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89240 Overseas Hwy. Suite 2

Tavernier, FL 33070

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Se habla español THE UPPER KEYS WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050.

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“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.

Participants in last year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Founders Park in Islamorada. The walk returns Saturday, Dec. 14. CONTRIBUTED

UPPER KEYS COMMUNITY TAKES THE REINS ON A KIDS HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE

Drop an unwrapped gift at these events, businesses and fire stations

‘Gunny’ Slagle, pictured far left, joins a parade with Santa through Islamorada neighborhoods to collect unwrapped gifts as part of the Florida Keys Toys for Tots drive in 2021. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly File Photo

Acommunity of elves is taking the reins on a local toy drive in hopes of fulfilling Upper Keys kids’ wishes this holiday season.

For the past 19 years, GySgt. Lou “Gunny” Slagle USMC (Ret) headed up the U.S. Marine Corps Florida Keys Toys for Tots drive. With help from coordinators and a community of generous supporters, tens of thousands of gifts were delivered to homes from Key Largo to Key West in time for kids to unwrap on Christmas morning.

A lack of support staff, however, brought an end to the local drive through Toys for Tots this year.

“It breaks my heart,” Slagle told Keys Weekly on Dec. 3. “I took it over in Monroe County 19 years ago.

Between 2013 and 2023, Slagle said, roughly 88,000 kids in Monroe County received a gift through Toys for Tots.

“The program has been fantastic all these years,” said Slagle, who’s set to turn 76 next week. “All it takes is that one toy.”

The reins to the local holiday toy drive have since been handed over to local fire departments and community members. In Islamorada, Fire Chief Terry Abel and village Mayor Sharon Mahoney are running point on collecting unwrapped toys for kids in Islamorada and Tavernier.

“We’re reaching out to day cares, schools and churches, asking if they have kids who need a gift, and if so what’s the number, ages and what do they want,” Abel said.

Boxes have been distributed at a number of businesses in the village, including Mahoney’s Enchanted Forest shop at MM 82.8.

“I’m really hoping to collect a lot of unwrapped gifts for the kids this year,” said Mahoney.

Mahoney will be collecting unwrapped gifts during the annual Holiday Fest in Islamorada on Friday, Dec. 6. A tent will be set up at the front of the park by the gate where community members can drop off unwrapped toys. Mahoney is also hosting a toy drop-off event on Saturday, Dec. 7 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. outside her florist shop. The fire department will be on hand and refreshments will be available.

Unwrapped toys will also be collected on Sunday, Dec. 15 as the fire department guides Santa Claus and his elves through a number of neighborhoods in Islamorada for a festive parade.

In addition to Mahoney’s shop, gifts can be dropped off at these locations in Islamorada and Tavernier: Islamorada Brewery & Distillery, MM 82.2; Centennial Bank, MM 81.5; First Horizon Bank, MM 80.9 and MM 91.9;

Sharon Mahoney, Islamorada mayor and Enchanted Forest owner, stands next to a box inside her florist business where unwrapped gifts can be dropped off. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Mahoney will welcome the community for a holiday toy drive between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

SouthState Bank, MM 91.3; Islamorada Moose Lodge, MM 81.5; Winn Dixie in Tavernier and three fire stations in Islamorada.

A similar holiday toy drive is underway in Key Largo thanks to the Key Largo Fire Department and several businesses. All donations will be distributed to local families in need through St. Justin Martyr Church, 105500 Overseas Highway.

People can drop off unwrapped gifts to Montessori Academy of the Upper Keys, 5 Transylvania Ave.; Caribbean Club, MM 104, bayside; Centennial Bank, MM 100.2; Key Largo Urgent Care, MM 100.4; Shear Paradise, MM 99.5; and businesses located at the Tradewinds Shopping Center: Florida Keys Windows, UPS Store, T&T Nails and Cirque Salon Studios. People can also drop unwrapped gifts at Key Largo Fire Station 24, 1 East Dr. (MM 99), and Fire Station 25, 220 Reef Dr. (MM 106).

Abel says he hopes there’s a former U.S. Marine out there who can head up the Toys for Tots drive next year in the Florida Keys.

“We have a group who’s willing to help, but it has to be sponsored by a Marine member,” he said. “Without a coordinator, we can’t do Toys for Tots.”

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

100 NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD

Oasis Nursing Home resident celebrates a big birthday

Acommunity room at Oasis at the Keys Nursing & Rehab transformed into a festive celebration for resident Nieves Cobacho’s 100th birthday on Nov. 30. Awaiting Cobacho’s arrival were a room full of family, friends and fellow residents of the nursing home. Using a walker, Cabacho entered the community room where she was met with confetti, cheers and a happy birthday tune. She sat front and center as family members and friends circled around her for photos. The special queen also enjoyed a cake and a little glass of La Bella Prosecco. The festivities were made possible thanks to the efforts of the staff and Llesica Moore. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

PUBLIX KEYS DIVISION MANAGER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

Key Largo’s Kevin Donlan recognized for exemplary leadership

Publix Super Markets presented Kevin Donlan, district manager who oversees the Publix stores in the Florida Keys, with the 2024 President’s Award at the company’s annual retail operations conference in Orlando.

A resident of Key Largo, Donlan oversees Publix supermarkets in the Keys.

“Being able to help and mentor others is my favorite part of the job,” Donlan said. “I want to make sure our stores are filled with associates who provide premier customer service and perpetuate the Publix culture. It all starts with us.”

Donlan said he hopes this award shows his team how much hard work and motivation can pay off.

“Publix is a place that values everyone’s unique capabilities and skill sets, which can help them succeed in their role,” Donlan said. “I couldn’t be more

honored to be receiving this award.”

About the honoree

Donlan began working for Publix in 1992 as a front service clerk in Bradenton. He held various positions in the produce and grocery departments before becoming an assistant store manager in 2003 and a store manager in 2006. He was promoted to district manager in 2015.

The President’s Award honors one district manager from each of the company’s five divisions and one support manager who are committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In addition, the recipients must be role models to others by demonstrating exemplary leadership.

Donlan is a Key Largo Chamber of Commerce board member.

— Keys Weekly staff report

Kevin Donlan, Publix district manager who oversees supermarkets in the Keys, is presented with the 2024 President’s Award during the company’s annual retail operations conference in Orlando.

LOCAL FAMILIES LACE UP THEIR SNEAKERS FOR A CURE

Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place Dec. 14 in Islamorada

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL

Bud Conlin is a retired elementary school principal. Marta Bonatz is a retired national sales manager who spent 30 years with DuPont. Both now live in Key Largo and share more than just a ZIP code; each lost their father to Alzheimer’s disease.

“He was undiagnosed for many years and that was a real struggle, because we clearly knew that he wasn’t capable of taking care of himself and taking his meds and things like that,” recalled Bonatz of her late father.

“We started noticing things were not right in the mid-1990s,” said Conlin of the first time he realized something was off with his father. “I remember registering at a hotel for a family reunion and he couldn’t remember his address.” From that point, things continued to go downhill.

“He steadily deteriorated over time,” recalled Conlin. He said his father, Francis Conlin Sr., who was always a gentle and sweet man, started to become agitated and aggressive.

Francis Conlin Sr. died in 2004 at the age of 83. Although never officially diagnosed, it is strongly suspected he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.

After years of searching for a diagnosis in his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana, Bonatz’s father, Robert Hilton Sr., was finally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease when he moved to Melbourne, Florida. A few years after that diagnosis, in 2024, he passed away at the age of 88.

Robert Hilton Sr. was one of eight children. His oldest brother and oldest sister also succumbed to the disease.

“He and his siblings who got to be over the age of 80 had Alzheimer’s and died from complications of Alzheimer’s,” said Bonatz.

Both Conlin and Bonatz are passionate about raising awareness for Alzheimer’s research, and plan to join over 100 participants at the second annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s taking place at Founders Park in Islamorada on Saturday, Dec. 14.

This will be Kara Biery’s second year chairing the walk, which continues to grow.

“Right now, we have surpassed last year,” said Biery of the $34,000 raised so far.

Biery decided to organize the walk last year when she was working in senior care at Oasis in the Keys Nursing and Rehab center in Islamorada. She said she didn’t see a lot of resources available in the Upper Keys community for people living with or affected by dementia.

“The initial plan was to have just a very small walk, where people just kind of walked around a building and showed support and raised a couple hundred dollars and then that vision took on a life of its own and has become this,” said Biery.

Alzheimer’s disease has been described as a public health crisis.

“Rates of dementia are increasing and the prices associated with care are staggering, so raising money and awareness through the walks is the main way to be able to raise funds needed towards eventually coming up with a cure and continuing research,” said Biery.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, roughly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia and more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides a free around the clock hotline to help those struggling with the disease and also offers caregiver support groups.

Bud Conlin and Marta Bonatz say there is hope when it comes to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s; they see progress being made every day.

“They are making real headway with effective treatments,” said Conlin. “If it can be caught early, in a lot of cases there are infusions that really have potential,” he added.

“Along with the treatment, which I think has made great progress, the other thing that’s so important is the diagnosis and they’ve made great strides in that,” added Bonatz.

Conlin has put together a team for the walk called Warriors for a Cure. Bonatz named her team after her father, Bob’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

There is still time to register for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Dec. 14. The walk will take place at Founders Park located at 87000 Overseas Highway in Islamorada. The event begins at 8 a.m. Presenting sponsors include The Florida Mortgage Lab and Miami’s Best Blinds.

To register or to make a donation, head to act. alz.org/floridakeys. Organizers say every dollar raised benefits the care, support and research of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“It doesn’t matter whose team you’re on, just show up and you’ll have a good time,” said Conlin. “Everybody needs to register whether you donate money or not. It’s not a sad event, it’s a happy celebration,” he added.

1: Bud Conlin and Marta Bonatz shared their experiences with Alzheimer’s disease during an interview with Keys Weekly at Coco Plum Place in Key Largo. The Key Largo residents will be participating in the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s taking place in Islamorada on Dec. 14. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly. 2: Marta Bonatz is pictured with her father Robert, right, and husband Paul in 2023. Robert Hilton Sr. passed away in April 2024 at a memory care facility in Melbourne, Florida from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. CONTRIBUTED. 3: Francis Conlin Sr., seen in this undated photo with his wife, Jeanne Conlin, passed away in 2004. Although never officially diagnosed, it is suspected that he had Alzheimer’s disease. 4: Kara Biery is chairing the Walk to End Alzheimer’s taking place on Saturday, Dec. 14 in Islamorada. Biery, right, has organized fundraisers leading up to the event, including this one held at the Blackwater Siren on Nov. 20, 2024.

VILLAGE EYEING ASSESSMENT FOR CANAL MAINTENANCE ON LOWER MATECUMBE

Canal 147 is located between Atlantic and Leserra lanes on Lower Matecumbe Key in Islamorada. CONTRIBUTED

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Islamorada council members are clearing the way for a potential special tax on a group of property owners located next to a canal restoration project in Islamorada.

Peter Frezza, environmental resource manager, told council members the project includes organic removal, backfilling and the potential installation of an air curtain at the mouth of canal 147, located between Atlantic and Leserra lanes. He said 100% of the project, from design through construction and monitoring, is funded through the Florida Department of Environment Protection through the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. However, the operation and maintenance of the air curtain would have routine and ongoing costs not covered by the grant.

“The village is considering an assessment program to fund operating and maintenance costs that would start November 2025,” Frezza said. “The residents affected would be those canalfont properties on canal 147.

Frezza said there are 18 parcels surrounding the canal that would pay the special assessment, if the vil-

lage elected to levy the special assessment. He said they discussed the idea of a special tax with canalfront owners over the last year. The assessment would be spread evenly among the affected property owners. The cost is expected to be $1,250 per parcel every year.

The council, at its May meeting, gave staff direction to proceed with implementing a new assessment.

“We did ask all the property owners to vote on whether they wanted to move forward with the project and the assessment, and the majority of the property owners did vote ‘yes,’ they did want to move forward on the project,” Frezza told council members during a presentation at a Nov. 19 meeting.

Council held a public hearing and adopted a resolution via 5-0 vote to potentially levy a special assessment for the canal restoration maintenance. Frezza said the resolution does not obligate the village to use this method and impose a special assessment.

“This resolution only assists the village in meeting the statutory notice requirements necessary to preserve this collection approach,” Frezza said.

Vice Mayor Don Horton asked Frezza why system maintenance costs would essentially be $22,500 a year. Frezza said the air compressors and hoses often need replacement, and diffusers at the mouth tend to need maintenance as they get moved due to sediment buildup.

“We also got guidance from Monroe County who established the model,” Frezza said, adding that the maintenance estimate is at the higher end. “We very likely would be reducing this in the future.”

Councilman Steve Friedman said these programs are incredibly important.

“The fact that we have a majority of homeowners agreeing to the assessment, I think, is fantastic,” he said.

KEYS TOURISM COUNCIL NEEDS AD & WEBSITE SERVICES

TDC conducts national search for new providers

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC), the organization responsible for marketing Florida Keys & Key West tourism, is conducting a nationwide search, seeking separate responses to requests for proposals (RFPs) for advertising and website development services, to market the 125-mile-long island chain.

Successful bidders must demonstrate a “complete understanding of both the domestic and international tourism economy across multiple market segments,” according to TDC officials.

The new three-year contracts are set to begin March 1, 2025.

Bidders can submit responses for either or both contracts as well as optional work listed in the scope of services for each agreement.

A three-person committee will review RFPs and select successful bidders. Committee members will be a TDC board member, a Keys community representative and an executive from Visit Florida Keys, the TDC’s operating organization.

Deadlines to submit bids for the RFPs are Thursday, Dec. 19, at 3 p.m. ET for website development services; and Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET for advertising services.

Kara Franker and Heidi Barfels, Visit Florida Keys’ CEO and vice president of marketing and communications, respectively, will oversee implementation of the contracts.

Both executives are recent additions to the Visit Florida Keys team and are active members of Destinations International, the global association for destination professionals.

Details on the RFPs are at monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com/opportunities/163096 for the advertising contract and monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub. com/opportunities/162693 for the web development contract.

Bidders should submit questions as directed in the RFPs or to Ammie Machan at ammie@fla-keys.com or by calling 305-296-1552.

— Contributed

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.

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

SAFE HOLIDAY TRANSACTIONS

Use these sheriff’s office lobbies for secure purchases this season

ATTENTION, SMALL BUSINESSES

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.

The holiday shopping season is in full swing and as such, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay is reminding the community they may use the lobbies of the sheriff’s office substations and headquarters building as safe zones for making purchases/transactions in person. The sheriff’s office is offering this service in conjunction with the Key West Police Department, which is also offering this assistance at its headquarters on North Roosevelt Boulevard.

Those who are worried about giving strangers their home address — or meeting with strangers in general — to make transactions can do so at a safe place. Both the buyer’s and seller’s privacy are protected in this way.

The sheriff’s office also advises consumers to be wary of online scammers. Don’t share personal or financial information over an unsecured network. Be leery of deals that sound too good to be true or implore you to act immediately. Be cautious of links that are provided in emails and online advertising. Keep valuables out of view and locked securely in your vehicle.

BRIEFLY

AAA: Gas price average slightly down Florida gas prices averaged $3.11 per gallon on Dec. 1. The state average was 1 cent less than the week before.

“Thanksgiving gas prices in Florida were slightly more expensive than a year ago, yet it’s doubtful that prevented people from taking a trip,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAAThe Auto Club Group.

The average price for gasoline on Thanksgiving Day in Florida was $3.13 per gallon. That’s 10 cents more than holiday travelers paid a year ago. However, the average price during this year’s holiday was 30 cents less than what drivers paid on Thanksgiving Day 2022.

Fleeing motorist arrested in Marathon

A 58-year-old Marathon motorist was arrested on Dec. 3 after flee-

Residents who wish to use one of the sheriff’s office lobbies can do so Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

• Administration headquarters 5525 College Road Key West 305-292-7000

• Freeman substation 20950 Overseas Highway Cudjoe Key 305-745-3184

• Marathon substation 3103 Overseas Highway Marathon 305-289-2430

• Islamorada substation 86800 Overseas Highway Islamorada 305-664-6480

• Roth Building 50 High Point Road Tavernier 305-853-3211

ing on U.S. 1. Bruce Barton Coles was charged with fleeing and eluding, DUI and resisting arrest.

The sheriff’s office said deputies saw a Nissan pickup truck commit multiple traffic violations in Marathon at about 1 a.m. The driver, later identified as Coles, did not stop. He was ultimately taken into custody on Aviation Boulevard. Coles refused to follow verbal commands. He was taken to jail.

Man arrested for trafficking cocaine

A 43-year-old Summerland Key man was arrested on Nov. 30 for allegedly possessing about two ounces of cocaine following a traffic stop on U.S. 1. Werlin Martinez Arredondo was charged with trafficking cocaine. Arredondo was stopped in a Jeep near MM 99 at about 8:10 p.m. About 57.5 grams of cocaine was found in a subsequent search.

Islamorada Village of Islands Meeting Schedule December 2024

Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada

LIGHTED BOATS & FIREWORKS TAKE TO BLACKWATER SOUND

Parade signup is free; entrants can win cash prizes

Lighted boats decorated to this year’s “Christmas in the Keys” theme will illuminate Key Largo’s Blackwater Sound for the 2024 Key Largo Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Presented by the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, the evening will culminate with a fireworks display sponsored by Plantation Boat Mart in Islamorada.

Boats can enter the lighted parade for free, with $5,000 in cash and prizes on the line — up from $2,500 last year — in various categories for small and large vessels. Boats will vie for Most Colorful, Most Original, Best Use of Theme, Best Business, Best Boat Under 25 Feet and Best Boat Over 25 Feet.

“This year’s theme allows boat parade participants the ability to be creative using decorations, costumes and music,” said Elizabeth Hladky, Key Largo Sunset Rotary president. “Plenty of prizes and gifts are available for those who enter their boats.”

With assistance from Sea Tow, boats will line up near Dusenbury Creek Green Marker 41 around 6:30 p.m. in anticipation of a 7:30 p.m. start. Spectators can get a good glimpse of the boat parade from bayside destinations like Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill, Sundowners, Caribbean Club and Reefhouse Resort & Marina. Boats will continue the procession to Riviera Village, MM 104.

Top: Fireworks sponsored by Plantation Boat Mart light the nighttime sky over Blackwater Sound for the 2023 Key Largo Boat Parade.

DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly. Inset: A festive boat rides up Blackwater Sound past Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Following the parade, fireworks will light the skies of Blackwater Sound. The fireworks display is sponsored by Plantation Boat Mart and Dennis De La Torre, owner. Located at MM 90.4, bayside, Plantation Boat Mart has been a part of the community for 36 years. De La Torre bought the business in 1996.

“We want to bring the community together for this event,” said son Ryan De La Torre. “I’ve always loved this event growing up and seeing a great fireworks display.”

Those wishing to sign up their boats for the parade can visit keylargoboatparade.com and click on the parade entry form at the top of the page. Boat parade entrants get a ditty bag stocked with wine and other items. They also will receive a boat parade shirt and a Keys Deep shirt.

Stay up to date with all the happenings by following the Key Largo Boat Parade on Facebook. Proceeds from the boat parade go to support the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club’s efforts to assist the community. The Rotary Club holds a monthly social with the residents at Oasis at the Keys Nursing & Rehab on Plantation Key. In addition, the club supports organizations throughout the Upper Keys, including Coral Shores athletics, Key Largo School, MarrVelous Pet Rescues and Wesley House. — Contributed

SIFTING THROUGH DIVING HISTORY

Museum’s guided tours pays tribute to Pearl Harbor salvage divers

Visitors view an exhibit at the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada. Tours through the museum on Saturday, Dec. 7 will pay tribute to military divers involved in the salvage of Pearl Harbor. HDM/ Contributed

The History of Diving Museum (HDM) will offer complimentary guided tours with an admission ticket on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Visits to the museum are self-guided, with special in-depth guided tours being offered once a month. These tours will be the last for 2024.

December’s tours will feature a special tribute to military divers involved in the salvage of Pearl Harbor, which was dangerous work involving more than 20,000 hours of diving — the largest in U.S. Navy history. Dec. 7 is the 83rd anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

Those wishing to go on a guided tour are asked to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the tour time. HDM members and active duty military are admitted free, and Florida Keys residents receive a discount. Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt, free bookmarks and takehome activity guides.

The next guided tours will be on Jan. 18.

The museum is a nonprofit open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located in Islamorada at MM 83 and features exhibits chronicling more than 4,000 years of “the quest to explore under the sea.” The museum has 14 core exhibits plus two annual limited-time featured exhibits and a museum store. More information is at DivingMuseum.org.

BRIEFLY

Two teens arrested after drugs/gun found

Two male teenagers were arrested on Nov. 28 following a traffic stop on U.S. 1 in which about 2 ounces of marijuana and a loaded handgun were found.

Christopher Castro Hernandez, 17, of Homestead, was charged with possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a THC vape pen. Yelson Eduardo Corrales Flores, 19, of Key Largo, was charged with possession of a THC vape pen.

Hernandez was driving a Mitsubishi with a headlight out near MM 87 at 11:07 p.m. Hernandez stated there was marijuana in the vehicle. A loaded 9mm Glock handgun was found in the vehicle as well as about 58.3 grams of marijuana, a bong and THC pens. Both teens were taken to jail.

One jailed, another cited in fish cases

Deputy Guerra with speared and undersized lobster.

Marine Deputy Willie Guerra was patrolling on and near the Channel 5 Bridge on Nov. 30 when he arrested one angler for reportedly spearing and possessing undersized lobster.

Tomas Alberto Ayala Alegria, 35, of Miami, was taken to jail for possessing six undersized lobster, 10 speared lobster, overthe-limit lobster, spearing wildlife

in the Upper Keys and having no measuring device.

Boris Valdes Pena, 25, of Miami was given a mandatory notice to appear in court for reportedly possessing seven undersized mangrove snapper, over-the-limit mangrove snapper, and one undersized schoolmaster snapper.

For information on wildlife regulations go to www.myfwc. com.

Woman cited for illegal lobster

A Fort Myers woman was issued a court citation for reportedly possessing undersized lobster. According to the sheriff’s office, Islamorada Marine Deputy Jason Farr was patrolling near MM 86 on Nov. 28. During an inspection, Farr found Erin Laura Rhodes, 46, allegedly in possession of nine undersized lobsters.

Coast Guard helps with $182 million haul of cocaine

Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton’s crew offloaded more than 16,100 pounds of cocaine worth an assessed street value of some $182.8 million in Port Everglades on Dec. 3.

The crew worked alongside interagency and international partners to interdict the illicit narcotics in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean off South and Central America.

Coast Guard crews often deploy to the U.S. Southern Command joint operating area, which includes the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean, to conduct counter drug missions in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South. Deployments for cutters assigned to the Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command include Panama Canal transits to deny transnational criminal organizations access to maritime trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

“I’m proud of our accomplishments during this 3-1/2-month deployment,” said Capt. Justin Carter, commanding officer of the Hamilton.

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

Franklin Tyrone Tucker, a defendant in the 2017 ‘treehouse murder’ on Stock Island, represents himself during his January 2024 trial, which ended with a hung jury and mistrial. Tucker was released from jail on Nov. 26 and is a free man, following a plea deal.

FILE PHOTO

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.

KEYS WEEKLY

Rooted Locally, Connected Globally

At Engel & Völkers, we don’t just find exceptional homes; we build exceptional communities. We’re proud to celebrate our advisor, Shylon “Shy” Martin, named Best Volunteer for the Upper Keys 2024 by Keys Weekly. Shy’s dedication to local causes reflects our commitment to connecting with the communities we serve. With local expertise and a global network, Engel & Völkers advisors offer world-class service while making a difference at home.

Experience the Engel & Völkers difference— where luxury meets community, creating a home beyond expectations.

Rely on Shy Shylon “Shy“ Martin M (305) 766-3074 shy.martin@evrealestate.com www.shy-shylonmartin.realtor

"Together, we make a difference, and I am proud to be part of such an amazing community. Let’s continue to uplift one another and work towards creating a brighter future for our community. Thank you all who supported & voted, from my whole heart."

- SHY MARTIN

ENGEL & VÖLKERS ISLAMORADA

85998 Overseas Highway | Islamorada | FL 33036 (305) 587-3663 | floridakeys.evrealestate.com

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA SET IN ISLAMORADA

Expect some snow, a visit from Santa Claus, a parade and other festivities during the 20th annual Islamorada Chamber of Commerce Holiday Fest on Dec. 6.

Held on the Great Lawn at Founders Park in Islamorada, the event’s star attraction, the Holiday Fest Snow Mountain, will once again be made out of 30 tons of the cold white stuff — more than enough to delight mitten-clad children and some of their more playful parents too. Islamorada’s 35-foot high official holiday tree will be blowing magical snow through its branches.

Snow is far from the only thing promised at Holiday Fest. At 7:30 p.m., the Holiday Parade will kick off with floats, antique cars, and Santa himself. The grand marshal, Fire Chief Terry Abel, will lead the parade’s, featuring feature businesses, organizations and individuals riding in vehicles and floats. Judges will select winners in several categories based on creativity and adherence to this year’s theme: Rockin’ with the Rescuers, a celebration of first responders.

The festival also offers the Holiday Gift Bazaar, for getting the shopping season started right. A popular feature of the bazaar is the online auction of handcrafted ornaments. More than 60 local artists created original holiday ornaments starting from a blank ceramic mold. The finished pieces will be on display throughout the evening. The online auction went live Dec. 1; it will end at 9 p.m. on the night of Holiday Fest. The online auction is at 32auctions. com/ICC-2024.

New this year will be the Publix Holiday Sweet Shoppe, offering a selection of sweet treats and holidaythemed giveaways. A wide variety of food will also be available throughout the evening. Adults can sample food items, enjoy hot buttered rum, eggnog, and craft beer, or sip fine wines at the festival favorite Vino Village.

The amphitheater will feature a number of productions, including performances by students of On Your Toes Dance Studio at 6 p.m. There will be a pet parade at 4:30 p.m., and a Mister Gingerbread and Miss Sugarplum Fairy contest at 5:30 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to drop off at the event entrance. The toys will be collected by Mayor Sharon Mahoney and the Islamorada Fire Department, to be distributed to local children and families in need.

A free shuttle will run from Coral Shores High School to Founders Park from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Save yourself the hassle of parking and enjoy a stress-free ride to the event.

More information, including how to volunteer at Holiday Fest, is available at 305-664-4503 or at the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at the entrance to Founders Park, MM 87, bayside.

Holiday Fest organizers are working to go green and minimize the impact of the event on the environment. They encourage attendees to bring non-glass reusable beverage containers to reduce waste and protect the Keys ecosystem.

1: Students from On Your Toes Dance Studio perform at the amphitheater at Founders Park. 2: Kids enjoy activities, which include holiday crafts. 3: Mrs. Claus with Mister Gingerbread and Miss Sugarplum during the 2023 Holiday Fest. 4: The Grinch rides on a TowBoat vessel during last year’s parade. 5: The snow mountain is a big attraction during Holiday Fest. Photos by

REEF THE FOX MEETS FASHION DESIGNER

REEF THE FOX

Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.

Hi friends!

Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” I have a big treat for you all this week.

To kick off the month of December, I sat down with one of my besties, Manuel Tiscareño, who has been recognized as one of the foremost designers in the Latin American sector by Brides of Spain magazine. My mom attended his first Miami Men’s Fashion Week show on Nov. 23 where he debuted his first men’s collection. And for anyone wondering, my mother is wearing a faux fur coat that was generously given to her by our friends at SpiritHoods.

Reef: Hola, Manuel. My readers will be thrilled to read this interview, so let’s jump into it. Where are you from, and where do you live now?

Manuel: Hola, Reef! It’s an honor to be interviewed by the Best Local Celebrity three years running. I was born in Mexico and grew up between Mexico and Texas. I’m currently in Texas where my brand is headquartered, but I travel about 10 months out of the year.

Reef: When did you start designing?

Manuel: I started as a kid. My parents were in the bridal business and I grew up in their shops. I started sketching at a young age, taking inspiration from my mom’s fashion magazines.

Reef: What was the draw to wedding couture?

Manuel: It’s a family business and was a natural fit. It was what I knew and I was inspired to jump in the game and try some new things. I studied art history and found a lot of inspiration in studying classics and great artists and architects.

Reef: When did you decide to jump into mainstream fashion?

Manuel: After my first few shows and presenting collections publicly, I started being invited to show in mainstream fashion events – New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, etc. — as well as being asked to design for celebrities for cover stories for magazines like Glamour, Vogue and Marie Claire. It all took me by surprise, but I just went with it and am so happy with the diverse array of opportunities I’ve had.

Reef: Have you always been opposed to fur in fashion? If so, why?

Manuel: Of course. It’s so unnecessary and shouldn’t even be a topic of conversation. It’s cruel and completely unnecessary.

Reef: Yes! That is why my mom and I have adored you from day one, since the first time you came to meet us. You just get it. Real fur is not fashionable, it’s barbaric.

What are your plans for the future?

Manuel: I have big dreams and aspirations, many of which I can’t share at this moment but I’m very excited about what the future holds and humbled by the support of my clients and the fashion industry.

Reef: And finally, who is the most famous person you’ve met?

Manuel: I’ve met a lot of celebrities in my line of work and it’s rare to be starstruck, but I was blown away by your charming personality when we first met, Reef, so the answer is you.

Reef: And now I’m speechless, which is rare.

Thanks to Manuel Tiscareño for this exclusive interview. You can follow all of his amazing designs on his Instagram page at @tiscarenostudio.

BENJAMIN

Benjamin is an 8-month-old, handsome beagle mix weighing around 43 pounds. Benjamin is a very sweet and playful young pup who loves to be with his human. He is the best walk buddy and perfect cuddler for movie nights. He loves to keep busy with toys followed by a nap. If you are interested in meeting him, please call 305-453-1315 or visit www.mprescues.org/application.

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, Dec. 5

• MarrVelous Pet Rescues “Yappy Hour” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Buzzards Roost, Key Largo. Pets must be vaccinated, leashed and well-socialized.

Friday, Dec. 6

• 20th annual Holiday Fest from 4 to 10 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada.

• First Friday concert at 6 p.m. at Key Largo library, featuring master guitarist Bruce Hecksel and vocalist and rhythm guitarist Julie Patchouli.

Dec. 7-8

• 24 in 24 Endurance Sim Challenge at the Ron Levy Aquatic Center, Islamorada. Sign up at www. runsignup.com or contact keys2swimming@gmail.com.

Saturday, Dec. 7

• First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run at 7:30 a.m. at Anchorage Resort & Yacht Club, Key Largo.

• Guided bird walk at 8:30 a.m. at Green Turtle Hammock Preserve, MM 81.2, bayside, Islamorada.

• Garden Club of the Upper Keys holiday market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Francis Tracy Garden Center, 94040 Overseas Highway, Tavernier.

• Friends of the Islamorada State Parks presents Lignumvitae

Christmas ‘Friendraiser’ from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Lignumvitae Key, Islamorada. Register at https:// friendsofkeysparks.org/events.

• Chi Sigma’s sixth annual Bike, Walk, Wagon Ride at 5 p.m. at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery.

Sunday, Dec. 8

• Keys Kids Art Fair from noon to 3 p.m. at the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.

• Cirque Salon’s Shop, Jingle & Mingle from noon to 4 p.m. at the Tradewinds Shopping Plaza, Key Largo.

Monday, Dec. 9

• Auditions for The Key Players production of “Almost Maine” at 6 p.m. at the theater at Murray Nelson Government Center, Key Largo. Call 305-942-4339 for more information.

• Art reception featuring mixed media and abstract paintings by Maggie Fox from 6 to 7 p.m. at Key Largo library.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

• Islamorada Village Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center.

• Holiday origami at 4 p.m. at Key Largo library. For ages 8 and up. All supplies provided.

Manuel Tiscareño and Nicole Navarro pose together at Miami Men’s Fashion Week show on Nov. 23. CONTRIBUTED

CHRISTMAS ON LIGNUMVITAE KEY

Take a boat ride out to the island for some holiday cheer

Celebrate the holiday season and Florida Keys history by taking a boat ride to enjoy Lignumvitae Christmas. The event is set for Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park off Islamorada.

The island preserves a virgin tropical hardwood hammock environment that was once common throughout the Upper Keys.

It is named after the native lignumvitae tree found in abundance throughout the hammock. Lignumvitae is some of the heaviest of all wood, sinking under its weight instead of floating in water. The rare, dense wood was once popular for use in manufacturing bowling balls, propeller shafts on steamships, gears and mallets.

The century-old Matheson home, originally built from coral rock and Dade County pine as a caretaker’s house, now serves as the visitor center for the island and will be open for tours.

“Walking in our beautiful hardwood hammock and seeing the Matheson House decorated for the holidays, enjoying Christmas music while hearing stories about its history, playing games and making a tropical tree ornament, all presented from a 1930s viewpoint, is a wonderful oldfashioned way to start the holiday season,” said Lu Dodson, the Florida State Parks’ manager of Lignumvitae Key.

Guided nature hikes will be offered throughout the day on the half hour starting at 10:30 a.m. The 1.2-mile extended hammock hike lasts for one hour and the 0.42-mile short hammock hike is 30 minutes.

Other activity offerings include holiday arts and craft stations, seasonal live music by the Mangrove Swamp Band and 1930s-era games like croquet and jacks.

Upper Keys historian Brad Bertelli will share stories throughout the day on topics including early Lignumvitae Key residents and the connection between nearby Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.

Guests can enjoy free cookies and limeade during the event. A barbecue lunch will be available for a $5 donation. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic lunch, although alcohol is prohibited on the island.

The event is presented by the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks as a “friend raiser” to encourage more volunteer participation and donations for the seven parks the group supports — Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, Long Key State Park, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Indian Key Historic State Park, San Pedro State Park, Curry Hammock State Park and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. — Contributed

THE PROTECT CENTER UNVEILS SEA OF TREES

Display available to view through January 2025

Experience the magic of the newest local holiday tradition — the Florida Keys Sea of Trees. Located at the Protect Center, MM 82, bayside, in Islamorada, the display of festive trees can be viewed daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The menagerie of 100 unique trees can also be seen most nights between 5 and 9 p.m. The display will be available to the public through Jan. 5, 2025. Admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Call 305-453-4321 or visit www.connecttoprotect.org/trees for more information.

— Keys Weekly staff report

Top: Hunter Kinney, the mastermind behind Sea of Trees, stands in front of the museum’s soon-to-be exhibit with live alligators. A Florida Gators-themed tree sponsored by real estate agent Christy Hughes is on display. Bottom: A sampling of the trees on display, including one sponsored by Keys Weekly Newspapers. Tree themes include Peanuts and the Gang, tropical Christmas, traditional holiday and many more. Photos by Keys Weekly.

Lu Dodson, park manager for Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, adjusts a holiday ribbon tied to a 17th-century cannon outside the Matheson home on Nov. 22. ANDY NEWMAN/Contributed

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.

Toys 4 Upper Keys Kids Nee

QUIT TOBACCO GROUP

HOLIDAY TRAVEL 101

Leave early, book ahead and pack the essentials

is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension Director and Community Development Agent

Holiday travel can be both exciting and stressful. Whether you plan to fly or drive, there are some excellent tips to make it less stressful. First, plan for something to go wrong. Make sure you have the money and time available in case of weather or other delays. Always leave a day or two before you must be home at the end of the trip. Delays happen. You will be more prepared if you need to spend time in limbo. Pay attention to the weather – where you are and where you are going.

Next, be flexible with your travel days and times. Consider traveling on off-peak days to avoid crowds and higher prices. Flying or driving during non-peak hours can make your journey enjoyable and less crowded.

Arrive at the airport early to account for potential delays, long lines and security checks. Airport parking lots — especially the ones that are either the cheapest or the closest to the terminal — fill up on holiday weekends, and your best bet is to book a spot in advance. Do it now if you plan to travel for Christmas or New Year’s. Not only does that guarantee you a spot, but sometimes it is cheaper, too. I have pulled up to Miami International Airport and had no parking on a holiday; it happens. Use travel apps that can help you. Spot Hero is one I use to book off-airport parking. Waze is great for driving, and each airline has an app to stay on top of flights.

Once you know your destination, consider any activities you want to do over the holidays. Concerts,

museum exhibits and shows would make better presents and easier to travel with. Get reservations as soon as possible; popular restaurants and activities often get booked far in advance.

Most travel tips say to book in advance. While that is good advice for popular locations and especially for rental cars, you can save money booking last-minute, sometimes up to 25%. Either way, be sure to have a budget and stick to it. Be mindful of holiday-related price increases in some destinations. And I would strongly recommend travel insurance. Travel insurance is much easier to get reimbursement for if you get a weather delay than the airlines, which typically won’t reimburse for the weather.

Finally, pack light. Then, edit your bag and pack less. Bringing only carry-on luggage ensures that your bag will get to your destination with you. Even if you are driving, empty your car and only carry the essentials, including jumper cables, a spare tire and a safety kit. I always download books, movies and podcasts at home to listen to while traveling. Here are some things that you should bring every time:

• A copy of your passport or ID

• Water bottles: most airports now have fillers past security

• Snacks

• Power bank/chargers

• Copy of your travel documents

• Medications

• Raincoat

• Laundry bag

With preparation, your holiday travel should be a breeze, but if you encounter a delay, at least you are prepared. Let friends or family know your travel plans, including your itinerary. The best advice is to remember to be adaptable and keep a sense of humor. Unexpected challenges can arise, but you can navigate them smoothly with good planning and a positive mindset. Safe travels!

BEWARE OF GREENWASHING

Get the ‘breakdown’ on composting

Greenwashing, while it may sound positive, is a deceptive marketing tactic. Greenwashing occurs when a company promotes a product or practice as environmentally friendly, sustainable or “green” without making significant efforts toward sustainability. This can mislead consumers who are eager to make eco-friendly choices.

is the Monroe County recycling coordinator and outreach liaison. MELODY TUSCHEL

By being aware of common greenwashing tactics – such as vague terms like “all-natural,” minimal recycling content in packaging marketed as eco-friendly, or the use of eco-labels without third-party verification – you can empower yourself to make more informed and sustainable purchasing decisions, especially when buying convenient serving products this holiday season.

Backyard vs. commercial Items labeled “backyard compostable” can break down in a typical home composting setup, which doesn’t require high heat, special equipment or added microbial action. These items usually consist of natural fibers or materials like paper, plant-based bioplastics, or food scraps that can decompose

with regular turning and exposure to air and moisture. Backyard composting can take longer (anywhere from three to 12 months), but it’s manageable in a garden compost pile or bin without industrial processing.

Products labeled “commercial compostable” are designed to break down in a specialized industrial composting facility. These facilities reach much higher temperatures (typically 140°F or higher) and maintain strict moisture and airflow conditions that accelerate decomposition. Commercial compostable items may include certain bioplastics, thicker plant-based packaging and other materials that need high heat to decompose fully. Items often break down within weeks at these facilities but may not be decomposed in a home compost setup.

Why this distinction matters

Misunderstanding the difference could lead to contamination in regular compost bins if items labeled “commercial compostable” end up in backyard compost. It also means some “compostable” products won’t break down at home, leading to potential waste if commercial composting isn’t available locally. Remember that the best policy when planning your holiday events is always reusable serving and eating utensils. If you need something more convenient, look for products that are “backyard compostable.”

KINARA ART DESIGN/Adobe Stock

MARIDAV/Adobe Stock

ALICIA BETANCOURT

SKY’S THE LIMIT: BLUE ANGELS TO RETURN

Elite aviators finalize plans for Southernmost Air Spectacular March 29-30

WORTH THE INVESTMENT

Alissa Reckard helps plan for the future

CAROLYN DEPAULA www.keysweekly.com

From the nurse and the grocer to the teacher and landscaper, the Upper Keys community can’t thrive without the skills and talents of local workers who serve, produce, repair, research, advocate for, fundraise or build. We like to call them the “Mile Makers.”

The fourth “Mile Maker” is Alissa Reckard, a financial adviser based in Tavernier.

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

“Ready. … Hit it.” With those three words, the U.S. Navy’s elite flying team point the noses of their F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets skyward and take off in a near-vertical ascent, executed with power and precision.

The flying squadron, with its blue and gold aircraft and expert aviators, will return to Naval Air Station for the 2025 Southernmost Air Spectacular March 29-30. The show will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.

To exemplify the 2025 theme of “Air-Land-Sea,” the upcoming spectacular will also include a car show and a boat show at NAS Key West.

In addition to the Blue Angels, the air station has invited nearly

a dozen other aerial performers, both military and civilian. Military acts include the U.S. Special Operations Command Para-Commandos Jump Team, hometown Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 111 “Sun Downers” and SAR Search and Rescue flying their MH-60S “Knighthawk.”

Civilian acts include Skip Stewart flying his Prometheus biplane; Rob Holland flying his MXS; Michael Goulian flying his EXTRA 330SC and world-famous Darnell Racing Jet Vehicle.

Additional military and vintage aircraft will be on display on the air field, with some available for tours. Other attractions include a kids zone, Vietnam memorial wall, merchandise and food vendors, exhibitor booths and more. For all the details, and to buy VIP tickets, visit keywestairshow. com. To showcase a boat or car, email mwrnaskw@us.navy.mil.

What first sparked an interest in your chosen profession? I became quite independent and self-reliant at an early age and wanted to build a successful career for myself. I will never find a prospect who is planning to fail, but I find hundreds of people who are failing to plan. That is where my skills and knowledge can benefit others. I love working with people. I specialize in financial planning, guiding clients to help them reach their financial goals.

What do your day-to-day duties look like? I have so many daily tasks such as buying and selling securities, verifying clients’ transactions, responding to questions and holding appointments and reviews. Above all, I seek opportunities to speak to others about the importance of approaches to financial planning, and I talk to my clients about their goals, hopes and dreams — what they want their money to do for them.

What is your favorite part of the job? This job gives me satisfaction hearing clients say they are able to live and enjoy the rest of their lives because of the choices I helped them make early on.

What is the least favorite aspect of your career? Although I completely agree with the need for this to be such a highly regulated industry, politicians may sometimes write more laws because of market downturns. Each year it becomes increasingly difficult for ethical, careful and passionate financial advisers to serve their clients.

What is the biggest challenge in your profession? The constant rising cost of everything you need to buy — food, utilities and medical care is a concern for most people. There is a need to keep up with inflation and have an income that rises along with

the cost of living. For most people, choosing the right investments could be a challenge. Like a group starting a marathon, you cannot look at the entire crowd and pick out the one winner. But I can tell you that the runners will be first, the joggers will be second and the walkers will come in last. That is what certain types of investments can do.

What is something that others would be surprised to find out about your profession? You don’t need to be good at math. I hear people joke about that a lot, but it’s much more pairing the right type of investment with each client than using a calculator for hours. Would you say financial literacy needs to be taught in schools? Yes, I have done presentations for middle and high schools, and for scouts. Topics (include) the importance of financial literacy, staying out of debt and knowing what you want your money to do for you. It is so important for kids to develop good financial habits from the beginning. I work with a lot of kids and teenagers as clients and I’m so proud of them.

The Southernmost Air Spectacular featuring the Blue Angels returns to Naval Air Station Key West March 29-30. CONTRIBUTED

Blue Angels aviators Lieutenant Commander Lillian ‘Lunchbox’ Montana and Major Scott ‘Goldie’ Laux made great time in an F/A-18 Super Hornet, arriving this week to finalize plans for the 2025 Southernmost Air Spectacular March 29-30 at Naval Air Station Key West. ANNIE BRIENING/Overseas Media Group

SET THOSE ALARMS FOR 6 A.M.

7 Mile Bridge Run registration is Jan. 23 and 28

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

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

BUFFALO ANGLER WINS CHEECA BACKCOUNTRY TOURNAMENT

More than 150 fish released

Atotal of 155 fish were released, with 11 on fly rod, 90 on artificial tackle and 54 using bait, during the Cheeca Lodge and Spa All American Backcountry Tournament. Held over Veterans Day weekend, anglers from all over the United States come to participate in this three-day event. Each year two U.S. military veterans are hosted to fish in this tournament.

Grand champion angler Jim Bokor Jr. of Buffalo, New York, fishing with Capt. Richard Black of Tavernier, won the top awards. The tournament uses a unique format for backcountry fishing as five species of fish, including tarpon, redfish, permit, bonefish and snook, can be caught on three different types of tackle; bait, spin and fly are awarded points. Only five of each species can be counted for points each day, with bonus points awarded for releasing three or more species.

Bokor Jr. released one bonefish, 10 tarpon, 10 snook and five redfish. He also received the artificial (spin) division award for 27 releases on artificial tackle.

Runner-up angler Jason Rubenstein of Bellaire, Texas released four species of fish. Capt. Jack Given led his angler to three bonefish, eight tarpon, six snook and five redfish. Fifteen of Rubenstein’s fish were on bait, winning him the bait division as well.

Capt. Tim Klein, fishing with Steve Austin of Ponte Vedra Beach and John Wilbur of Marathon, took home team grand champion awards. The team released three bonefish, eight snook and 18 redfish. The runner-up in the team category, Retired Army Sgt. Richard Myers, of Key Largo, and retired U.S. Navy E5 second Class Petty Officer David Barus, of East Aurora, New York, released three tarpon, nine snook and three redfish. They fished with Capt. Mike Makowski.

Christopher Jordan of McLean, Virginia, fishing with Capt. Paul Ross released 11 fish on fly. Jordan was awarded the Fly Division Championship with 10 redfish and one tarpon caught on a flyrod.

Winning anglers were awarded hand-carved trophies from local artist Doug Berry. The awards party included dinner from Cheeca Lodge.

“This is a very special event with Cheeca Lodge and Spa bringing veterans to the Keys to fish every year,” said general manager Bill Coteron. “Our commitment to this tournament and our veterans is heartfelt.”

Proceeds from the tournament benefit Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to conserve and restore bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and habitats through research, stewardship, education and advocacy.

1: From left, artist Doug Berry, grand champion angler Jim Bokor Jr., of Buffalo, New York and Capt. Richard Black of Tavernier. Bokor Jr. secured the top prize during the Cheeca Lodge and Spa All American Backcountry Tournament, held Nov. 7-9. 2: Capt. Tim Klein, fishing with Steve Austin of Ponte Vedra Beach, and John Wilbur of Marathon, took home team grand champion awards. Artist Doug Berry is also pictured. 3: Left, Christopher Jordan of McLean, Virginia, won the fly division with 11 fish caught alongside Capt. Paul Ross, right. Artist Doug Berry is also pictured.

CHRIS McNULTY

is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com

We’ve reached the halfway point of Mercury’s apparent retrograde motion in the sky. How are the knots in your head? Have you tied them nice and tight?

Mercury retrograde is a time to think back, think through, and think around any lingering considerations, events, people, or conundrums from the past. It is not always straightforward, either. Sometimes you have to wrestle with your thinking mind to find clarity. This evening (Thursday, Dec. 5), however, the cosmos is ripe for clarity as Mercury enters the heart of the sun. The halfway point of any Mercury retrograde cycle is called the Mercury cazimi, and it is when the planet Mercury is exactly conjoined with the sun from our perspective. This is when the clarifying and illuminating light of the sun imbues retrograde Mercury with awareness and insight. It’s a beautiful moment of understanding. It’s as if you’re given a bird’s-eye view of all the knots you’ve twisted so you can begin the untying process. What have you been thinking through that counterbalances your joyful abundance and challenges your notions of authority?

Here are your horoscopes for the Mercury cazimi in Sagittarius. Read for your rising and sun signs.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Your light-bulb moment under this sky is all about who you are and how you show up in the world around you. How does the looming or bountiful presence of a particular partner and the constriction of your home life shape who you are? Are you formed by these factors or do you stand strong despite them? Perhaps a bit of both? Trust what you see in the mirror.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Deep thoughts in solitude are often conversations with the universe, and I imagine you’ve been having this cosmic dialogue the past few weeks. Now, you are given a moment of total understanding of the goal of this inner work. Your chores and health issues may loom large and your neighborhood may feel constricting, but your karmic journey is yours to claim. You can handle difficult things.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

As you’ve been reflecting on your social networks and support systems, you are now granted an epiphany about why you’ve been so curious about these folks. Do you need to make some shifts or welcome in some people you’ve been holding at bay? Confirm the people that support you through your financial restraints and serve as a counterpoint to your over exuberance.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Work has been on your mind, and a moment of truth is now being offered to you. Trust the answer that you see when it flashes. The joy you feel at home and your need to be more conservative in your appearance may feel like challenges to your career choice, but think of these things as formative rather than preventative. Trust your insight and let your public reputation benefit.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

You’ve been thinking about doing things differently. It’s not easy to break out of our cycles, but the world is so much wider and deeper than we ever think it is. You’re being granted a revelation as to how you can change things up through travel or study. Your familiar joys and inner fears may press you back, but follow your inner guidance despite the distractions.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

The people and projects that would benefit from your investment are now laid out clearly before you. Your moment of clarity comes in recognizing which emotional ties or financial endeavors deserve your energy. The abundance of your personal finances and the pressures of societal expectations may pull you in different directions, but trust your instincts.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

Clarity strikes in your one-onone relationships. What truths about partnership have emerged during this retrograde? The balance between your joyful self-expression and the weight of your long-term plans creates tension here, but it will show you what truly matters. Let this insight guide you in forming connections that honor both your individuality and your shared commitments.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

The insights you gain now are rooted in your daily routines, health, and work habits. How do you navigate the relationship between the joys of solitude and the challenges of new authority? Your moment of understanding helps you see how these forces shape your overall well-being. Take small, actionable steps toward aligning your day-today life with what brings you peace and purpose.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

Your heart knows what lights it up, and this Mercury cazimi grants you a brilliant realization about your creative passions or even your children, if applicable. Exuberant friendships and financial constraints may present challenges, but they also encourage you to trust what excites you most. Clarity is a gift, so use it to pursue what makes you shine without hesitation.

THE LIGHTBULB MOMENT

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Questions about your home, family, and sense of security come to a head under this sky. How do you create a foundation that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally? A breakthrough now reveals how to navigate the tensions among your public image, maturity in relationships, and private joys. Trust your ability to ground yourself while pursuing your ambitions.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Your mind has been working overtime. Now, however, the fog clears and reveals a crucial insight about how you think, communicate, and share ideas. The joy of learning and the constraints of laborious chores may pose challenges to trusting familiar instincts, but this clarity shows you how to bridge these worlds. Let your voice carry your truth with grace and confidence.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

The Mercury cazimi offers you a revelation on your finances, resources, and self-worth. Have you been giving out too much or being too stingy? You may feel great joy in contributing to causes you believe in while also trying to save for your own personal joys, and these contrasting impulses are exactly what will frame your insights. Couch yourself in your values.

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.

R.

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.

On the Web: •go.nasa.gov/48jsfBA At the library: • “My Mission in the Sky” by Sally Blass Murray •“Constellations for Kids” by Kelsey Johnson

Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, M. Matsuura (Cardiff University),

Arendt (NASA’s Goddard Spaceflight Center and University of Maryland, Baltimore County), C. Fransson

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?

ART ROCKS KONA KAI

Exhibit displays the Keys of then and now

WILLIAM DEPAULA

is an artist, designer and gemologist who believes in the power of art.

In the lush tropical landscape at Kona Kai Resort, the crowd filled the space like a rock concert. There wasn’t a concert though – the crowd attended a fantastic art show held by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts.

An opening reception for

“Then & Now: Artists of the Keys” was held Nov. 20 at the resort in Key Largo. The show featured member artists’ works along with precious historic artwork. The works of art harkening from the past came from the estates and families of the Keys. These special pieces reflect the spirit of days gone by, our stunning natural surroundings, treasured island lifestyle, notable landmarks and our diverse cultural history. The works presented at the show are for sale.

Those in attendance were excited and electricity pulsated through the courtyard, culminating at the Kona Kai Gallery. Food and drink were plentiful, and as you ate you would hear stories of art and artists. As you opened the gallery door, you knew you were somewhere special,

a place where art is loved and appreciated.

The show had many well-known Keys artists. When you first walked in your senses were struck with ceramic art and pottery by artists Beth Kamenstein, Barbara Bernstein and Robin D’Ambra. On the walls, you saw works by Marcia Kreitman, Annmarie Anderson and Gloria Avner. As you walked around the show, a new, hidden gem sparked the eyes, filling the scene with even more creative expressions.

There were wonderful works by photographers Marcia Brito and Kelly Walkotten. The walls were filled with colorful works by Anne Chambers, David O’Neill, Kathy Sperl-Bell, Cynthia Ré Robbins, Diane Whitney Smith and K. Christine O’Neill. On the walls hung stunning Keys landscapes by artists John David Hawver and Todd Stone.

Some interesting works were specially brought in by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts. These works celebrated the cultural history of the Keys, embracing the passionate uncovering of art through the connections between people for many years. The latter were by artists Joan Howe, John Kiraly and WM Hoffman.

If you are in the area, I would make it a point to check out the exhibit. It will give you a window into the Florida Keys art from the past to the present. The exhibition will be on display during regular business hours through March 2025. Kona Kai Resort’s Gallery and Botanical Gardens is located at 97802 Overseas Highway.

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

WHAT: “Pencils vs. Pixels” (2023)

WHY: This film is a fine introduction to anyone with an interest in animation who doesn’t know all the details of the medium’s evolution. Hosted by Ming-Na Wen (voice of Disney’s Mulan), viewers are taken on a journey of how Western animation both influenced and was influenced by the pop culture surrounding it. Along the way, notable animators and filmmakers from various eras and studios pop up to offer both their knowledge and their firsthand accounts. The documentary eventually touches on the shift from hand-drawn animation to computer-generated images and how technology is helping make hand-drawn a viable artform again. It may not break new ground for animation pros, but there’s enough meat here to satisfy them while offering an accessible starting base for novices.

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

HOW: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/ keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org.

RECOMMENDED BY: Kelvin Cedeño, library assistant, Islamorada library branch.

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

Art works featured in the ‘Then & Now: Artists of the Keys’ exhibit at Kona Kai Resort in Key Largo. Pieces created by talented artists will be on display through 2025. WILLIAM DePAULA/Contributed

Islamorada Chamber of Commerce presents A Magical Night of Holiday Fun for Kids of A Ages, the 20th A ual 2024

night only!

Parade Theme: Rockin' With The Rescuers Founders Park on the Great Lawn

Lighting of the Lights... at 6 pm

Holiday Parade 7:30 pm Kid’s Holiday Activity Tent

Santa will be arriving at the end of the parade

STAGE SCHEDULE

4:00 pm Holiday Music

4:30 pm Santa Paws – Pet Parade

Sponsor: Upper Keys Animal Shelter

5:30 pm Mister Gingerbread Man & Miss Sugarplum Fairy Contests

Sponsor: Centennial Bank

6:00 pm Performances by students of On Your Toes Dance Studio

7:30 pm Parade (Around the Great Lawn)

Theme: Rockin’ with the Rescuers *** Holiday Music and Dancing Part II

Sponsored by Islamorada Investment Management Visits with Santa! Bring your camera! Santa is in the Kids Activity Tent from 4-9pm except during the parade. S the 35-f t tr blowing magical snow from its branches! F d & Drinks Vino Vi age Craft

Sponsored by FKEC • The Valier Group Sunbelt • Blue Marlin Jewelry CBT Construction Island Disposal Company

Snow Mountain! 30 Tons of Snow! Face Painting, Snow Cones, Holiday Crafts, and more!

HELP KEEP HOLIDAY FEST PLASTIC FREE! please bring your own reusable non-glass drink container

Sponsored by Baptist Health Mariners Hospital

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

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Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@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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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.