Marathon Weekly 24-1031 by Keys Weekly Newspapers

393

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

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staﬀ Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Diana Striker

Ashley Hobart ashley@overseasmediagroup.com

Comptroller

Sarah Simcic sarah@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classiﬁeds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

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

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

POSTMASTER:

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050

News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

The Florida Keys set a record for Sunday turnout during early voting on Oct. 27, with 393 voters showing up to cast their ballots. The mark eclipses the 2020 record of 387 voters and 2016 turnout of 221 voters. As of Tuesday morning, nearly 22,000 voters had cast their ballots, equating to 42.24% voter turnout for the county.

Less than one week remains for all Americans to utilize one of our most precious rights. Learn about the Keys Weekly’s upcoming election night coverage on page 21.

TDC CANCELS WEBSITE CONTRACT WITH TWO OCEANS DIGITAL

Board votes to seek proposals from ad agencies & digital managers

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Florida Keys tourism officials acknowledged this week that contracts negotiated 30 years ago haven’t aged well for the local Tourist Development Council (TDC) — particularly as they involve internet technology, websites, digital marketing and advertising.

The TDC board on Oct. 29 voted to cancel its contract with Two Oceans Digital, the company that manages the Keys’ tourism website, fla-keys.com; handles all digital marketing and retains all advertising revenue from the website. The move was recommended by a county audit of Two Oceans’ contract with the TDC, which revealed that the TDC was significantly overpaying for website and digital services given the payment structure of the contract.

The TDC board also voted to issue a new RFP to seek bids from advertising agencies, but board members opted not to cancel its current, 40-year-old contract with Tinsley Advertising yet. More on that in a bit.

The county clerk’s audit of the TDC’s contract with Two Oceans found that the outdated and lopsided payment structure in which Two Oceans keeps all ad revenue from the TDC’s website made more sense for the TDC in 1995, when the internet was in its infancy and online advertising was nearly non-existent.

“This contract has been in place since 1995, when the TDC had no money and digital advertising had no value” so the then-TDC board agreed to give the vendor all ad revenue in exchange for the website, TDC chair Diane Schmidt said at the Oct. 29 meeting.

Times have changed

Times — and technology — have changed dramatically since 1995. And while the contract for the TDC’s website and digital services has been renewed every three to five years, the compensation terms have never changed.

The audit report estimates that Two Oceans likely now earns $1 million to $1.5 million a year from online advertising on fla-keys.com. Two Oceans representatives told auditors the company makes an estimated $600,000 a year in ad revenue, but refused to provide auditors with documentation to support that claim, the audit report states.

“I think this board should consider what steps we

need to take to regain control and ownership of this website,” Kara Franker, the TDC’s new president and CEO, who started work in September, told the board before they voted to cancel the Two Oceans contract. “We can now do some of these things in-house, so the new RFP we issue for the website and digital services can look very different.”

Franker and Schmidt both said they had spoken with attorney Robert Spottswood, who is representing Two Oceans. He told them his client is willing to renegotiate and wants to try to work things out.

“But I think this is a time to start fresh,” Franker said. “They, of course, are welcome to compete, submit a bid and see what happens.”

The board then voted unanimously to terminate the current contract with Two Oceans Digital, effective in 90 days. The board also authorized Franker to issue a new RFP and finalize a transition plan that includes solidifying the TDC’s ownership of its domain names and intellectual property, such as photos, videos and editorial content on the website.

What about the ad agency?

Now back to the advertising agency and its contract.

Later in the meeting, board member Vicki Tashjian asked Franker how the TDC would pay for the four new positions and temporary consultants Franker is hiring, as well as the hiring of a legal team for the TDC, which has previously relied on the county attorney’s office.

Franker quickly agreed with the board members, who emphasized that no funding should come out of the TDC’s advertising budget, which could jeopardize tourism.

“Vicki has pointed out the elephant in the room, and this will be a tough, but necessary conversation,” Franker said. “As we’ve dug into finances, we’ve become aware of how much money certain agencies are making in fees. There’s been a lot of negotiations, but no one wants to give up the money they’ve always made. To get control of our budget, we need to get a hold of the fees we’re paying.”

She then suggested that she prepare a new RFP for the TDC’s advertising services to re-bid its 40-year contract with Tinsley Advertising, at the same time the RFP

Jody "Lynny" Del Gaizo FOR MARATHON CITY COUNCIL "Lynny"

A voice for the Locals

• As President of the Marathon and Lower Keys Association of Realtors, I encourage my peers to provide long term rentals for our locals. My work with local charities and passion for assisting first time home buyers led to my endorsement by MLKAR.

• I have owned affordable rentals for full time locals for over 30 years

• I am honored to be endorsed by the Professional Firefighters of Marathon Local 4396. Thank you to our first responders who are there for our health & safety!

• We need to focus on keeping and growing our long time small resident businesses

• We need to support and strengthen full time residents and workforce housing I pledge to continue working with these goals in mind. With your VOTE we can do this Together!

Paid for by Jody "Lynny" Del Gaizo for Marathon City Council

Paid by Ron Saunders, Democrat for Supervisor of Elections

MHS seniors Elena Eubank, left, and Giovanni Senmartin will move on to the state round of selections in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars program. CONTRIBUTED

EUBANK, SENMARTIN SELECTED AS MONROE COUNTY’S PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS NOMINEES

State selection comes next

Marathon High School’s Elena Eubank and Giovanni Senmartin were recently selected to represent Monroe County in the United States Presidential Scholars program. Eubank was chosen to be considered for her well-rounded achievements during her time in Marathon. Eubank is a three-sport varsity athlete who maintains an exemplary GPA. She is a member of the school’s Fire Academy and numerous clubs and organizations.

Senmartin was selected as a career and technical education candidate. His demonstration of excellence in technology set him apart from the pack. He has earned industry level certifications in multiple platforms including engineering, entrepreneurship and multiple Adobe products. Senmartin is an Eagle Scout who has logged nearly 200 hours of community service while maintaining outstanding grades.

Both nominees will represent Marathon High School and the Monroe County School District at the state level. Should they make the next round of selections, they will move on to the national level. Only 161 students are selected annually as U.S. Presidential Scholars.

— Contributed

OPINION

SAYONARA, SARAH

A fond farewell to our sanctuary superintendent

RACHEL BOWMAN www.keysweekly.com

If you took a peek inside the day planner of the superintendent of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, it might look like this: Take over the role of superintendent of a barrier reef just in time to watch a Category 4 hurricane plow through it. You’ll be responding to an unprecedented fast-moving stony coral tissue loss disease – we will also need this to be done during a global pandemic – and then mitigate a heatwave and coral bleaching event (also unprecedented). Also, there’s going to be a massive migrant influx and a derelict vessel issue. And while you’re at it, we need you to completely overhaul and update the sanctuary’s management program, too.

Oh, and on Tuesdays we have spinning sawfish.

Our Florida Keys have been through a lot in the past eight years, and I wonder if we realize just how damn fortunate we have been to have Sarah Fangman as our sanctuary superintendent. She has been the steady hand on the wheel, guiding us through the map of tumultuous processes we knew lay ahead (Restoration Blueprint) and the unexpected last-minute swerves around resource impacts (another mini-season?).

“Sarah brought a calm, empathetic leadership style to the sanctuary,” according to Beth Dieveney, FKNMS’ policy analyst. “Her commitment to the people, the mission, the community and the ecosystem is inspiring.”

If you ever had the privilege of attending a public comment session during the drafting of Restoration Blueprint, you saw firsthand the grace and quiet dignity that Sarah possesses, and you witnessed her determination and reserve when she spoke on contentious issues. She could respond to an emotional outburst with compassion and thoughtfulness, and you could see an understanding on the other side of the table. I know fishermen who disagree with sanctuary policies, but they applaud

Sarah’s motives. She comes across as genuine and as someone who is affected by everything and everyone around her.

Liz Trueblood, community engagement coordinator with the FKNMS, said about Sarah, “She remains calm when faced with tough and complicated issues. She has a knack for listening and that has helped her build relationships within the community and also grow a strong sense of teamwork within her staff.”

As a member of the Sanctuary Advisory Council, my Notes app on my phone contains a list of single sentences that Sarah has spoken during the last eight years of meetings that resonated so powerfully with me, I had to write them down. At an FWC meeting at Hawks Cay in October, she asked the commissioners to address the issues in the Restoration Blueprint “with a scalpel, not a sledgehammer,” and I wanted to stand up and cheer. Sarah’s way with words cannot be appreciated enough.

At Sarah’s last council meeting this month, she described her new position as the West Coast regional director of national marine sanctuaries as “getting closer to being able to pull the bigger levers.” While she won’t be living here in the Keys, she’s leaving a little bit of her heart here with us. I firmly believe that she will continue to look after us, in her own Sarah style: calm and determined. And most likely, wearing a very pretty dress.

Editor’s note: I had the honor of getting to know Sarah as a classmate in Leadership Monroe County’s Class XXX. Although I’ve witnessed a fraction of what Rachel describes here – she introduced Sarah to me as her “girl crush” for all things marine conservation – I cannot echo her sentiments enough.

Sanctuary Advisory Council member and lionfish huntress Rachel Bowman, left, and former FKNMS Superintendent Sarah Fangman. CONTRIBUTED

TDC CANCELS WEBSITE CONTRACT WITH TWO OCEANS DIGITAL

for the website and digital service is being prepared.

“We need contracts that aren’t from 1995, that are built for today,” Franker said, getting immediate support from county Mayor Holly Raschein and Key West Mayor DeeDee Henriquez, who are both on the TDC board.

“In our effort to be more transparent and accountable I don’t know why we wouldn’t take that same step with the advertising contract,” Raschein said. “I know change is hard, but it’s the business we’re in. I mean, we were in high school in the ’90s.”

Henriquez agreed, saying, “We should go out for RFPs for everyone. We can’t have contracts from the ’90s, and our current vendors are welcome to apply.”

But the momentum of that discussion waned when other board members hesitated to cancel the contract with Tinsley Advertising — whether out of allegiance to the agency, whose owner, John Underwood, was in the room, or out of concern for the TDC’s marketing and advertising efforts.

In the end, the board agreed to issue a new RFP for advertising, but to keep the Tinsley contract in place while that occurs.

During the meeting, Franker never specified the agency whose fees concerned her, but the Keys Weekly submitted a public records request after the meeting, seeking the amount of commission fees Tinsley Advertising receives according to its contract with the TDC.

According to the records Franker provided, Tinsley Advertising received $4.5 million in commission fees from the TDC this year, an amount that is significantly more than what other tourism bureaus in Florida pay for advertising services, Franker told the Keys Weekly. But she is currently gathering information from other Florida TDCs about their costs for advertising and website-related services.

According to its current contract, Tinsley is entitled to a 15% commission fee on all advertising Tinsley buys and places for the TDC, be it magazine ads, TV commercials, digital videos and

other forms of advertising. In other words, if Tinsley buys an ad placement that costs $7,000, they charge the TDC $7,000 plus 15%, or $8,050.

Each year during the budget process, the TDC provides Tinsley with an advertising budget based on the county’s tourism revenue. In 2023, Tinsley was allotted an advertising budget of $31 million, all of which was spent, meaning Tinsley received 15% of $31 million, or $4.5 million, in commission fees.

That figure has been increasing each year as tourism revenue — and the TDC’s advertising budget — has increased in the Florida Keys.

“The $4.5 million is based on an agreed upon contract that was negotiated with the TDC and approved by the BOCC in 2021,” John Underwood of Tinsley told the Keys Weekly the day after the meeting. “There is nothing to hide here. These commissions cover the costs for a full-service advertising agency that includes multiple creative teams, media negotiating and buying, research and strategy, etc…. The agency works on commissions only and does not receive a monthly retainer. Our revenue is directly tied to the bed tax collections. When there is a decrease in bed tax revenue, this not only affects the destination, but the agency as well including a $2 million advertising cut during COVID and many revenue fluctuations throughout the years due to hurricanes, oil spills, etc. We have been good stewards of the budget supplied to us (we do not determine advertising budgets).... This fee is 6% of an overall total budget for the TDC. We believe this to be a fair price to pay for the quality of work the destination has received as part of an international marketing program that has yielded numerous awards and the highest occupancy and average daily rates in the country. Tinsley has also won more awards for destination marketing organizations than any other in the state.”

Franker expects to present the revised RFPs for digital services and advertising to the board at their next meeting in December.

FINAL ROGO/BPAS SURVEY TACKLES NUMBERS, DISTRIBUTION OF NEW UNITS

Over the next few months, county and municipal leaders will be tasked with arriving at a final number of building allocations to request from the state in 2025. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

Input open through Nov. 8

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is seeking public participation regarding the statemandated hurricane evacuation modeling discussions that will continue through January 2025.

Survey #5 is currently available and is designed to gauge public opinions and ideas concerning planning considerations for the future growth of the Florida Keys, including how many new residential units are preferred and how they ought to be distributed. The survey will remain open until Friday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.

Monroe County community members are invited to take this short survey, the fifth and final one. The survey is at surveymonkey.com/r/rogosurvey5 and should take five to six minutes to complete.

This and past surveys will help officials learn more about community members’ basic knowledge of ROGO/BPAS, how

locals live and commute, when residents evacuate during a hurricane, legal considerations and public opinion on additional residential growth. (Note: The first five questions of each survey are the same.)

Monroe County is also hosting town hall meetings on Nov. 4, 6 and 7; an upcoming workshop on Nov. 20; and a special BOCC meeting on Dec. 19 regarding the Department of Commerce’s hurricane evacuation modeling to gauge public opinions on everything that affects evacuation timing and the number of additional ROGO/BPAS allocations the county and municipalities should request from the state. The hurricane evacuation modeling is based on a Florida Statute requiring that Monroe County residents be able to evacuate the Keys within 24 hours before a storm. To learn more about these terms, view upcoming meeting details, or see past survey results, visit monroecounty-fl.gov/1321/ ROGOBPAS-2024-Updates. — Contributed

Friday, December 6, 2024

Coffee Butler Amphitheater

Holiday Village 5 - 9pm Bike Ride @ 8pm

WesleyHouse.org/Belighted2024

to be endorsed by Local 4396 Professional Fireﬁghters of Marathon

Thank you once again for putting your trust in my continued leadership

“

Please accept this letter as an oﬃcial endorcement. The professional Fireﬁghters of Marathon look forward to a great working relationship.

“

CITY COUNCIL

EXPERIENCE, INTEGRITY, COMMITMENT

MOTHNER LEADS DEEP DIVE INTO AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Marathon council workshop tackles rate calculations, rental landscape

RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Amid concerns with occupants and rents in Marathon’s affordable housing developments, city housing coordinator and real estate agent Josh Mothner delivered an affordable housing master class to fill the Marathon City Council’s Oct. 22 workshop.

Recent discourse in council sessions and on social media has questioned advertised rents for Marathon’s newest affordable housing developments, specifically targeting Coco Plum Drive’s CoCo Vista apartments. Debate has intensified over the last month as the city council approved ordinances providing a mechanism for the potential transfer of unused affordable housing allocations from other jurisdictions for future use in Marathon.

Profiling the city’s housing landscape, Mothner said the median price for dry lot singlefamily homes on the market today in Marathon is $792,500. One of the lowest-priced units, a $529,000 townhome in the Sisters Creek development between 24th and 25th streets, would require a new homeowner to furnish about $48,000 at closing to obtain an FHA home loan by providing a 3.5% down payment, followed by a $4,344 monthly payment. A more traditional 20% down payment on the same home would require roughly $135,500 in up-front costs, with a monthly payment of $3,628.

Either scenario, Mothner said, simply isn’t a reality for a large portion of Marathon’s workforce.

Several affordable housing projects throughout the city, including highly-publicized projects like 39th Street’s Boatworks and CoCo Vista, among others, utilize federally-offered Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to offset losses incurred when affordable units are constructed and rented at capped rates to tenants whose incomes fall below certain percentages of Monroe County’s median salary of $97,500.

Of the 109 CoCo Vista units, 17 are reserved for tenants at or below 30% of the median income, with 37 reserved for 60% earners, 25 reserved for 80% earners and 30 available for residents making up to 120% of the median income.

Using rates and income limits released by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) numbers, a two-person household making less than $28,620 in total would qualify for a 30% unit, capping the monthly rate at $805 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. The same pair earning up to $114,480 in combined income (120% of the median) could

theoretically pay up to $3,222 for the same twobedroom unit. A 1-bedroom apartment rented by a single 120% earner (with a max salary of $100,320) could go for up to $2,685 per month.

While the high-end rental rates have been a source of recent debate, Mothner said the soaring rates are a symptom of an older problem Marathon faced less than a decade ago.

“We tend to look at things in snapshots –what’s going on in front of us at the moment,” he said, citing the work of a 2015 city task force that put affordable housing under the microscope at a time when housing projects could only qualify for tax credits if they rented to tenants under 60% of the median income.

“At that time, the argument was that the cop, or the teacher, could make too much money to qualify for those units,” he said, adding that city officials petitioned the state to allow higher earners at 80%, 100% or 120% of the median income to qualify for the rent-capped units. At the same time, each resident leaving Marathon who fell below the median income caused that median – and the corresponding maximum affordable rental rates – to rise.

“I want you to understand that that change – going to 80% and 120% – in conjunction with the incredible rise in median income, is what has caused what we have right now, which are rents that are driving people insane,” he said. However, he added, several developments are forced to rent for less than their maximum allowable rents

when such rates begin to exceed the market rates for privately-offered rental properties.

“Just because you see something in the listing, doesn’t mean that that’s what the tenant is going to actually pay,” he said.

Mothner also addressed criticisms that affordable developments provided weekend escapes for mainland occupants, or that certain applicants on a wait list were being “pushed” to the front of the line for an available unit.

Profiling three projects with 159 total units, Mothner said there were 212 residents who qualified under the units’ income requirements, including eight tenants who qualified on disability income and eight on retirement income.

“If you look at the total, that’s 196 people in the workforce who aren’t disabled or retired, plus children, family members and other dependents,” he said. “That’s a pretty good percentage.”

Acknowledging that there was no way to guarantee every single unit was used properly at all times, Mothner said the risk to developers would far outweigh the benefit of renting to the wrong tenants.

“LIHTC projects are monitored by third-party auditors, because the tax credit portions of those projects involve millions of dollars,” he said. “If they blow it, and they’re renting to the wrong people at the wrong rents, they can lose millions of dollars, and lawsuits forever.”

Additionally, he said, if a low-income unit – think 30% or 60% – becomes available in a development, managers may be required to look further down their growing wait lists to find a tenant who qualifies.

“The first person in line isn’t necessarily going to get it,” Mothner said. “It’s possible that somebody that was 40th on the list could end up getting the next unit, because they’re the only ones who qualify. That’s something we need to understand.”

Editor’s note: I highly encourage our readers to watch the workshop session by scanning the QR code.

ALEX

Marathon housing coordinator Josh Mothner leads the Oct. 22 Marathon City Council workshop session on affordable housing. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

THE LAST WORD

Marathon City Council candidates make their final pitch to voters

Each week, in an effort to provide greater familiarity and communication between the four Marathon City Council candidates and our readers, the Marathon Weekly has printed candidates’ answers to a series of questions in editions leading up to the Nov. 5 election. With councilman Luis Gonzalez terming out and councilman Kenny Matlock’s term expiring, the council will see at least one new face, as Matlock is seeking re-election. Former candidate Dustin Huff announced his withdrawal from the council race earlier this month.

Answers are printed exactly as submitted by candidates, with responses limited to 400 words.

This week, we provided an open-ended space for candidates to send their final messages to voters.

RAY WOOD

I am here for the people of Marathon. What I mean by that is, I have no agenda, I own no Vacation Rentals, I have no property to be developed. I have no conflicts with the office of City Council. I will be honest and genuine in my decisions as I am truly running for the office to serve the needs of our citizens. How? By listening to our citizens and their concerns. I have made my email, FB, and office available as well as be accessible at all times. I began this run for all of those in our community that have felt that they had no voice. As I have talked and listened to more and more of our citizens, I have found that this to be the theme throughout our island community. I would like to be that voice. Through the campaign process I have spoken with business owners and individuals and have developed a deeper love for our community. That is just one of the things I will always be grateful to you all about.

I bring to the office, unique, professional experiences and wisdom of several successful careers. I wish to follow in Luis Gonzalez footsteps as I could never replace him.

My plan is simple. Understand the issues, listen to the wants and needs of the community and make the best decisions for that. I believe that work force housing, owner occupied housing, and our infrastructure should be our main concerns at this time. I have stated throughout my campaign that I am not against growth; however, our community welfare needs to be the priority. I will listen to all the issues you think are important and work with the city and the other Council office holders to best solve any and all.

Leaders are actually servant’s that listen to those they care about. I have raised five children two of which are here in Marathon my oldest a United States Marine. My wife and I have been married thirty-five years, so I understand commitment. We attend church here and our hearts are here for Marathon. I can think of no greater honor than to serve you, our community. I will promise you honesty and integrity in all I do as a Councilman. I ask for your vote, a vote for Ray Wood is a vote for Marathon.

A full recording of the Keys Weekly and Marathon Chamber of Commerce’s local candidate forum on Oct. 7 is available by scanning the QR code. The forum features candidates for County Commission District 3, supervisor of elections and Marathon City Council.

The reason I’m running for City Council is for the interest of our LOCALS. I have lived here most of my life. As a homeowner, business owner I want to keep Marathon a great place to live and raise a family. I want to help the residents and younger generation have the great opportunities that I have to secure a home and business. I don’t want to have to move from here as my family and friends have due to the ever growing changes. I understand the issues facing the working people and long term LOCALS. I have worked along side of you and listened to your concerns.

I have the experience in finance and community service necessary to be an effective City Council member. I understand the importance of infrastructure, maintenance and communication as our community grows and the quality of life for us and our environment. I am committed to making smart, ethical and deliberate decisions to ensure a balance between the full time residents and tourism. I pledge to work with that goal in mind! I LOVE Marathon and will continue working tirelessly for the people of this amazing and unique Island community.

Most of all I would appreciate your vote of confidence in me!

Lynny a Voice for the Locals!

JODY “LYNNY” DEL GAIZO

KENNY MATLOCK

I am running for re-election not for ego or personal gain, but because I believe the taxpayers and residents of Marathon need better representation - which has been lacking in the past. I am a 5th generation, local family man that just grew tired of waiting for change; so, I decided to do something about it. I have been a business owner in Marathon for over 17 years. My wife was born here, and we are raising our daughter here. I love this town and am working to make it a place my daughter wants to live in when she grows up. For the past two years I have been a councilman that stands for families and home ownership, not developers and extreme rental prices and I will continue that fight. I am not your average Councilman that Marathon is so used to having, in fact, I take the term politician as an insult. I believe in 100% transparency in all city business, integrity and not only listening to the public but reflecting their desires in my votes. On multiple occasions I have spoken out in council to let the public speak when they were being silenced. I recognize government works for the taxpayers and not the other way around, and my votes in the past have and will continue to reflect that. We have many challenges facing our island and our delicate environment. We need practical common-sense solutions and someone that is not afraid to ask the hard questions, hold staff accountable and say what most people are thinking. I have and will continue to be that councilman if reelected.

MARK SENMARTIN

This week the newspaper is asking me to tell you why you should vote for me. Seems like a simple question. I have always stood up for the residents of this town and treated everyone fairly and impartially. I brought new ideas, new programs, and new opportunities for parents, families and businesses. In my time on the council I learned so much about how things really work, and I know how to get things done. That’s where the experience comes in. There’s no substitute for it.

We need council-people who will bear down, dig into the specifics, and focus on the tasks at hand.

In the coming years, our town needs steady, experienced leadership. Someone who understands not only the processes of local government but also the unique needs and dynamics of our community Popularity won’t make a difference here; knowledge and awareness of the real issues will. It’s about listening to the voices of our residents, especially those who often go unheard, and addressing the day-to-day concerns that affect their lives. That’s what I’ve always done, and that’s what I will continue to do if elected.

I’m not here to offer vague promises or visions without substance. Instead, I’m here with a practical plan to address our challenges headon. Let’s create a support structure for our local businesses, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive. And for affordable housing, let’s work collaboratively with developers, residents, and fellow council members to design sustainable solutions that work for everyone.

Leadership isn’t about just pointing out the problems; it’s about crafting and implementing solutions. I want to be the person who moves our community forward, making it a better place to live, work, and raise a family, all while keeping it on the right track. I’m here to serve the people of this town, to listen, to understand, and to act. My experience has taught me how to tackle these issues not just in theory, but in practice.

I ask for your vote, not based on popularity, but on a track record of commitment, knowledge, and results. Let’s build a better, more vibrant town together, focusing on what truly matters and turning our shared vision into reality. Thank you.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Mon - Fri 11am to Close Sat & Sun 10am to Close

HAPPY

$7 Menu

HOUR 1-4PM

• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!

• 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm

* $2 Pints of Yuengling and Bud Light!

BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM

• Unique & interesting menu

• $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots

LUNCH & DINNER

• Lobster Enchiladas

• Diver Speared Local Fish

• Prime Rib • Local Lobster

• Cook Your Own Catch

• Great Seafood Selections

SUSHI

BEST SUSHI & BLOODY MARY

• Toro • Lionfish • Poke • Hamachi collar

• Fresh Uni arrives on Thursday

REEL RECS

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

What: “Suspiria” (1977)

Why: Perhaps the most colorful horror film ever made, every frame of “Suspiria” is filled with bold primary hues that would make Douglas Sirk jealous. Director Dario Argento purposely wanted to make a horror film that feels like a fairy tale, citing Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and the original versions of “Pinocchio” and “Alice in Wonderland” as inspiration. That approach makes this film not so much terrifying as it is mesmerizing, and the percussion-heavy score by Italian rock group Goblin adds to the hypnosis. With a body count that’s more creative than ghastly, this is a good Halloween watch for those not usually keen on this genre.

Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.

SHELF HELP

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

What: “The First Fossil Hunters: Dinosaurs, mammals and myth in Greek and Roman times” by Adrienne Mayor

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.

Why: If you’ve ever wondered how people in Greek and Roman times explained dinosaur fossils, or you’ve thought elephant skulls look as if they could just as easily belong to a cyclops, historian Adrienne Mayor’s memoir-style recounting of her travel and research is for you. Mayor’s enthusiasm for her subject in “First Fossil Hunters” is infectious. Through a combination of paleontology, classical mythology and historical geopolitics (aided by plenty of photos, drawings and maps), she shows how an ancient game of Telephone led to us enjoying fantastical stories of griffons and dragons millennia later. Far from confining storytelling to explain unknowns to ancient people, she contextualizes this human drive with modern examples, like Bigfoot.

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

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

Recommended by: Faith Price, branch manager, Big Pine Key library branch

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

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS

Dr. Christopher Forsee, DMD is seamlessly taking the reins from the iconic “Barefoot Dentist,” Dr. Troxel, where the laid-back vibe extends even to the choice of footwear.

Dr. Forsee delivers personalized comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs. Whether it's routine maintenance or advanced procedures, trust Dr. Forsee to rejuvenate your smile with meticulous precision and compassionate care.

OPEN HOUSES

3827 DYER RD

BIG PINE KEY | $1,249,000

This stunning 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom fully fenced triple lot pool home boasts 1,440 sq ft of bright living space. Features include a 10K boat lift, 210 ft of water-frontage, concrete dock, boat ramp and quick no bridge access to the open water. Surrounded by government land you’ll enjoy an abundance of privacy.

22957 DRAKE LN

CUDJOE KEY | $899,900

This charming 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home boasts 1,008 sq ft of airy living space with high ceilings and an open concept ﬂoor plan. Enjoy spacious bedrooms, beautiful canal views and famous keys sunsets from the expansive rear porch. Immediate open water access

1620 BUTTONWOOD DR

BIG PINE KEY | $699,000

17376 JAMAICA LN

SUGARLOAF KEY | $1,650,000

Located in the sought after Sugarloaf Shores neighborhood, this 3 bedroom 2 bathroom pool home sits on a spacious 16,000 sq ft double lot and features impact windows/doors and a sturdy metal roof. Enjoy quick water access from the composite dock or relax under the poolside cabana. The fully fenced yard o ers plenty of room for storage, RV parking or all of your toys!

Nestled in Key Deer Refuge, this charming 1,020 sq ft 2 bedroom fully fenced concrete canal front home features a private on-site small vessel boat ramp, a private boat basin, spacious bedrooms and is conveniently located in a quiet setting near shopping, restaurants and the Big Pine Community Park.

30053

PINE CHANNEL RD

BIG PINE KEY | $575,000

791 W INDIES DR

RAMROD KEY | $1,350,000

Surrounded by nature and lots of Key deer, this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home nestled in a private neighborhood featuring soaring cathedral ceilings and an open-concept living space. With a durable metal roof, updated interior, ample storage, and an upstairs laundry room, this home o ers a perfect blend of style and convenience in a tranquil setting.

Gorgeous ocean views from this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Breezeswept Beach Estates. Enjoy a waterfront pool set within a beautifully landscaped and well-maintained lot. With impact doors and windows, along with a durable metal roof, this home o ers both safety and longevity.

RECORD NUMBER OF TAKE STOCK SCHOLARS NEED VOLUNTEER MENTORS

40 eligible kids unable to enter scholarship program

The Monroe County Education Foundation has accepted 100 new students who have applied for the Take Stock in Children scholarship program. This marks a record number of new students in the program’s history. It is also a significant milestone that represents an investment of nearly $2 million in Florida Prepaid scholarships, which provides these students with the opportunity to pursue their dream of going to college.

Many of the 100 new scholars, ranging from grades 6 to 11 and representing 13 county schools, are waiting to be matched with a volunteer mentor. “We have reviewed over 150 applications and are ready to welcome 100 eligible students into the Take Stock program,” said Chuck Licis-Masson, executive director of the Monroe County Education Foundation. “However, nearly 40 of the eligible and accepted students are unable to enter the program due to a mentor shortage.” Mentors are especially needed in the Lower Keys.

Volunteer mentors commit 30 minutes each week during the school day to meet with their Take Stock student at school. Mentors are not tutors, ATMs or Ubers; rather, they are caring adults who help guide and empower the student to engage in school, to set college and career goals, and to acquire important life-skills.

“We need volunteers from our communities, now more than ever, to help make the possibility of a college education and career path a reality for our most deserving students in Monroe County,” said Bryan Green, president of the Monroe County Education Foundation. “Our program’s success is attributed to the unwavering support of our dedicated community volunteers as well as of our financial supporters.”

Take Stock mentors come from public and private institutions and local businesses, and include

Mentor Daniel Clark, left, celebrates Key West mentee Carlos Aliz Rodriguez at Take Stock’s 2024 graduation ceremony. Take Stock is in need of new mentors to pair with eligible students in the scholarship program. ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly

retired professionals. Mentors play a vital role in guiding and empowering the Take Stock scholars.

The Take Stock in Children program of Monroe County is dedicated to fostering personal growth, developing self-confidence and building self-advocacy skills among its scholars as they strive to reach their goal of a college education or career certificate. By providing them with the necessary tools and resources, the program aims to empower students to overcome any obstacles they may encounter on their educational journey.

More information is available from Licis-Masson at Chuck.Licis@ monroecountyedfound.com or 305-293-1546.

About Take Stock in Children Monroe

Take Stock in Children Monroe is committed to providing deserving students in Monroe County with the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty through education. By pairing students with mentors, providing college scholarships and supporting them throughout their academic journey, Take Stock in Children Monroe empowers students to achieve their full potential and become the leaders of tomorrow. Take Stock Monroe is the flagship program of the Monroe County Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization.

More information is at www. monroecountyedfound.com.

COMMERCE CORNEr

Established in 1975, Keys Smiles provides comprehensive dental care to meet all your oral health needs. Our dedicated team offers a wide range of services from routine cleanings and preventive care to advanced treatments such as root canals, crowns, bridges, implants, and cosmetic dentistry. Whether you are due for a regular check-up or seeking to enhance your smile, Dr. Foresee and his amazing team are here to help. Our skilled professionals utilize the latest techniques and state of the art equipment to ensure high-quality care and optimal results. At Keys Smiles, we prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction, striving to create a positive dental experience for every individual. Schedule your appointment with us today and take the first step towards optimal oral health and confidence in your smile.

CATTY CREW STEALS THE SHOW AT BOO BASH

A rowdy bunch of cats and their would-be Animal Control wranglers earned the grand prize at the 2024 Boo Bash at Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant on Oct. 25. With more than a dozen entries vying for top scores from celebrity judges, the annual fundraiser for Presents in Paradise netted more than $850 to provide presents for kids up and down the Keys during the holiday season.

Photo by ROSS SMITH/IslandExposureCo. See more event and costume contest photos at keysweekly.com.

Spider-Man, princesses, witches and aliens made a dash for the finish line on Oct. 26 at Hapynkeys Running’s annual Kids Costume Run. The yearly “race,” this year starting at Bulevar de Palmas near Sombrero Beach, is a growing fun run for little ones and their families to add a bit of friendly competition to the spooky season in Marathon. Refreshments and prizes for top runners and best costumes on the course are provided each year. LARA MARTIN/Contributed

THURSDAY, OCT 31

FRIDAY, NOV 1

FLORIDA FLOYD 3PM DONNY MCDANIELS 8PM

SATURDAY, NOV 2 MAASAI 8PM

SUNDAY, NOV 3

TONY MANFREDI 3PM

GET THE LATEST ELECTION RESULTS

Keys Weekly & Keys Talk team up to provide new, expanded coverage

The Keys Weekly Newspapers and Keys Talk 96.9/102.5 FM are teaming up to provide new, expanded and live coverage of Election Night 2024 results.

The collaboration of the locally-owned newspaper and radio station will bring all the latest news and results live from the Monroe County election headquarters in the Harvey Government Center. People can listen to the coverage beginning at 7 p.m. as Keys Talk 96.9/102.5 Good Morning Keys host Michael Stapleford and Key West Weekly editor Mandy Miles report on the latest local, state and national election results.

Stapleford and Miles will be joined by Marathon Weekly editor Alex Rickert and Upper Keys Weekly editor Jim McCarthy to break down and analyze the races in Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo. Local candidates will also join in as they either declare victory or concede.

Enjoy the expert analysis — backed by decades of local election reporting — and immediate results. People can also find the latest results on Election Night by visiting the Keys Weekly Newspapers’ Facebook page.

— Keys Weekly staff report

Along with carnival games, bounce houses, rock climbing walls, golf and crafts, axe throwing will surely serve as a highlight for the 2024 Joy on the Rock Festival this weekend. SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/ Contributed

‘JOY

ON THE ROCK’ IS BACK FOR ROUND 3

Weekend festival promises uplifting music, community spirit

JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

Marathon Community Park will come alive on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as it hosts the joyous and hopeful Joy on the Rock Festival. Organized by Marathon’s New Life Church and supported by other local churches, this free event aims to uplift the Marathon community with inspiring music and a spirit of hope.

The one-day fest offers a wide array of free activities for all ages, including bouncy castles and rock climbing walls as well as miniature golf, a ninja meltdown, axe throwing, crafts, carnival games and lively music.

New this year to the festival’s musical offerings is the Keys United Worship, a musical group composed of members of several local churches coming together to create a unique sound of worship.

Joy on the Rock highlights the invaluable work of dedicated local nonprofits and community servants who tirelessly care for the Keys community. This event serves a twofold purpose: to unite families and friends, believers and non-believers alike, in a day of fun, learning, and worship; and to shine a spotlight on the essential ministries and nonprofits that make the Middle Keys community thrive.

There are several churches that will be coming together to provide music, equipment and resources as well as over 40 vendors and nonprofits participating in this year’s free event.

For more information, search “Joy on the Rock Family Fest” on Facebook.

On October 16, 2024, our Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) swiftly passed a motion for Monroe County to join the United Nations-backed Local2030 Islands Network — with no meaningful opportunity for community input. This decision has sparked concerns among Monroe County residents, many of whom feel sidelined in a process that could bring significant outside influence into our local governance.

Join your fellow Monroe County residents in calling on the BOCC to prioritize transparency and local input.

Implementation of the Project/Activity

• Principle 1...long-term political leadership on climate resilience and net-zero emissions pathways

• Principle 2...integrating sustainability priorities into policy and planning

• Principle 3...measure sustainable development goals progress through tracking and reporting

• Principle 4...implement concrete initiatives

are the voters voices?? r

* Local2030 Islands Network members and partners must commit to the Network’s Four Principles and signal their commitment in an open letter to the Local2030 Islands Network Secretariat.

Sign the petition today to demand that our county’s participation in the UN’s Local2030 initiative be reconsidered— with the people’s voice leading the way.

Together, we can ensure Monroe County’s future remains in the hands of its residents.

Scan to sign the petition now!

UNENDING HOPE

Annual walk shines a light to combat all forms of cancer

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

Better weather was worth the wait when a sea of pink filled the trails of Crane Point Museum and Nature Center for the 2024 Hope Walk presented by Isla Bella Beach Resort on Oct. 19. Previously known as the Strides Walk, the event has expanded in recent years from its former focus on breast cancer to honor those battling all forms of the world’s most hated disease.

“We waited for what was hopefully a beautiful day for the Hope Walk, and we got one,” said walk co-organizer and breast cancer survivor Shayne Messina. “We’re tentatively planning for Oct. 25, 2025 for next year’s walk, and the location is still in the works.”

Donations raised by walkers and teams go toward the American Cancer Society’s mission of bringing an end to all forms of cancer. Fundraising for the 2024 walk continues through the end of December, with donations accepted by scanning the QR code.

1,4,8, Decked out in all forms of pink, walkers – and a few runners – take a scenic loop through the trails of Crane Point.

2. Jack Thorley recounts his battle with cancer to the crowd before the 2024 Hope Walk: ‘They told me, ‘It will ravage your body, but at the end, you are going to come out okay.’’’

3. Fishermen’s Community Hospital vice president Candy Fincke welcomes walkers.

5.Cancer survivor CM Bishop cuts the ceremonial ribbon to mark the start of the Hope Walk.

6. Cheerleaders from Marathon High School’s varsity squad show their support. From left: coach Michelle Macoskey, Madison Sweeney, Brenda Medina, Molly Krzpkowski and Amelia Perdomo.

7. Breast cancer survivor Chrissy Caldwell, previously profiled in the Weekly for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, was a ceremonial ribbon-holder at the walk.

9. Breast cancer survivor (and the Weekly’s own production manager) Anneke Patterson, right, takes to the trails with her husband T.J.

EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS TODAY

BE THE B.E.S.T. VOTE YES BACK

ON NOVEMBER BALLOTS, VOTERS WILL SEE TWO REFERENDUMS RELATED TO FUNDING FOR OUR SCHOOLS.

PASSING THESE TWO REFERENDUMS IS CRUCIAL FOR OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT TO SECURE ESSENTIAL FUNDING FOR TEACHERS SALARIES AND CAPITAL PROJECTS.

REFERENDUM 1.) 1/2 MILLREFERENDUM 2.) 1/2 CENT-

WILD BIRD CENTER LENDS HELPING HAND DURING HURRICANES

The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center has taken in more bird patients as a part of its hurricane relief efforts within the bird sanctuary community.

Due to the mandatory evacuations and the devastating outcomes of hurricanes Helene and Milton on the west coast of the state, the Wild Bird Center accepted 20 evacuating birds from three wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

On Oct. 6, the Tavernier facility received five birds from Seaside Seabird Sanctuary and five birds from CROW on Sanibel Island. A volunteer from Seaside Seabird was able to transport all 10 birds to the Tavernier bird hospital, including three masked boobies, three osprey, two red-shouldered hawks, a laughing gull and a brown pelican. Both sites sustained damage from Hurricane Milton; Seaside Seabird is still recovering from hard hits from both hurricanes. CROW was able to take all but one of its patients back on Oct. 16; the laughing gull has stayed in Tavernier to be released when he is ready. The birds from Seaside Seabird Sanctuary will reside here until they are to be released too.

Top: A fish crow from Peace River Wildlife Center was transported to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier ahead of the recent hurricanes. CONTRIBUTED. Left: A red-shouldered hawk taken into care at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary.

Peace River Wildlife Center sent down 10 non-releasable permanent residents on Oct. 13 after the significant damages from Milton caused relocations during recovery. Various songbirds, two fish crows and a redshouldered hawk were taken into care at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary where they are all out on display. All these patients will be returned to Peace River once the facility is recovered. Signs on the enclosures of these temporary patients explain their story with a QR code linking to Peace River Wildlife Center’s website, where more information is available and donations can be made.

On top of the influx of patients from sanctuaries in the state, the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center had an increase of admissions from the storms. Migrating warblers that were blown off course and other birds weak from the storms have been recent patients. The sanctuary also experienced flooding from Helene and Milton, causing evacuations of permanent bird residents to the hospital site.

More information is at www.keepthemflying.org.

— Keys Weekly staff report

TDC HIRES NEW VP OF MARKETING/ COMMUNICATIONS

Heidi Barfels to oversee Florida Keys’ tourism strategy

Heidi Barfels, a veteran tourism marketing executive, is the new vice president of marketing and communications for Visit Florida Keys, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s operations organization.

Barfels is overseeing the island chain’s tourism marketing and communications strategy for advertising, branding, public relations, social media, website and content marketing. Previously, she was chief marketing officer of Colorado’s Visit Estes Park for three years.

“Heidi is a proven go-getter in the tourism industry and is the kind of innovative leader we need on the team,” said Kara Franker, president and chief executive officer for Visit Florida Keys. “Her first assignment is to breathe new life into our marketing plan and initiatives, and I have all the confidence in the world that she is going to knock it out of the park.”

Among other honors, Barfels’ work has earned the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association International’s Adrian Awards and the Colorado Tourism Office’s Governor’s Award.

She serves on Destinations International’s public relations & communications committee and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America. She co-authored a pioneering white paper on generative AI and is known as a technology and des-

Heidi Barfels

tination branding expert.

“The Florida Keys & Key West are a place where people disconnect from the ordinary and immerse themselves in something truly special,” Barfels said. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to build onto the already strong marketing efforts to highlight this wonderful community.”

Barfels previously held marketing management roles with Visit Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale, and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Miami. She was principal of her own communications company, and also worked with Lou Hammond Group publicizing luxury hotels and destinations including Panama City Beach and Charleston, South Carolina.

— Contributed

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Reaching the finish line of a $14 million renovation deserves a celebration, and Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club spared no expense in introducing its reimagined property to Marathon’s dignitaries and business community on Oct. 24. Steeped in history with its iconic 1950s lighthouse and historic Parrish house, one of Marathon’s oldest buildings, resort staff spent an evening offering guided tours

of the freshly-completed resort, along with live music, culinary creations and a champagne toast led by resort executives from Hilton, Prime Group and Shaner Hospitality. Paired with Courtyard Faro Blanco, the resort now offers 250 guest rooms, four pools and multiple dining options, including the Blue Waters Bar and Grill and reimagined Lighthouse Kitchen and Bar. More information is at www. faroblancoresort.com. Photos by DANIEL DIEZ/Contributed

SNOWBIRD REUNION BEACH &PARTYPOOL

•

City of Marathon requires that homes used as vacation rentals be licensed. License fees are based on the number of bedrooms: New licenses start at $1,100 and annual renewals start at $750. Vacation rental licenses are not transferable. If a property is sold, and the new owner wishes to rent the home, he or she must apply for a new vacation rental license. Licenses are valid for one year, and homeowners or agents must renew the license within 30 days of its expiration or it will be considered a new license and the new license fees will apply. A home without a license, or an expired license, cannot be advertised or rented. Violations of vacation rental law can be as high as $500 per day, per oﬀense and can be up to $5,000 per occurrence.

Visit this link to search any address to conﬁrm if a property has a vacation rental license, or to obtain local contact and/or owner information:

PASCAL WEISBERGER STABBING DEATH CASE HEADS TO TRIAL NOV. 7

Following years of evaluations, the brother accused in the killing deemed competent

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

More than four years have passed since the Upper Florida Keys community lost a young and bright Pascal Weisberger. And more than four years later, a trial is set for Daniel Weisberger, the brother accused of killing his younger brother and injuring his father the morning of May, 7, 2020.

Daniel, now 21, is facing charges of second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. He’s accused of stabbing his brother to death inside their apartment at Executive Bay Club in Islamorada during the early morning hours. He’s also accused of stabbing and choking his father inside their home.

He initially filed a plea of not guilty in June 2020. The case was originally slated for a jury trial in September 2020, but questions about whether Daniel was competent to stand trial pushed it back several years. A trial is now set for Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Plantation Key Courthouse.

Ariel Poholek, the father, was airlifted for injuries he suffered during the 2020 attack. He’s spent the past several years grieving while hosting days of service with the Keys community to honor the life and legacy of Pascal. Poholek has also been fighting to keep his only remaining son, Daniel, from potentially spending decades behind bars.

Poholek, who’s long criticized the state attorney’s office for charging his son as an adult and not a juvenile, believes the psychotic attack was the result of years of physical and emotional cruelty he faced during his early years. He also placed blame on an inadequate mental health system to help him overcome the psychological issues, and multiple state agencies for failing to place Daniel in

a safe and stable environment.

“Pascal’s death was an incomprehensible tragedy for us as a family and the community at large, but that doesn’t mean that Daniel doesn’t deserve our empathy and a second chance,” Poholek told Keys Weekly in an interview on Oct. 13.

On May 28, 2020, the Monroe County state attorney’s office announced Daniel would be charged as an adult. Gail Connolly, then assistant state attorney, told Keys Weekly in an interview following the announcement that several factors determined whether to charge him as a teenager or adult, one being the seriousness of the offense. The other factor was the fact he was 17 at the time and there wouldn’t be much time left for the department of juvenile justice to supervise him.

Upcoming

trial brings back a horrific day

A chaotic scene erupted as helicopters, tactical teams and law enforcement agencies from Monroe and Miami-Dade descended upon Islamorada and Tavernier, searching for Daniel the morning of May 7, 2020. Hours before, neighbors heard a disturbance inside the family’s Executive Bay Club apartment where the alleged incident occurred.

A press conference by Sheriff Rick Ramsay later that afternoon revealed details surrounding the attack which took the life of Pascal, 14, and severely injured Poholek. Daniel fled following the alleged attack. A massive search for Daniel ensued, as agencies scoured wooded areas and neighborhoods near Executive Bay Club.

Daniel was taken into custody the next day after he ran into the path of a truck on U.S. 1 near Executive Bay. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and transported to the Monroe County Jail on Stock Island.

According to court documents, Weisberger was deteriorating during his incarceration inside the Stock Island facility. By the direction of the court, he was eventually transferred to the state Department of Children and Families.

Daniel’s competency in question

On July 24, 2021, the defense requested a hearing to determine whether Daniel was competent to stand trial. Per court documents, Daniel had an extensive history of mental illness. The defense retained psychiatric expert Dr. Mark Mills, who visited Daniel July 12, 2021.

During an evaluation, Mills contacted Daniel’s defense lawyers to express his concerns regarding his mental state. Mills also described Daniel as “actively psychotic” and “clearly in no mental state to assist his attorneys in his defense.” Mills shared concerns that the medication he was receiving at the jail since he arrived in 2020 was inadequate to treat his mental illness.

By order granted by the court in October 2021, Mills was able to conduct another mental health evaluation on Daniel via Zoom. Mills wasn’t able to provide the evaluation until January 2022 due to COVID restrictions and other issues. Mills’ report concluded that Daniel was incompetent to stand trial due to his mental state. In February 2022, the court ruled Daniel incompetent to stand trial and committed him to the Department of Children and Families for treatment to restore his competence.

As requested by the defense, evaluations on Daniel were also done by neurologists Dr. Michele Quiroga and Dr. David Ross. A report by Ross stated he witnessed “a frank psychotic episode with visual/auditory hallucinations, delusions and some apathy/ withdrawal toward me.”

On May 15, 2022, the court ruled Daniel was still incompetent to stand trial. Daniel was committed to the South Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center for competency restoration.

By July 2023, the South Florida

State Hospital filed an evaluation stating Daniel was competent. The court ordered Weisberger to remain with DCF to receive appropriate care and treatment until his case is resolved so his competency can be assured at the time of trial.

By October 2023, the court found Daniel competent to stand trial.

Court hearing seeks gag order on Poholek and family

Recently, a court hearing saw a motion by the state attorney’s office to place a gag order on Poholek and his immediate family. Colleen Dunne, assistant state attorney who presented the request to Judge Luis Garcia via Zoom, acknowledged they didn’t want any more publicity on the case amid fears that more posts by Poholek and media exposure could taint the jury pool.

“Whether or not we pick a jury now in the Upper Keys, Key West or another jurisdiction, that won’t affect the state’s position in this case,” Dunne said.

Garcia ultimately agreed to prevent Poholek and his immediate family from providing comments to media outlets on details surrounding the case.

“That exposure in a very small community will possibly make jury selection in his son’s case much more difficult,” Garcia said.

Garcia didn’t stop Poholek from expressing his emotions and feelings to social media ahead of the Nov. 7 jury trial involving his son Daniel. Poholek told Keys Weekly before the hearing that the gag order was, in his opinion, “a form of harassment and intimidation” against him.

Poholek has taken to social media urging the public to contact the state attorney’s office and express support to give Daniel a second chance at life. A petition on change.org expressing support for Daniel having his case resolved by a plea agreement of not guilty by reason of insanity garnered more than 7,800 signatures. Poholek said if the case were resolved by a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, Daniel would be able to receive longterm mental health treatment and rehabilitation as opposed to incarceration. When asked about the petition, State Attorney Dennis Ward told Keys Weekly on Oct. 30 that the case “will go to trial.”

Daniel Weisberger

Make your dream of home ownership in the Florida Keys a reality!

• 15 & 30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgages

• 3/1, 5/1 & 7/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgages

• FHA & VA

• Portfolio Mortgages

• Jumbo loans, and more!

Apply online at KeysFCU.org or at any of our branches from Key West to Tavernier!

*Restrictions may apply. Subject to credit approval. See us for details. NCUA Insured. Membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys. Equal Housing lender.

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

I’LL SLEEP WHEN I’M DEAD: THE IRONY OF DEPRIVATION

In a culture that glorifies hustle and endless productivity, the phrase “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” has become a cliché rallying cry for those who pride themselves on their tireless work ethic. Ironically, this mantra, often worn as a badge of honor, belies a harsh reality: Chronic sleep deprivation can significantly reduce one’s lifespan. As we push through sleepless nights in pursuit of our goals, it is essential to confront the consequences of our sleep-neglecting bravado.

...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC. Hello@highlymotivatedfc.com

Sleep deprivation can manifest in various ways, from mild fatigue to severe cognitive impairment. While most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep per night (or more – like me, which I rarely get) many fall short due to busy schedules, stress or unhealthy sleep habits.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in three adults in the United States does not get enough sleep on a regular basis. This statistic highlights a troubling trend in our society, where the hustle culture often dismisses the importance of adequate rest.

The effects of chronic sleep deprivation extend far beyond mere fatigue. Individuals who consistently lack sleep experience a wide range of adverse health outcomes. Research has shown that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even stroke. It also significantly affects mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. Cognitive functions, including memory, attention and decision-making abilities, are also impaired. In essence, sleep deprivation doesn’t just wear down the body; it can erode the very essence of what makes us human — our ability to think clearly and connect with others.

But how much sleep deprivation can the body actually endure? Studies suggest that chronic sleep deprivation can shorten a person's life expectancy by several years. A 2010 study published in the journal Sleep found that individuals who sleep less than six hours a night are at a higher risk of premature death. Specifically, the research indicated that not getting enough sleep can reduce life expectancy by up to 15 years. Read that again. 15 years. This startling figure serves as a poignant reminder that the relentless pursuit of work and productivity can come at a steep price.

According to the CDC, insufficient sleep is linked to a host of public health issues. For instance, sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as driving while drowsy, leading to accidents that claim thousands of lives annually. Sleep deprivation is implicated in significant workplace

accidents, costing industries billions of dollars each year. It is clear that sleep is not merely a personal issue; it is a societal concern that affects us all.

As we navigate the demands of modern life, it’s crucial to reconsider our relationship with sleep. The notion that sacrificing sleep for work is a badge of honor is a dangerous myth. Instead of aspiring to work until we can no longer function, we should recognize that sleep is a fundamental human need, integral to our health and well-being. Prioritizing sleep can lead to improved productivity, better mental health and, ultimately, a longer life. Can you imagine if you knew you were getting cut short by 15 years? What you would miss out on; what you could have accomplished? There is a growing movement advocating for a culture that values rest. Companies are beginning to recognize the importance of work-life balance, offering flexible schedules and encouraging employees to take breaks. Initiatives promoting “sleep hygiene” –practices such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a restful sleep environment and limiting screen time before bed –are gaining traction. These changes reflect a shift in understanding that better sleep can lead to a more productive workforce.

So, as we continue to grapple with the demands of modern life, let’s remember the irony behind “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” The reality is that neglecting sleep can hasten that day far too soon. Embracing the importance of sleep is not just a personal choice, but a societal necessity. As we learn to value rest, we may find that our productivity, creativity and overall quality of life significantly improve. After all, in the grand scheme of life, a well-rested person is far more likely to thrive than one who has sacrificed sleep for the sake of ambition. It’s time to reframe the narrative: Sleep is not the enemy of productivity; it is its greatest ally.

Now please go to bed. Have sweet dreams. Goodnight.

JENNIFER BOLTZ HARVEY

UNSPLASH

LOCAL

Hope Walk of the Florida Keys as Presented by Isla Bella Beach Resort

Thanks the following:

Presenting Sponsor

Isla Bella Beach Resort

Survivor Sponsor

Baptist South Health Care- Miami

Cancer Institute-Jack Thorley

Silver Sponsor

First Horizon Bank

Stage Sponsor

Keys Life Yoga

Finish Line and Start Line

All Area Keys Roo ng and Marathon Lumber

First State Bank

Photo Sponsors

City of Marathon • AM Electric

(also water sponsor) • FKCA

Media Sponsors

TV88 • The Weekly • Time Out

Magazine

All of the Volunteers

MCSO, Marathon Fire and Rescuewe could not do this without your support!

Our venue host

Crane Point and Charlotte Quinnsta and volunteers

Donations and Kick o venues

Midas Touch • Dockside • Marathon

Ale House • LaChapina • The Scho eld family

Ribbon Cutters

Chrissy Caldwell and CM Bishop

Committee Members of Hope Walk

Mayor Robyn Still - Emcee • John Bartus - Musician

And especially all of our WALKERS-Survivors • Care givers and those still in the ght • Teams

• Local charities • organizations • businesses that make this such a great community - see you next year - Oct 25th, 2025

MEETING YOUR HEROES Sometimes

they’re just wonderful

people

There’s an old adage that goes, “Never meet your heroes. They’ll surely disappoint.” I’m here to tell you that the old adage isn’t always accurate — and it’s a good story as well.

As an aspiring singer-songwriter who began honing his craft back in the mid-1970s, my heroes were the ones who wrote the best songs and then went out on tour and played them. Bob Dylan. Jackson Browne. Gordon Lightfoot. Joni Mitchell. Dan Fogelberg. Jim Croce. Carole King. Cat Stevens.

And James Taylor.

James was one of my favorites for both his songwriting and his musicality. His guitar style was like no one else’s, and his voice was also one-of-a-kind — mellow, soulful and honest to a fault.

As one was wont to do back in those days of vinyl records, reading album credits while the music played gave me insight on the people who created this music. James Taylor seemed to always have the same core group of musicians who played on his records and toured with him as well. When I read the credits on other artists’ albums (Jackson Browne, Carole King, etc.), I saw the same musicians credited there as well. Small world.

James’ old friend Danny Kortchmar played lead guitar. Russ Kunkel played drums. And this cat with long hair and a long beard named Leland Sklar played bass. Lee Sklar bore more than a passing resemblance to 1960s counterculture comic character Mr. Natural. He sported extra-long whiskers more than a decade before ZZ Top brought them to MTV. And he’s one of the mostrecorded bassists ever. In addition to the above artists, Sklar has played and recorded with Phil Collins, Toto, Warren Zevon, Linda Ronstadt, Tracy Chapman and Lyle Lovett, among others.

Sarah and I recently attended a Lyle Lovett and His Large Band show on the mainland. The rhythm section for the Large Band is none other than the old James Taylor rhythm section of Lee Sklar and Russ Kunkel. I was really looking forward to hearing them playing with the Large Band.

We arrived early, and Sarah wanted to check the merchandise table for some Lyle Lovett gear. One of the items available was a coffee table book from Leland Sklar, titled “Everybody Loves Me.” The book features some 6,000 photographs of everyone from celebrities and rock stars to random folks on the street — all giving Lee the finger. The books were autographed, and the guy at the merch tent said that Lee would come out after the show to personalize the autographed books. We got one.

JOHN BARTUS

John Bartus is a singer/songwriter, city administrator for Key Colony Beach and the former mayor of Marathon.

Sarah took the merchandise haul over to a bench while I went to get us a couple of drinks. As I came around the bar trailer toward the bench, I stopped dead in my tracks and said, “Oh my God!” Sitting next to Sarah on the bench was none other than Leland Sklar, bassist extraordinaire and one of my biggest musical heroes.

The part of this encounter I didn’t see was told to me like this: Lee is out walking around the venue before the show and sees Sarah looking at his book. At that point, Sarah looks up, sees Lee, looks back down at the book, and she realizes that the guy standing in front of her is the guy from the book. They chat for a minute, and Sarah tells Lee that her husband is a professional musician and that me seeing both of them sitting together on the bench would break my brain.

Leland Sklar is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met at a show. We chatted for about 15 minutes about music, how COVID affected performers at all levels, and his gig with Lyle and the Large Band. He personalized our book, and posed with us for some photos before he had to get backstage.

As the premiere bassist who’s been on the biggest stages in the world, and recorded and toured with the A-List legends of the music world, Lee Sklar could easily just hang backstage and do the gig. The fact that he goes and makes an effort to meet his fans says a lot about the man. He has a cool YouTube channel as well, full of music and stories from his decades of working with the best. I’ll leave with a refutation of the old adage at the top of this column and say that meeting Leland Sklar was as far removed from disappointment as anyone could possibly imagine.

— Catch John live Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, this Friday with Jade Storm at Lorelei, and Sunday afternoons at Skipjack Tiki. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com • johnbartus.hearnow.com

GREGG

4-year-old male pit bull mix.

Looking for: I’ve been looking for a family for one whole year now.

Turnoﬀs: Cats. Something about them just gets me worked up.

SWIPE RIGHT

Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA

Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.

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

See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit 10550 Aviation Blvd.

Hurricane fosters needed. With hurricane season upon us, the SPCA needs volunteers and fosters in case of a storm. Over 100 animals would need to be evacuated, so it is crucial they all have homes in place before an impending storm. The SPCA provides everything you need; all

3-year-old male American bulldog mix.

Looking for: I want a big family with lots of people and even other dogs.

Turnoﬀs: Not much – I’m one cool dude.

SCARLETT

1.5-year-old female domestic shorthair.

Looking for: I’m a social butterfly that adores being around people.

Turnoﬀs: I’m just getting used to things. Call me the new cat.

you do is give an animal a safe haven during the storm and return them to the shelter once it’s safe – that is, if you don’t fall in love. For more information on becoming a hurricane foster, visit https://fkspca.org/volunteer/becomea-foster-volunteer/ or call 305-7434800.

SPIKE

SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH 11am - 2:30pm

Regular menu available and BRUNCH items including chorizo breakfast burrito, guava French toast, crab benedict and BOGO mimosas & glasses of sparkling wine

KEYS FISHERIES RESTAURANT MARKET & MARINA

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

Enjoy our daily specials like Homemade Soup or Chowder, Fresh Fish Sandwich or One of our Daily Specials while overlooking Florida Bay! Open for Lunch & Dinner Every Day!

RETAIL STORE

Fish, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!

WILD CAUGHT KEY WEST PINK SHRIMP - ALL SIZES!

STONE CRAB NOW AVAILABLE UPSTAIRS NOVEMBER 2ND CRAB EATING CONTEST REGISTER BY 11AM

CHARGES FILED IN KEYS HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASE

Sheriff blasts U.S. attorneys for declining to prosecute the case

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement partners, along with the Monroe County office of the state attorney, are filing human trafficking charges against two Miami men accused based on an incident on the waters off the Florida Keys.

Charges stem from a July incident in which the U.S. Coast Guard stopped a boat en route to Cuba earlier this year in waters just off Islamorada.

Oscar Alfredo Bustamante-Semeren, 29, and Alejandro GaucheValdez, 35, are both currently in jail in Miami on other charges related to firearms, battery and grand theft auto. The sheriff’s office has obtained warrants for their arrest in Monroe County upon their release in Miami-Dade County.

The incident occurred at about 10:10 p.m. on July 15, in the Cotton Key Basin area near MM 86. The U.S. Coast Guard stopped and boarded a vessel before terminating its voyage due to numerous safety violations. A GPS on the boat showed an active track to Cuba. Bustamante-Semeren admitted he and Gauche-Valdez were en route to Cuba to pick up nationals there.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office subsequently declined to prosecute the suspects. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Joel Slough continued to investigate the case as per state charges alongside the office of the state attorney. Examination of the GPS and other evidence supported Bustamante-Semeren’s admission. Warrants (each with a $60,000 bond) were obtained on Oct. 21 by the sheriff’s office as a result of the investigation.

The U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Homeland Security Investi-

gations assisted in the case. The investigation also showed Bustamante-Semeren is linked to the violent gang, “Tren De Aragua” of Venezuela.

“Another great job by Sgt. Joel Slough, the Monroe County state attorney’s office and our law enforcement partners to arrest these two criminals,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “We will continue to take a hard stance on crime even when the U.S. Attorney’s Office fails to do its job. The U.S. Attorney’s Office unwillingness to pursue criminal offenders who traffic humans is sad. These offenders continue to wreak havoc in our community and other communities.”

Bustamante-Semerene is being held in a Miami-Dade detention center on numerous charges, including fleeing and eluding police, resisting arrest, use of a firearm while committing a felony, grand theft, burglary, transportation of drug paraphernalia and recklessing driving.

In an email to Keys Weekly, the U.S. Attorney’s Office declined comment on active investigations and any charging decisions.

“What we can say is that we are in regular contact with our federal partners, to include Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Coast Guard, FBI, ATF, and DEA, as we collaborate with our state and local partners to thwart, combat and prosecute crimes that threaten our South Florida communities,” said Sarah Schall, special counsel and public information officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Southern District of Florida. “We encourage the public to continue to report suspected crimes to 911.”

For the 2024 fiscal year, the office has charged at least 75 defendants with alien-smuggling related offenses. This includes 25 smugglers and over 50 migrants who attempted to enter on the vessels.

— Keys Weekly staff report

Cocaine and cash found in Marathon traﬃc stop

Two Hollywood, Florida people were arrested Oct. 26 after police say they found a large amount of cocaine, more than $30,000 in cash and marijuana following a traffic stop on U.S. 1. The driver, Michael Lee Beaston, 36, was charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The passenger, Ricki Sue Hanzel, 51, was charged with trafficking cocaine. The sheriff’s office stopped a Toyota Prius on U.S. 1 near 20th Street in Marathon following reports of domestic altercation at a nearby resort. There was a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, officers said. A sealed kilogram of cocaine, a bag containing 26 grams of cocaine, 32 grams of marijuana, and $31,000 in cash was found in the subsequent search. Both people were taken to jail.

Compost your pumpkins with Marathon Parks & Rec

The city of Marathon will host a composting event on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. at the Marathon Community Park gardens (main pavilion). Learn all about composting and bring a bin with a tight-fitting lid to build your own VermiComposter. Or just bring your pumpkin and staff will compost it for you.

CFK invites all to Community Day

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites all to its 10th annual Community Day on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the Key West campus. The free, family-friendly event will feature attractions including CFK academic showcases, interactive exhibits, live performances, a bounce house and other children's activities, vendors and music. CFK President Jonathan Gueverra will lead a salute to veterans and military service members. This year’s event will also serve as the grand opening of the Tuga Clinic on CFK’s Key West campus, a new health care clinic open to the public starting on Monday, Nov. 4. The college will also be collecting non-perishable food items at the event for the Tuga Shelves food pantry for food insecure students. More information about Community Day is at 305-809-3198.

Arts Council seeks Connections Project artists

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts is seeking artists to participate in the 2025 Connections Project by painting a 6-inch by 8-inch canvas. There are a limited number of canvases available for inclusion in the completed mosaic of paintings; first come, first served.

To sign up and receive a number, scan the QR code, then go pick up a blank canvas at any Monroe County library branch. Canvases are due by Friday, Dec. 20 at any Keys library branch and must be completed in landscape (horizontal) orientation. There is no specific theme. For more information, visit keysarts.com and click “Connections Project.”

Middle Keys EAA to host Young Eagles rally

The Middle Keys Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1241 is again hosting a Young Eagles rally along with Aviation Day on Saturday, Nov. 9. Youngsters ages 8 to 17 can experience a flight with a local pilot. Pilots fly the youngsters over the Seven Mile Bridge, out to Sombrero Lighthouse and back to the airport. The event will be at the EAA Air Museum at the Marathon airport from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parents or guardians can register their children online at YEDAY.org.

CFK scholarships available for spring

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 at cfk.edu/discover/cfk-foundation/ scholarship-info/. Applications are submitted online. The deadline to submit applications for most scholarships is Wednesday, Nov. 6. There is no limit to the number of scholarships for which a student may apply. CFK’s spring semester begins Jan. 10. Students must be registered for spring classes to be eligible for spring scholarships. More is available at foundation@cfk. edu or 305-809-3153. More resources to help students pay for college, such as federal financial aid and tuition payment plans, are at cfk.edu/payingfor-college/.

Come take a class at the Marathon library

The Marathon library has a wide variety of class offerings, ranging from photography to book clubs, robots, virtual reality and more. Scan the QR code here to see the schedule and get involved.

FANTASY FEST CLOSES WITH EYE-POPPING PARADE

2025 Theme: Bedtime Stories & Magical Monsters

The Florida Keys’ creative character was on full display in an out-of-this-universe moving pageant on Oct. 26 as the world famous Key West Fantasy Fest parade made its way down Duval Street, celebrating its 45th year and the 2024 theme, “It’s a ’90s Neon Cosmic Carnival.”

Each year, following the parade, prizes are awarded by a panel of judges to multiple “Best Of” entries in a variety of categories, followed by announcement of the following year’s Fantasy Fest theme.

This year, nearly 50 entries competed for $20,000 in prizes, and the winners are:

$6,000 Best Overall: “Flagler’s 1890s Fantasy” by Jaimie Gwidt’s Key West Kreatives.

$3,000 Best in Entertainment: “Cosmic Neon Lambada — 90s and Forever!” by Pamela Stephenson Connolly’s Key West International Dance Co.

$3,000 Best in Costume: “Cosmic Vortex” by Daniel Bitnar.

$2,500 Best Interpretation of Theme: “Fantasy Quest” by the Lower Keys Fluffers.

$2,000 Best Walking Group: “DJ Time Warp and the Power Ravers” by Guy Hermelin.

$1,500 The Green Parrot’s Best Live Music Award: “Space Force X” by Stan Shaw.

$1,000 Best Bicycle Award: “Cosmic Carnival” by Southernmost Slow Riders.

$1,000 Directors Choice Award: “Grand Marshal” by David Sloan.

The winning theme for Key West Fantasy Fest 2025, which is scheduled for Oct. 17-26, is “Bedtime Stories & Magical Monsters.” Ellen LaMoia of Key West has scored Fantasy Fest Parade grandstand seats, where she will enjoy the 2025 spectacle seated among the parade’s judges and organizers, for her contribution to the theme.

“‘Bedtime Stories & Magical Monsters’ elicits enchanting and deliciously scary imaginings — from fresh twists on historic fables to new takes on mythical beasts. such as the ones that might be found hiding under beds,” said Nadene Grossman Orr, Fantasy Fest director and president/CEO of We’ve Got the Keys.

1. Jamie Gwidt’s Key West Kreatives entry, ‘ Flagler’s 1890s Fantasy,’ win the Key West Fantasy Fest Parade Grand Prize for Best Overall in the Oct. 26 parade. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

2. Fantasy Fest Queen Marjory Lee and King Lisa Zee.

3. Pamela Stephenson Connolly’s Key West International Dance Co. win Best in Entertainment with ‘Cosmic Neon Lambada — ’90s and Forever’ in the 2024 Fantasy Fest Parade.

4. Live drumming and swinging ladies highlight one of many extravagant floats.

5. ‘Grand Marshal’ by David Sloan, with wife Heather Maym, win the Director’s Choice award.

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

AIR FORCE, ARMISTICE, ARMY, AWARD, BRONZE, COAST GUARD, CONGRESS, CROSS, DAY, GALLANTRY, HEART, HONOR, MILITARY, NAVY, POSTHUMOUSLY, SERVICE, SILVER, STAR, VETERANS.

Founded by Betty Debnam

Honoring Service

Each Nov. 11, we celebrate Veterans Day. The U.S. Congress approved the holiday in 1938: “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.” In 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day. (“Armistice” means a temporary stopping of acts of war.)

This week, The Mini Page examines the many honors that are awarded to members of the military for their service.

MEDAL OF HONOR

The U.S. Army, Navy (including the Marine Corps and Coast Guard) and Air Force each award a Medal of Honor. As the highest military decoration in our country, it is given for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.”

Word Break: Look up conspicuous, gallantry and intrepidity in the dictionary.

• More than 3,500 servicemembers have received the Medal of Honor.

• Theodore Roosevelt (right) is the only president to have received the Medal of Honor, for his service during the Spanish-American War. It was awarded posthumously, or after his death, in 2001.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

The Distinguished Service Cross is the U.S. Army’s secondhighest honor. It is awarded for extraordinary heroism while “engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.”

The other branches award the Navy Cross, the Air Force Cross and the Coast Guard Cross.

• During World War I, more than 6,300 medals were awarded.

U.S. Army Distinguished Service Cross

• Gen. Richard Cavazos, the first Hispanic four-star general of the U.S. Army, received the honor twice, in 1953 and 1967.

SILVER STAR

The Silver Star is the military’s third-highest combat decoration. It is awarded for gallantry in action. The medal was originally called the Citation Star.

• Three U.S. Army nurses who served in World War I — Jane Rignel, Linnie Leckrone and Irene Robar — were awarded the Citation Star in 1919 and 1920.

• Former Sen. John McCain of Arizona received the U.S. Navy’s Silver Star Medal.

Climate change appears to be driving a shift in jet streams toward the poles, according to researchers at University College London. In the Northern Hemisphere, this shift could lead to dramatic changes in weather patterns from the western United States to the Mediterranean. Researchers found that the wintertime polar jet stream above the North Pacific has moved northward by 18 to 50 miles per decade since 1980. However, they pointed out that jet streams in some regions have not moved at all, while others are drifting toward the equator.

PURPLE HEART

The Purple Heart is the oldest military honor. Once called the Badge of Military Merit, it was established by Gen. George Washington in 1782.

Recipients of the award are those who have been wounded or killed serving in any of the armed forces.

• Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois is a recipient of the Purple Heart. She served in Iraq in 2004, where she lost both her legs.

• Almost 2 million Purple Hearts have been awarded; over 1 million of those were during World War II.

BRONZE STAR MEDAL

The Bronze Star is awarded by the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Department of Homeland Security. It honors those who have demonstrated heroic or meritorious achievement or service.

• Civilians who are serving with military forces in combat, such as journalists, are also eligible for the award.

RESOURCES

“We Also Served: True Stories of Brave Animals in the Military” by Erin McGill

Mini Fact: The Medal of Honor is presented by the president of the United States on behalf of Congress.

U.S. Army Silver Star

Sen. Tammy Duckworth

U.S. Bronze Star Medal

LEADERSHIP MATTERS

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

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

• Appointed Monroe County Commissioner District 3 in 2022

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

COMMUNITY ENGAGED

• Florida Defense Support Commission Member

• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Member

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

• Military Affairs Committee Member

• Florida Federal Executive Board Member (3 years)

• Key West Sunrise Rotary Club member and past President

• Navy League of the United States Key West Council Member

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

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

PROUDLY ENDORSED BY

• Teamsters Local 769

• South Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA)

• Key West Fire Fighters Local 1424

• Monroe County Fire Fighters Local 3909

• Ocean Reef Political Action Committee

RENEWING THE VITALITY AND RESILIENCE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS TOGETHER!

Who’s the top dog in the Keys? | P.8

Monroe County football fans will be treated to a seldom-played rivalry match under Friday night lights when the Coral Shores Hurricanes make the trip south to play the Key West Conchs on Friday, Nov. 1. See page 8. Pictured, clockwise from top: Coral Shores’ Yemcel Moreno, Eddie Holly and Jhonathan Mesa; Key West’s Shane Lavallee, Jaden Fox and Cole Jackson. Photos by Doug Finger and Maicey Malgrat.

Jayden is a twoway player who has become an invaluable part of the team.”

–

Key West head coach

Johnny Hughes

Key West senior Jayden Gist has quietly become a game changer for the Conchs this season. He is a strong option in Key West’s dynamic offense, running the ball with a force perfect for short-yardage situations. Defensively, Gist leads the team in interceptions with seven this season. In Key West’s victory Oct. 25 against Miami Jackson, Gist’s pick helped shift the momentum in the Conchs’ favor. His athleticism and leadership on the field have made him integral to Key West’s winning this season. For his uncanny ability to create a spark at exactly the right moment all season long, Jayden Gist is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Photos by Maicey Malgrat and Mark Hedden.

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

sean mcdonald

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

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Oliver Allison oliver@keysweekly.com

Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Comptroller Sarah Simcic sarah@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classiﬁeds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials. 9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Oﬃce: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

This week, two Monroe County athletes approach the end of not just their prep running careers, but a journey that began long before they stepped into the halls of their respective schools.

Like most long distance runners, Key West’s Caylaa Makimaa and Marathon’s Vance Bursa are driven, but anyone who has followed their stories over the past few seasons can attest that there is something special about the pair. Their similarities are striking and yet each has forged their own path leading up to, perhaps, the most exciting race of their lives.

Caylaa Makimaa

After her parents got her hooked by running the local 5K races with her, Makimaa was enamored with the sport. “My parents inspired me to become a distance runner. I grew up watching my parents compete in triathlons, half marathons, marathons, Ironmans and more,” she said. “I ran my first 5K with my mom at age 7, and since then I have been hooked.”

Many kids are dragged along with their well-meaning parents, but unlike most sports, distance running is not something one can like half-heartedly if there is any hope for glory. The training is grueling and unforgiving on the body. Makimaa’s training includes strength training, intervals, paced runs, tempo runs, long runs and shorter runs she calls “easy.”

The “easy” runs she describes would leave most of us gasping for breath and praying for the end. Yet Makimaa, despite the challenges to her body, enjoys it all in some form. “I am driven by my love of running because it has always been a place where I feel so free and happy,” she said. “I enjoy going out for my runs. I love the feeling of stress slowly fading away the longer I run and I love the accomplished feeling I get when I finish a hard workout.”

Makimaa said she grew up watching another Lady Conch dominating the sport. “I watched Nicole Matysik,” she said, “and I wanted to grow up to be just like her.” Matysik, too, was a regular on the local 5K circuit and went on to medal at states during her four years with the Conchs. As Matysik was signing to run at Furman University, Makimaa was an impressionable middle schooler, and she could not have chosen a better role model.

Makimaa hopes to continue her running after high school as well, but is undecided on her path. It’s unsurprising that a studentathlete disciplined enough to get this far in cross country is also disciplined in the classroom, and the scholarly Makimaa has a lot of options to weigh. She applied to over 20 schools and was accepted to all.

tracy mcdonald

ALL ON THE LINE

Senior standouts Makimaa, Bursa have one more shot at state glory

Regardless of her choice, Makimaa is certain of one thing: Her future will include the sport she loves in some capacity.

Caylaa Makimaa, far left, leads the pack during the 2023 track season. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

Vance Bursa, left, makes his way through a cross country course at Coral Shores in 2022. DOUG FINGER/ Keys Weekly

“I never want to disappoint myself by not giving my 100% at every single practice and race, because when I don't leave it all out there, I can't live with myself.”

—

senior Vance Bursa on his training

“After high school, I plan on pursuing a degree in health science, then getting a master's in physician assistant studies and entering the medical field post-college,” she said. “I don't know exactly what running will look like. Still, whether I am granted the opportunity to run collegiately or I join my college's run club, I will most certainly be spending most of my free time running.”

Last season, Makimaa set two goals, meeting them both. She wanted to make it to the state meet, which she did individually by meeting her second goal, a sub-20-minute 5K at regionals. This season, she registered a new PR of 19:07 in Marathon a few weeks ago. Her pace was so fast that Coral Shores’ Ali Wheatley and Naima Thomas, her teammate and training partner, also PRed trying to keep up. Makimaa’s drive is good for everyone who takes the line against her, and her positivity is infectious.

After a breakout season last year and the success she has steadily made in this one, she said she “absolutely” feels the pressure as all eyes are on her this postseason.

“This is my last chance to race as a Conch, so I want to soak up every single moment and accomplish as much as possible, and hopefully take home a state medal this year,” she said.

To manage the pressure, Makimaa said she will trust the process, believing in the training that coach Keara McGraw and the Lady Conchs have completed thus far. “I have worked incredibly hard with my team this year and feel confident we all will perform excellently at these championship meets,” she said, adding, “In addition, I am just trying to have fun. With my time on the cross country team coming to a rapid close, I am making as many memories as possible with the amazing family that I have the honor to run with every day.” Vaclav “Vance” Bursa

Bursa also took up running at a young age. The name Bursa has been prolific in the local racing community for many years.

Vance’s mother, Helena, and his brothers Jakub and Antonin are all extremely talented and typically win their respective age groups when they don’t just win races outright.

Vance began his journey in a similar fashion to Makimaa. “My mom, who is an amazing runner and inspiration, pushed my brothers and I into running, and what inspired me to continue the sport was how rewarding distance running is; the more work you put in, the better you get,” he said.

The Bursa household is certainly a very active one. With three boys, all athletically gifted and competitive, there is never a dull moment. The Bursa brothers grew up in the relative freedom of the woods of Big Pine Key and the surrounding waters where they run, dive, fish and enjoy the outdoors. Both Bursa parents are natives of Czech Republic, and the family spends summers in Europe as well as enjoying adventures to Costa Rica and Mexico. Somehow, between world travels, free diving and

even power hang gliding, Bursa has found the time to train and dedicate himself to become one of the fastest runners in school history.

Middle children are often described as independent, easy-going, adaptable, mature and confident. Bursa perfectly epitomizes each of those qualities. Vance has never met a stranger, and his smile and happy-go-lucky attitude quickly draw people in. He is one of the friendliest people you will ever meet, quick to laugh and make others feel welcome and at ease. Yet he is competitive to the core.

“I would really love a sub-16 and hopefully a school record at any of the upcoming races,” he said. “But from now on it's all about placing and not so much about running for time.”

In order to meet his goals, Bursa will need to strategize his races and figure out a balance between training and rest. Balance might just be the only thing at which Bursa does not excel; he goes 100% all of the time in all that he does, and though this attitude has gotten him far, it has taken a toll on his body. He has battled through injuries to his feet and legs, and a stoic refusal to lay off of training has exacerbated those injuries throughout his career. But Bursa’s adaptability may prove to be a saving grace this season.

“Because I'm so injury-prone, I've been doing less miles on the road and a lot of cross training this season,” he said. “I swim 30 minutes or about a mile every morning and I run about 35 miles per week and take a day off on the weekend,” he said. “This is a lot less than last track season, where I ran about 65 miles per week at peak mileage. I also do a bunch of elliptical and stair stepper work at the gym on the weekends to take some running load off of my legs.”

Bursa also feels the pressure of being a repeat state qualifier as a senior. “Running at this level puts a lot of weight on our shoulders because we want to represent our community the best we can,” he said. “I don't want to let everyone down, especially my teammates, parents and coaches. At these high-level races I'm always thinking about not letting the entire community down by not doing good, and it's really tough sometimes.”

With the immense pressure he has placed on himself, Bursa has figured out a way to deal with the encumbrance the only way he knows how: with more hard work. “I always tell myself that I will do my absolute best and leave every single bit of strength out there on the course, even if it means collapsing at the finish line,” he said. “Knowing I couldn't have done any better or run any faster is the only way I can be content with myself.”

Like many high-achieving distance runners, Bursa is also a driven student. He has taken college-level courses for years, amassing well above a 4.6 GPA and numerous options for his future. His love of entrepreneurship will be the driving force behind his college selection, as he has a multitude of ideas for businesses, all of which are compelling and full of ingenuity.

When asked about his proudest accomplishment as a runner, Bursa struggled with an answer. “This is a very tough question because I'm always super proud when any of my boys PR or have a good race,” he said. Bursa’s positivity toward others and his team are infectiously motivating and make him both respected and loved by his teammates.

Despite nagging injuries and the weight of the world on his shoulders, Bursa has everything in his makeup to pull off a top performance in Tallahassee this year. He is accustomed to running through pain, and though the community views him as a shoe-in for a state medal, he is actually a bit of an underdog. This year’s 1A classification is full of talent, and currently 13 runners are seeded in front of him, but that shouldn’t bother Bursa; he likes the fun of the chase and of-

ten does best when he’s got someone to hawk down.

If he pulls off the perfect performance at states this season, it won’t be the first time he proved the numbers wrong. As a sophomore, Bursa had what many believed to be zero chance in the 3200 meter race. His personal best in that race was over 20 seconds slower than the runner ranked eighth, the last medal-earning position. Bursa beat his PR by 24 seconds and earned the eighth-place medal to add to his collection.

In 2022, Bursa claimed 10th place at the state cross country meet, clocking in at 16:18. Last season, he hit a wall in the final mile, watching dozens of competitors – and with them, his hopes at a medal – pass him by. He finished a minute slower than the previous year. This season, he has already run three sub-17 races, with his last effort breaking his 2022 state mark, but the flat concrete course he PRed on is vastly different from the course in Tallahassee.

“I always think about how if you told 7-, 8-, or 9-year-old me what I was doing today, she would be beaming with pride, and I most certainly can't let her down.”

Both Makimaa and Bursa have expressed the pressure they feel to bring pride home to their respective communities, which they both thanked for their encouragement and support these past few years. But regardless of the perceived pressures, the marks the pair, who just happen to be a couple, have made on their schools and Keyswide are indelible. Like Matysik’s journey shaped Makimaa and Marathon’s rich history of runners did for Bursa, the pair are already making an impact on the sport’s future stars. And despite what the clock reads at the end of the course at Apalachee Regional Park on Nov. 16, their stories are not shaped by a single race or performance. A legacy, after all, is not created in a single day.

– senior Conch harrier Caylaa Makimaa on her relentless pursuit of a state medal

MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

“They’re big up front, especially the defensive line. It should be a fun game to play.”

— Key West coach Johnny Hughes

CONCHS, ’CANES WIN IN WEEK 10

Marathon falls to undefeated John Carroll

Coral Shores improved to 8-1 in a homecoming win that delighted an energized crowd on Oct. 25. The ’Canes were scheduled to play a markedly weaker Tradition Prep for their big game, but when that fell apart, St. John Neumann out of Naples answered the call and made the big trip to the Keys. Neumann was 5-1 heading into the game against a 7-1 Coral Shores, making for an even matchup that went into overtime before a winner could be decided.

The Hurricanes struggled offensively in the first half, stalling and then settling for three in quarter one. Freshman William Hudson’s field goal was the first this season for Coral Shores. That would be all the ’Canes would put on the board for the first half. St. John Neumann scored once and added a 2-point conversion in quarter two, sending the teams into the locker room with the score 8-3 at halftime.

Coach Ed Holly made some quick adjustments before sending his team back onto the field. “We had to settle down,” he said.

“We had a great crowd for homecoming and came out excited.”

Holly said he mixed up his team’s coverage defensively to add more pressure on Neumann’s quarterback. The adjustments made the difference in quarter three, where the ’Canes

The Coral Shores Hurricanes pull out an overtime thriller over St. John Neumann on homecoming night, securing a 25-18 win. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly. See more game photos at keysweekly.com.

from page 7

held Neumann to a field goal. When the Hurricanes got the ball back on offense, AJ Putetti ran one in for 6 and Yemcel Moreno added a 2-point conversion to tie up the game. Neumann scored again, and things looked bleak until Moreno connected with Putetti on a 31-yard touchdown pass to tie it up again, sending the game into overtime.

Neumann chose to play defense first in overtime, and Moreno found the end zone to give the ’Canes the advantage. Holly’s defensive adjustments continued to prevail, and Neumann had just one chance left to extend the game. Putetti put an end to any hopes Neumann had, batting down a pass in the end zone to seal the homecoming victory, 25-18.

The Hurricanes already secured at least a shared FIFC championship this season and will finish with one of the best records in school history. Their sights are now set on doing what only one Hurricane team in history has ever done: beat Key West.

“We like playing good teams, and Key West is a very good football team.”

— Coral Shores coach Ed Holly

“Key West is a very good team,” Holly said. “We’re going to have to play our best game of the year to compete with them. We’re looking forward to it.”

Key West stayed alive in their hopes for a postseason game when they beat Miami Jackson on Oct. 25 in a road win. The Conchs traveled to Curtis Park, where they beat the Generals 24-19, picking up what Conch historian Judd Wise says was the team’s 400th win.

Walson Morin got the scoring started for Key West with a 35-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Jaden Fox’s pick-6 put the Conchs ahead 12-0 and Key West’s uncompromising defense kept Jackson scoreless until quarter two. In the second, Roman Van Loon connected with Daniel Oviedo for their solo score of the quarter. Jackson scored its lone TD of the half as well, making the score 18-7 at halftime with Key West on top.

Conchs coach Johnny Hughes knew Jackson was not a team to take lightly, though. “It was a tough game with an athletic team,” he said. The Generals were stocked with tall, strong targets at wide receiver, and despite the Conchs’ best efforts, Jackson hit those targets once in each of the final quarters. Key West managed to score one more and secure the win when Fox punched one in during the fourth quarter.

Up next for Key West is the home game against Coral Shores. “It’s great for the county,” Hughes said of the game. “It’s going to be fun. We’re fighting for a home playoff game so it definitely matters. We want to put ourselves in the best situation we can.”

Both Coral Shores and Key West have been playing great defense this season, and their offenses are similarly heavy on the run, making the matchup an exciting one. Key West holds the clear edge in all-time play against the ’Canes. The Conchs have won 11 of the 12 times the

two teams have faced off, with Coral Shores’ only win coming in 2002. Kickoff is Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium

Marathon had less luck last week, losing to the undefeated 4A John Carroll Catholic Rams from Fort Pierce. The sizable Rams were as advertised, and the Fins quickly found themselves at a disadvantage. On Marathon’s first possession, a fumble could not have bounced more perfectly for the Carroll defense, and the Fins were down 7-0 just seconds into the game. The Dolphins then drove the ball a few yards at a time, using the power of their offense to overcome the Rams’ defense.

A dropped pass in the end zone forced the Fins to settle for 3, and Fabbianho Louis Jeune’s kick cut the deficit to 7-3. Carroll scored again in the first quarter to make it 14-3. Quarter two was a replay offensively for Marathon, with Louis Jeune splitting the uprights for the only score the Dolphins could manage, while Carroll added 7 to send the teams to the halftime break with the score 21-6.

In the third quarter, Carroll scored a pair of TDs, but the Fins’ offense began to chip away at the Rams’ fortitude. Louis Jeune found the endzone for 6, then added the extra point to give Marathon some confidence heading into the final quarter. Tanner Ross willed himself across the goal line and Louis Jeune’s kick was, as usual, good for the Fins. Carroll scored one more time in quarter four to make the final score 42-20.

Coach Sean McDonald concluded that the hoped-for upset was flawed by “early mistakes and an inability to create a big play on either side of the ball.” He credited Ross with his refusal to let up regardless of the situation and Louis Jeune’s play against Carroll’s four-star offensive tackle.

“Fab held his own against the best that Florida has to offer, and that speaks volumes about his abilities,” McDonald said. Louis Jeune leads the team in multiple categories on offense, defense and special teams.

Despite the loss, Carroll’s considerably higher classification over the Fins and their unbeaten record could prove favorable to Marathon in the elusive and oftentimes fickle rankings. A last-minute decision by the FHSAA to change its playoff brackets for the 1A rural classification puts a Marathon playoff game in jeopardy, and a loss next week to Pine Crest would be catastrophic. Marathon travels to Fort Lauderdale to take on the Panthers on Nov. 1 for a 3 p.m. kickoff.

Top: Carlos Lezcano (1) does his best to ﬁnd a gap in the John Carroll defense. Bottom left: Shamar Wright (13) carries the ball. Bottom right: Marathon’s varsity cheer team entertains the crowd at halftime. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

2 BIRDIES, 2 WINS FOR CARROLL

Golfers enter postseason play this week with regional hopes

Marathon and Coral Shores put in a few rounds of final practice leading up to their district matches this week. On Oct. 22, both teams met in Marathon for nine holes at Florida Keys Country Club. Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas was first overall in the girls competition with a 46. Thomas, a senior, has led the ’Canes the past few seasons. Marathon’s Makenna Haines and Justice Lee Isom were second and third and Coral Shores’ Amber Ender was fourth.

In the boys competition, Coral Shores’ Preston Carroll shot a 39. His birdie on hole 2 helped Carroll secure the win. Marathon’s Mason Thornton was in second place, shooting a 42 over nine holes. Coral Shores’ Brock Bynum and Marathon’s Roco Piscetello tied at 44 in third place. Aidan Althouse was fifth for the ’Canes (45), then Fins Emmett Merryman, Jackson Millard, Jack Dunn and Aiden Richard and Hurricane Derek Ramos rounded out the top 10.

The following day, both teams traveled to Redland Golf and Country Club for 18 holes. The boys district event is held there, giving the athletes a bit of an edge in postseason play. Carroll’s birdie on hole 9 gave him an 88 for the day. The single-stroke advantage proved to be exactly what he needed for the win. Thornton was second again, with Merryman in third, then Coral Shores’ Jacob Bohnstedt in fourth. Bynum, Althouse and Piscetello were fifth through seventh. Luca Picariello of Marathon and Derek Ramos of Coral Shores all broke 100 over the 18 holes.

Thomas was the only female golfer to make the trip. She shot a 100 in her final round prior to district action. Thomas and the rest of the Hurricane and Dolphin girls golfers play their district match at Normandy Shores in Miami Beach.

Key West’s boys did a little traveling last week, with two rounds for their district warmup. On Oct. 21, they traveled to Coral Springs for the Maverick Invitational, which was postponed earlier this season. Peyton Zubieta and Geo Twyman tied for the top spot on the Conchs’ team. Both shot a respectable 89 over 18 holes. Jackson Barroso was two strokes behind and Andrew Bassett broke 100 at the match. Two days later, the Conchs headed to Palm Beach Gardens to the PGA National Resort, where they participated in the Wolverine Classic. Bassett was first for his team with an 83. Twyman was one stroke away. Zubieta finished the day with an 89 while Mason Titensor and Barroso each shot a 93.

If one of Monroe County’s teams or an individual golfer advances past districts, it will be an improvement from last season. No athletes made the cut to regionals in 2023.

Preston Carroll. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of DemonaLisa Designs, located at 22993 Calico Jack Circle, Cudjoe Key, FL 33042, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By:

Terri Grinnik

Publish: October 31, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice of Seizure that in accordance with Florida Statues 83.805 / 83.506, Tavernier Mini Storage, 135 Hood Ave., Tavernier, Florida 33070 will sell or otherwise will dispose of the personal contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.

All Contents in:

Unit B-13 –Tyler Drakas

Sale of all goods will be 11/18/24 at 10:00 am at 135 Hood Ave., Tavernier, Florida 33070. Tavernier Mini Storage reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.

Publish: October 31 and November 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI

Notice is hereby given that on November 11th, 2024, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows:

Location: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

Sheila Chamberlain – 1167

$421.40

Nidia Gonzalez – 1761

$664.20

David Allen – 1407

$731.90

Allan Costow – 1208

$431.80

Publish:

October 24 & 31, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on November 19, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL 33040, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, will hold a public hearing to consider approval of the following County Resolution: A RESOLUTION OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA ELECTING TO USE THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS LEVIED WITHIN THE COUNTY FOR THE PROVISION OF ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS, FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECTS AND ADDRESSING SEA LEVEL RISE IMPACTS FOR TWIN LAKES; STATING A NEED FOR SUCH LEVY; PROVIDING FOR THE MAILING OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The public hearing is being held for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed assessments and collection of the assessment on the ad valorem tax bills. All affected property owners have the right to appear and provide input at the hearing, and may file written objections with the County Administrator at any time prior to the public meeting or within twenty (20) days following publication of this notice, whichever is greater. The assessments will be collected

on the ad valorem tax bill, commencing with the tax bill to be mailed in November 2024, as authorized by Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. Failure to pay the assessments will cause a tax certificate to be issued against the real property which may result in a loss of title. If you have any questions, please contact Rhonda Haag at (305) 453-8774 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The public can participate in the November 19, 20024 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida by attending in person or via Zoom. The zoom link can be found in the agenda at: http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/citizens.default.aspx. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, F.S., if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made. ADA Assistance: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person needing a special accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the Administrator'sCountyoffice at (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) days prior to the date of the hearing. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call ‘711.’

Dated at Key West this 19th day of October, 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court an ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: October 24 & 31 and November 7 & 14, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Construction, Engineering and Inspection Services for Card Sound Road at Tubby’s Creek Bridge #904982 and Card Sound Road at Mosquito Creek Bridge #904984 Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at bonfirehub.comhttps://monroecounty-fl. OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https:// monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub. com, no later than 3:00P.M. on Thursday, December 12, 2024. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071.

If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, December 12, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish: October 31, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO.: 2024-CP-451-P IN RE: ESTATE OF HAROLD L. YOH, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

OU ARE NOTIFIED that the administration of the estate of Harold L. Yoh, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was June 21, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, File Number 2024-CP-451-P, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Hwy., Suite 1, Tavernier, FL 33070.

The name and address of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against the estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice must file their claims WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED 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 personal representatives have 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, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: OCTOBER 31, 2024.

Personal Representatives: Harold L. Yoh, III 309 Winfield Road Devon, PA 19333

Michael H. Yoh 41 Tunbridge Road Haverford, PA 19041

Jeffrey M. Yoh

5631 Quail Trail Lane Clover, SC 29710

William C. Yoh

9 Allens Lane

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Attorney to Personal Representatives: Leon N. Patricios, Esq.

Florida Bar No. 0012777

Zumpano Patricios, P.A. 312 Minorca Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33134

Tel: 305-444-5565

Fax: 305-444-8588

Email: lpatricios@zplaw.com

Publish:

October 31 & November 7, 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-529-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF MARGARET A. WALSTON Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of, MARGARET A. WALSTON, deceased, whose date of death was 17 September 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate 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 31, 2024.

Personal Representative Meg Pizzano aka Meg SimonPizzano 65 Nathan Blvd. Parlin, NJ 08859

Attorney for Personal Representative Tom Woods, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 0525197 116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036 Phone 305.664.2200 Fax 2205 email: tom@tomwoodslaw. com

Publish: October 31 & November 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NATURAL FATHER

ORDER OF PUBLICATION HARRISON COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA

IN RE: P.F. 24-JA-28-1

TO: ARTHUR GASSER or UNKNOWN FATHER

The purpose of the above action is to determine guardianship of the child, P.F. born on October 25, 2022, to Nicole Faraco.

The petitioner, the West Virginia Department of Human Services, is seeking

permanent legal and physical custody of the said infant child. It is ORDERED that Arthur Gasser or the unknown biological father, appear in the Harrison County Circuit Court, Division I, 4th Floor, Harrison County Courthouse, Clarksburg, West Virginia on the 17th day of December 2024 at 11:00 o’clock a.m., or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, for the adjudicatory hearing of Arthur Gasser or the unknown biological father. Said person is instructed that he has thirty (30) days from this Notice to answer the Petition herein. Said person is given notice that he must object, or, otherwise permanent legal and physical custody of the said infant child may be granted to the West Virginia Department of Human Services and his parental rights may be permanently terminated. Said Arthur Gasser or unknown biological father, shall have the right to be represented by counsel and if he cannot pay for the services of counsel, counsel will be appointed. Said Arthur Gasser or unknown biological father is represented by Christopher Wilson, Esquire, at 300 Adams Street, Fairmont, WV 26554-3104, at phone number 304-333-1500.

Publish: October 31 & November 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-189-P DIVISION: FAMILY TERESITA PEREZ, Petitioner, and ANAIS LORENZO, WILLIAM GONZALEZ, Respondents.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR MOTION FOR MODIFICATION OF LEGAL GUARDIAN TO: WILLIAM GONZALEZ RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 416 E 27TH STREET, HIALEAH, FL 33013 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Custody Case has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Teresita Perez, whose address is 142 Dickie Way, Apt. 1, Tavernier, FL 33070 on or before December 2, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 88770 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: October 25, 2024

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court

Monroe County, Florida By: Jennifer

Havengar

Deputy Clerk

Publish: October 31 and November 7, 14 & 21, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-971-K

DIVISION: FAMILY

JOSEPH MOISE, Petitioner, and LUCRETIA GREEN, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR EMERGENCY PETITION FOR TEMPORARY CUSTODY TO: LUCRETIA GREEN

RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN

ADDRESS: UNKNOWN

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Emergency Petition for Temporary Custody has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Joseph Moise, whose address is 126 Avenue F, Key West, FL 33040 on or before November 17, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 530 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: October 15, 2024

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jaquelyn Fonseca

Deputy Clerk

Publish: October 17, 24 & 31 and November 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483

AUTOS FOR SALE

1964 Ford Galaxy, 427 Big Block, 5-speed, located in Key Largo. $50,000 954-445-6647

BOATS FOR SALE

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

2006 Bluewater 23 1/2 ft. CC with T-Top, outriggers, rod holders, rear deck light, electronic box, 200 HD Evinrude, Continental trailer. Everything in execellent shape - too much to list. Located in Lower Keys. 305-481-6980

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

One acre commercial space for rent in Big Pine. Fenced, electric, water, sewage hookup, easy access. Rent all or part. Option to buy. 305-481-6980

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 a full-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere, afternoon/ evening hours Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide checking account for direct deposit, photo ID, and social security card or passport. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

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.

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE FOR $25/WEEK FOR UP TO FIVE LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY AND FIND YOUR STAFF!

- EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

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, 9:30am-7pm 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.

HOBBIES/COLLECT

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

1BR/1BA Unfurnished upstairs apt. for rent in Key Largo. W/D hookup or common use W/D. $2000/ month F/L/S 909-831-5841

2BR/1.5BA Mobile Home for rent in Tavernier. Unfurn. W/D, No Pets. $2800/month F/L/S 786-263-8433

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

2BR/1BA Condo Unit for rent in Marathon. Canal view. Close to Sombrero Beach. No Pets. $3900/ month 305-431-0577

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

BEACH HOUSE VACATION! Caretaker couple needed for Bahamas Beach House for

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details, please visit: DAsignSource.com/careers

Competitive Salary Opportunity for Growth

Landscape Designer/Sales

Seeking a talented Landscape Designer/Sales professional. Bring your creativity and passion for outdoor spaces to our company! Ideal candidates will have design experience, hardscaping and soft scaping and strong sales skills.

Residential Lead A/V Tech

Responsible for the integration of Audio & Video, Lighting Control, low-voltage project installation, programming, and crew management to ensure the usability and stable operation of all systems.

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

SYSTEMS ANALYST  AUTOMATED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE AMI

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualiﬁcations and experience: $102,164$105,024/annually

For more information, including job duties and required qualiﬁcations, and to apply for the job, please visit their 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.

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

• Hosts

• Waitstaff • Bartenders

• Bar Backs

• Bussers

• Line Cooks • Dishwashers

Marathon

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

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.

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS!

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

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist

Case Manager (Adult, Child)

Substance Abuse Counselor Prevention Specialist (HIV & Children)

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)

Housekeeper (Assisted Living, FT)

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

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

Apply at guidancecarecenter.org

Search Employment/Portal/Location/zip

LIVE IN

PARADISE

AND SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.

We have the following openings available. Please scan the QR code to visit the careers page on our website.

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

APPRENTICE

(Full-Time, Permanent)

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

(Full-Time, Part-Time, Permanent)

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE

OPENINGS

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

- Medical Assistant 1, Upper Keys Internal Medicine, $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

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST

- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C), Medical Oncology Key West-MCI, $5k Bonus

- Clinical Pharmacist 2, Pharmacy Key West-MCI, $5k Bonus

- Patient Access Associate 2, Operation Support Key West-MCI, $1K Bonus

- Medical Assistant 1, Medical Oncology Key West -MCI, $5k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Chemotherapy Infusion, Fl Keys-MCI, $15k 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

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator 1, Emergency Department

- Experience Advisor, Patient Experience

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

- Medical Technologist 2, Laboratory, $50k Bonus

COME JOIN THE FAMILY!

Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees by offering a competitive total package. DRC currently offers a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays, vacation, sick and an employee assistance program. DRC also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

58901 O/S Hwy -

- 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.

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

CASHIERS Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are ﬂexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.

DOCKHANDS

Duties include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking. Morning & a ernoon hours available.

Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.

ALMANAC | Oct. 31

On this day: In 1517, Mar n Luther nailed his “Ninety- ve Theses” on the d r of the Castle Church in Wi enberg, Germany, in protest of the se ing of papal indulgences.

In The Bleachers

If the wai ng list isn’t t long, you may s have a chance to visit McKamey Manor in Su ertown, Te e , an “i ersive ho or” experience that is personalized to each guest and involves a six-hour-long tour. People magazine reported on Oct. 8 that guests are required to sign a 40-page waiver and must be over 21; in a i on, they may have to complete a “sports physical” and provide pr f of medical insurance before a iving. “We’re known for no qui ing and no safe word,” said owner and Navy veteran Ru McKamey. “Your hair may be cho ed o , den stry may be done, you may have a t th extracted.” McKamey was a ested in July for second-degr a empted murder, rape and domes c violence a er an incident with his girlfriend, but the charges were dro ed in September, and McKamey Manor is up and ru ing.

In 1950, Earl Lloyd became the first African American to play in an NBA game.

Brevity

TODAY’S SPORTS

News of the Weird

7 bi ion — es mated popula on of the world on Oct. 31, 2011, which was o icia y designated the “Day of Seven Bi ion” by the United Na ons Popula on Fund.

In 1941, the Mount Rushmore Na onal Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, was declared complete

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

John Keats (1795-1821), poet; Julie e Gordon Low (1860-1927), Girl Scouts founder; Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975), Chinese/ Taiwanese leader; Dale Evans (1912-2001), actre /singersongwriter; Dan Rather (1931- ), TV journalist; Michael Landon (1936-1991), actor; John Candy (1950-1994), actor; Jane Pauley (1950- ), TV journalist; Nick Saban (1951- ), f tba coach; Peter Jackson (1961- ), l aker.

Brevity

Nancy

News of the Weird

Adam