Turn key canal front home.
Experience modern coastal design and opulent island living in this captivating new construction home. Located in the heart of Key Largo, this home offers an open-concept layout flooded with natural light, a gourmet chef's kitchen, smart kitchen appliances, 8-foot doorways, and spacious bedrooms with designer en-suites. This magnificent four-bedroom plus den, three-and-a-half-bathroom home is your gateway to paradise. Step inside and experience the seamless fusion of modern architecture with coastal charm. The gourmet kitchen is adorned with high-end finishes, custom cabinetry, sleek countertops, and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. The expansive outdoor living spaces are ideal for hosting gatherings and relaxing. Step into your private oasis with a resort-style pool and outdoor entertainment area. This property has a brand new dock where you can dock your vessel just steps from your door, making it easy to explore the surrounding islands and reefs. Water access for boating enthusiasts and proximity to Key Largo's dining and outdoor activities. Enjoy a plethora of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities at your fingertips. Explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, go snorkeling or fishing, or simply bask in the laid-back island atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to make this your forever home or vacation retreat - paradise awaits.
2,800
89240 Overseas Hwy. Suite 2
Tavernier, FL 33070
Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com
Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com
Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com
Editor / Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Business Development Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com
Staff Writers Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com
Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com
Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com
Comptroller / Sarah Simcic sarah@keysweekly.com
Design / Pre-Press Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com
Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com
Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com
Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com
Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844
Se habla español THE UPPER KEYS WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
Postmaster SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050
News Deadline Monday Noon
Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.
Members of
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.
A Keys student displays a sign of support for wounded veterans cycling to Coral Shores High School during the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride on Jan. 10. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
UPPER KEYS SIBLING MURDER TRIAL BEGINS IN KEY WEST COURTROOM
A horrific day is relived as the dad of slain son testifies
Father Ari Poholek with sons Daniel, left, and Pascal in 2017. A love for scouting was shared among Poholek and his sons as a way to learn, play and experience things together. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Dressed in a blue suit coat, Daniel Weisberger entered a Key West courtroom on Jan. 14. His ankle chains clang as he proceeded to a table where his two defense attorneys sat.
Before taking his seat, Weisberger took a moment and peered out at the gallery. He saw his father, Ari, and his grandparents. They exchanged a “hello” through a wave. Weisberger put his hands together, similar to a prayer gesture, and proceeded to take a seat. Day one of Weisberger’s murder trial was about to begin before Circuit Judge Mark Jones.
“It’s the first time you and I met in person,” Jones said to Weisberger. Circuit Court Judge Luis Garcia presided over the case before his retirement last November. The case was assigned to Jones after it was initially set to begin last fall at the Plantation Key Courthouse in the Upper Keys.
Weisberger is facing counts of second-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder and false imprisonment from an incident that shattered a family — and a community — more than four years ago on May 7, 2020. According to prosecutors, Daniel Weisberger stabbed his younger brother,
then-14-year-old Pascal, to death in a bedroom they shared at their Executive Bay home in Islamorada during the early morning hours. Prosecutors say Daniel also attacked his father, Ari Poholek, shortly afterward, stabbing him in the neck and strangling him. Daniel eventually fled the scene; a massive hunt ensued by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and neighboring agencies in Miami-Dade County.
Some 12 hours later, Weisberger was seen running into oncoming traffic on U.S. 1 not far from Executive Bay Club. He was treated and taken to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. From there, he was taken to the county jail and eventually placed into Department of Children and Families care so he could obtain the necessary mental health treatment. Questions ensued over whether he was competent to stand trial; the court declared Daniel incompetent to stand trial in 2022 following a series of psychological and neurological examinations. By July 2023, Daniel was deemed competent to stand trial.
Jurors weren’t in the courtroom on Jan. 14, after an agreement among attorneys and the court to proceed with a bench trial. In addition to presiding over the trial, Jones will consider the facts of the case, apply the law and de-
termine whether or not Daniel is guilty of the charges.
After the defense presented a few minor items to Jones, including giving Poholek a chance to visit with his son Daniel, the prosecution delivered opening statements. Monroe County Assistant State Attorney Colleen Dunne said the case involves a young man with a “wide variety of behavior problems, aggressive and rule making behaviors” who “harbored his anger and resentment for his father, brother and mother.” Dunne also addressed the defense’s pursuit for a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, stating his “unrestrained passion or ungovernable anger isn’t insanity.”
“He knew what he was doing,” Dunne said, alluding to a note found in Daniel’s pocket explaining the reasons behind the acts.
Defense counsel Diane Ward and Ed O’Donnell waived their opening statements, saying they would wait until the prosecution rested its case. From there, the prosecution began by calling several witnesses throughout the morning. The first was a neighbor to Ari and his kids at Executive Bay Club. Appearing visibly emotional, he recounted the events unfolding dur-
Daniel Weisberger
ing the early morning hours of May 7, 2020, including the moment a severely-injured Poholek banged on his door seeking help.
Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy Nestor Argote and Sgt. Vaughn O’Keefe were the next two to take the stand. Argote, who was the first on scene, recounted his interaction with the neighbor and his efforts to secure the area. He noted the front door to Poholek’s residence was locked, but a back door was ajar, where Daniel supposedly escaped. Argote’s body camera video showed the moments as he entered the residence.
O’Keefe was the first deputy to respond to Daniel after he ran into a truck on U.S. 1 on the evening of May 7, 2020. His body camera video was also shown in the courtroom.
Dunne then called Poholek to the stand. For years, Poholek has fought against the Monroe County State Attorney’s decision to charge his son Daniel as an adult. He said his son had a psychotic break as he attacked Pascal and himself, a result of physical and emotional abuse he endured as a child and inadequate mental health system to help him overcome the challenges. While Pascal’s death was a tragedy beyond comprehension, Poholek has said that long-term imprisonment for Daniel will only lead to the lives of both boys being destroyed.
Inside the courtroom, Dunne and Poholek sparred throughout the morning over the events unfolding before and during the attack. Specifically, Dunne and Poholek went back and forth over a confrontation the day before among Daniel, Pascal and Poholek. Dunne also pressed Poholek related to Daniel’s statements during the attack.
Following a lunch break, Poholek returned to the stand for more testimony. He was eventually let off the stand following the intense backand-forth.
Poholek said he noticed the troubling behavior from Daniel before the attack and told Daniel’s therapist and case worker with the state Department of Children & Families about his mental health issues.
The trial resumed on Jan. 15 as more testimony was heard from witnesses. Once the prosecution rests its case, the defense will provide opening statements and call witnesses. Weisberger is being held at the county jail on Stock Island throughout the trial.
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 coloring 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.”
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 was humanely euthanized following a stranding off Long Key State Park on Jan 12. DEB JOHNSON/Contributed
ISLAMORADA COUNCILMAN BUDDY PINDER RESIGNS
Interested residents can apply for vacant seat
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Ashakeup continues in Islamorada government as councilman Joseph “Buddy” Pinder III tendered his resignation on Jan. 10.
Pinder, who was first elected in 2020, submitted a letter addressed to fellow council members and staff during the late morning. Pinder, in a conversation with the Keys Weekly, said he’s ready for the next chapter as he moves on from serving the village. He said he’s looking forward to enjoying life while doing some traveling.
“It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of my resignation from the Islamorada, Village of Islands Village Council. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on Council and the years I spent in service as Mayor. I have been a life-long resident of the Village of Islamorada and will continue to call Islamorada my home.”
Born and raised in Islamorada, Pinder secured a seat on the village council for the first time following a November 2020 election win over Jenny Bell-Thomson. He secured subsequent two-year terms, having beaten Sue Miller in the 2022 election and Van Cadenhead during the 2024 election. He was picked to be mayor by his fellow council members in 2022 and 2023. He’s currently a board member for the Florida League of Mayors.
“Over the past years, I have had the honor to work with our residents, fellow council members and staff to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the village,” he wrote. “I have proudly represented the village when working with other communities through organizations such as the Florida League of Mayors and Florida League of Cities. I intend to continue to do so, only from the perspective as a non-Council member.”
Pinder thanked the village residents for the privilege to serve as elected official in the village. He also
Councilman Buddy Pinder resigned on Jan. 10. VILLAGE OF ISLAMORADA/ Via website
acknowledged fellow council members he served with over the years.
“I wish my current Council members the best of luck in guiding our village forward,” he wrote.
Pinder’s resignation comes following a pair of village council meetings on Jan. 7, which saw then Village Manager Rob Cole announcing his resignation, and Jan. 9, which saw the council choosing Sheila Denoncourt as acting manager. The council, which voted 4-1 on a separation agreement with Cole, will begin a search to find a permanent manager.
With Pinder no longer serving in the seat, the council will need to pick his replacement. The seat could have gone to a special election if council members serve four-year terms. Questions of four-year term limits in the past have been turned down by voters. With the seats being two years, it’s now up to the four council members to decide.
Residents seeking to fill Pinder’s seat can visit the village website to submit a letter of interest with their credentials. The portal for interested members will be open for twoand-a-half to three weeks. A list of names will be sent to each council member in private; each will pick their top candidates. The top vote getters will come before council at a future meeting where the decision on Pinder’s replacement will be made.
“It’s fair, it’s transparent and it’s a good thing,” Mahoney told the Keys Weekly regarding the process to fill the vacant seat.
ACTING TO INTERIM TO PERMANENT MANAGER
Village appoints building official for now, will look to League of Cities for a short-term leader
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Islamorada council members filled the village manager vacancy — at least for the very short term — on Jan. 9 by voting 5-0 to appoint chief building official Sheila Denoncourt.
Two days before Denoncourt’s appointment, the council heard then-Village Manager Rob Cole’s resignation. It was followed up by the council’s 4-1 vote on a severance package; councilman Steve Friedman was the lone “no” vote as he expressed support for Cole.
With Cole no longer performing the day-to-day duties inside village hall as of Jan. 7, Islamorada went for a full day without a manager.
“I crossed my fingers, held my nose hoping that nothing of an emergency nature took place,” Village Attorney John Quick told council members.
The council eventually chose Denoncourt out of a few names mentioned at the Founders Park Community Center on Jan. 9. Denoncourt expressed interest to the council via a letter. A village employee since 2017, Denoncourt will serve as the council seeks interim manager help through the Florida League of Cities — an idea brought forward by Mayor Sharon Mahoney. She passed out a list of 16 names the village has an opportunity to meet and pick. Fellow council members were amenable to the idea.
While the village has capable staff like Denoncourt to fill the position on a short-term basis, Mahoney acknowledged that she wants to avoid mixing staff and village manager duties. Mahoney added the manager fill-ins through the League of Cities travel Florida to help in situations similar to the one Islamorada is currently in.
Some people felt Quick could serve as manager. Quick said while he appreciated being mentioned, he could not serve in the position.
“It really isn’t appropriate under the charter and the law to have the
Village chief building official Sheila Denoncourt was selected as the acting village manager on Jan. 9. VILLAGE OF ISLAMORADA/Contributed
same person saying ‘This is how I execute the vision’ and then also I’m going to sign off on the legalities of it. They are two separate divisions,” Quick said.
Denoncourt and Jennifer DeBoisbriand, village planning director, were among the department heads who expressed interest in serving as manager. DeBoisbriand, in her letter, acknowledged her desire to seek the full-time position.
Friedman mentioned several names interested in serving as interim manager, including Ted Blackburn and former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.
With Denoncourt approved as acting manager, the council directed her to follow up on managers from the League of Cities list to gauge interest and potentially schedule a special meeting. Council members also directed staff to lead the search for a permanent manager, similar to the process which led to the hiring of Cole in February 2024. The village’s human resources department will release a job posting. From there, candidates will be examined based on their credentials and experience.
At the same time, the village will prepare a request for proposals for a head-hunting firm should the village need a better pool of candidates.
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
bay in 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
JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com
SEASIDE SOIREE FUNDRAISER BENEFITS COLLEGE
The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) will hold “Swords and Tails: A Seaside Soiree” on Feb. 28 at the Islander Resort in Islamorada. The 13th annual event will feature costumes, fine dining and cocktails and music.
Tickets and sponsorship packages are available at www.cfk.edu/ soiree.
The college will hold a virtual silent auction during the two weeks leading up to the event, running Feb. 14 through Feb. 28. All proceeds of the event and auction will benefit the students and programs at CFK.
Sponsors of CFK’s 2025 Seaside Soiree include First Horizon Bank, Annette and David Curry, Baptist Health South Florida, Spottswood Companies, Mote Marine Laboratory, Ajax Building Company, Capital City Consulting and Gray Robinson Consulting, Mason Investments,
Yamaha and Belfor Property Restoration.
Information on contributing auction items or donations to the foundation is available from Lana Gaspari, CFK vice president of advancement and foundation executive director, at foundation@ cfk.edu or 305-809-3214.
— Contributed
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, Jan. 16
• Morada Way Art Walk preparty from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Hale Gallery, 81888 Overseas Highway, Unit 2, Islamorada.
• Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.
Jan. 17-20
• Baygrass Bluegrass Festival in Islamorada. Visit keysice.com/ baygrass-bluegrass-festival/ for more information.
Saturday, Jan. 18
• 41st annual Art Under the Oaks from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at San Pedro Catholic Church, MM 89.5, Islamorada. Visit artundertheoaks. com for more information.
Monday, Jan. 20
• Birding in Islamorada with Rachel DiPietro, naturalist and bird expert, at 8:30 a.m. at Anne’s Beach. $9 per person; preregister at 305-853-1685.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Friendship Park, Key Largo.
• Florida Keys Community Concert Series’ Concert of Famous Opera Highlights at 7:30 p.m. at Coral Shores Performing Arts Center. Visit floridakeysconcerts.com/ to learn more.
Tuesday, Jan. 21
• Lego Club: Work on your own creation or build as a team and test your skills with building challenges, at 4 p.m. at Key Largo library. For ages 6-11.
Jan. 24-26
• 10th annual Island Boat Show at Island Community Church, Islamorada. Visit islandboatshow.com/ to learn more.
Friday, Jan. 24
• Conch blowing class presented by Karen Beal and Wavy Davy 4 p.m. at Key Largo library. Call 305451-2396 to reserve a seat.
FOOD TRUCKS FOR BIRDS
Lecture delves into native plant gardens
and Aquarium Building. CONTRIBUTED
Tricia Keffer, creator of “Food Trucks for Birds,” will give the second presentation of the 34th annual lecture series, “A Delicate Balance of Nature,” on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The lecture is sponsored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park and the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.
Keffer, who has a master’s degree in landscape architecture, will teach attendees about building bird gardens and why they are important in Florida for birds on the Atlantic Flyway migration. Her talk will include how to create a food source and shelter habitat for the birds, which in turn will benefit the human environment.
Native Plant Day will be held the following Saturday, Jan. 25.
The lecture will be at the visitor center and aquarium building
inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The park is located at MM 102.6, oceanside, and there is no cost to enter the park for the lecture series.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7:30. Seating is limited, so it is recommended that visitors arrive on time to be assured of a seat in the auditorium, which is wheelchair accessible. Attendees may bring a cushion for added seating comfort. Temperatures in the auditorium vary and a sweater or light jacket may be desired. The center asks visitors to accommodate those who are chemically sensitive by not wearing fragrances and other scented products.
More information is available from Elena Muratori, park services specialist, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, in advance, at 305-676-3786. More information on Florida’s State Parks is at www. floridastateparks.org.
— Contributed
‘CIRCUS SPECTACULAR’ SET IN THE KEYS
Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys’ 22nd annual Cocktail Party, “Circus Spectacular,” an evening of celebration and community impact, is set for March 14 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Cheeca Lodge and Spa in Islamorada.
This year’s event promises food, drinks, music, dancing, carnival games and a live auction. Guests will have the opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors while supporting a local cause: building affordable housing in the Upper Keys.
Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys to hold 22nd annual Cocktail Party LOCAL
All proceeds from the event will go directly toward the construction of affordable homes, helping local families achieve the dream of homeownership and creating a stronger, more resilient community. A variety of ticket levels is available, with early bird pricing until Feb. 10. Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals and businesses.
More information is at www. habitatupperkeys.org/cocktailparty/or via email to info@habitatupperkeys.org.
— Contributed
Tricia Keffer will speak on the importance of building bird gardens during a lecture Jan. 22 at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park’s Visitor Center
ALIENMARSH/Adobe Stock
GREAT WHITE HERON SET FREE IN ISLAMORADA
A rehabilitated great white heron takes flight at a recent public release event. STACI-LEE SHERWOOD/Contributed
Injured, underweight bird was found in a canal
ZACK WOLTANSKI www.keysweekly.com
Acrowd of onlookers witnessed the triumphant release of a newly rehabilitated great white heron at the Founders Park beach in Islamorada on Jan. 4.
A Keys resident discovered the bird floating in an Islamorada canal in late November, according to Sara Read, the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center’s education and outreach coordinator. The bird was severely underweight and had a torn eyelid.
Staff at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, located in Tavernier, worked to rehabilitate the heron over 36 days, slowly reintroducing it to solid food as it gained its weight back. The heron’s torn eyelid was flushed daily with saline until it was fully healed, following the advice of volunteer veterinarian Dr. Ali Millington.
On Dec. 19, the bird was mobile and alert enough to move to an outdoor flight cage from the hospital building, where its flight stamina and weight were closely monitored. Having returned to health, the heron flew off within seconds of its release
Sara Read, education and outreach coordinator for the Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Tavernier, leads a public release of a great white heron on Jan. 4 at Founders Park in Islamorada. CINDY SMITH/Contributed
at Founders, accompanied by the applause of nearly 30 attendant beachgoers.
The Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a nonprofit organization centered around the rescue, rehabilitation and release of birds harmed or displaced, and as a sanctuary for birds that cannot be released back into the wild. It preserves a focus on educational outreach within and beyond the community.
The public is invited to support the center by volunteering, donating or visiting the resident birds at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, and should report injured bird sightings by calling 305-852-4486, ext. 1.
ART UNDER THE OAKS RETURNS
More than 100 vendors descend upon church grounds
ZACK WOLTANSKI www.keysweekly.com
Fine art by local and nonlocal artists will be displayed beneath the canopies at San Pedro Catholic Church this Saturday, Jan. 18, for the 41st annual Art Under the Oaks festival.
With dozens of registered vendors set to display fine paintings, photographs, sculptures, jewelry and crafts, the Upper Keys’ popular, premier fine and unique arts fair will offer its curated variety of works for public viewing and purchase.
This year’s event is spearheaded by Captain Keith Douglass in his fourth year of festival chairmanship. Having taken charge after the passing of Lynn Clements, the event’s previous chair, Douglass has overseen many notable changes to the festival.
The event now includes an extensive lineup of continuous live performances by local bands and musicians, diverse cuisine offered by food vendors, raffles, and an everexpanding roster of talented artists. In addition to the food vendors, the Islamorada Brewery and Distillery will now offer patrons local beers and wine.
The festival has also accrued a broader range of sponsors. Douglass expressed gratitude to the fest’s generous financial supporters, including the Rotary Club, the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, RIVA Motorsports, and the Tourist Development Council, which recently issued San Pedro a grant for funding Art Under the Oaks.
This year’s lineup consists of more than 100 registered art vendors, including, notably, Jewels By the Sea offering handcrafted sea glass jewelry, home decor by Angela’s Decorations, and sculptures from Jerusalem olive-wood by Treasures
A festival-goer visits an art vendor during the Art Under the Oaks
in
The event
for its 41st year on Saturday, Jan. 18 at
Inset: Orchids on display by a vendor during the Art Under the Oaks festival.
of the Holy Land. “We are very finicky about who we let be a vendor,” said Douglass. Vendors, many of whom have traveled across the state to display their work, go through an extensive review process. “You’re not going to see a bunch of tacky Tshirts. You’re going to see some real fine arts, crafts and sculptures.”
Volunteers play a pivotal role in the running of the yearly festival. Douglass singled out the work of Coral Shores High School students, who offer their committed support. Signup forms for prospective volunteers, as well as general information regarding Saturday’s festival, are available at artundertheoaks.com.
The event is set to begin at 9 a.m., with continuous live performances starting at noon, and will conclude by 4 p.m., in time for Mass. Admission is free, with parking available at San Pedro’s church parking lot for a $5 donation. Plantation Key School, which lies within walking distance of the church, will offer free parking to festival patrons.
Money raised by the festival supports associated ministries, including local charities and Boy Scout Troop and Cub Pack 914, which operates out of San Pedro. “We help people not because they’re Catholic, but because we’re Catholic,” said Douglass, who sees charity as a main, underlying purpose of the annual festival.
Top:
Festival
2022.
returns
San Pedro Catholic Church in Islamorada. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO.
CONSTRUCTION WORKER’S PASSION FOR BUTTERFLIES TAKE FLIGHT
Key Largo resident works to protect monarchs
KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com
It was about eight months ago when construction worker Jeff Smith stumbled upon something in his garden that would quickly become his passion.
“It was a complete accident, “ said the Buccaneer Point resident. “The giant milkweed blooms this beautiful three-dimensional flower, so I bought it because I liked the flower; I had no idea that it attracted butterflies.”
Smith soon discovered his blossoming milkweed was becoming home to scores of hungry caterpillars.
“This is the only plant that the monarch butterfly will lay its eggs on. It will not lay its eggs on anything else except milkweed and that’s because it’s poisonous to other animals,” said Smith, who works for Upper Keys Marine Construction.
Intrigued, Smith bought more and more milkweed plants. Soon, his very own butterfly garden was born. Smith finds it fascinating watching the metamorphosis from start to finish.
From the eggs being laid, to the caterpillar coming to life, then to the chrysalis or cocoon being formed and lastly, to the emergence of the iconic bright orange and black monarch butterfly, the entire life cycle is complete in about a month.
“I absolutely love it, how God works, it kind of blows my mind,” said Smith with a smile.
“It goes from an egg, to the ugly caterpillar and then to the most beautiful butterfly.”
In many ways, Smith said, his garden has brought his Key Largo community together, with some neighbors stopping by to check on the butterflies’ progress and others offering advice and donating supplies.
“My neighbors are amazing; they just come and help me,” said Smith.
“When I saw that he was doing it and his son was really into it, I said to him ‘I have this house, I’m going to bring it down and give it to you,’” said neighbor Maureen Slattery.
The butterfly habitat she gave Smith
protects the caterpillars and chrysalises from predators like hornets and lizards until the butterflies are ready to be released. Inside the screened enclosure, clear chrysalises hang down, the final stage before the magnificent monarch emerges.
Slattery started raising monarch butterflies herself during the pandemic, but a busy travel schedule got in the way.
“I was kind of glad to pass the torch to someone else that would do it,” said Slattery. “I think it’s great and I think that everybody should plant plants that are good for them, and bees too,” she added.
“We just released 46 of them, I’m going to let you release one today,” Smith enthusiastically told me.
Soon, a gorgeous butterfly crawled onto my finger. Smith then instructed me to guide the butterfly onto a plant in the garden along the side of his house. And just like that, another butterfly was released into this bayside Key Largo neighborhood.
The monarch butterfly’s lifespan is fleeting. They live roughly 30 days, but in those 30 days, their grace and beauty can touch lives.
Smith says his 13-year-old son Parker is helping him raise the butterflies and is learning a lot in the process.
“I think it’s cool that they start really tiny and turn really big,” said Parker.
Recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the monarch butterfly as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act; citing loss of habitat, the effects of climate change and exposure to pesticides as reasons for the monarchs’ declining population.
Jeff Smith says he is happy to do his part to preserve this beautiful species for generations to come.
“I am definitely not a biologist, I’m just a regular person that works construction that just loves to see this happen and wants to be a part of it,” said Smith.
1: Monarch butterflies are known for their vivid orange and black markings. This recently released butterfly is attracted to a lantana shrub in Jeff Smith’s yard. 2: For the last eight months, Jeff Smith has been raising and releasing monarch butterflies in Key Largo. 3: Jeff Smith shows a butterfly habitat that was given to him by a neighbor in Key Largo’s Buccaneer Point. The habitat is used to protect the caterpillars and chrysalises from predators until the monarch butterfly emerges. 4: A monarch butterfly flutters around Jeff Smith’s garden in front of his Buccaneer Point home. Recently, Smith and his 13-year-old son released dozens of monarch butterflies. 5: Jeff Smith’s son, Parker, recently helped him release 46 monarch butterflies. 6: Jeff Smith says it still blows his mind how an ugly caterpillar can turn into a stunning monarch butterfly. Photos by KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly and JEFF SMITH/Contributed
SUPPORT FOX MEETS WOUNDED WARRIOR CYCLISTS
Courage comes in all shapes and species
REEF THE FOX
Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.
Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.”
On Jan. 10, Pawsitive Beginnings’ very own Kai the fox stepped into the spotlight as he helped kick off the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride in the Florida Keys.
The event, which began at the VFW Post in Key Largo, brought together veterans, supporters and community members for a powerful weekend of camaraderie. And in the midst of it all was Kai — an unlikely but perfect addition to the occasion.
For those who may not know, Kai’s early life was marked by trauma on a fur farm, where he lost his tail before being rescued. Today, he lives a life of luxury with me here at Pawsitive Beginnings.
From the moment Kai arrived at the event, he had everyone’s attention. It’s not every day you see a fox at a cycling event, after all. Veterans and attendees were intrigued by his presence. Many paused to meet Kai, learn his story and snap a few
CFK plans Community Day in Key Largo on Jan. 25
The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) will hold its inaugural Community Day at the Upper Keys Center on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will feature academic showcases, interactive exhibits, a bounce house and other children’s activities, vendors, music, free food and drinks, and free T-shirts.
“Community Day began in 2013 as an event to celebrate the college’s offerings while giving our local small businesses and nonprofits the opportunity to showcase their services and products,” said Jonathan Gueverra, CFK president and CEO. “Today it is much more. We have attracted well over a thousand people in recent years to visit campus and enjoy free food and entertainment. The event receives support from state and local organizations including law enforcement. Thanks to the support of the Ocean Reef Community Foundation, we are now able to share the fun of Community Day with our neighbors, partners and friends of all ages in the Upper Keys.”
law enforcement agency, any government organization or utility company, a bank, a credit card company, and so forth — hang up and contact the organization yourself.
A sure sign of a scam is anyone asking for payment for anything via gift cards or Bitcoin.
If you receive a distressing message from a family member/friend needing money immediately, always contact that family member/friend before sending money. If possible, save the text, email, or any other information and contact the Sheriff’s Office at www.keysso.net/locations.
Arrests made for unlawful discharge of firearm
Three people on Little Torch Key were arrested on Jan. 9 for allegedly firing an AR-15 rifle at homemade targets which led to one bullet entering a home while two victims were inside. There were no reported injuries.
selfies with him. His calm demeanor made him a natural at connecting with people, and he quickly became a highlight of the morning.
“Many of the Wounded Warrior bicyclists chatted and engaged with Nicole Navarro and her beautifully peaceful support fox before heading out on their challenging journey,” said John Donnelly, a Purple Heart veteran, Wounded Warrior rider, and trustee at VFW Post 10211 in Key Largo.
The Wounded Warrior Ride is all about honoring the strength and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans while bringing the community together to support their ongoing journeys of recovery. Having Kai at the starting line underscored this mission in a unique and heartwarming way. His presence bridged the gap between human and animal stories of survival, showing that courage comes in all shapes, sizes and species.
As the cyclists embarked on their ride through the stunning Florida Keys, they did so with the knowledge that they were not alone in their fight for healing and hope. Warriors come in all forms, and on this day, Kai stood proudly among them.
Anywho, that’s all for this week. Stay up to date on all things fox by visiting my website at pawsitivebeginnings.org. Until next time, Reef, over and out!
More information is at 305-8093198.
AHEC holds inaugural member mixer Jan. 30
Robert Andrew Mayette, 51, Jessica Ellen Rene Hargrove, 25, and Nathan John David Charter-Kimberly, 24, were all charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and culpable negligence.
The sheriff’s office was called to a residence on Pirates Road at about 4 p.m. regarding shots being fired. The caller said a bullet entered her home and broke a window as well as a glass door in her upstairs bedroom. The caller was in the bedroom with her husband and their dogs when the incident occurred.
The Upper Keys Friends of AHEC will hold its inaugural member mixer on Thursday, Jan. 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Zane Grey Lounge in Islamorada. The evening will include drinks, hors d’oeuvres and music by Adrienne Z at the lounge, located at MM 81.5, in support of Keys AHEC children’s medical and dental clinics. Tickets are $60 and include food and beverages. More information is available by scanning the QR code or from Michelle Nevel at 305-619-8021 or at michelle@keysahec.org.
Sheriff’s Office warns residents of scams
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has taken multiple reports in the past week of phone/text scams involving thieves pretending to be law enforcement/jail officials.
Criminals often falsely identify themselves as law enforcement officers and make false claims to potential victims about missing jury duty or some other lie about a fake (or even real) criminal case to extort money.
If someone contacts you asking for money, purporting to be from a
The sheriff’s office heard several active gunshots coming from Kings Cove Road while at the scene on Pirates Road. Deputies found all three suspects there. Charter-Kimberly was in possession of a Smith & Wesson AR-15 rifle as well as a handgun. All three suspects confessed to shooting the rifle at a makeshift target range that was facing Pirates Road. All three were taken to jail.
Sheriff conducts enforcement at high-crash sites
Monroe County ranks in the top 25 counties in the state for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. In an effort to protect the safety of these most vulnerable road users, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is conducting high-visibility enforcement details through May 9 at high pedestrian and bicycle crash locations in Key Largo, Marathon and Stock Island. These areas are over-represented in traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Nicole Navarro and Kai the fox meet riders in Key Largo on Jan. 10. CONTRIBUTED
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.
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 residents 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
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
little deeper into that aspect of the Plantation Key story.
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).
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.
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
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:
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
NOTICE OF ELECTION OF THREE DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. (FKEC) has set the following dates for the District Elections for three positions on the Board of Directors:
District 1
March 27, 2025
District 3
March 27, 2025
District 4
March 27, 2025
Key Largo area northeast of the section line common to Sections 6 and 7, TWP- 62S, R. 39E, southerly of Mandalay Subdivision - Dade/ Monroe County Line on U.S. 1 (including Ocean Reef) to Mile Marker 97.7
Islamorada area southwest of Snake Creek and northeast of the north end of the Long Key Bridge Marathon area southwest of the north end of the Long Key Bridge
The incumbent directors of the three districts have decided to stand for re-election. In the event only one qualified member from a district for each position is so nominated, that member shall be declared elected. Elections may be conducted on the designated election date, by mail ballot and/or by electronic means. The notice of election and the election ballot and informational materials shall be mailed to each and every member residing or doing business in the district not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the election date. All ballots returned by mail must be received by the Cooperative or the Cooperative’s contracted third-party election management provider no later than one day prior to the official election date. Directors elected at the district elections shall serve for a period of three years and will take office at the first regular or special meeting to be held on or after Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Members interested in becoming candidates and placing their names in nomination for membership on the Board of Directors are hereby notified of the qualifications and election procedures prescribed by the Bylaws of Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, Inc.
A candidate for director must be a member of FKEC and a bona fide resident of the district he/she represents and have 12 months of residency in the area served by the Cooperative. The candidate must not be a minor. No candidate may in any way be employed by or have a substantial financial interest in a competing enterprise or a business selling electric energy or supplies to FKEC or be the incumbent for an elective public office in connection with which a salary or compensation is paid.
Candidates must submit a nominating petition with fifteen (15) or more signatures of members residing in the voting district no less than forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the district election specified above. Nominating petitions for District 1 must be received by FKEC by Noon on Monday, February 10, 2025, petitions for District 3 must be received by FKEC by Noon on Monday, February 10, 2025, and petitions for District 4 must be received by FKEC by Noon on Monday, February 10, 2025. (Please allow time for verification of signatures).
Nomination petition forms may be obtained from the FKEC Tavernier Headquarters. A copy of the FKEC bylaws may be obtained from FKEC offices.
The election will be given widespread publicity prior to the election date.
By Order of the Board of Directors Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, Inc.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
COME JOIN OUR TEAM
We are looking for OUTGOING INDIVIDUALS in the UPPER KEYS with character, commitment, conviction and competence.
Send your confidential resume (including references) to jobs@keysweekly.com
Established in 2010, Island Hammock Pet Hospital (IHPH) o ers preventative wellness care as well as illness and injury care for cats and dogs. We provide a full array of services for pets including diagnostic lab work, digital radiographic imaging, ultrasound, dental care, digital dental x-rays, and more.
Island Hammock Pet Hospital is the only Fear-free Certi ed Veterinary practice in the Keys. "Our sta has been specially trained to recognize and minimize fear, anxiety and stress in dogs and cats during their veterinary appointments," said Practice Manager Michelle Koon. "We strive to make visits as stress free as possible for our clients and patients, which creates an experience more enjoyable
Accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, the sta of 20 perform the gold standard of veterinary care. This rigorous and voluntary process includes undergoing multiple inspections speci c to medical protocols, equipment and record keeping, as well as employment policies and human resources.
In addition to their chamber membership, Island Hammock supports Marrvelous Pet Rescue and Mission Wild Bird Center through volunteer veterinary services, and they have been voted the past three years as Best Veterinary Hospital by the readers of Upper Keys Weekly newspaper in their people's choice awards
WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS
Dr. Christopher Forsee, DMD is seamlessly taking the reins from the iconic “Barefoot Dentist,” Dr. Troxel, where the laid-back vibe extends even to the choice of footwear.
Dr. Forsee delivers personalized comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs. Whether it's routine maintenance or advanced procedures, trust Dr. Forsee to rejuvenate your smile with meticulous precision and compassionate care.
CORAL SHORES STUDENT IS A SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLAR
Nathaniel Shugarman of Coral Shores High School will represent Monroe County as a Sunshine State Scholar.
The state scholar program awards a one-year college scholarship to each student chosen for the honor. Students are chosen based on their accomplishments in the areas of science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM). The scholarships are funded by Florida’s Prepaid College Foundation and State Farm Insurance.
Students across Florida, and their parents, will attend a special event in Orlando in April to celebrate their achievements. At that event, they will meet with higher-education representatives in Florida to talk about their future and have the opportunity to listen to top scholars in the STEM fields.
During his years attending school in Monroe County, Shugarman has excelled in many areas of study, completing numerous advanced math and science courses. He consistently earns a perfect score of 5 on AP exams in all subjects and scored a perfect score of 1520 on his PSAT test.
During summer months, he has advanced his education in various fields of physics at such prestigious schools as Duke University and Brown University, as well as taking a physics course from the U.S. Department of Energy.
“In my 30 years of teaching in Monroe County I have never seen a more qualified candidate to represent our district for Sunshine State Scholars than Nathaniel Shugarman,” said Diane Wischmeier, math teacher at Coral Shores.
He is not just an excellent student. He is the president of Mu Alpha Theta, the school’s math honor society; a member
Coral Shores High School student Nathan Shugarman will represent the Florida Keys as a Sunshine State Scholar. Shugarman and other students across the state, as well as their parents, will attend a special event in Orlando in April to celebrate their achievements.
MCSD/Contributed
of the school’s student council and the academic challenge team; a member of Interact, a Rotary-sponsored club focusing on leadership and community involvement; and a member of the Village Youth Council. He participates in cross country and lacrosse and has earned over 200 hours of community service.
“Nathaniel is truly a hardworking and gifted student and we are proud to have him represent us as the Monroe County Sunshine State Scholar in 2025,” said Theresa Axford, school superintendent. “I have no doubt he will go on to accomplish great things both in his future education and in whatever career field he chooses.”
Nathaniel Bergh from Key West High School and Justin Lopez from Marathon High School were runners-up in the district selection process.
— 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
Mini Fact: In 1964, Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, honoring his work toward international peace.
“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.
ECO NOTE
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
for Civil Rights” by Wayne L. Wilson
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.
WOUNDED WARRIORS CYCLE THE UPPER KEYS
Community showers riders with support
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com 1
From VFW Post 10211 in Key Largo, some 40 injured military veterans and their families pedaled down U.S. 1 through Islamorada on Jan. 10 as part of the Wounded Warrior Project’s Florida Keys Soldier Ride. Cyclists stopped at Coral Shores High School, where a sea of local students, firefighters and first responders showered the injured veterans with cheers. Cyclists hopped off their bikes and met students from Plantation Key School, who gave them artful crafts with messages of thanks for their service to the country. Coral Shores students handed out refreshments. The riders continued down the Middle Keys on Jan. 11 as they took in views of the ocean from the Seven Mile Bridge. They eventually arrived at the Southernmost City later that day.
Soldier Ride is organized annually by the Wounded Warrior Project to raise public awareness and support for the needs of severely injured members of the military. The ride builds healthy social connections that help combat mental and physical servicerelated challenges, improving stress, anxiety and depression. Funds raised help develop peermentoring programs, foster veterans’ independence and arrange needed transport between home and a rehabilitation hospital.
3
1-2: Cyclists leave Coral Shores High School en route to their next stop at Three Waters Resort in Islamorada. 3: Military members cycling to Coral Shores High School display creative signs of support. 4: A Plantation Key student holds a poster to recognize the sacrifice of servicemen and -women partaking in the annual Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride. 5: A cyclist receives cards and crafts thanking him for service to the country.
Photos by JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly Visit keysweekly.com for a full gallery.
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Nosferatu” (1922)
Why: With Robert Eggers’ atmospheric remake recently in theaters, this is a good time to check out F.W. Murnau’s iconic original. We understand if SpongeBob SquarePants may have diluted the character’s creepiness for you, but you’ll soon forget that as the stark and shadowy cinematography washes over you. An unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” you’ll be surprised how the deviations it makes from the novel ended up becoming accepted aspects in most other vampire lore, even official “Dracula” adaptations. As a bonus, we also recommend Werner Herzog’s arguably better 1979 German remake (also on Kanopy) that has just as much influence on the current version as the original does.
Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.
How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org
Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, library assistant, Islamorada library.
See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/reel-recs.
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
Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com
Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com
Business Development
Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com
Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com
Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com
Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com
Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com
Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com
Comptroller Sarah Simcic sarah@keysweekly.com
Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com
Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844
Se habla español
THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
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.
9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050
Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com
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.
Proudly serving Key West to Islamorada as the ONLY locally owned and operated concrete company in the Florida Keys.
Whether you’re building a large commercial building, FDOT bridge, or a custom-designed home, we have concrete mix designs for every project. Thanks to decades of experience, our team can create custom mixes with high-quality additives for specific project needs. We offer the largest variety of materials and operate the only FDOT-certified ready-mix plants in the Florida Keys.
Call us for all ready-mix concrete, block, aggregate, rebar and bagged good needs.
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 NONPROFIT 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”
