Upper Keys Weekly 25-0123

“My religion is simple. My religion is kindness.” — Dalai Lama

January 23, 2025

Volunteers honor King’s legacy | P. 6

Tour set in the Upper Keys | P. 16

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Snow accumulations in northern Florida from a storm system brought more than double the amount ever previously recorded in Florida. According to reports, 9.8 inches of snow fell in Milton. Meanwhile, South Florida temperatures were in the low 80s.

FOUR SEEK COUNCIL SEAT VACATED BY PINDER

Decision must be made before the end of the month

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Four Islamorada residents are expressing interest in a village council seat vacated by Buddy Pinder earlier in the month.

Pinder submitted a resignation letter on Jan. 10, just months after securing an Election Night victory for a third term in office. Pinder told Keys Weekly shortly after his resignation that he was ready for the next chapter in his life.

The four remaining council members must appoint someone to fill the remainder of Pinder’s two-year term before Jan. 30, according to Mayor Sharon Mahoney. To qualify and be considered, a person must be a registered voter of Florida and resident of Islamorada. If selected, the person must retain village residency through the two-year term.

Among those submitting a letter of interest and a candidate affidavit as of Jan. 21 are Van Cadenhead, Anna Richards, Stephanie Scuderi and Greg Dully. Interested residents have until Jan. 27 to submit their documentation.

A native resident who regularly attends council meetings, Cadenhead ran against Pinder in the 2024 election. An opponent to ongoing development, Cadenhead secured 35.28% of the vote on Election Night while Pinder gathered 64.72% for the win.

“My main reason is this could be a pivotal time in Islamorada as far as development goes,” Cadenhead said. “We’re getting a new comprehensive plan through Able City East, and we’re also getting them to do our land development regulations.”

“I want to help Steve Friedman out,” said Cadenhead. Friedman has stated his opposition to overdevelopment in the village.

Dully, a commercial real estate agent with All Keys Real Estate Re/ Max, is chairman of the village’s Land Acquisition Advisory Committee and a member of the Achievable Housing Committee. Dully told Keys Weekly he wants to use his experience in leadership and community service.

cycle. She secured 46.57% of the vote while Friedman received 53.43% for the win.

“I want to bring my knowledge and make a positive difference in the community,” Richards said.

Members of

Cadenhead added the “Concrete Coalition,” a term he and other 2024 village candidates gave to their opponents they deemed “pro-development,” want to make it “easier to build Islamorada out to the property lines.”

“My goal is to protect our waters and environment, improve affordable housing options, and maintain the unique character of our village,” he said. “Additionally, my service as a deacon and board member at the First Baptist Church of Islamorada has strengthened my leadership abilities and commitment to our community.”

Richards is co-owner of MasseyRichards Surveying & Mapping, a certified floodplain manager and a licensed real estate agent. Richards ran against Friedman last election

A village resident of more than 20 years, Scuderi said she’s paid close attention to council meetings. She said the time is right for her to serve the community, having no professional obligations that previously held her back from considering a run.

“I’ve been approached a number of times by people about running for council,” she said. “Because of professional obligations at the time, it was impossible. But those obligations are no longer tying me down.

“I care and this is my opportunity to contribute and to be part of the process,” Scuderi said.

Council members are expected to make a selection during a special call meeting, which Mahoney said will be scheduled before Jan. 30.

Sue Woltanski, foreground, speaks during the inaugural day of service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Key Largo. Also pictured are Priscilla Johnson and daughter, Janee, next to a new little community library.

JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Anna Richards

Stephanie Scuderi

Greg Dully

Van Cadenhead

COUNTY COMMISSION

SAYS ‘NO’ TO BUILDING MORATORIUM AGAIN

Uncertainty hangs over building rights in 2025 legislative session

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Amid conflicting messaging from state leaders, the Monroe County Commission again denied a proposed moratorium on new building rights at its Jan. 15 meeting.

The decision comes as representatives from each Keys municipality will head to Tallahassee for the 2025 Florida legislative session with significantly different degrees of urgency in their need for new units. Some, like Marathon, will look to immediately combat a rapidly-approaching reported threat of financial liability from takings cases, triggered as each jurisdiction exhausts the last of its few remaining building rights.

In the 3-2 split vote, commissioners Holly Raschein, Michelle Lincoln and David Rice said the proposed pause would fly in the face of direction given by state officials with FloridaCommerce, who have reportedly instructed Keys municipalities to fully exhaust their existing supply of building allocations before requesting additional units.

But County Administrator Christine Hurley and Planning Director Emily Schemper told the commission that the moratorium would satisfy state officials’ second mandate: that existing units be used to prioritize workforce housing.

The pause, they said, would allow necessary comprehensive plan amendments to designate many of the county’s 92 remaining market-rate building rights as newly-christened “workforce market-rate” units, reserved exclusively for ownership by those who live and actively work in the Keys.

Continuing to distribute the county’s existing market-rate units while processing those amendments throughout 2025, Schemper said, would leave just 30 left to reclassify in 2026. The moratorium, both Schemper and Hurley said, would demonstrate a more complete

commitment to workforce housing.

In October 2024, the commission unanimously elected to move forward with a request to FloridaCommerce for 220 additional building rights to be distributed Keyswide –the maximum number the island chain could theoretically absorb without exceeding its legally-required 24-hour hurricane evacuation time.

Two months later, a second resolution, approved 4-1, petitioned state lawmakers to change the hurricane evacuation clearance time from 24 to up to 26 hours, potentially paving the way for an additional 3,550 units.

However, in December, FloridaCommerce leaders reportedly said the department was unlikely to issue the additional 220 units until existing allocations had been exhausted, and in a Dec. 17 meeting with Keys leaders, state Rep. Jim Mooney said he would support a more limited ask of up to 500 new units for the Keys.

In a separate meeting with county officials, he also expressed support for the moratorium as a mechanism to preserve the remaining units as workforce allocations, Hurley told the commission.

“The county and cities have both been told by the state, both (FloridaCommerce) and the governor’s office, ‘no’ to the 220 units,” Mooney told the Weekly by phone the day after the Dec. 19 session.

“(500 units) was palatable – it would have allowed myself and (state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez) to go to our respective leadership teams and say, ‘Here’s where the governor is, here’s where (FloridaCommerce) is, and here’s what these guys want,” he continued. He said a push to increase development in the island chain while asking for budgeted funds to preserve its delicate ecosystem through the Florida Keys Stewardship Act could be seen as contradictory.

“We're trying to find a happy place, but what I don't want to do is jeopardize anything when it comes to appropriations,” he said. “If we could have just worked on the 220, it would have pushed everybody forward for a couple years, and they could have come back with such a clean slate.”

“It’s the chicken and the egg, but you’re not sure the egg will ever hatch,” Schemper told the commission. “You (could) use what you have and then ask for more, but if you don’t know if you’re getting more, you want to use what you have wisely, which in our world means stretching it out. That’s why it’s a really big conundrum.”

“Well, in my world, we call that a mixed message,” said commissioner David Rice. “They’re mutually exclusive actions.”

“We’re assuming we’re not going to get more, but I think the state understands they’ve got to figure this out alongside us,” said Raschein. “Would it be prudent for us to play our moratorium card now? Or if we get axed at the state level, say, ‘Fine. Then we’re just going to hit the pause button altogether.’”

In addition to creating the new workforce market-rate classification, Lincoln said

“What I don’t want to do

is jeopardize anything when it comes to appropriations. If we could have just worked on the 220, it would have pushed everybody forward for a couple years, and they could have come back with such a clean slate.”

the county could continue to demonstrate its commitment to workforce housing by eventually converting some of the county’s remaining 144 administrative relief building rights held in reserve.

With just 12 units held for administrative relief left to distribute, Marathon is the “canary in the coal mine” to test the reality of takings cases, Marathon City Attorney Steve Williams told the commission.

In a meeting with FloridaCommerce Secretary Alex Kelly on Jan. 13, Williams said state officials hadn’t mentioned a moratorium, but instead broached the idea of “sharing” the county’s remaining stock of units, an idea Hurley said could come with a hefty price tag if the state withheld additional units.

“We're not trying to be a thorn to the county, but our needs come up slightly before your needs come up,” he said. “In our conversation with the secretary, it was crystal clear that (sharing) is what Secretary Kelly expected of all of us.”

“Marathon hasn't put in a moratorium, and they just want more to spend,” said commissioner Craig Cates. “So how do we have to change our plans to cover that?”

Speaking with the Weekly by phone again on Jan. 21, Mooney confirmed that he had yet to file a bill in support of additional units.

“The 3,500 (building rights) is roughly 1,500 more than there are vacant lots, so this isn’t about vacant lots and takings cases,” he said. “I don’t see any movement in the governor’s office, and I don’t think that’s how this is going to work.”

In contrast, however, Rodriguez said the same day via text that her “inclination is to support lifting the evacuation time from its current form of 24 hours up to possibly 26 hours.”

“While it may sound like a large increase when translated into a number of permits, as a legislature we can set parameters on when these can be issued over the next 40 years,” she said. “I want to keep the dialogue open and continue listening to stakeholders so that we may pass the best possible legislation for our community.”

Greater clarity is expected later this month with the approaching deadline to submit bills to the House Drafting Service for the 2025 session. Due to winter storms, the deadline was extended from Jan. 24 to Jan. 31.

— State Rep. Jim Mooney

DAY OF SERVICE HONORS MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Ribbon cut on a little library near Friendship Park

On Jan. 20, Upper Keys residents and sheriff’s deputies met at Friendship Park for a little community service. Held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the inaugural event in the Upper Keys was organized by Monroe County school board member Sue Woltanski.

“I was talking with a group of friends and thought ‘It’s supposed to be a day of service, so let’s do a day of service,’” Woltanski said to a group of local residents at Key Largo’s Friendship Park on Jan. 20.

Observed each year on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to honor the life and legacy of King and improve their communities. The morning began with the ribbon-cutting for a new community library next to the park. A debris cleanup along U.S. 1 followed, and a food drive was underway to support St. Justin’s pantry.

Woltanski said she enlisted the help of Key Largo resident Priscilla Johnson, who came up with the idea of a little community library as part of the day of service. Johnson said her older siblings and parents experienced segregation.

“Dr. King did so much to bring us together in such a positive way, and it’s something we should always remember and celebrate not just with cookouts and parties, but in a way that’s impactful,” Johnson said. “With this library, it promotes a love for self and a love for reading books.”

The little library was constructed by Woltanski’s husband, Tom. With Johnson’s daughter, Janee, cutting the ribbon, local residents began to fill the little library with books they brought and more brought by Christina Teasley, Key Largo library branch manager.

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

To honor the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., a community of local residents and sheriff’s deputies met at Friendship Park in Key Largo for a day of service on Jan. 20. Organized by Monroe County school board member Sue Woltanski, the day included a community library ribbon-cutting ceremony and a cleanup along U.S. 1. Nonperishable food items were also gathered to support St. Justin’s Food Pantry in Key Largo. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

KICKOFF TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

STATE WILDLIFE AGENCY ARRESTS MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY FED A KEY DEER

FWC/Contributed

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the arrest of an Englewood man after he was seen on video allegedly feeding a Key deer last October.

James Lewis Rowe, 25, is facing charges related to illegally feeding, harassing and attempting to capture and collect Key deer, FWC said in a press release on Jan. 17.

FWC investigator Chris Mattson received a tip through FWC’s Wildlife Alert Program of a man feeding and harassing Key deer and posting about it online. Mattson viewed videos posted on the internet of a man enticing a Key deer with food to enter a cottage at the Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp in Big Pine Key.

Mattson identified Rowe and contacted him by phone. Rowe admitted he was the man in the video but denied knowing it was

KEYS CAPTAIN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IN CRASH THAT INJURED SEVEN

A large SeaHunter crashed into a Lower Keys bridge off Big Pine Key on July 8, 2024, sending at least seven people to hospitals. TowBoatUS tows the damaged vehicle to shore. TOWBOATUS Big Pine/Cudjoe

Aillegal to feed the deer — even though the fishing camp requires all guests to sign waivers stating they will not feed the deer. Signs are also posted throughout Big Pine Key stating it is illegal to feed the Key deer.

Key deer are a federally designated endangered species found only in the Florida Keys. Feeding Key deer is harmful because it lessens the fear of humans and causes the deer population to concentrate, facilitating the spread of parasites and disease.

More information is at MyFWC.com/wildlifehabitats. Click on “Species Profiles” and then “Key deer.”

The public can report suspected wildlife violations by contacting FWC through the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or at myfwc.com/ wildlifealert.

— Keys Weekly staff report

Florida Keys charter boat captain was arrested by state wildlife officers for allegedly operating a vessel under the influence at the time of a crash that injured seven in the Lower Keys last July.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission announced that Laurence Lee Lewis Jr., 42, of Big Pine Key, was arrested and charged with three felony counts of boating under the influence, one felony count of neglect of a child and seven additional misdemeanors. These charges are in relation to a July 8, 2024, crash that seriously injured seven people in Monroe County.

Investigation by FWC determined that Lewis was operating a 35-foot-long vessel with seven occupants on board as a captain for a fishing charter. The group was returning from their fishing trip when Lee collided with the South Pine Channel Bridge at high speed, throwing multiple passengers overboard.

Monroe County Fire Rescue made it to the crash scene before

the vessel started sinking. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and the TowboatUS Big Pine/Cudjoe Key boat towing service also responded to the scene not long after the crash.

All the passengers were injured and had to be rescued from the water. Two of the victims, a 28-year-old female and an 11-yearold male, had to be airlifted. The victims saw Lewis drinking alcohol throughout the day leading up to the crash; alcohol bottles and drug paraphernalia were found at the scene, according to FWC.

To report dangerous boating activity, the public can submit anonymous tips by texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information about the violation or by calling 888-404-FWCC (3922).

— Keys Weekly staff report

Lawrence Lee Lewis Jr. MCSO/Contributed

HABITAT OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO BRING DREAM HOMES TO LIFE

ROGO certificates are available and confer an advantage

Alimited number of 4-Point Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) certificates is available through Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys (HfHUK).

These certificates can be used by those currently waiting for a Monroe County building permit to improve their position on the application list. ROGO certificates play a critical role in Monroe County’s permitting process, which prioritizes responsible development while protecting the Keys’ unique environmental resources.

By purchasing a 4-Point ROGO certificate through HfHUK, applicants can gain a significant advantage in expediting their

BRIEFLY

Pops in the Park this weekend

The Florida Keys Community Concert Band invites the public to attend Pops In The Park on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. for a concert titled “Afternoon Delight” at the amphitheater at Founders Park. Attendees can bring their pups, kittens, birds and farm animals to prance their cuteness across the stage. Any animal that is well-behaved around people is welcomed – one year there was a goat.

This free concert features familiar animal-themed music and play-along instruments for the audience. It is brought to you by professional and amateur band members of all ages.

More information is at keyscommunityconcertband.org. New band members can join any time of the year. There are no commitments and no membership fees. No instrument? No problem; loaners are provided. Prospective band members must be able to read music.

building plans and bringing their dream projects to life.

Proceeds from certificate sales directly support Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building affordable housing for families in the Upper Keys.

“This is a win-win for our community,” said Lindsay Fast, HfHUK executive director. “These ROGO certificates help property owners achieve their building goals while also supporting our mission to provide safe, affordable housing for local families in need.”

More information is available at info@habitatpperkeys.org or 305-453-0050.

— Contributed

Black Tie Affair benefits Wesley House Wesley House Family Services’ Share the Love Black Tie Affair is set for Feb. 8 at Playa Largo Resort & Spa in Key Largo. Tickets are $300 and include an open bar, cocktail hour, a three-course dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions. More information is at www.wesleyhouse. org/sharethelove.

Final paving begins on water line project

Final paving work began on Jan. 21 as part of the water main transmission replacement on Windley Key in Islamorada. The project, which entailed the installation of new, 36-inch transmission pipes, has been completed on a portion of the Fills and Upper Matecumbe and Windley Keys. The road restriping is expected to take seven to 10 days. Work will take place at night and a rolling lane closure will be in effect.

The Room Nail Bar : Where Beauty Meets Comfort

Established in 2015, The Room Nail Bar is a place where clients can indulge in the ultimate self-care experience. Whether looking for flawless nails or smooth, glowing skin through the full-body waxing services, the sta at The Room is there to pamper from head to toe. With a peaceful atmosphere and dedicated professionals, be ensured that every visit leaves clients feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

Discover the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation at The Room Nail Bar.

"Our key to success lies in our commitment to continuous training and development for every member of our team, which totals 25," said owner Maria Acevedo. "We believe well-trained professionals are the foundation of exceptional service. Paired with the use of top-quality products, this ensures our customers receive the best possible experience every time."

Community holds importance for The Room. "We are deeply commi ed to supporting our local community," said Acevedo. "Through charitable initiatives and ongoing support for local causes, we aim to make a positive impact and give back to the people who support us. At The Room Nail Bar we believe in building a stronger community together."

www.theroomnailbar.com info@theroomnailbar.com

MAKING MOTHER’S DAY MAGIC

Blue Marlin jewelry design contest turns kids’ ideas into golden gifts for Mom

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

These are the stories I love to write, so don’t skim over the headline and glance at the photo just long enough to realize you don’t recognize anyone in it. Stick with me for half a page. (I promise it’ll be more interesting than a school board budget story.)

How many homemade Mother’s Day gifts have you given as a child and received if you’re a mom? Growing up, we all slathered together some glue and glitter on construction paper and came up with some super-clever adjectives that started with the letters M, O and M. We were not only artistic geniuses, but poets as well.

And if you’re a mom, the generational cycle has surely repeated itself once your own kids started gluing macaroni onto paper or shaping a block of brown clay into a lopsided little dish — because you clearly needed some place to store, well, paper clips.

I know. I know. Moms love every single thing their kids have ever glued, glittered, cut and colored for them.

But what if, on this Mother’s Day, you opened a suspiciously fancy-looking box and found an actual piece of jewelry — a ring, a pendant, maybe a bracelet? Yeah, yeah, you said not to spend any money. You told the kids’ dad not to go shopping for them. Homemade gifts are the best because they come from the heart.

We’ve all heard all the platitudes. But now, let’s be honest.

What if your precious child DESIGNED that piece of jewelry, just for you? I’m serious. What if they drew their gold or silver vision on a piece of paper and wrote a really cute tribute describing the story behind their design and why it would matter to their mom? And what if your genius child entered that design and story into a local contest and won? Then what would happen?

Enter Armando Gonzalez, owner of Blue Marlin Jewelry, those stunning

Coral Shores student Jessie Hopley presents his mom with his customdesigned rose ring after winning a previous year’s Saige Raiche Jewelry Design contest for Mother’s Day, sponsored by Blue Marlin Jewelry. CONTRIBUTED

and sparkling shops in Key West and Islamorada.

For the past 10 Mother’s Days, Gonzalez and his team have sponsored the Saige Raiche Memorial Junior Jewelry Design Contest. He invites every kid in the Florida Keys to design a piece of jewelry for their mom, submit a drawing of it and include a short essay. Entries are divided into three age groups — kindergarten through third grade, fourth through seventh grade and eighth through 12th grade.

“Initially, we didn’t divide it into age groups, only because I hadn’t thought about it. But then an elementary school art teacher told me she had stopped having her students enter the contest because the older kids would, obviously, always win,” Gonzalez said.

He didn’t need to be told twice. The following year, he divided the entries by grade and then selected a panel of judges to choose a winning design from each group.

Now, here’s the best part: Blue Marlin’s expert jewelry designers actually create the three winning pieces — at absolutely no cost to the mom, dad or kid.

“The kids are fully the designers,” he said. “We just execute their vision. And then a few days before Mother’s Day, we contact the winning kids’ dad, if he’s in the picture, or their teacher or school principal, so they can help us plan the surprise. I also frame the kid’s original drawing for them as another keepsake.”

Past designs have been done in gold, silver and rose gold. Pendants, rings and bracelets have featured a cat, a palm tree, a rose, an infinity symbol and plenty of hearts.

In fact, it was a heart-shaped locket designed by the contest’s namesake, Saige Raiche, that launched the annual contest.

OVERSEAS MEDIA GROUP WELCOMES CEO JENNY LORENZ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Keys Weekly staff report

SCHOOL BOARD PLANS NATIONAL SEARCH FOR NEXT SUPERINTENDENT

Online survey & 3 public forums will collect input from community members

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Turmoil and turnover at the top levels of government have burdened Florida Keys officials for the past two years.

The county needed a new administrator following a drug scandal and indictments. Key West needed a new city manager following a contentious move by four commissioners to oust the one they had hired the previous year. Troubles plagued the Tourist Development Council, which last year replaced its director. And don’t get us started on Islamorada, where the village council changes managers the way most people change socks.

Aside from Islamorada, the storms have mostly subsided as agencies reclaim some semblance of stability.

Now it’s the school board’s turn to fill its top job, as Superintendent Theresa Axford, a 30-year veteran of Keys schools, retires July 31.

But don’t panic; they have a plan.

Theresa Axford. CONTRIBUTED

And it doesn’t involve special meetings, last-minute votes, or legal concerns — well, at least not yet.

The county’s five elected school board members next week will finalize a timeline for a national superintendent search that is expected to end with their selection of a superintendent on May 6.

The board has hired consultants from the Florida School Boards Association to guide them through the months-long process that began informally in August 2024.

At their meeting Jan. 28 in Marathon, the board will approve a timeline for the search and an online survey that will ask all community members, with and without children in the school district, to rank their top priorities for a superintendent. The online survey will be available in English, Spanish and Creole and accessible at keysschools.com from Feb. 3-28.

The search consultants also will

host in-person community forums at 6 p.m. on Feb. 11, 12 and 13 at Coral Shores, Marathon and Key West high schools, respectively.

Once the public provides input, the consultants will finalize the job description and advertisement. The consultants will post the job opening for superintendent from March 3 through April 1.

The Florida School Boards Association is affiliated with its counterparts in each state, and will ensure the job opening is advertised nationally and in relevant forums, school board member Sue Woltanski told the Keys Weekly on Jan. 21.

Woltanski then emphasized that the national search parameters should in no way discourage current and former school district employees to apply. The goal is to cast a wide net and find the best candidate. She pointed out that a small group of Keys residents, representing the conservative political group Moms for Liberty, had spoken at various board meetings and repeatedly insisted on a national search for a superintendent.

School board members had never opposed a national search, nor did they oppose the possibility of promoting a qualified candidate from within the school district.

Finalists for the job will be brought to the Keys the week of April 28 for interviews and a public reception, where they can interact with community members. The board will select the next superintendent at the May 6 meeting in Marathon.

Contract negotiations will follow. The current superintendent’s salary is $175,000. The chosen candidate will start work July 1, allowing a monthlong transition before Axford’s July 31 retirement. More information is on the Jan. 28 school board agenda at keysschools.com.

Community forums will take place at the following locations. Residents with and without children are invited to share their thoughts and priorities for the next superintendent.

Tuesday, Feb. 11: Coral Shores High School, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12: Marathon High School, 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13: Key West High School, 6 p.m.

PLANT DAY AT STATE PARK PUTS EMPHASIS ON NATIVES

Attendees of the annual Native Plant Day tour a butterfly garden. CONTRIBUTED

Native Plant Day returns to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m to noon.

Nursery volunteers from Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock will have an information booth where visitors can learn the importance of native plants, how to propagate and care for native plants and how to plant butterfly gardens. Native plants, raised by the nursery volunteers, will be given away for planting at Keys homes.

The event aims to increase awareness of the importance of growing native plants in the delicate environment of Key Largo and the Florida Keys.

A speaker will discuss landscaping with native plants at 10:30 a.m. Keys residents who attend the talk will be given a chance in a drawing to receive an extra native plant.

There will be two 45-minute-long nature trail walks through the tropical hardwood hammock, at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., as well as two halfhour butterfly garden tours, also at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. All are limited to 15 participants each, on a first-come, first-served, basis.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park are sponsoring the event. Should there be heavy rain, the event will be rescheduled to Saturday, Feb. 1.

More information is available from Elena Muratori at 305-676-3786 or at www.floridastateparks.org.

— Contributed

of the 2024 Island

Jan. 24-26

PREMIER BRANDS ON DISPLAY AT ISLAND BOAT SHOW

Proceeds support college scholarships, church

Billed as the Florida Keys’ premier boat show, Island Boat Show will feature top boat brands and dealers Friday through Sunday, Jan. 2426, at Island Community Church, MM 83 in Islamorada.

Boat dealers in the Florida Keys and several manufacturers in South Florida will showcase their newest models, ranging from fishing skiffs to large offshore center console vessels.

Boat brands featured at the open-air show include Beavertail Skiffs, SeaVee, Boston Whaler, Frontrunner, World Cat, Robalo, Sea Chaser, Carolina Skiff, Fountain, Shearwater, TwinVee, Edgewater, Grady White and Pathfinder among others. Sea trials can be arranged on request.

Vendors of nautical merchandise will include Langer Krell Marine Electronics, Stanz Fishing, Classical Waves Clothing, Art by

Pasta Pantaleo, Avail Performance Gear, Infinity Marine Detailing, Southern Cross Tikis and more. A full roster of vendors and exhibitors is at islandboatshow.com.

Attendees also can bid on items at a large silent auction, take part in raffles for fishing tackle and merchandise, enjoy food from a variety of food trucks and listen to live music.

The show begins Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. and continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. One-time entry fee, good for all three days, is $10 per person. Free parking is available on-site.

All proceeds will benefit Upper and Middle Keys college scholarships and the missions and ministries of Island Community Church. Visit islandboatshow.com for more information.

— Contributed

Attendees

Boat Show step off a Caymas. The show returns

at Island Community Church at MM 83 in Islamorada. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

TRAVELING TIBETAN BUDDHIST MONKS RETURN TO THE UPPER KEYS

Weeklong festival promotes peace, harmony and spirituality

To open their visit in February 2020, the monks create an intricate mandala pattern out of colored sands at the Islander Resort in Islamorada over a few hours. Then, they purposefully destroy the mandala and throw the sand into the sea. The practice highlights the impermanence of everything in life and teaches not to become attached to things. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

Longtime Islamorada resident Karin Wolfe is preparing to welcome some very special guests. At the end of this month, Wolfe will host three of seven Tibetan monks who will be passing through the Upper Keys on what is called a sacred arts tour.

“I’m assuming they get up early and do their meditation and maybe chant and have tea, which would be kind of a nice thing to have that vibe in my house,” said Wolfe, who is a member of the nonprofit Keys For Peace, the main sponsor of the tour. “I get up early and do the same thing, so maybe I’ll get to do it with them; I don’t know, we’ll see.

“They just have such a beautiful presence that when you’re around them, you feel very calm and peaceful and you just feel the love coming from them,” added Wolfe.

This will be the ninth tour through the Upper Keys for the Tibetan Buddhist monks and all events are free and open to the public. Their last Upper Keys visit took place in 2020 right before the pandemic. Before arriving in the Upper Keys at the end of this month, they will go to Key West.

Keys to Peace founding member Denise Downing said the purpose of the monks’ pilgrimage is threefold.

The first mission is to bring awareness to the importance of interfaith harmony and compassionate living.

The exiled Tibetan Buddhist monks are from the Drepung Go-

mang monastery in southern India and the second reason for the tour is to keep their Tibetan culture alive.

“It’s been more than 60 years that the communist Chinese took over Tibet,” Downing said. “There have been decades of human rights violations and abuse, decades of oppression,”

The third goal of the tour is to help raise funds for their monastery, which has more than 2,000 monks.

The tour will take place at several venues across the Upper Keys beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Locations include the Key Largo library for a cultural performance. A Tibetan marketplace will be held at Coral Isles Church and the Islander Resort. The JOY Center in Islamorada will host a question-and-answer session with the monks and a Tibetan marketplace as well.

Business and home blessings can be scheduled for a suggested donation.

The opening ceremony kicks off on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center at the Islander Resort, where the monks will begin the four-day process of creating the World Peace Sand Mandala. A mandala is a geometric design or pattern that represents the universe or deities.

“This is an event not to be missed, because even when you know what is going to happen to that mandala, it kind of takes your breath away,” Downing said.

To create the mandala, the monks will use traditional tools to painstakingly arrange millions of granules of colored sand in the form of symbols of the world’s most prominent religions, creating what looks like an intricate and priceless piece of art.

“In our culture we would want to put shellac and varnish over it and save it forever and hang it on the wall,” Downing said.

But that is not what will happen. At the closing ceremony four days later, the head monk will cut the mandala like a pizza. The other monks will then sweep all of the sand into a pile and pour the sand into the ocean.

The symbolic gesture is meant to teach non-attachment or impermanence. In Buddhism, it’s the concept that all things are in a state of constant change, so nothing is permanent. Reflecting and meditating on impermanence can lead to insight that promotes freedom.

Emily Steele is the project coordinator for the tour. She has been busy rounding up sponsors, posting flyers around the Upper Keys and getting the word out.

“One of the big things they will be doing are pet blessings,” Steele said. Besides having businesses and homes blessed, attendees can have their pets blessed by the monks. That will take place on Feb. 1 during Winterfest at Coral Isles Church in Islamorada.

Steele hopes for a strong turnout.

“I think at this time where we are in our nation and in our world, what they can bring us is knowledge that peace is always there, that it’s something that we cultivate as a human race and we can either choose to cultivate that or we can choose to be divided away from it,” Steele added.

Sponsors for the festival include Keys to Peace, The JOY Center, Monroe County Public Library, Islander Resort, the Ragged Edge Oceanfront Resort and Marina and Coral Isles Church.

Information on blessings for a home or business is available from Steele at 303- 990-0619 or via email to sacredartstour2025@gmail.com. More information is available by following Sacred Arts Tour 2025 on Facebook.

Tibetan monks from the Drepung Gomang monastery performed an animal liberation ceremony for “Drifter,” a loggerhead sea turtle that was released at the Islander Resort in Islamorada. The monks return to the Upper Keys on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

FRESH INDIAN CUISINE FINDS A HOME IN KEY LARGO

Extrapolating on the fusion concept is exactly what Zaika Key Largo Indian Cuisine embodies … in this case, extreme patience and creation.

Ganesh Selvam was patient in his quest to be a restaurant owner and creating delicious made-fromscratch recipes, which take an average of 72 hours from start to finish.

“We’ve been fixing a little at a time,” Selvam said about the restaurant location at MM 105, oceanside, in Key Largo.

Zaika (pronounced zi-kah) had a soft opening last summer. Locals were very excited and curious about the new restaurant that complemented the Keys quality and uniqueness standard.

Originally from a southern coastal town in India, Selvam always knew he wanted to open a restaurant. He has an extensive hospitality background and chef culinary training, including working for Carnival Cruise Lines.

“Every single port I wanted to open a restaurant, and I ended up here in Key Largo,” he said.

While enduring long hours working for Carnival, a serendipitous conversation presented an opportunity for him to move to the U.S. and work for a restaurant in upstate New York. He quickly realized the cold weather and tough seasonal model weren’t for him, and he moved to Miami in 2009 and worked for a popular Indian restaurant.

Selvam said venturing down to the Keys seemed like the next best step, and all along the way, he consistently found his friends and patrons saying, “Why don’t you open a restaurant?”

“I knew I wanted to do something different and started the process of finding a location and a loan,” he said.

As many fellow entrepreneurs know, opening a restaurant isn’t the easiest task. Hence, the extreme patience and perseverance required to finally see Zaika come to fruition is a feat.

Selvam credits his wife, Kimberly Mahelal, as well as countless friends, business partners, connections and staff, who supported and offered guidance along the way.

“It was almost two years of working a full-time job, then coming home and doing research into the wee hours of the night for all that was needed,” Selvam said, “Once I found this location, that process started at the end of 2021 and took about a year to finalize.”

“My wife is also very patient,” he said. “We grew up the same way.”

“It is important to be patient, too — you have to be,” said Mahelal. “If you are not patient, it’s not going to work out.”

Zaika Key Largo Indian Cuisine is a unique restaurant, but the name is associated with a collaborative business branding relationship with Zaika locations in Miami and Weston. The cross-reference is beneficial for both owners, as customers can visit all the locations, as many Miami residents visit the Keys and vice versa.

The artwork used in the restaurant signs and outside wrap includes temples, statues and architecture native to his state in India. The ambiance inside the restaurant is sophisticated enough for a special occasion but not too intimidating for an average Keys night out. There also is a smaller dining area that can hold a private group or event, as well as catering for those who prefer to host a party outside the restaurant.

The vast menu offers something for everyone, and it’s a misconception, in this author’s opinion, if you feel that Indian food is “too spicy” or that you may not be able to find something to order.

There are plenty of vegetarian options; seafood such as shrimp, calamari and octopus; meat such as chicken or lamb; and a variety of naan flatbread, desserts, yogurt and more.

“Mussels are a top seller, and in general, I don’t use any type of frozen — everything is fresh, and I source myself and offer a wide variety versus other Indian restaurants,” Selvam said. “Most of the spices come from India.”

Sauces are specially crafted, which is part of the 72-hour process. Some recipes are more common to Indian food and some are Selvam’s creation.

“Being different is what sets us apart — recipes and standards,” Selvam said.

For those who may be new to Indian food but like chicken, Zaika’s wings or the Tandoori half chicken is a perfect way to start, along with some garlic naan flatbread. There are enough delicious naan options for the bread lover to warrant their own menu.

The portions are also on the more generous side (depending on your appetite), so picking a couple of meals and sides and sharing them with friends or family is a great way to try some options.

Mahelal works at Zaika alongside her husband. She said her favorite thing about the business is meeting different people and immersing them with the culture — getting them out of their comfort zone.

“Being inclusive and trying different things makes everyone happy,” she said.

“So many things go into a restaurant, and from an outside point of view, people think it’s just a piece of chicken, but a lot goes into it,” Selvam said. “I came to America because this is a land of opportunity, and there is something for everyone.”

Zaika Key Largo Indian Cuisine is open Wednesday to Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. The kitchen closes half an hour before closing.

For more information, search @zaikakeylargo on Instagram and Facebook.

1: The staff at Zaika Key Largo Indian Cuisine. CONTRIBUTED. 2-3: Zaika Key Largo Indian Cuisine offers a little something for everyone. SAMANTHA DELLILO/Contributed. 4: Restaurant owner Ganesh Selvam with his wife, Kimberly Mahelal. CONTRIBUTED.

MELINDA VAN FLEET www.keysweekly.com

MAGIC LIKE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

Louie the fox breaks out of his shell for a boy from Texas

A special-needs boy from Texas gives Louie the fox some treats during a recent visit to Pawsitive Beginnings in Key Largo. Louie tends to shy away from humans after enduring harsh treatment at a Minnesota fur farm. He was rescued in May 2020. CONTRIBUTED

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.”

This past weekend, we had something truly extraordinary happen at Pawsitive Beginnings. A wonderful family flew all the way from Texas to meet us foxes after reading about our partnership with the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter. My mom, founder Nicole Navarro, had been in touch with them beforehand because their son has special needs, and they wanted to make sure everything was just right for his visit. When the family arrived, their son amazed my mom by sharing how much he’d learned about each of us foxes, and even told her that Louie was his favorite. Now, for those of you who don’t know Louie, he’s one of the shyest foxes here. His journey has been a tough one. Louie came to mom as an adult in May 2020 after enduring severe trauma at a fur farm. The emotional and physical scars run deep, and to this day, he’s never allowed my mom to touch him.

When Louie’s companion, Libby, passed away last year, he retreated

BENJI

Beven further into himself. These days, when visitors come to the sanctuary, Louie stays hidden, keeping to his safe space, and we all respect that.

But then, something magical happened. After learning about the rest of us foxes, the boy stood near our enclosure. To everyone’s astonishment, Louie came out of his hiding spot and walked up to the fence, curious about this boy. My mom gave him some snacks, and what unfolded left us all in awe.

Louie, our shy, untouchable Louie, approached the boy and took treats from him through the fence. None of us could believe it. My mom’s jaw literally dropped, and she whispered to the parents, “This has never happened before.”

Even the rest of us foxes stayed back and watched, as amazed as the humans. It was as if Louie sensed something special about this boy and chose to trust him in a way he’s never trusted anyone else before.

So, my friends, just when I think I’ve seen it all here at Pawsitive Beginnings, a moment like this reminds me of the magic that happens in this sanctuary. Louie’s quiet bravery and the boy’s gentle connection reaffirm that the human-animal bond is real, powerful and life-changing.

Anywho, that’s all for this week. Until next time, remember: every day is an opportunity for something magical to happen. Reef, over and out!

enji is a 9-month-old male neutered shepherd-lab mix. He’s a sweetheart who’s packed with love, charm and just a touch of mischief. He’s not just a dog — he’s a lovable companion with a knack for adventure (and maybe has a future as a high-jump star). Benji adores other dogs and is happiest when he’s with people. He’d thrive in a home where someone is around most of the time — whether that’s working from home, sharing time with other dogs or enjoying a quieter lifestyle with plenty of companionship. Fill out an application at www.mprescues.org/application.

SAVE THE DATE

Jan. 24-26

• 10th annual Island Boat Show at Island Community Church, Islamorada. Visit islandboatshow.com/ to learn more.

Friday, Jan. 24

• Talk with Tricia Keffer on “Food Trucks for Birds” at 2 p.m. at Key Largo library.

• Conch blowing class presented by Karen Beal and Wavy Davy at 4 p.m. at Key Largo library. Call 305451-2396 to reserve a seat.

• Sixth annual Roaring for Rescues Gala from 6 to 10 p.m. at Coconut Cove Resort, Islamorada. Proceeds support Upper Keys Humane Society.

Saturday, Jan. 25

• Inaugural Community Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the College of the Florida Keys’ Upper Keys Center.

• Native Plant Day from 9 a.m. to noon at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo.

• Florida Keys Community Concert Band’s Pops in the Park at 4 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada.

Monday, Jan. 27

• Islamorada Nature Walks & Talks with naturalist Susan Kolterman at 8:30 a.m. at Key Tree Cactus Preserve, MM 80.5, Islamorada. $9 per person. Call 305-853-1685.

• Talk with Coral Restoration Foundation on Florida’s coral reef and stewardship at 11 a.m. at Key Largo library.

• Gyotaku class by Gisella Llorens from 1 to 4 p.m. at Key Largo library. Max 19 students.

• Florida Keys 2025 Concert Series welcomes pianist Fred Moyer at 7:30 p.m. at Coral Shores Performing Arts Center.

Tuesday, Jan. 28

• Story time from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, Islamorada.

• Books and Bites discusses “The Wind Knows My Name” by Isabel Allende at 6 p.m. at Num Thai Restaurant and Sushi, Key Largo.

Thursday, Jan. 30

• Cultural performance by Tibetan monks from 1 to 3 p.m. at Key Largo library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Key Largo Branch Library.

THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP

Bridge construction connected a series of islands

When the first version of the Overseas Highway opened in 1928, it stopped at the end of Lower Matecumbe Key. It didn’t stop for good but for 40 miles or so.

It picked up again at No Name Key and, from there, traveled the rest of the way to Key West – though not along the same path as it does today.

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.

Automobile ferries were used to bridge the gap between the Upper and Lower Keys. Two ferries were in operation and departed the terminals daily at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. However, the ferry system was not the most reliable mode of transportation as it was challenging to stick to a business schedule while navigating the ebb and flow of the tides, weather and all the things that go wrong with boats.

The plan to eliminate the ferry system was to build a series of automobile bridges between Lower Matecumbe Key and Big Pine Key that would have roughly paralleled Flagler’s railroad bridges. The first workers for the bridge projects began arriving in November 1934. Most of them were World War I veterans who were brought in and housed in three work camps, one on Windley Key and two on Lower Matecumbe Key.

The first task at hand was to build a bridge connecting Lower Matecumbe to the next island in the chain, Jewfish Bush Key. Today, that island is called Fiesta Key. The work halted on Sept. 2, 1935, when a Category 5 hurricane devastated the area and took hundreds of lives, many of them those

veterans. Remembered as the Labor Day Hurricane, it still registers as the most powerful storm to make a North American landfall.

Driving away from Lower Matecumbe in the direction of Key West, the remains of two of the veteran’s projects are still visible. One is more concrete than the other.

Back in 1935, before the storm, there were dredges out in the water scooping the bottom from one area and dumping it into another until a stretch of land began to appear. On that land, a causeway was to be built that reached out from the edge of Lower Matecumbe to what would have been the first new automobile bridge in the chain. (Today, driving from Lower Matecumbe Key to the Channel 2 Bridge is across the fill, too.)

The remnants of the 1935 causeway have since become hidden in plain sight. Left to its own devices, the fill was slowly taken over by trees until it became disguised as an island. Driving between Lower Matecumbe and the bridge, it is there on the right. The manufactured island was named Veterans Key to honor the men who worked to build it, many of whom perished in that horrible hurricane.

Between Veterans Key and the modern Channel 2 Bridge, out in the shallows of Florida Bay, are eight bridge piers that have been haunting the shallows ever since. Had the hurricane not struck and the job been completed, the piers would have supported the bridge linking Lower Matecumbe to Fiesta Key. Once or twice, people have asked if some of the veterans were buried in them because that is a story that is occasionally passed around. Of course they weren’t, though locals often refer to them as the Coffins, which they represent in a metaphorical sense.

The first bridge after Lower Matecumbe is the Channel 2 Bridge. There are two Channel 2 bridges. The modern one was built in 1981. The former bridge, originally a railroad bridge, can be seen on the bayside. Usually, there are people standing on it and fishing.

When Henry Flagler traveled in his private railcar between the mainland and Key West on Jan. 22, 1912, the Channel 2 Bridge wasn’t finished.

Because of Flagler’s failing health, there was a push to finish enough of the railroad for the train to make the trip. In 1912, at Channel 2, Flagler crossed a temporary wooden trestle bridge. The railroad viaduct from which people fish today was not operational until 1913. The entire railroad project wasn’t officially completed until 1916. Henry Flagler passed away at the age of 83, on May 20, 1913.

After driving over the Channel 2 Bridge, the highway crosses more railroad fill that has since become known as Craig Key. In the early 1930s, Roland Craig, a Miami-based charter fishing captain, leased the stretch of roughly J-shaped railroad fill from the Florida East Coast Railway and established Camp Panama. That camp grew into the town site of Craig, named for Roland. In addition to a hotel, gas station and docks, a post office was established. Craig survived the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane by clinging for dear life to the railroad tracks.

The small town of Craig moved on after Hurricane Donna, a destructive Category 4 hurricane, blew through the Keys in 1960. It was the most powerful storm to strike the Keys since 1935. The post office was moved to Layton, a small community on nearby Long Key. Before arriving at Long Key and passing through Layton, there is the modern, high-arching Channel 5 Bridge that was built in 1982. Like the Channel 2 Bridge, when Flagler rocked and rolled across Channel 5, the railroad tracks traveled over a temporary wooden trestle bridge.

People like to ask about Channels 1, 3, and 4. Because there are Channels 2 and 5, the others should be around, too, right? I have never come across an answer to the question. A similar question arises when talking about the work camps created to house the World War I veterans. Three of them were created, one on Windley Key and two on Lower Matecumbe Key. Camp 1 was on Windley Key. Camps 3 and 5 were on Lower Matecumbe. For whatever reason, Camps 2 and 4 were located in Florida, but in St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

As for the highway, before we get to Long Key, there is still more railroad fill to cross.

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

ROBERT ‘BOB’ TERRY EPSTEIN

Robert “Bob” Terry Epstein, 80, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Jan. 14, 2025 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Bob lived life to the fullest, never shying away from an opportunity to embark on a new adventure.

Bob T. Epstein was born in Brooklyn, New York. Straight out of high school, at the age of 17, he jumped on a boat and headed to Israel where he lived on a kibbutz. He later traversed Africa, at one time cohabitating with a Pygmy tribe in Congo.

Upon returning to the United States, Epstein’s cousin set him up on a date with a woman who would turn out to be the love of his life. Bob and Barbara Epstein were married for 57 years; they were true partners, supporting each other through various business ventures, all while raising their two sons.

After earning a bachelor’s degree from Windham College in Putney, Vermont, Bob began a full and rewarding professional life.

In 1977, the avid fisherman moved his young family to Islamorada. Bob and Barbara would remain in Islamorada for almost 25 years before relocating to Port St. Lucie.

One of Bob’s favorite pictures was taken in the early 1990s, depicting a 13-pound bonefish he landed off Cheeca Lodge.

Bob worked as a photojournalist for several domestic and international publications including the Free Press, Penthouse and Condé Nast. He was a storyteller in every sense of the word and relished his time as the fishing editor for the Miami Herald, covering the Florida Keys.

For more than two decades, Bob was a special projects liaison for Olympus Camera and Digital Products, where he and his writing partner and wife, Barbara, oversaw 150 special projects, including the “take a photo, release the fish, the

memory is bigger” for the Redbone charity fishing tournaments, a charity that has raised millions for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Along the way, Bob managed to find time to write 11 books, some about his many travels abroad, others about his beloved Florida Keys and his passion for fishing.

While living in Islamorada, Bob fished with the likes of President George H. W. Bush and baseball star Ted Williams. After Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida in 1992, Bob was named the official photographer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where he documented unthinkable loss and destruction.

Bob once said, “Reality is often far more unbelievable than fiction, so you best take pictures to go along with words.”

Bob believed in preserving the environment and giving back to the Florida Keys community. He is a founding member of the Keys Jewish Community Center and served as a volunteer firefighter in Tavernier for 10 years.

Bob Epstein is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Port St. Lucie; his mother Mary Epstein, 103, of Boynton Beach; brother Michael Epstein of Las Vegas; and brother-in-law Ron Cooper of Amherst, Massachusetts. Bob also leaves behind two sons, David Epstein of Islamorada and Brian Epstein of Fort Lauderdale, as well as three grandchildren, Bradley, wife Kate, Joshua and Elihana; and two great-grandchildren, Maya and Jayce.

A memorial/celebration of life service for Bob Epstein will be held on Sunday, Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A luncheon will follow with some of Bob’s favorite foods, at the Keys Jewish Community Center, Tavernier. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Keys Jewish Community Center or the Coral Restoration Foundation in his name.

FIRST NOAA SUPERINTENDENT PASSES AWAY

Causey confronted challenges facing Florida Keys waters

Billy Causey, the first superintendent of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), has died at the age of 81, according to NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

“Billy was a pioneer in ocean protection and a global voice for coral conservation,” said Matt Stout, acting superintendent of FKNMS. “His leadership in the Florida Keys spanned three decades, and he was a champion for balanced conservation to support and sustain recreation for generations that follow.”

Causey found his voice as a conservationist after first leveraging the ecosystem for his saltwater aquarium business in Tampa, where he was pursuing a doctorate in marine science.

“He came to understand the importance of the marine environment and decided to dedicate himself to protecting instead of harvesting,” said Sarah Fangman, West Coast regional director for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and a former FKNMS superintendent. “Yet, he understood that perspective of depending upon the marine resources for livelihood. That made him unique.”

Causey’s NOAA career began in 1983 when he was appointed manager of Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, and in 1991 assumed the role of superintendent when the larger Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary was established. Causey spearheaded efforts to establish a comprehensive marine zoning plan for the Keys, including the nation’s largest network of fully-protected areas. His sense of urgency about challenges facing the Keys was often in conflict with the laborious pace of bureaucracy, which ruffled some feathers. In Marathon, a commercial fisherman hung him in effigy.

Later, Causey was instrumental in the establishment of the sanctuary’s mooring buoy program, and

designating the Tortugas Ecological Reserve, which today protects over 200 square nautical miles of coral reefs in the extreme western end of the sanctuary. In 2006, he was promoted to southeast regional director for the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and retired in that role in 2019.

Equally important was Causey’s impact as a mentor to younger colleagues, including John Armor, who now heads the sanctuary system.

“Your support for the professional development of a younger generation of conservation leaders has created benefits that will ripple out into the future,” Armor wrote on the occasion of Causey’s retirement. “I consider myself among the many that — as a new ONMS employee — benefited tremendously from the wisdom you shared freely and selflessly.”

Funeral details are pending. — Contributed

Billy Causey promoting the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary in the 1980s. NOAA/Contributed

Billy Causey at right working on the infant stages of the mooring buoy program.

Steak

TO MEMBERS OF FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOC., INC.

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.

TACKLING FOOD WASTE IN MONROE COUNTY

Did you know that 33% of food produced globally goes to waste, and for the average family of four, this translates to a staggering $3,000 in uneaten food yearly? In Monroe County, food waste is not just a financial burden; it’s an environmental challenge.

MELODY TUSCHEL

is the Monroe County recycling coordinator and outreach liaison.

Reducing food waste can significantly lower our grocery bills and contribute to a more sustainable future. Food waste in landfills without adequate light, air or moisture decomposes slowly, taking up landfill space and producing methane — a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. This contributes significantly to climate change, a pressing issue for our coastal community. According to the EPA, a head of lettuce can take up to 25 years to decompose in a landfill.

Monroe County residents and businesses can adopt practices prioritizing food waste solutions and composting to combat this. Food recovery programs redirect surplus food to those in need, reducing hunger while diverting waste. Meanwhile, composting transforms food scraps into nutrient-rich soil, perfect for local gardens and agriculture. By composting, you not only reduce waste but also create a valuable resource for your garden, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides and promoting healthy plant growth.

Here’s how you can help:

• Plan meals to avoid over-purchasing and wasting food.

• Donate edible surplus to local food banks, animal rescue organizations or food recovery programs.

• Compost your scraps at home or participate in community composting workshops.

• Locate a food scrap collection where residents can drop off food scraps to a scheduled collection. Freeze food scraps until the scheduled collection.

Bring food scraps and a solid color storage bin to create a worm compost bin, or learn about food waste solutions at upcoming workshops throughout the Keys. CONTRIBUTED

Monroe County can save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster a more sustainable future by addressing food loss and waste. It’s a collective effort and small actions today can lead to significant effects tomorrow, making our community a leader in sustainability.

Food scrap collection locations and schedule

Acceptable scraps include coffee grounds and filters, egg shells, uncooked fruit and vegetable scraps.

Key Largo: 57 Snapper Ave. (MM 103) — drop off the full container and pick up the empty.

Tavernier: Coral Isles Church 90001 Overseas Highway — held the first Sunday from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Marathon: Kirk of the Keys 8877 Overseas Highway — held every Sunday from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Key West Tropical Botanical Gardens 5210 College Road, Key West — held the third Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Food waste and DIY compost workshops

Bring food scraps and a solid color storage bin to create a worm compost bin, or learn about food waste solutions.

Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Big Pine Key Community Center. (Winn-Dixie Plaza) 179 Key Deer Blvd., Big Pine Key. March 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bernstein Park breezeway, 6751 5th St., Stock Island.

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SAILBOATS RACE TO THE REEF IN WRECKER’S CUP RIVALRY

Irreverent regatta recalls Key West’s shipwrecked history

The first Wrecker’s Cup Race of 2025 is set for Sunday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. Additional races take place on the last Sunday of February, March and April. More information is at schoonerwharf.com. SCHOONER WHARF BAR/Contributed

mandy@keysweekly.com

Schooner Wharf Bar owners

Evalena and Paul Worthington launched their first Wrecker’s Cup Race 40 years ago. It was a Sunday afternoon in 1985.

“Miami Vice” was influencing South Florida fashion with pastel Tshirts and linen sport jackets. “We Are the World” was raising millions of dollars for famine relief in Ethiopia.

In Key West, seasoned sailors and sunburned spectators boarded boats of all sizes and set sail from Schooner Wharf to Sand Key, where Paul Worthington, who died in 2020, waited at the helm of the official committee boat to record the winners.

The one-way race to the reef became a Key West maritime tradition, taking place each year on the last Sundays of January, February, March and April, when the overall winner is awarded the official Wrecker’s Cup trophy.

This year is no different, and the first Wrecker’s Race of 2025 is set for Sunday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m.

Mandatory captains’ meetings are held on the upper deck of Schooner Wharf at 7 p.m. the Saturday before each race. Captains can enjoy free Pusser’s Rum punch and hors d’oeuvres while reviewing race procedures.

The Awards Ceremony & Party is held at 7 p.m. on Sunday race days. Captains, crews and passengers take part in the Wreckers BBQ while viewing film footage of the day’s race.

Trophies and other prizes are awarded to the top three finishers in six classes — schooner, multi-hull, classic, monohull 29’ and under, monohull 30-39 feet and monohull 40 feet and over. At the start of the race, vessels ranging in size from 16 to 120 feet decorate the harbor with their colorful sails and spinnakers.

Don’t have a boat? Have no clue how to sail? No problem. Local sailboats offer charters for each Wrecker’s Race.

What’s a wrecker, anyway?

The Wrecker’s Cup Race Series is a lighthearted reenactment of Key West’s complicated and bygone era of shipwrecking, or wrecking for short. At its peak, the industry made Key West the richest city in the nation per capita, but its practitioners often employed duplicitous methods. Unconfirmed stories have accused wreckers of extinguishing lights on early lighthouses to sabotage ships by concealing shallows.

From the late 1700s through much of the 1800s, wrecking offered many mariners a lucrative livelihood. Before lighthouses illuminated the shallow coral reefs, and before steamships improved steering in the face of strong winds, wreckers vigilantly watched the reef for stuck ships.

The citywide call of “Wreck ashore” would prompt a race to the struggling vessel. The first wrecker to arrive would rescue the passengers and crew, then salvage the ship’s cargo — hopefully in that order. In the early days, the salvage process was an unregulated and unscrupulous system. Eventually, courts were established to regulate the industry, and a judge would determine a wrecker’s share of the cargo.

In one recorded case, a ship carrying $60,000 worth of cotton wrecked on the reef. The wrecker received $10,000, according to Jerry Wilkinson’s Keys History website.

In another case, a beer-laden ship was salvaged “and considerable cargo was consumed in the process,” Wilkinson writes. The judge awarded the wreckers no additional compensation.

2025 Wrecker’s Race Dates. All races start at 1 p.m.

• Sunday, Jan. 26

• Sunday, Feb. 23

• Sunday,March 30

• Sunday, April 27

For information, call 305-292-9520 or visit SchoonerWharf.com.

MANDY MILES

COME FOR ‘A TASTE OF JOY’

IE.G. MERKEL www.keysweekly.com

t’s time to celebrate JOY Center’s wonderful partnership with the Monroe County Parks and Beaches.

The center’s now comfortably established location at the Plantation Key Community Center (PKCC) bustles with learning and fun on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. More people are checking out “The Teen Center for People Over 50” every week. Still haven’t visited? You’re missing out on some good times.

If the recipe for joy is friends, food and endless conversations, JOY will be cooking some of that up on Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at PKCC. The grills will be fired up for burgers and hot dogs. Yes, there will be cake, too.

Attendees will have a chance to hear about courses from the instructors themselves and be entertained by Ukulele JOY and a special guest appearance by Bobbie Bunz — The King of Bling. And, what’s a celebration without some door prizes?

Bring a friend and embrace JOY’s mantra, “Come play with us!” Chances are pretty good you’ll bump into someone you know. You’ll wonder why you didn’t come to visit sooner.

A Taste of JOY – food, program highlights & entertainment

When: Feb. 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Plantation Key Community Center, 53 High Point Road.

LECTURE HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF REEF GRAZERS

Jim Brittsan’s Sustainable Oceans and Reefs is pioneering an innovative in-water nursery designed to grow reef grazers and facilitating a natural recovery process for coral reefs. CONTRIBUTED

Jim Brittsan, founder of Sustainable Oceans and Reefs (SOAR), will present “Offshore Reef Grazer Nursery to Aid in Coral Reef Conservation and Restoration” during the 34th annual “A Delicate Balance of Nature” lecture series on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Brittsan will delve into the critical role reef grazers play in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems and how they can significantly enhance coral restoration efforts. SOAR is pioneering an in-water nursery designed to grow reef grazers and facilitating a natural recovery process for coral reefs.

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. Attendees may bring a cushion and a light jacket or sweater because temperatures in the auditorium vary. The sponsors ask attendees accommodate those who are chemically sensitive by not wearing fragrances and other scented products.

Reef State Park. CONTRIBUTED

The lecture series 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. More information is available from Elena Muratori, park services specialist, at 305-6763786. Information on Florida’s state parks is at www.floridastateparks.org.

The founder of Sustainable Oceans and Reefs, Jim Brittsan will discuss the role of reef grazers in maintaining healthy coral on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at John Pennekamp Coral

Attendees enjoy snacks while socializing at the JOY Center, located at the Plantation Key Community Center. JOY/Contributed

Ukulele JOY members play some tunes.

JOY members dressed to the Wild West theme.

Pictured foreground, Bobbie Bunz — The King of Bling. He will make a guest appearance on Feb. 4.

Founded by Betty Debnam

The Natural State

Arkansas (AR-kensaw) is a Southern state that is landlocked, sharing borders with six other states. It became our 25th state in 1836.

HISTORY

When Europeans arrived, they found Indigenous peoples of the Caddo, Osage and Quapaw, who had been in the area for thousands of years. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase included all of what is now Arkansas.

Although Arkansas was admitted to the Union as a slave state, the people there were divided about the Civil War. However, when President Abraham Lincoln ordered Arkansas troops to South Carolina to fight, the state seceded, or separated from the Union.

NATURAL BEAUTY

Arkansas, nicknamed “The Natural State,” is known for its scenic mountains, valleys, forests, rivers, natural springs and farmland.

The Buffalo National River runs through the Ozark Mountains in the north of the state.

Based on its purity, size, scenic views and natural resources, the U. S. Congress declared it America’s first national river in 1972.

Water from springs is a popular and plentiful resource for the state. Some people believe the water has healing powers. Mammoth Spring is one of the largest springs in the country.

TRY ’N’ FIND

WORKING IN ARKANSAS

Agriculture is important to the state’s economy. People there raise rice, chickens, turkeys, cotton and catfish, among other products. Arkansas is also home to several large companies, including Walmart and Tyson Foods. In the forested areas of Arkansas, lumber production is important.

PLACES TO SEE

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville houses hundreds of works covering five centuries of American art. There are also outdoor walking trails and interactive exhibits.

The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum in Little Rock is the largest presidential library. It includes items from Bill Clinton’s two terms as president and replicas of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room.

SPORTS

Arkansans are enthusiastic fans of college football, rooting for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks and Arkansas State Red Wolves. Baseball, fishing and hunting are other popular sports.

Words that remind us of Arkansas are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ARKANSAS, CHICKENS, CLINTON, FOOTBALL, FOREST, GRISHAM, INDIGENOUS, LANDLOCKED, LIBRARY, LUMBER, MOUNTAINS, MUSEUM, NATURAL, OZARK, RAZORBACKS, RIVERS, SECEDE, SPRINGS.

FAMOUS ARKANSANS

• Our 42nd president, Bill Clinton, was born on Aug. 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas, and grew up in Hot Springs. As a boy, he loved music and playing the saxophone. He wanted to become a musician.

As a teenager, he became interested in politics when he met then-President John Kennedy at the White House.

Clinton was elected attorney general of Arkansas in 1976 and governor of Arkansas in 1978. He served two terms as U.S. president, starting in 1993.

His wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, ran for president in 2016.

• Author John Grisham was born on Feb. 8, 1955, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He wanted to become a professional baseball player but did not think he had the talent. He decided to become a lawyer. While he was practicing law, he got the idea for his first novel.

Grisham has written more than 50 books, including the Theodore Boone series for kids. Many of his books have been adapted for movies.

RESOURCES

On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPArkansas

At the library:

• “Arkansas” by Ib Larsen

• “Cracking the Wall: The Struggles of the Little Rock Nine” by Eileen Lucas

ECO NOTE

Human activities such as overfishing and trophy hunting are affecting Earth’s oldest and most experienced animals, which play key roles in maintaining ecological balance. In a study published in Science, lead researcher R. Keller Kopf from Charles Darwin University explains how older animals often share their knowledge, enhancing survival within their species. For instance, in elephant herds, older females guide group movements and decision-making based on decades of experience. Similarly, older fish and sea turtles produce significantly more offspring, contributing to population stability.

Mini Fact: Arkansas’ Ozark Mountains in the northwest include the White River.

photo by Jeff Sharp

The Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.

President Bill Clinton

Author John Grisham

photo by Gage Skidmore

BROOKLYN BLACKOUT IN THE KEYS

is a Keys native who has a passion for all things food. She runs the local food blog, “Florida Keys Eats.”

These days, it feels like everything on our phones is designed to grab our attention with bright colors and over the top “pop.” Neon pinks, electric greens, bold patterns, you name it. But honestly, I think I’ve started to tune it all out. After a while, it just blends together.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I came across a completely black cake, sitting confidently in a fire engine red box. No flashy patterns, no rainbow sprinkles, just bold simplicity. It was almost shocking how something so understated could command attention. The lack of color, ironically, was the “pop.”

Now, let’s talk about chocolate cravings because they’re a whole other story. When the mood strikes,

recipe was eventually lost with the closing of the bakery, the Brooklyn Blackout Company has crafted its own interpretation of this historic dessert, bringing it back to life and gaining widespread popularity once again.

After learning about the cake’s fascinating history and the passion behind its revival, I couldn’t just settle for trying the cake alone. I went all in and ordered their cookies and cupcakes too. (Thank you, Goldbelly. com!) What a game-changer. Let me start by saying the packaging and overall presentation of these baked goods were nothing short of stunning. Even the quality of the box hinted at the experience I was about to have with the cake. Cutting into this towering, nearly vantablack masterpiece was mesmerizing, it was the kind of moment that made everyone in the room stop and take notice.

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

a basic Hershey’s bar just doesn’t cut it. It’s fine for emergencies, but when you really want chocolate, you want something that feels indulgent. I’m talking layers of chocolate on chocolate on chocolate. There’s something magical about a dessert that nails the balance of just hearty enough to border on fudge but still unmistakably a cake.

So, when I heard about the Brooklyn Blackout Cake from the Brooklyn Blackout Company, I knew it was a must-try. With its dark, dramatic look and legendary reputation, it practically dared me to order it. My expectations were high, and I was ready to find out.

The history of the Brooklyn Blackout Cake is as rich as the dessert itself. During World War II, New York City implemented mandatory neighborhood blackouts to protect the Brooklyn Navy Yard from potential air raids. Inspired by these wartime efforts, a local bakery called Ebinger’s created a dark, decadent chocolate cake, aptly naming it the Brooklyn Blackout Cake. The bakery became a beloved institution, operating from World War II through the 1970s. While the original

It had the story, it had the looks, but the real question was: did it have the taste? Oh, did it ever. The flavor was everything I’d hoped for and more. Rich, velvety chocolate buttercream frosting paired perfectly with moist layers of cocoa-infused cake, with just a hint of coffee to elevate it all. It tasted as bold and unforgettable as it looked. It was quite literally Goldilocks style, just right. Not too sweet, not too salty. How did I know it was a winner? Mark ate it. And let me tell you, that man hates buttercream, yet he devoured an entire slice.

Next up were the cookies, and honestly, I’m not sure which I loved more, the cake or these lush treats. The cookies tasted like the epitome of a high-quality dark chocolate dessert, luxurious and unforgettable. Eating them, I couldn’t help but feel like the kid from Matilda tackling that infamous chocolate cake. The only difference? I was using a fork … though I won’t confirm nor deny if the plate was licked clean afterward. The cupcakes were mini versions of the cake. I could see them being the perfect party favor in their little red boxes.

The Brooklyn Blackout Cake from the Brooklyn Blackout Company is available on Goldbelly.com for $99.95, and it comes with free shipping. It’s advertised as serving 12 to 15 people, but honestly, you could easily get a few more slices out of it. This cake isn’t just delicious, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your next gathering and sure to spark plenty of conversation. It’s minimalist on looks but maximum on flavor.

What: Funny Girl” (1968)

Why: This is the film that launched Barbra Streisand’s Hollywood career and earned her a Best Actress Oscar right out of the gate. Loosely based on the life of vaudeville star Fanny Brice, this features some of the greatest songs ever written for Broadway courtesy of Jule Styne (“Gypsy”) and Bob Merrill (“Breakfast at Tiffany’s”). Director William Wyler (“Ben-Hur”) famously led a whopping 13 other actors to Oscar glory, and it’s his careful hand at remembering the grounded humanity amid the outlandish moments that gives the film its heart and has you rooting for Fanny. Both heartbreaking and hilarious, this is a prime example of an exuberant movie musical with real weight.

Where: You can watch this film 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.

Brooklyn Blackout cake, cupcakes and cookies. SAMANTHA DELLILO/Keys Weekly

MAD HATTER

6 goals in 2 games for Carroll | P.10

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Team Sport Opponent Date Result

Key West Boys Soccer American Heritage 1/13 T, 2-2

Coral Shores Boys Soccer Keys Gate 1/13 L, 6-4

Marathon Girls Soccer Archbishop Carroll 1/13 W, 4-1

Coral Shores Girls Soccer Gulliver 1/13 L, 4-0

Marathon Boys Basketball Palmer 1/13 L, 84-50

Key West Girls Soccer Coral Shores 1/14 W, 1-0

Key West Boys Basketball South Dade 1/14 L, 56-39

Marathon Girls Basketball True North 1/14 W, 64-56

Key West Girls Basketball Mater Lakes 1/14 L, 77-50

Marathon Boys Basketball Ransom 1/15 L, 58-39

Coral Shores Boys Soccer St. Brendan 1/15 L, 6-1

Key West Girls Basketball Coral Shores 1/15 W, 48-36

Marathon Girls Basketball Ransom 1/15 L, 49-46

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Mater Bay Academy 1/16 W, 52-49

Key West Girls Soccer Marathon 1/16 W, 4-0

Key West Boys Soccer Marathon 1/16 W, 8-0

Basilica Boys Basketball Horeb Christian 1/17 L, 62-50

Key West Boys Basketball Westminster Christian 1/17 L, 65-38

Coral Shores Girls Soccer Marathon 1/17 W, 5-1

Coral Shores Boys Soccer Marathon 1/17 W, 6-3

Key West Girls Soccer Lemon Bay 1/18 L, 4-2

Key West Girls Basketball Archbishop McCarthy 1/18 L, 71-42 Key West Boys Basketball IMG

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

ON THE COVER THE SCOREBOARD

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

BOWDEN

He has a great work ethic and willingness to learn, and is still only a sophomore.” — Nic Farrar, Conchs head coach

As Key West prepares to make a run into the postseason, Sonny Bowden has been doing all the little things to help boost his team. Last week, Bowden had a hat trick against Marathon. He is a steady contributor to the team’s scoring this season. According to coach Nic Farrar, the hard-working sophomore “puts in 100% effort into every game and is improving day to day.” For his talent and relentless willingness to improve, Key West’s Sonny Bowden is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Sophomore Key West, Soccer

Photo by: MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys

Goals vs. Marathon

Coral Shores’ Preston Carroll, left, had the offensive dials turned up to 10 last week, leading his team with hat tricks against Keys Gate and Marathon. See page 10. RACHEL RUSCH/Keys Weekly

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.

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

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Se habla español

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

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

Senior RJ Brown slams his opponent at the regional duals championships held in Key West last week. Brown was 1-1 in the tournament, helping Key West to win its first regional title and advance to the state’s elite eight Jan. 24. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

CONCHS BREAK THROUGH TO ELITE EIGHT Lady Conchs make statement in Immokalee

Key West made history last week, earning its first bid to the State Duals Elite Eight on Friday, Jan 24. The Conchs battled their way through Region 4 1A to become a contender at the FHSAA State Duals for the first time in program history. The Conchs join seven other teams hoping to grapple their way into the final four teams in 1A.

Coral Shores, also a regional duals qualifier, did not advance to states, but the Hurricanes made school history as well by earning a bid to the regional quarterfinals.

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

While the boys were making history, the Lady Conchs were laying the groundwork for some history of their own. Six athletes found their way to the podium Jan. 18 at the Lady Indian Tournament at Immokalee High School. The team was led by Sheyla Figueira, a state-qualifier last season, who took second place at the tournament in the 105-pound class. Maria Halushka (125) was third while Wenxin Yu (110), Sunisa Kuhn (155) and Yarnesie Corrales (170) were fourth. Isabella Cosme took fifth place at 145 pounds to help the team secure sixth place out of the 28 teams who entered.

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

MIXED RESULTS AT THE HOOP

Four Keys teams saw action last week as district play looms

In its first year of varsity action, Basilica School played the second of three games scheduled this season on Jan. 17.

2.

3. Key West senior Kameron Roberts helped Key West return to the win column last week with 17 points against IMG Gray.

4.

The Mariners hosted the Mustangs of Horeb Christian back in November and paid them a visit in Miami last week. The Mariners were down by 17 in quarter two, but rallied to come within four by the final quarter. Horeb pulled away late in the fourth to beat Basilica 60-52.

Noah Wright registered a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Miguel Ontiveros scored 12 while Blade Hanousek and Alex Bouttier added nine and seven, respectively. Basilica is without a single senior this season, and Hanousek, a junior, is the lone upperclassman, making for an exciting future for the young team. The Mariners close out their inaugural season Saturday, Feb. 1 in a home matchup against Abundant Life Christian Academy.

Coral Shores made the most of its single game last week, beating the Rays of Mater Bay 52-49 on Jan. 16. The ’Canes, celebrating Senior Night, had the energy of the crowd behind them as they went to work against the Rays. Mater Bay focused on junior Donovan Thiery, freeing up senior Ayden Lane to score a game-high 28.

“It was a great back-and-forth game the whole way,” said assistant coach Andy Thiery. “Lane carried the team through the first three quarters on the scoreboard.”

three from Thiery tied the game at 47, breaking the Rays’ spirits

In quarter four, it was anybody’s game, but a dunk by Thiery electrified the crowd and gave Coral Shores some momentum. A three from Thiery tied the game at 47, breaking the Rays’ spirits late in the game and giving the ’Canes the boost they needed to seal the deal. Thiery ended the night with 13 points and fellow junior Austin Vogt added eight in the win.

the recipe they needed against a visiting IMG Academy Gray team. Kameron Roberts had the hot hand with 17 points and seven rebounds. David Aviles added 16 while Josue Thanus and Zach Levering were good for six each. Tramane Scott pulled down 10 rebounds to help feed Roberts under the basket and secure the 54-49 win for the Conchs.

The Conchs suffered a series of losses last week, but ended on a positive note. The team’s greatest loss was their scoring leader, junior James Osborne, who had just returned from a wrist injury. Osborne is likely now out for the season with an ankle injury, forcing the Conchs to shore up their game plan and figure out how to win without the 21 points per game he was averaging.

Key West lost Jan. 14 at South Dade, then again on Jan. 17 at home against Westminster Christian, but by the 18th, they found

Marathon lost a pair of games last week, but it wasn’t without a good fight, particularly from junior Daeshawn Holmes. Holmes registered a pair of double-doubles, the first occurring during the Dolphins’ Jan. 13 loss to Palmer Trinity School. Holmes sank 15 points and pulled down 13 rebounds while fellow junior Briggs Roberts scored 14. Freshman Jack Chapman had 10 points for the Fins, but it would not be enough to overcome the Falcons, who ultimately won 84-50. Two nights later, Holmes scored 11 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a 58-39 loss to Ransom Everglades. Chapman added 11 to his stats and Roberts added 10.

date teams can play to deter-

for regular-season games. This

school in the Keys, is classified

Jan. 25 marks the final date teams can play to determine their district seedings, with Feb. 1 being the final date for regular-season games. This year, each of Monroe County’s teams faces a different postseason path. Key West, the largest school in the Keys, is classified as 4A. Coral Shores falls into the 3A class and Marathon, the Keys’ smallest public school, qualifies for the rural classification. Basilica, not part of the FHSAA yet, is not eligible for postseason play. Holmes. Holmes registered a

1. Coral Shores’ Ayden Lane drives between defenders.

Jaxen Cabrera soars in the paint.

Marathon’s Daeshawn Holmes registered two double-doubles last week for the Fins.

Photos by Rachel Rusch, Barry Gaukel and Maicey Malgrat.

BREAKING THROUGH

From left: Marathon’s Marti Kilbourne, who led her team with a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double on Jan. 14;

Photos by Barry Gaukel and Maicey Malgrat

BREAKING THROUGH

Lady Conchs’ 50 rebounds make the difference in first win since 2023

The Lady Conchs ended a two-year dry spell on Jan. 15, earning a win over the Coral Shores Lady Hurricanes. Their last win was also over the Hurricanes back in January 2023, when a very young Key West team pulled off the upset at home.

Last week’s 48-36 victory was on the road, and a determined Conchs squad worked hard to bring home the win. The game-changer for Key West was their physical play, which included 50 rebounds for the team.

Their hustle and drive was led by Jaylin Greene, who scored 14 points, and Damarla Thompson, who earned a double-double with 10 points and 17 rebounds. Lilee Gage pulled down 15 rebounds and scored six while also collecting four blocks in the big win.

Coral Shores’ Grace Leffler had a game-high 17 points plus eight rebounds in the Hurricanes’ loss. Melanie Estevez scored nine and Alex Burson added six plus five steals for Coral Shores, but it was not enough to overcome a hungry Key West squad.

Marathon had one win and one loss last week, with the win coming Jan. 14 at True North Academy. Marti’yana Kilbourne had a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds plus six steals. Elena Eubank and Daysi Williams added 19 each in the 64-56 victory. The following night, the Fins came up just a little short, falling 49-46 to Ransom. Eubank had the top score for the team with 15. Williams scored 13 and Kilbourne added 11 in the road loss.

Lilee Gage, Damarla Thompson and Jaylin Greene paved the way for Key West.

COUNTY

From left, Maicee Gage, Maddie Kilduff and Kaitlyn Franco worked together to manufacture the lone goal against Coral Shores for a Conchs win. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

QUEENS

Conchs beat Keys competitors in final week of regular season

ey West hosted Coral Shores on Jan. 14 with their sights set on avenging an early-season loss to the Lady ’Canes. The Conchs were able to capitalize on a corner kick by senior Kaitlyn Franco. Franco’s kick was right where Maddie Kilduff wanted it, and Kilduff headed it toward the goal. Coral Shores’ goalkeeper was able to make the stop, but the deflection led to a scrum in front of the cage. That’s when sophomore striker Maicee Gage sent it into the back of the net for the lone goal of the match.

“After losing 5-0 to Coral Shores early in the season, it was a very satisfying result,” said Conchs head coach Scott Paul, adding that play against their Upper Keys foe is “always a tough, physical match with a great rival. This match was no exception to that

is proving to be an asset on that front line.”

Senior keeper Courtney Grabus notched her fourth shutout of the season against the ’Canes, then added number five in a 4-0 romp over Marathon on Jan. 16. In their final game of the regular season, Key West fell to Lemon Bay, putting them at 8-9 on the season with a good chance of evening their record in district playoff action this week against St. Brendan School.

Key West skips the play-in round of districts, heading directly for the semis against the Sabres on Jan. 24. Should they win that one, it is a quick trip to the district championship match four days

that history.” at one, it is a quick trip to the district championship match four days later.

Marathon traveled to Archbishop Carroll Jan. 13 to take on the Bulldogs. Despite being down several key players, the Fins came home with a 4-1 win. Jordan MacDonald scored twice while Ashley Strama and Shilo Yeider added one goal each in the victory.

“The team is bouncing back after some tough injuries,” said coach Cathy Warner. “We are still down a starter with a torn ACL, and some of our starters are nursing some injuries, but we are fighting till the end.”

The Fins called up the reserves to field a full team, adding members of the middle school team to the varsity roster.

“They are hungry to play and get on the varsity field, and it is encouraging others to step up as well,” said Warner. “Ashley (Strama) has proven to be a powerhouse as a seventh grader and

fourth-ranked Somerset South

The Lady Fins dropped their final two games against Key West and Coral Shores, finishing with a 4-10-1 record that placed them in the middle of their district’s rankings. Their strength of schedule helped boost them past several teams in the rankings, but despite moving down into the 2A classification, their district bracket is actually more formidable this season. The Fins, ranked number five in their district, are scheduled to play fourth-ranked Somerset South Homestead on Jan. 22 for their quarterfinal match.

After a pair of losses to Gulliver Prep and Key West, the Lady ’Canes came out kicking Jan. 17 when they hosted the Dolphins. Coral Shores was celebrating Senior Night, and Sofia Jans and Ali Beth Wilson both scored in their final home games for Coral Shores. Bayley Catarineau, Jenna Mandozzi and Lela Goodrich also added goals to make the score 5-1.

others of their district’s rankings. Their rankings,

some stiff competition in their 3A District 16 pool, including son, blanking them both times.

The 9-4 Hurricanes have some stiff competition in their 3A District 16 pool, including Gulliver Prep in the semis if they win on Jan. 23 against Keys Gate. The ’Canes had no problems with the Knights in their first two matches this season, blanking them both times.

Ali Beth Wilson found the back of the net in a Senior Night romp over Marathon. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly

TWO HAT TRICKS FOR CARROLL

Bowden blasts Marathon with three goals

The regular season is officially closed for prep soccer, and two Keys teams are proving to be red-hot when it comes to scoring.

The Keys’ southernmost squad hasn’t lost a match since Dec. 20, and the 9-3-3 Conchs added a win and a tie last week as they await the district brackets. Their first opponent was American Heritage on Jan. 13. The Conchs tied the Patriots, a team they could face again if they make it past districts, 2-2. Emmanuel Innocent and Loubins Fleuridor scored one each in the win.

Key West then ended their regular season with a statement, defeating Marathon 8-0 in a decisive mercy-rule win. Sophomore Sonny Bowden had a hat trick, scoring two of his three goals off of penalty kicks. Innocent, Sebastian Camargo, Niko Sulak and Chase Hoffman scored one apiece while Camargo and Kieran Smith each had an assist. The eighth goal came from a cross deflected off a Marathon player. The Conchs’ small district and their solid record punched their playoff card for a direct trip to semifinals, where they will play Terra Environmental on Jan. 24.

Monroe County’s most prolific scorer last week was Coral Shores’ Preston Carroll, whose dual hat tricks led the Hurricanes in scoring for the week. Carroll scored his first three plus an assist in a 6-4 loss to Keys Gate on Jan. 13. Xol Placencia scored the Hurricanes’ fourth goal.

returned to the win column Jan. 17 when they hosted Marathon.

accounted for the other two goals in the 6-3 victory over their the of on Jan. 22. The sixth-seeded Hurricanes lost to the third-seeded Stallions twice in the regular season but showed improvement in

The Hurricanes lost again at St. Brendan School Jan. 15 but returned to the win column Jan. 17 when they hosted Marathon. Carroll added three more while Placencia also found the back of the net against the Fins. Tony Khioni and Armando Picado accounted for the other two goals in the 6-3 victory over their nearest neighbor. Coral Shores, 8-13 in the regular season, will participate in the 3A bracket of district 16 play this week. Up first for the Hurricanes was Somerset Silver Palms in the quarterfinals on Jan. 22. The sixth-seeded Hurricanes lost to the third-seeded Stallions twice in the regular season but showed improvement in their second pairing.

Marathon’s losses last week put them at 2-11-1 as they prepare for combat in the 2A division of FHSAA’s Region 4 District 16 competition this week. The Fins, seeded eighth, drew the No. 2 seed, Archbishop Carroll, for their quarterfinal match, to be played in Miami on Thursday, Jan. 23.

Top: Preston Carroll. RACHEL RUSCH/ Keys Weekly

Left: Key West’s Niko Sulak and the Conchs are primed and ready for districts. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

NEXT STOP: DISTRICTS

Girls weightlifting enters the postseason

Marathon’s lady lifters bested their Keys competitors again Jan. 15 at Coral Shores in a final meet before the postseason. The Dolphins won both the Olympic and traditional events with Coral Shores coming in a close second and Key West taking third.

Key West’s weight class winners were Shylo Sanchez at 139 pounds and Alexa Condella at 154. Both athletes won the Olympic event in their classes.

Coral Shores’ Jennille Arias swept both events in the 169-pound class and Sydney Eysenbach did the same in unlimited. Rachel Rusch was first at 110 pounds in the traditional event.

The Fins’ Ella Dunn and Ayme Maradiaga split the 101-pound weight class, with Dunn winning the Olympic competition and Maradiaga earning the top score in traditional. Katriya Wright was first in Olympic lifts at 110 pounds while Ava Merryman and Brizni Vargas were first in traditional at 139 and 154 pounds, respectively. Rilynn Richards (119), Ella Evans (129), Justice Lee (183) and Sabrina Schofield (199) were double winners, registering top lifts in both events.

The Lady Conchs travel to their district event Thursday, Jan. 23 while the Lady ’Canes and Fins have their competition on Saturday, Jan. 25. As the girls vie for a shot at district, regional and state hardware, the boys weightlifting season, the harbinger of spring sports, gets underway Wednesday, Jan. 29 at Coral Shores.

Marathon’s Ella Dunn, left, Ayme Maradiaga, Sabrina Schofield and Justice Lee were all winners at the final regular season meet held Jan. 25. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

From left, Coral Shores lifters Rachel Rusch, Sydney Esenbach and Vanessa Gabriel. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI

Notice is hereby given that on February 10th, 2025, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows:

LOCATION: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Knight, John 0016 Robertson, Jeremy 1162 Bangert, Philip 1670

Cafarella, Deborah 1191

Murgas, Alex 1580 Cox, Michael 1426 Fellhauer, Amy 1023 Trent, Cheryl 1180, 1203 Adkins, Taylor 1561 Chamberlain, Sheila 1167

Publish: January 23 & 30, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statute 328.17, Silent Hunter Boat Yard, LLC dba-Marathon Boat Yard claims a possessory lien on the following described vessel:

Owned by Darryl Wayne Hansen, deceased, for unpaid storage fees: a 1981 Formosa 51’ 6” vessel by Formosa Boat Bldg Co., “Dragonfly”, Florida Registration # FL4642RH and HIN #FBB510330481.

Sealed bids will be accepted on February 3, 2025 at Marathon Boat Yard, 2055 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. Silent Hunter Boat Yard, LLC dba Marathon Boat Yard, reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Publish: January 23 & 30, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice of Seizure that in accordance with Florida Statutes 83.805/83.506, Upper Keys Commerce Center, 97300 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 will sell or otherwise dispose of the personal contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.

All contents in:

Unit 73 – Margaret Edwards

Sale of all goods will be 2/10/25 at 10:00 am at 97300 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo Florida 33037. Upper Keys Commerce Center reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.

Publish: January 23 & 30, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

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

All Contents in:

Unit D-56 –Robert Entwistle

WOLFSON FAMILY FOUNDATION, INC required to be filed under section 6033 Internal Revenue Code, is available for public inspection at its principal office 56283 Ocean Drive, Marathon, FL 33050 305-743-5060 for inspection during regular business hours by any citizen upon request, within 180 days after the date of this publication.

Cheryl Wilcox

Principal Manager

Dated: January 17, 2025

Publish: January 23, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 9:00 A.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: FY 2026 Capital Projects

Funding Application

Monroe County, Florida

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish:

January 23, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 9:00 A.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: FY 2026 Destination/ Turnkey Event Funding Application Monroe County, Florida

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 24-CP00079-M FLORIDA BAR #980810 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MURIEL BEAUMONT Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MURIEL BEAUMONT, deceased, whose date of death was July 23, 2023, 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.

LEGAL NOTICES

AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

Sale of all goods will be 2/10/25 at 10:00 am at 135 Hood Ave., Tavernier, Florida 33070. Tavernier Mini Storage reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.

Publish: January 23 & 30, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

The

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 5:00P.M. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 9:00 A.M., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,,

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 5:00P.M. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 9:00 A.M., on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833, ,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

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Publish: January 23, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

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 WITHIN 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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 23, 2025.

Persons Giving Notice: Stephan Beaumont 311 2nd Street Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051

Attorney for Persons Giving Notice: Christopher B. Waldera, P.A. Christopher B. Waldera, Esq. Florida Bar No: 980810

Attorney for Personal Representative 5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 7 Marathon, Florida 33050

Telephone: (305) 289-2223 Facsimile: (305) 289-2249 email: cwaldera@aol.com Publish: January 23 & 30, 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

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.

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 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 The Weekly Newspapers I

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

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

BOATS FOR SALE

2000 21' Hydra Sport Center Console w/200hp Johnson, trailer, cover, jackets +. Located in Big Pine. Runs well. $7,400. 919-621-0544

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

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD FOR ONLY $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-7430844 TODAY!

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.

Specialty Hardware of Marathon is looking for a full time person, hardware knowledge a must. Apply in person at 10730 Overseas Hwy Marathon. 305-743-3382

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 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time servers and bartenders. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/ dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305-7436739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm 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, Med Tech, 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 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!!

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

RV FOR SALE

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

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 SOLD!!!

VACATION RENTAL

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

YARD SALES

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

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)

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.

PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

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

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

KEY LARGO

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

KEY WEST

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

MARATHON

Care Coordinator (PT)

Driver – PT (CDL not required)

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

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

*Support Worker (Assisted Living, PT)

*Night Monitor (Assisted Living - Free Housing)

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

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 receive consideration for employment without regard to race,

*Sign-on

AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net

THEME:

SYNONYMS

ACROSS

1. Half of half-and-half

6. *Gratuity

9. Remain unsettled

13. Pita, alt. sp.

14. Uncle Sam wants whom?

15. Played violin, e.g. 16. “Encore!”

17. Young canine

18. Amber warning

19. *Entice

21. *Agreement

23. “____ Te Ching”

24. Goose egg

25. Antonym of keep

28. *Affection

30. Open wine, e.g.

35. Frosts a cake

37. Leave in a bucket

39. *Parlor

40. Coating of aurum

41. Like many bathroom floors?

43. Border pass

44. Full of emotion (2 words)

46. Opposite of talker?

47. Tel ____, Israel

48. Auto____ website

50. *Module

52. Compass point between NE and E

53. *Insane

55. Old-fashioned before

57. *Prevent

60. *Ditch

63. Peninsula of 38th parallel fame

64. Single-____ plastics

66. Donkey + horse, pl.

68. All told (2 words)

69. ‘80s band “____ At Work”

70. Bay window

71. Chapter 11 issue

72. Mouse turf

73. Email option

DOWN

1. Tax pro, acr.

2. Capital of Latvia

3. Bibliographical abbr.

4. Not upright

5. Instructions handbook

6. Use an Underwood

7. Promissory note letters

8. Cocoon dwellers

9. Horse and mallet sport

10. *Pitcher

11. One ridiculed for studiousness

12. Banned insecticide, acr.

15. Kevin ____ and Sir Francis ____

20. Resting spot for a chicken

22. French vineyard

24. *Avid

25. *Correct

26. *Slipperier

27. 4th letter of Greek alphabet

29. *Nothingness

31. Spanish sparkling wine

32. Martini garnish

33. Violinist’s pine resin

34. *Rogue

36. Wall support

38. It often precedes “eye”

42. Laundry room appliance

45. Correspondence friend

49. Feel remorse

51. Seismic shake

54. Card game move

56. Accustom

57. *Sharpen 58. A in UAE 59. Cheesy patty

Be inclined

Paper holder

Dog command

Baby goat

Pirate’s turf

“Rocky” creator