY 11- 4

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Voted BEST LOCAL RETAILER by the Key West People’s Choice Awards 2023 & 2024. And mentioned in Forbes magazine!

Private shopping parties and styling services available kirbyscloset.com @kirbysclosetkw

KEY RESORT & MARINA

Greer & Cawley are both wearing pieces by our exclusive retail line Celia B

• Bagster® bags are available at home improvement stores and online.

• Bagster® bags are easy to use dumpsters in a bag that are strong enough to hold up to 3,300 pounds of debris or waste.

• Schedule your collection online or by phone.

TRY ’N’ FIND

Words that remind us of homework help are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ASSIGN, BINDER, BREAK, DIFFICULT, DISTRACTION, FOCUS, HELP, HOMEWORK, LIGHTING, PLANNER, REINFORCE, REVIEW, SCHOOL, SKILLS, SNACK, STUDENT, STUDY, SUPPLIES, TEACHER.

Founded by Betty Debnam

Homework Heroes

Fact: Study buddies can help if you get stuck on a homework problem.

Most students head back to school in August or September. During the summer vacation, your study skills may have become a bit rusty.

This week, The Mini Page offers some tips to help you with your homework.

Why is there homework?

Teachers assign homework in order to:

• reinforce what you are taught in school so that the knowledge stays in your mind.

• exercise the brain.

• teach responsibility.

• review things you have already learned so that your skills stay fresh.

Making homework easier

Here are some tips to make doing your homework as rewarding as possible.

• Take a short break after school. Get a snack and relax a bit. But do not let yourself get so interested in doing other activities that it is hard to begin your homework.

• Set up a study pattern that works for you, then stick to it.

• Gather everything you need before you

start. Have all your paper, pencils, books and other supplies together at the start.

• Find a comfortable place to study. Some students like to work in the same place each day. Be sure you are not too hot or too cold, and find a place with good lighting. Choose a comfortable place to sit, or lie on the floor or on your bed.

• Turn off the TV. For most kids, television is a big distraction. Don’t watch it until your home

work is finished.

• If you have a cellphone, put it away. It can distract you while you’re trying to study. Texts, emails and social media pull your attention away from your work and make it hard to focus.

Before you begin studying, silence your phone and leave it in another room. When your work is done, you can reward yourself by checking your phone!

Orbiting objects, especially those in the vast and growing constellation of Starlink satellites, could damage Earth’s protective ozone layer when they disintegrate upon reentry. A new study finds the spacecraft spew large amounts of ozonekilling aluminum oxide when they burn up in the atmosphere, which could deplete the ozone layer. Even small satellites produce about 65 pounds of the alumina when they burn up. It is estimated that nearly 19 tons of the chemical compound were created by falling human-made objects during 2022 alone.

Get organized

Learning to be organized will help you have the tools you need to do your homework well and on time.

• Use a planner. This can be a special book that your teacher gives you or just a spiral notebook. For each subject, write down the details of your homework for the day, including:

1. Textbook page numbers and problem numbers that are assigned;

2. Tools you’ll need at home, such as art or math tools or textbooks;

3. When the assignment is due;

4. Special details, such as if the assignment is to be typed or put in a folder.

• Do the most difficult homework first.If math is your hardest subject, tackle thehomework while your mind is fresh. Then move on to your easier subjects.

• Pack your backpack in the evening, after homework. Don’t leave this task until morning, when you may be in a rush.

• Keep your school subjects organized in folders or sections of a binder.

RESOURCES

On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPhomework2

At the library:

• “Learning to Learn: Strengthening Study Skills and Brain Power” by Gloria Frender

The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Mini

photo by © Berniephillips | Dreamstime.com

Homework is usually related to what you’ve been learning in school. For example, if you learned fractions in math class, then your homework will probably be to practice problems with fractions.

Your Business, Your Legacy:

Planning

for the

By First Horizon Bank

Future of Your Company and Your Family

For business owners, estate planning and succession planning are inextricably linked. After all, building a business, like raising a family, is a labor of love.

Whether we are thinking about the next generation or the next leaders of our company, planning is really about continuing the love that we poured into the people and endeavors most important to us.

That’s why Jennifer Schuchart, First Horizon Bank Market President; Paul Lankau, Financial Advisor at First Horizon Advisors, Inc.; and Wendy Martin, Senior Trust Officer at First Horizon Bank, work together to help entrepreneurs map their transition into retirement and beyond.

Here’s an excerpt of a recent conversation with Jennifer, Paul and Wendy about how they help business owners plan their legacy on both a personal and business level.

Q1

How does succession planning overlap with estate planning?

Wendy: Both involve wealth transfer, with business succession planning occurring during life, and estate planning occurring during life and also afterward. The overlap occurs often, especially if there are multiple heirs, or some heirs who do not work in the business.

As an example, passing things down to multiple heirs can be even more complex, and good estate planning can assist in fair distributions when a business is involved. Let’s say my younger child works in my business and the older one does not. When I pass away, I’d naturally want to leave the business to the child who works in it. I also want to leave something to my child who is not involved in the business, but it doesn’t make sense to leave a stake in the business to them. In fact, it could cause a lot of conflict. I would want to consider the other facets of my estate planning in that decision.

In cases like that, it’s critically important for a business owner to think about estate planning beyond just the business.

Q2

Do other financial planning aspects overlap with business succession planning?

Jennifer: Retirement. Business owners may understand that they need to plan for death or disability, but they may not think about the fact that most of them are also counting on their business to fund their retirement. Transitioning out of the business is really not an if, but a when.

Succession planning helps with the unexpected, but it’s also part of planning for the expected events such as retirement. In both cases – just like with estate planning – the main goal is to eliminate as much uncertainty as possible about the future.

Q3

What if the person you picture running the business next isn’t the person you want to leave your estate to?

Wendy: Sometimes the person you identify as the ideal next person to own the business is a key employee or partner. That doesn’t mean you have to give the company to them. We can help you plan for that transition and take care of your family as well. What you could do in this case is craft a plan for the employee or partner to buy the business when you are ready to step away, or if you die early or become disabled.

One solution might be a buy/sell agreement.* That simply creates a pathway for one partner to buy out the other’s stake in the business. Equally as important as drafting the agreement is funding it. If your heirs aren’t inheriting your business outright, but you want them to receive the value of the business, clearly someone is going to have to pay them for it.

Q4

We think of our banker for things such as loans and deposits. How do you help with other more wide-reaching issues?

Paul: Our financial planners will take time to ask questions to kick off the process. Once business owners decide to make or update a business

succession plan or an estate plan, we can pull in attorneys, CPAs and other experts to get everything in place.

Q5

How do you put clients at ease when the stakes are so high?

Jennifer: We start with a question like, “Where do you see the future of your business when you’re no longer involved?” Even if they haven’t put anything on paper, most business owners know the answer to that question. That usually starts us off in a conversation both about succession planning and estate planning, because they’re going to have both professional and personal goals.

Q6

What’s the consistent approach you’ve taken to make sure your guidance is tailor-made for each client?

Wendy: From there, we enlist the help of experts, like financial planners, accountants, attorneys and trust officers to forge an action plan. Then we help implement that plan. Finally, we conduct periodic reviews to make sure the plan is accomplishing what we set out to do. This allows us to identify early if we’re getting off track and make course corrections to put us back on the straight and narrow.

Throughout this process, we’re building a long-term relationship with the client. One way First Horizon brings value to that relationship is the teamwork we practice. For instance, when Jennifer and a banker are meeting with a client, they consider whether this person could benefit from meeting with me as well. We arrange for the client to sit down with experts within our bank and in our network, to help them eliminate uncertainty about the future and plan that eventual transition.

To learn more about how we can help with your estate planning, contact First Horizon banker Dwight Hill at 305-808-2223 or dwight.hill@firsthorizon.com.

FINE TUNING

Volleyball gears up for regular season | P.8

THE SCOREBOARD

*All games last week were preseason scrimmages and will not count toward or against team records.

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

AUG. 22

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Noah plays with intensity and passion. He’s a great leader and a great teammate; we expect big things from him this season.”

– Conchs head coach Johnny Hughes

“He has played with incredible energy since his freshman year,”

In their preseason classic last week, Conchs offensive lineman and defensive end Noah Mercer played with a ferocity coach Johnny Hughes wishes he could bottle.

“He has played with incredible energy since his freshman year,” Hughes said. He went on to describe Mercer’s unmatched work ethic, natural athleticism and selflessness on the field. The junior is one of the fastest athletes on the gridiron, an uncommon gift in a lineman.

Hughes credits Mercer with more than just his athletic talent. Mercer is the type of teammate to never miss a workout and give rides to underclassmen so they make it to the weight room or practice. Additionally, Mercer is a strong student who challenges himself with the highest level of coursework and excels in the classroom and on the field.

For his leadership, talent and willingness to do whatever it takes to give his team an edge, Key West’s Noah Mercer is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Junior, Key West Football

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.

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.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com

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Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Comptroller Sarah Simcic sarah@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

and graphics are copyrighted materials.

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

’CANES’ ROSTER RIFE WITH EXPERIENCE

Coral Shores begins quest for conference hardware Aug. 23 at home

The Vipers of Varela were no match for coach Ed Holly’s Hurricanes in their preseason classic on Aug. 16. The 3:30 game, scheduled early due to lack of lighting at Varela, ended in just three quarters due to a lightning delay and both schools’ agreement that the additional quarter wasn’t likely to change the decision on the scoreboard. That decision, a 12-0 win for Coral Shores, is a great indicator for the upcoming ’Canes football season.

Heading into the game, Holly knew it would not be a cakewalk. “They were 7-3 last year, so we knew it was going to be a battle,” he said. Despite the shutout score, Holly contends it was a fairly close game. “It was back and forth,” he said. “We got some breaks and our kids played hard.”

One of the hardest workers on the Hurricane roster is senior AJ Putetti. Known for his hustle and will, Putetti ran 16 times for 129 yards and 1 touchdown last week, and has put in work in the offseason in hopes of making his senior season something special.

Jhonathan Mesa is another of Holly’s workhorses. Mesa ran for the other ’Canes TD last week, and found his stride as a junior at the running back position.

Returning for his third season as the Hurricanes’ playcaller is senior Yemcel Moreno. Moreno shouldered an early leadership role as a sophomore, taking the snaps like a longseasoned veteran. He continued to shine as a junior before succumbing to a season-ending knee injury. He willed himself healthy in time for the spring game only to reinjure the knee, making for a questionable return so soon this season.

Not only has Moreno returned, but he looks strong at QB. “We’re taking it easy bringing him back to full speed,” Holly said of his quarterback, but it is unlikely the characteristically relentless Moreno plans on taking anything easy.

Coral Shores’ defense came up big in the preseason, shutting out the Vipers and racking up a slew of tackles. Jarmoris Davis had 6 solo tackles and an assist to start his senior season with style. Fellow senior Eddie Holly’s commitment to teamwork was apparent with 8 assists and a solo tackle. Rounding out the senior defensive standouts was Connor Dixon, who wrecked the Vipers’ offense with 4 solo tackles, 3 assists, 2 tackles for loss and a pass breakup to his credit.

Coach Holly feels that leadership is a strength for his team this year. With a strong core who have played for three years together, his seniors know what to do and have earned the respect of not only their coach, but also the rest of the team.

AJ

Putetti, left, and Jhonathan Mesa.

Weekly

DOUG FINGER/Keys

As the current seniors did the past few seasons, the underclassmen are stepping up their game and earning playing time and experience for Coral Shores. Holly named juniors Austin Vogt, Luis Ramirez and Glade Harrelson as players to keep an eye on. Vogt will use his speed at wide receiver while Harrelson plays tackle and defensive end. Ramirez is a resourceful linebacker and has good hands, making him a threat at wide receiver as well. Sophomore Sterling Keefe gives the ’Canes a backup at quarterback and is stepping up as a free safety, while classmate Andrew Connolly is quickly becoming dependable on the line.

Holly will need all hands on deck – perhaps – this week against Somerset South Homestead. Last season, Coral Shores won the matchup 45-14, but smaller charter schools tend to unload and reload rosters yearly, especially when a new head coach takes the helm, which is the case with South Homestead this fall.

“We’re playing a team who had no kickoff classic and no spring game, so we don’t entirely know what to expect,” Holly said. “We’re just going to put our base defense and offense in and make adjustments. We will just do what we do and hopefully figure them out in the first quarter.”

Holly’s Hurricanes participate in the Florida Independent Football Conference, playing for a conference championship rather than a state title. This season, the conference shook things up a bit. “Whoever wins the regular season wins the conference championship this year,” Holly said, making every game all the more important for Coral Shores. ’Canes fans can come check out this year’s team Friday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. in Tavernier.

DOUBLE DUTY THE NORM FOR DOLPHINS

Mater Academy pulled into Marathon two buses strong on Aug. 16, unloading twice the roster at nearly twice the size. Yet the Fins gave the Lions a run for their money, proving they are unwilling to back down and know what it will take to win in the regular season. The Dolphins got out to a slow start and were down by 7 early, stunned by the Lions’ speed and size. But they soon regrouped and found it well within their ability to hang with larger teams.

The Dolphins tied it up in the first quarter, grinding out a drive with a markedly different style than their opponent. Marathon earned their yardage one yard at a time while the Lions leaned on speed for breakaways. The second Mater touchdown came from a kick returned to the house, and though Shamar Wright hawked down the Lions’ runner, showcasing his impressive speed, the tackle came a heartbeat too late.

In all, the Fins scored a pair of TDs, kicked 2 extra points and showcased their grit and refusal to quit in the 28-14 loss. A long delay due to weather and further delay from the Lions, whose buses pulled in after the advertised start time, put the game late into the evening, and abbreviated eightminute quarters were dealt to the Dolphins in the second half.

Marathon, whose sideline looked sparse in comparison with Mater’s, was able to keep up the level of play across all four quarters.

“Our conditioning is definitely paying off,” said head coach Sean McDonald. “We are a small school, but we can’t use that as an excuse. When Dre (assistant coach and Marathon standout Andra Garvey) played, his team found success with a team of 13. They had to be in shape and I realized we need that now, too.” Most of the Dolphins play both ways, and many are tasked with special teams, too.

One of those players who rarely sees the sideline is Fabbianho Louis Jeune. Known to most as just “Fab,” Louis Jeune broke the Marathon record last season with a 52-yard field goal, a testament to over a decade of playing soccer. The talented senior had a dozen carries for 55 yards, kicked 2 extra points, and had 2 catches for 44 yards. He also broke up multiple Mater plays, batting down a pass and breaking up run plays with a natural ability to read the Lions’ offense.

Another player who rarely leaves the field for Marathon is Carlos Lezcano, who had 15 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown. Lezcano connected with Fab on his 2 receptions and was credited with maturity and composure when the team needed him most. The senior’s leadership has been an asset to the Fins in training camp and preseason.

Tanner Ross’ lead-by-example approach has driven his team to be better. Ross, a four-year starter for the Fins, was a lineman as a freshman, then prior to his sophomore year, took it upon himself to run, condition and lift his way to be a featured ball carrier and linebacker for Marathon. The Fins’ workhorse earned every single one of the 44 yards to his credit last Friday the hard way, often dragging defenders with him. Ross accomplished those yards over 6 carries, one of which broke into the end zone.

Wright, now a junior, returned to the active roster after sitting out much of the 2023 season with an injury. He carried eight times for 48 yards and gives Marathon a layer of

Short-staffed Marathon relies on stamina, tenacity, unity

speed and agility. Wright has the potential to break away with big plays offensively, and his pass coverage is some of the best Marathon has seen in a few seasons.

New to the roster this season is Trey Neurath, a senior transfer student who had 7 carries for 68 yards against Mater. Neurath grew up in the Keys practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Big Pine, then moved to South Carolina, where he transferred those skills first to wrestling and then to the gridiron.

Marathon’s roster also boasts the Garcia brothers, senior Braulio and junior Eduardo. This season, Braulio is shifting from running back to lineman, a move McDonald called “unselfish and in the best interest of the team.”

“Braulio is willing to sacrifice everything for his team. He has so much heart,” McDonald said. Also a lineman this season, the younger Garcia is lifting some impressive numbers in the weight room after an offseason of work.

“Ed puts everything he has into everything he does,” said McDonald. “If everyone loved the game and the team like the Garcia brothers, we couldn’t lose.”

Another set of brothers, sophomore twins Jesus and Israel Gonzalez, are already making big plays. Jesus caused a turnover against the Lions and Israel focuses on the little things, which, coupled with natural athleticism, make for great players.

Above: Fabbianho Louis Jeune celebrates a Marathon

Photos by BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly. See more photos at keysweekly.com.

on

Rounding out Marathon’s notable performers are juniors Aiden Gilday and Christopher Paul and seniors Steven Stotts and Olivier Mondesir. Gilday is new to the game, but McDonald credited him as a quick study and tough player. Stotts has played on the Fins’ line before and is a reliable center, while Paul has shown promise at tight end. Mondesir is relatively new, too, but has shown already that he can be a playmaker.

Despite the abbreviated roster, Marathon has all the parts in place. They will just need to keep everyone healthy this season, which is, perhaps, the greatest challenge for any team.

“We treated this game like a true scrimmage, moving players around and making sure everyone got into the game,” McDonald said. “A lot of underclassmen stepped it up and the entire team showed heart. I am very proud of them and I think we know what we need to do this week to prepare for week one.”

The Fins will find out if their conditioning will pay off when it counts Friday, Aug. 23 at home against Pompano Beach. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Top: Jesus Gonzalez (4), Olivier Mondesir (24) and Fab Louis Jeune (2) bring down a Lion during their preseason kickoff classic last week.

touchdown

Aug. 16 against Mater Academy.

CONCHS HEAVY ON LEADERSHIP, SPEED

KEY WEST LOOKING FOR REVENGE AGAINST TIGERS

Key West sent the Coyotes of Cypress Creek home howling last Friday night, beating them 45-21 on Aug. 16 in front of a huge home crowd.

The preseason game, rebranded just in time for the reopening of their home stadium, is now called the Ran Carthon Kickoff Classic. Carthon, a 1999 graduate of Key West High School, played at Florida and for a host of NFL teams, moving his way through managerial roles to his current spot as the general manager for the Tennessee Titans. The community came out to see not just their favorite gridiron gang, but to reacclimate themselves with the refurbished Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium, which has been closed so long that no player on the Conchs’ active roster had ever played a down in it.

“It was a great atmosphere,” head coach Johnny Hughes said. “These kids had never played there, so it was an exciting moment for them. Jaden Fox was really excited about it. He is a true leader for us and he set the tempo as far as excitement.”

Fox, a senior to whom the rest of the team looks for leadership and inspiration, tore it up last week, earning more than 250 total yards with 1 touchdown to his credit.

“He had a monumental night,” Hughes said, saying most of Fox’s runs

came from small clips, with one carry breaking for a longer run. Fox runs the ball hard, often running through defenders foolish enough to try blocking him.

Where Fox relies on the tough run, others use speed to evade the opposition, and this year’s Conchs have speed to spare. Returning for Key West is Walson Morin, a junior who managed to turn on the jets and run for 4 touchdowns.

Perhaps the fastest player on the field this season is Shane Lavallee, a senior track star with the ability to shift gears in incredible time. Lavallee has the speed to get to the outside, a complement to the inside run the Conchs have leaned on in the past few seasons. “We need to get him the ball,” Hughes said of Lavallee.

Junior Leandro Batista and seniors Cole Jackson and Jaden Gist are also tearing it up this season, pushing one another in the speed department. Batista had 1 touchdown against the Coyotes. Junior Jeff DeJean is a talented athlete with explosive speed as well. DeJean sat out the kickoff classic due to a minor injury but is expected to be back for week one.

Taking the snaps for Key West this season is senior Teak Guyet. Guyet last completed a season his freshman year

before trying his hand at baseball as a sophomore, then suffering a season-ending collarbone injury as a junior.

“He throws the ball pretty well,” Hughes said of his senior play-caller. “He brings a lot to the table.”

Overall, Hughes was pleased with the way the Conchs played in their preseason outing. He credited his seniors with much of his success. “When you have that sort of leadership, it makes your job easier,” he said.

Hughes’ offensive unit has enjoyed a great deal of success the past several seasons. Even when the team has lost, they racked up plenty of yardage and touchdowns. Hughes was willing to share the recipe to his success: “Having the right personnel and the buy-in,” he said. “I like what I have right now. They get to that second level pretty quick and the defense doesn’t know what to do.” Hughes’ confidence is infectious, and his players are ready, willing and able to deliver this season, which is enough to give Conch fans a lot to hope for in 2024.

Also going well for Key West was their defense. The Conchs were stingy last week, giving up just 1 defensive touchdown while younger players were getting some reps. The other Coyote score came from a kick return.

“The front seven did a fantastic job early on,” explained Hughes, “and we got good coverage on the quarterback and made great open-field tackles.”

The defense is going to have to be strong if the Conchs hope to avenge their heartbreaking loss to Clewiston last year. The Conchs looked good against the Tigers, but a total of 7 turnovers cost the Conchs the game in 2023, and Key West hopes to lose the bitter taste left behind on Aug. 23 when they get their chance at redemption. Hughes anticipates that the Tigers will run a spread offense. “They’re athletic and might try to throw it 30-40 times a game,” he said. If Key West puts up the same fight as they did in their preseason matchup, the Tigers should be no match for the Conchs in week one. Beyond that, Hughes faces the same concern as his Monroe County neighbors Marathon and Coral Shores: depth.

“We should be successful if we can stay healthy,” he explained.

Teak Guyet

Shane Lavallee

Photos by MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

THE KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP PODCAST BACK UNDER FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

The Sports Wrap is back, and that means our readers – and listeners – can look forward to the return of comprehensive prep sports coverage in the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap Podcast. This week, Sean and Tracy are back to talk about the fall outlook for Monroe County’s football squads, including the preseason outcomes for all three teams and a look forward to the start of the regular season with this weekend’s opponents. You will hear all of the most up-to-date information on teams, games and schedules. They go beyond the scores and behind the scenes to tell you all sorts of things you won’t hear anywhere else.

Dolphins coach Andra Garvey gives some pointers to Carlos Lezcano during Marathon’s preseason matchup against Mater Academy last Friday. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

FRESH START

Keys volleyball

teams iron out wrinkles in preseason tournament

Coral Shores hosted a preseason volleyball tournament on Aug. 15, allowing three of Monroe County’s four teams to work out their rotations and prepare for the upcoming season. All three teams took advantage of the opportunity to get in some good work before the scores count toward their official records.

Key West coach Kim Butler found success for her Lady Conchs with wins against Coral Shores, Marathon and South Homestead. In their first test, Key West found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard, but quickly rectified their initial mistakes to come out on top. “We came out shaky,” Butler said. “It was 19-7 before we evened out and shook off the nerves and were able to build momentum into the next two sets.”

Once she got rolling, nothing was going to stop Reese Haggard. The senior setter served up 6 aces against South Homestead, earned 4 assists against Marathon, then added 13 against Coral Shores. Conch hitters Audrey Smith and Gabby Garcia were killing it on the court, quite literally. Smith registered 20 over the course of the tournament, hitting as high as .429 against Marathon. Garcia killed 20 and hit .571 against Coral Shores. Adriana Heinrichs killed 4 against Marathon, proving Key West’s hitters have strength and depth, a crucial piece of the puzzle for any team with hopes of making a run into the postseason.

Butler also praised Molly McKnight, who shared time at setter, finishing with 7 assists in the tournament. Sunisa Kuhn was fantastic on both sides of the game. The Conchs’ libero, a position typically played by a defensive specialist, served 100% in the Coral Shores match.

“Overall, I was very happy with their resiliency, and our serving was at 92% and team hitting efficiency was not bad at .230,” Butler said. Key West opens its regular season with a pair of games against Marathon at home on Aug. 22 at 5 p.m.

Marathon stood their ground against fierce competition, leaving a positive season outlook despite landing in the losing column for their preseason matches. The Fins won a set against Coral Shores and came close against Somerset South Homestead, losing 25-22 and 25-23.

Coach Kelley Cruz was feeling positive about her upcoming season,

saying, “I feel very confident in our team’s capability. We had a very good showing on the court. We played well in all the different rotation variations that we tried. We have a few things we still need to iron out as expected, but overall, I have a good feeling.”

It’s no surprise that Daysi Williams was a standout at the net for the Fins. As a freshman, the now-junior was a state medalist in high jump, and coupled with her height, Williams has everything it takes to be a wall for Marathon. Cruz praised her all-around athleticism, saying, “she performed well under the pressure of playing with more seasoned players. She had blocks against all teams, had kills on all teams and aces on all teams. She even had digs while she was playing in the back row during serving.”

Also strong for the Fins was Mackenzie Budi, who gained the utmost respect from Somerset’s head coach, who described her relentless performance as “nasty” – a compliment, Cruz specified, adding, “She was all over the court, recovering hard hits and covering blocks on our side.”

Cruz felt her team is headed in the right direction. “The biggest takeaway from the tournament is that their hard work is paying off,” she said. “Their offseason work in open gym and attending camps over the summer showed.”

See more tournament photos at keysweekly.com.

Cruz and the Lady Fins didn’t need to wait long to find out whether their glimmers of greatness will shine bright in the regular season; they opened against the yet-untested Mariners of Basilica School on Aug. 19 in Key West. (Results unavailable by presstime.)

Coral Shores head coach Sam Ovalle was busy both coaching his team and running the tournament, two jobs that can be challenging by themselves. Together, the tasks presented a time-consuming start to the ’Canes’ season. Ovalle was happy with his team’s performance last week, especially given that his senior-heavy crew from 2023 left some big shoes to fill.

He was particularly pleased with a trio of hard hitters in sophomore Celene Walker and seniors Lily Goodrich and Grace Leffler.

“The girls did really good,” he said, adding that the preseason nature of the tournament allowed for a lot of substitution and position shifts to help determine who fit best where. “We love the preseason. Everyone plays and we can make some adjustments as they are needed.”

Two players who were already solid in their positions are juniors Ivy Tiedemann and Shelby Lynn, who were steady at the setter position. “I appreciate the setters,” Ovalle said. “Without good play from them, nothing will happen.” Tiedemann and Lynn were also praised for their serving in the tournament, along with senior Abigail Bergeron. The three make a force from behind the baseline, as the team’s most accurate servers. “All three had aces,” Ovalle said.

The Hurricanes bested Marathon in their match and showed some grit against Somerset and Key West, winning crucial points in both matches and one set against Somerset. And though the team is undergoing a slight rebuild, Ovalle was forward-thinking enough to spread out playing time last season in preparation for the loss of his seniors, making it a bit more like a reloading season.

The final piece for the Lady ’Canes will be for the team to begin to gel as a unit, something Ovalle saw begin to happen this summer with many of his athletes playing travel ball together and now playing for Coral Shores. Their unity and skills were put to the test on Aug. 21 in Miami against the Stallions of Somerset Silver Palms. Their first home match of the regular season is the following day against Westwood Christian at 5:30 p.m. (Results unavailable by presstime.)

1,2. Coral Shores High School hosts a non-district volleyball tournament with Marathon, Key West and Somerset Academy South Homestead at the high school gym on Aug. 15.

Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly.

Left: The Fins’ Daysi Williams has shown strength at the net this season. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

PREP VOLLEYBALL FOR DUMMIES

Here in the Keys, we love our local sports teams. But just because you’re a fan of the Conchs, Fins, ’Canes or Mariners, it doesn’t mean you know the nuts and bolts of the game. If you find yourself a follower of the teams but not yet a follower of the game itself, this may just clear things up for you.

High school volleyball is played with six athletes on the court at a time for each team. Unlike the volleyball of my youth – and I realize I am really aging myself here – Florida high school volleyball uses rally scoring, meaning either team, regardless of which one is serving, can win the point. Volleyball matches are best three of five, meaning that in a regular varsity situation, one team must win three sets to win the match.

All too often, the words “game,” “set” and “match” are used interchangeably to really muddy the understanding for casual fans. So, two teams play up to five games/sets. When one team reaches three set wins, that team wins the match. Easy, right?

In the best-three-of-five match, each of the first four sets is played to 25 points and the fifth, if needed, is played to 15. But sometimes a score is reported to be more than 25; this is because teams must win by a 2-point margin (a game will never end with a score of 25-24). The game continues in a mini-overtime sort of situation until one team wins by 2. In tournament play, the match is best of three sets, so teams play until one wins two of the three games.

Win or lose, both teams keep statistics. Some stats are fairly obvious, while others may need some clarification for casual fans.

An ace is a serve that lands untouched inbounds or is not successfully returned and scores a point. Servers who amass a lot of aces tend to have deadly aim and serve the ball with a lot of force.

A kill measures a successful attack (hit) that results in a point. It shows a player’s efficiency and effectiveness as an attacker.

Blocks are defensive plays at the net in which a player deflects or otherwise blocks an opponent’s attack. Athletes who make blocks tend to be tall, and shorter players who earn blocks have great vertical jumps and timing.

Another defensive statistic is the dig. When a player keeps an opponent’s attack from hitting the floor, it is considered a dig. Digs are only awarded for staving off an attack and not when the other team is just trying to get the ball over the net to keep the point alive.

Passes, sometimes called serve receives, are awarded when the non-serving team successfully receives a serve and keeps the ball in play. Serve receive efficiency measures a

Just what is a libero, anyway?

player’s percentage of successful serve receptions.

A set, not to be confused with a scoring set, is typically the second contact a player makes with the ball defensively after a pass or dig. It sets up an attack scenario for another player, hence the term “set.” Players who rack up a lot of sets show they are great at distributing the ball.

Assists are awarded to athletes who make successful sets which lead to a kill by a teammate. Assists show a player is effective in creating scoring opportunities for their teams.

Hit percentage is a statistic calculated by subtracting a player’s errors from her kills, then dividing by the total attempts. Thus, a player who took a dozen kill shots, six of which landed untouched or were otherwise flubbed by the opposing team, would have a hit percentage of .500. Anything above .200 is generally considered to be good.

Variations in wording hold true for position, too, but with a bit of understanding, you can usually figure out what that player’s role is.

The outside hitter, sometimes called a left side hitter, is the primary attacker on the team. She is responsible for hitting from the left side of the court and needs to be quick, accurate and have the athleticism to jump high enough to create a strong downward force on the ball over the net.

The right side hitter, sometimes called opposite hitter, plays from the right side of the court and focuses on attacking from the right side and blocking. In prep volleyball, she will need to be a decent setter as well.

A middle hitter, sometimes labeled middle blocker, focuses on blocking the ball front and center at the net. She can block and deliver a quick hit and should have impeccable timing to be effective.

A team’s setter does just that; she sets the ball for her teammates, setting up plays and offensive opportunities for others. Setters are known for their intelligence, as good decision-making is crucial to this position.

Which brings us to the libero. This position started to appear across high-school gymnasiums in the mid-2000s. So if the last time you paid attention to volleyball was in middleschool gym class, you may only recognize a libero because she is wearing a different-colored jersey. This athlete did not forget her uniform at home – the libero is a special position and requires a uniform that stands out to the opposing team and officials.

Her role is that of a defensive specialist. She makes big digs and tends to scramble all over the court, saving the ball from the floor. The libero has some freedom in substitution rules but cannot attack the ball above the net and must stay behind the 10-foot line on attacks. Occasionally, a libero sets the ball when the setter cannot reach the second ball, but there are even more rules governing her in that scenario. Overall athleticism and coordination are far more important in the libero position than height or vertical leap.

And there you have it: everything you need to know in order to sound like you know what you’re talking about when it comes to high school volleyball.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT FY 2025 COMMERCIAL RATES FOR

DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING IN MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, will conduct a Public Hearing to adopt the FY 2025 Commercial Rates for collection, disposal, and recycling in Monroe County, Florida.

The Public Hearing will be held at 9:00 A.M. on September 11, 2024, at the Meeting of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, at the Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida 33037. The public can attend the Public Hearing in person, or via Zoom, for the purpose of contributing or receiving public comments on the proposed assessments. The Zoom link for the 09/11/2024 BOCC Meeting is at the following address: https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/89204098700

All affected property owners and commercial customers have a right to appear, virtually, or in person, at the hearing, and to file written objections with the County Commission within twenty (20) calendar days of the first publication of this Notice. Pursuant to section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the County Commission with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings,

and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the County Administrator’s Office at (305) 292-4441, at least 48 hours prior to the date of the Public Hearing. If hearing or voice-impaired, contact the Florida Relay Service Number, by dialing 711 for assistance.

If you have any questions, please contact the County’s Solid Waste Department at 305-295-4323 or 305292-4536, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.

A person may submit written or other physical evidence on a particular agenda item for consideration at the September 11, 2024, Board of County Commissioners Meeting to: Krystal Gomez, via email at: Gomez-Krystal@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by mail to: Monroe County Administrator’s Office, 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 205, Key West FL 33040. The documents must be received by 3:00 P.M., on September 6, 2024, and must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number, email address, and the agenda item number to which the documents refer.

The following schedules reflect the proposed monthly rates for Commercial Waste Generators for:

b) CONTAINERIZED PICKUP RATE SCHEDULE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI

Notice is here by given that on September 9th, 2024, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows:

Location: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

Nidia Gonzalez – 1761

$514.60 Yanet Pere – 1419 $493.90 Michael Gamble - 1349

$739.50 Publish:

August 22 & 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING: MONROE COUNTY CONTRACTORS EXAMINING BOARD

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

Notice is Hereby Given To Whom it may concern, that on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 the Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (CEB) will hold a scheduled meeting at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Second Floor, BOCC Room, Marathon, Florida scheduled to commence at 9:30 A.M.

This meeting is to hear the following: any person(s) to come before the board; any reports from Monroe County Assistant Attorney; any reports from Monroe County Building Official; any reports from Staff.

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

PURSUANT TO FLORIDA

STATUTE SECTION 286.0105, be advised that, if a person decides to appeal the decision made by the Contractors’ Examining Board with respect to any matter considered at today’s hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

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

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

Rick Griffin, Building Official/ Board Secretary Jamie Gross, Senior

Contractor Licensing Coordinator – CEB Board Monroe County Building Department

Publish: August 22, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 24-CP-403-K IN RE: ESTATE OF WAYNE LAMAR KLINE Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of WAYNE LAMAR KLINE, deceased, whose date of death was November 18, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

The personal representative 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 ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. 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 22, 2024. Petitioner: DUSTIN KLINE 555 W. Main Street Centreville, Michigan 49032

Attorney for Petitioner: PAUNECE SCULL, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 729477 paunece@scullpa.com SCULL & SCULL, P.A.

302 Southard Street, Ste. 105 Key West, Florida 33040

TEL: (305) 407-6897

Publish: August 22 & 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspaper

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 24-CP-343-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JEFFREY W. WILLIAMS, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JEFFREY W. WILLIAMS, deceased, whose date of death was May 10, 2024, Case: 24-CP-343-K, is

pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is 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 DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: August 22, 2024.

Personal Representative: KATHERINE M. WILLIAMS

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive

Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive

Key West, Florida 33040

Email designation for service: Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com

Telephone: (305) 292-3926

Fax: (305) 295-7947

Publish: August 22 & 29, 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

LEGAL NOTICES

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.: 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case # 22-CA-000144-M Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Plaintiff, vs. Cynthia L. Andrews a/k/a Cynthia Andrews; Kenneth Andrews; Sharon Lee Havens a/k/a Sharon Havens; City of Marathon, Florida; United States of America; Unknown Parties in Possession #1, if living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as Spouse, Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, or Other Claimants; Unknown Parties in Possession #2, if living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as Spouse, Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, or Other Claimants Defendants. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to order rescheduling foreclosure sale or Final Judgment, entered in Civil Case No. 22-CA-000144-M of the Circuit Court of the 16th Judicial Circuit in and for Monroe County, Florida, wherein Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Plaintiff and Cynthia L. Andrews a/k/a Cynthia Andrews are defendant(s), I, Clerk of Court, Kevin Madok, CPA, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash AT THE MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, AT 11:00 A.M. on September 24, 2024, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to-wit: LOT 13, BLOCK 23, CRAINS SUBDIVISION OF GRASSY KEY, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN NAT BOOK 1, PAGE 51, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 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 NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS UNCLAIMED. Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.540 Notices to Persons With Disabilities

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, ADA Coordinator, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

SPANISH: Si usted es una persona discapacitada que necesita alguna adaptación para poder participar de este procedimiento o evento; usted tiene derecho, sin costo alguno a que se le provea cierta ayuda. Favor de comunicarse con Cheryl Alfonso, Coordinadora de A.D.A Court Operations

Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 por lo menos

7 días antes de que tenga que comparecer en corte o inmediatamente después de haber recibido ésta notificación si es que falta menos de 7 días para su comparecencia. Si tiene una discapacidad auditiva ó de habla, llame al 711.

KREYOL: Si ou se yon moun ki kokobé ki bezwen asistans ou aparêy pou ou ka patisipé nan  prosedu sa-a, ou gen dwa san ou pa bezwen péyé anyen pou ou jwen on seri de èd.  Tanpri kontakté Cheryl Alfonso, Co-ordinator ADA, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652O'mwen 7 jou avan ke ou gen pou-ou parèt nan tribunal, ou imediatman ke ou resevwa avis sa-a ou si lè ke ou gen pou-ou alé nan tribunal-la mwens ke 7 jou; Si ou pa ka tandé ou palé byen, rélé 711.

Kevin Madok,CPA

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Monroe County, Florida Shonta McLeod

DEPUTY CLERK OF COURT

Publish:

August 22 & 29, 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

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

AUTOS WANTED

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

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

14' Aluminum boat, 9.9 Mercury Outboard, Elec. start, Trolling motor in bow, NEW gas tank, battery, GPS, Depth Finder & trailer tires. Located in Marathon. $3500 305-395-1015

FREE!! - 2 PONTOON

BOATS 24' AND 18'

Located in Marathon. Call 305-610-8002

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

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Dock Space available in Marathon. Up to 32' Electric & water available. 305-619-5282

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

BOAT / TRAILER STORAGE

Gated storage & parking available in Marathon for boats, trailers & RV's - across from boat ramp - MM 54. $8-$10/ foot. 305-610-8002

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

CAMPING/RV SITE

Camping site/RV site at marina available in Marathon. Monthly/ Daily rates. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. No Pets. 305-610-8002

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

COMMERCIAL

SPACE FOR RENT

Commercial office/ medical/retail space for rent/lease available in Marathon. High highway visibility, 2100-3500 sq. ft. Call for more information 305-481-3198 or email drice519@aol.com

Professional business offices for rent in beautiful building in Islamorada. U.S. 1 frontage and signage for your business. Call 305-780-7265 or email srussolaw@ outlook.com for details

EMPLOYMENT

SERVERS WANTED: Apply in person between 5 pm & 7 pm every night at Plaza Grill Steak & Seafood, 5101 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

The S.S. Wreck and Galley Grill mile marker 59 is looking for Line Cooks, full or part time. Self-motivated, quick learner, and team player. Salary commensurate with experience and includes 401k match up to 6%. Please call Nicole at 305-433-0515.

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 305-7436739 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.

PlaceyourEMPLOYMENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-7430844 and reach your prospective employees.

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE

COLLECTOR

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

ANNUAL RENTAL -

Key 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

Downstairs apartment of a duplex to rent to 1 person (no pets). Large living room/bedroom and separate kitchen. Large screened porch with its own washer/dryer and driveway. Utilities include wifi/tv. 150 ft to the ocean. MM96 Key Largo $1850/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 four-plex 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

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 SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!

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

RV SITE FOR RENT

RV site at marina available in Marathon. Monthly/Daily rates.

SARA’S ESTATE SALE:

Get ready for the Zombie Apocalypse!! Friday, Aug 23 and Saturday, Aug 24, 9a to 1p both days, 43 Kyle Way South, Knights Key near Seven Mile Bridge. *Very nice fishing rods & reels including electric deep drops, down riggers, gaffs, so much tackle, etc. *Camping tents, field covering, canteens, survival bags, etc. *18v DeWalt tools & chargers, hand tools, drill press, air compressors, chain saws, lawn tools, ladders, shop radios. *Dock line, fenders, shore power cords, hookah rigs & hoses. *Standing Coke machine, full freezers, shelving, metal detector,

all-in-one washer dryer. *Motorcycle & car & boat parts, accessories, car jacks, tools, etc. *Bulk supplies of paint & brushes, cleaners, oil, additives, red gas cans, blue barrels, plus electrical, plumbing & irrigation parts. *Plus vinyl albums, toys, MREs & African art. Follow the signs and please park with consideration.

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

WE ARE HIRING!

DIRECT CARE STAFF AT ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM FT

YOUR AD SHOULD BE HERE! $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today to place your classified ad.

TREASURE HARBOR MARINA

IN ISLAMORADA IS LOOKING FOR

• Dock Master/General Manager

• Front Desk

• Housekeepers

• Maintenance

• Mechanic

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

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

DIRECT CARE STAFF  GROUP HOMES 24/7 FT/PT

These positions are available at our Group Homes, evening shift. This position provides direct care services and support to our clients in their home. This position requires the minimum of high school completion or GED and 1 year of experience with care giving or 30 hours of college coursework. *

*ALSO REQUIRED FOR ALL POSITIONS: Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license. EOE

Come join our family!

Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIERS

Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.

DOCKHANDS Duties include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking. Morning & a ernoon hours available.

Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.

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 application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring

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

driver’s

We offer 401K, medical insurance, paid holidays and paid

Positions available in Key West and Marathon. 305-292-3369

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.

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.

Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP

Apply at guidancecarecenter.org

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