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10055 Overseas Highway | Marathon 305.735.4095 | oceansir.com

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

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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

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$594.6M

“Moana 2,” “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” have brought in more than $594 million to the box office as of Dec. 1. “Wicked” pulled in $262.4 million, while “Moana 2” earned $221 million. “Gladiator II” grossed $111.2 million.

For once, the Grinch did something nice on Dec. 3, paying a visit to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Marathon office for some photo ops with beloved pets. See page 18. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

WEIGHING THE OPTIONS

Marathon workshop on extra building rights fills the room

RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Afull house at Marathon’s Dec. 3 city council workshop had no shortage of passionate opinions as the board weighs a request for additional building allocations from the state.

But while Tuesday’s session was meant to inform a resolution that will be finalized at the council’s Dec. 10 meeting, public comment frequently strayed into related and vital – yet not immediately pressing – topics, from changes in Marathon’s vacation rental ordinance to construction of affordable housing and potential mechanisms to incentivize or subsidize homeownership for Marathon’s middle-income workforce.

According to a vacant-parcel analysis presented by Planning Director Brian Shea, Marathon has 575 privately-owned vacant parcels split across 12 zoning classifications that could potentially allow for residential development, 123 of which are most likely unbuildable due to their environmental sensitivity. A total of 182 parcels are currently on the Florida Forever Priority List, designated by the state as high-interest lots for eventual acquisition – if an owner is willing –due to their environmental or historical characteristics.

Discourse throughout months of county and municipal surveys and workshops has centered on weighing environmental, traffic and qualityof-life concerns against the financial threat of takings claims, usually triggered if the owner of an otherwisebuildable property is denied the ability to do so.

The Monroe County BOCC has already authorized a request to the state for 220 additional building units to be distributed countywide – the maximum number of permissible units that would preserve a 24-hour hurricane

evacuation time for permanent Keys residents, according to state models. Any additional request would require a legislative change to the statutes governing the Florida Keys as an Area of Critical State Concern.

Several speakers criticized current Keys evacuation models, arguing that the risk in a significant hurricane could be greater than projected, as models for the Keys don’t take into account simultaneous evacuations from other nearby counties. They also spoke in favor of using Marathon’s Transferable Building Rights (TBRs) to reduce the possibility of a takings claim on a sending property while providing a building right to other vacant lots, even floating the idea of Marathon purchasing available TBRs for sale to stave off future takings claims at a lower cost.

Others pushed back against the threat of takings cases, claiming that lots sold after the Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) – which limits development in the Keys – was passed, or acquired more recently as remaining allocations dwindled to zero, would have a more difficult case.

“We’ve had one takings case that we have been in litigation over for 22 years,” City Manager George Garrett told the room. “If it gets to the Supreme Court, we hope to win there, but the last (court action) went very unfavorably, and potentially creates dangerous new takings law.”

“You have a number there (on Brian’s sheet) – request as many as we’re going to need,” said former Marathon councilman John Bartus. “The good thing is, you don’t have to dish them out all at once. You can do things like make them a 48-hour evacuation, make them a mix between affordable and single-family owneroccupied. … Dole them out five per year for the next 30 years, and that way, you can take care of the quality of life questions.”

“What’s lost in the discussion is that the hurricane evacuation model is simply the agreed-upon surrogate for carrying capacity, since it’s easier to quantify than all the other environmental damage resulting from overdevelopment,” said Ann Olsen, president of the nonprofit environmental advocacy group Keys Last Stand. “It’s not just the cost of takings – it’s weighing that cost against the economic loss to our fishing and our tourism industry, the cost not just to maintain but actually expand our infrastructure, and possibly potentially irreducible damage to the environment.”

“What’s the minimum number of allocations we can issue each year and defer any risk of a takings case because of (allocations) running out?” asked Sugarloaf Shores Property Owners Association representative Stuart Schaffer. “(City Attorney Steve) Williams says three to four per year for Marathon would defer takings cases. Over 20 years, that’s 80. … Why are we talking about hundreds?”

“While you have the ability to take people’s property rights, you also have the burden to prove that there’s a public benefit for doing that,” said Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate owner Brian Schmitt. “I don’t think there’s anyone in this room who can measurably determine for you the public benefit of taking property rights that are constitutionally protected from over 2,000 people.”

“We are going to face challenges with takings cases, and we’re also on the hook for the county’s,” said real estate agent and current Marathon Housing Coordinator Josh Mothner. “In my opinion, it makes sense for you as a council, with all the responsibilities you have to your constituents, to (avoid) the one you know is going to be a fiscal catastrophe. If you take the

continued on page 28

ALEX

FRANK GREENMAN City remembers a dedicated leader

Franklin Greenman was a friend of mine long before we served on Marathon’s inaugural city council. I respected him as a good local attorney … but I really liked Frank as a person. He was always respectful, engaging, intelligent and a down-to-earth human being.

As the incorporation question worked its way through the community of Marathon, I often saw Frank at many of our get-togethers and meetings. I sat beside him when thenstate Sen. Daryl Jones held a town hall meeting at Marathon High School. At that time, Jones was not convinced that Marathon should incorporate. The senator heard more than a few earfuls from residents who believed otherwise and spoke their minds. At one point during this exasperating meeting, Frank leaned over to me and said, “He just doesn’t get it!”

It took some extra cajoling, but Jones finally did sign on to the incorporation bill, with then-state Rep. Ken Sorenson sponsoring it in the Florida House. The referendum took place on Nov. 2, 1999 and passed by a twothirds majority.

Frank and I hit the campaign trail; Frank ran for Seat 4, I ran for Seat 2. We were both victorious, along with Bob Miller (Seat 1), Randy Mearns (Seat 3) and Jon Johnson (Seat 5). Each member of that first council brought their own unique talents and backgrounds to the job. We worked well together and really got a lot done in the four years that Frank and I sat together on that dais.

Frank and I didn’t agree on everything, but I certainly respected his decisions and his points of view. One of his characteristics I really admired was his ability to try and see all sides to a given issue and his ability to keep an open mind. In a Weekly article about Frank from January 2022, I said, “What Frank brought to the council was a sense of vision for the city, trying to make it better in every possible way. His positions weren’t set in stone, and he was very open-minded. If someone showed him an idea or an angle that he hadn’t thought of, he might change his position right there on the dais.”

One of the more contentious issues we faced was the redevelopment of Sombrero Beach. Through lack of good communication and distortion from the coconut telegraph, a large number of residents were convinced that we wanted to turn Sombrero Beach into Miami or Fort

JOHN BARTUS

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

Lauderdale Beach.

An initial workshop on the issue did little to ease people’s minds, so we scheduled a second workshop that I as vice mayor would chair. It went much better, and our Sombrero Beach was named one of the top beaches in the U.S.

After the workshop, Frank wrote me a letter that I still have hung on display in my office. He wrote, “I am writing this in acknowledgement and gratitude for the fine job you did chairing the Sombrero Beach workshop. I know, to a certainty, that if you had not been in charge, with your patience and humor, as well as your obvious determination to get a good job done, that workshop would have been a disaster, instead of the success that you made it. I am proud to be on this council with you, and especially proud of the way you represented the best we could be last Wednesday.”

I’m pretty sure that Frank knew I felt the same way about him and his service to our city; I only wish I’d had a chance to tell him one more time.

Franklin Greenman passed away in his new home in Seattle on Nov. 26 at age 77. We send our condolences to his wife Judy and his three beautiful daughters, Suzie, Kelley and KG. From teaching at Marathon High School, to his law practice, and on to his public service, Frank Greenman made a difference. There is no better tribute or legacy than that.

Want to have some two-wheeled fun this Saturday? Join the 5th annual Elf Ride for Presents In Paradise on Big Pine Key! The ride starts Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Big Pine Bicycle Center, and goes to the Moose Lodge and Coconuts before winding up at Boardwalk. Decorate your bikes, dress as your favorite elf, and have some old-fashioned holiday fun for a great cause!

— 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

OBITUARY

Dear Marathon Community, Many of you may have heard from the Marathon Telegraph that Franklin passed away a few days ago. I wish I could have personally called each of you to express how much you meant to Frank as you learned of this sad news.

Frank loved Marathon deeply ever since he arrived here in 1954 as a second grader. His connection to this community was profound and lifelong. Our family looks forward to celebrating Frank’s life and legacy with all of you sometime in March at his beloved church, St. Columba. Until then, if we don’t have the chance to speak personally, please know how grateful we are for your outpouring of love,

FRANKLIN GREENMAN 1947-2024

Franklin Deforest Greenman, a brilliant, charismatic and generous soul, passed away on Nov. 26 surrounded by his beloved family in Seattle, Washington.

Born on Oct. 30, 1947, Franklin lived a life dedicated to his family, community and faith. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather and a cherished friend to many.

His life before his family was filled with adventures that included Woodstock, marching on Washington with Martin Luther King Jr., and protesting injustices in his unique ways.

A retired attorney, Franklin was not only a master of the law, but also a passionate teacher of history. He played a pivotal role in establishing the city of Marathon, where he served on the first Marathon City Council and worked tirelessly on beautification and affordable housing.

As a lifelong member of St. Columba Episcopal Church, Frank also played a major role in creating the Iona Society, the Hammock House, the Florida Keys Celtic Festival and Independence Cay.

Franklin was immensely proud of his cherished wife, Judy, and his three daughters Kelley, Suzie and Katie. He never missed an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments. The household mantra about his prideful anecdotes was, “Never let facts get in the way of a good story.”

Family events were marked by Frank’s first-rate musical selections, outrageous and often hilariously inappropriate limericks and jokes, his contagious laugh and exemplary dancing.

support, and prayers.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are comforted by Frank’s meaningful legacy—one defined by admirable values, deep friendships, inspiring service and countless anecdotes.

Our family extends virtual hugs and deep gratitude to each of you. As Obama said, “Don’t boo, vote.” Frank would say: “Don’t be sad — give a hug, enjoy a good scotch and build an affordable house!”

Pass on an act of love and kindness in Franklin’s memory until we meet again.

With much love and appreciation, Judy Greenman

He reveled in heated discussions with his close friends and family about politics, values and history.

After moving to Seattle in 2022, Frank was blessed to find a group of lively, brilliant, like-minded individuals through Judy’s walking group. He developed a love for the University of Washington Huskies football team, the Seattle Symphony and explored the big-city treasures of concerts, events and theater.

Franklin’s legacy is one of love, service and adventure. He was passionate about seeking justice and dignity for all and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife Judy; daughters Kelley (Gadi), Suzie and Katie (Mike); his grandchildren, Orli and Ariyel; his brother Bob, sister Betty Pierce and his loving extended family.

A service will be held in Seattle (with a virtual option) on Saturday, Dec. 14, followed by a celebration of life.

In March 2025, there will be a celebration of life in his long-time home town of Marathon (since 1954) for his dear friends and colleagues.

May Franklin's memory continue to comfort us, teach us and bring smiles to our faces, just as his presence did throughout his precious 77 years.

TREEHOUSE MURDER DEFENDANT FRANKLIN ‘TY’ TUCKER IS A FREE MAN

7-year crime & court saga ends with plea agreement & release

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Aseven-year saga of crime and courtroom intrigue in the Florida Keys appears to have ended, as Franklin Tyrone Tucker negotiated a plea agreement and was released from jail in the Florida Keys on Nov. 26.

According to court minutes, Tucker, now 53, pleaded no contest to the charge of robbery with a deadly weapon while masked — a first-degree felony — and was adjudicated guilty of that charge.

The additional charges — aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, robbery while masked and tampering with evidence — were listed as nolle prosequi, a Latin legal term indicating the prosecutors’ decision not to pursue them.

Tucker was sentenced to 910 days in prison, then received 910 days credit for time served, meaning he had completed his sentence and was released on Nov. 26.

Three court documents from a Nov. 26 hearing are marked as “sealed” on the clerk of court’s website, including a 33-page filing titled “Prison Packet Completed,” and a three-page filing titled “Sentencing Guidelines Score Sheet.” Tucker’s fingerprints file is also sealed, which is typical.

Tucker was accused of taking part in a November 2017 robbery on Stock Island, the neighboring island to Key West, during which Matthew Bonnett suffered fatal stab wounds. A female victim named Paula Belmonte was also injured. The case became known as the “treehouse murder” due to the open-air structure where it occurred.

Tucker initially was charged with robbery, homicide, aggravated assault and battery in the case that led to the death of Bonnett and injured Belmonte. But another defendant in the case, Rory “Detroit” Wilson, was convicted of the homicide as well as robbery during his December 2022 trial. Wilson was sentenced to life without parole, and is appealing the decision. There was more evidence and witness testimony tying Wilson to the actual homicide by

stabbing than Tucker, but witnesses in the case had stated Tucker was present and had initiated the robbery at the treehouse.

Tucker represented himself when tried in Key West in January 2024, but a hung jury forced the judge to declare a mistrial. Court TV covered the trial gavel-to-gavel.

Following the mistrial, prosecutors in Monroe County indicated plans to try Tucker a second time and he was released from jail on bond in January to await the second trial. But the Nov. 26 plea agreement negated the possibility of a second trial, as Tucker was released having fulfilled his 910-day sentence.

Tucker’s legal saga is one that was made for TV, as the defendant accused the judges, prosecutors and investigators of corruption and of working against him. He also accused the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office of orchestrating the entire robbery, according to Court TV.

During his criminal proceedings, Tucker met Lauren Jenai, a wealthy woman who posted his $2 million bond after his initial arrest.

Tucker also became a bit of a social media sensation, frequently posting case updates and accusations on his own YouTube and Facebook pages that garnered significant attention and thousands of online supporters.

Page Six, the New York Post’s renowned gossip column, also regularly covered Tucker’s personal life and court case, which blended in 2019, when Tucker was released from the county jail on Stock Island on the $2 million bond he was able to afford after meeting Jenai while locked up pre-trial.

Tucker later married Jenai, the ex-wife of CrossFit founder Greg Glassman, and Tucker’s old high school friend from when they both lived in Philadelphia.

In July 2021, Page Six reported that Tucker and Jenai were living apart after one year of marriage, and in February 2024, Tucker’s Facebook profile listed his relationship status as “It’s complicated.”

The Seven Mile Bridge will close on the morning of April 5 as 1,500 runners conquer the Keys’ most iconic road race. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau

SET THOSE ALARMS FOR 6 A.M.

7 Mile Bridge Run registration is Jan. 23 and 28

The date for the 44th annual 7 Mile Bridge Run is April 5, 2025. Plans are to again run from west to east.

Registration for the race is online only and opens on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, beginning at 6 a.m. Anyone can register on this date, but only 1,500 entries are accepted and the field fills very quickly. Runners must show a photo ID when picking up their bib number that matches the address used to register.

Early registration opens for Monroe County residents on Thursday, Jan. 23, beginning at 6 a.m. To qualify as a Monroe County resident, runners must use a Monroe County address that matches a photo ID. There are a limited number of entries available for locals only who register on this date. If unsuccessful on Jan. 23, Monroe County residents may also try registering on Jan. 28.

Packet pickup is on Friday, April 4 until 8 p.m. Runners must be present with a photo ID that matches the registration address to pick up each packet.

Runsignup.com will again be used for registration, so prior creation of an account there will help expedite registration. The registration fee is $100.

Accommodations have been made for Monroe County students who register at a discounted rate, courtesy of Keys Federal Credit Union, early in the month of January. Those students interested can send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Marathon Runners Club, P.O. Box 500110, Marathon, FL, 33050, and a student registration form will be mailed to them. These student-only registration forms must be received back at the P.O. box no later than Jan. 18. — Contributed

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN NAPOLETAN STYLE PIZZA

GREATER MARATHON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

12222

BUSINESS

AFTER HOURS

MALLORY PINTO

Dec. 11th

5:30-7:30pm

Who: Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters

When: Wednesday, December 11th, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Where: 11710 Overseas Hwy

What: Great networking, food & beverages; come promote your business and meet Marathon business owners, executives, and leaders!

MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Dec. 19th, 12pm - 1pm

When: Thursday, December 19th, 12pm - 1pm

Where: Isla Bella Beach Resort 1 Knights Key Blvd

Speaker: Kara Franker, President & CEO

Visit Florida Keys / Monroe County TDC

Topic: Meet your new TDC CEO, updates, visitor stats & forecasts and more!

2024 7 Mile SantaCon

The inaugural 7 Mile SantaCon celebrates our holiday season FL Keys style, with drinks, poker, the historic Old 7 Mile Bridge, Pigeon Key, and much more! Please join us on December 14* for a great time; dress up in your most festive holiday garb, have some drinks with us, and finish up on Pigeon Key Island for their WinterFest Wonderland extravaganza event.

CONFRONTING INVASIVES

Scientists develop method for detecting DNA of Burmese pythons

Scientists at the University of Florida have developed a pioneering tool to bolster the state’s defenses against invasive species: a DNA-based environmental monitoring test that can pinpoint where they’ve been to aid eradication efforts.

Once a nonnative species gets into an environment, it is often too late to get rid of it, and the focus shifts to containment or long-term management. Both approaches come with heavy costs concerning native wildlife and funding, said Melissa Miller, lead author on the study and an invasion ecologist at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (UF/IFAS FLREC).

“We hope this novel eDNA sampling tool we have designed will help increase efficiency in invasive species management, allowing for early detection and rapid removal of nonnative species,” she said.

Known as a tetraplex digital PCR assay, this method of testing allows researchers to use water or soil samples for rapid and precise identification of Burmese pythons, northern African pythons, boa constrictors and rainbow boas from environmental DNA — which scientists refer to as eDNA — collected in the wild. The test can identify four invasive snake species simultaneously.

That eDNA refers to genetic material shed by organisms into their surroundings. Published in the journal of Ecology and Evolution, scientists at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) tout this as a significant advancement in detecting

invasive snakes and a strategic tool for protecting Florida’s ecosystems.

“Cryptic species, like most snakes, are problematic when introduced outside of their range, as detectability is low, even in high densities. With this new method, we increase our ability to detect these cryptic species tremendously, no matter how many there are,” said Sergio BalagueraReina, co-author and research assistant scientist at the UF/IFAS FLREC.

Florida is home to more than 500 nonnative species, with reptiles leading the way. More than 50 nonnative reptile species are now established across the state, with many posing severe threats to agriculture, native ecosystems, public safety and the state’s economy.

Current monitoring methods depend on visual surveys by scientists, which often fail to detect invasive constrictors because they’re elusive and cryptic. Traditional survey techniques are estimated to identify less than 5% of Burmese pythons. In contrast, the newly developed tetraplex assay by UF/IFAS scientists can identify DNA traces of these snakes even weeks after they have left an area.

This breakthrough offers wildlife managers a crucial tool to verify the presence of these hidden species and assess the success of removal efforts.

“While eDNA sampling has been applied to detect nonnative wildlife, the benefit of our methodology is that we can now sample for numerous target species within a single sample. This can aid natural resource managers by reducing costs required to survey for nonnative species in

multi-invaded ecosystems,” Miller said.

“With the high accuracy and specificity of this testing for detecting invasive constrictor snakes, resource managers can implement effective management strategies, such as removal efforts, quickly and with confidence,” Miller said.

The test was designed to operate seamlessly in Florida’s varied and challenging environments, from dense Everglades habitats to urban areas where nonnative constrictors are now found. With this DNA-based approach, wildlife managers can implement programs that monitor multiple species, prioritize response efforts and ultimately mitigate the ecological impacts of these snakes on Florida’s ecosystems and Everglades restoration efforts.

Developing this tool required considerable work and significant technical advancements to ensure each target snake species’ DNA is precisely identified.

“The initial stage was designing the molecular test, which is essentially four tests in one,” said Brian Bahder, a senior author who developed the eDNA methodology and an associate professor of vector entomology at UF/IFAS FLREC. “Each test is specific to a different snake species and was designed to detect DNA from the Burmese python, northern African rock python, rainbow boa and boa constrictor, ensuring no crossdetection among species.”

Bahder, whose expertise traditionally involves detecting lethal bronzing in palm trees, explained that the fundamental process of molecular testing is similar across different organisms, with the main difference

This Burmese python was submerged in a bin filled with water to simulate the aquatic environment pythons typically inhabit. Then, researchers pulled several water samples to establish the eDNA analysis. ANALISE FUSSELL/Contributed. Inset: Brian Bahder in his lab at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IFAS/Contributed

being the DNA sequence. This makes many of the techniques easily transferable.

Once the researchers got the molecular test working, they conducted controlled experiments using known concentrations of DNA placed in water. They then used a vacuum pump to concentrate the DNA on a filter, which they tested to confirm that they could extract DNA from the samples and obtain accurate results.

Following this, they conducted an experiment by placing a Burmese python in water and taking water samples at different time intervals to demonstrate the method’s effectiveness. The data estimated the amount of snake DNA present in the water if sampled nearby. A field experiment also showed that snake DNA could be detected in soil where a snake had been resting up to two weeks after its removal.

“These concentration estimates are the first steps in a larger monitoring effort, with further experimentation needed to determine the effects of time, distance and environmental factors on DNA detection rates,” said Bahder. “Ultimately, this technology will be used to monitor and locate these invasive snakes, thereby validating removal efforts.”

The new assay aligns with ongoing efforts by state and federal agencies, which have invested more than $10 million from 2004 to 2021 to manage the Burmese pythons alone.

The UF team plans to explore the tool’s potential further, by expanding the assay to include additional invasive species and applications for monitoring ecological restoration outcomes.

Noir, Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon

2.5-year-old male Weimaraner mix.

Looking for: I promise I’m just a big lap dog looking to cuddle.

Turnoffs: Some dogs. I’d love being your one and only.

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.

WILLOW

4-month-old female domestic shorthair.

Looking for: Anyone and everything.

Turnoffs: Dogs. Those things are weird.

PUMPKIN PIE

2-month-old female guinea pig.

Looking for: A loving family, with kids and the company from other piggies. Turnoffs: Don’t just leave me in a cage. I’m super social and need exercise too.

COMMERCE CORNER

Established in 1970, Grassy Key Marina and Market offers a wide array of services including dry and wet boat storage, and a well maintained boat ramp. Grassy Key Marina and Market is a one stop shop that includes boat rentals, a well stocked grocery store, live/frozen bait, and all of your tackle needs. The marina is recently under new ownership and an emphasis has been placed on providing the customer service and setting that allows consumers to enjoy the beautiful Florida Keys. Jeff Vastola, owner, says the keys to their success is the upbeat atmosphere and helpful employees. "We are constantly striving to make improvements in our operations and aesthetically so that the marina is a place that suits the needs of all and provides a memorable experience" said Vastola. Grassy Key Marina and Market will never stop pushing to make its service and atmosphere better in hopes of continuing to meet all needs of Keys Residents and visitors alike.

BLIPPI

THURSDAY, DEC 5

LAURA THURSTON 6:30PM

FRIDAY, DEC 6

BITTER CREEK 3PM

DONNY MCDANIELS 8PM

SATURDAY, DEC 7

MAASAI 8PM

SUNDAY, DEC 8

TONY MANFREDI 3PM

DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM

MONDAY, DEC 9

JOHNNY LIVE 6PM

TUESDAY, DEC 10

TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM WEDNESDAY, DEC 11 LUKE SOMMERS 3PM

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• DELICI OUS FOOD - TRY OUR FAMOUS CHIC KEN POT PIE OR AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS!

(305) 587-3663 | floridakeys.evrealestate.com

White Attire Preferred | Parking across the street at Captain Pip’s Marina

MARKED SAFE

A group of Florida Keys residents used rum to ignite and burn hurricane warning flags Saturday at Key West’s Truman Waterfront to mark the official Nov. 30 end of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. The 2024 season spawned 18 named storms, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Eleven of them became hurricanes including Helene, Milton and Rafael, which brought tropical stormforce winds to parts of the Keys before making landfall elsewhere. Saturday’s annual flag-burning event featured blasts blown on a conch shell and speakers who remembered those affected by the 2024 hurricanes and expressed gratitude that the island chain was spared any significant impacts.

CAROL TEDESCO/Florida Keys News Bureau

2 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home centrally located in mid Marathon. Large screened porch. 50 X 97lot. Reduced $325,000 MLS# 610518

2 Bedrooms, 2 baths each side in this 2,752 sq ft duplex located on a 10,000 sq ft lot.. Great deep water access to the ocean or Gulf. Reduced Price $1,700,000

DAILY

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

LIGHT THE NIGHT

sure sign of the season arrived in the Middle Keys on the final day of November, as Faro Blanco Resort and Faro Blanco Marina hosted an annual lighthouse lighting celebration. Strung in its classic multicolored lights, the freshly-lit 65-foot monument served as the holiday backdrop for a visit from Santa on the lawn of the Lighthouse Kitchen and Bar. Not to be outdone, the fleet docked at Faro Blanco Marina put on a holiday kickoff of their own, coming alive with fully-loaded light displays to pair with the lighthouse.

ATTENTION, BUSINESSESSMALL

File this report before Dec. 31 or face penalties

Time is running out for many Florida Keys businesses to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act. This federal law requires specific entities to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) at https://boiefiling.fincen.gov/ by Dec. 31.

Failing to meet this requirement can result in civil penalties of up to $500 per day and criminal fines of up to $10,000 or two years in prison.

The law, enacted in 2021, is part of a broader effort to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and other illicit activities by increasing corporate transparency. Here’s what business owners need to know to avoid stiff penalties and ensure compliance.

Who needs to file?

The law applies to many small businesses, including LLCs, S-Corps, partnerships and corporations with fewer than 20 full-time employees and less than $5 million in revenue. These entities must report detailed information about their beneficial owners — individuals with 25% or more ownership or substantial control over the company.

Certain entities, such as banks, public companies and large operating companies, are exempt. Businesses should consult the Small Entity Compliance Guide on FinCEN’s website to confirm their filing obligations.

What is required?

The BOI report must include: The company’s name, address,

state of formation and taxpayer identification number.

Full legal names, residential addresses, dates of birth and identification numbers (e.g., driver’s license or passport) for all beneficial owners.

For businesses formed after Jan. 1, 2024, the filing must also include information about “company applicants,” or individuals who filed the entity’s formation documents.

Filing is free; don’t pay third parties

FinCEN’s BOI filing system is free and user-friendly. Unfortunately, many companies are offering to charge businesses hundreds of dollars to complete the filing. These third-party services are unnecessary in most cases. For complex situations, such as obtaining information from uncooperative beneficial owners, consulting a CPA or attorney may be helpful.

However, business owners should avoid paying for software or services that claim to simplify the process when the official system is free. If you need guidance, the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC at FIU) can help at no cost.

Deadlines and updates

Businesses formed before Jan. 1, 2024, must file by Dec. 31. New entities created after this date will have 30 to 90 days to report, depending on their date of formation. Updates to previously filed reports, such as changes in ownership or addresses, must be submitted within 30 days of the change.

Florida Keys SBDC consultants have regular office hours at many of our county’s libraries. More information is available from Bonnie.Barnes@FloridaSBDC.org at 904-463-0513.

City of Marathon City Council Agenda

9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 5:30 P.M.

(*Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval of Agenda)

Public Comments taken on all times and at 6:30pm time certain for items not on the agenda, or as soon as possible thereafter of after the last agenda item; whichever comes first.

City Council Items

*A. Approval of Minutes

*B. Councilmember Del Gaizo Board Appointments

1. Mike Cinque Reappointment to the Planning Commission

City Manager Report

*A. MCSO Marathon Substation Report

*B. Grants Update

*C. Public Works Report

*D. Building Report

*E. Marathon Fire Rescue Report

*F. Marina Report

*G. Code Report

*H. Wastewater Utilities Report

Ordinance For Second Public Hearing and Enactment

A. Ordinance 2024-13, Amending Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 2 Of The Code Of The City Of Marathon, Pertaining To Purchasing Requirements; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; And Providing For An Effective Date.

Resolutions for Adoption

• Resolution 2024-124 Commemoration Of The Passing Of Franklin Greenman, His Contributions And Influence During His Life In The Middle Florida Keys And On The Creation Of The New City Of Marathon.

• Resolution 2024-125, Identifying The Approximate Number Of Vacant Buildable Residential Properties Within The City Of Marathon; Relating To The State Department Of Commerce’s 2023 Hurricane Evacuation Clearance Times Summary And The Building Permit Allocation System (BPAS); Requiring That This Resolution Be Provided To Appropriate Staff Of The Monroe County Board Of County Commissioners To Be Included As Part Of Their Collaborative Decision Making Process On The Same Subject; And Directing Staff To Take Necessary Actions To Provide This Resolution To The Florida Legislature During The 2025 Legislative Session; Providing For Severability; And Providing For An Effective Date.

*C. Resolution 2024-126, Approving A Professional Services

Agreement Between The City And Anser Advisory For Professional Services Related To The City’s Annual Non-Ad Valorem Wastewater and Stormwater Special Assessment Programs, In An Amount Not To Exceed $31,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, Fiscal Year 2026-2027, and Fiscal Year 2027-2028 and $16,000 for Fiscal Year 2028-2029; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Agreement And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.

D. Resolution 2024-127, Approving a contract with Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc. for the Sombrero Boulevard Drainage Improvements Project in An Amount Not to Exceed $4,870,496.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Appropriate Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.

*E. Resolution 2024-128, Approving A Memorandum Of Agreement And Covenant Running With The Land Between The State Of Florida, Department of Transportation And The City Of Marathon, Florida; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Agreement On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.

F. Resolution 2024-129, Authorizing A Contract For Class 1 Deep Injection Well Design, Permitting, And Construction Engineering Services With Water Science Associates, LLC, In An Amount Not To Exceed $2,833,200.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date.

*G. Resolution 2024-130 Authorizing And Approving Change Order #1 For PO 240142 with Water Science Associates, LLC From The Original Amount Of $30,000.00 To $45,000.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date

HOLIDAY CHEERMEISTER

The Grinch pays a visit to Berkshire Hathaway

The king of Mount Crumpit graced the Marathon office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Keys Real Estate on Dec. 3, leaving Max at home in favor of photo ops with some of the Middle Keys’ cutest four-legged family members. The annual rare feat of kindness from Dr. Seuss’ most famous grouch is a donation drive for the Florida Keys SPCA, typically netting hundreds in donations for animals in need of a home through events in Big Pine, Marathon and Key West. Additional donations are always accepted at fkspca.org.

Photos by JERRY ROJAS/Contributed

NATURAL BORN WINNER

Natalia McCabe muscles her way to victory in Fort Lauderdale

JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

Marathon's very own Natalia McCabe has recently cemented her status as a true champion in the world of bodybuilding.

The 30-year-old powerhouse competed in the prestigious National Physique Committee (NPC) Bombshell Inc. Naturals Atlantic Coast Championships, held on Nov. 17 in Fort Lauderdale. The globally-renowned NPC is the largest amateur bodybuilding association in the United States. It hosts a diverse range of competitions catering to both male and female athletes across various divisions, including bodybuilding, bikini, figure, fitness and wellness. Notably, the NPC also organizes drug-free competitions for natural athletes.

Competing in the Class B Bikini group based on her height, McCabe not only triumphed in her category, but also clinched the coveted overall title, solidifying her position as a dominant force in the sport.

“I’ve been competing in bodybuilding for about three years now,” said McCabe. “For this particular competition I trained for six months. I’m originally from the Dominican Republic and used to surf professionally. There’s no surf in the Keys, so I was looking for something else to work towards. I’m a personal trainer, so this is a natural fit for me.”

To achieve her remarkable physique, Natalia diligently follows a rigorous training regimen under the guidance of a professional coach. Her disciplined approach involves a strategic diet and exercise plan.

Initially, she fuels her body with high-calorie intake while minimizing cardio exercises. As her body adapts to this demanding routine, she gradually reduces calorie and macronutrient consumption while simultaneously increasing cardio intensity.

This dynamic approach ensures a continuous calorie burn and lean muscle gain. To prevent plateaus, her training routine undergoes weekly modifications, constantly challenging her body and driving optimal results.

“I am always looking at working towards that next goal,” she said. “So all year long, I’m working towards a particular criteria that I’ve got to meet on each show. That's how you get the titles. So it's either growing your glutes or growing your shoulders, or being more conditioned, or having more muscle or having less muscle.

“You get the judges’ feedback on every show and just work towards that goal, because it takes a long time. It's not a process that you can just do in one week or in one month or in two months. It takes a whole year to accomplish that.”

McCabe is a naturally gifted athlete who achieves her remarkable physique without resorting to performance-enhancing drugs or chemicals. Her dedication to clean competition is notable, especially considering the prevalence of steroid use in the sport. The NPC competition she entered exclusively allowed natural athletes to participate, ensuring a level playing field through mandatory urine tests to screen for prohibited substances.

“I’ve been competing with mostly enhanced people on stage with me,” explained McCabe. “Now the NPC is coming out with some natural shows, and I'm a natural athlete. So I talked to my husband and (said) I want to do this show because it's an opportunity for me to actually be competitive and win. I have good genetics, and I place well with enhanced girls, so I was like, let's just try and see what happens with natural athletes. So we did it, and we won!”

Competing without the aid of performance-enhancing drugs, Natalia McCabe revels in her win at the NPC Bombshell Inc. Naturals Atlantic Coast Championships.

Natalia McCabe brings home hardware for her category win in the Class B Bikini group as well as an overall title.

Photos by Dan Ray, Phil Stokes and contributed images

137 MOCKINGBIRD LANE

MARATHON | $3,900,000

Luxurious 5-bed, 5-bath, 3,491 sq. ft. modern masterpiece near Sombrero Beach! Features a sprawling dock with boat lift, fillet station, water, and electric service. Enjoy the resort-style pool with heater, chiller, and sun deck. Entertain on 1,000 sq. ft. of covered verandas with stunning harbor views.

27416

CAYMAN LANE

RAMROD KEY | $899,000

Idyllic Breezeswept Beach Estates, 2-bed, 2-bath, canal-front home featuring exceptional boating amenities, including a fulllength composite dock, 14K and 6K boat lifts, and no-bridge ocean access. Enjoy a sparkling in-ground pool, lush landscaping, open-concept living with natural light, stainless steel appliances, and an expansive covered veranda with serene canal views.

2030 AVENUE H

MARATHON | $3,477,000

Experience endless sunsets over a wide, deep-draft lagoon with no-bridge Atlantic access! This 4-bed, 3-bath retreat sits on nearly half an acre, o ering 300’ of waterfront with a boat ramp, 4-post lift, additional lift, and composite dock with a fillet station. Enjoy the resort-style pool, spa, tiki hut, and screened-in veranda. Bright interiors feature soaring cathedral ceilings for ultimate coastal living.

27394

SAINT LUCIE LANE

RAMROD KEY | $899,000

Charming waterfront home in idyllic Breezeswept Beach Estates! This 3-bed, 2-bath residence features open concept living, flooded with natural light. Enjoy beautiful canal views from the screened-in porch and take advantage of the covered carport for shaded parking. Set on a spacious 6,000 sq. ft. lot, this home is a perfect retreat for relaxation and enjoyment.

271 W INDIES DRIVE

RAMROD KEY | $2,499,000

Brand-new 4-bed, 3.5-bath pool home with breathtaking open water views! Features a chef’s kitchen with premium appliances, quartz countertops, and high-end finishes throughout. Walls of glass open to a spacious veranda overlooking the pool and turquoise ocean. Set on a manicured lot with lush native landscaping in a quiet neighborhood.

27379 JAMAICA LANE

RAMROD KEY | $1,259,000

Stunning 3-bed, 2-bath home in Breezeswept Beach Estates, Ramrod Key. Features a chef’s kitchen with quartzite countertops, soaring cathedral ceilings, and impact windows. Outdoors, enjoy a 40 ft. dock, 16,000 lb. boat lift, lush landscaping, and quick ocean access for world-class fishing and diving. Perfect for island living!

27325 BARBUDA LANE

RAMROD KEY | $879,000

Charming 2-bed, 2-bath waterfront home in Breeze Swept Beach Estates, Ramrod Key. Enjoy impact windows, a metal roof, screened patio, and direct access to the Atlantic via a deep-water canal. With a private dock, 10K boat lift, and quick access to fishing and diving, this home o ers the best of Keys living.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

One thing that can be said about Florida is that the Sunshine State’s history dates back a fair distance. As someone who looks into the history of things, I was curious about early Christmas celebrations. It came as little surprise that, in the United States, the first recorded instance appears to have happened in Florida.

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

West Christmas. Not a serious accident or disorder to mar the pleasures of the season. Speaks well for the community. Few cities of this size can truthfully claim such a commendable record.”

In the same edition, the following was printed: “Old Santa was lavish in his remembrances of Key West kiddies. He put a lot of them on wheels and gave many little tots the very things they most desired. Don’t tell them there’s no Santa Claus and expect them to believe it.”

Christmas greetings from the Sadowskis on the beach at “Key Motel” at Marathon Shores in the 1950s. Copyright Edwin O. Swift Jr. from the archives of Edwin O. Swift III, Florida Keys History Center.

What Fred might do best is remind the world that anything is possible. For years now, every holiday season, elves scale the old bridge and adorn Fred with some much-welcomed holiday cheer. When the magic of the holiday season is upon us, Fred’s message is one that needs to ring loud and clear.

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

The event occurred a long, long time ago, in 1530. It was not a classic Christmas, nor a particularly peaceful occasion for those celebrating the holiday. It was probably rougher for those who weren’t. It happened after Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto arrived with 600 people, a number that included soldiers, enslaved people, and a dozen Catholic priests. The group settled in an abandoned town in what we consider Florida’s panhandle. The town, called Anhaica, was near present-day Tallahassee.

The people who lived there, the Apalachee, saw the advancing Spanish force and, wary of the interlopers, abandoned their village. Upon arrival, Soto and his group made themselves at home. When the Spaniards celebrated their Christmas feast, they raided the town’s stores of maize, beans, and other foods. As it could be imagined, the Apalachee were upset and, in an effort to hasten the thieves’ departure, threw torches and shot arrows.

Christmas celebrations and the Christmas spirit have certainly come a long way since it was introduced to the country. While Santa Claus might not have shown up on that first Christmas, he has found his way to Florida and down to the Keys for a long, long time. The Dec. 27, 1928 edition of the Key West Citizen noted: “The usual Key

While the subtropics don’t generally come with festive temperatures, and the houses do not typically come with fireplaces enabling Santa to spread his holiday cheer, Saint Nick’s presence is felt up and down the island chain. He is also known to bring some of that quirk unique to the Keys.

Here, Santa is more likely to show up in local neighborhoods atop a shiny red fire engine than a sleigh drawn by magic reindeer. He can also be spotted napping in hammocks, riding around on boats and occasionally walking down Duval Street.

Also, it isn’t just everywhere that attracts national attention when a scuba-diving Santa Claus is filmed swimming out at one of the local reefs.

While the rest of the country is decorating pine trees and putting Santa hats on snowmen, a nighttime drive down the Overseas Highway – when Christmas lights begin twinkling white, blue, green and red – reveals lighted palm trees, dolphins, turtles, manatees and so much more of our island goodness.

One of the highlights of every holiday season is the lighting of Fred the Tree. Who is Fred, and why does the tree bear this name? Fred is a Florida Keys celebrity who most recently appeared in the Jake Gyllenhaal remake of the Patrick Swayze classic movie “Road House.”

What makes Fred special is that the tree has managed to dig its roots into the crumbling remains of the Pacet Channel Viaduct, a section of one of the old Flagler railroad bridges (one of four that make up the old Seven Mile Bridge).

One of the Christmas traditions I’ve been celebrating for the last several years is participating in the annual Lignumvitae Christmas. Every year, the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks organize the event – which not only shines some light on one of the island chain’s oftenoverlooked state parks, but also celebrates the island’s tremendous history.

The island’s historic home, the Matheson House, built of coral rock in 1919, is decorated for the holiday the way it was back in the 1930s. Park rangers lead guided walks along trails through the island’s relatively unspoiled hammock. Lawn games like croquet are set up in the grass. A local group of musicians called the Mangrove Swamp Band plays Christmas tunes and other favorites.

For my part, I’ll be sharing stories about the island’s early residents, its connection to Indian Key, and answer the question of why the tombstone of Jacob Housman, the wrecker king of Indian Key, is on Lignumvitae Key instead of where the notorious wrecker was buried in 1841. I’ll also be sitting at my booth all day talking history with anyone who stops by to chat. Also, if you still need to pick up a copy of one of my books, what a perfect opportunity to get a signed copy. They make great gifts, too.

Every year, Lignumvitae Christmas is an amazing way to spend the day indulging in some good old-fashioned Florida Keys fun while supporting a great cause. Tickets are limited for this event, which includes a boat ride from Robbie’s of Islamorada to and from the island. Act quickly! Lignumvitae Christmas is happening this Saturday, Dec. 7. For more information, call 305-6642540.

IN OTHER WORDS

EXPLORING RICH NEW DIMENSIONS IN THREE REMARKABLE TRANSLATED WORKS

THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY

By Jean-Dominique Bauby, translated from French by Jeremy Leggatt

At 43, Jean-Dominique Bauby was a successful French journalist and editor. One morning he woke up and suffered a massive stroke. A few weeks later he was diagnosed with Locked-In Syndrome. This is a condition in which the patient is aware but cannot move or communicate verbally due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles except for vertical eye movements and sometimes blinking. Bauby could blink his left eye. Waking to find yourself alive but trapped is an unimaginable situation as Bauby stated, “like a mind in a jar.”

As a journalist, a father and a man used to expressing himself through his work, a story began forming. His speech therapist Sandrine arranged a 26-letter alphabet according to frequency of use. She recited the letters and JeanDominique blinked his left eye, letter by letter. Over the course of two months, working three hours a day, seven days a week, the 137-page “Diving Bell” was created. This heartbreaking memoir of life in death was translated from French to English and later released as a movie in 2007. Both the book and the movie are simply incredible.

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

THE ART OF HEARING HEARTBEATS

By Jan-Philipp Sendker, translated from German

This fable tells the magical love story between Tin Win and Mi Mi, set in Burma before World War II. The tale begins with Julia searching for her father Tin Win, who disappeared from New York, leaving their small family mystified, sad and angry. When Julia discovers a long-forgotten letter to a woman named Mi Mi, she begins her journey to find her father, or at least the truth. She is befriended by a man in a small village who shares with Julia the tale of her father’s life, and so begins the story within the story. The writing, translated from German, is beautiful and poetic. The morals and hidden meanings found through sounds, words and our hearts are what makes us who we are. The underlying truths allow people to share love and life with each other, a deep desire we share — yet hide, bury and refuse to face — in light of the everyday rules we created for our society. I love this story and everything it represents. It’s a gentle, unhurried read — a simple tale that lingers in your mind well beyond the final page. I think that’s exactly its purpose.

#WORTHWATCHING

A fascinating Netflix mini series, “Unorthodox” is an interesting twist on language. A 19-year-old woman is miserable, with an arranged marriage in the ultra-religious Satmar community of Brooklyn. She disappears to Berlin to reconnect with her estranged mother and start a new, secular life filled with unexpected difficulties. Inspired by Deborah Feldman’s autobiography, which was written in English, the series was filmed in Berlin, switching languages from English to Yiddish to German.

BLUE LIGHT HOURS

By Bruna Dantas Lobato

In Vermont, in a small dorm room, an international student from Natal, Brazil calls her mother every day. The blue light from her desk lamp and laptop screen illuminates her room as Skype invites her mother into her life. An avid reader and writer since childhood, this young woman earned a scholarship to a prestigious university to study her passion: literature. When she is not Skyping with her mother, she attends class, works and slowly creates an American life. Her mother is happy for her and proud. But she is lonely, sickly and struggles to make a new existence for herself, while her only child, her whole heart, is far away, speaking a language she does not understand in a cold town covered in white. The mother and daughter build a new relationship and help each other understand their current realities. Through softly-spoken prose and lyrical descriptions of daily living in both countries, this short novel is a breath of fresh air. This award-winning translator took seven years to write this beautiful story in English. Loosely autobiographical, she later translated it to Portuguese, her native language, so her mother could enjoy it too.

KAREN NEWFIELD

Fleeing motorist jumps from Seven Mile Bridge

A man who reportedly fled from the Florida Highway Patrol on U.S. 1 on Nov. 26 was taken into custody by the sheriff’s office after jumping from the Seven Mile Bridge. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. after the FHP attempted to stop a motorist – later identified as Joshua Seth Lapidus. The suspect jumped from the bridge, only to be picked up by an assisting sheriff’s office marine unit. He was transferred to FHP custody shortly thereafter. “I want to thank the troopers and deputies involved in apprehending this repeat offender,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “This incident is a testament to our partnership with the Florida Highway Patrol whose presence in Monroe County is greatly appreciated.”

MHS band to host holiday concert

Marathon Middle/High School will be presenting their annual holiday concert on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. in the MHS Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public.

Marathon man arrested after chase on U.S. 1

A 58-year-old Marathon motorist was arrested Dec. 3 after allegedly fleeing on U.S. 1. Bruce Barton Coles was charged with fleeing and eluding, DUI and resisting arrest. The sheriff’s office reportedly saw a Nissan pickup truck commit multiple traffic violations in Marathon around 1 a.m. The driver, later identified as Coles, did not stop. He was ultimately taken into custody on Aviation Boulevard and was taken to jail.

Miami men arrested for illegal lobstering, fishing

WEIGHING THE OPTIONS

rights, you then have control of what to do with them.”

Concerns from some commenters raised the issue of how additional units would be allocated, advocating heavily for land acquisition by the city to be used in 99-year leases for single-family units owned by Marathon’s workforce. Others spoke in favor of pursuing a new “workforce market-rate” classification for building rights, proposed by Monroe County Planning Director Emily Schemper at the BOCC’s Nov. 20 workshop.

Receiving strong preliminary support from the commission, the newly-defined pool could reserve units to be occupied exclusively by those who earn 70% of their incomes as a member of the Keys’ workforce, but could remove the income restrictions and financial implications of deed-restricting a property as a traditional workforce or affordable unit.

Marathon’s request to the county, which will eventually inform a countywide request to the state, will be finalized on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the council’s regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. at city hall. A special Dec. 19 session of the county commission will finalize the subsequent request to the state.

MCSO marine deputy Willie Guerra was patrolling on and near the Channel 5 Bridge on Nov. 29 when he arrested one angler and wrote another angler a mandatory notice to appear in court for alleged illegal possession of lobster/ fish in separate cases. Tomas Alberto Ayala Alegria, 35, of Miami, was taken to jail for possessing six undersized lobster, 10 speared lobster, over-thelimit lobster, spearing wildlife in the Upper Keys and having no measuring device. Boris Valdes Pena, 25, also of Miami, was given a mandatory notice to appear in court for possession of seven undersized mangrove snapper, over-the-limit mangrove snapper, and one undersized schoolmaster snapper. For information on wildlife regulations go to www.myfwc.com

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

Icame back on the redeye after a month in California, meaning I didn’t sleep much, not even when I scored an entire bench to myself in the Atlanta airport during my layover on the morning of the biggest travel day of the year. I did get a decent night’s sleep once I made it back to Key West, but the next day, Thanksgiving, I was still feeling somewhat discombobulated, as if part of my psyche hadn’t really made it home yet. I walked the dog and started to unpack in an attempt to right the internal ship, but eventually gave up any notions of purpose and usefulness and lay on the couch to watch some TV.

I’m not sure which corporate wormhole made it possible, but for the last couple years the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade has been broadcast nationwide on Hulu, and having it on while my wife makes pies has become something of a tradition.

I grew up in South Jersey, just across the river from Philly, part of the city’s suburban sprawl, and I spent a lot of time in diners, as it was the way of our people. One of my favorite things about South Jersey diners, outside of the mountainous slices of pie, was that most of them had at least one wall covered, usually somewhere near the cigarette machine, with autographed studio headshots of celebrities you’d never heard of. Sometimes there would be a photo of a local TV reporter or radio DJ –your fancier diners might even have a photo of a TV news anchor or weatherman – but mostly the headshots looked to be of actors and musicians filling up the frame of the 8-by-10inch glossy print with back-pocket chutzpah. You felt it was your fault for not knowing who they were. The photos didn’t always make it clear who was an actor and who was a musician – probably some were both – but they all seemed to be part of some secret world where fame happened locally but also elsewhere, like maybe in a parallel dimension, or some nearby neighborhood of small theaters and nightclubs that appeared and disappeared with the fog.

The parade, to me, had that feel. Dunkin’, née Dunkin’ Donuts, was the big sponsor and the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, the ones Rocky ran up, that formed the backdrop of the broadcast, were covered in alternating bands of blaze orange and lemonade pink. Dunkin’s head of regional field marketing made multiple appearances, occasionally handing out modest checks to local non-profit groups.

GOOD VIBRATIONS, SWEET SENSATIONS

Every 10 minutes or so there was a new act lip-synching in the light drizzle to some big showstopper of a number. Usually this was accompanied by 20 or 100 young people in coordinated outfits performing enthusiastic dance routines. Sometimes you knew who the stars were. Darlene Love was probably the biggest name. Two of the sisters from Sister Sledge performed, as did a duo billing themselves as The Former Ladies of Chic. The Sugarhill Gang rap synched hip-hop, the hippie to the hippie from behind a half-dozen large plastic donuts. Carson Kressley, from the original “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” and Lisa Ann Walter, who plays Ms. Schemmenti on “Abbott Elementary,” joined the commentary team.

Occasionally they spliced pre-recorded video segments into the feed, such as Turkey Day wishes from Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, or the Philadelphia Orchestra playing in Santa hats, or someone in a studio kitchen telling you how to spice up seasonal mocktails for children with edible glitter.

The parts I enjoyed the most were the acts I’d never heard of, and the ones I’m pretty sure none of my friends and family who still live in the area had ever heard of. I’d name them, but I can’t. Their names slipped from my mind as soon as they continued their trip around Eakins Oval.

It might sound as if I’m making fun of all this, but I’m not, at least not wholly.

Philadelphia is the sixth-largest city in the United States, but its Thanksgiving Day parade still feels very small-town, very local, very nonhomogenized, very human, even on a television 1,500 miles away.

If you want polish and famous famous people, watch the Macy’s parade. If you want to

keep a little mystery in your world, a little sense of the not wholly explicable, watch the Philly one.

I was watching the Funky Bunch – as in Marky Mark and the, but without the Marky Mark – trying to figure out why they all seemed to be lip-synching the same part, when my lowgrade reverie was pierced.

In the weeks I’d been gone, Key West had slipped from Dear-God-when-is-this-chokinghumidity-going-to-end season to oh-man-wecan-shut-off-the-air conditioning-and-open-thewindows-and-not-be-all-sweaty season, and we had the back doors open. All the jets and prop planes flying directly over the house on their run into the airport hadn’t really made much of an impression. But suddenly a high-pitched series of avian shrieking caught my attention, made me sit up on the couch even.

It was an osprey, flying low overhead, probably circling, because the volume didn’t fade.

We have resident ospreys in the Keys yearround. But we also get a lot of through traffic – 4,204 osprey were counted by the Florida Keys Hawkwatch in Marathon this fall. Most of them continued heading south, but no doubt a few slipped the attention of the local territorial toughs and found a snag or two to consider their own turf for a couple months.

Maybe the shrieking was a bird declaring this part of the island to be their own. Maybe it was a suitor trying to attract a mate. Maybe it was telling another osprey that this whole seasonal monogamy thing wasn’t going to work out with them.

I don’t know, but I started to get curious about how much I missed while I was gone.

It was time to recombobulate, to get back into the swing of things, to start paying attention to what is going on here again.

An osprey perched in Key West. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

7 DAYS A WEEK! Mon - Fri 11am to Close Sat & Sun 10am to Close

HAPPY HOUR 1-4PM

$7 Menu

• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!

• 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm

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BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM

• Unique & interesting menu

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LUNCH & DINNER

• Lobster Enchiladas

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Fresh Uni arrives on Thursday

7 NIGHTS!

The City of Marathon vacation rental law requires a vacation rental property license for every dwelling unit that rents between 7 and 28 nights, and the unit cannot be rented for less than seven (7) nights. The renting of any private residence for a period of less than seven (7) nights is prohibited The City of Marathon researches and investigates vacation rental poperties to find and fine scofflaws. Violations of vacation rental law can be as high as $500 per day, per offense and can be up to $5,000 per occurrence.

The City also requires that each vacation rental unit be managed by a licensed agent or the owner. To learn more about Marathon’s vacation rental laws visit Marathon’s website at https://www.ci.marathon.fl.us, and you can take the City’s free vacation rental training course.. The training is free and the management license cost is free for owner-managed properties and $500 for agent-managed properties. For other questions regarding vacation rental licensing please contact the City at 305-743-5266.

Hey Unincorporated

Monroe County, Layton, Key Colony Beach & Marathon Your Carts Are Coming!

“Making

Your Neighborhoods Cleaner and Safer”

WHAT IS HAPPENING? RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE COLLECTION – Monroe County Solid Waste is going to switch to one 96-gallon garbage cart, with continued twice per week collection. This cart is for garbage only, no yard waste or recycling.

WHY? – To promote health, safety and pollution control of our neighborhoods.

HOW DO I GET MY NEW CART? – Carts will be distributed to your residential/physical address on file with Monroe County.

Lower Keys (Stock Island to South of 7 Mile Bridge), beginning month of November 2024

Middle and Upper Keys, beginning month of December 2024

WHEN DO I START USING MY NEW CART? – Week starting December 29th, 2024 ACTIONS FOR RESIDENTS:

• Carts will be dropped off curbside. Please make sure you or someone else (e.g., neighbor, renter, property manager, friend) can move your cart up next to your home, garage, back door etc. It is your responsibility as a homeowner to secure and take care of the cart(s). If you are not available, please make arrangements to secure your cart(s) after delivery.

• Do not start using your cart until the week starting December 29th, 2024. After this date, 32-gallon cans/receptacles will no longer be an acceptable means for garbage collection.

• Lids should always be latched to keep trash contained from animals and winds. No garbage should be placed on top of lid or on the ground. All garbage should be placed in cart. Garbage not in cart will not be picked up.

• After collection, cart(s) must be removed from curbside, and returned to side yard, corner of house, back yard, or under house for proper storage.

• Resident is responsible for replacement cost of lost, stolen, or damaged carts.

• Residential communities (condominiums, cooperatives, apartment complexes, etc.) which receive containerized (dumpster) service will not be issued a 96-gallon cart. Residential communities should contact their local hauler for questions.

• If one 96-gallons cart is not sufficient for your residence, you can contact your local hauler for additional cart(s), at an additional fee.

• For additional questions you may have, please email: solidwastehotline@monroecounty-fl.gov

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

TRY ’N’ FIND

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

ASTRONOMER, CHRISTMAS, COMET, CONSTELLATION, DUST, EASTERN, FUSED, GAS, HOLIDAY, HYDROGEN, MAGI, ORION, PEGASUS, PLAN, PLANETS, STAR, STORY, SUPERNOVA, WINTER.

Founded by Betty Debnam

A Mysterious Star

Mini Fact: The magi believed that the positions of the stars affect people’s lives. Scientists no longer believe this.

For many people, learning about the science and history that go along with religious beliefs makes special holidays ever more wondrous. This week, The Mini Page explores the Christmas star and other wonders of our skies.

WHAT’S A STAR?

A star is a big ball of gases crammed together in a cloud. The gases are mostly hydrogen, with a small amount of helium.

New stars are formed when the pressure of the gases and dust gets so great that the heat at the core of a cloud reaches millions of degrees.

The star begins to shine when the hydrogen atoms are fused, or joined together, to form helium atoms.

STAR SIGNS

Early travelers used stars and constellations, or patterns in stars, to help them find their way.

Constellations helped ancient people plan their year. They noticed that different constellations were visible at night during different times of the year.

Ancient people used these apparent changes to help them figure out when to perform certain tasks, such as planting crops. For example, ancient Mayan people watched for the spring constellations to predict the return of the rains.

FOLLOWING THE STAR

In the Christmas story, a group of wise men, or magi (MAY-jie), followed a bright star to find the Christ child.

Magi were early astronomers. They recognized the positions of all the stars. When the magi

saw a new star appear in the eastern sky, they believed it was a sign that a new king of the Jews had been born.

ASTRONOMERS’ IDEAS

For hundreds of years, astronomers have been trying to figure out an explanation for the Christmas star. No one knows for sure what it was.

Part of the difficulty in answering this question is that no one knows exactly when the magi went on their journey.

The top scientific explanations for the star include:

• a supernova

• a comet

• several planets coming so close to each other that they seemed like one bright star.

NASA’s James Webb telescope captured this image of SN 1987A, a supernova. 1987A is about 165,000 light-years away from Earth. It was first observed in February 1987. In the middle of the image is a dark “hole” packed with gas and dust that were ejected when the supernova exploded.

Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, M. Matsuura (Cardiff University), R. Arendt (NASA’s Goddard Spaceflight Center and University of Maryland, Baltimore County), C. Fransson

Mysterious gooey blobs that have recently washed up on the beaches of Newfoundland are baffling scientists and local residents. The blobs are littering about 28 miles of coastline. “They looked just like a pancake before you flip it over, when it has those dimpled little bubbles. I poked a couple with a stick and they were spongy and firm inside,” said Patrick’s Cove resident Dave McGrath. Early suggestions that they could be whale mucus, semen or vomit have been ruled out by experts, but tests could take months to complete.

SEEING STARS

Clear winter nights when the moon is dark are the best times to view the stars.

The best stargazing is out in the country, away from city lights.

Stars are always in the sky, but we do not see them during the day because the sun shines so brightly that it blots them out.

As the Earth moves around the sun, we get different views of constellations. If the Earth did not move, we would see the same sky night after night.

Each constellation has a time when we can see it best, when it is highest in the sky. For example, the Square of Pegasus is most visible during the autumn.

go.nasa.gov/48jsfBA

the library:

“My Mission in the Sky” by Sally Blass Murray

“Constellations for Kids” by Kelsey Johnson

photo by Kevin Gill

The constellation Orion is best seen during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. It was named after a hunter in Greek mythology. Can you see Orion’s belt, sword and shield?

Meet the All-Keys Girls Volleyball Team | P.8

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

12/5

12/6

12/7

12/7

12/10

12/10 Key West Girls Soccer @ ChaminadeMadonna 5:30 p.m.

12/10 Coral Shores Boys Basketball Barbara Goleman 7 p.m.

12/10 Marathon Girls Basketball @ NSU University School 4 p.m.

12/11 All Keys Teams Girls Weightlifting @ Marathon 4 p.m.

12/11 Coral Shores Girls Basketball Keys Gate 4 p.m.

12/12 Key West Boys Soccer @ Silver Palms 4 p.m.

12/12 Coral Shores Wrestling @ Keys Gate 4 p.m.

12/12 Coral Shores Girls Soccer @ Keys Gate 3:30 p.m.

12/12 Marathon Boys Basketball @ Marco Island Academy 7 p.m.

12/12 Marathon Girls Basketball @ St. Brendan 3:30 p.m.

12/12 Marathon Girls Soccer @ South Homestead 4 p.m.

ON THE COVER THE SCOREBOARD

fall

and we’re

introduce our

ATHLETE

She never gives up on a play. She is looking to distribute the ball and is an integral part of our attack.”

–

Zach Owens, Hurricanes head coach

GOODWIN

On Coral Shores’ roster, junior Grace Goodwin is listed as a defender, midfielder and striker. In fact, she does it all. The versatile athlete uses her skills wherever the ’Canes need her. Most recently she came up big against Pace, scoring one of the team’s goals and holding down the midfield, then did a fantastic job getting the ball to her teammates against Marathon in two of the ’Canes’ four wins thus far. For her unselfish and dynamic play, Grace Goodwin is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

THIS WEEK Grace

Junior, Coral Shores Soccer

Photo by: JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

The

sports season has officially come to a close,

proud to

all-star teams for 2024, starting with girls volleyball and both boys and girls cross country. Top: Sofia Jans, left, and Niveah Howard. Center: Audrey Smith. Bottom: Elena Eubank, left, and Jordan MacDonald.

Photos by Barry Gaukel, Doug Finger and Maicey Malgrat.

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

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.

MEET THE ALLKEYS BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

HARRIERS SHOWED DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT IN 2024

The 2024 season was the first in many years that all three Monroe County teams were represented at regionals, with Marathon and Coral Shores qualifying as teams and Key West sending an individual qualifier. Marathon went on to the next round, making the long trip to Tallahassee to compete at the state level. The top runners at Marathon and Coral Shores were upperclassmen, but the younger runners proved they could definitely keep up, setting the stage for more postseason hardware for Keys athletes in 2025.

Photos by Barry Gaukel, Jim McCarthy, Mark Hedden and Rick Mackenzie

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

tracy mcdonald

PODCAST HOST

Marathon senior Vaclav “Vance” Bursa shouldered the expectations placed upon him and left it all on the course at Apalachee Regional Park, where he completed his fourth consecutive state championship race. Bursa finished in 16:05, good enough for a ninth-place medal and a time just a few seconds shy of a school record. Bursa finished first at districts this season and second at regionals as well as winning a treasure trove of medals at local and South Florida races.

Junior Alaric Rodriguez put in the work in the offseason, and it paid off when he ran his personal best 18:22 on Oct. 16 in Marathon. Rodriguez won the Upper Keys Invite later in the season and helped his team qualify for regionals. His work ethic coupled with training on the track this spring will set him up for an exciting senior season.

Tony Bursa has been to the FHSAA 1A State Championship meet four times already and he is just a freshman. The youngest Bursa brother ran out from the shadow of his talented family to come into his own with a seasonbest 17:49 at regionals, where he finished 20th after bringing home an eighthplace medal from districts.

Hurricane harrier Tristan Rios helped qualify his team for regionals by running his personal best, a 19:26, at the FHSAA 2A District 8 Championships. The junior peaked at the end of the season, dropping two minutes from his first race, and his willingness to train hard sets him up for a stellar senior campaign in 2025.

Freshman phenom Sawyer Hill was consistently the top runner for the Conchs, running his PR, 18:56, at the 305 Classic on Oct. 11. From there, he went on to finish 21st at districts and cracked the top 100 at regionals, for which he qualified as an individual. The hard-working harrier has a very bright future with the Conchs running program. Tony Bursa

Just an eighth-grader, Lucian Burns set an impressive 18:20 PR at the FHSAA 1A Region 4 Championships in November. With a strong work ethic, Burns gradually climbed from the sixth-man spot to one of the team’s top runners this season and capped off his season with a state appearance.

Key West’s Will Forster peaked at the right time this season, running a PR of 20:27 at the FHSAA 2A District 8 Championships, the senior’s final race with the Conchs. Forster shaved off over three minutes this season alone and was integral to the Conchs’ cohesiveness, serving as a leader for his team. Lucian Burns

Marathon’s Allan Taylor is just a freshman, but he is not new to competitive running. Taylor made his second state appearance this year with the Fins and proved he had what it takes to keep up with Marathon’s fine-tuned runners. Taylor PRed at a home meet on Oct. 16, finishing in 18:16 on a flat, fast out-and-back course, then came close to that time a few weeks later at districts, where he was 13th overall.

Allan Taylor

William Forster

MEET THE ALLKEYS GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

THREE TEAMS TAKE THREE DISTINCT PATHS TOWARD SUCCESS IN 2024

It was an interesting year for girls cross country. Key West found success in their most seasoned racers, while Marathon and Coral Shores watched their youngest competitors finish first all season long. The Conchs and ’Canes watched breakout stars steal the show, while the Lady Fins worked as a team to qualify for the state meet. Despite their stark differences, all three schools found success this season, and if their hard work and motivation have anything to do with it, the future looks bright for them all.

RUNNER OF THE YEAR

Senior Naima Thomas finished her cross country career with the Conchs by qualifying as an individual for the state meet, something only two other female Key West athletes had done before her. Thomas earned plenty of hardware this season, finishing sixth at districts and 12th at regionals. She broke into the top 100 at states, reaching her individual goal in style. Thomas’ PR this season came in October, when she ran a 20:13 at the Marathon meet.

Kate King’s 24:28 PR at Marathon on Oct. 16 was not just a solid time for a 5K; it was downright incredible, considering the sophomore harrier shaved off four minutes over the two-month season. King finished in the top 50 at districts, setting the tone for even more success in 2025

Coral Shores freshman Tess Hill put in the work and dropped three minutes in time this season, earning a PR of 24:27 at Marathon in October. Hill finished in the top 50 at districts for a successful first season with the ‘Canes.

Key West’s Caylaa Makimaa knew it would be a lot of work to reach her goal this season. Fortunately for the senior, hard work is something she actually enjoys. Makimaa hit her goal when she qualified for her second consecutive state appearance as an individual. During the season, she PRed at Marathon, running a 19:06, then finished 14th at districts while battling a cold. Makimaa was 14th again at regionals the following week, where she felt better and ran two minutes faster to clinch the final FHSAA 2A individual bid to states. Makimaa’s talent and discipline rubbed off on the rest of her team, making them better runners as well, but she credits them for what they gave to her. “Being able to have a group that was able to push one another in the way that we did was unforgettable, and I am so proud of them all,” she said. “This season was unforgettable, not only for the PRs and championship meets but also for the memories.”

Marathon’s Maeve Merryman was consistent this season, helping to bring down her team’s average time to make it to the state meet. In fact, 2024 was Merryman’s fourth state appearance. Her season best came at Spanish River, where she finished in 24:05, then she finished in the top 50 at both districts and regionals.

Caylaa Makimaa

Maeve

Naima Thomas

Key West’s Violet Jangraw trained with the best this season, and it showed in her improvement. Jangraw dropped two minutes from her time this season, running her PR at Marathon in October by finishing in 22:18. At districts, she cracked the top 50, and if her sophomore season is any indicator, Jangraw may just be Key West’s next breakout star.

Tiny but mighty, sixth-grader Molly Joly started the season strong and just kept getting better. By the end of the season, she was consistently the top runner for the Fins. At districts, she earned an eighth-place medal, and Joly finished her season with a PR of 21:28 at the state meet in Tallahassee, where she cracked the top 100.

Freshman phenom Ali Wheatley burst onto the cross country scene this season, finishing with a mid22-minute time at the Race of the Thoroughbreds in August, and led the team all the way through regionals, where she qualified as an individual runner. Wheatley was seventh at districts, 15th at regionals and missed qualifying for states by a single place. She ran her PR of 19:30 at Marathon in October.

Senior captain Ella Dunn ran her best time this season at districts, finishing in 23:10. At districts, Dunn was 13th, and she served as a mentor to the underclassmen. Dunn capped off her high school cross country career at the state meet, which was her third consecutive appearance there.

Violet Jangraw Ali Wheatley

Ella Dunn Molly Joly

MEET THE 2024 ALL-KEYS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM MONROE COUNTY SQUADS FOUND DIFFERENT TYPES OF SUCCESS ON THE COURT

Key West reigned as queens of the court this volleyball season, defeating both Marathon and Coral Shores. The 10-7 Conchs’ victories included a quarterfinal win over Miami Central, but their season ended at the district semifinals against Reagan High. Just two athletes will be lost to graduation, setting the stage for a very optimistic outlook in 2025.

Coral Shores began stacking up the wins in their season opener Aug. 21, then won 11 in a row, ending their season 12-2 with losses to Key West and Gulliver. The Hurricanes enjoyed one postseason victory in the FHSAA 3A District 16 quarterfinals. The ’Canes graduate half their roster this spring.

The Dolphins picked up three wins in the regular season and finished 4-15. But in Marathon’s new FHSAA 1A Rural classification, the Dolphins earned a bye in round one, sending them directly into the semifinal match, which they won. The Dolphins lost in the district final match against Moore Haven. The team graduates just two seniors.

Basilica opened varsity competition in 2024 after a successful junior varsity run one year earlier. The Mariners ended their inaugural season with a 7-12 record, but were not eligible for postseason play as they are not yet part of the FHSAA or an independent conference. Basilica did not have a single senior on their roster.

Setter Reese Haggard’s consistency was key to the Lady Conchs’ offense. In addition to her 241 assists last season, the senior captain amassed 92 digs and a dozen kills with a .556 hitting percentage. Her greatest contribution to her team just might be her serving, though. “She has a wicked serve that made teams get out of system,” said Butler, “and to finish the year with 38 aces and a 94.3% serving percentage is incredible.”

THE YEAR

Key West’s Gabby Garcia was exceptional at the outside hitter position with 175 kills. The athletic junior’s serving was also on point, with 39 aces and a 92% serving percentage. She also amassed 220 digs and had a 2.2 servereceive rating. “She is one of the most imposing players in the county and she continues to impress me with her growth of learning to manage her swings, serving and all-around consistent performance for us,” said Butler.

In her first year at the varsity level, Key West’s Molly McKnight made an immediate impact. The junior setter was credited with 88 digs and 151 assists and her play impressed Butler, who said, “Her setting flourished and she ran the offense well, putting our hitters in a good position to hit. Molly’s serve was also incredibly consistent with 16 aces and a 96.7 serving percentage.”

In her second season at the varsity level, Audrey Smith dominated every aspect of the game. The middle blocker set the tone for the Conchs, hitting above .300 in every match this season, a consistency head coach Kim Butler called “truly incredible.” Smith amassed 156 kills over her opponents, averaging .355 on the season in hitting. Defensively, she was credited with 60 digs and at the net she stacked up 25 blocks. With a service rating of 92.4% this season and 27 aces, Smith proved a major contributor in every facet of the game. Butler could not agree more, saying, “She has so much potential that she will be an unstoppable force next year, and I’m very lucky to get her for another year.”

Senior co-captain Sunisa Kuhn served as the Conchs’ libero this season, bringing a consistency the team depended upon for success. Credited with excellent passing skills, Kuhn enabled Key West to run its offense, and her strong serving skills often disrupted that of opposing teams. “She finished with 185 digs and her positivity and relentless work ethic made it a pleasure to coach her,” said Butler. “She will be missed next year.”

Gabby Garcia

Marathon outside hitter

Elena Eubank’s feats of athleticism gave the Lady Fins a needed spark throughout the season. The tenacious senior was a power hitter, but her greatest attribute was her hustle. Coach Kelley Cruz described her as a key player in both attack and defense, calling her “an allaround amazing athlete and asset to any team.”

Hurricane middle hitter Niveah Howard led the team with 38 blocks this season. Howard also stacked up 61 kills and had a 0.205 kill percentage. Coach Jarrod Mandozzi praised her for her well-rounded play, especially her work up front. “Niveah was absolutely dominant at the net this season and the exciting thing is she’s still really learning and the sky is the limit for her,” he said.

Marathon’s Jordan MacDonald had an outstanding season for the Fins. The senior setter was integral in keeping the Dolphins’ offense running in top form. However, MacDonald’s greatest contribution to her team was intangible. “Her leadership capabilities only highlighted her abilities on the court,” said Cruz. “Jordan gives 100% effort no matter the situation.”

In her senior campaign, Lily Hitchcock was a force on both sides of play, but her steady leadership was vital for the Hurricanes’ success. “Statistically, her numbers were great, of course, finishing second on the team in kills with 88 and almost 100 digs on the season, but the stats really don’t tell the whole story,” said Mandozzi.

At outside hitter, Coral Shores’ Celene Walker was a force this season. Walker led the team in kills with 124 and was second in digs with 118. She also served up 31 aces and registered 13 blocks. “The most exciting thing to me is you could really see her improving throughout the season, and she’s only scratching the surface on the player I know she’ll become,” said Hurricanes head coach Jarrod Mandozzi.

Basilica School’s inaugural season was a positive one due in part to the Mariners’ setter, Gloria Slavic. Her play on defense was paramount in the team’s successes. Coach Robert Wright described both her athleticism and heart as incredible, adding, “Gloria is the team captain, is the player with the highest court IQ and regardless of the score, never quits on a point.”

The ’Canes’ libero was first on her team in digs (150), serve receive rating (1.73) and serve rating (2.56). She also registered 32 aces and 36 assists. “Whenever we were in a tight game late and Sofia was coming up to serve, I was always so confident that she was going to go on a serving run to push us over the top,” said Mandozzi. Jans missed just seven serves all season for a 95.8% serve percentage.

Even with an abbreviated schedule, Basilica School’s Uma Vogan amassed upward of 150 kills this season for the Mariners. Though just a seventh-grader, the team’s middle blocker looks every bit the part of a varsity athlete and plays like one, too. “She had more blocks individually than the rest of the team combined,” said Wright, who knows he just might have a superstar in

OSBORNE SINKS 25 IN LOSS AGAINST WARRIORS

Prep basketball schedules full this month

The Conchs were the only Keys team to play over the Thanksgiving break week, traveling to Westminster Christian School on Nov. 30. Junior James Osborne had more than half the team’s points, dropping 25 and adding five rebounds and a block to his stats. Osborne is averaging 25.3 points per game this season. Kameron Roberts added seven to the total. Tramane Scott knocked back six points and pulled down seven rebounds and David Aviles grabbed four rebounds in the 72-46 loss.

Prior to the break, Key West picked up a win against Gulf Coast, 58-49. Osborne scored 21, while Scott had 11 rebounds.

against

The Conchs play nine games in the three weeks of action in December before schools break for the holidays. Their December schedule includes a pair of home matchups against their Monroe Country neighbors, with Marathon on Dec. 9 and Coral Shores on Dec. 17.

James Osborne, left, leads the Conchs in scoring this season. Conch junior Tramane Scott is averaging just under 10 rebounds per game. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

ALMANAC | Dec. 5

On this day: In 1933, the era of alcohol prohibi on ended as Utah became the 36th state to ra fy the 21st Amendment.

In The Bleachers

George Oliver of Calvert County, Maryland, o en walks the beach l king for fo ils, NBC News reported. As he stro ed along Chesapeake Bay on Nov. 4 during low de, he spo ed a co in in the water. Inside was a nearly whole human skeleton. Oliver removed the skeleton and dug the mostly submerged co in out of the water. “When I rst found it,” he said, “you could not te that there was human remains. You just thought that it was fu of beach sand.” Oliver ca ed the sheri ’s department, who ca ed an archaeological society. Based on the construc on of the co in and the condi on of the body, it’s believed to be at least 100 years old. Kelcey Ward, a crime scene technician with the sheri ’s o ice, said the sku showed signs of “a gunshot wound or blunt force trauma of some sort.” The remains and co in wi be inte ed at a local cemetery.

Brevity

Brevity

HISTORY

In 1955, Martin Luther King Jr., E.D. Dixon, Rosa Parks and other activists launched an organized bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama.

News of the Weird

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statute 328.17, Robbies of Key West, LLC claims a possessory lien on the following described vessels:

Owned by Brendan Carroll for unpaid storage fees: a 1986 Albin 42’ Trawler “Restless” HIN#AUL43229F687

Owned by Deborah Enright/ Greg Kowalik for unpaid storage fees: a 1995 Cruistar 39’ Cruiser “Safe Haven HIN#CRSUSC67A595

Sealed bids will be accepted on December 13, 2024 at Robbies of Key West, 7281 Shrimp Rd, Key West Fl 33040. Robbies of Key West, LLC reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Publish: November 28 & December 5, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE

SOLICITATIONS

Invitation to Bid

LEGO Construction Company and FLHSMV/FHP cordially invite interested subcontractors to complete and submit sealed bids by 07th January 2024 no later than 12:00 PM for the following project/bid packages:

ADA Restroom Renovation – _Marathon FHP – _Phase 2 (02219020) SELECT TRADE BID PACKAGES

(see below)

This invitation to bid (ITB) includes the following trades. All contractors certified as SBE, MBE & M/WBE are encouraged to participate in any of these trades.

Trades: Demolition Fencing Sitework Concrete & Masonry

Metals

Acoustical Ceilings

Doors, Frames, Hardware

Bullet Resistant Windows

Bullet Resistant Storefront

Flooring and Wall Tile

Drywall

Painting

Toilet Accessories

Toilet Partitions

Signage Plumbing

Mechanical

Electrical

Final Cleaning

The bid manual, bid requirements, bid forms, specifications, drawings, and other construction documents will be available by reaching out to Ruturaj Sonawane at rs@legocc.com or at 305381-8421 Ext 105. There will be a Non-Mandatory Pre-bid conference and site visit on 12th December 2024 at 12:00 pm. All bids must be received no later than 07th January 2024 @ 12:00 PM at LEGO Construction Co office located at 1011 Sunnybrook Road, Suite 905, Miami, Florida 33136. Bids must be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Sealed Bid for ADA Restroom Renovation –Marathon FHP: along with the name of your firm and the trades covered in your bid. Subcontractors interested in working with LEGO must obtain prequalification with LEGO prior to bidding. All questions regarding prequalification & the bid process should be directed to Ruturaj Sonawane at rs@ legocc.com.

Publish: November 21 & 28 and December 5, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 24-CP-460-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF PAULINE E. SAUNDERS

Deceased.

To: Michelle Davis York, Mario McKinney, Silas Saunders, and any other unknown beneficiaries of the referenced estate NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

The administration of the Estate of PAULINE E. SAUNDERS, deceased, Case # 24-CP-460-K is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, FL, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040.

The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

The Fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in s. 90.5021 FLA. STAT. applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT:

All persons on whom this notice is served who have objections that challenge the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue, or jurisdiction of this Court are required to file their objections with this Court WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claims with this court

Effective December 4, 2024 Barbara Socha, M.D. is no longer practicing with Baptist Health Primary Care at the following location: 91550 Overseas Highway, Suite 215 Tavernier, FL 33070.

Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may log into our patient portal at myBaptistHealth.net, call 305-434-3205 or fax 786-260-0512 to request a records release.

Publish: December 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is November 28, 2024.

Personal Representative:

Jerry Curtis 18001 SW 192nd Street

Miami, Florida 33187

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Latisha Russell, Esq. 1101 Brickell Avenue, N-402A Miami, Florida 33131

Publish:

November 28 and December 5, 12 & 19, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NUMBER: 24-CP-460-K IN RE: ESTATE OF PAULINE E. SAUNDERS

Deceased.

To: Michelle Davis York, Mario McKinney, Silas Saunders, and any other unknown beneficiaries of the referenced estate NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

The administration of the Estate of PAULINE E. SAUNDERS, deceased, Case # 24-CP-460-K is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, FL, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040.

The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. The Fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in s. 90.5021 FLA. STAT. applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT:

All persons on whom this notice is served who have objections that challenge the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue, or jurisdiction of this Court are required to file their objections with this Court WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is November 28, 2024.

Personal Representative:

Jerry Curtis 18001 SW 192nd Street Miami, Florida 33187

Attorney for Personal Representative: Latisha Russell, Esq. 1101 Brickell Avenue, N-402A

Miami, Florida 33131

Publish: November 28 and December 5, 12 & 19, 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 JAMES MOISE, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR EMERGENCY PETITION FOR TEMPORARY CUSTODY TO: JAMES MOISE 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 December 19, 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: November 15, 2024

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jaquelyn Fonseca Deputy Clerk Publish: November 21 & 28 and December 5 & 12, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2022-CC-000094-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 18TH day of December 2024 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Property: Unit B13, Week 15, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any

Amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT COUNT(S) I, UNIT B13, WEEK 15 entered in a case pending in said Court, the 8TH day of October 2024

Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE LEE FRANKLIN WITTER LIVING TRUST, DATED MARCH 12, 1998

Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2022-CC000094-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 7TH day of November 2024. KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: December 5 & 12, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2022-CC-000173-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 18TH day of December 2024 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit F21, Week 46, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE COUNT(S) I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 31ST day of October 2024

Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. DEA MCAULIFFE, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2022-CC000173-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 31ST day of October 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: December 5 & 12, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023-CC-000267-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 18TH day of December 2024 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

Property: Unit 221, Week 47, Sunset Harbor Resort, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof as recorded in Official Records Book 1376, Page 1093, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (hereafter the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT COUNT(S) I, UNIT 221, WEEK 47 entered in a case pending in said Court, the 8TH day of October 2024 Style of which is: SUNSET HARBOR DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP, A FLORIDA GENERAL PARTNERSHIP Plaintiff vs. CRAIG NELSON Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2023-CC000267-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 7TH day of November 2024. KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: December 5 & 12, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023-CA-000747-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 18TH day of December 2024 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5814, Week 3, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AS TO COUNT(S) III, IV entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23RD day of October 2024

Style of which is:

WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MARY ANN AMARAL, DECEASED, et.al

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2023-CA000747-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 31ST day of October 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By:

Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: December 5 & 12, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL

Lead mechanic needed ASAP. Come in person to apply at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL. Pay based upon experience. 305-289-9884

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere. 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.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time servers and bartenders. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

The S.S. Wreck and Galley Grill (mile marker 59) is looking for Line Cooks, full or part time. Selfmotivated, experience very helpful, quick learner, and team player. Salary commensurate with experience and includes 401k match up to 6%. Please call Nicole at 305-433-0515.

Trucks.

2021 Zodiac Inflatable 12' w/25hp Yamaha, only 100 hrs. Excellent condition. Located in Islamorada. $6,000 Call John 305-216-2747

MAKO Peddle Fishing Kayaks outfitted w/ Bixby electric motors. Located in Key Colony Beach. 724-689-9085

Key Largo 21' Deep V Center Console w/ trailer. New 150hp motor & electronics. Ready to fish. REDUCED PRICE $25,000 cash. Located in Marathon. 201-696-8906

14' Aluminumboat, 9.9 Mercury Outboard, Elec. start, Trolling motor in bow, NEW gas tank, battery, Depth Finder & trailer tires. Located in Marathon. $3000 305-395-1015 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

Office Assistant/Girl

Friday needed in the Upper Keys, MM 80. Mon-Sat $20/ hour. Call Patti 305-393-4433

Secretary/Receptionist needed in Key Largo, MM104. Full-time, M-F, must have customer service experience. Call 305-916-5645 or Email admin@bluehorizonfl.com

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.

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.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Administrative Asst. to Executive Director, Resident Care Supervisor with min. 3 yrs. experience of an LPN, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

2 BR/2BA unfurn. apt. for rent in Key Largo. W/D $1,600/monthall utilities included. F/L/S 305-504-1757

Mobile Home for rent. 2 bedrooms, 1 and 1/2 bath Ocean front property on Grassy Key. $2800/ month, electric and Wifi not included. Available January 1st 2025. First, last and deposit to move in. Please message Isabelle at 305 731 8593

2BR/1BA Condo Unit for rent in Marathon. Canal view. Walk to Sombrero Beach. Lease price reduced. Small pet ok w/addtl. deposit . 305-431-0577

Studio with Queen size bed available in Marathon. Furnished, kitchen, dining, newly renovated. No pets. $1,299 + utilities F/L/S 305-610-8002

ROOMMATE SITUATION WANTED

39 yr old male seeking room for rent in the Upper Keys. Reliable handyman. Call 305-394-3747

RV FOR SALE

2018 40’ Phaeton X5H, Factory ordered, 450hp Cummins, Diesel Pusher 10kw w/Onan Generator, 39k miles, 4 Slides, 4 TVs. Loaded with extras. Can be seen by appointment in Marathon, FL. Asking $225,000. Call or text Jerry at 305-664-1286 Email: LC1082@comcast.net

Gated storage & dockage available in Marathon oceanside 305-610-8002

VACATION RENTAL

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

YARD SALES

SARA’S ESTATE SALE: 1026 W 75th Street, Marathon | Friday, Dec. 6 & Saturday, Dec. 7 | 9a to 1p both days | FUN CANALFRONT HOME W/ COASTAL CLASS where functional meets comfort and good looking!! A few fishing poles, lily pad, likenew folding ping pong table & accessories, car roof rack, Xbox 360, board games, new-in-box fire pit, starboard Adirondack chairs & multiple small animal hutches & cages. Coastaltheme wall art & decor, casual throw rugs, standing lamps, TVs, benches, hammock & stand. Three bedroom sets – two queen bedroom sets and one full over full bunkbed, each with matching dressers and a small sectional in comfy gray jersey. Six barstools, gray wood dining seats 6. Pfaltzgraff casual dishes, kitchen utensils, beach towels & small appliances. Sale located behind Rotary Park on WEST 75TH STREET. Follow signs & park with consideration. More photos: estatesales.net.

The Moorings Village is seeking friendly, self motivated, team players for the position:

FRONT DESK

Competitive salary and great bene ts. Previous hospitality experience required. Weekends are a must. Job Types: Full-time

Please email your resume to Sara@MooringsVillage.com or call the reception o ce at 305.664.4708

The Moorings Village is seeking friendly, self motivated, team players for the position:

BEACH ATTENDANT

Previous hospitality experience required. Job types: Full-time

Please

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

Project Cost Accountant

We’re seeking a detail-oriented professional to manage project budgets, track costs, and analyze financial data. Ideal candidates have 3+ years in cost accounting (or 5+ years corporate accounting), a degree in Accounting/Finance, and strong analytical skills. Collaborate across teams and ensure project success!

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.

Technical Marketing Assistant

Support Coastal Source’s marketing & R&D teams by crafting technical content, graphics, and presentations. Manage project data, assets, and communication, ensuring efficient documentation.

FT administrative, salaried position. The workshop manager is responsible for all phases of the operation of the Adult Day Training Program in accordance with APD and Medicaid Waiver minimum standards. This includes the worksites and contracts, personnel, and training programs. Maintain a close liaison with the Group Home Managers and Medical Staff to maintain program consistency. Must have current, valid FL driver’s license with clean record. Bachelor’s degree, and 2 years experience in field or supervisory/management required. Bilingual in Haitian Creole highly preferred. *

IN HOME SUPPORT

 KEY WEST

Full-time, split-shift, In-Home Support Coach/Trainer to provide companionship and assist clients with training/support. HSD/GED & 1 yr. exp in a related field. 1 year of college can substitute for experience. Must be able to use a tablet for documentation purposes. The shift for this job is split shift 7-9 am then 3-9 pm. We can be flexible. This is a rewarding position for the right person. *

DIRECT CARE STAFF  NIGHTS/WEEKENDS

GROUP HOMES 24/7 FT

This position is available at our Windsor Group Home. Providing direct-care services and support to our clients in their home. Must be willing to work flexible shifts including days, overnights on Thursday. This position requires a minimum of high school completion or GED and 1 year of experience with care giving or 30 hours or college coursework. *

*ALSO REQUIRED FOR ALL POSTIONS

Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license. EOE

e Turtle Hospital in Marathon Join our team! Full and part-time Educational Program Guides/ Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $18/hour to start. Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org

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) Prevention Specialist (HIV & Children)

MARATHON

Care Coordinator (PT)

Driver – PT (CDL not required)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child)

RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (FT/PT)

*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT/PT)

*Support Worker (Assisted Living, FT)

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

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

Apply at guidancecarecenter.org

Search Employment/Portal/Location/zip

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers

CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- 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

- Medical Assistant, Concierge Key West, $5k Bonus

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST

- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C), Medical Oncology 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

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

- Radiation Therapist, Key West-MCI, $12k Bonus

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary

- Exercise Physiologist 1, Mariners Wellness Center

- Group Exercise Instructor, Mariners Wellness Center

- Mechanic 3, Facility Operations

- Nuclear Medicine Tech 2, Imaging

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

- Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, Emergency Preparedness

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

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

- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, Radiology, $25k Bonus

- Patient Access Associate 1, Gastro, Tavernier, $1k Bonus

- Registered Nurse Utilization Review, Case Management, Part Time, Weekend Days

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

- 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

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

- Patient Financial Associate 1, Admitting, $1k Bonus

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

THEME: SPORTS

ACROSS

1. Combat vehicle

5. Semi

8. *Biathlon gear, sing.

11. Keiko of “Free Willy”

12. *Ashi Waza and jugodi sport

13. Audienceís approval

15. Tandoori bread

16. Ned Stark’s daughter, “Game of Thrones”

17. Rˆntgen beams

18. *Warning track sport

20. Monetary “thank you,” pl.

21. Indigo dye shrubs

22. “Arabian Nights” bird

23. Destroyer

26. Danced to certain Polish music

30. Crematorium container

31. One without magic powers in

Harry Potter stories

34. Largest volcano in Europe

35. Do nothing (2 words)

37. Singer Yoko

38. Be at the helm

39. Tropical tuber

40. *Player who delivers in a crucial sports moment

42. Recipe qty.

43. Display proudly (2 words)

45. Smells

47. Lake, in France

48. Clean a spill (2 words)

50. #8 Across, pl.

52. *Cornerback and direct snap sport

55. Russian pancake

56. Pasta option

57. Go cold turkey

59. *Reward for multiple sports championships, pl.

60. “Breaking Bad” victim

61. The Beehive State

62. King Kong, e.g.

63. Type of lightbulb, acr.

64. Spooky

DOWN

1. Boatload

2. Riyadh native

3. *Collegiate sports grp.

4. Topeka native

5. Not urban

6. Short poems of pastoral life

7. *Hockey score

8. *Powerful shot in hockey

9. 11th letter of Roman alphabet, pl.

10. Elvis’ “____ Now or Never”

12. White and black stork

13. Glorify

14. *Gully and deep mid wicket sport

19. Foe

22. Fish eggs

23. Corrodes

24. Heep of “David Copperfield”

25. Preface

26. Scheme

27. Mr. T’s TV show “The ____”

28. Olden days constipation treatment

29. *Bag of nails and baby ton sport

32. *Eagle and mulligan sport

33. African migrator

36. *Turkey and split sport

38. Woody perennial

40. Chlorofluorocarbon, abbr.

41. He gets a flag?

44. Reprieve in a desert

46. Not light-transmitting

48. Dots and dashes code

49. Did like goo

50. Women’s underskirt

51. Plural of cow, arch.

52. *Sports transgression

53. Plucked string instrument

54. Pinocchio, e.g.

55. Type of undergarment

58. Olden day “your”

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

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