Key West Weekly 24-1010

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Members of

NUMBER OF THE

538,967

The number of shareholders in the Green Bay Packers in 2024. It is the only publicly-owned NFL franchise.

‘Bum Farto the Musical’ explores the legend of Key West’s drug-dealing fire chief who disappeared in 1976. The show runs Oct. 17-26 at the San Carlos Institute. See page 7.

COMMITTEE NARROWS CITY MANAGER SEARCH TO 5

2 commission-appointed advisers vote against recommendations

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

And then there were five.

The Key West city manager search committee — its members each appointed by a city commissioner and the mayor — narrowed the field of 17 applicants to five during a meeting on Monday, Oct. 7.

The committee of seven forwarded their recommendations to the city commission, which was due to discuss the recommendations and the interview process at the Oct. 10 city commission meeting. Two committee members voted against the submission of the five finalists. Roger McVeigh, who was appointed by Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover, and Commissioner Sam Kaufman, who appointed himself to the search committee, were opposed.

Each of the five finalists has ties to Key West, whether through past military leadership or current employment with the city. Two finalists are current city employees — Rod Delostrinos, and Steve McAlearney. Two finalists, Mark Sohaney and James Brownlee, have held leadership positions in the local military and as such have spent significant time in Key West working with local leaders and residents. Delostrinos is the city’s director of transportation. McAlearney has been the city’s director of ports and marine services and currently serves as assistant city manager to interim city manager

Todd Stoughton, who did not apply for the permanent city manager position.

Sohaney preceded Capt. Beth Regoli as commander of Naval Air Station Key West, while Brownlee was the executive officer, or XO, or NAS Key West until he retired from the navy in May. Barroso is a banker who has previously served on several boards, including the governorappointed board of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority.

The need for a new city manager was prompted by the commission’s 4 to 3 vote in June to fire city manager Al Childress without cause despite opposition from dozens of residents, who filled city hall to speak in support of him. Commissioners Kaufman and Mary Lou Hoover, along with then-mayor Teri Johnston, voted in support of Childress.

Since then, Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez has succeeded Johnston, and Commissioners Donie Lee and Monica Haskell have replaced Billy Wardlow and Jimmy Weekley, respectively, both of whom voted to fire Childress a month before they were term-limited out of office.

Kaufman, who appointed himself to serve on the newt search committee, was asked at the Oct. 7 meeting whether the committee’s work would be for naught, if Kaufman was planning to introduce a motion to rehire Childress at an upcoming commission meeting.

“Are we doing this all for nothing?” search committee chair Shawn Smith, the former Key West city attorney, who was appointed by Henriquez, asked Kaufman during the Oct. 7 committee meeting. “Are you bringing something back to the commission to rehire Al Childress?” Kaufman said there was no motion to rehire him pending, but added that any commissioner can do so at any time.

“I’ve been very public that I feel he’s the best candidate, and in reviewing all 17 applications that we received, I still feel that way. None of the 17 have the same qualifications, so yes, it would be my preference to hire him back, but as you know, it takes four votes,” Kaufman said.

Smith replied, “Personally, I’m looking for someone who’s capable of leading the city of Key West and I’m comfortable with the work this committee has done and with the submission of these top five finalists.”

The city commission is slated to discuss the city manager search and the committee’s recommendations at its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 10, which takes place after press time. See keysweekly.com for a report from the city commission meeting.

KEY WEST OFFICIAL WANTS NAVY TO REPLACE HOUSING IT DEMOLISHED

City commission will also discuss 5 city manager finalists

mandy@keysweekly.com

Editor’s Note: As of press time on Wednesday, Oct. 9, the Key West city commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, Oct. 10 with a 9 a.m. morning session and a 5 p.m. evening session. That schedule may change based on the impacts of Hurricane Milton.

The new Key West city commission will discuss the ongoing search for a new city manager to replace Al Childress, who was fired in late June with a vote of 4 to 3.

A search committee was empaneled last month to review the resumes of 17 applicants. That committee on Monday, Oct. 7, approved a list of five finalists that has been forwarded to the city commission for their discussion this week.

Each of the five finalists — Brian Barroso, James Brownlee, Rod Delostrinos, Steve McAlearney and Mark Sohaney — has ties to Key West, whether through their birth here, past military leadership or current employment with the city.

Delostrinos is the city’s director of transportation. McAlearney has been the city’s director of ports and marine services and currently serves as assistant city manager to interim city manager Todd Stoughton, who did not apply for the permanent city manager position. McAlearney also served as commander of NAS Key West before his military retirement.

Similarly, Sohaney preceded the current Capt. Beth Regoli as commander of Naval Air Station Key West, while Brownlee was the executive officer, or XO, or NAS Key West until he retired in May. Barroso is a native Key Wester and a banker who currently lives in North Carolina. He previously served on several local boards, including the governor-appointed board of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority.

At least one commissioner, Sam Kaufman, has expressed interest in rehiring Childress, but he acknowledged that such a decision would require four commission votes.

Also, Commissioner Donie Lee wants to reopen discussions with the US Navy at

the local and federal level about the city’s workforce housing shortage, which is being exacerbated by the military’s demolition of 166 housing units at Sigsbee Park in 2021.

Lee will propose a resolution that urges the US Navy to build new housing on 18 vacant acres at Sigsbee Park.

“I’m a huge supporter of the military, but Navy personnel are unnecessarily taking up many units of workforce housing in the city because they can’t live on base,” Lee told the Keys Weekly. “In my opinion, they’re also artificially jacking up the rents for non-military workers because of the generous housing allowance they receive. An entry-level sailor gets almost $3,000 a month for housing, and it goes up with their rank, and many of them share an apartment with another sailor.”

Lee has requested meetings with local navy leadership, but said he understands the problem will require cooperation from higher levels.

“It seems like a no-brainer to build new, high-quality housing on the vacant 18 acres at Sigsbee and incentivize their folks to live on base,” Lee said. “The navy has the land. They have the money and most importantly, they don’t need to worry about ROGO and the Building Permit Allocation System that limits the number of units anyone else can build.”

“We need to reopen these discussions and get it to levels of leadership that can make these decisions and move forward,” Lee said.

The 18 acres are a result of 166 housing units that the navy demolished in 2021, after they had sat empty for 16 years after being heavily damaged in Hurricane Wilma in 2005. In addition, the navy closed two barracks buildings at Truman Annex in recent years, city attorney Ron Ramsingh wrote in a memo.

As a result, “Navy personnel were issued enhanced housing allocations to secure rental housing in the civilian market,” Ramsingth wrote. “The (proposed) resolution requests that the Navy and the federal delegation construct new base housing and incentivize current Navy personnel to move back to Sigsbee Park, thereby vacating existing non-military housing throughout Key West. This can result in increased rental inventory for the nonmilitary residents of Key West. With more residential rental units becoming available, the likelihood of more competitive rental rates is probable.”

CITY-OWNED VEHICLE STOLEN FROM SOUTH STREET

Employees left 2018 Prius running during a home inspection

mandy@keysweekly.com

Aroutine inspection for two city of Key West employees escalated into a grand theft auto case, when their city vehicle was stolen from the 1600 block of South Street on Oct. 1.

The building department inspectors told Key West police they had left the white, city-owned 2018 Prius running when they went to conduct an inspection in the backyard of a nearby home.

While the car was running, a 49-year-old woman who does not work for the city of Key West, and who didn’t have a valid driver’s license, got into the Prius and drove away.

The car was found a short time later parked in the public parking lot at the fire station on Simonton Street, and the suspect was located a few blocks away near Eaton and Bahama streets. She still had the car key in her hand when police located her, according to the police report.

A check revealed that Marissa Kiddy, 49, did not have a valid license and her address was listed as the homeless shelter on College Road.

The city employees checked the vehicle and reported that no damage had been caused and nothing had been stolen from the car, the report states.

Kiddy was arrested for grand theft auto and was given a criminal citation for driving without a license.

MANDY MILES

Marissa Anne Kiddy, 49, faces grand theft auto charges after allegedly stealing a city-owned Toyota Prius that was left running while 2 employees conducted an inspection on South Street. CONTRIBUTED

MANDY MILES

DANCE WITH KEY WEST’S DRUG-DEALING FIRE CHIEF

‘Bum Farto the Musical’ is an only-in-Key-West experience

‘Bum Farto the Musical’ brings to life one of Key West’s most infamous and colorful characters. Bum Farto, the fire chief who mysteriously vanished in 1976, is reimagined as a charismatic anti-hero in this wildly entertaining musical. The show is performed at the San Carlos Institute Oct. 17-26.

With a story spilling over with Key West’s eccentric charm, director Pamela Stephenson Connolly crafts a tale as quirky and captivating as the island itself.

Packed with unforgettable tunes, high-energy dance numbers, and a cast of colorful characters, this show brings the island’s freewheeling spirit to life. “Bum Farto the Musical” takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride through his outrageous life and its outward ripples, drawing viewers in as the madness of Farto’s escapades unfold into hilarious drama.

In a red leisure suit and dripping with gold jewelry, fire chief Bum Farto cruised around Key West in a lime green Ford Galaxy with a vanity license plate identifiying him

as “El Jefe,” Spanish for chief. This larger-than-life fire chief wasn’t just fighting fires — he was allegedly running a drug ring and a bustling gaming house.

When the Florida Keys became a battleground for the federal “War on Drugs,” Farto got caught in a sting operation that found him selling cocaine out of the island’s fire stations. Before he could face the music during a Miami trial, he vanished, prompting Key West’s most-obsessed-over mystery. Was he killed by the mob or by another criminal enterprise to prevent his testimony? Or, as many locals came to believe, did he flee the country before his trial and live out the rest of his life in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, where at the time he would have been protected from U.S. efforts to extradite him and bring him back to face the charges.

For an in-depth look into the strange, but true story of Bum Farto, check out David Sloan’s “ Bum Farto Files,” a months-long investigative series published by the Keys Weekly in 2020.

For a rousing musical that dances and dives into the myths and truths of Bum Farto, mixing history with flamboyant island magic, visit keywestinternationaldancecompany.com or keystix. com.

— Contributed

‘Bum Farto the Musical’ details the drama and mystery surrounding Bum Farto, Key West’s fire chief, who disappeared just before he was set to be tried for drug trafficking. The show runs Oct. 17-26 at San Carlos Institute. CONTRIBUTED

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

-TIM ROOT Chairman, Keys Energy

-TIM ROOT Chairman, Keys Energy

PRIORITIES

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

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

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

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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

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

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

LOWER UTILITY BILLS

CLEANER ENERGY

RELIABLE SERVICE

Paid and approved by Tim Root for Utility Board Group C

• Ron is the only candidate who has worked for the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections office, assisting with early

and

• Former News Anchor for U.S. 1 Radio.

MATTERS

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

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

• Appointed Monroe County Commissioner District 3 in 2022

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

• Florida Defense Support Commission Member

• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Member

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

• Military Affairs Committee Member

• Florida Federal Executive Board Member (3 years)

• Key West Sunrise Rotary Club member and past President

• Navy League of the United States Key West Council Member

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

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

• Teamsters Local 769

• South Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA) • Key West Fire Fighters Local 1424

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.

ALL CREATURES GREAT & SMALL…

Father Christopher Marino blessed them all

Father Christopher Marino, rector at The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church welcomes all people and their animals to the Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 5 at the church. ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA/Contributed

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

“If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.” — St. Francis of Assisi

The hurricane grotto at The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea welcomed more than the usual churchgoers on Oct. 5, when Father Christopher Marino held a Blessing of the Animals — for all animals and their owners, regardless of religious beliefs.

Such blessings are common at Catholic and Christian churches and typically take place on or around Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the Christian patron saint of animals and the environment.

Father Marino welcomed turtles, dogs, cats, birds and iguanas to what he plans to make an annual event, welcoming all Key Westers and their animals. He arrived in Key West in June as the church’s new rector, taking over the duties of Father John Baker, who retired.

ELECTION SUPERVISORS, COUNTY COMMISSION HOPEFULS SQUARE OFF

Candidates

debate accountability, campaign labels and building rights

in Weekly forum

Sliding in just before the Keys felt the effects of Hurricane Milton, the Keys Weekly and Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce partnered to give voters one of their final extended looks at two critical local races with a candidate Q&A forum on Oct. 7. The Weekly encourages all voters to view the forum in its entirety by scanning the QR code.

County Commission, District 3

Republican incumbent Jim Scholl’s responses throughout the evening served to highlight his experience in government operations and familiarity with laws governing changes desired by residents, while Democrat challenger Chris Massicotte criticized what he said was a lack of oversight and accountability in county operations, positioning himself as a fiscal conservative and emphasizing his experience as a former auditor and accountant.

Massicotte stressed a need to divert additional resources for continuing audits of individual county departments, pinpointing “wasteful spending” to create a “culture of oversight.” Agreeing with the need for a culture change, Scholl spoke of a need for stronger top-down leadership, beginning with newly-promoted County Administrator Christine Hurley, and reminded viewers that “the legislative body doesn’t control day-to-day operations of the county – it’s the administrator’s job.”

The pair disagreed on the county’s future acceptance of additional building rights, with Scholl in favor of additional units bestowed by the state used largely for workforce housing, “as long as we get to control how they’re going to be issued out.”

“We’ve lost so much workforce housing because of the evolution of vacation rentals in what were traditional long-term rentals,” he said. “We have to do something to be able to maintain the quality of life and support our economy and environment.”

Massicotte said that while surveys and meetings to gauge resident sentiments on additional units were “okay,” he advocated for a temporary moratorium on additional units to allow completion of “an actual, real infrastructure assessment,” arguing that the threat of takings cases filed by property owners unable to build is “made out to be way more than our liability actually would be.”

“The decisions we make today are going to affect what the Keys are like in 20 years,” he said. “If we take more ROGOs, in 20 years you’ll see traffic choking, and we’re going to regret that we ever did it.”

Visions for the future of Marathon’s airport following its upcoming runway shift were further divided, with Massicotte in full support of pursuing commercial air travel to the Middle Keys as a mechanism to reduce rental vehicles and highway congestion.

Scholl said that previous attempts to establish services in Marathon have failed due to low passenger demand, arguing that Middle Keys residents were more likely to drive to Key West or mainland airports.

“It just hasn’t worked in the past, and I don’t see it working anytime soon,” he said.

Supervisor of Elections

idates in the Keys’ most contentious race made their way to the dais as Republican Sherri Hodies and Democrat Ron Saunders took their seats.

Amid an investigation authorized by Gov. Ron DeSantis into whether the Monroe County Republican Executive Committee broke its own rules in April and committed campaign finance fraud in endorsing Hodies with a $20,000 donation ahead of the Republican primary, Hodies pushed back against labels given to her campaign.

Calling the document that prompted the investigation, filed by fellow Republican Phyllis May, a “frivolous complaint,” Hodies claimed she had yet to receive a copy of the complaint through official channels.

“It’s just amazing to me that people talk about charges, people talk about fraud, and there’s nothing that has even been sent out there about me,” she said.

“I think (the investigation) is an example where we need to stay on top of things and make sure things are run properly,” Saunders said. “If nothing’s wrong, that’s great, but it remains to be seen what will happen.”

Referencing a May fundraising event in which she hosted retired Army intelligence officer Capt. Seth Keshel, a nationally-known election denier, Hodies worked to distance herself from what she called another “label” to her campaign.

“I am not an election denier, but there have been people at my fundraisers who have been labeled,” she said.

Asked directly whether Joe Biden won the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, Hodies stated: “In 2016, Trump won, and in 2020, Biden won, plain and simple.” She called Keshel’s presentation “a wonderful history lesson,” but received pushback from Saunders when she stated that Keshel “didn’t speak about (Monroe County) precincts at all.”

Asked if he was aware of any compromised elements of previous Monroe County elections, Saunders said he’d seen no cause for concern, but said Keshel had raised suspicions with voters in Key West’s precinct 5, in which dozens of individuals had registered using a common address.

“It turns out that there were people without addresses there, and the reason for that is that they were actively military serving our country overseas, but still wanted to vote locally,” Saunders said. “The allegation was that there was something wrong there. There was nothing wrong there, and that’s what we need to be careful about when we start these types of rumors.”

“I have never worked for or with (the Supervisor of Elections) office, so I would not know if anything was compromised or not,” Hodies said in response to the same question, later acknowledging that “we can see that we have not had any issues down here. … Joyce (Griffin) has run a very good office.”

Hodies continued to blast May’s complaint in her closing statement, arguing that her application for funding from the REC stated that a majority vote of REC members in attendance for the group’s April 20 vote – not a majority of the committee’s total membership – would earn the $20,000 contribution, and that the 20-18 vote to endorse her was therefore sufficient.

Saunders closed by touting bipartisan supporters of his campaign, decrying recent attack mailers from the Conservative Family Alliance political organization as “full of lies and misstatements.”

“When you look at this election, see who’s throwing the mud and why,” he said. “I know the law, I know how to protect elections, and I have a lot of support from both sides.”

Sherri Hodies Chris Massicotte Ron Saunders Jim Scholl

TATS FOR TATAS RESCHEDULED FOR OCT. 16

Maria Gonzalez and Casey Vinall have postponed the Tats for Tatas breast cancer benefit until Wednesday, Oct. 16. CRICKET DESMARAIS/Contributed

Breast cancer benefit postponed due to storm

Due to tropical storm warnings and storm surge potential from Hurricane Milton, plans for this year’s Tats for Ta-Tas Block Party Fundraiser at Tattoos & Scars Saloon are rescheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16.

The anticipated annual event benefits Womankind in its mission of providing affordable or free quality healthcare, mammograms, and diagnostic breast testing for uninsured and underinsured women in Monroe County at their Key West and Marathon centers. It also gives service industry workers and locals an evening of pre-season connection, irreverent revelry and an opportunity to support women in their community while drawing attention to the importance of preventative breast health care and Womankind and Zonta’s vital roles in providing it.

“Prevention is key,” said Womankind Executive Director Cali Roberts. “Each year Womankind gives out hundreds of vouchers for mammograms, which are critical for early breast cancer detection and successful treatment.“

Held annually during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Scars

bar owner Casey Vinall and Key Lime Bike Tours owner Maria Gonzalez started Tats for Tatas three years ago as a way to show their support.

Proceeds from the event’s liquor, merchandise, and “motorboat booth” ticket sales along with a silent auction of donations from local businesses have raised over $110,000 in the last two years. This year’s prizes include stays at Rum Bar, Marrero House, and Southernmost Mansion, a $700 private styling party at Kirby’s Closet, massage certificates from Pier House and Love, Cheeky, a Sun Beach Cruiser donated by Key Lime Bike Tours, charters with Fury and Salty Bottom Boats, fine art, food, booze, a 50/50 raffle, and much more.

“We’re so grateful for all of the generous businesses here and this fantastic and fun event that helps remind people to make the appointment regardless of their money situation,” says Roberts. “It helps them know that the community has their back..and their front.”

Volunteers and additional taxdeductible, in-kind donations are sought to help support the event; contact Mel at MGortarez@Womankindkeywest.org or call Womankind at 305-294-4004. Direct Venmo donations can be made at @tatsfortatas. Visit womankindkeywest.com for more information.

— Contributed

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

VOTE NO ON KEY WEST BONDS; YES ON SCHOOL REFERENDUMS

Dear Editor:

Vote no on all four of the ill-conceived city bond referendums, and YES on the two important school district referendums.

The Key West City Commission, by a slim 4 to 3 majority, agreed to place before the voters four related bond referendums authorizing the issuance of up to $226 million in general obligation government bonds. The plan would give this commission, and future commissions, a line of credit to issue bonds for projects from a long and varied “wish list,” and the various projects would never have to go before the voters again (but would be subject to commission review and approval). Also, if approved, there is no expiration of the authority. It is good forever.

The proposal is counter to usual and customary practices of proposing a project, planning the project and then financing the project. This proposal would provide a huge pot of money, available for projects yet to be planned, or budgeted, and likely would replace more effective, and taxpayer friendly, ways to pay for the projects without saddling the overburdened taxpayer with ever increasing debt and property taxes.

An analysis of 11 similar sized cities showed that the average government long-term debt held by those cities was just over $13 million dollars each. The referendums placed before Key West voters asks for authority to place the city of Key West in debt at an amount of up to $226 million. Other cities average $13 million, and the narrow commission majority is asking for $226 million. Does that make fiscal sense?

Vote no on all four Key West city ballot questions regarding general obligation bonds.

On the other hand, the two school referendums deserve the voters’ support. Vote yes to provide the school district with the continuing authority to enact a yearly ad valorem tax to support the operational expenses of Monroe County schools. This referendum does not increase individual tax bills. It is vital to the continued funding of our local schools.

And vote yes to facilitate school district capital projects through the sales tax levy rather than raising local property taxes. These referendums are not new. They continue funding that has been in place for years. If passed, these referendums will NOT increase your taxes. Without this funding our schools will face a major budgetary shortfall.

Vote yes on the two Monroe County School District referendums.

Thank you for reading,

George Edson Key West

SCHOOL RENAMES BASKETBALL COURT FOR DEXTER BUTLER

The late player, coach and teacher died tragically in March

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

The basketball court at Key West’s middle school will be renamed in honor of the man who played on it, coached on it and inspired young minds on it.

Dexter Butler was a beloved teacher and basketball coach until his shocking and tragic death on March 2 at Key West High School.

Before he wore the coach’s whistle, Butler wore the uniform and was a gifted Key West athlete.

The Monroe County school board on Oct. 8 voted unanimously to rename the basketball court at HOB for Dexter Butler.

More than 50 of his relatives, friends, former players, students and colleagues attended the board meeting to show their support and to join in a celebration of Butler’s life. His mother, Anita, his wife, Maria, and their young daughter, Viviana were there

1. Dozens of relatives, friends and former students honor the memory of Dexter Butler at the Oct. 8 school board meeting in Key West. AMBER ACEVEDO/Contributed

2. Dexter Butler, seen in 2022, left behind his wife, Maria, and daughter Viviana.

to share tearful memories white urging the board to vote in favor of the renaming.

It didn’t take much urging, as the board readily agreed to the honor.

Butler died in March while trying to retrieve his keys from a storm drain in the high school parking lot. He fell into the drain and was unable to get out, drowning in about 18 inches of water, superintendent Theresa Axford told the Keys Weekly at the time.

PET MASQUERADE GETS NEW PRODUCER & BENEFICIARY

Family-friendly Fantasy Fest event now benefits Sheriff’s Animal Farm

The Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade is a tradition that will continue despite the retirement last year of longtime producer and emcee Nancy D’Amato.

Each year, people and their pets dress in costumes, then strut, waddle, prance and trot across a stage before an audience and judges, competing for fame, fortune and prizes.

Ultimately, the Tourist Development Association, the nonprofit that owns Fantasy Fest, decided to buy the entity. Florida Keys Media signed on as producer and chose the Sheriff’s Animal Farm as the recipient of the money the event raises.

“As Fantasy Fest’s premier family event, none of us at Florida Keys Media wanted to see the Pet Masquerade go away,” said general manager Rick Lopez, “So our team made the decision to pick up the producer torch. Everyone involved agreed the Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm was the perfect match for this event.”

The 30-year-old farm is an animal sanctuary and petting zoo located at the Stock Island jail, which houses people awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than a year. For the past 18 years the farm has been supervised and lovingly cultivated by “Farmer Jeanne” Selander, with “low-risk” inmates helping tend to the animals and their habitats.

“We currently have about 120 animals at the farm, which is 100 more than when I started,” said Selandar.

SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNIZES ANDY GRIFFITHS

Keys longest-serving elected official retires after 32 years

“Albert the tortoise is the oldest at about 75-80 years old, and Simon the capybara is the youngest, at three years old. Visitors to our community days, from 1-3 p.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, can meet and interact with all kinds of animals, including horses, pigs, bunnies, tropical birds, reptiles, an emu, an ostrich, a kinkajou and more. About 100 inmates per year are involved with their care and it’s such meaningful work for them that many continue to check in on some of their favorite animals even after they’ve been released.”

The 2024 Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23 at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. Registration begins at 5 p.m. Pets and their people take the stage beginning at 6:30 p.m. Prize categories include Junior, Pet/Owner Lookalike, Most Exotic, Overall Winner/ Best in Show, and Best Adaptation of the 2024 Fantasy Fest Theme, “It’s a 90s NEON Cosmic Carnival!” The cost to register per category is $25, which benefits the animal farm.

General admission is free with free seating available. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site.

Fantasy Fest 2024 runs from Oct. 18-27. For a full calendar of events, schedule updates, contest details, and a downloadable mobile APP, visit fantasyfest.com.

— Contributed

School board members celebrate the upcoming retirement of Andy Griffiths, center, after 32 years on the board.

From left, Darren Horan, Chair Sue Woltanski, Griffiths, Mindy Conn and John Dick. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Before Andy Griffiths cast his final votes as a school board member at the Oct. 8 meeting, his fellow board members and school district officials held a retirement reception in his honor.

The longest-serving elected official in Monroe County, Griffiths this month wraps up 32 years on the county school board, having never lost an election.

Griffiths also served in leadership positions on the statewide Florida School Boards Association, and has seen each of the county’s 12 public schools replaced with new facilities during his tenure.

The Monroe County School District holds a reception before the Oct. 8 school board in honor of Andy Griffiths’ upcoming retirement. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Griffiths’ official retirement party will take place Saturday, Oct. 12 at Key West’s Beachside Resort. The party, a fundraiser for United Way, will feature dinner, drinks and dancing, with the help of Miami’s internationally renowned DJ Cardi.

Andy Griffiths retires this month after serving 32 years on the county school board. CONTRIBUTED

‘Farmer Jeanne’ Selander, left, accompanies inmates Victor, center, and Carlos, right, as they take ponies Benny, Peanut, and Hercules out to graze. CAROL TEDESCO/FantasyFest.com

Our bright and and airy space is a treasure trove of carefully curated clothing & accessories that embrace the island lifestyle.

Offering fabulous brands such as Farm Rio, Trina Turk, Oliphant and more, stop by and check out our island inspired collections.

PUMPKIN

All Candidate Fundraisers

MONDAYS 9/30 – 10/14

Royal Aqua Idol

6pm @Aquaplex, 711 Duval Street

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

SUNDAY 10/13/24

RESCHEDULED DUE TO MILTON

2:30-4:30pm @ The Gardens Hotel 526 Angela Street

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

FRIDAY 10/18/24

ROYAL CORONATION

6pm doors / 7 pm show

Coffee Butler Amphitheater

Kick off Fantasy Fest to see who becomes the King & Queen of Fantasy Fest 2024!

This fabulous 2-hour stage show includes entertainment by local celebrities and the candidates themselves!

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

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

2024 FANTASY FEST QUEEN CANDIDATES

FRIDAY 10/11/24

College Night, 9pm 22 & Co/Birdcage Cabaret

504 Angela Street

The fun starts with ink boob prints at 22 & Co. with $5 donation

MARJORY LEE

SATURDAY 10/12/24

Then join in the fun next door at Birdcage Cabaret with college drinking Games of yore featuring corn hole, beer pong, cup flip and more!

50/50 raffle, silent auction.

SATURDAY 10/12/24

Giggle with the Goddess, 6-8pm Shots & Giggles

201 Ann Street $10 admission.

WEDNESDAY 10/16/24

Christopher Peterson

Icons - One Night Only! 9-10pm, Birdcage Cabaret

504 Angela Street $50 admission.

Running of the Red Bulls, 7pm, at Rick's Entertainment Complex, 202 Duval St. $25 entry fee for runners, $10 to be on the course. VIP seating available. Scan QR code to purchase tickets.

SUNDAY 10/13/24

Sunday Funday Orchid & Art Auction Brunch 11am-2pm Rams Head Southernmost Courtyard, 804 Whitehead St. Art! Orchids! Brunch!

MONDAY 10/14/24

Marjory Lee's Birthday Bash/"Show Me Your Puppies" Music Video Premiere, 8pm Mac's Place 1605 N. Roosevelt Come and celebrate Marjory Lee's birthday (word on the street is that she LOVES her birthday). Watch the world premiere of her new music video to celebrate her original song written for her campaign, "Show Me Your Puppies!"

Donations & tickets

Donations & tickets

LISA ZEE

THURSDAY 10/10/24

Vibrator Races, 6pm @ Mary Ellen's Bar 420 Appelrouth St

FRIDAY 10/11/24

Orchid Auction Extravaganza, 5-7pm

showdown to find the Best Bartender in Key West!

The Gardens Hotel

526 Angela Street

Welcome drink with $30 paddle purchase. Silent and live auctions throughout the night. Passed hors d'oeuvres.

Doors open at 4:30; auction begins at 5:30; event ends at 7:30.

TUESDAY 10/15/24

Jazz Night, 6-9pm

Little Jazz Room

821 Duval Street

$10 early bird purchase (on line only), $20 suggested donation at the door. Auction items & merchandise av. Drink specials throughout the night.

Donations & tickets

Tickets include a shot glass and tasting of over a dozen of the Island's finest cocktails.

TUESDAY 10/15/24

Fabulous Finds & Collectible Art Auction, 6-9pm

The Key West Woman's Club, 319 Duval Street

Admission by donation. Join us for an elegant evening of art. Live and silent auctions, free champagne and hors d'oeuvres as you browse the collection.

WEDNESDAY 10/16/24

Neon Fairy Orchid Auction, 6-9pm

The Exquisite Home of Kate Miano, 618 Freeschool Ln. Admission by donation, $25 suggested. An evening of Fairies fluttering among the orchids. Live and silent auctions. Blind painting too!

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR SPRING SEMESTER AT CFK FARMERS MARKET HOSTS HALLOWEEN PARTY

Event features trick-or-treating, bounce houses & more

On Thursday, Oct. 31 the Truman Waterfront Farmers Market will offer a festively spooky atmosphere for parents to bring their children for a free Halloween party and trick-ortreating at the vendor tents.

Four Star Rentals will provide bounce houses, and the event will include kids’ games and a Halloween music dance party along with plenty of concessions for dinner, sweet treats and beverages.

The Key West Fire Department plans to be on hand a ladder truck for the kids to explore as well as a “haunted bus” from Key West Transit. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the park. The splash pad and playground will also be open.

The market opens at 2 p.m. and the party lasts from 4 to 7 p.m. Parking is free for locals with a residential sticker. Bikes, rideshare and the Duval Loop are encouraged.

Local businesses and organizations are invited to register for complimentary space to set up a table or tent to be a trick-or-treat stop for the kids and hand out candy, provide free activities and/or give-aways.

Vendors with concessions, arts, crafts and merchandise for sale are also invited to participate at a reduced rate if they are part of the trick-or-treating.

Contact Sean for more information at 305-7313385 or visit facebook.com/ events/1513410009536038.

— Contributed

College of the Florida Keys urges students to apply by Nov. 6

The College of the Florida Keys encourages future and current students to apply for scholarships for the spring semester. Criteria for scholarships range widely to accommodate and assist a variety of students. Scholarship descriptions and criteria can be viewed on the College’s website at cfk.edu/discover/cfkfoundation/scholarship-info/.

Applications are submitted online. The deadline to submit applications for most scholarships is November 6. There is no limit to the number of scholarships for which a student may apply. CFK’s spring semester begins January 10. Students must be registered for spring classes to be eligible for spring scholarships.

For more scholarship information and guidance, contact the CFK Foundation at foundation@cfk.edu or 305809-3153. In addition to scholarships, further resources to help students pay for college, such as federal financial aid and tuition payment plans, can be found on CFK’s website at cfk.edu/paying-for-college.

— Contributed

College of the Florida Keys. CONTRIBUTED

MILTON BRINGS WIND — AND A SIGH OF RELIEF

Menacing

storm skirts Key West at a safe-enough distance

The sentiment around Key West the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 9 was one of relief and grief — relief for what could have been had Hurricane Milton set a more southern course and grief for what Florida’s west coast residents were facing.

High winds spawned by Hurricane Milton churned up the surf on the south side of Key West, throwing waves over the Southernmost Point buoy and engulfing the end of Edward Knight Pier in waist-high water.

Some residents had filled sandbags to prepare for tidal flooding in low-lying areas, while local marinas resembled a maze of spiderwebs, extra lines criss-crossing the docks and boat decks, and extra fenders protecting the hulls from heaving seas.

Key West braces for high winds and rain as Hurricane Milton prepares to pass the island city to the northwest. High winds churn the surf on the south side of Key West at Higgs Beach, Edward Knight Pier and the Southernmost Point. Photos by Larry Blackburn, Mark Hedden and Mandy Miles

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT/CEO

Elizabeth Brown to succeed Jennifer McComb

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys recently announced that Elizabeth Brown, who has been serving as interim CEO since the departure of Jennifer McComb, has been selected as the permanent president and CEO of the foundation, following a comprehensive search process. Brown brings extensive leadership experience and a commitment to the Florida Keys community, according to a press release from the foundation.

Brown joined the foundation as vice president for philanthropy in 2022, bringing over 15 years of nonprofit leadership and consulting experience, including her previous role as deputy director of advancement for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Asian Art. During her tenure at the foundation, she has been instrumental in strengthening relationships with donors and nonprofit partners, particularly in the Middle and Upper Keys.

Board Chair Laura Lietaert praised the selection of Brown, saying, “I am confident that Elizabeth will keep us on the upward trajectory that Jen McComb started. Now, more than ever, we are ‘In Paradise for Good.’”

Brown, who holds a Master of Public Policy from Duke University and dual undergraduate degrees in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Spanish from Auburn University, will lead the foundation as it continues its mission of making Key West and the Florida Keys a better place to live now and in the future. She also holds a Sunshine Certificate in nonprofit management from the Florida Association of Nonprofits and has completed the National Community Foundation Boot Camp.

As the new president and CEO, Brown will focus on further

growing the foundation’s impact and expanding partnerships with donors and community leaders to address critical needs in the region. The foundation will maintain its offices in Key West and Brown will be based at its new office space in Islamorada, with frequent trips throughout the Keys. This structure marks a significant step in ensuring a strong presence throughout the county.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role and continue serving the wonderful community we have here in the Florida Keys,” said Brown. “The support from our board, staff and my predecessor, Jen McComb, has been invaluable throughout this transition. Together, we are energized and ready to advance the foundation’s mission to address the evolving needs of our community, both now and for the generations to come.”

For nearly three decades, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys has been dedicated to strengthening the Florida Keys by building long-term and permanent funds that provide grants, scholarships and critical support to nonprofit organizations. To learn more about the foundation, call 305-292-1502 or visit cffk.org.

About the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to making the Florida Keys a better place to live, now and in the future, through grants, leadership, and donor-driven philanthropy. Since 1996, the Foundation has awarded over $32 million in grants and scholarships throughout the Keys, supporting arts and culture, the environment, health and human services, disaster relief, scholarships, youth programs, and more. The Community Foundation helps individuals and families leave a legacy in the Keys by inspiring giving and by connecting people, resources, and needs through philanthropy. The Foundation is well-known for its signature “Unsung Heroes” event which honors nonprofit volunteers. For more information, call 305-292-1502 or visit cffk.org.

Elizabeth Brown

WEDNESDAY

BEER BATTERED FRIES | COLE SLAW

NA BEVERAGE I DESSERT

MONDAY

BBQ BABY BACK RIBS: $34

COLE SLAW I SWEET POTATO FRIES

TUESDAY

TWO ASIAN TUNA TACOS IN WONTON SHELL: $28

SWEET SOY AND WASABI AOLI W/KIMCHI

THURSDAY

JUMBO SHRIMP AND GRITS: $32

FRIDAY

SWORDFISH ROCKEFELLER: $48

POTATO CROQUETTE

GRILLED ASPARAGUS

SATURDAY

SEAFOOD STRUDEL WITH BROCCOLINI: $42

Accepting

Artist Guy Hermelin on his plans for the ‘‘90s Neon Cosmic Carnival’

COSTUME CREATOR PREPS FOR FANTASY FEST

CAROL TEDESCO www.keysweekly.com

Fantasy Fest 2024, with its theme, “It’s a 90s NEON Cosmic Carnival” doesn’t kick off until Oct. 18, but costume fabricators like Guy Hermelin have been immersed in the creative realm for weeks, conceptualizing and crafting their designs. We recently caught up with Hermelin for some insights into his creative life and a peek into what he’s planning for this year.

Where were you born, and what brought you to the Keys? I’m the oldest of five kids, all born and raised in Key West and home schooled by our parents. My dad moved here in the ‘70s and kind of loved the hippie lifestyle. He made these hand-painted candles and had a candle shop on Duval Street.

What’s your artistic background and how did you develop your creative chops?

I started drawing as a child and at six or seven started painting lessons with local artist Rick Worth, continuing with him every summer into my teens. I’ve loved virtual games since childhood; loved the fashion and design elements that go into creating them, so when I discovered it was actually a field of study, I applied to a conceptual design school in L.A. and was one of 17 students accepted into their program, which encompassed numerous areas of design, including costuming, creating characters and environments – whole worlds.

Following school I was hired to do 3D engineering at a foundry in L.A., working as a “ghost artist” on monumental bronze sculptures that are on display all over the world. After that I attended the Italian fashion school in Los Angeles, where I learned bespoke tailoring and patterning. I’d begun integrating my 3D knowledge into my designs, and was working on my brand and building up to the release of my first collection when the pandemic hit.

What brought you back to Key West and what year did you bring your talents to Fantasy Fest?

I was feeling homesick, so I came back in February 2022, which was the first year I created for Fantasy Fest. The theme was ‘Cult Classics and Cartoon Chaos’ and I made a Glinda from “The Wizard of Oz” costume for the Key West Business Guild Headdress Ball competition. I didn’t place that year, but I learned a lot.

What did you make for 2023?

2023 was a disco unicorn creation called the Derby Dazzler for the ‘Uniforms &

Unicorns’ theme, and it won the Headdress Ball’s second-place prize.

Any particular challenges or memorable mishaps from past years?

Yes, the two “Ws” — walking and wind. For the Derby Dazzler’s hooves, I had used big paint buckets with industrial Velcro covered with glitter fabric and strapped them onto my shoes. I walked in those massive hooves through the whole Masquerade March and the Fantasy Fest parade; five hours of walking each day. It took time to recover from that. And during the parade, because of the size and shape of the headdress, the mane kept catching the wind like a sail and I needed two people to hold me down at some points.

The most memorable mishap occurred at the 2022 Headdress Ball. I was standing backstage, waiting to go on and trying not to be in anyone’s way, when I felt someone yanking me from behind. But it wasn’t someone. There was this big industrial fan that had pulled in the ribbons from the back of my costume and was twirling them around like spaghetti on a fork. I thought that was going to be my “Final Destination” moment. Thankfully, production host Erin McKenna pulled the plug and saved the day.

Will you tell us what you’re cooking up for 2024?

I love all the elements of this year’s theme. I’m a big sci-fi nerd, was born in the ‘90s, and carnival outfits are really fun. So a work-in-progress is DJ Time Warp, a timetraveling DJ and his band of Power Ravers. People can actually come and watch me working on it at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St., from now until the start of Fantasy Fest. The public construction is a component of my new exhibit that just launched at TSKW, called “Cosmic Colors and Costumes,” which is open Tuesday through Saturday through Oct. 31. The exhibit features a fusion of my work, including abstract paintings, fashion illustrations, and elaborate carnival costumes.

1. Artist Guy Hermelin works on his costume design concept for this year’s Fantasy Fest. CAROL TEDESCO/FantasyFest.com

2. The Wizard of Oz’s good witch Glinda was Guy Hermelin’s first Fantasy Fest creation.

3. Guy Hermelin on stage in his Derby Dazzler headdress with fellow competitors during the 2023 Key West Business Guild Headdress Ball.

Favorite thing about Fantasy Fest? I love that so many people get involved and into the spirit of the themes for their costuming. I feel very lucky to come from a place that’s so creative and fun.

For a full calendar of events, schedule updates, and a downloadable mobile APP visit fantasyfest.com.

Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo!

FRIDAY, OCT. 18

2:00 pm: Doors open; coffee and snacks

2:45 pm: Upside-down Jellyfish As Bioindicators, presented by Natalia López Figueroa

3:30 pm: Diving With a Purpose: Restoring Coral Reef Ecosystems and Documenting Maritime History, presented by Kramer Wimberley

6:15 pm: The Reef Fishes of Gainesville, Florida: How the Florida Museum Fish Collection informs our understanding of reef fish communities, presented by Rob Robins

More details at www.REEF.org/REEFfest

SATURDAY, OCT. 19

2:00 pm: Doors open; coffee and snacks

2:30 pm: Fisheries Science with a SMILE: Citizen scientists contribute to marine conservation one photo at a time, presented by Dr. Alli Candelmo

3:00 pm: Key Largo... The New Normal, presented by Stephen Frink

Scan to view talk summaries and speaker bios

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

This week, we have two powerful planets making an about-face.

On Oct. 9, joyful and abundant Jupiter turned retrograde in the sign of Gemini, an apparent backward motion that Jupiter will continue until early February. The act of Jupiter turning retrograde is a literal turn of fortune or reconsidering the abundance in your life. As Jupiter turns, you may find yourself starting to think and communicate your successes in a different light, ideally leading you to a new form of generosity for yourself and others. On Oct. 11, intense and dark Pluto turns direct in Capricorn for the final time. Pluto is completing its 15-year alchemical journey through the sign of Capricorn, changing our conceptions of work and material success, showing us the shadow side of commoditization, empowering our ethical politics and emboldening our leaders. These two powerful planets are more or less standing still right now as they slowly turn in their respective directions, so stop, look, and listen. Now is the time to notice changes so that you may implement them in the coming weeks and months.

Here are your horoscopes for Jupiter turning Retrograde and Pluto turning Direct. Read for your rising and sun signs.

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

The powerful change of what home means for you is almost complete. These next few weeks, integrate the shifts that have taken place over the last 15 years in regards to home and family because this will be your new reality. Start to dive into a new belief system and a new world view right now. How does everything hang together and what is the driving force of the universe? A new perspective will bring abundance.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

Pay attention to how you invest your time, money and energy in other people and projects, and begin to make some changes. Reviewing how your investments bring you joy will help you make wiser decisions, not just in returns but in contentment. Finalize the powerful changes that have been taking place in how you communicate and experience your familiar surroundings. Those are locking in.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

It is time to really dig into what you truly value, Sag. Your finances and your material stability will reflect this determination for years to come. You have about six weeks to dig deep and lock in your decision, which is not so much a decision as an acceptance of fact. Revisiting an important partnership will bring you a great turn of fortune over the coming months.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Pluto is on the precipice of leaving your sign for good. What profound changes have you experienced in your sense of self and your personal confidence these past 15 years? Hold on to what serves you because the rest will fall away. Take time to consider your habits and physical routines that bring joy into your world, because a change is being initiated in that part of life.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

You have been navigating a deep, spiritual purge for quite a long time, and that process is about to end. Take the next several weeks to release the subconscious frustrations that do not serve you and to hold onto the lessons you’ve learned during the struggle. Spend time doing the things that bring you the greatest bliss and see how those activities might bring a new bounty to your life.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

How you socialize and who you determine to be in your support network have been going through deep, lasting changes. Lock those lessons in. You have an opportunity to reconsider the joy you experience at home and with family. How can you participate in that happy bounty more consciously and intentionally? Pay attention to the people you surround yourself with these coming weeks.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Being a boss doesn’t always mean being the person in charge, but sometimes it does. You have developed a new outlook on work and leadership. Put this perspective into practice these coming weeks because you are setting your new position in stone. Your mode of communication can hinder or hurt. Take some time to reconsider how your words can be used for gratitude rather than commands.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

Big money! No whammies! You have an opportunity for some serious financial bounty right now, but you need to rethink how your values bring joy into your life. If you have an ethical system that does not grow happiness, is it worth it and is it valuable? Your beliefs have gone through the ringer for a long time, changing form and bringing frustration. That work is about to pay off.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

A powerful return on investment for all of the work you have been doing is on the horizon. Your determination of how you distribute your energy is about to be finalized and you can literally rest on your laurels. Over the next few months, you get to dig deep for

POWERFUL PIROUETTES

your inner happiness. What brings YOU joy? What you do with and for others is great and all, but your bliss is what you need to find.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

Partnership has been a theme in your life for a very long time, and that transformative journey is almost over. What partnership means to you and what you seek from it is all but determined, and you are on the verge of knowing exactly what you want. In addition, you will find lots of abundance by spending time alone in the next few months, so get cozy in solitude.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

Your support network is a huge part of your life right now, and they are showing up in ways that surround you in bounty. You have an opportunity to reconsider how you show your gratitude and how you use this energy. Take the next few months to be present with those that support you. You’ve also been transforming your relationship to routines and health. Get ready to lock that in.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Your joy and creativity have been going through an alchemical shift for a long time, but now you finally know what it is that brings you joy and draws out your inner creator. Take these next few weeks to really dial it in. You have a lot happening at work, and now you have the opportunity to rethink how work is working for you.

LIBRA

FOR THE BENEFIT OF…

For most musicians, a few types of shows carry more weight than others. By this I mean the scope of the job is a bit wider than normal. In my mind there are three that stand out: Weddings, funerals/ celebrations of life and fundraising benefits.

Playing a wedding brings an interesting set of responsibilities. You are setting the scene and providing the soundtrack for precious, once-in-a-lifetime (at least in theory) memories of one of a family’s most anticipated days. Not only that, the entire family is there — cousins, nephews, aunts, uncles, grandparents and great grandparents — representing a vast difference in musical preferences. It is a musician’s job to analyze these parameters and adjust accordingly. A broad repertoire is required, as is the knowledge of the flow of the audience. Everyone is there at the start to offer congratulations. Eventually, the older folks head out, leaving that group of middle-aged folks ready to show the bartenders at the now-cash bar how real people party. After their Uber drivers locate them and they depart,

RAY WEST

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

all that is left is the group of younger people who stayed too late and now are just gonna hang until they’re told to leave. Such is the night until you can pack up and head home. Funerals and celebrations of life are sensitive situations. Each one is different. Sometimes you’re asked to play a particular song, and the emotions that fill the room are often unforgettable. Sometimes these are sad affairs and the music is reflective of that mood, but not lost in it while people stretch even in those dark moments for peace and hope. Musicians are expected to add to the feel of the room and not attempt to direct it. And some celebrations are just that — celebration of a life well lived, not the death that marked the end of it.

Many times there’s a flow to these events as well and they begin somber, but often end on a more hopeful note.

Benefits are interesting in that you don’t always know the beneficiary. Often the events are in support of an organization or victims of a distant disaster. But those held for friends strike home the hardest and are an attempt to ease the burden of some tragedy that’s befallen someone we know and/or love. A musician often plays benefits for a simple reason that has never failed mankind: Gratitude. Individually we are a lot of things, but collectively we’re a grateful bunch. Most of us who have chosen music as our means of traversing this world feel lucky beyond words to be able to do what we do, and when someone is denied that pleasure, we often feel a bit of a responsibility to share for free that which has given us so much — music.

REEL RECS

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

What: Teen Witch (1989) Why: Allow us to preface this with the disclaimer that not every entertaining movie necessarily needs to be good. Case in point is this curiosity that’s completely and hilariously confused as to what kind of film it wants to be. Is it a musical? A John Hughes-esque teen comedy? A steamy romance? A supernatural fantasy? Yes, and then some. Helping ground this insanity is Robyn Lively (sister of Blake Lively) as the winning lead. Surrounding her, though, are voo-doo dolls sending professors through the carwash, annoying family members being turned into animals, and a rap performance played so unironically that it must be seen to be believed. What better way to gear up for Halloween?

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.

Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, library assistant, Islamorada library.

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

SHELF HELP

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

What: “Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals” by Oliver Burkeman

Why: I am a notorious procrastinator and struggle with time elasticity. I’ll estimate that a task will take 5-10 minutes, and in the blink of an eye, I’m 45 minutes late and elbow-deep in an entirely unrelated project! I’ve attempted a foray into self-help books to see if there might be a remedy; yet I’ve only been able to find platitudes. Burkeman, a self-proclaimed former productivity geek, delves beyond simple listmaking advice and into the philosophy of how we spend and perceive time. Burkeman proclaims that “the real measure of any time management technique is whether or not it helps you neglect the right things.” This book is less about optimizing your time, and more about embracing how time is so much more than a resource to be exploited. I listened to the audiobook and Burkeman’s soft British accent makes his observations all that more poignant and amenable.

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

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

Recommended by: Riona Campbell, library associate, Key West library.

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

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

trust Dr. Forsee to rejuvenate your smile

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

Windley Key has history

LIMESTONE QUARRIES, HENRY FLAGLER AND DECORATIVE ROCK

FLORIDA

It is no secret that Key West gets most of the shine in the Florida Keys. In everyday talk about the island chain, most conversations center on the Southernmost City. The same can be said about things written in magazine articles and books and told in documentaries. Sometimes, it can feel like Key West is the only island in the Florida Keys, which is one of the reasons I do what I do: there is tremendous history up and down the island chain.

Today, we’ll explore an island that was two islands before Henry Flagler and the men building the Key West Extension of his Florida East Coast Railway arrived. The 1772 DeBrahm chart identified the larger of the two islands as Wright. In 1849, Gerdes wrote in his pamphlet Reconnaissance of the Florida Reef and all the Keys, “Island between Long Id. (an early name for Plantation Key) and Old Matecumbe (Upper Matecumbe) has no name.” In the 1850s, both a U.S. Coast Survey and a report by Captain Abner Doubleday (yes, that Abner Doubleday who didn’t invent baseball) written for the U.S. Army identified the island as Vermont Key.

During the construction of the railroad, the two islands were known as the Umbrella Keys and Windleys Island. Benjamin Russell homesteaded 127 acres of the substantially larger of the two islands in 1883. In 1895, that island’s remaining 97 acres were deeded to the Jackson, Tampa, and Key West Railroad – a precursor to the Florida East Coast Railway. It was Henry Flagler’s men who, while building the Key West Extension of the East Coast Railway, filled the narrow channel separating the two islands with

limestone, sand, and marl until the two islands became one.

We recognize the island as Windley Key, a name thought to have come from an early pioneer. It is a relatively small island and home to a single mile marker, 85. Windley Key boasts two prominent physical features: quarries and fossils. It might be the best place in all of the Florida Keys to stop and take a good close look at the Keys’ ancient “underbelly.”

One of the island’s defining features is a collection of rock quarries dating back to the turn of the 20th century. One of those quarries hides in relatively plain sight as the prominent, rectangular water feature where bottlenose dolphins have been performing for audiences at Theater of the Sea since 1946.

In the midst of the Flagler years, a bustling railroad town sprang to life on Windley Key.

It was named, appropriately enough, Quarry and was located in the general area of what is today the parking lot of Theater of the Sea.

On April 8, 1908, the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union printed: “The camp at Quarry on Windley’s or Umbrella Key, is about the liveliest place on the keys. 100 laborers are employed quarrying rock, which is taken down the line and distributed along the trestles and right of way of the ocean going railway, for their protection from tides. Mr. W.E. Brown is the resident engineer, and Capt. Richard and Mr. H.W. Connelly, foreman. The culinary department is looked after by Mr. D. M. Matheson, steward and it is not saying too much in his praise to call it the best camp that ever operated on the line. The men are fed on the best, nicely cooked, plenty of seafood, fresh meat and vegetables in abundance. Laborers come and go when they please, and are well paid. Mr. D.C. McCown is the storekeeper and Mr. E.M. Birchland is the new agent.”

At the quarries, workers sliced through the substrate for a byproduct of an ancient coral reef. Corals are not plants but animals closely related to sea anemones and jellyfish. They also

build tiny coral homes by excreting limestone. Over thousands of years, the overlapping development of those limestone houses grow to create massive barrier reef systems. One of those ancient systems of coral reefs is now called the Florida Keys.

It is one thing to say that the island chain was built on the back of an ancient coral reef, but it is another thing to see it firsthand, which makes Windley Key special. The primary quarry sites were located on the other side of the railroad tracks from what is today Theater of the Sea, where operations would continue long after Henry Flagler rolled into Key West aboard his personal railcar on January 22, 1912.

Quarry work, done first by Russell and later by the men building the railroad and those working for the Keystone Rock Company, exposed eight-foot-tall island walls. Within those walls are the fossilized remains of the ancient reef, which is why the old quarry is now home to the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park.

The last company to quarry the limestone was the Keystone Rock Company. The quarrymen cut away the slabs of limestone that were then shipped to the Miami warehouse where the fossilized stone facades were polished to a sheen and sold as a decorative building material called Keystone. The Florida Keys Memorial, also known as the Hurricane Monument, on Upper Matecumbe Key, is an excellent example of Keystone. Though Keystone is still used, The Keystone Quarry ceased operations in the 1960s.

In addition to some of the machinery once used to cut away the limestone displayed on the park grounds, the exposed walls of the former quarry are still standing. When visiting the park and walking through the old quarry, it is not only amazing to see the beautifully fossilized corals in the walls but also just how cookiethin the layer of natural humus that covers the Florida Keys can be.

Keystone Quarry Warehouse on Windley Key circa 1965. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY

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

KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

The Ploggers met at Mallory Square for the Oct. 4 cleanup. When working in these areas it is all about the small items in the rocks, flower beds and between the pavers. Community services does a great job of getting all the large items on a daily basis. In one hour, 57 volunteers collected 110 pounds of trash, 24 pounds of recycling and 2.5 gallons of cigarette butts. Special thanks to Ocean Key Resort and Spa for hosting a breakfast buffet for all the participants. The next cleanup will be after Hurricane Milton storm passes on Friday,Oct. 11 at the bocce courts at the corner of White Street and Atlantic Boulevard. CONTRIBUTED

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

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

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

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

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Ev-

ery piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference. It takes committed community involvement to keep Key West beautiful and we are making progress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted. Call Dorian Patton at 305-8093782 to find out how your business, nonprofit or club can help.

— Contributed

Join a one-hour Friday morning cleanup at the following locations. All times are 8 to 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

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

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

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

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

a fun day of play.

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

The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

is a 4-year-old all-black cat with a sweet but shy personality. He may be a little reserved at first, but once he

Meet Moby, a 6-month-old orange and white sweetheart. This playful boy is full of energy and loves to chase toys, explore and snuggle up after

Ron

warms up, Ron enjoys pets and attention.

Ace is a 4-year-old good boy who’s ready to find his forever home. He’s sweet, loyal and loves being around his people.

Meet Babs, a stunning 3-year-old rabbit with a sleek white coat and soft gray accents on her nose and ears. She’s like a Siamese cat, but in bunny form. Babs is sweet, gentle and ready for her forever home.

Meet Myrtle, a 9-month-old tortie with a heart full of sweetness. This little girl loves affection and is always ready to curl up for a cozy snuggle. Her playful side shines through when she’s chasing toys, but she’s just as happy to relax with her people.

ANGLER REELS IN RECORD LIZARDFISH

It takes a family to land a world record fish certified by the International Game Fish Association — even one without the acclaim of the superstar bonefish or permit In this case, longtime Islamorada visitor Pedro Alvarez received word on Sept. 4 that he had landed that IGFA distinction for an Atlantic lizardfish of 3 pounds, caught on Feb. 11, 2024 in the Everglades on resident Tim and Anderson Ervin’s 22 Pathfinder, The Legacy. The bait was supplied by Eddy’s Bait and Tackle of Tavernier and the fish was weighed on a scale purchased from Islamorada’s Tackle Center. The boat was named after former director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and president of Michigan State University, Gordon Guyer, thanks to a connection made by longtime Michigan leader and inveterate outdoorsman William Rustem. TIM ERVIN/Contributed

PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY?

Want to make a difference supporting a nonprofit homeless shelter for women and children?

Samuel's House seeking a full-time dynamic and creative Event & Fundraising Coordinator to plan and execute fundraising events, manage donor relations, and contribute to the growth of our fundraising efforts. The ideal candidate is a people-person, highly organized, and has a proven track record of success in nonpro t fundraising and event planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute fundraising events from concept to completion.

• Manage donor databases, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.

• Coordinate mailing campaigns, including direct mail appeals for fundraising.

• Prepare and distribute event materials, including registration lists and donor correspondence.

Qualifications

• Experience in nonpro t fundraising or event planning.

• Strong communication and networking skills, with the ability to engage donors and stakeholders.

• Pro ciency in Microsoft Of ce and ability to learn new software for donor management.

• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• A valid driver’s license.

YOUR KEY WEST PARKING PERMIT IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE

All residential stickers expire Oct. 31; renew online for $39

All residential parking stickers expire on Oct. 31. Renew your current permit or obtain a new one online at cityofkeywestpermits. rmcpay.com or by visiting city hall, 1300 White St. CONTRIBUTED

Hey, Key West residents, it’s time to renew your Residential Parking Permit for Old Town. All residential parking stickers expire on Oct. 31, no matter when you bought it. The stickers on your windshield helps ensure marked residential parking spaces are reserved for residents.

If you already have last year’s permit, you can just renew it online for another year. Visit cityofkeywestpermits. rmcpay.com, scan the QR code below or stop by the rear entrance to City Hall, 1300 White St., Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

After Oct. 31 last year’s permits will no longer be valid for parking in the spaces marked “Residential” in the historic neighborhoods, nor will they grant residents their 4 hours of free parking (one time per day) in select city parking lots.

This year’s Residential Parking Permits will be mailed to the address on file when you apply or renew online.

The permits cost $39.13 for a full year of parking. First-time applicants will need to upload proof of residency, a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration to qualify for a residential permit.

In addition to ensuring that residents can park in the marked residential spaces, the permit allows for free parking for up to four hours, one time per day, by redeeming that time at the pay station or in the Passport parking app. The free four hours of parking is available in the following lots:

• Fire Station #2 in the 600 block of Simonton — Zone 33054

• Key West Bight main lot in the 800 block of Caroline — Zone 33046

• Park N Ride garage in the 300 block of Grinnell — Zone 33048

• Truman Waterfront Park (except during events) — Zone 33051

• Smathers Beach on-street parking on South Roosevelt Blvd — Zone 33053

• Jackson Square behind the county courthouse, nights and weekends only — Zone 33049

— Contributed

Hover your phone’s camera over the QR code to be taken to the city’s online portal for residential parking permits.

Event features master gardeners & accepts compost

The Native Plant Nursery at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden will hold its monthly native plant sale from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 19. Along with the plant sale, food waste for composting will be accepted, and master gardeners will be on site to answer any plant questions. Bring food scraps to support composting in the Keys through a research project and educational collaboration with the UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension. Food waste will be accepted every third Saturday during the plant sale. Acceptable items include fruits, vegetables, grains (pasta, bread, rice), coffee grounds and eggshells. No meat or dairy is accepted.

The nursery has 160 species of native trees, shrubs and vines available including native and Cuban palms and vegetable plants. There are more than 2,000 plants that attract birds, butterflies and other pollinators in 1-gallon to 15-gallon pots. Key West Botanical Garden members receive a 15% discount. Memberships are available on site. The garden is a non-profit corporation and all proceeds directly benefit its conservation program.

The garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. For more information email: nursery@keywest.garden, call 305-296-1504 or visit keywest.garden.

— Contributed

The Key West Botanical Garden & Tropical Forest on College Road will hold its monthly Native Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 19. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

By Dr. Kellee Reed

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the perfect time to promote prevention and education about this disease Preventing breast cancer starts with being proactive about your health This involves scheduling regular screenings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and staying informed about new technologies in detection Routine mammograms are your first line of defense It’s crucial to schedule your yearly screenings, as early detection is key to appropriate treatment and in many cases, can save lives The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 45 to 54 get mammograms every year At Mount Sinai, our highly skilled radiologists are able to interpret breast images and deliver clear and accurate results

In addition to regular screenings, here are some other steps you can take to help reduce your risk:

a Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins Limiting caffeine and focusing on plant-based foods may help lower your risk of breast cancer

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate

maintain a healthy

Breast cancer is a risk all women face, but regular screenings and preventive steps can make a difference in your health Schedule your screening today and take control of your well-being

NEARSHORE WATERS AND AVIAN ASPERSIONS

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

Fall migration was in full swing, and it had been a nice morning birding around Fort Zach. Warblers were flitting here and there, barn swallows and cave swallows were zooming overhead, and the occasional thrush would hop up onto an old log, give me a disappointed look and disappear into the shadows again.

All of this had been underscored by the U.S. Marines, or at least one Marine, though I didn’t know he was a Marine at the time. He was just a disembodied voice addressing subordinates through a megaphone for 45 minutes about how to get on and off an inflatable boat during a beach landing.

I thought it might have been Navy SEALs or Army Special Forces, but when I made it out to the beach I saw a boat just offshore with USMC on the side. Looking through the fence at JIATF I could see two or three black inflatable rafts in the shallows, and about 30 men standing in a long row on the beach. Occasionally one of the boats would make a foray a couple hundred yards offshore, then turn back.

After a while I turned my attention to the rocky breakwaters of the Fort Zach beach. Mostly you see gulls and pelicans there, but other interesting birds do occasionally make appearances. This morning, there was a snowy egret, with its austere white feathers, black legs and yellow starfish feet. There was also a blackbellied plover sans black belly, as the breeding season was over.

Something brown caught my eye as it flew low across the water from the beach to the middle pile of rocks. It was the size of a smallish gull or tern, and I quickly had my suspicions. Despite having used the same binoculars for more than 15 years, I rolled the focus wheel in the wrong direction at first – so much for muscle memory – then brought it back, then further back until the bird appeared sharp through the glass.

It was, in fact, a tern, a near-uniform chocolate brown one with a whitish cap on its head, which made it a brown noddy.

The kindest version of how brown noddies got their name is that it is derived from their mating rituals, in which the male and female approach each other on a beach or rocky cliffside, bowing their heads up and down, or nodding at each other. The less kind take is that, when the bird was first described to science in 1758, the word noddy meant a sleepy person, or more to the point, a simple and stupid person.

The brown noddy’s scientific name is Anous stolidus. Anous, when translated from ancient Greek, means foolish or stupid. Stolidus also comes from the ancient Greek, meaning insensible, dull and/or stupid. Calling a bird the “stupid stupidhead” just seems an unnecessarily pejorative and redundant use of taxonomic nomenclature, even if you wrap it up in a fancy dead language.

You could blame the lack of love in the naming department on the mindset of the naturalists of yore. But Ernest A. Choate, author of the often-fusty-but-sometimes-fun “Dictionary of American Bird Names” described all the derision as appropriate in the 1985 edition of his book. Why? The name was “given to the bird by sailors because it did not take alarm at their approach.”

Brown boobies tend to breed in out-of-theway places. And when they are not breeding, they spend their life at sea, far from shore, often hundreds of miles from shore. Like their similarly-maligned pelagic avian cohorts in the booby genus (booby also means stupid) they don’t encounter a lot of humans, and therefore have not evolved to see them as a threat. They’re not stupid; they are unwary of humans, which in my book is not the same thing, even though it can bring about the same unfortunate results.

While I certainly don’t think brown noddies are intellectually challenged, I was wondering if the one on the rocks at Fort Zach might be ill.

Brown noddies are monogamous, though in bird world, monogamy is often only seasonal. Both the male and the female spend about four months on land raising a single chick every year, splitting brooding and food gathering duties pretty evenly. The chicks get fed so much that they are often heavier than their parents when they take their first flight, though that weight is usually burned off quickly. The other eight months of the year they fly around the tropical oceans of the world, looking for fish.

Brown noddies breed at the Dry Tortugas by the tens of thousands. It is actually the only place in North America they breed. Their colony on Bush Key – adjacent to Garden Key, where the fort is – is intermingled with that of the even more populous sooty tern, a species that is similarly unwary but doesn’t suffer similar derision in any of its names.

I’ve seen very few noddies near the mainline Keys – usually only if there is a storm – and I don’t think I’ve ever seen one land here. I have seen pictures of them here, but only on Facebook posts from the Key West Wildlife Center about birds that needed to be rescued. A species committed to the deep-ocean lifestyle generally doesn’t feel the need to land on nearshore rocks.

While I was watching it, the noddy hopped up and changed rocks once when a snorkeler swam close by. (See? Wary.) It moved again when a posse of laughing gulls landed around it.

I heard a build up of noise over on the JIATF beach and looked just as the rafts took off from the beach, headed out towards the open water, then turned and aimed towards Key West Harbor, followed by the larger USMC boat. I tracked them until they were out of sight, then turned back to the rocks.

I couldn’t find the brown noddy. The bird was actually pretty close to the same color as the rocks, so I took my time, scanning each rock carefully, then the rocks on the other breakwaters.

It was gone, which I hoped meant the bird was just having an adventure, trying out the nearshore waters lifestyle, and was actually pretty healthy.

A few minutes later a brown pelican flew slowly down the beach, angled up, then augered in and splashed into the same waters the Marines had recently occupied. The pelican looked to have caught itself a nice mouthful of fish.

A brown-noddy at the Dry Tortugas. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS TODAY

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KEY RESORT & MARINA

Owner Kirby Myers and her associate stylist Amelia Hanley wearing Closet Finds

FALL’S TOP BOOK-TO - SCREEN ADAPTATIONS

By Carola Lovering

Having survived a volatile relationship with her mother, Lucy escaped her Long Island home and traveled far away to start a brand new life. As a freshman in California, she quickly makes friends and is soon introduced to an upperclassman, Stephen DeMarco, one of the most popular guys at school. Stephen is ridiculously confident and extremely good looking. From the moment they meet, Stephen makes Lucy feel honored to have his attention. He is well aware of Lucy’s desires and enjoys playing mind games to gauge her limits. Lucy becomes obsessed with Stephen’s every move, always at the edge of danger and scarily unpredictable. In addition to his deceptive personality, Stephen is a master of manipulation, keeping his own destructive childhood carefully hidden away. While another girl waits in the wings, half his pleasure is derived from knowing Lucy is always looking for him. Filled with psychological twists and turns, these young adults are trying to figure out who they are away from home, not comprehending the farreaching consequences of bad decisions. Not your typical romance, this toxic love story is cast perfectly. Season 2 just released on Hulu.

First and foremost a reader, she has reviewed hundreds of books on her blog www.readingandeating.com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing.

By Colson Whitehead

Raised by his loving grandmother, Elwood Curtis spends his days sweeping the floor at the cigar shop and getting As in school. It’s the early 1960s in Tallahassee and as Elwood plays the speeches of Martin Luther King repeatedly on the turntable, he dreams of college and a brighter future. He is raised on good manners, kindness and hope. On the first day of a college class he proudly gained entrance to, Elwood is mistakenly detained and sent to a juvenile detention center called The Nickel Academy. With no means to fight this archaic system filled with prejudice and a sadistic self-serving staff, Elwood and his only friend Turner struggle to survive while planning their escape. These boys are beaten, raped and stolen from. Most barely survive, and those who don’t are often labeled as runaways. Based on an actual reform school called Dozier, which closed in 2011, University of South Florida archaeology students discovered remains of many bodies mysteriously buried nearby, including evidence of the brutality that made up this boys “school.” An incredibly painful look at America’s past, and now a book-to-screen that cannot be missed. In theaters October 25.

THE CHICKEN SISTERS

By K.J. Dell’Antonia

It’s taken Mae Moore six years to reinvent herself, living in Brooklyn with two small children and a successful husband named Jay. Mae is a self-made organizational guru working in reality TV and publishing her first book. But down in Merinac, Kansas, her mother’s restaurant, Chicken Mimi’s, needs her – or at least, they need her conniving manipulating determination. Her sister Amanda, who works for arch enemy Chicken Frannie’s, applied to be a contestant on Food Wars. This award-winning food competition has a prize worth $100,000, and both restaurants are in desperate need of cash. Mimi’s and Frannie’s have been competing for decades, but when Amanda switched teams and shockingly married Frank Pogociello, it was the straw that broke the chicken’s back. It doesn’t take long for the conniving producer to pit the sisters against each other, spilling recipes, lies and secrets. The whole town gets swept up in the rivalry, battling to crown the best restaurant. But in the end, it comes down to a fairly simple choice, and the girls must figure out what matters more: family or fowl. Joining ranks with the feel-goods, this bestseller can now be seen on Hallmark+.

#WORTHWATCHING

#WorthWatching: “Bad Monkey.” Vince Vaughn is charmingly funny as Andrew Yancy, a detective turned restaurant inspector/ murder suspect who tries to rid the Florida Keys of greed and corruption, one body at a time. An adaptation of Carl Hiaasen’s 2013 bestseller and a must-see on Apple TV.

TELL ME LIES

THE NICKEL BOYS

KAREN NEWFIELD

TRY ’N’ FIND

Words that remind us of spiders are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ARACHNID, DIGEST, EIGHT, FANGS, FLEXIBLE, GLAND, HALLOWEEN, INSECT, JAWS, PARALYZE, POISONOUS, PREY, SILK, SPIDER, SPINNERET, STRONG, VENOM, WEAVE, WEB.

Creepy, Crawly Spiders

Do you run from the room screaming when you see a spider? Or do you look at them and their webs with wonder?

Spiders are both amazing and creepy. With Halloween coming up soon, The Mini Page learned more about the awesome spider.

ARE SPIDERS INSECTS?

Spiders are in a group called arachnids (uhRAK-nids). Ticks, mites and scorpions belong to the same class.

Although spiders look a lot like insects, they are not insects. Here are some differences:

Spiders:

• have eight legs

• have two body sections

• spin silk

• have glands filled with venom

Insects:

• have six legs

• have three body sections

• Most have wings and antennae.

IMPORTANCE OF SPIDERS

Spiders eat billions of insects. They are important in controlling insects that may harm crops. They also help protect human health by capturing and eating diseasespreading insects such as houseflies.

Super strong silk

Spider silk is one of the strongest materials on Earth. One strand of spider silk is stronger than the same size strand of steel. But the silk is also flexible, or able to be easily shaped. Spider silk was once used to make bulletproof vests.

Spider silk starts as a liquid inside glands, or special organs, in the spider’s body. When the liquid silk comes in contact with air, it hardens.

A spider usually has four spinnerets, or organs that produce silk, at the tip of its abdomen. As the spider moves the spinnerets, they weave the silk together, much like people weave threads.

Spiders can change the size, strength, thickness, stretchiness and stickiness of their silk. Along with webs, spiders can spin protective covers for their egg sacs.

Experts list only two types of spiders as poisonous to humans in America: the black widow and the brown recluse. The black widow spider (left) comes in two varieties — the western black widow and northern black widow. If you are bitten by one of these spiders, you should see a doctor right away. Be sure to keep the spider so it can be identified.

A new study finds that the COVID-19 virus is now widespread among wildlife in the United States, including such backyard animals as rabbits, mice and bats.

Virginia Tech researchers say the virus was most prevalent among wildlife near hiking trails and in highly trafficked public areas, suggesting the virus passed from humans to wildlife in some casual way. In one of the animals tested, the virus had mutated to a strain not seen in humans before. But the scientists stressed there is no evidence of the virus being transmitted from animals to humans.

Venom is poison produced by an animal. Spider venom paralyzes its prey, or makes it unable to move.

The venom also digests the prey, or breaks it down into a liquid. Spiders can eat only liquids. When the venom has turned the prey to liquid, the spiders suck it into their stomachs.

Spiders’ venom is in their large jaws. At the tip of each jaw is a sharp, movable fang. When the spider bites an insect, the jaws squeeze the insect, and venom flows through an opening in the spider’s fangs.

Spiders eat only live insects. Once its venom has paralyzed the prey, the spider can keep its meal alive until it’s done eating.

BEING CAREFUL

Most spiders are too small to break human skin and are not dangerous to us.

But even spiders with weak venom can still cause serious reactions in people. Spider bites can cause a high fever, body aches, and some pain or swelling where the person was bitten.

When you see a spider or a spider web, don’t put your hands on it. Spiders would rather run away than bite you. They usually bite humans only if they are rolled on or pinched against someone’s skin.

RESOURCES

the Web:

bit.ly/MPspiders

bit.ly/MPspiders2 At the library:

“Spiders” by Rebecca Pettiford

Founded by Betty Debnam

Photo courtesy University of Nebraska Department. of Entomology

photo by

Jason7825

photo by Shenrich91

The spinneret of an Australian garden orb weaver spider

VENOM

photo © Ben Smith

The fangs of a tarantula

SPOILER ALERT

IN

OCT.

Ultimate leader, ultimate team guy.”

Johnny Hughes, Key West head football coach

1,000

In last Friday’s victory over Killian, Key West’s Jaden Fox surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in rushing yards this season. His 194-yard performance resulted in 1 Conch TD, Fox’s 10th on the season. Coach Johnny Hughes describes Fox as “the complete player, better off the field than on.” Fox is credited with leading his team into tough situations, exuding confidence and fortifying the resolve of those around him. For his feats of athleticism on the field as well as his unmatched leadership, Key West’s Jaden Fox is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.

sean mcdonald

grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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Se habla español

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FINS’ BURSA, ‘CANES’ WHEATLEY MEDAL AT WOOTEN

Time running out to improve before postseason

Coral Shores and Marathon met in a familiar location on Oct. 2. The teams traveled to Miami’s Larry & Penny Thompson Park for the annual Larry Wooten Invitational. Marathon’s Vance Bursa finished second overall from a field of 173 runners. Bursa’s 17:01 finish was nearly two minutes ahead of his closest Keys competitor, which happened to be his younger brother, Tony, who crossed the line in 23rd place in 18:59. Next would be Allan Taylor in 19:17. Taylor and the younger Bursa are both freshmen. Eighth-grader Lucian Burns broke the 20-minute mark again, finishing in 19:54. Junior Caleb Shelar and senior Adrien Holdinga were fourth and fifth for the Fins.

The top Keys female finisher was freshman phenom Ali Wheatley, who brought home a fifth-place medal with her 21:28 finish. Behind Wheatley were teammates Kai Guth, Kate King, Tess Hill, Hayden Teal, Julieanna Oddo and Saige Ensign.

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

First for the Lady Fins was senior Ella Dunn in 25:11. Second for Marathon was Maeve Merryman, a sophomore, then Molly Joly, who opted to compete in the varsity race even though she is only in sixth grade. Rebecca Merryman and Sara Robinson were fourth and fifth for the Fins.

Key West was able to run the Conch Crawl on Oct. 5 after the weather and course conditions were uncooperative the week prior. Though the latest round of COVID to make its way through the Keys and an SAT ad-

tracy mcdonald

ministration diminished the field, plenty of runners were still able to compete. Freshman Sawyer Hill took first place on the grassy, hilly course, finishing in 19:32. Prometheus Delacerda, Alejandro Caridad, Daniel Roy, Jerven Louis and Matthew Barrett claimed places two through six for the Conchs. For the Lady Conchs, the big winner was Caylaa Makimaa, who finished in 21:00. Teammate Naima Thomas was second, finishing in a very respectable 22:00. Violet Jangraw and Mia Steer were third and fourth on their home course.

Despite winning the Conch Crawl in the morning, Hill still had some left in the tank. He and head coach Keara McGraw entered the Duval MIle later that evening. Hill turned it on and blazed down Duval Street, finishing the one-mile course in 4:29, good enough for second place overall and first in his age group. Coach McGraw was the first female overall, proving that she does indeed possess unworldly superpowers, as anyone familiar with planning and executing a 5K will attest. The time, energy, and stress in race coordination somehow did not fully drain McGraw, who regularly practices with her athletes.

Key West will head to Larry & Penny Thompson Park for the annual 305 Classic on Oct. 11, then close out their regular season at Marathon on Oct. 16. 2A Key West and Coral Shores will participate at their district event Oct. 30 at Larry & Penny Thompson Park while 1A Marathon competes the day before at Palmer Trinity School.

1. Sawyer Hill, left, and Keara McGraw, Conchs coach, pose with their hardware after spectacular finishes at the Duval Mile .

2. Members of Key West’s boys and girls cross country teams pose with their handcrafted trophies on Oct. 4.

3. The Fins’ top runner Vance Bursa leads the pack last week in Miami.

4. Marathon’s Ella Dunn, left, shows the crowd some love before the Larry Wooten Invitational in Miami last week.

5. Key West’s Violet Jangaw strides across the Key West golf course as the sun rises on Oct. 4 at the Conchs’ home meet. Jangraw finished third for her team.

6. Kai Guth looks strong mid-race

7.

8. Marathon’s Allan Taylor rounds a corner with teammate Lucian Burns right behind him.

9. Eighth-grader Lucian Burns has been steadily improving his time all season.

10. Sawyer Hill races down Duval in the annual Duval Mile, where he won his age group and came in second overall.

Hurricane freshman Ali Wheatley takes fifth place overall at Larry Wooten.

Photos by Rick Mackenzie and contributed images.

SO CLOSE

Conchs spoil perfect season for Lady ’Canes in exciting match

On Tuesday night, just one match stood between the Lady ’Canes and a perfect season. Head coach Jarrod Mandozzi knew the tall task would be no walk in the park in his team’s trip to Key West to face the Lady Conchs, but Coral Shores is not new to adversity this season and the team was up for the challenge.

“It’s fitting that in order to wrap up an undefeated season, we’ll have to do it on the road against Key West,” Mandozzi said before the match. “We know they’re always a great team and are well-coached, so we’re excited”

The 11-0 ‘Canes stormed into Bobby Menendez Gymnasium on Oct. 7 ready to do what seemed highly unlikely in August when they struggled in the preseason and were without a leader until Mandozzi stepped in. In addition to the chance at an undefeated season for the ’Canes, up for grabs for both teams was the title for Queens of the Keys, as both squads had beaten the other two in-county groups soundly.

It was Senior Night for the Conchs, who defended their home court with gusto, pulling off an early 5-0 lead in set one. Key West was on the attack, putting the ‘Canes on their heels just trying to stay alive. Key West won that one 25-14, but in set two, the ‘Canes’ hitters came alive, winning it decisively, 25-17.

Set three was a back-and-forth battle, but the Conch hitters were relentless. Audrey Smith would end the night with 4 kills and Gabby Garcia with 12. The 25-21 win for Key West gave them the advantage heading into set four. The intensity did not disappoint in that set, either. Both sides played with passion and hustle, but Key West reached 25 first, ending the match with a 25-23 score and thereby snuffing the hopes for a Coral Shores perfect season. Reese Haggard had 4 aces and 20 assists on her Senior Night. The Conchs’ other senior, Sunisa Kuhn, amassed 16 digs in the match despite a minor injury. The ‘Canes go down in the books with a record of 11-1 as they regroup for their district tournament Oct. 15, in hopes of bringing home the FHSAA 3A District 16 trophy.

On the way to the exciting culmination of their regular season, the Hurricanes effectively stormed through their schedule, with the latest victims being Marathon and Somerset South Homestead. On Oct. 2, Coral Shores came out strong, working themselves up to a 8-1 lead in the first set. Marathon battled back, but the ‘Canes snapped out of it and won the set 25-22. Coral Shores improved with each set, winning 25-20, then 25-18 to defeat the Dolphins 3-0.

“Marathon is always tough. They don’t give up easy points and of course there is a lot of pride being county rivals,” said Mandozzi, before praising one Fin he has coached against for many years. “Elena Eubank is such a fantastic athlete and competitor and a terrific young lady. I told her after the game that it has been a pleasure to coach against her and get to know her a little bit over the last however many years in basketball and now volleyball. I also told her that I was glad that I no longer had to game plan for her after tonight, but kidding aside she’s one of the more special athletes I’ve seen come through the Keys over the last eight or so years.”

Mandozzi explained that the magic in this year’s team goes beyond talent and skill. He placed a great deal of their success on the intangibles, such as the heart and hustle of

1. Coral Shores shakes hands with Key West after the game.

2. Niveah Howard sets the ball over the net.

3. Reese Haggard sets the ball for Tess Wright to hit.

4. The Conchs' student section celebrates the win.

5. Sunisa Kuhn passes the ball.

6. Deandra Valverde sets the ball over the net.

Photos by MAICEY MALGRAT/

Though the Marathon Dolphins carry a 3-14 record at press time, the strength of their opponents leaves them ranked second in their division ahead of postseason play.

BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly

Sofia Jans, Lily Hitchcock and Grace Leffler. Jans led the team in digs against Marathon with 16, and Mandozzi also lauded her serving, which he described as “lights out.”

Leffler had promised her coach a big game that night, and “she definitely delivered,” said Mandozzi. “She was second in hit percentage for us and added a couple of big blocks and Lily (Hitchcock) had some thunderous hits tonight, leading us with a .316 hit percentage and 7 kills.”

The following night, Coral Shores hosted South Homestead in a battle of Hurricanes. Coral Shores was 10-0, while South Homestead was 10-1, with their only loss coming from Coral Shores the week prior. In the preseason it was South Homestead who came out with the W. Despite entering the match with the upper hand, Mandozzi knew the danger of complacency.

“I told our girls that the weight of a long win streak like we’re on can be a lot to carry. Sometimes it’s hard to keep that fire and intensity game in and game out that got us here, and I kept reminding them that we have to fight that and resist the urge to let our foot off the gas,” he said.

But Mandozzi had little to worry about; the Lady ‘Canes were all gas, no brakes against the other Hurricanes, and Coral Shores’ serving was again on-point. Five of the six starters had serve ratings over 2.0, and the Lady ‘Canes collectively had 13 aces in the match. Once the ball was in play, Celene Walker made sure it landed across the net, racking up 10 kills. Leffler and Niveah Howard added 4 apiece. Shelby Lynn was credited with 15 assists while Ivy Tiedemann added 7 to the team effort.

After their loss to the Hurricanes, the Lady Fins dropped one more to Westwood Christian last week. But they were successful at home against Archimedean on Oct. 4, picking up their third win of the season. Once they play their rubber match against Basilica on Oct. 10, the Lady Fins will head to Moore Haven for the District 8 Rural tournament on Oct. 18. Marathon, despite its 3-14 record, is ranked second in their district due to the difficulty of their schedule. The Fins hope to make a run in the postseason in their first year participating in the Rural classification, which was created for small schools in areas with light population density so that they have competition from similar opponents.

The Lady Conchs picked up two wins last week, including the in-county title bout against Coral Shores and another win against neighboring Basilica School, despite having to get creative with their lineup due to injuries. With Kuhn and Journey Lamb both out, Savannah Ventimiglia put on the libero jersey for the match, stepping up with a dozen digs. Smith registered 12 kills, 3 aces and a pair of blocks while Garcia had 10 kills, 2 aces and 16 digs. Haggard was perfect in serving, on-target with all 22 attempts with 4 aces and 14 assists. Molly McKnight added another dozen assists to make the win a team effort as Key West rolls into their final two regular-season matches of the season. They will begin their district tournament Oct. 14.

After a loss to Key West, Basilica lost at Cushman the following afternoon. The Mariners finish their inaugural season on Oct. 10 at Marathon for a rematch against the Fins. In August, Basilica School beat the Fins at home, then lost to them at Key West in tournament action in September. The October winner will be decided at Marathon in the final match of the regular season for both teams. For the Mariners, it will be the last game of the season, as they do not participate in the FHSAA and are thereby ineligible for a district tournament.

’CANES CONQUER FINS IN BATTLE OF THE KEYS

Coral Shores leads Marathon 30-25 in all-time wins

Hurricanes coach Ed Holly promised the 55th Battle of the Keys would be intense and chippy but respectful, and his prediction was spot-on. In four quarters of gridiron action that left both teams exhausted with a physical, emotional matchup, it would be Holly’s Hurricanes who earned their 30th win in the series, but the Fins made them earn it the hard way.

Anyone fortunate enough to have attended the event saw firsthand the intensity both teams carried, and might be surprised to find out that anytime outside of the Battle of the Keys, both coaches are, as Holly described, respectful of one another and their respective teams. During football season, Holly and McDonald talk weekly, often giving one another some inside firsthand information on the teams they have already encountered and know the other will play soon. Both often compliment one another’s players, their system or a hard-earned win. But between the whistles, the rivalry is unmistakable.

Hurricane senior AJ Putetti was first to strike, quickly giving the ‘Canes a 6-0 lead off a short run. Marathon was quick to answer, though, and Fab Louis Jeune not only ran one in for six, he tacked on the extra point to give Marathon the lead. The first quarter ended quickly for a pair of teams who heavily favor the run game.

In quarter two, Coral Shores QB Yemcel Moreno kept one to himself, scoring on another short run. Not to be outdone, Louis Jeune repeated his first quarter performance, giving Marathon the 15-12 lead.

“Both number 2s really produced in a spirited contest,” Holly said, referencing Putetti and Louis Jeune. “They are some tough, gritty kids we have here in Monroe County.”

Putetti tacked on a 17-yard touchdown run to bring the ‘Canes into the lead, then scored again on a 67-yard punt return just before halftime, giving his team a cushion the

Coral Shores and Marathon square off in the 55th Battle of the Keys on Oct. 4. The Hurricanes came away with a 46-34 win. Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly. See more game photos at keysweekly.com

They must then get back on the win wagon against their final three opponents in order to make the FHSAA Rural playoffs. The Fins could face a road trip as far away as within a stone’s throw of the Alabama border depending on their ranking and how the brackets pan out.

Key West hosted the Cougars of Killian High School Oct. 4, winning in a display of offense at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium. In all, four Conchs crossed the goal line in the victory against what head coach Johnny Hughes described as “a very talented Killian team.” Jaden Fox, Jeff DeJean, Teak Guyet and Walson Morin all scored for Key West, with Morin making it a hat trick. Key West’s defense was unusually generous in the 42-29 win, as they have been notably stingy this season. That defense will need to get impervious again for week eight.

On Oct. 11, Key West hosts Miami Northwestern for a district matchup and a chance to propel themselves up the rankings. Northwestern is ranked first in the district and Hughes is not taking them lightly. He explained that from his research, Northwestern looks to be “as advertised. Athletic, big up front and with elite skill guys.”

To pull off an upset over Northwestern, Hughes knows his team will need to play at their best. “We can’t help them beat us. We can’t have turnovers,” he said. “We’ve got a challenge, no question about that.”

Fins could not overcome for the remainder of the game, though they certainly tried. In the second half, Putetti struck again on a 5-yard run that gave the ‘Canes a 32-14 lead. But in a rivalry game, teams do not simply tap out; Louis Jeune fought his way into the end zone to bring the Fins closer. Then Moreno connected with Jarmoris Davis to stretch the Hurricane lead again. Marathon’s Carlos Lezcano broke free to bring the Dolphins back within striking distance, 39-27, but Moreno closed the door on the win, carrying the ball in for a three-yard run as the clock ticked down, making the final score 46-34.

The dazzling display of offense alone was worth the price of admission, and both teams must now prepare for the remainder of their schedules, with battle number 56 on the backburner for a spell.

Coral Shores, which plays as an independent school and is therefore not eligible to play for a state title, will face a very important opponent on Oct. 11 as they battle Archbishop Carroll for the Florida Independent Football Conference title. Though there will be three weeks remaining in the regular season, The FIFC is determined by the teams’ records. Archbishop Carroll is leading the conference, and if they win in week eight, the Bulldogs will seal a third-consecutive championship regardless of the final three weeks. If Coral Shores can pull off the upset and defeat the Bulldogs, they will be in a three-way tie for the conference title. Marathon, on the other hand, will recuperate in week eight with a bye.

Though Hughes has a tough task with the Bulls, he has a bull of his own in Jaden Fox. “Fox exudes confidence,” he said. “He isn’t intimidated by anything and the other guys feed off of that.” Fox has, indeed, proven he can stack up the yards against the best of them, and if the Conchs can catch fire this Friday, they can even hope for a home playoff game in November against the rest of what FHSAA 3A has to offer.

Key West quarterback Teak Guyet reached pay dirt for a touchdown of his own in the Conchs’ 42-29 win last Friday. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

CONCHS CLOBBER HAWKS AT HOME

Key West sweeps wins in all but one race against Miami Springs team

Key West hosted the Golden Hawks of MIami Springs on Oct. 2 at the College of the Florida Keys pool. The boys team enjoyed a decisive 126-32 victory and the Lady Conchs won 123-16.

The boys 200 medley relay team of Eli Morris, Kieran Smith, Matthew Robertson and Hugo Blinckmann took first place, as did the girls team of Mary Searcy, Camila Linares, Hadley Bardoni and Aly Camargo. Once the dust settled from the relay, the victorious members went on to win multiple individual events and participate in other winning relay teams throughout the afternoon.

Camargo won the 50 freestyle sprint event for the girls and Blinckmann touched the wall first in the boys race. Camargo also won the 100 freestyle race. Gonzalez was first in that event for the boys and added a win in the 200 freestyle as well.

Tessa Hughes won the girls 200 freestyle race, then went the distance in the 500 freestyle, winning that event, too. In the 200 individual medley, Bardoni was first for the Lady Conchs. Jackson Way won the 200 IM for the boys. Way also won the 200 butterfly race, with Molly Martinez winning for the girls

girls team.

Linares and Smith won the 100 breast-

Linares and Smith won the 100 breaststroke race for the girls and boys, respectively, and Charlotte Murray and Searcy won the 100 backstroke event.

The 200 freestyle relay teams also handled the Hawks with ease. The girls team of Reeghan Davis, Karis Dryer, Martinez and Camargo finished first for the Lady Conchs and Hugo Blinckmann, Max Blinckmann, Sebastian Camargo and Gonzalez won the boys relay.

The 400 freestyle relays repeated the pattern of Conch domination with Bardoni, Martinez, Hughes and Davis winning the girls race and Perez, Jason Frankel, Sebastian Camargo and Gonzalez winning for the boys.

the boys. they

The Conchs have a trio of home meets in the coming weeks. First, they face Barbara Goleman on Oct. 12 at the CFK pool on Stock Island, then host Doral on Oct. 17. They close out their regular season with an intrasquad senior showcase on Oct. 26 just prior to districts at the end of the month. Coral Shores is scheduled to host Carrollton on Oct. 11 at Founders Park for their final home meet of the regular season.

Top: Sprint specialist Aly Camargo dominated the 50 and 100 freestyle races along with multiple team relay wins on Oct. 2. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

Bottom: Key West’s Mary Searcy cruised her way to an individual win in the 100 backstroke on Oct. 2, along with a team win in the 200 medley relay. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

GOLFERS CHIP AWAY AT SEASON Twyman and Steling win at home

Keys prep golfers managed to get in plenty of play last week despite a Marathon match being canceled due to unplayable course conditions on Sept. 30.

On Oct. 2, all three teams met in Key West for nine holes. The Conchs had the collective low score of the day, scoring 191 to Coral Shores’ 198 and Marathon’s 227. Key West’s Geo Twyman had the top score with a 45. Preston Carroll of Coral Shores was two strokes behind in second. There was a two-way tie for third between Key West’s Andrew Bassett and Marathon’s Brett Clark, then a three-way tie for fifth between Conchs Mason Titensor and Brody Catena and Coral Shores’ Derek Ramos. Peyton Zubieta of Key West and Donovan Thiery and Brock Bynum of Coral Shores rounded out the top 10.

The Lady Conchs fared as well as the boys, with Claudia Steling winning by eight strokes. Steling shot a 48 with the help of a birdie on hole eight. Teammates Charlize Lopez and Lexi Finigan took second and third and Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas claimed fourth. The Lady Conchs’ Monica Bueno was sixth, Marathon’s Justice Lee Isom and Makenna Haines tied for sixth place, and Breanna Santana of Key West and Sasha Gadea Mayer of Coral Shores were eighth and ninth, respectively.

Marathon sent only their underclassmen to Key West on Oct. 2, holding a practice match for their upperclassmen at home. Leo Mendez birdied on hole seven, shooting a 40 to finish first. Mason Thornton was one stroke behind in second followed by Chase Leird, Roco Piscetello and Max Childress, who rounded out the top five at the Florida Keys Country Club.

On Oct. 3, the Conchs traveled to Shula’s Golf Club in Miami Lakes to take on Mater Lakes Academy. Key West dominated in both the boys and girls competitions. Andrew Bassett, Geo Twyman and Jackson Barroso shared the number one spot with all three athletes shooting a 41. Peyton Zubieta and Mason Titensor were fourth and fifth, making a clean sweep over the Bears.

The girls also fared well, with Claudia Steling shooting a 47 to finish second overall. Monica Bueno, Charlize Lopez, Lexi Finigan and Breanna Santana finished fourth through seventh in the competition.

While the Conchs were at Shula’s, the Lady ‘Canes played nine in Coral Gables at Granada Country Club. In a very competitive field of four teams, Hurricane Gabby Thomas played a good round with a birdie on hole four and a 48 on the afternoon. Gadea Mayer and Amber Ender also competed for Coral Shores at Westminster’s home course.

Golfers have matches scheduled this week and next then will focus on the postseason. Monroe County’s teams will play in their district tournaments on Oct. 29 with the hopes of making it through to regionals the following week. Key West competes in the 2A classification at Palmetto while 1A Marathon’s and Coral Shores’ girls will be at Normandy Shores and the boys at Redlands Golf Course.

Key West’s Geo Twyman had the top score on his home course on Oct. 2m shooting a 45.

KEYS WEEKLY FILE

PHOTO

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

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Florida Keys Council of the Arts

Notice of Upcoming Meetings

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the Zoom meetings or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, Oct 10, 2024 at 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 834 4619 1827 Passcode: 765780 Art in Public Places Committee Meeting Tuesday, Oct 15, 2024 at 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 879 4599 0168 Passcode: 311033 Membership & Development Committee Meeting Thursday, Oct 24, 2024 at 10:30 AM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 897 2728 0769 Passcode: 381772

Publish: October 10, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RENAMING OF COUNTY ROAD NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on October 16, 2024, at 9:00 A.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider approval of the following Monroe County Resolution: A RESOLUTION BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AUTHORIZING THE RENAMING OF A PORTION OF CORAL DRIVE IN THE SUBDIVISION OF BAY POINT TRAILER PARK PLAT BOOK 4 PAGE 9 IN SADDLEBUNCH KEYS AND DIRECTING STAFF TO ERECT SIGNAGE TO REFLECT THE RENAMING OF THE PORTION OF THE ROAD TO BEACH DRIVE. The proposed Resolution may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the October 16, 2024 meeting, which will be posted beginning October 11, 2024 at: http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/citizens/default.aspx. The resolution may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s Office, at 1111 12th Street, Suite 408, Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the October 16, 2024 meeting of the Board of CommissionersCounty of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at: http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m.—5:30 p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available at our web portal at: http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/citizens/default. aspx, for meetings of the Monroe County Board of

County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 5th day of October, 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida

Publish: October 10, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT I ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC I) (Encompasses the city limits of Key West) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

has an opening for a LODGING INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE – shall be owners or operating/general managers of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in the tax collection district for which they are applying. Any person wishing to participate on the District I Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday November 15, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: October 10, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

FISHING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (District I Representative) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council has an opening for a District I Fishing Advisory Committee Representative (Encompasses the City Limits of Key West) Must reside full time in the Florida Keys and have a fishing related business or represent and have knowledge of fishing tournaments that utilize/ request funding from the specific bed tax district they are representing.

Any person wishing to participate on the Fishing Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below: Department FAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above email address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm the email was received.

Publish: October 4, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

FISHING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (District II Representative) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

has an opening for a District II Fishing Advisory Committee Representative

(From the city limits of Key West to the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge) Must reside full time in the Florida Keys and have a fishing related business or represent and have knowledge of fishing tournaments that utilize/ request funding from the specific bed tax district they are representing. Any person wishing to participate on the Fishing Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:

Department FAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above email address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm the email was received.

Publish: October 10, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

FISHING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (District V Representative) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a District V Fishing Advisory Committee Representative (From Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any Mainland portions of Monroe County) Must reside full time in the Florida Keys and have a fishing related business or represent and have knowledge of fishing tournaments that utilize/ request funding from the specific bed tax district they are representing. Any person wishing to participate on the Fishing Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below: Department FAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above email address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm the email was received.

Publish: October 10, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION REF NO. 24-CP-000474-K IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES R. ENSMINGER, DECEASED.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is Monroe County Courthouse, 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The name and address of the ancillary personal representative and the ancillary personal

representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT'S DEATH.

The date of death of the decedent is January 13, 2024.

The date of first publication of this notice is October 10, 2024.

Ancillary Personal Representative: ANDREW MARAZZOENSMINGER

256 Wilcox St. Wilson, NY 14172

Attorney for Ancillary Personal Representative: TERRY J. DEEB, ESQ. DEEB ELDER LAW, P.A. 6699 13th Avenue North, Suite 4B St. Petersburg, FL 33710

E-Mail: servicejcj@ deebelderlaw.com

E-Mail: servicekat@ deebelderlaw.com

E-Mail: servicedck@ deebelderlaw.com

FL Bar No. 997791

Publish: October 10 & 17, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-484-M

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF PATRICIA D. SCHMITT aka DELORES PATRICIA SCHMITT, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Patricia D. Schmitt aka Delores Patricia Schmitt, deceased, whose date of death was August 9, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 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. 732.216-732.228, 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 10, 2024.

Personal Representative: Bruce A. Schmitt 11100 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish:

October 10 & 17, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO.: 24-CP-442-K

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF KATHLEEN S. SNAVELY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of KATHLEEN S. SNAVELY, deceased, whose date of death was June 15, 2024, Case: 24-CP-442-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: October 10, 2024.

Personal Representative: JAMES M. SHAVER

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive

Key West, Florida 33040

Email designation for service: Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com

Telephone: (305) 292-3926

Fax: (305) 295-7947

Publish:

October 10 & 17, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO. 24-CP-000074-K IN RE: ESTATE OF RONALD W. HABYL, DECEASED.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of RONALD W. HABYL, deceased, whose date of death was December 28, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal 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. 732.216-732.228, 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 10, 2024.

Personal Representative: Darren Habyl 27913 Rexford Road Bay Village, Ohio 44140

Attorney for Personal Representative: Chad E. Brocato, Sr., Esq. Florida Bar Number: 110730 Moiguer Brocato Law 110 SE 6th Street, 17th Floor Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 Telephone: (954) 998-7914 Fax: (786) 800-9488 E-Mail: service@mylawyer. legal

Secondary E-Mail: chad@ mylawyer.legal

Publish: October 10 & 17, 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:

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

AUTOS WANTED

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.

FOR SALE: 2019 Walker Bay fiberglass RIB mod. 325ST LOA 11’ with 9.9 HP Yamaha. Located in Marathon. $3,995.00 970-901-1138

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.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time servers and bartenders. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub. com.

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

Place your CLASSIFIED AD HERE! $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.

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.

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 305-294-8346 or email: Dean.Taylor@ HistoricTours.com

HOUSING FOR RENT

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

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

Conch House - Studio for rent, newly furnished in Marathon. $960/ month + utilities. Dockage available for additional $. No Pets. 305-610-8002

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!!

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

RIKON Band Saw, $150.00. Located in Key West (Old Town). 305-849-1080 SOLD IN ONE WEEK!

Place your CLASSIFIED AD HERE! $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.

PERSONALS

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

RV SITES FOR

RENT

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

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

Place your CLASSIFIED AD HERE! $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.

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

YARD SALES

Place your CLASSIFIED AD HERE! $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today.

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.

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.

Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Engineering Department:

*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary. JOIN A

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

Peer Support Specialist

Case Manager (Adult, Child)

Substance Abuse Counselor Prevention Specialist (HIV)

MARATHON

Care Coordinator (PT)

Driver – PT (CDL not required)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child)

RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (FT/PT)

Peer Support Specialist/BHT

*Behavioral Health Technicians

– 3 shifts (FT/PT)

*Support Worker (Assisted Living, FT)

Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

Apply at guidancecarecenter.org

Search Employment/Portal/Location/zip

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE

OPENINGS

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

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

- Medical Assistant 2, General Surgery Tavernier, $5k Bonus

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

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

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

TAVERNIER MARINERS

HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary

- Exercise Physiologist 1, Mariners Wellness Center

- Group Exercise Instructor, Mariners Wellness Center

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

- Mechanic 3, Facility Operations

- Nuclear Medicine Tech 2, Imaging

- RRT3, Respiratory Therapy

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

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator 1, Emergency Department

- Experience Advisor, Patient Experience

- Lead Medical Technologist, Laboratory, $50k Bonus

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

- Medical Technologist 2, Laboratory, $50k Bonus

- Patient Scheduler 3, Radiology-Diagnostic

- Radiology Technologist 1, Radiology, $40k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center

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

- Security Officer 1, Security/Safety

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

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

Position requires a min. of high school completion, and 1 yr. exp. Must be knowledgeable in tropical plants and have good social/business skills, above average computer skills (knowledge of POS a plus). Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.

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!

www.marchouse.org.

DOCKHANDS

Proudly serving Key West to Islamorada as the ONLY locally owned and operated concrete company in the Florida Keys.

Whether you’re building a large commercial building, FDOT bridge, or a customdesigned home, we have concrete mix designs for every project. Thanks to decades of experience, our team can create custom mixes with high-quality additives for specific project needs. We offer the largest variety of materials and operate the only FDOT-certified ready-mix plants in the Florida Keys. Call us for all ready-mix concrete, block, aggregate, rebar and bagged good needs.