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Fans will need to look beyond their wallets if they want to purchase a ticket to Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans on Feb. 9. Wallethub says the lowest price for a ticket on the resale market is $6,733. The average cost for a ticket to the past five Super Bowls is $7,584.
HEALTH CARE ADVOCATES HAVE HOPE FOR NEW HOSPITAL OPERATOR $6,733
Private partner indicates willingness to work with different companies
mandy@keysweekly.com
Growing public interest prompted the Feb. 4 meeting of the local hospital district board to take place at the Tennessee Williams Theater.
More than 100 people attended the meeting to encourage the board to consider alternative operators of Lower Keys Medical Center when the current agreement with Community Health Services ends in 2029.
Four of the seven unpaid members of the Lower Florida Keys Hospital District board, who are appointed by the governor, were receptive to hearing from other companies that may be interested in running the Lower Keys’ only public hospital. In response to a request from an advisory committee of community members, the board voted 4-3 to allow the committee to hire an independent legal representative to help the committee solicit proposals for a new hospital operator.
The board may also soon hire a health care consultant to help the community determine its priorities and draft a new operating agreement with whichever company takes over in 2029.
The committee celebrated an additional bit of news, when the hospital board’s longtime lawyer Lew Fishman shared news of a discussion he had with Roberto Sanchez, a Miami businessman who has the power to veto any potential new hospital operator. How does one man have so much control?
A troubling reality of the Lower Keys’ hospital situation came to light at the Jan. 7 meeting of the Lower Florida Keys Hospital District board. The hospital’s current lease agreement with the Tennessee-based Community Health Services (CHS) expires in 2029.
There’s another, private entity involved in that lease agreement.
Due to increased
and
The Lower Florida Keys Hospital District is a state-chartered special taxing district created in 1967 that exists solely to provide and maintain a hospital for the people in the district, which stretches from Key West to the Seven Mile Bridge.
The hospital district board is authorized to levy, and in the past has levied, a special tax within the district to fund the public hospital. That tax has not been levied since 1999, when the hospital district board decided to lease the hospital on Stock Island to a private, for-profit health care company.
The current 30-year lease between CHS and the Lower Florida Keys Hospital District includes more than the public hospital on College Road. The agreement also includes dePoo Hospital on Kennedy Drive, which is owned by Miami businessman Roberto Sanchez through his company,
Kennedy Drive Investments. And Kennedy Drive Investments Ltd. is inextricably linked with Lower Keys Medical Center and Community Health Systems.
Tom Everhart’s
and other
Gets the
artwork is available at Ocean
Everhart will appear Feb. 20-22 at 7 p.m. See page 16.
Attorney Fishman initially told the board and the community committee last month that Sanchez had expressed an interest in renewing the lease with CHS rather than considering another operator. But that changed at the Feb. 4 meeting, when Fishman said he had spoken with Sanchez.
“They have absolutely no interest in selling Kennedy Drive Investments, but they did say they’re not locked into CHS and are open to working with anyone,” Fishman said, to cheers from the audience.
The district board also voted to invite any hospital operators to give a preliminary introduction and proposal about operating Lower Keys Medical Center at the March meeting.
“Ultimately, we’re grateful for the board’s approval of the committee’s request for independent counsel, which is a practical solution to assist the board, which has th a fiduciary obligation to our community’s public health,” said Spencer Krenke, who launched a community group to advocate for a new hospital operator called Our Hospital Key West (ohkw.org).
“We are however surprised that while Dr. Lesley Thompson, Erica Sterling, Mary Chambers and Mary Spottswood voted in favor of their own committee’s request, Stephen Hammond, James Muir and chairwoman Kathy Ovide voted against it.
“We’re also pleased that as of the March 4 meeting there will be equal time given to any hospital operator to present their interest for consideration to be a successor operator when the current agreement ends in April 2029.”
Visit ohkw.org to view an unedited video of the Feb. 4 meeting in the coming days.
For a full history of the hospital lease, visit keysweekly.com and search for “hospital” or scan the QR code here.
‘Who
Laugh?’
Peanuts
Blue Galleries.
attendance
interest, the Feb. 4 meeting of the Lower Keys Hospital District board took place at Tennessee Williams Theater. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
Florida Keys immigrants are facing an uncertain future, awaiting a worst-case scenario that would upend their lives — an authoritative knock, an unidentified phone call or a uniformed officer.
President Donald Trump demanded mass deportations of undocumented immigrants — and Florida lawmakers are unflinching in their efforts to comply.
Legislative leaders initially bucked Gov. Ron DeSantis’ call for a special session to address how Florida would assist the Trump administration’s removal of illegal immigrants by the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement. The legislature eventually met and passed a bill on Jan. 28 that would expand space and beds for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as requested by the Trump administration.
On Jan. 13, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis calls for a special session of the legislature to address President Donald Trump’s deportation program. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE/ Contributed
The bill also toughened penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes by giving them automatic maximum sentences. And those who commit murder would face the death penalty. In addition, undocumented students wouldn’t receive in-state college tuition support.
Among the contentious topics is a measure in the Legislature’s bill for a new state immigration czar, which would be Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. DeSantis wasn’t in favor of the proposal.
“How often is agriculture viewed as leading the fight against illegal immigration?” DeSantis said during a town hall on Jan. 31.
Voting “yes” on the House Floor, State Rep. Jim Mooney said the bill wasn’t given to DeSantis as of Feb. 5 due to some disagreements and his initial message that he’d veto the legislation.
“We have a lot of the governor’s products in this bill,” Mooney said. “The bill says we will work hand-in-hand with the feds.”
“So much is happening and laws are changing so fast; people are scared. They live here, work here, have children — they’re our neighbors, and they’re scared,” said Natalia Duke, a Key West native and the daughter of Cuban refugees.
“Even people who are here legally are terrified they’ll get caught up and arrested in a raid,” said Duke, who helped launch the Keys Immigrant Coalition in 2017 in response to new Florida laws that targeted undocumented immigrants.
The current sense of chaos and alarm has eclipsed anything that came before.
“Now I hope the Keys Immigrant Coalition can help alleviate some fear by making sure our community knows their rights,” she said. “All people in the U.S. have constitutional rights regardless of their immigration status, and sharing that information is important.”
Immigrant rights advocates nationwide are hosting Know Your Rights seminars to advise people how to respond if ICE agents come to their home, workplace or school. (See page 12 for immigration rights information from the ACLU).
Immigrants now worry constantly about their kids at school, raids at their workplace or government vehicles in their neighborhoods.
The Keys Weekly asked local law enforcement leaders and the superintendent of schools what policies and plans were in place in light of the state and nationwide crackdown.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Rick Ramsay participated in a Zoom call last week with DeSantis and all 67 Florida sheriffs.
“It was sort of a one-way conversation, and was geared toward the governor saying, ‘I’ve got the power and I expect all elected officials to aid and assist in the immigration enforcement efforts, and if you don’t, you could be removed from office or face ramifications,’” Ramsay told the Keys Weekly. “My stance has always been that we’re not going to job sites or doing roundups. We’re not checking IDs just to try to find people. But if we become aware that a person may be here illegally, we’re not going to hide or harbor anyone.
“We will comply with the law, and if you’re arrested and in my jail, and you have what’s called a federal detainer, which is basically an immigrationrelated warrant, then we’ll notify the feds that we have you, and we’ll let them know when you’re getting out, which we’re required to do by law.
“We’ve never prevented our deputies from asking someone if they’re here illegally, but my guys aren’t trying to hurt anyone. We’re not trying to be ICE; we have empathy,” Ramsay said. “It’s not an easy answer. We’ll be fair.”
Ramsay added that additional state troopers from Florida Highway Patrol have been working in the Keys to combat illegal immigration since the summer of 2024, when hundreds of migrants entered the Keys from Cuba and Haiti. Most of those troopers are still in the Keys, and that agency is enthusiastic about assisting state and federal immigration efforts, according to a Jan. 89 post by FHP post on X that states, “We are ready and willing to follow the governor’s lead and work with federal partners to execute the Trump illegal immigration mandate.”
Key West Police
Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg told the Keys Weekly last week he had not been contacted by any state or federal officials about immigration enforcement efforts, and it was business as usual for his department as of last week.
“No one has reached out, made contact or given any kind of direction,” Brandenburg said. “I haven’t heard from any of our federal partners.”
In addition, Key West lawmakers in 2017 passed a resolution designating Key West as a Welcoming City. The resolution states “the city shall not request or maintain information about, or investigate or assist in the investigation of the citizenship or immigration status of any person unless such inquiry is required by a valid state or federal law.”
That resolution had not been rescinded as of Feb. 4, city attorney Ron Ramsingh told the Keys Weekly.
Monroe County schools
Teachers and administrators in Keys schools have acknowledged the concern many immigrant parents now have when dropping off their kids at school. Often, children of undocumented immigrants are American citizens, by virtue of birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed in the Constitution for anyone born in the United States. Though President Trump has expressed interest in ending birthright citizenship, such a move would require congressional and likely Supreme Court approval.
“I have been in contact over the past week and will continue to be in contact with State Attorney Dennis Ward,” said Theresa Axford, schools superintendent, “who will inform me of any information he receives regarding immigration matters in Monroe County that are pertinent to school operations. We agreed that our current policies relating to outside agencies such as law enforcement interviewing or picking up students should continue to be followed at this time. Those policies are on page 39 of our Student Code of Conduct, which can be found at keysschools.com.
“We will strictly require any party asking to interact with a student to show official identification. And the school resource officer, who knows the students and school policies, will be informed.
We both agreed that the least disruption possible to the school day should be our goal as well as following the law.”
— Jim McCarthy contributed to this report.
please visit BaptistHealth.net/ZoTime.
CHARITY FASHION SHOW PUTS BEST FOOT FORWARD
Kirby’s
Closet & Queer
Keys partner for Out of the Closet event on Feb. 12
MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
Diversity may no longer be a popular concept in the federal government, but Key West has always been an island of fierce independence and friendly inclusion. Those ideals will be on full display at the Out of the Closet Fashion Show on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the golden hour of sunset at 5 p.m.
Kirby Myers, owner of Kirby’s Closet boutique, once again has partnered to present the fashion show with Queer Keys, 1100 Truman Ave., an LGBT community center and resource organization with a mission to support, educate, empower and celebrate the queer community of the Florida Keys.
Myers has assembled 21 local models — of all ages, shapes and identities — and coordinated wardrobes and accessories for each. The models will showcase eye-catching clothes and accessories from Kirby’s Closet, 218 Whitehead St., which features new clothes from designers exclusively available at her store, as well as plenty of pre-loved, designer clothes.
“I’ve always believed in kindness, love and equality for every human and it’s never been more important than now to show our support for the LGBTQIA+ community,” Myers said. “We hope to bring awareness to this incredible organization as well as remind our
One Human Family that we need to remain just that — inclusive and supportive of all.”
The Out of the Closet fashion show takes place directly behind the Shops at Mallory, with the runway sitting between Mallory Square and Opal Key’s Gulf-facing bars.
The event is free for all to attend, and volunteers will be collecting donations for Queer Keys via cash, check or QR code. Generous community members and business owners have supported Queer Keys by sponsoring the models.
In addition to the sunset view and island style, DJ Sanaris will be spinning tunes, Key West’s own Floyd Jenkins will open the show with a vocal performance, followed by a performance by the Key West International Company at Pasion Project.
“At Queer Keys, we support, educate, empower and celebrate the diverse queer community of the Florida Keys,” McNulty said. “Our second annual Out of the Closet Fashion Show fundraiser is a joyful tribute to femininity, femme expression and womanhood in all its forms. Now more than ever, finding joy in community is an act of resilience — and this event is a celebration of that power. We’re deeply grateful to Kirby’s Closet and Opal Key Resort for their generous support in making this event possible. Love is love. Community is everything. Femme is fierce.”
KEY WEST WELCOMES BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Commissioners honor contributions of local African-Americans
Mayor Danise
“Deedee” Henriquez and the Key West City Commission proclaimed February as Black History Month during its regular meeting on Feb. 4.
“Black History Month is a time to reflect on the many contributions made by African Americans to the country and to Key West’s economic, artistic, cultural, spiritual, educational and political development,” reads the proclamation.
“It gives me great pleasure,” said commissioner Aaron Castillo, “to accept this for my heritage,
which has long been not recognized. I’ve got tears in my eyes to know that we’re recognized.”
Black History Month grew out of the establishment, in 1926, of Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
“The City of Key West continues to work toward becoming a community that embodies the ‘One Human Family’ philosophy,” reads the proclamation, “where all citizens – past, present and future – are respected and treated equally.”
— Contributed
MANDY
Chris McNulty, executive director of Queer Keys, and Kirby Myers, owner of Kirby’s Closet boutique, again will partner for the second annual Out of the Closet charity fashion show on Feb. 12 outside at Opal Key Resort. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
The Forgotten Soldier memorial at Bayview Park, installed in 2016, is a salute to Key West’s Black Civil War soldiers. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
Our bright and airy space is a treasure trove of fashion forward essentials that embrace the
Offering fabulous brands including Farm Rio, Trina Turk, Oliphant & more. Stop by and check out Key West’s go to spot for splurge worthy and on-trend styles.
KEY WEST MAN ARRESTED FOR FENTANYL AFTER MULTIPLE OVERDOSES
Police:
Madalinski,
51, also had cocaine and ecstasy
mandy@keysweekly.com
Astring of near-fatal fentanyl overdoses in Key West last month prompted an intense investigation by Key West police detectives, who traced the source of the narcotics to a man living directly across the street from Key West High School.
William Edward Madalinski, 51, was arrested Jan. 29 when detectives and special agents from the Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant at his residence at 2019 Flagler Ave. The house is not owned by Madalinksi, according to county property records.
Detectives and special agents found 40.4 grams of fentanyl — potentially 20,000 lethal doses, according to the DEA, which states that 2 milligrams of fentanyl is a lethal dose. The search warrant also turned up 76.8 grams of powder cocaine, 24.8 grams of MDMA, 3.2 grams of ecstasy pills and drug paraphernalia associated with the packaging and sale of narcotics, according to a press release from the Key West Police Department. Detectives also seized over $1,400 in suspected proceeds from drug sales.
Madalinski was charged with distribution of controlled substances resulting in overdose or serious bodily injury, trafficking cocaine, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking MDMA, possession of controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Madalinski was taken to jail and held on a $500,000 bail. He has four prior felony arrests for possession and sale of cocaine between 2015 and 2021, according to sheriff’s office records.
The overdoses that occurred in early January required the Key West police and fire departments to administer Narcan, which reverses the effects of opiates.
Key West police spokeswoman Alyson Crean told the Keys Weekly, “there were several overdoses that may be connected,” but she was unable to confirm the details. Official reports were not yet available, as the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected, Crean said.
Reports of the overdoses prompted Queer Keys to post on Facebook that Narcan was available at its community center, 1100 Truman Ave.
“Attention Key West: We’ve seen some concerning posts about overdoses in our community,”
Queer Keys director Chris McNulty posted on Jan. 9. “The Queer Keys Community Center is here to help. We offer free Narcan (naloxone), a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. … You can pick it up at the center — no questions asked, no judgment.”
CRIME RATE DROPS IN KEY WEST
Violent crime dips by 25% with 73% of cases cleared
Abreakdown of crime statistics in Key West for 2024 shows that violent crime is down 25% compared to the previous year. Overall, the crime rate dropped 10.5% from 2023.
The Key West Police Department said it is particularly proud of an overall 53.3% clearance rate. The clearance rate for the department – the rate at which crimes are solved – has increased substantially and is well above the state average of around 25%.
The clearance rate for violent crimes in 2024 was 73%. During 2024, there were 412 violent crimes and 301 of them were cleared, either by arrest or exceptionally cleared, which occurs when victims decline to press charges, prosecutors decline to pursue a conviction or the suspect dies. Basically, exceptionally cleared means that a case went away through no fault or decision of the police.
Each year the Key West Police Department reports its crime statistics to the state and national databases called NIBRS/FIBRS. These national and statewide reporting systems were launched in 2021 and allow communities across the nation to track and compare crime data.
“I want to commend the dedicated men and women of the Key West Police Department for an outstanding job solving crimes,” said Chief Sean Brandenburg. “Our relationship with the community has helped build a solid bond between the officers and residents. This community policing plays a huge role in our continuing success in solving crime on the island.”
— Contributed
MANDY MILES
William Edward Madalinksi
Police K-9 Cayo with the fentanyl, cocaine and ecstasy seized during the Jan. 29 arrest of William Edward Madalinski. CONTRIBUTED
BASKETBALL COURT NAMED FOR DEXTER BUTLER
Horace O’Bryant School honors the late coach and teacher
The basketball court at Horace O’Bryant School on Feb. 4 was named in honor and memory of the late Dexter ‘Coach Dex’ Butler, a baseball and basketball coach and teacher who died in a March 2024 accident at Key West High School. CONTRIBUTED
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
The basketball court at Horace O’Bryant School will forever bear the name and legacy of Dexter “Coach Dex” Butler, who died in March 2024 at the age of 37.
Butler coached baseball at HOB and then basketball at Key West High, where the court is named for his late father, Bill Butler.
Butler was born and raised in Key West. His family goes back generations here. Before becoming a coach and teacher, he himself was a Conch athlete who flourished on the ball fields, in high school and at college.
In his senior year as a Conch baseball player, Butler had a .475 batting average with 28 RBIs, 22 runs, 3 home runs and 13 stolen bases, according to his records at the University of South Florida.
In October 2021, he and his wife, Maria, became parents to Viviane.
At the Feb. 4 dedication of the HOB basketball court, a banner was installed on the wall, and floor decals and plaques will be installed this summer once the basketball court is refinished.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
SMANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
ACLU provides legal tips for immigrants encountering law enforcement
tate and national authorities started on Jan. 20 to aggressively pursue President Donald Trump’s campaign priority of mass deportations as part of his pledge to curb illegal immigration.
In Florida, the governor and state lawmakers are competing with each other to comply most intensely with Trump’s agenda, sending immigrant populations — documented and undocumented — into a state of uncertainty as word spreads about workplace raids and arrests of people, including some who are living in the United States legally.
As a result, the American Civil Liberties Union and immigration advocate groups have been circulating Know Your Rights flyers and holding community seminars in multiple languages reminding all immigrants of their rights under the U.S. Constitution regardless of their immigration status:
IF THE POLICE OR ICE ARE AT YOUR HOME
How to reduce risk to yourself
• Stay calm and keep the door closed. Opening the door does not give them permission to come inside, but it is safer to speak to ICE through the door.
Know your rights
• You have the right to remain silent, even if the officer has a warrant.
• You do not have to let police or immigration agents into your home unless they have certain kinds of warrants.
• If police have an arrest warrant, they are legally allowed to enter the home of the person on the warrant if they believe that person is inside. But a warrant of removal/ deportation (Form I-205) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent.
What to do when the police or ICE arrive
• Ask if they are immigration agents and what they are there for.
• Ask the agent or officer to show you a badge or identification through the window or peephole.
• Ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge. If they say they do, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can inspect it for proper name and spelling.
• Don’t lie or produce any false documents. Don’t sign anything without speaking with a lawyer.
• Do not open your door unless ICE shows you a judicial search or arrest warrant naming a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address. If they don’t produce a warrant, keep the door closed. State: “I do not consent to your entry.”
• If agents force their way in, do not resist. If you wish to exercise your rights, state: “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.”
• If you are on probation with a search condition, law enforcement is allowed to enter your home.
Key West coach and teacher Dexter Butler died in a tragic accident at Key West High School in March 2024 at the age of 37.
Gimenez questions ending of Temporary Protected Status
U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, whose district includes the Florida Keys, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers and activists questioning the federal government’s decision to end humanitarian protection “for roughly 600,000 Venezuelans living here in the United States” under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Gimenez on Jan. 31 sent a letter to Kristi Noem, the new secretary of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump, urging her not to penalize and stigmatize all Venezuelans due to the criminal activities of a few, including members of the Venezuelan gang known as “Tren de Aragua.”
“In Venezuela, the regime of Nicolas Maduro continues to repress, torture and silence the Venezuelan people,” Gimenez writes. “It is essential that security concerns are addressed with precision, ensuring that law-abiding Venezuelans are not unjustly penalized. For this reason, and in view of the February deadline, I urge you to make a decision that individually provides a solution to those who contribute to our country and respect the rule of law. The majority of Venezuelans flee their home to come to the United States seeking freedom, while respecting our laws.”
Ending their protected status would force them to return to “the oppressive Maduro regime,” Gimenez wrote.
In the order ending TPS for Venezuelans, Noem wrote, “the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined that Venezuela no longer continues to meet the conditions for the 2023 designation. In particular, the secretary has determined it is contrary to the national interest to permit the covered Venezuelan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States. The secretary therefore is terminating the 2023 TPS designation of Venezuela.”
Gimenez’s full letter is below:
“Dear Secretary Noem, “I am writing to address the urgent situation regarding the decision to end the Temporary
Protected Status (TPS) for roughly 600,000 Venezuelans living here in the United States. TPS is granted to foreign citizens who are unable to return to their home country as a result of war, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Many Venezuelans have arrived in our country under these conditions and have integrated into our communities, respected the laws, and contributed with honest jobs. Unfortunately, we have seen how some nationals with ties to organized crime or members of transnational criminal organizations, such as ‘Tren de Aragua,’ take advantage of our generous system. While members of the ‘Tren de Aragua’ gang are Venezuelans, not all Venezuelans belong to ‘Tren de Aragua.’ We must not allow the actions of a few to unfairly stigmatize an entire community. It is essential that security concerns are addressed with precision, ensuring that law-abiding Venezuelans are not unjustly penalized.
“For this reason, and in view of the February deadline, I urge you to make a decision that individually provides a solution to those who contribute to our country and respect the rule of law. In Venezuela, the regime of Nicolas Maduro continues to repress, torture, and silence the Venezuelan people. The majority of Venezuelans flee their home to come to the United States seeking freedom, while respecting our laws.
“In all, nearly 8,000,000 Venezuelans have fled their homeland in recent years to many different countries as a direct result of the oppressive Nicolas Maduro regime. President Trump has shown his solidarity with the Venezuelan people who have had their rights and dignity stripped away by the Maduro dictatorship.
“We must focus our efforts on removing the tyrant Nicolas Maduro so democracy can be restored, and the people of Venezuela are free once again.
“Sincerely,
Carlos A. Gimenez”
MUSIC MASTERS
Marathon hosts 2024-25 All-County Band
Dozens of the Keys’ youngest and brightest musical talents descended on Marathon Middle/High School on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 to form the annual All-County Band. Around 130 students from seven area schools participated in the event, which consisted of more than 10 hours of rehearsal time culminating in a rousing concert under guest conductors Ajori Spencer (middle school band) and Ian Schwindt (high school).
Participating schools and their directors/principals included Sugarloaf School (Joe Dallas/Trevor Tyler), Horace O'Bryant School (Crystal Hendricks/ Brian Desilets), Plantation Key School (Kathrine Yarbrough/Lisa Taylor), Coral Shores High School (Suzanne Gagliardini/Laura Lietart), Key West High School (Gary Hernandez/Rebecca Palomino), Key Largo School (Susan Bazin/
Darren Pais), and Marathon Middle/ High (Paul Anderson/Christine Paul).
The high school honor band consisted of roughly 55 participants, including five from Marathon High School, and the middle school honor band was 75 strong. Participants from Marathon were Eli Banks (seventh grade bass clarinet), Lucian Burns (eighth grade baritone saxophone), Jayden Davis (eighth grade flute), Atlas Downes (sixth grade alto saxophone), Linnley Eldridge (seventh grade flute), Samuel Golden (ninth grade tuba), Adrianna Golding (eighth grade clarinet), Sophia Hutchins (11th grade percussion), Hollinger Keeney (seventh grade flute), Victoria McAllister (ninth grade percussion), Christopher Paul (11th grade clarinet) and Elizabeth Vander Lee (11th grade flute).
— Contributed
RED BARN THEATRE FLIPS SCRIPT ON CLASSIC CHARACTERS
Comedy reimagines Holmes & Watson as female crime-solvers
WYATT SAMUELSON www.keysweekly.com
For 138 years, Sherlock Holmes has become more of a genre than the singular character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The quick-witted Brit, whose intellect and deductive reasoning cracks the most complex cases, has been recreated in a multitude of mediums — from television shows like “House,” “Monk” and the eponymous “Sherlock,” to movies like “Limitless.” Their deductive characters are as integral to pop culture as superheroes and heist movies.
On Jan. 28, the Red Barn Theatre hosted its opening night for “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B,” by playwright Kate Hamill. The story offers a fun and lighthearted twist on Conan Doyle’s popular detective series.
The play follows Ms. Holmes and her trusty assistant — well, roommate — Ms. Watson, in a misadventure around London, solving mysteries of murder and blackmail, with twists at every turn. Watson’s ironic phobia of mortal violence adds to the entertainment.
The show stars Susannah Wells and Mariah Woessner as the dynamic crime-solving duo. The pair radiates energy as they perform and often elicit cheers and outloud laughs from the audience. Wells, who plays Sherlock “Sherley” Holmes, enunciates every syllable
TOM EVERHART’S FINE LINES DEFINED AN ICONIC FRIENDSHIP
of her complicated dialogue with ease, an impressive feat for a twohour show. Woessner, who plays Watson, displays such physicality, it’s hard to believe she has the breath to speak her lines without breaking a sweat.
Unlike more serious plays that insist upon highbrow drama, this one uses its intimate nature to its advantage, with hilarious interruptions from narrators and stagehands. The script acknowledges that it’s a Sherlock Holmes play and uses that awareness to poke fun at itself.
Honorable mentions include Arthur Crocker and Morgan Fraga Peirson, whose versatility in roles throughout the show is an achievement in itself. Their impressive switches among multiple characters in back-to-back scenes without issue are a testament to the hard work they put into learning their roles, as well as to the set managers who surely had their hands full prepping props and costumes. The audience was enthusiastic and engaged throughout the performance, with the constant laughs and claps at times forcing the cast to pause briefly before delivering the next lines.
Directed by the Red Barn Theatre’s founding member Mimi McDonald, “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, 2B” is a treat from start to finish. Shows are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. through Feb. 22. For tickets and information, visit redbarntheatre.com.
Charles Schulz’s hand-picked ‘Peanuts’ artist brings the gang together at Ocean Blue Galleries
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
With football foibles, five-cent psychiatry and a famously flippant beagle, Charles Schulz gave the world a 50-year friendship with the Peanuts gang, drawing Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy and the others for his syndicated comic strip and a host of other appearances.
For decades, he trusted no one to recreate his characters. Then he met Tom Everhart, a Yale-educated fine art painter who had never considered a career in cartoon or comic strip art.
But a freelance project in 1980 required Everhart to recreate Schulz’s Peanuts gang, then present the drawings to Schulz and his studios.
Everhart enlarged Schulz’s originals to emulate the style.
“Completely impressed with Schulz’s line, he was able to reproduce the line art almost exactly, which in turn impressed Schulz at their meeting,” states Everhart’s biography.
That prompted a lasting friendship and artistic partnership between Schulz and Everhart, who would go on to draw most of the Peanuts characters for the iconic MetLife advertising campaign. He remains the only fine artist authorized and educated by Schulz to draw the actual Schulz line that defines the familiar characters.
Everhart began to incorporate the characters into original paintings of his own, many of which are now available at Ocean Blue Galleries, 109 Duval St., in Key West.
Everhart will appear at the gallery Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 20-22 from 7 to 9 p.m.
The familiar faces of Snoopy, Woodstock, Charlie Brown, Lucy and the whole Peanuts gang peer out from the walls of the gallery, brought to life by Everhart.
More information is at oceanblue.gallery.
Everhart, the only
Duval St., Feb. 20-22 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Mariah Woessner, left, stars as Watson and Susannah Wells as Holmes, in Red Barn Theatre’s ‘Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B,’ running through Feb. 22. ROBERTA DePIERO/Contributed
Tom Everhart is the only fine artist ever granted permission by Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz to continue drawing and painting the iconic Peanuts characters that Schulz introduced to the world. CONTRIBUTED
Tom
fine artist ever authorized by Peanuts creator Charles Schulz to recreate the iconic characters, appears at Ocean Blue Galleries, 109
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
William Weech American Legion Post 168 AT 803 EMMA STREET IN OLD TOWN INVITES EVERYONE TO JOIN US FOR
SUPPER FOOTBA PARTY!
INCLUDES: One Ticket for Full Buffet with BBQ Ribs, Chicken, Pulled Pork, Seafood Salad, Baked Beans, Popcorn with BIG SCREEN Viewing, plus Raffles, Squares, Prizes & DRINK SPECIALS! FUNDRAISER OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Veterans and their Families helping Veterans and the Community. Info: (305) 440-3714
OSCAR’S FUND
While most animals enter our shelter in good health and ready to be adopted, others arrive sick or injured, often requiring extensive veterinary care and/or medication before they can be placed for adoption.
This fund was named for Oscar, a miniature Schnauzer, thrown from a moving vehicle on Duval Street. He su ered a fractured shoulder and numerous abrasions, and found badly matted and full of fleas. Further testing indicated that Oscar was infected with potentially deadly heartworms. Under the care of Dr. Kristen Jensen at All Animal Clinic, Oscar’s shoulder healed. And, under the care of Dr. Ronit Berdugo, Oscar was rid of heartworms. Oscar was adopted by a special member of our Key West Community.
Emeralds International is delighted to invite you to discover the latest novelties from the legendary watch brand Cuervo y Sobrinos during our trunk show on Friday, February 28th and Saturday, March 1st
Opening hours: 11 AM - 6 PM 104 Duval St, Key West
So that all animals that come into our shelter get the same chance as Oscar, we established Oscar’s Fund. Donations to this fund go specifically to pay for the medical care of sick
HEALTH DEPARTMENT APPOINTS NEW MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Beysolow replaces Whiteside to oversee agency
The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County recently appointed Dr. Taweh Beysolow as the new medical director.
Beysolow joined the health department in November 2024 and will be responsible for medical oversight of all DOH-Monroe locations with direct client care one day per week, working closely with the agency’s providers and registered nurses.
“We are excited to have Dr. Beysolow join our team,” said Dr. Carla Fry. “He has a wealth of experience. He is double board-certified in internal medicine and nephrology, and as a local provider, is well known to the community.”
Beysolow graduated from Dartmouth Medical School, then completed an internal medicine internship at the University of Massachusetts in Worcester. Following the internship, he completed his residency in internal medicine at both the University of Massachusetts and Harlem
Dr
Hospital Center in New York.
Beysolow then remained at Harlem Hospital for the next three years to pursue a fellowship in nephrology.
He is a member of the American Society of Nephrology, the National Kidney Foundation, the International Society of Nephrology, the American College of Physicians, and the Florida Medical Association.
— Contributed
WHICH CREWS ARE THE BEST SAILORS?
Key West Sailing Center will find out on Feb. 9
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
There’s no shortage of sailboats in Key West Harbor each night at sunset. Captains and crews from dozens of local companies welcome passengers daily for snorkeling, sightseeing and sunset trips. Sleek schooners and cavernous catamarans hoist their sails, harness the wind and host Instagram moments.
But how honed, really, are those sailors’ skills when they’re challenged to go back to the basics and navigate a tight course in a simple boat? They’ll have no engine to overcome wind and current, and certainly no bow thrusters to bring them gracefully back to the dock.
Who are the best sailors among the captains and crew of local watersports companies?
The Key West Community Sailing Center will find out on Sunday, Feb. 9 when it hosts the inaugural Sunset Cruise Cup.
For 50 years, the nonprofit sailing center on Palm Avenue has taught generations of Key Westers essential sailing skills — and the practical science that makes it
possible. Have the local pros kept those skills sharp?
“The Sunset Cruise Cup at the Key West Community Sailing Center aims to crown the best sailors amongst the captains and crews of local watersports companies each year,” said Ben Hermelin, executive director of the center. “Participating companies have nominated a team from their crew to represent their business and compete against other companies’ teams for bragging rights, a trophy and cash prize.
“Teams will race against each other on C420 sailboats inside Garrison Bight for all to see,” Hermelin said, encouraging spectators to watch the back-to-basics battle of the sailboats from the sailing center’s docks.
Entry fees support the center’s sailing education programs, scholarships and financial assistance for students.
Participating companies include Fury Watersports, Danger Charters, America 2.0, Jolly II Rover, and more.
The Sunset Cruise Cup takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Key West Community Sailing Center, 705 Palm Ave.
Taweh Beysolow, who is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology (kidney health), is the new medical director of the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County. CONTRIBUTED
Teams from local watersports companies will compete Sunday, Feb. 9 in the inaugural Sunset Cruise Cup, sponsored by the Key West Community Sailing Center, 705 Palm Ave. CONTRIBUTED
SPRING SOCIAL SPRING
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025
5:30PM: VIP Champagne Reception & Appetizers 6:30PM: Doors open for General Admission THE TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE
• MC: STEVEN CRANE • MUSIC BY THE FKSPCA'S FAVORITE DUO: CARMEN RODRIGUEZ & MICHAEL THOMAS
• CATERED DINNER BY CATERED AFFAIRS OF KEY WEST (VEGETARIAN OPTION AVAILABLE!)
HONORING KING BEN HENNINGTON WITH OUR 2025 CHAMPION OF ANIMALS AWARD! JAN. 28 - FEB. 22, 2025 A captivating, darklycomic, fast-paced romp that cheerfully desecrates the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle...
by Kate Hammill Directed by Mimi McDonald Starring Susannah Wells, Mariah Woessner, Arthur Crocker, Morgan Fraga Pierson ... and, Costumes by Sushi
9 & 10 2 nights only,
3 PRESIDENTIAL EVENTS MARK HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Truman Little White House hosts descendants, cookout & play
Actor Clifton Truman Daniel plays the role of his grandfather, President Harry S. Truman, in ‘Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!’ CONTRIBUTED
The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, in partnership with the Society of Presidential Descendants, will present a series of events in celebration of Presidents’ Weekend, Thursday, Feb. 13, through Monday, Feb. 17 on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front St.
The events are presented with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
More information is at trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/ foundation/events.
Descendants discuss preservation
The centerpiece of the long weekend is the annual Presidential Descendants Forum on Saturday, Feb. 15, featuring presidential descendants in a moderated discussion on this year’s topic, “Historic preservation — artifacts, objects and sites. Preserving our nation’s history for future generations.”
Doors open at 4 p.m. and the discussion begins at 4:30 p.m.
Returning one-man play stars Truman’s grandson Actor Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of Truman, will reprise the role of his grandfather in the one-man show, “Give ’Em Hell, Harry!” Performances take place at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16 and Monday, Feb. 17, with doors opening at 4 p.m.
Daniel brings his grandfather’s Midwest charm and common sense to life as the president navigates the challenges of history.
Commander-in-Chief cookout set for Little White House lawn
To wrap up the holiday weekend on Monday, Feb. 17, a family-friendly “Presidents Day Cookout” will take place on the grounds of the Little White House, where Truman spent 11 working vacations from 1945-53.
The picnic takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission to the grounds is free, and attendees can buy picnic tickets at the door for hamburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs from the grill. A cash bar will be available and attendees are welcome to bring a picnic blanket. The lunchtime event will also include music and lawn games.
— Contributed
THE STUDIOS PARTNERS WITH NEW ENGLAND FILM FESTIVAL
Screenings Feb. 7 & 8 celebrate films by and about people of color
The Studios of Key West will present Riff on ROXFILM, a weekend of film screenings in collaboration with the Roxbury International Film Festival (ROXFILM), the largest New England festival dedicated to films by, for and about people of color.
The event features two films followed by discussions with their directors, Daniel Callahan and Frederick Lewis.
Callahan’s “Come On In” will be shown Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.
The award-winning debut follows a jaded artist whose return home and encounter with a mysterious voice spark an uncanny journey, blurring reality, fantasy and the boundaries of his own mind.
Lewis’ documentary, “Paul Laurence Dunbar: Beyond the Mask,” will be shown Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.
The film explores the life and legacy of Paul Laurence Dunbar, the first nationally renowned African American writer. The film highlights his literary achievements, activism against Jim Crow laws, and enduring influence on American culture.
“The Roxbury International Film Festival celebrates the power of storytelling to connect us across cultures and communities,” said Ed DeMore, sponsor of the event and longtime supporter of ROXFILM and The Studios. DeMore is a Boston resident with deep ties to the arts. “Partnering
Andrea Lyman stars in the film ‘Come On In,’ screening at The Studios of Key West on Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. Lyman will also introduce the film and participate in a Q&A afterward. CONTRIBUTED
with The Studios of Key West to share these films is a dream come true, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience the creativity and depth of these incredible filmmakers.”
Each screening will be introduced by ROXFILM board member Andrea Lyman, who also stars in “Come On In.” Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in postscreening Q&A sessions with the directors, offering deeper insight into their creative processes and the stories behind the films.
Both screenings will be held in the Helmerich Theater at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Tickets are $13 for members and $18 for nonmembers. More information is at tskw.org or 305-296-0458. — Contributed
ADVOCACY WORKSHOP TOURISM
“BLOSSOMING POSSIBILITIES”
February 25, 2025 1PM - 5PM Tennessee Williams Theater 5901 College Rd Key West, FL 33040
Together, let’s plant the seeds for a thriving tourism ecosystem, nurture collaboration and grow opportunities for all who call The Florida Keys home.
Guest Speakers: Don Welsh - CEO, Destinations International Brett Laiken - CMO, VISIT FLORIDA
Please RSVP by 2/19/2025 to confirm your attendance. fla-keys.com/tourism-advocacy-workshop
Hosted by Kara Franker President and CEO of Visit Florida Keys
Why Attend?
Gain Insights: Discover the latest tourism trends and data to help your business flourish
Connect with Peers: Build meaningful relationships with fellow professionals and stakeholders
Support Sustainable Growth: Learn how we’re fostering a resilient, community-first approach to tourism
Advance tickets $40
KeyWestWildlifeCenter.org
(At the door $45)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 | 3-6PM
JOIN US FOR FOOD, DRINKS, MUSIC, LIVE AUCTION, SILENT AUCTION & MORE...
LIVE MUSIC
West Martello Tower | 1100 Atlantic Blvd
THEATER & ROOFTOP CONCERTS
FEBRUARY 12 6PM
FULL MOON LOVE STORIES - LIBBY YORK
Celebrated vocalist and accompanists perform classic love songs under a full moon.
MARCH 13 7PM
FEBRUARY 28 7PM
COME RAIN OR COME SHINE - DARCY COOKE
A tribute to Judy Garland through a meticulously curated selection of songs.
HADYN TO HENDRIX IRIE MONTE + STEPHANIE JAIMES
Hear contemporary artists and the rich classical repertoire that inspired them.
FLORIDA FRIENDS, READY FOR AN UP NORTH MICHIGAN ADVENTURE?
MARK HEDDEN
... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.
The things that freak people out about Muscovy ducks are the caruncles, sometimes called wattles – the prominent, bright red, fleshy bits on their faces. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s usually non-judgmental “All About Birds” web page goes so far as to call Muscovies “strange” and “wartyfaced.” The National Audubon Society’s page refers to them as “dumpy.”
I thought of this the other day as I passed by a small mixed flock of white ibis, chickens and Muscovies along the edge of the golf course pond that abuts College Road on Stock Island. Ugliness seems to be a matter of perspective, though.
While they look like mutants to us, a male Muscovy duck with a lot of caruncles is a bird with a lot of testosterone, and one with a lot of testosterone tends to be healthier and have good genes, and therefore more, uh, breeding options.
Muscovies are the largest duck species in the Americas, and highly sexually dimorphic. With all that testosterone, of course, the males are the ones with the most caruncles. They are also usually about one-and-a-half times the size of the females, and can weigh up to 15 pounds. They are also polygynous, with the male having multiple mates at the same time and the females forming a harem (a term I’m guessing will be considered outdated one of these days).
One man’s weird, though, is another duck’s beautiful … or at least reproductively fit.
Caruncles are generally found in birds that evolved in warmer climates, and can help with thermoregulation, beating the heat through increased blood flow and convection. It is also thought that a healthy set of caruncles is associated with birds who are more resistant to disease.
I’ve only seen wild Muscovy ducks once, out the window of a fast-moving van on a dirt road in the Rupununi Savannah in Guyana. They flew parallel to us for a while, but it was impossible to tell how caruncle-y they were.
Their natural habitat is most of South and Central America, edging up toward the U.S. border.
Back in the day, if you wanted to see them in North America and check them off on your American Birding Association life list, you had to stand on the banks of the Rio Grande River in southern Texas and hope a flying or swimming bird strayed across the river’s midpoint. Things have gotten easier since the mid-1980s, and wild Muscovies now breed in three counties in the region. (There is concern, though, that border security measures will drive them out of the area again.)
they’re adult sized and become ungainly and unaesthetic.
For complicated and internecine reasons, outside of Texas, the only place you can officially add a Muscovy to your life list is in Florida. Because with all the lakes and golf courses, they have really thrived here.
The reason for their name is also somewhat unclear, “Muscovy,” referring to Moscow, a place they are decidedly not from. One theory is they were shipped back to Europe by a group called either the Moscow or Muscovy Trading Co., though this is thought by most avian nomenclature enthusiasts to be hooey, as the Moscow Trading Co. did not really deal in products from the Americas.
Like the name Key West, Muscovy could also be a bastardization of a regional name. In this case, either the phonetically similar Muisca people of Colombia, or possibly the Moskito tribe of Nicaragua and Honduras, all of which are in the Muscovy’s range.
It is also possible that people selling them were somewhat loose or uncaring in their geographical sense, and just gave the birds a name to make them sound like they came from somewhere exotic, similar to how the turkey is named for Turkey, a place that they, too, are decidedly not from. (The wild turkey was domesticated in South America, exported to Europe, then further exported to North America, where they were also wild.)
Honestly, I stopped calling them Muscovy ducks around the time my wife and I got together, 1994.
DUCKS: RUSSKIES, OKIES AND OTHERWISE
I probably saw about 200 species of birds on that trip to Guyana. And I’d been seeing Muscovy ducks all my life, or at least since my teens. There were a half dozen or so on the lake I grew up on in South Jersey. But seeing that pair flying over the Rupununi Savannah was so memorable because they were the first wild ones I had ever seen. It was kind of like accidentally finding the source of a great river, or unexpectedly hearing the killer original version of a song you’d only heard a cover of.
No one is sure exactly where Muscovy ducks were domesticated. Artistic images indicating their domesticity have been found in both Ecuador and Peru from about 1,000 years ago. Fossils of their bones indicating domestication can be dated to about 10,000 years ago.
When the first Europeans arrived in the 1550s, they brought Muscovies back to the continent. Since then the domesticated have spread to Africa and Asia.
Despite evolving in warmer climates, domesticated Muscovies are relatively hardy in cold weather, and survive well in temperatures as low as 10 degrees. They can be found in some pretty widespread places in the U.S., partly due to escaping from farms, but also because their chicks are often sold as young, fuzzy Easter chicks, then set free in parks once
Muscovies are the reason we have the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm on Stock Island. They kept getting run over on College Road when they wandered away from the golf course. This upset the then-Sheriff’s Office public information officer Becky Herrin, who asked then-sheriff Rick Roth if she could pen them up under the new, elevated jail. As everybody who lives here knows, things kind of snowballed from there.
My future wife and I went to see the zoo on one of the first weekends it was open. I can’t remember exactly what critters they had then, but I remember a bunch of goats and a guy in orange scrubs holding the reins of a blind horse while kids happily patted the horse’s neck.
There was also a pen full of tail-wagging, caruncle-faced waterfowl beneath a handwritten sign that read “Muskogee Ducks.”
I’ve been calling them that ever since.
While I like to think the sign was painted by someone who was a fan of Merle Haggard’s I’m-no-hippy ballad “Okie from Muskogee,” it was most likely an example of how easy it is for a word to transmogrify into something else. Especially in a place like a jail, where it was unlikely there were a lot of ornithological reference books.
Also, there is a strong argument to be made that calling the species a Muskogee Duck is far closer to being geographically accurate than calling it a Muscovy Duck.
A Muscovy duck at the Key West Golf Course. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly
1626 SIRUGO AVE
This Key West resort-style home sounds like an absolute dream! It combines the perfect blend of luxury, functionality, and tropical charm. With 5 bedrooms, and 3 baths, it's designed for both comfort and elegance. The fact that it's just steps from White Street Pier and the beach makes it an ideal location for those who love coastal living. Some standout features includes an at 7,775 sq ft, there's plenty of space for the lush tropical landscaping and custom amenities like the grilling area, electric gate, and the stunning 20x40 pool with a spillover spa. The heated and chilled pool makes it suitable for year-round enjoyment. Enjoy your own tropical oasis with the daybed swing under the lanai next to a custom water feature is the perfect spot for relaxation. The tiki bar also sounds like a great place to unwind after a swim or a day out exploring Key West. The 12ft elevation and oversized windows let in tons of natural light, making the home feel airy and bright. The 20-foot cathedral ceilings add grandeur to the living areas, and the built-in bookshelves give the space a cozy, welcoming vibe. The high-end kitchen with sleek countertops, stainless steel appliances, and top-notch finishes, the gourmet kitchen is both stylish and functional. This home seems to be a perfect blend of relaxation and luxury with a variety of features to enjoy both inside and out. Separate apartment: The one-bedroom, one-bath apartment is an added bonus—whether for a caretaker or potential extra income, it adds flexibility to the property.
TRULY A MUST-SEE FOR ANYONE LOOKING TO LIVE IN OR INVEST IN KEY WEST! GIVE US A CALL TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT SO SEE THIS BEAUTIFUL PROPERTY.
CHRIS McNULTY
is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com
Jupiter has been in apparent retrograde motion in the sky for the past four months or so, encouraging us to seek joy and abundance within ourselves rather than in the world around us. With Jupiter retrograde in Gemini, we’ve most likely been having a lot of conversations with ourselves about what true growth is and what real wealth is. What have you determined? Now that Jupiter has turned direct, we can put those realizations into practice and see how the world around us will change based on our actions. Everything that Jupiter represents — growth, luck, abundance, joy, expansion — can finally start to move forward along with the planet itself. The one caution with Jupiter is to practice humility as we start to see the plenitude return. If things start to go your way, recognize that an overinflated ego is not helpful or warranted. All the bounty you receive is in part due to your work and dedication, but also partly due to your circumstances and the people around you. Gratitude is a much better guide than hubris. That being said, enjoy the turn of fortune.
Here are your horoscopes for Jupiter turning direct in Gemini. Read for your rising and sun signs.
AQUARIUS
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
Creativity flourishes when you let yourself play without expectation. Let joy take center stage, and trust that your ideas are worth sharing. If love has felt stagnant, a spark has the potential to return. Life is about experimenting with pleasure, so trust the experiences that light you up. Your creative spark has the potential to start a fire.
PISCES
Feb. 19 - March 20
The foundation of your life is shifting into a more expansive form. A sense of belonging is growing stronger, whether through family, home, or emotional security. You are being offered a comfortable place to land. What brings you comfort may be changing, but trust that these shifts will lead to greater fulfillment.
ARIES
March 21 - April 19
Conversations can open doors now, and the right words will find you. New ideas, collaborations, or connections can change your perspective in meaningful ways. If you’ve been waiting for clarity, here it comes. In addition, you will have fertile opportunities to share your insights with people who will listen and support your ideas.
TAURUS
April 20 - May 20
Your personal sense of abundance is expanding, not just in finances but also in self-worth. A shift in perspective about money and resources will allow for more ease in your life. Trust that what you value has power and invest in what matters because more will come your way. If you have fun with it, the money will come.
GEMINI
May 21 - June 20
You are stepping into a larger version of yourself. Your confidence is returning after a period of doubt, and so is your ability to take up space in the world in the way you desire. You’ve been redefining who you are, and now is the time to actually embody that truth. Let yourself shine and see how much joy you can create for yourself and for those around you.
CANCER
June 21 - July 22
A quiet understanding unfolds, showing you what needs release before growth can occur. Rest is an ally now, and insight comes in stillness. Your solitude is your access to greater joy and luck. The past may resurface, not to haunt you, but to offer wisdom as you prepare for a new cycle. Revel in isolation from the world, but don’t cut yourself off. The rest allows you to recharge.
LEO
July 23 - Aug. 22
Community, friendships and future visions are being infused with new momentum. If you’ve been uncertain about where you belong, here comes some buoyant clarity. The right people will show up when you trust yourself enough to be fully seen. Expand your circle and the doors will open. There are plenty of people who want to see you succeed, and many hands can lift you up.
VIRGO
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
The work you do and the way you’re seen are shifting. Whether it’s career opportunities or personal ambitions, the path ahead is becoming clearer. Recognition is on the horizon, but so is responsibility, so find your balance. Step into a new form of leadership with trust in your abilities. You can be a big fish in a small pond now.
LIBRA
Sept. 23 - Oct. 23
A new horizon is coming into focus, one that asks you to embrace your curiosity and interest in exploration. Travel, education, or a shift in belief systems may be part of this. Your perspective is expanding and you will be given a bounty if you set off on a new adventure. Let curious wonder lead the way and have faith that you will get what you need.
A TURN OF LUCK
SCORPIO
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
You are being given access to a change in fortune when it comes to the resources you share with other people. If you invest your energy, time or money into a collective goal, the return will come to you. If you’ve already been investing these past few months, the return is now inevitable. At any rate, your focus on shared resources and collective projects will bring about good fortune.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
Relationships take on a new sense of possibility for you now. If connections have felt uncertain or distant, clarity is returning in spades. A sense of balance can emerge in partnerships, making it easier to give and receive in equal measure. Open yourself up to meaningful collaboration now in order to enjoy Jupiter’s generous offerings.
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
The details of daily life are falling into place, bringing a renewed sense of purpose. If work or health routines have felt off, solutions will present themselves now. Small, intentional actions now will lead to bigger, beneficial changes. Your habits and routines are a source of luck and bounty now. Trust the process.
WANDERING STRAIGHT INTO A DIFFERENT WORLD
Behind the scenes with a Key West drag queen
DYLAN OLIVE www.keysweekly.com
At the corner of Duval and Petronia streets, part of what’s affectionately known as Key West’s “pink triangle,” the 801 Bourbon Bar stays open until 4 a.m. Pink fluorescent lights spill out onto the street, where the crosswalks are painted in rainbow colors, and the sounds of ABBA can be heard from two blocks away.
Inside, the first-floor bar resembles dozens of others in Key West: alcohol, music, conversation, fun. But we weren’t here for that, and instead headed for the staircase in the corner.
“He is with me; we are doing an interview,” a grinning Jobie Jacomine told a bar employee while leading the way.
We headed upstairs, where Jacomine would become Puddin Taine, the well-known drag queen who has called Key West home for the past five or so years.
On the second floor, two bartenders staffed a pink bar. An intimately small stage awaited the evening’s performers. But the black curtain and what lay beyond made this bar different.
The curtain was heavier than I expected, and I hoped Jacomine didn’t see me struggle to move past it. The room beyond, with its mirrors and makeup stations, could fit no more than three people. The walls were obscured by more wigs and costumes than I knew existed — blonde, brown, red, pink; sequins, feathers and ruffles.
This night would be different.
Jacomine sat me down at the mirror next to his, its corners covered by news clippings and photos (some I dared to look at only once). My legs seemed to take up too much space, making me feel even more out of place. The counters, once black, were overcome with glitter.
I found myself keeping my head down, unsure (or perhaps scared) of what I may see. Next to me, another drag queen joked, “Puddin’ is such a celebrity.”
The subject of multiple articles and the recipient of several drag awards, she’s not just media-savvy; she’s a media master and she wasted no time, first summarizing her routine on show nights:
5:45 p.m.: Cat nap.
6:30 p.m.: Wake up. Double espresso. Three cigarettes.
7:15 p.m.: Freshen up. “You have to be clean shaven for this job.”
7:45 p.m.: Get to the bar, always on time. Park in the semi-illegal spot in the alley.
7:50 p.m.: Apply Mehron makeup. Highlight first, then base, then powder… ”Are you writing this down?” Contour with powder. “Blending is the most important step.”
(I had yet to ask a question.)
8 p.m.: Head down to the street below to welcome wandering crowds and promote the upcoming show.
Jacomine had returned from New Orleans earlier that day, having spent the week performing and partying at Mardi Gras. Now, Puddin’ Taine would do the same back home in Key West.
Sitting on the sidewalk outside the bar, “Let’s hear it for the boy” blasting in my ear, I witnessed the show before the show, promoted by the sales queen herself in a puffy black wig, bright green dress, a cigarette and club soda in hand.
Puddin Taine gets attention.
Each passing face bore a different emotion — fear, delight, excitement, disgust. People hugged her, swarmed her, talked and took selfies. Others looked away, even headed to the other side of the street (via the rainbow crosswalk). But all of them received the same unfaltering exuberance from Puddin. “Take a walk on the wild side,” she called, dancing to the music. She would continue advertising the night’s show until the bar was full or it was time to head upstairs.
Around 10:45 p.m., 15 minutes before showtime, I was told to sit at the bar for the performance. I chose a stool close to the back and farthest from the stage, hoping to observe without being noticed. Seats and tables surrounded the stage, which juts into the room like a short fashion runway. The crowd would fill in around it, with all but one couple sitting up close near the stage. They were in the back at the bar near me, also trying not to be noticed.
When the lights dimmed and the show started, my straight, 21-year-old eyes widened. This was unlike anything I had ever seen or imagined.
Discover the 21-year-old straight guy’s reaction to his first drag show, and tag along as he accompanies Puddin Taine to a clothing-optional pool party the next day. Read about the rest of his adventure at keysweekly.com.
Nationally known drag queen Puddin Taine gives a walking tour/bar stroll through Key West in 2021. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO
Key West drag queen Puddin Taine introduces the uninitiated writer Dylan Olive, 21, to the world of Key West drag. DYLAN OLIVE/Keys Weekly
Legendary Key West drag queen Sushi, left, crowns Puddin Taine Key West’s Queen Mother at an annual drag pageant in May 2024. CONTRIBUTED
MEL FISHER MARITIME MUSEUM INSTALLS NEW PERMANENT EXHIBIT
‘Spirits of the Passage’ traces transatlantic slave trade & Keys connections
In 1700, the English merchant slave ship Henrietta Marie sank 35 miles west of Key West, shortly after offloading 190 captured Africans in Jamaica. Nearly 325 years later, using the shipwreck and artifacts recovered from it as a focal point, Key West’s Mel Fisher Maritime Museum has developed and unveiled a comprehensive exhibit that examines the transatlantic slave trade in the context of its time.
The new permanent exhibit, “Spirits of the Passage,” documents the slave trade, its legacy and its Florida Keys heritage — including Key West’s role in the U.S. Navy’s early anti-slavery effort — through educational panels, large-scale graphics, sound recordings and artifacts such as shackles used to restrain Africans during the sea voyage that carried them into slavery. The shackles were recovered from the sea floor during the underwater archaeology and excavation efforts on the Henrietta Marie.
“Physical evidence of the voyage between Africa and the Americas, known as the Middle Passage, is rare worldwide and this collection is unique in the Americas,” said Madeleine Burnside, the museum’s chief curator and an authority on the maritime slave trade.
Discovered in 1973 by a dive crew working for treasure hunter Mel Fisher, the Henrietta Marie is believed to be the world’s biggest source of tangible objects from the early years of the slave trade.
The ship was not the treasureladen galleon the initial dive team was seeking – the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha. But the Henrietta Marie was a historical gold mine of information about the tragic, pivotal period of African American history. It yielded countless artifacts that were recovered and subsequently conserved.
The Key West exhibit informs visitors about the maritime slave trade from the early 1600s to the Civil War. Exhibit modules re-create portions of the Henrietta Marie and depict aspects that range from captured Africans’ homeland to a Jamaican plantation experience.
Artifacts include the Henrietta Marie’s bell, trade goods such as glass
A cauldron recovered from the Henrietta Marie shipwreck is on display at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum as part of its new ‘Spirits of the Passage’ permanent exhibit. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
beads and iron bars that were bartered for human lives in Africa, weapons and ship fittings, and the shackles that evoke images of struggle and misery. The museum also has on display a giant cauldron that served the enslaved Africans on board the Henrietta Marie as little as possible as cheaply as possible during their tortuous and confined voyage across the ocean.
Sound recordings tell the stories of people, including Olaudah Equiano of Nigeria, who was sold into slavery as a boy, eventually earned enough to buy his freedom and became an influential abolitionist; and Elizabeth Keckley, who was born into slavery, became such a talented seamstress that she was able to purchase her freedom, and eventually was dressmaker to Mary Todd Lincoln.
Also chronicled is Key West’s role as a base for the Navy’s anti-slavery squadron, and as a sanctuary for more than 1,400 Africans rescued by the squadron in 1860 from three slave ships captured in Cuban waters after the trade was outlawed.
The exhibit spotlights the Cuban slave shipwreck Guerrero, discovered in waters off Key Largo, and excavated by marine archaeologists from the museum.
HAPPY HOUR
MONDAY-SATURDAY 4PM-6PM
FRESH SEAFOOD, STRONG DRINKS, OUTDOOR DINING WITH WATERFRONT VIEW, AND PLENTY OF LOCAL CHARACTERS.
legendary killer hogfish sandwich!
PIZZA
Forget shoveling snow and cursing the cold! Here in Key West, we’ll be busy attending amazing social events, gala theater openings, concerts, legendary festivals... and LES has YOUR fresh new “Winter” look!
We look forward to seeing our returning friends and clients! Call today for an appointment to look and feel fabulous!
going to have a Sunny & Beautiful “Winter” Season! a hair salon for women + men • excited for our new location: 1114 white st. at the mustard seed. for an appointment, call Les at 305-731-6557
By Dr. Kellee Reed
Keep a Healthy Heart as You
As we age, heart health becomes more important Risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease are more common in older adults, but simple lifestyle changes can help maintain a healthy heart Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding where to start
a heart-healthy diet by introducing nutrientdense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet
active and maintain a healthy weight with at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week Physical activity supports a healthy weight and strengthens the heart.
HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN
JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS
7 cleanup will take place at the corner of Flagler Avenue and 14th Street, starting in front of host business Southernmost Nails and Spa. CONTRIBUTED
One hour a week makes a huge difference, and volunteers are welcome every Friday and some Saturday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., when the Key West Ploggers clean up a designated area of the island.
Gloves, pickers, buckets, vests, hand sanitizer and a parking pass are provided to all volunteers.
A troubling number of cigarette butts and plastic bags have been included in recent hauls. Please remember your reusable bags when shopping so we can keep the plastic off the streets, parking lots and, most importantly, out of the water. And dispose of cigarette butts in any receptacle rather than the street or sidewalk, as from there, they easily end up in the ocean.
The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.
Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and
cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.
It takes committed community involvement to keep Key West beautiful and we are making progress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted. Call Dorian Patton at 305-809-3782 to find out how your business, nonprofit or club can help.
— Contributed
Join a one-hour Friday morning cleanup. All events are 8 to 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted.
Feb. 7: Flagler Avenue at 14th Street. Meet in the parking lot behind the fire-damaged building on Flagler. Hosted by Southernmost Nails & Spa.
Feb. 14: Duval Street and Bahama Street. Meet in the parking lot behind St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Hosted by St. Paul’s.
Feb. 21: Smathers Beach. Meet in the sandy parking lot next to Margaritaville Beach House. This is a special fentanyl awareness event presented by Mona’s Light, Guidance/Care Center, Monroe County Coalition and the health department.
Feb. 28: Eaton and White streets. Meet in the front parking lot of Strunk’s Ace Hardware. 1101 Eaton St. Parking is limited. Hosted by Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation
TAKE ME HOME?
FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA
The Keys Weekly family loves animals as much as our friends at the Florida Keys SPCA do, and we’re honored each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adoption at the organization’s Key West campus.
From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles
and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.
The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.
Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.
Meet Kevin, an 8-year-old pit bull with the charm of a true gentleman. He carries himself with dignity but isn’t above a little playful mischief. He adores people and has a heart full of love, but we’re not sure how he feels about other dogs, so a meet-and-greet is required to ensure the perfect match. His next home should be his forever one, and we want to get it just right.
Gobi is a 4-year-old black cat who loves people and attention. He’s the kind of cat who will greet you with a head bump, flop over for pets and soak up every bit of affection. Gobi does have a skin condition, but it’s easily managed with the right food — just like a person with food allergies. As long as he sticks to his diet, he’s perfectly healthy. He’s also great with other cats and would love a home where he can have both feline friends and human admirers.
Sixty-nine volunteers met on Jan. 31 at First State Bank on North Roosevelt Boulevard. In one hour they collected 416 pounds of trash, 48 pounds of recycling and 4.25 gallons of cigarette butts. First State Bank hosted for the fourth time and provided breakfast for all the volunteers. The Feb.
THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
Like the Long Key Bridge, the Seven Mile Bridge links two geographical areas. The Long Key Bridge is the conduit linking the Upper Keys to those islands identified as the Middle Keys. The Seven Mile Bridge connects the islands of the Middle Keys to those that have been labeled as the Lower Keys.
After traveling over the modern marvel that is the Seven Mile Bridge, the first of the Lower Keys touched by the Overseas Highway is Little Duck Key. Before Henry Flagler’s workers arrived and began building bridges, the island had been noted on charts as just Duck Key. The name was changed by railroad workers. Apparently, several of the islands along this short stretch were named (or renamed) by those men building the tracks for Flagler’s train. They changed the name of Duck Key to Little Duck Key.
Blink, and you will have driven across Little Duck Key and over the Missouri Little Duck Key Channel. If you keep your eyes peeled, the island’s two public features will become apparent. If you are towing a boat and looking for a place to launch it, Little Duck Key has a ramp that can be accessed on the Gulf side of the highway. If, instead, you are looking to take a little dip in the warm shallows of the Atlantic, one of Monroe County’s public parks is just around the corner. Veterans Memorial Beach has stunning views, covered picnic tables (not screened-in) and easy wade-in access to the ocean. The key phrase here is “wade-in access.” The water is not very deep, but even walking out, sitting down and looking around is a pretty good way to spend a little time in the Keys.
Driving across those first few islands of the Lower Keys reveals some of the most spectacular views. After crossing the Missouri Little Duck Key Channel, the water, channels and mangrove islands, with their particularly picturesque mix of blues and greens, can be distracting. Sometimes, a tall white egret stands ankle-deep in the water. Sometimes, a line of pelicans comes drifting by like a squadron of fighter pilots in search of a meal.
Nature on display driving through Little Duck, Missouri and Ohio Keys
On the other side of the channel is Missouri Key. Like almost every island in the chain, it has known other names. Navigational charts have identified it as both Little Grassy Key and Grassy Island. I have never come across a story (or even a sentence or two) explaining why. The name Missouri Key was apparently decided upon by railroad workers who hailed from the “Show-Me” state. It isn’t the biggest island in the chain. If you aren’t paying attention, you might not notice it.
With the exception of the bridges and highway, the island is undeveloped and remains a natural habitat supporting some contingent of the local wildlife. Out in the mangroves growing along the edges of the island, crabs the size of a nickel crawl over the red roots like they own some small patch of it. Below the surface, orange sponges, tunicates and maybe a little starfish or two have adhered to the intricate system of prop roots.
Before you know it, you’re driving across the Ohio Missouri Channel Bridge to what used to be known as Ohio Key and is today recognized as Sunshine Key. Like Missouri Key, the Ohio Key name came from railroad workers who had come to the islands to build the Key West Extension of Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railway. The name transformed into Sunshine Key because of the island’s RV Resort and Marina, which occupies the island’s Gulf side.
For me, Ohio Key is an excellent reminder that you never know what you might see while driving along the Overseas Highway. Over the last 23 years, I have lost count of how many times I have driven down the highway. A few years ago, I was driving to Key West to do a talk. After driving across Little Duck Key and Missouri Key, looking out at the water because I find these to be some of the most beautiful views along the stretch between the mainland and Key West, I saw something I’d never seen before.
At Ohio Key, on the ocean side of the highway, is a large, shallow salt pond where wading birds like egrets and herons can sometimes be seen. On this day, I was taken aback when I looked over at the salt pond. Something tall and pink caught my eye. It was a flamingo standing on one leg. It was not the first time I’d seen a wild flamingo in the Keys, but the first time I saw one while driving down the Overseas Highway.
Just ahead is Bahia Honda, home to one of the best natural beaches in the island chain and the iconic railroad bridge. Beyond that, you’ll enter Key deer country, so be on your toes as the “toy” deer like to nibble on the grasses growing at the very edge of the highway and commonly cross the road to get to the other side.
In 2025, I’ll be exploring the Overseas Highway, its history, attractions, and points I find interesting.
Ohio, Missouri and Little Duck keys with the Seven Mile Bridge and Marathon in the background.
EDWIN O. SWIFT III/ Florida Keys History Center-Monroe County Public Library
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
REEL RECS
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Persuasion” (2007) Why: People love to argue about their favorite Jane Austen adaptations — I say, why choose? Even if I adore the 1995 Amanda Root/Ciarán Hinds movie of “Persuasion,” that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate this later BBC version, starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones. Everyone loves “Pride and Prejudice,” but “Persuasion” is my favorite Austen novel — the original secondchance romance, when a couple whose young love was thwarted by Anne Elliott’s selfish and shortsighted family come into contact again almost a decade later. They are older, wiser and, even better, he’s made a bunch of money as a naval officer. And as always with Austen, the shade on the greedy, vain or just plain dumb relatives is delicious.
Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.
How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org.
Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager.
See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/reel-recs.
SHELF HELP
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Creation Lake” by Rachel Kushner
Why: “Creation Lake” by Rachel Kushner surprised me. I was not familiar with Kushner’s other books, but after finishing “Creation Lake” I will definitely be picking up her other novels. This book is about an American secret agent named Sadie Smith who is sent to rural France to investigate a radical farming commune. Sadie’s glamour is balanced by her intelligence, cold demeanor and the grittiness of the people she investigates making her one of the best characters I’ve ever read. An interesting element to me is the environmental political themes in this book. I typically do not like to read about politics in fiction, but Kushner handles this differently. It’s not your typical political spy or thriller novel. Readers of all genres should check out this 2024 Booker prize nominee.
Where: You can borrow this as a print book, e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library.
How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. 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: Carly Neilson, senior library assistant, Key West library
See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/shelfhelp.
CONCH TRAIN DRIVER RETIRES AFTER 12,000 TOURS
Eduardo Silva could recite script in 5 languages
Eduardo Silva gave his final tour aboard the Conch Tour Train on Jan. 31, having joined the Conch Tour Train in 1999. At the end of his 26-year career, Silva had given 12,605 tours of the island to hundreds of thousands of people.
“We could not have asked for a better ambassador of Key West and the Conch Train,” said general manager Rich Fox.
A native of Cuba, Silva holds a master’s degree from the University of Florida and
is fluent in five languages. He taught throughout South America before arriving in Key West and later taught free conversational Spanish classes at Key West’s San Carlos Institute.
Asked what brought him to Key West over 30 years ago, Silva replied, “I dreamed of living on an island where I didn’t have to drive.”
The first part of his dream came true. The no-driving part? Not so much.
Silva’s wife, Enid Torregrosa Silva, is the historic preservation planner for the city of Key West.
The couple’s next chapter of life will be filled with travel. They recently bought a home in Spain and will head there this spring.
— Contributed
Conch Tour Train driver Eduardo Silva retired Jan. 31 after 26 years — and 12,605 tours of Key West. CONTRIBUTED
KEY WESTERS TOOT THEIR HOMETOWN’S HORN
Conch shell blowing contest takes place March 8
People of all ages are expected to “blow their own horns” in Key West Saturday, March 8, attempting a unique form of musical expression during the 62nd annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest.
Blowing into the fluted, pinklined shell of the hardy sea mollusk called conch (pronounced “konk”) is a centuries-old Florida Keys tradition. Conch horns were employed as signaling devices by early Native Americans, shipwreck salvagers and 19th-century seafarers.
Today the conch shell remains an enduring symbol of the Keys. Native residents proudly call themselves “Conchs,” and the mollusk’s meat is the key ingredient in conch chowder and fritters — both favorite local dishes. In 1982, the Keys island chain staged a symbolic secession from the U.S. and proclaimed itself the independent Conch Republic.
Celebrating Key West’s conch connection and seafaring heritage, the 2025 Conch Shell Blowing Contest is scheduled for noon in the gardens of the Oldest House Museum, 322 Duval St. Contestants take turns puckering up and raising a shell to their lips, endeavoring to make music (or at least respectable sounds) to
impress the judging panel and a typically standing-room-only audience.
Nicknamed the “Conch Honk,” the challenge is presented each spring by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of Key West.
While many entrants only produce discordant bleats or feeble sputters, a few impress spectators by blowing lengthy blasts or even parts of melodies. Past winners have trumpeted recognizable snippets of classic rock numbers, show tunes and composer Aram Khachaturian’s intricate “Sabre Dance.”
Entrants typically include men, women, young children and groups. All are judged on the quality, duration, loudness and novelty of the sounds they produce.
The 2025 contest is free to enter and watch, and gates open at 10:30 a.m. for conch shell-blowing lessons, a conch horn-cutting demonstration, other local crafts and food.
Contestants can sign up online at oirf.org, or in person at the Oldest House Museum until 11:45 a.m. before the contest. More information is at oirf.org or call 305-2949501.
— Contributed
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ICONIC REEFS
Coral planting marks fifth anniversary of restoration program
Florida Keys coral restoration groups and scientists from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary planted resilient, heat-resistant species of coral at Carysfort Reef on Jan. 28, commemorating the fifth anniversary of the sanctuary’s Mission: Iconic Reefs program.
The program was established with the goal of strengthening and restoring seven iconic coral reef tracts in the Florida Keys. The undertaking encountered a major challenge due to a marine heat wave in the summer of 2023 that caused devastating mortality at many restoration groups’ in-water coral nurseries and areas of the Florida reef.
From that challenge, though, came discoveries regarding coral survival in the face of future climate change, researchers said, adding that coral reefs around the world are also confronted with such issues.
“They’re actually using genets, or clone lines, of coral that we know are resistant to heat stress,” said Katey Lesneski of the divers involved in the outplanting at Carysfort, located off Key Largo. “We’ve done a fantastic job across so many organizations of preserving genetic diversity which will be important in future outplanting efforts.”
Lesneski is the sanctuary’s Mission: Iconic Reefs research and monitoring coordinator.
“So these individuals have been propagated from others that survived the heat stress event in 2023, whether out on the reef or in ocean-based nurseries,” Lesneski said, referring to the infant corals. “So we have a lot of confidence that the corals that are being returned to the reef today will continue to do well even in future warming conditions.”
The three organizations that aided in outplanting the young corals are Coral Restoration Foundation, Mote Marine Laboratory and Reef Renewal USA.
In the future, sanctuary officials hope to bring in more coral restoration organizations and research partners with additional concepts about how to build on information learned so far, according to Lesneski.
For more than 20 years, organizations in the Florida Keys have pioneered breakthrough efforts to restore coral.
“Florida’s coral reef provides billions of dollars in revenue annually,” Lesneski said. “And if we want generations in the future to enjoy these same benefits, we have to continue to do this work and preserve this very important resource.”
— Contributed
Key West’s annual Conch Shell Blowing salutes the Florida Keys’ seafaring heritage and centuries-old use of the fluted, pink-lined shells for signaling and communication. This year’s contest takes place March 8 at the Oldest House, 322 Duval St. MARY MARTIN/Florida Keys News Bureau
Divers from Mote Marine Laboratory plant infant staghorn corals on a site near Carysfort Reef off Key Largo. MIKE ZIMMER/Florida Keys News Bureau
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The
Sponsorship Opportunities
All proceeds benefit Suicide Awareness and Prevention programs and a scholarship in Manny's name
$1000: Logo on all advertising items, including event banners, vocal recognition at awards presentation, two team entries and four social entries.
$250: Table Sponsor, logo advertised at a table, one team entry into the event and vocal recognition at the awards presentation.
In-Kind Donations:
Send Sponsorhip form with check payable to:
Rotary Club of Sunset Key West PO Box 5555, Key West, FL 33045
Any questions: call 305-509-0001 or e-mail kwnole@bellsouth.net
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All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly to advancing Queer Keys’ mission to support, educate, empower and celebrate the queer community of the Florida Keys! www.QueerKeys.org
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Keely is wearing a denim jumpsuit by our exclusive retail line Flying Tomato.
Erick Bravo ACR’s outrigger line control system uses a system of motors and pulleys along with a push-button remote to easily return clips from the ends of outriggers to the anglers aboard the boat. CONTRIBUTED
CAPTAIN JOEL’S FISHIN’ HOLES
Changing the outrigger game
Over the years I've written about fishing spots, fishing techniques, and how to target certain species. I've rarely written about specific fishing products.
Years ago, I wrote about the Power Pole and how it was going to revolutionize the fishing industry. I bought my first Power Pole out of the inventor’s garage when he still had a patent pending on it. Everybody who fished inshore had to have a Power Pole, which, if you didn't know, is a hydraulic arm on the stern of your boat that anchors you in shallow water electronically with the push of a button.
Everybody wanted to buy one once they figured out that you could drift into a school of fish, quietly push a button and stop your boat. It solved the problem of anchoring traditionally, which was loud, physical and also not environmentally friendly with traditional anchors destroying reefs and seagrass. Then, everybody had to have two on their boat once they realized that one would anchor you and the other would angle your boat.
Years before that, I wrote about a product called Bob’s Machine Shop Jack Plate. Before jack plates, all you could do was tilt your engine up and down with the push of a tilt and trim button. Now, you can jack your engine straight up and down, allowing you to plane through much shallower water to get to your fishing spot.
Until now, I think those two revolutionary fishing products are the only devices I've ever written about. Today I want to tell you about a new product that I think will change offshore/nearshore fishing forever. It's called the Bravo ACR LLC, invented and patented by a Marathon fisherman named Erick Bravo. “ACR” stands for Automatic Clip Return.
Most offshore anglers use outriggers while trolling, kite/balloon fishing or drift fishing. Outriggers use long arms extended to the sides of the boat to keep multiple baits separated, keep them out of your prop wash and enable the boat to make tight turns without tangling baits on one another.
In my opinion, the modern outrigger has just been reinvented with ACR. As you know, fishing, and especially offshore fishing, is a game of inches and seconds. Inches and seconds matter a lot when presenting a bait to a hungry game fish. Before ACR, a captain would have to yell down to his first mate, "Hey Larry, take the middle starboard outrigger and pull it down. Change your bait – your ballyhoo is trashed!" “Hey Larry, put up your first port outrigger, it's running too low." “Hey Larry, you have weeds on your port long bait!”
They’d spend all day yelling at poor Larry, who has to bring multiple outrigger clips up and down all day by hand. With ACR, the captain can sit in his chair, looking down at the cockpit, and can control his entire set of outriggers with the push of a button on a little controller attached to a lanyard around his neck – no more yelling down to his mate to make outrigger adjustments.
…is a fifth-generation Floridian and second-generation fishing captain who owns and operates Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon. His passions include fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.
This not only allows the captain to have complete control of his outrigger system, but it also allows the first mate to be doing other things such as rigging baits, cleaning the boat, catering to the clients, etc. Most of all, it saves inches and seconds.
It can also be a game-changer for people who fish alone or fish with novice anglers. Before ACR, these captains with no first mates or experienced anglers would have to leave the wheel with the boat underway to adjust the outriggers while trolling, which is not only dangerous but time-consuming.
For me, this invention is the coolest thing since the electric windlass anchor or autopilot steering. I know there will be a day in the near future when you will step onto a nice offshore boat and already know the release clips on its outrigger system are equipped with an automatic clip return.
All of our offshore Ana Banana boats are equipped with the new Bravo ACR LLC outrigger system. On another note, the fishing is great right now and will be getting better and better as we enter springtime.
To book a charter with Ana Banana, call or text Capt. Joel at 813-267-4401 or Capt. Jojo at 305-879-0564, or visit anabananafishing.com
CAPT. JOEL BRANDENBURG
Erick Bravo poses with his outrigger line control system. CONTRIBUTED
Founded by Betty Debnam
Presidential Fun
We celebrate Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 17. This holiday began as a tribute to President George Washington and was scheduled near his birthday, Feb. 22. In fact, the official name of the federal holiday is still Washington’s Birthday.
This week, The Mini Page celebrates Presidents Day by getting to know some of our former presidents a little bit better. (The number next to each president’s name shows the order in which he served.)
GEORGE WASHINGTON (1)
• Washington was the only president to have a state named after him.
• He gave the shortest inauguration speech ever, 133 words, at his second inauguration in 1793.
Like many people in Washington’s day, he had many dental problems. His set of teeth (above) was made of ivory.
• Washington did not have wooden teeth. His teeth were made of the best materials available at the time.
JOHN TYLER (10)
• Tyler had more children than any other president. He was the father of 15! He was married twice. He had eight children by his first wife, Letitia, and seven by his second wife, Julia.
• Roosevelt was our youngest president, taking office at age 42.
• He had six children. The family had pets including a bear, a lizard, guinea pigs, a pig, a one-legged rooster, a barn owl and a rabbit.
WILLIAM HENRY TAFT (27)
While Roosevelt was president, a toymaker started making bears, calling them “Teddy.”
• Taft was the biggest president. He weighed more than 300 pounds.
• He later became chief justice of the Supreme Court.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN (16)
• Lincoln was the first president to wear a beard. He did not wear it for long, only for the last four years of his life. An 11-year-old girl, Grace Bedell, wrote him a letter suggesting that he grow one.
• Lincoln was the tallest president. He was 6 feet 4 inches tall. He weighed 180 pounds.
Words that remind us of presidents are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (32)
• Roosevelt was the only president elected for four terms. He was a distant cousin of Theodore Roosevelt (26). He was the first president to fly in an airplane while in office. He also loved the hobby of stamp collecting.
RONALD REAGAN (40)
• Reagan was the only Hollywood star and the third-oldest man ever elected to the office of president. He was 69 when he was elected to his first term.
• Reagan was also the first president to wear a bulletproof vest, a hearing aid and contact lenses.
JIMMY CARTER (39)
• Jimmy Carter was the first president to be born in a hospital.
• He was also the first president to walk from the Capitol to the White House after his inauguration.
RICHARD NIXON (37)
• Richard Nixon was the first president to make a telephone call to the moon.
RESOURCES
On the Web:
• bit.ly/MPpresidents
At the library:
• “Our Country’s Presidents” by National Geographic
ECO NOTE
The expansion of beaver ranges into a warming Arctic means there are now more beaver ponds across the region, transferring more heat to the surrounding soil and thawing more longfrozen ground, a new report says. Humancaused climate change has already allowed more shrubs and woody plants to grow at high latitudes, making the Arctic region more inviting to the toothy dam-builders. Data show there are more than 850 new beaver ponds on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula, near Nome.
photo by jpellgen
photo courtesy Library of Congress
photo courtesy
photo by
Mini Fact: John Adams (2) was the first president to live in the White House.
PLAYOFF PUSH
Lady hoopers ready for postseason action | P.6
Coral Shores Girls Soccer Gulliver Prep 1/27 L 5-0
Key West Girls Basketball Mater Lakes 1/27 L, FF
Coral Shores Boys Basketball Terra Environmental 1/28 L, 69-49
Key West Boys Soccer Belen Jesuit 1/28 W, 2-0
Marathon Boys Basketball Miami Sunset 1/28 W, 55-51
Marathon Boys Basketball Key West 1/29 W, 55-53
Marathon Girls Basketball Key West 1/29 W, 60-34
Coral Shores Boys Basketball Ransom Everglades 1/30 L, 45-39
Marathon Girls Basketball NSU University School 1/30 W, 47-38
Key West Girls Basketball Barron Collier 1/31 L, 52-18
Coral Shores Boys Basketball Lake Worth Christian 1/31 L, 83-50
Marathon Boys Basketball Barbara Goleman 1/31 L, 51-36 Key West Boys Basketball NSU University School 2/1 L, 75-18
David has put together a string of wins against state-ranked opponents.”
2/7 Key West & Coral Shores Boys Wrestling Tournament @
2/7
2/7
2/8 Key West Girls Wrestling Lady Eagles IBT @ Lakeland 10 a.m.
2/8
2/11
WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS ON THE COVER THE SCOREBOARD
– Dante Jiovenetti, Coral Shores wrestling coach
By the nature of the sport, wrestlers are some of the toughest, hardest-working athletes around, but Coral Shores’ David Beltran takes those qualities one step further. The sophomore’s determination is matched only by his willingness to do whatever it takes to excel in the sport, and his work shows. Beltran is the top point scorer for the Hurricanes this season. With 25 wins and counting, the 154-pound grappler recently achieved career win number 50. For his undaunted work ethic and excellence in his chosen sport, Coral Shores’ David Beltran is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
Shores
Photo by: Jim McCarthy/Keys Weekly
As this paper hits newsstands, Monroe County’s three girls basketball teams are prepping to begin their postseason journeys. Top row, from left: Marathon’s Elena Eubank and Daysi Williams. Second row: Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas, Key West’s Jaylin Greene, Coral Shores’ Melanie Estevez. Bottom: Key West’s Jasmina Idobilloeva. Photos by Barry Gaukel, Maicey Malgrat and Doug Finger.
fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.
sean mcdonald
grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.
THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
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Key West’s boys soccer team proudly displays the Conch Republic Flag after their district championship win last week. CONTRIBUTED
DISTRICT CHAMPS!
Conchs win district; Lady ’Canes knocked out of postseason play
And then there was one.
Just two Keys soccer teams were alive in the hunt for a state championship last week, but after the Lady Hurricanes of Coral Shores fell to Gulliver Prep 5-0 in the semifinals, the boys of Key West High were the only team left standing.
As of Jan. 28, Florida’s 4A District 16 has a new champ in boys soccer. Key West, ranked No. 3 in a five-team district, knocked out No. 2 Terra Environmental last week on Jan. 24 and secured the district championship against top-ranked Belen Jesuit four days later.
Scoring for the Conchs were DJ Barrett and Loubins Fleuridor. Sebastian Camargo assisted on one goal and Fausto Paz and the Conchs’ defensive wall preserved the shutout in the playoff win. After the upset, the team waited for the new regional rankings to be published to learn their fate.
Somehow, despite beating Belen Jesuit and Terra Environmental in both their playoff wins, Key West was tagged as the No. 6 team and scheduled to face third-ranked Somerset Academy out of Pembroke Pines. Terra drew the No. 5 seed and Belen was ranked No. 2, giving those teams a far easier path into the state championship series.
But this is not the first time Key West has faced a challenge and certainly not the first time they face a higherranked team, only to pick them off. A win against Somerset on Feb. 4 (results not available at press time) would give the Conchs Sweet 16 status and a match in the semifinals on Friday, Feb. 7.
The strongest ladies in the Keys competed at their respective regional weightlifting meets on Feb. 1, going against the best athletes in South Florida. When the chalk dust cleared and the final results were tabulated, 10 Monroe County athletes were in contention for a state title. Marathon fared the best, capturing third out of 29 teams in the traditional event. The Fins claimed fifth place in Olympic. Coral Shores was right behind in fourth place in traditional and sixth in Olympic. Both teams compete at the 1A level. Each team will send five athletes, each of whom qualified individually, to the state competition next week.
Coral Shores’ Jennille Arias and Marathon’s Justice Lee earned their ticket to states via automatic qualification by winning their weight classes’ regional titles outright. Arias took first at 169 pounds in the traditional event. Lee punched her card to states by winning both the Olympic and traditional events at 183.
LEE, ARIAS ARE REGIONAL CHAMPS
10 Keys lifters qualify for the big show
The defending state champ in both categories is ranked first in traditional, fueled by a powerful 185-pound bench press, while her closest competitor has the edge in clean and jerk. Lee narrowed that lead by five at regionals with a 205-pound clean lift, a PR for the junior. Arias went on to take the runner-up spot in the Olympic event and easily qualified in that event as well, lifting more than two of the other regions’ winners by a significant margin.
In addition to Arias, Coral Shores will send Sydney Eysenbach and Vanessa Gabriel in both events. The pair both compete in the Unlimited class. Eysenbach was second in both events at regionals and stands a good chance to win a medal in both events at states. Gabriel finished third in Olympic and fourth in traditional and is more than capable of bringing home state hardware.
Representing Coral Shores in the 110-pound class will be Rachel Rusch, who claimed third place in the traditional event. Kali Gomer was fourth in Olympic lifts at regionals and took the last at-large spot in her class in that event, rounding out the state qualifiers for the Lady ‘Canes.
Joining Lee at states for Marathon will be Ella Dunn, who finished third in both events at regionals and qualified in both for states. The 101-pound lifter is ranked in a three-way tie for third in Olympic lifts, making a medal at states well within her grasp.
Dunn will not be alone in her flight at states; Ayme Maradiaga also qualified for both events in the same weight class. Maradiaga was the runner up in traditional lifts and finished in fifth place in Olympic. Maradiaga is in a twoway tie for third place in the current rankings in traditional lifts in her class.
Ella Evans qualified for both events with a pair of runner-up medals at 129 pounds. Evans is right on the cusp of a medal at states and has progressively improved throughout the season. Lee, Dunn, Maradiaga and Evans will all compete in both events in Lakeland. The Fins’ final state qualifier is senior Brizni Vargas, whose fifth-place finish in the traditional category was strong enough to qualify the 154-pound participant for the championships in that event.
Key West, which competes at the 2A level, did not have any athletes make the final cut to the state meet, but Aaliyah McCloud was close. McCloud finished in the top 10 in both events and earned a regional fifth-place medal in the 199-pound class.
Marathon and Coral Shores will send their state-qualifying athletes to Lakeland’s RP Funding Center for the FHSAA 1A State Championships next week. Both teams’ lifters will compete on Feb. 15 with the first flights beginning at 9 a.m.
Marathon’s Ella Evans, left, Justice Lee, right, and Ayme Maradiaga, top, will all compete for state glory in Lakeland. BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly
Coral Shores’ Rachel Rusch, left, and Vanessa Gabriel DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
COURT IS IN SESSION Lady hoopsters head to the postseason
As the regular season drew to a close, the three Monroe County girls basketball teams learned they’d face some stiff competition to begin their postseason treks.
A pair of wins gave Marathon’s Lady Fins a winning record heading into the postseason.
Against Key West on Jan. 29, Elena Eubank scored a gamehigh 26 points. Marti’yana Kilbourne added 16 points and nine rebounds while Daysi Williams scored eight with 14 rebounds. Eubank had the hot hand again the next night, scoring 19 against NSU University School. Williams added 12 and Kilbourne had eight in the win.
For the playoffs, Marathon will travel to Fort Meade to face the Miners in the Fins’ first season of Rural Class District 8 action. After receiving a bye for the play-in game, Marathon advanced directly into the semis on Thursday, Feb. 6. Should they prevail against the Miners, Marathon could play for the district title two nights later against Moore Haven.
Key West started the week with a forfeit against Mater Lakes Jan. 27, then fell to Marathon two nights later. Jaylin Greene scored seven points, Jasmina Idobilloeva put up six and Monica Bueno and Colleen Barter added five each in the loss. The travel-weary team suffered two more losses later in the week. The Lady Conchs finished their regular season with eight scheduled road trips and will continue their travels in the postseason. The 1-19 Conchs face the top seed in 4A District 16 action against the Bulls of Miami Northwestern Feb. 6.
The Lady ’Canes lost at Ransom on Jan. 30 in their final regular-season game this year. Melanie Estevez scored 14 and Gabby Thomas added seven in the loss. Coral Shores enters the postseason with an even 5-5 record, and with just four teams in the 3A District 16 bracket, the Lady ’Canes go straight to the semifinals. Their first postseason opponent is Keys Gate, a team that defeated Coral Shores decisively in December, but that was prior to the ’Canes heating up this season.
Lady Fins and Lady Conchs renew their rivalry in Marathon on Jan. 29. Marathon prevailed, 60-34.
TTOP 10 Key West competitive cheer shines at state meet
he Lady Conchs of Key West High represented the Southernmost City with class and spirit last week at the FHSAA 1A State Championships. The team, Monroe County’s only competitive cheer squad, scored high enough at regionals to earn an at-large bid to the state semifinals in Lakeland, where they cheered, jumped, stunted and danced their way into the finals.
Each of the winners of Florida’s four regions secured one of 10 spots in the finals automatically, leaving the final six spots up for grabs. Key West took the fifth spot, and with it, a chance to compete at the highest level.
In the finals, the Lady Conchs improved their score from 74.2 to 75.1, putting them in a tie for seventh place for their division, the 1A small, non-tumbling class. Their top-10 finish in the state matches their extraordinary feat last season, making it two in a row for the Conchs and possibly laying the groundwork for a new dynasty in competitive cheerleading in Key West.
The Key West competitive cheer squad poses after a top-10 finish at the FHSAA State Championships. CONTRIBUTED Top: Madi Wiggins. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly
SHELL SHOCKED
Marathon hoopers earn first win against Key West since 2019
For the first time in years, the Marathon Dolphins notched wins over both of their in-county rivals on the hardwood in a single season.
The Fins added a pair of wins to their record last week, starting with the Knights of Miami Sunset on Jan. 28. Jack Chapman had the game-high total of 21 points, draining five shots from beyond the three-point line. Daeshawn Holmes added another double-double to his stats with 16 points and 13 rebounds, then added five steals as well. Briggs Roberts and Drew Suarez scored eight apiece in the 55-51 win.
The following night, with a victory over their closest neighbors to the north still fresh on their minds, the Dolphins faced their southern rivals. Both teams left it all on the court, but with scoring machine James Osborne out for the season, the shorthanded Conchs were unable to break the Dolphins’ spirit and Marathon pulled off the upset win over Key West, their first in six years.
Senior Carlos Lezcano led the charge,
scoring 16 points and hustling for four steals. Holmes registered his second double-double of the week with 13 points and a dozen rebounds, and Roberts added 11 points in the big win.
Their victory over the Conchs gave the Fins a five-game win streak, but it would end two nights later in a 51-36 loss to Barbara Goleman. Roberts had a double-double, scoring 14 points with 13 rebounds, but the Gators were set on avenging their loss to the Fins in Marathon one week prior.
The Dolphins swam in uncharted waters as they headed to Belle Glades to take on Glades Day Gators in their first postseason tournament of their new district on Feb. 3. In a fitting continuation of their red-hot end to the regular season, the squad notched a 56-46 win, earning their place in a showdown with the Terriers of Moore Haven in the semifinal round two nights later (results not available at press time).
In their loss to Marathon, Key West showed grit in a game that came down to the wire. While the Conchs have struggled without their top scorer, the team is settling into new posi-
tions and pressing forward. David Aviles had the team-high 11 against the Fins, with eight rebounds. Zach Levering scored 10 with eight rebounds and Tramane Scott pulled down 13 rebounds and added nine points to the team total.
The final game of the regular season for Key West was a lopsided loss to NSU University School; however, the defeat came after FHSAA rankings were determined and did not affect Key West’s position for the postseason. The Conchs, ranked No. 4 in District 16’s 4A class, took on the No. 5 Cobras of South Miami High in the quarterfinals held at St. Brendan School on Feb. 3. In a nail-biter, the Conchs came home empty-handed, suffering a one-point loss to the Cobras, 51-50.
Coral Shores suffered a trio of losses last week, but had a strong shot at changing their luck in the playoffs. The fifth-ranked ’Canes tipped off against the No. 4 Cougars of Miami Killian on Feb. 3 in FHSAA’s 3A District 16 bracket, but their trip through the bracket ended there in a 73-64 loss.
The Marathon Dolphins and Key West Conchs do battle on the hardwood in Marathon on Jan. 29. The Fins emerged victorious for the first time in years, 55-51. SEAN WESTERBAND/Keys Weekly
FINS BOYS WIN TRI-MEET
Early season looks promising for Marathon and Coral Shores lifters
As their Lady Fin counterparts prepared for regionals, Marathon’s strongmen started their season off with the first meet of the year on Jan. 29 in Tavernier. Marathon edged Coral Shores and Gulliver Prep in the tri-meet. Their overall wins were boosted by a trio of double winners. Tanner Ross (219-pound class), Max Childress (199) and Chase Leird (129) all won both the traditional and Olympic events in their weight classes. Damian Stasiewicz (183) and Braulio Garcia (238) won the Olympic event in their classes for the Fins.
For Coral Shores, Kristers Vutnans and Tyler Bettner shared the 139-pound wins. Vutnans won Olympic while Bettner’s bench press gave him the win in traditional. Ross, a senior, captured the top overall spot at the meet in the Olympic event. Just behind him were Childress and Stasiewicz. Ross had the meet’s best clean and jerk, hoisting 235 pounds to push him ahead in the Sinclair algorithm. Other than Ross, only Childress managed to break the 200-pound threshold in that lift, hitting the mark at 215. Boys weightlifting marks the beginning of the spring sport cycle as the first to start and end in the final season of the school year. States are held in mid-April.
Marathon senior Tanner Ross was the overall winner in the Olympic event at last week’s season opener for boys weightlifting. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly
ALMANAC | Feb. 6
On this day: In 1985, President Ronald Reagan de ned the key concepts of his foreign policy, which the media du ed “The Reagan Doctrine,” during his State of the Union a re .
In The Bleachers
Adam
Brevity
Nancy
News of the Weird
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
DISTRICT III ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC III)
(from the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge to the Long Key Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity is dependent upon tourists). Any person wishing to participate on the District III Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above,
may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys. com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:
Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040
The deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday February 28, 2025. A resume may be attached to the application. Publish: February 6, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH WILL BE HOLDING PUBLIC HEARINGS ON:
DATE/TIME: Planning & Zoning Hearing:
Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, 9:30 A.M. City Commission Public Hearing: Thursday, March 20th, 2025, 9:30 A.M.
LOCATION:
City of Key Colony Beach City Hall Auditorium ‘Marble Hall’
600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051,
To hear a Variance Request from Jack L. Alderman, representing the Jack L Alderman Revocable Trust, owner of the property located at 920 Shelter Bay Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051. This meeting will be available via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email the City Clerk at cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings. Applicant requests a variance to the City of Key Colony Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5,
CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD SITTING AS THE LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY (LPA) of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the agenda permits. This meeting will be at the Key Colony Beach City Hall Auditorium ‘Marble Hall’ located at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida, 33051. The Planning & Zoning Board will hear the following Ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-497
AN ORDINANCE OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUTURE LAND USE, TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING, INFRASTRUCTURE, COASTAL MANAGEMENT, CONSERVATION, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE, INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION, AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, ELEMENTS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; ADDING A PROPERTY RIGHTS ELEMENT AND ACCOMPANYING GOAL, OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES; AS MANDATED BY FLORIDA STATUTES 163.3177; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE STATE LAND PLANNING AGENCY; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. This meeting will be available virtually via ZOOM Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may join via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86254175368?pwd=O8qEi7hsxTROntlhrz QBevubTzjUMs.1
Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach.
The City Commission requests an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan in order to guide and control the future development of the City to preserve, promote, and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. This proposed amendment is required by Florida law in areas of critical state concern. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested code amendment.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Clerk, P.O. Box. 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record.
City Clerk, City of Key Colony Beach
Section 38, for the construction of a dock to extend past the mangroves that requires a 20foot variance. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
If you are unable to attend the Hearings on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, or Thursday, March 20th, 2025, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or via email at cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net, and your comments will be entered into the record.
Published on or before February 10th, 2025 City Clerk, City of Key Colony Beach Publish:
February 6, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Constructing and Maintaining Bus Shelters for the Purpose of Selling and Placing Advertising on Shelters
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 bonfirehub.comhttps://monroecounty-fl. 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 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 6, 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. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, March 6, 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: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish: February 6, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA UPPER KEYS PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-000039-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT D. KARROW, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of ROBERT D. KARROW, deceased, whose date of death was April 3, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having 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
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: February 6, 2025.
Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw. com
Publish: February 6 & 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2025-CP-22-P DIVISION: PROBATE IN RE: ESTATE OF DAVID LEON JONES Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of DAVID LEON JONES, deceased, whose date of death was November 7, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
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 PERIOD 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: February 6, 2025.
Personal Representative: AMY L. BRUGGEMAN 17 SE Marlin Ave. Key Largo,FL 33037
Attorney for Personal
Representative: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ.
Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com
Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@yahoo.com
Florida Bar No. 382035
Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036
Telephone: 305-664-5065
Publish:
February 6 & 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000464-K DIVISION: PROBATE IN RE: ESTATE OF PHILIP TENNEY, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of PHILIP TENNEY, deceased, whose date of death was July 14, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (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 the decedent’s estate including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (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 STATUTES 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 the first publication of this Notice is: January 30, 2025. Personal Representative: JED TENNEY 629 William Street Key West, FL 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: KARLEEN A. GRANT, ESQUIRE Fla. Bar No: 324531 Law Offices of Karleen A. Grant 1033 Flagler Avenue Key West, FL 33040 Telephone: (305) 292-4929 Publish: January 30 & February 6, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION CASE NO.: 24-CA-000958-K CANDANCE ILENE VALLADARES
that an action to Quiet Title and to remove the cloud from title of the real property described as: PART OF LOT 51 ACCORDING TO MCDONALD’S SURVEY OF PART OF STOCK ISLAND RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 55 OF MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS AND IS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK 51, GO WESTERLY ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THIRD AVENUE A DISTANCE OF 250 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES AND NORTHERLY A DISTANCE OF 200 FEET TO A POINT; WHICH POINT IS THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE NORTHERLY ALONG THE PROLONGATION OF THE PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED COURSE A DISTANCE OF 70 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES AND WESTERLY A DISTANCE OF 125 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES AND SOUTHERLY A DISTANCE OF 70 FEET; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES EASTERLY A DISTANCE OF 125 FEET BACK TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA with a physical address of: 6430 Sunshine Street, Key West, FL 33040. Folio Number: 00126510-000000 has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it, on Eric J. Sanchez PA, Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is 4960 SW 72nd Avenue, Suite 206, Miami, FL 33155, (786) 408-9681 on or before March 3, 2025, a date which is within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice in The Keys Weekly and file the original with the Clerk of this Court at Freeman Justice Center, 302 Fleming Street., Key West, FL 33040, either before service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default and judgment will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
Dated: January 27, 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA, Clerk CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: January 30, February 6, 13 & 20, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2024-CA-000841-K HEATHER STAPLES, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/ OR BENEFICIARIES OF CATHERINE KNOWLES; and the UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR BENEFICIARIES OF ROBERT KNOWLES JR.; and the UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/ OR BENEFICIARIES OF MINNIE JUNE KNOWLES; and the UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR BENEFICIARIES OF BERNARD “BERNIE” STAPLES, Defendants.
________________/ NOTICE OF ACTION BY PUBLICATION TO THE FOLLOWING DEFENDANTS WHOSE RESIDENCES ARE UNKNOWN: CATHERINE KNOWLES, DECEASED, THE ESTATE OF CATHERINE KNOWLES, DECEASED AND ANY UNKNOWN SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES OR OTHER CLAIMANTS BY AND THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, SAID DEFENDANT ROBERT KNOWLES JR., DECEASED, THE ESTATE OF ROBERT KNOWLES
JR., DECEASED AND ANY UNKNOWN SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES OR OTHER CLAIMANTS BY AND THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, SAID DEFENDANT MINNIE JUNE KNOWLES, DECEASED, THE ESTATE OF MINNIE JUNE KNOWLES, DECEASED AND ANY UNKNOWN SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES OR OTHER CLAIMANTS BY AND THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, SAID DEFENDANT BERNARD “BERNIE” STAPLES, DECEASED, THE ESTATE OF BERNARD “BERNIE” STAPLES, DECEASED AND ANY UNKNOWN SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES OR OTHER CLAIMANTS BY AND THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, SAID DEFENDANT
The above named Defendants are believed to be dead and, if dead, the unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, or other claimants, by, through, under or against said Defendants and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property described below.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED of the institution of the abovestyled quiet title proceedings by the Plaintiff, HEATHER STAPLES, upon the filing of a complaint to quiet title for other relief relative to the following described property: On the Island of Key West and known as W.A. Whitehead's map of the City and Island of Key West, delineated on February 1829, as Tract (3), better described on a diagram of Part of Tract Three, which diagram is duly recorded in Deed Book "N", Page 554, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, as subdivision Eight; Commencing at a point on William's Alley distant from the corner of Olivia Street and said Alley, Eight-two (82) feet and six (6) inches and running thence along said Alley in a Southeasterly direction Fortyone (41) feet and three (3) inches; thence at right angles in a Southwesterly direction Eighty-nine (89) feet and four (4) inches; thence at right angles in a Northwesterly direction Forty-one (41) feet and three (3) inches; thence at right angles in a Northeasterly direction Eighty-nine (89) feet and four (4)inches to the place of beginning. AND you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to the complaint, upon DAVID BERMAN, ESQ., 1331 N Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803, attorney for the Plaintiff, on or before thirty (30) days from the first day of publication herein and file the original with the Clerk of the abovestyled court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.
DATED on 01/24/2025. Kevin Madok
As Clerk of the Court
By: Marissa Lockwood
As Deputy Clerk
Publish: January 30 and February 6, 13 & 20, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS WANTED
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. PRICE REDUCED!! $45,000 954-445-6647
ONLY 3,450 MILES!! FOR SALE: Mustang GT 2018. Standard Transmission, Black on Black, Excellent Condition Located in Marathon. $40,000. Call 305942-6434
BOATS FOR SALE
2000 21' Hydra Sport Center Console w/200hp Johnson, trailer, cover, potty, jackets +. Located in Big Pine. Runs well. $7,400. 919-621-0544
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
EMPLOYMENT
ALL KEYS GUTTER HIRING INSTALLERS $25/$35hrMajor Holidays Off - Benefits - Tavernier. Apply: call or text Jay 305-587-1581
Night Monitor – FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/
Receptionist for law firm in Marathon. Computer and writing skills. Call or email 305-743-9428 or service@floridakeyslaw.com.
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 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.
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, Carpenter-FTKeyWest, Housing Manager- FTMarathon, Housing Assistant FT-Key West 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
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 HIRED IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS!!!
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD FOR ONLY $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY
HOBBIES/COLLECT.
WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
HOUSING FOR RENT
2-3BR/2BA Beautiful home for year-round rental on Duck Key. Furnished, full size W/D, stainless steel appliances & granite countertops. Gorgeous pool with built-in bar stools, waterfall & Jacuzzi, 1 car garage, and covered porch for outdoor dining w/views of the canal. $3,400/month. Avail. May 1st. Address: 243 W. Seaview Dr, Duck Key, MM 61. Text/call 774-263-8759 Email: dongamache@comast.net
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 ONE MONTH!!
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD FOR ONLY $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY!
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
DUI FRONT DESK CLERK & EVALUATOR/INSTRUCTOR
The Advocate Program DUI school is hiring for part time positions. Front desk: 3 days a week, high school diploma required. DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required.
Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.
FULL-TIME POSITION ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
Serves as the Assistant to the City Clerk. Provides financial services, including processing accounts payable, revenue collections, and accounts receivables, multiple bank reconciliations, and deposit coding, including funding federal deposits and filing quarterly reports, credit card reconciliations, fixed assets administration, and monthly financial statements. Assistant to the City Clerk to attend Commission & Board meetings and record and transcribe minutes of proceedings.
Salary: $75,000 to $81,000 DOQ
Benefits include Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance, Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, and Retirement.
Qualifications: Business-related Associate Degree; requires a high level of financial/accounting skills; must have excellent knowledge of QuickBooks and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; exceptional customer service skills; ability to multitask; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; requires a high degree of work ethics; ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with commission, staff, and the public.
Application forms can be found at www.keycolonybeach.net; see “I WANT TO” then “APPLY FOR A JOB.” Equal Opportunity Employer
Submit resume and application by mail or in-person to:
City of Key Colony Beach
Attn.: City Clerk
P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051
Or email Cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net
FULL-TIME POSITION
PUBLIC WORKS FOREMAN
The City of Key Colony Beach is seeking a full-time Public Works Foreman. The Foreman position is hands-on and works alongside the Public Works crew while assisting the Public Works Department Head in accomplishing department objectives and goals. The foreman is responsible for overseeing and working with a crew of three workers within the Public Works Department, coordinating daily operations, assigning tasks, and ensuring the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of public infrastructure such as roads, right of ways, stormwater systems, parks and facilities.
Salary: $75,000 to $85,000 DOQ
Benefits include Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance, Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, and the Florida Retirement System (FRS).
Application forms can be found at www.keycolonybeach.net; see “I WANT TO” then “APPLY FOR A JOB.”
Equal Opportunity Employer
Submit resume and application by mail or in-person to:
City of Key Colony Beach
Attn.: Michael Guarino
P.O. Box 510141
Key Colony Beach, FL 33051
Or email Michael.guarino@keycolonybeach.net
The Moorings Village is seeking friendly, self motivated, team players for the position:
Please email your resume to Sara@MooringsVillage.com or call the reception office at 305.664.4708
IN HOME SUPPORT LIVE-IN CARETAKER (FT) – Key West
Seeking a full-time, live-in, 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 with hours in the morning and the evening. We can be flexible on the hours but must be available to work both days and evenings as needed. *
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
Competitive salary and great bene ts. Previous hospitality experience required. Weekends are a must. Job Types: Full-time
THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.
JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS!
We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.
KEY LARGO
Lead Certified Recovery Peer Support Specialist Advocate (FT) Front Desk Specialist
Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)
KEY WEST
Case Manager (Adult PT, Child FT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)
MARATHON
Care Coordinator (PT)
Driver – PT (CDL not required)
RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (FT/PT) Advocate (PT)
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT/PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living, PT)
*Night Monitor (Assisted Living - Free Housing)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.
Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP
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
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
*Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.
APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net
THEME:
IDIOMS
ACROSS
1. Actor Driver
5. By way of 8. Bambino
11. Oscar De La ____
12. *Do this backwards to try hard to please
13. Range
15. Petri dish gel
16. Celestial bear
17. K-pop home
18. *Cold one is offensive
20. Sportscaster Andrews
21. Outer space path
22. Hold title to 23. *Take this to commit to marriage
26. Bullet factory
30. Even, poetically
31. Trim
34. Sitar music
35. Kon-Tiki and such
37. Be in a cast
38. Very, in music
39. Actress Barrymore
40. “Long Day’s Journey into Night” playwright
42. Between Mar. and May
43. Annulling
45. Loads
47. Compass point between NE and E
48. Dugout river ride
50. Check-in via text
52. *Sign of nervousness (2 words)
55. One up
56. Lowest female voice
57. One quark plus one antiquark
59. Toothpaste brand
60. Riddle without solution
61. Cogito ____ sum
62. *Leg’s partner, price-wise
63. Make a mistake
64. Robin’s house
DOWN
1. “Eureka!”
2. *They cause no problems when they sleep
3. Nursemaid, in India
4. ____ 5, band
5. “Il Trovatore” composer
6. Garment insert
7. Month before Nisan
8. Torus, pl.
9. Word before sesame
10. *Cupful that’s not for everyone
12. Adjective derived from bulb
13. Distorts
14. *Cutting these leads to poor results
19. Prods
22. Dot follower
23. Lost, in Provence
24. Live’s partner
25. Hungry
26. Voting no
27. Like Fran Drescher’s voice
28. Wide open
29. Bear digs
32. Group of buffaloes
33. *Breaking it relieves tension
36. *When these meet, one can afford what they want (2 words)
