Key West Weekly 25-0116

The rare one.

$2,349,000

Explore 17270 Old State Road 4A, a rare gem on almost 3 expansive acres of prime oceanfront land in Sugarloaf Key. This stunning property offers sweeping, unobstructed open ocean views, making it a perfect escape or retreat for those who appreciate nature's beauty and tranquility. Featuring large wrap-around decks on both floors, this home is designed to blend indoor and outdoor living seamlessly. Take in the breathtaking vistas, enjoy sunset views, or entertain guests in style, all from the comfort of your expansive decks. For a truly panoramic experience, head up to the crow's nest viewing area on the roof, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding waters and lush landscapes. Enjoy ultimate privacy with a long, 500-foot driveway leading to your secluded paradise, away from the bustle of everyday life. With plenty of room to grow, this property offers endless possibilities. The large, cleared lot provides ample space to expand the home's current footprint, whether by extending out onto the decks or adding additional structures on the land. Whether you're looking to build your dream home or create a more significant, elaborate estate, the options are limitless. This is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a piece of paradise in the Florida Keys. Don't miss your chance to own a slice of heaven — where luxury meets nature in perfect harmony.

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5

Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

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According to a report by Forbes, the Food and Drug Administration will ban the use of artificial food coloring Red No. 3. Manufacturers who use the dye in food or medications will have until Jan. 15, 2027 or Jan. 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products. Roughly 2,800 items on American shelves contain the dye.

Waterfront Playhouse presents the, ‘The Angel Next Door,’ Jan. 22 – Feb. 8. The show represents the Florida premier of Paul Slade Smith’s new comedy. See page 12.

CAN 1 MAN HOLD HEALTH CARE

HOSTAGE IN THE LOWER KEYS?

Secret financial arrangement hamstrings negotiations for a new hospital operator

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Can one Miami businessman prohibit the Lower Keys community from selecting a new company to operate its only public hospital because he makes millions of dollars from a 30-year-old financial arrangement with the current company? Does that man’s financial interest supersede the authority of a hospital district board that was appointed by the governor to support “the preservation of the public health, for the public good”?

Yes. To all of the above, yes.

What’s going on?

So here’s the deal.

Twenty-five years ago, a series of long, late-night meetings at Lower Keys Medical Center on College Road ended with a decision by the hospital district board to lease the College Road hospital facility for 30 years to a private, for-profit company, which would run it as a private business.

That lease with Community Health Services, based in Franklin, Tennessee, ends in 2029 and a growing number of concerned residents want the local hospital district board to use the next few years to explore its options and consider a different operator for Lower Keys Medical Center rather than renew the lease and be tethered to CHS for another 30 years, especially given CHS’s financial struggles and debt.

Key West resident Spencer Krenke last year formed the citizens advocacy group, Our Hospital Key West, (OHKW) and spent time researching CHS, the history of its agreement with Lower Keys Medical Center and the debt that has forced CHS to sell 65%, or 135, of the 206 hospitals it once owned. Krenke and others formed OHKW to warn the community and the appointed board charged with overseeing the community’s hospital against simply renewing the agreement with CHS without considering other options, including Baptist Health or Mount Sinai.

“While five years may seem like a long way off, to achieve a new, best-in-class hospital group to replace the current operators, our work as advocates needs to begin now,” Krenke, a successful entrepreneur who has worked as CEO and CFO of multiple companies, wrote last year on the OHKW website. “Why would anyone renew our hospital agreement with CHS given there are numerous other hospital operator alternatives to consider who haven’t divested the majority of their hospitals, and aren’t selfdisclosing ‘significant financial risk’? It’s a reasonable question, right?”

So

what’s the issue?

A troubling reality of the Lower Keys’ hospital hostage situation came to light at the Jan. 7 meeting of the Lower Florida Keys Hospital District board. Its members are

appointed by the governor, unpaid and apparently powerless to even consider a different hospital operator when the hospital’s current lease agreement with the Tennesseebased Community Health Services (CHS) expires in 2029. Why? Because there’s another, private entity involved in that lease agreement. But more on that in a moment.

First, the Lower Florida Keys Hospital District is a state-chartered special taxing district created in 1967 that exists solely to provide and maintain a hospital for the people in the district, which stretches from Key West to the Seven Mile Bridge.

The hospital district board is authorized to levy, and in the past has levied, a special tax within the district to fund the public hospital. That tax has not been levied since 1999, when the hospital district board decided to lease the hospital on Stock Island to a private, for-profit health care company.

The lease between CHS and the Lower Florida Keys Hospital District includes more than the public hospital on College Road. The agreement also includes dePoo Hospital on Kennedy Drive, which is owned by Miami businessman Roberto Sanchez through his company, Kennedy Drive Investments. And Kennedy Drive Investments Ltd. is inextricably linked with Lower Keys Medical Center and Community Health Systems.

continued from page 4

CAN 1 MAN HOLD HEALTH CARE HOSTAGE IN THE LOWER KEYS?

How did we get here?

Nearly 30 years ago, Key West had two hospitals — the public Florida Keys Memorial Hospital (now Lower Keys Medical Center) on College Road, and the private dePoo Hospital on Kennedy Drive.

It was eventually determined that a community this size could not support two hospitals, and combining the two entities into a single rural, public hospital would yield greater Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.

That combination of the two hospitals worked just fine — until the 30-year lease with CHS ends in 2029.

“Back then, we struggled with what would happen at the end of the 30-year lease because Kennedy Drive Investments then would no longer have a license to operate its dePoo Hospital, since it was combined into the one license,” attorney Lew Fishman told the hospital district board and a group of concerned residents at the Jan. 7 meeting.

“So we’re burdened now with a problem that wasn’t solved 30 years ago?” asked local philanthropist and health care advocate John Padget.

Then came the kicker from Fishman: Kennedy Drive Investments — and Sanchez — have veto power over any potential new agreements and leases with other hospital operators.

“My initial discussions with Kennedy Drive Investments and Roberto Sanchez is that they were interested in retaining CHS,” Fishman said to the dismay of community members at the meeting.

“If the hospital board doesn’t have the absolute right to select a new hospital operator without the approval of Roberto Sanchez, then what the hell are we doing here?” asked community activist Peter Batty.

Business owner and former city commissioner Mark Rossi then wanted to know the details of Sanchez’s arrangement with CHS and what it would take for the hospital district to buy him out of his agreement so the public hospital board would be free to select whatever hospital operator it chooses for the good of the community.

Fishman said the details of the deal between Sanchez and CHS have never been disclosed.

“I think the next move should be for you, Lew, to start negotiations with Kennedy Drive Investments because their contract with CHS is not advantageous to our residents and our community.”

The next meeting of the hospital district board is Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. with the location to be determined. For more information about Our Hospital Key West, which contains a detailed history of the hospital lease agreements, visit ohkw.org.

Sanchez could not be reached for comment and CHS officials have indicated a desire to renew their lease.

FISHER MUSEUM OPENS WINTER LECTURE SERIES

Topics include shipwrecks & Civil War-era emancipation in Key West

One of the oldest shipwrecks in the Western Hemisphere, Civil War-era emancipation in Key West, and the discovery of two fabled sunken Spanish galleons will be highlighted during a winter lecture series at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.

Scheduled each Tuesday from Jan. 28 through Feb. 25, the lectures begin at 6:30 p.m. at the museum, located at 200 Greene St. The museum is a center for the excavation, preservation, research and exhibition of maritime artifacts.

Its collection of 17th-century maritime and shipwreck antiquities includes treasure and artifacts from the Spanish galleons Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita, sunk in 1622, and objects from the English merchant slave ship Henrietta Marie, lost in 1700. The heritage of the three vessels, each discovered and excavated in waters off Key West under the auspices of museum founder Mel Fisher, is chronicled in the facility’s permanent exhibitions.

The lecture series starts Tuesday, Jan. 28, with a showing of the mini-documentary “Before Juneteenth: Florida’s Emancipations.” The film is paired with commentary about Key West’s unique role in the mid-1800s evolution of emancipation by Corey Malcom, lead historian for the Florida Keys History Center and the museum’s longtime director of archaeology.

The following Tuesday, Feb. 4, will feature scholar, artist and activist Dinizulu Gene Tinnie, discussing the Cuban slaving vessel Amistad, its seizure by captured Africans and its

relevance to the maritime slave trade. The trade — including Key West’s place in the U.S. Navy’s anti-slavery efforts — is examined in the museum’s “Spirits of the Passage” exhibit.

A rare 16th-century shipwreck takes center stage Tuesday, Feb. 11, when Malcom guides an informal tour of a new exhibit titled “Uncovering the Santa Clara.” Malcom, who led the museum’s team that identified and excavated the 1564 vessel, also plans to display Santa Clara artifacts during a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility’s conservation laboratory.

Carol Tedesco, author of “Treasure Coins of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha & the Santa Margarita” and other shipwreck-related books and archaeological “mystery” articles, will speak Tuesday, Feb. 18. With a focus on silver coins and other intriguing artifacts, she will discuss the similarities and differences in Spanish Colonial shipwreck cargoes based on year, geography and twists of fate.

Finally, a presentation by members of the “golden crew” that found and recovered the 1622 sunken galleons Atocha and Margarita is scheduled Tuesday, Feb. 25. Tom Ford, Syd Jones, Andy Matroci and Vince Trotta will share their personal recollections of one of the greatest discoveries of Spanish colonial sunken treasure in the world.

Admission to all lectures is free, but seating is limited. More information is at melfisher.org.

— Contributed Scan to register

A model of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha ship was created by Daniel P. O’Neill in 2010. CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed

Aline of blue jerseys on bicycles made its way down the Florida Keys Jan. 10 and 11, as the Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride returned to the island chain, which welcomed them back with signs and support.

Yellow ribbons and American flags lined North Roosevelt Boulevard, where the Key West police and firefighters stood in respect as the riders passed into Old Town for a welcome party at Bayview Park.

“Warriors discovered Soldier Ride is more than a cycling event – it is a chance to heal their bodies and minds through experiences that connect them to their fellow service members,” according to the Wounded Warrior Project website. “Army veteran Natalie Charles said the chance to have fun with other like-minded veterans helped her form connections that are free of judgments. ‘Their experiences are your experiences, so you can talk about it with those warriors,’ she said. “Other veterans understand what civilians don’t, and it makes connecting much easier.’”

For many, Soldier Ride is the first time during their healing process that they venture out of their homes to connect with the community. Many wounded veterans face similar challenges with isolation when transitioning to civilian life, and gatherings like this offer a chance to bond with other warriors and learn they are not alone, the website states.

More information is at woundedwarriorproject.org. Information on local veterans services is available from Cathy Crane, director of Monroe County Veterans Affairs at CraneCathy@monroecounty-fl.gov or 305-295-5150.

WOUNDED WARRIORS GET HEROES WELCOME

The Wounded Warrior 2025 Soldier Ride arrives in Key West on Jan. 11 after a breakfast at Naval Air Station Key West on Boca Chica Key. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

TRUMP TAPS KEY WEST’S RUSSO TO CHAIR TASK FORCE

Businessman was environmental consultant for Trump’s golf courses

mandy@keysweekly.com

AKey West businessman, environmental consultant and Nobel Prize nominee made national political headlines last week when president-elect Donald Trump tapped him for a role in the incoming administration.

Ed Russo will chair Trump’s environmental advisory task force, Trump announced on social media on Jan. 10.

“I am pleased to announce that Ed Russo, an Environmental Expert, will lead our Environmental Advisory Task Force, which will advise my Administration on initiatives to create great jobs and protect our natural resources, by following my policy of CLEAN AIR and CLEAN WATER. Together, we will achieve American Energy DOMINANCE, rebuild our Economy, and DRILL, BABY, DRILL.”

Russo previously worked for Trump’s businesses as an environmental consultant for his golf courses. Some of the national news stories about Russo’s appointment mentioned the 2016 book he wrote, and its flattering title: “Donald J. Trump: An Environmental Hero.“

“That book was merely a chronicle of achievements,” Russo told the Keys Weekly. “I didn’t try to spin anything, My point was that if he, Trump, did all these things, then he should get credit, and anyone who didn’t do any of those things can’t criticize.”

“I’ll report to the incoming administration and to Trump directly,” Russo told the Keys Weekly on Jan. 13. “He has some specific tasks for me to work on, like water resource management needs and specific land-use planning in California, obviously. I’ll also be able to put together teams to address the president’s clean air and clean water priorities,” including drinking water and the marine environment.

Russo knows a thing or two about clean drinking water. He and his business partner, Yehuda Kaploun, an Orthodox Jewish rabbi in Miami, were nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for using atmospheric water technology to create clean, healthy drinking water from the air.

Their company, RussKap, manufactures machines that remove moisture from the air and convert it to drinking water “at the point of need,” Kaploun told the Keys Weekly in June 2024, rather than having to transport it long distances through a pipeline.

KEY WEST AIRPORT BREAKS RECORD IN DECEMBER

143,606 passengers used EYW

the

The RussKap machines can produce 200 gallons of water a day and are being used in 45 countries for disaster relief, humanitarian and military operations, often where drinking water is contaminated due to pollution, natural disasters or limited natural resources.

“Clean water is the international language of peace,” Kaploun said last year. “Water is not political; it’s personal and it’s the most basic requirement for human life. I have no respect for people who want to politicize a humanitarian water crisis, but are not willing to fix it.”

Russo’s new position does not require Senate confirmation, so he does not need to divest himself of his businesses, and he plans to remain on the boards of Reef Relief and the Florida Keys Environmental Coalition.

“But I did have to resign from the Key West Planning Board, which I regret, because I really enjoyed that,” Russo said.

Russo said last week that he also wants to develop an energy plan — one that considers more than “drill, baby, drill.”

“One form of energy can’t do it all,” he said. “But emerging technology is resulting in new techniques and methods of producing and managing energy. So we’ll put together a plan to know the types of energy we want to use over the next 30, 50, 80 years.”

He complimented Trump’s commitment to “practical, reasonable approaches” to water quality, and emphasized his commitment to helping the Florida Keys from the federal level.

Russo has an office and an apartment in Washington, D.C., though he and his wife, Jennifer Hulse, a Key West attorney and business owner, are still figuring out the logistics of how and where they’ll spend and split their time.

Bound for New York’s La Guardia Airport, an Embraer 175 aircraft operated by American Airlines/Republic Airways prepares for pushback at Key West International Airport on Jan. 14. CONTRIBUTED

December 2024 was Key West International Airport’s best December on record, with 143,606 passengers using the airport for the month.

2024 was transformative for EYW, with ballooning passenger counts and continued construction on the airport’s new eight-gate Concourse A.

For the year 2024, 1,449,649 passengers used the airport, representing a 9.7% bump for the year compared to 2023. December was a precursor to what is expected to be another record- breaking year ahead, while Concourse A is on the path to completion.

“The fact that we’ve been able to serve a 10% increase in passengers while building this new facility is a testament to the hard work of all involved,” said executive director Richard Strickland.

Concourse A update

Construction on the airport’s new Concourse A build-

ing is on track to be complete by April. The superstructure, glass wall and roof are complete. The building is enclosed and interior mechanical, electric and plumbing are underway along with drywall and buildout of concession areas.

Key points

• All but three passenger boarding bridges have been installed.

• Passenger boarding bridges 6 and 7 arrive at the airport this week, followed by the 8th and final bridge set for installation in February to March.

• Installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment is on track for March.

• Training of staff and fit checks for boarding bridges will take place throughout the first quarter.

Follow the progress by viewing the project’s two live camera feeds at eyw.com/ concourse-a.

— Contributed

MANDY MILES

Ed Russo, left, and business partner Yehuda Kaploun were nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for their company’s efforts to make clean drinking water using

humidity from the air. CONTRIBUTED

NOT A DROP TO DRINK

NEW KEY DEER RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS DWINDLING FRESH WATER SOURCES

Key deer, the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer in North America, are emblematic of the Florida Keys. The endearing creatures are miniature versions of their larger counterparts, captivating onlookers with their tiny stature and friendly demeanor.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Key deer were once poached almost to extinction and in 1967 were put on the endangered species list, where they remain today. Although the Key deer population has somewhat stabilized, with an estimated 700 to 800 currently thriving in the Lower Keys, the threat of extinction continues to haunt these delicate creatures.

Since its inception in 2017, Save Our Key Deer (SOKD) has been a prominent force in the ongoing battle to safeguard and preserve the iconic Key deer. SOKD has funded crucial research undertaken by local scientists, highlighting the details of the Key deer’s fragile habitat.

A recent peer-reviewed article published in the Journal for Nature Conservation has revealed a disturbing trend: The deer are becoming increasingly domesticated due to a critical shortage of clean drinking water. This development, coupled with other threats such as the encroachment of rising sea levels, the effect of hurricanes and the unpredictability of seasons, continues to endanger the species’ existence.

SOKD embarked on a multiyear investigation to determine the severity of freshwater scarcity affecting the vulnerable Key deer population. The comprehensive study examined 89 freshwater holes, spanning the archipelago from the southernmost reaches of Sugarloaf Key to the northernmost shores of Big Pine Key.

The project yielded valuable insights, SOKD president Valerie Preziosi said, shedding light on the challenges confronting the Key deer and providing crucial information for guiding future management strategies and enhancing their prospects for long-term survival.

Key deer possess a critical adaptation to survive in the Keys’ island chain: a remarkable ability to thrive on water with elevated salt concentrations, honed by their existence within this distinctive geographical environment. Still, like most animals, they do need a certain amount of fresh water to survive.

“Our research shows that the Key deer require lower-salinity water sources than previously believed,” said Preziosi. “We hope this new information compels the (National Key Deer Refuge) to enhance as many individual water holes as possible, resulting in the deer returning to the woods where they belong.”

Human development has accelerated a rampant loss of critical habitat and vital sources of clean drinking water. Historically, the remarkable survival of these deer hinged on the unique geological features of the Keys, which provide surface access to underground freshwater reserves. These natural water features served as lifelines for the deer, offering unlimited access to critical hydration. However, the march of human development has decimated many of these invaluable sites, leaving the delicate balance of the Key deer’s ecosystem teetering on the brink.

In recent years, a troubling trend has unfolded, as Key deer are displaying increasingly tame behaviors. The unsettling shift stems from their dependence on human intervention. The scarcity of natural water sources has left some deer heavily reliant on the efforts of humans, who provide fresh water in makeshift receptacles such as buckets, bird baths, manmade backyard ponds and pet bowls.

This reliance on human charity represents a dramatic departure from the wild instincts of

the Lower Keys.

2. A dried-up pond on Middle Torch Key leaves nothing for Key deer to drink.

3. As natural fresh water sources dwindle, endangered Key deer increasingly turn to man-made options. VALERIE PREZIOSI/Contributed

these creatures, raising concerns about their longterm viability and the fragile equilibrium of their delicate ecosystem.

The readily-available drinking water appears to be a prime resource sought out by the deer that regularly visit residents’ properties. While it is illegal to feed or touch Key deer, it is not illegal to leave water out for them. Local neighbors may leave clean water for deer to drink, as the animals face a historically low availability of natural drinking water in their native habitats – but Preziosi said SOKD believes the ultimate goal is to return the deer to enhanced water sources in the woods.

“Our current journal publication is essential research to consider when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (Service) updates its mandatory species status assessment for the endangered Key deer,” said Preziosi. “Delisting the species from its endangered status will be extremely difficult. … We hope our research encourages the refuge to reimplement enhancements of appropriate individual water sources.”

If you see an ill or injured Key deer, contact FWC’s Wildlife Hotline at 888-404-3922, ext. 1. More information is at www.saveourkeydeer.org.

1. Endangered Key deer cross a shallow bay in

JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

SEE ‘THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR’ AT WATERFRONT

Theater hosts Florida premiere of new comedy Jan. 22-Feb. 8

The Waterfront Playhouse will present the Florida premiere of Paul Slade Smith’s new comedy, “The Angel Next Door” Jan. 22 to Feb. 8, a production that blends wit, twists and charm.

Leading the cast are performers Tom Wolfe and Barb Wallace, the writing duo behind TV’s “Welcome to New York,” and other works for stage, screen and television. Joining them are Chicago-based actors Dylan Rogers and Melanie Keller, as well as local talents Jessica Miano Kruel and Jeremy Zoma.

“The Angel Next Door,” alternately titled “Theatre People,” takes a playful dive into the antics of eccentric artists, unpredictable love affairs and comedic chaos. It is directed by Waterfront Playhouse artistic director Patrick New.

— Contributed

‘The Angel Next Door’ at Waterfront Playhouse Jan. 22 – Feb. 8 For tickets call 305-294-5015 or visit waterfrontplayhouse.org

FREE PICNIC HONORS MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. ON JAN. 20

Event starts at noon at Nelson English Park; commemorative march at 5 p.m.

The city of Key West invites the community to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20 from noon to 4 p.m. at Nelson English Park at 300 Catherine St.

The family-oriented celebration will include food, drink, games and speeches, all culminating in a march at 5 p.m. in honor of the civil rights pioneer.

King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his work in the civil rights movement. He was assassinated in Memphis in 1968 for his dedication to this cause.

The city commission issued a proclamation honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Key West at its Jan. 7 meeting.

Mona C. Clark and other

members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration & Scholarship Committee accepted the proclamation.

“We’ve been doing this for 40 years,” said Clark, “and the main purpose is to give scholarships to kids that need the assistance. In the past 10 years the need has increased tremendously. Last year, we gave out $26,000. This is working for the community, the youth, and the future of Key West.”

The committee also helps organize the annual MLK picnic each January and hosts events throughout February for Black History Month.

Key West’s city offices will be closed on Jan. 20 in honor of the King holiday.

— Contributed

Members of Key West’s Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Committee accept a proclamation commemorating Jan. 20 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Jan. 7 city commission meeting. CONTRIBUTED

OVERALL GRADUATION RATE

TRAILS FLORIDA AVERAGE OF 89.7%

Coral Shores exceeds state; Key West keeps pace; Marathon falls short

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

School district officials this week announced the 20232024 graduation rates for the Florida Keys’ three public high schools, two of which trail the state’s highest-ever graduation rate of 89.7%.

The district’s overall graduation rate was 86.9% for the 2023-2024 school year, 2.8 points lower than the state.

Monroe County’s overall rate was 89% in 2022-2023 and 88.2% in 2021-2022.

“The district’s overall graduation rate stands at 86.9%, which is slightly below the state rate,” according to a Jan. 13 press release. “The district remains committed to implementing strategies to support and improve student outcomes.”

The press release commended Coral Shores High School for exceeding the statewide graduation rate with its 91.1%. Key West High School trailed the state by less than a point, with an 88.9% graduation rate. Marathon High School trails the state by 6.6 points, with an 83.1% graduation rate.

“The district is aware of the factors that impede students graduating from Marathon High School and is working diligently to address those,” said principal Christine Paul.

“This year we have implemented a freshman seminar class, as research indicates that a successful freshman year is a key factor in students’ high school academic success.”

Superintendent Theresa Axford said, “We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers and staff for their unwavering commitment to education. While we recognize there are areas for improvement, we are confident that our ongoing efforts will lead to continued success and higher graduation rates in the future.”

2023-2024

Graduation Rates

Statewide: 89.7%

Countywide: 86.9%

Coral Shores High School: 91.1%

Key West High School: 88.9% Marathon High School: 83.1%

TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN NEEDS 16 MENTORS IN THE KEYS

Students cannot partake in scholarship program without volunteers

Monroe County’s Take Stock in Children scholarship program needs 16 mentors to volunteer 30 minutes a week. CONTRIBUTED

Take Stock in Children Monroe is seeking mentors to pair with 16 students who cannot be part of the program without them.

A mentor is a vital component to a student’s acceptance into the initiative, providing the guidance and support needed to thrive. Without a mentor, an eligible TSIC student cannot enter the program.

“Our mentors are making a positive impact and a true difference in the lives of their Take Stock mentees with a small commitment of 30 minutes a week,” executive director Chuck Licis-Masson said.

The organization said 100% of its students graduate from

high school, with nearly all enrolling in higher education or career technical programs, and 75% earning a degree or career certificate.

It has served 1,084 students.

Take Stock said prospective mentors are caring adults who have the time to help guide and encourage students to do their best, and who have a willingness to listen to and be a stable presence in a young person’s life.

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

— Contributed

OPAL KEY RESORT’S DIANE SCHMIDT EARNS HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME HONORS

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association also names her Hotelier of the Year

On Jan. 11, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) honored its 2024 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Hall of Fame winners during an evening gala at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor. The 2025 FRLA executive committee and new chairman of the board, Nick Sarra of Destin, were also sworn in at the event.

The statewide organization named longtime Key West hotel executive Diane Schmidt as hotelier of the year, and inducted her into its hall of fame.

“Recognizing the exceptional achievements of our Hospitality Stars of the Industry is a true honor,” said Carol Dover, president and CEO of the association. “The FRLA Hall of Fame celebrates distinguished leaders whose legacies have left an enduring mark on Florida’s vibrant hospitality landscape, and we are proud of the 2024 inductees. With more than 140 combined years of service, their unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation has not only elevated our industry but has set the standard that will continue to shape our industry for generations.”

OVERSEAS MEDIA GROUP WELCOMES CEO JENNY LORENZ

Locally owned digital marketing agency is Keys Weekly’s sister company

Overseas Media Group (OMG), the locally owned digital marketing agency serving the Florida Keys, recently welcomed Jenny Lorenz, who will be acting as the firm’s CEO, which includes director of social media, brand management and creative director. A veteran marketing expert with more than two decades of experience, Lorenz will lead the day-to-day operations of the agency, while supporting clients’ creative goals and vision.

“Jenny brings a proven track record of success and creative methods to our portfolio and our culture,” said OMG partner Britt Myers.

Schmidt has over 50 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with nearly 35 years in Key West. She began her career at the Miami International Airport Marriott and quickly rose to director of catering at the Omni International Hotel. In 1982, Schmidt moved to Key West and worked at the Casa Marina Resort, ultimately serving as general manager of The Reach.

After a successful tenure with Interstate Hotels Corporation, Diane became senior vice president of sales and revenue management for Boykin Management Company, overseeing 16 properties across multiple states. In 2006, she returned to Key West as general manager of the Opal Key West Resort & Marina, a role she held for 17 years before semi-retiring along with her husband Mark.

Active in her community, Schmidt serves on several boards, including the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Key West Chamber of Commerce. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to hospitality and community service.

— Contributed

Established in 2020 as a sister company of the Keys Weekly Newspapers, OMG provides social media management, Google and Meta paid campaign management, website development and optimization, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing services, webcams and strategic marketing for businesses across Monroe County. In addition, OMG’s expertise not only helps clients promote special events, but also navigate the requirements for reimbursement by the Tourist Development Council (TDC).

“Every business has a story to tell, but how that story is presented and who it reaches is paramount in today’s evolving digital landscape,” Myers said. “We are proud to build our reputation, body of work and results around Jenny’s dedication and talents.”

Lorenz, who moved to Key West over 12 years ago, brings two decades of expertise in marketing, sales, advertising and event management to OMG. A highly regarded marketing executive, she has a proven track record of delivering effective results for her clients. After Hurricane Irma, Lorenz joined The Perry Hotel as the complex director of marketing, where she was named Marketer of the Year for both years she held the position, significantly accelerating her career. In 2021, she started her own digital marketing agency focused on supporting small businesses.

“I’m thrilled to join the team at OMG and lead them into this next phase of growth,” Lorenz said. “Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with local businesses of all

sizes across all industries and it’s been my passion (and obsession) to help them achieve their goals. To work with a company that shares these same values is a dream come true and I can’t wait for our community to see what we have in store for 2025 and beyond.”

OMG has a large portfolio of projects ranging from complex websites to local social media accounts. The firm recently completed the new Monroe County Sheriff’s Office website and performs social media management for a variety of local businesses and events of all sizes, including the Blue Angels’ Southernmost Air Spectacular.

“Jenny’s addition moves us closer to our goal of becoming the leading digital marketing agency for Monroe County,” said Myers. “We want to be poised to assist businesses and events of any size. And to do so, we have to know our clients. We have to understand the challenges and opportunities of doing business in the Keys. And I believe our 20-year history of serving local businesses creates a great fit for Jenny to lead our team.”

More information about the Overseas Media Group’s services, including a portfolio of websites OMG has built, is at overseasmediagroup.com. Lorenz can be reached via email at jenny@ overseasmediagroup.com.

Jenny Lorenz joins Overseas Media Group, the locally owned digital marketing agency in the Florida Keys, as CEO. CONTRIBUTED

From left, Lifetime Achievement Award winner Don Fox; Supplier of the Year Topher Jensen of Gas South; Restaurateur of the Year Horace Dawson; Hotelier of the Year Diane Schmidt of Key West. CONTRIBUTED

MIND

ALTERING LUBRICANTS FOR SOCIAL INTERCOURSE

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By popular demand, CHRISTINE MILD returns with an all-new show with iconic anthems made famous by women singing BOTH Country AND Rock ‘n Roll. She’ll still be featuring country touchstones like Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Jody Messina and Shania Twain, but “we’ll be adding in friends like Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Patty Smith, and even some Heart. It’s all great music.”

With JIM RICE on keyboards, it’s packed with great memories and runs JUST 4 NIGHTS , JANUARY 15-18, 2025 which will sell out fast, so reserve your seats today! Curtain times are 7:30PM.

Dining

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Lisandra has won various prizes including 1st prize at the 2013 Cuban Contemporary Art Fair, Galiano Gallery in Havana, and 1st Prize for the poster of the International Day against Violence for the Oscar Arnulfo Romero NGO. Florida Keys’ & Cuba’s Finest Regional Art “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso

Lisandra Ramirez graduated from the San Alejandro Art Academy of Havana in 2007 and the Superior Art Institute of Havana (ISA) in 2012. She studied bronze casting techniques in Spain and did further studies at the Tisch School of the Arts at the University of New York (NY), United States. She exhibited at the Museum of the Americas in Washington, DC.

STOP THE SCROLL

It’s time we talk about phones in the gym

Folks, we’ve got a full-blown crisis going on in the exercise world.

No, I’m not talking about a stampede of newcomers banging down the doors on Jan. 1 because it’s a “new year, new me.” The cool part about living in a small town is you won’t get the hordes you see on the mainland, and I would NEVER make someone feel bad about getting in the gym and doing something healthy.

Unless, of course, you’re not actually DOING … well, ANYTHING.

I’ve said a million times that if not for my job, I’d be pretty dang happy going back to the days of the ol’ flip phone (shout out to the glory days of the original Motorola Razr and unlimited free Verizonto-Verizon phone minutes after 8 p.m.). As it is, I’m trying hard to scale back what I’m pretty sure is an undiagnosed full-blown screen addiction. So believe me, I get the urge to scroll endlessly.

But the other day, I walked into the gym and had to stop myself from laughing out loud. The place wasn’t crowded – again, perks of our small town. There were fewer than a dozen people, all set up on separate machines. Not one weight was actually moving – but every single person had a trusty smartphone in hand.

Now once again, I get it: Every exercise needs recovery time, and if you’re working out alone, sending the newest almost-funny Instagram reel to your best digital pen pal or the group chat is a great way to pass the time. But out of curiosity, I hung around and stretched, just to see how long it would take for someone to even look up from their phones.

It took almost five minutes for someone to start moving again.

At this point I was more amused than anything, and since it’s not a crowded gym, there were plenty of machines to go around.

I was less enthused, however, two weeks later.

It was a new workout on a new day, and for this particular

exercise there was only one weight in the gym that fit my needs. Unfortunately, it was in use at the moment.

Well, that’s if you count being under the foot of a guy scrolling on his phone “in use.”

“No worries,” I thought at first. “Skip this one for now, move on to something else and we’ll come back later.”

Wrong answer.

made the natural career transition from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor after six years at Dolphin Research Center. His passions include running, watersports, and civil disagreements with sharks while spearfishing.

Over the next half-hour I would go on to finish four sets each of three other exercises. Apart from, you know, the actual effort of working out, the second biggest task of the day was keeping my jaw off the floor when I was done.

The guy hadn’t finished his exercise. He hadn’t finished a set. In half an hour, he hadn’t finished a single rep. He was … you guessed it … still sitting there in the exact same spot, scrolling on his phone.

Is this the exception rather than the norm these days? In the Keys, I’d say yes – but again, I’m so glad I don’t live near a crowded downtown gym contending not only with the scrollers, but the people who somehow think it’s a requirement to film EVERY rep of their exercises for social media (even funnier when they throw up a caption like #silentgrind).

Let’s be honest, though: The phone insanity in gyms could use a reality check, and maybe that should get bundled in with the “new year, new us” resolutions. Because I will say this: If you “exercised” but left the gym with more Tinder swipes than squats, maybe just save that for a Netflix session on the couch.

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

Keep Key West Beautiful started out 2025 with another record-breaking cleanup. The Ploggers met behind Walgreens by the Home Depot to clean up the wooded area between Walgreens, the townhomes and the nearby hotel. In one hour, 66 volunteers collected 1,424 pounds of trash, 98 pounds of recycling and 2 gallons of cigarette butts. Six of the volunteers were from out of town and on vacation in Key West. CONTRIBUTED

The second cleanup of 2025 was another record-breaking week, with 88 volunteers cleaning the area around the Key West Woman’s Club at the Hellings Curry Museum. This is the fourth time this host has provided breakfast for the volunteers after their hard work. In one hour, the volunteers collected 214 pounds of trash, 18.5 pounds of recycling and 6 gallons of cigarette butts. Next week the Green Machine and Ploggers will be located just off Truman Avenue in the parking lot of the Key West Lighthouse for a cleanup hosted by the Key West Art and Historical Society.CONTRIBUTED

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

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

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

The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or

Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

It takes committed community involvement to keep Key West beautiful and we are making progress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted. Call Dorian Patton at 305-809-3782 to find out how your business, nonprofit or club can help.

ALEX RICKERT

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

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

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

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

Meet Kokita, an 8-year-old pit bull mix. Despite her size, Kokita firmly believes she’s a lap dog and will happily sit on top of you for snuggles. She adores humans, gets along wonderfully with other dogs and is an excellent walking companion.

Crepe is a 3-year-old queen of sass and strategy, having mastered the art of playing hard to get. She’s the ultimate catio tease — luring visitors with her charm only to act aloof once they step inside. But don’t let her cool demeanor fool you; Crepe has a sweet side and a playful spirit.

Meet Whopper, a 5-year-old blackand-white medium-haired beauty with a heart full of sweetness. This lovely girl spends most of her days napping but enjoys the company of people and loves a good cuddle. Whopper does get chronic sinus infections due to a nasal polyp that’s tricky to remove, but don’t worry — it doesn’t stop her from living her best life.

Bixby is a handsome 3-year-old brown rabbit with an adorably nerdy vibe. This sweet bunny is as endearing as they come, with a gentle personality and a love for quiet companionship.

Ozzy is a 6-year-old cow cat (blackand-white markings) who’s looking for love again. Ozzy came to us in April 2024 after spending his entire life in one home. The transition was hard — he was sad, withdrawn and barely eating. But with care from our team, Ozzy has blossomed. He’s now more outgoing and gaining confidence every day.

SUNDAY, JAN. 19 | 7:30 PM TENNESSEE WILLIAMS THEATRE AT THE COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

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MARK HEDDEN

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

It was the third year that Ellen Westbrook and I had done the morning part of the Christmas Bird Count by bike, which officially made it a tradition. Our territory was Old Town Key West, everything west of White Street.

It was a bit blowy, which was mostly fine, except for the few times Ellen, who is much skinnier than me, had to stand on her pedals to keep going in a headwind. The wind meant our songbird numbers would likely be lower than most years, as they tend to hunker down and make themselves hard to find when branches start waving in the breeze. We persevered, though, and worked our way around the island, counting every pigeon, dove, gull, tern, pelican, mockingbird and chicken we saw.

At Fort Zach we sat on a picnic table bench and counted the gray mass of laughing gulls, backlit by a glittering sea, that covered one of the rock piles. By some miracle we both counted exactly 310.

At Mallory Square, we saw our one and only white-crowned pigeon of the morning, and our first 78 black skimmers.

We parked our bikes at the racks in the shadow of the A&B Lobster House sign and walked to the end of the boardwalk at Ocean Key House, counting the young brown pelicans napping on the floating docks along the way. (There were five.)

We watched as a huge manatee, tail the size of a card table, stuck his nose above the surface to catch his breath, then submerged again and slowly swam under the boats.

I didn’t pay much attention to the great white heron standing on the floating jet ski dock. It was the sixth one I’d seen that day. After we counted the 29 pelicans out on the granite riprap seawall that protects Key West Bight, I started scanning the dock lines for green herons, which sometimes like to use them for fishing perches.

After a few minutes the great white heron took off. I thought about lifting my camera for a flight shot, but knew I would only get a picture of a bird’s departing butt, and I have a lot of those.

Also, the great white did not fly away. Instead he dropped face first, wings outstretched, down into the water, like an osprey, like Cato from the Pink Panther movies.

The bird was only in the water for a second, maybe two. Immediately he started flapping, lifting slowly, then quickly, out of the water, returning to the exact same spot on the floating jet ski dock in the exact same posture, as if someone had rewound a film.

KUNG FU HERONS & THEIR PLACE IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS

“Did you see that?” I asked Ellen. She had not. Self-doubt started to creep in. I would have wondered if I had imagined it, except the bird left a floating after-image on the surface of the water, kind of an inverse shadow, a pale, large heron-sized, dissipating Rorschach blot that slowly drifted in the direction the manatee had gone.

Herons have a thing called powder down, also sometimes called feather dust, which is a talcum-like substance that comes from the worn feathers. It helps keep their feathers healthy and orderly, like a sort of dry conditioner. So I figured the after-image was that. But Ellen, who handles a lot of birds when she volunteers at the Key West Wildlife Center, was pretty sure there was a healthy dose of feather lice in there, too.

I had never noticed the after-image phenomenon before, but the behavior was unfamiliar as well, and to me more surprising.

Great white herons are wading birds. Their standard modus operandi is to stand in a few inches of water and wait for an unsuspecting fish to swim by, and then to grab it with an ultra-quick stab of the bill. Sometimes they’ll stand on the edge of the water – in the mud or sand or on a log or rock – and do this. Sometimes they’ll wade into belly-deep water. Sometimes they nab a snake or the occasional smaller bird or still-growing chick.

I had never seen a great white heron, or really any type of heron, do a full-on aquatic body slam. No doubt it did it in an attempt to catch a fish, but with all the flailing body parts needed for the bird to regain purchase on the air and lift itself back out of the water, it was impossible to say whether he gulped something down quickly or not.

It was the kind of behavior I would like to read more about, but I suspected there

wouldn’t be a great deal of easy-to-find information about the varied hunting tactics of great white herons, which turned out to be the case.

Part of the problem is the great white heron’s taxonomic status. Not much has been written about its behavior because it is not currently considered a species.

The great white heron breeds almost exclusively in the Florida Keys and the Everglades. It’s our hometown hero(n), the one truly endemic form of a bird we have. It was first described for science by John James Audubon when he visited the Keys in 1832, and for 141 years it was considered a full species. Then, in 1973, the American Ornithologists’ Union’s Check-list Committee, in an era of lumping, lumped it in as a subspecies of the great blue heron, and later, simply a color morph of the great blue heron.

Since that time, most of the consideration and study of the great white heron has centered on its taxonomic status as opposed to its behaviors or other aspects of life histories.

In recent years, though, the pendulum has begun to swing back toward full species status for the great white heron, driven largely by recent DNA analysis, as well as a few scathing takedowns of the original decision to reclassify it as a subspecies.

In 2020, the American Ornithological Society’s North American Classification Committee (the organization and the committee were both renamed since 1973) declined to reclassify the great white heron, but only by a 5-4 vote.

There are rumors the committee will reconsider its status in the next year or two, and I hope so. Then maybe someone can help shed some light on what the bird I saw dive into the water was up to.

A great white heron seen in Key West

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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’re a couple weeks into the new year, but if you’re feeling more like you’re trying to run through Jell-O rather than dancing through life, fear not. Mars, the planet of action and courage, is in a period of apparent retrograde motion through February 23. Active progress is not in the stars right now. This week, however, we turn a corner in this transit. On Wednesday, Mars and the Sun opposed one another, marking the midpoint of Mars retrograde. This is the time in this cycle when we are able to gain some clarity on what the Mars retrograde cycle means for us because the sun sheds light on whatever it touches. What part of your life have you been slowing down so that you can effectively speed up when Mars retrograde ends? What difficult feelings have you been sitting with that will ultimately make you more resilient? What actions have you been putting off as you await for the most appropriate time to spring into action? While it is not yet time to move forward, it is high time to understand and analyze this period of slowing down and how it will help you move forward in February. Coming to clarity with the purpose of this Mars retrograde will allow you to work with the rest of the transit with more intent and purpose. Continue to rest, plan, conspire and wait. The time to jump into action is down the road.

Here are your horoscopes for the Sun opposite Mars retrograde. Read for your rising and sun signs.

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Before venturing off into largescale investments and group projects that require your time, energy and money, slow down to focus on the one-on-one partnerships that

ground you. Individual relationships will get you where you need to go, but it is important to slow down to nurture them. Take time with your partner now so you can jump forward with trust and ease later.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Relationships with others are important, but getting good with yourself comes first. Use this time to reflect on your unique position in the universe. What is your stance and, even more importantly, what do you do with your individual perspective? Take this time to focus on your habits and your routines, and make sure that they reflect your unique purpose.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Yes, there is work to do, Pisces. There is always work to do. Before you get started, however, tap into your center and get clear on your passion. You have a community of people who hold you up, but you are the only one who can find your bliss. The people you resonate with may hold a clue to your creative joy, but now is the time to slow down and explore. Find your fire.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Venturing off on joyful adventures comes naturally to you, Aries. That will never change. Right now, though, you have the opportunity to tap into your roots – whether that is family, your home or the actual earth you walk on. You currently have clarity on your work life, but use that awareness to access the counterpoint, which is your home life. What nourishes and rejuvenates you?

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

As you work on either creating a home or accessing your family, this time is for you to connect to the people and places that you find familiar that are around that center. Siblings, neighbors, child-

hood friends, your local neighborhood places – home can be spread out beyond the focal point. As you engage in new experiences, recall that the things ordinary to you are also important.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

It seems you’ve been trying to move forward with things that are very familiar to you, whether that is your siblings, your community or your way of communicating. Right now, though, you are being asked to tap into your personal values first. You cannot move ahead without getting clear on what you value, whether that is financial or emotional. Get right with you first.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

You’re clearly seeing an important partner in your life, and you are ready to move forward building a nest egg. However, you’re being offered the chance to check in with yourself and to determine what motivates you from within. The finances and support will come, but what is it that you bring to the table that is uniquely your own? Enjoy the time to yourself and be patient.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

You’ve been eager to move forward in your daily routines and responsibilities, but first, you’re being nudged to step into a quieter space of self-reflection. What are the inner truths you’ve been avoiding, and how can they guide your next steps? This is a time to slow down and nurture your connection to the unseen – your dreams, your rest, your spirit. The clarity you need will emerge from this stillness.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Creative projects or personal passions have been calling for attention, but right now, you’re being guided to take a step back into your community. Who are the people who inspire and support you? What

networks offer the resources you need? By slowing down and leaning into collaboration, you’ll gain the insight and encouragement required to move forward on your own.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Yes, there are people out there who are ready to help you achieve your goals, but first you need to know what your goals are. You can see what grounds you and where you feel at home, so use that awareness to look out at who you want to be in public. What impact do you want to make in the world? When you’re clear on that purpose, the supportive folks will emerge.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

You have goals and you have work that you want to do in the world. Before you invest in those goals, now is the opportunity to experience new things to make sure that you’re not selling yourself short. You are grounded in your familiar world now, so trust that tether and take the leap to get outside of your comfort zone. This will only help to clarify your work in the world.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

You’ve been aiming to try new things and experience new places, but this sky encourages you to take a closer look at the resources you share with others – whether emotional, financial or energetic. Where are your boundaries, and where can you foster trust? You can see what is yours very clearly, but explore what you share with others. Then embark on that adventure knowing your investments are secure.

CAPRICORN

HUMAN RESOURCES GROUP ELECTS

NEW LEADERS

Florida Keys professionals work in a variety of businesses

Officers for the Florida Keys Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (FLKSHRM) were sworn in during their January chapter meeting at the Harvey Government Center. The group is an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management, a national, professional organization.

From left: HR Florida state council past president Marty Bryson, FLKSHRM president Kristie Hernandez, past president Teresa LaMacchia, treasurer Becky Morley, membership chair Alana Thurston, secretary Maria Abreu, and scholarship chair Julio J. Torrado. CONTRIBUTED

STRANDED PYGMY KILLER WHALE SUCCUMBS TO ITS INJURIES

Marine mammal responders mobilized for the report of a stranded dolphin off Long Key State Park on Jan. 12. What they found upon arrival was a little more rare.

Art Cooper, director of stranding operations for Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder (DPMMR), said they discovered a 5.5-foot pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata) struggling in shallow mud flats and exhibiting signs of poor health. The whale was malnourished, exhibited shallow breathing and had recent shark bites.

After careful evaluation by DPMMR’s stranding veterinarian Dr. Juli Goldstein and in consultation with NOAA Fisheries stranding coordinator, the decision was made to humanely euthanize the animal and provide a compassionate transition.

“The decision to euthanize any animal is never easy, but after a thorough clinical evaluation, it became clear that ending this whale’s suffering was the only humane option available,” Goldstein said.

Cooper said it’s an unprecedented stranding event that will provide the team and government officials with valuable scientific insights on the species. Cooper said the last time this species was seen in the Florida Keys was in the early 1990s when they successfully rescued, rehabilitated and released a pair of these animals in Key Largo.

“This is definitely not a common occurrence,” he said.

Pygmy killer whales typically inhabit tropical and subtropical waters at depths between 500 and 2,000 meters. The species is characterized by its dark gray to black col-

oring with lighter gray sides and white markings around the lips and snout. The average length is just over two meters (6.5 ft.).

Steve McCulloch, director of DPMMR stranding investigation, said that although the ending is sad, there is a lot of scientific information to glean from the stranding.

“Ultimately, as sentinels of ocean and human health, marine mammals reflect the condition of our shared ocean environments,” McCulloch said. “We swim in the same water and in some cases, we eat the same fish.”

A necropsy is being performed at NOAA Fisheries pathology laboratory in Key Biscayne to learn more about the cause of the stranding and to help identify any emerging threats to the species.

Cooper, who was among the team on-site responding to the animal, said this stranding is a stark reminder of the need for a marine mammal hospital in the Florida Keys – a project DPMMR is working toward daily at the Protect Center in Islamorada.

“The worst part of our job is having to euthanize an animal, especially if it is an animal that could have been rehabilitated and released back to the wild,” said Cooper, founder of DPMMR and authorized agent for the National Marine Fisheries Service. “Due to its young age and reliance on a mother for food, this animal would most likely not have made a good candidate for rehabilitation. However, we know the day is near when we get the call about an animal that is an ideal candidate for rehabilitation and release back into our Florida Keys waters. I’m not sure I will be able to sleep at night if we are not in a position to offer that lifesaving care.”

was humanely euthanized following a stranding off Long Key State Park on Jan 12. DEB JOHNSON/Contributed

DPMMR’s stranding response and rehabilitation is regulated by the National Marine Fisheries Service, which has published minimum standards for rehabilitation facilities. In 2023, DPMMR secured real estate in Islamorada and a large enough pool to meet the size and space standards, but have faced obstacles in finishing the facility and being licensed to rehabilitate.

“Our teams are working daily with architects and engineers to draft all the intricacies of a marine mammal hospital, and once complete, we will be able to submit detailed plans to the local building department for approval,” said Nancy Cooper, president of DPMMR. “We are chomping at the bit to break ground on the actual rehabilitation facility but have many obstacles to navigate to get there. We have a dedicated team working on this project to move it along before another animal strands that would be a candidate for rehabilitation.”

— Keys Weekly staff report

From left, DPMMR’s Art Cooper, Juli Goldstein and Steve McCulloch bring a struggling pygmy killer whale to shore. DEB JOHNSON/Contributed

A pygmy killer

Kellee Reed, DO, FACOEP, FACEP

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THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP

Historical tidbits fill Plantation Key

The island is called Plantation Key because of the farming that once happened here. It started with pineapples planted by Capt. Ben Baker and his sons. They are considered the first to operate a pineapple plantation in the Keys.

In the late 1850s, they developed fields on Key Largo and Plantation Key. The Bakers weren’t the only farmers on the island; more about that in a bit.

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

dents but requires an entrance fee for visitors.

Rumor has it that back in the 1940s, when it was developed into a marina, it was associated with men who had ties to the mob. In some old stories about those days, names like Meyer Lansky and Lucky Luciano are brought into the conversation. I’m looking forward to digging a little deeper into that aspect of the Plantation Key story.

Beyond the park, a lot is going on in the immediate area, and of particular note are these three things: a hurricane house, a castle and a giant lobster. On the other side of the highway, on the left, down by the Old Road, stands one of the 28 “hurricane-proof” houses constructed by the Red Cross. The Old Road was the original route of the Overseas Highway when it opened in 1928. On Plantation Key, much of it is still an operable road. The hurricane house was built for Pinder and his family after the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. It is painted yellow and green.

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

I have a special place in my heart for Plantation Key. It is where I rented my first apartment when I moved to the Keys in the summer of 2001. The island has been home ever since. When people ask where I live, sometimes I say Tavernier and sometimes Islamorada. Both are true. The island has one foot in Tavernier and the other in Islamorada. Along with Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower Matecumbe Key, it is one of the “Village of Islands” under the Islamorada umbrella. However, according to the post office, a generous swath of the island falls under a Tavernier postal address.

On Plantation Key, too, after the Overseas Highway travels down the length of Key Largo and rolls over the Tavernier Creek Bridge, it narrows down to the one-lane road travel writers talk so glowingly about.

While much of Plantation Key is residential, a collection of interesting tidbits are clustered around MM 87. It starts where the sprawling Founders Park appears on the right. Today, the park is home to ball fields, a small crescent beach, a boat ramp, tennis courts and an Olympic-sized swimming pool that is free for Islamorada resi-

Before the mob did or did not poke its fingers into the property, it was home to farm fields. I’m not sure if the Bakers were growing pineapples on this part of the island, but Johnny “Brush” Pinder was growing limes, tomatoes, melons and more. The Pinder homestead stretched from the ocean to the bay and included what is now the park; the Pinder house was built down by the water on the Atlantic side of the island.

It was not just farming at the Pinder homestead; a little shipbuilding was happening, too. Outside of Key West, there was not a great deal of that up and down the island chain. Plantation Key is one of a handful of islands where boats were built. We aren’t talking about dozens of ships, but a few.

One of them was a 60-foot schooner built circa 1902 on the Atlantic shoreline near where Pinder’s house once stood. Before it launched, the schooner was christened Island Home. Not only was it used to ship the fruits of Pinder’s labor to Key West and Miami, the Island Home transported everyday goods like sugar and coffee, mail, friends and family.

Before the railroad arrived, the Island Home connected Plantation Key and other Upper Keys communities to the outside world. The schooner likely served as the namesake for the Islamorada town site established a few years later. According to William J. Krome, an engineer working for Henry Flagler who established Islamorada circa 1906, the Spanish word translated into English as island (isla) and home (morada).

Just down the Old Road from the hurricane house stands a castle that was built circa 1949 to house treasures of the wrecked Spanish 1733 treasure fleet salvaged by Art McKee. McKee is remembered as the father of modern-day treasure hunting. His old building has been home to a few things since the museum closed.

A collection of roadside shops known as Treasure Village opened. In an effort to draw attention to the shops, a big lobster was brought in. It took Marathon artist Richard Blaes five years to create the 40-foot-long and 30-foot-high piece of art. It is the world’s largest anatomically correct Caribbean spiny lobster and draws considerable attention.

When the shops closed and the Treasure Village Montessori School that calls the castle home today opened, Betsy was moved to the other side of the highway. Betsy is the big lobster’s name. If you pull over and take a picture with Betsy (at some point, it seems like everybody does), you can check out some local art at the Rain Barrel where Betsy is standing. It is quite possible that the only Florida Keys icon more photographed than Betsy is the Southernmost Point, but that is still more than 80 miles away, and there is so much more to talk about before we get there.

In 2025, I’ll be exploring the Overseas Highway, its history, attractions, and points I find interesting.

Raymond Johnson and Johnny “Brush” Pinder at Plantation Key. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed

TRY ’N’ FIND

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

ASSASSINATED, CIVIL, DREAM, ECONOMIC, GANDHI, INFLUENCE, KING, LEGACY, LORRAINE, LUTHER, MARCH, MARTIN, MEMPHIS, RIGHTS, SEGREGATED, STRIKE, THEOLOGY, VIETNAM, WASHINGTON.

Founded by Betty Debnam

Honoring Dr. King

“I have a dream.”

You may have heard this famous statement from one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches. Dr. King led America’s struggle for equal rights for people of all races during the 1950s and ’60s.

Dr. King was assassinated, or murdered, 57 years ago, on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was only 39 years old when he died. Since 1986, we have celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday in January.

WHAT KIND OF DOCTOR?

Martin Luther King Jr. was not a medical doctor. He received a Ph.D., or a doctor of philosophy degree, from Boston University. His degree was in theology, or the study of religion.

SEGREGATION

For over a century after the Civil War and the freeing of slaves, many African Americans struggled to make better lives for themselves. Even though laws made them “free,” they were often segregated, or separated based on skin color. In some parts of the country, it was hard for them to get a good education or jobs, buy or rent a house, eat in restaurants, or use public transportation.

FIGHTING FOR RIGHTS

Across the country, Black people were joining in the fight for theisr civil, or citizens’, rights. Dr. King started the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957. This group would help organize and support protests against discrimination, or unfairness. Dr. King wanted the protests to be peaceful, but that was not always possible.

HIS INFLUENCES

Dr. King was known for his strong belief in nonviolence. His friend Dr. Benjamin Hooks had this to say about him: “This was a man who believed in nonviolence as a way of life, not just in the Civil Rights Movement, but nonviolence at home, nonviolence with his children.”

Dr. King’s beliefs were partly based onChristian teachings. He was also influenced, or inspired, by Mohandas Gandhi, a leader in India who peacefully helped to make changes in society.

MAKING CHANGE

Dr. King organized the Poor People’s Campaign, which he hoped would help improve life for impoverished people of all races. With this campaign, he was trying to solve not just racial issues, but the problem of economic, or moneyrelated, inequality.

He also protested against the war in Vietnam, which he thought violated human rights.

A year after an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu killed thousands of elephant seals in Argentina, about a third of the animals typically expected there have returned. Scientists estimate that the influenza killed more than 17,000 of the marine mammals, including approximately 97% of their pups. “It’s beautiful to walk the beaches now and hear elephant seals again,” said Marcela Uhart of the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. So far, no elephant seals have tested positive for the virus this breeding season.

APRIL

4, 1968

Dr. King went to Memphis in April 1968 to support a strike, or work stoppage, by African American garbage workers.

He gave a famous speech on the evening of April 3. Here are a few lines from his speech:

“We aren’t engaged in any negative protest and in any negative arguments with anybody. We are saying that we are determined to be men. We are determined to be people.”

The next evening, Dr. King was standing on a balcony at the Lorraine Motel when he was shot by James Earl Ray. Ray was convicted of killing Dr. King and died in prison in 1998.

Dr. King’s legacy, or the ideas he left behind, continued with other leaders.

In May 1968, Dr. King’s friend and coworker Ralph Abernathy and Dr. King’s wife, Coretta Scott King, led the Poor People’s Campaign march to Washington.

Mrs. King started The King Center in Atlanta to continue her husband’s work.

RESOURCES

by Wayne L. Wilson

Mini Fact: In 1964, Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, honoring his work toward international peace.

photo courtesy NARA

Martin Luther King Jr. gives his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington in August 1963.

Mini Page photo

The Lorraine Motel in Memphis is now the National Civil Rights Museum.

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Key West competition cheer preps for regionals | P.4

THE SCOREBOARD

Team Sport Opponent

Marathon Boys Basketball Circle Christian 1/2 L, 58-47

Key West Boys Basketball Circle Christian 1/3 W, 58-48

Marathon Girls Soccer Keys Gate 1/7 W, 2-1

Marathon Boys Soccer True North 1/7 L, 2-1

Coral Shores Boys Soccer Riviera Prep 1/7 L, 4-2

Coral Shores Girls Basketball Somerset Silver Palms 1/7 W, 38-28

Key West Boys Soccer Somerset Canyons 1/7 T, 2-2 Marathon Girls Basketball Mater Bay Academy 1/8 W, 66-26

Coral Shores Girls Soccer South Homestead 1/8 W, 2-1

Marathon Girls Soccer True North 1/8 L, 10-0

Marathon Boys Basketball Mater Bay Academy 1/8 L, 52-45

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Palmer Trinity 1/8 L, 76-35

Marathon Girls Basketball La Salle 1/9 W, 50-48 Key West Boys Soccer Coral Shores 1/9 W, 8-0

WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

1/16 Key West Girls & Boys Soccer @ Marathon 4 p.m.

1/16 Coral Shores Boys Basketball Mater Bay 6 p.m.

1/16 KW & CSHS Wrestling @ Regional Duals TBD 1/17 Coral Shores Girls & Boys Soccer Marathon 4 p.m.

1/17 Basilica Boys Basketball @ Horeb Christian 4 p.m.

1/17 Marathon Boys Basketball Goleman 6:30 p.m.

1/17 Key West Girls & Boys Basketball Westminster Christian 5 p.m.

1/18 Key West Boys Basketball IMG Academy Gray 12:30 p.m.

1/18 Coral Shores Boys Basketball Westminster Christian 2:30 p.m.

1/18 KW & CSHS Wrestling @ Coral Shores TBA

1/18 Key West Girls Basketball @ Archbishop McCarthy 12 p.m.

1/18 Key West Girls Soccer Lemon Bay 11 a.m.

1/21 Key West Girls Basketball @ St. Brendan 5 p.m.

1/21 Key West Boys Basketball @ Reagan 6:30 p.m.

1/21 Marathon Boys Basketball Palm Glades Prep 7 p.m.

1/21 Coral Shores Boys Basketball @ Goleman 7 p.m.

1/22 Coral Shores Boys Basketball Doctors Charter 5 p.m.

1/23 Key West Girls Basketball @ Somerset Prep 6 p.m.

See page 4. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

WEEK

CHAPMAN

Jack is a generational athlete for Marathon who has the ability to do great things and the attitude and motivation to accomplish them.”

— Jim Murphy, Fins head coach

In a recent game, Marathon’s Jack Chapman made a statement, scoring 32 points with all but two of them coming from behind the three-point line. The 10 threes matched the school record, giving Chapman a historical nod for the Fins. And though he is just a freshman, Chapman has quite a bit of varsity experience already, having earned significant playing time for Marathon as an eighth-grader.

“A freshman tying school records is evidence of the hard work he puts in year round to the sport,” said Fins coach Jim Murphy, praising Chapman for his dedication to the sport and his team. For his recordtying endeavor and constant positive energy, Marathon’s Jack Chapman is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

THIS

Jack

Freshman Marathon, Basketball

Photo by: BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

Mollie Kirkpatrick, left, Madi Wiggins, Ava Rivera and the Key West competition cheer team will look to make a second straight trip to the FHSAA state championships with a strong showing at regionals on Jan. 25.

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

sean mcdonald

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

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT

Key West competition team prepares for regionals

Monroe County’s only competition cheerleading squad is putting the finishing touches on their routine before heading to the FHSAA Region 4 Championships on Saturday, Jan. 25. The Lady Conchs will be competing in the small, non-tumbling division against a dozen other teams in hopes of another bid to states to make it two years in a row for the spirited crew. A dozen Lady Conchs will take to the mat to perform an intricately-choreographed routine full of high-energy dance and complicated stunting.

Coach Ariana Corsi is hard at work with the team. She knows that every point counts, and the girls have been polishing some new moves to wow the judges.

“We have an amazing routine with a lot of complicated skills with a new difficult pyramid that we are working on with flips, a twist and extended two-man stunts,” she said. Should the Conchs prevail and outscore the other teams, they can earn a bid to states in Lakeland on Jan. 31.

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tracy mcdonald

Mollie Kirkpatrick, left, Diana Carballo and the Key West competition cheerleading team will head to regionals on Jan. 25 with a new routine. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

NET GAINS

The Centurions of Circle Christian traveled from Winter Park to play a pair of games in the Keys to begin the new year. Key West spoiled their trip, defeating them 58-48 on Jan. 3 despite not having their top scorer in James Osborne.

Alex Means picked up the slack, dropping 13 points on the Centurions. Tramane Scott registered a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds, while Kameron Roberts added 11 points and Zach Levering put up eight. Leo Batista pulled down nine rebounds in the win.

On Jan. 10, Osborne was back from an injury to help the Conchs defeat Coral Shores in Tavernier. Osborne scored 10 points in limited action to help Key West pick up win number eight of the season, just three shy of last year’s total with plenty of action to go. Roberts added 11 points and seven rebounds while Scott scored eight with 14 boards. Josue Thanus and Levering scored seven each in the in-county matchup.

Circle Christian gave Marathon some trouble on Jan. 2, beating the Dolphins 58-47 despite Jack Chapman scoring 19 points. Briggs Roberts put up 13 while Taylor Huff and Andrew Suarez were busy grabbing 10 rebounds each, but it was not enough to best the Centurions.

Key West

hangs on to

winning record as Osborne returns from injury

On Jan. 8, Chapman had the hot hand again, dropping 22 on Mater Bay Academy. Daeshawn Holmes was all over the court with eight points, nine rebounds, three steals and a pair of blocks, but the Fins came up short, losing 52-45. They finally found their groove the following night at Horeb Christian, when Chapman scored the game-high 32 points, all but two of which came from behind the three-point line to tie a Marathon school record. Holmes registered a double-double, scoring 15 with 10 rebounds and two blocks, while Giorvis Zamora added seven to the team total. The 74-48 victory was win number five for the Fins this season. The battle-weary Fins played one more last week, this time at Downtown Doral, losing 77-40.

A short-staffed Coral Shores struggled last week, losing at Palmer 76-35 on Jan. 8, then to Key West at home on Jan. 10. Down three starters, the ’Canes worked to hold their own, but were unable to overcome the Conchs. Thomas Gonzalez scored 10 points while Austin Vogt put up seven and Talin Schafstall added five in the loss. The 2-11 Hurricanes will look to make a run in the last quarter of the season in hopes of a solid seed in districts early next month.

1. Zach Levering shoots a free throw.

2. James Osborne goes for the layup.

3. Zach Levering shooting a three-pointer.

4. Key West coach Tommy Butler has a talk with the team during a timeout.

5. Jaxen Cabrera goes up for an easy two against Circle Christian Jan. 3.

6. Alex Means goes for the layup.

7. Tramane Scott takes a free throw against Circle Christian. Scott earned a double-double against the Centurions.

8. David Aviles shoots a jump shot. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

SWEET 16

Conchs and ’Canes grapplers advance to regionals

OCoral Shores won points in three weight classes. At 106 pounds, Costa Tuttle won his match by forfeit while David Beltran (157) and Andrew Grgek (285) pinned their opponents.

n Jan. 9, FHSAA’s 1A District 16 teams were scheduled to meet in the Southernmost City for district duals action. Despite an eight-team pool, only two showed up. Perhaps that was because the host team, Key West, had already won 15 straight district duals. That number now stands at 16 after the Conchs defeated Coral Shores 58-18.

The Conchs claimed the remainder of the matches, with wins from Alexander Holtcamp (113), Jacob Ferguson (120), Lazaro Diaz (126), Abram Canet (132), Elvis Garcia (138), Kyle Condella (144), James Searcy (150), Michael Guzman (1650, Alfredo Corrales (175), Sanford Horn (190) and Malik Cooper (215).

Both teams advance to the next round of duals, scheduled for Jan. 16 at Key West’s Bobby Menendez Gymnasium.

The Lady Conchs also saw action on the mat last week. They traveled to Coral Reef High School, where Sheyla Figueira won first place in the 105-pound class. Teammates Maria Halushka and Isabella Cosme both took the third-place spots at the podium in their weight classes, and though they fell short of reaching the podium, Sunisa Kuhn and Wenxin Yu both won matches at the tournament.

Coral Shores’ Andrew Grgek, left, and David Beltran both secured wins at district duals by pinning their opponents.

JIM MCCARTHY/Keys Weekly

The Conchs pose with their first-place trophy at district duals.

MAICEY MALGRAT/ Keys Weekly

MEET THE ALL-KEYS GOLF TEAM

Greater participation leads to lower scores in 2024

The greens were more crowded all up and down the Keys last fall, with increased team membership being a commonality for Coral Shores, Marathon and Key West High School. As expected, bigger teams led to a higher level of competition. But make no mistake: Keys golfers are anything but cutthroat when it comes to their matches against one another.

Though each athlete who took a swing this year worked diligently to hone their skills, the camaraderie among Monroe County’s golfers is something to be commended. When athletes weren’t focusing on sinking their own putts, they were helping one another, regardless of which team’s polo was worn, to improve as well. With their friendly, cooperative efforts, the underclassmen of the game should continue to lower their scores for seasons to come.

Years of hard work and dedication paid off for Conch senior Peyton Zubieta when a remarkable round at districts qualified him for regionals, something no Keys golfer has done in many years. Zubieta served as a team captain and his commitment and consistency were crucial to his personal success while his leadership and encouragement affected the rest of his team.

Andrew Bassett led the Conchs as a senior captain, bringing leadership and knowledge to the team. A four-year starter, Bassett’s match play was always good, but his greatest attribute was the guidance he afforded to the less-experienced team members. His patience and willingness to teach others will be missed next season.

Since first joining the Hurricanes’ squad two years ago, senior Derek Ramos has rapidly become an asset to his team. Noted for the enthusiasm he brought to each match, Ramos always strove to be his best, and the improvement from his first season with the ’Canes to his last was dramatic.

At the end of his second season golfing for the ’Canes, junior Brock Bynum shot an 87, the school’s lowest mark at a district match. Praised for his drive toward constant improvement, Bynum often put in extra hours at the driving range or played bonus rounds to continue honing his skills.

Photos by Barry Gaukel, Doug Finger and Keys Weekly file photos.

Titensor

Just a freshman, Key West’s Mason Titensor constantly improved as the season went on, earning a starting spot on the Conchs’ district team. He plays with consistency and determination, never allowing distractions to pull him off his game.

Carroll

Carroll’s low score this year was a 39, capping off his senior season in style with improved play and hard work. A three-year captain for the Hurricanes, Carroll is a leader both on and off the course, motivating his team to play their best while still having fun. His dedication to the team will be sorely missed next season.

Thornton Roco Piscetello

During his senior campaign, Marathon senior Mason Thornton dropped an average of five strokes from last season. His improvement was due to his hard work in the offseason to improve all aspects of his game. As one of the Fins’ senior leaders, Thornton was described as someone who was always encouraging others and keeping the focus on working hard to achieve success.

In his first year playing for the ’Canes, Jacob Bondstent never missed a single practice, let alone a match this season. He stayed beyond scheduled hours in a relentless effort to improve his game. His discipline and willingness to work made him a standout for Coral Shores.

In just his second season as a Golfin’ Dolphin, senior Leo Mendez took time in the offseason to work on his game and helped to carry the team to several wins. His scoring average in 13 matches was 44.5, a marked improvement for the dedicated senior. Mendez was described as a leader, role model, true teammate and motivator.

As the Conchs’ most experienced female golfer, Steling was credited with bringing the requisite knowledge of the sport to her teammates. In addition to her knowledge and experience, Steling’s enthusiasm and positivity set her apart from others. She is known to bring a smile to the face of everyone she plays with, be it a teammate or an opponent.

Marathon sophomore Roco Piscetello just completed his fifth season with the Fins, and he just gets better each year. Known to shine during competition and for keen wedge play and putting, Piscetello works year-round to improve his play, and his excitement for the game is contagious to those around him.

Sophomore Charlize Lopez used an inner drive for perfection to master the game enough to shoot a 101 at districts. The score itself is solid, but given her relative inexperience, Lopez’s accomplishments this season are tremendous. The sophomore’s dedication to improvement will serve her will in the coming seasons.

Claudia

Gabby Thomas Lexi Finigan SENIOR CORAL SHORES

WEST

Finigan’s hard work set her apart from the rest of the pack this season. The sophomore demands the best from herself, and it showed in her performance. Finigan broke 100, shooting a 98 at the district tournament, a personal best and something no other female golfer has done at Key West in decades. She is well on her way to becoming one of the best in Monroe County history.

For a few short weeks last summer, junior Justice Lee was concerned she had finally stumbled upon a sport in which she was not going to excel. Those worries were entirely unfounded. Picking up a club for the first time in August, Lee quickly improved her game, shaving off strokes as the weeks went by to pave the way for a solid senior campaign

A four-year captain, Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas proved to be a leader on the course for both her team and every athlete she encountered. The talented senior has been a constant for the ’Canes the past four seasons, and the highlight to cap off her senior campaign was shooting a birdie at Grenada Golf Course in Miami.

Bueno

Brand new to the sport of golf, Bueno decided to give it a go her senior year, and she quickly proved to be a natural. But her match play was not what set her apart the most. The team captain was credited for having the absolute best attitude each day on the course and the positivity she exuded affected the entire team.

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LEE AND LADY FINS DOMINATE LIFTING

All three Keys schools have wins at Middle Keys meet

Keys weightlifters met in Marathon Jan. 8 as athletes prepare for the postseason, which is quickly approaching. Marathon had the high score in both the Olympic and traditional events, with Coral Shores in second and Key West in third. Marathon had double winners in several weight classes, winning the overall top spot at the meet. Winning both the traditional and Olympic contests in their classes were Ella Dunn (101 pounds), Rilynn Richards (119), Ella Evans (129), Justice Lee (183) and Sabrina Schofield (199). Katriya Wright (110) won the Olympic contest and Ava Merryman (139) took first in traditional in their respective weight classes. Lee’s 190-pound clean and jerk, a personal and school record, helped propel her to the top score in the Sinclair coefficient for the meet. Sinclair uses a mathematical algorithm to determine the top athlete regardless of weight class. Evans was right behind in both categories, making for an exciting postseason for the Lady Fins.

Key West had three winners in the Olympic event. Shylo Sanchez (139), Alexa Condella (154) and Victoria Gray (169) each took first in their weight classes.

Coral Shores had individual winners in each division. For the Olympic event, Vanessa Gabriel was the top lifter in the Unlimited class. In traditional, Sydney Eysenbach was first in the Unlimited class with Alyssa Sachs (169), Abigail Bergeron (154) and Rachel Rusch (110) winning their weight classes.

Postseason competition begins Saturday, Jan. 25, with Key West heading to Park Vista High School for the FHSAA Region 4 District 16 2A finals. Marathon and Coral Shores, both 1A schools, compete at AIE Charter the same day. The top two lifters for each school at each weight will earn a place at districts. To move on to regionals, an athlete will need to be in the top 20 of the four districts which make up a region. Only the district champ is guaranteed a spot at regionals, with the other 19 entries being earned with top lifts. Regionals will be held Wednesday, Jan. 29 at Keys Gate for Marathon and Coral Shores, then on Feb. 1 at Dr. Joaquin Garcia High for Key West. The end of the road this season will be Lakeland, where the state championships will be held on Feb. 14

Coral Shores, Marathon bring home wins in girls hoops action

CHURRICANES BREAK STALLIONS

oral Shores girls basketball picked up their first win of the season on Jan. 7 at home against the Stallions of Somerset Silver Palms. Melanie Estevez led the charge with 12 points, nine rebounds and three steals. Grace Leffler added 10 with nine rebounds and Alex Burson scored eight with 10 rebounds. Another game scheduled for last week between Coral Shores and Key West was postponed.

Marathon’s entire team contributed in their lopsided 66-26 victory over Mater Bay Academy on Jan. 8. Senior Elena Eubank had the hot hand, scoring 21 points in the win. Marti Kilbourne added 16 plus nine rebounds and six steals, while Daysi Williams scored seven and pulled down eight rebounds. Maddy Judd, Katerin Guerra and Payton Junker each scored two. The following night, LaSalle gave them a run for their money. It took an overtime period for the Fins to defeat the Royal Lions 50-48. Eubank had the top score again, with 16 points, six steals and three blocks. Kilbourne had 14 points and 14 rebounds for a double-double while Williams and Junker each scored seven. Guerra’s six points helped the Dolphins win the edge over LaSalle and even up their record to 5-5.

The Lady Conchs are still hunting for their first win this season after a 44-28 loss to St. Brendan last week. Their upcoming schedule has promising matchups, including a winless Hallandale and Coral Shores, who always proves to be an exciting opponent for Key West.

Rilynn Richards. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

Grace Leffler, left, had 10 points and nine rebounds in Coral Shores’ Jan. 7 win. Marathon’s Elena Eubank leads the Fins in scoring this season. Photos by Doug Finger and Barry Gaukel.

CONCHS CLOBBER CORAL SHORES

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

SDistrict matches begin next week

occer is quickly approaching the postseason, with the final day of regular-season play for any Keys team occurring on Friday, Jan. 17. After that, the teams await their district brackets, which, for the first time in several years, will not pit any Monroe County teams against one another. Each team’s school enrollment qualified them for a different class designation.

Key West traveled to Somerset Canyons in Boynton Beach Jan. 7, where they tied the Cougars 2-2. Loubins Fleuridor scored both goals for the Conchs, and Albie Bowden assisted on one.

Two days later, Key West won via mercy rule at Coral Shores. Fleuridor added two more to his stats while Emmanuel Innocent, Sebastian Camargo, Bryden Parsons, Jose Sente Reyes and Jack Reynolds found the net once each. Parsons and Niko Sulak were credited with two assists apiece and Jack Reynolds helped out in one of the Conchs’ eight goals. Goalkeeper Fausto Paz saved three shots on goal to preserve the shutout, which was the fourth this season for the Conchs.

On Jan. 11, Bolles made the long trip from Jacksonville to play Key West, where they were defeated 2-1. Innocent scored both goals for the Conchs, with assists from Fleuridor and Sonny Bowden.

Though they struggled against Key West, Coral Shores picked up a win against Riviera Prep at home on Jan. 7. The Hurricane defeated the Bulldogs 4-2. Tony Khioni scored one and Preston Carroll assisted Khioni’s goal and scored one of his own.

Marathon played just one match last week, hosting True North Academy on Jan. 7. The Fins lost 2-1 with the lone goal coming from Fabbianho Louis Jeune. Marathon hosts Key West Jan. 16, then closes out their regular season at Coral Shores Jan. 17 in a flurry of in-county matches.

Emmanuel Innocent. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

Keys high schools split wins and losses as regular season

down

winds

Marathon’s Jordan MacDonald, left, and Addison Collins led the Fins in scoring last week. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

The three Keys girls soccer squads each opened 2025 with a dead-even streak of wins and losses.

Marathon played at home against Keys Gate on Jan. 7, celebrating Senior Night in style with a 2-1 victory in which their lone senior, four-year starter Jordan MacDonald, earned an assist. The Fins struck quickly, with Addison Collins finding the net in the first five minutes of play. She scored again in the first half off MacDonald’s assist and the Lady Fins hung on for the win. They did not fare so well the following afternoon at True North, where the Titans defeated them 10-0.

Coral Shores was 2-2 last week with wins against Somerset South Homestead and Miami Country Day. On Jan. 8, Bayley Catarineau got things started, scoring off a rebound from a shot by Kai Redruello. Sofia Jans scored the Hurricanes’ second goal off a penalty kick to make it 2-1 for win number one of the week. Two days later, Redruello found the back of the net for the lone goal of the game, giving the Hurricanes a solid 8-2 record as they enter the final stretch of the season.

Key West now stands at 5-8 this season after splitting the week with one win and one loss. On Jan. 10 the Lady Conchs defeated Keys Gate 2-1, then the following day, they lost 6-0 at Ransom.

All three teams will close out their regular-season play close to home. Marathon hosts Key West Thursday, Jan. 16 and Coral Shores hosts Marathon the following day. Key West plays one final match Friday, Jan. 17 at home against Lemon Bay, and district play begins on Jan. 22.

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Florida Waterfront Realty located at 653 Cabrera Street, Key Largo, FL 33037 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Keys Waterfront Realty, Inc.

Publish: January 16, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice of Seizure that in accordance with Florida Statute 328.17, Pelican Cay RV Park LLC, 299 Morris Ave., Key Largo, FL 33037, will sell or otherwise will dispose of the personal items to satisfy the delinquent storage lien on Boat Slip 8. 46’ Bertram Inboard – FL’s

BERP0234M82G will be sold to the highest bidder for storage fees pursuant to Florida Statute 328.17.

Sale of all goods will be 2/3/25 at 10:00 am at 299 Morris Ave, Key Largo Florida 33037. Pelican Cay RV Park LLC reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.

Publish: January 16 & 23, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Community Transportation Coordinator for the Transportation Disadvantaged Program in Monroe County (RFP No. 2024 TDMC 01)

The Health Council of South Florida, Inc. (HCSF) is pleased to announce that we are now accepting proposals from qualified agencies or firms to coordinate transportation services for the transportation disadvantaged (TD) in Monroe County, Florida. This initiative aims to ensure that individuals who face barriers to transportation have access to reliable, safe, and efficient travel options, enabling them to attend essential appointments, work, and other critical activities.

Background:

As the Designated Official Planning Agency (DOPA) for TD services in Monroe County, HCSF is charged with creating the Local Coordinating Board (LCB) and providing technical assistance to the LCB. The LCB acts as an advisory board and as such provides guidance, monitors, evaluates and supports the transportation activities of the CTC.

Chapter 427 of the Florida Statutes establishes the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD) and directs the CTD to “accomplish the coordination of transportation services

provided to the transportation disadvantaged”. In accomplishing its purpose, the CTD approves a Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for five years for each county of the state; the CTC is charged with arranging cost-effective, efficient, unduplicated, and unfragmented transportation disadvantaged services within its respective service area.

The “transportation disadvantaged” in the state of Florida are defined as those individuals who because of age, disability, or income restraints, do not have access to conventional public transportation options.

Proposal Details: Scope of Services: The CTC will be responsible for coordinating transportation services and providing the most cost-efficient services it can deliver to individuals who are transportation disadvantaged in Monroe County.

Eligibility: Qualified agencies or firms with experience in transportation coordination, especially for vulnerable populations.

Submission Requirements: Proposals must include detailed qualifications, service plans, and cost estimates.

Full details on the submission process can be found in the Request for Proposals (RFP) document, which is available upon request. Submission Deadline: Friday, February 14, 2025, 5:00 PM EST.

Pre-Proposal Information Session will be held via Zoom on the following date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 9:30-10:30am; register at https://us02web.zoom. us/meeting/register/ hG1gftOARHqv_Bcsp-2PiQ

Please visit the HCSF website at www.healthcouncil.org and see the “News & Events” section for more details. The application submission must be received via Demandstar. com.

The RFP bid can be viewed here: https://www. demandstar.com/app/limited/ bids/484619/details For further information about the Transportation Disadvantaged program, please visit the Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD) website at https://www.fdot.gov/ctd/ ctd-home. Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact Anjana Morris at 786-535-4361 or via email at amadanmorris@ healthcouncil.org

We look forward to receiving your proposals and working together to improve transportation services in Monroe County. Publish: January 16, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-593-P DIVISION: PLANTATION KEY IN RE: ESTATE OF ANNE ELIZABETH BAGAN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Anne Elizabeth Bagan, deceased, whose date of death was October 20, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: January 16, 2025.

Personal Representative: Sean P. Bagan 635 South Orange Avenue, Unit 301 Sarasota, Florida 34236

Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173

Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA

10075 Overseas Hwy

PO Box 500938

Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-9428

Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com

Publish: January 16 & 23, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-541-M

DIVISION: MARATHON

IN RE: ESTATE OF ERICH BLEY

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Erich Bley, deceased, whose date of death was September 12, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: January 16, 2025.

IN RE: ESTATE OF KERRY EDWARD KERWIN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Kerry Edward Kerwin, deceased, whose date of death was October 12, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: January 16, 2025.

Personal Representative: Rainy Kerwin 10676 Colonial Blvd. 30-200 Fort Myers, Florida 33913

Attorney for Personal Representative: Gregory D. Davila, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 886998 Law Office of Gregory D. Davila, P.A. 1111 12th Street, Suite 411 Key West, Florida 33040

Telephone: (305) 293-8554

Fax: (305) 294-9913

E-Mail: E-Filing@ keywestlawoffice.com

Secondary E-Mail: gdavila@ keywestlawoffice.com

Publish: January 16 & 23, 2025

claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: January 9, 2025. Personal Representative: Connie Marie Parker 23602 Singing Hills Ct. Auburn, California 95602

Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish: January 9 & 16, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-606-P

DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF MARIANNA DOMINGUEZ Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

For detailed information please visit the Procurement Department website at www.gmx-way.com/business/solicitations, or call the Procurement Department at 305-637-3277 for assistance.

The following is an upcoming GMX procurement opportunity: Publish: January 16, 2025. The Weekly Newspapers

Personal Representative: Peter Rosasco 8085 Overseas Hwy Marathon, Florida 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173

Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-9428

Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com

Publish: January 16 & 23, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-561-K

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-604-P DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF KENT DAVID VAN WINKLE Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Kent David Van Winkle, deceased, whose date of death was November 17, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having

to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: January 9, 2025. Personal Representative: Carolina Dominguez 20 Hickory Trail Flemington, NJ 08822

Attorney for Personal Representative: STEVEN I. GREENWALD, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 210927

Law Offices of Steven I. Greenwald, P.A. 6971 N. Federal Highway, Suite 105 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Telephone: 561-994-5560

Email: sigreenwaldlaw@att. net

Secondary Email: susangreenwaldlaw@att.net

Publish:

January 9 & 16, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 24-CP-356-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SHELLEY J. BREGMAN, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MARIANNA DOMINGUEZ, deceased, whose date of death was August 6, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. The Personal Representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by the surviving spouse or a beneficiary as specified under s. 732.2211. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required

The administration of the estate of SHELLEY J. BREGMAN, deceased, whose date of death was April 10, 2024, Case: 24-CP-356-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: January 9, 2025. Personal Representative: CYNTHIA TAPIA c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.

Florida Bar No. 0144304

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

3130 Northside Drive

Key West, Florida 33040

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

Telephone: (305) 292-3926

Fax: (305) 295-7947

Publish: January 9 & 16, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO.: 24-CP-550-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SHAFIQUL ISLAM, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of SHAFIQUL ISLAM, deceased, whose date of death was July 1, 2024, Case: 24-CP-550-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: January 9, 2025.

Personal Representative: ANWAR HOSSAIN

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

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

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

3130 Northside Drive

Key West, Florida 33040

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

Telephone: (305) 292-3926

Fax: (305) 295-7947

Publish: January 9 & 16, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

14' Aluminum boat, 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

GREAT DEAL: Key Largo 21' Deep V Center Console w/trailer. New 150hp motor & electronics. Ready to fish. PRICE REDUCED TO $20,000. Located in Marathon. 201-696-8906

BOAT SLIP NEEDED

BOAT SLIP NEEDED in Islamorada for 20' Center Console from Feb. 1March 1. Call 516-507-2485 Email: vonherd@outlook. com

EMPLOYMENT

Hiring: Lead Gutter Installer - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED – valid Driver’s License - must be comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier. To apply, please call or text Jay 305-587-1581.

Night Monitor –FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/

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 305743-6739 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.

year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: 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

Office Assistant needed in the Upper Keys, MM 80. Mon-Sat $20/hour. Must have own transportation. Call Patti 305-393-4433 HIRED!!!

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD FOR ONLY $25/ WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY

HOBBIES/COLLECT

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

2-3BR / 2BA Beautiful home for year-round rental on Duck Key. Furnished, full size W/D, stainless steel appliances & granite countertops. Gorgeous pool with built-in bar stools, waterfall & Jacuzzi, 1 car garage, and covered porch for outdoor dining w/ views of the canal. $3,400/ month. Avail. May 1st. Address: 243 W. Seaview Dr, Duck Key, MM 61. Text/ call 774-263-8759 Email: dongamache@comast.net

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

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

YARD SALES

PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD FOR ONLY $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY!

HVAC TECH WANTED

Upper Keys position, reporting in Tavernier. Full time job with benefits, vacation time, and holidays.

Apply at keysschools.com or call 305-293-1400 ext. 53398

NOW HIRING

DOCK HAND

We are looking for a Dock Hand with excellent customer service to join our team. You would assist with the daily operations of our marina. Responsibilities include assistance with the daily marina tasks including helping guests arrive and depart from their dock, guiding guests over the radio, navigation, marina amenity cleaning, pressure-washing, assisting guests with golf cart rides and requests, and maintaining the marina. Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come in the of ce to ll out application. 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050

CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

The Moorings Village is seeking a friendly, self motivated, team player for the

1964 Ford Galaxy, 427 Big Block, 5-speed, located in Key Largo. $49,000 954-445-6647

BOATS FOR SALE

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

2 BR / 1 BA unfurnished apartment for rent in Key Largo. $1,500/month includes utilities. F/L/S Text: 786-559-5494 Email: apmz57@yahoo.com RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH!!

FOR SALE

Previous security experience desired. Job type: full-time

Please email your resume to

The Moorings Village is seeking

Previous hospitality experience required. Job types: Full-time

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

DESK

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

VACATION RENTAL

WE ARE HIRING!

STAFF MANAGER – ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM

FT administrative, salaried position. The ADT Manager will be 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 required or year-for-year experience in field or supervisory/management required. *

IN HOME SUPPORT (FT) – Key West

FT 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. Requires a minimum of high school completion or GED and 1 year of experience with care giving or 30 hours or college coursework. *

SUPPORTED LIVING COACH (FT)

Responsibilities include management of developmentally disabled clients in independent living environments, management of office and in-home support staff. Must be available for some evenings and weekends. Bachelor’s degree in related field or experience working with developmentally disabled clients in lieu of degree. Must have a valid FL driver’s license. Salary commensurate with experience.

GROUP HOME MANAGER – (FT) – Key West

FT administrative, salaried position. Responsible for operations of Group Homes in accordance with State and Fed regulations. Oversight of staff and clients. Bachelor’s degree and Florida DL w/clean driving record req. At least 2 yrs of mgmt and admin experience req, and direct or comparable experience w/same or similar population preferred. Computer skills: moderate to advanced.

*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

Come join our family!

Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32

LIVE IN PARADISE AND SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!

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

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

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE APPRENTICE (Full-Time, Permanent)

EDUCATION PROGRAM HOST (Full-Time, Permanent)

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER (Full-Time, Part-Time, Permanent)

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

(The position is for one year initially, with a possibility of renewal contingent on performance and mutual satisfaction.)

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

COME JOIN THE FAMILY!

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring

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

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

The Advocate DUI Program is hiring for part time positions. DUI instructors and evaluators - 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

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 LARGO

Lead Certified Recovery Peer Support Specialist Peer Support Specialist Advocate (PT, FT)

KEY WEST

Case Manager (Adult, Child) Prevention Specialist (HIV & Children)

MARATHON

Care Coordinator (PT)

Driver – PT (CDL not required)

RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (FT/PT) Advocate (PT) Prevention Specialist

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

*Support Worker (Assisted Living, PT)

*Night Monitor (Assisted Living - Free Housing)

*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

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

- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C), BHMG Multispecialty, Marathon, $5k Bonus

- Medical Assistant 2, General Surgery, Upper Keys, $5k Bonus

- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C), Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier, $5k Bonus

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

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

- Patient Access Associate, Multispecialty, Marathon, $1k Bonus

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST

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

- Medical Assistant 1, Medical Oncology, $5k Bonus

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

- Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus

- Radiation Therapist, $12k Bonus

- Director Physician Practice Operations

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary

- Group Exercise Instructor, Mariners Wellness Center

- Mechanic 3, Facility Operations

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

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

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

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

- Customer Service & Membershipe Coord., Wellness Center

- Food Service Worker, $5k Bonus

- Radiology Technologist 1, $40k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

- Registered Nurse, ICU

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Experience Advisor, Patient Experience

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

- Radiology Technologist 1, $40k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, $15k Bonus

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

- Pool RN, Emergency Department

- Medical Technologist 2, Laboratory, $50k Bonus

All qualified applicants will

THEME: THE GRAMMYS

ACROSS

1. 43,560 square feet

5. Undergarment

8. “She ____ a Yellow Ribbon”

12. Ocean Spray ____-Apple juice

13. #5 Across, pl.

14. Concentration of solution, in chemistry

15. CISC alternative 16. Swearing-in words 17. Goodwill branch

18. *Artist with most Grammy nominations 20. ALCS counterpart

21. Winter Olympics participant 22. IX minus II

23. Drum roll sound

26. Front of building, pl.

30. Get it wrong

31. Upholstery choice

34. Reflect deeply

35. Raccoon’s cousin

37. “____ the fields we go”

38. Binary digits code

39. Capital on a fjord

40. Isaac of science fiction fame

42. Consumed

43. Within shortest distance

45. *100-year-old Grammy Award nominee

47. Beer faucet

48. Corpulent

50. Self-satisfied

52. *2025 Grammy nominated former band, with The

55. Twist and distort

56. Bank’s provision

57. Flock’s response 59. Ranee’s wrap 60. Elvers

61. *2003 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient ____ Puente 62. Like some wines 63. ____ it or lose it 64. Formerly, formerly

DOWN

1. Acronym, abbr.

2. Discarded cards in cribbage

3. Tear down

4. Enclose in a cyst

5. Orthodontic appliance

6. Motion Picture Association of America, e.g.

7. Certain tray content

8. *Former multiple time Grammy host Andy ____

9. Related to ear

10. RPMs

11. Before, in verse

13. Predatory fish

14. Gin’s partner

19. Giraffe’s striped-leg cousin

22. *1995 “Have I Told Your Lately

That I Love You” winner ____ Morrison

23. Scout’s mission

24. What phoenix did

25. ____-____-la

26. Non-negotiable

27. Old European coin

28. Last 8 in college basketball

29. More than sly

32. *Nominated artist Post Malone’s actual last name

33. Hula dancer’s necklace

36. *Taylor Swift’s “The ____ Poets Department”

38. Nautical “Stop!”

40. Nile viper

41. *Grammy winners Frank and Billy

44. Top scout

46. Make a connection

48. Double-reed instruments

49. Famous Memphis street

50. Unforeseen obstacle

51. Foal’s mother

53. Chieftain in Arabia 54. Tennis amount 55. General Services Administration

56. Romanian money 58. *Kendrick Lamar’s “____ Like Us”