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Tuesday Noon
Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.
$6,733
Fans will need to look beyond their wallets if they want to purchase a ticket to Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans on Feb. 9. Wallethub says the lowest price for a ticket on the resale market is $6,733. The average cost for a ticket to the past five Super Bowls is $7,584.
Bo Johnson ponders the stars as Galileo in Stanley Switlik Elementary’s Living Wax Museum on Jan. 29. See page 8. CONTRIBUTED
LIFE AFTER 20TH STREET
Homeless
residents wonder
what’s
next; city was offered help with a shelter
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Following an order from the Florida Department of Transportation, the legal owner of the road and right-of-way used for years as a central encampment for Marathon’s homeless population, as well as a lawsuit filed by area residents and businesses, the afternoon of Jan. 31 found heavy machinery clearing what remained of shelters and belongings on 20th Street.
Deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office notified residents two days prior that they had 48 hours to vacate the street, providing information sheets with resources and organizations available to aid those in need. By Friday morning, the clearing proceeded largely without incident, with a single arrest made of a protester residing in Boot Key Harbor.
“The sheriff’s office deserves credit for handling it with professionalism. They treated people with kindness and respect,” Lorenzo Chiango, a longtime volunteer and advocate for 20th Street residents, told the Weekly. “The city workers also did their jobs well and stayed courteous throughout. Both played a role in managing a hard situation the best they could.”
Volunteers familiar with the camp’s residents told the Weekly that some had returned to their families out of state, while others dispersed to different areas in town. A few reportedly headed to Key West.
“A few people were able to reconnect with family, KAIR and other groups stepped up where they could, and some found solutions,” Chiango said. “But many are still out there, needing help.”
What exactly that help will entail remains mired in uncertainty for Marathon.
Legal constraints and what’s next
Though the 20th Street camp had grown for years, its swift dissolution was backed by Florida laws enacted in 2024 to crack down on homeless camping throughout the state. Three months after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1365, a Supreme Court case in Grants Pass, Oregon strengthened its premise, upholding the Grants Pass laws and criminal penalties for public sleeping.
“A few people were able to reconnect with family, KAIR and other groups stepped up where they could, and some found solutions. But many are still out there, needing help.”
— Lorenzo Chiango
According to the new Florida law, cities may only permit homeless camping on designated properties – and only if those properties satisfy a litany of conditions to be certified through the Department of Children and Families, including running water, restrooms, on-site security and a host of zoning regulations, among others. These constraints, Marathon officials have previously stated, would rule out most, if not all, properties within the city as viable shelter locations. Speaking last month in a press conference, DeSantis said he would look to further strengthen Florida’s law in 2025 in the wake of the Grants Pass decision, telling reporters the ruling “probably has cleared the way for us to be a little stronger on
continued on page 6
City of Marathon employees work to clear the vacated remains of a homeless encampment on 20th Street on Jan. 31. Photos by Alex Rickert and Lorenzo Chiango.
DUKE
8-year-old male English bulldog.
Looking for: A home for myself and my BFF Demi. Turnoffs: When people don’t clean my eyes and wrinkles.
SWIPE RIGHT
Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA
Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.
From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. 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.
See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit 10550 Aviation Blvd.
DEMI
8-year-old female English bulldog.
Looking for: A comfy couch and cuddles with me and Duke.
Turnoffs: When people make fun of the way I “talk.”
KIMBER
2-year-old female domestic shorthair.
Looking for: A calm, gentle companion and lots of safe spaces.
Turnoffs: I’m new, and nervous, but starting to feel better every day.
from page 4
LIFE AFTER 20TH STREET
how that was done.”
Speaking with the Weekly by phone, Marathon Mayor Lynn Landry said the city’s long-term response would likely hinge on the final result of those changes.
“Nothing is off the table, but everything revolves around the legalities of the situation,” he said. “We’re going to continue recommending the services we have in this community that are good. Based on the governor and statutes, if you do something, you may end up being required to do something you can’t afford as a municipality.”
“The county walking away from a group of people like this is what really bothers me,” Chiango told the Weekly. “Many have Monroe County-issued IDs that list 20th Street as their home. … My mom used to tell me that moving food around on my plate didn’t mean I’d eaten it, and that’s exactly what happened here. The problems these folks are facing and the impact on the community didn’t just disappear. The camp is gone, but that doesn’t mean the problem is solved. It’s time to put a plan together to help them.”
Marathon was offered help with a shelter
As 20th Street was cleared, the Weekly received multiple reports that leaders with the nonprofit Cornerstone Resource Alliance, the group responsible for operating Key West-based Keys Overnight Temporary Shelter (KOTS), had contacted Marathon in early 2024 to assist in the creation of a homeless shelter.
Emails obtained through a public records request show Cornerstone’s president Elicia Pintabona contacted Marathon City Manager George Garrett in January 2024 offering to “open a conversation about an emergency shelter option in Marathon.”
“I’ve been keeping a pulse on the homeless situation in your city, and I do believe we could help,” Pintabona wrote.
The meeting, however, never materialized, with Pintabona’s final request for Garrett’s availability in February 2024 going unanswered. Multiple council members told the Weekly they were unaware of Pintabona’s offer.
Speaking with the Weekly by phone, Garrett acknowledged the emails, but said he had “stayed out of” discussion about a potential shelter pending the outcome of HB 1365.
“I felt like they gave me the answer without giving me the answer, and that’s up to their discretion,” Pintabona told the Weekly by phone. “(The shelter) would have essentially been a copy-and-paste of KOTS on a much smaller scale. … Key West has done a really great job of implementing a system that they know works, and I think it’s a good way to manage an issue that’s going to keep coming back because of simple geography.”
“We’ve really figured out how to operate a low-barrier emergency shelter, and also have a case management program that really does help people find more appropriate living situations, or link them to benefits so they can get over that little hurdle,” she added. “We have a manager and we have people who would be able to implement quickly.”
Plaintiffs agree to dismiss camp lawsuit
While the lawsuit filed against the city by Marathon residents and business owners in the 20th Street area remained active as of Feb. 5, the suit’s principal author, commercial captain Morgan Gotti, told the Weekly by phone that morning that all of the suit’s plaintiffs had agreed to dismiss the complaint due to removal of the camp.
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Name: Aaliyah Leatherwood
Historical figure: Ella Fitzgerald
The coolest thing I learned about was her performance at Super Bowl V.
Historical figure: Andrew Carnegie
The coolest thing I learned was that he was one of the richest philanthropists of his time.
Name: Cameron Coletti
Historical figure: Robert Wyland
The coolest thing I learned was that his love for whales started when he was 4 years old.
Name: Roselyn Garces Boza
Historical figure: Katherine Johnson
The coolest thing I learned was she calculated Neil Armstrong’s historical mission to the moon.
Name: Kelly Amaro
Historical figure: Pablo Picasso
The coolest thing I learned was that he was a huge animal lover.
Name: Riley Buttner
Historical figure: Ray Charles
The coolest thing I learned was that his preferred instrument was the piano only.
Name: Jashly Suarez
Historical figure: Sally Ride
The coolest thing I learned was that she was on an episode of “Sesame Street.”
Name: Sadie Hiber
Historical figure: Johnny Appleseed
The coolest thing I learned was that he had 13 siblings.
Name: Zoe Todd
Historical figure: Vincent Van Gogh
The coolest thing I learned was that he painted at least 39 self-portraits before he died at 37.
LIVING, BREATHING HISTORY
Switlik fifthgraders put on annual Living Wax Museum
The cafeteria at Stanley Switlik Elementary took a trip through the decades on Jan. 29 as costumed fifth-graders presented the school’s annual Living Wax Museum. Each selecting their own historical figure to research, the students brought their lives and accomplishments to the forefront with costumed impressions and posters for visiting families and friends. The Weekly caught up with a few of the school’s junior researchers on Wednesday night, eager to know the “coolest” facts they learned about their pillars of history. ROSS SMITH/ Keys Weekly
Historical figure: Abraham Lincoln
The coolest thing I learned was that he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation.
Name: Daniel Jose Molina
Name: Ian Reyes
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ICONIC REEFS
Coral planting marks fifth anniversary of restoration program
Florida Keys coral restoration groups and scientists from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary planted resilient, heatresistant species of coral at Carysfort Reef on Jan. 28, commemorating the fifth anniversary of the sanctuary’s Mission: Iconic Reefs program.
The program was established with the goal of strengthening and restoring seven iconic coral reef tracts in the Florida Keys. The undertaking encountered a major challenge due to a marine heat wave in the summer of 2023 that caused devastating mortality at many restoration groups’ in-water coral nurseries and areas of the Florida reef.
From that challenge, though, came discoveries regarding coral survival in the face of future climate change, researchers said, adding that coral reefs around the world are also confronted with such issues.
“They’re actually using genets, or clone lines, of coral that we know are resistant to heat stress,” said Katey Lesneski of the divers involved in the outplanting at Carysfort, located off Key Largo. “We’ve done a fantastic job across so many organizations of preserving genetic diversity which will be important in future outplanting efforts.”
Lesneski is the sanctuary’s Mission: Iconic Reefs research and monitoring coordinator.
“So these individuals have been propagated from others that survived the heat stress event in 2023, whether out on the reef or in ocean-based nurseries,” Lesneski said, referring to the infant corals. “So we have a lot of confidence that the corals that are being returned to the reef today will continue to do well even in future warming conditions.”
The three organizations that aided in outplanting the young corals are Coral Restoration Foundation, Mote Marine Laboratory and Reef Renewal USA.
In the future, sanctuary officials hope to bring in more coral restoration organizations and research partners with additional concepts about how to build on information learned so far, according to Lesneski.
For more than 20 years, organizations in the Florida Keys have pioneered breakthrough efforts to restore coral.
“Florida’s coral reef provides billions of dollars in revenue annually,” Lesneski said. “And if we want generations in the future to enjoy these same benefits, we have to continue to do this work and preserve this very important resource.”
— Contributed
What do you do for fun in the Keys and why do you love living here? My favorite thing to do here is to open my patio door every morning, feel the temperature and assume I’m in the most perfect weather in the country. I’m happy sitting on my upper deck just taking it all in. I feel very lucky and happy to be here. Occasionally, we go watch the sunset on the bridge with a cup of wine. It’s truly simple living down here.
What would the title of your biography be? “Miss Understood: The life and times of someone trying to figure it all out.”
Which actress would play you in a movie about your life? Someone tall and fun – maybe Allison Janney?
Describe your most bizarre life experience thus far: Aging with back pain. I’ve always been a strong, healthy person and I’ve always loved being active and able. I’m 63 years old. If it wasn’t for lower back pain, I’d feel like I’m 30. I’d play tennis and golf, I’d ride horses, climb rocks and exercise. I’d walk the Old Seven Mile Bridge every day with my husband.
No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
This week’s neighbor is Traci Slendak, who works part-time at the gift shop at Castaway Waterfront Restaurant and loves talking with the visitors. She also hosts and takes care of dogs with Rover. She loves to play grandma with the sweetest pups, then give them back. Her husband Rip, who grew up fishing in the Keys, owns a charter fishing business called Riplines out of Marathon.
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I’m from Tallahassee and my husband is from Fort Lauderdale. We knew each other from FSU in the ’80s. We had not seen one another in 39 years and rediscovered one another on Facebook in 2020. Sparks flew on the phone and we had to see each other again. After just a month together we decided to get married! We both knew we wanted to be back in Florida again, but we lived in Minnesota for about a year.
If you were a salad, what type of dressing would you have? Something sweet and nutty. Raspberry walnut vinaigrette on wild greens.
If you won the lottery, what would you spend the money on? I’d buy a piece of land with a bunch of cute little individual cottages, decorate each one in a different theme and invite family and friends to come any time they want. I’d name each cottage after them.
Describe the color green without using its name: I think it looks like grass smells – alive and fresh.
What's one reasonable change that you'd like to see happen in the Keys? I’d definitely provide more reasonably-priced housing for people that wanted to work here. There’s no getting ahead when all your money goes to rent.
What's one thing people don't know about you? I recently counted every home I’ve lived in since birth and it is 23 homes. I grew up in Tallahassee and have lived in Texas, New Jersey, California, Utah, Hawaii and back to Florida. I’ve visited four continents: Asia, Australia, Europe and of course North America.
Know someone who would be a good Neighbor of the Week? Email keysweeklyjen@ gmail.com.
Divers from Mote Marine Laboratory plant infant staghorn corals on a site near Carysfort Reef off Key Largo. MIKE ZIMMER/Florida Keys News Bureau
Florida Keys immigrants are facing an uncertain future, awaiting a worst-case scenario that would upend their lives — an authoritative knock, an unidentified phone call or a uniformed officer.
President Donald Trump demanded mass deportations of undocumented immigrants — and Florida lawmakers are unflinching in their efforts to comply.
Legislative leaders initially bucked Gov. Ron DeSantis’ call for a special session to address how Florida would assist the Trump administration’s removal of illegal immigrants by the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement. The legislature eventually met and passed a bill on Jan. 28 that would expand space and beds for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as requested by the Trump administration.
On Jan. 13, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis calls for a special session of the legislature to address President Donald Trump’s deportation program. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE/Contributed
The bill also toughened penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes by giving them automatic maximum sentences. And those who commit murder would face the death penalty. In addition, undocumented students wouldn’t receive in-state college tuition support.
Among the contentious topics is a measure in the Legislature’s bill for a new state immigration czar, which would be Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. DeSantis wasn’t in favor of the proposal.
“How often is agriculture viewed as leading the fight against illegal immigration?” DeSantis said during a town hall on Jan. 31.
Voting “yes” on the House Floor, State Rep. Jim Mooney said the bill wasn’t given to DeSantis as of Feb. 5 due to some disagreements and his initial message that he’d veto the legislation.
“We have a lot of the governor’s products in this bill,” Mooney said. “The bill says we will work hand-in-hand with the feds.”
“So much is happening and laws are changing so fast; people are scared. They live here, work here, have children — they’re our neighbors, and they’re scared,” said Natalia Duke, a Key West native and the daughter of Cuban refugees.
“Even people who are here legally are terrified they’ll get caught up and arrested in a raid,” said Duke, who helped launch the Keys Immigrant Coalition in 2017 in response to new Florida laws that targeted undocumented immigrants.
The current sense of chaos and alarm has eclipsed anything that came before.
“Now I hope the Keys Immigrant Coalition can help alleviate some fear by making sure our community knows their rights,” she said. “All people in the U.S. have constitutional rights regardless of their immigration status, and sharing that information is important.”
Immigrant rights advocates nationwide are hosting Know Your Rights seminars to advise people how to respond if ICE agents come to their home, workplace or school. (See page 13 for immigration rights information from the ACLU).
Immigrants now worry constantly about their kids at school, raids at their workplace or government vehicles in their neighborhoods.
The Keys Weekly asked local law enforcement leaders and the superintendent of schools what policies and plans were in place in light of the state and nationwide crackdown.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Rick Ramsay participated in a Zoom call last week with DeSantis and all 67 Florida sheriffs.
“It was sort of a one-way conversation, and was geared toward the governor saying, ‘I’ve got the power and I expect all elected officials to aid and assist in the immigration enforcement efforts, and if you don’t, you could be removed from office or face ramifications,’” Ramsay told the Keys Weekly. “My stance has always been that we’re not going to job sites or doing roundups. We’re not checking IDs just to try to find people. But if we become aware that a person may be here illegally, we’re not going to hide or harbor anyone.
“We will comply with the law, and if you’re arrested and in my jail, and you have what’s called a federal detainer, which is basically an immigrationrelated warrant, then we’ll notify the feds that we have you, and we’ll let them know when you’re getting out, which we’re required to do by law.
“We’ve never prevented our deputies from asking someone if they’re here illegally, but my guys aren’t trying to hurt anyone. We’re not trying to be ICE; we have empathy,” Ramsay said. “It’s not an easy answer. We’ll be fair.”
Ramsay added that additional state troopers from Florida Highway Patrol have been working in the Keys to combat illegal immigration since the summer of 2024, when hundreds of migrants entered the Keys from Cuba and Haiti. Most of those troopers are still in the Keys, and that agency is enthusiastic about assisting state and federal immigration efforts, according to a Jan. 89 post by FHP post on X that states, “We are ready and willing to follow the governor’s lead and work with federal partners to execute the Trump illegal immigration mandate.”
Key West Police
Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg told the Keys Weekly last week he had not been contacted by any state or federal officials about immigration enforcement efforts, and it was business as usual for his department as of last week.
“No one has reached out, made contact or given any kind of direction,” Brandenburg said. “I haven’t heard from any of our federal partners.”
In addition, Key West lawmakers in 2017 passed a resolution designating Key West as a Welcoming City. The resolution states “the city shall not request or maintain information about, or investigate or assist in the investigation of the citizenship or immigration status of any person unless such inquiry is required by a valid state or federal law.”
That resolution had not been rescinded as of Feb. 4, city attorney Ron Ramsingh told the Keys Weekly.
Monroe County schools
Teachers and administrators in Keys schools have acknowledged the concern many immigrant parents now have when dropping off their kids at school. Often, children of undocumented immigrants are American citizens, by virtue of birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed in the Constitution for anyone born in the United States. Though President Trump has expressed interest in ending birthright citizenship, such a move would require congressional and likely Supreme Court approval.
“I have been in contact over the past week and will continue to be in contact with State Attorney Dennis Ward,” said Theresa Axford, schools superintendent, “who will inform me of any information he receives regarding immigration matters in Monroe County that are pertinent to school operations. We agreed that our current policies relating to outside agencies such as law enforcement interviewing or picking up students should continue to be followed at this time. Those policies are on page 39 of our Student Code of Conduct, which can be found at keysschools.com.
“We will strictly require any party asking to interact with a student to show official identification. And the school resource officer, who knows the students and school policies, will be informed.
“We both agreed that the least disruption possible to the school day should be our goal as well as following the law.”
Gimenez questions ending of Temporary Protected Status
U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, whose district includes the Florida Keys, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers and activists questioning the federal government’s decision to end humanitarian protection “for roughly 600,000 Venezuelans living here in the United States” under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Gimenez on Jan. 31 sent a letter to Kristi Noem, the new secretary of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump, urging her not to penalize and stigmatize all Venezuelans due to the criminal activities of a few, including members of the Venezuelan gang known as “Tren de Aragua.”
“In Venezuela, the regime of Nicolas Maduro continues to repress, torture and silence the Venezuelan people,” Gimenez writes. “It is essential that security concerns are addressed with precision, ensuring that law-abiding Venezuelans are not unjustly penalized. For this reason, and in view of the February deadline, I urge you to make a decision that individually provides a solution to those who contribute to our country and respect the rule of law. The majority of Venezuelans flee their home to come to the United States seeking freedom, while respecting our laws.”
Ending their protected status would force them to return to “the oppressive Maduro regime,” Gimenez wrote.
In the order ending TPS for Venezuelans, Noem wrote, “the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined that Venezuela no longer continues to meet the conditions for the 2023 designation. In particular, the secretary has determined it is contrary to the national interest to permit the covered Venezuelan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States. The secretary therefore is terminating the 2023 TPS designation of Venezuela.”
Gimenez’s full letter is below:
“Dear Secretary Noem, “I am writing to address the urgent situation regarding the
decision to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for roughly 600,000 Venezuelans living here in the United States. TPS is granted to foreign citizens who are unable to return to their home country as a result of war, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Many Venezuelans have arrived in our country under these conditions and have integrated into our communities, respected the laws, and contributed with honest jobs. Unfortunately, we have seen how some nationals with ties to organized crime or members of transnational criminal organizations, such as ‘Tren de Aragua,’ take advantage of our generous system. While members of the ‘Tren de Aragua’ gang are Venezuelans, not all Venezuelans belong to ‘Tren de Aragua.’ We must not allow the actions of a few to unfairly stigmatize an entire community. It is essential that security concerns are addressed with precision, ensuring that law-abiding Venezuelans are not unjustly penalized.
“For this reason, and in view of the February deadline, I urge you to make a decision that individually provides a solution to those who contribute to our country and respect the rule of law. In Venezuela, the regime of Nicolas Maduro continues to repress, torture, and silence the Venezuelan people. The majority of Venezuelans flee their home to come to the United States seeking freedom, while respecting our laws.
“In all, nearly 8,000,000 Venezuelans have fled their homeland in recent years to many different countries as a direct result of the oppressive Nicolas Maduro regime. President Trump has shown his solidarity with the Venezuelan people who have had their rights and dignity stripped away by the Maduro dictatorship.
“We must focus our efforts on removing the tyrant Nicolas Maduro so democracy can be restored, and the people of Venezuela are free once again.
“Sincerely, Carlos A. Gimenez”
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
SMANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
ACLU provides legal tips for immigrants encountering law enforcement
tate and national authorities started on Jan. 20 to aggressively pursue President Donald Trump’s campaign priority of mass deportations as part of his pledge to curb illegal immigration.
In Florida, the governor and state lawmakers are competing with each other to comply most intensely with Trump’s agenda, sending immigrant populations — documented and undocumented — into a state of uncertainty as word spreads about workplace raids and arrests of people, including some who are living in the United States legally.
As a result, the American Civil Liberties Union and immigration advocate groups have been circulating Know Your Rights flyers and holding community seminars in multiple languages reminding all immigrants of their rights under the U.S. Constitution regardless of their immigration status:
IF THE POLICE OR ICE ARE AT YOUR HOME
How to reduce risk to yourself
• Stay calm and keep the door closed. Opening the door does not give them permission to come inside, but it is safer to speak to ICE through the door.
Know your rights
• You have the right to remain silent, even if the officer has a warrant.
• You do not have to let police or immigration agents into your home unless they have certain kinds of warrants.
• If police have an arrest warrant, they are legally allowed to enter the home of the person on the warrant if they believe that person is inside. But a warrant of removal/ deportation (Form I-205) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent.
What to do when the police or ICE arrive
• Ask if they are immigration agents and what they are there for.
• Ask the agent or officer to show you a badge or identification through the window or peephole.
• Ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge. If they say they do, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can inspect it for proper name and spelling.
• Don’t lie or produce any false documents. Don’t sign anything without speaking with a lawyer.
• Do not open your door unless ICE shows you a judicial search or arrest warrant naming a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address. If they don’t produce a warrant, keep the door closed. State: “I do not consent to your entry.”
• If agents force their way in, do not resist. If you wish to exercise your rights, state: “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.”
• If you are on probation with a search condition, law enforcement is allowed to enter your home.
HAPPY HOUR 1-4PM
$7 Menu
• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!
• 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm
* $2 Pints of Yuengling and Bud Light!
BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM
• Unique & interesting menu
• $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots
LUNCH & DINNER
• Lobster Enchiladas
• Diver Speared Local Fish
• Prime Rib • Local Lobster
• Cook Your Own Catch
• Great Seafood Selections
SUSHI
• Toro • Lionfish • Poke • Hamachi collar
• Fresh Uni arrives on Thursday
GREATER MARATHON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
AFTER HOURS
Who: Crane Point Partnering with Pop's Food Truck
When: Wednesday, February 12th 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: 5550 Overseas Highway (MM50 Gulfside)
What: Great networking, food & beverages; come promote your business and meet Marathon business owners, executives, and leaders!
MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
Feb. 18th, 12pm - 1pm
When: Tuesday, February 18th from 12pm - 1pm
Where: Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club 1996 Overseas Hwy
Topic: Your Health & Finances
SHERIFF’S SERGEANT RESPONDS TO A LOUNGING CROCODILE
Monroe County Sheriff’s Sgt. James Hager channeled his inner Steve Irwin during a call of a lounging crocodile in a pool at a Key Largo residence on Jan. 31. The crocodile made its way from the waters to a home in the Pirate’s Cove subdivision, located on the bayside at MM 98.5. Hager and a resident were seen on video using long-handled tools to shoo the crocodile away from the property and back toward the water. There were no injuries or major property damage from the visiting crocodile. MCSO/Contributed
TARPONIAN TOURNAMENT
ANGLERS TEAM UP TO TARGET SILVER KINGS
Competition begins April 26
For enthusiastic anglers, spring means silver kings in the Florida Keys, perfect for participants in Marathon’s annual Tarponian Tournament slated for April 26-30.
The tournament mandates that teams fish with a different captain each day. Teams also rotate among the three major bridge channels in the Middle Keys — the Seven Mile, Long Key and Bahia Honda bridge channels — so any potential "hot spots" are shared among all anglers.
Tarponians are set to gather Saturday, April 26 for the tournament’s 6:30 p.m. kickoff and meet-the-captains party at Tranquility Bay Tiki Bar, 2600 Overseas Highway.
Fishing will get underway Sunday and Monday, April 27-28, with lines in at 4 p.m. Lines out will be called at 8 p.m. There is no tournament fishing Tuesday.
The third and final fishing day is Wednesday, April 30, with fishing from 4 to 8 p.m. followed by a 9 p.m. awards banquet at Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House, 3660 Overseas Highway.
The entry fee is $1,500 per angler for three-person teams or $2,250 per angler for two-person and four-person teams. Tournament fees cover fishing, banquets, shirts and prize money. Prize payouts will be determined depending on the total number of teams participating.
More information is available from David Breznicky at 267-2101952 or dbreznicky@breznickyassociates.com.
— Contributed
Known for their fight rather than their taste, tarpon are the target for rotating teams of anglers in April’s Tarponian Tournament. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO
COME BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR!
HOUR 4-6pm Feb 21 - 10% of sales will be donated to
Erick Bravo ACR’s outrigger line control system uses a system of motors and pulleys along with a push-button remote to easily return clips from the ends of outriggers to the anglers aboard the boat. CONTRIBUTED
CAPTAIN JOEL’S FISHIN’ HOLES
CHANGING THE OUTRIGGER GAME
Over the years I've written about fishing spots, fishing techniques, and how to target certain species. I've rarely written about specific fishing products.
Years ago, I wrote about the Power Pole and how it was going to revolutionize the fishing industry. I bought my first Power Pole out of the inventor’s garage when he still had a patent pending on it. Everybody who fished inshore had to have a Power Pole, which, if you didn't know, is a hydraulic arm on the stern of your boat that anchors you in shallow water electronically with the push of a button.
Everybody wanted to buy one once they figured out that you could drift into a school of fish, quietly push a button and stop your boat. It solved the problem of anchoring traditionally, which was loud, physical and also not environmentally friendly with traditional anchors destroying reefs and seagrass. Then, everybody had to have two on their boat once they realized that one would anchor you and the other would angle your boat.
Years before that, I wrote about a product called Bob’s Machine Shop Jack Plate. Before jack plates, all you could do was tilt your engine up and down with the push of a tilt and trim button. Now, you can jack your engine straight up and down, allowing you to plane through much shallower water to get to your fishing spot.
Until now, I think those two revolutionary fishing products are the only devices I've ever written about. Today I want to tell you about a new product that I think will change offshore/nearshore fishing forever. It's called the Bravo ACR LLC, invented and patented by a Marathon fisherman named Erick Bravo. “ACR” stands for Automatic Clip Return.
Most offshore anglers use outriggers while trolling, kite/balloon fishing or drift fishing. Outriggers use long arms extended to the sides of the boat to keep multiple baits separated, keep them out of your prop wash and enable the boat to make tight turns without tangling baits on one another.
In my opinion, the modern outrigger has just been reinvented with ACR. As you know, fishing, and especially offshore fishing, is a game of inches and seconds. Inches and seconds matter a lot when presenting a bait to a hungry game fish. Before ACR, a captain would have to yell down to his first mate, "Hey Larry, take the middle starboard outrigger and pull it down. Change your bait – your ballyhoo is trashed!" “Hey Larry, put up your first port outrigger, it's running too low." “Hey Larry, you have weeds on your port long bait!”
They’d spend all day yelling at poor Larry, who has to bring multiple outrigger clips up and down all day by hand. With ACR, the captain can sit in his chair, looking down at the cockpit, and can control his entire set of outriggers with the push of a button on a little controller attached to a lanyard around his neck – no more yelling down to his mate to make outrigger adjustments.
…is a fifth-generation Floridian and second-generation fishing captain who owns and operates Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon. His passions include fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.
This not only allows the captain to have complete control of his outrigger system, but it also allows the first mate to be doing other things such as rigging baits, cleaning the boat, catering to the clients, etc. Most of all, it saves inches and seconds.
It can also be a game-changer for people who fish alone or fish with novice anglers. Before ACR, these captains with no first mates or experienced anglers would have to leave the wheel with the boat underway to adjust the outriggers while trolling, which is not only dangerous but time-consuming.
For me, this invention is the coolest thing since the electric windlass anchor or autopilot steering. I know there will be a day in the near future when you will step onto a nice offshore boat and already know the release clips on its outrigger system are equipped with an automatic clip return.
All of our offshore Ana Banana boats are equipped with the new Bravo ACR LLC outrigger system. On another note, the fishing is great right now and will be getting better and better as we enter springtime.
To book a charter with Ana Banana, call or text Capt. Joel at 813-267-4401 or Capt. Jojo at 305-879-0564, or visit anabananafishing.com
CAPT. JOEL BRANDENBURG
Erick Bravo poses with his outrigger line control system. CONTRIBUTED
DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED
Cool Guy Stuff reopens in Marathon
Eclectic collections of mayhem and miscellaneous treasures surround the walls and shelves of the Cool Guy Stuff store in Marathon. Owners Ten and Diann Diamond recently re-opened the store, located across from the Turtle Hospital on Overseas Highway, after a three-year hiatus due to flooding. The name "Cool Guy Stuff" may be deceptively simple, but it unequivocally promises an adventure in the unexpected.
“My mother actually came up with the name,” said Ten. “When I said I didn't want 50% of the population to feel excluded, my mom always told me that when you tell women they can't come, that's when they show up – so I guess I’m not really excluding anyone after all.”
As a seasoned traveler, Ten possesses an insatiable appetite for the unique and extraordinary. Now enjoying the fruits of his labor, he scours the globe for quirky and quaint gifts, confident that his discerning clientele will be captivated by their charm.
For those seeking the perfect gift for a loved one, it overflows with eccentric delights. From rugged outdoor gear and adventure supplies to buoyant polarized sunglasses and disguised flask-sunscreens, the store boasts an array of unique finds, including an impressive selection of timepieces, home decor and thought-provoking artwork.
“We are very excited to reopen the store and open the art gallery so all of our cool stuff is now in one space,” said Diann. “It's one-stop shopping for gift buying and you can always find something for yourself as well.”
A collection of glass art pieces, each a testament to the unique vision of artist Chuck Vannatta, graces the walls of the attached gallery. Ten encountered the talented artist during his travels throughout the Golden State. Vannatta's artistic journey started at the age of 16 in Honolulu, his birthplace and home. He honed his skills at the University of Hawaii and the College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts before establishing his own studio.
Other unique treasures on the shelves include anything from a comical vase and a remarkably comfortable seat crafted from repurposed denim to a cunningly disguised knife set masquerading as a captivating work of art. Jewelry, gadgets and an endless array of one-of-a-kind souvenirs await, and the Diamonds say they want to ensure that Cool Guy Stuff remains the ultimate destination for those seeking the perfect gift for the
most discerning customers.
“It's funny, because as patrons arrive, they’re wondering if they’re cool enough ‘guys’ to come into the store,” said manager Mandy Bowers. “We tell them it's a play on words. Is it a store with cool guys’ stuff, or is it a cool guy that has a ‘stuff’ store?”
Whatever your take is on this whimsical and wacky store, one thing is for sure: you will definitely find something unusual and special.
Visit the store at 2375 Overseas Hwy. in Marathon. For more information, call 305-396-7628 or visit the store from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com
Owner Diann Diamond and manager Mandy Bowers pose for a photo in the Cool Guy Stuff store, backed by the shop’s eclectic collection of wall decor. JEN ALEXANDER/Keys Weekly
A collection of various African masks collected by store owner Ten Diamond adorn the walls of Cool Guy Stuff.
Decorative blown glass displayed for sale by artist Chuck Vannatta.
Painted shoes showcase the talents of local artists.
FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS
UNDERSTANDING CHOLESTEROL: SHOULD I EAT THE EGG?
“Eat the egg, don’t eat the egg, eat the egg, don’t eat the egg. Egg whites, but not the yolk. Yes the yolk, but only a little. No, no, no, yolks are fine, as long as you eat it with a piece of celery.”
I’ve heard it ALL. Eggs have become synonymous with high cholesterol just like Honey Nut Cheerios has indoctrinated us to believe that eating that tiny little circle of sweet heaven “can even lower cholesterol.”
The truth is the powers that be have really done a number on confusing us about what cholesterol is and what it does.
So here’s the short version: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of the human body. Despite its bad reputation, cholesterol is essential for survival. It plays a key role in producing hormones, vitamin D and bile acids, which help digest fats. The body gets cholesterol from two sources: the liver, which produces about 75% to 80% of the cholesterol we need, and food, which contributes the rest.
There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called "bad" cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as "good" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can accumulate in the arteries, leading to plaque formation and increasing the risk of heart disease. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, helps transport excess cholesterol back to the liver, where it can be removed from the body.
For decades, cholesterol has been blamed for heart disease and other health problems. However, modern research has shown that cholesterol is more complex than previously thought. Many misconceptions persist, leading to confusion about its true role in our health. Here, we debunk three of the biggest cholesterol myths.
Myth #1: all cholesterol is bad
One of the most widespread misconceptions is that cholesterol is entirely harmful and should be eliminated from the diet. In reality, cholesterol is vital for many bodily functions. Without it, the body could not produce essential hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and cortisol.
Rather than focusing solely on cholesterol levels, experts now emphasize the importance of cholesterol balance and the role of inflammation in heart disease. While high LDL levels can contribute to plaque buildup, they are not the sole cause of heart problems. Other factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking and chronic inflammation, also play a crucial role.
...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC. Hello@highlymotivatedfc.com
For years, people were told to avoid cholesterol-rich foods like eggs, shrimp and dairy products to keep their cholesterol levels in check. However, scientific research has debunked this belief. The liver regulates cholesterol levels by adjusting its production based on dietary intake. If a person consumes more cholesterol from food, the liver compensates by producing less, keeping overall cholesterol levels relatively stable.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that dietary cholesterol has little effect on blood cholesterol levels for most people. The real culprits behind unhealthy cholesterol levels are trans fats, refined sugars, and excessive processed foods, which promote inflammation and poor cardiovascular health.
Myth #3: only people with high cholesterol are at risk for heart disease
While high LDL cholesterol can be a risk factor for heart disease, it is not the only indicator of heart health. Many people with normal cholesterol levels still suffer from heart attacks and strokes. Conversely, some individuals with high cholesterol live long, healthy lives without cardiovascular issues.
Research suggests that inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress are stronger predictors of heart disease than cholesterol alone. Factors such as diet, exercise, stress levels and genetics all contribute to cardiovascular health. Focusing on an overall heart-healthy lifestyle, rather than just cholesterol numbers, is a more effective way to reduce the risk of heart disease.
The bottom line
Cholesterol is not the enemy it was once thought to be. It is a vital substance that the body needs to function properly. While it is important to monitor cholesterol levels, blindly fearing cholesterol-rich foods or obsessing over LDL numbers may not be the best approach to heart health.
Instead, individuals should focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in whole foods, exercising regularly, managing stress and avoiding processed foods and trans fats. Understanding cholesterol in the broader context of overall health will lead to more informed choices and better long-term well-being.
JENNIFER BOLTZ HARVEY
THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP
Nature on display driving through Little Duck, Missouri and Ohio Keys
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
Like the Long Key Bridge, the Seven Mile Bridge links two geographical areas. The Long Key Bridge is the conduit linking the Upper Keys to those islands identified as the Middle Keys. The Seven Mile Bridge connects the islands of the Middle Keys to those that have been labeled as the Lower Keys.
After traveling over the modern marvel that is the Seven Mile Bridge, the first of the Lower Keys touched by the Overseas Highway is Little Duck Key. Before Henry Flagler’s workers arrived and began building bridges, the island had been noted on charts as just Duck Key. The name was changed by railroad workers. Apparently, several of the islands along this short stretch were named (or renamed) by those men building the tracks for Flagler’s train. They changed the name of Duck Key to Little Duck Key.
Blink, and you will have driven across Little Duck Key and over the Missouri Little Duck Key Channel. If you keep your eyes peeled, the island’s two public features will become apparent. If you are towing a boat and looking for a place to launch it, Little Duck Key has a ramp that can be accessed on the Gulf side of the highway. If, instead, you are looking to take a little dip in the warm shallows of the Atlantic, one of Monroe County’s public parks is just around the corner. Veterans Memorial Beach has stunning views, covered picnic tables (not screened-in) and easy wade-in access to the ocean. The key phrase here is “wade-in access.” The water is not very deep, but even walking out, sitting down and looking around is a pretty good way to spend a little time in the Keys.
Driving across those first few islands of the Lower Keys reveals some of the most spectacular views. After crossing the Missouri Little Duck Key Channel, the water, channels and mangrove islands, with their particularly picturesque mix of blues and greens, can be distracting. Sometimes, a tall white egret stands ankle-deep in the water. Sometimes, a line of pelicans comes drifting by like a squadron of fighter pilots in search of a meal.
On the other side of the channel is Missouri Key. Like almost every island in the chain, it has known other names. Navigational charts have identified it as both Little Grassy Key and Grassy Island. I have never come across a story (or even
a sentence or two) explaining why. The name Missouri Key was apparently decided upon by railroad workers who hailed from the “ShowMe” state. It isn’t the biggest island in the chain. If you aren’t paying attention, you might not notice it.
With the exception of the bridges and highway, the island is undeveloped and remains a natural habitat supporting some contingent of the local wildlife. Out in the mangroves growing along the edges of the island, crabs the size of a nickel crawl over the red roots like they own some small patch of it. Below the surface, orange sponges, tunicates and maybe a little starfish or two have adhered to the intricate system of prop roots.
Before you know it, you’re driving across the Ohio Missouri Channel Bridge to what used to be known as Ohio Key and is today recognized as Sunshine Key. Like Missouri Key, the Ohio Key name came from railroad workers who had come to the islands to build the Key West Extension of Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railway. The name transformed into Sunshine Key because of the island’s RV Resort and Marina, which occupies the island’s Gulf side.
For me, Ohio Key is an excellent reminder that you never know what you might see while driving along the Overseas Highway. Over the
last 23 years, I have lost count of how many times I have driven down the highway. A few years ago, I was driving to Key West to do a talk. After driving across Little Duck Key and Missouri Key, looking out at the water because I find these to be some of the most beautiful views along the stretch between the mainland and Key West, I saw something I’d never seen before.
At Ohio Key, on the ocean side of the highway, is a large, shallow salt pond where wading birds like egrets and herons can sometimes be seen. On this day, I was taken aback when I looked over at the salt pond. Something tall and pink caught my eye. It was a flamingo standing on one leg. It was not the first time I’d seen a wild flamingo in the Keys, but the first time I saw one while driving down the Overseas Highway.
Just ahead is Bahia Honda, home to one of the best natural beaches in the island chain and the iconic railroad bridge. Beyond that, you’ll enter Key deer country, so be on your toes as the “toy” deer like to nibble on the grasses growing at the very edge of the highway and commonly cross the road to get to the other side.
In 2025, I’ll be exploring the Overseas Highway, its history, attractions, and points I find interesting.
Ohio, Missouri and Little Duck keys with the Seven Mile Bridge and Marathon in the background. EDWIN O. SWIFT III/ Florida Keys History Center-Monroe County Public Library
Brand New 2024 CBS Construction with gorgeous views and excellent boating! Every detail has been considered in this turnkey pool home! Open-concept great room is bright and spacious and a wall of glass doors leading out to a full-length covered veranda boasting stunning open water views! An opulent primary suite o ers sweeping views of Boot Key Harbor and overlooks sparkling pool, generous T-dock.
MARATHON | $3,750,000
Luxurious 5-bed, 5-bath, 3,491 Sq Ft modern masterpiece near Sombrero Beach! Features a sprawling dock with boat lift, fillet station, water, and electric service. Enjoy the resort-style pool with heater, chiller, and sun deck. Entertain on 1,000 Sq Ft of covered verandas with stunning harbor views. RAMROD KEY | $675,000
Situated in Breezeswept Beach Estates, this 3-bed, 2-bath canal-front home o ers a spacious open layout and a private primary suite. Outdoors, enjoy a tiki hut with a grill, fire pit, and fenced yard. Boaters will love the wood dock, boat lift, and direct water access.
remodeled 3-bed, 2.5-bath
in
boasts a Manta 30 fishing
18K
and concrete dock with deep-water access. Luxurious upgrades include a chef's kitchen, impact windows, new systems throughout, and elegant finishes. Outdoor oasis features lush landscaping and stunning waterfront views. A boater’s dream!
Sprawling 4-bed, 4-bath retreat on an oversized lot, with pool, private sandy beach and open water views! Expansive dock with deep-draft boating access, just minutes to world-class fishing. A pristine pool, and lavish tiki hut overlook your private sandy beach!
MUSIC MASTERS
Marathon hosts 2024-25 All-County Band
Dozens of the Keys’ youngest and brightest musical talents descended on Marathon Middle/High School on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 to form the annual All-County Band. Around 130 students from seven area schools participated in the event, which consisted of more than 10 hours of rehearsal time culminating in a rousing concert under guest conductors Ajori Spencer (middle school band) and Ian Schwindt (high school).
Participating schools and their directors/principals included Sugarloaf School (Joe Dallas/Trevor Tyler), Horace O'Bryant School (Crystal Hendricks/ Brian Desilets), Plantation Key School (Kathrine Yarbrough/Lisa Taylor), Coral Shores High School (Suzanne Gagliardini/Laura Lietaert), Key West High School (Gary Hernandez/Rebecca Palomino), Key Largo School (Susan Bazin/
Darren Pais), and Marathon Middle/ High (Paul Anderson/Christine Paul).
The high school honor band consisted of roughly 55 participants, including five from Marathon High School, and the middle school honor band was 75 strong. Participants from Marathon were Eli Banks (seventh grade bass clarinet), Lucian Burns (eighth grade baritone saxophone), Jayden Davis (eighth grade flute), Atlas Downes (sixth grade alto saxophone), Linnley Eldridge (seventh grade flute), Samuel Golden (ninth grade tuba), Adrianna Golding (eighth grade clarinet), Sophia Hutchins (11th grade percussion), Hollinger Keeney (seventh grade flute), Victoria McAllister (ninth grade percussion), Christopher Paul (11th grade clarinet) and Elizabeth Vander Lee (11th grade flute).
— Contributed
JOIN US FOR A COMPLIMENTARY
ADVOCACY WORKSHOP TOURISM
Tennessee Williams Theater
Guest Speakers: by to 5901 College Rd Key West, FL 33040
Together, let’s plant the seeds for a thriving tourism ecosystem, nurture collaboration and grow opportunities for all who call
The Florida Keys home.
Don Welsh - CEO, Destinations International Brett Laiken - CMO, VISIT FLORIDA
Get your designs entered in your age group today! Kindergarten - 3rd grade | 4th - 8th grade | 9th - 12th grade
Submit your designs by Saturday, Feb. 8th
Please RSVP by 2/19/2025 to confirm your attendance. fla-keys.com/tourism-advocacy-workshop
Hosted by Kara Franker
President and CEO of Visit Florida Keys
Why Attend?
Gain Insights: Discover the latest tourism trends and data to help your business flourish
Connect with Peers: Build meaningful relationships with fellow professionals and stakeholders
Support Sustainable Growth: we’re fostering a resilient, community-first approach to tourism
CHRIS McNULTY
is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com
Jupiter has been in apparent retrograde motion in the sky for the past four months or so, encouraging us to seek joy and abundance within ourselves rather than in the world around us. With Jupiter retrograde in Gemini, we’ve most likely been having a lot of conversations with ourselves about what true growth is and what real wealth is. What have you determined? Now that Jupiter has turned direct, we can put those realizations into practice and see how the world around us will change based on our actions. Everything that Jupiter represents — growth, luck, abundance, joy, expansion — can finally start to move forward along with the planet itself. The one caution with Jupiter is to practice humility as we start to see the plenitude return. If things start to go your way, recognize that an overinflated ego is not helpful or warranted. All the bounty you receive is in part due to your work and dedication, but also partly due to your circumstances and the people around you. Gratitude is a much better guide than hubris. That being said, enjoy the turn of fortune.
Here are your horoscopes for Jupiter turning direct in Gemini. Read for your rising and sun signs.
Aquarius
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
Creativity flourishes when you let yourself play without expectation. Let joy take center stage, and trust that your ideas are worth sharing. If love has felt stagnant, a spark has the potential to return. Life is about experimenting with pleasure, so trust the experiences that light you up. Your creative spark has the potential to start a fire.
Pisces
Feb. 19 - March 20
The foundation of your life is shifting into a more expansive form. A sense of belonging is growing stronger, whether through family, home, or emotional security. You are being offered a comfortable place to land. What brings you comfort may be changing, but trust that these shifts will lead to greater fulfillment.
Aries
March 21 - April 19
Conversations can open doors now, and the right words will find you. New ideas, collaborations, or connections can change your perspective in meaningful ways. If you’ve been waiting for clarity, here it comes. In addition, you will have fertile opportunities to share your insights with people who will listen and support your ideas.
Taurus
April 20 - May 20
Your personal sense of abundance is expanding, not just in finances but also in self-worth. A shift in perspective about money and resources will allow for more ease in your life. Trust that what you value has power and invest in what matters because more will come your way. If you have fun with it, the money will come.
Gemini
May 21 - June 20
You are stepping into a larger version of yourself. Your confidence is returning after a period of doubt, and so is your ability to take up space in the world in the way you desire. You’ve been redefining who you are, and now is the time to actually embody that truth. Let yourself shine and see how much joy you can create for yourself and for those around you.
Cancer
June 21 - July 22
A quiet understanding unfolds, showing you what needs release before growth can occur. Rest is an ally now, and insight comes in stillness. Your solitude is your access to greater joy and luck. The past may resurface, not to haunt you, but to offer wisdom as you prepare for a new cycle. Revel in isolation from the world, but don’t cut yourself off. The rest allows you to recharge.
Leo July 23 - Aug. 22
Community, friendships and future visions are being infused with new momentum. If you’ve been uncertain about where you belong, here comes some buoyant clarity. The right people will show up when you trust yourself enough to be fully seen. Expand your circle and the doors will open. There are plenty of people who want to see you succeed, and many hands can lift you up.
Virgo
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
The work you do and the way you’re seen are shifting. Whether it’s career opportunities or personal ambitions, the path ahead is becoming clearer. Recognition is on the horizon, but so is responsibility, so find your balance. Step into a new form of leadership with trust in your abilities. You can be a big fish in a small pond now.
Libra
Sept. 23 - Oct. 23
A new horizon is coming into focus, one that asks you to embrace your curiosity and interest in exploration. Travel, education, or a shift in belief systems may be part of this. Your perspective is expanding and you will be given a bounty if you set off on a new adventure. Let curious wonder lead the way and have faith that you will get what you need.
A TURN OF LUCK
Scorpio
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
You are being given access to a change in fortune when it comes to the resources you share with other people. If you invest your energy, time or money into a collective goal, the return will come to you. If you’ve already been investing these past few months, the return is now inevitable. At any rate, your focus on shared resources and collective projects will bring about good fortune.
Sagittarius
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
Relationships take on a new sense of possibility for you now. If connections have felt uncertain or distant, clarity is returning in spades. A sense of balance can emerge in partnerships, making it easier to give and receive in equal measure. Open yourself up to meaningful collaboration now in order to enjoy Jupiter’s generous offerings.
Capricorn
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
The details of daily life are falling into place, bringing a renewed sense of purpose. If work or health routines have felt off, solutions will present themselves now. Small, intentional actions now will lead to bigger, beneficial changes. Your habits and routines are a source of luck and bounty now. Trust the process.
City of Marathon City Council Agenda 9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon Tuesday, February 11, 2025 5:30 P.M. (*Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval of Agenda)
Comments taken on all times and at 6:30 p.m. time certain for items not on the agenda or as soon as possible thereafter of after the last agenda item; whichever comes first.
City Council Items
• A. Approval of Minutes
• B. Flood Awareness Week Proclamation
• C. KAIR Request For Approval To Serve Beer And Wine At Sombrero Beach On Friday, February 21st From 5 Pm To 6:30 Pm And Beer On Saturday, February 22nd After The 18th Annual Sombrero Beach Run Benefitting KAIR
City Manager Report
• A. MCSO Marathon Substation Report
• B. Grants Update
• C. Public Works Report
• D. Building Report
• E. Marathon Fire Rescue Report
• F. Marina Report
• G. Code Report
• H. Wastewater Utilities Report
City Attorney
A. Authorization to initiate litigation against PAUL SCHROEDER and JESSICA SCHROEDER and their property, 742 69th Street Ocean, Marathon, FL 33050, to foreclose on the Mortgage related to the City of Marathon First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program.
Ordinances for First Public Hearing
A. Ordinance 2025-01, Creating Section 18-126, Under Chapter 18, Article III Of The City Code Of Ordinances, To Be Titled “Trespass Warnings; Authorization To Issue Trespass Warning For Public Property; And Appeal Process.”; Authorizing The Enforcement Of Trespass Offenses On City Property; Providing For An Appeal Process; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Thereof Found To Be In Conflict; Providing For Severability; And Providing An Effective Date.
Resolutions For Adoption
*A Resolution 2025-07, Approving An Agreement With The Firm Of Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. To Complete An Impact Fee Study In An Amount Not To Exceed $59,850; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Appropriate Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.
*B. Resolution 2025-08, Approving Amendment No. 2 To Agreement Between The Department Of The Army And The City Of Marathon, Florida For Planning Design And Construction Of The Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program Marathon Project In Monroe County, Florida.
*C. Resolution 2024-09, Awarding The Contract For The Area 3 Coatings Upgrade To Reynolds Construction, LLC In An Amount Not To Exceed $293,287.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date.
*D. Resolution 2025-10, Authorizing the City Manager to Sign a Quit Claim Deed And Accept An Easement Agreement To Accurately Reflect Title History And The City’s Interest In Infrastructure Improvements Within The Deeded Area Of Lot 67 Of Little Venice Subdivision, Having Real Estate Number 00344790-000000.
*E. Resolution 2025-11, Approving A Standard Local Agency Program Agreement Between The City Of Marathon And The Florida Department Of Transportation To Receive Federal Funds For The Replacement Of the 117th Street Bridge; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Agreement And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Persuasion” (2007) Why: People love to argue about their favorite Jane Austen adaptations — I say, why choose? Even if I adore the 1995 Amanda Root/Ciarán Hinds movie of “Persuasion,” that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate this later BBC version, starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones. Everyone loves “Pride and Prejudice,” but “Persuasion” is my favorite Austen novel — the original secondchance romance, when a couple whose young love was thwarted by Anne Elliott’s selfish and shortsighted family come into contact again almost a decade later. They are older, wiser and, even better, he’s made a bunch of money as a naval officer. And as always with Austen, the shade on the greedy, vain or just plain dumb relatives is delicious.
Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.
How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org. Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager.
See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/reel-recs.
SHELF HELP
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Creation Lake” by Rachel Kushner
Why: “Creation Lake” by Rachel Kushner surprised me. I was not familiar with Kushner’s other books, but after finishing “Creation Lake” I will definitely be picking up her other novels. This book is about an American secret agent named Sadie Smith who is sent to rural France to investigate a radical farming commune. Sadie’s glamour is balanced by her intelligence, cold demeanor and the grittiness of the people she investigates making her one of the best characters I’ve ever read. An interesting element to me is the environmental political themes in this book. I typically do not like to read about politics in fiction, but Kushner handles this differently. It’s not your typical political spy or thriller novel. Readers of all genres should check out this 2024 Booker prize nominee.
Where: You can borrow this as a print book, e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library.
How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org
Recommended by: Carly Neilson, senior library assistant, Key West library
See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/shelfhelp.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT APPOINTS NEW MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Beysolow replaces Whiteside to oversee agency
The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County recently appointed Dr. Taweh Beysolow as the new medical director.
Beysolow joined the health department in November 2024 and will be responsible for medical oversight of all DOH-Monroe locations with direct client care one day per week, working closely with the agency’s providers and registered nurses.
“We are excited to have Dr. Beysolow join our team,” said Dr. Carla Fry. “He has a wealth of experience. He is double board-certified in internal medicine and nephrology, and as a local provider, is well known to the community.”
Beysolow graduated from Dartmouth Medical School, then completed an internal medicine internship at the University of Massachusetts in Worcester. Following the internship, he completed his residency in internal medicine at both the University of Massachusetts and Harlem
medical director of the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County. CONTRIBUTED
Hospital Center in New York. Beysolow then remained at Harlem Hospital for the next three years to pursue a fellowship in nephrology. He is a member of the American Society of Nephrology, the National Kidney Foundation, the International Society of Nephrology, the American College of Physicians, and the Florida Medical Association.
— Contributed
Dr Taweh Beysolow, who is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology (kidney health), is the new
MARK HEDDEN
... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.
The things that freak people out about Muscovy ducks are the caruncles, sometimes called wattles – the prominent, bright red, fleshy bits on their faces. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s usually non-judgmental “All About Birds” web page goes so far as to call Muscovies “strange” and “wartyfaced.” The National Audubon Society’s page refers to them as “dumpy.”
I thought of this the other day as I passed by a small mixed flock of white ibis, chickens and Muscovies along the edge of the golf course pond that abuts College Road on Stock Island. Ugliness seems to be a matter of perspective, though.
While they look like mutants to us, a male Muscovy duck with a lot of caruncles is a bird with a lot of testosterone, and one with a lot of testosterone tends to be healthier and have good genes, and therefore more, uh, breeding options.
Muscovies are the largest duck species in the Americas, and highly sexually dimorphic. With all that testosterone, of course, the males are the ones with the most caruncles. They are also usually about one-and-a-half times the size of the females, and can weigh up to 15 pounds. They are also polygynous, with the male having multiple mates at the same time and the females forming a harem (a term I’m guessing will be considered outdated one of these days).
One man’s weird, though, is another duck’s beautiful … or at least reproductively fit.
Caruncles are generally found in birds that evolved in warmer climates, and can help with thermoregulation, beating the heat through increased blood flow and convection. It is also thought that a healthy set of caruncles is associated with birds who are more resistant to disease.
I’ve only seen wild Muscovy ducks once, out the window of a fast-moving van on a dirt road in the Rupununi Savannah in Guyana. They flew parallel to us for a while, but it was impossible to tell how caruncle-y they were.
Their natural habitat is most of South and Central America, edging up toward the U.S. border.
Back in the day, if you wanted to see them in North America and check them off on your American Birding Association life list, you had to stand on the banks of the Rio Grande River in southern Texas and hope a flying or swimming bird strayed across the river’s midpoint. Things have gotten easier since the mid-1980s, and wild Muscovies now breed in three counties in the region. (There is concern, though, that border security measures will drive them out of the area again.)
they’re adult sized and become ungainly and unaesthetic.
For complicated and internecine reasons, outside of Texas, the only place you can officially add a Muscovy to your life list is in Florida. Because with all the lakes and golf courses, they have really thrived here.
The reason for their name is also somewhat unclear, “Muscovy,” referring to Moscow, a place they are decidedly not from. One theory is they were shipped back to Europe by a group called either the Moscow or Muscovy Trading Co., though this is thought by most avian nomenclature enthusiasts to be hooey, as the Moscow Trading Co. did not really deal in products from the Americas.
Like the name Key West, Muscovy could also be a bastardization of a regional name. In this case, either the phonetically similar Muisca people of Colombia, or possibly the Moskito tribe of Nicaragua and Honduras, all of which are in the Muscovy’s range.
It is also possible that people selling them were somewhat loose or uncaring in their geographical sense, and just gave the birds a name to make them sound like they came from somewhere exotic, similar to how the turkey is named for Turkey, a place that they, too, are decidedly not from. (The wild turkey was domesticated in South America, exported to Europe, then further exported to North America, where they were also wild.)
Honestly, I stopped calling them Muscovy ducks around the time my wife and I got together, 1994.
DUCKS: RUSSKIES, OKIES AND OTHERWISE
I probably saw about 200 species of birds on that trip to Guyana. And I’d been seeing Muscovy ducks all my life, or at least since my teens. There were a half dozen or so on the lake I grew up on in South Jersey. But seeing that pair flying over the Rupununi Savannah was so memorable because they were the first wild ones I had ever seen. It was kind of like accidentally finding the source of a great river, or unexpectedly hearing the killer original version of a song you’d only heard a cover of.
No one is sure exactly where Muscovy ducks were domesticated. Artistic images indicating their domesticity have been found in both Ecuador and Peru from about 1,000 years ago. Fossils of their bones indicating domestication can be dated to about 10,000 years ago.
When the first Europeans arrived in the 1550s, they brought Muscovies back to the continent. Since then the domesticated have spread to Africa and Asia.
Despite evolving in warmer climates, domesticated Muscovies are relatively hardy in cold weather, and survive well in temperatures as low as 10 degrees. They can be found in some pretty widespread places in the U.S., partly due to escaping from farms, but also because their chicks are often sold as young, fuzzy Easter chicks, then set free in parks once
Muscovies are the reason we have the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm on Stock Island. They kept getting run over on College Road when they wandered away from the golf course. This upset the then-Sheriff’s Office public information officer Becky Herrin, who asked then-sheriff Rick Roth if she could pen them up under the new, elevated jail. As everybody who lives here knows, things kind of snowballed from there.
My future wife and I went to see the zoo on one of the first weekends it was open. I can’t remember exactly what critters they had then, but I remember a bunch of goats and a guy in orange scrubs holding the reins of a blind horse while kids happily patted the horse’s neck.
There was also a pen full of tail-wagging, caruncle-faced waterfowl beneath a handwritten sign that read “Muskogee Ducks.”
I’ve been calling them that ever since.
While I like to think the sign was painted by someone who was a fan of Merle Haggard’s I’m-no-hippy ballad “Okie from Muskogee,” it was most likely an example of how easy it is for a word to transmogrify into something else. Especially in a place like a jail, where it was unlikely there were a lot of ornithological reference books.
Also, there is a strong argument to be made that calling the species a Muskogee Duck is far closer to being geographically accurate than calling it a Muscovy Duck.
A Muscovy duck at the Key West Golf Course. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly
Having Fun in the Middle Keys
BRIEFLY
Watercolor Society invites artists for paint day
Calling all amateur artists: the Florida Keys Watercolor Society will host a painting day on Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Columba Episcopal Church Hall at 451 52nd St. Gulf in Marathon. Please bring your supplies and something to cover a table along with a $10 contribution to the church to participate.
Marathon Shrine Club to host charity drive
The Marathon Shrine Club and Marathon Masonic Lodge #323 will hold the Shriners’ annual charity drive on Saturday, Feb. 8. The event is known for Shriners in “funny hats” asking for donations from passersby at the stoplights on the corner of 107th and 109th Street in Marathon. All proceeds go to the support of Shriners Hospitals and especially the transportation fund at Mahi Temple. These funds are used exclusively to transport Keys and South Florida children to the Shrine Hospital in Tampa or to one of the other Shrine Hospitals around the country. At these hospitals, children are given completely free state-of-theart orthopedic care and burn treatment. Those who know of any child under the age of 18 who could benefit from orthopedic, spinal cord or burn treatment can call a Shriner at 800237-5055 and get the ball rolling.
Run/Walk with the Deer benefits Wildlife Society
On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Key West Southernmost Runners and Florida Keys Wildlife Society will host the ninth annual 5K Run/Walk with the Deer, starting and ending at Big Pine Community Park on Big Pine Key. The race begins at 8 a.m. Register online by scanning the QR code or visit the National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center in Big Pine. Registration is $15 for entrants 13 years and under, or $40 for 14 and older. Proceeds from the run benefit the Florida Keys Wildlife Society, the official friends group for the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges. More information on awards, registration and packet pickup is available by scanning the QR code.
Big Pine man arrested on child abuse/porn charges
A 36-year-old Big Pine Key man already in jail was charged on Jan. 31 with child abuse and possessing child pornography. Michael John Demerjian was charged with sexual battery on
a child under 12, possession of child pornography, and multiple counts of possessing photographs promoting a sexual performance. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes detectives began investigating after a person who bought a vehicle from Demerjian notified law enforcement that a cell phone left in the vehicle contained pictures of child pornography. There were more than 70 images of child pornography on the phone as well as a video of the suspect sexually battering the victim, detectives said. Demerjian remains in jail under no bail. He was already in jail on unrelated theft charges.
Elks Lodge to host Casino Night fundraiser
On Saturday, Feb. 8, the Marathon Elks Lodge will host its second annual Casino Night fundraiser to benefit veterans, student scholarships, youth camps and children’s therapy services. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and games begin at 6:30 p.m. A $35 ticket includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and $20 in playing chips, with additional chips available for purchase. The night will feature game tables with roulette, blackjack, poker and Texas Hold ’Em along with a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and prize wheel.
Presbyterian Women’s Association hosts Valentine’s Day dinner
On Valentine's Day, Friday, Feb. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m., the Presbyterian Women's Association at Kirk of the Keys is offering a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, sausage and peppers, salads, bread and desserts. Tickets are $40 per couple and can be purchased at Kirk of the Keys, 8877 Overseas Highway, via phone at 305-743-4256, at kirkofthekeys.org, by emailing kirkofthekeys@gmail.com, or by texting 305-240-9776. Tickets and reservations are required by Feb. 10.
Sponsors sought for Sombrero Beach Run
Keys Area Interdenominational Resources (KAIR) is seeking local businesses to sponsor the 18th annual Sombrero Beach Run, happening Saturday, Feb. 22 at Sombrero Beach. The 5K/10K/15K walk or run helps KAIR provide food and emergency services to local residents in need. Sponsors will have their business name featured on event T-shirts and the run’s website, Facebook page and more — and receive free race passes. The event includes a registration pizza party, plus breakfast and lunch on race day. More information is available from Marj at 305-393-6621 or via email to mhroberts2@gmail.com.
MARATHON CINEMA DOG MAN
COMMERCE CORNEr
Established in 2024, Crooked Palm Cabana offers handcrafted cocktails, including house-distilled flavored premium vodkas, complemented by delicious dishes from their wood-fired oven. They also offer a wide selection of Islamorada Brewery & Distillery spirits and beers from their parent company, Islamorada Beverages. Guests can also enjoy fresh squeezed orange juices, cocktails to go, nitro infusions and a sprawling outdoor area with a walk up bar, plenty of seating and sun shades. Come on in to experience the vibrant atmosphere, friendly service, knowledgeable staff and delicious offerings that got them voted the Best New Business in the Upper Keys!
Founded by Betty Debnam
Presidential Fun
We celebrate Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 17. This holiday began as a tribute to President George Washington and was scheduled near his birthday, Feb. 22. In fact, the official name of the federal holiday is still Washington’s Birthday.
This week, The Mini Page celebrates Presidents Day by getting to know some of our former presidents a little bit better. (The number next to each president’s name shows the order in which he served.)
GEORGE WASHINGTON (1)
• Washington was the only president to have a state named after him.
• He gave the shortest inauguration speech ever, 133 words, at his second inauguration in 1793.
Like many people in Washington’s day, he had many dental problems. His set of teeth (above) was made of ivory.
• Washington did not have wooden teeth. His teeth were made of the best materials available at the time.
JOHN TYLER (10)
• Tyler had more children than any other president. He was the father of 15! He was married twice. He had eight children by his first wife, Letitia, and seven by his second wife, Julia.
• Roosevelt was our youngest president, taking office at age 42.
• He had six children. The family had pets including a bear, a lizard, guinea pigs, a pig, a one-legged rooster, a barn owl and a rabbit.
WILLIAM HENRY TAFT (27)
While Roosevelt was president, a toymaker started making bears, calling them “Teddy.”
• Taft was the biggest president. He weighed more than 300 pounds.
• He later became chief justice of the Supreme Court.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN (16)
• Lincoln was the first president to wear a beard. He did not wear it for long, only for the last four years of his life. An 11-year-old girl, Grace Bedell, wrote him a letter suggesting that he grow one.
• Lincoln was the tallest president. He was 6 feet 4 inches tall. He weighed 180 pounds.
Words that remind us of presidents are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (32)
• Roosevelt was the only president elected for four terms. He was a distant cousin of Theodore Roosevelt (26). He was the first president to fly in an airplane while in office. He also loved the hobby of stamp collecting.
RONALD REAGAN (40)
• Reagan was the only Hollywood star and the third-oldest man ever elected to the office of president. He was 69 when he was elected to his first term.
• Reagan was also the first president to wear a bulletproof vest, a hearing aid and contact lenses.
JIMMY CARTER (39)
• Jimmy Carter was the first president to be born in a hospital.
• He was also the first president to walk from the Capitol to the White House after his inauguration.
RICHARD NIXON (37)
• Richard Nixon was the first president to make a telephone call to the moon.
RESOURCES
On the Web:
• bit.ly/MPpresidents
At the library:
• “Our Country’s Presidents” by National Geographic
ECO NOTE
The expansion of beaver ranges into a warming Arctic means there are now more beaver ponds across the region, transferring more heat to the surrounding soil and thawing more longfrozen ground, a new report says. Humancaused climate change has already allowed more shrubs and woody plants to grow at high latitudes, making the Arctic region more inviting to the toothy dam-builders. Data show there are more than 850 new beaver ponds on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula, near Nome.
photo by jpellgen
photo courtesy Library of Congress
photo courtesy
Mini Fact: John Adams (2) was the first president to live in the White House.
SUN D AY FUN D AY
Glass of House Wine Chardonnay • White Zinfandel • Pinot Grigio • Cabernet
Starter - Tuna Poke
Main Courses
Stuffed Lobster Tail
Baked 6 oz Lobster Tail topped with seasoned crab meat and homemade hollandaise sauce. Coconut Rice & Vegetables
Hogfish St John
Baked Hogfish Snapper topped with roasted banana, pineapple, tri-color pepper & mango salsa ato Coconut Rice & Black Beans
Ribeye Steak 14 oz Grilled Ribeye topped with sauteed wild mushrooms and truffle oil. Mashed Potatoes & Vegetables
Seafood Ala Vodka
Sauteed Florida Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops, in a House made vodka sauce over penne pasta finished with Parmesan Cheese & Garlic Bread
Choice of Dessert
PLAYOFF PUSH
Lady hoopers ready for postseason action | P.6
Coral Shores Girls Soccer Gulliver Prep 1/27 L 5-0
Key West Girls Basketball Mater Lakes 1/27 L, FF
Coral Shores Boys Basketball Terra Environmental 1/28 L, 69-49
Key West Boys Soccer Belen Jesuit 1/28 W, 2-0
Marathon Boys Basketball Miami Sunset 1/28 W, 55-51
Marathon Boys Basketball Key West 1/29 W, 55-53
Marathon Girls Basketball Key West 1/29 W, 60-34
Coral Shores Boys Basketball Ransom Everglades 1/30 L, 45-39
Marathon Girls Basketball NSU University School 1/30 W, 47-38
Key West Girls Basketball Barron Collier 1/31 L, 52-18
Coral Shores Boys Basketball Lake Worth Christian 1/31 L, 83-50
Marathon Boys Basketball Barbara Goleman 1/31 L, 51-36 Key West Boys Basketball NSU University School 2/1 L, 75-18
David has put together a string of wins against state-ranked opponents.”
2/7 Key West & Coral Shores Boys Wrestling Tournament @
2/7
2/7
2/8 Key West Girls Wrestling Lady Eagles IBT @ Lakeland 10 a.m.
2/8
2/11
WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS ON THE COVER THE SCOREBOARD
– Dante Jiovenetti, Coral Shores wrestling coach
By the nature of the sport, wrestlers are some of the toughest, hardest-working athletes around, but Coral Shores’ David Beltran takes those qualities one step further. The sophomore’s determination is matched only by his willingness to do whatever it takes to excel in the sport, and his work shows. Beltran is the top point scorer for the Hurricanes this season. With 25 wins and counting, the 154-pound grappler recently achieved career win number 50. For his undaunted work ethic and excellence in his chosen sport, Coral Shores’ David Beltran is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
Shores
Photo by: Jim McCarthy/Keys Weekly
As this paper hits newsstands, Monroe County’s three girls basketball teams are prepping to begin their postseason journeys. Top row, from left: Marathon’s Elena Eubank and Daysi Williams. Second row: Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas, Key West’s Jaylin Greene, Coral Shores’ Melanie Estevez. Bottom: Key West’s Jasmina Idobilloeva. Photos by Barry Gaukel, Maicey Malgrat and Doug Finger.
fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.
sean mcdonald
grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.
THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
Key West’s boys soccer team proudly displays the Conch Republic Flag after their district championship win last week. CONTRIBUTED
DISTRICT CHAMPS!
Conchs win district; Lady ’Canes knocked out of postseason play
And then there was one.
Just two Keys soccer teams were alive in the hunt for a state championship last week, but after the Lady Hurricanes of Coral Shores fell to Gulliver Prep 5-0 in the semifinals, the boys of Key West High were the only team left standing.
As of Jan. 28, Florida’s 4A District 16 has a new champ in boys soccer. Key West, ranked No. 3 in a five-team district, knocked out No. 2 Terra Environmental last week on Jan. 24 and secured the district championship against top-ranked Belen Jesuit four days later.
Scoring for the Conchs were DJ Barrett and Loubins Fleuridor. Sebastian Camargo assisted on one goal and Fausto Paz and the Conchs’ defensive wall preserved the shutout in the playoff win. After the upset, the team waited for the new regional rankings to be published to learn their fate.
Somehow, despite beating Belen Jesuit and Terra Environmental in both their playoff wins, Key West was tagged as the No. 6 team and scheduled to face third-ranked Somerset Academy out of Pembroke Pines. Terra drew the No. 5 seed and Belen was ranked No. 2, giving those teams a far easier path into the state championship series.
But this is not the first time Key West has faced a challenge and certainly not the first time they face a higherranked team, only to pick them off. A win against Somerset on Feb. 4 (results not available at press time) would give the Conchs Sweet 16 status and a match in the semifinals on Friday, Feb. 7.
The strongest ladies in the Keys competed at their respective regional weightlifting meets on Feb. 1, going against the best athletes in South Florida. When the chalk dust cleared and the final results were tabulated, 10 Monroe County athletes were in contention for a state title. Marathon fared the best, capturing third out of 29 teams in the traditional event. The Fins claimed fifth place in Olympic. Coral Shores was right behind in fourth place in traditional and sixth in Olympic. Both teams compete at the 1A level. Each team will send five athletes, each of whom qualified individually, to the state competition next week.
Coral Shores’ Jennille Arias and Marathon’s Justice Lee earned their ticket to states via automatic qualification by winning their weight classes’ regional titles outright. Arias took first at 169 pounds in the traditional event. Lee punched her card to states by winning both the Olympic and traditional events at 183.
LEE, ARIAS ARE REGIONAL CHAMPS
10 Keys lifters qualify for the big show
The defending state champ in both categories is ranked first in traditional, fueled by a powerful 185-pound bench press, while her closest competitor has the edge in clean and jerk. Lee narrowed that lead by five at regionals with a 205-pound clean lift, a PR for the junior. Arias went on to take the runner-up spot in the Olympic event and easily qualified in that event as well, lifting more than two of the other regions’ winners by a significant margin.
In addition to Arias, Coral Shores will send Sydney Eysenbach and Vanessa Gabriel in both events. The pair both compete in the Unlimited class. Eysenbach was second in both events at regionals and stands a good chance to win a medal in both events at states. Gabriel finished third in Olympic and fourth in traditional and is more than capable of bringing home state hardware.
Representing Coral Shores in the 110-pound class will be Rachel Rusch, who claimed third place in the traditional event. Kali Gomer was fourth in Olympic lifts at regionals and took the last at-large spot in her class in that event, rounding out the state qualifiers for the Lady ‘Canes.
Joining Lee at states for Marathon will be Ella Dunn, who finished third in both events at regionals and qualified in both for states. The 101-pound lifter is ranked in a three-way tie for third in Olympic lifts, making a medal at states well within her grasp.
Dunn will not be alone in her flight at states; Ayme Maradiaga also qualified for both events in the same weight class. Maradiaga was the runner up in traditional lifts and finished in fifth place in Olympic. Maradiaga is in a twoway tie for third place in the current rankings in traditional lifts in her class.
Ella Evans qualified for both events with a pair of runner-up medals at 129 pounds. Evans is right on the cusp of a medal at states and has progressively improved throughout the season. Lee, Dunn, Maradiaga and Evans will all compete in both events in Lakeland. The Fins’ final state qualifier is senior Brizni Vargas, whose fifth-place finish in the traditional category was strong enough to qualify the 154-pound participant for the championships in that event.
Key West, which competes at the 2A level, did not have any athletes make the final cut to the state meet, but Aaliyah McCloud was close. McCloud finished in the top 10 in both events and earned a regional fifth-place medal in the 199-pound class.
Marathon and Coral Shores will send their state-qualifying athletes to Lakeland’s RP Funding Center for the FHSAA 1A State Championships next week. Both teams’ lifters will compete on Feb. 15 with the first flights beginning at 9 a.m.
Marathon’s Ella Evans, left, Justice Lee, right, and Ayme Maradiaga, top, will all compete for state glory in Lakeland. BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly
Coral Shores’ Rachel Rusch, left, and Vanessa Gabriel DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
COURT IS IN SESSION Lady hoopsters head to the postseason
As the regular season drew to a close, the three Monroe County girls basketball teams learned they’d face some stiff competition to begin their postseason treks.
A pair of wins gave Marathon’s Lady Fins a winning record heading into the postseason.
Against Key West on Jan. 29, Elena Eubank scored a gamehigh 26 points. Marti’yana Kilbourne added 16 points and nine rebounds while Daysi Williams scored eight with 14 rebounds. Eubank had the hot hand again the next night, scoring 19 against NSU University School. Williams added 12 and Kilbourne had eight in the win.
For the playoffs, Marathon will travel to Fort Meade to face the Miners in the Fins’ first season of Rural Class District 8 action. After receiving a bye for the play-in game, Marathon advanced directly into the semis on Thursday, Feb. 6. Should they prevail against the Miners, Marathon could play for the district title two nights later against Moore Haven.
Key West started the week with a forfeit against Mater Lakes Jan. 27, then fell to Marathon two nights later. Jaylin Greene scored seven points, Jasmina Idobilloeva put up six and Monica Bueno and Colleen Barter added five each in the loss. The travel-weary team suffered two more losses later in the week. The Lady Conchs finished their regular season with eight scheduled road trips and will continue their travels in the postseason. The 1-19 Conchs face the top seed in 4A District 16 action against the Bulls of Miami Northwestern Feb. 6.
The Lady ’Canes lost at Ransom on Jan. 30 in their final regular-season game this year. Melanie Estevez scored 14 and Gabby Thomas added seven in the loss. Coral Shores enters the postseason with an even 5-5 record, and with just four teams in the 3A District 16 bracket, the Lady ’Canes go straight to the semifinals. Their first postseason opponent is Keys Gate, a team that defeated Coral Shores decisively in December, but that was prior to the ’Canes heating up this season.
Lady Fins and Lady Conchs renew their rivalry in Marathon on Jan. 29. Marathon prevailed, 60-34.
TTOP 10 Key West competitive cheer shines at state meet
he Lady Conchs of Key West High represented the Southernmost City with class and spirit last week at the FHSAA 1A State Championships. The team, Monroe County’s only competitive cheer squad, scored high enough at regionals to earn an at-large bid to the state semifinals in Lakeland, where they cheered, jumped, stunted and danced their way into the finals.
Each of the winners of Florida’s four regions secured one of 10 spots in the finals automatically, leaving the final six spots up for grabs. Key West took the fifth spot, and with it, a chance to compete at the highest level.
In the finals, the Lady Conchs improved their score from 74.2 to 75.1, putting them in a tie for seventh place for their division, the 1A small, non-tumbling class. Their top-10 finish in the state matches their extraordinary feat last season, making it two in a row for the Conchs and possibly laying the groundwork for a new dynasty in competitive cheerleading in Key West.
The Key West competitive cheer squad poses after a top-10 finish at the FHSAA State Championships. CONTRIBUTED Top: Madi Wiggins. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly
SHELL SHOCKED
Marathon hoopers earn first win against Key West since 2019
For the first time in years, the Marathon Dolphins notched wins over both of their in-county rivals on the hardwood in a single season.
The Fins added a pair of wins to their record last week, starting with the Knights of Miami Sunset on Jan. 28. Jack Chapman had the game-high total of 21 points, draining five shots from beyond the three-point line. Daeshawn Holmes added another double-double to his stats with 16 points and 13 rebounds, then added five steals as well. Briggs Roberts and Drew Suarez scored eight apiece in the 55-51 win.
The following night, with a victory over their closest neighbors to the north still fresh on their minds, the Dolphins faced their southern rivals. Both teams left it all on the court, but with scoring machine James Osborne out for the season, the shorthanded Conchs were unable to break the Dolphins’ spirit and Marathon pulled off the upset win over Key West, their first in six years.
Senior Carlos Lezcano led the charge,
scoring 16 points and hustling for four steals. Holmes registered his second double-double of the week with 13 points and a dozen rebounds, and Roberts added 11 points in the big win.
Their victory over the Conchs gave the Fins a five-game win streak, but it would end two nights later in a 51-36 loss to Barbara Goleman. Roberts had a double-double, scoring 14 points with 13 rebounds, but the Gators were set on avenging their loss to the Fins in Marathon one week prior.
The Dolphins swam in uncharted waters as they headed to Belle Glades to take on Glades Day Gators in their first postseason tournament of their new district on Feb. 3. In a fitting continuation of their red-hot end to the regular season, the squad notched a 56-46 win, earning their place in a showdown with the Terriers of Moore Haven in the semifinal round two nights later (results not available at press time).
In their loss to Marathon, Key West showed grit in a game that came down to the wire. While the Conchs have struggled without their top scorer, the team is settling into new posi-
tions and pressing forward. David Aviles had the team-high 11 against the Fins, with eight rebounds. Zach Levering scored 10 with eight rebounds and Tramane Scott pulled down 13 rebounds and added nine points to the team total.
The final game of the regular season for Key West was a lopsided loss to NSU University School; however, the defeat came after FHSAA rankings were determined and did not affect Key West’s position for the postseason. The Conchs, ranked No. 4 in District 16’s 4A class, took on the No. 5 Cobras of South Miami High in the quarterfinals held at St. Brendan School on Feb. 3. In a nail-biter, the Conchs came home empty-handed, suffering a one-point loss to the Cobras, 51-50.
Coral Shores suffered a trio of losses last week, but had a strong shot at changing their luck in the playoffs. The fifth-ranked ’Canes tipped off against the No. 4 Cougars of Miami Killian on Feb. 3 in FHSAA’s 3A District 16 bracket, but their trip through the bracket ended there in a 73-64 loss.
The Marathon Dolphins and Key West Conchs do battle on the hardwood in Marathon on Jan. 29. The Fins emerged victorious for the first time in years, 55-51. SEAN WESTERBAND/Keys Weekly
FINS BOYS WIN TRI-MEET
Early season looks promising for Marathon and Coral Shores lifters
As their Lady Fin counterparts prepared for regionals, Marathon’s strongmen started their season off with the first meet of the year on Jan. 29 in Tavernier. Marathon edged Coral Shores and Gulliver Prep in the tri-meet. Their overall wins were boosted by a trio of double winners. Tanner Ross (219-pound class), Max Childress (199) and Chase Leird (129) all won both the traditional and Olympic events in their weight classes. Damian Stasiewicz (183) and Braulio Garcia (238) won the Olympic event in their classes for the Fins.
For Coral Shores, Kristers Vutnans and Tyler Bettner shared the 139-pound wins. Vutnans won Olympic while Bettner’s bench press gave him the win in traditional. Ross, a senior, captured the top overall spot at the meet in the Olympic event. Just behind him were Childress and Stasiewicz. Ross had the meet’s best clean and jerk, hoisting 235 pounds to push him ahead in the Sinclair algorithm. Other than Ross, only Childress managed to break the 200-pound threshold in that lift, hitting the mark at 215. Boys weightlifting marks the beginning of the spring sport cycle as the first to start and end in the final season of the school year. States are held in mid-April.
Marathon senior Tanner Ross was the overall winner in the Olympic event at last week’s season opener for boys weightlifting. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly
ALMANAC | Feb. 6
On this day: In 1985, President Ronald Reagan de ned the key concepts of his foreign policy, which the media du ed “The Reagan Doctrine,” during his State of the Union a re .
In The Bleachers
Adam
Brevity
Nancy
News of the Weird
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
DISTRICT III ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC III)
(from the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge to the Long Key Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity is dependent upon tourists). Any person wishing to participate on the District III Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above,
may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys. com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:
Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040
The deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday February 28, 2025. A resume may be attached to the application. Publish: February 6, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH WILL BE HOLDING PUBLIC HEARINGS ON:
DATE/TIME: Planning & Zoning Hearing:
Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, 9:30 A.M. City Commission Public Hearing: Thursday, March 20th, 2025, 9:30 A.M.
LOCATION:
City of Key Colony Beach City Hall Auditorium ‘Marble Hall’
600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051,
To hear a Variance Request from Jack L. Alderman, representing the Jack L Alderman Revocable Trust, owner of the property located at 920 Shelter Bay Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051. This meeting will be available via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email the City Clerk at cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings. Applicant requests a variance to the City of Key Colony Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5,
CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD SITTING AS THE LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY (LPA) of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the agenda permits. This meeting will be at the Key Colony Beach City Hall Auditorium ‘Marble Hall’ located at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida, 33051. The Planning & Zoning Board will hear the following Ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-497
AN ORDINANCE OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUTURE LAND USE, TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING, INFRASTRUCTURE, COASTAL MANAGEMENT, CONSERVATION, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE, INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION, AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, ELEMENTS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; ADDING A PROPERTY RIGHTS ELEMENT AND ACCOMPANYING GOAL, OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES; AS MANDATED BY FLORIDA STATUTES 163.3177; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE STATE LAND PLANNING AGENCY; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. This meeting will be available virtually via ZOOM Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may join via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86254175368?pwd=O8qEi7hsxTROntlhrz QBevubTzjUMs.1
Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach.
The City Commission requests an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan in order to guide and control the future development of the City to preserve, promote, and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. This proposed amendment is required by Florida law in areas of critical state concern. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested code amendment.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Clerk, P.O. Box. 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record.
City Clerk, City of Key Colony Beach
Section 38, for the construction of a dock to extend past the mangroves that requires a 20foot variance. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
If you are unable to attend the Hearings on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, or Thursday, March 20th, 2025, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or via email at cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net, and your comments will be entered into the record.
Published on or before February 10th, 2025 City Clerk, City of Key Colony Beach Publish:
February 6, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Constructing and Maintaining Bus Shelters for the Purpose of Selling and Placing Advertising on Shelters
Monroe County, Florida
Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at bonfirehub.comhttps://monroecounty-fl. OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https:// monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 6, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial
information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, March 6, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156
Meeting ID: 4509326156
One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish: February 6, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA UPPER KEYS PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-000039-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT D. KARROW, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of ROBERT D. KARROW, deceased, whose date of death was April 3, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: February 6, 2025.
Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw. com
Publish: February 6 & 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2025-CP-22-P DIVISION: PROBATE IN RE: ESTATE OF DAVID LEON JONES Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of DAVID LEON JONES, deceased, whose date of death was November 7, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: February 6, 2025.
Personal Representative: AMY L. BRUGGEMAN 17 SE Marlin Ave. Key Largo,FL 33037
Attorney for Personal
Representative: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ.
Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com
Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@yahoo.com
Florida Bar No. 382035
Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036
Telephone: 305-664-5065
Publish:
February 6 & 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000464-K DIVISION: PROBATE IN RE: ESTATE OF PHILIP TENNEY, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of PHILIP TENNEY, deceased, whose date of death was July 14, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is: January 30, 2025. Personal Representative: JED TENNEY 629 William Street Key West, FL 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: KARLEEN A. GRANT, ESQUIRE Fla. Bar No: 324531 Law Offices of Karleen A. Grant 1033 Flagler Avenue Key West, FL 33040 Telephone: (305) 292-4929 Publish: January 30 & February 6, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION CASE NO.: 24-CA-000958-K CANDANCE ILENE VALLADARES
that an action to Quiet Title and to remove the cloud from title of the real property described as: PART OF LOT 51 ACCORDING TO MCDONALD’S SURVEY OF PART OF STOCK ISLAND RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 55 OF MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS AND IS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK 51, GO WESTERLY ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THIRD AVENUE A DISTANCE OF 250 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES AND NORTHERLY A DISTANCE OF 200 FEET TO A POINT; WHICH POINT IS THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE NORTHERLY ALONG THE PROLONGATION OF THE PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED COURSE A DISTANCE OF 70 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES AND WESTERLY A DISTANCE OF 125 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES AND SOUTHERLY A DISTANCE OF 70 FEET; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES EASTERLY A DISTANCE OF 125 FEET BACK TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA with a physical address of: 6430 Sunshine Street, Key West, FL 33040. Folio Number: 00126510-000000 has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it, on Eric J. Sanchez PA, Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is 4960 SW 72nd Avenue, Suite 206, Miami, FL 33155, (786) 408-9681 on or before March 3, 2025, a date which is within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice in The Keys Weekly and file the original with the Clerk of this Court at Freeman Justice Center, 302 Fleming Street., Key West, FL 33040, either before service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default and judgment will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
Dated: January 27, 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA, Clerk CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: January 30, February 6, 13 & 20, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2024-CA-000841-K HEATHER STAPLES, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/ OR BENEFICIARIES OF CATHERINE KNOWLES; and the UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR BENEFICIARIES OF ROBERT KNOWLES JR.; and the UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/ OR BENEFICIARIES OF MINNIE JUNE KNOWLES; and the UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR BENEFICIARIES OF BERNARD “BERNIE” STAPLES, Defendants.
________________/ NOTICE OF ACTION BY PUBLICATION TO THE FOLLOWING DEFENDANTS WHOSE RESIDENCES ARE UNKNOWN: CATHERINE KNOWLES, DECEASED, THE ESTATE OF CATHERINE KNOWLES, DECEASED AND ANY UNKNOWN SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES OR OTHER CLAIMANTS BY AND THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, SAID DEFENDANT ROBERT KNOWLES JR., DECEASED, THE ESTATE OF ROBERT KNOWLES
JR., DECEASED AND ANY UNKNOWN SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES OR OTHER CLAIMANTS BY AND THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, SAID DEFENDANT MINNIE JUNE KNOWLES, DECEASED, THE ESTATE OF MINNIE JUNE KNOWLES, DECEASED AND ANY UNKNOWN SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES OR OTHER CLAIMANTS BY AND THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, SAID DEFENDANT BERNARD “BERNIE” STAPLES, DECEASED, THE ESTATE OF BERNARD “BERNIE” STAPLES, DECEASED AND ANY UNKNOWN SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES OR OTHER CLAIMANTS BY AND THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, SAID DEFENDANT
The above named Defendants are believed to be dead and, if dead, the unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, or other claimants, by, through, under or against said Defendants and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property described below.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED of the institution of the abovestyled quiet title proceedings by the Plaintiff, HEATHER STAPLES, upon the filing of a complaint to quiet title for other relief relative to the following described property: On the Island of Key West and known as W.A. Whitehead's map of the City and Island of Key West, delineated on February 1829, as Tract (3), better described on a diagram of Part of Tract Three, which diagram is duly recorded in Deed Book "N", Page 554, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, as subdivision Eight; Commencing at a point on William's Alley distant from the corner of Olivia Street and said Alley, Eight-two (82) feet and six (6) inches and running thence along said Alley in a Southeasterly direction Fortyone (41) feet and three (3) inches; thence at right angles in a Southwesterly direction Eighty-nine (89) feet and four (4) inches; thence at right angles in a Northwesterly direction Forty-one (41) feet and three (3) inches; thence at right angles in a Northeasterly direction Eighty-nine (89) feet and four (4)inches to the place of beginning. AND you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to the complaint, upon DAVID BERMAN, ESQ., 1331 N Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803, attorney for the Plaintiff, on or before thirty (30) days from the first day of publication herein and file the original with the Clerk of the abovestyled court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.
DATED on 01/24/2025. Kevin Madok
As Clerk of the Court
By: Marissa Lockwood
As Deputy Clerk
Publish: January 30 and February 6, 13 & 20, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS WANTED
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
AUTOS FOR SALE
1964 Ford Galaxy, 427 Big Block, 5-speed, located in Key Largo. PRICE REDUCED!! $45,000 954-445-6647
ONLY 3,450 MILES!! FOR SALE: Mustang GT 2018. Standard Transmission, Black on Black, Excellent Condition Located in Marathon. $40,000. Call 305942-6434
BOATS FOR SALE
2000 21' Hydra Sport Center Console w/200hp Johnson, trailer, cover, potty, jackets +. Located in Big Pine. Runs well. $7,400. 919-621-0544
GREAT DEAL: Key Largo 21' Deep V Center Console w/ trailer. New 150hp motor & electronics. Ready to fish. PRICE REDUCED TO $20,000. Located in Marathon. 201-696-8906
EMPLOYMENT
ALL KEYS GUTTER HIRING INSTALLERS $25/$35hrMajor Holidays Off - Benefits - Tavernier. Apply: call or text Jay 305-587-1581
Night Monitor – FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/
Receptionist for law firm in Marathon. Computer and writing skills. Call or email 305-743-9428 or service@floridakeyslaw.com.
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere. Flexible lunch/ dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time servers and bartenders. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/dinner shifts available Tuesday –Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions:
Resident Care Supervisor with min. 3 yrs. experience of an LPN, Med Tech, Carpenter-FTKeyWest, Housing Manager- FTMarathon, Housing Assistant FT-Key West Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968
Specialty Hardware of Marathon is looking for a full time person, hardware knowledge a must. Apply in person at 10730 Overseas Hwy Marathon. 305-743-3382 HIRED IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS!!!
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD FOR ONLY $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY
HOBBIES/COLLECT.
WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
HOUSING FOR RENT
2-3BR/2BA Beautiful home for year-round rental on Duck Key. Furnished, full size W/D, stainless steel appliances & granite countertops. Gorgeous pool with built-in bar stools, waterfall & Jacuzzi, 1 car garage, and covered porch for outdoor dining w/views of the canal. $3,400/month. Avail. May 1st. Address: 243 W. Seaview Dr, Duck Key, MM 61. Text/call 774-263-8759 Email: dongamache@comast.net
2 BR / 1 BA unfurnished apartment for rent in Key Largo. $1,500/month includes utilities. F/L/S Text: 786-559-5494 Email: apmz57@yahoo.com RENTED IN ONE MONTH!!
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD FOR ONLY $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY!
VACATION RENTAL
Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet CarolineSeaport.com
DUI FRONT DESK CLERK & EVALUATOR/INSTRUCTOR
The Advocate Program DUI school is hiring for part time positions. Front desk: 3 days a week, high school diploma required. DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required.
Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.
FULL-TIME POSITION ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
Serves as the Assistant to the City Clerk. Provides financial services, including processing accounts payable, revenue collections, and accounts receivables, multiple bank reconciliations, and deposit coding, including funding federal deposits and filing quarterly reports, credit card reconciliations, fixed assets administration, and monthly financial statements. Assistant to the City Clerk to attend Commission & Board meetings and record and transcribe minutes of proceedings.
Salary: $75,000 to $81,000 DOQ
Benefits include Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance, Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, and Retirement.
Qualifications: Business-related Associate Degree; requires a high level of financial/accounting skills; must have excellent knowledge of QuickBooks and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; exceptional customer service skills; ability to multitask; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; requires a high degree of work ethics; ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with commission, staff, and the public.
Application forms can be found at www.keycolonybeach.net; see “I WANT TO” then “APPLY FOR A JOB.” Equal Opportunity Employer
Submit resume and application by mail or in-person to:
City of Key Colony Beach
Attn.: City Clerk
P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051
Or email Cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net
FULL-TIME POSITION
PUBLIC WORKS FOREMAN
The City of Key Colony Beach is seeking a full-time Public Works Foreman. The Foreman position is hands-on and works alongside the Public Works crew while assisting the Public Works Department Head in accomplishing department objectives and goals. The foreman is responsible for overseeing and working with a crew of three workers within the Public Works Department, coordinating daily operations, assigning tasks, and ensuring the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of public infrastructure such as roads, right of ways, stormwater systems, parks and facilities.
Salary: $75,000 to $85,000 DOQ
Benefits include Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance, Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, and the Florida Retirement System (FRS).
Application forms can be found at www.keycolonybeach.net; see “I WANT TO” then “APPLY FOR A JOB.”
Equal Opportunity Employer
Submit resume and application by mail or in-person to:
City of Key Colony Beach
Attn.: Michael Guarino
P.O. Box 510141
Key Colony Beach, FL 33051
Or email Michael.guarino@keycolonybeach.net
The Moorings Village is seeking friendly, self motivated, team players for the position:
Please email your resume to Sara@MooringsVillage.com or call the reception office at 305.664.4708
IN HOME SUPPORT LIVE-IN CARETAKER (FT) – Key West
Seeking a full-time, live-in, In-Home Support Coach/Trainer to provide companionship and assist clients with training/support. HSD/GED & 1 yr. exp in a related field. 1 year of college can substitute for experience. Must be able to use a tablet for documentation purposes. The shift for this job is split shift with hours in the morning and the evening. We can be flexible on the hours but must be available to work both days and evenings as needed. *
DIRECT CARE STAFF – NIGHTS/WEEKENDS - GROUP HOMES 24/7 (FT)
This position is available at our Windsor Group Home. Providing direct-care services and support to our clients in their home. Must be willing to work flexible shifts including days, overnights on Thursday. Requires a minimum of high school completion or GED and 1 year of experience with care giving or 30 hours or college coursework. *
SUPPORTED LIVING COACH (FT)
Responsibilities include management of developmentally disabled clients in independent living environments, management of office and in-home support staff. Must be available for some evenings and weekends. Bachelor’s degree in related field or experience working with developmentally disabled clients in lieu of degree. Must have a valid FL driver’s license. Salary commensurate with experience.
GROUP HOME MANAGER – (FT) – Key West
FT administrative, salaried position. Responsible for operations of Group Homes in accordance with State and Fed regulations. Oversight of staff and clients. Bachelor’s degree and Florida DL w/clean driving record req. At least 2 yrs of mgmt and admin experience req, and direct or comparable experience w/same or similar population preferred. Computer skills: moderate to advanced.
*ALSO REQUIRED FOR ALL POSTIONS
Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license. EOE
Competitive salary and great bene ts. Previous hospitality experience required. Weekends are a must. Job Types: Full-time
THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.
JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS!
We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.
KEY LARGO
Lead Certified Recovery Peer Support Specialist Advocate (FT) Front Desk Specialist
Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)
KEY WEST
Case Manager (Adult PT, Child FT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)
MARATHON
Care Coordinator (PT)
Driver – PT (CDL not required)
RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (FT/PT) Advocate (PT)
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT/PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living, PT)
*Night Monitor (Assisted Living - Free Housing)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.
Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP
Apply at guidancecarecenter.org
Search Employment/Portal/Location/zip
MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE
We are now hiring for the following positions:
Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers
CDL Drivers
Applicants must apply in person to be considered.
4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Medical Assistant 1, Upper Keys Internal Medicine, $5k Bonus
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
*Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.
APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net
THEME:
IDIOMS
ACROSS
1. Actor Driver
5. By way of 8. Bambino
11. Oscar De La ____
12. *Do this backwards to try hard to please
13. Range
15. Petri dish gel
16. Celestial bear
17. K-pop home
18. *Cold one is offensive
20. Sportscaster Andrews
21. Outer space path
22. Hold title to 23. *Take this to commit to marriage
26. Bullet factory
30. Even, poetically
31. Trim
34. Sitar music
35. Kon-Tiki and such
37. Be in a cast
38. Very, in music
39. Actress Barrymore
40. “Long Day’s Journey into Night” playwright
42. Between Mar. and May
43. Annulling
45. Loads
47. Compass point between NE and E
48. Dugout river ride
50. Check-in via text
52. *Sign of nervousness (2 words)
55. One up
56. Lowest female voice
57. One quark plus one antiquark
59. Toothpaste brand
60. Riddle without solution
61. Cogito ____ sum
62. *Leg’s partner, price-wise
63. Make a mistake
64. Robin’s house
DOWN
1. “Eureka!”
2. *They cause no problems when they sleep
3. Nursemaid, in India
4. ____ 5, band
5. “Il Trovatore” composer
6. Garment insert
7. Month before Nisan
8. Torus, pl.
9. Word before sesame
10. *Cupful that’s not for everyone
12. Adjective derived from bulb
13. Distorts
14. *Cutting these leads to poor results
19. Prods
22. Dot follower
23. Lost, in Provence
24. Live’s partner
25. Hungry
26. Voting no
27. Like Fran Drescher’s voice
28. Wide open
29. Bear digs
32. Group of buffaloes
33. *Breaking it relieves tension
36. *When these meet, one can afford what they want (2 words)
