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$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.
Keys Yacht Management’s Mason Neller waits for a pitch under the lights in Marathon’s adult co-ed softball league. See page 10. ROSS SMITH/ IslandExposureCo.
STAFF RAISES ARE THE HOT TOPIC IN MARATHON BUDGET TALKS
could go a long way.”
The council reached quick consensus in approving the rollback rate, with councilman Jeff Smith adding that the city’s track record of financial performance against its budget would likely reduce the amount withdrawn from reserves.
RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Marathon council members pledged not to raise taxes for the city at its first 2024-25 budget hearing on Sept. 17. But raises for city staff were a point of contention for the second year in a row.
Vice Mayor Lynn Landry wasted no time in suggesting the city levy the rollback millage rate – defined as the tax rate needed to raise the same total dollar amount in ad valorem revenues as the prior year – for Marathon’s fiscal year 2024-25 budget. With a millage rate of 2.2235 – $2.2235 in taxes per $1,000 of taxable assessed property value – he suggested that excess funds of roughly $375,000, needed to satisfy the remainder of the proposed budget, could be withdrawn from the city’s swelling reserve funds.
The city’s reserves currently sit at one year and 40 days’ worth of operating expenses, Finance Director Jennifer Johnson said. The withdrawal would reduce that number to one year and 34 days.
“We’re going to have to make a decision as a council – what is enough reserves?” Landry asked. “Having the reserve that we have is amazing, because I don’t know any other municipality that has this. … If we can hold the line and let the people in the city at least have a reprieve from our taxes, it
But discussions surrounding proposed staff raises, and whether to prioritize universal cost-of-living (COLA) increases versus merit raises for high achievers, consumed the vast majority of the meeting.
The city’s 2024-25 budget includes individualized salary adjustments for staff based on a recently-completed salary survey requested by the council of comparable positions in the region. Results of the survey presented two basic options: Adjust city salaries to market averages, or 10% above market averages, each with an added cost of living adjustment.
In addition to survey-based adjustments, the preliminary $136,353,198 budget presented Tuesday night included a 4% cost of living adjustment along with up to a 2.5% salary increase for employees with merit raises. As confirmed by numerous city officials, funds for merit raises are awarded to each department as a lump sum proportional to department salaries and distributed by department heads based on employee performance.
With unanimous support, Landry and Smith both strongly criticized the city’s lack of a documented review process for employees to justify individualized merit raises, adding that they would only support continued merit raises if such a process was implemented. In 2023-24, nearly all city staff were awarded the maximum approved merit raise, with department heads forgoing their own individual merit raises in favor of sending additional funds to their employees.
“I find it mind-boggling that I’m sitting up here having to talk about policies for annual reviews and basic 101 HR stuff,” Smith said. “How that’s not already implemented is beyond
me – (the city is) 25 years old.”
While councilman Luis Gonzalez and Mayor Robyn Still were supportive of higher flat-rate increases, Smith further spoke in favor of establishing a statistical standard to determine cost of living increases, arguing against a 4% cost of living increase when South Florida inflation numbers for August 2024 were reported at 2.6%.
“COLA is a data point number,” he said. “If we want to reward, we can do that with merit. It’s a bad precedent to move off that (COLA) number.”
“I just know that the cost of living is way different here than Fort Lauderdale or Miami,” said Still. “When you look at the grocery store, those prices are not going down, and your utility bills aren’t going down.”
City Manager George Garrett suggested the council look to cost of living statistics and trends from throughout the prior year, rather than a single month of August, to determine 202425 adjustments.
After discussion, the council unanimously agreed to adjust salaries to market averages as suggested by the salary survey, in addition to a 3% cost of living increase and up to 2% in merit raises. Multiple council members specified that merit raises should be distributed only after implementation of a documented employee review process.
Final budget discussions are set for a second public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 5:05 p.m. at Marathon City Hall.
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 600-plus 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
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.
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-
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
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.
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!
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 greenlighted three temporary consultants 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” 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.
Kara Franker, president and CEO of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly
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.
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)
The end of summer means the return of (mostly) good-natured smack talk at Marathon Community Park as the city’s adult softball league returns for the fall.
With just six teams in contention this year, squads will get a healthy dose of each of their rivals before league play concludes in November. Through 10 games, though no team remains unbeaten, familiar faces top the leaderboard as teams 5318008 and Keys Yacht Management are separated by just one win.
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, state Rep. Jim Mooney (R) and House Speaker Paul Renner (R), along with a host of fishing, hunting and marine industry-related 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 state Rep. Lauren Melo (R). “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.
TAKE A KID FISHING –AND CHANGE A LIFE
Florida nonprofit helps fatherless kids bait a hook & so much more
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 mandy@keysweekly.com
MARATHON CINEMA BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
SUNDAY FUNDAY
CARTEL BAGGERS POKER RUN SURVIVOR PARTY 729TH
SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 22,
GRILLED ON THE POOL DECK
• Complimentary Lobster Grilling Services
• World Famous Cheeseburger
• Lobster Mushroom Swiss Burger
• BBQ Bacon Wrapped Lobster
• Bacon Wrapped BBQ Shrimp
• Bacon Wrapped Scallops
• Grilled Bratwurst
• Grilled Ribeye Sandwiches
• Blackened Dolphin Sandwiches
• BBQ Baby Back Ribs
• Chili Cheese Dogs
DRINK SPECIALS
• $3 Coors Light • $5 Fireball
• $2 Jello Shots
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TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS
WEDNESDAY, SEP 25
PIRATE KARAOKE WITH JR JONES 7PM
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.
School board chairwoman Sue Woltanski says renewing the halfmill is crucial for the district’s ability to retain high quality teachers and staff. CONTRIBUTED
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, 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.
OPEN MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 AT 9:00 A.M.
FKEC TAVERNIER HEADQUARTERS, BOARD ROOM
Should Committee Meetings be scheduled, they will commence first, followed by the Regular Board Meeting.
COMMERCE CORNEr
Established in 2017, Ace Marine Detailing & Ceramic Coating provides gel coat restoration services, boat deep cleaning, ceramic coating installations, boat polishing and compounding. They also sell a ceramic coating product line called Kingdom Ceramic coating.
Owners Andrew and Lis Ellis attribute their success to their exceptional clientele base, whose loyalty and trust have been the cornerstone of the business. "By maintaining our focus, perseverance, and unwavering attention to detail, we have been able to consistently provide top-quality services that exceed our clients' expectations" says Ellis. Additionally, they stated they are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of their work to ensure that each and every client feels valued and appreciated. "We take pride in our ability to provide a personalized and exceptional experience, making Ace Marine Detailing the go-to choice for those seeking top-notch boat detailing services" said Ellis.
City of Marathon City Council Agenda 9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
Marathon Vacation Rental Law:
7 NIGHTS!
The City of Marathon vacation rental law requires a vacation rental property license for every dwelling unit that rents between 7 and 28 nights, and the unit cannot be rented for less than seven (7) nights. The renting of any private residence for a period of less than seven (7) nights is prohibited The City of Marathon researches and investigates vacation rental poperties to find and fine scofflaws. Violations of vacation rental law can be as high as $500 per day, per offense and can be up to $5,000 per occurrence.
The City also requires that each vacation rental unit be managed by a licensed agent or the owner. To learn more about Marathon’s vacation rental laws visit Marathon’s website at https://www.ci.marathon.fl.us, and you can take the City’s free vacation rental training course.. The training is free and the management license cost is free for owner-managed properties and $500 for agent-managed properties.
For other questions regarding vacation rental licensing please contact the City at 305-743-5266.
This advertisement was paid with nes from code violation cases. (370.2023)
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The team behind ‘A Moveable Feast,’ from left: Papa’s Pilar national mixologist Kyle Cooper, Grassy Flats culinary director Ali Monge, Grassy Flats resort owner Matt Sexton and Papa’s Pilar master distiller Shawn Martin. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
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• This BackYard is a Blank Canvas So, You Can Create Your Own Tropical Oasis
• Split Floor Plan with Master on One Side and 2 Guest Rooms on the Other
• Close to Schools, Grocery Store, Dining, and More.
PLEASE CALL LINDA 919-721-9708, TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE THIS GREAT PROPERTY
arathon’s Sombrero Beach had some early visitors on the morning of Sept. 17, as U.S. Border Patrol officials announced they had taken 43 Cuban migrants into custody after a wooden fishing vessel reached the shore. In a post on X, interim Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Andrew Scharnweber confirmed the landing of the blue-and-white vessel with ‘Habana’ written on the stern. ‘We appreciate the support from responding agencies,’ Scharnweber said. CONTRIBUTED
COME BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR!
DAILY SPECIALS
FLORIDA KEYS LEADERS GATHER FOR SOLD-OUT THIRD ANNUAL NONPROFIT DAY
Nonprofit 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
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
This note is written in response to a letter sent to the Marathon Weekly dated Sept. 5, 2024 concerning Little Fanny Key and a piece of property owned by Aquarium Encounters.
A number of "facts" expressed in the letter must be corrected. Little Fanny Key was cleared without a permit. The city of Marathon, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and FWC all reviewed the unpermitted activity. The FDEP required the restoration of a small wetland area. The city of Marathon required entire restoration of the site through a settlement agreement which identified what had to be restored, how long
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
REEL RECS S
taff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “The Man in the Iron Mask” (1998)
they had to accomplish the work, and what the ultimate survivorship had to be. The work was completed and the city has been reviewing the success of the restoration since.
The Sept. 5 letter also makes reference to a helicopter landing on the island. The island’s owner told the city via email after viewing the Sept. 5 letter that the helicopter landed there without permission during the Marathon Offshore Grand Prix boat races to perform a change of safety divers. The island’s owner provided the city with a copy of a written trespass notice issued by FWC to the helicopter pilot following the incident.
At Aquarium Encounters, the owner has current approvals to build a structure which will ultimately house coral outplants for restoration of our offshore reefs. The construction of that facility does require land clearing. That clearing will require mitigation, replacing cleared trees elsewhere. The initial stages of that project do require clearing to allow minimal drilling to determine the geotechnical character of the site. Additional clearing will be required.
Sincerely,
George Garrett, City Manager City of Marathon, Florida
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.
& MARINA
WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
Enjoy our daily specials like Homemade Soup or Chowder, Fresh Fish Sandwich or One of our Daily Specials while overlooking Florida Bay! Open for Lunch & Dinner Every Day!
RETAIL STORE
Fish, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!
Don ’ t forget about our Fuel Dock, next to Restaurant. Great Pricing! 90 Octane Ethanol free Open 7am to Noon Every Day but Sunday.
BEST ALBUMS OF ALL TIME? Everyone will
have an
opinion on these…
If a person is looking for a list of best albums, a quick Google search will reveal a huge number of lists of the top 50, 100, 300, 500 “Best Albums Ever.” It seems like everyone has a list … and now, here’s one more. I don’t really know if these are the best ever, but each one of these exists as a real album — a cohesive unit rather than a collection of unrelated songs. And yes, they do lean toward the classic rock genre. There is no particular order to this list; each one stands on its own.
“Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”/“Abbey Road” –The Beatles. Yeah, I know. That’s two albums and not just one. But each is as good as the other, and I can’t leave one off. In 1967, the Beatles had quit performing live and were tired of being the Beatles. Paul McCartney’s idea that they cast themselves as a completely different band was well received by the other Fabs, and they threw themselves wholeheartedly into making a record that wasn’t the Beatles. Ironically, it’s one of the albums most associated with the Beatles, and this record set a high bar for any other “concept albums” subsequently released. “Abbey Road” is part of this entry because it’s the last Beatles album (in terms of what they recorded), and it’s a swan song par excellence. It’s basically two mini-albums in one: Side 1 is a collection of some of the Beatles’ greatest individual songs, while Side 2 takes the listener on a musical journey that ends with the greatest goodbye line from any group or musician ever. Their growth as musicians, writers and artists is evident in the tracks, and the world is damn fortunate that these four Liverpudlians got together.
“Dark Side of the Moon” – Pink Floyd. There are those who would argue that “The Wall” is a better concept, but Dark Side captures the group when it really was a group, and not just Roger Waters’ backup band. All four members contributed to the songwriting and arranging. The aural quality of this 1973 record is still amazing, and producer/engineer Alan Parsons built a career on his reputation from this record alone. (Parsons also worked as an engineer on Beatles records.) Each song is a classic, and that’s something that no one can say about “The Wall” (e.g., “Vera,” “Bring the Boys Back Home”). This is quite possibly the greatest concept album of all time.
“Blood on the Tracks” – Bob Dylan. There are arguments to be made that “Bringing It All Back Home,” “Highway 61 Revisited” or “Blonde on Blonde” are better Dylan albums. These were recorded at the peak
JOHN BARTUS
John Bartus is a singer/songwriter, city administrator for Key Colony Beach and the former mayor of Marathon.
of Dylan’s 1960s creativity, and each disc is replete with a multitude of classic songs that shaped and changed rock and roll. But as an album, I still prefer “Blood on the Tracks.” The acoustic-based production is understated, and it perfectly serves these songs of love, bitterness, estrangement, disappointment and even hope.
From the relationship saga of “Tangled Up in Blue” to the closer “Buckets of Rain,” this album chronicles everything and every emotion one can find in a romantic relationship. Even the bitter and angry “Idiot Wind” closes with the realization that it takes two to tango, and that the singer may be just as much at fault as the object of his vitriol. By the way, the best version of this song is the live one from the “Hard Rain” album.
“Wildflowers” – Tom Petty. While “Blood on the Tracks” was Dylan’s breakup album, “Wildflowers” was Petty’s turn at disillusionment. Tracks like the title cut, “You Don’t Know How it Feels,” “Don’t Fade on Me” and “Only a Broken Heart” hint at the sorrow and regret the singer feels at the end of a relationship. Even rockers like “You Wreck Me” and “Honey Bee” have a bittersweet quality. Two songs hint at the hard times ahead: “Time to Move On” and the closer, “Wake Up Time.” In both, the singer is resigned to picking up the pieces and keep going on, even if he seems to be singing it to himself in the latter song. What makes this album stand out among the rest of Petty’s amazing catalog is twofold: the quality of the songs, and the absolutely impeccable production of Rick Rubin (along with Tom and Mike Campbell). Listening to this album on a good pair of speakers or good headphones places the listener in the studio with the band as it’s being recorded. Every note counts, every part is essential; there is absolutely no fluff.
This very short list could easily contain myriad other albums. I’m just glad I got to experience and live with these (and other) great albums. What’s on your list?
— Catch John live Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, this Friday at Isla Bella, and Sunday afternoons at Skipjack Tiki. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com
BRIEFLY
Million Air to host Girls in Aviation Day
Million Air Florida Keys, located at 8800 Overseas Highway in Marathon, will host a Girls in Aviation Day celebration at the Marathon International Airport on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is dedicated to celebrating and inspiring the next generation of females in aviation by meeting and talking to women already working in all areas of the field. The event will feature free food and a goody bag for attendees along with the chance to explore airplanes on the tarmac.
Keys Democrats host monthly public meeting
The public is invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Keys Democrats on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Marathon library. The meeting will discuss the upcoming local and national elections. The meeting will be a hybrid Zoom and in-person event. For more information, email mid-keys@keysdems.com.
Audition for the ’24-’25 season at Marathon Community Theatre
Marathon Community Theatre will host open auditions for three of its main-stage productions – “Always a Bridesmaid,” “Nunsense” and “The Siegel” – on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28 and 29. Auditions will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on both days for line reading in all three shows, with an additional morning session for singing and dancing from 10 a.m. to noon both days. Anyone auditioning for the musical “Nunsense” must attend at least one line reading and vocal/dance session. Previous theater experience is always welcome, but is not required. For more details, visit www.marathontheater.org/open-auditions.
Monroe County wants input on natural resources plan
Monroe County’s office of sustainability will host a meeting to gain public input on the Monroe County natural resource adaptation plan virtually on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. Monroe County has been planning over the last year to create a new plan that will help shape project priorities to address increasing effects of flooding on the county’s natural resources. The county is completing the project and will present the data collected, the approach and the technical evaluations to help prioritize the various natural resources threatened by future flood risk, including sea level rise. The county has been updating its vulnerability assessment for all its critical assets, but this specific project only focuses on adaptation strategies for natural resources. This
plan is one of the first in Florida to specifically focus on the effects flooding on natural resources assets instead of infrastructure. To attend the meeting, scan the attached QR code.
Marathon man arrested for attack on hospital nurse
A 36-year-old Marathon man was arrested Sept. 14 for allegedly attacking a hospital nurse. Amos Lee Hendricks was charged with aggravated assault on hospital personnel, battery on hospital personnel and resisting arrest. A male nurse at the Fishermen’s Hospital emergency room in Marathon was attempting to change Hendricks’ soiled sheets when Hendricks lunged out of bed and punched the nurse without warning, authorities said. Hendricks then grabbed the nurse by the neck and attempted to knee-strike him. Hendricks resisted arrest while deputies were taking him into custody.
Tampa man arrested for theft of treasure coins
A 35-year-old Tampa man was arrested Sept. 12 for allegedly stealing two Spanish gold coins worth more than $50,000 from a Lower Keys resident. Keiontae Raneake Osean Smith was charged with grand theft and dealing in stolen property. Smith agreed to pay the Lower Keys resident more than $53,000 for the gold coins via wire transfer in August 2024. When the two met to make the exchange, Smith showed a picture of what appeared to be the wire transfer from the bank. However, the money was never transferred, authorities said. The victim learned Smith provided a fake bank tracking number. Smith would later give the victim a fake credit card number. The victim also learned Smith used a fake name during the sale negotiations.
Marathon man arrested for battery with pipe
A 50-year-old Marathon, Florida man was arrested Sept. 12 after he allegedly struck and injured another man with a pipe. Jason Brent Royal was charged with aggravated battery. The sheriff’s office was called to the 2500 block of the Overseas Highway around 3:45 a.m. regarding a suspicious person. They learned the 43-year-old victim was being treated with an injured arm at Fishermen’s Hospital. The investigation showed Royal struck the victim with a metal pipe, injuring his elbow, authorities said.
CHRIS M cNULTY
is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com
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.
SLIPPING OFF THE KINOS IN KETCHUM
Talking piracy during the Hemingway Seminar in Idaho
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 of-
ten 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.
A banner celebrating the Hemingway Seminar in Ketchum, Idaho. BRAD BERTELLI/Contributed
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.
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
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
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.
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
Keys historian Brad Bertelli speaks during the 16th Ernest Hemingway Seminar on Sept. 7. CONTRIBUTED
GREGG
3.5-year-old pit bull mix.
Looking for: A mom, or a dad, who wants me to be their one and only.
Turnoffs: Cats. No cats. Sorry, not sorry.
SWIPE RIGHT
TOOKA
4.5-year-old American bulldog mix.
Looking for: Everything. People, kids, other dogs. I’m your guy.
Turnoffs: I got returned to the shelter due to housing. Sad.
Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA
Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.
With
SQUIRT
From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.
See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit 10550 Aviation Blvd.
Hurricane fosters needed. With hurricane season upon us, the SPCA needs volunteers and fosters in case of a storm. Over 100 animals would need to be evacuated, so it is crucial they all have homes in place before an impending storm. The SPCA provides everything you need; all you do is give an animal a safe haven
1.5-year-old female domestic shorthair. Looking for: A nice calm place where I can be your lap cat.
Turnoffs: My whole life has been at the shelter. I just want a family.
during the storm and return them to the shelter once it’s safe – that is, if you don’t fall in love. For more information on becoming a hurricane foster, visit https://fkspca.org/ volunteer/become-afoster-volunteer/ or call 305-743-4800.
LOCAL
City Council
Robyn Still, Mayor
Lynn Landry, Vice Mayor
Luis Gonzalez, Councilmember
Jeff Smith, Councilmember
Kenny Matlock, Councilmember
City Manager
George Garrett
City Attorney
Steve Williams
City Clerk
Diane Clavier, CMC
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Mon - Fri 11am to Close Sat & Sun 10am to Close
HAPPY HOUR 1-4PM
$7 Menu
• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!
• 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm
* $2 Pints of Yuengling and Bud Light!
BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM
• Unique & interesting menu
• $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots
LUNCH & DINNER
• Lobster Enchiladas
• Diver Speared Local Fish
• Prime Rib • Local Lobster
• Cook Your Own Catch
• Great Seafood Selections
SUSHI
Toro • Lionfish
Poke
Hamachi collar
Fresh Uni arrives on Thursday
Special Call Council Meeting-Final Public Hearing
9/24/24 5:05pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.
FY24/25 Budget
Code Compliance Hearing
9/26/24 2:00pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy. City Council Meeting
10/21/24 5:30pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy. City Council Workshop
10/22/24 5:30pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.
Code Compliance Hearing
10/24/24 2:00pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.
Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at any meeting or workshop noted herein, he or she will need a record of the proceedings and for such purposes he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. The City of Marathon complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a disabled person requiring special accommodations or assistance, please notify the City ADA Coordinator at (305) 289-5022 of such need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance.
32 BEERS ON TAP
Having Fun in the Middle Keys
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:
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.
ECO NOTE
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
the Web:
bit.ly/MPconflict
the library:
“I Can Use an I Statement” by Jenelle French
“Talk and Work It Out” by Cheri J. Meiners
Mini Fact:Class meetings are another place to solve individual or group problems.
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Stunning open water views from this sturdy CBS estate! Enveloped in lush tropical landscaping, this slice of paradise sits on a well-maintained lot that feels abundantly private. The spacious interior o ers soaring ceilings, while stunning ocean views remain the focal point of the space. An expansive screened-in back veranda overlooks a scenic walkway through lush mangroves, leading to an open water dock.
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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.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.
THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
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.
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 100YEAR/500YEAR
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
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
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.
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
