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Hurricane Helene’s destruction throughout the Southeast resulted in 166 deaths as of Oct. 2, per a report by The Associated Press. Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region before making its way through Georgia and the Carolinas.
Brian Tiedemann, with team Zissou, hits a marshmallow with a golf club at the SD Marine hole during Conch Scramble on Sept. 28. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
ADDRESSING THE ISSUES
Council candidates stick to the priorities and problems during election forum
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Seven candidates vying for a seat on the Islamorada Village Council stuck to the issues facing the community, while staying away from any personal attacks and mud slinging, during an Oct. 1 forum inside the Founders Park Community Center.
Organized by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, the forum was moderated by Joe Roth. The evening began with each candidate providing a brief introduction about themselves and their priorities to a packed gallery of residents.
Mayor Buddy Pinder started the evening’s forum. A sixth-generation resident who ran an underground utility business, Pinder was elected to the council in 2020 and re-elected in 2022. Pinder, who’s vying for Seat 1, said he knows the people, the land and the environment. His short-term goals include progressing the comprehensive plan and workforce housing, formulating a strategic plan to purchase sensitive land and forming partnerships with other governments to address nearshore water quality issues.
“I got a lot of experience working with different agencies just recently in the last four years,” he said. “Islamorada, I feel I’m the best person for the job.”
Seat 1 challenger Van Cadenhead has been a village resident since 1956. He’s no stranger to the council having frequently attended village council meetings. He said the election is pivotal for Islamorada. Since incorporation, he said the village has turned into an “exclusive, elitist enclave.” He said a lot of building and development questions have been answered on behalf of the building and developers.
“I’m hoping the residents can get a foothold back and start driving the bus again as we should have been all along,” he said. We have probably 20-25% of Islamorada left to save that’s not built out to the property lines. If you elect me, I’ll promise to run with whoever’s up here to stop (it).”
A packed gallery of village residents watches and listens to seven candidates for council speak during an Oct. 1 forum inside the Founders Park Community Center. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
A candidate for Seat 2, Anna Richards grew up in Islamorada. She has four children who were born and raised and started their own businesses in the Keys. Richards said her big priorities include conservation, reaching goals with sustainability and achievability and being realistic.
“We have certain things that really need to be addressed and we need to work hard to get to those goals,” Richards said in her opening.
Capt. Steve Friedman is also vying for Seat 2. He wasn’t in attendance for the forum due to a prior commitment, but he gave Roth a statement to read. Long before he knew he’d seek a council seat, he said he booked a four-day fish tournament in the Lower Keys.
“I trust the small business owners amongst the chamber’s membership will appreciate and understand the commitment to our customers,” Friedman’s statement read. “As a fishing guide, our business works everyday with other small business owners, gas stations, bait shops, grocers, hotels, marinas and restaurants that all depend on the health of our local waters. We believe our water is Islamorada’s economy and we will make protecting it the priority.”
Deb Gillis, who’s seeking Seat 3, previously served on the village council for nine years. A small business owner,
Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney, who will return to the council after she went unopposed, shares what it means to be a council member.
Gillis said she knows what it takes to survive in the Keys. She said she cares deeply about Islamorada and is committed to making a positive difference in this town.
“My top priority would be addressing our affordable housing issues. We have a problem going on there,” Gillis said, adding she would like to streamline the government process to reduce expenses, complete the comprehensive plan and land development regulations. “I believe these are essential to preserving our community and small town way of life.”
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75 YEARS OF SERVICE
Keys Mosquito Control District continues the battle with new technology
KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com
1-2. A low-flying DC 3 sprays for mosquitoes over the Florida Keys. The old planes were retired in the 1990s and replaced by a fleet of helicopters. CONTRIBUTED. 3. The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District now operates a fleet of five helicopters. This photograph was in the summer of 2020 during the Dengue outbreak. 4. John Carson, seen on the job, is the longest tenured FKMCD employee. He’s been with the agency for more than 30 years and is a Lower Keys field inspector. 5. The mosquito control district once used a Bell 47 helicopter for treatment.
In 1949, the Florida state legislature passed a bill paving the way for the creation of what is now known as the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD). A few years later, in 1951, the fledgling operation consisted of one full-time employee who served as the executive director and entomologist, overseeing 14 part-time employees tasked with covering the entire 120-mile long island chain.
Today, FKMCD has a 2024-2025 budget of approximately 20 million dollars and employs roughly 71 full-time workers, half of whom are field inspectors. Mosquito control has three boats used to target mosquitoes on the offshore islands, and it now has an arsenal of five sophisticated helicopters to keep the blood-sucking insects at bay.
“We’ve come an awful long way,” acknowledged Dr. Larry Hribar, who serves as the mosquito district’s director of research. Hribar has been with mosquito control for 26 years and is credited with establishing its surveillance program, which utilizes around 70 trapping sites to identify the types of mosquitoes found throughout the Florida Keys.
“When I got here there were 45 mosquito species that had been reported in the Florida Keys, we’re up over 50 now,” said Hribar.
Executive Director Andrea Leal has been with the district for more than 20 years. Over her tenure with the agency, the focus has shifted from eradicating nuisance mosquitoes to fighting a public health battle.
“We didn’t really see a lot of diseases until about 15 years ago, when we saw Dengue fever introduced into the Florida Keys for the first time since the 1930s,” said Leal. “And that really changed our perspective on the importance of what we’re doing around here.”
The way the agency fights mosquitoes has evolved as well. Today the focus is on larviciding, targeting the immature mosquitoes living in water before they become biting adults.
“That’s been a general trend of ours for the last 15 or 20 years and we’re really proud of that,” said Leal.
“The more larviciding we’ve been doing, the less adulticiding we needed to do,” she explained. Adulticiding targets the flying, blood-sucking mosquitoes.
“We really push whatever we can do to be as environmentally sensitive as we can,” added Leal.
John Carson is a field inspector in the Lower Keys and is the longest serving FKMCD employee. He’s been with the agency for over 30 years and remembers when mosquito control had only one helicopter and two thundering World War II-era DC 3s. The low flying planes were real attention-getters.
“A lot of questions, is that plane crashing or something?” recalled John of inquiries he would field
from Keys residents and visitors. “I think we’re doing a lot better now, that’s for sure,” he added. FKMCD stopped flying the old DC 3s in the late 1990s and slowly transitioned to an all helicopter fleet used for granular and liquid missions.
Back in the day, Carson logged a few thousand hours as a passenger in the helicopters with the pilots, showing them where to go to make their drops.
Now, the pilots fly the mosquito missions solo due to advances in technology.
“Computer models are on board that will show pilots exactly where the droplet cloud will come down,” said Hribar, who recalled his hair-raising early days of flying in the helicopters without the doors on.
“I said to the pilot, what’s going on? He said we can carry more product if we take the doors off,” recalled Hribar with a laugh.
When asked what living in the Florida Keys would be like without mosquito control, Hribar quickly responded, “ It would be miserable.”
Despite the advances in technology and efficiencies, field inspectors still utilize good old-fashioned footwork to help them locate areas of concern and educate residents.
“We knock on a lot of doors,” said Carson. “We walk around and dump out water and also educate them about the diseases that can come about if they’re around in the area,” he added.
The busy mosquito season coincides with hurricane season when heavy rains can lead to optimal mosquito breeding grounds.
Over the last 75 years, the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District has learned a lot about fighting the tiny disease-carrying creatures and now employees are eager to share what they’ve learned with the public they serve.
That’s why FKMCD will host its first ever open house on Tuesday, Oct. 8. There will be various educational stations showing what inspectors do daily and ways to prevent or reduce mosquitoes on your own property. Laboratory personnel will display all the different life stages of mosquitoes under microscopes. There will be arts and crafts for the kids. There will also be a naming contest for mosquito control’s new mascot. On top of that, all of the mosquito-fighting equipment will be on display, including the agency’s trucks and helicopters. Then, around 5:30 p.m. there will be an aerial demonstration.
“You’ll be able to see the helicopter just spraying water so you can get a good visual of exactly what it is that we do when we’re out there,” said Leal. “After that we’ll do a cake cutting and it should be a really great time,” she added.
The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District’s open house is free to the public and will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 503 107th St. Gulf in Marathon.
Who is Anna 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 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
MIAMI MAN FOUND GUILTY IN MASSIVE COUNTY MARINE THEFT CASE
The Monroe County State’s Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted a member of a theft ring responsible for a string of vessel burglaries in Monroe County from late 2022 to mid-2023 targeting GPS systems.
Denzel Varona, the driver for the group on one of the Upper Keys theft sprees, was sentenced recently following an open plea before the Honorable Judge James Morgan.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office uncovered a group of thieves traveling from Miami to target boatyards, marinas and waterfront homes. The group specifically sought to steal Garmin GPS units from vessels, which were later sold in Miami. Multiple individuals were arrested as a result of this investigation in a joint operation with Miami Dade law enforcement.
Denzel Varona, 19, a key participant, was adjudicated guilty on the following charges: racketeering, organized dealing in stolen property, unlawful use of a twoway communication device, four counts of burglary of a conveyance and five counts of grand theft.
Varona, who was the getaway driver and assisted in the loading of stolen property during the Upper Keys raids, was sentenced as a youthful offender to three years in Florida state prison. His sentence includes a subsequent three years of supervision with electronic monitoring, which will be split into 18 months of community control followed by 18 months of probation. Additionally, Varona is required to complete 200 hours of community service and attend an anti-theft course. Three other cases remain pending against other members of the theft ring.
Denzel Varona. MCSO/Contributed
This case highlights the diligent work of local law enforcement and their commitment to protecting the Florida Keys from organized crime. Monroe County State’s Attorney Dennis Ward commended the efforts of both Monroe and Miami-Dade law enforcement agencies.
“This is a clear message that coordinated criminal activity crossing county lines will not be tolerated,” Ward said. “We remain vigilant in protecting our communities and holding offenders accountable. Assistant State Attorney Trey Evans continues to work with law enforcement to prosecute additional members of this theft ring, ensuring that all responsible parties face justice”.
Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield added, “The investigation is far from over. We are continuing to follow leads and work closely with law enforcement to ensure that every individual involved in this theft ring is brought to justice. This is about more than stolen property — it’s about protecting our community from those who seek to exploit it.”
— Contributed
COUNTY TERMINATES INDICTED TRAUMA STAR DIVISION CHIEF
Andrea Thompson’s attorney says decision ignores ‘actual evidence’
Supporters accompany former MCFR Division Chief Andrea Thompson to a county commission meeting on Sept. 11 before her pre-determination hearing. CONTRIBUTED
Monroe County Administrator Christine Hurley last Friday elected to terminate the employment of indicted Monroe County Fire Rescue Division Chief Andrea Thompson, county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood told the Weekly on Sept. 27.
The decision to terminate Thompson follows the recommendation in an August grand jury report that indicted Thompson, former County Administrator Roman Gastesi and former Trauma Star medical director Dr. Sandra Schwemmer for their alleged roles in the 2022 theft and loss of more than 600 vials of controlled substances from Monroe County Fire Rescue, which oversees the county’s Trauma Star air ambulance service.
The grand jury recommended the county “immediately terminate” Thompson and forbid her from returning or holding any position with MCFR. She was suspended without pay after a 11-count indictment, including charges of official misconduct, providing false information to law enforcement, tampering with physical evidence and tampering with witnesses.
Backed by more than two dozen others wearing custom “I Stand with Andrea Thompson” shirts, Thompson attended the Monroe County BOCC’s meeting on Sept. 11 in Key Largo. County Attorney Bob Shillinger and human resources director Bryan Cook outlined the process for Thompson’s first pre-determination hearing, used by the county in disciplinary cases to investigate an employee’s charges and determine whether the individual can return to work as charges are pending.
Speaking to the commission, Thompson’s attorney Kendall Coffey
told the board he hoped the predetermination hearing would be less “one-sided” than a grand jury report, which he called “an instrumentality of investigation for prosecution.”
“There are other processes, ultimately including a jury trial, which are conceived to hear both sides and bring out the truth,” he said.
“The hearing officer made the recommendation after conducting a pre-determination hearing as well as reviewing pertinent documents pursuant to the county’s personnel policies and procedures manual,” Livengood wrote in Friday’s statement. “The hearing officer determined that Thompson violated county policy, which constituted a breach of the public trust, particularly given her leadership role.”
“Monroe County remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” said Hurley. “We want to ensure public trust and safety throughout Monroe County Fire Rescue and all county departments.”
In an emailed statement, attorney Sean Parys told the Weekly that Friday’s decision “was made solely based on her arrest and indictment, without consideration of the actual evidence in the case.”
“As she has throughout her career, Thompson acted with professionalism and integrity during this incident, and all decisions were made by or with her colleagues and superiors,” he said. “When the actual evidence is tested in court, it will show Andrea Thompson is innocent.”
According to Monroe County court records, the next hearing in Thompson’s case is set for Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. in Key West before Judge Mark Jones.
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
CAPT ED & SANDI B
ELECTION COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST 2 REPUBLICAN LEADERS
Governor assigns investigation to neutral state attorney
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
Elections always elicit accusations, aspersions and innuendo — but those attacks typically come from opposing political parties.
Such is not the case these days in the Florida Keys, where a Republican voter filed a formal complaint against two leaders of the county’s Republican Executive Committee, alleging “election fraud and unlawful disbursement of funds” by treasurer Sherri Hodies and chairwoman Rhonda Rebman Lopez. Hodies is currently the Republican candidate for the county’s supervisor of elections, running against Democrat Ron Saunders.
Key West resident Phyllis May, a registered Republican, filed the complaint on July 26 with Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward, who is also a Republican and a member of the REC. (May is not a member of the executive committee.)
May opposed the Republican Executive Committee’s endorsement of its treasurer, Hodies, for the office of supervisor of elections. The endorsement, which came with a $20,000 campaign donation to Hodies, was done without the necessary number of votes, according to the committee’s bylaws, May wrote to Dennis Ward.
Endorsements require approval of at least 60% of the executive committee members present and voting, May wrote.
“At the time of the vote there were 63 members of the REC. A majority of the full committee would have been 32 members voting to endorse. The vote was 20 to endorse; 18 not to endorse. The vote fell short by 12 to endorse,” the complaint states.
candidate in the race. It was not a vote to decide which candidate to endorse. The vote was to endorse Ms. Hodies or not.”
Given Ward’s membership in the REC — and his subsequent personal support for Hodies’ Republican primary opponent, Margaret Romero — Ward recused himself from investigating May’s complaint, to avoid a conflict of interest. As is protocol, Ward notified the governor’s office of the complaint and requested that it be reassigned to another state attorney in Florida to investigate.
That reassignment occurred last week when Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sept. 20 signed Executive Order 24-203, sending the matter to “the Honorable Amira D. Fox, state attorney for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, who agreed to accept an executive assignment in this matter.”
“All residents of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit (Monroe County) are requested, and all public officials are directed, to cooperate and render whatever assistance is necessary to the Assigned State Attorney, so that justice may be served,” the executive order states.
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When asked by the Keys Weekly about the votes not meeting the required threshold, and some REC members’ complaints about the endorsement, Rebman Lopez said, “The vote tallies and total were taken to the highest levels of the Republican Party of Florida by me and they told me that as chair, to make the call, and I did.”
May’s July complaint further states, “There was no mention that there was also another qualified Republican
In response to the complaint that was filed, and to Ward’s request that the governor reassign it for investigation, Rebman Lopez told the Keys Weekly on Sept. 24: “Dennis Ward is doing exactly what the Democrats are doing to Trump — trying to use the courts to interfere with an election. Ward’s complaint is that the Republican Party is trying to help a Republican get elected. This is how desperately the Democrats want to control the elections department in Monroe County, that they stoop to these desperate and frivolous complaints.”
When the Keys Weekly reminded Lopez that Ward is a Republican and a member of the REC, she said, “He’s a RINO,” (meaning Republican in Name Only).
“The Democrats are trying to take Sherri Hodies off the ballot the same way they tried to take Trump off the ballot, and we cannot allow the corrupt Democrats to take control of our elections,” Lopez said.
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
REPUBLICAN DIVIDE DEEPENS AFTER CONTENTIOUS MEETING
GOP chair ejects elected official
Along-simmering feud within the local Republican Executive Committee boiled over at a recent meeting, then found its way to Facebook, revealing a divide over the party’s leadership and direction that reflects the similar rift in the national GOP between ardent supporters of Donald Trump’s MAGA movement and more moderate Republicans.
Friction has been mounting for months within the Monroe County Republican Executive Committee. Rhonda Rebman Lopez, a MAGA Republican, chairs the committee with similarly aligned board members. Committee members represent both groups.
The infighting has intensified since May, when the REC board held a vote to endorse its treasurer Sherri Hodies for supervisor of elections without mentioning the option of endorsing the other Republican candidate in the primary, Margaret Romero, who was not then an REC member. Several members objected, saying the vote to endorse fell short of the 60% or two-thirds approval required by the bylaws. Additionally, several members opposed the committee’s unprecedented endorsement of a candidate in a primary that included another Republican.
Complaints sent to the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) prompted Lopez to ask the state party’s leadership for clarification. The state party acknowledged that primary endorsements were permitted.
When the Keys Weekly asked Lopez this week what the RPOF had said about the 60% vote requirement, she said, “The vote tallies were taken to the highest levels of the RPOF, by me, and they told me, as chairman, to make the call.”
Hodies’ endorsement stood. It came with a $20,000 campaign donation from the REC and she defeated Romero in the Aug. 20 primary. Hodies faces Democrat Ron Saunders in the November general election.
Some REC members have drawn the ire of Lopez and others because they personally and publicly endorsed Romero over Hodies in the primary. Some have also quietly signaled their support for Saunders over the Republican Hodies in the November election. Dissent continued within the committee
over the summer when Lopez reportedly canceled scheduled meetings, or closed them at the last minute to anyone except active members.
Committee meetings are closed to the public, the bylaws state, but allow “guests who are vouched for and accompanied by an REC member; elected Republican officials whose district encompasses Monroe County; registered candidates for an office in a district encompassing Monroe County;” invited speakers; members of local Republican clubs; members of RECs outside Monroe County and state party officers.
Contentious meeting
Jill Cranney-Black is one such Republican elected official whose district includes Monroe County. She has been a mosquito control commissioner for 12 years and made plans to attend the Sept. 21 REC meeting in Islamorada, along with two other local Republicans, non-committee members, who were guests of and sponsored by an REC member. Things did not go smoothly.
Cranney-Black told the Keys Weekly after the meeting:
“Saturday, I attended the REC meeting … to witness reported division between the leadership and the members ....I’d been told the current chair closes meetings last minute, which suppresses membership for Republicans who want to assist in the mission of getting qualified Republicans into office. I’d also been told she was not following rules that are set in place for a reason. I found her to be rude, dismissive, unprofessional and frivolous when speaking with her. I was essentially thrown out of the meeting by the chair for asking a simple question and having an opinion that didn’t align with hers. … My concerns were unfortunately confirmed. Current REC members and my fellow elected officials have done everything in their power to keep the discontent of the local REC leadership issues in house and a private matter. In these times, more than ever, we need to be united as a party. Under the current local leadership of the REC, the exact opposite seems to be happening and division seems to be occurring.”
Cranney-Black posted a similar summary of her experience at the meeting on Facebook, prompting a war of words that continued for several days. Here’s a selection
of comments following her Facebook post: “I witnessed the events firsthand. What Jill stated was an accurate account of what took place. There is more to come where a member was verbally accosted and had her personal space violated. The temperament and actions of the chair and some particular board members were an embarrassment, not just to a political party, but as human beings. This little piece of power that is currently retained will be short lived. Time to take the executive committee back and put it in the hands of reasonable and sane people. Jill, we appreciate your moral courage and honesty. We got your back and the backs of those members who seek change. — Jonathan Crane
As a member of the REC, I witnessed Rhonda Lopez’ attack on Jill and it was horrible. There was an Agenda item which called for Elected Officials to talk but, without any authority, Rhonda confronted and evicted Jill (who is an elected official). Rhonda acted crazed and after her 20+ minute attack on Jill, she came into the meeting room, still yelling and slamming her shoe on the table. She insulted Commissioner Jim Scholl and Commissioner Lincoln. Jill handled herself like the professional she is. But Rhonda Lopez lacks maturity, integrity and professionalism; she has become an embarrassment to the organization.
When I voted against the endorsement and campaign contribution for Sherri Hodies, I explained that my reasoning was because it violated the RPOF Rule 8. That caused Rhonda to alienate me and Stephen Hammond and tap candidates Bethany Bartlett and Michael
Washam to run against us for State Committee. We will find a way to restore the Monroe County REC to the wonderful organization it once was. Rhonda dug her hole and now the walls are caving in. — Kathy White Ovide
“So the local republican party has adopted the policies of the national party. Very sad. I am so proud to have left the Republican party after being a republican for 40 plus years.” — Robert Cintron
“Throwing Republicans out of Republican meetings is becoming a regular occurrence at the REC meetings. Betty Chaplin & KW Jess told me I was not welcome and tried to throw me and 10 other republicans out of a meeting this past June. … The REC is not all bad, I would estimate it’s less than 50% and most are on the board. I attended my first meeting at the request of several members that want new leadership. Based on my personal experience, I totally agree that it is desperately needed. The current leadership has caused a major rift in the party. — Kevin Talbott
“When you are part of the ‘fake Republicans’ that actually endorse and support Democratic candidates, maybe you shouldn’t be speaking on corruption in our Republican Executive Committee. … This is the catalyst for ALL the drama in our Republican executive committee. You have taken no interest in our REC, but showed up Saturday because you were most likely sought by those “Republicans in name only” to bring more drama to the Republican executive committee and then acted
like a victim when our Chair said “hell no”. The true corruption in our local party are those poisoning the well, to get a democrat elected… Just an observation but playing the victim is not a very conservative value. It’s a tell-tale leftist play. There are wolves in sheeps clothing infiltrating our Monroe county Republican Party. — Stand With Bethany
“There is nothing wrong with voting your conscience if you believe the far better candidate happens to be a Democrat. Blind allegiance to a party if foolish. It certainly does not warrant the unprofessional, nasty behavior we are seeing. … Why was Sherrie endorsed over Romero against party rules? Why wasn’t she ethical enough to return the $10,000? Why is she hosting a fundraiser for a known election denier who has no proof of any fraud?”
— Steve Tepper, replying to Stand with Bethany
“When an election denier runs for the office overseeing elections, people will see the truth and vote with their conscience, not along party lines. Personally, I don’t think this job should be partisan as election integrity is important to us all. I’m not sure how long you’ve lived in the Keys, or know the history Ron Saunders has here, but you may need to look into that a bit. He’s the person for the job, no matter his party affiliation. The fact that you continue to push party-line voting only is shameful, and a real problem with our current political climate. Your attempts to belittle Jill and demean Ron are showing your own lack of integrity,”
— Julie Brown, replying to Stand with Bethany
“As an American, many of us see parties as groups of like minded people supporting a political goal. They have a structure to serve their members. The board serves the members.
This party changed massively into conspiracy and pretend victimization in my humble opinion. If this is what the present leadership calls real Republicans, many of us part ways with the party.
The support of one primary Republican over another was not we the people. It was a power trip. Listening to the rants on cherry picked and twisted truths is not for many.
I respect that we differ, as I have supported Americans who are not the sad tabloid folk. My candidates are both republicans and democrats this election season. I support those elected to represent us who stand up for those they serve, not this mess I see.
— Jack Norris, replying to Stand with Bethany
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(Joyce Griffin) endorsed you because she is a Democrat and wants to pass the torch to another Democrat. If Sherri gets in there and does some digging she may find some unfavorable ‘standards.’ With her dedication to transparency that ‘experience’ may be under attack. Of course unless you get in there… — Stand with Bethany, replying Ron Saunders
When asked by the Keys Weekly about the Sept. 21 meeting, Lopez said, “Only statewide legislative officials are allowed into closed meetings, along with inducted REC members. My son graduated from Yale Law. I know my stuff.”
The bylaws, under the heading, “Guests and Invitees,” do not make any distinction between a closed meeting and a regular meeting.
“It was a closed meeting because we had things to discuss — some financial matters and confidential strategies,” Lopez told the Keys Weekly on Sept. 24.
Lopez also sent a text message to REC members after the Sept. 21 meeting, writing:
“Mosquito Board Jill with her high school education was a disgrace interrupting our closed meeting yesterday. I can’t believe my tax dollars pay her & many of the other public officials, but here we are. She would have had an argument to stay if she hadn’t come in insulting the Chair by saying I wasn’t an elected official & she was & that I tried to be. That insult was met w/my response that I own a multi-million dollar company and that I don’t need the taxpayer money to pay my insurance or salaries like she & many of the others do. She also screamed at Sherri (Hodies) telling her she was going to lose. RPOF knows ALL of this and more.
And for those texting during the meeting slandering Sherri & myself — someone was over your shoulder reading & committing to memory each & every text. I know so much more & seen the proof in texts that I’m just like WoW! And, there’s a recording that blew my mind. Unbeknownst, there was a mole in the group.”
(Note: Cranney-Black has a master’s degree in business administration and has worked for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office as executive director of finance for 11 years.)
KEY LARGO SCHOOL STUDENTS STIMULATE CHANGES
Lunch rooms now have compostable utensils and trays
Students Miracle Woods, Jillian Thiery, Emely Morales Sanchez, Sophia Curl and Kaelyn McMann presented a persuasive briefing to Patrick Lefere, school district executive director for operations and planning, school board chair Sue Woltanski and other staff members. CONTRIBUTED
FRANK DERFLER
www.keysweekly.com
Key Largo School is repeatedly named as a Gold Level Everglades Champion School by the Everglades Foundation. The students in all grades at KLS are serious about their titles as Everglades ambassadors.
Like other schools in the district, KLS has an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. A big focus of AVID is on helping students develop skills in communications and advocacy. Teachers throughout the district receive training in AVID philosophy and techniques.
In 2023, KLS AVID students in fifth and seventh grades looked for ways to advocate as Everglades ambassadors. They researched ways to reduce the impact of their own school on the environment.
Specifically, the students researched the styrofoam trays and plastic utensils in use at the school, found alternatives and looked for the right people to convince. AVID teachers Eva Brown and Pam Caputo succeeded in bringing school district staff, including Pat Lefere, executive director of operations and planning, up from Key West to Key Largo to receive persuasive slideshow briefings prepared and presented by fifth and seventh grade students.
The argument from the seventh grade class was that Key Largo School alone used 11,000 styrofoam trays a month or 110,000 trays in a year that are not biodegradable and add styrene microplastics to the environment. The fifth grade class focused on the $3,281 spent annually on packages of plastic utensils in plastic wrappers. Their slide asked, “Do kids really need a spork with their peanut butter and jelly sandwich, corn dog or chicken nuggets?”
The students focused on more than “recyclable.” They proposed alternatives that must be compostable so they could become useful dirt. The students were at a little disadvantage because the suppliers of the compostable products wouldn’t quote them volume prices. The district staff took the numbers, made the right contacts and found that the students were right.
After lunch, the pressed
and wooden
the Key Largo School students.
Lawson, district food service program specialist, and Woltanski discuss the wooden forks, their paper wrappers and the ability of students to only take a fork if they need it.
“Things had changed a little,” Lefere said. “The Miami-Dade School District and other large districts in the state adopted some of these products and the supply chain was moving.”
The result is that if you visit a lunch room in any Monroe County District School this year, you will see trays molded from paper and wooden forks in paper wrappers available if the students want them. All of these items are compostable. They don’t have to be sorted or cleaned. They can all go back to the Earth.
Fifth and seventh grade students within the county advocated for a change and got results.
“They don’t get enough credit for what they did. This was a big deal,” Monroe County School Board Chair Sue Woltanski said, adding Key Largo School students should be recognized for the district-wide changes they inspired.
Mary Barley is also seeking Seat 3 on the council. A resident of 30 years, Barley said she’s always been committed to Florida. She said her work in the Everglades proves her commitment to this community.
“That’s how we got started when Florida Bay turned into pea soup and we said we need to do something,” Barley said. “I’m more committed because my husband died in an airplane crash trying to save this place, and I’m going to make sure that what we died for we’re all going to help him find.”
Don Horton was the first to throw his name in the hat for a council seat. Horton, who’s vying for Seat 4, is a full-time resident of 47 years. A business owner and former village building official, Horton said his priorities include the budget, traffic, workforce housing, the Fills and citizen participation.
“I don’t believe that a small town needs big government if it saves on taxes while not lessening a service,” Horton said. “My goals would be to adopt a new comprehensive plan, find innovative ways to lessen the traffic burden, develop workforce housing initiatives and help businesses flourish.”
Seat 4 candidate Tom Raffanello is a resident of 15 years and a former DEA special agent for 35 years. He said the last 20 years he was an executive manager, running operations in Arizona and Florida. He was also chief of worldwide operations with a budget totaling a quarter billion dollars. He said he wants to do the job because he’s a public servant.
“This is what I want to do,” Raffanello said as he pointed to the village’s mission statement. “I’m not going to list the problems. We know what the problems are but this is what we should use as our guiding force for it.”
Before the candidates delved into the issues, Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney shared a few remarks on the duties and responsibilities of a council member. Mahoney, who went unopposed and will return for another two-year term, reminded the candidates of the responsibilities and commitment that comes with the job.
“It’s a full-time job. It takes me 40-45 hours a week,” she said. “We have an opportunity to make great change in this community, everything from transportation, wastewater, climate change and our beautiful coral reefs that are going away.”
Candidates were asked questions on workforce housing and transportation, village land acquisitions, wastewater, the environment and the budget, to name a few. The Keys Weekly’s coverage of the forum will continue in the following papers leading up to the election with candidate responses to the questions.
Sue
paper tray
fork will be ready for composting. This setup is now used throughout the Monroe County School District thanks to the efforts of
From left, Buddy Pinder, Van Cadenhead and Anna Richards.
HOW MUCH HOUSING CAN $35M CREATE?
Tourism board starts talks about how to spend its surplus
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
The Florida Keys got one-time approval from the state to spend $35 million of surplus tourism revenue on affordable housing. But that may have been the easy part.
Now an assortment of government officials, elected politicians, property owners, developers, tourism experts and hospitality professionals have to agree on how and where to spend the money to benefit the most working residents and get the most for their money.
“We don’t want this to become a food fight,” county Mayor Holly Raschein, who sits on the Tourist Development Council (TDC) board, said at the Sept. 17 TDC meeting. That agency collects tourism tax revenue from visitors, known as bed tax. That money is typically spent to advertise the Keys and special events and for capital improvements to tourism-based properties.
But last year, the Florida Legislature authorized the TDC to spend a $35 million surplus — collected largely during the COVID pandemic — on affordable housing for workers in tourism industries.
The Sept. 17 TDC meeting marked the beginning of discussions on how best to spend the money.
“The county commission had discussed putting together a committee that includes all the stakeholders in this, including the lodging association, the restaurant association, the chambers of commerce and others to figure out how to use these funds,” Raschein said. “Everyone this is supposed to help should be involved in these discussions. If we put the housing where it’s needed and
charge what we need to charge to keep it affordable, then I think we can spend this money wisely.”
The rest of the board agreed with involving all the groups she mentioned, along with the Key West and Monroe County housing authorities, as well as Habitat for Humanity and AH Monroe, which have experience building and operating affordable housing.
The lion’s share of the tourism revenue comes from the Key West area, known as District Advisory Committee 1 (DAC1),
“But we’ll need to identify available land and may consider working with the private sector to build and manage this,” Raschein said. “Key West may not have a lot of space where housing can be built, but maybe we can put some housing right outside Key West, where that workforce lives.”
Tentative discussion was had about divvying up the $35 million among the five districts of the Keys, according to the percentage of tourism revenue each collects, but again, discussions are just beginning.
Jodi Weinhoder, president of the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys & Key West, reminded the TDC board that “we need this housing yesterday, and our workers need this housing yesterday.”
Weinhofer suggested that the committee consider using some of the money to buy existing multi-unit properties that can be converted into small apartments based on the need rather than having to find and acquire land, then design the buildings and construct them. Her suggestion was well received by the board.
The county commissioners are expected to revisit the discussion at their October meeting.
FIREFIGHTER DEPLOYED TO ASSIST COMMUNITIES HIT BY HURRICANE HELENE
Islamorada firefighter/paramedic Jason Bryant was deployed to Taylor County as part of the Region 7 AllHazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT) ahead of Hurricane Helene. This marks Bryant’s third deployment as a vital member of the Region 7 AHIMT, underscoring his experience and dedication in disaster response.
As Hurricane Helene approached the Florida coast, Bryant was on the ground assisting with coordination and response efforts. His role as part of the AHIMT involves working alongside local authorities, emergency response teams and other deployed personnel to ensure that the area was adequately prepared for the storm’s arrival. This includes organizing resources, supporting evacuation efforts and managing emergency operations to protect lives and property.
Islamorada Fire Chief Terry Abel expressed pride in Bryant’s deployment, stating, “Jason’s professionalism and experience make him an essential asset to the Region 7 AHIMT. His prior deployments and expertise in handling complex, high-stakes situations
ensure that the communities in Taylor County will have the support they need during this critical time.”
Bryant was previously deployed in response to natural disasters and other emergency situations in Florida and to the Texas border region, showcasing his versatility in providing critical aid during times of crisis. His commitment to service, both locally and in areas impacted by disaster, exemplifies the values of Islamorada Fire Rescue.
The Region 7 AHIMT is a specialized team consisting of highly trained personnel prepared to respond to all hazards, including natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires. Their mission is to provide seamless support to local responders and ensure efficient management of emergency operations.
Islamorada Fire Rescue will continue to provide updates on Bryant’s efforts and the situation in Taylor County as Hurricane Helene progresses. We ask that the community keep Bryant and all those affected by this storm in their thoughts during this time. — Contributed
Islamorada firefighter Jason Bryant was deployed to Taylor County before Hurricane Helene made landfall. CONTRIBUTED
Investigators say GoPro footage taken from victim Israel Boza’s friend shows defendant Palmer Long Jr. observing and acknowledging divers in the water as he passes close by at high speeds. FWC/ Contributed
BOAT DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER FATAL JULY STRIKE ON SPEAR FISHERMAN
Palmer Long Jr. faces vessel homicide charges
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Nearly three months after a boat strike off Bahia Honda State Park over the Fourth of July weekend proved fatal for a spear fisherman, authorities with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have apprehended the man they say is responsible, arresting 72-year-old Placida, Florida resident Palmer Reid Long Jr. and charging him with vessel homicide on Sept. 23.
According to Long’s FWC arrest warrant, eyewitnesses aboard the victim’s boat, as well as bystanders on another boat who discovered 56-year-old victim Israel Boza’s body floating in the water, say Long’s 32-foot Contender vessel was the only boat traveling at a high rate of speed through the area when Boza was killed, likely dying within minutes from injuries to his head, abdomen, thigh and leg consistent with a high-speed propeller strike.
In July, a screenshot taken from GoPro footage recorded by Boza’s fellow snorkeler in the water and posted to social media quickly identified Long’s vessel at his residence in Key Colony Beach. Other stills from the same footage show Long’s vessel passing through the area where Boza was swimming and within roughly 30 feet of the camera operator in the water, FWC investigator Glen Wray wrote in the warrant.
Other images, Wray said, show Long appearing to face directly towards the other occupants of Boza’s boat and the camera operator in the water, acknowledging the latter as he made hand signals to warn Long, but continuing without slowing down or changing course.
Though Long’s boat was the only vessel of the three mentioned in the arrest warrant to not have active tracks
engaged in its at the time of Boza’s death, Wray wrote that based on a waypoint created in Long’s boat’s GPS in the minutes before the strike, as well as a second waypoint created in Long’s passenger’s phone 12 minutes later and 9.8 miles away, “it can be deduced that (Long’s boat) was traveling at approximately 49 miles per hour on its return trip to Mr. Long’s residence.”
A projected direct track from Long’s boat’s last location to the entrance of Key Colony Beach’s canals “showed he transited directly through the dive area,” Wray wrote.
Early reports following the incident called into question the display of a dive flag aboard Boza’s boat, an element addressed in Long’s warrant. GoPro stills confirm, and the report admits, that while an appropriately-sized flag was displayed, it lacked a required stiffening rod and was displayed from the rod holders behind the operator’s seat, not from the legally-required highest point of the vessel.
However, the warrant states, the flag should have been clearly visible as Long’s boat approached Boza’s from the stern, and wind conditions on the day of the strike kept the flag unfurled naturally.
“Mr. Long failed to use ordinary, reasonable and due care toward Mr. Boza and eventually caused his death,” Wray concluded. “Mr. Long consciously and intentionally operated (his boat) without a proper lookout and at an unsafe speed with known hazards in the area and should have reasonably known that operating … through a dive area with multiple swimmers in the water would likely cause death or bodily injury to others in the water.”
According to Florida statute, vessel homicide is a second-degree felony, elevated to a first-degree felony if the perpetrator knew, or should have known, that an accident occurred and failed to render aid to the victim.
The Keys Weekly contacted Long’s attorney Hal Schuhmacher by phone for comment on the arrest, but did not receive a statement before press time.
MATECUMBE HISTORICAL TRUST CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY DAY
The Matecumbe Historical Trust hosts this month’s presentation on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the Islamorada library, MM 81.5 at 6:30 p.m. A presentation on the work of the late Irving Eyster will show some of the most unusual and fascinating items found on the islands to celebrate International Archaeology Day. Eyster was a wellknown historian and archaeologist who collected and preserved items for future generations for more than 60 years.
This presentation will include items from the early Indians, shipwrecks, Flagler’s Railway, Indian Key, lighthouses, maps, documents and rare items.
The Florida Keys has a vast history that needs to be preserved and shared. We invite you to join us.
The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information,
BRIEFLY
Man arrested for burglary/vehicle theft
A 54-year-old Miami-Dade County man was booked into the sheriff’s office on Sept. 24 for allegedly stealing a rental 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe in Islamorada on March 1, following his arrest for fleeing in another Florida county.
Diego Armando Gonzalez was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, traveling across county lines with the intent to commit burglary of a conveyance, possession of burglary tools and trespassing.
The sheriff’s office responded to the Chesapeake Beach Resort in Islamorada in March, when an Ohio resident stated his rental SUV was stolen from the resort parking lot. The sheriff’s office was able to identify Gonzalez using security video footage and other investigative means. Soon after, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office informed the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office they arrested Gonzalez during a pursuit following an attempt-
ed traffic stop. Gonzalez crashed the stolen SUV and fled on foot but was soon apprehended with the help of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit. It was discovered Gonzalez was in possession of numerous cloned vehicle key fobs.
New scam reported in the Keys
The sheriff’s office was notified of a scam recently in which a criminal was apparently trolling the sheriff’s office mugshot webpage and contacted a recently arrested person while falsely identifying himself as a deputy to scam her out of money.
Thieves falsely identifying themselves as law enforcement officers is not new, but this case is in that the potential victim was recently arrested and the thief attempted to use that information as leverage while lying to
MISS MONROE BOUTIQUE MISS MONROE BOUTIQUE
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SWOOPING INTO THE FINALIST STAGE
Voting begins for Best of Upper Keys
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
After two weeks of online polling, the field of finalists is set for the third annual Best of Upper Keys. Voting officially begins at noon on Thursday, Oct. 3.
Nominations officially opened to the community on Sept. 5. With nominations closing Sept. 22, the top three — and in some instances four due to ties or close tallies — now seek to grab bragging rights and a beautiful plaque.
Residents from the Keys and people throughout the world nominated their favorites in the food and drink, community and business divisions. Now, they’ll decide who wins in each of the 85 categories. The winners will be announced Nov. 1 at Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo.
Around 51,600 nominations were cast during the 2024 Best of Upper Keys — up from 25,000 the previous year.
“Landing on the ballot is a big deal,” said Keys Weekly publisher Jason Koler. “To be nominated as one of the best in your industry by your community is an accomplishment of its own.”
Finalist voting ends Sunday, Oct. 20 at 11:59 p.m. During this stage, voters can submit one ballot per day. People must place votes for 75% of the categories to cast a valid ballot.
“A majority of the votes came from the Florida Keys,” Koler said. “We’re excited to have a global audience voicing their say on the contest, as this shows how our community is appreciated and celebrated around the world.”
Visit keysweekly.com/buk24 or check out the back page of this paper to view the finalists and submit your votes for the best in town. Updates and reminders will be provided at keysweekly.com, in our daily e-blast, Upper Keys Weekly print editions and social media.
In the last two years, more than $45,000 raised from the Best of Upper Keys supported the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter. With extensive programs to help and counsel children and families in a time of need, the shelter will again be the beneficiary of the Best of Upper Keys.
Tickets to attend the Best of Upper Keys awards ceremony aren’t generally made available to the public due to demand. Winners, nominees and dignitaries are invited to attend and additional attendees are selected from a first-come, first-served waiting list. Email Jill@keysweekly.com to be placed on the list.
Event sponsors include Baptist Health Mariners Hospital, Going Aire, Dr. Michelle, audiologist, HNO Productions, First Horizon Bank, Playa Largo Resort and Hotwire Communications.
SWINGS FOR CHARITY
Teams dressed in 80s attire, pirates and other themes jumped on boats for a little golf on the water on Sept. 28. The annual Conch Scramble returned with a full field of golf teams shooting biodegradable fish food golf balls at targets located in the water at various locations in Islamorada. A designated boat driver, the caddy, stopped at waterfront venues, including SD Marine, state Rep. Jim Mooney’s residence Lorelei and Papa Joe’s. Trophies went to the top three teams with the best scores, while additional honors recognized the best hole location, most team spirit and best costumes. Proceeds from the popular, lighthearted golfing challenge help fund Florida Keys charities.
— Keys Weekly staff report
1. Team Pirates Group 3 arrives by boat to the Treasure Village Montessori Charter School golf hole at State Rep. Jim Mooney’s house in Islamorada. 2. Capt. George Clark Jr. takes his swing at the Papa Joe’s Waterfront hole sponsored by Coral Shores High School cheerleading. 3. Capt. Nick Stanczyk and team dawn 80s attire and dance as they arrive by boat to the SD Marine hole. 4. Participants arrive by boat to the SD Marine Hole. 5. Participants in the Conch Scramble boated to various locations in Islamorada and shot biodegradable golf balls at targets in the water. 6. Spectators, at back, watch on as Meghan Miller, dressed as Lola Bunny with team Looney Tunes, takes her swing at the Treasure Village Montessori Charter School golf hole. Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Northbound Travel Lane on SR 5/US 1/Overseas Highway Nighttime Closure. Detour to Card Sound Road: October 10 and October 14 through October 17
Nightly road closures and detours will be implemented on SR 5/US 1/Overseas Highway from Jewfish Creek Bridge MM 108.4 to the Miami-Dade County Line Mile Marker (MM) 112.8. The northbound travel lane will be closed in Key Largo from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Thursday, October 10 and again on Monday, October 14 through Thursday, October 17. During these road closures, northbound traffic will be detoured to Card Sound Road and tolls will be suspended. Truck drivers are reminded that Monroe County has posted new weight restrictions on Card Sound Road on the approach to Mosquito Creek and Tubby’s Creek Bridges. Please plan ahead.
Cierre Nocturno en Carril de Circulación en Dirección Rumbo Norte Sobre la Ruta SR 5/US 1/Overseas Highway. Desvío a Card Sound Road: 10 de octubre y del 14 al 17 de octubre
Se implementarán cierres de carreteras y desvíos nocturnos sobre la ruta SR 5/US 1/Overseas Highway desde el puente Jewfish Creek marcador de milla (MM) 108.4 hasta la línea MM 112.8 la línea del condado de Miami-Dade. El carril de circulación en dirección norte estará cerrado en Key Largo a partir de las 8 p.m. a 6 a.m. el jueves 10 de octubre y nuevamente del lunes 14 de octubre al jueves 17 de octubre. Durante estos cierres de carreteras, el tráfico en dirección norte se desviará a Card Sound Road y se suspenderán los peajes. Se recuerda a los conductores de camiones que el condado de Monroe ha publicado nuevas restricciones de peso en Card Sound Road en el acceso a los puentes Mosquito Creek y Tubby's Creek. Por favor planifique con anticipación.
Liy vwayaj nan direksyon Nò sou SR 5/US 1/Otowout Otowout Fèmti lannwit. Detou nan Card Sound Road: 10 oktòb ak 14 oktòb jiska 17 oktòb Fèmti wout ak detou chak swa yo pral aplike sou SR 5/US 1/Overseas Highway soti nan Jewfish Creek Bridge makè mil (MM) 108.4 rive nan Liy Konte Miami-Dade MM 112.8. Liy vwayaj nan direksyon nò a pral fèmen nan vil Key Largo apati 8 p.m. jiska 6 a.m. nan Jedi 10 Oktòb epi ankò lendi 14 Oktòb jiska Jedi 17 Oktòb. Pandan wout fèmen sa
LET’S CELEBRATE!
On Thursday, October 24, 2024, join Keys FCU in celebrating 84 years of being YOUR local credit union with treats and give aways in our branches.
REEF THE FOX CHECKS IN WITH KEY WEST POLICE K9 JIGSAW
Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Boy oh boy, do I have a treat for you this week.
I was able to sit down with K9 Jigsaw who works for Key West Police Department (KWPD). Jigsaw came to KWPD in October 2020 when a very kind family donated the money for the department to acquire a new K9. We conducted our interview at KWPD headquarters under cover in the midst of a rain band from Hurricane Helene. When I tell you I go the distance for my readers, I really go the distance. Let’s get into it.
Reef: Hey there, Jigsaw. Thanks for taking time out of your extremely busy schedule for this interview. I’ll get right to the questions so you can go on duty. First, Where were you born?
Jigsaw: Hi there, Reef! I’ve heard a lot about
you, read your column and saw you interviewed our KWPD mounted unit. I was wondering when you would get around to the K9s. To answer your question, I was born in Slovakia!
Reef: Woah! That’s a new one. Okay so I know one thing and one thing only about Slovakia. Since my human mother is from Pittsburgh, she talks about it often (boring). A super famous artist named Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh and his parents were from Slovakia. That’s the end of my Slovak knowledge. Next question. What are your specialities as far as training?
Jigsaw: Well, I just learned something new that I will never use but I like learning new things. I am skilled in the arts of tracking, apprehension and narcotics detection.
Reef: That’s pretty darn cool. I am skilled in the art of screaming, napping and annoying the other foxes at Pawsitive Beginnings. So what is your favorite snack?
Jigsaw: So here’s the thing Reef. I love all snacks. From ice cubes to carrots and everything in between. I have a diverse pallet and do not discriminate when it comes to treats.
Reef: Wow, I am so picky and my mom gets annoyed. Good for you buddy, good for you. Now what is your silliest quirk when you are not on duty?
Jigsaw: I have two cat siblings at home and one dog sibling. I like to instigate cats. It may be wrong, don’t really care.
Reef: That is what I like to hear. Can’t show weakness or they walk all over you, those cats! We are almost done here. What is your favorite hobby outside of work?
Jigsaw: I love to swim and cuddle with my humans, or anyone who is a good person. You know us canines can sense those things.
Reef: Oh yes I do know. People have come to visit us foxes before and we can tell immediately if we are going to like them or not. Last question, I know there are other K9 officers that work for KWPD, do you all get along?
Jigsaw: Here’s the thing, Reef. Us K9 officers are so intelligent and so expertly trained at our jobs that if they let us mingle we might just take over the entire department. So they tend to keep us separated for fear of a total canine revolution.
Reef: Oh I like the sound of that. If that ever happens, give me a call. Chief Reef has a nice ring to it.
Jigsaw: Deal.
Special thanks to Chief Sean Brandenburg and Officer Thomas Anglin for allowing my mother, Nicole Navarro, to visit KWPD for this interview.
HYDRO
Hydro is a loyal pit mixed breed with a big heart. He will need an active family with a fenced yard to play and teach him new things everyday. This healthy 3 year old is ready to meet his new family. Please apply today www.MPRescues.org or call 305-453-1315
Thursday, Oct. 3
• MarrVelous Pet Rescue’s “Yappy Hour” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Catch, Key Largo. Dogs 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).
• Oktoberfest from 3 to 7 p.m. at Safe Harbor Angler House, 80500 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. Fundraiser hosted by Michelle Bennett, candidate for Good Health Clinic’s Big Kahuna.
Monday, Oct. 7
• Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder’s fall lecture series welcomes the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center at 6 p.m. at The Protect Center, 82748 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. A reception and refreshments will be provided at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 8
• Florida Keys Mosquito Control’s open house from 4 to 7 p.m. at 503 107th St., Marathon. Free community event.
• Islamorada Village Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.
Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.
Key West Police Department’s K9 Jigsaw poses with Reef plush toy. CONTRIBUTED
MEMBERS IN MOTION
her about the status of her criminal case in an effort to extort money.
If someone contacts you asking for money, purporting to be from a law enforcement agency, any government organization or utility company, a bank, a credit card company, and so forth — contact the organization yourself.
A sure sign of a scam is anyone asking for payment for anything via gift cards or Bitcoin. If possible, save the text, email, or any other information and contact the sheriff’s office directly via www.keysso.net/locations
If you receive a distressing text from a family member/friend needing money immediately, always contact that family member/friend before sending money.
Free tire recycling for local residents
Monroe County Solid Waste is offering free tire recycling at its three transfer stations on Saturday, Oct. 5 and Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Florida Keys residents are allowed to bring up to six-passenger vehicle tires, including tires on the rim, with a 20-inch size limit to each event. Recycling is free but requires proof of Monroe County residency.
Residents can drop off their tires at the following locations during the above dates and times:
• Key Largo Transfer Station: 11180 County Road 905.
• Long Key Transfer Station: MM 68 Overseas Highway.
• Cudjoe Transfer Station: MM 21.5 Blimp Road. Recycling coordinator Melody Tuschel and county solid waste hosted these grant-funded tire recycling earlier this year with tremendous success.
“We couldn’t be more proud of its positive impact on our environment,” she said. “We collected about 240 tires in our first event and 157 last month — a significant step to combating the environmental issue that leads to habitat destruction, pollution and increased mosquito breeding.”
The tires will be turned into granules to create asphalt for road surfacing and other uses. To learn more about recycling in the Florida Keys, visit www. monroecounty-fl.gov/recycling.
Upper Keys Candidate Forum
Upper Keys voters are invited to the Upper Keys Candidate Forum on Thursday, Oct. 10 at the Murray Nelson Government Center, MM 102, bayside, from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Candidates from federal, state and local races, including Islamorada Village Council races, will be given a chance to address the audience and respond to questions about issues of concern to Upper Keys voters.
There will be an opportunity to meet with the candidates from 5:30 to 6 p.m. The Friends of the Key Largo Cultural Center will host a cash bar. Light snacks will be provided by the hosts.
The Upper Keys Candidate Forum is the result of a collaboration among the Island of Key Largo Federation of Homeowner Associations (the Federation), Upper Keys Business and Professional Women (BPW), Tavernier Community Association (TCA) and the Upper Keys League of Women Voters (UKLWV). These organizations are nonpartisan and do not endorse candidates nor support political parties.
More information on the Upper Keys Candidate Forum can be found at www.upperkeyslwv.org or www.upperkeysbpw.org/events.
BEATING THE HEAT AND STAYING HEALTHY
Signs and remedies for heat-related illnesses
Wear lightweight clothing and wide-brimmed hats to stay cool under the sun. PRAEWPAILYN/Adobe Stock
is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension coordinator BRYNN MOREY
Another morning in the Keys, my cell phone lights up with the weather alert
“Heat Advisory.” Although it’s October, and many areas around the U.S. are starting to cool off, it still feels like it’s boiling down here.
Many of us are used to the heat, and most are not afraid to complain about it, but do we understand how dangerous it can be? This question weighs on my mind because two weeks ago, my husband came home from a day’s work in the sun, suffering from a severe case of heart exhaustion.
It is common for most households in the Keys to have several family members who work outdoors. Whether in construction, fishing, landscape or tourism, they spend most of their day battling the intense heat. As global warming continues and temperatures rise, the risk for heat-related emergencies increases. Understanding the signs and symptoms is crucial for prevention and timely intervention.
Some of the first signs you may be heading toward a heat-related emergency are dehydration and heat cramps. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in and can be recognized by symptoms such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, rapid heartbeat and breathing, sunken eyes, fatigue and confusion. Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle contractions that typically occur in the legs, arms and abdomen. They are usually caused by the body losing water and essential electrolytes due to excessive sweating. If you are experiencing dehydration or muscle cramps, drink water or an electrolyte drink to help replenish lost fluids and minerals, move to a cool area, apply cool towels and gently massage the cramping muscles.
Heat exhaustion is a more serious heat-related illness which occurs when the body becomes too hot and loses a significant amount of water and electrolytes due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and/or intense physical activity. Heat exhaustion can be recognized by symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness,
fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, throbbing headache, muscle cramps, and pale, cool or moist skin. If you are experiencing heat exhaustion, move to a cooler place, drink cool water or an electrolyte drink, and apply cool, damp cloths to your skin. If symptoms worsen, you should seek medical attention immediately. Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related emergency and can potentially be life-threatening. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s core temperature rises to dangerous levels. Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke involves failure of the body’s temperature regulation system and can rapidly become a medical emergency. Heat stroke can be recognized by symptoms such as high body temperature (above 104°), confusion, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, hot or dry skin, a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, severe headache and nausea or vomiting. If a person is experiencing heat stroke, you should seek emergency medical help immediately. Then, cool the body rapidly, immerse the person in a cool bath or shower, or place ice packs on the armpits, neck and groin to help reduce body temperature. If the person is conscious and can drink, provide water or an electrolyte drink.
Heat-related emergencies are frightening and can come on very quickly. Here are some simple steps you can take to prevent them from happening to you:
• Stay hydrated.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and lightcolored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Utilize fans and apply cool, damp cloths to the skin.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine.
• Consume foods that help cool the body, such as fruits with high water content.
Be proactive about hydrating when working outside in the heat. GÜNTER ALBERS/Adobe Stock
DRAMA ON NO NAME KEY
Heated neighbor disputes lead to a shooting
Poet Robert Frost used the line “good fences make good neighbors” in his 1914 poem “Mending Fences.” While he was not the first to speak to the idea, it was certainly not the case with No Name Key’s Carlton Craig and Mosby Matcovich.
For a little backstory, the first version of the Overseas Highway was officially called State Road 4A. Significantly different than it appears today, the road had a 40mile gap requiring passage aboard an automobile ferry. Two ferry terminals, one at Lower Matecumbe Key and one at No Name Key, were operable when the road opened to traffic in 1927. The ferries remained in use until the new and improved Overseas Highway opened in 1938 eliminated the need for the ferry system. The No Name Key ferry landing was subsequently abandoned.
During the road’s construction, a work camp was established next to the ferry landing. Carlton Craig bought the property circa 1933, expanded it and developed the No Name Key Fishing Lodge. Craig had a brother named Roland, who also moved to the Keys and developed his own fisherman’s paradise. His property was on a stretch of railroad fill between Lower Matecumbe and Fiesta Keys, now known as Craig Key.
Unlike Roland, Carlton Craig had a difficult neighbor named Mosby Matcovich whose father, Nicholas Matcovich, was once known as the Hermit of No Name Key. Nicholas farmed his homestead until he passed in 1919. Mosby, born circa 1872, moved to the family homestead and, like his father, worked as a farmer. The border
between the properties of Craig and Matcovich was State Road 4A as it led to the ferry terminal.
According to a story in The Key West Citizen dated Feb. 25, 1936, Mosby Matcovich appeared before Justice of the Peace Rogelio Gomez over complaints levied by Carlton Craig. He alleged that Matcovich interfered with his work at the No Name Fishing Lodge and made threats against him. Matcovich was ordered to “deposit a peace bond of $200 or spend 10 days in county jail.” Failing to pay the bond, he was placed in custody and taken to the county jail.
It was not his last time in court. The Key West Citizen reported that Mosby Matcovich was again in front of a judge in the June 21, 1938, edition of the paper. This time, it was more serious. Matcovich stood before County Judge Raymond R. Lord for an incident with Captain Jimmie Saunders, who charted fishing trips from Craig’s fish camp. On the evening of June 16, it was alleged that Saunders trespassed onto Matcovich’s property and threatened him with bodily harm.
According to Matcovich, feeling threatened, he leveled a single-barrel shotgun at Saunders and shot him in self-defense. The victim was brought to Key West and delivered to the Marine Hospital by the Lopez Funeral Home ambulance. Dr. Ralph Braund operated on Saunders and removed the slug that broke his pelvis. On June 17, 1938, The Key West Citizen reported that Saunders was “evidently not shot by buckshot for when the trousers were removed from Saunders there was only one hole in his trousers indicating where the charge entered. The wound is just above the buttocks.”
The “badly mashed” slug was not buckshot from a shotgun but from a .32 caliber revolver. Not only had Matcovich not used a shotgun, but also shot Saunders when his back was turned. Charged with attempted murder, Matcovich was initially sentenced to five years in the state prison, but his sentence was later reduced to one year in county jail and a $500 fine. If he could not pay the fine, Judge William Albury said he would tack on
Aerial of No Name Key showing No Name Key Fishing Lodge by Ferry landing circa 1936. MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY COLLECTION
one more year to his sentence.
Life on No Name Key continued to be uncomfortable between the two neighbors. According to a story in the June 10, 1943, edition of The Miami Herald, the abandoned roadway and ferry terminal were being used in unauthorized ways. A Miami shark fishing operation had been using the docks at the ferry landing. Craig erected both a chicken coup and a chicken run or pen on the old road bordering his No Name Key Fishing Lodge. Matcovich erected fence polls. County Attorney Julius Stone ordered the obstructions be removed within 30 days. Matcovich told county commissioners he had only constructed the fence to keep Craig off his property.
Craig sold off parcels of his No Name Key property from 1945-1947. In April 1945, Vilma Walden purchased 95 feet of waterfront property for $1,500. In May 1945, John D. Dillon bought a 123-by-1,320 foot tract for $1,200. In February 1946, a 220-by-1,320 foot waterfront lot was sold to Thomas R. Mullen, Jr., Richard Leslie Mullen and Ruth E. Mullen for $1,300. In September 1947, Mr. and Mrs. Lyman purchased Craig’s No Name Key Fishing Lodge for $12,000.
After selling his No Name Key properties, Craig moved to Miami. He passed away in 1975. Mosby Matcovich’s No Name Key property appeared for sale over several years. In 1947, 20 acres of the Matcovich homestead advertised as being “at the old Ferry landing” was listed for sale in The Key West Citizen for $6,000. On Feb. 15, 1950, there was a newspaper advertising “property at old Ferry landing, southside shore and road frontage, deep water and use of 1,000-foot pier –Mosby Matcovich, Key West.” No price was listed.
According to a September 27, 1944, advertisement, he was living in Key West. “Acreage for sale on No Name Key at the old ferry landing, on right-hand side going out. M. Matcovich, 1405 Division St. Key West, Fla.”
Division Street has since been renamed Truman Avenue. Mosby Matcovich passed away in June 1964.
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
JOYFULLY MOVE THAT BODY
Wednesdays.
“E. G. MERKEL www.keysweekly.com
Exercise is the key not only to physical health but to peace of mind,” Nelson Mandela stated wisely. JOY Center takes that thought to heart. Two popular classes are highlighted here.
On Tuesdays, Averil Kimble leads Stretch and Balance between 12 and 12:45 p.m. Participants can join live or via Zoom. Averil teaches via Zoom when she is not in the area.
Averil shared, “I recently overheard a student comment to another, ‘I always feel SO good after this class.’ That’s why I keep teaching — to help people feel good — and laugh a bit, too.”
Student Gale Raban shared an enthusiastic testimonial:
“I never understood why people seemed to actually enjoy exercise. That was never me! Until I started Averil’s stretch class. It feels so good and I know it’s so good for me. I had injured my lower back and was not sure I should be doing anything. Maybe, I thought, I should be resting it. I was getting ready to schedule a chiropractor, but I tried her class before I did. And my back is no longer giving me problems! I love this class and Averil is just the best teacher. So knowledgeable and easy to follow and dare I say it … fun. Can’t recommend her class enough.”
Another new participant, Sandi Bisceglia, shared similar enthusiasm for the class:
“I did not know what to expect … just thought I’d try it. Usually, I swim
or go to yoga. I loved the class and picked up so many subtle tips on moves that make a difference. Even though the class is on Zoom … you managed to reach us and help us with small and large maneuvers that made the class so effective. I plan to attend more often. Thank you for putting some much into it to help us be in touch with our health.”
On both Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 to 10:50 a.m., Kat Wheatley leads Gentle Flow Yoga. Student Steve Travers sums up the Gentle Flow Yoga experience: “Kat Wheatley is amazing. Her students’ smiles light up the room when she enters. She is fun, kind, gentle, generous with her care and attention, and always grateful for the opportunity to guide us along our yoga path. Others at the JOY Center have remarked, ‘Her voice is so special.’ They are right. She has a gift for pitch, inflection, cadence, and volume that is both captivating and encouraging. I’m especially thankful that she speaks loudly enough for those of us older folks with hearing loss, ensuring we don’t miss a step — and it’s a delightfully GENTLE step at that.”
There are opportunities to move, laugh, learn and share Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You are always welcome to join a class or just stop by and see the action at the Monroe County Plantation Key Community Center,53 High Point Road on Plantation Key in Islamorada.
For more information, visit www. justolderyouthinc.org.
Islamorada Village of Islands Meeting Schedule October 2024
Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada
Scan here to view the full meeting schedule.
Averil Kimblie leads Stretch and Balance classes on Tuesdays. CONTRIBUTED
Kat Wheatley teaches Gentle Yoga Flow on Tuesdays and
FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS
What color is your fat?
...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC.
When most people think about fat, they tend to imagine it as a single, homogeneous substance. Most people also envision their body fat to be yellow blobs. I know I did for a long time when I saw a video of a personal trainer throw a bumpy yellow rubber mold (made to look like fat, I guess) on a table while yelling to a woman: “IS THIS WHAT YOU WANT? HUH, HUH? YOU WANT THIS FOR YOUR LIFE?”
The clearly intimidated and humiliated woman picked up the yellow rubbery “fat” and started crying, violently shaking her head no. I remember thinking two things: “Wow, this guy’s tactic is horrifying,” and two, “Why would he choose yellow? What a putz.”
So, by now you might be thinking, “Well, what color is fat, Jen?” The truth: Fat isn’t just one color or one type. In fact, there are two distinct types of fat tissue in the human body: brown fat and white fat. These two types of fat serve different functions, have different appearances and affect your health in diverse ways. The question is, what color is your fat, and how does it influence your body?
White fat: the energy reserve
White fat, also known as white adipose tissue (WAT), is what most people traditionally think of as body fat. This type of fat stores energy in the form of large, oily droplets that expand or shrink depending on your diet and activity levels. White fat also plays a role in cushioning vital organs, providing insulation to maintain body temperature and producing hormones like leptin, which regulate hunger and metabolism. However, too much white fat, particularly around the abdomen,
is linked to various health issues. Excessive white fat can increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. While white fat is essential for survival, its accumulation can become problematic if not kept in check through diet and exercise.
Brown fat: the calorie burner
Brown fat, or brown adipose tissue (BAT), is a completely different type of fat. Instead of storing energy, it burns calories to generate heat – a process known as thermogenesis. Brown fat contains a high number of mitochondria, the energy-producing components of cells, which give it its characteristic brown color. The primary function of brown fat is to help regulate body temperature, especially in newborns and animals that hibernate.
Unlike white fat, brown fat is metabolically active and can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of obesity. While adults have significantly less brown fat than newborns, researchers have found that we still retain some brown fat stores, typically around the neck, shoulders and spine. The good news is that it’s possible to increase your brown fat levels, which could have a beneficial impact on your overall metabolism.
How brown fat and white fat differ
One of the key differences between brown and white fat is their function. Brown fat is an active player in calorie burning, whereas white fat is more passive.
Another significant difference is where these fats are located. White fat is commonly found throughout the body, particularly in the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Brown fat is typically located in smaller, concentrated areas like the upper back, neck and shoulders.
In terms of health, having more white fat — especially visceral fat, which surrounds organs — can increase the risk of various diseases. Brown fat, in contrast, has been linked to improved metabolic health and may help protect against condi-
tions like obesity and diabetes.
Converting white fat to brown fat: Is it possible?
Recent studies suggest that it is possible to convert white fat into brown-like fat, often referred to as “beige” fat. This beige fat behaves more like brown fat, meaning it burns calories rather than storing them. So, how can you encourage this transformation?
1. Cold exposure: One of the most well-known ways to activate brown fat and encourage the conversion of white fat into brown fat is through cold exposure. When you’re cold, your body burns more energy to generate heat, which increases brown fat activity. Taking cold showers, using cold plunges (more on this in an upcoming article) or spending time in cold environments can help stimulate this process. Studies have shown that people who are regularly exposed to colder temperatures tend to have more active brown fat.
2. Exercise: Physical activity is another way to promote the browning of white fat. Exercise releases a hormone called irisin, which is thought to trigger the conversion of white fat cells into brown-like fat. Regular exercise also increases overall energy expenditure, which helps reduce white fat stores.
3. Certain foods: Some studies have found that certain foods and nutrients can also help activate brown fat. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, has been shown to stimulate brown
fat activity. Green tea, rich in catechins, and resveratrol, a compound found in red wine and berries, may also enhance the browning of white fat. Now, don’t go down the red wine hole and think drinking multiple glasses throughout the day is going to be your new “diet plan.” First, not all red wines are created equal, and as much as I love what resveratrol can do, the alcohol content often offsets the benefits if you don’t keep it to one glass two or three times per week. Berries are a MUCH better option.
Quality sleep: Sleep affects various hormones that regulate fat metabolism. Poor sleep disrupts the balance of these hormones, potentially leading to increased white fat accumulation. On the other hand, good quality sleep helps maintain a healthy metabolism, which can support the activation of brown fat.
4. So, what color is your fat? There are several high-tech ways to measure how much WAT vs BAT a person has. A PET-CT scan is the gold standard, but there are other tests including a DXA scan, thermal imaging, biomarkers found in blood work as well as hormone levels, and biopsies. I encourage you to talk to your primary care provider to see what is available to you. The good news is that you can throw that rubber yellow “fat” back in that jerk’s face, say “I’d like to start converting white fat into brown,” and walk out the door with your head held high, because you are in control and you can make big changes.
Cold plunges are a known method to activate brown fat and promote the conversion of white fat to ‘beige’ fat. CONTRIBUTED
JENNIFER
BOLTZ HARVEY
CHRIS McNULTY
is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com
The final eclipse of this year occurred Oct. 2, so you can let your guard down a bit and start to integrate the radical changes that have taken place over the past few weeks. Yesterday’s solar eclipse in Libra heralds a new beginning through letting go. An old skin is being shed and a cumbersome weight is being dropped, all so that we might experience the world with a new gait or a new choreography. The fact that this eclipse took place in Libra alludes to a social ballast that we are releasing. This eclipse welcomes a realization of how we might have been putting others before ourselves, losing ourselves to keep the peace, forgetting we are part of something bigger than ourselves, or realizing our words and actions may not have been in alignment. Let this metamorphosis move through you as we all begin to regain our footing after the tectonic shifts that have taken place. Soon enough you’ll have the distance from eclipse season to look back and say, “Oh THAT’S why I was all over the place!”
Here are your horoscopes for the Solar Eclipse in Libra. Read for your rising and sun signs.
LIBRA
Sept. 23 - Oct. 23
You naturally find yourself in your relationships to other people, Libra, but this eclipse has you wondering where your intrinsic sense of self arises in that social soup. Where is the me in the we? Something has been released in this regard, and you have a chance to step into the world with a new skin. No more living to respond. Your voice is more than an echo.
SCORPIO
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
We don’t even need to be around others to be affected by our own notions of social expectation, and that is particularly true for you, Scorpio. Have you been realizing that your own subconscious cage of social norms is holding you back? We build our own cages, and you have the key to yours. Your own expectations for yourself are what matter most, so fly out that door.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
You are naturally the life of the party AND the one who makes sure everyone is having a good time. No one is left behind in your social circle. This eclipse asks you if that is necessarily your responsibility. When you focus on the needs of others, do you gain more for yourself than they get in return? Certainly not always, but perhaps there is a “mind ya business” energy that could benefit your own integration.
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
Taylor Swift, born with Mercury in Capricorn, said that we only know the version of someone that they have chosen to show us. This eclipse season had you grappling with reputation, and yesterday’s eclipse had you shedding a reputation for others in order to build a reputation for yourself. Maybe your work and your image should not be crafted by the perception of others, but for the reception of others.
AQUARIUS
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
You are an incredibly independent innovator, Aquarius. Learning new things and chasing the horizon come with the territory of Aquarian ingenuity. Novelty for novelty’s sake, however, can be a never-ending escape. Do you run towards new territory and new people to avoid the responsibility of being authentic in familiar surroundings? Escape has its own weight. Stop running.
PISCES
Feb. 19 - March 20
Investing in other people is a way for you to throw out lifelines. It’s easy for you to get swept into dreamy, metaphysical wanderings, and developing responsibilities and obligations to others can keep you tethered in a grounded place. Do those tethers always reflect your values, though? This eclipse offers you a chance to let some obligations go and to make new ones that represent you better.
ARIES
March 21 - April 19
Partnership does not have a singular definition. There are many ways to be in partnership with another person, and this eclipse season had you growing into a new pattern of self and other. Perhaps it is time for some new partners, or perhaps it is time to renegotiate your partnership terms. Letting go of old patterns is the primary focus right now, and there are myriad ways to do so.
TAURUS
April 20 - May 20
Doing things with other people is a motivating factor for you to get active, Taurus. Your hands and your labor are made for peacekeeping, and it is precisely this aspect of your life that is going through major change. What is the peace that you are working for? Are there greater purposes that your powerful hands can contribute to?
GEMINI
May 21 - June 20
Your creative bliss is a social project, Gemini. Your innovative self-expression is inherently about connecting with others and creating balance in the world. How you do that can take many forms, however. Bending over backwards to make sure everyone gets what they want out of you is inherently unsustainable. How can you renegotiate your creative projects to make sure your own voice doesn’t get lost?
CANCER
SHEDDING CONVENTIONS
June 21 - July 22
Family ain’t what it used to be. We tend to think that our past is set in stone, and yet new information or a new perspective can entirely change the material nature of our history. How has your experience of family become new, and what do you need to let go of to move forward with healthy integrity? Sometimes, it’s what we carry that prevents us from finding our footing.
LEO
July 23 - Aug. 22
It’s your local environment where you are the caretaker, and big adventures where you find your sense of self. However, it is your familiar world where you spend most of your time, so it is important to have an integrated sense of self in your community. Something is shifting in this regard. How can you be a person for others on your home turf and infuse that quality with independence?
VIRGO
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
Our finances are more than just money in the bank. How we make money and how we spend money reflect our values (or lack thereof). Your money flow tends to be about keeping balance in the social sphere, but this eclipse has you making changes. Your financial health is as much about yourself as it is about others, and there are ways to ensure that you can have income while also being a giver.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE THROUGH WOMEN DIVERS HALL OF FAME
Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) is hosting its annual scholarship and training grant awards for 2025. Applications can be submitted through 5 p.m. on Oct. 31.
There are seven categories of scholarships offered this year in marine conservation (basic or applied research), marine biology, underwater archaeology, sea turtle conservation, extreme environment physiology and journalism/ graphic arts/photography/videography. They are intended to support independent research, field work and conservation/restoration activities, as specified in the descriptions found at www.wdhof.org.
Additionally, there are 10 categories of training grants offered this year. Training grants provide funding for diving and diving-related underwater training. WDHOF and sponsors offer several dive training grants for beginners to learn to dive and for certified divers to advance their skills.
In addition to all of the spon-
sored training grants listed on the website, in celebration of the Women Divers Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary, an additional 25 basic and/or advanced dive training grants will be awarded. Note that there is not a separate application for these grants. Recipients will be selected from the pool of applications already submitted for the 2025 sponsored scholarships and training grants.
Application instructions and more detailed information on how to apply can be found on the WDHOF website (www.wdhof.org).
The Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and raising awareness of the contributions of outstanding women divers. WDHOF provides educational, mentorship, financial and career opportunities to the diving community throughout the world. Each year, WDHOF awards scholarships and training grants that provide financial and educational support to individuals of all ages.
— Contributed
A JOURNEY TO A DREAM
Local author to hold book launch and signing
Abook depicting the heartfelt and motivational account of a woman’s journey to live the dream in the Florida Keys will launch Tuesday, Oct. 8.
Islamorada author Madeline A. Rousseau’s book launch of “Struggled to Sold” will be held at the Islamorada library from 5 to 7 p.m. Rousseau’s story is a beacon of hope and a guide for anyone looking to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. She’s built a career on a simple, yet powerful philosophy of helping others through her work. Rousseau overcame challenges to build and sell a thriving real estate brokerage in five years.
With Rousseau’s new book, she seeks to inspire others to elevate and embrace the possibilities that come with hard work, resilience, determination and the power of dreams.
“I want to share and show how I was able to overcome life’s obstacles because going through life’s challenges often resembles an unpredictable journey in real estate. It’s essential to view failures as stepping stones to success,” Rousseau said.
Rousseau will speak during her book launch and signing at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of Harbor Cafe. There will also be door prizes and a drawing to win a special art piece donated by local
library. CONTRIBUTED
visual artist Marcia Brito. Attendees must provide a donation to enter the drawing. Brito’s work will also be on display during the event.
Books can be pre-purchased online at authormadelinerousseau. com or at Barnes & Noble. Rousseau’s books will also be available for purchase on Oct. 8 at the Islamorada library.
— Keys Weekly staff report
Author Madeline Rousseau is an Islamorada resident who recently wrote ‘Struggled to Sold.” An Oct. 8 book launch and signing will take place at the Islamorada
Divers celebrate a talk and night dive together on Islamorada’s reefs during Women’s Day of Diving in 2023. KEY DIVES/Contributed
MARINE SANCTUARY HONORS VOLUNTEER STEPHEN PATTEN
Kristina Agard, Superintndent Sarah Fangman and Liz Trueblood honor Stephen Patten with his second Volunteer of the Year plaque. CONTRIBUTED
Patten serves as docent at Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Stephen Patten is two-timing us—in a good way. The 68-year-old retiree, whose first name is pronounced Stef-an, has been named Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer of the Year for a second time, reprising the honor he first earned in 2019. “I guess I’m on a roll every five years,” Patten quipped, “so I have 2029 to look forward to.” By that time, Patten will have multiplied the 1,000 volunteer hours he’s logged as a docent at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, not to mention his time serving as a member of the Sanctuary Advisory Council.
“Stephen is an authority on the environmental history and communities of the Keys,” said EcoDiscovery Center manager Kristina Agard, “and does a wonderful job introducing visitors to not only the Eco-Discovery Center, but to the environment around it as well. Stephen ensures everyone walks away with a deeper understanding of our delicate ecosystems and how we can all help to preserve them.”
You could say that Patten labored for half a century to get here. In the early 1970s, he enrolled at
GLASS BOTTOM BOATS OF ISLAMORADA GETS RECOGNITION
Oregon State University to pursue a career as a park ranger, but a dearth of jobs at the time forced him into the military. He became an Army medic on the way to a nursing career that made him a leader in the liver transplant movement as president of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists.
“All of us are born with responsibility before we get privileges,” Patten said, “and it’s a responsibility of every individual to find where they can make a difference in society and do it. It’s one of the reasons I was a nurse for 40 years, and the reason I’m volunteering and trying to give back to the environment I love so much.”
Patten is in his third term on the Sanctuary Advisory Council, serving as the primary Lower Keys Citizen at Large. A scuba diver since 1972, you can also find him in the water on occasion, enjoying the coral reefs and generating first-hand knowledge for his tours at the Eco-Discovery Center. “As volunteer coordinator, I love when I can match a volunteer with the right opportunity for them to feel like they are making a difference— giving back to their community, and having fun at the same time,” said the sanctuary’s Liz Trueblood. “Our volunteers allow us to reach more people with the important message of protecting the unique ecosystems in the Keys.” — Contributed
Glass Bottom Boats of Islamorada, a premier eco-tourism business operating out of Robbie’s of Islamorada, was honored with the Florida Keys New Business of the Year award at the September Islamorada Chamber meeting. The award, presented by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida International University, recognizes exceptional new businesses in Monroe County.
Brian McCadie, who co-owns the operation with his wife, Elizabeth, accepted the award on behalf of the company. Despite facing challenging weather conditions throughout their first year of operation, Glass Bottom Boats of Islamorada served more than 6,000 guests, offering unique and informative tours of the Florida Keys marine ecosystem.
To enhance the guest experience and contribute to local preservation efforts, Glass Bottom Boats partnered with author and historian
Brad Bertelli to record audio for the tours covering the rich history of the nearby state parks, providing valuable insights to visitors on both ocean and bayside tours.
The company’s Newton 46foot, glass-bottom boat features an open-air design, ample space and a knowledgeable crew. Guests are treated to breathtaking views of coral reefs, marine life and underwater landscapes. The boat’s innovative underwater lighting system creates a mesmerizing glow during night tours, highlighting the vibrant nocturnal marine environment.
Brian VanHook, SBDC director, emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting new businesses in the Florida Keys. He praised Glass Bottom Boats of Islamorada for their exemplary work ethic, commitment to environmental stewardship and strong partnerships with local organizations like I.CARE (I Care About Coral).
Brian McCadie, Glass Bottom Boats of Islamorada co-owner, accepts the Florida Keys New Business of the Year. Pictured, from left, are Judy Hull, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce executive director, and Bonnie Barnes, market growth specialist for the Small Business Development Center at Florida International University and McCadie. CONTRIBUTED
COMMUNITY CELEBRATES A PAIR OF DOLPHIN BIRTHDAYS
Community members visited Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder in Key Largo for an open house and celebration of Tug and Jett’s 8th birthdays on Sept. 29. Activities included a tour of the facility, a meet-and-greet with trainers, educational presentations and food trucks. CINDY SMITH/Contributed
Learning, music and art will be on full display this fall season at the Key Largo library.
The Friends of the Key Largo Library took the summer to arrange funding for adult programming featuring six educational talks, six concerts and six hands-on art classes. All the offerings are free to the public.
Acoustic concerts will take place on the first Friday night of each month, Oct. 4 through March 7, 2025, plus one Saturday afternoon concert. They will feature past favorites and introduce new voices. For concert information, visit KeysLibraries.Org/Key-Largo, follow the Key Largo Branch Library on Facebook and Instagram or pick up a concert flier the next time you’re at the library.
The library will offer a new series of talks called Eco-Voices Oct. 24 through February 2025. Six local groups will present their story and how we can make a positive impact on the Keys environment. Talks will include the Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctu-
REEL RECS
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
ary, Coral Restoration Foundation, MarineLab, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
The six adult art classes will be offered October through February. Participants will be taught by members of the Art Guild of the Purple Isles who are also experienced art teachers. Each art class will coordinate and reflect one of the Eco-Voices presentations. Art techniques will include drawing, gyotaku, acrylic painting, batik and alcohol inks. Art class sizes will be limited and advanced registration will be required starting in October. Check with library staff for details.
At the end of the art program series, 50 pieces of art will be framed and on exhibit in the library community room in March.
Programs are made possible by the Friends of the Key Largo Library and public donations at book sales, raffles and planned giving. A special thanks goes to Shell World and Mon-
The first Friday concert will feature Mateo Jampol, an internationally-acclaimed guitarist, on Friday, Oct. 4 at the Key Largo library. CONTRIBUTED
roe County Public Libraries for their generous support of cultural programming at the library. These programs are sponsored in part by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, the state of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, Monroe County Public Libraries and private donations. Those interested in becoming a Friend of the Key Largo Library can inquire at FriendsKeyLargoLibrary@ gmail.com.
— Contributed
What: “Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game” (2022) Why: Most biopics follow a tried-and-true formula, and this one is so aware of that that it constantly breaks the fourth wall to poke fun at it. Flashy editing and a catchy score help keep the pace flying, and there’s a cheekiness to its humor that ensures it never takes itself too seriously. Mike Faist as the younger Roger Sharpe convincingly sells the sweet and awkward persona of the subject (even with an unconvincing mustache). Meanwhile, Dennis Boutsikaris as the older, fourth-wall-breaking Roger acting as our narrator is clearly having a great and sassy time. Regardless of your appreciation, or lack thereof, of pinball, the story is fun and stylish.
Where: This film 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.
See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/reel-recs.
Dr. Christopher Forsee, DMD is seamlessly taking the reins from the iconic “Barefoot Dentist,” Dr. Troxel, where the laid-back vibe extends even to the choice of footwear.
Dr. Forsee delivers personalized comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs. Whether it's routine maintenance or advanced procedures, trust Dr. Forsee to rejuvenate your smile with meticulous precision and compassionate care.
TRY ’N’ FIND
Words that remind us of Sacagawea are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Mini Fact: Sacagawea’s son was born in February 1805. She carried him on her back most of the time. photo by Jasperdo
More than 200 years ago, a young American Indian woman, Sacagawea (sah-KAH-guh-WEE-uh), helped a team of explorers make their way across the American West.
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, with about 50 men, began their journey near St. Louis and passed through what is now Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The 8,000-mile trip took more than 2 1/2 years. They returned to St. Louis on Sept. 23, 1806.
When Lewis and Clark arrived at the Hidatsa villages, Sacagawea, age 16, was married to a French Canadian fur trader named Toussaint Charbonneau (shar-bone- OWE). Lewis and Clark hired the couple as intrepreters. Sacagawea was pregnant and gave birth to her son, Jean Baptiste, soon after she joined the group.
THE EXPLORATION
You might call Sacagawea our first woman ambassador. On the trail, she represented the Lewis and Clark group as a symbol of peace. Without her along, suspicious Indians might have attacked this band of unfamiliar white men. When they saw Sacagawea and her baby, they knew the group was peaceful.
She was a great help finding plants to eat or use as medicines, and she helped Lewis and Clark make trades for things they needed, such as horses.
A PRESIDENTIAL PROJECT
At the time of the expedition, our country was made up of an area east of the Mississippi River. There were 17 states and several territories that would later become states.
In 1798, the port of New Orleans was closed to American shipping, but shipping goods down the Mississippi and through the port of New Orleans was important to Americans.
President Thomas Jefferson wanted to buy the port of New Orleans from the French. The French wanted to sell not only New Or1eans, but also all of the Louisiana Territory for $15 million, or about 3 cents an acre. The Louisiana Purchase almost doubled the size of our country.
Jefferson wanted to find out more about the lands, plants and animals in the Louisiana Territory and beyond. He wanted to establish peaceful relations with the American Indian tribes, and he hoped to find a good way to reach the Pacific Ocean. He selected Lewis to lead the expedition, and Lewis asked Clark to join him.
This week, The Mini Page learns more about this historic trip and the woman who helped make it a success.
A YOUNG GUIDE
Sacagawea was a member of the Lemhi Shoshone (LEM-high show-SHOW-knee) tribe that lived in an area that is now western Montana. When she was about 11, Sacagawea was captured by another tribe, the Hidatsa (hi-DAHTzah). She was carried more than 600 miles east to what is now North Dakota. She learned the Hidatsa language in addition to the Shoshone language she already spoke.
HER OWN COIN
There are no pictures of Sacagawea drawn from life. In 2001, the United States issued a gold dollar coin with her image. The art was based on a modern Shoshone woman.
Historians believe Sacagawea died in 1812 at about 25 years old. Her son and a daughter, Lizette, were adopted by William Clark.
Some plants that are illuminated all night by streetlights can develop leaves so tough that they cannot be eaten by insects, according to a study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Researcher Shuang Zhang found that the more illumination there was, the tougher the leaves. In the brightest areas, the leaves were extremely tough and showed no sign of insects munching on them. Zhang says that insects eating vegetation is a normal process that sustains other creatures in the ecosystem.
RESOURCES
On the Web: •nps.gov/lecl/learn/historyculture/ sacagawea.htm
At the library:
• “Sacagawea for Kids: A Trailblazer’s Biography” by Sarah Michaels
Part of a painting by Edgar Samuel Paxson, “Lewis and Clark at Three Forks.” The painting is on display at the Montana House of Representatives.
BATTLE OF THE KEYS
Inside the 55th annual clash | P.10
THE SCOREBOARD
Team
Coral Shores Volleyball Silver Palms 9/23 W, 3-2
Marathon Volleyball Posnack 9/23 L, 3-1
Basilica Volleyball Spanish River 9/27 L, 2-0
Coral
THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS
OCT. 3
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
She did a tremendous job spreading the ball around and ultimately getting it to the right spot for kills.”
– Hurricanes coach Jarrrod Mandozzi
In Coral Shores’ victory against Somerset Silver Palms, junior setter Shelby Lynn was integral in the team’s win. Lynn’s precision and game savvy gave the ‘Canes the edge last week, as she distributed the ball exactly where it needed to be for a match that gave Coral Shores their ninth straight victory.
“It was a pretty special match for her,” said head coach Jarrod Mandozzi, who praised Lynn’s ingenious play. “In one of the tight sets that we won by two, I think she had three or four straight sets to Niveah Howard and Celene (Walker) to really get us going. Then everyone thought she was going back to Niveah for her third straight kill and she dumped the ball over.”
That point gave the ‘Canes the lead in the set and ultimately led to a team victory. Lynn had 8 digs and an incredible 19 assists in the match. For her athleticism, unselfish play and quick thinking on the court, Shelby Lynn is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week
THIS WEEK Shelby
Junior, Coral Shores Volleyball
Photo by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
This Friday, the Marathon Dolphins will make the trip north to take on the Coral Shores Hurricanes in the 55th annual Battle of the Keys. See page 10. Clockwise from top: Marathon’s Eddie Garcia, Coral Shores’ Yemcel Moreno and AJ Putetti, Marathon’s Shamar Wright.
Photos by Barry Gaukel and Doug Finger.
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.
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Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com
STORM CREATES MINOR HAVOC FOR SPORTS Hurricane Helene impacts athletics despite
missing island chain
Fall sports in Florida are particularly vulnerable to the elements, beginning with late summer practices sanctioned by heat guidelines and culminating with hurricane season. It was the latter which impacted sports county-wide last week. Hurricane Helene’s outer bands whipped across the Keys, forcing a one-day school closure and numerous events to be postponed or canceled entirely.
Key West and Coral Shores will need to wait an extra week and a half to find out who the county volleyball champs will be this year; their Sept. 26 match was canceled with the school closure. Practices were a no-go for Keys teams, and a rainy week prior forced some creative solutions from coaches.
Golfers took the week off from competition and found little time to practice on swampy courses. Marathon’s Florida Keys Country Club was closed for the better part of the week, and at press time, a Sept. 30 match was in jeopardy if the course could not shed its unintended water hazards.
Cross country teams were set to toe the line for the Conch Crawl 5K at the Key West Country Club on Sept. 28, but the course conditions forced the event to be pushed back one week. And with streets flooded in areas and grassy patches looking more like rice paddies, runners had to change their routes and still finished training runs with soaking feet.
Marathon’s home football game Sept. 27 was less than ideal for players, spectators and homecoming candidates alike. A downpour began in the second quarter and let up just after the final whistle blew, soaking all in attendance. Key West was forced to play on Saturday, Sept. 28 rather than the 26th. The Conchs were set to travel to Miami for their game against St. Brendan School the day the storm impacted the area the worst.
With districts fast approaching, the storm could not have come at a worse time for coaches and athletes hoping to make the most of the postseason, yet anyone who has been a resident of Monroe County for a direct hit cannot help but feel relief. After all, a few schedule changes and missed games is very little in comparison to what the victims of Helene’s full wrath are experiencing.
tracy mcdonald
Though Hurricane Helene largely spared the Keys, effects of the storm forced a quiet week for school and sporting events. WIKIPEDIA/Contributed
JIM McCARTHY
KEY LARGO FOOTBALL ENTERS YEAR 2
Middle school fought hard against Miami opponents
The Key Largo Tornados middle school football program entered season two with a pair of home games against skilled Miami opponents. On Sept. 12, the Tornados welcomed the Westminster Warriors at the Coral Shores High School field. Led by sixth-grader Mako Savage at quarterback, the Tornados battled tough in a loss. The Tornados returned to the field against Florida Christian on Sept. 25 at the Coral Shores field. The teams exchanged leads with big plays from both sides, including a touchdown run and a fumble recovery and return by Charles Royal, as well as kickoff return for a touchdown by Dylan Perez Brenes. The game went into overtime with the Patriots edging out the victory in rainy conditions. The Tornados entered week three play against True North on Oct. 2 before visiting Marathon on Friday, Oct. 11. The Tornados, which include players from the various Upper Keys schools, are coached by Raymond Turner, Sean Savage and Ryan Raschein.
1. The Key Largo Tornados take the field.
2. Tornados quarterback Mako Savage throws a pass during the opening game against Westminster Christian.
3. Running back Charles Royal attempts a stiff arm on defenders.
4. Tornados defenders try to bring down the Warriors’ quarterback.
5. Center Chase Groh.
6. Wide receiver Brayden Turner (1) goes up for the catch.
7. Dylan Perez Brenes (26) disrupts a pass play.
Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly.
Visit keysweekly. com for a full gallery.
LADY ‘CANES’ PERFECT SEASON INTACT
Hurricane Helene cancels Key West/Coral Shores showdown
The weather was not cooperative last week, with many athletic events postponed or canceled state-wide. A much-anticipated volleyball match between Coral Shores and Key West fell victim to the storm, and rescheduling does not look good as the start of playoffs looms just over a week out.
The Hurricanes made the most of their single match last week, when they hosted district rival Somerset Silver Palms on Sept. 23. It took the ‘Canes five sets to defeat the Stallions for their ninth win of the season, maintaining their unblemished record and giving Coral Shores some breathing room in the district seedings. Later this month, the 3A District 16 ‘Canes will make their postseason debut. The higher their ranking, the longer they will delay the inevitable matches against perennial powerhouses Gulliver and Ransom, and the better their odds at an at-large bid to regionals should they fail to pull off a dark horse-style upset in the district. But that’s getting ahead of things.
A more pressing concern was the win over the Stallions, which coach Jarrod Mandozzi and his Hurricanes accomplished despite not playing their best ball this season.
“I told the girls that good teams find ways to win these games. We weren’t at our best with execution tonight, and a lesser team would not have found a way to win this one, which is a real testament to the heart of this team. I’m just really proud of our resiliency,” he said.
It was clear from the start that the Lady ‘Canes had their work cut out for them, as the two teams battled back and forth, with the Stallions coming from behind to take the first set, 25-23. The Lady ‘Canes came back strong in the second set, taking it 25-20 to even things up in another back-and-forth contest. After the two teams swapped leads a number of times early, the Hurricanes found themselves down 16-11 in the third set before pulling it closer, ultimately winning 28-26 in a battle of wills. Set four belonged to the Stallions, putting it all on the line in set five. Coral Shores gave Somerset no hope in that one, easily defeating the Stallions 15-4 to seal the win and remain undefeated.
Part of the success of this year’s Hurricane squad has been their tenacity. “We had a couple of great hustle plays there that stood out,” said Mandozzi. “Celene Walker dove to keep a ball alive, and after a little rally with a lot of hustle, Ivy Tiedemann caught them off guard with a beautiful dump kill right over their blockers.” Walker finished the night with 14 kills, 20 digs and 3 blocks. Tiedemann had a dozen assists and 7 digs and served up sorrow to the Stallions with 3 aces and a 2.5 service rating.
Abbie Bergeron matched Tiedemann at the baseline and Lily Hitchcock added a pair of aces for a 2.32 service rating. The Hurricanes’ ability to serve with both force and accuracy has made them a tough team to beat, and their explosiveness at the hitter position has made them unstoppable. In addition to Walker’s kills, Hitchcock and Niveah Howard added 9 each.
Just three matches remain in the regular season for Coral Shores, and they have a shot at keeping their record impeccable. They faced Marathon Oct. 2, then Somerset South Homestead the following night, both of which the ‘Canes have beaten earlier this season. Their final regular season match is Oct. 7 at Key West, when their possible undefeated season is on the line along with their Queens of the Keys status. Both the Conchs and ‘Canes have beaten all their remaining Keys opponents this season, and with their earlier match spoiled by the weather, it all comes down to this one.
Marathon played David Posnack Jewish Day School on Sept. 23, hosting the Rams for their second matchup of the season. Marathon lost, but kept it close the entire match, winning set three and losing sets two and four by just 2 points. The Lady Fins will be busy playing five matches in 11 days before their regular season closes out. They will then travel to Moore Haven Oct. 18 for their district tournament. This season is the first in which the Fins are part of the FHSAA Region 4 District 8 Rural classification.
Basilica School traveled a few counties north for the Palm Beach Classic Varsity Tournament Sept. 27 and 28. The Mariners lost to Spanish River on Sept. 27. The following day, they picked up win number six of the season against Berean Christian, then lost to Oxbridge Academy. Basilica School will play their final home game of their inaugural season against Key West Oct. 4 and close out their season Oct. 10 at Marathon.
Key West got in four matches despite the rough weather last week; they traveled to Florida Christian for a tournament against some of the best competition in South Florida. The Lady Conchs lost two on Sept. 27 when they played Sagemont and Miami Palmetto. They picked up some steam the following day, winning a set against Reagan but losing the match, then winning against TERRA Environmental School. Coach Kim Butler found a lot to be encouraged by at the tourney, particularly with her team’s serving. Molly McKnight’s accuracy over the course of the four matches was 92%. Gabby Garcia dialed it in at 93.8% and Reese Haggard seemingly could not miss, with 98.1% of her serves hitting their mark. McKnight was credited with 25 assists and Audrey Smith stacked up 21 kills and 5 blocks for the weekend. Key West plays their final home match of the season Oct. 7 against Coral Shores, then they complete their regular season in Boca Raton.
“We weren’t at our best with execution tonight, and a lesser team would not have found a way to win this one, which is a real testament to the heart of this team.”
— Jarrod Mandozzi, Hurricanes volleyball coach
From left: Coral Shores’ Lily Hitchcock, Abbie Bergeron and Celene Walker. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
Key West traveled to Miami for their first district game of the season, taking on St. Brendan School on Sept. 28. Their Sept. 26 game was rescheduled due to inclement weather, and a referee shortage due to numerous games being rescheduled forced the Conchs to play in the hottest part of the day, with kickoff at 3:30 p.m.
“According to the sensors, we were playing in 120 degree heat,” said head coach Johnny Hughes, whose Conchs bested the Sabres 35-14. “When (Jaden) Fox goes down with cramps, you know it’s hot.”
Fox battled through the extreme temperatures to rack up 197 yards and 3 touchdowns. Walson Morin had a short TD run and freshman Chase Gardner caught a pass for his first varsity touchdown. “We wore them down,” said Hughes, whose Conchs were not the only ones feeling the afternoon heat.
KEYS TEAMS 2 FOR 3 IN WEEK 6
Putetti reaches 1,000 yards in ’Canes’ first loss
The Sabres’ only scores of the game came off a kickoff return and in the final minutes of play when Key West’s starters were on the bench after another impressive defensive showing. The Conchs’ defense has played particularly well this season and will need to continue doing so if they want to make it past round one of districts. FHSAA’s 3A District 16 is home to Miami Northwestern and Jackson, two historically tough South Florida teams.
The win gives the Fighting Conchs a 4-2 record as they head into a Week 7 home matchup against the Cougars of Killian, a team Key West has not played since 2021. The following week the Conchs will have perhaps their greatest test of the season when they play Northwestern at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium for a battle for the top seed in the district.
Marathon’s homecoming theme this year was Disney, and the Fins enjoyed a bit of Disney magic on Sept. 27, capturing their third straight victory. Marathon got out to a quick lead against Somerset South Homestead, dominating on both sides of the ball for a 21-7 first quarter lead. A purple sunset radiating across the sky added yet another touch of magic, but dark gray quickly blotted out the vibrancy as the barometer dropped. Then the rains came, and they did not let up until the Hurricanes were on their way back to Homestead nursing a 42-20 loss.
Carlos Lezcano led the scoring for the Dolphins, making his way into the endzone three times. Lezcano scored twice on offense and took a kick return to the house in a dazzling 80-yard show of athleticism. Fabbianho Louis Jeune scored twice for the Fins and added 6 extra points, and Shamar Wright reached the end zone on a run. Marathon ran for a total of 433 yards distributed across six athletes, leading to a true team victory.
Defensively, Israel Gonzalez was credited with 6 solo tackles and another 5 assists. Two were for a loss. Braulio Garcia had 3 tackles for a loss with 5 solos and 4 assists. Garcia also had one carry offensively, barreling 36 yards and setting up one of Lezcano’s TDs.
Up next for Marathon is the 55th Battle of the Keys, in which they will need another team effort if they hope to take down the Hurricanes of Coral Shores in Week 7.
The Hurricanes will not enter the Battle of the Keys
undefeated; Coral Shores fell to the Patriots of Florida Christian on Sept. 27, dropping their first contest of the season, 21-7.
“We played hard, we played well, we just came up a little short,” said head coach Ed Holly on the loss to the Patriots.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the ‘Canes, though. Running back A.J. Putetti hit the 1,000-yard milestone for his senior season in the game, and the team did not let up until the final buzzer.
“Yemcel played an unbelievable game at quarterback,” said Holly, “and the O-line did everything we asked them to do. They are great competitors.”
Holly praised the play of Xico Reynoso, Dennis Hernandez, Jarmoris Davis, Eddie Holly and Micah Carr, whose “lights out” play on defense helped keep the ‘Canes in the game against a team that typically puts up 40-plus points on their competitors.
The Hurricanes will have the home field advantage Oct. 4 when they face longtime rival Marathon in their 55th meeting since 1970. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Barley Field in Tavernier. For full coverage of this storied rivalry, see page 10.
Top: The referee signals that Fab Louis Jeune has crossed the goal line in Marathon’s homecoming victory on Sept. 27.
Bottom, from left: Fab Louis Jeune (2) patiently follows his blocker Tanner Ross (5) on a first-down run.
Carlos Lezcano races toward the end zone for Marathon’s first TD of the night.
Key West linebacker Jaden Fox. Aiden Gilday brings down the Somerset South Homestead ball carrier for a loss of yardage.
by Barry Gaukel and Maicey Malgrat.
See more game photos at keysweekly.com.
Photos
CWHO WILL WIN 55?
’Canes,
Fins meet in Tavernier for longest-running rivalry in Keys sports
oral Shores and Marathon have faced one another across the line of scrimmage 55 times since their first meeting in 1970. Since then, the teams have played one another every year, sometimes more than once, with the exception of 2005 and 2014. The first hiatus was due to Hurricane Wilma, according to Marathon athletic director Lance Martin, who was the head coach that year. Wilma, plus a series of smaller storms, wreaked havoc on sports schedules, and the Battle of the Keys could not be played as teams had to make up district games first. In 2014, there was a torrential downpour, lightning and otherwise unplayable conditions.
For over 50 years, the teams have enjoyed a healthy rivalry, prompting both the ‘Canes and the Fins to focus their efforts for a win that means more than any other in regularseason play. Coach Ed Holly’s Hurricanes hold the slight advantage over Sean McDonald’s Dolphins; Coral Shores has won 29 of the matchups and is on a five-game winning streak in the series.
Both teams have looked forward to this game all season.
“It’s going to be a heck of a ballgame,” said Holly. “It’s always a packed house and it’s always chippy – respectful, but chippy.”
He recalled his first Battle of the Keys, when he was fresh off a bowl game with Mississippi Community College. “From the minute I got there, everyone kept asking if we were going to beat Marathon this year. I was thinking that it was just one game in a 10-game schedule. I started to understand when a guy told me his kid was 6 years old and we hadn’t beaten Marathon in his entire life.”
That was 2011, and Coral Shores won that game, breaking an eight-year dry spell to begin the ‘Canes’ own four-year, three-game streak.
McDonald’s favorite Battle of the Keys memory came six years later, when Marathon faced what seemed to be insurmountable adversity. McDonald was an assistant coach under Paul Davis at the time, and his son, Jackson, was a junior.
“It was right after Irma hit the Keys. We didn’t know if we would even have a season. Some of our guys lost their homes. A few guys never came back after they evacuated and just moved somewhere else. Marathon lost its field,” he said. “We had about three weeks of uncertainty but we prac-
Clockwise from top: Marathon’s Eddie Garcia and Tanner Ross, Coral Shores’ Eddie Holly and Yemcel Moreno.
Photos by Barry Gaukel and Doug Finger.
ticed anyway at the park. There was a little grass, but it was brown and really mostly dirt and ant piles. Our first game back was at Coral Shores. Winning was such a boost for the community. We had lost so much so that win meant a lot.”
So how will this year’s Battle of the Keys play out? This season, the ‘Canes are 5-1 while the Fins are 4-2. Against common opponents, both teams pulled off wins against Palm Glades Prep and South Homestead. Likewise, Florida Christian bested both teams. When it comes to those common opponents, the ‘Canes have put up 65 points and allowed 49. The Fins scored 102 and allowed 107, nearly half of which came from Florida Christian in their week two loss. But everybody knows that records don’t mean much when it comes to rivalry games, and neither team seems to have a clear advantage.
Coach Holly’s Hurricanes have been formidable on defense this season, allowing just over 10 points per game on average. The Hurricanes will need to be extra stingy if they hope to stop Marathon's brutal single wing offense, which has been prolific this season, scoring an average of 36 points per game.
But the Fins’ defense has struggled at times, allowing an average of 35 points per game against predominantly spread-style offenses. Holly’s Wing T offense is yet-untested against the Fins this season.
As far as Keys matchups go, the last season all three teams played to create a true King of the Keys scenario was 2010. That year, Marathon earned one of its 25 victories over Coral Shores, but Key West dominated both teams in a pair of shutout wins. This season, Marathon and Key West are not scheduled to play one another, but Coral Shores will make the 90-mile trek to the Southernmost City to play the Conchs on Nov. 1 in their final game of the season. In the Battle of the Bookends, Key West holds an 11-1 advantage over Coral Shores, with the ‘Canes’ only win coming in a 47-45 thriller in 2002. That year, then-coach Jeff Meyers managed to win against Key West and Marathon in a 7-3 season for the Hurricanes.
As far as the Conchsversus-Fins record goes, Key West is ahead 7-2 in wins against their closest neighbor. Marathon’s only wins came in ‘07 and ‘08. In their first-ever win against the Conchs, Dolphin standout Sergio Howard took the
opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown to set the tone of the game, which was played in Marathon that year.
McDonald was at that game. “The stands were packed,” he said. “I was on Key West’s sidelines with Jackson, who was only six at the time. It was the only place there was any space and it was intense.” McDonald, who was coaching in the Key West Junior Football League at the time, added, “I was secretly rooting for Marathon to win.”
Martin, the coach for Marathon that year, concurred. “The sidelines were 10 people deep. The balconies were full of fans,” he said, adding that the estimated attendance was over 2,000. The following season, there was plenty of talking from both teams for weeks leading up to the rematch, which was played in Key West. Fins running back AJ Freeman tore up 225 yards that night to silence the trash-talkers. The celebration following the 21-14 victory was, as coach Martin put it, one of the “wildest scenes ever” as anyone fortunate enough to have attended the contest can attest.
Rivalry season on the gridiron will kick off this Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at Coral Shores.
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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
CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT
HEARING
“SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2024-492” NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances. DATE/TIME: Thursday, October 17th, 2024, 9:35 AM or after the Public Hearing
LOCATION: City of Key Colony Beach, Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach. The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2024-492], entitled: “AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH AMENDING CHAPTER SIX OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA BUILDING CODE; THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH CODE OF ORDINANCES TO MODIFY CHAPTER 6 – BUILDINGS AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA BUILDING CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; REPEALING ANY INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The Business Impact Statement is available for review on the City of Key Colony Beach’s website at www. keycolonybeach.net and at City Hall at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, October 17th, 2024, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to the City Clerk, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net and your comments will be entered into the record. To be published: On or before October 7th, 2024 City Clerk City of Key Colony Beach, Florida Publish: October 3, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers
CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT HEARING
“SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2024-493” NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, October 17th, 2024, 9:35 AM or after the Public Hearing LOCATION: City of Key Colony Beach, Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach. The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2024-493], entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, ARTICLE III – DISTRICT REGULATIONS, AMENDING FREEBOARD REQUIREMENTS; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; REPEALING ANY INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE..” The Business Impact Statement is available for review on the City of Key Colony Beach’s website at www. keycolonybeach.net
September 26, October 3, 10 & 17, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers.
September 26, October 3, 10 & 17, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers.
at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, October 17th, 2024, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to the City Clerk, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net and your comments will be entered into the record.
To be published: On or before October 7th, 2024 City Clerk City of Key Colony Beach, Florida Publish: October 3, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers
CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH
NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT
HEARING
“SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2024-494” NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, October 17th, 2024, 9:35 AM or after the Public Hearing
LOCATION: City of Key Colony Beach, Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach. The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2024-494], entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE VII, SECTIONS 2-86 AND 2-88 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH RELATED TO MEETINGS OF THE CITY COMMISSION; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF FOUND TO BE IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, REPEAL, AND CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.”
The Business Impact Statement is available for review on the City of Key Colony Beach’s website at www. keycolonybeach.net and at City Hall at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, October 17th, 2024, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to the City Clerk, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net and your comments will be entered into the record.
To be published: On or before October 7th, 2024 City Clerk City of Key Colony Beach, Florida Publish: October 3, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Jacobs Aquatic Center Filtration System Upgrade Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https:// monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub. com, no later than 3:00P.M. on Thursday, October 24, 2024. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.
The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, October 24, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156
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Publish: October 3, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023-CA-268-M NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 22ND day of October, 2024 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Property Address: 329 63rd Court Gulf, Marathon,
Florida 33050; and 57468 and 57478 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, Florida 33050. Pursuant to ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF’S THIRD MOTION TO CANCEL AND RESCHEDULE 9/20/24 FORECLOSURE SALE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 19th day of September 2024 Style of which is: RED MANGROVE HOLDINGS, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Plaintiff, VS. MARATHON DEVELOPMENT
PARTNERS, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, CEDAR OAK REI, INC., AN IDAHO FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION, MARK RAY GERENGER, PERSONAL GUARANTOR, ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT(S)WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS, AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN OCCUPANT(S) OR TENANT(S) OF 329 63RD COURT GULF, MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050 AND 57468 AND 57478 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, GRASSY KEY, FLORIDA 33050,
Defendant
And the Docket Number of which is Number 2023-CA268-M
WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 23RD day of September 2024 KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court
By: Shonta McLeod
As Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within sixty (60) days after the sale.
Publish: October 3 & 10, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-452-M DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF DAVID MICHAEL RILE Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of David Michael Rile, deceased, whose date of death was October 19, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 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: October 3, 2024.
Personal Representative: Beatrice Rile 97 Coco Plum Drive Slip B28
Marathon, Florida 33050
Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq.
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173
Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938
Marathon, FL 33050
Telephone: (305) 743-9428
Fax: (305) 743-8800
E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com
Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com
Publish:
October 3 & 10, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
CASE NO.: 24-CP-000364-P
IN RE: ESTATE OF KAREN LEE BECKER
A/K/A KAREN L. BECKER, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of KAREN LEE BECKER AKA KAREN L. BECKER, (“Decedent”) deceased, whose date of death was December 9, 2023, and whose Social Security Number is XXX-XX-8954, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the Petitioner and the Petitioner’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 WITHIN 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 SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. 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 FLORIDA STATUTE 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 October 3, 2024.
Petitioner: STACY RUTER
A/K/A STACY B. RUTER
566 Decker Road
Wallkill, NY 12589
Attorney for Petitioner:
ALFRED V. NICOLETTI, ESQ.
Florida Bar No.: 125446
LAW OFFICES OF AL NICOLETTI
7512 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 50-647
Orlando, Florida 32819
Publish: October 3 & 10, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR
MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 2024-CP-446-K IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN WILSON, JR. Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of John Wilson, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was June 30, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s 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 WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME 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 October 3, 2024. The date of the second publication of this notice is October 10, 2024.
Personal Representative: Donna L. Wilson 27382 Anguila Road Ramrod Key, FL 33042 Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony J. Barrows Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar Number: 662569 WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC 9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-8118
Fax: (305) 489-0307
E-mail: Tony@keysclosings.com
Publish: October 3 & 10, 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
Name in which assessed: GLADSTONE STEVEN D LIVING TRUST 08/06/2013 KLASFELD ILENE C/O NEIL GORDON CO TRUSTEE
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: October 30th, 2024 Sale Time: 10:00am
Dated this 5th day of August 2024
KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: September 12, 19 & 26 and October 3, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
Place your CLASSIFIED AD HERE! $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.
COMMERCIAL SPACE
Commercial office/ medical/retail space for rent/lease available in Marathon. High highway visibility, 2100-3500 sq. ft. Call for more information 305-481-3198 or email drice519@aol.com
Place your CLASSIFIED AD HERE! $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.
EMPLOYMENT
Hiring: Lead Gutter
Installer - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED – valid Driver’s License - must be comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier. To apply, please call or text Jay 305-587-1581.
SERVERS WANTED: Apply in person between 5 pm & 7 pm every night at Plaza Grill Steak & Seafood, 5101 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
The S.S. Wreck and Galley Grill mile marker 59 is looking for Line Cooks, full or part time. Self-motivated, quick learner, and team player. Salary commensurate with experience and includes 401k match up to 6%. Please call Nicole at 305-433-0515
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time servers and bartenders. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.
Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.
Place your CLASSIFIED AD HERE! $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Engineering Department:
MAINTENANCE PERSON
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $31.22/hr. - $34.96/hr. For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit our website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Administrative Asst. to Executive Director, Resident Care Supervisor with min. 3 yrs. experience of an LPN, Housing Choice Voucher Asst., Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.
Place your CLASSIFIED AD HERE! $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.
HOBBIES/COLLECT
PRIVATE COLLECTOR
WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
The Harry Truman Little White House Museum is looking for OLD FISHING GEAR to be used as a display in the museum. Fishing gear MUST be donated. Please contact Dean at 305294-8346 or email: Dean. Taylor@HistoricTours.com
ANNUAL RENTALKey Largo - 2BR/2BA Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community. $3,500/ month 786-258-3127
Downstairs apartment of a duplex to rent to 1 person (no pets). Large living room/bedroom and separate kitchen. Large screened porch with its own washer/dryer and driveway. Utilities include wifi/tv. 150 ft to the ocean. MM96 Key Largo. $1850/ month. F/L/S 305-853-3779
ISLAMORADA:
Very Large 2 BR apt. for rent. Furnished or unfurnished. Utilities & cable included. $2,200/month. First/ Security. Available Sept. 1st. Yearly lease. 305-5222702 Leave message. RENTED!!
RV SITES FOR RENT
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
Place your CLASSIFIED AD HERE! $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.
WE ARE HIRING!
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
Place your CLASSIFIED AD HERE! $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.
YARD SALES
Place your CLASSIFIED AD HERE! $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.
CLIENT MEDICAL SERVICES ASSISTANT CNA
Full-time assisting our clients with dental, medical and transportation appointments. Act as liaison between clients, families and support staff. Requires some on-call responsibility. Minimum requirement Florida certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Also required for this position: Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license. EOE
Come join our family!
Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32
NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA
MARINA CASHIERS
Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.
DOCKHANDS
Duties include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking. Morning & a ernoon hours available.
Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.
KEY LARGO FIRE RESCUE & EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DISTRICT IS SEEKING AN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/CLERK
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
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.
FRONT DESK
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE
OPENINGS
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C), Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
KEY
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)
RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (FT/PT)
Peer Support Specialist/BHT
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT/PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living, FT)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.
Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP
PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!
Apply at guidancecarecenter.org
Search Employment/Portal/Location/zip
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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.
