Fantastic investment opportunity in Old Town Key West to own a mixed use commercial/residential building. Very visible location across from Fausto's Food Market. Easy access on White St. from Old Town and Midtown. The commercial space on the 1st floor is leased to White Street Pizza. The business is not included in the sale of the building. The 2nd floor has three apartments (1 - three bedroom, two bathroom, 1 – two bedroom, one bathroom, 1 large studio) currently rented with annual leases.
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$87,840
A Cheeto in the shape of the popular fire-breathing Pokemon Charizard recently sold at an auction for $87,840. The 3-inch “Cheetozard” sold on Goldin’s auction website to an anonymous buyer. According to Goldin, the Charizard-looking Cheeto was discovered several years ago.
Key West’s iconic Southernmost Point buoy was closed and covered on March 17, 2020 to discourage the usual throngs of camera-toting tourists during the COVID-19 crisis. See page 12. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
BREWER GETS $3M BOND PENDING MURDER TRIAL
Garrett Hughes’ accused shooter on house arrest, surrenders passport
mandy@keysweekly.com
Judge Mark Jones on March 7 granted a $3 million bond to Preston Brewer, who police say shot and killed Garrett Hughes in a bar parking lot hours after the Super Bowl in February 2023.
Preston Brewer. CONTRIBUTED
Brewer has been in jail on murder and other charges since the shooting occurred in the rear parking lot of the former Conch Town Liquor & Lounge, 3340 N. Roosevelt Blvd. The bar and liquor store, now closed, were located in a building that the Brewer family owned.
The judge finalized the conditions of Brewer’s release on bond in a March 10 order.
In addition to the $3 million monetary bond, Brewer is to remain confined to his home on Key Haven and subject to constant GPS monitoring.
“The defendant is allowed travel in and around Monroe County, Florida, for ‘life essential’ errands, not to exceed travel beyond the northeast boundary of mile marker 106,” the order states. “‘Life essential’ purposes may include visits with defense attorneys, legitimate work purposes, church, doctor appointments, and emergency medical needs, or other matters pre-approved by pre-trial services.”
Brewer must also relinquish his passport and all firearms, including spear guns, and is prohibited from using the boat he owns. He is prohibited from using drugs or alcohol and will submit to a minimum of three random urinalysis tests per month, the order states.
The judge also ruled that Brewer may have no contact with Hughes’ family, the witnesses in the case, the former owner of Conch Town, or three of his business and financial associates unless legal counsel is present.
Finally, Brewer must stay away from and have no contact with the location of 3440 N. Roosevelt Blvd., which is where the shooting occurred.
That property, a commercial building, now belongs to Hughes’ parents, John Hughes and Lesley Touzalin, according to county property records.
Those records show that the building’s ownership changed on Oct. 1, 2024, when it was sold for $4 million. It is now owned by a limited liability company called GDH22 LLC, managed by John Hughes and Touzalin.
It is unclear whether the victim’s parents bought the building, or acquired it as part of a confidential settlement that was reached in a wrongful death civil lawsuit they filed against Brewer shortly after Garrett Hughes’ death.
How it happened
Hughes, who was 21 at the time of his death, left Conch Town Lounge at 12:26 a.m. on Feb. 13, 2023, after playing darts with his brother and two friends. He is visibly inebriated in video security footage of the bar’s rear parking lot. Hughes walks to the back of the parking lot and stands between two parked cars while urinating against the wall of an adjacent building, which was not owned by Brewer.
Shirtless and unarmed, Hughes was wearing shorts and flip flops when Brewer exited the bar and approached Hughes while exchanging words with him over the urination. The footage shows Brewer, then 57, raising his shirt to reveal a handgun while crossing the parking lot toward Hughes. During
The building at
a seconds-long physical altercation, Brewer shot Hughes in the abdomen. He died a short time later at the hospital.
The judge on Feb. 12 denied Brewer’s self-defense claim, which, if granted, would have dismissed the murder charge against him.
Jones ruled last month that Brewer was the aggressor, writing in his five-page order, “It is clear to the court that the defendant, Lloyd P. Brewer, III, instigated his deadly confrontation with Garrett Hughes. … The court finds that stand your ground immunity was not enacted to protect someone like Lloyd Brewer under these circumstances, which he created,” the order states.
The judge further said, “the defendant shot a half-naked, drunken, unarmed man,” and added that Brewer did not have a reasonable belief that he was facing imminent death or great bodily harm.
No trial date has been set, as Brewer and his defense attorneys are appealing the judge’s denial of his stand your ground, or self-defense, claim. That appeal will have to be heard by the 3rd District Court of Appeal before the trial can proceed.
3340 N. Roosevelt Blvd. formerly housed Conch Town Liquor & Lounge and was owned by Preston Brewer’s family. The parents of Garrett Hughes now own the property, according to county records. CONTRIBUTED
MANDY MILES
THE NIGHT MOSES CAME TO DOG BEACH
KEY WEST BACK IN THE DAY
It’s amazing how far some Key West residents will go in the name of hospitality.
Take me, for instance. In the early 1980s I hung out with a crowd that, because of some members’ illicit occupations, tried to maintain a low profile. But that wasn’t possible the night Moses arrived at Dog Beach.
CAROL SHAUGHNESSY
has lived in Key West for 40-plus years, witnessing and writing about the island’s renegade past, shipwreck salvage adventures and colorful presentday characters.
Before becoming a prophet, Moses was famed Nashvillebased photographer Slick Lawson. With credits that included a Jimmy Buffett album cover shoot, Slick got religion after being internally baptized with Barbancourt rum. Unfortunately, he was my guest at the time.
Of course, many people have had religious experiences in Key West’s taverns and other places of worship. Few, however, have attempted to part the Atlantic Ocean and lead a flock to Cuba.
It all began quite innocently. Slick, our crowd and I headed for Louie’s Backyard, planning to have an afterdinner drink on the renowned restaurant’s oceanside cocktail deck.
The plan went awry as soon as Slick spotted the small stretch of sand beside the deck.
Called Dog Beach, it was a spot where dogs could frolic in the water, chase Frisbees or coconuts, and sniff their friends’ tails. Every evening, dogs and their owners gathered there — the pooches to play and their owners to watch and chat.
By the time we arrived, the dogs had dispersed for the night. The tide was out, and the Atlantic was still and clear as Russian vodka. The sandy bottom stretched invitingly toward Cuba, while the full moon overhead shone pale as bone.
A full moon is commonly blamed for bizarre behavior in many places. But in Key West, where bizarre behavior is the norm, a full moon is lethal. A full moon in Key West could make Mother Teresa do the cancan.
Its effect on Slick Lawson was instant. Muttering something about the Red Sea, he walked as if he’d received a divine call — down the beach and straight into the water.
known as Dog Beach next to Louie’s Backyard. JONELL MODYS/Contributed
Naturally, I followed. The man was my guest. And given my friends’ desire to avoid the spotlight, a newspaper headline like “Prominent Photographer Drowns While Key Westers Do Nothing” would hardly be appreciated.
When I reached the water, trailed closely by the others, the errant photographer was up to his waist and had assumed an entirely new persona.
“Come, my children,” he intoned. “I will part the waters and lead you to Cuba.”
He swooped down on a 5-foot piece of submerged PVC pipe, waved it triumphantly aloft, and headed for the open sea.
It was a stirring sight. Though I had no desire to walk to Cuba, Slick’s compadres followed this southernmost Moses like an obedient flock. Once again mentally reviewing possible newspaper headlines, I splashed resignedly along behind them.
Suddenly the air was filled with a raucous noise. Moses had discovered that, by blowing
through his PVC pipe, he could create a squawking sound like a conch shell being blown. Only louder. Much louder.
Once we were all thoroughly wet — and had expressed our dislike of the PVC concert — the excitement of leading a flock apparently had paled. Moses turned and waded toward the unused boat ramp leading to the cocktail deck at Louie’s.
Demanding strong drink, he delivered a surprisingly coherent Sermon on the Ramp. Then, gesturing back to the water, he leaned toward his fascinated audience and prodded with a twinkle, “Now, tell me the truth. I know I didn’t really part the Atlantic Ocean — but don’t you think I dented it a little?”
It’s amazing how far some Key Westers will go in the name of hospitality. I, however, had gone far enough. After urging Moses and his flock safely ashore, I left them on the newly hallowed sands of Dog Beach.
Top: Photographer (and temporary prophet) Slick Lawson in Key West around the time he ‘parted the sea’ at Dog Beach. SLICK LAWSON FOUNDATION/Contributed. Bottom: The spit of sand
Key West & Cuba’s Museum Quality Regional Art “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso CUBAN ART TOURS – May 3-7 & November 7-11, 2025
Peter Vey
The Shell Dock,
on
The work depicts a dock at the famed Ballast Key, renown o shore island, nine miles west of Key West where Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Suzie dePoo, Jimmy Bu et created. Ballast Key was the set of a 007 movie, and innumerable parties where so much of Key West 1960-2020 history was created. Mario Sanchez’s rst major NYC Museum exhibit, A Fisherman’s Dream was conjured up over Thanksgiving turkey with the Director of the Museum of The City of New York. Conch are rarely seen in The Florida Keys today but as Ballast was an island with a guard, shotgun, Doverman Pinschers and an active respect for the owner it is one of the remaining colonies of our island’s namesake today.
Peter Vey was invited to numerous parties there and spent his time taking pictures of the idyllic setting.
The Gallery on Greene | 606 Greene Street | Key West, Florida galleryongreene.com | 305-304-2323
Oil
Linen
UNITED SCHOOLWAY,DISTRICT PARTNER FOR SUSTAINABILITY
3 Keys schools join NOAA’s Ocean Guardian
program
Poinciana Elementary students installed rainwater filtration gardens around campus storm drains. Featuring native plants, these gardens help reduce stormwater runoff and prevent pollutants from entering local waterways. CONTRIBUTED
United Way of Collier and the Keys (UWCK) recently marked the end of Monroe County School District’s first year in the NOAA Ocean Guardian School District (OGS) program. With United Way’s financial support and leadership, the school district became the first on the East Coast — and the largest overall — to take on this environmental initiative.
Three pilot schools — Poinciana Elementary, Sugarloaf School and Key West High School — are part of the initiative to implement sustainability projects that protect the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Poinciana Elementary completed its first dig on March 11, while Sugarloaf School and Key West High School will hold their first digs in early April.
Poinciana Elementary students installed rainwater filtration gardens around campus storm drains.
Featuring native plants, these gardens help reduce stormwater runoff and prevent pollutants from entering local waterways. Fifthgrade students participated by planting and creating seed packets to take home, fostering continued engagement in sustainability.
“As a community surrounded by water, it’s crucial that we educate and engage students early on in marine conservation,” said Jessica Dockery, UWCK’s Reef Revitalization project liaison. “By giving them hands-on opportunities to make a difference, we’re empowering the next generation of environmental stewards to protect our ecosystems for years to come.”
The school district plans to expand the program next year.
More information is at uwcollierkeys.org/keysreefs.
— Contributed
SHOULD KEY WEST MAYORS SERVE 4-YEAR TERMS?
Improvements at Mallory Square will include increased shade trees, additional seating and perhaps a redesigned seawall, as seen in drawings submitted by consultants from the Sasaki group, who are working with city staff on a master plan for the area. CONTRIBUTED
Voters will decide in Nov. 4 special election
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
Key West’s city commissioners are elected to four-year terms, but the mayor’s term is only two years — as of now.
That could change on Nov. 4, when Key West voters will be asked to participate in a special election to decide whether to give the city’s mayors the same four-year terms as their commissioner colleagues.
“Two years is not enough time as mayor to get things done,” Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez said at the March 4 city commission meeting, where she sponsored a proposal to ask the voters to extend the term of mayor.
The commission voted 6-1 in favor of placing the question on a November ballot. Commissioner Sam Kaufman opposed the move, saying he was not in favor of the city spending an estimated $55,000 for the ballot question.
A four-year mayoral term would bring Key West in line with most other Florida cities, and with the city’s commissioners, who are elected by voters in their respective districts, while the whole town votes in the mayor’s race.
The ordinance must pass a second vote by the commission next month, and then will be approved for the Nov. 4 ballot.
If passed, the mayor will be elected for a four-year term, and
will be bound by the same term limits that prohibit them, like the commissioners, from serving more than 12 years.
Mallory Square makeover
A master plan for an improved Mallory Square continues to take shape with city staff working with consultants from the Sasaki group, which have conducted surveys and hosted public input meetings.
The top priority was additional shade at the underused waterfront plaza, so it can be used for daytime events. Upgrades are also planned to the seawall area, seating areas, landscaping and restrooms. A water feature could be installed, along with a larger pedestrian bridge connecting Mallory Square to the adjacent Opal Key Resort & Marina.
While the question of cost and funding is still months away, consultants from Sasaki told the commissioners on March 4 that Mallory Square “sets itself up perfectly for grant funding, and we’ve identified several potential grants to apply for.”
Meanwhile, a bit farther along the waterfront, between Opal Key Resort and the city-owned Truman Waterfront Park, lies Admiral’s Cut, a 45-foot water gap, about the size of two boat slips, that prohibits pedestrians from easily accessing the city park from Mallory Square and Opal Key.
At the March 4 commission meeting, officials directed city manager Brian L. Barroso to revisit discussions with Mark Walsh, owner of Opal Key Resort & Marina.
BAHAMA VILLAGE HAILS NEW ADDITION TO NEIGHBORHOOD KEYS HONOR VIETNAM-ERA VETERANS
Frederick Douglass Community Center is ‘for the future’
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
Funding for the new Frederick Douglass Community Center took nearly a decade to finalize. But construction took just 17 months.
Bahama Village residents on March 6 celebrated the completion of the new center at 101 Olivia St., behind the historic Douglass Gym. The new community center features classrooms for after-school tutoring, a 2,600-square-foot event hall, a commercial kitchen and outdoor courtyard. The new building, constructed by the local contractors at Keystar, also will house the Black Educators History Museum, which honors the teachers who guided and taught Key West kids through more than a century in segregated schools. The new center also includes music rooms and rehearsal space for the ever-growing Bahama Village Music Program, which provides free music, singing and theater education to the neighborhood’s children.
City Commissioner Aaron Castillo, whose district includes the
community center, along with his predecessor Clayton Lopez, celebrated the ribbon-cutting.
“This building is for the future, for our kids, their kids and other people’s kids,” Castillo said.
Lopez said he was proud to have been a part of the project, and recognized the four city managers — JIm Scholl, Greg Veliz, Patti McLaughlin and current manager Brian L. Barroso — who supported the new $8 million community center and worked to get funding in place for it.
Following the March 6 ribboncutting, a grand opening will be scheduled once the programs are moved in.
1. Current and former city officials, as well as representatives from Keystar construction, celebrate the completion of the new Frederick Douglass Center, 101 Olivia St. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
2. The new Frederick Douglass Community Center will house after-school tutoring, an event hall, commercial kitchen, the Bahama Village Music Program and the Black Educators History Museum. CITY OF KEY WEST/ Contributed
3. City Commissioner Aaron Castillo celebrates the long-awaited Frederick Douglass Community Center at its March 6 ribbon-cutting. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
50th anniversary memorial takes place March 24
Monroe County Veterans Affairs, the City of Key West and the Florida Keys Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold a National Vietnam War Veterans Day 50th anniversary commemoration on Monday, March 24 at 10 a.m. at Bayview Park, Key West, in the Veterans Memorial Garden.
The commemoration honors all who served on active duty in the U.S. military, whether in-country, in-theater, or elsewhere. Vietnamera veterans who served from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975 will receive a commemorative pin.
“It is an honor to recognize everyone who served our country during the Vietnam War era,” said Cathy Crane, Monroe County Veterans Affairs director. “These courageous veterans dedicated
themselves to our nation, regardless of where they were needed. We owe them our gratitude for their sacrifices and patriotism, and we must always remember those who are missing in action or who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Monroe County Mayor Jim Scholl, military dignitaries and other county and city officials will be in attendance.
If you are a Vietnam-era veteran who cannot make it to the ceremony but would like a pin, please call 305-453-8777 to submit a request for a commemorative pin to be mailed to you.
The event is being held before the official National Vietnam War Veterans Day commemorative date on March 29 so as not to interfere with the NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular.
— Contributed
FREE MOVIE AT B’NAI ZION
Documentary
details life & music of Marvin Hamlisch on March 17
B’nai Zion will continue its monthly free movie Monday series on Monday, March 17 with a free screening of the film, “Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did for Love.” The film is a look at one of the greatest songwriters of our time. The movie includes many inter-
views and some of his personal archives.
The screening takes place Monday, March 17 at Congregation B’nai Zion, 750 United St. Doors open at 7 p.m. The movie starts at 7:30. There is no charge for the movie; a light dessert follows.
— Contributed
Key West’s Veterans Memorial Garden in Bayview Park includes memorials for Vietnam-era soldiers, who will be honored on Monday, March 24 at 10 a.m. CONTRIBUTED
• All unpaid 2024 property tax must be paid by March 31 to avoid delinquent penalties on April 1.
• The fourth and final 2024 installment property tax bill is due by March 31.
• A property that is being rented for six months or less must have a tourist development tax account.
• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our o ce. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted.
• A local business tax is required for ALL property rentals, regardless of how long they are being rented.
• We now o er duplicate and replacement concealed weapon permit transactions, as well as photograph and fingerprint only transactions, at our Key West Main O ce and Key Largo Branch O ce.
• We have launched a new feature on our website that provides a streamlined process for customers to have their electronically held vehicle/vessel titles printed and ready for express pickup in our o ce.
Follow us on for more imortant tax information.
LOOK BACK ON THE COVID LOCKDOWN
1. A collection of Keys Weekly headlines from the spring of 2020 recalls the fear, frustrations and adjustments required by the COVID pandemic. Photo illustration by Carol Tedesco 2. At the start of the COVID shutdown on March 17, 2020, spectators snap photos as a Key West worker covers the Southernmost Point landmark with a blue tarp, to discourage gatherings of more than 10 people. CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed 3. A photo depicts one of many painted signs created by Mallory Square artists and placed throughout Key West during the 2020 COVID-19 shutdown. ROBERTA DePIERO/Contributed
Local panel ponders pandemic 5 years later
In recognition of the fifth anniversary of the Florida Keys COVID-19 lockdown, a group of photographers, journalists and filmmakers will discuss and reflect on the spring of 2020 and its effect on Key West and the Florida Keys. The event will take place Thursday, March 27 at 6 p.m. at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. Sponsored by the Monroe County Public Library, and titled “Five Years Later: Looking Back at Key West’s COVID Lockdown,” the event was conceived by Michael Nelson, assistant director of libraries. It will focus on the period from March 1, 2020, when Florida’s first COVID-19 cases were announced, to June 1, 2020, the day after the Upper Keys quarantine checkpoint was dismantled.
Key West Weekly editor Mandy Miles will moderate the panel that includes Chris Sloan, producer of the short-film documentary, “Key West: 66 Days of Paradise Interrupted”; and Roberta DePiero, Corey Malcom, Rob O’Neal, Andy Newman and Carol Tedesco, all of whom were involved in creating the photo book “Isolated Island –The Key West COVID-19 Spring of 2020.” The collaboration of more than two dozen photographers not only documented an unprecedented moment in time, but also raised $60,000 for Sister Season Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides an emergency safety net for Key West hospitality and tourism workers.
Admission is free; seating is limited and on a first come, first serve basis. More information is available from Nelson at nelsonmichael@monroecounty-fl.gov.
NAKED DANCING MAN ARRESTED AFTER REPORTED RECKLESS DRIVING
A55-year-old Montgomery, New York man was arrested on March 5 following multiple calls regarding a reckless driver on U.S. 1 in Key Largo.
The sheriff’s office received calls at 7:57 a.m. of a reckless driver near MM 110, including that the suspect — later identified as Timothy Mahoney — hit some cones near MM 108, where the vehicle stopped.
Mahoney was outside of his truck and wearing a construction hardhat, but was otherwise nude
Timothy Mahoney. MCSO/ Contributed
and dancing to music. Mahoney was attempting to smoke marijuana from a pipe while being detained. He was taken to jail.
Mahoney was charged with DUI, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. His arraignment is scheduled for March 19.
Keys Weekly staff report
BIENVENIDOS TO THE FLORIDA KEYS LATIN FESTIVAL
2-day event celebrates food, music & culture March 22 & 23
The flavors, rhythms and traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean will come alive in the heart of Key West Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23 for the Florida Keys Latin Festival at Bayview Park.
Savor the Latin flavors of roast pork, carne asada, ropa vieja, picadillo, empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, sweet plantains, shrimp and more, while sipping on mojitos and dancing the salsa, merengue, bachata and more.
Participating restaurants include El Siboney, Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe, El Mocho, Cafés de Cuba, Pescado, El Habanero, Vasacaca, Mima’s Flan and more.
The Florida Keys Latin Festival
will feature more than a dozen Latin food trucks, top Latin bands and DJs to kick off the dancing, plus a full bar featuring Hatuey beer, mojitos and plenty of rum. The family-friendly event also includes vendor booths lining Bayview Park. The festival takes place Saturday, March 22 from 11 a.m to 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $10 total for both days and a portion of all proceeds will benefit the San Carlos Institute in Key West. Tickets are available at the door.
More information is at floridakeyslatinfestival.com or on Facebook.
— Contributed
Latin food from El Siboney, other local restaurants and food trucks will feed the crowds at the Florida Keys Latin Festival March 22 and 23 at Bayview Park. CONTRIBUTED
Unforgettable Dining Experiences at Café Marquesa
Elegant Fine Dining by Chef Laurence Gottlieb
Easter Dinner
A three-course prix fixe celebration of spring April 20 | 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Morning Menu
A gracious island breakfast experience 8:00 am – 11:00 am daily
Southern Happy Hour
Enjoy 30% off wines by the glass & signature cocktails and small plate specials 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm daily
Curated Tasting Menu
A sumptuous seven-course prix fixe menu 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm daily
Exquisite Evenings
An exceptional dinner menu, vintage wine list and exclusive cocktails 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm daily
Special Occasion Gift Card
Treat someone to an incredible dining experience or overnight retreat.
island inspired
Our bright and airy space is a treasure trove of fashion forward essentials that embrace the island lifestyle.
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.
Our new location boasts the same unforgettable fresh & local seafood, craft cocktails, and fantastic wine selection that has made our sister restaurant one of the most popular dining destinations in the Florida Keys for the past 15 years.
LOVE, DEATH & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN CELEBRATE THE MUSIC & MEMORY OF COFFEE BUTLER
Check out ‘Brooklyn Laundry’ at Red Barn through March 29
WYATT SAMUELSON www.keysweekly.com
I’ve toyed with countless ways to start this piece, yet none has quite captured the visceral, raw reaction I had to the opening night of The Red Barn Theatre’s latest production, “Brooklyn Laundry” by John Patrick Shanley. It runs through March 29. I can confidently say this is one of those rare stories that encapsulates the human experience so beautifully that, if you haven’t seen it yet, it might sound overly dramatic — something that would make someone roll their eyes and offer a sarcastic smile. But it’s real, and it’s powerful.
In a world dominated by Instagram reels, YouTube shorts and whatever Facebook calls its endless microcontent, I was hooked on every second of this production — like a slow drip of emotion-riddled morphine. I was chasing the dragon to its limits, not thinking about the end, just living in the moment.
“Brooklyn Laundry” is about death, love, relationships, responsibility, passion and seizing the day in all its forms. It follows a laundromat owner whose love life unraveled after a car crash and a woman whose sick sister and unfulfilled life have left her questioning her place in the world. From the moment their stories unfold, you’re engrossed — hoping these characters can clean and sort their “dirty laundry.” You root for them every step of the way.
From the start, the play has a way of making you feel as if you’re right in the heart of Brooklyn. Now,
I’m a Cali kid at heart — I don’t know much about New York beyond what I’ve seen in movies, TV shows and a few visits. But every line spoken, every interaction between the characters, down to the enunciation of each word, feels genuine and authentic to a place I don’t know intimately, but feel comfortable in.
The leads, Michael Castellano (Owen) and Jessica Miano Kruel (Fran), jump into their roles seamlessly, their “New Yawk” accents never faltering. Every scene break was met with applause, and by the end of the play, a well-deserved standing ovation filled the room.
Castellano, a native New Yorker — though you wouldn’t guess it from talking to him — said that stepping into the character felt natural, thanks to the richness of the writing. He contrasted it with Shakespeare, which, he noted, requires more effort on an actor’s part to bring to life.
When I asked Kruel about her performance, particularly whether her tears were “real,” she didn’t hesitate: “Absolutely, they were. I’m not one of those actors who has to think about dead puppies to make myself cry. In that moment, I truly believe I’m the character — a woman whose sister is dying and who has to take on those responsibilities.”
As with every opening night at the Red Barn Theatre, an after-party was catered by Hard Rock Cafe, allowing audience members to mingle with the cast. While waiting in line for some ribs, I overheard an older couple discussing the show — specifically the ending.
The husband turned to his wife and said, “You know, you saved me a few times.” She smiled warmly and replied, “Only when I had to.” They embraced, grabbed their plates and went on with their night.
Pianist and singer Coffee Butler, a Key West native, entertained listeners with his mischievous smile and lyrics from 1952 until his death in 2022. RALPH DePALMA/Contributed
Williams Hall hosts tribute concert on March 28
From Johnny Neebo’s Starlight Club to the Bamboo Room and the Hukilau restaurant, Coffee Butler entertained Key West from 1952 until his passing in 2022.
A special tribute concert, Memories of Coffee, will honor the Key West legend with performances by the “King of Key West Soul,” Robert Albury, along with Clayton Lopez and Mina Lopez-Martin and the young voice of Claire Caplan. Music director Larry Baeder will lead the Soul of Key West Band.
They will revive the classic soul sounds of the Temptations, Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin, along with originals and many of Coffee Butler’s adaptations and traditionals.
The show will feature a few surprise cameos as the crowd continues searching for “Who Put The Pepper in the Vaseline?” a Coffee Butler classic.
Memories of Coffee takes place Friday, March 28 at Williams Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. Music begins at 8.
Tickets are available at etix.com.
— Contributed
Michael Castellano and Jessica Miano Kruel star in ‘Brooklyn Laundry’ at Red Barn Theatre. CONTRIBUTED
AVOID THE LONG DRIVE TO MIAMI AND HAVE ALL YOUR CHILDREN’S NEEDS MET RIGHT HERE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS.
Dr. Christina Smith DDS is now accepting new patients and is thrilled to be part of the 7-time Bubba Award-winning Doc Guzman’s o ce.
... 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.
Iknow it is anthropomorphic, and therefore wrong, to think of terns as classier versions of gulls. In the proper scientific sense, class should only be considered in the taxonomic sense. But I have found it impossible, over the years, to not think of them that way.
Gulls and terns are all in the larid family but, like a house divided, they are in different subfamilies.
Gulls are jacks of all trades, and near masters of most of them. Sure, they can pluck fish from the sea, crabs from the beach and crickets from the grass. And they can raid the nests of other species, eating eggs and the occasional chick. But they will also Dumpster-dive, raid landfills, and steal fish from the beaks of pelicans or ibis, as well the occasional French fry from the hand of an unsuspecting toddler.
Terns, though, don’t fool around with such truck. They know what they are about. They eat fish, plucked from the surface of the water, and only fish. And maybe the occasional shrimp or other crustacean.
Also, where gulls are often mottled and a bit scruffy looking, terns are sleek and sharply plumed in grays and blacks and whites, looking ready to head off to a well-heeled dinner party at any moment.
I didn’t go down to the Reynolds Street Pier the other day to see terns. You can pretty much see them any time you want here. I went down looking for a somewhat rare bird called a neotropical cormorant, which had been reported on eBird, though with a pretty dodgy photo.
There was a group of six or eight tourists, all women, taking iPhone pictures of each other with the blue, blue ocean in the background. I sat on a bench so as not to interrupt their photo session. But impatience got the better of me after 10 or 15 minutes and I eventually excuse me-ed through them to get to the railing at the end of the pier.
Reynolds Street Pier used to be about twice as long as it is now, continuing on straight for a few yards before turning left toward White Street Pier. All that’s left of that section now are the old rusting pilings which extend a few inches to a few feet above the waterline.
Birds were arranged one each along the old pilings.
Neotropic cormorants are a size or so smaller than our usual double-crested cormorants. They also have a white marking that looks like a greater-than sign (>) that outlines the gape of their mouth.
One of the cormorants on the pilings did look a little smaller, though size perception is often not a trustworthy thing. And when it lifted its head and gave me a solid profile, there was no white outlining its gape. It was just another double-crested.
A few pilings down there was a trio of adult pelicans with white and saffron yellow heads that looked neat and trim and ready for the upcoming breeding season. One of them was preening the underside of its wing with its long bill, which made me think of someone trying to scratch an armpit by holding a long ruler in its mouth.
And then there was a trio of royal terns on the nearest pilings.
Royal terns are the default terns in the Florida Keys. They are also the easiest to identify. The most obvious field mark is their sturdy-looking orange bill – orange as a safety vest, a traffic cone, a navel orange. Next it’s the gray wings folded over the white body. Both sexes look alike.
The one I was looking at was in breeding plumage and had a black cowl that came down just below its black eyes, kind of like Zorro’s mask. It had just enough of a crest that it looked a little bit punk, but not so much it couldn’t still get a job. In non-breeding plumage, the black cowl recedes like a hairline, making the eyes far more visible, but the crest remains, giving the tern the look of a middleaged middle manager who wants you to know he’s still got it.
Royal terns do have something of a regal bearing, as they spend a lot of time staring off into the distance, not acknowledging the other creatures around them. But the name royal was given in reference to them being the largest of
ROYAL AND CLASSY BIRDS
the terns. In their scientific name, Thalasseus maximus, maximus also refers to them being the largest of the terns. (Thalasseus essentially means “of the sea.”)
Despite the common and Latin names, though, royal terns are not the largest of the terns. Caspian terns are.
We get Caspian terns down here on occasion. I think I saw eight of them last year, up on Blimp Road on Cudjoe, as opposed to the hundreds, if not thousands, of royal terns I saw. They generally have a blood-red bill that sometimes darkens to black at the very tip, something that is easy for the modern birder to distinguish.
Oddly, John Audubon confused the two species all his life, conflating them into a third species he called the Cayenne tern.
Royal terns breed in a few places in Florida, primarily on spoil islands on the Gulf Coast up near Tampa and points north, but also near Jacksonville. They don’t breed in the Keys but are always here in pretty good numbers. I can’t remember a time I’ve walked out on Reynolds Street Pier and not seen at least a half-dozen.
Why do we have so many of them here if they don’t nest here? Royal terns don’t breed until they are at least 4 years old. I don’t notice a lot of immature birds here, but they are indistinguishable from mature birds, at least to us, after the first year. So it’s possible we see a lot of young birds here.
It’s also unclear if royal terns breed every year or, if like albatrosses, they mostly breed every other year.
For whatever reason we see so many of them here, I’m glad. They really class up the place — at least compared to the gulls.
A royal tern seen recently off Reynolds Street Pier. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly
MARK HEDDEN
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
CHRIS McNULTY This week has two distinct astrological events taking place, and the overall theme is one of mature auditing. Venus has been moving in retrograde motion for over a week and she is meeting up with Mercury. Just after she brushes past Mercury, Mercury then goes retrograde. So the planet of love and value and the planet of communication and thinking both appear to be shuffling backward hand-in-hand, inviting us to rethink our relationships and reconsider how we enact our values in our lives. How do the interpersonal connections that we invest our time in embody the value system that we adhere to? Mercury and Venus are inviting us to ask this question over the next month.
At the same time, we have a lunar eclipse in Virgo in a tight connection with Saturn. A lunar eclipse is like a full moon on steroids with a dash of mystery thrown in, and this lunar eclipse is inviting us to complete an emotional maturing process that began in September. What are the details that you need to paint a bigger picture so that you can stand in your emotional authority? What boundaries need to be put in place so you can stand on solid ground? This lunar eclipse invites you to do the hard work that may go unnoticed in the moment, but will serve you in the long run.
Here are your horoscopes for the conjunction of Mercury and Venus retrogrades and the lunar eclipse. Read for your rising and sun signs.
PISCES
Feb. 19 - March 20
You might have been bending over backward to keep the peace, but now it’s time to stand firm in your relationships. Are you compromising too much of yourself, especially when it comes to your beliefs and values? This is a week for honesty, particularly around your
finances. Take a long, hard look at whether your money choices reflect what you truly believe. If there’s a disconnect, it’s time to fix it.
ARIES
March 21 - April 19
The eclipse is calling for some serious downtime, Aries. If you’ve been charging ahead with little regard for your emotional needs, this is your cosmic nudge to recalibrate. Take a step back and reflect on your inner world. Solitude isn’t always a bad thing, especially when it allows you to reconnect with what really matters. Deep emotional work is tough, but it’s also necessary. And hey, you’re tough enough.
TAURUS
April 20 - May 20
Do your relationships help you grow, or are some of them holding you back? This week, it’s time to take stock of who and what you’re surrounding yourself with. The eclipse is asking you to prune anything that no longer serves you, whether it’s people, habits or even thought patterns. This is your chance to set the tone for your creative endeavors and friendships. You get to decide what’s worth keeping in your life.
GEMINI
May 21 - June 20
Who’s truly got your back? And are you putting in the effort to keep them around? This week, the eclipse encourages you to look at your support system. Is it helping you thrive, or is it causing you stress? You may need to set some boundaries, especially when it comes to work. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, now’s the time to prioritize what really nourishes you. A little balance goes a long way.
CANCER
June 21 - July 22
It’s time to ask yourself: How do you show up in the world? You might have been caught up in the motions of work or public image, but are your actions truly aligned with who you are? The eclipse is urging you to realign your career with your core values. If your per-
sonal needs have been pushed aside in favor of professional obligations, now’s the time to bring everything back into balance. Growth can happen without losing yourself.
LEO
July 23 - Aug. 22
The eclipse is giving you the opportunity to reflect on your longterm goals. If your current path doesn’t align with your true desires, it’s time to rethink your approach. You’ve got a lot of energy to put toward big things, but are your finances supporting your grand ideals? This week, it’s about making sure your actions and your beliefs are in harmony. Make sure your choices reflect your true values.
VIRGO
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
This week, take some time to assess the give-and-take in your relationships. Are you giving more than you’re receiving, especially when it comes to shared resources? The eclipse invites you to find a better balance and set clear boundaries. While emotional sacrifice can be noble, it’s important that your energy is being reciprocated. And don’t forget to ask yourself: Are you showing up as your true self, or have you been too busy meeting others’ expectations?
LIBRA
Sept. 23 - Oct. 23
Libra, the eclipse is urging you to take a hard look at your support system. Are your relationships helping you grow, or are they holding you back? Now’s the time to set emotional boundaries and prioritize your well-being. Also, think about how you manage your personal life and professional responsibilities. With some reflection, you can create the balance you need between your inner and outer worlds.
SCORPIO
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
This eclipse is all about selfreflection. Are your daily habits moving you toward your long-term goals, or are they just keeping you busy? If your routines have become distractions, it’s time to make a
AUDITS FOR GROWTH
change. At the same time, take a look at your social circles. Are they pushing you toward your potential, or are they just a comfortable distraction? Surround yourself with habits and people that inspire you.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
It’s time to take a pause and reconsider your creative pursuits, Sagittarius. Have you been following your passions or just going through the motions? The eclipse invites you to reflect on your approach to creativity and romance. Meanwhile, take a good look at your career. Are you really doing work that excites you, or have you been compromising too much? It’s time to adjust your path so it reflects your truest desires.
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
How’s your emotional foundation holding up? This eclipse is calling you to assess your home life and family dynamics. Have you been neglecting your emotional needs in favor of work or external achievements? Now’s the time to find a better balance. Don’t forget to also take a look at your intellectual and spiritual pursuits. Are they fulfilling you, or do they need some adjustments to better nourish your spirit?
AQUARIUS
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
The eclipse is giving you a chance to clear up any emotional misunderstandings, Aquarius. How are you communicating with others? Is your message aligning with your true intentions? Now’s the time to reflect on how you share your thoughts and energy. Also, take a good look at how you’re sharing resources. Are your exchanges fair and balanced, or is there a disconnect? Setting clear boundaries will help protect both your emotional and material well-being.
The Women of I egrity & Men of Valor Di er
TO CELEBRATE THE 2025 HONOREES
LINDA TUREK, Overall Community
YVETTE MIRA-TALBOTT Public Service
KRYSTAL THOMAS, Humanitarian
MARIA GONZALEZ, Womens Advocacy
JACQUELINE LUHTA, Overall Community
DR ERNESTO GRENIER, M.D Health Care
SCOTT SAUNDERS, Philanthropy
SUSHI, The Arts
FATHER JOHN BAKER, Faith Based
DAVID JOHNSON, Philanthropy
BILL & AMY LAY, Overall Community
AS WE CELEBRATE THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY WE WOULD LOVE PRIOR HONOREES TO ATTEND.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025
BEACHSIDE HOTEL, KEY WEST
COCKTAIL HOUR & SILENT AUCTION START AT 5:15 PM 3 COURSE DINNER & LIVE MUSIC PROGRAM BEGINS AT 6:30 PM
Committed to Lower Keys
People in the Lower Keys deserve a hospital system committed to delivering quality healthcare—right here, close to home. Lower Keys Medical Center is working to Keep Care in the Keys, and our current operator, Community Health Systems (CHS), is requesting an early renewal of the lease in order to make immediate investments in local healthcare.
A more than $350 million commitment from CHS would expand access to health services, bring more physicians to our community, and enable modernization and upgrades to our local hospital. And, that work can begin immediately, if the lease is renewed early. Fast-tracking these major investments will ensure quality care for Lower Keys residents— now—and for years to come.
$65 Million over 5 years
• Expand the emergency department, renovate patients rooms, upgrade facility infrastructure, and install modern technology at Lower Keys Medical Center
• Expand behavioral health services and install a new parking deck at the DePoo Medical Building Campus
• Expand oncology services in the Lower Keys
$300 Million more over 30 years
• Continuously improve and expand healthcare services and facilities in the Lower Keys
• Invest in physician practices and access to more doctors, more specialities, and more care in the Lower Keys
MARCH MOZART MADNESS!
South Florida Symphony Orchestra is mad for Mozart this March! Maestra Sebrina Alfonso closes the 2025 Key West Season with two of his most thrilling works, including the haunting choral masterpiece, Requiem, featuring dazzling guest vocalists and the SFSO Chorus. Plus, experience the drama and intensity of his ever-popular Symphony No. 40, the “Great G minor Symphony.”
MUSICIANS OUT TO LUNCH
One of the compelling and unique benefits of being a Key West musician is the sense of community that runs through every aspect of our musical environment.
In most cities the competition for gigs is intense. Having two or three gigs a month is not only average, but can be considered a moderate success. Here in our fair city, where more venues pop up every day, we are blessed with more gigs than we can play. Competition is much more subtle. It becomes a matter of where you play, how well you play and how much your services are in demand. But everyone here can make a living, thrive even, and that makes for good dispositions and a willingness to share.
One example of this musical community was evident at last week’s musicians lunch, hosted by local rock star Jack Wolf. The gathering drew all sorts of players — whether they’ve been in town for three weeks or 30 years. With so much talent and love in one room, there was music to be played. It’s always interesting to see what combinations of musical strangers come up with together. And no one was disappointed with the jams.
Unlike most gatherings of this many musicians, we had no particular purpose like a benefit or a show. Everyone was just
RAY WEST
there to say hello, to see each other away from the bars and restaurants where we work. We often see each other in terms of what we do — a drummer, a singer, etc. But in these rare instances we get to be who we are also.
... a professional musician, singer, actor and executive director of the Key West Music Awards, is known to sacrifice his comfort for that of his cat.
BREEZE AIRWAYS BRINGS SERVICE TO KEY WEST
Flights to Orlando & Tampa to start this summer
“Many of us get all our socializing done on stage and then go home and turn into hermits,” Wolf said of the gathering. “It’s about the love, really, to promote the sense of community. To help each other. To think there may be a musician in our community who feels so badly they may hurt themselves, and all they needed was something like this to meet someone to change that.”
When a man you have only ever seen holding a guitar is holding his infant child, when a guy you have always thought of as a great drummer can’t stop staring at his girlfriend, and when that ever-smiling lady singer is raising a son alone, you realize what community really means — and why we need each other.
Breeze Airways this week announced it will offer service to and from Key West, beginning June 12. Key West becomes the airline’s 10th Florida destination as well as its 70th city served nationally.
As of March 11, travelers can book nonstop flights on Breeze from Key West to Tampa and Orlando, flying Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, starting June 12, from $39 one way. Tickets must be purchased by March 17 for travel between June 12 and Sept. 2.
“We’re excited to extend our service within the Sunshine State with the addition of new service to Key West,” said David Neeleman, Breeze Airways’ founder and CEO. “We’re confident this will be a very popular addition to Breeze’s national network and look forward to welcoming new and existing guests to the area onboard an upcoming Breeze flight this summer.”
Breeze was recently named 2025 startup airline of the year by the Centre for Aviation and recognized as a four-star lowcost carrier at the 2025 Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) five-star and fourstar airline awards.
The airline offers both bundled and a la carte options so travelers can customize an experience that fits their needs. Breeze’s fare bundles feature full flexibility along with other add-ons such as bags, seats and inflight Wi-Fi on its fleet of brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
Breeze has no change or cancellation fees, allows up to 24 months of reusable flight credit and has free family seating, a la carte pricing and customized flight features. More information is at flybreeze.com or the app.
— Contributed
Breeze Airways will begin its service between Key West, Tampa and Orlando this summer. MICHAEL STEFFEN/Wikipedia
Jack Wolf entertains at the Southernmost Moose Lodge during the Musicians Lunch. RALPH De PALMA/Contributed
Aerial view of the railroad fill between Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower Matecumbe Key in 1929, looking at Upper Matecumbe Key. HUGH MATHESON COLLECTION/University of Miami digital archive
Trains, cars and islands
THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP: THE FILLS
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
On a map (yikes, I’m dating myself) or GPS, the fills and bridges connecting Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower Matecumbe Key are excellent examples of how looks can be deceiving. The 2.5-mile stretch has more to share than it might seem.
In the beginning, the space between the two islands was a vast, open, watery expanse. However, Henry Flagler and his men changed that. The conduit that linked the two islands, the railroad fill, was created using dredges to scoop up the soggy bottom and dump it along a relatively straight line. When sufficient land had been created, the train tracks were hammered into place atop the strip of marl and fill. The train steamed, rocked and rolled down the middle of the fill.
There was a time when both the train and cars rolled over the fill at the same time. The first version of the Overseas Highway opened to automobile traffic in 1927. When it did, the road paralleled the railroad tracks but ran closer to the bayside edge of the fill. The modern highway follows the general path that the train once did.
The train stopped running in 1935 when the Category 5 Labor Day Hurricane raged over the islands and punched holes in Flagler’s line of railroad fill connecting the two islands. It did much worse things, too. When the second version of the Overseas Highway opened in 1938, the span between the Matecumbe Keys was no longer a 2.5-mile stretch of fill. It had been augmented with four automobile bridges.
The first crossed the narrow Tea Table Key Relief Channel and connected Upper Mate-
cumbe Key to the first section of Flagler’s old railroad fill. It is the shortest of the bridges. The name Tea Table is used because of the little island that is just east of the fill. In 1772, the DeBrahm chart identified it as Boys for unknown reasons. On a 1775 chart, George Gauld named it Umbrella Cay. He called it that because of a large, umbrella-shaped tree growing on the island. It became “Teatable” for the first time in the late 1830s, during the second escalation of the Seminole War when, from 1837-1840, the island served as the U.S. Naval Depot Fort Paulding. It was not the only island visible on this short stretch that once served as a military outpost.
Tea Table Key was connected to the Overseas Highway by a causeway circa 1955. The island is privately owned and currently serves as a high-end rental property – hence the gate that is visible when driving past.
Beyond the story of Tea Table Key, the drive over this chunk of fill is brief and rather unremarkable before the road passes over the next channel and the Tea Table Channel Bridge. On the other side is the largest section of the old railroad fill, Indian Key Fill. Like Tea Table, the name Indian Key shows up a lot at this particular spot in the Florida Keys. It is used to identify a section of the fill, the next channel, and the next bridge.
The namesake is the small island sitting in the Atlantic shallows about one mile offshore. Also, on Indian Key Fill is a public kayak launch with five or six parking spaces. Approaching the next bridge, Indian Key sits out in the water like a postcard image. At about 11 acres, what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in local history. Believe it or not, there was a time when Indian Key was the most important island in the Florida Keys not named Key West.
In 1835, it was home to a village of about 140 people. There was a carpenter shop, blacksmith, wharves, two general stores, two threestory warehouses, a restaurant, a hotel and a nine-pin bowling alley. It was also the site of the southernmost attack during the Seminole
War and, like Tea Table Key, served as a military base during the second escalation of the Indian War.
Today, the island is home to Indian Key Historic State Park, one of the great Florida Keys gems hiding in plain sight. Though it is only accessible by boat or kayak, visiting it is like stepping back in time. Ruins of the old wrecking village from the 1830s can be seen. Park rangers, too, have placed interpretive panels at important sites around the island.
Indian Key is not the only state park on the horizon. While driving over the Indian Key Channel Bridge, the substantially larger Lignumvitae Key, on the bayside, is also an under-appreciated state park.
Early Spanish charts called it “Cayo de las Lena,” or Firewood Key. On a 1765 British map, it is Jenkinson Island. The name Lignum Vitae Key first appeared on a 1772 chart. The island is named after the lignum vitae tree (Guaicum sanctum), which is said to have grown in the Garden of Eden and is sometimes called the holy tree or the Tree of Life. Some say the Holy Grail was carved from its wood.
Lignumvitae is one of the heaviest hardwood trees and is prone to sinking, not floating. It is exceedingly dense, strong and practically inflammable — as far as wood goes. One thing that makes the island special is that it is one of the few that has retained its virgin hammock. After the state purchased the island in the early 1970s, it was designated Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site and has been protected ever since.
After the arching Indian Key Bridge, there is a short span of fill before crossing Lignumivate Key Channel, and the last bridge before the road rolls past one of the last great roadside attractions, Robbie’s Marina, and onto Lower Matecumbe Key.
In 2025, I’ll be exploring the Overseas Highway, its history, attractions, and points I find interesting.
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
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
Bear is a 1-year-old Chihuahua-terrier mix who needs a patient adopter willing to help him grow. He’s shy at first, but the way to his heart? Treats! Training is a must for this little guy. We’ve started working with him here, but his future family will need to continue his progress. With time, patience and snacks, Bear will blossom into a wonderful companion.
Lonnie is a 2-year-old cat who came to us feral, but in just one day, she completely turned around. Now, she’s loving, sweet and adorable. She’s quickly become a fan of humans, loves pets and treats, and is ready to show her affectionate side to a forever family.
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.
Valentine is a 2-year-old rabbit who’s a little extra when it comes to personality. She’s more outgoing than most buns and absolutely loves humans. Whether it’s playing, being petted or just hanging out, she’s all about spending time with people.
Whopper has been at the SPCA since 2019 — waiting five years for her forever home. She started at our Marathon campus, spent time in foster care and moved to Key West in 2024, where she’s become even friendlier. She’s a sweet, sleepy girl who loves lounging with her catio buddies. She does have a chronic stuffy nose, which doesn’t bother her much but may lead to occasional sniffles. Otherwise, she’s a low-maintenance, loving cat.
Kia is a 4-year-old, all-orange, pumpkinshaped kitty with a heart as sweet as her looks. She has FIV, but that doesn’t slow her down one bit — she’s just as loving, cuddly, and deserving of a forever home as any other cat.
HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN
JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS
The March 7 cleanup at Whitehead and Eaton streets drew 60 volunteers. In one hour, they collected 127 pounds of micro trash, 21 pounds of recycling and 4 gallons of cigarette butts. The trash is considered “micro” because the city’s crews do such a good job cleaning the downtown areas; volunteers are only needed to get the small stuff missed by the blowers and street sweepers. Special thanks to First Horizon Bank for hosting the Ploggers for the fifth time and being a sponsor of the Green Machine. The March 14 cleanup is at the Montessori Children’s School on the corner of United and Varela streets, across from city hall. 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.
March 14: Varela & United streets. Meet in front of the Montessori Children’s School. Park in the City Hall parking lot.
March 21: Kennedy Drive & N. Roosevelt. Meet next to H&R Block.
March 28: Emma & Olivia streets. Meet in the parking area along Olivia Street at the Frederick Douglass Community Center, 830 Emma St.
By
Understanding Endom
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Glaciers Feel the Heat
Did you play outside today? You might have been thirsty when you came inside. A long drink of cool water, whether from a water fountain or the kitchen faucet, probably tasted great.
That drink of water might not have seemed like a big deal to you, but for millions of people around the world, it would have been a dream come true.
Each year, the United Nations recognizes World Water Day on March 22. This year, the theme of World Water Day is Glacier Preservation. This week, The Mini Page learns more about glaciers and preserving our water.
WHAT’S A GLACIER?
A glacier is a large body of ice that moves down a slope, pulled by its own weight. Glaciers form over many years where snow and ice accumulate more than they melt or evaporate.
Glaciers are crucial for life. They're like giant frozen reservoirs of fresh water. As they melt, they provide water for drinking, agriculture, industry, energy production and healthy ecosystems.
TOO MUCH MELTING
Today, glaciers are melting faster as the planet gets warmer. As glaciers melt, they can contribute to flooding, droughts, landslides and rises in sea level. These changes can threaten human communities and animal habitats.
WATER FACT-A-ROONIES
• About 70% of the world’s fresh water is in snow or ice.
Glaciers also help regulate Earth's climate by reflecting sunlight and heat back into the atmosphere. When they melt, the darker landscape absorbs heat, and temperatures rise.
• Almost 2 billion people rely on water from glaciers for drinking, agriculture and energy.
• Today's average sea level is almost 8 inches higher than it was in 1900.
• In 2023, glaciers lost more than 600 gigatons of water.
• The same amount of water exists on Earth today as when the planet was formed more than 4.5 billion years ago!
• If all the glaciers melted, sea levels might rise by almost 200 feet! This could flood entire cities on the coasts.
SAVING GLACIERS
Scientists believe that if people can limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, we can slow the melting of glaciers and keep water flowing in places that might dry up otherwise.
Words that remind us of glaciers are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
THE WATER CYCLE
Most decisions about water use are made by ordinary people, such as farmers and factory managers.
Experts say children who learn about water at a young age can become leaders in meeting our planet’s challenges. We can begin with the water cycle. Here’s how it works:
1. The sun shines on lakes, rivers, streams and oceans. Heat turns water into invisible water vapor. This is called evaporation
2. The vapor rises into the sky, where it cools. When it gets cold enough, the vapor turns into clouds. This is condensation. Air currents move clouds all around the Earth.
3. The clouds get cooler. Tiny drops of water vapor turn into rain, snow, sleet or hail. We call this precipitation. Snow may melt and turn into runoff, which flows into rivers and the ocean, as well as into the ground.
4. Most precipitation falls back into the ocean, but some falls on land. Most of the water eventually finds its way back into the ocean through rivers and underground sources. Some of the runoff seeps into the ground. Plants use the water, and it evaporates from their leaves.
RESOURCES
On the Web:
• bit.ly/MPwater2025
At the library:
• “Glaciers” by Martha London
• “Glaciers Are Alive” by Debbie S. Miller
• “Meltdown: Discover Earth’s Irreplaceable Glaciers and Learn What You Can Do To Save Them” by Anita Sanchez
ECO NOTE
Earth’s magnetic North Pole, which has been moving northward and eastward for nearly 200 years, is now shifting toward Siberia after accelerating to speeds of up to 30 miles per year in the 2000s, though it has recently slowed to 22 miles per year. This movement is caused by changes in Earth’s outer core, where liquid iron creates the magnetic field and shifts the pole as magnetic forces change. Most people won’t notice changes on their compasses, as annual variations are minimal.
Mini Fact: The A23a iceberg has been in the news lately. It's floating toward South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands.
UPCOMING EVENTS
LASER FOCUS
Monroe County squads face off on the track | P.4
SCOREBOARD
Marathon Baseball Glades Day 3/3 W, 13-2
Coral Shores Baseball ABF Homestead 3/3 W, 3-2
Coral Shores Softball Miami Christian 3/3 L, 24-0
Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Palmer Trinity 3/3 L, 19-0
Marathon Softball Colonial Christian 3/3 W, 29-14
Key West Baseball St. Thomas Aquinas 3/4 W, 10-3
Marathon Baseball Riviera Prep 3/4 W, 23-0
Coral Shores Baseball Hialeah 3/4 W, 6-3
Marathon Softball Lourdes Academy 3/4 L, 7-5
Coral Shores Girls Lacrosse Westminster Christian 3/4 L, 14-4
Key West Boys Lacrosse Coral Shores 3/5 W, 8-7
Coral Shores Girls Lacrosse Miami Country Day 3/6 L, 13-7
Key West Girls Lacrosse Palmer Trinity 3/6 W, 9-7
Marathon Baseball Ransom Everglades 3/6 W, 4-1
Marathon Softball Mater Bay Academy 3/7 L, 12-5 Key West Boys Lacrosse Ransom Everglades 3/7 L, 11-7
Key West Softball Ransom 3/8 W, 15-0
Key West Baseball Westminster Christian 3/8 W, 6-5
Marathon Baseball JC Bermudez Doral 3/8 L, 2-1
Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Ransom Everglades 3/8 W, 8-7 Key
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
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3/14 Key West
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3/17 Key West Softball
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WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS ON THE COVER
Hurricane Xavier Johnson battles it out in the 110 hurdles at a March 4 home meet against Key West, Marathon and South Dade High School. Coral Shores ended the day as the top-performing boys team. See page 4. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
PILOTO
She is motivational to her teammates during timeouts and in between quarters. She is always positive, cheering her fellow teammates on and encouraging them to dig deeper for a little bit longer!”
– Marisa Giacopuzzi, head coach
Key West enjoyed back-to-back lacrosse wins last week, and a big piece of their success was senior captain Kaitlyn Piloto. Piloto delivered in both games, scoring four goals against Palmer, then three more plus an assist at Gulliver.
goals in two games assist
“Her consistency was unstoppable. Neither team could shut her down,” said head coach Marisa Giacopuzzi, who praised Piloto as much for her contributions to the team’s motivation as for her athleticism.
For clutch performances when it mattered most and keeping her team’s hopes of winning and their spirits alive in close matchups, Key West’s Kaitlyn Piloto is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
Kaitlyn
Senior, Key West Girls Lacrosse Midfielder
Photo by: MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly
fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.
sean
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.
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SHOWDOWN IN THE UPPER KEYS
Conchs dominate Falcon Relays
Monroe County’s three varsity track and field teams joined South Dade High School at Coral Shores for a meet on March 4. South Dade took the top spot in team points in both the boys and girls events. Coral Shores was the top-scoring Keys team in boys events, with Marathon claiming that honor in the girls events. Key West traveled light, bringing a limited roster.
The Hurricane boys had two first-place finishers on their home track. Sean Harm won the 100- and 200-meter races, finishing the 100 in 11.86 seconds and the 200 in 23.96. Alaric Rodriguez was first in the 800-meter race, completing the two laps in 2:10. The Dolphin boys had six first-place winners, though four of them had to settle for sharing their honors. Tony Bursa crossed the line first in the 1,600-meter race. Bursa outkicked teammate Lucian Burns by less than a tenth of a second, finishing in 5:08. Older brother Vance Bursa opted for the two-mile race, completing the eight-lap event in 10:36. In a four-way tie for first place, Dolphin high jumpers Daeshawn Holmes and Louis Jeune cleared 5’5.75”,
tracy mcdonald
mcdonald
splitting the points with a pair of South Dade jumpers. And in boys pole vault, Marathon’s Maverick McDonald and Cullen Coleman-Sayer tied for first with 7’10.5” vaults.
For the girls, Marathon’s Daysi Williams and Justice Lee were dual winners. Williams was first in the 200-meter race, finishing in 28.36 seconds, then cleared the bar at 5’1.75” in the high jump. Lee’s 34’4” shot put mark and 108’11” discus toss were good for a pair of firsts. The Lady Fins’ final first was Ava Merryman, who cleared 8’6.25” in the pole vault event.
Coral Shores’ Ali Wheatley was a dual winner, with firsts in the 800- and 1,600-meter events. Wheatley crossed the line in the 800 in 2:39, then took another four laps to finish the 1,600 in 6:02. The Lady ’Canes had another first-place finisher, Julieanna Oddo, who finished the 100-meter high hurdles in 22.02 seconds. Key West’s Jordan Greene claimed a first for the Lady Conchs, landing a 30’2” triple jump to grab 10 points for her team.
Key West and Marathon sent squads to Palmer Trinity School on March 7 to compete at the annual Falcon Relays. When the final event was completed, Key West’s boys were
first out of a field of 17 teams. The Lady Conchs one-upped them, beating out 18 for the top spot.
Jeff Dejean was busy, winning the long jump with a leap of 21’6”. Dejean also ran a leg of Key West’s winning 4x100 team, which also included Shane Lavallee, Walson Morin and Jayden Gist. Gist, Lavallee and Morin then teamed up with Leo Batista to claim first in the 4x200. Ian Newton cleared 13’3.5” to take first in pole vault, while Josh Johnson won the shot put with a throw of 45’9” and Noah Mercer tossed the discus 137’6” for another first in the field events.
The Lady Conchs’ Audrey Smith won two individual events. Smith was first in discus with a 108’8” toss and first in javelin with a best distance of 124’7”. Jordan Greene won the triple jump event, leaping 30’11”. Greene then teamed up with Mirakle Humphrey, Capri Miner and Katelyn Sambrana for a first in the 4x200. Caylaa Makimaa went the distance, winning the 1,600-meter race in 5:29. Alyssandra Camargo, Ariel Newton, Lilia Mook and Naima Thomas won the 4x100 relay for the Lady Conchs’ final top finish at the meet.
Marathon had a strong showing, with five individual winners at Palmer. Mikail Marshall outsprinted a field of 56, winning the 100-meter dash in 11.50 seconds. Vance Bursa won the 1,600-meter race in 4:47 and Fab Louis Jeune took first with 5’9.75” in high jump. Daysi Williams cleared 4’9.75” to win the girls high jump and Justice Lee’s best shot toss landed 34’7.75” away for the best throw of the day in that event.
4.
Conchs, Dolphins and Hurricanes vie for Monroe County supremacy at a track meet at Coral Shores High School on March
DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
KEY WEST AND CORAL SHORES SWAP COURT WINS
Marathon doubles team bests Palmer
Key West’s tennis players traveled to Coral Shores on March 4, where the Lady Conchs defeated the Lady ’Canes on their home court 5-2. Eva Drozdetskaia and Gabriela Aguero won the Nos. 1 and 2 singles matches and Leyla Atilla won at the No. 4 spot. Drozdetskaia and Aguero won at No. 1 doubles and Hamida Muhsinova teamed up with Atilla to win the second doubles match.
The Hurricane boys defended their home court, winning 4-3 against Key West. Zach Bolano won the No. 2 singles spot and Tony Khioni beat out his competitor for a win at No. 5 singles. Aidan Athouse and Bolano won the No. 1 doubles match and Jaden Heilbron and Rory MacEachern did the same in No. 2 doubles to make it four wins for the Hurricanes. Key West’s three points came from Andrei Lehene in the No. 1 singles match, John Picco at the No. 3 spot and Ben Delostrinos at No. 4.
Key West hosted Marathon two days later. The Conchs showed no love for the Lady Fins, sweeping all five singles and both doubles matches. Aguero, Hamida Muhsinova, Campbell Fischer, Avery Batty and Amina Erik won the No. 1 through 5 singles matches, respectively. Muhsinova and Fisher teamed up in No. 1 doubles and Monea McLeod and Durdona Oblokulova worked together in No. 2 doubles to make it a clean 7-0 for the Lady Conchs. Aguero, a senior, was the lone upperclassman representing Key West; all other athletes on the girls team that day were freshmen.
In boys action, the Conchs won 5-2 against the Fins. Key West’s John Picco, Nathaniel Bergh and Wyatt Bartels enjoyed a home-court advantage and beat their opponents in singles action. Bergh teamed up with Hubert Konopka to win in the first doubles match, then Bartels and Ben Delostrinos pooled their skills to win the second doubles match for five Key West wins. Anthony Iarocci and Kasimir Kryzpkowski got Marathon on the scoreboard with wins in the Nos. 4 and 5 singles spots.
Kryzpkowski and Matthew Delgado teamed up a day prior to win the No. 2 doubles match against Palmer Trinity in a hard-fought match against one of South Florida’s premiere tennis teams.
Alfredo Corrales dons his FHSAA 1A State Championships fourthplace medal. CONTRIBUTED
MEDAL MAN
Key West’s Corrales earns fourth place in Kissimmee
Top Florida wrestlers gathered in Kissimmee’s Silver Spurs Arena March 6-8 to grapple their way through the brackets at the FHSAA State Championships. Eight Keys wrestlers qualified for the event, including Coral Shores’ Costa Tuttle, Sebastian McCoy and David Beltran plus Key West’s Abram Canet, Jake Ferguson, James Searcy, Maria Halushka and Alfredo Corrales. Corrales, FHSAA’s 1A Region 4 champ, battled his way to a fourth-place state medal to cap off a stellar career with the Conchs. Corrales, who competed in this year’s 175-pound classification, holds the school record for most career wins with 150 and most pins with 94.
The Conchs’ Johnny Picco stretches for a return. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly
Marathon’s Maleeya Abraham hits the ball.
Marathon’s Tanner Ross, left, Max Childress and Damian Stasiewicz are consistently taking the top three spots at recent weightlifting meets. Collectively, the trio benched 790 pounds last week. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly
LEGENDARY LIFTS
Fins and ’Canes crush Gulliver in boys weightlifting showdown
With the district meet within sight, local lifters have maxouts on their minds. Despite heavy plates stacked on both ends, the bars are set high. Marathon’s Tanner Ross and Max Childress continue to show off gains each week, gradually pulling away from the rest of the pack in the Sinclair coefficient, an algorithm that evenly matches up athletes despite weight and age differences.
Ross has a narrow edge over Childress with just a few points between the teammates. Damian Stasiewicz has been a consistent third, making for an exciting upcoming postseason for Marathon’s boys team.
Ross had the highest total lifts at Gulliver Prep on March 5. The senior strongman, who competes in the 219-pound category, combined a 270-pound clean and jerk with a 280-pound bench press for a total of 550 pounds in the traditional category. Ross also won the Olympic event in his weight class, and despite being two weight classes below the most massive lifters, Ross consistently outlifts them.
Childress, who barely qualifies for the 199-pound class at 185 pounds, does plenty of outlifting of his own. The junior put together 255 pounds in the clean and 260 on the bench for a grand total of 515 pounds in traditional lifts. Childress also won the Olympic event, making him a double winner last week, too.
Stasiewicz and Eduardo Garcia were Marathon’s other double winners. Stasiewicz competes at 169 pounds while Garcia does his heavy lifting at 238. The four Fins’ wins in both traditional and Olympic lifting helped boost Marathon in team points to place first at the meet. Coral Shores edged out Gulliver Prep for second in both events.
Other local athletes winning at Gulliver included Marathon’s Chase Leird (119 pounds), Matthias Martinez-Velez (154) and Roland Gonzalez (183), who all placed first in the traditional event at their weights.
Coral Shores’ Kristers Vutnans won the Olympic event, splitting the 139-pound weight class with teammate Roger Sandino, who won in traditional. Xavier Johnson was the final ’Canes winner, taking first in Olympic lifts at 183 pounds.
Local lifters will finish their regular season meets this week, then head to Doctors Charter School on March 26 for FHSAA’s 1A District 16 championships.
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FINS CRACK
40 RUNS IN 3 GAMES
Marathon’s Dylan Williams racked up 10 hits last week for the Fins. CONTRIBUTED
Hurricanes go Category 6 against opponents; Conchs win 3 of 4
An explosive offense powered a three-win week for the Marathon Dolphins baseball team, starting with a March 3 road trip to face the Gators of Glades Day. The game would be the Dolphins’ first test in their new FHSAA 1A Rural district, and the resounding 13-2 win bodes well for the Fins in their new classification. Gavin Leal drove in five runs off three hits to lead the charge for Marathon. Dylan Williams also registered three hits, three RBIs and a pair of the Fins’ six total stolen bases. Williams also earned the win on the mound, fanning six batters, walking one and allowing no hits in three innings. Jason Stubblefield tossed two innings of relief.
The next night, the Fins flooded Riviera Prep with 23 unanswered runs over four innings in a mercy-rule win over the Bulldogs. Leal and Williams led the Fins offensively again with three hits each. Two of Leal’s knocks were doubles, and Williams tripled. Jack Chapman, Shane Dieguez and Mason Thornton all had two hits apiece. The Dolphins amassed 21 hits from 14 different athletes. Gabe Leal earned the win for Marathon, pitching two innings before Shane Dieguez came in to close it out for the Fins.
Two nights later, Marathon hosted Ransom Everglades in a much closer matchup. The Dolphins bested the Raiders 4-1 off six hits, with two each from Williams and Gabe Leal. Drew Suarez stole a pair of bases to keep Ransom on their toes. Mason Thornton tossed six innings, striking out five, walking three and giving up three hits. Williams struck out two in an inning of relief. The Fins’ four-game win streak came to a halt on March 8, when the Thunder of JC Bermudez Doral came. The Thunder found themselves trailing by one in the top of the sixth inning when they took advantage of a pair of hits and a hit batter to score two runs. The Dolphins left two base runners stranded in the bottom of the sixth, but things looked brighter in inning seven when Williams started things off with a single and quickly advanced to second on a wild pitch. That would be the only base action the Fins saw, though, and the 3A Thunder went home with a 2-1 win over the Fins.
Williams’ two hits made it 10 for the week for the sophomore, and Jack Chapman added a pair of hits to the team’s total of seven. Gabe Leal pitched six and one-third innings, striking out six, walking one and surrendering five hits. Williams pitched two-thirds of an inning, striking out both batters he faced.
Coral Shores improved to 7-1-1 last week, picking up their fifth and sixth consecutive wins. The first victim would be the visiting Bandits of ABF Academy Homestead. Campbell Lavoie was masterful on the mound, striking out a dozen Bandits, walking three and surrendering six hits over six and two-thirds innings. He would face 30 of 32 batters before having to come out due to pitch count, handing the ball to Riley O’Berry to seal the win.
“I do not like to throw guys that long but he was in a groove and kept getting stronger each inning,” said Hurricane coach Joe Szymanski.
Offensively, senior AJ Putetti was 3-4 at the plate, driving in two of the Hurricanes’ three runs. Derek Ramos had two hits, a single and a double, and O’Berry added two base hits to the Coral Shores’ 10 total. The team pulled off the 3-2 win with patience and some savvy. The game was tied at zero until the third, when the Bandits took a 2-0 lead. Coral Shores tied it up in the bottom of the fourth, then waited to strike in inning six to come ahead and hold on for the win.
“The team is starting to realize that there are specific things they need to do at the plate depending on the circumstances,” Szymanski said. “They are not going up there and just swinging away – they are doing their job at the plate.”
O’Berry, Thiery and Derek Ramos all saw action on the mound, holding the Thoroughbreds to just four hits. Pitching, in general, has been outstanding for the Hurricanes this season, and Szymanski attributed much of the team’s stellar record thus far to his hurlers.
“The pitching staff has been remarkable up until now,” he said. “If they keep performing like that, we will be hard to beat.”
The Conchs made an unusual mid-week road trip to play the Raiders of St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale. Key West scored two in the top of the first, then opened the floodgates in inning five, crossing home seven times via six hits, three walks, a sacrifice bunt and a hit batter. The rally was too much for the Raiders to overcome and the Conchs held on for a resounding 10-3 win. Key West’s 10-hit total was fueled by Jackson Bernhard’s two base hits. Sam Holland and Caden Pichardo each doubled in the win. Jon Carlos Lampas Gormley earned the win for Key West, pitching for four innings, then Christian Koppal stepped in to seal the deal.
On March 7, the Conchs hosted Westminster Christian for the first of a two-game series. The Warriors struck first, scoring one run in the second inning. Things looked good for Key West in the fourth frame, when they collected two of their three hits, but both base runners were left stranded. The Warriors added runs in the fifth and seventh to beat the Conchs 5-0. Pichardo, Kade Maltz and Roman Garcia each had a base hit in the loss.
The following afternoon, Key West put the first run on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first, then added two more in the second. However, the Warriors amassed five runs by the top of the fifth to pull ahead. Key West narrowed the lead to one in the bottom of the sixth, then put together an exciting series of events in the bottom of the seventh. Jackson Bernhard walked, then advanced to second on a Warrior pick-off attempt error. Nelson Ong’s sacrifice bunt sent Bernhard to third, but two outs put the comeback in jeopardy. Roman Garcia then got on first the hard way, getting hit by a pitch and taking his base.
Caden Pichardo, whose bat has been consistent lately, sent a hard line drive into center field, scoring Bernhard and Garcia for the walk-off win. Lampas-Gormley earned the win, throwing three and two-thirds innings after stepping in for starter Christian Koppal. Koppal struck out five in three and one-third innings, walking four and surrendering two hits. Lampas-Gormley fanned two, walked one and allowed four hits in the exciting showdown.
But the Conchs’ weekend was not over yet. Scheduled for Saturday night was Spanish River, a 7A opponent out of Boca Raton with a solid record and ranking. The Sharks put on a pair of runs in the first and another in the third and managed to keep the Conchs off the scoreboard through five frames. Trailing 4-0 in the bottom of the sixth, things looked bleak for Key West. Then Maltz was hit by a pitch and made his way to second on a groundout.
Up to bat was Pichardo and his dependable bat. Pichardo sent a line drive to left field to score Maltz for the first Conch run of the game. A Sam Holland walk and Auggy Davila single narrowed the Sharks’ lead to two. Spanish River’s lead quickly turned into a deficit via two walks, a pair of fielder’s choices and some wild pitching from the Sharks. Key West held on for the win and would not need their final at-bat to defeat the Sharks 6-4. Pichardo, Xavier Perez, Maltz, Ong, Davila, Garcia and Bernhard all singled in the win, and Ong added a stolen base to his stats. Cruz Holmes earned the win, pitching five and two-thirds innings, then Davila threw one and one-third innings of relief for the 7-3 Conchs.
The following night, Coral Shores traveled to Hialeah, defeating the Thoroughbreds 6-3.The Hurricanes piled on 11 hits – three from Donovan Thiery and two from O’Berry, who drove in three runs. Coral Shores sprinkled in some base thievery to help boost their score, with four stolen bases. Putetti and Maykol Bonito were responsible for two each, and an error-free day in the field helped the ’Canes pull off the win.
Fins suffer two-game slide after strong start
TLADY CONCHS ROUT RAIDERS
he Key West Lady Conchs softball team cut a short week of action even shorter with a three-frame game against Ransom Everglades on March 8. In their only contest last week, the Lady Conchs piled on 15 runs in three innings to send the Raiders packing in a mercy-rule victory. Ryleigh Harnish pitched all three innings, facing just nine batters, striking out five, walking zero and surrendering a single hit. The Conchs picked off the solo Raider batter to make it on base in a stealing attempt. Key West added 13 walks and three hit batters to their eight hits to make the runs add up. Eight different Lady Conchs registered hits and the Raiders failed to strike out a single Conch in the abbreviated game. The win improved Key West’s record to 4-2 with a busy schedule ahead of them in the coming weeks.
with
The Patriots of Colonial Christian paid a visit to Marathon on March 3 and gave the Dolphins a scare from the start, scoring 10 runs in the top of the first. Marathon answered back with 16 of their own in a game that would keep the scorekeeper busy. Elena Eubank had the hot bat for the Fins, registering three hits including a double and two RBI. Maeve Merryman, Trinity McLeod, Madelyn Thornton, Shaina Robinson and Elianys Roque each had a pair of hits to help add to the total of 15. The game was heavy on the cardio, with 20 walks and 15 stolen bases. When the red clay dust cloud settled, the score was 29-14 in Marathon’s favor, making it three wins in a row for the Fins.
continued 12-5
The following afternoon, Marathon hit the road and suffered their first loss of the season, falling 7-5 to Lourdes Academy. Marathon outhit the Royal Lions 9-6, with two each from Sara Robinson, McLeod and Thornton. The difference-maker was in Lourdes’ choosiness at the plate, with seven walks to Marathon’s two. The Royal Lions capitalized on their on-base percentage to make the first blemish on the Fins’ record.
On March 7, the Fins’ slide continued with a 12-5 loss to the Rays of Mater Bay. Marathon managed nine hits, with Eubank contributing a single and double to the total, but four errors and 11 stranded runners put the Dolphins at a disadvantage, allowing the Rays to return to Miami with the win. Thornton spent seven innings in the circle, fanning four, surrendering seven hits and walking 13.
Coral Shores faced some tough competition March 3 when they hosted the Victors of Miami Christian. The Victors’ pitching staff combined for a perfect game, shutting the ’Canes out 24-0. Coral Shores will find no rest for the weary this week, either, as they face the hefty bats of Key West on Friday, March 14 in Tavernier.
Marathon’s Dani Perdomo wields her bat with precision; the sophomore leads the Fins in on-base percentage at .762. BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly
The Lady Conchs lacrosse team evened out their record last week thanks to a pair of close wins. The first came on March 6 at Palmer, where the Lady Conchs beat the Falcons 9-7. Three athletes were unable to travel and two more were sidelined with injuries, making the Conch bench sparse with just three subs, including two field players and a goalie.
CLOSE CALLS
Despite limited lineup, Lady Conchs find their way to back-toback wins
“We knew going in that Palmer was going to be a tough game. We needed to come out of the gates at full speed, while also being patient and deliberate with every possession so as to not tire ourselves out and get into a sprinting competition, and that we did,” said Conchs coach Marisa Giacopuzzi. “We were settled and valued possession, we worked hard for caused turnovers and shut down Palmerʼs offense.”
Kaitlyn Piloto scored four goals and Deanna Mercer added three plus an assist in the win. In goal, Courtney Grabus came up big with a whopping 17 saves. The win, Giacopuzzi said, helped boost the team’s confidence after a three-game slump.
The Conchs lost Mercer for the next matchup. The senior standout suffered an injury in the Palmer game, leaving the Conchs shorthanded again when they traveled to Gulliver Prep. Piloto took charge and scored three goals plus an assist, and Colbie Turner netted four.
“It was time for everyone to step up and take ownership of their position and get to work, collectively,” said Giacopuzzi, whose team did just that.
In a back-and-forth game, the Conchs found themselves trailing 9-8 with the clock ticking down. That’s when Turner tied it up with a free position goal with 3:57 remaining. Mavis Bishop added the winning goal 14 seconds later, and the Conchs played keep-away as the clock ticked down.
Eisley Whitehead picked up four ground balls and was credited with a caused turnover and an assist. Grabus had another eight saves in the 10-9 win and Olivia Moore, who shares time in goal, had two. The wins put the Lady Conchs at 4-4 with just under one month to go in the regular season.
Coral Shores, still on the lookout for their first win this season, suffered two losses last week, falling to Westminster Christian March 4, then to Miami Country Day two days later.
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Florida Keys Council of the Arts
Notice of Upcoming Meetings
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the Zoom meetings or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com
Board of Directors Meeting –Zoom & In Person Mar 13, 2025, at 04:00 PM Eastern Time Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 847 9922 5252 Passcode: 298329 Cultural Umbrella Committee Meeting (via Zoom) March 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
86355142186?pwd=GaVM FL5M4Aa1 euykcb AZUuolt
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Meeting ID: 863 5514 2186 Passcode: 885329
Publish: March 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Key West Lighthouse New Restroom and Storage Buildings Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. 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
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-profit organizations for capital projects.
The project/facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories:
3:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 24, 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, April 24, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:
One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York)
Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary, or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions set forth in the Florida Statutes.
The deadline for receipt of applications is April 22, 2025, and applications must be downloaded from the County’s Bonfire platform.
For more information, please email Maxine@fla-keys.com.
Publish: February 13 & 27, March 13 & 27 and April 10, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
Visit Florida Keys has funding available for those interested in applying for Destination or Turnkey event funding for events to take place between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026; or for pre-promotion funding for Destination events to take place between October 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026.
The deadline for receipt of applications is April 8, 2025, and applications must be downloaded from the County’s Bonfire platform.
For more information, please email Maxine@fla-keys.com.
Publish: February 13 & 27, March 13 & 27 and April 10, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish: March 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 24-CP-000591-P IN RE: ESTATE OF TRAVIS RAY WILKERSON, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Travis Ray Wilkerson, deceased, File No. 24-CP000591-P, whose date of death was July 9, 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 name and address 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 DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate 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 PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211.
The date of first publication of this notice is March 13, 2025. Personal Representative: Kimberly Wilkerson Diaz 978 Brandywine Road Waynesville, NC 28786 (305) 798-2824
Attorney for Personal Representative: Lindsey H. Donoff, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0089531
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
CASE NO.: 24-CP-445-M
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RICHARD KAUFFMAN, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of RICHARD KAUFFMAN, deceased, whose date of death was July 22, 2024, Case: 24-CP-445-M, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The
LEGAL NOTICES
names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: March 6, 2025.
Personal Representative: KATHY LYNN KNIGHT
c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.
Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040
Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304
Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040
Email designation for service: Service.Probate@samkaufmanlaw.com
Telephone: (305) 292-3926
Fax: (305) 295-7947
Publish: March 6 & 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-58-K DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF EDGAR FRANKLIN MOORE III aka FRANKLIN MOORE III, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of EDGAR FRANKLIN MOORE III aka FRANKLIN MOORE III, deceased, whose date of death was November 5, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with
this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: March 6, 2025.
Personal Representative: Glenda M. Moore 3901 Osprey Lane Big Torch Key, Florida 33042
Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134
RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050
Telephone: (305) 743-6022
Fax: (305) 743-6216
E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com
Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com
Publish:
March 6 & 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-56-M
DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF BONNIE KEYS CARL Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Bonnie Keys Carl, deceased, whose date of death was December 29, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: March 6, 2025.
Personal Representatives: Margot E. Everett 650 Delancey St, Apt 217 San Francisco, California 94107 Lauren Carl
1806 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, California 93101
Attorney for Personal Representatives: Robert K. Miller, Esq.
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050
Telephone: (305) 743-9428
Fax: (305) 743-8800
E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com
Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com
Publish:
March 6 & 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-941-P JON KONRAD, Petitioner, and JONATHON RANDOLPH, Respondent.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR ADOPTION TO: JONATHON RANDOLPH RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 9323 WELBY TERRACE, THORNTON, CO 80229
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Adoption has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Jon Konrad, whose address is 103041 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 on or before March 27, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, FL 33070, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.
Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.
WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: February 18, 2025 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jennifer Havengar Deputy Clerk
Publish: February 27 and March 6, 13 & 20, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 21ST day of March 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the
THE WESTERLY 40 FEET OF LOT 12, LOT 13 AND LOT 14, BLOCK 29, SANDS SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 65, IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
Property Address: 31132 AVENUE E, BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043
Pursuant to FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3rd day of February 2025 Style of which is:
U.S. BANK N.A., SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., SUCCESSOR TO LASALLE BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE WASHINGTON MUTUAL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, WMALT SERIES 2005-5 Plaintiff vs. MATTHEW RYAN PARROTT A/K/A MATTHEW R. PARROTT; WORTHY H. MAYNARD; VALDINE S. PARROTTMAYNARD A/K/A VALDINE SCHWILM PARROTTMAYNARD A/K/A VALDINE PARROTT MAYNARD; UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY Defendant
And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CA001080-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 5TH day of February 2025
KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming as interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: March 6 & 13, 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 Individually Plaintiff, vs. Equity Link, INC.
A California Incorporated Company NuView IRA, Inc. f/k/a/ Entrust Administration Services, Inc. A Florida Profit Corporation Warren Lloyd Holtzman IRA, MINDY SILVERSTEIN, Individually JOSE MIRANDA, Individually Defendants _____________/
AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION FOR PUBLICATION To: Equity Link, Inc., Registered Agent Kevin Costa Last known address: 4522 Old Spanish Trail, Jacksonville, FL 32257
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED 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 31, 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: February 19, 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA, Clerk CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: February 27 and March 6, 13 & 20, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
AUTOS FOR SALE
Truck For SaleHandyman's special: '07 F350 Utility Truck with tools on truck. Located in Key West. $12,000 305-393-6253
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD FOR ONLY $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY!
BOATS FOR SALE
GREAT DEAL: Key Largo 21' Deep V Center Console w/trailer. New 150hp motor & electronics. Ready to fish. PRICE REDUCED TO $20,000. Located in Marathon. 201-696-8906
BOAT SLIP FOR RENT
Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002
EMPLOYMENT
GET OFF THE ROCKMAINE COAST - Seasosonal jobs at The Happy Clam in beautiful St George - Opening for exp. Line Cooks, Bartender/ Server. We have a 5-star rating and specialize in German and Seafood. We're busy! Mooring balls available. Housing or RV
site included. Inquire at gregcorinna@aol.com or text 850-376-7137
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 10pm-8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/
Inside Sales Associate needed at Marathon Lumber. Must be selfmotivated. Bi-lingual a plus. Full-time M-F 8A-4P. Apply in person at 11401 1st Ave. Gulf, Marathon, or email: tricia@marathonlumber. com or call 305-743-3688.
All Keys Yamaha hiring a Technician Marine Repair specializing in Yamaha outboard engines. Also hiring: Retail Parts/Counter Help - Marine outboard knowledge a plus. Quickbook experience a plus. Hours M-F 8a5p for both positions. Apply in person at 2001 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-743-3530
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere. Flexible lunch/ dinner shifts available Tuesday – Saturday, some Sundays. English proficiency required. Must provide photo ID,
social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com to schedule an interview.
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time bookkeeper. QuickBooks experience required. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com to schedule an interview.
Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Resident Care Supervisor with min. 3 yrs. experience of an LPN, CarpenterFT-KeyWest, Housing Manager- FT-Marathon, Housing Assistant FTKey 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!!!
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD FOR ONLY $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY
HOBBIES/COLLECT.
PRIVATE COLLECTOR
WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
HOUSING FOR RENT
Downstairs apartment of a duplex to rent to 1 person (no pets). Large living room/bedroom and separate kitchen. Large screened porch with its own washer/dryer and driveway. Utilities include wifi/tv. 150 ft to the ocean. MM 96 Key Largo $1600/ month. F/L/S 305-853-3779
Studio House with Queen size bed available in Marathon. Furnished, kitchen, dining, newly renovated. No pets. $1,299 + utilities F/L/S 305-610-8002
1BR/1BA fully furnished Apt. for rent in Marathon. On canal, W/D, Wifi. 6 mo. lease. $2,000/ mo. 850-376-7137
Rental in Marathon: 4/2 pool waterfront tiki bar home with dock for up to 50 ft. Steps to Sombrero Beach, ocean in under 10 mins. Seasonal or annual. Furnished. Thania Moses, MBA & Realtor 954.683.2150
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD FOR ONLY $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY
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 years of mgmt and admin experience req, and direct or comparable experience w/same or similar population preferred. Computer skills: moderate to advanced.*
*ALSO REQUIRED FOR ALL POSTIONS
Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license. EOE
Come join our family! Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32
NOW HIRING
HVAC TECH WANTED
Upper Keys position, reporting in Tavernier. Full time job with benefits, vacation time, and holidays.
Apply at keysschools.com or call 305-293-1400 ext. 53398
NOW HIRING
DIRECTOR
Nationally accredited preschool seeking a Director. A faith-based Episcopal preschool renowned for its high-quality program and effective kindergarten preparedness is seeking a Director with relevant credentials and prior experience. Must be a team player work well with church and advisory school boards. Competitive salary and benefits.
TEACHER
Instill the love of learning and social skills while preparing children to succeed. Must have effective communication skills, patience and compassion suitable for working with young children-- and the ability to develop age-appropriate activities that are fun and educational. Child development associate credential and prior experience required. Competitive salary and benefits including free tuition for your preschool age child.
Contact Thomas Hallett at 305-852-8468 to schedule an in-person interview. St James the Fisherman Church and Children's Center, MM87.5 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.
Program
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.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Engineering Department:
ELECTRICAL PROJECT ENGINEER
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $131,081/annually$134,751/annually
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
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 Advocate (FT)
Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) KEY WEST Case Manager (Children)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)
Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Advocate
MARATHON
Care Coordinator (PT)
Driver – PT (CDL not required)
RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (PT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult)
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT/PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living, FT)
*Night Monitor (Assisted Living - Free Housing)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C)Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier
