Key West Weekly 24-0905

All Candidate Fundraisers

FRIDAY 9/6/24

KICK OFF, 6-8PM

@THE KEY WEST THEATER 512 EATON STREET

Event is FREE. Meet & greet the candidates, purchase swag, and get full event lists. Performances, cash bar and air conditioning.

SUNDAY 9/8/24

Drag Queen Bingo with QMitch, 5pm @22& Co. 504 Angela Street

THURSDAY 9/12/24

Vibrator Races

6pm @Mary Ellen’s Bar, 420 Appelrouth Street

Purchase tickets at www.maryellensbar.com

WEDNESDAY 10/9/24

All Candidate Fundraiser

5-7pm @The Gardens Hotel 526 Angela Street

The King and Queen candidates that raise the most money will win $2500 each towards their campaign thanks to sponsor Kate Miano!

CANDIDATES FOR

Drag Queen Bingo with QMitch, 5pm @22& Co., 504 Angela Street

SUNDAY 9/22/24

&

Sunday Funday Chili Cook-Off 4-7:30pm @The Birdcage Cabaret, 504 Angela Street

Six contestants compete for ultimate bragging rights, Miami Dolphins game on the big screen, cash bar $3 for taster/$5 per cup.

SUNDAY 9/22/24

Drag Queen Bingo with QMitch, 5pm @22& Co., 504 Angela Street

CANDIDATES FOR 2024 FANTASY FEST QUEEN

SUNDAY 9/15/24

Drag Queen Bingo with QMitch, 5pm @22& Co., 504 Angela Street

THURSDAY 9/26/24

Vibrator Races, 6pm

@Mary Ellen’s Bar, 420 Appelrouth Street. Purchase tickets at www.maryellensbar.com

@ Aquaplex Back Bar, 711 Duval Street

$25 Admission

TUESDAY 9/24/24

Moving Art Dinner, 8pm to 10pm @ Bangkok Happy Bowl, 816 Duval Street

$60 Admission

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5

Key West, FL 33040

Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

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Staff Writers

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105.5

Los Angeles Angels’ rookie pitcher Ben Joyce can bring the heat. During a game on Sept. 3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Joyce struck out a Dodgers batter with a 105.5 mph pitch. The MLB said it’s the third-fastest pitch since pitch tracking began in 2008.

Key Westers Ea Ruth and Anne Brodsky enjoy last year’s Womenfest celebration. This year’s event runs through Sept. 8. See page 13. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

MARATHON CAPITOL RIOTERS SENTENCED

Bryan Bishop faces 45 months in prison; wife gets probation

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

AMarathon man will spend nearly four years in prison for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol attack, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced in a press release on Sept. 3.

Bryan Bishop, 52, was sentenced to 45 months in prison, three years of supervised release and a $2,000 restitution payment by U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly after pleading guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting or impeding officers during the capitol riots. The maximum sentence for the offense includes up to eight years in prison, a $200,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Originally arrested on Aug. 7, 2023 with his wife Tonya, 47, also present during the Capitol riots, Bryan Bishop was caught on camera in a crowd of suspects breaching barriers outside the capitol on the day in question. In video footage released by investigative group Sedition Hunters and cross-referenced with public videos, CCTV and police body camera footage, Bishop was identified as an individual labeled the #UnderHelmetSprayer who sprayed a chemical irritant canister at a line of police officers.

“Bishop sprayed a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer directly in the face with an orange-colored chemical irritant and then sprayed a second MPD officer by aiming the spray at an upward angle in order to spray under the officer’s face shield,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office press release said.

“After spraying the officers … Bishop entered the U.S. Capitol building at approximately 2:39 p.m.,” the release continued, adding that Bishop spent 17 minutes inside the Capitol “walk(ing) throughout various rooms, including the Rotunda, Statuary Hall and the Statuary Hall Connector.”

Though both Bryan and Tonya Bishop originally pleaded not guilty in November and December 2023, respectively, both changed their tune in recent months.

Bryan Bishop’s guilty plea to the felony charge came in April 2024. In March, Tonya Bishop also pleaded guilty, though to lesser misdemeanor charges of “disorderly and disruptive conduct in a Capitol building or grounds” and “parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building,” each carrying a maximum six-month prison sentence, up to five years of probation and up to a $5,000 fine.

Though Tonya’s original criminal complaint makes no mention of assaults on officers, it details records and location data provided by Google and TracFone used to place a device associated with her email address and TracFone account within the Capitol building at the “known timeframe of the riot.” Video sources also allegedly showed a person with facial features “closely resembling” Tonya’s outside the Capitol building on the date of the riots.

When originally released from the Monroe County Detention Center in Key West in August 2023, Bryan Bishop called his arrest “dramatic.”

On that day, Tonya Bishop told the Weekly, “I hope you’re using the word ‘allegedly,’ because we’re innocent until proven guilty. Due process has not been served. We’re just regular people who want to live our lives quietly.”

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in the 43 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,488 individuals have been charged with crimes related to the Capitol breach, including nearly 550 individuals charged with the felony of assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

A photo released by investigative group Sedition Hunters shows Bryan Bishop outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. SEDITION HUNTERS/Contributed

‘JUST A FEW FRIENDS’ TRIBUTE DRAWS THOUSANDS

Jimmy Buffett celebrations launch new Labor Day tradition

“And I have been drunk now for over two weeks; I passed out and I rallied and I sprung a few leaks.

But I gotta stop wishin’, gotta go fishin’

Down to rock bottom again

Just a few friends, just a few friends”

— JImmy Buffett’s ‘A Pirate Looks at Forty’

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

The weekend-long tribute to Jimmy Buffett was called Just a Few Friends, but ended up drawing thousands to the island city for the long Labor Day weekend.

The weekend included appearances by members of the Buffett family for the renaming of A1A as the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, a Hawaiian surfing tradition called a “paddle out” in honor of the singer/songwriter and a festive Second Line march through Old Town that culminated at Truman Waterfront Park for a free concert and Party in the Park.

Buffett died on Sept. 1, 2023 after a four-year battle with a form of skin cancer called Merkel-cell carcinoma. His death prompted a spontaneous outpouring of music, memories and margaritas last year in Key West.

Key West Mayor DeeDee Henriquez, above, was among thousands taking part in the Just a Few Friends events over Labor Day weekend to celebrate the songs and stories of Jimmy Buffett. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

This year, with more time to prepare, Paul Menta, owner of Key West’s First Legal Rum Distillery, worked with several people, performers and organizations to put together the Just a Few Friends celebration that quickly cemented itself on the Key West events calendar.

MUSIC, MEMORIES & MARGARITAS

Jimmy Buffett celebration includes free Party in the Park

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Prior to his death on Sept. 1, 2023, singer/songwriter, surfer, sailor and storyteller Jimmy Buffett reportedly told his family, friends and Coral Reefer bandmates to keep the party going.

Key West took Buffett at his word on the one-year anniversary of his death. The Just a Few Friends celebration spanned the long

Labor Day weekend, and included way more than a few friends. An estimated 5,000 people joined the Sept. 1 Second Line march down Duval Street that ended at Truman Waterfront Park for a margaritafueled musical memorial.

Will Kimbrough, who co-wrote songs with Buffett for 20 years, including his first posthumous single, “Bubbles Up,” took the stage along with Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band.

The free Party in the Park on Sept. 1 features musical performances by Jimmy Buffett co-writer Will Kimbrough, Howard Livington & the Mile Marker 24 Band and others at Truman Waterfront Park. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

COUNTY RESPONDS TO GRAND JURY REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

The grand jury’s report was recently made public following an investigation into the 2022 Trauma Star diversion of controlled substances. The report makes 14 recommendations for Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) and the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) stemming from a 2022 incident involving former Trauma Star chief flight nurse Lynda Rusinowski and missing drugs.

County staff is reviewing all of the recommendations and will discuss them with the board at its meeting Wednesday, Sept. 11, starting at 9 a.m. in the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. That meeting will be viewable online and on MCTV.

Immediately following the incident, Monroe County took action to improve the drug accounting inventory system. Additional controls included implementing a computer-based inventory system, installing security cameras and new medical supply safes with biometric locks, and adding additional personnel for quality assurance and oversight.

Following the indictments of former County Administrator Roman Gastesi, Trauma Star division chief Andrea Thompson and former Medical Director Sandra Schwemmer, the Keys Weekly contacted representatives for all three defendants. All three either declined to comment or had not submitted a response by presstime.

Grand jury recommendations are included in bold, followed by county responses. The Keys Weekly edited certain suggestions and responses for length.

1. Roman Gastesi be immediately terminated from any and all Monroe County positions, including volunteer positions. Mr. Gastesti must never hold any position with Monroe County.

Gastesi’s volunteer status was terminated immediately following his indictment on Aug. 16, 2024. Gastesi had been serving as a volunteer adviser since he retired as county administrator in February 2024.

2. Andrea Thompson be immediately terminated from her position with MCFR and not be allowed to return or hold any position with MCFR or hold any position of trust with Monroe County. Thompson was suspended without pay following her indictment. Her predetermination hearing was scheduled for Aug. 30 but was delayed until Friday, Sept. 6.

3. Chief (James) Callahan be asked to resign as fire chief before the end of 2024 and the BOCC begin immediately the necessary steps to appoint a new fire chief who will oversee daily operations in the county and be on site.

After the 2022 incidents, Callahan returned to MCFR on a temporary basis when former Chief Steven Hudson retired. Monroe County administration is discussing Callahan’s retirement plans with him, and the county will determine how to move forward with a replacement chief.

4. We strongly recommend that MCSO allow firefighter/paramedics Damian Suarez and Harold Perez to return to Trauma Star as flight medics if they so choose, with back pay and Trauma Star flight pay from the day they were allowed to return to work, but denied flight status pay. Suarez and Perez were removed from Trauma Star at the direction of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Both are still firefighter/EMTs with Monroe County Fire Rescue. If the sheriff’s office were to allow Suarez and Perez to return to Trauma Star service, the county could then consider reinstating them following proper procedures.

5. An internal affairs division should be created to handle MCFR personnel discipline, similar to what is afforded for law enforcement officers under Chapter 112, Florida Statute.

Employee Services conducts internal investigations into policy violations, employment law concerns and other such matters. Employee Services has two former police officers on staff with expertise in investigations, who are used in most cases but do not have independent enforcement authority. This topic will be discussed with the BOCC.

6. Monroe County Employee Services to implement random drug testing for all county employees in special-risk positions as was previously recommended in the clerk’s internal audit report.

The county already has reasonable-suspicion and post-accident drug testing procedures in place. Other county employees in applicable positions are already subject to DOTmandated random drug screening. This year, the county will implement a random drug testing program and has already raised the topic as part of the

collective bargaining agreement with the firefighters’ union.

7. Employee Services and MCFR request the medical director to issue a medical directive requiring all MCFR EMS and Trauma Star employees to be subject to random drug testing.

Random testing is both a matter of county policy and the collective bargaining agreement with the firefighter’s union and would involve coordination with the medical director. Union negotiations are underway, and random testing is a subject of bargaining.

8. All MCFR employees to receive diversion training to identify signs of substance abuse, and steps to prevent the theft of narcotics.

All county and fire rescue employees must undergo annual drug and alcohol training and as part of the hiring process. All employees take annual refresher training that is documented in their personnel files. The county will review, update, and improve the training program.

Following the 2022 incident, Monroe County Fire Rescue implemented additional controls to prevent similar incidents from happening again. These include adding a computer-based inventory system with double controls to prevent the theft of narcotics. Previously, inventory was done on paper. Security video cameras were also added to areas that hold narcotics, and medical supply safes were replaced to include biometric locks.

9. Monroe County’s Human Resources/Employee Services department to develop a new and uniform policy and procedures for the handling of any complaint received from a Monroe County employee, including requiring that a written finding, resolution or conclusion be provided to the complainant or the subject of the complaint no later than 45 days from receipt of the complaint.

Monroe County already has policies and procedures for this type of complaint. When the county receives a claim of workplace violence, sexual harassment, harassment, discrimination, retaliation or other such matters, it conducts an in-depth investigation. The county will review the policies and procedures to see what can be improved.

10. Monroe County’s Human Resources/Employee Services departments should review and update its whistleblower/anonymous reporting process to require a response to be sent confirming receipt of the report. There also needs to be a writ-

ten report or response documented internally indicating what was done to investigate the report as well as a response being provided to the individual who made the report.

Monroe County adopted a whistleblower ordinance in 2009. The ordinance prevents the county or independent contractor from taking retaliatory action toward an employee or applicant if the employee or applicant reports the law violations to the county. Monroe County does not currently have a system for anonymous complaints, but it is researching how employees or applicants can make an anonymous complaint to Monroe County.

11. All Monroe County elected officials, BOCC, department heads, executives and any person in a management/supervisory level be required to complete an ethics and compliance in the workplace training on an annual basis.

State law requires the BOCC and other county elected officials to attend annual ethics training, which they do. The county also requires all staff to complete yearly online compliance training. The county will review its training programs and make improvements.

12. All Monroe County elected officials, BOCC, department heads, executives and any person in a management/supervisory level be required to complete a leadership training course with continuing education on an annual basis.

Monroe County administration will look into creating an internal course or sending pertinent staff to leadership training courses.

13. The BOCC immediately hire an independent third-party firm to conduct a review of all contracts of services and determine compliance with the required contract terms before any contract is renewed. Monroe County is in the process of hiring a third-party firm to conduct an independent review of MCFR.

14. The BOCC implement more checks and balances as it pertains to the county administrator position. There should be written monthly reports detailing a thorough review by the county administrator of the county’s departments’ work environment, work product and efficiency along with any pending complaints or incidents related to public trust or accountability.

The Monroe County Administrator presents a monthly report on the BOCC agenda and will continue to do so.

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

FORMER TOURISM DIRECTOR SUES COUNTY

Claims audit & firing were retaliation for bicentennial funding denial

In Monroe County, the hits keep coming. The board of county commissioners — still contending with the alleged cover-up of a drug scandal and resulting criminal indictments of three former employees — now faces a whistleblower lawsuit from its former tourism director.

Stacey Mitchell was fired in March, four months after the county clerk’s office released a critical audit of the Tourist Development Council, where Mitchell had been marketing director since 2017. The audit revealed “repeated noncompliance with Monroe County’s purchasing policy,” and “a lack of controls and management oversight,” among other findings.

Mitchell initially was suspended with pay in the fall of 2023, then terminated in March. County officials have pointed to the audit as the basis for her termination, although at a November 2023 meeting of the TDC board, then-Key West Mayor Teri Johnston, who sat on the TDC board, said, “Let’s remember, this entire board was in place when all of this was allegedly occurring. Fingers are pointing to Stacey (Mitchell), but what about everyone else, since at least 2008 — people in the clerk’s office approving payments, the TDC’s own board treasurer reviewing financial statements. There was more than one hand in this. … Maybe the clerk’s office needs to be addressed. Maybe the county needs to be audited as well. There was apparently a lack of oversight long before Stacey Mitchell was appointed TDC director in 2017.”

The vote to fire Mitchell occurred in March 2024 following an independent review of the TDC’s financial operations, although no charges were filed against her.

In the lawsuit filed on Sept. 3, Mitchell’s attorney Zachary Zermay claims her firing, and the TDC audit that prompted it — the agency’s first in 20 years — were retaliation for Mitchell’s refusal to approve $150,000 of tourism funding for a county bicentennial event that had missed the application deadline for such funds.

The lawsuit details an informal meeting in early May 2022, when Mitchell and the TDC’s PR agent, Andy Newman, met with county commissioner Michelle Lincoln, thenCounty Administrator Roman Gastesi and county spokeswoman Kristen Livengoood.

At the meeting, the suit states, Mitchell emphasized the process to apply for event funding and the strict application deadline of early June.

“Despite (Mitchell) providing all necessary TDC administrative contact information to assist Ms. Livengood, the applications were not submitted in time. As a result, the (county’s bicentennial) events … were excluded from grant consideration. … (Mitchell) returned from a business trip on June 13, 2022, and was informed by the office manager that Ms. Livengood had sought last-minute assistance on the application process, but failed to meet the deadline,” the lawsuit states.

The 12-page legal complaint then describes a July 2022 county budget meeting, where commissioner Craig Cates reportedly told Mitchell a drone show and concert would take place for the county’s bicentennial, and asked her for TDC funding for the event.

“(Mitchell) reminded Commissioner Cates that the deadline to apply for funding was missed by Ms. Livengood, yet Commissioner Cates insisted on finding a way to support the event,” the lawsuit states. “Consequently, and despite previous directives to avoid funding high-season weekend events, the TDC hastily organized a ‘second round of event funding’ to accommodate the request because of backroom dealings, meetings, and other informal communications hidden from the public.”

In the second round, the Key West District Advisory Committee members, who evaluate event funding applications and make recommendations for amounts “were perplexed by this sudden shift in directives,” and denied the $150,000 funding request,” the lawsuit states.

County organizers of the bicentennial event then appealed the DAC’s denial to the full TDC board, which debated the issue, but tabled the matter indefinitely.

“The issue was highly publicized, leading to community uproar, particularly among local nonprofits and event planners who adhered to the original application deadlines. Subsequently, following backroom dealings, meetings and other informal communications hidden from the public, the Board of County Commissioners redirected $150,000 from DAC resources to fund the concert, circumventing the standard approval processes. In violation of Defendants’ own guidelines, rules, and regulations, over $150,000 was withdrawn from the TDC’s budget by way of an internal budget transfer … without the correct transparency processes and public meetings.”

“Defendants willfully ignored (Mitchell’s) concerns and misused public funds to finance a $150,000 concert and drone show, in the middle of high season in Key West, after blowing mandatory deadlines. After the disclosures were made, the drone show occurred, and the checks had been cashed, a campaign of retaliation began against (Mitchell) in the form of audits to serve as a pretextual reason to terminate (her),” the lawsuit alleges

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, financial compensation for lost pay, compensatory damages, reinstatement to her prior position, or commensurate pay as well as attorney’s fees.

Cates told the Keys Weekly that the lawsuit was not unexpected, but he declined to comment on the pending litigation until he had spoken with the county attorney.

Stacey Mitchell. CONTRIBUTED

FLOODING AT NEW FIELD MOVES KEY WEST FOOTBALL GAME

$20M stadium a work in progress; field to be raised in next phase

mandy@keysweekly.com

Heavy rains on Aug. 22 and 23 proved too much for the new football field at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium, forcing school officials to move the Aug. 23 football game to The Backyard practice complex behind Key West High School.

“Thank you, everyone, for making the transition over to the Backyard last night,” KWHS athletic director Andrew Freeman posted on Facebook the day after the Conchs’ victory at the Backyard. “I wish we could have played at Tommy Roberts, but the conditions of the field were unsafe for our boys.” Freeman included photos and a video showing at least 6 inches of standing water on the new natural grass field.

The comments that followed his post criticized the school district, board and builders of the new stadium whose cost is currently just shy of $20 million — with more phases still to come.

“Something has to be said to MCSD administration and board about ‘the steal’ of money, poor design and building of the new, but not improved Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium,” Danny Jimenez commented after

commending Freeman for managing the flood “crisis” at the last minute. “Someone in the district must answer to what happened with this rebuild. … This is a major setback, especially since the old playing field drained perfectly.”

The next phase of construction will include raising and resurfacing the football field, the school district’s operations and planning director Pat Lefere told the Keys Weekly on Sept. 3.

“Our initial focus, when planning the new stadium back in 2022 was on the bleachers, locker rooms and concession area because all were in such disrepair,” Lefere said. “So capping and elevating the field, along with our ability to improve its drainage, will have to wait until the next funding phase, but it is included in the stadium’s five-year plan and has always been part of that plan.”

An environmental assessment before stadium construction started showed contamination of the soil under the football field that would require a layer of material to “cap” and seal the contamination. The additional layer will raise the field 6 or more inches.

“To be clear, we are not finished with the field. That is not the finished product,” Lefere said. “There’s another phase that will raise

it. Thank you for contacting us and letting us provide that input.”

But in the meantime, until that phase — and the funding for it — is approved, the heavy rains that are common in the late summer and fall in the Keys could continue to force occasional home football games to the Backyard.

“Fortunately, the football and soccer teams have an alternative location where they can play, but come springtime, the football field is the outfield for the baseball team,” school board member Darren Horan said, adding that the school board and district administration have “basically given the baseball program a $2 million budget so they can prioritize the next steps for what they want on the Rex Weech baseball side of things.”

Horan said the baseball program could decide to prioritize the field raising, or could determine that other improvements take precedence.

He added that the school board is beginning discussions to apply for Tourist Development Council money to continue funding the stadium improvements — if the venue can be used as a community event space. Those discussions are in the very early stages, Horan said.

Six inches of standing water on the new football field at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium in Key West rendered the field unusable for the Aug. 23 football game, which was moved to the practice field behind the high school. CONTRIBUTED

CELEBRATING IN BUSINESS

A1A RENAMED JIMMY BUFFETT MEMORIAL HIGHWAY

Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez and local businessman Paul Menta present a proclamation declaring Aug. 30 Jimmy Buffett Day in Key West. The event took place at Shrimp Boat Sound, Buffett’s longtime recording studio alongside Key West Harbor. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau

A Florida highway sign designating State Road A1A as the ‘A1A Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway’ is unveiled Aug. 30 at the highway’s beginning in Key West. Marking the event, from left, were Florida State Reps. Chuck Clemons and Jim Mooney, Florida Sen. Lauren Book, Jimmy Buffett’s sister Lucy Buffett, his longtime business partner Sunshine Smith and Jeff Sharkey of Margaritaville.

Singer’s sister joins the unveiling

The unveiling of a Florida highway sign designating historic State Road A1A as the “A1A Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway,” and a ceremony declaring Aug. 30 “Jimmy Buffett Day,” kicked off a weekend of Key West festivities paying tribute to the island’s late “favorite son.”

The highway sign bearing the internationally acclaimed singer/ songwriter’s name was unveiled by his sister, Lucy Buffett, at the beginning of State Road A1A on Key West’s Atlantic Ocean shoreline.

“When Jimmy landed in Key West, he found the inspiration that formed the niche of his creative output that catapulted him into the mainstream,” said Lucy Buffett. “Key West, and the lifestyle that he figured out he could live and contribute to society positively, he took

with him for the rest of his life.”

Jimmy Buffett, who passed away Sept. 1, 2023, called Key West home during some of his most productive years. The island’s influence is widely credited with inspiring many of his most enduring songs, including the classic hit “Margaritaville” and he called a pivotal early album “A1A.”

Following the passage of a bill in the Florida House of Representatives and Senate, and its signing by Gov. Ron DeSantis, all segments of A1A from Key West to the FloridaGeorgia line are now named the “A1A Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway.”

The Florida Department of Transportation will install the new A1A signs at a future date.

The bill’s sponsors Sen. Lauren Book, Rep. Chuck Clemons and Rep. Jim Mooney spoke at Friday’s ceremony alongside Lucy Buffett.

Contributed

Annual gathering includes pool parties, boat trips & a prom

Womenfest, one of the country’s largest annual gatherings of LGBTQ women is happening in Key West through Sunday, Sept. 8, featuring a colorful roster of female festivities ranging from women-centric bike tours to watersports, saucy soirees and even a gala prom night.

Themed “Fire & Ice Fantasy” for 2024, Womenfest has been a signature event presented by the Key West Business Guild for more than 20 years. A September tradition for singles, couples and groups of women, the festival spotlights the inclusive atmosphere and attractions that have made Key West an internationally known lesbian and gay vacation destination.

The schedule includes a brunch and a “beach bash” on Thursday, Sept. 5 overlooking Key West Harbor. The Women, Words & Art poetry reading and art exhibition happens at 6 p.m. that evening at the Little Room Jazz Club, 821 Duval St., while a sunset sail aboard the luxury vessel Argo Navis features drinks and appetizers.

Attendees can explore Old Town Key West and learn about the island’s influential women on a Key Lime Bike Tour on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 6 and 7. The tours begin at 9:30 a.m. and end with a slice of Key lime pie.

Friday’s other attractions include a clothing-optional sandbar and snorkel trip on the Blu Q catamaran and a 5:30 p.m. ’90s female

alt-rock show by Marjory Lee & The Misspellings.

Saturday night brings Womenfest’s highlight event: the “Fire & Ice Fantasy Prom,” complete with all the trappings — and a Key West twist. Attendees will dress in prom attire, from gowns to tuxedos and everything in between, and dance the night away to tunes spun by the DJ Rude Girl. Hosted by the American Legion Post 168, 803 Emma St., the gala also will feature a live performance by the all-female softrock band Antigone Rising.

“We have chosen this event to be our premier event for Womenfest because many of us share the sentiment that we never got to celebrate prom as our true selves,” said Fritzie Estimond, Womenfest coordinator and associate director of the Key West Business Guild. “Whether it was due to suppressing our identities to avoid public scrutiny, or attending while suppressing our true selves, this event is for those girls.”

Womenfest participants can end their weekend the “Key West way” with two island city traditions slated for Sunday, Sept. 8. The adults-only Mangoes Sunday Drag Brunch starts at noon at the restaurant at 700 Duval St. And no one should miss the original Sunday Tea Dance at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St., with DJ Rude Girl.

More information is at gaykeywestfl.com/womenfest.

Womenfest is a September tradition in Key West with a range of activities and celebrations for women. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Mario Sanchez, Cuban/American, 1908-2005

two, drawing over the original sketch in darker pencil or pen. It is very rare for the intaglio to remain with the sketch, very rare. Mario Sanchez’s passion was depicting the people of Key West & Tampa. Sanchez’s work is part of prestigious collections, the Smithsonian, The Whitney Museum of American Art, and The American Folk Art Museum, Bacardi, & Florida’s Bicentennial Artist. One man museum exhibits include: Museum of the City of New York in conjunction with the American Folk Art Museum & South Street Seaport Museum, The National Museum of

Key

&

Fine Art, Cuba,(MNBA), Bacardi,

West Art

Historical Society, as well as group exhibit from New York’s MOMA to Key West.

Untitled (Yellowtails in a Tin Tub), 16.5” x 18.5” Graphite on Grocery Bag, Circa 1970, Carved Pinewood Frame

Yellowtails in a Tin Tub, 12” x 13.5” Intaglio on White Pine, Circa 1970

Dr.

BACTERIA LEVELS AT SOME KEY WEST BEACHES POSE RISK TO DOGS

An open letter to Key West dog owners: Please be careful when you or your dog swim at Dog Beach, Higgs Beach and South Beach.

The recent level of enteric bacteria (fecal bacteria) was 999 at Dog Beach.

The EPA standards require that an advisory be issued for health risks when levels reach or exceed 71 parts or more of enteric bacteria per 100 milliliters. Higgs Beach recently reported more than 10x the amount that can pose health risks, and a sign had been posted. But there were no signs at South Beach or Dog Beach.

I was unaware of the bacteria levels at the beaches until my dog got sick. My dog loves swimming and when the levels were in the 600s a few months ago, my dog nearly died and spent more than 24 hours on an IV at the emergency vet. It took several months for her digestive system to fully heal. Enteric bacteria is also dangerous for humans, especially those with immune deficiency disorders. What is enteric bacteria?

This type of bacteria, which inhabits the intestinal tract of people and animals, is an indication of fecal pollution. It may come from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage. Symptoms include upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes.

The U.S. EPA’s recommended standards classify water containing various amounts of the bacteria as good, moderate or poor.

Good: 0-35 parts of enterococcus bacteria per 100 milliliters

Moderate: 36-70 parts of enterococcus bacteria per 100 milliliters

Poor: 71 parts or greater of enterococcus bacteria per 100 milliliters. Though a “poor” water quality test may not close a beach, the department issues an advisory for potential health risks in areas with water in the “poor” range.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please share it with your friends and fellow dog lovers. You can follow the levels at local beaches by scanning the QR codes below.

Sincerely,

Jenny Grace Key West

IT’S LIKE DRIVING A CAR

Irecently heard a fan ask a musician their opinion about a musician they had just seen. The diplomatic answer was a master class in subject avoidance through a string of slightly connected phrases. Or as scholars refer to it, B.S.

It did, however, make me think. Could I describe how one musician may seem to another? First off, let me say this theory also lives under the B.S. label as I am making it up. But it’s only for fun.

Let’s say we live in a world of very few cars, where most people walk all their lives and many never even ride in a car. To drive a car seems an amazing feat of skill and intellect. Even some of the most successful people in the world can’t drive. You get it.

Of course, there are many different types of vehicles and drivers. The librarian in the VW bug probably couldn’t drive an 18-wheeler successfully. And the driver of that 18-wheeler might find themselves lost in an SUV in the Walmart parking lot. The race car driver, one of the most glorious of driving positions, would most likely flounder while driving a New York City cab — or a frontend loader.

Now let’s say your average person walks down the street and sees a car go by. They are amazed at the sight and sound of the vehicle and stand in awe of a master driver who could operate it so successfully. The speed seems startling and death seems imminent at the slightest error in operation. They watch as the car glides smoothly down the road, stops, brake lights illuminated. The car then jumps back into motion, turns a corner and is gone in an almost spiritual event. Now let’s say you’re an average, everyday driver on your way to work. You see our previous operator surrounded by adoring fans and smile. That’s nice, now I’ve got to get to work. Through an unfortunate series of events, you get be-

RAY WEST

hind this driver a block or so away from the crowd. This driver is a pain in the neck. Slow as can be, has never even heard of a blinker and thinks yellow means stop.

... 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.

Drivers expect certain things from other drivers. We assume they know most of the rules of the road and the basic operations of the vehicle. They know where the wipers are, the emergency brake, maybe even where the ashtray used to be. Drivers are expected to know certain basics. Under special circumstances one might receive accolades for being able to drive, but mostly not. This basic proficiency is expected.

Yet if one were to sit and write down step by step the entire process one must go through to successfully operate even an automatic transmission on a routine errand, it would be an overwhelming and tedious list. And so it is with musicians. When one is up on stage, we assume they have the necessary skills to drive the vehicle they came in. How well, fast, straight and smoothly is all up for debate among others who watch the road and drive cars. We begin to look for particular aspects of driving that we know are a little more advanced. We understand the difference between driving a Formula 1 race car and a stock car. And we celebrate the people who do either one exceptionally well.

There are as many different musicians as there are drivers, so opinions vary. But we all love cars and we all use the roads. This is where we meet. Most musicians are a good lot and don’t begrudge any driver from moving from one vehicle to the next, while gaining skills and fans. But if I’m late to work and you’re dawdling in the fast lane … move over.

HEROES ON THE MOVE Hawks Cay’s annual

5K honors

first responders

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Running a 5K race is a challenge in and of itself. Running that same race in August in the Florida Keys in full tactical or firefighter gear? That’s another story. Accompanying Hawks Cay Resort’s months-long Heroes Salute to honor members of the military and other first responders, the resort closed out the month of August with its annual 5K race around the streets of Duck Key on Aug. 31. Flanked by trucks and vessels from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Fire Rescue and more, runners took to the line at daybreak – some carrying dozens of pounds in their department’s gear –through 3.1 miles to the finish. Proceeds from the morning run benefited the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, committed to providing lifesaving equipment and needed resources to first responders and public safety organizations.

Racers fill the parking lot of Angler and Ale restaurant before scattering through the streets of Duck Key in Hawks Cay Resort’s annual Heroes Salute 5K. Photos by ROSS SMITH/IslandExposureCo. See more race photos at keysweekly.com.

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

Fiery and aggressive Mars dips into the cool, emotional waters of Cancer this week, bringing some intensity of feeling and a strong impulse to protect. Mars is not particularly comfortable in Cancer because Cancer is a sign of sustainability and maintenance and Mars is a planet of getting things done for the sake of the action alone. Sitting with feelings does not naturally lend itself to effective action. However, Mars in Cancer does ask us to defend the things that we love and to cut the cord to allow what we nurture to live a life of its own. The other major astrological moment this week is Mercury forming a 90-degree square to Uranus, and you will absolutely want to mind your Ps and Qs when it comes to communication. This aspect is ripe for saying the wrong thing too quickly, or getting surprising news out of left field that throws you off balance.

Here are your horoscopes for Mars’s entry into Cancer and Mercury square Uranus. Read for your rising and sun signs.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

You may be called to defend yourself with people in your life you consider friends, and you may just have to cut some people out who no longer serve your well-being. Thinning the herd is absolutely necessary from time to time. At the same time, it looks like you will have some unexpected thoughts electrifying your mind a new philosophy or worldview is available to you. How will you see the world differently this weekend?

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Go ahead and throw yourself into your work, but also be prepared to make some cutthroat decisions. You are responsible for your well-being, so practice saying “No” when it is best for you. You will get some unexpected news from your friends this weekend, something about an investment you can make with them. Take some time with your answer.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

There is some news at work that will blindside you, but do your best to receive it in stride. An important partner in your life will be a major influence in this unexpected news - let them aid in letting go. Now is a time to start aggressively critiquing your belief system. Has your worldview become stale? Does it still serve you? How might you expand your horizons to find yourself in new surroundings?

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

A surprising trip is around the corner, even if it is a visit to a place in your neighborhood that you have never been before. Enjoy the novelty and let it change your routines to keep things fresh. Start to address some codependency in your life and see what cuts you might be able to make to remove energy from other people that is not yours to carry. Clean house.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

It is time to address that issue with an important partner in your life, even if it means engaging in some conflict. Compassion is key when having the hard conversations, and sharing your truth can lead to deeper connection. You will probably be surprised by an invitation to invest in a group venture, but if you say yes, be sure that you will have the creative freedom that you need.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Time to get back to your routines, Aquarius. When you are in flow with your own wellness and in taking care of your space, your emotional state is balanced. Cut out patterns that no longer serve you. Be prepared for some unexpected news from an important partner, but make sure that your own independence at home is part of the equation.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

You may come across some new ideas about how to take care of your body and mind, Pisces. A flash of insight will change your concept of personal wellness, and you will have the chance to find a new sense of freedom in your everyday life. Throw yourself into your creative output with tremendous courage and maintain mindfulness when it comes to impulses for pleasure.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

It looks like a great time to cut some cords with your family, Aries. This doesn’t mean you need to stop talking to family members, but if there is any emotional heaviness from your ancestry that is holding you back, it is time to release the weight so you can fly higher. Some surprising and happy news is coming your way, but ensure your response encourages your financial freedom.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

When you get news from your family, be measured in your response. Make sure your reaction to family is grounded in your own freedom as an independent person. It is a great time to get really active in your local community, even if that means just taking a walk around the neighborhood every night. Cut out some space to make sure you are engaging with your familiar world.

CUT THE CORD

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

You may be very surprised by some of the words that come out of your mouth, as if your words are not your own. Use this new communication ability to free yourself from some of the heavy feelings you carry - find the therapeutic method in the new expression. You experience some financial difficulties, but the cosmos is asking you to work harder. You can roll your eyes, but do ask yourself where you can invest more energy.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

It’s ok to be a bit selfish, Cancer. Self-focus is not always the easiest for our Cancers, but sometimes you really need to cut the needs of others out so you can take care of your own, which ultimately is a gift to the people that care about you. Find the selfless in the selfish. Some surprising financial news is coming your way, and your support network may just offer some financial freedom.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

How do you undermine yourself, Leo? What are the ways that you undo the goals that you set out for yourself? It is high time to cut those compulsions out of your life and to get really intentional about how you go after what you want. You may use this energy to think of yourself differently and find your freedom in the work that you do.

lovin’ our locals

BESTRESORT/HOTEL

Dr. Kellee Reed

The ovaries are multitaskers, always producing eggs, hormones like estrogen and progesterone, and supporting a healthy cardiovascular system But as women age, hormone production declines, increasing the risk of gynecological cancers. Ovarian cancer is one that is often caught late, with only 20% of cases diagnosed early For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, book a check-up with your PCP and keep an eye out for these symptoms:

Early Symptoms:

Persistent bloating or swelling

Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area or lower abdomen

Feeling full quickly

Frequent or urgent urination without infection

Advanced Symptoms:

Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite

Difficulty breathing

Frequent nausea or vomiting

Ascites (fluid in the abdomen)

Feeling a lump in the abdomen or pelvis

Other symptoms include digestive issues, irregular periods, lower back pain, and persistent fatigue If you notice these signs, consult your PCP for tests like a pelvic exam, imaging, lab work, or a biopsy And don’t forget to discuss your family history too! Ladies, take charge of your well-being today to ensure a healthy reproductive system

To book an appointment with a Key West primary care physician, call

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.

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 Willow, a 3-year-old male pit bull with a heart full of sweetness. This gentle boy is ready to find his forever home.

is

Introducing Whopper, a 5-year-old black-and-white beauty. Once shy, she’s now incredibly affectionate and ready to shower you with love.

Say hello to Fennel, a 2-year-old white rabbit with perfect black ‘eyeliner.’ This stylish bun is ready to hop into your life.

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

The Just a Few Friends weekend included a celebration of Jimmy Buffett and a cleanup. In addition to our regular volunteers, the entire staff from Fury Watersports joined visitors from out of town. We ended up with a record-breaking 114 volunteers. In one hour they collected 168 pounds of trash, 45 pounds of recycling and 3 gallons of cigarette butts. The City Marina staff does a great job of keeping that area clean to ensure the trash does not end up in the water. So we have to get the small things from the bricks, rocks, bushes and all those cigarette butts. Special thanks to Casey Arnold and Conch Republic Seafood Co. for hosting the volunteers with breakfast and refreshments after the big cleanup. 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 305-296-8297 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

Emmanuel

a 4-year-old all-black cat who prefers the company of fellow felines over humans. He’s the perfect companion for a household with other cats.

Meet Bob, a 6-year-old black cat with a voice louder than his purrs. This chatty fella loves to express himself and is ready to find his forever home.

LEADERSHIP MONROE COUNTY ANNOUNCES CLASS XXXII

Thirty-second class to continue legacy of forging community partnerships

Leadership Monroe County, the premier educational non-profit community leadership organization, announces its 32nd year of programs with the selection of Class XXXII.

The LMC program is aimed at residents who are active in leadership roles within the private sector, government or community organizations. Through a series of singleand multi-day sessions over eight months, participants examine the fundamental public and private segments throughout the county. The program also provides participants the opportunity for mutual awareness and discussion of issues affecting the Keys. These experiences help participants grow as residents and leaders as well as provide invaluable connections among other leaders across the county.

Sessions will begin Sept. 13 in Key West with subsequent classes throughout the Keys, culminating with graduation in May 2025. Sessions are led by experts and leaders in the fields covered in each session. The nine sessions include focusing on the challenges and opportunities that confront the dynamic tourism industry and the Keys economy, vital environmental issues from the Everglades to Florida Bay and the coral reefs, the Monroe County education system, the levels of government, the judiciary and law enforcement system, the historical and current military significance in the Keys, emergency management and emerging best practices, Keys health care and human services, the increasing impact of the arts and creative industries, the nonprofit sectors and the media platforms that inform the citizenry and affect and influence public policy.

Established in 1992 to address the changing needs and concerns of the county, develop a group of welleducated leaders, help guide the community in a positive direction and foster county-wide effective and non-partisan alliances, Leadership Monroe County is an independent nonprofit, governed by a

countywide alumni member board. Officers are president George Garrett, vice president Cheryl Sullivan, secretary Kathy McKinney and treasurer Bruce Halle, with program coordinator Michael Shields.

Class XXXII members are:

• Erin Allison - Executive Director, Florida Keys Wild Bird Center

• Annie Briening - COO, Overseas Media Group

• Jason Castillo - Administrative Bureau Captain, Key West Police Department

• Kelly Dugan - Assistant Monroe County Attorney, BOCC

• Alex Flores - AVP, First State Bank of the Florida Keys, Treasury Management

• Christina Gardner - Naval Facilities Command, Community Planning Liaison Officer

• Matthew Hutchinson - Attorney, Hershoff, Lupino & Yagel

• Greg Lewis - Vice Mayor, City of Layton

• Chris Massicotte - Co-Founder, Duval Street Media

• Brad Milsap - President, Ocean Reef Club Sotheby’s Realty

• Jenna Moeller - Detective Sergeant, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

• Nick Parr - NOAA Environmental Manager, National Marine Sanctuary

• Michelle Pope - Co-Owner, Pilates in Paradise

• Afton Ridge - Outreach Coordinator, Metropolitan Community Church

• Heather Roberts - Vice President, Mortgage Executive, First Horizon Bank

• Suzi Rubio - Senior Project Manager, Monroe County BOCC

Robert Salter - Detention Lt., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

• Cory Schwisow - Deputy Director, Monroe County Emergency Management

• Eric Silvoy - U.S. Coast Guard, Command Master Chief

PROHIBITION SAW RAIDS & ARRESTS IN KEY WEST

Local sheriff and federal agents spar over prisoner handling

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

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

During Prohibition, there was no shortage of places to acquire alcohol in the Florida Keys. Occasionally, federal Prohibition agents visited those places, often referred to as speakeasies, tea rooms and blind pigs.

Local law enforcement agencies visited them, too, mostly on business but sometimes for pleasure.

As can be imagined, a place to pick up a bottle of booze during the Prohibition years in the Florida Keys would be a poorly kept secret, and secrets are hard things to keep on islands. One of the advantages of the island chain, especially during the Prohibition years, was that access to the islands was limited. Prohibition lasted from 1920 to 1933. It was only in 1927 that State Road 4A, the first version of the Overseas Highway, provided a link between the mainland and Key West.

Before the road opened to traffic, people could reach Key West via boat or the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway. When federal agents boarded the train on the mainland en route to Key West, it was not unusual for that information to be relayed to train stations from Jewfish Creek to Key West via telegraph or telephone.

One event involving federal officers arriving in Key West aboard Henry Flagler’s train sparked quite a spirited back and forth among the agents, the community and local law enforcement. It started on Feb. 16, 1926, when agents boarded the train in Miami and traveled to Key West. The agents were described as “eight big men” carrying “eight big guns” who possessed a big stack of search warrants.

Several newspaper accounts describe the event that followed as the first “sweeping raids against liquor traffic in Key West.” During the agents’ brief stay, they raided 25 businesses. Nearly half of the establishments stood within two blocks of police headquarters. The evi-

Federal agents recovering alcohol in Miami during Prohibition. FLORIDA MEMORY PROJECT/Contributed

dence the agents collected ranged from a single one-quart bottle to 10 cases of alcohol. The agents arrested 15 people, including Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lowe from Stock Island. Two of the individuals who were arrested were allegedly knocked in the head with bottles and dragged to jail bleeding from their scalps. They received no medical attention.

According to accounts quoted in local newspapers and alleged by Sheriff Roland Curry, the agents did not act in a lawful manner. Witnesses observed that when contraband was not discovered, the agents destroyed property, smashed glasses and cracked bottles of ginger ale.

Additionally, after locking their prisoners in the Monroe County Jail, the agents failed to fill out the proper paperwork before heading to the train station to return to Miami.

In response, Justice of the Peace Rogelio Gomez signed warrants for the arrest of two agents, W.A. Dickinson and W.M. Thomas, for assaulting prisoner Avona Morales and for grand larceny. At about 7:45 p.m., Curry arrived at the Key West train station and attempted to serve the warrants.

When Curry approached the agents, they refused to identify the two officers named in the warrants. Curry told the agents that unless the proper paperwork was filled out and placed in his hands by 9 p.m., he would set the prisoners free as he had no authority to hold them without it.

The Prohibition agents ignored Curry and took any “evidence” that they had collected back to Miami. After the train departed Key West, Curry called ahead to Miami to have the two men arrested, but his message was seemingly ignored — at least at first. Back at the Monroe County Jail, Curry released the 15 people who had been taken into custody.

Curry’s charge of grand larceny involved the theft of a handbag from one of the café owners across the street from the La Concha Hotel. The handbag, purchased on a trip to Egypt, contained a $450 diamond ring, a pearl necklace and $30 in cash. As for the officers named in the warrants for assault and grand larceny, as of February 17, only Dickinson had been served a warrant, arrested and posted a $500 bond.

In the days that followed, Curry received a telegram from the U.S. Marshal’s office to hold nine of the prisoners apprehended during the raid until warrants could be delivered to Key West. Because the telegram was received 60 hours after the arrests, Curry had no authority to hold those named, even if he knew where they were since they had been released.

It was not the end of the story. In subsequent newspaper articles, acting State Prohibition Administrator P. F. Hambsch accused Key West officers of framing the agents. Curry’s response was printed in the March 1, 1926, edition of the Miami Tribune.

“Hambsch no doubt bases his statements on information given him by the agents. He has not heard the testimony of the score or more of witnesses who have signed affidavits that the agents assaulted their prisoners and also featured in the alleged thefts.”

According to the same March 1 story, U.S. Judge William Gover would defend the agents. A spokesman for the Federal Prohibition Office issued the statement: “We are not worried about charges against local agents who figured in the Key West liquor raid. If authorities down there wish, they can make the charge murder.”

Details regarding the outcome of the case against the Prohibition agents appear murky. In June, Curry died in a boating accident while in the Bahamas. Cases against the agents seem to have been turned over to the U.S. Court.

SCHOOL BUDGET DECISIONS

Property owners’ tax bill could see an increase despite a proposed rate drop

At its Aug. 20 meeting, the Monroe County school board held a budget workshop where they described reducing the tax rate from last year, but they also expect to collect more property tax dollars.

That happens because the assessed valuations of properties have gone up across the Keys. A property owner’s bill from the county for schools is proposed to go up 2.37%, or $32.66, if their home is valued at $500,000 last year and receives the homestead exemption. Those with a similar residence but without a homestead exemption will see their bill rise 9%, or $132.70.

Decisions on funding for the county’s schools take place from September through November, and taxpayers are invited to participate.

The Monroe County School District is one of 14 Keys taxing authorities. Six of those, like mosquito control and the judicial system, are countywide. A person’s property bill also has taxes, including another school tax levied by the state and by taxing authorities like the Water Management District. The state money for schools spreads to all counties to level differences in funds available in a county to pay for schools.

Only a small percentage of the state school tax money comes back to Monroe County. If you are 65 or older and have the $50,000 exemption on your real estate assessed value, that exemption doesn’t apply for these two school taxes. The $25,000 homestead exemption does apply.

Taken together, the “school” line can become the largest dollar item on a property owner’s real estate tax bill. Decisions about how most of that money is gathered and spent are made by the members of the Monroe County school board.

The Monroe County property appraiser’s office has mailed the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice. The TRIM notice is not a bill; it is a forecast and the property appraiser uses it to invite the public to participate and

speak in the process of determining local taxes. A public hearing on the final Monroe County School District budget will be held at Marathon High School on Sept. 10.

During a prior meeting, school board member John Dick pointed out that very little of the funds in the school operating budget are discretionary.

“You have to run the buses, pay the staff and provide benefits,” he said.

At the same meeting, Charlene White, the district’s executive director of finance and performance, discussed a recently received $4.2 million invoice from the Florida Blue Health Plan that was several times the anticipated amount.

The school tax should generate $128.54 million in 2024-25. The district also receives some funds from the items, labeled school state law, on the real estate tax bill. Those state funds come according to a formula designed to reduce the differences in assessed property wealth between counties.

Monroe County Schools have two other sources of funds that depend on voters. The November ballot will contain an item known as the “half-mill.” This referendum would allow the district to move funds from the capital fund to the operating fund. It doesn’t create any new cost to taxpayers.

“Renewing the half-mill is crucial for our ability to retain high quality teachers and staff, provide school nurses and school resource officers at every school and maintain the high quality educational opportunities our students deserve,” said Sue Woltanski, school board chairwoman.

The other referendum item in November, known as the “half-cent,” is a sales tax that pays for buildings, upgrades and maintenance.

Voters have approved both of these ballot items for 20 years in a row.

LADIES AND GENTS, WE HAVE OUR VENUE

For the first time, the Best of Marathon heads to Hawks Cay

alex@keysweekly.com

As this paper hits Middle Keys newsstands, there are less than four days remaining to vote for your favorite people, places and businesses in the Best of Marathon Awards.

All of the nominations and votes from locations around the globe have led to these final decisions as our readers dole out their crowns from our list of finalists, and the Keys Weekly crew absolutely cannot wait to celebrate our winners on Saturday, Sept. 21 with what many regard as the best party in the Middle Keys.

The goal is to make the Best of Marathon better each year, and this year is no exception. We’re thrilled to announce that this year, for the first time ever, our awards ceremony will take place at the stunning Hawks Cay Resort.

“We can’t thank Hawks Cay enough for partnering with us this year and providing a phenomenal venue for our awards,” said Marathon Weekly publisher Jason Koler. “At the end of the day, our Best Of

events up and down the Keys are about two things: honoring the people and businesses who go above and beyond to make our community as amazing as it is, and raising as much money as we possibly can for deserving charitable organizations like the Marathon Rotary Club. Hawks Cay has been incredible in working with us to put on what promises to be an unforgettable night.”

Visit keysweekly.com/BOM24 to cast your votes once per day through midnight on Sunday, Sept. 8. In order for your ballot to count, you must make a selection in 75% of the categories.

Tickets for the Best of Marathon awards ceremony are typically offered to winners first and are not generally made available to the public due to demand. Winners and dignitaries are invited to attend and additional nominees and other attendees are selected from a first-come, first-served waiting list. To be placed on this list, please email patti@ keysweekly. com.

Hawks Cay Resort will be the picturesque setting for the 2024 Best of Marathon Awards. CONTRIBUTED

FRANK DERFLER www.keysweekly.com

ALEX RICKERT

REMEMBERING THE LABOR DAY HURRICANE OF 1935

Islamorada community gathers to remember the lives lost

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Almost 90 years later, the Islamorada community continues to remember the lives lost to a destructive hurricane.

Sept. 2 marked the 89th anniversary of the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. More than 400 lives were taken by the powerful storm, and a majority of those who died were World War I veterans working in the Keys.

The eye of the storm crossed Lower Matecumbe Key to the north and Long Key to the south and battered the Keys with sustained winds in excess of 185 mph and a storm surge of 18 to 20 feet. Barometric readings reached a record-breaking low of 26.35 inches

At the Hurricane Monument in Islamorada, local community members, dignitaries, first responders and Scouts gathered for a service

to remember the lives taken by the Category 5 storm. Organized by the Matecumbe Historical Trust, the service included an invocation by Pastor Tony Hammon, presentation of colors by the Scouts and the national anthem by the Two Brothers band of Dante and Vinnie Jiovenetta.

Guest speakers included Mayor Buddy Pinder and Councilman Henry Rosenthal. Barbara Edgar provided a brief history of the storm, and Pastor Bob Pavey gave the benediction. A wreath sponsored by Centennial Bank was laid by Cinnamon Edgar and Mary Beth Harris, and flowers were laid by the Pigeon Key Foundation.

Following the ceremony, attendees walked behind the Hurricane Monument for a special unveiling of a 1935 Labor Day Hurricane map. Edgar and Pinder uncovered the large plaque, which displays the names of those taken in the storm and where they were buried or cremated in the Keys.

SHELF HELP

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

What: “The Measure” by Nikki Erlick

Why: What is the measure of a person’s life? Length? Impact? Wealth? “The Measure” is an exercise in how we humans react to the sudden awareness of our end. On the same day, every person on the planet receives a box with a length of string. Some long, some short, representing the recipient’s time left to live. To open the box or not is the first dilemma; the second is what to do with your time left. What a unique take on an age-old question: What to do with the one and only life we are all given?

Where: You can get “The Measure” as a print book, ebook, e-audiobook and Book Club In A Bag kit from the Monroe County Public Library system.

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

Recommended by: Amy Skerly, senior library assistant, Key West library

See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/shelf-help.

1. Local Scouts present the colors. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly. 2. Councilman Henry Rosenthal speaks in front of the Hurricane Monument. 3. Cinnamon Edgar, left, and Mary Beth Harris lay a wreath sponsored by Centennial Bank. 4. Barbara Edgar and Mayor Buddy Pinder unveil a large plaque showing the burial and cremation sites of World War I veterans and civilians who perished in the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935.

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TRY ’N’ FIND

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

ABACUS, BANK, BILLS, BUDGET, CHARITABLE, DONATE, GOAL, GOODS, INSURED, LONG, MONEY, NEEDS, PERCENT, SAFE, SAVE, SERVICES, SHARE, SHORT, SPEND, WANTS.

Founded by Betty Debnam

Money Matters

Do you receive an allowance or payment for chores done around the house? Maybe you get gifts of money at birthday time.

This week, The Mini Page learns about money and good money habits.

THE THREE $’S

The things we must have to survive, such as food, shelter and clothing, are called needs.

Extra things that would be nice to have, but that we could do without, are called wants.

Most people try to budget, or plan, what to do with the money they make or receive.

That way they can be sure there is enough forspending, saving and sharing.

You can make a plan for money you receive as gifts or for doing chores. These three categories will help you decide how you want to use your money.

$PENDING

Spending is using money to buy goods and services. These can be needs or wants.

You may hear your parents talk about “paying the bills.” Each month, most households get notices about how much money they owe for different products and services, such as:

• trash collection • internet • electriciaty • cellphones • doctor visits • lawn services • natural gas or oil for heating the house • pet care

$AVING

People save money for different reasons. They may save for shortterm and long-term goals. You might save money to buy a video game. That would be a short-term goal. You might also save to go to college. That would be a long-term goal.

Experts suggest that younger kids save money at home, for instance in a piggy bank. Older kids may want to open a savings account at a bank.

You might try to save at least 10%, or onetenth, of the money you get. For instance, if you get $5 for allowance, you would save 50 cents. But even if you don’t save quite that much, putting some money into savings is a great habit to start now.

PROTECTING MONEY

Because money is valuable, we need to eep it safe. We can do this by:

• putting it in a bank or credit union where deposits are insured, or protected, by the government.

• never giving out credit card numbers to people who ask for them by phone or on the internet.

British animal experts say they have discovered that hippos can trot so fast that they actually “glide through the air,” however briefly, when at full speed. A report by the Royal Veterinary College says the massive mammals, weighing up to 2 tons, can propel themselves with all four feet off the ground for up to 0.3 seconds at a time. The researchers also found that hippos are more athletic than elephants but less than rhinos. Hippos are dangerous animals and are usually active at night, which makes them difficult to study.

$HARING

For many people, sharing with others who have less has become an important part of their budget. We call this charitable giving.

If you have ever dropped coins into a red kettle during the holidays or placed money in a collection plate at church, you have shared your money. If you plan to share your money regularly, you need to budget for that.

My Budget

1/3 for savings ....................... -$10 (30 divided by 3) 1/3 for sharing -$10 Money left to spend $10

A KID’S BUDGET

Some kids do it this way: Whenever they get money, they spend one-third of it, save one-third of it and share one-third of it. You may already have an idea of a group or cause that you want to help with your money. If not, your family can help you decide how to use your sharing money.

MONEY NICKNAMES

Some funny nicknames for money are: • bacon • cheddar • greenbacks • moola • clams • bucks

Mini Fact: Ancient Egyptians used a counting device called an abacus (AB-uh-kuhss)to add large numbers quickly.

9/5

9/5

THE SCOREBOARD

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

WHEATLEY

If you looked up ‘what makes a good teammate,’ Ali would check every box.”

– Lyndie Meyers, ‘Canes head coach

“ALI HAS A LOVE FOR RUNNING, WHICH DRIVES HER TO HAVE A STRONG DESIRE TO COMPETE AND WIN.”

It usually takes a few seasons to forge a successful cross country athlete, but Coral Shores freshman Ali Wheatley exploded out of the gates in her first varsity endeavor, claiming a fifth-place medal at the recent Race of the Thoroughbreds and the top time for her team. Coach Lyndie Meyers marveled at Wheatley’s times both at the race and throughout practice.

“I find myself triple-checking my stopwatch on her run times. This girl is incredibly fast and she makes it look so easy,” Meyers said. “Ali has a love for running, which drives her to have a strong desire to compete and win.”

In Wheatley’s varsity debut, she ran faster than any Coral Shores girl has run in years, giving not just Meyers a level of excitement, but any Hurricane fans. For her dedication to her sport and team, Coral Shores’ Ali Wheatley is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

THIS WEEK Ali

Freshman, Coral Shores Cross country

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

sean mcdonald

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

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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

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

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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

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Se habla español

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

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

CONCHS OVERWHELM MARINERS

Key West High School beats Basilica School in Bone Island Battle on the volleyball court

On Aug. 28, Basilica School made the short trip across town to face the Lady Conchs of Key West High School. Last season, the junior varsity teams matched up and the Mariners came out on top. This season, the Lady Conchs were unstoppable, winning in three sets, 25-11, 25-15 and 25-15.

Despite the score, Key West head coach Kim Butler had some concerns about her team’s overall play style. “It wasn’t very pretty,” she said. “We didn’t play our best. We let them dictate the tempo.”

Butler was happy to come away with a win and was pleased with the performance of a trio of juniors. Audrey Smith remained steady and helped lead the team to a win with 10 kills and no errors, racking up 5 aces against the Mariners. Cat Van Staden had 3 kills with a .429 hitting efficiency, and Molly McKnight was credited with 13 assists and 5 aces.

That would be Basilica School’s only match last week, but the Conchs played again on Aug. 30 against the 7A regional runner-up Bobcats of Boca Raton. Key West found themselves across the net from a much larger team, with a right side hitter standing 6’3” tall. The LSU-commit Bobcat was merciless against Key West, but Butler found positivity in the team’s 3-0 loss, saying it was “good for us to see that caliber of play and strive to be better.”

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

The Lady Fins fell to 1-3 after a loss to Florida Christian on Aug. 30. Marathon lost in three sets to the Patriots in Miami. The Fins will take on Westwood at home on Thursday, Sept. 5 in a game that was moved from later in the season, then University School on Sept. 12.

tracy mcdonald

AND THEY’RE OFF!

Coral Shores, Basilica School open season with Race of the Thoroughbreds Classic

The Lady ’Canes traveled to Larry & Penny Thompson Park to participate in their first race of the season on Aug. 30, and it was a very different team than it was one year prior. The Hurricanes are reaping the benefits of their work last season, when a very young team paid their dues and built speed and stamina, but struggled to catch up to teams who had been at it for longer.

In race number one, Coral Shores already had a topfive finisher in Ali Wheatley, a freshman who clocked in at a respectable 22:39. Tess Hill, Kate King, Kai Guth and Hayden Teal all managed to complete the course quickly enough to take fourth place overall, setting the tempo for the rest of the season.

“I can’t wait to watch their next race,” said second-year head coach Lyndie Meyers, whose enthusiasm for running and her team are contagious. “We are in a much better position than we were at the beginning of last season.” The Lady ’Canes run again Thursday, Sept. 5 at the FNU Invitational, also held at Larry & Penny Thompson Park. This time they will be joined by the boys team, running their first race of the season.

While the Hurricanes were tearing up the varsity race, Basilica School’s new cross country team opted to toe the line in the junior varsity division of the Race of the Thoroughbreds. Sophomore Noah Wright crossed the line first for the Mariners, finishing in 23:26. Sebastian Davis (eighth grade), Caden King (eighth), Joseph Gauron (seventh), Owen Wright (ninth), Killian Donnelly (11th), Gregory White (eighth) and Max Pluccinek (seventh) rounded out the young crew of Mariners last week.

The inexperience of the team stands to benefit them in the coming weeks, as the newer the runner is, the more their times tend to drop in a single season. The Mariners’ youngest runner took the top spot for the girls team. Campbell Cooper, a sixth-grader, finished the 3.1 miles in 31:41. Junior Gloria Slavik, seventh-grader Alise Lumen and sophomore Zofia Zeledon also competed in the JV race.

The Mariners weren’t the only team with sixth-grade success. The perennial powerhouse Lady Fins ran strong in their opening race at Palmer Trinity School on Aug. 28. The runners slogged through high grass, puddles and thick mud, which slowed down the pace, but not the Fins’ resolve.

Molly Joly finished first for the girls. The sixth-grader edged out senior Ella Dunn, a multi-year state qualifier, by seven seconds, finishing in 25:33. Sophomores Maeve Merryman and Sara Robinson were next, followed by eighth-grader Rebecca Merryman, sophomores Madelyn Thornton and Mylana Loza, then another sixth-grader in Adrianna Dworniczak. Sophomore Lizbeth Garcia rounded out the Lady Fins’ participants last week.

The top finisher for the boys was no surprise; senior Vance Bursa completed the course in 17:29, good enough for third overall and well in front of younger brother Tony, who finished next for Marathon. Allan Taylor took the team’s third spot, and junior Caleb Shelar was fourth for the Fins. The top four Fins were all in the top 20 overall, but before the rest of the pack could finish, the race was called due to nearby lightning strikes.

Despite the unpleasant conditions, head coach Jim Murphy found a silver lining. “We got to open up where districts will be held this year,” he said. “The course was soaked, which made it much more challenging. The kids got to prove to themselves that they can still perform when the conditions are not ideal, which is a great thing to learn at a first race and to remember later on.”

Marathon was on the road again on Sept. 4 for the Miami Country Day Invitational before hosting a meet on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The races start at 3 p.m. with middleschool girls, with staggered start times until 4:45 when the varsity boys take off.

Cross country fans, running enthusiasts and anyone hoping to catch all of the Keys teams in action in one place should be at Sombrero Beach, where the races begin and finish. Marathon, Basilica School, Key West, Key Largo School, Sugarloaf School, Coral Shores and Florida Christian are all scheduled to compete.

Above: Marathon freshman Allan Taylor finished third for the Fins in their opening race of the season. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

Top: The Lady ’Canes’ cross country team took fourth place as a team at the Race of the Thoroughbreds on Aug. 30. From left: Kai Guth, Ali Wheatley, Tess Hill, Hayden Teal and Kate King. CONTRIBUTED

A (SPORTS) PAGE FROM HISTORY

Many of the people who remember the Keys in the ‘70s are gone now, but those who remain and those who enjoy reading the Weekly online from Ocala – or wherever the newest mecca is for Keys folks trying to escape the economic insanity – can attest that it was a far different place 50 years ago.

In 1974, the Navy base all but shut down, collapsing much of the local economy in Key West, and while the Keys were always a tourist destination, it took a few years for a full-on rebranding to occur, giving the locals, including highschool athletes, a more close-knit community where everyone knew each other and their business.

In 1974, Key West was rife with changes. The closing of most of the Naval operations affected the Southernmost City the most, and the loss of revenue from the government and the families who lived on base was felt across the island. Compounding this was the expense the football team endured in traveling to the mainland to play their games.

This helped drive the decision to exit the GMAC conference and join one which allowed the Conchs more leeway in choosing opponents for more favorable locations and more favorable results; many believed the GMAC was becoming stacked as Miami exploded in population. The Conchs joined FHSAA’s 4A classification, where they remain today. In their first year with the new district, the Conchs went 5-5 under the tutelage of coach Dave Matheson, who laid the groundwork for Key West’s first district championship the following season. Star wide receiver Richard “Bo” Howard was also a big part of the Conchs’ successful equation, and he earned third team All-State honors in 1974.

A look back at fall prep sports in the Keys 50 years ago

‘Canes, and though his team couldn’t pull off the win over Marathon in ‘74, Russell made a name for himself by launching an 88-yard punt that season. The punt set a Florida high school record and likely didn’t hurt Russell’s scouting prospects; he later played at University of Miami before returning to Coral Shores to teach, coach, serve as athletic director and mentor hundreds of students, athletes and teachers.

Across the island, Mary Immaculate, now Basilica School, added volleyball back into their varsity offerings. The first mention of a girls volleyball team was 30 years prior to that, but what happened between the ‘44 and ‘74 seasons, including when and why the team dissipated, remains unclear. Fifty years later, the Mariners repeated the feat in 2024, giving Key West fans two local volleyball teams to cheer for.

1974 was a big year for the Dolphins. Marathon’s Jim Sikora led the Fins to their first-ever Battle of the Keys Win, defeating Coral Shores 22-0. Sikora served as Marathon’s first coach when the school added varsity football to their schedules in 1970.

One athletic stronghold from the Upper Keys of half a century ago remains. In 1974 and in 2024, there is likely not a single Coral Shores student or staff member with whom Rich Russell is unfamiliar. Russell has a storied history with the

FUN FACTS:

• A ride on the Conch Train in 1974 set you back a buck-fifty.

• A night camping at John Pennekamp State Park was $3.50.

• Anyone rightfully terrified to travel across the old Seven Mile Bridge, which was crumbling and narrow by the mid-1970s, could catch multiple flights each day between Key West and Marathon via Sunshine Air.

Coral Shores graduate Rich Russell played football at the University of Miami. He played tight end but later moved to defensive end. CONTRIBUTED

ANYTHING BUT ROUGH

Keys golfers refining skills with frequent matches and friendly yet strong competition

Local prep golfers have been getting in plenty of practice despite seasonal storms doing their best to dampen the rounds. On Aug. 26, Marathon hosted Key West and Coral Shores for boys and girls play. Key West junior Claudia Steling shot a 42, beating her closest competitor by 10 strokes. Steling birdied on holes one and seven on the winning round. Lexi Finigan and Monica Bueno made it a Conch sweep of the top three spots.

Coral Shores senior Amber Ender was fourth and Charlize Lopez of Key West was fifth. Marathon’s Justice Lee Isom traded in pumping iron for a different sort and claimed sixth place with teammate Makenna Haines in seventh. Sasha Mayer of Coral Shores finished eighth.

The following day, Coral Shores and Marathon headed to Redland Golf Course, home of the Palmer Trinity Falcons, for a quad meet also featuring Riviera Prep. Lady ’Canes senior Gabby Thomas shot a 49 to lead the Keys, with Lee Isom, Haines, Mayer and Ender close behind. Thomas added another round on Aug. 29 at her home course, Ocean Reef. The talented senior shot a 50, placing her in what would have been a five-way tie for fourth place among the boys competition.

Though the girls teams often do not have enough athletes participating in a match to qualify for team scoring, there seems to be no shortage of gentlemen roaming the fairways. At Florida Keys Country Club in Marathon on Aug. 26, the home team narrowly beat out their Keys competitors. The Fins won with the low team score of 177, with Key West close behind at 195 and Coral Shores in third with 213.

Sophomore Roco Piscetello birdied on hole four and ended the day with the low score of 41. Teammates Leo Mendez and Emmett Merryman rounded out the top three golfers of the day. Key West’s Andrew Bassett and Geo Twyman were tied with Merryman for third and Preston Carroll of Coral Shores was sixth. Cullen Coleman-Sayer and Mason Thornton of Marathon tied for seventh, with Peyton Zubieta (Key West), Donovan Thiery (Coral Shores) and Luca Picariello (Marathon) rounding out the top 10.

On Aug. 29, Marathon and Coral Shores met up at Ocean Reef for nine holes of friendly competition. Carroll and Thornton tied at 46 with Coral Shores’ Derek Ramos one stroke behind. Tanel Irons and Brock Bynum of Coral Shores shared fourth place with Marathon’s Piscetello and Max Childress. Mendez, Aidan Althouse of Coral Shores and ColemanSayer placed in the top 10 at the renowned course. Coral Shores won their home match 193-202.

More matches are scheduled this week for all three squads, on Thursday, Sept. 5 at Ocean Reef; Monday, Sept. 9 at Marathon; then back to Ocean Reef on Thursday, Sept. 12.

’CANES REMAIN UNBEATEN

Putetti + Coral Shores’ defense = gridiron domination

Coral Shores is the only Keys football team to remain undefeated after clobbering Palmer Trinity last week, winning 22-7 against the Falcons. The game’s outcome was a bit iffy on the opening drive, when Palmer marched down the field and scored to pull ahead 7-0. The ’Canes regrouped, keeping their composure until AJ Putetti scored on a 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Putetti struck again in the third with a 7-yard run. On the extra-point attempt, the snap was flubbed, but a quick-thinking Yemcel Moreno picked the ball up off the ground and tossed it to Putetti for an extra 2. Putetti struck for a third TD, a 47-yard run, to seal the win for the Hurricanes.

“We are truly blessed to have him,” coach Ed Holly said of his relentless running back. Putetti ended the game with 26 carries for 247 all-purpose yards, 3 touchdowns and a 2-point conversion.

Also playing well for Coral Shores was the defense, which secured the shutout with aggressive play and a bevy of sacks on the Palmer QB. At one point, Palmer was within range of a field goal, but Eddie Holly stepped in and put an end to any hopes the Falcons had of scoring. In addition to the blocked field goal, Holly had 7 solo tackles, 3 for a loss, an interception and a forced fumble.

Jarmoris Davis had 4 sacks, 4 pressures, an assisted tackle and a fumble recovery. Connor Dixon had 3 solo and 1 assisted tackle, a tackle for a loss and a forced fumble and Micah Carr had 3 sacks, a tackle for a loss, 3 pressures and an assisted tackle.

Whether the ’Canes can keep their perfect record is in the hands of Palm Glades Prep, in a game that will now be played in Tavernier. Palm Glades was scheduled to have a home game, but a lack of referees in Miami forced the game to the Keys. However, with a finite number of officials able to work Keys games and a crew already scheduled to work Marathon’s home game, the ’Canes are not entirely certain if their game will be Thursday or Friday night, Sept. 5 or 6. The official determination will occur after presstime.

Marathon fell to 1-1 after a lopsided loss to Florida Chirstian. The Patriots struck first offensively before the Fins answered back with a Fab Louis Jeune 6-yard run, but his extra-point attempt went wide left, and Marathon wouldn’t find the end zone again.

“We just failed to match their intensity, at the end of the day,” said coach Sean McDonald, who was understandably disappointed with the loss. The 49-6 score left the Fins reeling as they head into their week 3 opponent: Aubrey Rogers will travel from Naples to play the Dolphins in Marathon Friday, Sept. 6.

“Back to the drawing board,” McDonald said, adding, “We did have a bright spot with Shamar (Wright). He ran hard and he is really coming into his own. We need to get him the ball more.”

Fins fans will be able to catch Marathon in action at home for the next month as they enjoy a schedule nearly devoid of travel. They do not hit the road again until Oct. 4, when they take the short trip to Tavernier for the Battle of the Keys, played at Coral Shores this year.

The Conchs faced one of the most powerful teams in the country last week, taking on IMG Academy’s White team in Key West. The Conchs lost 28-0, but not because they could not match up with the Ascenders; Key West turned the ball over a record eight times in the game, handing the ball as well as the victory to IMG.

“I thought the defense played phenomenally, honestly,” said head coach Johnny Hughes. “I liked the effort they gave and that they didn’t hang their heads and give up.”

Despite facing a nose guard Hughes described as “an animal,” the Conchs defense held their own against the Syracuse commit as well as a full lineup of big, physical athletes who played only one side of the game. Key West did not have the luxury of resting their athletes, and as the season wears on, the injuries pile up, making for creative management of the depth chart.

Defensively, Jayden Gist had a strong night, reeling in two interceptions while Noah Mercer and Josh Johnson were able to give some good pressure for the rest of the defense, but the turnovers ultimately cost Key West the game. Also lost in the first half was the talent of Jaden Fox, who did not play after the second quarter. His return this week is questionable as he rehabs a sprained shoulder.

Fox and the rest of the Conchs’ offense were able to move the ball against IMG, with two of the turnovers occurring within 10 yards of a Conchs TD and a third around the 25-yard line.

“It was just one of those nights,” Hughes said, adding that he is relieved to move on to the next opponent. That will be Somerset Academy Canyons; the Conchs will travel to Boynton Beach to play on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. The Conchs will not play at home again until Sept. 20, when North Port pays them a visit.

Left page: The Hurricanes celebrate a touchdown run by running back A.J Putetti.

Above from left: Christopher Barter preps for the snap. Daniel Oviedo heads for the pile. Conch defenders Josh Johnson and Joseph DaleyWailey converge on the ball.

Photos by Maicey Malgrat and Doug Finger. See more photos at Keysweekly.com

Adam

Brevity

Nancy

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

WHEATON’S SERVICE

CENTER gives notice that on

09/27/2024 at 10:00 AM, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500

OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78.

Wheaton’s Service Center reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FMCU03Z48KA09789 2008

FORD

Publish:

September 5 & 12, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Florida Keys Council of the Arts

Notice of Upcoming Meetings

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the Zoom meetings or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com

Membership & Development Committee Meetings (3)

Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 at 10:30 AM

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 863 2516 7350

Passcode: 425810

Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 at 10:30 AM

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 824 9702 5044

Passcode: 078894

Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 at 10:30 AM

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 899 6652 9062

Passcode: 734758

Art in Public Places

Committee Meeting

Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 at 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 897 3536 2361

Passcode: 878504

Executive Committee Meeting Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 828 2655 7846

Passcode: 865912

Publish: September 5, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

The City of Key Colony Beach cordially invites interested contractors to complete and submit sealed quotes by October 25th, 2024, no later than 9:30 am, for the following project.

DRY FLOOD PROOF ENGINEERING FOR CITY MAINTENANCE BUILDING RFQ 2024-001

THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF: The City is requesting qualifications from Florida registered, licensed professional engineering firms or teams to provide an engineering proposal for dry-floodproofing the City of Key Colony Beach Maintenance Building located at Parcel ID: 8843062 480 8th Street, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051. Firms interested in providing Engineering Services should have proven experience in floodproofing buildings by FEMA requirements. All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope to City Administrator John Bartus at 600 W. Ocean, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051 (mailing address PO Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051), no later than October 25th, 2024, at 9:30 am clearly marked ‘Sealed Bid for the City of Key Colony Beach RFQ No. 2024-001’ along with the name of your firm. Each bid must have one original and three copies.

The bid manual, requirements, and specifications are available on DemandStar at www.Demandstar.com.

All questions regarding the bid process should be directed to City Administrator John Bartus at cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net

DATE: TIME (ET): Action:

09-13-2024 9:30 am Release Solicitation (via DemandStar)

09-27-2024 9:30 am Pre-Submittal Meeting and Non-mandatory Site Visit (Open to Public – 480 8th Street, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051-0141)

10-04-2024  4:00 pm Last day for submission of written questions to the City (to cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net)

10-11-2024 4:00 pm Last day for the City to post answers to questions (on DemandStar)

10-25-2024 9:30 am Bid Due & Opening (Open to Public:City Hall 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach, FL 33051-0141)

11-08-2024 9:30 am Review Committee Meeting

Recommendation to Award to the Commission Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, 
FL 33051-0141

*Can be posted on or before date

11-21-2024 9:30 am City Commission Meeting – Final Award (Open to Public – Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach, FL 33051-0141)

City of Key Colony Beach

600 W Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

Contact Mailing Address

John Bartus, City Administrator PO Box 510141 cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT HEARING SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2024-491 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances.

DATE/TIME: Thursday, September 19th, 2024, 9:30

AM

LOCATION: City of Key Colony Beach, Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach. The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2024-491], entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER FOURTEEN OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, ENTITLED SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL, SECTION 14-6 MONTHLY RATES AND CHARGES, AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; REPEALING ANY INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.”

The Business Impact Statement is available for review on the City of Key Colony Beach’s website at www.keycolonybeach.net and at City Hall at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose 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.

If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record.

To be published: On or before September 9th, 2024

City Clerk City of Key Colony Beach, Florida Publish: September 5, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-398-P DIVISION: PLANTATION KEY IN RE: ESTATE OF MARK GREGORY BAGAN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Mark Gregory Bagan, deceased, whose date of death was April 16, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION

OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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.

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: September 5, 2024.

Personal Representative: Anne Elizabeth Bagan 251 S Ocean Shores Drive Key Largo, Florida 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-9428

Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: rmiller@floridakeyslaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com

Publish: September 5 & 12, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-375-M DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF GREGORY ALLEN COLDIRON Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Gregory Allen Coldiron, deceased, whose date of death was July 2, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court 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.

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.

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: September 5, 2024.

Personal Representative: Mallory Morton Pinto 1342 74th Street Ocean Marathon, Florida 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com

Publish: September 5 & 12, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2024-CP-407-K IN RE: ESTATE OF SUSAN PELL HOWARTH, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Susan Pell Howarth, deceased, whose date of death was April 11, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, 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 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) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: September 5, 2024. Signed on August 26, 2024.

Personal Representative: Walter Howarth

30858 Palm Drive

Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Attorney for Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq.

Florida Bar No. 618403

JAMES J. DORL, P.A.

First Professional Centre

5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 12

Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6565

Email: jjdorl@yahoo.com

Publish: September 5 & 12, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000411-P DIVISION: GARCIA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DON J. HINDMAN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of DON J. HINDMAN, deceased, whose date of death was July 6, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate 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 September 5, 2024.

Personal Representative: LESLIE S. HINDMAN 123 Australian Avenue Palm Beach, Florida 33480

Attorney for Personal Representative: THOMAS F. McGUIRE E-mail Addresses: Thomas.mcguire@saul.com shar-ann.callahan@saul.com Florida Bar No. 32729 SAUL EWING LLP 161 North Clark Street, Suite 4200 Chicago, Illinois 60601 Telephone: (312) 87607195

Publish:

September 5 & 12, 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-404-K IN RE: ESTATE OF PATRICK DANIEL NOWICKI Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of PATRICK DANIEL NOWICKI, deceased, whose date of death was April 7, 2024, 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

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

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: September 5, 2024. Personal Representative: CHRISTOPHER NOWICKI 8704 Hahn Road Fredonia, New York, 14063 Attorney for Personal Representative: 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: September 5 & 12, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-466-K WEBENS LAUTURE, Petitioner, and ANDREA URBANOVA, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ANDREA URBANOVA RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 61 SEASIDE NORTH CT, KEY WEST, FL 33040 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Webens Lauture, whose address is 1641 Morgan CT, Apt. 4, Key West, FL 33040 on or before October 3, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 530 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: N/A Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: August 22, 2024 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jaquelyn Fonseca Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023-CA-268-M NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 20th day of September, 2024 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

Property Address: 329 63rd Court Gulf, Marathon, Florida 33050; and 57468 and 57478 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, Florida 33050.

Pursuant to ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF’S SECOND MOTION TO CANCEL AND RESCHEDULE 8/20/24 FORECLOSURE SALE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 19th day of August 2024 Style of which is: RED MANGROVE HOLDINGS, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Plaintiff, VS. MARATHON DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, CEDAR OAK REI, INC., AN IDAHO FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION, MARK RAY GERENGER, PERSONAL GUARANTOR, ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT(S)WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS, AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN OCCUPANT(S) OR TENANT(S) OF 329 63RD COURT GULF, MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050 AND 57468 AND 57478 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, GRASSY KEY, FLORIDA 33050, Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2023-CA268-M WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 28TH day of August 2024

KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim

within sixty (60) days after the sale. Publish: September 5 & 12, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION/ SALE FOR NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE RE: THE CALOOSA COVE RESORT OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC MONROE County, Florida Non-Judicial Timeshare foreclosure process NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION/ SALE FOR NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to an action for non-judicial foreclosure of timeshare units on the Assessment Claim of Lien, which is dated August 4, 2023 and was recorded August 4, 2023, in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida in Official Records Book 32379, Page 1984 as Instrument Number 2427575, and that Assessment Claim of Lien which is dated August 16, 2023 and was recorded August 24, 2023, in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida in Official Records Book 3239, Page 1847 as Instrument Number 2429502, I will sell, to the highest and best bidder for cash, at CALOOSA COVE RESORT Manager’s Office, 73801 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036 on the 4th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., the following described real property located in MONROE County, Florida, to-wit: Those certain Unit Numbers and Weeks as set forth herein in CALOOSA COVE RESORT, a Condominium, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 827, Page 2050, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and all amendments and exhibits thereto, together with an undivided share in the common elements appurtenant thereto.

Unit Number:/Week #

115/48

118/30

122/37

124/50

126/35, 36

127/44

204/42, 46

208/17, 45, 48

210/18

215/42, 50

220/24

222/32

224/09, 10, 18, 30

227/07, 08, 25 TO:

Unit Owner(s) Last Known Address

Unit/Week(s): Amount due:

Anneli De Carvalho

356 NE 102nd Street Miami Shores, FL 33138

122/37

$2,562.11 with a per diem amount of $1.27 from August 2, 2023

Baron Fry

2595 Edenville Path The Villages, FL 32162

204/42

$4,450.88 with a per diem amount of $2.20 from August 2, 2023

Bryan Marcinko

1390 Scott Road Kehly, NC 27542

208/48

$2,562.11 with a per diem amount of $1.27 from August 2, 2023

Brenda Bashaw

3089 Newburgh Street Port Charlotte, FL 33952

126/35

$2,562.11 with a per diem amount of $1.27 from August 2, 2023

126/36

$2,562.11 with a per diem amount of $1.27 from August 2, 2023

Charles McClure

215/42

$3,537.26 with a per diem amount of $1.75 from August 2, 2023

Edward Lutz and Mary Lutz

The Estate of Edward Lutz

All heirs and devisees of the Estate of Edward Lutz

The Estate of Mary Lutz

All heirs and devisees of the Estate of Mary Lutz

615 Mazur Avenue Paramis, NJ 07652

227/07

$3,160.11 with a per diem amount of $1.56 from August 2, 2023

224/10

$3,160.11 with a per diem amount of $1.56 from August 2, 2023

227/08

$3,160.11 with a per diem amount of $1.56 from August 2, 2023

220/24

$3,160.11 with a per diem amount of $1.56 from August 2, 2023

224/09

$3,160.11 with a per diem amount of $1.56 from August 2, 2023

Forrest McGinley

204 East Cypress Avenue

Howey In The Hills, FL 34737

222/32

$4,311.36 with a per diem amount of $2.13 from August 2, 2023

Gary Iverson

334 French Road

Onalaska, WI 54650

204/46

$3,537.26 with a per diem amount of $1.75 from August 2, 2023

Jerald Torano 1105 Carraway Street Tallahassee, FL 32508

227/25

$4,139.64 with a per diem amount of $2.05 from August 2, 2023

Jack Chinn

1189 Augusta Court Shawnee, OK 74801

127/44

$3,537.26 with a per diem amount of $1.75 from August 2, 2023

Judith Hagopian

7420 Cedar Avenue Tacoma Park, MD 20912

124/50

$2,562.11 with a per diem amount of $1.27 from August 2, 2023

Kirsten Schaefer

41 Oak Court Lincoln Park, NJ 07035

115/48

$1,062.11 with a per diem amount of $0.53 from August 2, 2023

Loretta Fregien

2763 Pepperridge Cout San Jose, CA 95148

118/30

$1,500.00 with a per diem amount of $0.74 from August 2, 2023

224/30

$1,500.00 with a per diem amount of $0.74 from August 2, 2023

Linda Asta 2 Loon Lane Placida, FL 33946

210/18

$3,161.11 with a per diem amount of $1.56 from August 2, 2023

M Turner

3078 Lake Ranch Drive

Gainesville, GA 30506

208/17

$5,050.74 with a per diem amount of $2.49 from August 2, 2023

Steven Sebby

201 Leisure Street Yorkville, IL 60560

215/50

$2,562.11 with a per diem amount of $1.26 from August

2, 2023

Tommy Driggers

P.O. Box 667

Mount Pleasant, TX 75455

208/45

$2,562.11 with a per diem amount of $1.26 from August 2, 2023

William Distaso

LEGAL NOTICES

2, 2023

The assessment lien created by the Claims of Lien was properly created and authorized pursuant to the timeshare instrument and applicable law, and the amounts secured by said lien are as set above. You may cure the default at any time prior to the public auction by paying the amount due, as set forth in this notice, to the undersigned Trustee at the address set forth below. THIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION/SALE is dated this 4th day of AUGUST, 2024. THOMAS L AVRUTIS ____________________/ THOMAS L. AVRUTIS, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CALOOSA COVE RESORT OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC 201 Fletcher Avenue, 2nd Floor

Sarasota, FL 34237

Telephone (941) 955-7300

Facsimile (941) 953-7625

Email: john@timesharenjf.com

Publish: August 29 & September 5, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

AMENDED NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION/SALE FOR NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE RE: MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC. MONROE County, Florida Non-Judicial Timeshare foreclosure process AMENDED NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION/SALE FOR NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to an action for non-judicial foreclosure of timeshare units on the Claim of Lien, which was dated February 15, 2024 and was recorded March 11, 2024, in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida in Official Records Book 3266, Page 237 as Instrument Number 2453967, Florida, I will sell, to the highest and best bidder for cash, at MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB CONDOMINIUM II RESORT Manager’s Office, 4560 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 on the 4th day of SEPTEMBER, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., the following described real property located in MONROE County, Florida, to-wit: Annual Timeshare Periods as set forth below in MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB CONDOMINIUM II, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 859, at Page 786, as amended in Official Records Book 874, at Page 2169, all of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and all subsequent amendments and exhibits thereto.

Unit Number/Use Period

A 101/43, 46, 47

A 102/01, 02, 39, 40, 41, 47

A 202/36, 47

B 102/46, 47

B 201/42

B 202/40

C 201/44

C 202/49, 50

D 202/49

E 101/41, 48

E 102/36, 48, 50

E 201/40, 41

E 202/39, 41, 47, 48

TO:

Unit Owner(s) Last Known Address

Annual Timeshare Use

Period(s):

Amount due:

Terry K Barbour and Faith D Barbour

P.O. Box 605

Atlantic Beach, NC 28512

A 102/39

$4,524.79 with a per diem amount of $2.24 from January 2, 2024

$6,703.35 with a per diem amount of $3.31 from January 2, 2024

Marion Canty and Remelda Canty 26521 SW 124 Avenue

Naranja, FL 33032

E 102/50

$4,601.12 with a per diem amount of $2.27 from January 2, 2024

Richard Chosid and Cherie Chosid 3110 NE 48th Street Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

A 102/01

$2,219.69 with a per diem amount of $1.10 from January 2, 2024 A 102/02

$2,219.69 with a per diem amount of $1.10 from January 2, 2024 Cure My Mommy’s Breast Cancer C/O Ellen Schreiber 9 Endo Blvd, # FL 1 Garden City, NY 11530-6748 D 102/36

$3,571.14 with a per diem amount of $1.77 from January 2, 2024

Edward Daniel and Mary

Daniel P.O. Box 351853 Miami, FL 33135

E 102/36

$4,580.62 with a per diem amount of $2.24 from January 2, 2024

Brandon M Duhon P.O. Box 608

Lake Charles, LA 70602 E 201/40

$2,219.69 with a per diem amount of $1.10 from January 2, 2024 E 201/41

$2,219.69 with a per diem amount of $1.10 from January

2, 2024

Jennifer Edwards f/k/a

Jennifer Leanna and DZachary

Edwards

2688 Whispering Drive Largo, FL 33771

E 202/39

$6,702.41 with a per diem amount of $3.31 from January 2, 2024

B 202/47

$6,702.41 with a per diem amount of $3.31 from January 2, 2024

Maria George 3215 N 65th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85033-5216

D 102/50

$3,585.74 with a per diem amount of $1.77 from January 2, 2024

Lowell Higgins and Janine Sanders-Higgins 64 Kilworth PK Drive RR #5 Komoka, ON N0L 1R0

Canada A 102/47

$6,705.00 with a per diem amount of $2.24 from January 2, 2024

Dewane L Hose

Greystone House Lockton, N Yorkshire YO187QB

United Kingdom D 102/42

$3,585.74 with a per diem amount of $1.77 from January 2, 2024

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

$7,22.00 with a per diem amount of $3.57 from January 2, 2024

B 102/47

$7,225.00 with a per diem amount of $3.57 from January 2, 2024

Gehard Jacob, Anneliese Bentjerodt & Arquiyecto Eusebio Celi 5150 Comuna Vitacura Santiago, Chile

C 201/44

$3,585.74 with a per diem amount of $1.77 from January 2, 2024

Moses Madison and Makeka Montgomery P.O. Box 277812

Miramar, FL 33027

A 202/47

$7,351.73 with a per diem

D 101/36

$4,590.87 with a per diem amount of $2.27 from January 2, 2024 E 101/47

$4,590.87 with a per diem amount of $2.27 from January 2, 2024

Mary E McHenry, Michael B McHenry & Tina M McHenry 46 Hodgson Avenue Pittsburg, PA 15205

A 102/40

$4,601.12 with a per diem amount of $2.27 from January 2, 2024

A102/41

$4,601.12 with a per diem amount of $2.27 from January 2, 2024

George H Pirpiris and Marina Pirpiris

710 E Seminary Towson, MD 21286-1439 C 202/49

$6,544.40 with a per diem amount of $3.23 from January 2, 2024 C 202/50

$6,544.40 with a per diem amount of $3.23 from January 2, 2024 Lee M Purcifull 18406 Turning Point Drive Lutz, FL 33549 A 202/36

$6,675.25 with a per diem amount of $3.30 from January 2, 2024

Shaki Rehman 11711 SW 130 Avenue Miami, FL 33186 B 201/42

$6,701.46 with a per diem amount of $3.31 from January 2, 2024

Jane Rosenthal 444 E 75th Street, Apt #3-B New York, NY 10021 E 101/48

$5,497.15 with a per diem amount of $2.76 from January 2, 2024 E 102/48

$5,497.15 with a per diem amount of $2.76 from January 2, 2024

Vincent T Salvato and Angela Salvato

4700 Casswell Drive New Port Richey, FL 34652 A101/43

$3,585.74 with a per diem amount of $1.77 from January 2, 2024 Frank Schultz, Trustee of the Frank Schultz Living Trust Agreement Dated March 24, 2000 1751 Beach Road, Apt 202 Englewood, FL 34223 D 202/49

$3,585.74 with a per diem amount of $1.77 from January 2, 2024 Frank Stewart and Jeanne C Stewart 3101 82nd Way North St Petersburg, FL 33710 B 202/40

$7,698.79 with a per diem amount of $3.80 from January 2, 2024 Chelsa Aran Taggart 1841 E 9th Street, Apt 2 Duluth, MN 55812 D 102/21

$5,619.22 with a per diem amount of $2.77 from January 2, 2024 Penny Weiss and Lynne Arnault 105 Kensington Road Syracuse, NY 13210 E 202/41

$5,597.15 with a per diem amount of $2.76 from January 2, 2024

Susan Geary Williams 235 S Lake Avenue Lake Butler, FL 32054 E 101/41

$5,597.15 with a per diem amount of $2.76 from January 2, 2024 Henry Zima, Halina Zima & Joanna D Ricci 2388 Carlanne Place Mississauga, ON L5E 2M2 Canada B 101/46

553 Tennant Road

Manalapan, NJ 07726

224/18

5087 Raintree Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15236

$3,160.11 with a per diem amount of $1.56 from August

Robert A Bradley and Stefane B Bradley 1303 Chestnut Street Murray, KY 42071

E 202/48

amount of $3.632.24 from January 2, 2024

Moses Madison and Dorothy A Madison

995 Bear Lake Drive

Rockledge, FL 32955

$3,585.74 with a per diem amount of $2.24 from January 2, 2024 B 101/47

$3,585.74 with a per diem amount of $2.24 from January 2, 2024 The assessment lien

properly created and authorized pursuant to the timeshare instrument and applicable law, and the amounts secured by said lien are as set above.

You may cure the default at any time prior to the public auction by paying the amount due, as set forth in this notice, to the undersigned Trustee at the address set forth below.

THIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION/SALE is dated this 4th day of AUGUST, 2024.

THOMAS L AVRUTIS __________________/

THOMAS L. AVRUTIS, AS TRUSTEE FOR MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC 201 Fletcher Avenue, 2nd Floor Sarasota, FL 34237 Telephone (941) 955-7300 Facsimile (941) 953-7625

Email: john@timesharenjf.com

Publish: August 29 & September 5, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

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

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time servers and bartenders. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub. com.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

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

Stock IslandSeeking non-smoking professional female/no pets. Fully furnished, W/D + TV. Very nice quiet safe place. Gated. $1250/month. First/ Last Call 305-797-5600 ROOMMATE FOUND IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!

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

1989 CHEVY S-10 Cameo Edition, 4.3 V-6 engine, 197k miles, very minor surface rust, original paint, nice interior, garage kept, no accidents, runs excellent. Located in Key Largo. $4,900 Contact George at 305-776-1802 for more information.

2005 Chevy Truck for sale in Marathon. $500.00 Call Nicole 305-433-0515 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!

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

BOATS FOR SALE

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

STORAGEBOAT/TRAILER FOR RENT

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.

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

Place your COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

EMPLOYMENT

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.

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 Manager-Middle Keys, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker, and HVAC Maintenance Mechanic $64.480-$72,800/ yr. plus benefits. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

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

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

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. $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

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 House -

Studio for rent in duplex in Marathon. $960/month + utilities. Newly furnished. Dockage available. No Pets. 305-610-8002

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 RENTED IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS!

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

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 slide-out. 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/CAMPING

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

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

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

Competitive salary and great bene ts. Previous hospitality experience required. Weekends are a must.

Job Types: Full-time

Please email your resume to Sara@MooringsVillage.com or call the reception o ce at 305.664.4708

MONROE ASSOC. FOR REMARCABLE CITIZENS IS HIRING!

UPPER KEYS - PROGRAM

COORDINATOR / DIRECT CARE (F/T) (TAVERNIER OFFICE)

Responsible for facilitating all development and implementation of vocational and life skills training programs in the Upper Keys. Supervisory and decision-making position, while functioning as part of the UK Training Team to deliver hands-on vocational and/or life skills training in support of individual client support plans.

Min Requirements: Computer skills: moderate to advanced. BS or BA degree in relevant discipline or experience working with developmentally disabled adults. One year of supervisory experience and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

IS HIRING

Send resume to admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call 305-852-3002

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

• Hosts

• Waitstaff

• Bartenders

• Bussers

• Line Cooks

• Dishwashers

• Bar Backs

Apply in person at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

Call 305-407-3262 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

DIRECT CARE STAFF AT ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM (FT)

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

Come join our family! EOE

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 a minimum of high school completion or GED and 1 year of experience with care giving or 30 hours or college coursework. *

CLIENT MEDICAL SERVICES ASSISTANT (CNA)

Full-time assisting our clients with dental, medical and transportation appts. Act as liaison between clients, families and support sta . Requires some on-call responsibility. Min. requirement Florida certi cation as a Certi ed Nursing Assistant. *

*ALSO REQUIRED FOR ALL POSITIONS: Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, pro ciency is a must. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license. - EOE. Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West, FL or online at www.marchouse.org.

For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: (305) 294-9526 *32 FAX 305-292-0078

Apply at the MARC o ce, 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

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

The Advocate DUI Program is hiring for part time positions. DUI instructors and evaluators - 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED Experience is required.

Must have a valid driver’s license. We offer 401K, medical insurance, paid holidays and paid vacation. Positions available in Key West and Marathon. 305-292-3369

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

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

KEY LARGO

Case Manager (PT)

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist

Case Manager (Adult, Child)

Substance Abuse Counselor Prevention Specialist (HIV, Child)

MARATHON

Care Coordinator (PT)

Driver – PT (CDL not required)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child) RNs/LPNs – 3 shifts (PT/Per Diem)

Peer Support Specialist/BHT

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

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

Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

Apply at guidancecarecenter.org

Search Employment/Portal/Location/zip THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

We are now hiring for the following positions: Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE

OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, Marathon & Key West, $5k Bonus

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

- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C), Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus

- Medical Assistant, Upper Keys Internal Medicine, $5k Bonus

- Patient Access Associate, Tavernier

- Physician Assistant-Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier

- Supervisor Physician Practice, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, $5k Bonus

- Environmental Tech, $5k Bonus

- Exercise Physiologist, Mariners Wellness Center

- Group Exercise Instructor, Mariners Wellness Center

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $50k Bonus

- Nuclear Medicine Tech

- Radiology Technologist, $40k Bonus

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator, Emergency Department

- Experience Advisor, Patient Experience

- First Cook, $5k Bonus

- Lead Medical Technologist, Laboratory, $50k Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $50k Bonus

- Patient Scheduler

- Radiology Technologist, $40k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center

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

- Security Officer

THEME: BACK TO SCHOOL

ACROSS

1. Soothing concoction

5. *The Magic School ride

8. Mama’s husband

12. Dwarf buffalow

13. Moneyed one

14. “M*A*S*H” extra 15. Soon, to Shakespeare

16. Sheltered, nautically

17. *Abacus user, e.g.

18. *School jacket-wearer

20. TV classic “Happy ____”

21. What hoarders do

22. Speech-preventing measure

23. *Pencil end

26. Deep regret

30. Indian restaurant staple

31. What cobblers often do

34. Mother Earth, to Ancient Greeks

35. Embedded design

37. ___ Khan

38. Contending

39. *Don’t forget to cross them

40. Plural of flora

42. Rolodex abbr.

43. Sultry or carnal

45. *Rydell High School movie

47. Defensive one on the gridiron

48. Oodles

50. *Some PTA members?

52. *It involves elements

56. Cuban dance

57. Burkina Faso neighbor

58. Opera solo

59. Boot-shaped European country

60. Oil org.

61. Review a service

62. Say “No!”

63. Animal’s nose

64. Perceives with an eye

DOWN

1. Jezebel’s idol

2. Beheaded Boleyn

3. Plunder

4. Certain rays

5. Plural of #1 Across

6. Part of an eye, pl.

7. Witnessed

8. *Field of education

9. ____ Walker, American Girl doll

10. *Inspiration for circular charts, pl.

11. Acronym, abbr.

13. Zimbabwe’s capital

14. Address to a woman

19. Nail salon file

22. Toothpaste type

23. *Marks in English

24. Hindu queen

25. “Hannah and Her Sisters” director

26. End of line

27. Yogurt-based dip

28. *Opposite side over hypotenuse, pl.

29. Bald symbol

32. *____ monitor

33. Bigheadedness

36. *All-school get-together

38. Giuseppe ____ of opera fame

40. Temporary craze

41. Parthenogenetic

44. Recant or retract

46. *English homework, pl.

48. *Circle, e.g.

49. Paparazzi’s target

50. Remote control option

51. Middle Eastern sultanate

52. “Follow me!”

53. Genealogy plant

54. Agitate

55. Puppy barks

56. Antonym of keep