Key West Weekly 24-0919

BECOME A ROYAL SPONSOR, DONATE TO THE CANDIDATES DIRECTLY, AND PURCHASE CORONATION TICKETS AT OUR ROYAL KING & QUEEN WEBSITE: WWW.FKSPCA.ORG/DONATE/ROYAL-CAMPAIGN

All Candidate Fundraisers

MONDAYS 9/23 – 10/14

Royal Aqua Idol

6pm @Aquaplex, 711 Duval Street

Free event! Come in and “vote” for your favorite candidates!

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!

FRIDAY 10/18/24

Royal Coronation 6pm doors / 7 pm show Coffee Butler Amphitheater

Kick off Fantasy Fest to see who becomes the King & Queen of Fantasy Fest 2024! This fabulous 2-hour stage show includes entertainment by local celebrities and the candidates themselves!

Tickets include reserved seating, a 3-course plated dinner and two votes for the candidates of your choice. Tickets are $100 per seat and are available now: keystix.com/fantasyfest/#royalcoronation

General admission entry is FREE with open lawn space for self-seating, cash bar for all.

FRIDAY, 9/20/24

Rock the Shore Pool Party, 7-9pm

Southernmost Beach Resort Shore Pool, 1319 Duval Street. Includes a silent auction, special drink offers. $20 donation at the door

SUNDAY 9/22/24

Sunday Funday Chili Cook-Off, 4-7:30pm The Birdcage Cabaret, 504 Angela Street. 6 contestants compete for bragging rights, Miami Dolphins on the big screen, cash bar. $3 for tasters / $5 per cup.

SUNDAY 9/22/24

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

THURSDAY 10/3/24

Vibrator Races, 6pm

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

THURSDAY 9/26

Vibrator Races, 6pm

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

SATURDAY 9/28

Slippery Melons Tournament, 1pm

Geiger Key Marina, 5 Geiger Key Road

$100 entry fee per team (1 coach and 6 players). Registration begins at 12pm; competition begins at 1pm , 8-10pm Bangkok Happy Bowl, 816 Duval Street $60 admission

Donations & tickets

Donations & tickets

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NUMBER OF THE WEEK

$264M

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” debuted in movie theaters across the world on Sept. 6. With actor Michael Keaton’s return, the film reached more than $264 million globally since its opening. The movie returns to Winter River some 40 years after the 1980s original when the ghoul is summoned to the land of the living once again.

DJ Cardi, the Miami music and fashion icon, returns to Key West Oct. 12 for a United Way fundraiser. But first, he joins the Keys Weekly Podcast with Britt Myers. See page 20. SOPHIE SAHARA/Contributed

KEYS TOURISM AGENCY APPROVES BIG CHANGES

TDC board approves 3 new senior executives

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Uncomfortable conversations led to unavoidable questions and unprecedented decisions at the Sept. 17 meeting of the Keys tourism agency.

Kara Franker, president and CEO of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly

Kara Franker, who was hired as the new president and CEO of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council following last year’s critical audits of the agency, was candid in her criticisms, though careful not to place blame on what she called “a skeleton crew.” In comparison, Franker said, the TDC for the Palm Beaches has a staff of 55. Monroe County’s TDC has a staff of 13, with its former director Stacey Mitchell often not permitted to hire additional employees.

Franker’s message was clear: Things are changing — now.

The board of the TDC on Sept. 17 approved three new senior executive level positions — a vice president of finance/accounting; a vice president of communications/ marketing and a vice president of administration/legal, who will be a lawyer. The three new vice presidents will be in addition to the new chief financial officer (CFO), which the county commission had already approved.

In addition to the new full-time positions, which Franker will start filling immediately, the TDC board green-lighted three temporary con-

sultants for what Franker described as “triage” for the most pressing issues raised in the audits. Those consultants, for about $255,000, will get to work immediately rewriting financial policies and procedures, hiring practices and the TDC’s marketing plan.

“We have a lot of trust to restore,” said Franker. “We’re dealing with public funds and with the most important economic driver for this community.”

One of the most significant potential changes likely involves bringing many services “in-house,” services such as public relations and digital marketing that are currently handled by other agencies with TDC contracts. Currently, NewmanPR handles public relations for Keys tourism and Two Oceans Digital handles the TDC’s website, online marketing and social media functions. Under Two Oceans’ current contract, the Key West-based company receives much of the advertising revenue from Keys businesses that advertise on the TDC website at fla-keys.com. When referring to this revenue, Franker asked the TDC board, “Did you know that if we ran our own marketing co-op programs in-house, we could create a new funding stream outside of public tourism taxes?”

Franker reminded the board that while she has been particularly impressed with the skills of several TDC staff members, “We don’t have anyone in-house who’s an expert in communications, marketing, website design, public relations, social media, content creation or media buying and advertising.” Those services are all handled by contracted agencies.

Franker said she has had some admittedly uncomfortable but entirely professional conversations with Andy Newman, owner of NewmanPR, which has handled public relations for the Florida Keys for more than 40 years. NewmanPR was

criticized in the county’s TDC audit and a follow-up assessment.

“I’ve had the pleasure of having several conversations with Andy Newman, and one thing was clear in that what they’ve been doing is actually way more than what most PR firms in the tourism industry typically do,” Franker said, adding that she doesn’t want all that work, and all the relationships that NewmanPR has cultivated over the decades, to simply disappear if the TDC brings its PR services in-house.

Franker proposed and the board agreed that it will recommend to the county commission that NewmanPR’s contract with the county be terminated in about four months while the entities work together to devise a transition that could see many of NewmanPR’s staff brought in as TDC employees.

“I think there’s an opportunity to take what’s been going on and build an in-house team that brings Andy’s team in-house — if they choose — without losing all that history and intellectual capital. I think there could be a possibility to continue working very closely with Andy and his team.”

Finally, Franker also introduced the concept of destination stewardship to the TDC board, which prioritizes the promotion of a place “for the benefit and well-being of every person in a community,” including those who live there and not just visitors.

“Oftentimes, there seems to be a disconnect between the destination organization and the community it claims to serve. This could mean that there is little narrative about the shared value it represents within the community,” stated a slide Franker showed the board. “A destination organization’s customers must include its residents — our families, our friends, our neighbors, our community.”

CHERYL CATES’ MEMORY LIVES ON

Memorial foundation raises money for local kids & families

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

The Cheryl Cates Memorial Foundation on Sept. 13 continued its mission of helping local families and children with a fundraiser at Key West Theater that raised more than $60,000.

Former Key West first lady Cheryl Cates died from COVID in December 2020, as did one of her daughters, Crystal Cates.

In the wake of her loss, the family created the Cheryl Cates Memorial Foundation to continue Cheryl’s commitment to bridging gaps in services and funding for the community’s most vulnerable residents. All the money raised at the recent event “will go straight to the Keys community, either via direct grants to struggling Keys residents or other non profits supporting struggling families,” said Cheryl Cates’ daughter Tammy Cates Berard.

The Sept. 13 event also celebrated Cates’ love of local music by featuring live performances, including by Howard LIvingston, one of her personal friends and favorites. In addition to music, the event included a silent auction and live auction of artwork and other Key West-centric treasures.

More than 200 people fill Key West Theater on Sept. 13 for the annual Cheryl Cates Memorial Foundation fundraiser that helps the nonprofit provide grants and financial assistance to individuals and organizations that help Monroe County’s children and families. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

LEADERSHIP MATTERS

• Former Commanding Of cer of Naval Air Station Key West and F-14 Naval Flight Of cer (Retired)

• Key West City Manager 2007-2012 and 2014-2019

• Appointed Monroe County Commissioner District 3 in 2022

• 2024 Graduate of the Florida Association of Counties (certi ed) County Commissioner Program

COMMUNITY ENGAGED

• Florida Defense Support Commission Member

• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Member

• Former Sigsbee Charter School Board Member (11 years) and President (5 years)

• Military Affairs Committee Member

• Florida Federal Executive Board Member (3 years)

• Key West Sunrise Rotary Club member and past President

• Navy League of the United States Key West Council Member

• International Propeller Club of the U.S. Port of Key West Member

• Life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

“As Chairman of Keys Energy, I will continue to work for lower rates, reliable infrastructure, and a clean energy future.”

-TIM ROOT Chairman, Keys Energy

-TIM

ROOT Chairman, Keys Energy

PRIORITIES

#1 Ensuring ALL residents have power restored as soon as possible during hurricanes.

#2 Securing an additional $15 million in grants for storm hardening pole replacement projects and upgrading the resiliency of our transformers.

#3 Lowering rates, reducing the budget and proper strategic planning.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

#1 Completed the James Street main office renovation on time and in budget.

#2 Over $200,000 in negotiated construction contract savings on new Stock Island facility.

#3 Installed solar at city hall parking lot and secured an additional 3.5 gigawatts of solar power.

LOWER UTILITY BILLS

CLEANER ENERGY

RELIABLE SERVICE

Paid and approved by Tim Root for Utility Board Group C

COUNTY CONTINUES TO ACT ON GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS IN DRUG THEFT SCANDAL

Suspended division chief has a Sept. 20 pre-determination hearing

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Monroe County leaders continue to address a scathing grand jury report stemming from a July 2022 drug theft scandal, which recently led to the indictments of a top administrator, a fire rescue division chief, a former flight nurse and a former medical director.

During a Sept. 11 meeting in Key Largo, County Attorney Bob Shillinger guided county commissioners through a series of 14 recommendations offered by the 15-member jury to address issues from the reported loss of 600plus vials of drugs and controlled substances from Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR). The matter came to light following a 2023 audit by the county clerk’s office on MCFR’s controlled substances protocols, which detailed glaring breakdowns in oversight that allegedly enabled a chief flight nurse with Trauma Star, Lynda Rusinowski, to steal fentanyl, Dilaudid and other narcotics. MCFR oversees the daily operations of Trauma Star and its substance protocols.

Three of the 14 recommendations from the grand jury zeroed in on three county officials: Roman Gastesi, former county administrator; Fire Chief James Callahan; and Andrea Thompson, division chief for Trauma Star and MCFR.

The grand jury recommended the county not only “immediately terminate” Thompson from fire rescue, but also not allow her to return or hold any position with MCFR. She was suspended without pay after the grand jury indicted her last month on nine counts, including official misconduct, providing false information to law enforcement, tampering with physical evidence and tampering with witnesses. Thompson is scheduled to have a pre-determination hearing on Friday, Sept. 20.

Shillinger said the first pre-determination hearing delves into the employee’s status of the charges and whether the person could come back while they are pending. A second pre-determination hearing is held once those charges are resolved.

“We don’t want to place the employee in an untenable position of having to choose between fighting for their job and fighting for their freedom in the criminal courts. That’s why we go through the bifurcated process,” Shillinger said.

Bryan Cook, county human resources director, told commissioners the pre-determination hearing allows the employee to state their case as to what happened.

“We have a process and policies to allow employees to present a case about their side of whatever the discipline is. We sometimes upon arrest of an employee will conduct two hearings, one upon arrest and one upon disposition of case,” he said.

In the viewing gallery, a number of Thompson supporters wearing white shirts listened as the county discussed the recommendations. Their shirts read “I Stand With Andrea Thompson.” Thompson was also in attendance.

Thompson’s attorney, Kendall Coffey, told county commissioners that he hopes the pre-determination hearing will be fair and balanced.

“We all know the grand jury processes are not fair and balanced,” he said. “They’re recognized by courts as an instrumentality of investigation for prosecution. It’s just all one-sided.

“Many people don’t recognize that and know that and think there’s something fair and impartial about the grand jury,” he continued. “There are other processes, ultimately including a jury trial, which are conceived to hear both sides and bring out the truth.”

Coffey concluded by stating that he looks forward to clearing Thompson’s name.

Gary Boswell, retired MCFR deputy chief of administration, said he’s known Thompson since she was a young volunteer, progressing to firefighter, paramedic, flight medic and division chief. He said he believes the indictment is “unjust and misguided.”

“In my 40-plus years of public service, I would be hard-pressed to think of anyone

who’s worked harder and has been more dedicated to the community she serves and to the men and women who work with her and before her,” Boswell said.

As for Callahan, the grand jury recommended he resign by the end of the year to allow for the appointment of a new chief to oversee operations. Shillinger said discussions continue with no determination made.

Monroe County has since parted ways with Gastesi, who was serving as a volunteer at the time. He was slated to come back as county administrator following a brief retirement, until he was indicted for official misconduct in connection to the drug theft scandal. With Gastesi departing in late February, county commissioners named Kevin Wilson as acting county administrator.

County commissioners approved a contract on Sept. 11 with Christine Hurley as county administrator. She was assistant county administrator in 2015 before leaving to become executive director of the county land authority in 2021. Sept. 12 was her first day on the job. Wilson will return to his role as assistant county administrator.

“I just want to tell the community that we will continue in this direction to make sure all these issues are addressed legally and do, in my opinion, the most we can do to protect and show the transparency of this fire department, which we have many, many very good employees and firefighters,” commissioner Craig Cates said.

PIXABAY

SMALLER CRUISE SHIP TO STAY OVERNIGHT AT MALLORY DOCK

Commission approves agreement with upscale American Cruise Line

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

The first regular meeting of Key West's newly assembled city commission saw the approval of regular, overnight visits by a small cruise ship to Mallory Dock — despite some lawmakers’ concerns and a potential derailing of a three-year agreement.

American Cruise Line, which operates domestically registered ships only in U.S. ports of call, arrives at Key West in the evening and spends 34 hours here, enabling its passengers to spend more time doing more activities in Key West, including fishing charters and nighttime tours.

The ship also leaves its dock for an hour or so each evening so as not to obstruct the sunset view at Mallory Square.

At the start of the Sept. 12 meeting, several speakers, including those from Safer Cleaner Ships, which for years has advocated for smaller and fewer cruise ships in Key West, spoke in support of a three-year agreement for American Cruise Line to use Mallory Dock.

“This partnership benefits local businesses that never thought they could thrive from the cruise industry in Key West,” local business owner Sarah Compton told the commission on Sept. 12.

She added support from business owners who could not attend the meeting, including tour operator David Sloan, whose nighttime tours at Fort East Martello are now available to ACL’s “high-spending passengers,” as Compton identified them.

The commission’s discussion questioned the wisdom of allowing ACL ships so much access to Mallory Dock to the potential detriment of other smaller ships that may want to visit Key West. But only one other small ship has expressed such interest and it only visits once or twice a year.

Evan Haskell of Safer Cleaner Ships commended McAlearney for negotiating the agreement with ACL, which could bring $500,000 of revenue into Mallory Dock the first year, compared to a total of $427,000 that came into the dock pre-COVID in 2018 and 2019.

“I think Steve did a great job negotiating a very favorable agreement for the city,” Haskell said.

Newly elected commissioner Monica Haskell, the mother of Evan and Arlo Haskell of SCS, had no formal role with the group. She did not recuse herself and voted in support of the agreement.

In other, slightly contentious, commission news, lawmakers voted to reappoint Bob Dean to the Key West Housing Authority board despite objection from commissioner Sam Kaufman, who said he wanted to see newer faces on the board, as Dean was first appointed 51 years ago in August 1973.

“Ultimately, I really believe we need newer people on this particular board, and ultimately to increase the communication and transparency between the housing authority and the city,” Kaufman said, recalling a dispute in 2021, when it was revealed that a public housing project was named for a local leader of the Ku Klux Klan. The community was ultimately renamed, but only, Kaufman said on Sept. 12, after he was made to feel “intimidated and unwelcome” by the board when Kaufman attended a meeting to request the name change.

“In fact, at one meeting, Mr. Dean asked, ‘Who is that Kaufman guy?’ I was vice mayor of the city commission at the time,” Kaufman said.

Commissioner Monica Haskell mentioned term limits when considering the reappointment of Dean to the housing authority board, but was told that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which oversees housing authorities, does not call for term limits.

The commission voted on Sept. 12 to reappoint Dean despite a “no” vote by Kaufman. Five days later, at a short Sept. 17 budget meeting, Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez removed Kaufman’s title of vice mayor.

“I thank him for his service, and will create a resolution for the Oct. 10 meeting to appoint commissioner Clayton Lopez as vice mayor until the end of his term in November,” Henriquez said. “At the conclusion of his term, I will appoint commissioner Lissette Carey vice mayor, provided they both accept.”

The meeting adjourned immediately following the mayor’s announcement and there was no discussion. The vice mayor conducts public meetings in the absence of the mayor.

RUN FOR RHONDA CHARITY RAISES $25K FOR SCHOLARSHIP

Keys scholar-athlete to receive assistance through Take Stock in Children

Acharity devoted to scholarships and education announced this month that it had met its fundraising goal and was able to give a $25,000 scholarship to a Keys scholar-athlete.

Natalie Arguello is attending University of Central Florida this fall, and does so with the help of the scholarship that will cover tuition as well as two years of dorm fees.

Arguello earned a 4.23 weighted GPA at Key West High School, was an athlete on the Lady Conchs wrestling team.

Run for Rhonda Charity is dedicated to the legacy of late Keys resident and dedicated runner Rhonda Flores. Through its commitment to fitness, education and fostering fellowship, the organization honors the values that were close to Flores’s heart.

A group of Rhonda’s girlfriends created the charitable organization in her honor and set a goal to raise $25,000 each year to be donated to a female minority athlete enrolled in the Take Stock in Children program in Monroe County. Flores was a Take Stock in Children mentor.

“We are proud to support Natalie as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her life,” said Loriellen Robertson, president of the board of Run for Rhonda. “Her achievements are truly inspiring, and we are confident she

will continue to excel at the University of Central Florida. Rhonda would be honored that her legacy lives on with Natalie. On behalf of the board, we wish her all the best and are grateful to support Take Stock in Children's efforts.”

"We were greatly saddened by Rhonda's death — she gave so much to her mentees for over 11 years. This scholarship fund truly is the most wonderful tribute to her,” said Chuck Licis-Masson, executive director of the Monroe County Education Foundation, which administers Take Stock in Children.

“I am deeply honored to receive this scholarship. It will assist me in pursuing my dreams at the University of Central Florida. I am thankful to Run for Rhonda Charity and Take Stock in Children for believing in me and supporting my education,” Arguello said upon receiving the scholarship.

Fundraising efforts included the inaugural Run for Rhonda 5K, held in Key West on Cinco de Mayo, a rowdy fun night of Mary Ellen’s World-Famous Vibrator Races for Charity, and an online auction of donations from local and national businesses and friends of Rhonda Flores.

For more information, email runforrhonda@gmail.com, call 305-8966360 or visit runforrhonda.com.

Friends of the late Rhonda Flores established the Run for Rhonda Charity to raise money for scholarships for local female scholar athletes. CONTRIBUTED

FLORIDA KEYS NONPROFIT LEADERS GATHER FOR SOLD-OUT THIRD ANNUAL NONPROFIT DAY N

• 2025 local business tax renewals are due by September 30, 2024.

• The second property tax installment bill is due by September 30, 2024.

• Any property that is being rented for less than six months must have a tourist development tax account.

• All rental properties must also have a local business tax, regardless of how long they are rented.

• If you suspect a fraudulent property rental, you may report it on our hotline at 1-855-422-4540.

• Our o ce received the 2024 Legacy Award in Financial Operations for the second year in a row. We also achieved a Certificate of Merit for another perfect audit.

• Our Marathon Branch O ce and Key West Driver License O ce will be open to all Monroe County teenagers for driver’s license exams on Saturday, October 19, from 9:00am-3:00pm.

onprofit professionals from across the region gathered last week at Marathon’s city hall for the third annual Florida Keys Nonprofit Day to share knowledge, collaborate and elevate the effect of local organizations.

Hosted by the Florida Keys Funders Alliance — composed of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, Ocean Reef Community Foundation and United Way of Collier and the Keys — the event featured speakers, including Will Bowen and Bruce Turkel, alongside nonprofit accounting expert Westin Fengler. Attendees gained insights on leadership, communication and financial strategies. A networking reception was sponsored by First State Bank of the Florida Keys.

“This is one of our favorite days of the year,” said Elizabeth Brown, interim CEO for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. “It’s a chance to bring high-quality professional development to our local nonprofits who do so much for our community. Each year gets better as we learn and respond to our nonprofit partners to bring them the timely resources they need to carry out their missions.”

— Contributed

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

WOLF IN HUNTER’S CLOTHING?

Backers, detractors paint vastly different pictures of Amendment 2’s power

For its proponents, Florida’s Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment – also called Amendment 2, on the ballot this November – is a matter of protecting a basic right and “fundamental tradition” shared among the state’s sportsmen. But its detractors say it’s a totally unnecessary addition that could spell problems for valued species down the line – and both sides are painting vastly different pictures of the amendment’s implications.

Text of the amendment, approved for the ballot in April 2023 by the Florida House and Senate with 116-0 and 38-1 votes, respectively, “preserve(s) forever” hunting and fishing by “traditional methods” as a “public right,” further adding that hunting and fishing are the “preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife.” If approved by the required 60% margin, it would take effect in January 2025.

“Hunting and fishing bans were considered in at least a dozen states in 2022, the worst of which was a ballot initiative in Oregon that would have criminalized hunting, fishing and farming,” states the group leading the charge behind the amendment, Yes On 2 Florida (voteyeson2florida.com), adding that 23 states have already passed similar constitutional amendments.

Supporters of the bill include FWC chairman Rodney Barreto, Florida state Sen. Jim Boyd (R), state Rep. Lauren Melo (R) and House Speaker Paul Renner (R), along with a host of fishing, hunting and marine industryrelated associations, including the National Rifle Association and the American Sportfishing Association.

“Many people don’t realize the economic value fishing and hunting provides our great state, combining just over $15 billion annually,” said Melo. “Passing this legislation is a powerful statement that we support and champion our fishing and hunting traditions, and we want to protect (them) for our future.”

The amendment’s detractors, led by political committee No To 2 and composed largely of wildlife and animal advocacy groups, say the bill is dangerous and misleading for those who aim to protect and conserve wildlife, primarily taking aim at two phrases for different reasons: “traditional methods” and “preferred means.”

They argue that the “traditional method” phrase is intentionally vague in order to deceive Florida’s voters and force an amendment that could be used to eventually bring back brutal trapping methods, deadly gill nets or other now-banned practices. Yes On 2’s website refutes this claim, stating that a “traditional method” refers to “that which is legal at the time of passage,” but neither the final amendment text nor its posted analyses from legislative committees contains any clarifying language to define “traditional methods.”

Meanwhile, No To 2 says, establishing hunting and fishing as the “preferred means” for wildlife control would set a precedent that nonviolent methods to deter or relocate problematic or dangerous wildlife would be considered only after lethal alternatives.

Numerous editorials and sites opposing the amendment state that the bill could be the key to open fire once again on species like black bears, which have seen increased interactions with humans in recent years. In 2015, Florida opened a controversial state bear kill for the species after conservation efforts increased their numbers from a few hundred in the 1970s to more than 4,000. But the hunt was called off after just two days when nearly 300 bears were killed, with some regions of the state doubling or nearly tripling their allotted quotas.

No To 2 also says a constitutional change is unnecessary, as Florida Statute 379.104 already calls hunting and fishing “a valued part of the cultural heritage of Florida” that should be “forever preserved.” Elevating the right to a constitutional “public right” could further open the door and create guarantees for international hunters or commercial fishing operations, the group warns.

“The biggest concern for me and other mainstream conservationists is that the amendment proclaims hunting and fishing the ‘preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife,’” wrote Florida Audubon Society president emeritus Clay Henderson in an Orlando Sentinel editorial. “Often the preferred means to conserve fish and wildlife is to limit hunting and fishing to protect their numbers.”

“Many of us think this proposal is just a door to bring back bear hunting,” he continued. “As one of a few lawyers who have drafted most of the environmental provisions of Florida’s constitution, I can tell you that every word matters in a proposed amendment.”

Though the amendment’s final draft specifies that its passage “does not limit the authority granted to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,” its first iteration contained protections that the change “(would) not limit or restrict any law relating to trespass, property rights or eminent domain.” That text was later removed, prompting naysayers to argue that the bill “threatens to enable hunters to trespass onto your property in pursuit of the animals they want to kill,” while supporters said that “including a private property provision (against trespassers) would have been redundant” as “these protections already exist in Florida.”

UNSPLASH.

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS

Dr. Christopher Forsee, DMD is seamlessly taking the reins from the iconic “Barefoot Dentist,” Dr. Troxel, where the laid-back vibe extends even to the choice of footwear.

Dr. Forsee delivers personalized comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs. Whether it's routine maintenance or advanced procedures, trust Dr. Forsee to rejuvenate your smile with meticulous precision and compassionate care.

TAKE A KID FISHING –AND CHANGE A LIFE

Florida nonprofit helps fatherless kids bait a hook & so much more

mandy@keysweekly.com

Have you ever seen the look on a kid’s face when he hooks — then reels and lands — his first “real” fish? It’s pretty spectacular, and it’s a feeling of triumph Will Dunn gets to enjoy nearly every weekend through his nonprofit Take a Kid Fishing.

Based in Lakeland, Take a Kid Fishing “is dedicated to enhancing the lives of underprivileged and fatherless kids through mentoring and fishing excursions that are geared and dedicated to their future,” states the group’s website. “On these excursions, we educate the kids by teaching them life skills and responsibilities through fishing. Once they grasp the concept of fishing, it enables them to learn patience, teamwork and how to relax, think and not make rash decisions. Fishing also helps show them to support each other whether they win or lose (catch a fish or not).”

Dunn and his young charges spent a few days in Key West last month, when they stayed at Hyatt Centric Resort and fished for two days, crushing the yellowtail snapper, a black grouper and at least one mutton snapper.

“This was one of the best trips we have had to Key West, from our rental vehicle from Enterprise and our accommodations, these two businesses made it first class for us,” Dunn said. “And the two days out on the water were amazing. We caught lots of fish and I want to give a big shout out to FishMonster Key West and Capt. Mike and Capt. Jason from Seaborn charters.”

Joey Maraffa, 14, one of Dunn’s young fishing buddies, joins him on nearly every weekend trip with Take a Kid Fishing, including the Key West adventure, a trip Dunn hopes to make a few times a year. He’s seeking volunteers and donations to make that possible.

The kids he brings are often in foster care or living without the presence of a father or father figure in their lives. Joey has been raised by his grandparents since he was an infant. He grew up fishing by himself in streams and creeks and ponds in Ohio, then Oklahoma and now in Palmetto, where his passion for fishing has only grown.

“When we lived in central Ohio, we had a stream that ran through our property,” Joey’s grandmother, Irene, told Dunn, according to the organization’s website at takffl.com. “If you were looking for him, he was in the stream. He would catch bluegill and all kinds of panfish.”

“I love fishing,” Joey said. “The excitement of when that fish is on the line and reeling it in … being out there with other people and just enjoying it all.”

Meeting Dunn has not only enriched Joey’s love for fishing, but it has also given him something he’s been missing, a father figure.

“He’s like a dad to me,” Joey said of Dunn, whose nonprofit started with a simple fishing trip with his neighbor’s son, who was being raised without a father.

the water with local charter captains. CONTRIBUTED

Take a Kid Fishing has now provided free fishing trips for some 5,000 kids. “It’s not just that he’s going to take him fishing,” Irene said. “Will teaches them about ecology and the environment. He encourages conversation. It’s not going to just have them sit there and look at each other; it’s a shared experience. It’s an all-around situation where the kids are enriched. We’re blessed to be around him. He’s a fine man, and he’s doing good work.”

While Joey hasn’t reeled in his dream fish yet, a tarpon, next year’s Key West trip may offer the perfect opportunity.

For more information or to donate to Take a Kid Fishing, visit takffl.com or find the organization on Facebook.

The nonprofit Take a Kid Fishing visited Key West in mid-August, when kids without fathers or in foster care spent two days on

MANDY MILES

SCHOOL DISTRICT PASSES FINAL BUDGET AND EXAMINES OPERATIONS

FRANK DERFLER www.keysweekly.com

The Monroe County School District passed its final budget with emphasis on teacher salaries and limiting the tax rate associated with property values.

An important consideration was the tax levy for school safety and security. These funds cover the costs for security programs in the school district. An example is the Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate (ALICE) training required for all staff and students by state law. The state mandates most of the district’s security programs and gives some money, but the state also provides a way for school boards to fund the programs with a separate taxing power.

For this year, the state-mandated “safe school officers” provided by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Key West Police total $2,753,547. The state provided $1,048,089, so funds are needed from within the county. The Monroe County School District exceeds all of the state criteria while using a small portion of the state-authorized special tax authority.

The county school board only controls a portion of what appears on a property owner’s tax statement labeled as “school.” The Monroe County School District tax rate is $1.05 per thousand dollars of assessed value with some variations for exemptions.

Another line item labeled as “school” is a tax levied by the state. If you are 65 or older and have the $50,000 exemption on your real estate assessed value, only the original $25,000 exemption applies to these two school taxes. The Monroe County school tax line item is expected to generate $128.54 million in 2024-25 while still maintaining the lowest tax rate for the district-controlled taxation in the state.

The difference is in two funding referendums that will be on November’s election ballot. These two referendum items do not ask for new taxes. They continue authority that has been in place for 20 years. The November ballot contains an item known as the “half-mill.” This referendum allows the district to use a taxing authority for school district operations.

“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.

“It is crucial for our citizens to vote ‘yes’ in November for the two funding referendums on the ballot,” said board member Andy Griffiths, who is retiring from his position Oct. 8.

Looking at the total district budget, board member John Dick reported he examined and compared the budgets of all the other 66 school districts in Florida.

“Even though we have the highest cost of living in the state and one of the highest rates of pay for our employees due to that high cost of living,

Monroe County school board members passed a budget during a Sept. 10 meeting at Marathon High School. PIXABAY

we have one of the lowest tax rates for school funding,” Dick said. “We proved we are doing what we say: paying teachers salaries.”

“Monroe County doesn’t use all of the taxing authority allowed by the state.” Dick said. “People in Monroe County need to know that.”

The school board also spent considerable time discussing the problem of finding an athletic trainer for Key West High School. One challenge is in the specific training and certification requirements for an athletic trainer. The trainer position offers a $62,100 starting salary plus a $3,400 offset for evening and weekend work, but applicants shy away from the hours and the cost of living.

The board also discussed advanced placement and dual enrollment courses across the district. In order to get college credit for AP classes, students must get a passing grade on rigorous standardized tests taken at the end of the school year. The school district pays for these tests and the board examined the results across the district. Board member Mindy Conn asked the staff to research information on how much AP classes cost the district compared to dual enrollment classes with the College of the Florida Keys.

Woltanski commended Coral Shores High School students for their exceptional performance in math AP tests; they out-performed the Florida average in this area by large margins across the board.

KEY WEST POLICE ARREST FUGITIVE

Hunter Allen Chadwell was wanted for carjacking, battery & parole violation

On Sept. 14, the Key West Police Department arrested 27-year-old fugitive Hunter Allen Chadwell, for armed carjacking, battery and a parole violation regarding a weapons offense.

Key West police received a tip from the Leesburg Police Department that Chadwell was believed to be in Key West. Within an hour of receiving the information, officers found Chadwell in the downtown area. A group of officers converged on Chadwell and safely took him into custody. While in custody, Hunter Chadwell told officers his first name was Christian and that they were in fact looking for his brother. But Hunter's tattooed appearance is very distinctive, and officers were confident in their identification. Chadwell was taken to the Monroe County Detention Center on the original warrant as well as a local charge of providing false information to law enforcement officers.

— Contributed

School board chairwoman Sue Woltanski says renewing the half-mill is crucial for the district’s ability to retain high quality teachers and staff. CONTRIBUTED

Hunter Allen Chadwell. CONTRIBUTED

DJ CARDI JOINS KEYS WEEKLY PODCAST I SCREWED UP & I’M SORRY

Miami music and fashion icon returns to Key West Oct. 12 for United Way fundraiser

Internationally renowned DJ Cardi joins Britt Myers on the Keys Weekly Podcast and will return to Key West for the Oct. 12 United Way benefit that is a retirement celebration for the Keys’ longest-serving elected official, Andy Griffiths. KRISTINA USHAKOVA/Contributed

BRITT MYERS

britt@keysweekly.com

He’s an internationally renowned DJ, a Miami style icon and the pregame opener for the Miami Heat for the past seven years. But perhaps the most intriguing facet of DJ Cardi is his humility. This is no small feat for someone who just returned from working a private gig for Dakota Johnson at the Toronto Film Festival. But catering to A-list stars like Leonardo DiCaprio or regularly performing at the Cannes Film Festival, Formula 1 Grand Prix and Pegasus World Cup is just another day’s work for the Miami native. If that’s not enough, Cardi is a recognized fashion aficionado. Forbes recently hailed him as “one of Miami’s style icons,” where he curates soundscapes for brands such as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Vogue.

On Oct. 12, the celebrity DJ will return to Key West to support United Way of Collier and the Keys — a retirement benefit to celebrate Monroe County’s longest-serving elected official, Andy Griffiths.

DJ Cardi joins the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss his love for South Florida, the influences that shaped his eclectic style and his love for exquisite cuisine and movies.

Limited tickets remain for DJ Cardi, performing at Andy Griffiths’ “Gone Fishing” retirement benefit for United Way of Collier and the Keys on Oct. 12 at the Beachside Resort. Tickets are on sale now and available by scanning the QR code.

Editor apologizes for mistaken photo in last week’s paper

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Ihate when I have no one but myself to blame for a screw-up. But I learned decades ago how freeing it is to admit a mistake and apologize, fix it however possible and pledge to avoid repeating it in the future.

Which brings us to today’s admission, apology and pledge: I messed up, and while I have no excuse, I do offer a humble apology to Marjory Lee, who is running for queen of Fantasy Fest.

My mistake occurred in a feature last week about the kickoff to the eight-week fundraising campaign for king and queen of Fantasy Fest — a campaign that last year raised more than $580,000 for the Florida Keys SPCA.

I mistakenly ran a photo of Carolyn Guarini, but identified her as Marjory Lee. I don’t know how it happened, as I know what each woman looks like and it’s not as if they “could be twins.” So that’s not an optional excuse. Rather it was simply a matter of my own lack of care and oversight.

So again, I humbly offer 1,000 apologies to Marjory Lee, who certainly did NOT need to kick off her hard work of fundraising with a huge mistake in the Key West Weekly.

So this week, I bring you an actual photo of Marjory Lee and her Chihuahua, Buffett. Again, ladies, I’m sorry and I’ll endeavor never to let it happen again.

Key West resident and musical performer Marjory Lee is running for queen of Fantasy Fest and was misidentified in a photo in last week’s Key West Weekly. CONTRIBUTED

ANDY GRIFFITHS’ RETIREMENT PARTY BENEFITS UNITED WAY

Longest-serving elected official to leave lasting legacy

After more than three decades of service, Monroe County’s longest-serving elected official, Andy Griffiths, will retire in November. To celebrate his career on the Monroe County school board, Griffiths will host "Andy's Gone Fishing" retirement party and benefit on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Beachside Resort in Key West. Friends, colleagues and community members are invited to enjoy an evening with laughter, music and dancing, with entertainment provided by Miami’s DJ Cardi. The deadline to purchase tickets is Oct. 4.

This event not only celebrates Griffiths' 32 years on the school board, but also supports a cause close to his heart: United Way of Collier and the Keys' (UWCK) Success by 6 program.

Success by 6 provides preschool scholarships to Monroe County children whose families would otherwise struggle to afford quality child care. For the 43% of Monroe families living paycheck-to-paycheck, this program ensures their children have access to early education. Proceeds from the event will be matched 1:1 by the state Early Learning Coalition, making it possible to cover a full year of preschool for each child. UWCK aims to double the number of Keys children enrolled through this event.

"Serving the people of Monroe County has been the honor of a lifetime, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by supporting a program like Success by 6, which is making a real difference for families in our community," Griffiths said. "Helping kids get the start they deserve is something I’ve always been passionate about, and I’m proud to be part of this effort."

“Andy’s commitment to our community is truly inspiring, and we are deeply grateful that he has chosen to make this event a benefit for the Success by 6 program,” said Leah Stockton, UWCK Keys Area president. “This event will have a lasting impact on the lives of so many children in Monroe County.”

Griffiths was first elected to the school board in 1992, winning eight consecutive elections, including four unopposed. During his tenure, he championed initiatives such as increased teacher salaries through the half-mill property tax, which has been supported by voters since 2004. He has served as past president of the Florida School Boards Association and Florida United Way, and has been a member of the Rotary Club of Key West for 31 years. His extensive volunteer work with local nonprofits is a testament to his lifelong dedication to the Keys.

Tickets may be purchased by scanning the QR code here.

— Contributed

Kellee Reed, DO, FACOEP, FACEP

Christina Kemp Sawyer, MD

Left: School board member Sue Woltanski wrestles the gavel from Andy Griffiths, who will retire from the board in November after more than 30 years in office. Right: Longtime school board member Andy Griffiths reads with kids during a Literacy Week event at a local elementary school. CONTRIBUTED

MANDY MILES

drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. She’s married to a saintly — and handy — fisherman, and has been stringing words together in Key West since 1998.

MILES TO GO REMEMBER WHEN?

Something happens when I return to my childhood home and bedroom, where I’ve been sleeping for the past week while visiting my parents in my hometown of Ocean City at the South Jersey Shore. While soaking up one last warm breath of summer on the beach at the end of our street, memories inevitably come rushing back.

From the house down the street that once had a horse statue out front, to the sound of the screen door banging and the indentations on the cushion of my favorite front porch seat, some things never change. Like the faded, handwritten note that

for decades has been affixed to the side of the fridge, reminding us all of the padlock combination for our detached garage that holds about a dozen bikes for boardwalk rides.

Despite the reassuring reminders of a bygone era, some things will always change, so in this divided era of politics, I figured it’s worth asking: Remember when...

• Left and right were merely directions?

• Red and blue were just primary colors?

• Red baseball hats simply indicated a Phillies or Chiefs or Conchs fan?

• Trump was just a card one played and Harris was just a street in Key West?

• The only shots taken in school were on picture day — or in the form of EpiPens needed by kids with peanut allergies?

• Kids could eat PB&Js for lunch every single school day (except Fridays, which were always pizza day) without worrying they’d kill a classmate?

• American flags were a symbol of unity after 9/11?

• The most annoying commercials on television weren’t political, but rather the ones that lodged that damn “1-877 Kars for Kids / Donate your car today” jingle in your head for days on end?

• Our parents could watch the nightly news on any of the three channels and NOT know how the reporter or news anchor had voted in the last presidential election?

REEL RECS

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

What: “The Man in the Iron Mask” (1998)

Why: I’ve never bought Leonardo DiCaprio as a romantic or serious lead, but he’s just about perfect playing identical twin roles as nasty young French King Louis IV and nice Phillippe, the brother imprisoned in the titular iron mask. The real fun of this adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas novel, though, is the actors hamming it up as aging but still legendary former musketeers — Jeremy Irons as Aramis, John Malkovich as Athos and Gérard Depardieu as Porthos. Gabriel Byrne is more restrained as straight man D’Artagnan and that works, too. A young Peter Sarsgaard and a campy Hugh Laurie show up in small roles. One especially smart thing I have always appreciated about this movie: everyone speaks with their actual accents, or close to them. If only more costume dramas took the same approach.

Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming video app.

How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/ keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org.

Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager.

See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/reel-recs.

SHELF HELP

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

What: “A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder” by Holly Black

Why: This thrilling young-adult mystery novel had me shouting “Oh my gosh” and “WHAT!?” into the pages. High school senior Pippa Fitz-Amobi sets out to work on her capstone project by digging into the murder of teenager Andie Bell, which took place five years ago in her hometown. Andie was described by the people of Fairview as the kind of girl who “lights up any room” but was tragically murdered by her boyfriend Sal, who within days of her disappearance took too many sleeping pills in the forest and sent a confession text to his family. Andie Bell’s body was never found. Pippa is not convinced it was Sal who murdered Andie. As she digs deeper into the “solved case,” she starts poking holes in the story that everyone in the town has long believed. Was Andie the sweet and innocent girl everyone thinks she was? Was Sal really the killer? Is the killer still on the loose?

“A Good Girl's Guide To Murder” also has an adaptation on Netflix. Where: You can get this from the Monroe County Public Library system as a print book, e-book and e-audiobook.

How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, 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: Kaleila Freeman, library assistant, Big Pine Key library branch.

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

Thankfully, some things never change in my hometown of Ocean City, at the South Jersey Shore. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

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.

Yoshi is the cutest little hamster around. This tiny furball is full of energy and loves exploring his habitat. Yoshi is the perfect pet for someone looking for a small, lowmaintenance companion with a big personality.

Meet Jimmy, the absolute sweetest 10-month-old pup. This little guy is as clean as they come and has a calm demeanor that makes him a perfect companion. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a leisurely stroll, Jimmy is happy to be by your side.

Princess, an 11-year-old

Sriracha is the 4-year-old calico kitty who’s as sweet as can be. Despite her spicy name, she’s all about love and affection. Sriracha adores attention and gets along great with other cats, making her the perfect addition to a multi-cat household.

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

The Sept. 13 cleanup took place along North Roosevelt Boulevard near Capitana Hotel and in the nearby mangroves. In one hour, 39 volunteers collected 308 pounds of trash, 9 pounds of recycling and 1.5 gallons of cigarette butts. Special thanks to the Capitana and the Laureate Key West hotels for recently hosting the volunteers at both locations. The Friday, Sept. 20 clean up will take place near the entrance to the botanical garden. Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez read a proclamation for the Greatest Cleanup campaign, which started Friday, Sept.13 and ends July 4, 2026 in celebration of the country’s 250th birthday. Keep Key West Beautiful is one of 25,000 organizations participating to remove 25 billion pieces of litter across the nation. 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

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

Sept. 20: U.S. 1 at College Road. Meet alongside College Road and park in the nursery parking lot at the botanical garden.

Sept. 27: Nature’s Beach & Atlantic Boulevard Bike Path. Meet on Atlantic at George Street across from Nature’s Beach.

all day long.

Meet

beauty with gray and white fur and the pinkest nose. This sweet girl loves attention and would make the perfect lap cat.

Meet Calypso, the 5-month-old tortie kitten with plenty of ‘tortitude.’ This little one is full of spunk and personality, keeping you entertained

THE LATEST ON LOWER KEYS ROAD CONSTRUCTION

FDOT provides updates on Cudjoe & Ramrod

The Florida Department of Transportation is working along U.S. 1 from MM 20.6 to MM 23.1 on Cudjoe Key, from MM 19.4 to MM 19.8 on Upper Sugarloaf and from MM 26.2 to MM 27.4 on Ramrod Key. Improvements include reconstructing, repaving and re-striping the road, including sections of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, raising the road, updating the guardrail, upgrading signs and pavement markings, widening some shoulders, and improving drainage in a few areas. Improving drainage is key to resiliency, and to achieve this goal, some areas of the road on Cudjoe Key will be raised about 1 foot. Four sections of these road elevations require temporary barrier walls, so crews can work safely behind them to construct road support structures. The support structures consist of permanent concrete walls with guardrail protection at the wall ends, and these structures must be installed before the pavement can be placed in layers to raise the eleva-

tion. These low-lying sections of U.S. 1 are designed to be above future flood elevation requirements. Since sensitive wetlands are so close to the travel lanes of U.S. 1, the typical strategy of raising the road and sloping the embankment out a little further is not an option. Of the four temporary work zones, one has been completed, two are in place and one will be installed when the current ones are completed and removed.

Nighttime paving operations have resumed, Sundays through Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Guardrails along U.S. 1 are currently being installed. The two U.S. 1 crosswalks at either end of Cudjoe Key will be re-striped. Improved signs at these crosswalks, and throughout the project limits, will be visible.

Work is expected to be completed in early 2025.

More information is at southFLroads. com (or scan the QR code on this page, then click Projects on the left menu), or from Julie Brown at 305-927-1479 or Julie.Brown@dot. state.fl.us.

COLLEGE OFFERS ‘EARN WHILE YOU LEARN’ PROGRAMS

Apprenticeship info available at CFK event

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites prospective students to learn about its apprenticeships in construction technologies at a virtual information event on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. CFK is offering HVAC and plumbing programs in Key West and the Upper Keys this upcoming spring semester, which begins Jan. 10. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1.

The virtual information session will help prospective students learn about the trade professions, career outlooks, and CFK’s tuition-free “earn while you learn” programs. Attendees will receive a code to waive the $30 application fee. Registration for the event is required. More information is at CFK.edu/apprenticeships or from Marissa Owens at recruiter@cfk.edu or 305-809-3207.

CFK’s apprenticeships in construction technologies offer opportunities to help

individuals train and advance in high-wage, high-demand construction careers throughout the Keys. In collaboration with local construction businesses, CFK’s apprenticeship programs provide education and training in all aspects of the respective trades — from conceptual to practical skills. Through the college’s “earn while you learn” model, students are employed and paid full-time with a sponsoring employer that is partnered with CFK. They attend classes, which are tuition-free, while developing their skills through on-the-job training with their sponsor. As apprentice students advance through the program, their progress is rewarded with periodic wage increases.

Upon successful program completion, an apprentice will be considered a journey worker and will receive a four-level certification by the National Center for Construction Education and Research as well as a nationally recognized completion of apprenticeship certificate by the state of Florida.

— Contributed

CFK apprentice Jean Rony Desire uses a saw in class on the Key West campus. CONTRIBUTED

Crews work along mile marker 20.6 to 23.1 on Cudjoe Key to improve the roadway, increase drainage and update the guardrail. CONTRIBUTED

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

Are you feeling it? Tectonic shifts are underfoot because we’ve entered into the rapid evolutionary forces of another eclipse season.

The partial lunar eclipse on Sept. 17 initiated a potent transformative period for all of us that will continue through the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 2. Things are not always what they seem during eclipse season, so tread lightly and pay extra attention to details. This eclipse took place with the sun in practical Virgo and the moon in dreamy Pisces, inviting us to either commit to the dreams we’ve been pursuing with a new vigor and a keener eye on the methods of achievement, or to have the wherewithal to change course if our pursuits are no longer serving us. Changes are afoot, and it is up to us to use the shifting energies for our own greater good. Neptune in Pisces is hanging out with the moon during this eclipse, calling on us to have faith that our emotions and intuition are leading us in the right direction and to let our more rational inclinations take a back seat. Aim high and get serious about your most audacious dreams. There is a path to achieving them, and the map is being offered to your inner adventurer right now.

Here are your horoscopes for the lunar eclipse in Pisces. Read for your rising and sun signs.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

No one walks through life alone, and the choices you make about who you walk with are definitive about who you are. Under this eclipse, your intuition may very well draw you toward new partners in life who will help you know yourself better. Let your mind focus on your own needs, but let your spirit select

the partners that support them. This person or these people will walk with you for years to come.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Respite and work can be seen as complementary parts of life. When the body rests, the mind is active, and when the hands are at work the mind can take its break. Your soul is seeking new ways for the body to work in the world, new routines to engage in and new methods for being healthy. Let your focus be on rest and listen to what your body needs. Your habits will change naturally.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

Your creativity is entering a new phase – whether you are trying out a new medium or taking a big step forward in what you already do, have faith. You do not need to overthink what is happening, rather feel into your bliss and let that propel you forward. You would do well, however, to pay attention to the people who support your new venture and keep them in sight.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Your roots are starting to grow differently – perhaps the shape of your family is changing or your image of home is being redrawn. Don’t try to control this change; rather, approach it as a dream that is dreaming itself. Do focus on how a different home will alter the details of your work and public reputation. What can you do at work to allow the new dream of home to emerge?

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Your familiar, everyday world tends to remain fairly consistent – your neighborhood, your relationship with siblings, your usual means of communication. However, this familiarity is starting to change in subtle yet noticeable ways. As your familiar world changes, the events

that bring novelty into your world change as well. Pay attention to the new adventures that you go on, and let yourself feel how your common surroundings feel different in the process.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Money makes the world go round, as they say, but money is really just a stand-in for personal values. How we make it, how we spend it, how we prioritize it – these all represent our values. Your values are going through a major shift, and your conception of money will also be changing in the process. Dream into new ways that you might make money that would fit your values better.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

We always have a self-image, but we also have a self-feeling – and you may notice that you are starting to feel your self in your body differently. What is the ideal way that you would move through the world if you had a say in how you feel your self? Focus on the partners in your life that positively respond to this new way of being.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

As your attention is pulled toward how you use your labor and how you direct your energy, you have the opportunity to dream into new ways of rest and meditation. When you’re developing new habits and routines, your psyche is simultaneously trying out different ways of its own development. How will you let your work and your relaxation evolve?

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

When you turn your focus to your own creative bliss, you will feel that the people around you will naturally change on their own. Those who appreciate your creations will stick around and those who don’t

THE PATH OF DREAMS

find value there will fall away. Don’t pay so much attention to who comes and goes. Focus on your own creativity and let the people make their own choices.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

Wake up at home and go to sleep at work. Just kidding, that’s a bit extreme. But in essence, pay more attention to your home life and let your work life become more intuitional. These two spheres of life affect each other, so trust that your work life will change in positive ways when you let your home come into focus.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

Your mind is in your familiar world but your dreams are on vacation. You are starting a multi-year journey on changing this dynamic in your life – how you relate to the familiar and the new. If you’re someone who explores a lot, expect more time building community. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in familiar surroundings, expect more adventure. That shift is starting now.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

How do you make and spend money, and how do you share or invest that money in collective projects? Focus on your own income now, but let your dreams tell you how to use that money for the greater good. If you had unlimited income, what would your ideal impact on the world be? Let that intuition drive your choices when it comes to your money-making methods.

Talking piracy during the Hemingway Seminar in Idaho SLIPPING OFF THE KINOS IN KETCHUM

Keys historian Brad Bertelli speaks during the 16th Ernest Hemingway Seminar on Sept. 7. CONTRIBUTED

After months of anticipation and weeks of preparation, the big event has come and gone.

I packed a bag, flew to Idaho and delivered the closing keynote at the 16th Ernest Hemingway Seminar on Sept. 7. The theme of the three-day event, hosted by the Community Library, was the novel “To Have and Have Not.”

At the time, his public wanted a new Hemingway novel, so he gave them one. The novel was written during the years he called Key West home, 1931-1937, and is set in Key West.

While I have not read the book, listening to the Hemingway scholars dissect it, it appears to be one of his more problematic works. Though commercially successful, it was something short of a critical success, and the book’s shortcomings were addressed in great detail.

I was invited to speak because of the Key West aspect of the book. One of the storylines in “To Have and Have Not” is that of a local charter boat captain smuggling human cargo into Key West — a form of piracy. Pirates and piracy were why I was invited, and the email I sent back accepting the invitation was enthusiastic.

This was the first time I’ve traveled north of South Florida to stand in front of an audience and spread what I think are good words. While I wouldn’t say I like traveling, change, and, more often than not, leaving the house, it was not horrible getting away for a few days. After the heat and humidity that seems to have only become hotter and sweatier in the last few years, experiencing the mountain air and lack of humidity was a nice change of pace.

Ketchum is a cool little town filled with exceedingly welcoming people. It is also a walking town. The Community Library was an eight-minute walk from the Hotel Ketchum, where the library put me up for the weekend. The Sawtooth Brewery was across the street from the hotel. I had two meals and several beers during my stay. The Pioneer Saloon, one of the town’s classic restaurants, was three blocks away. I went for dinner on Friday night and ordered a thick cut of prime rib and one of those famous Idaho potatoes stuffed with butter, cheese, bacon and sour cream.

Ketchum is a ski town in the winter, a haven for lovers of all things Hemingway, and a fishing destination. Ketchum is a resort town made famous, in no small part, by Ernest Hemingway, who moved there in 1939. It is also where he ended his life. One of the things that Ketchum and the Keys have in common, other than Hemingway and fishing, is that they are both travel destinations.

Like the Keys, Ketchum relies heavily on the hospitality industry. One of the interesting things I learned was that the town is experiencing many of the same problems we have. I heard people in town, time and time again, say how it is getting harder and harder to live there. Apparently, they have a saying that rings true here, too. “In Ketchum, you either have two jobs or three houses.”

Traveling to deliver the closing keynote talk was an absolute treat. The staff at the Community Library was amazing and friendly, and the hospitality they afforded me was heartwarming. Being the last to speak at a three-day event was an anxiety-building bummer, but all of that disappeared as soon as I stood up in front of the crowd, kicked off my Kinos, opened my mouth, and let the fun begin. Surrounded by scholars and fans of Hemingway, I told stories about pirates, piracy, rum running and speakeasies for 75 minutes.

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

It was a big topic, and I had a lot to say; not all of it was confined to Key West. So often, when the subject of the Florida Keys comes up, the focus of the conversation revolves around Key West. Interacting with the attendees and the speakers, this certainly proved to be the case. In every talk, I try to stress that it is not so easy to tell a Key West story, or a Big Pine Key, Marathon, Islamorada or Key Largo story without telling a greater Florida Keys story. I was happy to bring that message to a broader audience as the stories I told traveled up and down the island chain.

When I finished, I slid back into my Kinos, gathered my laptop and stepped off the small stage. The library’s executive director approached the podium to give a few closing remarks. She opened with, “You can tell we’ve come a long way at the seminar when our speaker slipped back into his sandals after his talk.” The comment elicited laughter from the crowd.

As I mingled with the audience afterward, several people approached. One lovely lady wearing pink, cat-eyed glasses put her hand on my arm and said, “Thank you for your enthusiasm.” However, the comment that really put a smile on my face came from one of my fellow presenters, who also worked behind the scenes to organize the event. He shook my hand and said, “I knew it was going to be good, but that was so much better.”

All in all, it wasn’t a bad way to wrap up a talk.

A banner celebrating the Hemingway Seminar in Ketchum, Idaho. BRAD BERTELLI/Contributed

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

Join us in celebrating Andy Griffiths, Monroe County’s longest-serving elected official, as he retires after 32 years on the Monroe County School Board!

SCAN NOW TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKET!

DINE. DRINK. DANCE. LAUGH.

5:30pm-6:30pm: cocktail hour on the veranda

6:30pm-7:30pm: dinner, featuring entertainment by comedian Stephanie Kaple

7:30pm-9:30pm: music and dancing with Miami’s Premier DJ Cardi

The event will benefit UWCK's Success by 6 program, which provides preschool scholarships to local children in need.

With 43% of Monroe families living paycheck-to-paycheck, this program is crucial for early education. Proceeds will be matched 1:1 with state funds, aiming to double the number of Keys children enrolled in the program.

Don’t miss this opportunity to honor Andy and support a vital cause!

STUDIOS SETS FALL CLASSES

Preseason workshops taught by acclaimed artists & experts

The Studios of Key West recently announced an upcoming season of creativity with its fall 2024 preseason classes. Whether you’re looking to hone your skills or embark on a new artistic journey, the lineup offers opportunities designed to spark the imagination and invigorate the creative spirit.

Dive into the world of television with a unique workshop led by Ernest Gold, a distinguished Peyton Evans Artist in Residence (PEAR), on Oct. 18. With 15 years of experience in both the U.S. and Austrian film industries, Gold is known for his genre-defining work, including the Austrian Amazon series “Beasts Like Us.” In this exclusive session, Gold will guide participants through the process of developing their own television series, from initial concept to final show.

Art lovers can get a jump on their holiday shopping with Maggie Ruley’s “Pet Portraits” workshop Oct. 29-30. This hands-on class teaches attendees how to capture the charm of our furry friends, creating portraits that make perfect gifts for the holidays.

For those ready to roll up their sleeves and dive into painting, Jack McDonald’s “Painting Bootcamp” returns in November and December. Over four Mondays, McDonald will teach the art of composition and finishing a painting with his signature humor and dedication.

Stargazers and science enthusiasts won’t want to miss Larry Halstead’s “Enjoyable Astronomy” class on Nov. 12-13. This evening workshop explores

1. Co-creator and writer of the first-ever Austrian Amazon Prime series ‘Beasts Like Us,’ Ernest Gold will teach an Oct. 18 workshop on developing a television series.

2. Jack McDonald, local artist and instructor, will conduct a ‘Painting Bootcamp’ at The Studios, beginning in November.

3. Named one of Marie Claire magazine’s ‘Five Women to Learn From,’ Faith Adiele teaches ‘Travel Writing to Save the World’ on Dec. 17 at The Studios of Key West. CONTRIBUTED

the planets and stars, providing tips and tricks for identifying celestial wonders and enjoying the night sky.

Travel enthusiasts can transform their globetrotting experiences into compelling stories with Faith Adiele’s (PEAR) “Travel Writing to Save the World” workshop on Dec. 17. Learn to craft engaging travel narratives to turn personal adventures into tales that take readers across the globe. Named one of Marie Claire magazine’s “Five Women to Learn From,” Adiele chairs the Writing & Literature Program at California College of the Arts and speaks and teaches around the world. The Studios of Key West is eager to offer additional classes led by other talented PEARs (Peyton Evans Artists in Residence). Explore the fundamentals of linocut printing on fabric with Dakotasky Bowen on Nov. 15, or dive into abstract acrylic painting with Franck Hodelin in “Acrylic Painting (Beginner to Intermediate)” Nov. 19-20. Plus, young creatives can participate in workshops with favorite local instructors, including printmaking with Bria Ansara and poetry writing with B. Lucy Stevens.

More information is at tskw.org.

Contributed

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KICKING FOR A CAUSE

TRY ’N’ FIND

Words that remind us of conflict resolution are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: CONFLICT, DEBUG, DISPUTANT, FIRM, FRIENDLY, MEDIATOR, PEACE, PEER, POLITE, RESOLUTION, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, SKILLS, STARS, STATEMENT, STRATEGY, TOOLS, TRUTH.

Make Your Peace

meetings are another place to solve individual or group problems.

The United Nations established the International Day of Peace in 1981. It is observed on Sept. 21 each year. Along with promoting nonviolence and cease-fires, the Day of Peace “must also be a time for people to see each other’s humanity,” the U.N. says.

The 2024 theme is Cultivating a Culture of Peace — not just avoiding conflict, but actively trying to understand and cooperate with one another. This week, The Mini Page looks at how kids can learn to be peaceful together.

CONFLICTS HAPPEN

Wherever people work or live together, there will be conflicts — fights, arguments or quarrels. If you have brothers or sisters, you probably tussle with them now and then.

Whether at home, at school or in another setting, kids can use these tools to help resolve conflicts without violence or hatred.

TRY TO DEBUG

If you’re experiencing conflict with someone, you can remember these steps by their acronym, DEBUG:

D: Decide to ignore the other person.

E: Exit. Move away, to another seat or part of the room.

B: Be friendly and politely ask the person to stop what they’re doing.

U: Use firm talk. Don’t raise your voice, but look the other person in the eye.

G: Get help from an adult.

REACH FOR THE STARS

In some classrooms, a talk-it-out table is a special place for students to sit down and resolve their problems with each other. They might use the STARS method:

S: State the problem. Ask each person to clearly state the conflict and share their feelings.

T: Think about strategies. Suggest ways the problem might be solved.

A: Agree on a plan in a way that works for everyone.

R: Recognize responsibilities. Each person decides what he or she must do to solve the problem.

S: Seal the deal. After reaching an agreement, the kids involved shake hands on the deal.

THE ‘I’ METHOD

IConflict resolution experts recommend using the “I” statement: talking about how “I feel” about a situation rather than pointing a finger at someone and saying what he or she did. For instance: I feel bad when you make fun of my shoes because I have to wear my sister’s hand-medowns. I would appreciate it if you would not criticize my clothing.

At least three donkeys on a Kenyan island are dying from colic each month after eating plastic from trash dumps, which scientists fear could become a global problem affecting other animals. The Guardian reports that with little grass to eat on Lamu, the donkeys rummage through heaps of plastic and other debris, occasionally ingesting enough plastic to bring on colic. There have been numerous studies on the effects of plastic pollution on marine life, but little is known about how it is affecting land animals.

GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS

In any situation where there is a conflict, it helps to use excellent communication skills. Remember these when you’re talking with others.

• Choose a good time and private place to talk and agree that you both want to settle things.

• Tell the truth.

• Listen politely without interrupting.

• Use a calm voice.

• Use good eye contact.

• Be respectful. No name-calling or fighting.

• Take responsibility for carrying out wha ever solutions you come up with.

PEER MEDIATORS

Sometimes people ask another person to be a “go-between” to help them work things out. People who look for peaceful ways of settling things are often called mediators (MEE-dee-ay-tors).

Some schools use specially trained peer mediators to help kids work out their problems. A peer is someone who is near your own age.

Mediators don’t come up with solutions themselves. They listen while the disputants (kids having the dispute) come up with their own solutions.

RESOURCES

“I Can Use an I Statement” by

“Talk and Work It Out” by Cheri J. Meiners

Founded by Betty Debnam

Mini Fact:Class

COMING OUT SWINGING

Golfers in midseason form | P.4

THE SCOREBOARD

9/26

— Key West head coach Keara McGraw

MAKIMAA

Caylaa Makimaa’s natural ability and work ethic always help motivate others around her to strive for more.”

West’s Caylaa Makimaa has put in the miles to set her apart from the rest of the pack. When Makimaa set a goal last season to make it to the state championships, she and her coach sat down and figured it would take a sub-20-minute 5K on a tough course at regionals to qualify. Undeterred, Makimaa began the grueling combination of long runs, speedwork and rest balance that meeting her goal would take. By the time regionals were over, she smashed her PR and earned a solo bid to the big show. This season, she is determined to do it again, and if her pace at the Middle Keys Invite and Conquistador Kickoff are any indication, she has everything it takes to make it to Tally a second year. She finished her first race of the season nearly a minute and a half faster than she did last season, and was recovering from a minor illness to boot. For her willingness to do whatever it takes to meet the highest standards in the sport, Key West’s Caylaa Makimaa is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

THIS WEEK Caylaa

Senior, Key West Cross Country

Key

Photo by MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

place Middle Keys Invite

Key West’s Claudia Steling was the big winner on the links last week, taking home the top spot at both the Florida Keys Country Club and Ocean Reef against her Monroe County rivals. See page 4. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

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.

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

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STELING WINS TWO FOR LADY CONCHS

Fins’ boys coming on strong midseason

Marathon coach Mary Coleman-Sayer’s team has grown exponentially this season, and it has amped up the competition for the Golfin’ Dolphins.

“This week our golf team picked up two team wins for a total of three team wins for the season. This is the most team wins that we have had in my four-year tenure as the coach,” she said.

Coleman-Sayer credited some of the team’s success to the consistency in her seniors, Mason Thornton and Leo Mendez. Additionally, Marathon’s younger athletes have been coming alive as the season progresses.

“Sophomore Roco Piscetello is one of the top three scoring leaders out of six matches,” she said. “Freshman Luca Picariello and eighth-grader Emmett Merryman have been honing their skills and have scored well in the last two matches.”

Marathon won both of last week’s matches, beating Coral Shores on Marathon’s home course, 238-271, on Sept. 9, then outshooting both county rivals at Ocean Reef on Sept. 12, where the Fins won by a single stroke with a score of 201. Key West was in third place with 205, making the margin razor-thin among all of Monroe County’s teams and keeping the competition strong.

The Sept. 9 match in Marathon was won overall by Key West’s Peyton Zubieta. Zubieta birdied on hole six to finish at 39, just 3 above par on the challenging course. Marathon’s Mason Thornton and Key West’s Geo Twyman tied for second, shooting 43s. Thornton had a birdie on hole seven while Twyman picked one up on hole six. Marathon’s Leo Mendez and Roco Piscetello tied for fourth with Emmett Merryman coming in right behind them. Aiden Althouse of Coral Shores was seventh with a trio of Fins – Luca Picariello, Caden Pitcher and Cullen Coleman-Sayer –taking the final top-10 spots.

The girls were led by Key West junior Claudia Steling, who shot a 48 at Florida Keys Country Club for the win. Behind her were teammates Lexi Finigan and Charlize Lopez. Justice Lee Isom pulled through for Marathon to take fourth and prevent a Key West sweep. Breanna Santana finished in fifth place for the Lady Conchs.

Three days later, the teams met again at Ocean Reef’s Hammock course where Steling won again, this time shooting a 44. Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas and Key West’s Charlize Lopez tied for second place, shooting 52. Lee Isom and Makenna Haines, both of Marathon, were fourth and fifth, respectively, and the Lady Conchs’ Monica Bueno and Breanna Santanna rounded out the competition.

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Steling and Thomas have both shot tremendous rounds over the past few seasons and their names are consistently on top of the leaderboard. Inching their way up are a pair of Lady Conchs who have impressed head coach Josh Bassett lately.

tracy mcdonald

“Monica Bueno and Charlize Lopez are really stepping their games up and the progress has been a pleasure to watch,” he said. “This team really knows the meaning of resilience.”

The resilience came in clutch at the boys competition at Ocean Reef.

“The match at Ocean Reef was a bit of a roller coaster for the team,” he said. “There were kids who shot the best they have ever shot and then we had some who struggled to find a rhythm. Honestly, that's golf – some days you win and some days the course wins. For those who had a great day, we need to work to build on that success and for the others, we will work to get that round out of their mind and move on to the next match with new focus.”

The individual scores, like the team scores, were decided by just a few strokes at Ocean Reef. Coral Shores’ Preston Carroll won the boys competition, shooting a 44 on his home course and finishing 8 above par. One stroke behind was Thornton, followed by a tie for third between Zubieta and Piscetello, who both shot 46. Key West’s Jackson Barroso was fifth, shooting a 48, and Marathon’s Emmett Merryman was sixth with a finishing score of 49. Picariello tied for seventh with Key West’s Andrew Bassett and Coral Shores’ Derek Ramos and 10th place was another three-way tie among Coral Shores’ Donovan Thiery and Aiden Althouse and Marathon’s Mendez.

1. Key West’s Peyton Zubieta tees off at Ocean Reef.

2. Coral Shores’ Tanel Irons puts it onto the green.

3. Marathon’s Cullen ColemanSayer lines up his shot.

4. Preston Carroll, of Coral Shores, wins the match at Ocean Reef Sept. 12.

5. Dolphin senior Mason Thornton watches his shot.

6. Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas, right, studies the green for her putt.

7. The Lady Conchs’ Monica Bueno sinks her putt.

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

Photos

It has been a whirlwind of a season for the Lady ’Canes, who have battled everything from the loss of a talented stack of seniors last season, to a loss of playing time due to injuries and illnesses, right on down to the loss of their coach. But despite the distractions and obstacles, Coral Shores has found a way to right the ship and cruise in for a 6-0 start on the season. At the helm of that ship now is head coach Jarrod Mandozzi, a fixture at Coral Shores, coaching and assisting whatever sport needs him. When his daughter Brooke, one of the aforementioned talented seniors, graduated last spring, Mandozzi thought he could perhaps return to the stands as an occasional spectator. He announced that he had hung up his whistle and he thought his days of exhausting travel and practices after work were behind him. He was wrong. Mandozzi has spent the last few weeks right back where he left off, dedicating the sort of time and resources to the team that some would find unthinkable.

Now, he leads a team that has yet to lose this season. Win streaks are nothing new to Mandozzi; in 2023 he led the Coral Shores boys basketball team to 12 wins in a row, and has a few shorter runs to his credit in the various sports he has coached. But you would never know about his coaching exploits from speaking to him. Mandozzi credits it all to his athletes, citing the kids’ playing abilities, work ethics, support from the bench and even their vocal aptitude, as he did last week.

LADY ’CANES UNLEASH

6-0 START TO SEASON

Coral Shores battles back against Westwood, blanks Keys Gate on Senior Night

“I asked Emma Leigh, one of our multi-talented seniors, to sing the national anthem before the game on 9/11 and she knocked it out of the park,” said Mandozzi. The forethought to find a hidden talent from one of his senior athletes on Senior Night, which coincided with 9/11, and have her perform to showcase her abilities among the typical whirlwind of coaching responsibilities is what makes Mandozzi a phenomenal coach.

Coral Shores athletic director Ed Holly said he couldn’t be happier that Mandozzi stepped up to the plate when the ’Canes needed him most. “We’re excited that coach Mandozzi took the reins in a time of need,” Holly said. “He has an exceptional track record of getting kids placed in college. We hope that tradition continues. We are so fortunate to have him.”

Before the ’Canes could celebrate Senior Night, they had to beat Westwood Christian on Sept. 10 on the road.

“I knew this game was going to be a dog fight. Westwood is a really tough team and they match up very well with us,” said Mandozzi. “We always seem to battle back and forth with them. Their gym is a challenging place to play, as it is tight and has low ceilings, backboards that don’t raise and the lighting isn’t the best. They tend to pack their fans in and they’re really supportive of their team, as they should be.”

Undeterred, Mandozzi’s ’Canes jumped to an early lead, only to be faced with tough play from Westwood, which battled back, forcing the match to five sets. Coral Shores

managed the win in hostile territory, defeating the Warriors 3-2 for win number five of the season. Celene Walker, whose play has been clutch all season, amassed 15 kills, a pair of aces, 15 digs and 3 blocks. Sabina Naranjo returned from an ankle injury to register 7 kills and 17 digs. Niveah Howard killed the ball 7 times with 5 blocks. Abbie Bergeron was credited with 22 digs and Sofia Jans had 14 with 3 aces.

“Wins like this one can really go a long way to shaping our season when we’re not at our best and things are going against us. Those are the games that great teams find ways to win.” said Mandozzi.

The following night, Coral Shores celebrated their seniors in a match against district rival Keys Gate. “I am always concerned when we have these games that can be distraction games,” said Mandozzi. “To the girls' credit, they quickly showed me that I was worried for no reason as they clearly came out focused and determined and they took it right to Keys Gate immediately.” Coral Shores swept Keys Gate, winning 25-10, 25-12, and 25-21 to advance to 6-0.

Mandozzi went on to credit his entire team, the school administration, parents and fans – essentially everyone but himself. Jans, Naranjo, Bergeron and Walker combined for 27 digs in the big win. Lily Hitchcock had 9 kills while Ivy Tiedemann and Shelby Lynn were stellar at the baseline and in assists. Tiedemann had a pair of aces and 5 assists while Lynn earned an incredible 8 aces and added 13 assists to her stats.

Next up for Mandozzi and his ’Canes are three teams Coral Shores has already managed to beat in the early season, with their greatest test coming on Sept. 26 when Key West makes the trip to Tavernier. Both Key West and Coral Shores are unbeaten in intra-county play.

The rest of the Keys’ teams played in the Southernmost City for the Key West Conch Cup held on Sept. 13 and 14. Key West, Basilica, Marathon, Wellington and Dr. Joaquin Garcia out of Lake Worth participated in the two-day tournament. Key West fared the best of the local competitors, winning three matches of the four played. The Lady Conchs lost only to the 5A powerhouse Bulldogs from Dr. Joaquin Garcia. Marathon picked up a win against Basilica School, and though the Mariners did not win any of their four matches, the first-year varsity squad earned some valuable experience playing against higher-level competition.

For the past 35 years, Lorie Head has been an integral part of the Regan Roth team. After beginning her insurance career in Atlanta, Lorie relocated to the Keys and came to work with Regan Insurance Agency. Her first few years were in account management and service, but much of her time with the agency has been spent as the office manager, morphing into extensive job responsibilities, including carrier relations, compliance, human resources and more.

Lorie has been a consistent, loyal and key piece of the Regan Roth team. Lorie worked with and supported four generations of family ownership and many team members through the years as a trusted supervisor, mentor and friend. “For the entirety of my 25-year tenure with the agency, I have relied on Lorie to help me to operate the agency in a professional, fair and consistent manner while keeping with the “family” work atmosphere we strive to provide," Agency President Joe Roth said. "In all that time, she has always been there for us all, whatever the task, whatever the issue, always working for a solution. It is with deep gratitude and respect I congratulate Lorie on 35 years of service.”

The Key West Lady Conchs and Basilica School Mariners do battle at the Key West Conch Cup. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

Coral Shores’ Emma Leigh, left, pulled double duty on Sept. 11, singing the national anthem on Senior Night before hitting the court. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Prior to Aug. 24, it had been six years since the Keys had three teams win on the gridiron in the same week. Now, Key West, Marathon and Coral Shores have done it for the second time this season.

THREE TEAMS, THREE WINS

Football fans celebrate Keyswide for second time this season

Key West started things off on Sept. 12 at Belen Jesuit, a team they had not faced in a decade. Coach Johnny Hughes knew that Belen had installed a new offense but little else about the Wolverines prior to kickoff. Hughes and the Conchs quickly learned that the Wolverines were no match for them, beating them 36-7 to even their record to 2-2.

Conchs QB Teak Guyet left the game with an injured hand on the first drive of the game, forcing Key West to change up their plan with little notice. Hughes put in the Fox package, moving running back Jaden Fox to assume QB duties for a drive while backup Roman Van Loon prepped for the job. Fox, fresh off the injured reserve list, found the end zone quickly and made two more visits for three touchdown runs on the night. Fox ran for 218 yards and quickly re-established his role as workhorse. Walson Morin ran for a 60-yard touchdown and Jeff DeJean ran four times for 87 yards to help carry the load.

Defensively, Leo Batista stepped up in a big way for the Conchs, playing linebacker in what Hughes explained as an abundance of caution for the freshly-recovered Fox. Batista’s athleticism helped keep the Wolverines at bay while Cole Jackson, Jayden Gist, Morin and DeJean played spectacularly as Key West’s secondary unit. “The front applied pressure all night,” said Hughes. “That and our secondary really made a difference.”

Hughes’ defense has played well all season, and could mean a playoff bid if the Conchs can stay healthy.

“Conditioning is a plus for us,” he said. “We don’t have the numbers our opponents have, so we need to be in shape and we can’t get injured.”

Next up for Key West is North Port High School, a

team just outside of Sarasota. The Bobcats will be traveling over six hours for a crack at the Conchs on Sept. 20. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium in Key West.

Marathon survived a shootout against the Cougars of Canterbury on Sept. 13, improving their record to 2-2 in the 56-52 win. The game started late to accommodate officials traveling from Key West straight after the Conch Cup volleyball tournament, lasted nearly four hours, and resulted in a dark stadium when the lights went out at their scheduled time of 11 p.m. during Marathon’s final drive.

The Fins survived that, too, managing to score eight touchdowns over the course of the game. And though eight touchdowns should easily win a game, that was not the case for Marathon, as Canterbury also scored eight. The difference between the W and the L came in the aftermath of each score. Marathon’s Fabbianho Louis Jeune was perfect in his point-after kicks while the Marathon special teams managed to block several Canterbury kicks and stuff a pair of 2-point conversion attempts.

2. Jaden Fox reaches the end zone for a touchdown.

3. Coral Shores quarterback Yemcel Moreno hands off to running back Jhonathan Mesa.

4. Leandro Batista attempts to block for Jaden Fox.

5. A.J. Putetti hurdles a defender.

6. Fab Louis Jeune (2) escapes heavy traffic.

7. Shamar Wright scores one of his two touchdowns Sept. 13.

8. Fab Louis Jeune makes good on an extra point attempt.

In addition to his kicks, Louis Jeune amassed 3 TDs and 260 offensive yards, 48 in the air and 212 on the ground. Shamar Wright had 16 carries for 219 yards with 2 touchdowns and Braulio Garcia had a pair of TDs as well. The final score for Marathon was a run from Carlos Lezcano, who had 107 yards in the win.

Defensively, coach Sean McDonald was pleased with Jesus Gonzalez. “His run fits and pass defense has really gotten good,” he said. Gonzalez had 4 solo tackles, 1 assist and 2 tackles for a loss. Tanner Ross had 2 tackles for a loss, as well. Louis Jeune and Sean Westerband each recovered a fumble and Shamar Wright batted down a pair of passes. Gonzalez’s twin brother, Israel, batted a pass and had 4 solo tackles on the night.

Marathon will have a short turnaround, playing on Thursday, Sept. 19 against visiting Palm Glades Prep. Palm Glades suffered a 1-point loss against Coral Shores earlier this season, making the matchup interesting for anyone who uses matching opponents to gauge the prospects in this year's Battle of the Keys.

Coral Shores not only protected their perfect season on Sept. 13; they did so with conviction, shutting out ABF Hialeah 33-0. The ’Canes played in front of an excited home crowd, one that grows with each win. In quarter one, Yemcel Moreno connected with A.J. Putetti for a 33-yard touchdown pass, and an extra point quickly put Coral Shores ahead 7-0. Quarter two saw a 55-yard drive culminating in a Moreno 1-yard run along with a 9-yard passing TD from Moreno to Jarmoris Davis to expand the lead to 19-0 at the half. In the third quarter, Putetti ran 34 yards for another touchdown, and in quarter four he struck again from 32 yards out for the Hurricanes’ final score of the game.

Defensively, Coral Shores has been stingy all season, and against the Cowboys, the ’Canes earned their second shutout this year. Head coach Ed Holly credited last Friday’s success to a team effort, praising the play of Jarmoris Davis at defensive end. Davis pressured the Cowboys’ offensive unit all night, along with Jhonathan Mesa and Eddie Holly, a pair of fearsome linebackers. That, paired with the ’Canes secondary, effectively shut down ABF Academy.

“Our secondary came to play,” Holly said. He was very satisfied with the play of Andres Alvarado-Garcia, William Roberts, Austin Vogt and Marco Gudino, whose coverage was key in a bend-but-don’t-break defense that kept the Cowboys from any big gains.

The next victim for the Hurricanes should be the Goats of SmartEn Sports Academy, but as of press time, it would appear that the Goats did not want to become lambs to the slaughter and scheduled another opponent. This puts Coral Shores’ week five play in jeopardy, but this is not the first time coach Holly has been forced to deal with last-minute scheduling, and his extensive connections across Florida should help unearth a new match in time.

1. Coral Shores quarterback Yemcel Moreno takes off for a run.

Photos by DOUG FINGER, BARRY GAUKEL and MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

Most of Monroe County’s cross country athletes met in the middle last week at the Middle Keys Invite held on Sept. 11. The course starts and ends at scenic Sombrero Beach and athletes can usually count on a fast time on the flat out-andback route. But early September heat slowed the pace considerably, making for a gut check rather than a PR opportunity.

In the girls race, Caylaa Makimaa was the clear winner. Makimaa finished just over a minute ahead of teammate and training partner Naima Thomas. The seniors set a strong pace despite the heat, though their exact times remain unclear due to some technical difficulties. Violet Jangraw finished in third place overall for the Lady Conchs. In fourth place was Marathon’s Ella Dunn, with Key West’s Laira Anaya 20 seconds behind. A pair of Florida Christian runners placed sixth and ninth, sandwiching Marathon’s Madelyn Thornton and Maeve Merryman. Key West’s Mia Steer rounded out the top 10 female finishers.

In the boys competition, Marathon’s Vance Bursa was in a race by himself, finishing in 16:34, over two and a half minutes in front of the second place runner. Alaric Rodriguez of Coral Shores and Tony Bursa of Marathon finished much closer, with Rodriguez edging out the younger Bursa 19:16 to 19:17. Key West’s Alejandro Caridad finished with a respectable sub-20 time, crossing the line in 19:48. Nathaniel Shugarman of Coral Shores was fifth, and Dolphin runners Allan Taylor and Caleb Shelar were sixth and seventh. Completing the top 10 list were Tristran Rios of Coral Shores, Prometheus Delacerda of Key West and Jamie Cary of Coral Shores.

Just before the varsity races began, a middle school 3-kilometer race was held. Marathon sixth grader Molly Joly won first place overall in the girls division and fellow Fin Lucian Burns, an eighth grader, was first for the boys.

MAKIMAA, BURSA TAKE TOP SPOTS AT MIDDLE KEYS INVITE Lady Conchs

The Hurricanes penciled in an extra race last week, adding the annual King of the Hill race held at Tropical Park on Sept. 13 to their schedule. But by the time the varsity boys race began, nearby lightning strikes delayed the event multiple times before it was canceled. Several members of the ’Canes’ boys team opted to run an earlier JV race, which went off without a weather delay, and Nathaniel Shugarman had a notable performance. Shugarman ran the course in 20:39, a solid time midseason and a personal record for the junior.

The Lady ’Canes benefited from the ladies-first rule of thumb in cross country,

finishing before the weather moved in. Freshman Ali Wheatley was the first Coral Shores competitor to cross the line, in an impressive 21:31, good enough for 12th overall. Tess Hill, Kai Guth and Julienna Oddo also completed the 3.1-mile event for the Hurricanes. A second Marathon race is in the works for midOctober. Should the weather cooperate, Keys runners will have an opportunity to bring home an elusive personal best time just prior to districts, which begin on Oct. 20 for Key West and Coral Shores and Oct. 29 for 1A Marathon athletes.

1. A pack of Coral Shores runners set a quick pace despite the heat on Sept. 11.

2. Alejandro Caridad, left, Tony Bursa and Alaric Rodriguez battle for second through fourth place in the final mile of the Middle Keys Invite.

3. Naima Thomas of Key West surges in mile one.

4. Madelyn Thornton, left, and Maeve Merryman of Marathon pace one another in their home meet last week.

5. Marathon’s Vance Bursa looks strong at mile 2 in the Marathon home meet Sept. 11. Bursa won first place in the race.

3 4 5

Photos by TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A 100YEAR/500YEAR

FLOODPLAIN OR WETLAND

MONROE COUNTY VOLUNTARY

HOME BUYOUT PROGRAM

To: All Interested Parties, Groups & Individuals

This is to give notice that Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has determined that the following proposed action under the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), Federally-Funded Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Voluntary Home Buyout Program, HUD Grant No. B-17-DM-12- 001, is located in a Floodplain and Wetland. Monroe County Board of County Commissioners is identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and wetland and the potential impacts on the floodplain and wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The project, Project ID ID070, is within Monroe County and previously contained a residence damaged by Hurricane Irma which was demolished prior to program application. The project is located at 31549 Old State Road 4A; 24.70130 -81.33548. The activity involves the voluntary buyout of the approximately 10.73 acre property at the above listed address. Monroe County is proposing to retain a walkway within the property boundaries. Previously the damaged walkway was proposed to be removed (“Proposed Action”), however after further site visits and greater consideration, the determination has been made that removal of the walkway would cause greater disturbance to the floodplain and wetland than to leave the structure as is.

There are no alternate locations for this activity to occur, this property was purchased by Monroe County and has been dedicated to open space uses, storm water improvements or to restore and conserve the natural floodplain functions through a permanent restrictive covenant. “No Action” and “Proposed Action” alternatives were considered before the final “No Action” Decision was made. The “Proposed Action” alternative would be to remove the walkway that currently resides in the floodplain and wetland. This proposed action would require removal of concrete blocks and decking through a shallow estuary. The removal of this walkway would negatively impact environmental resources and disturb wildlife that currently resides in the estuary or uses the walkway as habitat. Removal of the walkway would cause a greater effect on the wetland and the floodzone than the “No Action” alternative. To protect the wetland, floodplain and wildlife, the “No Action” alternative is the most practical solution. “No Action” will result in no disturbance to the current wetland and floodplain, and furthermore the intent to use the site as open space by the county is a beneficial use. It has been determined that there is no practicable alternative for partially or fully locating this project outside of the floodzone or wetland. As previously planned, the offshore storm-damaged dock remnants will be removed. The entire parcel, approximately 10.73 acres, is within the 100 Year Floodplain Zone AE (A) Panel Number: 12087C1329K with an effective date 02/18/2005 and the NWI mapped wetland.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain and wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains and wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Monroe County will consider all comments received on or before September 30, 2024 [a minimum 7 calendar day comment period will begin the day after the publication and end on the 8th day after the publication]. To learn more about the Monroe County Voluntary Buyout Program, please visit our website at Voluntary Home Buyout Program | Monroe County, FL - Official Website (monroecounty-fl.gov). Monroe County encourages electronic submittal of comments at Guerra-Cynthia@monroecounty-fl.gov. (include subject: Final Floodplain/Wetland Notice Comments). As an alternative, comments may be submitted on paper to Monroe County, to the following address: Voluntary Home Buyout Program, attn: Cynthia Guerra, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037. If you need additional information or have questions, please contact Cynthia Guerra, VHBP Grant Manager, at Guerra-Cynthia@monroecounty-fl.gov or (305) 453-8756.

September 19, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers

AVISO FINAL Y EXPLICACIÓN PÚBLICA DE UNA ACTIVIDAD PROPUESTA EN UN VALLE INUNDABLE DE 100 AÑOS/500 AÑOS/HUMEDAL

MONROE COUNTY VOLUNTARY

HOME BUYOUT PROGRAM

Para: Todas las partes interesadas, grupos e individuos

Por la presente se notifica que la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Monroe ha determinado que la siguiente acción propuesta en virtud de la Subvención en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario – Recuperación ante Desastres (CDBG-DR), Programa de Compra Voluntaria de Viviendas de la Subvención en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario – Recuperación ante Desastres (CDBG-DR) financiada por el gobierno federal, Subvención del HUD N.º B-17-DM-12-001, está ubicada en una llanura aluvial y un humedal. La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Monroe está identificando y evaluando alternativas viables para ubicar la acción en la llanura aluvial y el humedal y los posibles impactos en la llanura aluvial y el humedal de la acción propuesta, como lo exige la Orden Ejecutiva 11988, de conformidad con las regulaciones del HUD en 24 CFR 55.20 Subparte C Procedimientos para tomar determinaciones sobre la gestión de llanuras aluviales y la protección de humedales. El proyecto, con identificación de proyecto ID070, se encuentra dentro del condado de Monroe y anteriormente contenía una residencia dañada por el huracán Irma que fue demolida antes de la aplicación del programa. El proyecto está ubicado en 31549 Old State Road 4A; 24.70130 -81.33548. La actividad implica la compra voluntaria de la propiedad de aproximadamente 10,73 acres en la dirección indicada anteriormente. El condado de Monroe propone conservar una pasarela dentro de los límites de la propiedad. Anteriormente se propuso eliminar la pasarela dañada ("Acción propuesta"), sin embargo, después de más visitas al lugar y una mayor consideración, se determinó que la eliminación de la pasarela causaría una mayor perturbación a la llanura aluvial y al humedal que dejar la estructura como está. No existen lugares alternativos para que se lleve a cabo esta actividad. El condado de Monroe compró esta propiedad y la ha dedicado a usos de espacios abiertos, mejoras de aguas pluviales o para restaurar y conservar las funciones naturales de la llanura aluvial a través de un convenio restrictivo permanente. Se consideraron las alternativas de “No acción” y “Acción propuesta” antes de que se tomara la decisión final de “No acción”. La alternativa de “Acción propuesta” sería eliminar la pasarela que actualmente se encuentra en la llanura aluvial y el humedal. Esta acción propuesta requeriría la eliminación de bloques de hormigón y plataformas a través de un estuario poco profundo. La eliminación de esta pasarela afectaría negativamente a los recursos ambientales y perturbaría la vida silvestre que actualmente reside en el estuario o utiliza la pasarela como hábitat. La eliminación de la pasarela causaría un mayor efecto en el humedal y la zona de inundación que la alternativa de “No acción”. Para proteger el humedal, la llanura de inundación y la vida silvestre, la alternativa de “No hacer nada” es la solución más práctica. “No acción” no provocará ninguna alteración en el humedal y la llanura de inundación actuales, y además la intención de utilizar el sitio como espacio abierto por parte del condado es un uso beneficioso. Se ha determinado que no existe una alternativa viable para ubicar parcial o totalmente este proyecto fuera de la zona de inundación o el humedal. Como se había proyectado previamente, se eliminarán los restos del muelle dañados por la tormenta en alta mar. La parcela entera, aproximadamente 10,73 acres, se encuentra dentro de la Zona de Llanura de Inundación de 100 Años AE (A) Número de Panel: 12087C1329K con fecha de vigencia 02/18/2005 y el humedal mapeado por NWI. Hay tres propósitos principales para este aviso. Primero, las personas que puedan verse afectadas por actividades en áreas planas inundables y humedales y aquellas que tengan un interés en la protección del entorno natural deben tener la oportunidad de expresar sus preocupaciones y proporcionar información sobre estas áreas. Se alienta a los comentaristas a ofrecer sitios alternativos fuera de las áreas planas inundables y el humedal, métodos alternativos para cumplir con el mismo propósito del proyecto y métodos para minimizar y mitigar los impactos. Segundo, un programa adecuado de aviso público puede ser una herramienta educativa pública e importante. La difusión de información y la solicitud de comentarios públicos sobre áreas planas inundables y humedales pueden facilitar y mejorar los esfuerzos federales para reducir los riesgos y los impactos asociados con la ocupación y modificación de estas áreas especiales. Tercero, como cuestión de equidad, cuando el gobierno federal determina que participará en acciones que se llevarán a cabo en áreas planas inundables y humedales, debe informar a aquellos que puedan estar en mayor o continuo riesgo.

El Condado de Monroe considerará todos los comentarios recibidos en o antes del 30 de septiembre de 2024. Para obtener más información sobre el Programa de Compra Voluntaria del Condado de Monroe, visite nuestro sitio web en Voluntary Home Buyout Program | Monroe County, FL - Official Website (monroecounty-fl.gov). El Condado de Monroe fomenta la presentación electrónica de comentarios a Guerra-Cynthia@monroecounty-fl.gov (incluir asunto: Comentarios de Aviso Final sobre Llanura de Inundación/ Humedal). Como alternativa, los comentarios pueden ser enviados en papel al Condado de Monroe, a la siguiente dirección: Voluntary Home Buyout Program, attn: Cynthia Guerra, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037. Si necesita información adicional o tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Cynthia Guerra, Gerente de Subvenciones VHBP, en Guerra-Cynthia@monroecounty-fl.gov o al (305) 453-8756.

19 de septiembre de 2024, The Weekly Newspapers

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NUMBER: 24-CP-453-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHELE BRINDLE Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MICHELE BRINDLE, deceased, whose date of death was 17 July 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: September 19, 2024

Personal Representative: Richard Brindle 219 S. Bay Harbor Drive Key Largo, FL 33037

Attorney for Personal Representative: Tom Woods, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 0525197 116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036 Phone: 305.664.2200 Fax 2205

Primary Email: tom@ tomwoodslaw.com

INVITATION TO BID

ITB

NO. 2024-04 CITY HALL PIN PILE/LEVELING PROJECT

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH

The City of Key Colony Beach cordially invites interested contractors to complete and submit sealed quotes for the following project by 8:30 a.m. on October 15th, 2024.

CITY HALL PIN PILE/LEVELING PROJECT ITB 2024-04

SCOPE: Supporting the existing slab at the City Hall Building at 600 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, with pin piles and leveling the oor of an approximate area of 2,000 square feet. Engineered plans will be provided.

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 15th, 2024, at 8:30 am clearly marked ‘Sealed Bid for the City of Key Colony Beach ITB No. 2024-04’ along with the name of your rm. Each bid must have one original and four (4) 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

09-20-2024 9:30 am Release Solicitation (via DemandStar)

09-27-2024 9:30 am Non-mandatory Site Visit

(Open to Public – Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., 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)

10-8-2024 4:00 pm Last day for the City to post answers to questions (on DemandStar)"

10-15-2024 8:30 am Bid Due & Opening

(Open to Public: City Hall 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach, FL 33051-0141)

10-17-2024 9:30 am City Commission Meeting – 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

September 12 & 19, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers.

Secondary Email: eserve@ tomwoodslaw.com

Publish: September 19 & 26, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 24-CP-000327-M IN RE: ESTATE OF LESLIE TEMPLES

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of LESLIE TEMPLES, deceased, whose date of death was March 28, 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 name and address of the personal representative is 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 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 19, 2024.

Executer of decedent’s will/ personal representative: Alan Jenkins 2950 Yellowtail Ave. Marathon, FL 33050 aj@jenkinsatlaw.com

Publish: September 19 & 26, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000377-3 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JAMES NEALIS Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of James Nealis, deceased, whose date of death was June 8, 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 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.

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

The date of first publication of this notice is September 19, 2024.

Personal Representative: Mary Nealis 107 Vista Lane Duck Key, FL 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative: Rayndel Valle Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar Number: 1034181

BOND SCHOENECK & KING PLLC

4001 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 105 Naples, FL 34103

Telephone: (239) 659-3800

Fax: (239) 659-3812

E-Mail: rvalle@bsk.com

Secondary E-Mail: dluciano@ bsk.com; eservicefl@bsk.com

Publish: September 19 & 26, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2024-CP-426-M IN RE: ESTATE OF LAWRENCE STANLEY MURRAY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Lawrence Stanley Murray, 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 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. 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 19, 2024. Signed on 9-12-24.

Personal Representative: Margo Murray

822 97th Street

Marathon, FL 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative:

James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403

JAMES J. DORL, P.A. 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 12 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6565 Email: jjdorl@yahoo.com

Publish: September 19 & 26, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 24-CP-000300-K IN RE: ESTATE OF WALTER MORTON BECKER AKA WALTER M. BECKER, DECEASED.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Walter Morton Becker aka Walter M. Becker, deceased, whose date of death was September 11, 2023, 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 representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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 sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, Florida Statutes.

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 19, 2024.

Personal Representatives: Merritt Becker 1845 R. St. NW Washington, District of Columbia 20009 and, Kurt Becker 1708 Catherine St. Key West, FL 33040

Attorney for Personal Representatives: Andrew Ponnock

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 195420 10100 West Sample Road, 3rd floor Coral Springs, FL 33065 Telephone: (954) 340-4051

Fax: (954) 340-3411

E-Mail: andy@ponnocklaw.

com

Publish: September 19 & 26, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-432-P DIVISION: PLANTATION KEY IN RE: ESTATE OF BRYCELYNNE ANGEL BORDEN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Brycelynne Angel Borden, deceased, whose date of death was July 29, 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 12, 2024.

Personal Representative: Angelica Lynne Rosado PO Box 281 Aguada, Puerto Rico 00602 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 12 & 19, 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-449-P IN RE: ESTATE OF GEORGE C. WATT III Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of

address of which is 88770

Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION

733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: September 12, 2024.

Personal Representative:

GEORGE C. WATT IV 18 Arlene Dr. Bristol, CT 06010 Attorney for Personal Representative: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ.

Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com

Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@yahoo.com

Florida Bar No. 382035

Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065

Publish: September 12 & 19, 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 CIVIL ACTION

Case # 22-CA-000144-M Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Plaintiff, vs. Cynthia L. Andrews a/k/a Cynthia Andrews; Kenneth Andrews; Sharon Lee Havens a/k/a Sharon Havens; City of Marathon, Florida; United States of America; Unknown Parties in Possession #1, if living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as Spouse, Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, or Other Claimants; Unknown Parties in Possession #2, if living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as Spouse, Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, or Other Claimants Defendants. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to order rescheduling foreclosure sale or Final Judgment, entered in Civil Case No. 22-CA000144-M of the Circuit Court of the 16th Judicial Circuit in and for Monroe County, Florida, wherein Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Plaintiff and Cynthia L. Andrews a/k/a Cynthia Andrews are defendant(s), I, Clerk of Court, Kevin Madok, CPA, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash AT THE MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, AT 11:00 A.M. on December 3, 2024, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to-wit: LOT 13, BLOCK 23, CRAINS SUBDIVISION OF GRASSY KEY, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN NAT BOOK 1, PAGE 51, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA. ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS UNCLAIMED. Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.540 Notices to Persons With Disabilities If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, ADA Coordinator, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040,

305-295-3652 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

SPANISH: Si usted es una persona discapacitada que necesita alguna adaptación para poder participar de este procedimiento o evento; usted tiene derecho, sin costo alguno a que se le provea cierta ayuda. Favor de comunicarse con Cheryl Alfonso, Coordinadora de A.D.A Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 por lo menos 7 días antes de que tenga que comparecer en corte o inmediatamente después de haber recibido ésta notificación si es que falta menos de 7 días para su comparecencia. Si tiene una discapacidad auditiva ó de habla, llame al 711.

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

Kevin Madok,CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Monroe County, Florida

Shonta McLeod

DEPUTY CLERK OF COURT

Publish:

September 19 & 26, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2024-09

Notice is hereby given that BEAMIF A LLC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate Number: 2021/1636

Alt Key No: 1632856

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021

RE: 00513550-000000

Description of Property: BK 3 LT 6 PARADISE POINT

PB3-16 KEY LARGO OR7287/288 OR782-1101 OR816748 OR860-1917 OR860-1919

OR3064-1060

Name in which assessed:

MAESTRE LUZ ELENA

MORENO DE MAESTRE EDYS C

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: October 30th, 2024

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 5th day of August

2024

KEVIN MADOK

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish: September 12, 19 & 26 and October 3, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2024-10

Notice is hereby given that VINMAS HOLDINGS, LLC

VINMAS HOLDINGS, LLC

holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2020/1973

Alt Key No: 1650439

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2020

RE: 00531240-000000

Description of Property:

BK 9 LT 2 HOLIDAY HOMESITES

PB2-168 KEY LARGO OR87491 OR782-1315 OR783372-381 OR2348-1974/75

OR2380-335D/C OR2380-337

OR2389-84 OR2543-1198

Name in which assessed: GRAVES FRANCIS LECLAIR III All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps:

500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: October 30th, 2024

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 5th day of August 2024

KEVIN MADOK

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 12, 19 & 26 and October 3, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2024-11

Notice is hereby given that BEAMIF A LLC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/1635

Alt Key No: 1632813

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00513510-000000

Description of Property: BK 3 LT 2 PARADISE POINT PB3-16 KEY LARGO OR75-278 OR3033-1875

Name in which assessed: MAESTRE LUZ ELENA

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: October 30th, 2024

Sale Time: 10:00am

Dated this 5th day of August

2024

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 12, 19 & 26 and October 3, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2024-12

Notice is hereby given that MATTHEW A WASILESKK holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number:

2021/685

Alt Key No: 1216569

Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00167570-000000

Description of Property: LT 49 SUGARLOAF TOWNSITE PB3-180 SUGARLOAF KEY

OR518-498 OR827-654

OR975-338 OR1073-996 OR1115-2188C OR1115-2189C OR1810-1163 OR3072-1298

Name in which assessed: GLADSTONE STEVEN D LIVING TRUST 08/06/2013 KLASFELD ILENE C/O NEIL GORDON CO TRUSTEE

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL

Sale Date: October 30th, 2024 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 5th day of August 2024 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 12, 19 & 26 and October 3, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS!

Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483

AUTO/TRUCK FOR SALE

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. REDUCED $4,800 OBO 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

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

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 305-7430844 today!

EMPLOYMENT

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

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

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

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time servers and bartenders. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and

checking account. Call 305- 743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

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

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

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

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

Downstairs apartment of a duplex to rent to 1 person (no pets). Large living room/bedroom and separate kitchen. Large screened porch with its own washer/dryer and driveway. Utilities include wifi/tv. 150 ft to the ocean. MM96 Key Largo. $1850/ month. F/L/S 305-853-3779

ISLAMORADA: Very Large 2 BR apt. for rent. Furnished or unfurnished. Utilities & cable included.

$2,200/month. First/ Security. Available Sept. 1st. Yearly lease. 305-5222702 Leave message.

Apartment for rent in Marathon. 1BR/1BA (large bedroom), kitchen, two parking spots. 305.417.0346 /

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

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

Large One Bedroom Suite, Conch House, carpet, tile, appliances, available for rent in Marathon. $2,000/ month furnished, $1,600/ month unfurnished,. All utilities included. F/L/S Section 8 accepted. Dockage available. No Pets. 305-610-8002

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

MISC. FOR SALE

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

RV SITE FOR RENT

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

WE ARE HIRING!

CLIENT MEDICAL SERVICES ASSISTANT

CNA

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

STORAGE AVAIL.

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.

VACATION RENTAL Key

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details, please visit: DAsignSource.com/careers

Residential Lead A/V Tech

Responsible for the integration of Audio & Video, Lighting Control, low-voltage project installation, programming, and crew management to ensure the usability and stable operation of all systems. This includes supporting clients, planning, developing, installing, configuring, maintaining, and optimizing all hardware, software, and communication links.

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

Working Project

Construction Foreman

For coordination and participation in the day-to-day construction process on site; implementing the construction intent of the architect/ owner and Project Manager, to the highest quality standards.

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

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.

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

DIRECT CARE STAFF AT ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM FT

Available at our Adult Day program. Providing direct care service and support to our clients in the day program. Requires the minimum of high school completion or GED.*

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

Come join our family!

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

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA

CASHIERS

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

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

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

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE

OPENINGS

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

Peer Support Specialist

Case Manager (Adult, Child)

Substance Abuse Counselor Prevention Specialist (HIV)

MARATHON

Care Coordinator (PT)

Driver – PT (CDL not required)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child)

Licensed Practical Nurse (PT)

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.

- 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

*Sign-on