Opulent and stylish island castle; the epitome of class and luxury make this home one to remember. Located on a quiet and private island with only three residences, your secret great escape tucked away in the heart of downtown Islamorada awaits. Adorned with Swarovski crystal chandeliers, beautiful finishings, sweeping staircase, elevator, 9-hole golfing green, 5 car garage, extreme storage options and parking, double living rooms, open and spacious relaxing and entertaining verandas throughout, third-floor primary suite, and multiple ample docking areas example just a few rarities this property has to offer. Two docks, one with a lift. Excellent boating location. Discover your 1 of 1.
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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.
Participants during the inaugural Wesley House Pickleball Tournament on Sept. 21 at Key Largo Park. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
METH TRAFFICKER CONVICTED
Deputies found narcotics following hit-and-run crash
AKey Largo man convicted of trafficking methamphetamines was sentenced to seven years in state prison by Judge Luis Garcia on Sept. 10. Taylor Pedro, 29, was also ordered to pay a $100,000 fine in addition to court costs.
The case stems from a hit-and-run incident at MM 101 in Key Largo on Jan. 14, 2021. According to an arrest report, the crash victim told sheriff’s deputies that her vehicle was struck by a pickup truck that continued driving north. The truck pulled onto Harris Davis Circle in Newport Village.
At Newport Village, deputies discovered a gray Dodge with front-end damage and a detached bumper. Two men, one of whom was later identified as Taylor Pedro, were found inside the vehicle. Both individuals admitted to being involved in the hit-and-run.
Before confirming their identities, the responding deputy asked the men for identification. Pedro, who was driving the pickup truck, initially claimed he did not have a driver’s license and provided the name “Austin Pedro.”
However, after being read his Miranda rights, Pedro admitted to giving false information to avoid trouble, as he did not possess a valid driver’s license.
Once the crash investigation concluded, a criminal investigation was initiated. Pedro admitted to being the driver of the Dodge Journey at the time of the accident and acknowledged that he had failed to stop and report the crash as required by law. He was taken into custody for leaving the scene of the crash.
During the arrest, Pedro voluntarily informed deputies that there were drugs in the vehicle, including fentanyl.
Taylor Pedro. MCSO/Contributed
Due to the dangerous nature of the substance, narcotics detectives were called to the scene. The detectives conducted a probable cause search of the Dodge and discovered numerous pills, drug paraphernalia and about 3 pounds of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamines in a safe located in the rear of the vehicle.
“The swift and thorough response of the Monroe County deputies was crucial in bringing this case to justice,” said State Attorney Dennis Ward. “I also commend lead prosecutor Assistant State Attorney Trey Evans for his dedication in securing this conviction. Their combined efforts ensured the safety of our community and upheld the integrity of the legal process.”
Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield echoed these sentiments, saying, “Thanks to the swift actions of the Monroe County deputies, approximately 3 pounds of meth were seized and taken off the streets. This case is a prime example of how a routine investigation can uncover something much bigger. The dedication and diligence of these deputies were instrumental in protecting our community from further harm.” — Keys Weekly staff report
the Desk of Henry Rosenthal
Pd. Pol. Adv. paid for by Henry Rosenthal, independent of any candidate. The ad was not approved by any candidate. In 1958, I came to the Florida Keys and never wanted to leave. I'm so proud to call Islamorada home and you my friends. Let's not destroy what we have.
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
NWS 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
COUNCIL MAJORITY FLIPS DECISION ON FIRM TO LEAD A NEW COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Able City East will also rewrite land development regulations for Islamorada
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Acouncil majority reversed course on its selection of a firm to help guide Islamorada’s future.
2001 was the last time the village adopted a comprehensive plan, which provides the residential and business community, as well as the village council, staff and other advisory boards a tool to guide the decision-making and development in the decades to come. Since the early 2000s, the village has experienced more growth, increased traffic congestion, no more building permits for market rate housing and a workforce housing shortage. In addition, the original plan never addressed resiliency and sustainability.
With council approval, the village issued a request for proposals on May 29 to seek professional consulting services to update the comprehensive plan. Five firms responded with a proposal before the deadline. An evaluation committee appointed by Village Manager Rob Cole evaluated and ranked the five proposals. The five-person council ultimately decided to invite the firms to give their pitches.
On Sept. 12, four firms visited the Founders Park Community Center to present their plans to council members. A roughly three-hour meeting concluded with the council voting 4-1 to select Calvin, Giordano & Associates as the firm to lead the comprehensive plan update process. Based out of Miami, the firm’s cost proposal came in at $151,630. The firm has completed comprehensive plans, land development codes and other plans for cities including Miami, Weston, Lauderhill, Pompano Beach and Ann Maria Island.
Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney, councilwoman Elizabeth Jolin and councilmen Henry Rosenthal and Mark Gregg voted “yes.” Mayor Buddy Pinder, who voted “no,” thought the council needed more time to digest the information before voting.
“Seriously, this is a big decision,” Pinder stated as council members prepared to vote during the Sept. 12 meeting. Pinder proposed the council vote for a firm before a Sept. 17 budget hearing.
Five days later, a special meeting was called to readdress the firm selection. The request for the Sept. 17 special meeting was brought forth by Gregg, who explained to fellow council members that he misunderstood one firm’s statement about reducing their fee.
“To me that was a negative factor, a misunderstanding on my part and influenced how I felt about things,” Gregg said, adding he contacted Cole and the village attorney, John Quick, to request a reconsideration and possible re-vote. Two other council members agreed to the special meeting for reconsideration on Sept. 17.
Islamorada
councilman Mark Gregg,
explains why he decided to call for a special meeting to request a re-vote on a firm to lead the village’s new comprehensive plan during a Sept. 17 meeting at Founders Park Community Center. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
Gregg said he liked Able City East’s unconventional approach to the comprehensive plan process. Pinder and Mahoney sided with Gregg’s motion to approve the firm based out of Miami.
“I said all along I was on the fence (between Able City and Calvin, Giordano & Associates). I will be sitting up here for two more years. … I liked Able City East as well,” Mahoney said.
Able City East was founded by Jason King, a former Monroe County planner who helped develop the Liveable CommuniKeys Plan and establish the historic district in Tavernier. A planner for more than 20 years, King established the new business in 2024.
“We plan island communities. We specialize in island communities,” King told council members at the Sept. 12 meeting.
Jolin and Rosenthal opposed the switch. Jolin shared concerns regarding some of the subcontractors based out of Texas that Able City East would be using in the process.
“As you read in his proposal, he references the work done across the country, and some internationally … very little in Florida,” Jolin said. “I want to choose planners that are very familiar with our coastal community. I don’t feel comfortable choosing a group that is populated by contractors whose main body of work is out of Texas.”
Rosenthal said it was a mistake for council members to base their decision on the presentation as opposed to the content. Rosenthal said Calvin, Giordano & Associates has a “superb background.”
Able City East won’t only lead the comprehensive planning process, but will also take on the rewriting of the village’s land development code. King told council members he’s eager to address the village’s workforce housing crisis.
“Our architects, we can design and draw it,” he said.
Abel City East’s cost originally came in at $225,000. King said he would reduce his cost to $112,000 with no reduction in services.
COUNTY COMMISSION APPROVES SPENDING PLAN & TAX RATE
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.
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 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.
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 community-based nonprofit organizations.
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.
— Keys Weekly staff report
left,
ISLAMORADA CHAMBER HOSTS CANDIDATE FORUM
Council hopefuls to outline platforms, priorities Oct. 1
The Islamorada Chamber of Commerce will host a village council candidate forum on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held in the community room at Founders Park, MM 87 (bayside) in Islamorada. It is open to the public and free.
For those unable to attend in person, the forum will be streamed live via links provided at www.islamorada.fl.us, or available on Islamorada Comcast Channel 77. A recording will also be available on the village website after the event.
Tug & Jett’s birthday bash
Spend the day getting to know your local whale and dolphin rescue organization during Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder’s fifth annual open house on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, join in the celebration of Tug and Jett’s 8th birthdays. Tag along on a behind-the-scenes tour, enjoy a snack from various food trucks and learn about the new Protect Center located in Islamorada. There will also be question-and-answer sessions with trainers, educational presentations and more. The open house and celebration will take place at 31 Corrine Place, Key Largo. Admission is free. More information is at connecttoprotect.org.
During the forum, village council candidates will respond to prepared questions about key issues that affect the future of Islamorada and explain why they should be elected.
The Islamorada Chamber of Commerce said it encourages all voters to take part in the election process by engaging with the issues and voting.
More information is available from the chamber at 305-664-4503 or via email at director@ islamoradachamber.com.
— Contributed
FORUM EXPLAINS NOVEMBER BALLOT CHANGES
Event will also register voters
The community is invited to an explanation of the November ballot, including the six constitutional amendments, on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at Coral Isles Church, MM 90 in Islamorada. The forum is presented by the Upper Keys League of Women Voters.
Voters will be deciding on six proposed amendments regarding electing school board members, special rights for hunting and fishing, marijuana use, governmental limits on abortions, homestead exemptions and public funding for statewide races.
Find out what each amendment means, the arguments being made for and against, and where leading organizations stand.
This event is hosted by Coral Isles Church as part of its Our Faith Our Vote campaign to register voters, educate people on important issues at stake in the election, and encourage voter participation.
AAA: Gas prices hold steady
Florida gas prices averaged $3.13 per gallon on Sept. 22. The state average increased 6 cents at the beginning of the week, then sank back down to $3.13 by the weekend.
“Crude oil and gasoline futures rose last week, cooling off the downward trend of prices at the pump,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAAThe Auto Club Group. “The price gains are being attributed to optimism that the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut would boost the global economy and energy demand.”
“For people of faith, voting is a way to live out the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves,” said Bruce Havens, pastor at Coral Isles Church. “We answer this call at all levels by voting with love for creation, for our neighbors both here and abroad, for a just peace, and for repair and reconciliation of the brokenness of our nation.”
The Upper Keys League of Women Voters believes the freedom to vote is a nonpartisan issue.
“For more than a century, the league has worked to empower voters and defend democracy. As a women-led organization, we encourage everyone to take part in our democracy,” said president Barbara Overton.
Contributed
PIXABAY
Eight council candidates vie for four seats in the November general election. CONTRIBUTED
BRIEFLY
Anna Richards Steve Friedman
Buddy Pinder Mary Barley
Van Cadenhead
Deb Gillis
Don Horton Tom Raffanello
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
“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.”
County Commissioner (R) Craig Cates
“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
Join theVillage Vanguard
Greetings, fellow Islamorada residents. My name is Van Hunter Cadenhead, and I'm running for Islamorada Village Council Seat 1 on November 5.
I've lived in the Upper Keys since 1956, when my parents, retired U.S. Marine officers, bought Mandalay Fishing Camp in Rock Harbor. I'm a 1966 graduate of Coral Shores and hold a business degree from Indian River College in Ft. Pierce, FL, earned via the G.I. Bill as a Navy Veteran (1967-1970). In 1973, I completed the Mass Communication Video Course at the Orson Welles Cinema School in Cambridge MA.
I learned scuba diving in 1959, and over the years worked for Art McKee, Mel Fisher, and pioneer underwater photographer Jerry Greenberg, appearing in National Geographic's January 1962 Magazine featuring Greenberg's photos for the story about Pennekamp State Park, "America's First Undersea Park."
My heart breaks when I see the degradation of the pristine environment of the Keys I grew up in.
Please vote for me to join the effort to save what is left of Islamorada and Monroe County. The unchecked overdevelopment of our area in past decades has threatened the very reasons America wants to come to the Fabulous Florida Keys on vacation. Let's work together to protect the community we love. Join the Vanguard. Vote for Van Cadenhead, Seat 1, Islamorada Village council.
Paid for and approved by the Campaign for Van Cadenhead, PO Box 663, Islamorada, FL
11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
4 - 10 p.m
• 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)
RICHARDS
• Grew up in the Florida Keys
• Proudly living in Plantation Key Colony since 1987
• Married to Jason for 31 years
• Mother of four, all raised in Islamorada and now active members of the local community
• Over 30 years of experience as a small business owner
• Knowledgeable in village, county, and FEMA planning and building regulations
• Active participant in the community from school PTAs and youth sports to homeowners association
• Serving as the current President of the Rotary Club of the Upper Keys, where she has been a dedicated member since 2015
What does a vote for Anna Richards mean?
• A Vote for Common Sense
• A Vote for Professionalism
• A Vote for Emotional Intelligence
• A Vote for Unwavering Commitment to Village Residents Anna’s Pledge to the Community:
• orough research and preparation for every meeting
• Honest, fact-based assessments
• A strong focus on delivering meaningful results for the village
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.
Who is Anna Richards?
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.
LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISE WITH LOCAL FACES
CAPT ED & SANDI B
CANDIDATES WHO WILL LISTEN TO LOCAL CITIZENS INSTEAD OF COMMERCIALIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT INTERESTS, AS MOST RECENT COUNCILMEN HAVE DONE FAR TOO OFTEN. WE ENDORSE: Seat 1 VAN CADENHEAD QUALITY OF
• TO PREVENT FURTHER OVERDEVELOPMENT ˚ LIKE DO WE REALLY NEED EVEN MORE TRAFFIC?
VOTE TOM RAFFANELLO ISLAMORADA VILLAGE COUNCIL
HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE
• 47 year Plantation Key resident
• 32 years Small Business Owner
• 15 years in Local Government as Building Official of Monroe County & Islamorada
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• Current Key Largo Rotary President
• Current Monroe County Contractors
• Examining Board Member
• Islamorada Chamber Member & Ambassador
• Leadership Monroe County pas Board President
PRIORITIES
• Create a Charter Review Committee
• Develop a Strategic Plan for the Future of Islamorada
• Address Traffic Concerns
• Push for Fiscally Conservative Spending in the Budget
• Support Local First Responders, Deputies and Essential Workers
• Work to Build Consensus throughout our Community
• Address issues on the Fills for good
• Mariners Hospital Council past Board Member
• Florida Keys History and Discovery Center Board Member Emeritus
• Tavernier Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Corp past Board Member
Paid by Don Horton for Islamorada Village Council
SERVING A WORTHY CAUSE
Wesley House’s inaugural tournament sees nearly 100 pickleballers
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Scorching temperatures didn’t stop about 100 participants from taking the court for the inaugural Wesley House Pickleball Tournament on Sept. 21. Held at the new pickleball court facility at Key Largo Park, players of all ages and abilities returned wicked serves while volleying back and forth and delivering spikes. The tournament, a round-robin style based on skill level of advanced, intermediate and beginner, was run by Justin Romero, director of racquet sports at the Ocean Reef Club.
“We were thrilled with the turnout from the community and the support of the sponsors and volunteers for our first Pickleball Tournament,” said Grace Epperly, Wesley House development coordinator. “As we near completion on our new office at 5 Homestead Ave., we are excited to grow our presence in the Upper Keys and participate in more events.”
The event supported Wesley House Family Services, a nonprofit that is dedicated to protecting and nurturing children and strengthening families. Services include foster care, adoptions for children in foster care, foster parent licensing, Strengthening Families/Prevention program, Healthy Families Monroe and the Inez Martin Preschool in Key West.
Aleida Jacobo, Wesley House executive director, said the pickleball tournament gave the community a chance to get to know Wesley House and the work it does in the community.
Derek Rodberg and Andres Marrero placed first in the tournament’s advanced bracket. The brother-and-sister combo of Crystal and Christian Garcia won the intermediate bracket, while Deb Owens and Bill Cottrill came away winners in the beginner bracket.
1. Monroe County Sheriff’s Captain and Wesley House board member Lissette Quintero drives pickleball players to the courts at Key Largo Park. 2. From left, sheriff’s captain and event chair David Smith; Kim Wilson, Wesley House development staff; Lindsey Betterman, Wesley House Foster parent licensing coordinator; and Aleida Jacobo, executive director for Wesley House. 3. Grace Epperly, Wesley House development coordinator, pictured right, with a local family. CINDY
toward Monroe County Parks and Recreation director John Allen, pictured foreground. 5. A pickleball participant returns
the inaugural pickleball tournament at Key Largo Park.
★
★
★
Deb Gillis Mary Barley
Raffanello
FPIVOTAL PATIENT CARE
Meet radiologic technologist Justin Grijalva
CAROLYN
DEPAULA www.keysweekly.com
The fourth “Mile Maker” is Justin Grijalva, radiologic technologist at Baptist Health South Florida’s Mariners Hospital.
When did you know you wanted to be an image technician? I initially thought I wanted to get into physical therapy. That’s also the reason why I had my bachelor’s degree prior to radiology school. I was working as an assistant in a hospital during the time I was applying to physical therapy programs. During this time, I was exposed to the radiology department where I became hooked and the rest is history.
What does it take to be an image technician? What’s the career path? Things have changed a bit since I graduated in 2015. About two years of prerequisites are required before entering a radiography program. These courses include anatomy, physics, medical terminology and several others. The radiologic technology program is two years long.
Students can expect full-time hours each week including both clinical and classroom work. When I graduated from my program, technologists had the option to learn other modalities (CT, MRI, cardiac cath lab, etc.) through cross-training. Now, there are several bachelor programs that are specific to CT or MRI. It is important to select a program with a strong reputation that is also nationally accredited. How many years did you study? I had a bachelor’s degree prior to entering my radiology program. It then took me two years to get my radiography certificate. In 2019, I pursued my
logic technologist unless you want to move into administrative roles.
What does your day-to-day look like? We are responsible for explaining the exams to patients, starting IVs and collecting lab work if necessary. Patients are positioned on the table and images are acquired using technical factors and anatomical landmarks. We are also responsible for charting and transporting patients to and from the radiology department. Technologists are also involved with assisting physicians during procedures by using X-ray equipment.
What’s the favorite aspect about your chosen career? My favorite part of the job is being able to provide a service that providers rely on for accurate diagnosing of patients. I enjoy seeing the final product of my examination, whether it be a simple X-ray or a multiphase CT scan. Diagnostic imaging is a crucial part of patient outcomes.
What is one aspect of your career you think people would be sur-
a thorough understanding of anatomy, pathology and what tests are necessary to arrive at different diagnoses. If you were hiring someone with your title, what are the three most important characteristics that person should have? Accountability, adaptability and compassion are three traits I would look for. Accountability is important because if the person doesn’t show up, nothing else matters. This also means owning up to one’s mistakes and never blaming others. Adaptability is crucial because techs must learn how to use several pieces of equipment from different vendors, especially if they work at multiple facilities. Compassion is a must for me because as clinicians, we must assume our patients are going through the worst day of their lives. We have the opportunity to give them a positive experience and change that.
Past Mile Makers
Justin Grijalva
Alanna Dixon
Michael Rojewski Amy Pope
KEY LARGO WASTEWATER TREATMENT DISTRICT
District Board of Commissioners
OCTOBER 2024 MEETINGS
The full agenda is available at www.klwtd.com or scan here
To provide public comment prior to the meeting, send an email to clerk@klwtd.com.
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.
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
KEY LARGO SCHOOL STUDENTS DELIVER MAGNIFICENT 9/11 TRIBUTE
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 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
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.
To The Editor:
Almost 3,000 innocent lives were lost during the 9/11 terrorist attack. Remembering those who perished, along with the suffering endured by their families and our nation, is an appropriate undertaking.
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 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.
The Key Largo School once again delivered a magnificent 9/11 remembrance service at their flagpole. Each year I marvel at the thriving spirit from these young school children, as they gather in their innocent way, acknowledging the suffering many felt on that fateful day.
Principal Darren Pais, teacher/ band director Susan Bazin and the safety patrol director all had their students looking and performing in a magnificent manner. The memorial service they provided was done with class and distinction.
Even though it was quite warm and humid, no one shied away or faded from their duty.
It’s a refreshing and invigorating privilege for me to witness such energy and brilliance residing within the teachers, administrators, staff and, of course, the stars of the show, our students. Thank you.
— John Donnelly, Key Largo
Recycled material from Monroe County bins is sent to a Pembroke Pines facility, where it is sorted, bailed and sold to manufacturers. CONTRIBUTED
is the Monroe County recycling coordinator and outreach liaison. MELODY TUSCHEL
Key Largo School safety patrol honor guard prepares to raise the flag on Sept. 11.
Band director Susan Bazin prepares the orchestra to play the national anthem on Sept. 11 at Key Largo School. CONTRIBUTED
FIELD TRIP TO UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
Kai shares the importance of animal connections
Kai the fox sports a University of Miami bandana and a big smile. CONTRIBUTED
Hi friends!
and understanding in therapeutic settings.
CHESTER
Alittle puppy, Chester is believed to be a rat terrier mix. He would love to meet you and bring happiness into your home. This little guy is about 3 months old and only weighs 6 pounds. Chester is gentle, playful, loves toys and car rides. He is leash- and cratetrained and doing great with his housetraining. Please reach out to MarrVelous Pet Rescues if you have any questions or would like to foster. Apply today www.MPRescues.org or call 305-453-1315.
SAVE THE DATE
REEF THE FOX
Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Last week, Kai and mom had the incredible opportunity to visit the University of Miami’s School of Communications. Their visit aimed to deliver a lecture to an interpersonal communications class, where they explored the transformative power of animal-assisted therapy, particularly through the foxes at Pawsitive Beginnings. During their visit, they discussed how Kai and the rest of us foxes have become powerful symbols of resilience and healing. Our stories of survival serve not only as inspiration but also as tools for emotional support, illustrating how the bond between humans and animals can facilitate profound healing. As the students engaged with Kai, mom said they began to understand the nuances of communication that occur beyond words, emphasizing empathy, connection
Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.
Mom also took the opportunity to address the darker sides of animal welfare, specifically the history of fur farming and the detrimental effects of the exotic pet trade. By shedding light on these issues, mom aimed to cultivate a deeper awareness among the students about the ethical considerations surrounding animal companionship. Discussing these topics in conjunction with our therapy work underscored the importance of advocating for humane practices while promoting the healing potential of all animals.
Kai’s presence enriched the lecture, offering firsthand experience of how animals can bridge the gap in human communication. As they wrapped up their discussion, it was evident that the students left with a renewed perspective on the power of empathy and the responsibility we have toward the creatures with whom we share our lives. We always hope to inspire future generations to advocate for both the healing potential of animal companionship and the ethical treatment of all animals.
Anywho, that’s all for this week. I’m a little jealous Kai got his own UM bandana, but hey, that’s life. Until next time, Reef, over and out!
Friday, Sept. 27
• Conch Scramble kickoff party from 5 to 9 p.m. at 85500 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. Tickets can be purchased at conchscramble.com.
Saturday, Sept. 28
• Conch Scramble Charity Golf Tournament begins at 9 a.m. at various locations in Islamorada. Learn more at conchscramble. com.
• Charity Comedy Show with James Schrader at 8:45 p.m. at Crooked Palm Cabana, Islamorada.
Sunday, Sept. 29
• 27th annual Keys Kids Fishing Derby at Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana, Islamorada. Lines are in at 9 a.m. Free to Keys kids ages 10 and under.
Tuesday, Oct. 1
• Islamorada Chamber Village Council Candidate Forum at 5:30 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Room. The public is invited to attend. There is no charge for admission.
Thursday, Oct. 3
• MarrVelous Pet Rescue’s “Yappy Hour” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Catch, Key Largo. Dog must be well-socialized and leashed.
Oct. 4-6
• 24th annual Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge. Learn more at keylargorotary.org.
Friday, Oct. 4
• Coral Restoration Foundation activity booth from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo.
Saturday, Oct. 5
• Monroe County tire recycling event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at county transfer stations in Key Largo, Long Key and Cudjoe Key. Residents can recycle up to six tires (20-inch limit).
SPONGE PIRATES OF THE 1900S
Greek ships robbed, blown up in the Keys
Gthe 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.”
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).
reek 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
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.
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 is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
Did your nominations make
Find out next week! Pick up a copy of the Upper Keys Weekly or scan here to access the publication online.
Voting opens Thursday, Oct 3, 12 noon, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 20, 11:59 p.m. Winners & Awards Friday, Nov. 1, 6-9 p.m.
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:
Whether you want to come and live or just visit, Sun Outdoors Islamorada is your ultimate escape in the Florida Keys.
Founded by Betty Debnam
Land of Lincoln
Mini Fact: The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, was the only home he owned during his life. photo by artistmac
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
Wright’s Robie House in Chicago.
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.
RESOURCES
On the Web:
At the library:
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.
photo by C.V. Vick
Ronald Reagan
Walt Disney
Ulysses S. Grant
A HURRICANE IS BREWING
SAMANTHA DELLILO
is a Keys native who has a passion for all things food. She runs the local food blog, “Florida Keys Eats.”
With a hurricane
rumbling out there in the Gulf, it’s hard not to be reminded of the natural storms I’ve grown up bracing down here in the Florida Keys.
Though it looks like this one’s veering away from us, anyone who lives in the Keys knows we’ll still feel the effects. You can always tell when a hurricane is in the air, the way the trees sway, the sudden downpour from fast-moving clouds, and those microbursts that catch neighborhoods by surprise.
There is one hurricane guaranteed in the Keys this week – the cocktail, that is. We’ll be whipping up some Hurricane cocktails. If you haven’t had the pleasure, the Hurricane cocktail is a rum-heavy, vibrant drink, ideal for rainy days. Invented in the 1940s at Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans, the cocktail was named after the hurricane oil lamp-shaped glass it’s served in. Even Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson gave it a nod in their hit “Five O Clock Somewhere” singing, “Pour me something tall and strong, make it a Hurricane before I go insane.”
• 2 ounces light rum
• 2 ounces dark rum
• 2 ounces passion fruit juice
• 1 ounce orange juice
• ½ ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon grenadine
REEL RECS
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.
Shake it all up with ice, strain into a glass and garnish with an orange slice and cherry. It’s sweet, tangy and the perfect way to enjoy the storm from the comfort of home. Let’s raise our glass and wish safety and shelter for those who are about to weather the worst. May the only hurricane we experience this week in the Keys be the one in our glass.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
- 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.
