Key West Weekly 24-0926

The one for waterfront living.

Discover the ultimate boaters retreat in beautiful Summerland Key! This stilted canal-front home features three bedrooms and two baths and easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The ground-level storage area is perfect for your boating gear and outdoor furniture. Enjoy the convenience of a Coast Guard-marked channel, providing a safe and enjoyable transit to and from your dock. The wide 60-foot canal makes maneuvering a breeze, and marine fuel is just 2 minutes away by boat—no more long trips to the fuel dock. Inside the home, you'll find an open-concept design centered around the kitchen, dining room, and living area. Off the dining room is a screened-in porch, perfect for enjoying happy hour cocktails or taking in another incredible sunset in paradise. This home boasts three generously sized bedrooms, two baths, and a laundry room. Recent upgrades include a new AC system installed in 2022, a new water heater in summer 2024, and a new roof added in 2018. The furniture can be sold with the home, making it move-in or rental-ready! The house is conveniently located near many stores, restaurants, and other conveniences. This location offers everything you need in tranquil Summerland Key. Discover your 1 of 1.

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5

Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

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

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News Deadline Monday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

Members of

$100M

U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio have introduced legislation that would increase the maximum reward amount from $15 million to $100 million for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, who was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2020 on drug-trafficking charges.

Key West International Dance Co. presents the tantalizing tango show ‘Gate 54B,’ with three performances Oct. 3-5 at the San Carlos Institute. CONTRIBUTED

ELECTION COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST 2 REPUBLICAN LEADERS

Governor assigns investigation to neutral state attorney

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Elections always elicit accusations, aspersions and innuendo — but those attacks typically come from opposing political parties.

Such is not the case these days in the Florida Keys, where a Republican voter filed a formal complaint against two leaders of the county’s Republican Executive Committee, alleging “election fraud and unlawful disbursement of funds” by treasurer Sherri Hodies and chairwoman Rhonda Rebman Lopez. Hodies is currently the Republican candidate for the county’s supervisor of elections, running against Democrat Ron Saunders,

Key West resident Phyllis May, a registered Republican, filed the complaint on July 26 with Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward, who is also a Republican and a member of the REC. (May is not a member of the executive committee.)

May opposed the Republican Executive Committee’s endorsement of its treasurer, Hodies, for the office of supervisor of elections. The endorsement, which came with a $20,000 campaign donation to Hodies, was done without the necessary number of votes, according to the committee’s bylaws, May wrote to Dennis Ward.

Endorsements require approval of at least 60% of the executive committee members present and voting, May wrote.

“At the time of the vote there were 63 members of the REC. A majority of the full committee would have been 32 members voting to endorse. The vote was 20 to endorse;

18 not to endorse. The vote fell short by 12 to endorse,” the complaint states.

When asked by the Keys Weekly about the votes not meeting the required threshold, and some REC members’ complaints about the endorsement, Rebman Lopez said, “The vote tallies and total were taken to the highest levels of the Republican Party of Florida by me and they told me that as chair, to make the call, and I did.”

May’s July complaint further states, “There was no mention that there was also another qualified Republican candidate in the race. It was not a vote to decide which candidate to endorse. The vote was to endorse Ms. Hodies or not.”

Given Ward’s membership in the REC — and his subsequent personal support for Hodies’ Republican primary opponent, Margaret Romero — Ward recused himself from investigating May’s complaint, to avoid a conflict of interest. As is protocol, Ward notified the governor’s office of the complaint and requested that it be reassigned to another state attorney in Florida to investigate.

That reassignment occurred this week when Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sept. 20 signed Executive Order 24-203, sending the matter to “the Honorable Amira D. Fox, state attorney for theTwentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, who agreed to accept an executive assignment in this matter.”

“All residents of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit (Monroe County) are requested, and all public officials are directed, to cooperate and render whatever assistance is necessary to the Assigned State Attorney, so that justice may be served,” the executive order states.

In response to the complaint that was filed, and to Ward’s request that the governor reassign it for investigation, Rebman Lopez told the Keys Weekly on Sept. 24: “Dennis Ward is doing exactly what the Democrats are doing to Trump — trying to use the courts to interfere with an election. Ward’s complaint is that the Republican Party is trying to help a Republican get elected. This is how desperately the Democrats want to control the elections department in Monroe County, that they stoop to these desperate and frivolous complaints.”

When the Keys Weekly reminded Lopez that Ward is a Republican and a member of the REC, she said, “He’s a RINO,” (meaning Republican in Name Only).

“The Democrats are trying to take Sherri Hodies off the ballot the same way they tried to take Trump off the ballot, and we cannot allow the corrupt Democrats to take control of our elections,” Lopez said. “Sherri Hodies, the real Republican candidate for supervisor of elections, won the primary by more than 20%. The Republican voters of Monroe County have clearly spoken. The frivolous allegations of election fraud center around the local party’s endorsement process, which was voted upon by a majority of all members present and subsequently approved by the Republican Party of Florida. This complaint is meritless and will be dismissed in due time,” Lopez said.

Hodies was asked for a comment about the complaint, and said she would make a statement, but had not gotten back to the Keys Weekly as of press time on Sept. 25.

3 of the Most Respected Elected Officials in the

Are Supporting RON SAUNDERS for Supervisor of Elections!

Sheriff Rick Ramsay (R) Supervisor of Elections (D) Joyce Griffin

County Commissioner (R) Craig Cates

“I think Ron could do a great job and definitely ensure the integrity of our elections.”

“I believe Ron Saunders has the integrity, qualifications, and experience needed for the position.”

“I have worked with Ron Saunders on many occasions and he has always been there for his community!”

PLEASE VOTE RON SAUNDERS. LEADERSHIP YOU CAN TRUST!

Paid and approved by Ron Saunders, Democrat, for Supervisor of Elections

Paid and approved by Ron Saunders, Democratic, for Supervisor of Elections

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

-TIM

PRIORITIES

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

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

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

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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

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

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

LOWER UTILITY BILLS CLEANER ENERGY RELIABLE SERVICE

Paid and approved by Tim Root for

ROOT Chairman, Keys Energy

-TIM ROOT Chairman, Keys Energy

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)

TRAVELERS TANGO

Key West International Dance Co. performs Gate

54B

Oct. 3-12

Audiences can enjoy five multicultural dance productions this fall beginning Thursday, Oct. 3, when the Key West International Dance Company launches its inaugural season in the island city.

The first show, “Gate 54B,” is tango with a twist, set at Newark Airport. A storm rages outside, planes are grounded and the terminal is packed with stranded travelers. Amid this chaos, a dance floor emerges.

Inspired by a real-life Facebook group where travelers meet up to tango while stuck at airports, dance company founder Pamela Stephenson Connolly brings the impulse to life. In love with Argentine tango for years, she now channels that energy into this show. Eight main characters and a handful of side stories intertwine, each with their own journey.

To start, we see them in different time zones — Tokyo, Key West, Barcelona — preparing for their journeys. They’re not professional tangueros, just passionate social dancers. Their paths cross at Newark, and the airport becomes a stage for life-changing connections. Whether a bride with cold feet, a fugitive trying to escape his past, or an airport janitor dancing with a mop in quiet moments, each character’s story unfolds through movement and projected text messages.

Gate 54B celebrates the

serendipitous connections that can emerge from delays, cancellations and other airport challenges and absurdities. Made from moments of frustration, hilarity and unexpected kindness, it reflects the human spirit’s resilience and adaptability in the most unlikely of places. Connolly’s direction and staging marry the elegance of traditional tango with everyday movements of an airport, transcending the limits of space and time.

Six shows are to be staged between Oct. 3 and Oct. 12.

Connolly is a performer, writer and director whose global career includes many styles of dance as well as comedy and screen performances before she founded Key West International Dance Company.

After living for nearly a decade in the Lower Keys and Key West, she has created an ensemble of Florida Keys talent and associate artists to present original productions that salute the region’s vibrant multicultural heritage.

All performances take place in the theater at Key West’s historic San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval St. Ticket prices range from $35 to $90 per person depending on seat location. Tickets can be purchased at keystix.com.

More information about the dance company and upcoming shows is at kwinternationaldancecompany.com.

Key West International Dance Co. presents the tantalizing tango show ‘Gate 54B,’ with three performances Oct. 3-5 at the San Carlos Institute. CONTRIBUTED

HOW MUCH HOUSING CAN $35M CREATE?

Tourism board starts talks about how to spend its surplus

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

The Florida Keys got one-time approval from the state to spend $35 million of surplus tourism revenue on affordable housing. But that may have been the easy part.

Now an assortment of government officials, elected politicians, property owners, developers, tourism experts and hospitality professionals have to agree on how and where to spend the money to benefit the most working residents and get the most for their money.

“We don’t want this to become a food fight,” county Mayor Holly Raschein, who sits on the Tourist Development Council (TDC) board, said at the Sept. 17 TDC meeting. That agency collects tourism tax revenue from visitors, known as bed tax. That money is typically spent to advertise the Keys and special events and for capital improvements to tourism-based properties.

But last year, the Florida Legislature authorized the TDC to spend a $35 million surplus — collected largely during the COVID pandemic — on affordable housing for workers in tourism industries.

The Sept. 17 TDC meeting marked the beginning of discussions on how best to spend the money.

“The county commission had discussed putting together a committee that includes all the stakeholders in this, including the lodging association, the restaurant association, the chambers of commerce and others to figure out how to use these funds,” Raschein said. “Everyone this is supposed to help should be involved in these discussions. If we put the housing where it’s needed and

charge what we need to charge to keep it affordable, then I think we can spend this money wisely.”

The rest of the board agreed with involving all the groups she mentioned, along with the Key West and Monroe County housing authorities, as well as Habitat for Humanity and AH Monroe, which have experience building and operating affordable housing.

The lion’s share of the tourism revenue comes from the Key West area, known as District Advisory Committee 1 (DAC1), “But we’ll need to identify available land and may consider working with the private sector to build and manage this,” Raschein said. “Key West may not have a lot of space where housing can be built, but maybe we can put some housing right outside Key West, where that workforce lives.”

Tentative discussion was had about divvying up the $35 million among the five districts of the Keys, according to the percentage of tourism revenue each collects, but again, discussions are just beginning.

Jodi Weinhoder, president of the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys & Key West, reminded the TDC board that “we need this housing yesterday, and our workers need this housing yesterday.”

Weinhofer suggested that the committee consider using some of the money to buy existing multi-unit properties that can be converted into small apartments based on the need rather than having to find and acquire land, then design the buildings and construct them. Her suggestion was well received by the board.

The county commissioners are expected to revisit the discussion at their October meeting.

FORMER MARINE WALKS THE KEYS & BEYOND FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

From the Southernmost Point, former Marine Ron Zaleski began the trek up the Florida Keys on Sept. 11. A billboard wrapped his body with the name of service members who died from suicide. Zaleski wrote a new name each day he walked in the Keys.

“They died in combat as far as I’m concerned,” Zaleski told Keys Weekly as he prepared for a 2,700-mile walk that will take him beyond the Keys to San Diego, California. He’s the founder of the Long Walk Home, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans find a new mission in life all while preventing them from taking their lives.

With 22 veterans dying from suicide per day, Zaleski’s trip across the country aims to highlight suicide prevention. Over the next 10 months, he will walk to share resources and encourage service members to sign up for suicide prevention programs.

“It saves lives,” Zaleski said. “I don’t help anybody, I just inspire change and help guide them if they let me in their life.”

Zaleski began the treks in the morning to get a beat on the intense heat. He walked roughly 12 miles a day, reaching Islamorada on Sept. 20 for a presentation at Coral Isles Church. Reverend Bruce Havens welcomed the community and his congregation to the event where Zaleski spoke passionately about his journey, self-discovery and his mission to help others. Havens and several others also walked with Zaleski, who displayed a sign bearing the name of yet another veteran who died from suicide

This isn’t Zaleski’s first epic walk. In 2006, when he sold his businesses and founded the Long Walk Home, Zaleski walked barefoot across the Appalachian Trail, traversing 2,200 miles of woods and wildlife. He was met by many curious trailblazers who were eager to hear his story. Many of them were on their own journey of self-discovery. Others were veterans or had veterans in their family and could relate to Zaleski’s experience. In 2010, he upped the stakes and walked barefoot from Concord, Massachusetts to Santa Monica, California. He traversed more than 3,400 miles without shoes, carrying a sign that read “18 Vets a Day Commit Suicide” and a petition for military personnel to receive mandatory counseling. In 2011 he brought that same petition, which had at that point accumulated over 20,000 signatures, to Washington, D.C. “Alone, I can do something. But together we can do much more,” Zaleski said. For more information, visit thelongwalkhome.org. People can follow Zaleski’s journey on Facebook by searching the Long Walk Home.

American Legion Post 145 members meet the Long Walk Home founder Ron Zaleski at Coral Isles Church in Islamorada. From left, Ed Cale, Kim Dipre, Zaleski, Randy Hetherington, Brian Wojciechowski, Mike Ehlers, Chris Hoguet and Roy Bogue. CONTRIBUTED

Ron Zaleski, pictured right, and the Long Walk Home supporters walk the Old Highway to Coral Isles Church on Sept. 20.

COUNTY OPENS EMERGENCY OPS CENTER

Storm coordination call follows ribbon cutting in Marathon

Monroe County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) officially opened on Sept. 23 at the west end of the Marathon airport. Later the same day, the $37 million facility hosted its first storm coordinating call to hear from experts at the National Weather Service Key West (NWS-KW) about the path of Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 (PTC 9) and its possible effects on the Florida Keys. A tropical storm watch was issued for Monroe County as of 5 p.m. on Sept. 23.

As of Wednesday morning, a tropical storm warning was issued for the entire Florida Keys and most of the Sunshine State. Coastal flooding of 1-3 feet is expected from Wednesday evening through Thursday evening in the Keys. Frequent squalls could bring wind gusts of 55-65 mph across the Keys, according to the National Weather Service – Key West. Rains could bring 2-4 inches, and as much as 6 inches in some locations, through Friday. Helene officially became a hurricane late Wednesday morning as it is expected to approach northwest Florida late Thursday or early Friday.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER STATS:

• 28,321 square feet.

• Built to withstand 220 mph winds.

• Meets criteria for a Hurricane Shelter Safe Room, which are intended to provide near-absolute protection against wind forces and the impact of wind-borne debris, according to FEMA.

• First floor flood elevation: 20.2 ft. (17 ft. above ground).

• Can sustain and protect up to 150 people for up to 96 hours, including food, drinking water, redundant generators for electric power and wastewater storage.

• Emergency communications via redundant fiber optic network services, plus satellite phone/internet service

As is the case for all storms, residents and visitors are encouraged to follow storm updates and take protective actions, such as securing outdoor items and ensuring boats are secure with properly working bilge pumps. There is a potential for downed trees and sporadic power outages. New EOC put to immediate use

“With facilities like the new Monroe County Emergency Operations Center, we can better lead our communities through disasters and build a more resilient Florida,” Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said from Tallahassee while prepping for PTC 9.

Monroe County was the last of Florida’s 67 counties to build a dedicated EOC. State and federal grant money funded its construction.

The facility will house:

• Monroe County Emergency Management

• Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

911 communications

• Monroe County Fire Rescue administration

“This is a major safety enhancement for our community that has been a long time in the making that will allow for continuity of services before, during and after a disaster,” Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein said. “There was a great deal of thought put into this project, and I would like to express a special appreciation to the staff and all of those involved.”

— Contributed

warning coordination meteorologist Jon Rizzo walks guests through a forecast screen in the new EOC. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Florida State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein and Monroe County Director of Emergency Management Shannon Weiner join commissioners, staff and emergency management partners for the opening of the new Emergency Operations Center in Marathon. The facility will be the incident command center in the event of hurricanes or other disasters. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County

From left, MCSO Lt. Charlene Sprinkle, Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Monroe County’s Shannon Weiner and Kimberly Matthews and MCSO Maj. Don Hiller show off the new EOC’s 911 dispatch center. JASON KOLER/Keys Weekly

SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR OPPOSES AMENDMENT 1 FOR PARTISAN SCHOOL ELECTIONS

Florida school board campaigns have recently become overtly political and, in some cases, downright nasty. Do Floridians want local school board races to become even MORE partisan and divisive?

That is what Florida’s lawmakers proposed when they placed Amendment 1: Partisan School Board Elections, on the November ballot. They claim the change will simply provide more transparency, but opponents are concerned about the impact of increasing partisan politics on local school board decision-making in this already politically divided time. Opponents also worry about disenfranchising nearly 4 million Florida voters, who are registered as NPA (No Party Affiliation). Passage of this amendment means they would be unable to participate in closed partisan primaries to determine school board candidates.

The ability to close school board primaries may be Amendment 1’s greatest impact on school board elections. Currently, local school board races are nonpartisan, meaning all eligible voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote in the nonpartisan primaries. If Amendment 1 passes with 60% of the vote, partisan politics and partisan primaries WILL change the way Floridians elect their local school boards. Partisan school board elections would become part of Florida’s closed primary system, where only voters registered with a political party can vote for candidates in their primary, excluding the 30% of Florida’s voters registered as NPAs or with minor parties. If only one political party has candidates, a “Universal Primary” would be open to all voters but political parties have frequently used “loopholes,” such as ghost candidates and write-in candidates, to close such primaries, leaving elections decided by only those members of the party holding the primary and disenfranchising the rest.

Lee County Representative Spencer Roach, who sponsored Amendment 1, claimed he was simply advocating for a return to Florida’s “historical method of electing these school board

members,” and called the move to nonpartisan races in 1998 “an aberration and an anomaly.” Nonpartisan school board races are NOT an anomaly. They are the norm.

Nationwide, the vast majority of school districts — estimated at around 90% — hold nonpartisan elections, in which candidates run without a party affiliation affixed to their name on the ballot. If Amendment 1 passed, Florida would become just the fifth state to require partisan school board elections.

Prior to 1998, following a law passed in 1976, local communities could decide whether their school board elections were partisan or not, and seven Florida counties were holding nonpartisan school-board elections. In 1989, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that school board election rules must be consistent statewide. This decision ultimately led to the 1998 Constitution Revision Commission’s proposal for a nonpartisan school board election amendment. The amendment was part of a larger election reform package that also established the Universal Primary system. The amendment passed with overwhelming support.

Unfortunately, political parties quickly figured out loopholes to avoid Universal Primaries and from 1998-2022 over 8 million voters have been excluded from voting in primaries closed by such shenanigans. Amendment 1 would allow similar shenanigans to impact school boards races.

Public schools serve ALL children. Shouldn’t ALL voters be able to vote for their school board representatives? A NO vote on Amendment 1 will allow all voters to continue participating in local school board races and encourage the election of school board members based on their qualifications and not just their political affiliation.

To prevent political party shenanigans from disrupting your local school board elections, vote NO on Amendment 1.

— Sue Woltanski, Tavernier

COUNTY COMMISSION APPROVES SPENDING PLAN & TAX RATE

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Monroe County commissioners approved a $715.7 million spending plan for the 2025 fiscal year — a $48.7 million increase from the previous year — during a recent budget hearing in Key Largo.

With the finalized budget and countywide average property values, a homesteaded residential property owner with an average appraised taxable value of $500,777.90 will see a $2.54 monthly increase for countywide services in their property tax for the upcoming fiscal year. Of the total taxable value in Monroe County, 20% is from homesteaded properties.

Non-homesteaded residential properties, with an average taxable value of $922,891.20, make up 59% of the taxable value. Non-homesteaded properties would see a $17 per month increase. Commercial property and vacant land represent 17% and 4% of taxable value, respectively.

the health department), and 22.2 percent funds the constitutional officers’ operating costs. Some notable increases reflect rises in prices for vendor contracts, fuel, supplies, personnel costs and property insurance.

“The total ad valorem tax levy funds everything it takes to run this county from personnel, police, fire rescue, electric in county buildings, parks and beach improvements, children, senior and Veterans services, trash collection, and more,” said Assistant County Administrator Kevin Wilson. “The rest of the budget is funded by sales tax, state shared revenues, license and permit fees, fines and forfeitures, and service charges.”

Per county officials, 12 full-time vacant staff positions were eliminated from the budget, a savings of $1.3 million. The approved spending plan also includes more than $2.2 million for 30 communitybased nonprofit organizations.

Woltanski is a public education advocate and chair of the Monroe County school board. Her views here are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Monroe County school board.

Property values continue to increase in Monroe County, with a total taxable value of $46.2 billion, another historic high. Property values have doubled in the past eight years, and rose 10.6% percent compared to last year.

Of the total budget, $156 million is ad valorem (or from property taxes); 70.8 percent of the ad valorem tax funds public safety (like law enforcement, fire rescue, detention centers, medical examiner, and

County officials say the budget also reflects continued investment in roads and bridges, resilience adaptation, facilities and public safety, including funding for the three new Trauma Star helicopters (spread out over several years). Funds were also included for operational costs of the new Emergency Operations Center, 24 firefighters who have been paid through a Safer Grant for the past three years. The budget also will fund a new Sugarloaf Fire Station, a replacement fire truck, ambulance and the addition of two new fire rescue boats.

PIXABAY

If

Our obstetricians and nurse midwives deliver at Lower Keys Medical Center, which offers experienced maternity care, private labor and delivery and post-partum rooms, Level 1 special care nursery, and free childbirth education.

Accepting new patients. Most major health plans are welcome.

Stanley Santiago, M.D. OBGYN

Christiaan A. Webb, M.D. OBGYN Naomi Andrews, M.S. Nurse Midwife Margaret “Margo” Von Mauw, MSN Nurse Midwife

FUTURE STUDENT VIRTUAL

A letter of appreciation to David Clay, CEO of Lower Keys Medical Center

As you retire from your role as Chief Executive O cer of Lower Keys Medical Center, we want to sincerely thank you for all you’ve done to ensure quality healthcare for residents of the Lower Keys and for helping to enrich the quality of life here as an active participant in our community.

You have been a committed, steady, supportive leader for our hospital through the past 8 years, always a champion for our team and the patients who turn to us for the care they need.

You have worked tirelessly and successfully to recruit physicians to our community and to expand healthcare services, keeping people close to home as much as possible when medical treatments are needed.

You have been steadfast through many challenges, including Hurricane Irma and a pandemic unlike any other in the past 100 years. Thank you for always making sure the lines of communication were open and that health services remained accessible through trying times.

Thank you for being forward-thinking, fun to work with, passionate about our local health care services, and for assembling such a highly skilled and experienced team at Lower Keys Medical Center. We know they will continue to provide quality care for our community – and that’s a legacy you can be proud of.

David, we will miss you. We also know the impact of your leadership and your love for our community has left a lasting, positive mark on the Lower Keys – one that we appreciate and celebrate and that will continue to make a positive di erence for years to come.

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement and thank you again for your outstanding leadership!

Robin Lockwood, M.D., Lower Keys Medical Center Board Chairman

Jack Norris, M.D., Lower Keys Medical Center Chief of Medical Sta

BEST OF MARATHON BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER

An evening of laughter, celebration and philanthropy

More than 300 business owners, civic leaders and elected officials gathered in the Dolphin Ballroom at Hawks Cay this past Saturday as the Keys Weekly Newspapers and Rotary Club of Marathon unveiled the 2024 Best of Marathon winners.

JASON KOLER jason@keysweekly.com

1. Sheriff Rick Ramsay repeats as Best Elected Official. Pictured with MCSO Capt. Lissette Quintero, who oversees the Islamorada substation.

Realtors Josh Mothner and Sam Williams share a laugh during the event.

CHRIS McNULTY

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

We are smack dab in the middle of eclipse season, so if you’re feeling a bit offkilter, you are right on time. Such seasons bring dramatic changes, both individually and collectively. Tread lightly and be kind to yourself. Embrace the shifting energies around you. The sun just moved into Libra, ushering in longer nights and shorter days. Libra season reminds us of the importance of community and teamwork, as we cannot navigate the long winter alone. Pay attention to the people you can lean on; give them the time and energy they deserve. Communication is key this week as Mercury interacts with Uranus, Neptune and Pluto in quick succession. Expect a surge of mental and social activity, so recharge your batteries when you can. If your thoughts are racing, practice prioritization to harness them effectively.

Here are your horoscopes for the Mercury transits. Read for your rising and sun signs.

Libra

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Happy birthday season! It’s your time to shine, so step out and demonstrate how to create balance in your social life. Unexpected collaborations may arise, prompting you to reflect on how these connections shape your self-perception. Embrace new routines that align with your evolving identity and focus on building relationships that truly resonate with you. Trust your instincts as you move forward.

Scorpio

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

This week invites introspection and reflection. Subconscious thoughts may surface, revealing insights about yourself and your relationships. Be open to unexpected shifts in your partnerships, as they can lead to transformative conversations. Use this energy to tap into your creativity, allowing your imagination to guide you. Don’t shy away from discussing deeper emotions with those who matter most.

Sagittarius

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Social energy is igniting your spirit! Engaging conversations and exciting collaborations are on the horizon, so connect with those who inspire you. Stay open to new ideas, but remain aware of potential misunderstandings in your home life. As your social circle expands, trust your values to guide your decisions, especially in financial matters. These shifts could lead to unexpected growth.

Capricorn

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Your professional life takes center stage this week. Exciting opportunities may emerge that align with your creative passions, so embrace collaboration and innovative ideas. As you navigate your career path, be mindful of miscommunications with siblings or neighbors. Clarity in your interactions is crucial. Stay grounded in the identity you’ve developed the past several years while allowing transformative energies to lead to significant selfdiscovery.

Aquarius

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Adventure and exploration await you this week. New ideas and perspectives will inspire your growth, so engage in discussions that deepen your understanding of the world. However, keep an eye on your finances, as misunderstandings regarding your personal and monetary values may arise. Trust your intuition and reflect on your inner wisdom, allowing transformative insights to emerge from within.

Pisces

Feb. 19 - March 20

Deep connections with others are highlighted now. As you delve into shared resources, expect meaningful conversations that uncover hidden truths. Allow unexpected insights from your community to guide your personal growth. Clarity in self-expression is essential because misunderstandings may arise if you hold back. Embrace your intuition, as the energies surrounding you can lead to profound shifts in your relationships and goals.

Aries

March 21 - April 19

Relationships come into focus this week, offering the chance for exciting new connections. Engage in meaningful discussions that could open doors to financial opportunities. Approach potential misunderstandings with patience, as clarity is essential for success. As you navigate your professional ambitions, trust your instincts to guide you toward growth and advancement in your career.

Taurus

April 20 - May 20

Focus shifts this week to your daily routines. Expect innovative ideas to enhance your work life and spark productive conversations. Trust the unexpected insights that come your way as they can help align your personal goals with your daily tasks. Stay aware of misunderstandings within your social circles and aim to be clear and articulate in your communications.

Gemini

May 21 - June 20

Creativity and self-expression take center stage, Gemini. Your playful side will be lit up, inspiring new artistic endeavors. Trust the insights from your subconscious, as they can reveal deeper truths about your passions. Be cautious of potential misunderstandings in your professional life, however. Allow transformative experiences to foster connections with others, leading to meaningful collaborations.

Cancer

A MIND AT WORK

June 21 - July 22

Home and family are in the spotlight this week. Meaningful conversations within your family may strengthen bonds and inspire new perspectives. Stay open to unexpected insights from your social network, which can lead to personal growth. Be mindful of misunderstandings tied to your beliefs, and do your best to articulate your personal philosophy clearly. There may be some intensity with a partner in your life, but it will ultimately help you to think about your family clearly.

Leo

July 23 - Aug. 22

Communication and your neighborhood take precedence this week. Important conversations will spark innovative ideas that enhance your professional life. Be open to unexpected opportunities that arise in your career. Advancement may come from somewhere unexpected. If you need to talk about any shared resources or investments, do your best to be very clear in your communication because confusion is in the air.

Virgo

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

This week highlights your values and creativity. Fresh ideas may emerge that enhance your financial situation, so keep your ear out for discussions about money flow. There may be confusion with a partner, as if you simply cannot understand what they are trying to say. Listen with your heart rather than your ears. You have a great opportunity to check in with your creative spark. How do you express your personal power in the world?

OCTOBER 1ST - 31ST

(OR UNTIL WE RUN OUT OF PUMPKINS)

1401

Scan the QR code for more information or to volunteer at the patch.

FOR REMARCABLE PLANTS, ACCESSORIES & GIFTS

Dr. Christina Smith DDS is now accepting new patients and is thrilled to be part of the 7-time Bubba Award-winning Doc Guzman’s o ce.

Lovin’ our locals

WEEKLY DINNER SPECIALS: BRINGING BACK THE FAVORITES!

SUNDAY

FAMILY FRIED CHICKEN: $28

2 PIECES OF FRIED CHICKEN

BEER BATTERED FRIES | COLE SLAW

NA BEVERAGE I DESSERT

MONDAY

BBQ BABY BACK RIBS: $34

COLE SLAW I SWEET POTATO FRIES

TUESDAY

TWO ASIAN TUNA TACOS IN WONTON SHELL: $28

SWEET SOY AND WASABI AOLI W/KIMCHI

WEDNESDAY

PRIME RIB NIGHT 120Z: $60 160Z: $70 MASHED POTATOES | GREEN BEANS

THURSDAY

JUMBO SHRIMP AND GRITS: $32

FRIDAY

SWORDFISH ROCKEFELLER: $48

POTATO CROQUETTE

GRILLED ASPARAGUS

SATURDAY

SEAFOOD STRUDEL WITH BROCCOLINI: $42

FUNDRAISER & MOVIE NIGHT

Dear Perry boating community,

We are excited to welcome Ted Yates to Integra Marinas as the new Regional Director for Perry Marina and Key West operations.

Ted brings a wealth of experience in legal, business and public service. He holds a BA in Accounting, an MBA and a Law Degree. His legal career centered on land use litigation and real estate transactions, while his public sector experience includes serving as City Manager in multiple communities, where he had significant financial responsibilities and fostered key relationships with public and private agencies.

Since moving to the Keys in 2022, Ted has built strong connections with local, county and state officials. His recent work in the marina and boat dealership industry further adds to his unique skill set, and he is eager to contribute his knowledge to Perry Marina and Integra Marinas. Ted and his wife enjoy the outdoors and boating in their spare time.

Please join us next week, September 26th, at our Thirsty Thursday event to welcome Ted, or stop by the Ship Store to say “Hi!”

... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.

It had been a few weeks of visiting with family and friends up in the northlands, but it was time to head home, though maybe not directly. My first stop was the Cape May Bird Observatory’s hawkwatch platform, at the southern tip of the New Jersey peninsula, across a large parking lot from the iconic Cape May Lighthouse.

If you’re used to smaller hawkwatching sites, such as the Florida Keys Hawkwatch, the Cape May platform can be a bit of a culture shock. There were about 40 people there when I arrived on a Monday morning, but on peak weekends, up to 1,000 people will show up. It can be tough for a counter to keep an eye on the migrating birds when there’s a crowd, so the CMBO tends to deploy an official counter on the upper level of the deck, concentrating on the skies and what’s moving through them, and a naturalist or two down below, to interact with visitors, pointing out birds, answering questions and generally working like an emcee for the spectacle of visible live-before-your-eyes migration.

The platform is not oriented toward the parking lot, of course, but to the north, over a lush and storied marsh with a pond full of ducks, geese and swans. It was windy, and a cloud of swooping tree swallows wove the complicated patterns of invisible fabrics overhead. There were also a few sizable Vs of white ibis, a species common in Florida but not seen much in New Jersey until five or so years ago. And there was a steady feed of raptors – broad-winged hawks, northern harriers, turkey vultures, American kestrels and merlins. It would get much busier in the coming weeks, but it was a damn pleasant way to spend an hour or so before catching the ferry to Lewes, Delaware.

On the ferry I was directed to park about six inches behind the next car. I made it up to the top deck just as the lines were thrown and the ferry began to move.

It was mostly cloudy, with a sliver of silver light gleaming on the surface of the water most of the way. I was hoping to catch sight of one of the raptors crossing the bay – a merlin, a northern harrier, an American kestrel. But it was mostly great black-backed gulls, herring gulls and ring-billed gulls.

Something about leaning against the bulkhead with a pair of binoculars gave people the idea I was interested in small talk, though, and I was taught not to be rude.

There was an older woman down on the car deck staring out ahead, and a guy from Kentucky asked me if I thought there was an older woman staring out ahead on the car deck on every trip, because he’d seen another older woman standing there doing the same thing

HAWKWATCHING & THE VAGARIES OF SMALL TALK WITH STRANGERS

in the same place when he’d crossed over that morning. A little while later, a guy wearing an orange tie-dyed shirt told me about how they’d put a chain across the Hudson River during the Revolutionary War to keep the Brits out.

It wasn’t a particularly rough trip, but when we passed by the breakwater on the Delaware side, a man in a long-sleeved blue shirt came out of nowhere to tell me the ride would be much smoother now that we had passed the breakwater. I realize women experience mansplaining far more often than men, but still. Also, I kind of missed the waves.

My sister Karen had mentioned a hawkwatch site at Cape Henlopen State Park, which was five minutes from the ferry landing, so I headed there. The platform was up a long flight of wooden steps on top of an old World War II bunker. The count crew looked to be gone for the day, but the views of the ocean and the waves crashing on the almost empty beaches were epic.

There’d been a guy in khakis and a dress shirt milling about on the grass on top of the bunker, and he came up onto the platform a few minutes later, and said he forgot his binoculars.

I scanned the ocean for a while and tracked an osprey flying upwind just over the breakers, salt spray flying all around him. The guy in khakis kept trying to make small talk about several subjects, one being his friend’s belief that the earth was flat.

He was wearing wraparound sunglasses, so I couldn’t see his eyes, but I was beginning to get a vibe. I didn’t think he was cruising me, and I didn’t quite think he wanted to mug me, but he wanted something. Money? A ride? Investment in a multi-level marketing scheme?

Finally he said, “Do you know about the Mighty One who created the lands and the seas?”

I gave him an answer that may have belied my raised-to-be-polite upbringing, and decided to move on out of the awkwardness of it all a few minutes later.

I made it to the Kiptopeke hawkwatch site at the south end of Delmarva Peninsula late the next morning. It’s the last fully staffed hawkwatch before ours in Marathon. Fifteen minutes before I got there, a front came in, dropping down a blinding deluge. The Florida Keys Hawkwatch usually counts rain or shine, unless there’s a hurricane, so I went to the site just in case, but it looked like they’d given up for the day.

I drove around the peninsula for an hour or two, waiting for the rain to stop. When it finally did I was sitting at a boat ramp, contemplating my next move. A merlin flew overhead and shot out over the marsh with a go-for-broke speed and intensity that made me think he was aiming to cross the 19-mile-wide mouth of the Chesapeake right then. I took it as a sign.

I decided to drive along one more country road before I headed for the bridge-tunnel, just in case. And I’m very glad I did. It was a small falcon jamboree. Over a distance of about two miles I saw at least 50 American kestrels and about two dozen merlins. They were in pretty much every tree and on every utility line I passed. They’d all been waiting out the storm, waiting for the weather to be clear enough for them to cross.

When I pulled up to pay the toll for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the woman in the booth looked into my car and asked what I was taking pictures of with such a big lens. “Birds,” I said. “What kind of birds?”

I said, “Falcons, mostly,” and she said, “It’s that time of year.”

I told her about the road with merlins and kestrels in almost every tree and on almost every power line. She said she didn’t know merlin sat on telephone wires. I said, “They did today.”

She knew quite a bit and we talked about birds and how geography shaped their paths and a few other things for a few more minutes. We probably would have kept going, too, if a blue Peterbilt hadn’t pulled into line behind me and filled up my rearview mirror. It seemed best to move on.

A migrating American kestrel, heading south. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

AUTO -TUNE AND PITCH CORRECTION KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

We’ve all heard about Auto-Tune and pitch correction. Most of us know it is used to “fix” imperfect vocals. But the difference between the two can be confusing.

First off, neither is synonymous with lip syncing. Both start with live vocals. Some artists do mime singing their songs. In this case part or all of the live vocal is prerecorded. Artists like Dua Lipa, Maroon 5’s Adam Levine and Taylor Swift are known to use prerecorded tracks for parts of songs and live vocals for other parts.

Auto-Tune is a program that grabs the live or recorded vocal and blankets the entire song and affects all of the vocals. How? Think of it like pole vaulting in track or field. The bar is the note that needs to be hit. In the case of Auto-Tune, even if you’re a foot short on the jump, the program bumps you up to clear the bar. It also can lower the jump if you go too high.

As you can imagine, it could start to seem odd if you’re always a foot off the jump and the program constantly has to bump you up. It’s the same with Auto-Tune, which can sound unnatural and robotic if it has to snap too many notes to the line. What line? The line is the target note in the song as opposed to the note that was actually sung, which with vibrato and expression is rarely right on the line.

Pitch correction is used to move a single note at a time. This takes more effort, but usually

sounds more natural because it doesn’t interfere with the notes the singer sang that were very close to the target.

RAY WEST

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

Sounds great, right? Sort of. One of the inherent problems with these programs is the loss of micro tones and nuances in the singer’s voice that are lost with each processed note. Slight vibrato around the exact point, and vocal slides up and through notes, are expressive tools used by great singers. In the process of making the notes perfect, you actually lose all those small textural qualities that give us the emotional content we are used to from talented singers.

These tools and their limitations are certainly not only used by big acts, as even some local acts use pitch correction to enhance their vocal performance. We must bear in mind this is considered an industry standard and often the artist is not even involved in the decision to use Auto-Tune or pitch correction. And one might be surprised by the artists who are pitch corrected who don’t really need to be.

Auto-Tune was released in September 1997. I invite you to compare some vocals from before and after this date and form an opinion as to whether you like it, don’t like it or don’t hear a difference.

With tools like Auto-Tune and pitch correction, the sound that goes into the microphone isn’t always the same as what comes out of the speakers. CONTRIBUTED

MUSEUM FREE FOR FAMILIES ON OCT. 6

Fort East Martello offers tours & take-home art projects

Afree family program is planned for Sunday, Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Fort East Martello Museum.

Key West Art & Historical Society will host the event at the museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., to explore one of the island’s Civil War-era forts and its exhibits.

Family Museum Day is designed to correspond with the society’s Community Day, which offers free museum admission for Monroe County residents the first Sunday of each month.

Families are invited to take a self-guided tour of the fort and citadel, explore the outdoor sculpture garden, visit with the legendary Robert the Doll, and view works of art created by celebrated Keys folk artist Stanley Papio. In addition to free admission to the museum, children and adults are welcome to join society education specialist Kassandra Collett and art educator Jenni Franke in the air-conditioned Lee Garrison Classroom to create take-home art projects inspired by Florida’s flora and fauna.

“This month’s Family Day art activity takes inspiration from

an exhibit on view at the Key West Museum of Art & History,” said Collett. “The exhibit, ‘Flora and Fauna: Early Naturalists in Florida,’ highlights some of the beautiful works of art created by Florida ecological artists.

“Some of these artists, such as John James Audubon, made it all the way to Key West in search of rare bird species,” said Collett. “Their expeditions, which frequently lasted for years, resulted in a collection of specimens and drawings that were later used to create vibrantly painted, often life-sized, images of plants and animals that the world had never seen before.

“During our first session of the season, children will have a wide selection of mediums to choose from while creating art that’s inspired by nature.”

The program is free and open to the public. Registration is not required, and all supplies will be provided by the Key West Art & Historical Society. More information is at kwahs. org/whats-on or from Collett at 305-295-6616 x504 or kcollett@ kwahs.org.

— Contributed

The Key West Museum of Art & History will host its free monthly Family Museum Day on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monroe County families can visit Fort East Martello Museum for free and create a take-home art activity. KEY WEST ART & HISTORICAL SOCIETY/Contributed

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

All Candidate Fundraisers

MONDAYS 9/30 – 10/14

Royal Aqua Idol

6pm @Aquaplex, 711 Duval Street

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

WEDNESDAY 10/9/24

All Candidate Fundraiser

5-7pm @ The Gardens Hotel 526 Angela Street

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

FRIDAY 10/18/24

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

2024 FANTASY FEST KING CANDIDATES

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

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

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

2024 FANTASY FEST QUEEN CANDIDATES

THURSDAY 9/26/24

Vibrator Races, 6pm Mary Ellen’s Bar, 420 Appelrouth Street Purchase tickets at maryellensbar.com

SATURDAY 9/28/24

Slippery Melons Tournament, 1pm Geiger Key Marina, 5 Geiger Key Road Registration 12pm; Competition 1pm. $100 entry fee per team (1 coach and 6 players)

“gondola” with your fur babies or friends!

WEDNESDAY 10/2/24

Lisa's Speak-e-Zee, 6-10pm The Roost, 508 Fleming Street

Step back in time and join us for an exclusive speakeasy experience! Dress to impress in Speakeasy flappers style and enjoy specialty craft cocktails. Choose your time (6-7pm/7-8pm /8-9pm/9-10pm). Password is REQUIRED for entry and will be emailed directly to you once you register! $10 entrance fee early bird (on line purchase only), $20 donation at the door.

SUNDAY 9/29/24 Studio 94 Tea Dance, 4-6:30pm at La Te Da, 1125 Duval Street

$25 costume contest entry: includes a disco glass and prizes for best dressed/costumes

WEDNESDAY 10/2/24

Running of the Red Bulls, 7pm Rick's Entertainment Complex, 202 Duval Street. $25 entry fee for runners, $10 to be on the course, VIP seating available.

, 6pm at Mary Ellen’s Bar, 420 Appelrouth Street. Purchase tickets at maryellensbar.com

Vibrator Races

Family owned and operated by Nikki, Tiffany, Cathy & Damien

SPONGE PIRATES OF THE 1900s

Greek ships robbed, blown up in the Keys

is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

Greek spongers, notably Captain George Bell, were interested in moving their operations to the fertile waters surrounding the Florida Keys. Key West Mayor Fogarty and the Key West Board of Trade passed a resolution to suppress the plan.

Though drafted and passed months prior, it was printed in the Tampa Bay Times on May 27, 1914: “Whereas after having heard the arguments of the men engaged in the actual labor of gathering sponges and after having heard the arguments of sponge merchants of wide and indispensable experience, and realizing that the trampling of sponge beds will, as in all plant beds when pressure is placed upon them, destroy the life; and, whereas, to govern the gathering of spongers in certain depths of water will be next to impossible, It is resolved, that the Board of Trade, with many interested citizens in session assembled, resort to all means to discourage Greek sponging in our vicinity.”

For a segment of the island’s population, the resolution was interpreted as a call to arms. Tensions between the two groups

boiled over on May 22, 1914. Captain Bell of the Greek schooner Amelia wanted to get out of rough weather and set a course for the favorable harbor at Key West. According to quotes attributed to Bell in the Tampa Tribune on May 25, 1914: “I was on the way to Tortugas Islands after sponge. Friday, we put in at Key West for water and provisions. We anchored about a half mile out and went into Key West in a small boat.”

Six crew members accompanied Bell to shore. When they reached the dock, Bell ordered four men to stay with the launch while he walked into town with the other two. “I went down to the dock at the foot of Duval Street at about 5 o’clock,” Bell said. “There was about 1,000 persons there hooting and yelling. They had chased the crew out of the boat. I told the crew to wait while I went to the sheriff’s office for protection. A short time later I arrived at the dock again with the sheriff.”

According to some accounts, the Greek crew was forced to run for their lives while Bell was off getting the sheriff. They ran into a nearby store, where they were greeted with a much-needed stroke of luck. Inside the shop, two women brandishing pistols held the mob at bay.

“A short time later,” Bell continued, “I arrived at the dock again with the sheriff. I was just in time to see the crowd tearing to pieces the American flag which was on my boat and to see a great hole cut in the bottom. The engine and everything had been ruined. I shouted for them to quit and then I was grabbed by a dozen men and thrown into the water. I started to swim away from the dock but the sheriff commanded me to return.”

One account of the story has the sheriff pulling out his pistol, pointing it up at the sky, and firing a shot to quell the mob. Bang! The sheriff was successful in separating Bell and his men from the mob, and for the Greeks’ protection, they were taken to the county jail and locked in cells. Not everyone, however, was safe that night.

At about 11:30 p.m., 25 armed men climbed into the launch Key West and motored out to the Greek schooner Amelia. Once they reached the schooner, they breached her decks and took control of the ship. At gunpoint, the Amelia’s crew was forced from the ship without the benefit of collecting their belongings or even, in some cases, clothes to wear.

With her decks cleared of Greeks, the Amelia was robbed of any valuables the mob stumbled upon. Before they left, they placed sticks of dynamite to ensure that when the ship blew apart it sank. When the dynamite exploded, one Greek crew member was still on board. His name was John Manis. He did not survive.

Other attacks on Greek sponge ships were reported at Grand Cayman, near Knights Key (at the foot of what is today the Seven Mile Bridge), and in the Marquesas Keys. The story of the Marquesas Keys event was printed in the Tampa Times (May 26, 1914).

According to Captain Henry Mitchell of the schooner, Edna Louise, the Greek spongers were at anchor near Mark Key Harbor, 25 miles southwest of Key West. A launch approached them from the direction of Key West. “Key West” was painted on its stern.

The Edna Louise’s pilot was a Bahamian named Dorsett, who spent most of his life in Key West and knew the local waters. According to his account: “Pretty soon they came toward us and I stood by to throw them a line, for I saw they wanted to board. As they came alongside, a lot of men stepped out of the deck house with pistols and machetes and told us to throw up our hands. We did. One of them had a double-barreled shotgun and one had a machete and the rest of them had pistols.”

When the sponge pirates boarded the Greek schooner, one man fired a shot into the deck at Captain Mitchell’s feet. “When they got on board some of them were for killing all of us,” said Dorsett. “Some wanted to kill the captain because he had brought us and me because I was the pilot and they had a long argument. The captain of the launch, a Cuban and a Spaniard, and one other stood out for letting us go. ‘We didn’t come to do any killing, said the captain.’”

The captain and crew, numbering 15, were forced into one of the schooner’s diving boats and as they chugged away, the Edna Louise was set on fire. When the flames reached the gasoline, the schooner exploded. The Greeks set a course for Tampa, where they arrived at about 5 a.m. and began to tell their story.

Greek sponge diver in Tarpon Springs, 1926. CONTRIBUTED/Florida Memory Project

Brad

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea

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

The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

Maizie is a sweet 11-year-old senior cat who enjoys the simple life. Calm and gentle, she spends most of her days napping and dreaming of her forever home. If you’re looking for a quiet, loving companion to relax with, Maizie is your girl.

Meet Mocha, an adorable 1-year-old male rabbit with a curious and sweet personality. He loves to hop around and explore his surroundings, always ready for a snack or a pet.

Meet Tooka, a 4-year-old male bulldog mix with tons of energy and a heart to match. He loves to play, but knows how to calm down when it’s time to relax.

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

Sept. 20, the Ploggers met at U.S.1 and College Road with volunteers and support from Coca-Cola Beverages Florida. In one hour, volunteers collected 262 pounds of trash, 31 pounds of recycling and 3.75 gallons of cigarette butts. Special thanks to host Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden for providing coffee, tea and donuts; CocaCola Beverages Florida for providing Powerades; John Picco with Edward Jones for providing juices and Goldman’s bagels. The next day, for the International Coastal Cleanup, the Ploggers and staff from the Monroe County Health Department hit the beach with 31 volunteers and in one hour collected 260 pounds of trash, 19.5 pounds of recycling and .75 gallons of cigarette butts.

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

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

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

The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see

easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

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

— Contributed

Join a Friday morning cleanup each week from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 27: Nature’s Beach & Atlantic Boulevard Bike Path. Meet on Atlantic at George Street across from Nature’s Beach. Oct. 4: Mallory Square. Meet in the parking lot closest to the Dumpster. Hosted by Ocean Key Resort & Spa

Oct 11: Atlantic Blvd. & White Street. Meet at the bocce courts. Hosted by Chris Massicotte.

Oct. 18: Duval & Eaton streets. Meet on Eaton next to Berkshire Hathaway. Hosted by Berkshire Hathaway Knight & Gardner Realty.

Oct. 25: White & United streets. Meet in the back of the city hall parking lot.

Rose is a beautiful 10-year-old black and white kitty still adjusting to shelter life. Though she’s a bit timid and shy, we believe she’s just waiting for the right home to bloom. With patience and love, Rose will surely come out of her shell.

On

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

What: “Man On Wire” (2008)

Why: Sixty years ago, not long after the completion of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan, a young Frenchman named Philippe Petit stepped onto a wire strung between the tops of the two buildings. He was 110 stories above the street. There was no net. Whether you consider this a prank, a crime or a piece of performance art, it quickly became legend. After the 2001 collapse of the towers in a terrorist attack, it became almost mythic, the heroic conquest of a vanished monument. No one else was likely to attempt such a thing, and now no one ever would. This 2008 documentary tells the incredible story of how Petit and a small group of collaborators conceived and pulled it off. He had already made similar walks at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris and the Harbor Bridge in Sydney. But his 200-foot walk in the sky of New York City is his legacy. This film is a nearperfect documentary, with all the right people and just the right tone.

Where: “Man On Wire” is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.

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

Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager.

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

SHELF HELP

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

What: “It’s Lonely At The Centre Of The Earth: An auto-bio-graphicnovel” by Zoe Thorogood

Why: Zoe Thorogood: cartoonist, graphic novelist, introvert, young adult living with suicidal depression, storyteller, artist who documented her experiences over six months of the COVID-19 global shutdown. “It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth” is autobiographical, self-referential, and deeply self-critical. It reads like a cross between a series of diary entries and the author’s stream-ofconsciousness inner monologue. She appears unfiltered, giving a genuine glimpse into not only the psyche of an artist, but also life with depression and the universal experience of imposter syndrome. With insight that belies her youth, Thorogood leaves the reader with encouragement to express concern for others and genuinely ask how they are, because you don’t have to be the perfect version of yourself to have a positive impact on someone else, and everyone needs reassurance that someone cares. This is a great read for anyone who has ever felt uncertain or even a little hopeless.

Where: You can get this as a print book from the Monroe County Public Library system.

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

Recommended by: Faith Price, Big Pine Key Library Branch manager

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

DOES MONROE COUNTY REALLY RECYCLE?

I proudly say ‘yes’

My primary question is, “Does Monroe County really recycle?” It is met with a resounding “yes.”

Monroe County’s recycling efforts have seen a significant improvement according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection report, which shows a recycling rate of 57% in 2023, a notable increase from 50% in 2022.

is the Monroe County recycling coordinator and outreach liaison.

This upward trend is a testament to the growing number of Monroe County residents and visitors choosing to recycle. Your active participation is key to this success. Before taking on the role of Monroe County’s recycling coordinator, I spent 18 months as a scale operator at the Cudjoe transfer station, where I gained firsthand knowledge of the recycling process for each waste material created in Monroe County.

Monroe County uses singlestream recycling, in which all recyclable materials are collected in the same tote or Dumpster. This method encourages participation and reduces contamination. All these materials are hauled to a recycling facility in Pembroke Pines, about 160 miles away. At the Reuters Recycling Facility, materials are sorted by machinery and by hand, then bailed to be sold to manufacturers and made into new items. Not only is Monroe County recycling more, but it is also recycling better.

My second question is, “Can we recycle pizza boxes?” No, we cannot recycle used pizza boxes. Although the cardboard is recyclable, a large, greasy pepperoni pizza contaminates the box, preventing the material from being recycled. Furthermore, any other materials in the receptacle with the contaminated materials will not be recycled either.

Waste Management’s contamination audit report dated May 22, 2024 showed Monroe County’s contamination rate has improved from 38% to 22% this year, a significant achievement that we should all be proud of.

There are other recycled materials in Monroe County you may not think about, such as tires. I am excited to report our tire recycling event on Sept. 7 was a success, collecting 157 tires thanks to your efforts. This event allowed Monroe County and the surrounding municipality residents to

Recycled material from Monroe County bins is sent to a Pembroke Pines facility, where it is sorted, bailed and sold to manufacturers. CONTRIBUTED

recycle their passenger tires at no cost, with a limit of six tires no larger than 20 inches, at the Monroe County transfer stations. The tires are hauled to American Tire Recycling in Miami, where they are processed into crumbles to be repurposed for many uses, including road repairs.

The public’s participation in this event has made a significant contribution to our recycling efforts. The tire recycling events will be available again on the first Saturday in October and November.

Food waste is a significant landfill waste and produces methane gas. As a community, we can make a difference. Monroe County has a full-time population of about 84,000 with some 5 million tourists visiting the county last year according to the Key West Travel Guide. Naturally, when on vacation, people want to enjoy the local food and drink. Unfortunately, people often cannot save leftovers, which become trash and go to landfills. I am collaborating with organizations to offer food waste prevention and compost workshops where we’ll learn about reducing waste and preserving the delicate ecosystem. I am also researching solutions for the hospitality industry.

I am passionate about preserving the fragile environment we enjoy. I feel education and collaboration with the community

Free food waste prevention and DIY composting workshops

• Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. at City of Marathon Gardens at the Community Park.

• Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 5:30 p.m. at the Plantation Key Community Center.

• Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. at Key Largo library.

Bring a 13-gallon or larger tote with a lid and fruit or vegetable scraps.

are the key to our sustainability in the Florida Keys. I recently read the book, “Braiding Sweetgrass.” In the book, the author, Robin Wall Kimmerer, says, “Live as if your grandchildren’s lives depend on it.” Even if you do not have grandchildren, others do. We need to be responsible for our unique, beautiful surroundings and always strive to learn how to protect them so others can experience their beauty.

Please review the Monroe County calendar for upcoming collections, educational presentations and DIY workshops.

MELODY TUSCHEL

Dr. Christopher Forsee, DMD is seamlessly taking the reins from the iconic “Barefoot Dentist,” Dr. Troxel, where the laid-back vibe extends even to the choice of footwear. Dr. Forsee delivers personalized comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs. Whether it's routine maintenance or advanced procedures, trust Dr. Forsee to rejuvenate your smile with meticulous precision and compassionate care.

Kellee Reed, DO, FACOEP, FACEP

Christina Kemp Sawyer, MD

TRY ’N’ FIND

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

ART, BEARS, BULLS, CHICAGO, CUBS, CULTURE, DISNEY, FARM, FINANCE, FOSSIL, GRANT, ILLINOIS, LINCOLN, MIDWEST, REAGAN, SOX, SPRINGFIELD, SUE, WRIGHT.

Founded by Betty Debnam

Land of Lincoln

Our 21st state is Illinois (ill-uh-NOY), a Midwestern state that joined the Union in 1818. With almost 13 million people, Illinois is ranked sixth in population.

ILLINOIS HISTORY

Some of the earliest known Native American settlements in North America were in the area. French explorers Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette first claimed the land for the French in 1673. The British and the state of Virginia also claimed it at times.Illinois is named for the Illinois Indians, a group of Algonquin tribes. They called their group Illiniwek, or “superior men.” The French changed the pronunciation to Illinois.

CHICAGO

AROUND ILLINOIS

Springfield is the capital. Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary, lived there with their children before moving to Washington, D.C.

Chicago, a city in the northeast that lies on the shores of Lake Michigan, is the third-largest city in the United States, with about 2.7 million people.

The city is a center for culture, finance, industry and transportation. For example, the Field Museum is known for its dinosaur exhibits, including Sue, the largest T-rex fossil ever found.

FAMOUS ILLINOISANS

• Ronald Reagan served as president of the United States from 1981 to 1989. He was born in Tampico, Illinois. He went to high school in Dixon and to college in Eureka

After graduation, he became a radio sports announcer in Iowa. He then became a movie actor. He appeared in more than 50 films. In 1966, Reagan was elected governor of California. He served two terms.

In 1980, he was elected to his first term as president. His presidency was known for his economic policies and for his contribution to ending the Cold War with the Soviet Union.

Corn, soybeans, hogs, cattle, dairy products and wheat are the top farm products in Illinois. Food companies such as Quaker Oats and McDonald’s are there. Manufacturers also make machinery, transportation equipment and computer and electronic equipment.

The Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum in Charleston, Illinois, highlights the famous 1858 debates between two Senate candidates, Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. Lincoln lost that election, but two years later he became president.

The Art Institute of Chicago is not only a museum but also a school. Chicago is one of the country’s main railroad hubs.

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright lived in and designed many of his famous buildings in Oak Park, Illinois. More of his buildings are there than anywhere else in the world.

SPORTS

Illinois has two MLB teams, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. Fans cheer for the Chicago Bears (NFL) and the Chicago Bulls (NBA), along with the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) and Chicago Fire FC (MLS).

• Ulysses S. Grant led the Union armies to victory in the Civil War. He was elected president in 1868.

Grant grew up in Georgetown, Ohio, and later moved to Galena, Illinois. When the Civil War began, he led troops from Illinois.

• Walt Disney, who created Mickey Mouse and went on to build Disneyland and Disney World, was born in Chicago in 1901. At McKinely High School, he was the school newspaper’s cartoonist.

by Kelly Anne White

“We Built This City: Chicago” by Tamra B. Orr

Women’s teams include the Chicago Red Stars (soccer) and Chicago Sky (WNBA).

Staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute are proposing that a genetic backup of endangered life on Earth be placed in a permanently dark location on the moon, where no power would be needed to store it for millions of years. The scheme could allow scientists to restore the organisms should they die out for whatever reason. The sub-zero Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway’s Arctic was designed as a similar backup, but melting permafrost due to global heating is threatening its long-term security.

Mini Fact: The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, was the only home he owned during his life. photo by artistmac

photo by C.V. Vick

Wright’s Robie House in Chicago.

Ronald Reagan

Walt Disney

Ulysses S. Grant

Four Critical Questions To Ask When Making a Succession Plan for Your Business

By First Horizon Bank

Marlon has spent years building his business.

Focusing on the hot niche of on-demand food delivery, he helps restaurants set up “ghost kitchens” with no dining rooms to fulfill more orders faster. His expertise in choosing ideal locations and setting up streamlined kitchens ensures that his company continually experiences growth.

But what would happen to the business if something happened to Marlon?

Although Marlon is fictional, this is one of the critical questions that Jennifer Schuchart, First Horizon Bank Market President, and Paul Lankau, a Financial Advisor at First Horizon Advisors Inc., ask business owners when they sit down to make or update a succession plan.

“Like all of us, business owners don’t know what they don’t know,” Schuchart explains. “Most successful entrepreneurs started out with a great business plan, but may not have revisited it while the business continued to grow.”

Making a succession plan is like making a business plan – but perhaps even more important.

“Business owners spend their days working to build and keep their business running. There’s not much time to think about what happens if they die early – or when they’re ready to retire,” Schuchart says.

Indeed, 72% of business owners haven’t made a succession plan, according to Securian Financial Group. “Those who have, may not have kept it current,” Schuchart says.

Here are the critical questions Schuchart asks business owners planning for the future:

Q1

Would your business be able to continue operating without you?

If Marlon were to unexpectedly become disabled or die, could his business provide for his family?

The firm is valuable – but without the specialized knowledge he brings, who would buy it? Many businesses become devalued if the founder is unexpectedly unable to continue their role.

“We’ve seen companies go out of business when an owner passes away or becomes disabled without a good succession plan,” Schuchart says.

Considerations: Identify a successor and help them build their knowledge. If that includes an ownership stake, the plan can include a buy/sell agreement or a purchase over time.

Marlon chose his two children as his successors and trained them to do what he does. “This allows his successors to fulfill every existing contract,” Schuchart says.

Others may choose an associate or a partner as their successor.

Q2

What would happen if your partner unexpectedly exited the business?

Whether it’s through a sudden death, divorce or other circumstances, sometimes a business partner can no longer fill their role. Without a plan, this can lead to undesirable situations. “Imagine being in business with your partner’s spouse?” Schuchart asks. Having someone else you have no working relationship with inherit your partner’s share could bring uncertainty to your business’s future.

One solution is a buy/sell agreement that allows the company or remaining partner to purchase the former’s share.

But what if neither the company nor the remaining partner has the funds to purchase the share?

Considerations: “Plan for an unexpected buyout using life insurance. To fund a buy/sell agreement, the company can hold insurance on partners. If one passes away, the company can purchase their stake,” Lankau says.

Q3

What if some of your kids are involved in the business but the others are not?

Marlon knows that his two children want to take over the business one day. But what if Marlon had a third child who wanted nothing to do with commercial kitchens?

He wants to leave something to his third child, but most of his net worth is tied up in his business. To avoid conflict, he wouldn’t want to leave them a share of a business controlled by their siblings.

Considerations: There are many solutions. “Life insurance could play a role,” says Lankau. Marlon could purchase a policy and name the child not inheriting the business as sole beneficiary.

A buy/sell agreement can work if it’s written in a way the third child can sell their stake back to the company.

Q4 How will you retire?

Most business owners plan to use wealth they hold in their business to fund their retirement. However, since most don’t have a succession plan, they may not know how to get the money they’ll need to do so.

“They may know where they are now, and where they want to be when they transition out, but have zero idea of how to get from here to there,” Schuchart says.

Considerations: Business owners who plan for retirement early on are better equipped to transition smoothly, whether they retain an ownership stake with dividends or diversify their savings by funding retirement accounts while still working. Others may plan to sell the business and use the proceeds for retirement.

Addressing these questions helps business owners feel confident about their exit plan.

“The way I describe it to clients is, the plan to take off and fly a plane doesn’t mean much if you can’t land it. The same goes for the best business plans,” Schuchart says. “A lifetime of hard work can be undone without a succession plan.”

For a successful transition, It’s wise for owners to partner with an expert team for the most tax-efficient, safe and effective methods to reach their goals.

Explore First Horizon’s resources or connect with market president Dwight Hill at 305-808-2223 or dwight.hill@firsthorizon.com.

POOL DUELS

Conchs, ’Canes square off in quad meet | P.8

Coral

Marathon Volleyball Posnack 9/17 L, 3-1

Basilica Volleyball Somerset South Homestead 9/17 L, 3-0

Key West Boys Swimming Coral Shores 9/18 W, 132-61

Coral Shoes Girls Swimming Key West 918 W, 129-116

Coral Shores Volleyball Keys Gate 9/19 W, 3-0

Marathon Football Palm Glades Prep 9/19 W, 48-38

Key West Football North Port 9/20 W, 33-21

Marathon Volleyball Westwood Christian 9/20 L, 3-1

Basilica Volleyball Calusa Prep 9/20 W, 3-0

Coral Shores Football SmartEn Academy 9/20 W, 35-6

Key West Girls Swimming South Dade 9/21 W, 113-48

Key West Boys Swimming South Dade 9/21 W, 123-27

WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

9/26

all-purpose yards touchdowns SEPT. 26

On Sept. 18, the Coral Shores Hurricanes hosted Key West, Varela and Braddock for a quad meet in the pool at Islamorada’s Founders Park. See page 8. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

THIS WEEK

LOUIS JEUNE

Marathon Football

started playing

“Fab doesn’t shy away from the hard work it takes to be good. He has a natural vision for football. You would never suspect he started playing so late.”

– Sean McDonald, Fins head coach

Marathon’s Fabbianho Louis Jeune ran for 2 touchdowns and passed for a third in the Dolphins’ latest victory. He tacked on 6 extra points as the Fins’ kicker and racked up 238 all-purpose yards in the win. Louis Jeune currently leads the rural division in rushing yards this season and is in the top 10 for nearly every offensive category aside from passing. Not bad for an athlete who never touched a football until his freshman year. Beyond his skills on the gridiron, Louis Jeune, or just Fab for anyone who knows him, is positive, kind-hearted and humble. For his superior game play as well as his willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win, Fabbianho Louis Jeune is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Fabbianho

Senior,

Photo by 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.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

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Se habla español

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

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

SmartEn Academy fixed some clerical errors in their schedule and made good on their trip to Coral Shores last week. The Goats’ visit was Senior Night for the Hurricanes, and head coach Ed Holly stressed to his team that they needed to play their best football. That level is apparently quite high, as the ’Canes charged out to a 35-0 lead in the first half.

Coral Shores QB Yemcel Moreno connected with A.J. Putetti on the first drive of the game for a quick 7-0 lead. Xico Reynoso started the first defensive series off with flair, making 2 tackles for a loss and adding a sack before blocking the Goats’ punt, giving the ’Canes some fabulous field position. Jhonathan Mesa quickly scored on a six-yard run, giving the Hurricanes a 14-0 lead in the first moments of play.

Coral Shores continued to bring woe to the Goats’ offense when Andres Alvarado intercepted a pass, giving the ‘Canes good field position again. Moreno connected with Putetti for another score, then Alvarado ran one in for six more points. Moreno and Putetti connected a third time before the half ended.

KEYS TEAMS

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

tracy mcdonald

1. The Key West football team celebrates with Jaden Fox after his touchdown.

2. Leandro Batista celebrates a tackle.

3. Conch cheerleaders cheer on the boys.

4. Marathon’s cheerleaders make a tunnel for the players as they head toward the locker room at halftime.

5. Marathon lineman Eduardo Rojas (74) celebrates Tanner Ross’ touchdown.

6. Fab Louis Jeune carries the ball toward Marathon’s end zone.

Photos by Tracy McDonald and Maicey Malgrat. See more photos at keysweekly.com

The 35-0 lead allowed Holly to clear his bench, testing his depth chart and giving the underclassmen game experience. SmartEn did manage one touchdown in the third quarter after a quick regroup and switch in their quarterback position.

“I was happy we were able to come out and play well on senior night,” said Holly. And though the win makes it 5-0 for the Hurricanes this season, a true test of the team’s pluck comes this week. Coral Shores faces Florida Christian, a team Holly knows will be a challenge.

“We’re facing a good team,” he said. “They’re well coached and they’re good athletes.” Holly’s former defensive coordinator is the head coach at Florida Christian, and the two coached together at Westminster as well. The friends will face off at Florida Christian on Sept. 27. The following week, the ’Canes host the Dolphins of Marathon for the 55th Battle of the Keys, and their schedule only gets tougher from there. The remainder of their schedule includes a very strong Archbishop Carroll, the undefeated Neuman High from Naples, and a season finale game against Key West. The Hurricanes are playing their best ball of the season, just in time for the challenging half of their schedule.

Key West coach Johnny Hughes did not know what he

was facing last Friday when the Bobcats of North Port came to town. The teams did not have any similar opponents, and film on North Port was limited, but Hughes and his Conchs figured it out on the fly, coming away with a 33-21 win.

The Conchs’ workhorse, Jaden Fox, did not disappoint a lively Key West crowd, crossing the goal line three times. Walson Morin ran one in for six points and Teak Guyet connected with Cole Jackson for the first passing TD of the season for the Conchs. Hughes took advantage of the Bobcats’ defense, which continually blitzed everyone.

“When the free safety came flying up on the fake, I knew it was there,” Hughes said. The game was not a blowout, though, and by the final quarter, the score was tied.

“I liked the way the team fought through adversity in a close fourth-quarter situation,” Hughes said, adding, “There was no head-hanging. They rallied themselves.” The Bobcats’ response was somewhat different from that of the Conchs. Frustrated with their inability to stop the Conchs’ run game, North Port’s play became chippy, and a series of late hits and unnecessary comments resulted in multiple penalties, giving Key West an advantage they had patiently awaited.

The win puts the Conchs at 3-2 on the season heading into perhaps their most important match thus far. On Thursday, Sept. 26, Key West travels to Miami to take on St. Brendan in their first district game of the season.

“We are keeping the must-win mantra,” Hughes said. “We need to go out and get a win every week. Winning our district will be a challenge, so we want to have the strength of schedule.” At-large bids to the playoffs are earned from a largely-unknown algorithm, but what is clear is that a team’s wins factor into the equation, as well as their scheduled opponents. Wins against opponents with strong records move a team ahead more in the rankings. The Conchs share a district with St. Brendan as well as Miami Jackson and Northwestern.

Fifty miles up U.S. 1, Marathon managed to pick up its third win of the season against Palm Glades Prep. The game was originally scheduled to be played in Miami, but the field was unavailable and Marathon was happy to host the Panthers on Sept. 19 instead.

Marathon racked up 539 all-purpose yards in what would culminate in a 48-38 win. Starting things off for the Fins was Tanner Ross, who tore a hole through the Panthers’ line and dragged a few along with him as he barreled in for a short touchdown run. Ross scored again on a similar play later in the game, and his punishing style earned him 118 yards on the night. Shamar Wright, on the other hand, found the end zone using his speed and evasiveness. “Shamar’s got another gear,” said coach Sean McDonald, in reference to Wright’s explosiveness.

The Fins’ other three touchdowns came from senior Fabbianho Louis Jeune, who rushed for two scores and found Mathew Machado in the open field for a third. Louis Jeune also kicked 6 extra points, making him an all-purpose weapon for Marathon. By the end of the game, Louis Jeune had 181 rushing yards, 31 passing and another 25 receiving for 238 all-purpose yards.

Defensively, Carlos Lezcano earned 3 solo tackles and another 2 assists, and Jesus Gonzalez picked off a pass. “Our defense is starting to figure things out and have really come alive at important moments lately,” said McDonald.

Defense will be key for Marathon in the second half of the season. Scoring 104 points in their past two games is proof that the Fins’ offense can take care of business, so Marathon’s fate is in the hands of the defense. The next test will be Friday, Sept. 27 against Somerset South Homestead for Marathon’s homecoming game.

’CANES FACE CONCHS IN QUEST FOR WIN NUMBER 10

Volleyball squads fight for seeding in district brackets with two weeks in regular season

The Lady ’Canes picked up a pair of wins last week on the volleyball court, lifting them to 9-0 on the season, starting on Sept. 16 on the road. Their first obstacle in the crusade to remain unbeaten was Marathon, always a feisty competitor regardless of win-loss records, especially in their own house.

“We knew Marathon was going to be ready to play and their fans would be fired up for the game,” said head coach Jarrod Mandozzi, who described the Fins as “full of heart.” “Every year they seem to improve so much from the start of the season. They just don’t give up easy points and they really make you work to beat them.”

The Lady ’Canes came out swinging, setting the tempo of the match. “We came out and got right into our offense to take a quick 5-1 lead with Lily Hitchcock starting us off with a pretty emphatic kill,” said Mandozzi. Marathon managed to rattle the ’Canes at times, with big hits and blocks from Daysi Williams and Elena Eubank and all-out hustle from the defense, but the Hurricanes kept it together to sweep all three sets and come away with the win.

“It was a really great team effort with everyone pitching in,” Mandozzi said.

Leading the way for Coral Shores were Violet Matthews, Sabina Naranjo, Celene Walker and Niveah Howard, who combined for 30 kills. Naranjo added 10 digs, Walker added 11, and Sofia Jans and Ivy Tiedemann, who were credited with 16 and 12 digs, respectively, were defensively divine.

On Sept. 19, Coral Shores played district rival Keys Gate for the first second time in a little over a week. The ’Canes wasted no time in dispatching the Knights in a 3-0 sweep to advance to 8-0 on the season. In their second road match of the week, the Hurricanes were stellar at the baseline.

“We had seven girls with a serve rating over 2.5, which is really impressive,” said Mandozzi. “Our JV callup led the way with a 3.67.”

That JV call up was part of the ’Canes’ strategy for the upcoming postseason, which often means numerous

matches in a short period of time when illnesses begin to sweep the Keys. Mandozzi hopes to be prepared for anything, whether it is an ankle sprain or the flu.

Part of that preparefor-all plan included moving players around to give them reps in new positions. “Eliyana McLeod does a great job setting for our JV and she stepped right in tonight and got some good experience for a set,” Mandozzi said. “She had 5 assists and 2 aces. We’ll go right back to our regular formations tomorrow, but we felt like this was a great game to try some different things for down the road.”

Now facing the final stretch of the season, the ’Canes have their work cut out for them. They will meet their toughest matches beginning and ending with Key West on Sept. 26 and again on Oct. 7. The Conchs bested the unbeaten Hurricanes in the preseason and both squads are playing their best volleyball now, making for an exciting pair of matches in the coming weeks. Regardless of the outcome of those matches, Coral Shores looks

strong heading into districts, where they are ranked No. 1 in FHSAA 3A District 16 play. Marathon fell to 2-11 last week with a trio of losses. After losing to Coral Shores, the Lady Fins lost 3-1 against both Posnack on Sept. 17 and Westwood on Sept. 20. Marathon’s record does not reflect its district chances. The Fins qualified for the rural division and will compete with similar schools upstate for their championships. The FHSAA created

the division for smaller high schools, almost entirely public, in areas with lower population density. That’s an effort to create equity in a time when new tiny private schools pop up by the day, often focusing on athletics and making the regular 1-3A divisions full of temporary powerhouses. Marathon’s Rural Region 4 District 8 competitors – Glades Day, Moore Haven and Ft. Meade – are similar to Marathon in every way except proximity. The Fins will have to travel over 200 miles for their district tournament this season. Currently, only Moore Haven has more wins than the Fins, giving them a good shot at some hardware this October.

Key West, now 6-3, did not play last week. They resume action Thursday, Sept. 26 at Coral Shores. Across the island, Basilica split a pair of matches last week, bringing their record to 5-7. The Mariners lost to Somerset South Homestead, then finished the week by defeating Calusa Prep. The Mariners are not part of the FHSAA and therefore are ineligible for playoffs.

Daysi Williams (9) catches air prior to hitting the ball.

Marathon’s Addison Collins (14) works to get the ball over the net while Coral Shores’ Grace Leffler (12) and Violet Matthews (3) make a wall. CAPS/Keys Weekly

STELING’S WINNING WAYS CONTINUE

Boys golf heats up with just eight strokes between 1st and 10th

Keys golfers met in the Southernmost City on Sept. 18 to play nine holes at the beautiful Key West Golf Club. Lady Conch Claudia Steling outshot her nearest competitor by eight strokes, finishing at 52 on the day. Teammates Monica Bueno, Lexi Finigan and Charlize Lopez claimed second through fourth places and Marathon’s Makenna Haines was fifth, breaking up a Key West sweep. Only the Conchs turned in enough scorecards to count toward team play, with five of seven athletes wearing red, making them the clear winners on their home course.

In the boys’ competition, Key West won by one stroke, edging Marathon 184-185. The Fins did claim the top golfer of the day with Mason Thornton’s consistent performance. Thornton birdied on hole 3 and shot a 42, winning by two strokes over Key West’s Andrew Bassett and Ty Hill, who tied for second place.

Leo Mendez and Roco Piscetello, both of Marathon, shared fourth place, scoring 45. In sixth place was Peyton Zubieta (47), then Key West’s Ryder Suter and Jackson Barroso tied with Marathon’s Russell Clark at 49 to share seventh place. Tanel Irons made the leaderboard in 10th place, shooting a 50 for Coral Shores.

Golfers have until the end of October to polish their games prior to districts. Last season, all three teams’ seasons ended there, but this season, each team has multiple athletes who have come through with fantastic rounds, making it very possible for several athletes to make the regional cut.

of

TESTING THE WATERS

Coral Shores and Key West meet in Upper Keys pool

Key West, Varela and Braddock High Schools traveled to Founders Park on Sept. 18 for a quad meet with the Coral Shores Hurricanes.

The event was scored using the dual meet style, meaning each team was compared to each of the other teams individually. Braddock’s boys and girls outswam the rest of the competition at the meet. Key West’s boys placed second and Coral Shores’ boys came in third. Coral Shores’ girls came out ahead of Key West and Varela.

Individually, Coral Shores’ Layne Smith won the 500 free. Smith touched the wall a minute and a half before the next finisher, then narrowly missed another first place in the 200 free. Smith came in second, five one-hundredths of a second behind a Braddock swimmer. Abbie Sargent won the 100 breast event and was a close second in the 200 IM race. The Lady ’Canes’ 200 medley and 200 freestyle relay teams took second. Smith, Sargent and Allegra Fucaraccio swam legs on both teams. Sofia Figueredo participated on the medley team and Larkin Dunn did the same on the freestyle team.

The Hurricane divers put on a show, winning the top three spots in the girls division and top two in boys. Rachel Rusch was first, with Mae Turner and Julia Rusch in second and third, respectively. Aaron Lykins won for the boys with Merrick Dunn in second.

The Lady Conchs’ Hadley Bardoni and Reeghan Davis each claimed a runner-up spot. Bardoni was second in the 500 free and Davis in the 100 free. For the gentlemen, Hugo Blinckmann claimed third-place finishes in the 50 free and 100 breast events.

Key West’s 400 freestyle relay teams both claimed second places. The boys team was composed of Max Blinckmann, Santiago Gonzalez, Jacob Perez and Sebastian Camargo. The girls’ team included Bardoni, Davis, Mary Searcy and Tessa Hughes.

Key West wasted no time before the next competition, diving in two days later at their home pool. The Bucs of South Dade effectively walked the plank when they faced the Conchs on Sept. 21 at the College of the Florida Keys pool. The girls outscored the Bucs 113-48 and the Conch boys won 123-27.

Many Key West athletes won multiple races, with Key West sweeping the top three places in several events. The Conchs won every single relay on Sept. 21, showing their depth as well as their speed. Hugo Blinckmann, Mary Searcy, Santiago Gonzalez, Eli Morris, Hadley Bardoni and Perez won all four events they entered.

Individual race winners for the Lady Conchs included Searcy (200 free and 100 back), Bardoni (200 IM and 500 free), Colbie Turner (100 fly), Aly Camargo (100 free) and Ca-

mila Linares (100 breast).

Searcy, Linares, Bardoni and Camargo teamed up to win the 200 medley relay. Tessa Hughes, Molly Martinez, Reeghan Davis and Camargo won the 200 freestyle relay and Bardoni, Searcy, Hughes and Davis won the 400 freestyle relay.

Boys individual winners were Gonzalez (100 and 200 free), Morris (200 IM and 100 back), Hugo Blinckmann (50 free and 100 breast), Thomas Horvath (100 fly) and Perez (500 free).

For the relays, Kieran Smith combined forces with Hugo Blinckmann, Perez and Morris to win the 200 medley while Perez, Blinckmann, Gonzalez and Johnny Picco cruised to a first place in the 200 freestyle relay. In the final race of the afternoon, Perez, Morris, Gonzalez and Jason Frankel finished the 400 freestyle relay more than 30 seconds ahead of the next team.

Key West is headed to Ocala for the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) Invitational Sept. 27-28, an event head coach Lori Bosco and her teams look forward to every year. This year’s race could be helpful should any Conchs qualify for the state meet; the FSPA is being held in the same facility where states will occur mid-November.

and Coral

Braddock girls. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Key West

Shores compete during a Sept. 18 swim meet at Founders Park pool. The Conch boys finished second behind Miami’s Braddock High School. The Coral Shores girls placed second behind the

Week five is the official halfway point in the season for FHSAA football. Most fans know their team’s record and who seems to carry the load on offense, defense and special teams, but many do not know where their favorite players stand statewide. Several Keys athletes have made the leaderboard for their divisions, proving that despite being small and geographically isolated, Monroe County has some of the best athletes in Florida.

FIVE LOCAL ATHLETES MAKE FHSAA LEADERBOARD

Conchs and Fins represent Keys football in mid-season ranking report touchdowns

Marathon’s Fabbianho Louis Jeune is currently number one in the rural division in rushing with 740 yards so far this season. Anyone who thinks an asterisk should be made due to Louis Jeune being in the state’s smallest division might have a change of heart when it is also noted that his total stands at seventh in the state among all divisions in rushing. And Louis Jeune’s leaderboard boasts do not stop there. He is third in scoring with 55 points, and this statistic does not include his extra points, which he kicks when he’s not busy playing both offense and defense. Fab is third in PATs and has kicked the longest field goal in the rural division this season. His 35-yard field goal earlier this season is not even close to his best, a 51-yard bomb he made last season. Louis Jeune is third in total yards (847) and seventh in touchdowns with seven.

Teammate Shamar Wright also made the rural division leaderboard for Marathon. Wright stands in sixth place in rushing with 457 yards.

Key West is in the 3A division and has a trio of leaders representing the Southernmost City. Jaden Fox is currently fifth in rushing with 504 yards. Fox accomplished this in just three games, having sat out two with an injury, making his number-five spot even more remarkable.

Walson Morin leads in three separate categories, making him quite an asset to the Conchs. He is in 10th place in scoring with 36 points. Morin is ninth in touchdowns with six and fifth in kickoff returns, averaging 53.5 yards per rip.

Often, nobody notices a kicker until he misses, which might be why Joshua Johnson hasn’t appeared too often in the Sports Wrap. Johnson simply does not miss. He has been perfect for the Conchs this season, making all 11 extra point kicks. Johnson is fifth in 3A in that statistic.

simply

Top from left: Shamar Wright, Joshua Johnson, Walson Morin

Bottom from left: Fabbianho Louis Jeune, Jaden Fox

Photos by Barry Gaukel and Maicey Malgrat.

CONCHS, FINS RUN STRONG AT SPANISH RIVER

Hurricanes blow past Westwood Christian at home

Key West and Marathon hit the road for a race both teams look forward to each season. The 42nd annual Spanish River Cross Country Invitational, held in Boca Raton, entices teams from across Florida to enter, giving athletes a look at fresh competition. The course, at South County Regional Park, offers trails and lots of greenery for shade as well as open stretches for speed.

finishing in 20:26. The top five Fins’ combined times were good enough for seventh place out of 21 teams in their division.

The Fins and Conchs ran separate races on Sept. 20, with Marathon, competing in the smaller 1A division, going first. Marathon’s girls were right in the middle, finishing eighth out of 15 teams. Senior Ella Dunn was first for the Fins, claiming 42nd place overall in 23:42. Sophomore Maeve Merryman was next, followed by a pair of middle schoolers, Molly Joly and Rebecca Merryman. Sara Robinson, a sophomore, was fifth for the Fins.

In the 1A boys race, Vance Bursa was first for Marathon, finishing in eighth place overall in 16:30. Bursa has lowered his time at each race this season, improving nearly a minute in less than one month. He will need to keep that trend going if he hopes to repeat his state-medalist performance from 2022 when he finished in 10th place in Tallahassee as a sophomore. He has been plagued with minor injuries the past two seasons, but Bursa is unwilling to put aside his pursuit of gold, electing to run through the aches and pains. Despite the nagging injuries, Bursa was only about 12 seconds from his personal record at Spanish River.

Second for Marathon in 18:56 was Tony Bursa, Vance’s younger brother who is only a freshman but has state competition experience, making the cut in middle school for the Fins. The time placed him second in the Keys among current varsity runners, but is more than half a minute from what he was able to do last season, when he was able to crack the 17s four times in competition.

Marathon had two more runners break 20 minutes last week. Freshman Allan Taylor and eighthgrader Lucian Burns both PRed, Burns by more than a minute, to take the fourth and fifth spots for the Dolphins. Taylor crossed in 19:23.12 and Burns in 19:23.73. Junior Caleb Shelar was fifth for the Fins,

Key West’s girls raced next in the 2A division, and it was no surprise that Caylaa Makimaa was first for the Lady Conchs, completing the 5k in 20:29. The senior speedster is competing well above what she did at this time last season, which culminated in an individual invite to the state meet, fueled by a sub-20 regional finish. Makimaa’s times are trending in the right direction and she looks good for another trip to Tally, but if coach Keara McGraw’s master plan comes to fruition, Makimaa won’t be traveling alone this season. The Lady Conchs are pushing their limits in hopes of a team appearance at the state meet this November.

Violet Jangraw did her part at Spanish River, finishing second for Key West with a PR. Laira Anaya, Mia Steer and Ava Gonzalez claimed spots three through five for the Conchs, who finished 14th of 21 teams in the 2A race.

Coral Shores opted to run closer to home last week, hosting Westwood Christian School for a race at Pennekamp Park on Sept. 19. The ’Canes swept the top three spots in the girls race, and Westwood did not see a Warrior cross the line until the 10th place in the boys race.

Freshman phenom Ali Wheatley was first place overall in the race, finishing in 21:34, a solid four minutes in front of the next female competitor. Senior Kai Guth was second overall and freshman Tess Hill was third. In fourth place for the ’Canes and fifth overall was sophomore Hayden Teal, and Julieanna Oddo, also a sophomore, was fifth for Coral Shores, taking eighth place overall. Hill and Teal PRed in the competition.

In the boys race, Coral Shores’ Alaric Rodriguez crossed first in 19:01, a PR for the junior. Teammates Tristan Rios and Nathaniel Shugarman were close behind in second and third, respectively. Both broke the 20-minute mark, with Rios finishing in 19:46 and Rios in 19:50. Jamie Cary and Garret Gomila rounded out the top five places in the race.

The clock to districts is quickly ticking down, especially for 2A Coral Shores and Key West, who begin their postseason Oct. 20. 1A Marathon will toe the line on Oct. 29.

Tristan Rios finished in second place at Coral Shores’ Sept. 19 home showdown with Westwood Christian. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844

NOTICE OF ELECTION

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, IN MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT AN ELECTION HAS BEEN CALLED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA AT THE REQUEST OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA FROM 7:00 A.M. UNTIL 7:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, THE FIFTH DAY NOVEMBER, 2024, AT WHICH TIME THERE SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE DULY QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

RENEWAL OF OPERATIONAL FUNDING FOR MONROE COUNTY SCHOOLS:

The School District seeks to continue its current funding for operational expenses including teacher salaries and safe-school officers. Such funds will be shared with local charter schools proportionally based on their full-time student enrollment.

Shall the District continue to enact a yearly ad valorem tax of no more than 0.5625 mill, for four (4) years beginning January 1, 2027, to fund safe-school officers and operational expenses of Monroe County Schools? ______ YES ______ NO

September 26, October 3, 10 & 17, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers.

AVISO DE PLEBISCITO

MARTES, 5 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2024, EN EL CONDADO DE MONROE, FLORIDA

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA QUE LA JUNTA DE COMISIONADOS DEL CONDADO DE MONROE, FLORIDA, HA CONVOCADO A UN PLEBISCITO A SOLICITUD DE LA JUNTA ESCOLAR DEL CONDADO DE MONROE, FLORIDA, EL CUAL SE CELEBRARÁ DESDE LAS 7:00 A. M. HASTA LAS 7:00 P. M. DEL MARTES 5 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2024, EN CUYO MOMENTO SE PRESENTARÁ A LOS ELECTORES DEBIDAMENTE CALIFICADOS DEL CONDADO DE MONROE, FLORIDA, LA SIGUIENTE PREGUNTA:

REFINANCIAMIENTO OPERATIVO PARA LAS ESCUELAS DEL CONDADO DE MONROE:

El distrito escolar busca continuar con el financiamiento actual para los gastos operativos, incluidos los salarios de los docentes y de los funcionarios de seguridad escolar. Los fondos se compartirán con las escuelas subsidiadas locales proporcionalmente en función del número de estudiantes matriculados a tiempo completo.

¿Deberá el distrito continuar promulgando un impuesto anual ad valorem de no más de 0.5625 mill, por cuatro (4) años a partir del 1 de enero de 2027, para financiar a los funcionarios de seguridad escolar y los gastos operativos de las escuelas del condado de Monroe?

NOTICE OF ELECTION

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, IN MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT AN ELECTION HAS BEEN CALLED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA AT THE REQUEST OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA FROM 7:00 A.M. UNTIL 7:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, THE FIFTH DAY NOVEMBER, 2024, AT WHICH TIME THERE SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE DULY

QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

FACILITATING SCHOOL DISTRICT CAPITAL PROJECTS THROUGH SALES TAX LEVY RATHER THAN RAISING LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES:

Renewed funding is required for the School District's capital improvement plan such as new construction, renovations, additions, security needs, technology implementation, school buses, and permitted capital improvements. The revenues collected must be shared with eligible charter schools based on their proportionate share of the total school district enrollment.

Shall the School Board of Monroe County, Florida continue to levy a one-half cent sales surtax for a period of ten (10) years beginning January 1, 2026?

______ FOR THE ONE-HALF CENT TAX

______ AGAINST THE ONE-HALF CENT TAX

September 26, October 3, 10 & 17, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers.

AVISO DE PLEBISCITO

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, IN MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA QUE LA JUNTA DE COMISIONADOS DEL CONDADO DE MONROE, FLORIDA, HA CONVOCADO A UN PLEBISCITO A SOLICITUD DE LA JUNTA ESCOLAR DEL CONDADO DE MONROE, FLORIDA, EL CUAL SE CELEBRARÁ DESDE LAS 7:00 A. M. HASTA LAS 7:00 P. M. DEL MARTES 5 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2024, EN CUYO MOMENTO SE PRESENTARÁ A LOS ELECTORES DEBIDAMENTE CALIFICADOS DEL CONDADO DE MONROE, FLORIDA, LA SIGUIENTE PREGUNTA: FACILITAR LOS PROYECTOS DE CAPITAL DE LOS DISTRITOS ESCOLARES MEDIANTE LA RECAUDACIÓN DE IMPUESTOS A LAS VENTAS EN LUGAR DE AUMENTAR LOS IMPUESTOS LOCALES DE DERECHO INMOBILIARIO:

Se requiere refinanciamiento para el plan de mejoras de capital en el distrito escolar, el cual abarca construcciones, renovaciones, ampliaciones, seguridad, tecnología, autobuses escolares y mejoras permitidas de capital. Los ingresos recaudados deberán compartirse con las escuelas subsidiadas que califiquen en función de su participación proporcional de la matrícula total del distrito escolar.

¿Debe la Junta Escolar del condado de Monroe, Florida, continuar recaudando un impuesto a las ventas de medio céntimo por un período de diez (10) años, contados a partir del 1 de enero de 2026? ______ A FAVOR DEL IMPUESTO DE MEDIO CÉNTIMO ______ EN CONTRA DEL IMPUESTO DE MEDIO CÉNTIMO

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

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

September 26, October 3, 10 & 17, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers.

September 26, October 3, 10 & 17, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers.

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

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

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

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

Publish: September 19 & 26, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-000377-3

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JAMES NEALIS

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of James Nealis, deceased, whose date of death was June 8, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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

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

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

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

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

BOND SCHOENECK & KING

PLLC

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

Telephone: (239) 659-3800

Fax: (239) 659-3812

E-Mail: rvalle@bsk.com

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

Publish: September 19 & 26, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Lawrence Stanley Murray, deceased, whose date of death was April 11, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: September 19, 2024. Signed on 9-12-24.

Personal Representative: Margo Murray 822 97th Street Marathon, FL 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403

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

Email: jjdorl@yahoo.com

Publish: September 19 & 26, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

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

The administration of the estate of Walter Morton Becker aka Walter M. Becker, deceased, whose date of death was September 11, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

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

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

Personal Representatives: Merritt Becker

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

Attorney for Personal Representatives: Andrew Ponnock

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 195420 10100 West Sample Road, 3rd floor Coral Springs, FL 33065

Telephone: (954) 340-4051 Fax: (954) 340-3411

E-Mail: andy@ponnocklaw. com

Publish: September 19 & 26, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT 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

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

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

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

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

ANNUAL RENTAL - Key Largo2BR/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

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.

ISLAMORADA: Very Large 2 BR apt. for rent. Furnished or unfurnished. Utilities & cable included. $2,200/month. First/Security. Available Sept. 1st. Yearly lease. 305522-2702 Leave message. RENTED!!!

Apartment for rent in Marathon. 1BR/1BA (large bedroom), kitchen, two parking spots. 305.417.0346 / 305.224.2195

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.

MISC. FOR SALE

RIKON Band Saw, $150.00. Located in Key West (Old Town). 305-849-1080

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

PERSONALS

BEACH HOUSE VACATION! Caretaker couple needed for Bahamas Beach House for 3-4 months. Call or text 305-439-9991

RV SITES FOR RENT

Large RV Lots for Rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $1500/month plus utilities. F/L/S 3065-731-5042

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

VACATION RENTAL

Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet CarolineSeaport.com

SARA’S ESTATE SALE: 148 Riviera Drive, Tavernier Friday, Sept. 27 & Saturday, Sept. 28 – CONTENTS from 3-STORY WATERFRONT HOME IN TAVERNIER. Priced to move fast, get there early! Five sets of outdoor furniture: teak (seats 4) and wicker (seats 6) dining sets, wicker curved couch, teak pub table & barstools, & custom chaise lounges. Plus potted plants, small tools, tool chest, linens, towels, cloth napkins, dishware & small appliances for sale. Thomasville king bedroom set with new mattress, plus two queen bedroom sets. Baer’s custom sectional couch, accent chairs, Tommy Bahama entertainment center and sideboard & round dining table & chairs (seats 6) & 4 barstools. Unique pieces: antique Queen Anne chest, wooden plant stand, clawfoot stool & coral slab lamp. Sale near Coral Shores High School at MM 89. Follow signs, park with consideration. More photos: estatesales.net.

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.

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

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.

For a detailed description of the position, please visit klfirerescueems.com

All interested individuals kindly submit your resume with a cover letter to clerk@klfrems.org

life, dental and visions plans, including enrollment, dependent coverage, terminations, and retirement. Monroe County offers an excellent benefits package and is a member of the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Onsite position in Key West, 40 HPW. Annual salary range: $56,483.70 - $87,549.75, based on experience.

To view job descriptions and apply, visit: www.monroecounty-fl.gov/jobs For questions, contact Human Resources at: Careers@MonroeCounty-FL.gov or 305-292-4554.

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE

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

Peer Support Specialist

Case Manager (Adult, Child)

Substance Abuse Counselor Prevention Specialist (HIV)

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.

Background and drug screen req.

EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

Apply at guidancecarecenter.org

Search Employment/Portal/Location/zip

OPENINGS

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

- Medical Assistant 1, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus

- Medical Assistant 1, Upper Keys Internal Medicine, $5k Bonus

- Medical Assistant 2, General Surgery Tavernier, $3k Bonus

- Medical Assistant 2, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus

- Physician Assistant 1-Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier, $5k Bonus

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

- Nurse Navigator, Concierge Key West, $20k Bonus

TAVERNIER MARINERS

HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary

- Exercise Physiologist 1, Mariners Wellness Center

- Group Exercise Instructor, Mariners Wellness Center

- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (General & Vascular Sonography) Ultrasound, $50k Bonus

- Nuclear Medicine Tech 2, Imaging

- Radiology Technologist 1, Imaging-MRI, $40k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary

- ED Team Coordinator 1, Emergency Department

- Experience Advisor, Patient Experience

- Lead Medical Technologist, Laboratory, $50k Bonus

- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray) Radiology, $50k Bonus

- Medical Technologist 2, Laboratory, $50k Bonus

- Patient Scheduler 3, Radiology-Diagnostic

- Radiology Technologist 1, Radiology, $40k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center

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

- Security Officer 1, Security/Safety

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

*Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.

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. *

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

@gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.