Marathon Weekly 25-0313

The one that is turn key

Experience this beautifully renovated waterfront residence, where modern coastal design meets functional elegance. Situated along a serene oceanside canal, this home offers a spacious terrace with partial Gulf views, creating an inviting outdoor living space. Inside, meticulous updates include quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, recessed lighting, and Calacatta marble-tiled showers. The interior staircase leads to the main living area, which features an open-concept kitchen, living room, three bedrooms, a bonus office or guest room, and two full bathrooms. Step outside to the generous covered porch and take in the tranquil canal views with a backdrop of the picturesque bay. The property includes 60 feet of protected concrete dockage, complete with a 20,000 lb. boat lift, providing swift boating access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. New impact windows, doors and roof in 2018. Additionally, a versatile flex space on the lower level offers potential for a home gym, storage, angler's room or additional entertainment space. This refined coastal retreat seamlessly blends luxury and convenience, inviting you to make it your own.

10055 Overseas Highway | Marathon 305.735.4095 | oceansir.com

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Diana Striker

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

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

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$87,840

A Cheeto in the shape of the popular firebreathing Pokemon Charizard recently sold at an auction for $87,840. The 3-inch “Cheetozard” sold on Goldin’s auction website to an anonymous buyer. According to Goldin, the Charizard-looking Cheeto was discovered several years ago.

Meet the Little Sisters of Hoboken at Marathon Community Theatre’s newest musical comedy ‘Nunsense,’ running March 13 through April 12. From left: Sister Mary Regina (Leigh Sanchez), Sister Mary Amnesia (Destiny Lee), Sister Mary Leo (Michelle Macoskey), Sister Mary Hubert (Kara Pascucci) and Sister Robert Anne (Aubrey Kehn). ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

TRAUMA STAR CHOPPER WILL RETURN TO AIR AFTER MONTHS IN REPAIR

New helicopter fleet to arrive this year

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Trauma Star, Monroe County’s only air ambulance service, was down a helicopter for roughly three months after an inspection found some corrosion toward the tail area.

As a result, Trauma Star operated with one chopper transporting Keys patients needing critical care to hospitals.

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay, who oversees the pilots and mechanics for Trauma Star, said they weren’t going to risk flying the helicopter due to the corrosion issues found during a three-year inspection. He said the helicopter underwent structural repairs and should be up in the air as soon as next week.

“At the end of the day we’re trying to manage an older fleet,” Ramsay said, who said just getting the repairs to a Central Florida service was a process. There was plenty of disassembly involved. A crane and a truck were needed to get the part transported for repairs. Now the reassembly is underway.

Trauma Star’s Sikorsky S76 helicopters have logged plenty of hours transporting patients over the years, while battling a salty environment conducive to corrosion. In addition, parts and support are increasingly hard to find for the program’s fleet. Ramsay said the helicopters are more than 20 years old.

“We fly 1,000 flights a year,” Ramsay said. “On top of that, we’ve had some difficult and unusual weather

circumstances with thunderstorms and fog grounding the helicopters this year.”

The old fleet will soon be replaced with three new choppers scheduled to arrive this year. A deal was signed in October 2023 to purchase three brand-new Leonardo AW139 twin-engine helicopters. Ramsay recommended the new choppers to county commissioners and touted them as a model fitting Trauma Star’s requirements for range, speed and lift capabilities, plus continued manufacturer support for a common airframe. Commissioners ultimately approved the $52 million purchase. The new helicopters are funded by Monroe County’s infrastructure fund generated from a one-cent sales tax.

Ramsay said the first of three new helicopters should arrive in roughly a month, with the next two coming sometime in June or July. Pilots and mechanics will need to undergo training on the new choppers. They will also need to be outfitted with medical equipment. And EMS personnel, too, will need training.

The Trauma Star program is a partnership between the sheriff’s office and Monroe County Fire Rescue, operating out of the Marathon International Airport and Lower Keys Medical Center. With the sheriff’s office overseeing the pilots and mechanics, the flight nurses and flight paramedics are staffed by fire rescue.

“There will be a little transition time,” Ramsay said, adding the first new helicopter will operate out of the airport in Marathon when ready.

The life-saving service is provided free to residents and property owners of Monroe County.

At a price tag of $52 million for three aircraft, the Leonardo AW139 was identified by Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay and his team as the only model to meet Trauma Star’s requirements for speed, range and lift. CONTRIBUTED

‘RAPID UNSCHEDULED DISASSEMBLY’

BREWER GETS $3M BOND PENDING MURDER TRIAL

Garrett Hughes’ accused shooter on house arrest, surrenders passport

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Judge Mark Jones on March 7 granted a $3 million bond to Preston Brewer, who police say shot and killed Garrett Hughes in a bar parking lot hours after the Super Bowl in February 2023.

Brewer has been in jail on murder and other charges since the shooting occurred in the rear parking lot of the former Conch Town Liquor & Lounge, 3340 N. Roosevelt Blvd. The bar and liquor store, now closed, were located in a building that the Brewer family owned.

SpaceX Starship explodes in skies near Florida Keys

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

On March 6, dozens of videos of the fiery skies over Marathon spread like wildfire on social media when a test flight of SpaceX’s uncrewed Starship rocket ended in flames off the coast of Florida.

But that was no asteroid creating ‘Armageddon’-like red streaks in the sky. In what the company called a ‘rapid unscheduled disassembly’ – the tongue-in-cheek term it first used when a previous test flight in January ended in a similar ball of fire –SpaceX’s 403-foot rocket lost engines before losing control minutes after its 6:30 p.m. launch.

After taking flight from Boca Chica, Texas, the rocket successfully separated from its Super Heavy Booster, which returned to Texas for a successful “catch” at one of SpaceX’s launch towers. But in what the company later called an “energetic event” near the bottom of the spacecraft, it ultimately lost thrusters and tumbled out of control after reaching nearly 90 miles in altitude.

SpaceX reportedly lost contact with the craft nine minutes and 30 seconds after launch. It’s roughly the same time frame in which the company lost January’s ship, which rained debris over the Turks and Caicos islands – some of it landing on residents’ cars.

The March 6 explosion over the Bahamas was visible across south Florida, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to ground flights at local airports for roughly an hour and a half.

In a statement on the most recent explosion, SpaceX said the debris contained “no toxic materials … and no significant impacts are expected to occur to marine species or water quality.” At press time, though the explosion was visible from several countries, there did not appear to be any reported debris impacts on land.

The FAA, which oversees rocket launches, will require a mishap investigation.

“The FAA will be involved in every step of the SpaceX-led mishap investigation process and must approve SpaceX’s final report, including any corrective actions,” the agency said in a statement. “A return to flight is based on the FAA determining that any system, process or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety.”

The Starship module is advertised by SpaceX as a “fully-reusable transportation system” to carry passengers and cargo to Earth’s orbit, “the Moon, Mars and beyond.”

“As the most powerful launch system ever developed, Starship will be able to carry up to 100 people on long-duration interplanetary flights,” the company’s website states.

Three days before the launch, SpaceX had announced its plans to complete a new launch pad and launch Starship from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center before the end of 2025.

The judge finalized the conditions of Brewer’s release on bond in a March 10 order.

In addition to the $3 million monetary bond, Brewer is to remain confined to his home on Key Haven and subject to constant GPS monitoring.

“The defendant is allowed travel in and around Monroe County, Florida, for ‘life essential’ errands, not to exceed travel beyond the northeast boundary of mile marker 106,” the order states. “‘Life essential’ purposes may include visits with defense attorneys, legitimate work purposes, church, doctor appointments, and emergency medical needs, or other matters pre-approved by pre-trial services.”

Brewer must also relinquish his passport and all firearms, including spear guns, and is prohibited from using the boat he owns. He is prohibited from using drugs or alcohol and will submit to a minimum of three random urinalysis tests per month, the order states.

The judge also ruled that Brewer may have no contact with Hughes’ family, the witnesses in the case, the former owner of Conch Town, or three of his business and financial associates unless legal counsel is present.

Finally, Brewer must stay away from and have no contact with the location of 3440 N. Roosevelt Blvd., which is where the shooting occurred.

That property, a commercial building, now belongs to Hughes’ parents, John Hughes and Lesley Touzalin, according to county property records.

Those records show that the building’s ownership changed on Oct. 1, 2024, when it was sold for $4 million. It is now owned by a limited

liability company called GDH22 LLC, managed by John Hughes and Touzalin.

It is unclear whether the victim’s parents bought the building, or acquired it as part of a confidential settlement that was reached in a wrongful death civil lawsuit they filed against Brewer shortly after Garrett Hughes’ death.

How it happened

Hughes, who was 21 at the time of his death, left Conch Town Lounge at 12:26 a.m. on Feb. 13, 2023, after playing darts with his brother and two friends. He is visibly inebriated in video security footage of the bar’s rear parking lot. Hughes walks to the back of the parking lot and stands between two parked cars while urinating against the wall of an adjacent building, which was not owned by Brewer.

Shirtless and unarmed, Hughes was wearing shorts and flip flops when Brewer exited the bar and approached Hughes while exchanging words with him over the urination. The footage shows Brewer, then 57, raising his shirt to reveal a handgun while crossing the parking lot toward Hughes. During a seconds-long physical altercation, Brewer shot Hughes in the abdomen. He died a short time later at the hospital.

The judge on Feb. 12 denied Brewer’s self-defense claim, which, if granted, would have dismissed the murder charge against him.

Jones ruled last month that Brewer was the aggressor, writing in his five-page order, “It is clear to the court that the defendant, Lloyd P. Brewer, III, instigated his deadly confrontation with Garrett Hughes. … The court finds that stand your ground immunity was not enacted to protect someone like Lloyd Brewer under these circumstances, which he created,” the order states.

The judge further said, “the defendant shot a half-naked, drunken, unarmed man,” and added that Brewer did not have a reasonable belief that he was facing imminent death or great bodily harm.

No trial date has been set.

Preston Brewer. CONTRIBUTED

SpaceX Starship’s boosters ignite during its fifth test flight in October 2024. WIKIPEDIA/Contributed

754TH SUNDAY FUNDAY

SPRING BREAK POOL & BEACH PARTY

MARCH 16,

MONDAY ST. PATTYS DAY POOL PARTY CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE SPECIALS! DJ TRAE POOLSIDE FROM 1 TO 5PM. BIG BOUNCE HOUSE FOR THE KIDS! BIG FUN!

GRILLED ON THE POOL DECK

• World Famous Cheeseburgers

• Lobster Mac & Cheese Burger

• BBQ Baby Back Ribs

• Bacon Wrapped Lobster

• Grilled Ribeye Sandwiches

• Grilled Bratwurst

• Blackened Dolphin Sandwiches

• BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Scallops

• Chili Cheese Dogs

DRINK SPECIALS

• $3 Coors Light • $6 Fireball

• $6 Mango Coladas • $2 Shamrock Jello Shots

NAKED DANCING MAN ARRESTED AFTER REPORTED RECKLESS DRIVING

Timothy Mahoney. MCSO/ Contributed

A55-year-old Montgomery, New York man was arrested on March 5 following multiple calls regarding a reckless driver on U.S. 1 in Key Largo.

The sheriff’s office received calls at 7:57 a.m. of a reckless driver near MM 110, including that the suspect — later identified as Timothy Mahoney — hit some cones near MM 108, where the vehicle stopped.

Mahoney was outside of his truck and wearing a construction hardhat, but was otherwise nude and dancing to music. Mahoney was attempting to smoke marijuana from a pipe while being detained. He was taken to jail.

Mahoney was charged with DUI, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. His arraignment is scheduled for March 19.

— Keys Weekly staff report

DIGITAL MAKEOVER

The team at All Keys Computers and More are your

24-hour

‘I.T. guys’

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

What: “A Night at the Opera” (1935)

Why: This film is everything you need to know about the Marx Brothers distilled into their purest and sharpest form. Some diehards might balk at that, stating that the team’s Universal films better showcased their sense of anarchy (this film was made for MGM where it was requested their trolling antics be only aimed at antagonists rather than innocent bystanders). Having their trademark lunacy lobbied toward people who deserve it, though, is honestly more satisfying on a storytelling level. With Groucho’s wit, Chico’s brashness, and Harpo’s innocence, you’ve got a perfect combination of humor styles, and when you see the famous ship cabin sequence, you’ll see why their creative insanity still holds up today.

Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.

How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/ keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries. org.

Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, library assistant, Islamorada library branch.

See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.

JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

Atransformation has swept over the All Keys Computers and More storefront in Marathon, now boasting fresh ownership and management. Retaining their trusted cell phone, tablet and laptop repair offerings, the team has also introduced brand new services. Positioned as a premier computer and network resource center for the entire Florida Keys, the store, located at 5160 Overseas Hwy., prides itself on exceptional customer service and says its team employs a straightforward approach to fixing the complex problems that stump other technicians.

“We are a managed service provider (MSP) called Essential Net Solutions, and have now acquired the former company but have kept the same name,” said owner Randy Redmond. For the uninitiated, MSPs are third-party companies capable of remotely managing their customers’ IT infrastructure and systems.

“ENS has a lot of current clients all over the Keys, so when we found out that the former owner was selling, we thought it would be a good opportunity to serve the community and serve the Keys in a lot of different ways,” Redmond said. “Having a storefront allows customers to walk in if they have cell phone or laptop troubles, as well as allows folks to make appointments for one of our technicians to come to them.”

All Keys Computers and More stocks an array of TVs, catering to both homes and businesses across the Keys. Their comprehensive audio and visual services for residential and commercial spaces include seamless upgrades, short-notice projects, customizable Wi-Fi and sound systems, point-of-sale installations, security camera setups, intricate wiring and seamless Bluetooth capabilities.

“A lot of people in the Keys need help setting up their systems such as

when they move into a new home or start a business,” said Redmond. Along with installing the aforementioned systems, the company can help with wiring and Bluetooth solutions such as smart devices.

“Sometimes customers need help with the latest technology, and they may be hesitant because they don’t understand it,” Redmond said. “We are definitely here to help, as there really isn’t any technology we can’t handle.”

All Keys Computers and More functions as a comprehensive technology solutions provider, including proactive network monitoring to prevent issues before they arise; strategic IT consulting to align technology with business goals; and robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard valuable data.

To minimize costly downtime, All Keys offers not just reactive fixes, but also preventative maintenance, software updates and hardware upgrades to optimize performance and longevity. The company maintains a 24/7 emergency technician as a commitment to minimizing disruption, while phone support provides readily-accessible assistance for everyday technical queries.

“We understand that trying to get things done and repaired can be difficult and challenging living in the Keys as there are limited resources,” said store manager Delvis Carillo. “We want to be that one-stop shop for all your technology needs. Give us a call or stop on in and we can try and figure out a solution to whatever technology issue you are having. Even if it’s as simple as programming your robot vacuum or installing the latest air-conditioning thermostat – we are definitely here to help.”

All Keys Computers and More is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information is at allkeyscomputers.com, via email to info@allkeyscomputers.com or at 305-743-1875.

All Keys Computers’ Marathon storefront has everything from phone cases to drones, TVs and – of course – computers. PATTI CHILDRESS/Keys Weekly

MARATHON CINEMA MICKEY 17

NOW SHOWING FOR MORE INFO: 305.743.0288 ONLINE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MARATHONCINEMA.COM

SHOWTIMES: FRI, SAT, SUN & TUES 7PM MATINEE SUNDAY 2PM

5101 O/S HWY. MARATHON (BEHIND MARATHON LIQUOR)

COMMERCE CORNEr

Established in 2017, Ace Marine Detailing & Ceramic Coating provides gel coat restoration services, boat deep cleaning, ceramic coating installations, boat polishing and compounding. They also sell a ceramic coating product line called Kingdom Ceramic coating.

Owners Andrew and Lis Ellis attribute their success to their exceptional clientele base, whose loyalty and trust have been the cornerstone of the business. "By maintaining our focus, perseverance, and unwavering attention to detail, we have been able to consistently provide top-quality services that exceed our clients' expectations" says Ellis. Additionally, they stated they are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of their work to ensure that each and every client feels valued and appreciated. "We take pride in our ability to provide a personalized and exceptional experience, making Ace Marine Detailing the go-to choice for those seeking top-notch boat detailing services" said Ellis.

Andrew & Lis Ellis

305-720-8446

Acemarinedetailing@gmail.com www.acemarinedetailing.com www.kingdomceramicoatings.com

GREATER MARATHON CHAMBER OF COMMERECE 305.743.5417 • 1.800.262.7284 visitus@floridakeysmarathon.com www.floridakeysmarathon.com 12222 Overseas Highway • Marathon, FL 33050

WORTH THE WAIT

Never in doubt, the Original Marathon Seafood Festival was a hit

There’s a reason throngs of locals and visitors wait all year for the Original Marathon Seafood Festival. One year away from its 50th anniversary, “The Fest,” produced by the Organized Fishermen of Florida and the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce, made Marathon Community Park the unquestioned place to be on March 8 and 9. A sprawling array of nonprofits, service organizations and vendors offered more options than guests could shake their wallets at, while the beer flowed all day and the festival’s namesake grub was cooked up by those who know it best – Marathon’s top-shelf commercial fishermen, aided by an army of volunteers. When the sun sank low on Saturday, an all-day local music lineup gave way to the power ballads and classic rock songs of Monster, while the Marshall Morlock Band headlined Sunday’s tunes.

1. The Herb family chows down on some landlubbers’ grub.

2. Thomas Futch is having way too much fun.

3. SeaCamp’s Matt Bibbern, right, gives Shelby Smith, left, and Skyler Greyson an introduction to a hermit crab.

4. The Seafood Festival may be the name, but just as important is the ice-cold beer.

5. Penelope Perry is a fan of the smoothie booth.

6. Getting up close with the wildlife surrounding Pigeon Key is enough to put a smile on any kid’s face.

7. Ariella Dworniczak, left, Isabelle Wiseman, Kimber Remund and Adrianna Golding are on cleanup duty.

8. Harry Lebo shows off the festival’s traditional half lobsters.

9. Toni Appell enjoys her last Seafood Festival as a full-time Keys resident before moving on to new adventures.

Photos by NATALIE DANKO/Photo Design by Natalie. See more festival photos at keysweekly.com. ALEX RICKERT

THURSDAY, MAR 13

CANDICE 6:30PM

FRIDAY, MAR 14

FLORIDA FLOYD 3PM

TONY MANFREDI BAND 7PM

SATURDAY, MAR 15

MIKE ROONEY 3PM 79TH STREET BAND 7:30PM

SUNDAY, MAR 16

TONY MANFREDI 3PM

DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM

MONDAY, MAR 17

JOHNNY LIVE 3PM

TUESDAY, MAR 18

TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM WEDNESDAY, MAR 19 LUKE SOMMERS 6PM

• COLD BEER, COCKTAILS & INCREDIBLE SPECIALTY DRINKS

HIRING:

IRING:

THE EMERALD CITY

There will be streets of green in Key Colony Beach on Monday, March 17 at 5 p.m. as the city celebrates its annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade. As usual, the parade begins at Sunset Park, processing down West Ocean Drive and East Ocean Drive to First Street before looping back along the original route. All are welcome to participate in the parade or watch the festivities. Motorized vehicles will assemble at the 15th Street circle at 4 p.m., and walkers and bikers should meet at Sunset Park by 4:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up to participate, contact organizer Larry Smoot at moboatin24@gmail.com or 816-550-8560. ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly

• All unpaid 2024 property tax must be paid by March 31 to avoid delinquent penalties on April 1.

• The fourth and final 2024 installment property tax bill is due by March 31.

• A property that is being rented for six months or less must have a tourist development tax account.

• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our o ce. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted.

• A local business tax is required for ALL property rentals, regardless of how long they are being rented.

• We now o er duplicate and replacement concealed weapon permit transactions, as well as photograph and fingerprint only transactions, at our Key West Main O ce and Key Largo Branch O ce.

• We have launched a new feature on our website that provides a streamlined process for customers to have their electronically held vehicle/vessel titles printed and ready for express pickup in our o ce.

Follow us on for more imortant tax information.

Harbor to Refresh your Heart, Mind & Soul

What's Happening @ St. Columba Episcopal Church? March 14th - Marathon Monopoly Night 5:00 March 15th - Mutiny Vodka Mini Golf @ Porky's 9:30 am

St. Columba Episcopal Church 451 West 52nd St, Marathon Fl Join Us Sunday 9am or 11am St. Columba, a Safe

WATER PROJECT RESUMES AT TAVERNIER CREEK BRIDGE

One northbound lane remains open

Crews are replacing the old water main with a new, 36-inch steel pipe. FKAA/Contributed

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

As contractors continue installing new and larger water transmission lines on Islamorada’s Plantation Key, another crew began preparations to install a new pipe underwater at Tavernier Creek Bridge beginning on March 9.

Traffic heading north slowed as one U.S. 1 lane was shut down between Royal Poinciana and Ocean boulevards. FKAA said limited space in the Tavernier Creek Bridge area at MM 91 doesn’t allow enough room for the pipe to be installed along U.S. 1 and underwater at the same time.

Vehicles traveling south were unimpeded from the work at Tavernier Creek Bridge as two lanes remain open.

Motorists are still able to access the Old Highway from U.S. 1, although a “local traffic only” sign was posted for motorists accessing the Old Highway from U.S. 1 to reach Bessie Drive. Those driving north from Plantation Key Colony can still make a left-hand turn to get out onto U.S. 1.

Work to install a pipe underwater at Tavernier Creek Bridge originally kicked off Feb. 24. At that time, two northbound lanes were closed off, forcing traffic into a southbound lane. Traffic backups

spanning miles resulted in a brief postponement, as requested by state transportation officials on Feb. 25, in order to come up with a different plan to let traffic flow.

The new traffic pattern was recently approved by the Florida Department of Transportation in coordination with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Monroe County School District.

Contractors are replacing some 22,000 feet of aged pipe with a new, 36-inch steel water main. The new line is cathodically-protected, meaning an electrical current connected to the pipe holds negative ions to prevent corrosion. Pipes are being placed from Julep Road in Tavernier to Snake Creek Bridge in Islamorada.

While one crew is working at Tavernier Creek Bridge, another is working simultaneously at the south end of the project just north of Snake Creek Bridge. The crew will work during the day to install the pipe underwater; nighttime work may be needed from time to time.

FKAA says it will take two to three months for the pipe to be installed underwater at Tavernier Creek Bridge. After that, work to install the pipe along U.S. 1 in front of Plantation Key School and Coral Shores High School is scheduled to begin later in May.

AMPUTEE TURTLE RETURNS TO THE SEA

A lost flipper couldn’t deter a 220-pound green sea turtle’s return to her ocean home, as Marathon’s Turtle Hospital celebrated a successful offshore release of ‘JP Saul’ with the help of the U.S. Coast Guard on March 6. In February, two fishermen spotted the female turtle entangled in a stone crab trap off the Seven Mile Bridge, sparking a rescue by a combined Turtle Hospital and USCG crew. Despite exhaustive efforts – including laser treatments, broad spectrum antibiotics and even leech therapy – to save the turtle’s injured flipper from her entanglement wounds, the flipper was eventually amputated on JP’s road to recovery. Within a month, she was strong, swimming well and ready for her return. ‘It takes a village to save sea turtles, and the Turtle Hospital is most grateful for the incredible help from USCG Station Marathon, Florida Fish and Wildlife and the local community,’ the hospital said in a press release. TURTLE HOSPITAL/Contributed

UTTER

‘NUNSENSE’

Convent comedy takes the stage at Marathon Community Theatre

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

And now, for some biblical math.

If a bit of accidental food poisoning kills 52 nuns, but the Mother Superior went on a shopping spree and now only has the money to bury 48 of them, how much cash will it take to get the convent out of the jam?

Such is the dilemma for the Little Sisters of Hoboken in Marathon Community Theatre’s “Nunsense,” opening Thursday, March 13 at 8 p.m. With four of their sisters temporarily stored as nun-sicles in the freezer, Sister Mary Hubert (Kara Pascucci), Sister Robert Anne (Aubrey Kehn), Sister Mary Leo (Michelle Macoskey) and Sister Mary Amnesia (Destiny Lee) are paying the price for a splurge on smart TVs by the Mother Superior, Sister Mary Regina (Leigh Sanchez), throwing together a variety show to raise money and properly put their comrades six feet under.

“They’re the five hardest-working nuns in show biz,” said director Jerry Nussenblatt, who together with musical director Jaimie Roberts Gearhart

and choreographer Lisa Scobba molded the powerhouse vocal quintet in author Dan Goggin’s musical comedy.

All five actresses are experienced under the bright lights, whether honing their craft in dozens of past shows at MCT or bringing prior training in theater and dance to the local stage. So much so, Nussenblatt said, that in some cases he was able to take his hands off the wheel and wait to see what happened.

“A lot of what you see on stage, they came up with themselves,” he said, pointing to entire musical numbers and choreography sequences in which he made a conscious effort to give the cast extra ownership over their performances.

“I learn something from every single person here,” said Sanchez. “This is Michelle’s first musical, but if I didn’t have her next to me, I wouldn’t be able to dance.”

The show breaks the fourth wall with abandon in a musical designed to bring different laughs each night. It’s the convent’s variety show, after

all, and that means plenty of audience participation and “prize-winning” opportunities for MCT patrons. The line between the script and natural talent within the cast’s own ad-libs is blurry at best.

“There's not a whole lot of characterization in the script itself,” said Lee. “So a lot of it was just us experimenting and how to deliver subtext and backstory. … It’s never the same show two nights in a row.”

“In (MCT’s 2024 musical) ‘Disenchanted,’ there was a lot of talking TO the audience, but the audience wasn’t invited to talk back to us. It was like a one-way mirror,” said Kehn. “In ‘Nunsense,’ we NEED them to talk back to us.”

“They’re going to be quizzed,” laughed Sanchez.

“Nunsense” runs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through April 12, with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 30. Tickets are $38 and are available at marathontheater.org or by calling 305-743-0994.

The novice Sister Mary Leo (Michelle Macoskey) dreams of becoming the first ballerina nun.

Not much will contain the off-the-wall antics – or heavy New York accent – of Sister Robert Anne (Aubrey Kehn).

Sister Mary Amnesia (Destiny Lee) has loads of sass in her irreverent conversations with ‘Sister Mary Annette.’

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

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WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

Enjoy our daily specials like Homemade Soup or Chowder, Fresh Fish Sandwich or One of our Daily Specials while overlooking Florida Bay! Open for Lunch & Dinner Every Day!

RETAIL STORE

Fish, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!

2.5-year-old male Weimaraner mix.

Looking for: Cuddles, playtime, long walks and more cuddles.

Turnoffs: People keep passing on me because I’m “too big.”

SWIPE RIGHT

6-month-old male manx.

Looking for: I’m a playful, independent guy who wants to rule the roost.

Turnoffs: Don’t make fun of my short tail – I was born that way!

Shhhhhhhh - Don't tell Alex but we want to help him reach his fundraising goal! Never one to aim low, he's tackling 26.2 miles in the 129th Boston Marathon this April to raise $15,000 to combat cancer in the Dana-Faber Marathon Challenge.

If you would like to help in the ght against cancer scan the QR code to donate and email Alex@keysweekly.com to add a song to his running playlist.

— Sincerely, The Keys Weekly Sta

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.

KIKI

4-month-old male guinea pig.

Looking for: I’m looking for companionship from family or other guinea pigs.

Turnoffs: My old life wasn’t great. Let’s start a new one together.

BLIPPI

SALEM

asked if I would be interested in filling in “occasionally,” so here I am.

Back in “the real world” – that is, anywhere other than the Keys – I was an X-ray tech. The tour takers often assume I was a teacher. I assure them that all I ever said before this gig was, “Take a deep breath, hold it, and let it out!”

How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? We came to the Keys for the first time in the early ’80s. We were snowbirds here until about two years ago. The weather brought us here. The beautiful water, scenery and laidback ambiance made us stay.

What do you do for fun in the Keys and why do you love living here? I love live theater and music. Mostly, though, it’s the connection to nature like the bird watching, sunrises and sunsets and the night sky. The plant life is so different from up north. I like collecting sea beans and the sounds of nature.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH 11am - 2:30pm

JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

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 present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.

This week’s neighbor is C.T. Trzcinski, who gives history tours at Pigeon Key. She is a gifted historian who tells stories of what life was like on the island when Henry Flagler was developing the railway through the Keys back in the 1920s.

C.T. TRZCINSKI

Tour guide, Pigeon Key

How long have you been doing tours for Pigeon Key? What did you do before this? I started right after Irma in 2017 when several employees had to relocate from the Keys. The ones who were still in Marathon often had to take time off to deal with contractors and roofers. I had an annual pass for several years, and they

Who is the one person from history that you have a crush on and why? As I often tell my tours, I have a crush on Henry Flagler. He was an incredible visionary who experienced every high and low that life could throw at him. He handled it all with great grace. He was neither an angel nor a devil, just in between like all of us, trying to find our way.

What is the strangest food combination you have tried and liked? I have become obsessed with Tajin seasoning sprinkled on any melon. Who would have imagined a spicy chili, lime and salt seasoning would be great on melon?

If someone gave you a shark, what would you do with it? If presented with a shark I would gently release it back into the ocean – unless, of course, it was a blacktip, then it would be “fire up the grill” time.

What is your favorite board game and why? I love backgammon. It’s such an interesting balance of skill and chance. A skillful player will win in the long run, but chance can make anyone win a hand.

Sausage or bacon for breakfast and why? Bacon! Have you ever seen them make sausage? Gross!

How would you sell ice to an eskimo? I would sell blocks of ice as DIY igloo kits. Why spend hours chopping out ice blocks when we can deliver them to you all ready to go?

What’s one thing people don’t know about you? I’ve been Smokey the Bear (the costume character).

Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email: keysweeklyjen@gmail.com

Regular menu available and BRUNCH items including chorizo breakfast burrito, guava French toast, crab benedict and BOGO mimosas & glasses of sparkling wine

HAPPY HOUR

PROTECTING THE LOCALS

Keeping wild dolphins safe means keeping your distance

Behaviors like breaching, in which a dolphin goes airborne before crashing sideways back into the water, can be a sign that nearby boats are overstaying their welcome. Boaters should stay at least 50 yards away from dolphins. (Activities conducted under NMFS permit #27595.) DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER/Contributed

ABIGAIL HADDOCK www.keysweekly.com

Picture this: You’re out on the water, catching some fish for dinner in your prime spot when someone boats over, right on top of you. They’re loud, they’re close enough that you’re worried about a collision, and when you try to move, it seems like they’re following you. Do you stay and try to get your catch before moving on, or do you leave your prime spot for somewhere quieter, risking the possibility you won’t find the dinner you were hoping for?

Unfortunately, this is the reality for some Keys locals – the dolphins that call the Keys home. The field research team from Dolphin Research Center has been seeing multiple events of wild dolphins getting harassed, and even worse, are seeing the effects on the behavior of the local dolphin community.

Harassment includes feeding, harming, attempting to touch, swimming with, following or intentionally getting within 50 yards of wild dolphins. And while harassment of marine mammals is already illegal in the United States under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it seems many people don’t know or understand why it’s illegal to feed or get close to wild dolphins.

Humans pose the greatest risk to wild dolphins, and those risks get more severe when dolphins are habituated to people. Dolphins that have learned to beg for food from humans are some of the most at risk. Maybe some people think they're being nice, tossing a fish to a dolphin in the wild. But in doing so, they are setting that dolphin up for a dangerous and often tragic lifestyle.

Begging dolphins have a higher risk of boat strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, but also risk malnutrition from eating poor quality fish or inappropriate food and items handed to them. Begging dolphins also become nuisances for fishermen, as they have learned to follow boats in hopes of getting a handout, but can run into conflict with fishermen trying to get their work done. Dolphins can ruin fishermen’s opportunity for a good catch, and begging dolphins become more persistent around boats and even in some cases aggressive about stealing catches.

Dolphins in the Gulf have a high incident rate of injury from humans as well, including gunshot wounds, hunting arrow wounds and impalement from sharp objects.The offspring of mother dolphins who are fed by humans have a higher risk of dying, as they learn begging instead of hunting techniques.

At one point, the Dolphin Research Center field research team – the only team in the Middle Keys permitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service to carefully approach wild dolphins for population and health studies – watched as a jet ski tour separated a mom and her calf, chasing the baby in order to get close. After the research team called the tour guide over, the guide had no idea the tour had scared away mom, even though they knew they weren’t supposed to “harass” dolphins. The guide thought getting close didn’t qualify as harassment.

Humans interfere with natural wild dolphin behavior, even if the humans have good intentions. Dolphins need to rest, socialize, mate, nurse their young, catch their fish and avoid predators to survive in the wild. The presence of boats and swimmers interrupts these natural behaviors, and resting dolphins have to be alert when vessels come by. Boats are also stressful to marine mammals, and marine mammals in areas with higher boating traffic may show signs of chronic stress.

How can you be a good neighbor to our flippered Keys locals? Never feed wild dolphins. Don’t do it intentionally, and don’t discard unwanted catches when dolphins are nearby. Never chase or follow wild dolphins, and keep to at least the legal minimum distance of 50 yards. If dolphins approach your vessel, maintain your original course or go into neutral. If dolphins change their behavior, including slapping their tails, breaching on the water’s surface, breathing loudly (called “chuffing”), or changing their course, slowly leave the dolphins’ area, as these are all signs of disturbance. Be aware of when boats or shorelines may trap or separate animals. By being respectful and taking care of our wild dolphins here in the Keys, we also ensure these animals thrive in our shared home for generations to come.

Marine mammal violations can be reported to NOAA Fisheries' enforcement hotline at 800-853-1964. Information can be left anonymously.

Scan the QR code to see frequently asked questions on feeding and harassing wild marine mammals.

Now Hiring FINANCE MANAGER

The Keys Weekly Newspapers and Overseas Media Group are seeking an organized, detail-oriented and responsible professional to manage the organizations’ financial tasks including intercompany accounting while supporting an active sales team.

Qualified candidates are proficient with Quickbooks, possess great communication skills, are able to track income and expenses across multiple revenue streams along with the ability to create budgets and establish efficient processes.

This is a full time, salaried, administrative position with health benefits, IRA contributions and more. Send your confidential resume and credentials to jobs@keysweekly.com.

THE SHAMROCK SHELF

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCES, FAMILY DRAMA AND THE GREAT POTATO FAMINE. THREE OF MY FAVORITE EMERALD AUTHORS

WHAT HAPPENED TO NINA?

By Dervla McTernan

A young couple, in college, in love – the world is their oyster. Leanne and Andy Fraser never worried about their daughter Nina when she was with Simon. The Fraser family has known Simon forever – in their small Vermont town, everyone knew the wealthy Jordans. One day Nina and Simon go on a hiking trip to Stowe and spend the night in his parents’ vacation home an hour away. Simon returns the next day – and Nina does not. #WhatHappenedtoNina goes viral and becomes the biggest mystery this town has ever experienced. Simon’s story is filled with holes, but when his savvy parents hire a fancy PR firm, the internet goes wild and the search for Nina suddenly becomes national news. Local detectives are doing their best to follow the evidence, but the Jordans are quietly pulling all the strings. Each chapter, narrated from a different point of view, reveals the fascinating role the internet is playing with our lives and the lengths to which parents will go to protect their children. A fast-paced train wreck that twists and turns all the way to the truth. I could not put this one down.

First and foremost a reader, she has reviewed hundreds of books on her blog www. readingandeating. com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing.

CONFESSIONS

By Catherine Airey

In New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, the world changed and 16-year-old Cora

Brady became an orphan. After wandering for days, she posted flyers all over the city for her missing father Michael, who worked at Cantor Fitzgerald, high up in the towers. Cora knows he’s dead – this is just her way of saying goodbye. Her estranged Aunt Roisin is waiting for her in the small village of Burtonport, Ireland. Roisin and Cora’s mother Maire were as close as two sisters could be, until love and art tore them apart. In a silent standoff for years, Michael predicted Cora would someday need her aunt, and he was right. Cora arrives in Ireland, terrified and alone. The house looks haunted, and it’s identical to a house in the video game she loved as a child – a game where two sisters save the students in a creepy boarding school when they disappear. A deeply moving tale of three generations of women who truly love each other, yet struggle to face the truth. I loved this eclectic cast of characters and the poetic Irish voice of debut author Catherine Airey. An emotional family saga, beautifully written and brimming with creativity.

By Sarah Crossan

In 1845, Ireland experienced mass starvation and disease that lasted for seven years. Nell is 16 and works as a scullery maid in the big house owned by English Lord Wicken. Nell is at the top of her class, but as the eldest daughter in a poor farming family, there was never an option to be more than a servant. When her father’s crops fail, her paltry earnings are all they have. Nell meets Johnny and she is instantly smitten. He is Lord Wicken’s nephew and future heir. While Nell works in the mansion, she witnesses first-hand how the English respond to this Great Hunger, even when their beloved church offers no help. In the most unconventional prose I have ever read, this historical novel is told in verse. A lyrical journey describing one of the darkest times in history through the eyes of a young girl who is heartbreakingly losing everything at the same time she is falling in love.

#WorthWatching:

It’s Christmas time in 1985. A hardworking coal merchant in a small Irish town discovers a dark secret at the local convent. This quiet simple man, a father of five, must find the courage to do the right thing. “Small Things Like These” is a heartfelt historical drama (and incredible book by Claire Keegan), currently on Apple TV.

WHERE THE HEART SHOULD BE

KAREN NEWFIELD

BRIEFLY

Keys Watercolor Society hosts paint day, exhibit

The Florida Keys Watercolor Society will host a painting day on Tuesday, March 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Columba Episcopal Church hall, located at 451 52nd Street in Marathon. Participants should bring supplies, something to cover a table and a $10 contribution to the church. The society is also holding an art exhibition in the Marathon Community Theatre lobby, located at 5101 Overseas Hwy., through April 12. The public may view the gallery from noon to 4 p.m. on weekdays or see the pieces by attending the theatre’s musical “Nunsense.”

Marathon Youth Club thanks Pops co-ed softball tourney

The Marathon Youth Club extends a huge thank you to Bambi Kuck and all the softball teams, team sponsors and volunteers who participated in and supported the annual Pops Adult Co-ed Softball Tournament. The club is truly grateful for the generous $2,500 donation to the MYC, which helps to provide recreational opportunities for young athletes in the community. Pictured are minors baseball players, coaches, Kuck (standing, center) and MYC board members. Photo contributed.

Sheriff’s office to hold vehicle auction

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will be auctioning off multiple surplus vehicles via sealed bids next month. There will be a viewing of all the vehicles for sale on Tuesday, April 8 from 8 to 10 a.m. and Thursday, April 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the MCSO headquarters building at 5525 College Road on Stock Island. Bidding instructions and forms are available at keysso.net or at the MCSO headquarters building. All bids must be received by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16. The bids will be opened publicly at 10:30 a.m. on April 16 at the Stock Island headquarters building. The sheriff’s office makes no representation or guarantee of mechanical condition. All sales are as is, where is. The link to the web page with auction information will be posted at www.keysso.net/auction.

Miami man arrested in Marathon burglaries

A 40-year-old Miami Springs man was arrested March 5 for alleged thefts in Marathon. Jose Enrique Pons was charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling, theft, trespassing, wearing a mask or hood while committing a crime and being a violent career offender in possession of a concealed weapon. The sheriffs’ office responded to Sombrero Beach Road at about 7 p.m. after witnesses reported the suspect walked onto the property, went under the house and stole beers and a fishing rod. Deputies were also called to the Winn-Dixie supermarket regarding a theft in progress, whereupon Pons was confirmed as the same suspect in both cases. Three knives were found concealed under his clothing, MCSO said. Pons had a warrant out of Miami-Dade County as well as a criminal history with a litany of felony convictions, many of them involving firearms- and weapons-related offenses.

Garden Club invites scholarship applicants

Marathon High School collegebound seniors are invited to apply for the Nancy Miller Garden Club Scholarship. The scholarship is for a student with an interest in the environment, horticulture and science who intends to major in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The application is under the “CCAPS Scholarship Opportunities” tab on the Marathon High School website, with hard copies available at the high school. Applications are due Wednesday, April 9. The award will be presented at the high school on Class Night.

MLKAR offers scholarships for graduating seniors

The Marathon and Lower Keys Association of Realtors is offering four college scholarships of $1,250 each for graduating seniors. These scholarships are open to any graduating senior who lives between Layton and Saddlebunch Key, regardless of where they attended school or if they are homeschooled. An essay for the scholarship application must be typed, doublespaced and contain no more than 500 words on the following topic: How do you perceive Realtors as being an asset to the economy and our community? Interested students should check their high school websites and call or email MLKAR at 305-743-2485 or ceo@mlkar. com for essay guidelines. The deadline to submit essays is April 15.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Mon - Fri 11am to Close Sat & Sun 10am to Close

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

... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.

Iknow it is anthropomorphic, and therefore wrong, to think of terns as classier versions of gulls. In the proper scientific sense, class should only be considered in the taxonomic sense. But I have found it impossible, over the years, to not think of them that way.

Gulls and terns are all in the larid family but, like a house divided, they are in different subfamilies.

Gulls are jacks of all trades, and near masters of most of them. Sure, they can pluck fish from the sea, crabs from the beach and crickets from the grass. And they can raid the nests of other species, eating eggs and the occasional chick. But they will also Dumpster-dive, raid landfills, and steal fish from the beaks of pelicans or ibis, as well the occasional French fry from the hand of an unsuspecting toddler.

Terns, though, don’t fool around with such truck. They know what they are about. They eat fish, plucked from the surface of the water, and only fish. And maybe the occasional shrimp or other crustacean.

Also, where gulls are often mottled and a bit scruffy looking, terns are sleek and sharply plumed in grays and blacks and whites, looking ready to head off to a well-heeled dinner party at any moment.

I didn’t go down to the Reynolds Street Pier the other day to see terns. You can pretty much see them any time you want here. I went down looking for a somewhat rare bird called a neotropical cormorant, which had been reported on eBird, though with a pretty dodgy photo.

There was a group of six or eight tourists, all women, taking iPhone pictures of each other with the blue, blue ocean in the background. I sat on a bench so as not to interrupt their photo session. But impatience got the better of me after 10 or 15 minutes and I eventually excuse me-ed through them to get to the railing at the end of the pier.

Reynolds Street Pier used to be about twice as long as it is now, continuing on straight for a few yards before turning left toward White Street Pier. All that’s left of that section now are the old rusting pilings which extend a few inches to a few feet above the waterline.

Birds were arranged one each along the old pilings.

Neotropic cormorants are a size or so smaller than our usual double-crested cormorants. They also have a white marking that looks like a greater-than sign (>) that outlines the gape of their mouth.

One of the cormorants on the pilings did look a little smaller, though size perception is often not a trustworthy thing. And when it lifted its head and gave me a solid profile, there was no white outlining its gape. It was just another double-crested.

A few pilings down there was a trio of adult pelicans with white and saffron yellow heads that looked neat and trim and ready for the upcoming breeding season. One of them was preening the underside of its wing with its long bill, which made me think of someone trying to scratch an armpit by holding a long ruler in its mouth.

And then there was a trio of royal terns on the nearest pilings.

Royal terns are the default terns in the Florida Keys. They are also the easiest to identify. The most obvious field mark is their sturdy-looking orange bill – orange as a safety vest, a traffic cone, a navel orange. Next it’s the gray wings folded over the white body. Both sexes look alike.

The one I was looking at was in breeding plumage and had a black cowl that came down just below its black eyes, kind of like Zorro’s mask. It had just enough of a crest that it looked a little bit punk, but not so much it couldn’t still get a job. In non-breeding plumage, the black cowl recedes like a hairline, making the eyes far more visible, but the crest remains, giving the tern the look of a middleaged middle manager who wants you to know he’s still got it.

Royal terns do have something of a regal bearing, as they spend a lot of time staring off into the distance, not acknowledging the other creatures around them. But the name royal was given in reference to them being the largest of

ROYAL AND CLASSY BIRDS

the terns. In their scientific name, Thalasseus maximus, maximus also refers to them being the largest of the terns. (Thalasseus essentially means “of the sea.”)

Despite the common and Latin names, though, royal terns are not the largest of the terns. Caspian terns are.

We get Caspian terns down here on occasion. I think I saw eight of them last year, up on Blimp Road on Cudjoe, as opposed to the hundreds, if not thousands, of royal terns I saw. They generally have a blood-red bill that sometimes darkens to black at the very tip, something that is easy for the modern birder to distinguish.

Oddly, John Audubon confused the two species all his life, conflating them into a third species he called the Cayenne tern.

Royal terns breed in a few places in Florida, primarily on spoil islands on the Gulf Coast up near Tampa and points north, but also near Jacksonville. They don’t breed in the Keys but are always here in pretty good numbers. I can’t remember a time I’ve walked out on Reynolds Street Pier and not seen at least a half-dozen.

Why do we have so many of them here if they don’t nest here? Royal terns don’t breed until they are at least 4 years old. I don’t notice a lot of immature birds here, but they are indistinguishable from mature birds, at least to us, after the first year. So it’s possible we see a lot of young birds here.

It’s also unclear if royal terns breed every year or, if like albatrosses, they mostly breed every other year.

For whatever reason we see so many of them here, I’m glad. They really class up the place — at least compared to the gulls.

A royal tern seen recently off Reynolds Street Pier. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

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Having Fun in the Middle Keys

Aerial view of the railroad fill between Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower Matecumbe Key in 1929, looking at Upper Matecumbe Key. HUGH MATHESON COLLECTION/University of Miami digital archive

Trains, cars and islands

THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP: THE FILLS

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

On a map (yikes, I’m dating myself) or GPS, the fills and bridges connecting Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower Matecumbe Key are excellent examples of how looks can be deceiving. The 2.5-mile stretch has more to share than it might seem.

In the beginning, the space between the two islands was a vast, open, watery expanse. However, Henry Flagler and his men changed that. The conduit that linked the two islands, the railroad fill, was created using dredges to scoop up the soggy bottom and dump it along a relatively straight line. When sufficient land had been created, the train tracks were hammered into place atop the strip of marl and fill. The train steamed, rocked and rolled down the middle of the fill.

There was a time when both the train and cars rolled over the fill at the same time. The first version of the Overseas Highway opened to automobile traffic in 1927. When it did, the road paralleled the railroad tracks but ran closer to the bayside edge of the fill. The modern highway follows the general path that the train once did.

The train stopped running in 1935 when the Category 5 Labor Day Hurricane raged over the islands and punched holes in Flagler’s line of railroad fill connecting the two islands. It did much worse things, too. When the second version of the Overseas Highway opened in 1938, the span between the Matecumbe Keys was no longer a 2.5-mile stretch of fill. It had been augmented with four automobile bridges.

The first crossed the narrow Tea Table Key Relief Channel and connected Upper Mate-

cumbe Key to the first section of Flagler’s old railroad fill. It is the shortest of the bridges. The name Tea Table is used because of the little island that is just east of the fill. In 1772, the DeBrahm chart identified it as Boys for unknown reasons. On a 1775 chart, George Gauld named it Umbrella Cay. He called it that because of a large, umbrella-shaped tree growing on the island. It became “Teatable” for the first time in the late 1830s, during the second escalation of the Seminole War when, from 1837-1840, the island served as the U.S. Naval Depot Fort Paulding. It was not the only island visible on this short stretch that once served as a military outpost.

Tea Table Key was connected to the Overseas Highway by a causeway circa 1955. The island is privately owned and currently serves as a high-end rental property – hence the gate that is visible when driving past.

Beyond the story of Tea Table Key, the drive over this chunk of fill is brief and rather unremarkable before the road passes over the next channel and the Tea Table Channel Bridge. On the other side is the largest section of the old railroad fill, Indian Key Fill. Like Tea Table, the name Indian Key shows up a lot at this particular spot in the Florida Keys. It is used to identify a section of the fill, the next channel, and the next bridge.

The namesake is the small island sitting in the Atlantic shallows about one mile offshore. Also, on Indian Key Fill is a public kayak launch with five or six parking spaces. Approaching the next bridge, Indian Key sits out in the water like a postcard image. At about 11 acres, what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in local history. Believe it or not, there was a time when Indian Key was the most important island in the Florida Keys not named Key West.

In 1835, it was home to a village of about 140 people. There was a carpenter shop, blacksmith, wharves, two general stores, two threestory warehouses, a restaurant, a hotel and a nine-pin bowling alley. It was also the site of the southernmost attack during the Seminole

War and, like Tea Table Key, served as a military base during the second escalation of the Indian War.

Today, the island is home to Indian Key Historic State Park, one of the great Florida Keys gems hiding in plain sight. Though it is only accessible by boat or kayak, visiting it is like stepping back in time. Ruins of the old wrecking village from the 1830s can be seen. Park rangers, too, have placed interpretive panels at important sites around the island.

Indian Key is not the only state park on the horizon. While driving over the Indian Key Channel Bridge, the substantially larger Lignumvitae Key, on the bayside, is also an under-appreciated state park.

Early Spanish charts called it “Cayo de las Lena,” or Firewood Key. On a 1765 British map, it is Jenkinson Island. The name Lignum Vitae Key first appeared on a 1772 chart. The island is named after the lignum vitae tree (Guaicum sanctum), which is said to have grown in the Garden of Eden and is sometimes called the holy tree or the Tree of Life. Some say the Holy Grail was carved from its wood.

Lignumvitae is one of the heaviest hardwood trees and is prone to sinking, not floating. It is exceedingly dense, strong and practically inflammable — as far as wood goes. One thing that makes the island special is that it is one of the few that has retained its virgin hammock. After the state purchased the island in the early 1970s, it was designated Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site and has been protected ever since.

After the arching Indian Key Bridge, there is a short span of fill before crossing Lignumivate Key Channel, and the last bridge before the road rolls past one of the last great roadside attractions, Robbie’s Marina, and onto Lower Matecumbe Key.

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

Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.

Founded by Betty Debnam

Glaciers Feel the Heat

Dyou play outside today? You might have been thirsty when you came inside. A long drink of cool water, whether from a water fountain or the kitchen faucet, probably tasted great.

That drink of water might not have seemed like a big deal to you, but for millions of people around the world, it would have been a dream come true.

Each year, the United Nations recognizes World Water Day on March 22. This year, the theme of World Water Day is Glacier Preservation. This week, The Mini Page learns more about glaciers and preserving our water.

WHAT’S A GLACIER?

A glacier is a large body of ice that moves down a slope, pulled by its own weight. Glaciers form over many years where snow and ice accumulate more than they melt or evaporate.

Glaciers are crucial for life. They're like giant frozen reservoirs of fresh water. As they melt, they provide water for drinking, agriculture, industry, energy production and healthy ecosystems.

TOO MUCH MELTING

Today, glaciers are melting faster as the planet gets warmer. As glaciers melt, they can contribute to flooding, droughts, landslides and rises in sea level. These changes can threaten human communities and animal habitats.

WATER FACT-A-ROONIES

• About 70% of the world’s fresh water is in snow or ice.

Glaciers also help regulate Earth's climate by reflecting sunlight and heat back into the atmosphere. When they melt, the darker landscape absorbs heat, and temperatures rise.

TRY ’N’ FIND

AGRICULTURE, ATMOSPHERE, CLIMATE, CLOUDS, DRINKING, DROUGHT, ENERGY, EVAPORATE, FLOOD, FRESH, GLACIER, HEAT, ICE, MELT, PRESERVATION, SEA LEVEL, SNOW, WATER.

• Almost 2 billion people rely on water from glaciers for drinking, agriculture and energy.

• Today's average sea level is almost 8 inches higher than it was in 1900.

• In 2023, glaciers lost more than 600 gigatons of water.

• The same amount of water exists on Earth today as when the planet was formed more than 4.5 billion years ago!

• If all the glaciers melted, sea levels might rise by almost 200 feet! This could flood entire cities on the coasts.

SAVING GLACIERS

Scientists believe that if people can limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, we can slow the melting of glaciers and keep water flowing in places that might dry up otherwise.

Words that remind us of glaciers are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:

THE WATER CYCLE

Most decisions about water use are made by ordinary people, such as farmers and factory managers.

Experts say children who learn about water at a young age can become leaders in meeting our planet’s challenges. We can begin with the water cycle. Here’s how it works:

1. The sun shines on lakes, rivers, streams and oceans. Heat turns water into invisible water vapor. This is called evaporation

2. The vapor rises into the sky, where it cools. When it gets cold enough, the vapor turns into clouds. This is condensation. Air currents move clouds all around the Earth.

3. The clouds get cooler. Tiny drops of water vapor turn into rain, snow, sleet or hail. We call this precipitation. Snow may melt and turn into runoff, which flows into rivers and the ocean, as well as into the ground.

4. Most precipitation falls back into the ocean, but some falls on land. Most of the water eventually finds its way back into the ocean through rivers and underground sources. Some of the runoff seeps into the ground. Plants use the water, and it evaporates from their leaves.

RESOURCES

On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPwater2025

At the library:

• “Glaciers” by Martha London

• “Glaciers Are Alive” by Debbie S. Miller

• “Meltdown: Discover Earth’s Irreplaceable Glaciers and Learn What You Can Do To Save Them” by Anita Sanchez

ECO NOTE

Earth’s magnetic North Pole, which has been moving northward and eastward for nearly 200 years, is now shifting toward Siberia after accelerating to speeds of up to 30 miles per year in the 2000s, though it has recently slowed to 22 miles per year. This movement is caused by changes in Earth’s outer core, where liquid iron creates the magnetic field and shifts the pole as magnetic forces change. Most people won’t notice changes on their compasses, as annual variations are minimal.

Mini Fact: The A23a iceberg has been in the news lately. It's floating toward South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands.

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LASER FOCUS

Monroe County squads face off on the track | P.4

SCOREBOARD

Marathon Baseball Glades Day 3/3 W, 13-2

Coral Shores Baseball ABF Homestead 3/3 W, 3-2

Coral Shores Softball Miami Christian 3/3 L, 24-0

Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Palmer Trinity 3/3 L, 19-0

Marathon Softball Colonial Christian 3/3 W, 29-14

Key West Baseball St. Thomas Aquinas 3/4 W, 10-3

Marathon Baseball Riviera Prep 3/4 W, 23-0

Coral Shores Baseball Hialeah 3/4 W, 6-3

Marathon Softball Lourdes Academy 3/4 L, 7-5

Coral Shores Girls Lacrosse Westminster Christian 3/4 L, 14-4

Key West Boys Lacrosse Coral Shores 3/5 W, 8-7

Coral Shores Girls Lacrosse Miami Country Day 3/6 L, 13-7

Key West Girls Lacrosse Palmer Trinity 3/6 W, 9-7

Marathon Baseball Ransom Everglades 3/6 W, 4-1

Marathon Softball Mater Bay Academy 3/7 L, 12-5 Key West Boys Lacrosse Ransom Everglades 3/7 L, 11-7

Key West Softball Ransom 3/8 W, 15-0

Key West Baseball Westminster Christian 3/8 W, 6-5

Marathon Baseball JC Bermudez Doral 3/8 L, 2-1

Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Ransom Everglades 3/8 W, 8-7 Key

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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3/14

3/14 Key West

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3/17 Key West Softball

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WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS ON THE COVER

Hurricane Xavier Johnson battles it out in the 110 hurdles at a March 4 home meet against Key West, Marathon and South Dade High School. Coral Shores ended the day as the top-performing boys team. See page 4. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

PILOTO

She is motivational to her teammates during timeouts and in between quarters. She is always positive, cheering her fellow teammates on and encouraging them to dig deeper for a little bit longer!”

– Marisa Giacopuzzi, head coach

Key West enjoyed back-to-back lacrosse wins last week, and a big piece of their success was senior captain Kaitlyn Piloto. Piloto delivered in both games, scoring four goals against Palmer, then three more plus an assist at Gulliver.

goals in two games assist

“Her consistency was unstoppable. Neither team could shut her down,” said head coach Marisa Giacopuzzi, who praised Piloto as much for her contributions to the team’s motivation as for her athleticism.

For clutch performances when it mattered most and keeping her team’s hopes of winning and their spirits alive in close matchups, Key West’s Kaitlyn Piloto is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Kaitlyn

Senior, Key West Girls Lacrosse Midfielder

Photo by: MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.

sean

grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.

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SHOWDOWN IN THE UPPER KEYS

Conchs dominate Falcon Relays

Monroe County’s three varsity track and field teams joined South Dade High School at Coral Shores for a meet on March 4. South Dade took the top spot in team points in both the boys and girls events. Coral Shores was the top-scoring Keys team in boys events, with Marathon claiming that honor in the girls events. Key West traveled light, bringing a limited roster.

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The Hurricane boys had two first-place finishers on their home track. Sean Harm won the 100- and 200-meter races, finishing the 100 in 11.86 seconds and the 200 in 23.96. Alaric Rodriguez was first in the 800-meter race, completing the two laps in 2:10. The Dolphin boys had six first-place winners, though four of them had to settle for sharing their honors. Tony Bursa crossed the line first in the 1,600-meter race. Bursa outkicked teammate Lucian Burns by less than a tenth of a second, finishing in 5:08. Older brother Vance Bursa opted for the two-mile race, completing the eight-lap event in 10:36. In a four-way tie for first place, Dolphin high jumpers Daeshawn Holmes and Louis Jeune cleared 5’5.75”,

tracy mcdonald

mcdonald

splitting the points with a pair of South Dade jumpers. And in boys pole vault, Marathon’s Maverick McDonald and Cullen Coleman-Sayer tied for first with 7’10.5” vaults.

For the girls, Marathon’s Daysi Williams and Justice Lee were dual winners. Williams was first in the 200-meter race, finishing in 28.36 seconds, then cleared the bar at 5’1.75” in the high jump. Lee’s 34’4” shot put mark and 108’11” discus toss were good for a pair of firsts. The Lady Fins’ final first was Ava Merryman, who cleared 8’6.25” in the pole vault event.

Coral Shores’ Ali Wheatley was a dual winner, with firsts in the 800- and 1,600-meter events. Wheatley crossed the line in the 800 in 2:39, then took another four laps to finish the 1,600 in 6:02. The Lady ’Canes had another first-place finisher, Julieanna Oddo, who finished the 100-meter high hurdles in 22.02 seconds. Key West’s Jordan Greene claimed a first for the Lady Conchs, landing a 30’2” triple jump to grab 10 points for her team.

Key West and Marathon sent squads to Palmer Trinity School on March 7 to compete at the annual Falcon Relays. When the final event was completed, Key West’s boys were

first out of a field of 17 teams. The Lady Conchs one-upped them, beating out 18 for the top spot.

Jeff Dejean was busy, winning the long jump with a leap of 21’6”. Dejean also ran a leg of Key West’s winning 4x100 team, which also included Shane Lavallee, Walson Morin and Jayden Gist. Gist, Lavallee and Morin then teamed up with Leo Batista to claim first in the 4x200. Ian Newton cleared 13’3.5” to take first in pole vault, while Josh Johnson won the shot put with a throw of 45’9” and Noah Mercer tossed the discus 137’6” for another first in the field events.

The Lady Conchs’ Audrey Smith won two individual events. Smith was first in discus with a 108’8” toss and first in javelin with a best distance of 124’7”. Jordan Greene won the triple jump event, leaping 30’11”. Greene then teamed up with Mirakle Humphrey, Capri Miner and Katelyn Sambrana for a first in the 4x200. Caylaa Makimaa went the distance, winning the 1,600-meter race in 5:29. Alyssandra Camargo, Ariel Newton, Lilia Mook and Naima Thomas won the 4x100 relay for the Lady Conchs’ final top finish at the meet.

Marathon had a strong showing, with five individual winners at Palmer. Mikail Marshall outsprinted a field of 56, winning the 100-meter dash in 11.50 seconds. Vance Bursa won the 1,600-meter race in 4:47 and Fab Louis Jeune took first with 5’9.75” in high jump. Daysi Williams cleared 4’9.75” to win the girls high jump and Justice Lee’s best shot toss landed 34’7.75” away for the best throw of the day in that event.

4.

Conchs, Dolphins and Hurricanes vie for Monroe County supremacy at a track meet at Coral Shores High School on March

DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

KEY WEST AND CORAL SHORES SWAP COURT WINS

Marathon doubles team bests Palmer

Key West’s tennis players traveled to Coral Shores on March 4, where the Lady Conchs defeated the Lady ’Canes on their home court 5-2. Eva Drozdetskaia and Gabriela Aguero won the Nos. 1 and 2 singles matches and Leyla Atilla won at the No. 4 spot. Drozdetskaia and Aguero won at No. 1 doubles and Hamida Muhsinova teamed up with Atilla to win the second doubles match.

The Hurricane boys defended their home court, winning 4-3 against Key West. Zach Bolano won the No. 2 singles spot and Tony Khioni beat out his competitor for a win at No. 5 singles. Aidan Athouse and Bolano won the No. 1 doubles match and Jaden Heilbron and Rory MacEachern did the same in No. 2 doubles to make it four wins for the Hurricanes. Key West’s three points came from Andrei Lehene in the No. 1 singles match, John Picco at the No. 3 spot and Ben Delostrinos at No. 4.

Key West hosted Marathon two days later. The Conchs showed no love for the Lady Fins, sweeping all five singles and both doubles matches. Aguero, Hamida Muhsinova, Campbell Fischer, Avery Batty and Amina Erik won the No. 1 through 5 singles matches, respectively. Muhsinova and Fisher teamed up in No. 1 doubles and Monea McLeod and Durdona Oblokulova worked together in No. 2 doubles to make it a clean 7-0 for the Lady Conchs. Aguero, a senior, was the lone upperclassman representing Key West; all other athletes on the girls team that day were freshmen.

In boys action, the Conchs won 5-2 against the Fins. Key West’s John Picco, Nathaniel Bergh and Wyatt Bartels enjoyed a home-court advantage and beat their opponents in singles action. Bergh teamed up with Hubert Konopka to win in the first doubles match, then Bartels and Ben Delostrinos pooled their skills to win the second doubles match for five Key West wins. Anthony Iarocci and Kasimir Kryzpkowski got Marathon on the scoreboard with wins in the Nos. 4 and 5 singles spots.

Kryzpkowski and Matthew Delgado teamed up a day prior to win the No. 2 doubles match against Palmer Trinity in a hard-fought match against one of South Florida’s premiere tennis teams.

Alfredo Corrales dons his FHSAA 1A State Championships fourthplace medal. CONTRIBUTED

MEDAL MAN

Key West’s Corrales earns fourth place in Kissimmee

Top Florida wrestlers gathered in Kissimmee’s Silver Spurs Arena March 6-8 to grapple their way through the brackets at the FHSAA State Championships. Eight Keys wrestlers qualified for the event, including Coral Shores’ Costa Tuttle, Sebastian McCoy and David Beltran plus Key West’s Abram Canet, Jake Ferguson, James Searcy, Maria Halushka and Alfredo Corrales. Corrales, FHSAA’s 1A Region 4 champ, battled his way to a fourth-place state medal to cap off a stellar career with the Conchs. Corrales, who competed in this year’s 175-pound classification, holds the school record for most career wins with 150 and most pins with 94.

The Conchs’ Johnny Picco stretches for a return. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

Marathon’s Maleeya Abraham hits the ball.

Marathon’s Tanner Ross, left, Max Childress and Damian Stasiewicz are consistently taking the top three spots at recent weightlifting meets. Collectively, the trio benched 790 pounds last week. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

LEGENDARY LIFTS

Fins and ’Canes crush Gulliver in boys weightlifting showdown

With the district meet within sight, local lifters have maxouts on their minds. Despite heavy plates stacked on both ends, the bars are set high. Marathon’s Tanner Ross and Max Childress continue to show off gains each week, gradually pulling away from the rest of the pack in the Sinclair coefficient, an algorithm that evenly matches up athletes despite weight and age differences.

Ross has a narrow edge over Childress with just a few points between the teammates. Damian Stasiewicz has been a consistent third, making for an exciting upcoming postseason for Marathon’s boys team.

Ross had the highest total lifts at Gulliver Prep on March 5. The senior strongman, who competes in the 219-pound category, combined a 270-pound clean and jerk with a 280-pound bench press for a total of 550 pounds in the traditional category. Ross also won the Olympic event in his weight class, and despite being two weight classes below the most massive lifters, Ross consistently outlifts them.

Childress, who barely qualifies for the 199-pound class at 185 pounds, does plenty of outlifting of his own. The junior put together 255 pounds in the clean and 260 on the bench for a grand total of 515 pounds in traditional lifts. Childress also won the Olympic event, making him a double winner last week, too.

Stasiewicz and Eduardo Garcia were Marathon’s other double winners. Stasiewicz competes at 169 pounds while Garcia does his heavy lifting at 238. The four Fins’ wins in both traditional and Olympic lifting helped boost Marathon in team points to place first at the meet. Coral Shores edged out Gulliver Prep for second in both events.

Other local athletes winning at Gulliver included Marathon’s Chase Leird (119 pounds), Matthias Martinez-Velez (154) and Roland Gonzalez (183), who all placed first in the traditional event at their weights.

Coral Shores’ Kristers Vutnans won the Olympic event, splitting the 139-pound weight class with teammate Roger Sandino, who won in traditional. Xavier Johnson was the final ’Canes winner, taking first in Olympic lifts at 183 pounds.

Local lifters will finish their regular season meets this week, then head to Doctors Charter School on March 26 for FHSAA’s 1A District 16 championships.

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FINS CRACK

40 RUNS IN 3 GAMES

Marathon’s Dylan Williams racked up 10 hits last week for the Fins. CONTRIBUTED

Hurricanes go Category 6 against opponents; Conchs win 3 of 4

An explosive offense powered a three-win week for the Marathon Dolphins baseball team, starting with a March 3 road trip to face the Gators of Glades Day. The game would be the Dolphins’ first test in their new FHSAA 1A Rural district, and the resounding 13-2 win bodes well for the Fins in their new classification. Gavin Leal drove in five runs off three hits to lead the charge for Marathon. Dylan Williams also registered three hits, three RBIs and a pair of the Fins’ six total stolen bases. Williams also earned the win on the mound, fanning six batters, walking one and allowing no hits in three innings. Jason Stubblefield tossed two innings of relief.

The next night, the Fins flooded Riviera Prep with 23 unanswered runs over four innings in a mercy-rule win over the Bulldogs. Leal and Williams led the Fins offensively again with three hits each. Two of Leal’s knocks were doubles, and Williams tripled. Jack Chapman, Shane Dieguez and Mason Thornton all had two hits apiece. The Dolphins amassed 21 hits from 14 different athletes. Gabe Leal earned the win for Marathon, pitching two innings before Shane Dieguez came in to close it out for the Fins.

Two nights later, Marathon hosted Ransom Everglades in a much closer matchup. The Dolphins bested the Raiders 4-1 off six hits, with two each from Williams and Gabe Leal. Drew Suarez stole a pair of bases to keep Ransom on their toes. Mason Thornton tossed six innings, striking out five, walking three and giving up three hits. Williams struck out two in an inning of relief. The Fins’ four-game win streak came to a halt on March 8, when the Thunder of JC Bermudez Doral came. The Thunder found themselves trailing by one in the top of the sixth inning when they took advantage of a pair of hits and a hit batter to score two runs. The Dolphins left two base runners stranded in the bottom of the sixth, but things looked brighter in inning seven when Williams started things off with a single and quickly advanced to second on a wild pitch. That would be the only base action the Fins saw, though, and the 3A Thunder went home with a 2-1 win over the Fins.

Williams’ two hits made it 10 for the week for the sophomore, and Jack Chapman added a pair of hits to the team’s total of seven. Gabe Leal pitched six and one-third innings, striking out six, walking one and surrendering five hits. Williams pitched two-thirds of an inning, striking out both batters he faced.

Coral Shores improved to 7-1-1 last week, picking up their fifth and sixth consecutive wins. The first victim would be the visiting Bandits of ABF Academy Homestead. Campbell Lavoie was masterful on the mound, striking out a dozen Bandits, walking three and surrendering six hits over six and two-thirds innings. He would face 30 of 32 batters before having to come out due to pitch count, handing the ball to Riley O’Berry to seal the win.

“I do not like to throw guys that long but he was in a groove and kept getting stronger each inning,” said Hurricane coach Joe Szymanski.

Offensively, senior AJ Putetti was 3-4 at the plate, driving in two of the Hurricanes’ three runs. Derek Ramos had two hits, a single and a double, and O’Berry added two base hits to the Coral Shores’ 10 total. The team pulled off the 3-2 win with patience and some savvy. The game was tied at zero until the third, when the Bandits took a 2-0 lead. Coral Shores tied it up in the bottom of the fourth, then waited to strike in inning six to come ahead and hold on for the win.

“The team is starting to realize that there are specific things they need to do at the plate depending on the circumstances,” Szymanski said. “They are not going up there and just swinging away – they are doing their job at the plate.”

O’Berry, Thiery and Derek Ramos all saw action on the mound, holding the Thoroughbreds to just four hits. Pitching, in general, has been outstanding for the Hurricanes this season, and Szymanski attributed much of the team’s stellar record thus far to his hurlers.

“The pitching staff has been remarkable up until now,” he said. “If they keep performing like that, we will be hard to beat.”

The Conchs made an unusual mid-week road trip to play the Raiders of St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale. Key West scored two in the top of the first, then opened the floodgates in inning five, crossing home seven times via six hits, three walks, a sacrifice bunt and a hit batter. The rally was too much for the Raiders to overcome and the Conchs held on for a resounding 10-3 win. Key West’s 10-hit total was fueled by Jackson Bernhard’s two base hits. Sam Holland and Caden Pichardo each doubled in the win. Jon Carlos Lampas Gormley earned the win for Key West, pitching for four innings, then Christian Koppal stepped in to seal the deal.

On March 7, the Conchs hosted Westminster Christian for the first of a two-game series. The Warriors struck first, scoring one run in the second inning. Things looked good for Key West in the fourth frame, when they collected two of their three hits, but both base runners were left stranded. The Warriors added runs in the fifth and seventh to beat the Conchs 5-0. Pichardo, Kade Maltz and Roman Garcia each had a base hit in the loss.

The following afternoon, Key West put the first run on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first, then added two more in the second. However, the Warriors amassed five runs by the top of the fifth to pull ahead. Key West narrowed the lead to one in the bottom of the sixth, then put together an exciting series of events in the bottom of the seventh. Jackson Bernhard walked, then advanced to second on a Warrior pick-off attempt error. Nelson Ong’s sacrifice bunt sent Bernhard to third, but two outs put the comeback in jeopardy. Roman Garcia then got on first the hard way, getting hit by a pitch and taking his base.

Caden Pichardo, whose bat has been consistent lately, sent a hard line drive into center field, scoring Bernhard and Garcia for the walk-off win. Lampas-Gormley earned the win, throwing three and two-thirds innings after stepping in for starter Christian Koppal. Koppal struck out five in three and one-third innings, walking four and surrendering two hits. Lampas-Gormley fanned two, walked one and allowed four hits in the exciting showdown.

But the Conchs’ weekend was not over yet. Scheduled for Saturday night was Spanish River, a 7A opponent out of Boca Raton with a solid record and ranking. The Sharks put on a pair of runs in the first and another in the third and managed to keep the Conchs off the scoreboard through five frames. Trailing 4-0 in the bottom of the sixth, things looked bleak for Key West. Then Maltz was hit by a pitch and made his way to second on a groundout.

Up to bat was Pichardo and his dependable bat. Pichardo sent a line drive to left field to score Maltz for the first Conch run of the game. A Sam Holland walk and Auggy Davila single narrowed the Sharks’ lead to two. Spanish River’s lead quickly turned into a deficit via two walks, a pair of fielder’s choices and some wild pitching from the Sharks. Key West held on for the win and would not need their final at-bat to defeat the Sharks 6-4. Pichardo, Xavier Perez, Maltz, Ong, Davila, Garcia and Bernhard all singled in the win, and Ong added a stolen base to his stats. Cruz Holmes earned the win, pitching five and two-thirds innings, then Davila threw one and one-third innings of relief for the 7-3 Conchs.

The following night, Coral Shores traveled to Hialeah, defeating the Thoroughbreds 6-3.The Hurricanes piled on 11 hits – three from Donovan Thiery and two from O’Berry, who drove in three runs. Coral Shores sprinkled in some base thievery to help boost their score, with four stolen bases. Putetti and Maykol Bonito were responsible for two each, and an error-free day in the field helped the ’Canes pull off the win.

Fins suffer two-game slide after strong start

TLADY CONCHS ROUT RAIDERS

he Key West Lady Conchs softball team cut a short week of action even shorter with a three-frame game against Ransom Everglades on March 8. In their only contest last week, the Lady Conchs piled on 15 runs in three innings to send the Raiders packing in a mercy-rule victory. Ryleigh Harnish pitched all three innings, facing just nine batters, striking out five, walking zero and surrendering a single hit. The Conchs picked off the solo Raider batter to make it on base in a stealing attempt. Key West added 13 walks and three hit batters to their eight hits to make the runs add up. Eight different Lady Conchs registered hits and the Raiders failed to strike out a single Conch in the abbreviated game. The win improved Key West’s record to 4-2 with a busy schedule ahead of them in the coming weeks.

with

The Patriots of Colonial Christian paid a visit to Marathon on March 3 and gave the Dolphins a scare from the start, scoring 10 runs in the top of the first. Marathon answered back with 16 of their own in a game that would keep the scorekeeper busy. Elena Eubank had the hot bat for the Fins, registering three hits including a double and two RBI. Maeve Merryman, Trinity McLeod, Madelyn Thornton, Shaina Robinson and Elianys Roque each had a pair of hits to help add to the total of 15. The game was heavy on the cardio, with 20 walks and 15 stolen bases. When the red clay dust cloud settled, the score was 29-14 in Marathon’s favor, making it three wins in a row for the Fins.

continued 12-5

The following afternoon, Marathon hit the road and suffered their first loss of the season, falling 7-5 to Lourdes Academy. Marathon outhit the Royal Lions 9-6, with two each from Sara Robinson, McLeod and Thornton. The difference-maker was in Lourdes’ choosiness at the plate, with seven walks to Marathon’s two. The Royal Lions capitalized on their on-base percentage to make the first blemish on the Fins’ record.

On March 7, the Fins’ slide continued with a 12-5 loss to the Rays of Mater Bay. Marathon managed nine hits, with Eubank contributing a single and double to the total, but four errors and 11 stranded runners put the Dolphins at a disadvantage, allowing the Rays to return to Miami with the win. Thornton spent seven innings in the circle, fanning four, surrendering seven hits and walking 13.

Coral Shores faced some tough competition March 3 when they hosted the Victors of Miami Christian. The Victors’ pitching staff combined for a perfect game, shutting the ’Canes out 24-0. Coral Shores will find no rest for the weary this week, either, as they face the hefty bats of Key West on Friday, March 14 in Tavernier.

Marathon’s Dani Perdomo wields her bat with precision; the sophomore leads the Fins in on-base percentage at .762. BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly

The Lady Conchs lacrosse team evened out their record last week thanks to a pair of close wins. The first came on March 6 at Palmer, where the Lady Conchs beat the Falcons 9-7. Three athletes were unable to travel and two more were sidelined with injuries, making the Conch bench sparse with just three subs, including two field players and a goalie.

CLOSE CALLS

Despite limited lineup, Lady Conchs find their way to back-toback wins

“We knew going in that Palmer was going to be a tough game. We needed to come out of the gates at full speed, while also being patient and deliberate with every possession so as to not tire ourselves out and get into a sprinting competition, and that we did,” said Conchs coach Marisa Giacopuzzi. “We were settled and valued possession, we worked hard for caused turnovers and shut down Palmerʼs offense.”

Kaitlyn Piloto scored four goals and Deanna Mercer added three plus an assist in the win. In goal, Courtney Grabus came up big with a whopping 17 saves. The win, Giacopuzzi said, helped boost the team’s confidence after a three-game slump.

The Conchs lost Mercer for the next matchup. The senior standout suffered an injury in the Palmer game, leaving the Conchs shorthanded again when they traveled to Gulliver Prep. Piloto took charge and scored three goals plus an assist, and Colbie Turner netted four.

“It was time for everyone to step up and take ownership of their position and get to work, collectively,” said Giacopuzzi, whose team did just that.

In a back-and-forth game, the Conchs found themselves trailing 9-8 with the clock ticking down. That’s when Turner tied it up with a free position goal with 3:57 remaining. Mavis Bishop added the winning goal 14 seconds later, and the Conchs played keep-away as the clock ticked down.

Eisley Whitehead picked up four ground balls and was credited with a caused turnover and an assist. Grabus had another eight saves in the 10-9 win and Olivia Moore, who shares time in goal, had two. The wins put the Lady Conchs at 4-4 with just under one month to go in the regular season.

Coral Shores, still on the lookout for their first win this season, suffered two losses last week, falling to Westminster Christian March 4, then to Miami Country Day two days later.

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Florida Keys Council of the Arts

Notice of Upcoming Meetings

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the Zoom meetings or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com

Board of Directors Meeting –Zoom & In Person Mar 13, 2025, at 04:00 PM Eastern Time Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 87117513128?pwd=UP8Y pIxm0eXec

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Meeting ID: 871 1751 3128

Passcode: 168435 In person Meeting Marathon Public Library Branch Community Room

3490 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Art in Public Places Committee Meeting (via Zoom) Mar 18, 2025, at 04:00 PM Eastern Time Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 87117513128?pwd=UP8Y pIxm0eXec

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Meeting ID: 847 9922 5252 Passcode: 298329 Cultural Umbrella Committee Meeting (via Zoom) March 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/

86355142186?pwd=GaVM FL5M4Aa1 euykcb AZUuolt

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Meeting ID: 863 5514 2186 Passcode: 885329

Publish: March 13, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Key West Lighthouse New Restroom and Storage Buildings Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-profit organizations for capital projects.

The project/facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories:

3:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 24, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

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)

Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary, or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions set forth in the Florida Statutes.

The deadline for receipt of applications is April 22, 2025, and applications must be downloaded from the County’s Bonfire platform.

For more information, please email Maxine@fla-keys.com.

Publish: February 13 & 27, March 13 & 27 and April 10, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

Visit Florida Keys has funding available for those interested in applying for Destination or Turnkey event funding for events to take place between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026; or for pre-promotion funding for Destination events to take place between October 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026.

The deadline for receipt of applications is April 8, 2025, and applications must be downloaded from the County’s Bonfire platform.

For more information, please email Maxine@fla-keys.com.

Publish: February 13 & 27, March 13 & 27 and April 10, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish: March 13, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 24-CP-000591-P IN RE: ESTATE OF TRAVIS RAY WILKERSON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Travis Ray Wilkerson, deceased, File No. 24-CP000591-P, whose date of death was July 9, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211.

The date of first publication of this notice is March 13, 2025. Personal Representative: Kimberly Wilkerson Diaz 978 Brandywine Road Waynesville, NC 28786 (305) 798-2824

Attorney for Personal Representative: Lindsey H. Donoff, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0089531

CRAIG DONOFF, P.A. 1600 Glades Road, Suite 301 Boca Raton, FL 33434

Telephone: (561) 451-8220

Lindsey@craigdonoffpa.com

Publish: March 13 & 20, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO.: 24-CP-445-M

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RICHARD KAUFFMAN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of RICHARD KAUFFMAN, deceased, whose date of death was July 22, 2024, Case: 24-CP-445-M, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The

LEGAL NOTICES

names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: March 6, 2025.

Personal Representative: KATHY LYNN KNIGHT

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

Email designation for service: Service.Probate@samkaufmanlaw.com

Telephone: (305) 292-3926

Fax: (305) 295-7947

Publish: March 6 & 13, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-58-K DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF EDGAR FRANKLIN MOORE III aka FRANKLIN MOORE III, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of EDGAR FRANKLIN MOORE III aka FRANKLIN MOORE III, deceased, whose date of death was November 5, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with

this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: March 6, 2025.

Personal Representative: Glenda M. Moore 3901 Osprey Lane Big Torch Key, Florida 33042

Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish:

March 6 & 13, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-56-M

DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF BONNIE KEYS CARL Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Bonnie Keys Carl, deceased, whose date of death was December 29, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: March 6, 2025.

Personal Representatives: Margot E. Everett 650 Delancey St, Apt 217 San Francisco, California 94107 Lauren Carl

1806 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, California 93101

Attorney for Personal Representatives: Robert K. Miller, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-9428

Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com

Publish:

March 6 & 13, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-941-P JON KONRAD, Petitioner, and JONATHON RANDOLPH, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR ADOPTION TO: JONATHON RANDOLPH RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 9323 WELBY TERRACE, THORNTON, CO 80229

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Adoption has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Jon Konrad, whose address is 103041 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 on or before March 27, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, FL 33070, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: February 18, 2025 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jennifer Havengar Deputy Clerk

Publish: February 27 and March 6, 13 & 20, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 21ST day of March 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the

THE WESTERLY 40 FEET OF LOT 12, LOT 13 AND LOT 14, BLOCK 29, SANDS SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 65, IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA.

Property Address: 31132 AVENUE E, BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043

Pursuant to FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3rd day of February 2025 Style of which is:

U.S. BANK N.A., SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., SUCCESSOR TO LASALLE BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE WASHINGTON MUTUAL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, WMALT SERIES 2005-5 Plaintiff vs. MATTHEW RYAN PARROTT A/K/A MATTHEW R. PARROTT; WORTHY H. MAYNARD; VALDINE S. PARROTTMAYNARD A/K/A VALDINE SCHWILM PARROTTMAYNARD A/K/A VALDINE PARROTT MAYNARD; UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CA001080-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 5TH day of February 2025

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming as interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: March 6 & 13, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION CASE NO.: 24-CA-000958-K CANDANCE ILENE VALLADARES Individually Plaintiff, vs. Equity Link, INC.

A California Incorporated Company NuView IRA, Inc. f/k/a/ Entrust Administration Services, Inc. A Florida Profit Corporation Warren Lloyd Holtzman IRA, MINDY SILVERSTEIN, Individually JOSE MIRANDA, Individually Defendants _____________/

AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION FOR PUBLICATION To: Equity Link, Inc., Registered Agent Kevin Costa Last known address: 4522 Old Spanish Trail, Jacksonville, FL 32257

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to Quiet Title and to remove the cloud from title of the real property described as: PART OF LOT 51 ACCORDING TO MCDONALD’S SURVEY OF PART OF STOCK ISLAND RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 55 OF MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS AND IS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK 51, GO WESTERLY ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THIRD AVENUE A DISTANCE OF 250 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES AND NORTHERLY A DISTANCE OF 200 FEET TO A POINT; WHICH POINT IS THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE NORTHERLY ALONG THE PROLONGATION OF THE PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED COURSE A DISTANCE OF 70 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES AND WESTERLY A DISTANCE OF 125 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES AND SOUTHERLY A DISTANCE OF 70 FEET; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES EASTERLY A DISTANCE OF 125 FEET BACK TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA with a physical address of: 6430 Sunshine Street, Key West, FL 33040. Folio Number: 00126510-000000 has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it, on Eric J. Sanchez PA, Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is 4960 SW 72nd Avenue, Suite 206, Miami, FL 33155, (786) 408-9681 on or before March 31, 2025, a date which is within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice in The Keys Weekly and file the original with the Clerk of this Court at Freeman Justice Center, 302 Fleming Street., Key West, FL 33040, either before service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default and judgment will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

Dated: February 19, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA, Clerk CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: February 27 and March 6, 13 & 20, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

Truck For SaleHandyman's special: '07 F350 Utility Truck with tools on truck. Located in Key West. $12,000 305-393-6253

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

BOATS FOR SALE

GREAT DEAL: Key Largo 21' Deep V Center Console w/trailer. New 150hp motor & electronics. Ready to fish. PRICE REDUCED TO $20,000. Located in Marathon. 201-696-8906

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002

EMPLOYMENT

GET OFF THE ROCKMAINE COAST - Seasosonal jobs at The Happy Clam in beautiful St George - Opening for exp. Line Cooks, Bartender/ Server. We have a 5-star rating and specialize in German and Seafood. We're busy! Mooring balls available. Housing or RV

site included. Inquire at gregcorinna@aol.com or text 850-376-7137

ALL KEYS GUTTER HIRING INSTALLERS $25/$35hrMajor Holidays Off - Benefits - Tavernier. Apply: call or text Jay 305-587-1581

Night Monitor – FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/

Inside Sales Associate needed at Marathon Lumber. Must be selfmotivated. Bi-lingual a plus. Full-time M-F 8A-4P. Apply in person at 11401 1st Ave. Gulf, Marathon, or email: tricia@marathonlumber. com or call 305-743-3688.

All Keys Yamaha hiring a Technician Marine Repair specializing in Yamaha outboard engines. Also hiring: Retail Parts/Counter Help - Marine outboard knowledge a plus. Quickbook experience a plus. Hours M-F 8a5p for both positions. Apply in person at 2001 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-743-3530

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere. Flexible lunch/ dinner shifts available Tuesday – Saturday, some Sundays. English proficiency required. Must provide photo ID,

social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com to schedule an interview.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time bookkeeper. QuickBooks experience required. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com to schedule an interview.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Resident Care Supervisor with min. 3 yrs. experience of an LPN, CarpenterFT-KeyWest, Housing Manager- FT-Marathon, Housing Assistant FTKey West Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL

33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968

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

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

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT

Downstairs apartment of a duplex to rent to 1 person (no pets). Large living room/bedroom and separate kitchen. Large screened porch with its own washer/dryer and driveway. Utilities include wifi/tv. 150 ft to the ocean. MM 96 Key Largo $1600/ month. F/L/S 305-853-3779

Studio House with Queen size bed available in Marathon. Furnished, kitchen, dining, newly renovated. No pets. $1,299 + utilities F/L/S 305-610-8002

1BR/1BA fully furnished Apt. for rent in Marathon. On canal, W/D, Wifi. 6 mo. lease. $2,000/ mo. 850-376-7137

Rental in Marathon: 4/2 pool waterfront tiki bar home with dock for up to 50 ft. Steps to Sombrero Beach, ocean in under 10 mins. Seasonal or annual. Furnished. Thania Moses, MBA & Realtor 954.683.2150

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

SUPPORTED

LIVING COACH (FT)

Responsibilities include management of developmentally disabled clients in independent living environments, management of office and in-home support staff. Must be available for some evenings and weekends. Bachelor’s degree in related field or experience working with developmentally disabled clients in lieu of degree. Must have a valid FL driver’s license. Salary commensurate with experience.*

GROUP HOME MANAGER – (FT) –

Key West

FT administrative, salaried position. Responsible for operations of Group Homes in accordance with State and Fed regulations. Oversight of staff and clients. Bachelor’s degree and Florida DL w/clean driving record req. At least 2 years of mgmt and admin experience req, and direct or comparable experience w/same or similar population preferred. Computer skills: moderate to advanced.*

*ALSO REQUIRED FOR ALL POSTIONS

Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license. EOE

Come join our family! Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32

NOW HIRING

HVAC TECH WANTED

Upper Keys position, reporting in Tavernier. Full time job with benefits, vacation time, and holidays.

Apply at keysschools.com or call 305-293-1400 ext. 53398

NOW HIRING

DIRECTOR

Nationally accredited preschool seeking a Director. A faith-based Episcopal preschool renowned for its high-quality program and effective kindergarten preparedness is seeking a Director with relevant credentials and prior experience. Must be a team player work well with church and advisory school boards. Competitive salary and benefits.

TEACHER

Instill the love of learning and social skills while preparing children to succeed. Must have effective communication skills, patience and compassion suitable for working with young children-- and the ability to develop age-appropriate activities that are fun and educational. Child development associate credential and prior experience required. Competitive salary and benefits including free tuition for your preschool age child.

Contact Thomas Hallett at 305-852-8468 to schedule an in-person interview. St James the Fisherman Church and Children's Center, MM87.5 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

Program

DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required. Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Engineering Department:

ELECTRICAL PROJECT ENGINEER

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $131,081/annually$134,751/annually

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

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

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

KEY LARGO Advocate (FT)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) KEY WEST Case Manager (Children)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Advocate

MARATHON

Care Coordinator (PT)

Driver – PT (CDL not required)

RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult)

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

*Support Worker (Assisted Living, FT)

*Night Monitor (Assisted Living - Free Housing)

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

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C)Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier

- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C), BHMG Multispecialty - Marathon, $5k Bonus

- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST

- Radiation Therapist, $12k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Chemotherapy Infusion, $15k Bonus

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary

- Group Exercise Instructor, Mariners Wellness Center

- Radiology Technologist 1, Imaging-MRI, $40k Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (Mammo & X Ray), Radiology, $50k Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (X Ray & CT), Radiology, $50k Bonus

- Radiology Technologist 1, $40k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

- Patient Scheduler, Radiology

- Pool Yoga Instructor, Mariners Wellness Center

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray) Radiology, $50k Bonus

- Radiology Technologist 1, $40k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, $15k Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (Mammo & X Ray) Radiology, $50k Bonus

- ED Team Coordinator, Emergency Department

- Nurse Practitioner, Full Time

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Care

- Registered Nurse, Oncology-Outpatient

- Social Work Case Manager, Case Management, $10k Bonus

*Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience. APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

THEME: DANCE MOVES

ACROSS

1. Mrs. in Germany

5. *Nae Nae’s partner

8. m in F = ma

12. Deadly sin

13. Hindu serpent deity

14. Blood line

15. State location of Miami University

16. Last word on radio

17. Best friend quality

18. *Sideways dance step

20. Buzzing pest

21. “That is” in Latin

22. Corvine bird’s sound

23. Omicron or Delta, e.g.

26. Verb derived from “wreath”

30. Although, for short

31. Demijohn

34. Kings of ____ band

35. Act against

37. Bruin legend Bobby ____

38. Southern cuisine pods

39. Cold war initials

40. Transmitted radio signal

42. French vineyard

43. Strong suits

45. Overnight flight

47. Like a dancer in The Royal Ballet company

48. Polynesian island country

50. Dracula’s bane

52. *Dancer’s gardening tool simulation

56. Cass Elliot and Michelle Phillips

57. Eon, alt. sp.

58. Reminiscent of certain hardwood, to sommelier

59. In a tilted position

60. Flower holder

61. Cartoon lightbulb

62. Police informer

63. Before, poetically

64. Koppel and Turner, e.g.

DOWN

1. Use cat o’nine tails

2. German industrial valley

3. “Heat of the Moment” band

4. Sir Thomas More’s famous book

5. Actress Viola ____

6. ____ provocateur

7. Like some necessities

8. *Michael Jackson’s backward move

9. Maisie Williams on “Game of Thrones”

10. Immediately, to a doctor

11. Salt, in Mexico

13. Nine-day Christian devotion

14. Aquatic scum

19. Authoritative proclamation

22. “____ Me a River”

23. Pull strings

24. Not those

25. Comedy Central’s public humiliation

26. *a.k.a. caterpillar, with The 27. 9 a.m. prayer

28. Ancient

29. Follow as a consequence

32. Sturgeon output, pl.

33. Lingerie staple

36. *Serena Williams’ Super Bowl LIX move (2 words)

38. Theater, to Socrates

40. Sis’ sibling

41. King’s mantle fur

44. Painter Max or Director Lubitsch

46. Armed gang member in India

48. Asparagus unit

49. What phoenix did

50. Numbers

51. Gulf V.I.P.

52. “Keep this information” button

53. Place a load on

54. Augmented

55. Swedish shag rugs

56. *Running ____