Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
POSTMASTER:
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050
News Deadline
Tuesday Noon
Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.
@KeysWeekly
@theWeekly
Members of
New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker held the Senate floor for 25 hours to provide a speech to contest President Donald Trump’s agenda. Booker broke a record set 68 years ago by Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina. The speech began the evening of March 31 and ended the evening of April 1.
Around 1,500 runners will pound the pavement in the early morning hours this Saturday, April 5 in the 44th annual 7 Mile Bridge Run. The bridge will close to vehicular traffic from 6 to 9 a.m. for the race. See page 11. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly
HOSPITAL TAX TO CONTINUE
3-2 vote supports final year of district with reduced rate
alex@keysweekly.com
Apresumably slimmed-down version of a controversial taxing district in support of Fishermen’s Community Hospital in Marathon will continue for one final year, according to a 3-2 vote by the Marathon City Council.
Confirmed in a special call meeting on March 31, Marathon Mayor Lynn Landry, Vice Mayor Jeff Smith and councilwoman Robyn Still voted to continue the tax, while councilman Kenny Matlock and councilwoman Lynny Del Gaizo voted against it.
The final year of the Middle Keys Health Care Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU), instituted by the Monroe County Commission in 2018 with the support of Marathon and Key Colony Beach, will run for fiscal year 2026 and will fulfill the remaining balance on a maximum 10-year, $15 million pledge.
The tax was initially billed as funding to support brickand-mortar construction for Fishermen’s Hospital, destroyed in Hurricane Irma. In a move that has remained a subject of criticism throughout the 7 years of the tax, the district was later changed to support reimbursement for the care of underinsured and indigent patients when municipal leaders realized that funds raised from a taxing district could not be lawfully used to back construction costs without a binding referendum vote.
Since its inception, the MSTU has netted roughly $2 million per year from Middle Keys taxpayers from Marathon to Conch Key. Properties in the taxing district have been assessed at an annual rate of 0.5 mills, or $50 per $100,000 in taxable value.
Last week, Monroe County Tax Collector Sam Steele told the Weekly that his office has collected $14,438,498 from constituents in the taxing district. On Monday night,
Baptist officials told the council the hospital has $774,339 remaining in reimbursements to reach the $15 million. Tax revenues are collected by the county, and eventually paid to Baptist to reimburse documented expenses stemming from the care of indigent or underinsured patients.
As Monroe County is the governing body that adopted the tax in 2018, with Marathon and Key Colony Beach “opting in,” Marathon is unable to independently alter the MSTU millage rate. However, the resolution passed Monday night states that Marathon will continue to participate in the MSTU for the final year only if the county commission reduces the applied millage to meet, but not exceed, the balance of the original $15 million commitment.
In the fiscal year ending in September 2024, Fishermen’s turned a profit of $17.5 million, according to an annual financial report. However, hospital CFO Patti Boylan told the council that when combined with the hospital’s purchase price, the subsequent and unexpected expenses of both a field hospital and modular hospital in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, capital investments and losses from Baptist’s local physician practices, the company stands at a net loss of $31.2 million since acquiring Fishermen’s in 2017.
“Baptist stepped up and made the investment into the community, with the generosity of the community, to open up a brand-new hospital, and then finish off the entire campus last year with the brand-new Walsh Family Medical Arts Building,” said Fishermen’s CEO Drew Grossman. “Probably the biggest (service) is having cancer care right here in the Keys with our chemo infusion services, and we’re not done there. We’re going to keep expanding these services.”
Monday’s special call session drew a much larger crowd than the week prior, when a last-minute addition to discuss the MSTU caused a stir for local residents.
Speaking before the council, proponents of the tax said
A special Middle Keys taxing district instituted in 2018 supports care of indigent and underinsured patients at Fishermen’s Hospital in Marathon. CONTRIBUTED
ALEX RICKERT
from page 4
HOSPITAL TAX TO CONTINUE
they viewed the original $15 million figure as a promise to be kept by the city, praising Baptist’s willingness to invest in the Middle Keys as rural hospitals across the United States are forced to close. Detractors cited myriad billing, insurance, accessibility and staffing issues, saying they felt the exclusion of services like pediatric care, and frequent patient transfers to other facilities, constituted a broken promise to Marathon.
“I was in favor of supporting Baptist initially,” said Marathon resident Dion Watson. “But we don’t have a community hospital – we have a mash unit. It runs us in and runs us out, and the second you walk in the door, it’s ‘How are you going to pay for it?’”
Dr. Alex Palma, who spent seven years working in Baptist’s system in Miami and the Keys but has since become an outspoken opponent of the taxing district, called the levy “the right decision then, but the wrong one today.”
“When I worked with Baptist in Miami, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in a hospital,” he told the Weekly by phone after the meeting. “But my problem is continuing to support a profitable hospital that’s doing so well on its own. If they were in the red, this would be a different conversation.”
“What the hospital has done for us, I don’t know how you can repay that,” said Baptist Health Foundation director Jane Packard. “But all we’re talking about tonight is commitment. We only have $780,000 left out of $15 million. We’re talking less than a year. … If we don’t commit now, who are we?”
“As I read through the old minutes of meetings, (Fishermen’s CEO’s) direct quote was that the services offered will be full services except (obstetrics),” said Matlock. “They’re not meeting their end of the deal in my book. … It's hard for me to grasp forcing a tax on the public to make a very well-off organization more well-off.”
“We teach our kids to honor their work and follow through,” said Still. “(Baptist) struggles with staffing, the same as everybody else who owns a business here in our community and nationwide. That is not their fault. … I’m not negating the points that have been made tonight, but at the end of the day, we made a commitment.”
“I think this community has stepped up to the plate towards getting a hospital here,” said Del Gaizo. “I know it’s not a dollar amount (that people are against), but I think it’s the principle, and I think the community has spoken.”
“I recognize all the turnover we’re having (at Fishermen’s), but having the care available, you can’t really put a price on that, compared to many communities who don’t have a community hospital,” said Smith, adding that he “hope(d) (Baptist) was listening to the community and to us about the services we feel we need.
“They were one of two (hospitals) that have been built in rural areas in the last decade in the United States, and they’re closing every day.”
“I have a mother-in-law who’s been battling a disease for close to 20 years, and Baptist probably saved her life twice in the last few years,” said Landry. “We understand that we need this hospital. It’s not perfect – maybe it doesn’t offer all the services we think they should, but they do offer services and they’re trying to bring more.”
Exact millage for the 2025-26 tax, if reduced, will be determined throughout the county’s annual budget process based on property values provided by the Monroe County Property Appraiser Office in July.
County Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Lincoln told the Weekly by phone on April 2 that while she could not speak to, or for, other commissioners regarding the tax before a formal vote this summer, she would support a lowered millage rate to reach, but not exceed, the $15 million threshold, and that she had discussed the reduced rate with county staff.
BIG PINE KEY MAN INDICTED FOR FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN OVERDOSE CASE
On March 27, a Monroe County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Louis W. VanDeGejuchte II, 47, with firstdegree murder in connection with the Sept. 14, 2024 overdose death of Mariah Helene Goldsberry, 45. VanDeGejuchte is being held without bond at the Monroe County Detention Center.
The indictment alleges that VanDeGejuchte unlawfully distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, amphetamine and/or cocaine, resulting in Goldsberry’s death. Under Florida Statute 782.04(1)(a)3(g) and (i), a person can be charged with first-degree murder when the unlawful distribution of a controlled substance is proven to be the proximate cause of a fatal overdose.
According to an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, on the night of Sept. 14, deputies and Monroe County Fire Rescue responded to a home on Palm Beach Road in Big Pine Key, where Goldsberry was found unresponsive. She was taken to Fishermen’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Investigators found drug paraphernalia near her body, including a plastic bag with a unique dice pattern.
Forensic analysis of Goldsberry’s cellphone revealed text messages and phone calls between her and VanDeGejuchte, coordinating a drug transaction earlier that evening, investigators said. Witnesses told detectives they drove Goldsberry to the corner of Watson Boulevard and Avenue B — a short walk from VanDeGejuchte’s home — where she went to meet a contact before returning.
On Sept. 18, 2024, detectives from the sheriff’s Special Inves-
tigations Division, supported by the Major Crimes Unit, executed a search warrant at 30450 Wilhelmina Way. Inside a beige camper used by VanDeGejuchte, they reportedly recovered nearly 20 grams of methamphetamine; unprescribed Adderall, Xanax, oxycodone and morphine; multiple scales, baggies, spoons and a glass jar containing meth residue; and a plastic bag with a dice pattern matching the one found near the victim.
VanDeGejuchte was taken into custody at the scene. In addition to the murder charge, he faces charges of trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and four counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
“This isn’t just about drugs. It’s about accountability for the lives lost to poison,” said State Attorney Dennis Ward in a press release announcing the indictment. “We are going to keep holding those accountable who sell poison in our community. If you deal drugs that kill, you will be prosecuted as a murderer.”
“The text messages, surveillance, witness accounts and forensic evidence clearly connect the defendant to the deadly substances that killed Mariah Goldsberry,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield, who will prosecute the case. “These are not accidental overdoses — they are the predictable result of trafficking lethal drugs. When the law gives us the tools to pursue the highest charges, we will use them. And we will do so in coordination with all of our law enforcement partners.”
This indictment is one of several filed by the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office against individuals alleged to have caused fatal overdoses through illegal drug distribution. A separate first-degree murder indictment was returned on the same day in an unrelated Key Largo case.
— Contributed
Louis W. VanDeGejuchte II. MCSO/ Contributed
BUSY SCHEDULES
School board gets glimpse into students’ lives
A slide shows a majority of Coral Shores High School students working part-time jobs. CONTRIBUTED
FRANK DERFLER
www.keysweekly.com
Feel good, perform well, or both? Monroe County school board members recently had lessons in subjective feelings and objective measurements.
Students at the district’s high schools conducted surveys labeled “A Day in The Life.” Previously, Robert Aleman and Ali Beth Wilson presented a survey of facts and feelings gathered at Coral Shores. At the March meeting, Marathon High School students Anthony Iarocci and Marisol Diaz shared their survey of more than 300 Marathon students.
The two surveys had similar results. More than 50% of students in both studies had part-time jobs and, of those, about 30% work nearly 20 hours a week. Over 30% of students drive themselves to school.
The survey was given to all levels, from freshmen to seniors; the numbers would be higher among juniors and seniors.
Despite those work hours, more than 40% of the students participate in sports. About 10% take part in clubs or performance activities.
In both studies, a near majority of students reported being online between one and four hours a day.
School board members focused on the students’ opinions of favorite and least favorite academic classes. Electives were universally favored, along with language arts. Math won the label of “least favored.” When pressed, the students said, “Math is okay when it’s numbers, but when it’s letters and symbols, it’s not so great.”
This subjective measurement contrasted with the data-heavy progress monitoring report from Lori Reid, director of assessment and accountability, and Heidi Roberts, district literacy coordinator. They reported on the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking at the mid-year point in the school year.
Monroe County students consistently score well above state norms in both reading and math. While the lead is substantial, Mindy Conn, school board chair, questioned why the lead hasn’t grown. There was a general discussion of teaching strategies and methods of sharing successful strategies as measured by student progress on standardized tests.
“The ‘Day in the Life’ presentation reminded us that there is so much more to a student’s education than how they perform on standardized assessments,” said school board member Sue Woltanski. “While we review data, we need to remember to stay focused on the needs of the ‘whole child.’”
By state statute, one third of a teacher’s evaluation is based on learning gains from test scores.
In other matters, the search continues for a new superintendent for the school district. Board members will conduct interviews and public meet-and-greets with candidates during April. The process culminates with a decision in early May and the new superintendent begins work on July 1. A list of the current candidates, 16 at presstime, is at keysschools.com/Page/7476.
KEYS SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS JOIN EDUCATION ADVOCATES IN TALLAHASSEE
Woltanski and Talbott attend Florida School Boards Association event
Members of the Monroe County School Board, Yvette Talbott and Sue Woltanski, convened with more than 125 school board members and leaders in education in Tallahassee on March 19-20 for the 38th annual Day in the Legislature hosted by the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA).
Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. of the Florida Department of Education opened the event. Then David K. Moore, superintendent of the school district of Indian River County, led a session on advocating for public education, suggesting strategies for engaging in the legislative process and advancing public education priorities. The day concluded with a detailed session on advocacy and updates on legislative developments. The next day, participants visited the Capitol, engaging with their respective legislative delegations, attending legislative committee meetings and hearing remarks by Senate President Ben Albritton.
“This event serves as a vital platform for school board members to engage directly in the legislative process,” said Danielle Thomas, director of advocacy and legislative services for the association. “By collaborating with lawmak-
ers, they help shape education policy.”
Talbott said the event
“provided a unique opportunity to engage with fellow school leaders and policymakers who are deeply committed to advancing the quality of education in Florida. The discussions around innovative practices, student success, and educational equity were incredibly inspiring. Moving forward, I am excited to collaborate on new initiatives that will positively (affect) our students and communities.”
“Another successful week, advocating for Monroe school district priorities and public schools, in general,” said Woltanski.
“For 38 years, this advocacy event has provided school board members with the opportunity to engage directly with legislators,” said Andrea Messina, chief executive officer, “ensuring that the needs of our students and districts are heard. Their dedication and advocacy are more important now than ever before.”
The mission of FSBA is to increase student achievement through the development of effective school board leadership and advocacy for public education. More information is at fsba.org.
— Contributed
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!
WILD
3
3
SUNSPLASH
SUNSPLASH
PERFECT 800
Marathon High sophomore Caden Pitcher aces SAT math
Marathon High School sophomore Caden Pitcher has achieved a remarkable academic milestone by earning a perfect score of 800 on the math section of the SAT. In addition, Pitcher scored 720 on the reading and writing section, bringing his combined total to 1520 — a score rarely achieved by students of any grade level, let alone a sophomore.
Pitcher’s achievement reflects not only his natural academic talent, but also his dedication to learning and strong work ethic, the school said in a press release.
Sean McDonald, Marathon High School’s college and career advisor, praised Pitcher’s accomplishment.
“Caden Pitcher is one of the most focused and driven students I’ve worked with,” he said. “He sets ambitious goals and then puts in the effort to achieve them. A perfect 800 in SAT math as a sophomore is incredible — but if you know Caden, you know he’s just getting started.”
“Caden represents the best of what we strive for at Marathon High — academic excellence, humility and leadership,” added Christine Paul, MHS principal. “His success is a source of pride for our entire school community.”
Pitcher is taking advanced math and science classes, and is preparing for future academic opportunities. His perfect score opens doors for elite college admissions, scholarships and national recognition.
– Contributed
TTraffic in Florida Keys will be affected on April 5
SEVEN MILE BRIDGE TO CLOSE
SATURDAY MORNING FOR RACE
he Seven Mile Bridge, the longest of 42 bridges on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, will close to traffic in both directions at 6 a.m. Saturday, April 5 for three hours for the annual 7 Mile Bridge Run.
The bridge is scheduled to reopen to traffic promptly at 9 a.m., according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Visitors and residents in Key West and the Lower Keys expecting to drive early Saturday to Miami or Fort Lauderdale International airports or other destinations out of the Keys must be aware that there will be no way for traffic to cross the bridge between 6 and 9 a.m.
Likewise, those planning trips down to the Lower Keys and Key West on Saturday morning need to be aware of the delay in crossing the Seven Mile Bridge.
Everyone is advised to plan ahead and confirm details with transportation providers.
The annual competition is limited to 1,500 participants who must all complete the run in time for the 9 a.m. bridge reopening.
The race was first held in 1982 to help celebrate the completion of the then-new Seven Mile Bridge as well as 36 other new spans on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.
More information is at 7mbrun.com.
The annual 7 Mile Bridge Run will close traffic on the bridge in both directions for three hours starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 5. CONTRIBUTED
Caden Pitcher. CONTRIBUTED
LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISE WITH LOCAL FACES
COMMERCE CORNER
POP'S SMOKE SHED
Established in 2023, Pop's Smoke Shed was inspired by unforgettable family gatherings and Pop's extraordinary culinary skills. His son and grandson (Danny & Hunter) decided to share his legacy across the Florida Keys through this vibrant food truck. Serving up low and slow smoked BBQ brisket, pulled pork, baby back ribs, and chicken with a choice of 5 mouth watering sides, you can get your BBQ fix in 3 locationsMarathon, Big Pine and Key West. Danny says he "aims to bring the rich, smoky flavors of Pop's legendary BBQ to the local community, creating new memories and connections around the love for BBQ". In addition to their food trucks, Pop's can cater any size event from 5 to 300 people. For more information go to Popssmokeshed.com.
9625 Overseas Hwy, Marathon (305)615-9277
bestbbq@popssmokeshed.com
$150K AVAILABLE IN NONPROFIT GRANT FUNDING
City seeks applications from local organizations
The Marathon City Council has opened the application period for funding of local nonprofits up to a total of $150,000 for fiscal year 2025. The funds are for local nonprofits operating in Marathon that serve local residents.
The application is at www.ci.marathon.fl.us. Click on the “permitting portal” at the bottom of the page, then click on the “planning and zoning” button and scroll down to City Funding of Non-Profits.
Or scan the QR code here to go directly to the application. When the application period closes, the city council will rank the applicants and determine the level of funding provided to each nonprofit organization.
The council will discuss the applications at its April workshop meeting. Organizations may attend the workshop on Tuesday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m. to give a short (2- to 3-minute) presentation about their request. Organizations that received funding last year should tell what was done with the funding as well as plans for additional funding this year.
In 2024, the city of Marathon awarded $150,000 to 28 organizations, ranging from the Marathon Rec Center to the Florida Keys SPCA, Marathon campus.
More information is at 305289-4109 or via email to covellim@ ci.marathon.fl.us.
The application deadline is May 9 at 5 p.m. Awards will be announced at the city council workshop on May 22 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
– Contributed
JIM BRITTSAN Founder, SOAR
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here?
I’ve been in the Keys for five years, working to make a meaningful impact on one of the world’s most critical ecosystems, which is our Keys coral reefs. What do you do for fun in the Keys and why do you love living here? My passion is conserving and restoring coral reefs. Diving is my escape. I love the underwater world and everything it provides for us.
If you could be a conservation superhero, what environmental issue would you tackle and how would you do it? I would be Aquaman, spending every moment underwater protecting and restoring coral reefs. Living in the ocean would give me the ultimate perspective, allowing me to deeply understand marine life and find holistic solutions to rebuild a sustainable ocean and reefs for future generations.
TINA BOAN PROMOTED TO COUNTY ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR
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.
Our neighbor of the week is Jim Brittsan. His life is dedicated to coral reef and sea urchin conservation. He has pioneered and currently manages the first in-water reef grazer nursery in the Florida Keys with Sustainable Oceans and Reefs (SOAR), cultivating urchins and corals for restoration and research. His mission in life is to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations.
If you could be any species of fish, what would you be and why? I’d be a green band goby, not only for their striking coloration but also because they share a unique relationship with Diadema antillarum (black sea urchin), hiding within its spines for protection. I would know that I am protected and also watching my urchin grazing friend keep pesky algae down on the reefs.
What is your favorite part of the day? I love just being underwater. It doesn’t happen every day, but when it does, I stay down as long as possible, sometimes up to five or six hours straight. In that time, the world’s problems fade, and I’m fully present in the silent realm of the ocean. Mother Ocean has seen it all, and I find peace in her depths.
Describe the color blue without using its name. Clarity and happiness, layered in many shades, each with a deep meaning and purpose in the world.
How would you describe the most beautiful coral reef in the world? A world untouched by humanity, where life flourishes in incomprehensible abundance. Thousands of organisms move together, creating a thriving and intricate ecosystem — a virgin seascape that remains beyond human reach, undisturbed and full of wonder.
What are three adjectives people would use to describe you? Passionate, hard-working, ambitious. What’s one thing people don’t know about you? I was a national qualifier in college wrestling.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
Monroe County Commissioners approved the promotion of Tina Boan, senior director of budget and finance, to assistant county administrator during a March 25 meeting in Key Largo. The county said this promotion is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership team and ensure the efficient management of resources.
Boan has overseen budget development and financial operations for almost 20 years, including managing the $716 million budget, financial planning and fund management. She has been instrumental in guiding Monroe County’s fiscal strategy, improving financial operations and ensuring long-term economic stability. She has often been asked to assist other departments with training, fiscal oversight and operations. She is also the lead expert in after-storm funding, reporting and obtaining reimbursement from FEMA and other agencies that assist in recovery efforts.
In her new role, Boan will continue to lead and oversee key county departments as assigned while working closely with County Administrator Christine Hurley and Assistant County Administrator Kevin Wilson to implement the county’s objectives.
“Throughout her tenure with Monroe County, Tina has demonstrated exceptional leadership, fiscal expertise, and a strong commitment to improving the financial wellbeing of our county,” said Hurley. “I have full confidence that she will continue to serve the residents of Monroe County with dedication and professionalism in this new capacity.”
“I am deeply honored by this opportunity to continue to serve the citizens of Monroe County in this position,” said Boan. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Board of County Commissioners, the county administrator, and our dedicated team to ensure that we remain fiscally responsible, resilient and responsive to the needs of our community.”
— Contributed
“Throughout her tenure with Monroe County, Tina has demonstrated exceptional leadership, fiscal expertise, and a strong commitment to improving the financial well-being of our county.”
— County Administrator Christine Hurley
Tina Boan. MONROE COUNTY/Contributed
ERASE. REJUVENATE. RADIATE.
WITH OUR LASER SERVICES
• Non-invasive
• Minimal to no downtime
• Safe for all skin types
• No numbing, no injections
Our treatments target a variety of skin concerns, including: hyperpigmentation, sun spots, acne, wrinkles & crepey skin, hair removal and more.
CONTACT US TODAY!
305.872.3321
29980 Overseas Hwy. | Big Pine Key bigpinemedical.com
THURSDAY, APRIL 3 BITTER CREEK 6PM
FRIDAY, APRIL 4
FLORIDA FLOYD 3PM DONNY MC DANIELS BAND 8PM
SATURDAY, APRIL 5 MAASAI 8PM
SUNDAY, APRIL 6
TONY MANFREDI 3PM DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM
MONDAY, APRIL 7
JOHNNY LIVE 3PM
TUESDAY, APRIL 8
TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY JAMES ARTSOE 3PM COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 LUKE SOMMERS 6PM
GIVING ‘FLORIDA MAN’ A BETTER NAME
Andrew Heise honored for quick-thinking rescue after croc attack
ALEX RICKERT
alex@keysweekly.com
On March 10, 2024, headlines told tales of a South Florida man who found himself lucky to be alive after a rare animal attack in the Everglades. Bitten and dragged under the water by an American crocodile, 68-year-old Rodrigo Constain was flown to Jackson South Medical Center, where he ultimately survived the harrowing encounter.
One crucial detail virtually every news report left out: If not for the quick thinking and action of Marathon-based FWC biologist Andrew Heise, there may not have been a man left to save. And last Friday, that detail earned Heise a trip to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ mansion as Monroe County’s firstever honoree in the Florida Heroes’ Reception.
Celebrated with a total of 62 individuals, ranging from law enforcement and first responders to faith leaders and entrepreneurs, the third annual ceremony in Tallahassee recognized “Floridians who have exhibited extraordinary courage and selflessness,” DeSantis said in a press release.
"These 62 individuals represent the virtues we hold in high esteem here in Florida,” he said. “They are Florida's heroes."
“I was visiting my girlfriend when I found out,” Heise said. “I woke up, looked at my emails, saw that and said, ‘Oh shoot. This was a bigger deal than I thought it was.’ She looked at me and said, ‘Well, I guess you’re gonna need to get a suit.’”
Last March, Heise was on duty at the Flamingo boat ramp when he saw Constain capsize his sailboat in the marina’s boat basin and attempt to re-board it from the water.
“He was splashing and flailing,” Heise recalled. “And at one point, he just dropped under the water for a second. I could barely see the top of his life vest.”
Eventually swimming back toward the boat ramp, Constain had “a clearly confused look on his face,” but wasn’t verbally responding to those on shore. As a park ranger and local kayak rental attendant helped him back onto land, it was easy to see why.
“He was missing about a third of his calf muscle,” Heise said. “It immediately just started pumping blood into the water. I looked out, and the croc surfaced on the water right where it had happened.”
“I tried to open his mouth, but I don’t have the strength to open his mouth,” Constain told multiple media outlets in an interview from his hotel bed. He guessed the croc, known to locals as “HalfJaw” for a missing part of its lower mandible, held on for about “15 to 20 seconds” before releasing him to eventually swim for the shore.
Carrying Constain away from the water’s edge, Heise said he soon realized that a tightly-wrapped trauma pad provided by a park ranger wouldn’t be enough to stop the bleeding. Using a two-foot piece of rope and knowledge acquired from years in Boy Scouts, he applied a tourniquet just below Constain’s knee.
“I said to him, ‘This is gonna hurt, but we have to cut the blood flow off. We have to get this done,’” Heise told the Weekly.
Several minutes later, more park rangers arrived, applying a second tourniquet to back up Heise’s work. But with a helicopter unable to land locally, an airlift from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue was nowhere nearby.
“They had to drive to the park entrance,” Heise said. “It’s normally an hour – I heard it took them 35 minutes.”
Due largely to Heise’s quick action, Constain was able to keep his leg. Heise said he hadn’t spoken with Constain since the incident, but a GoFundMe set up by Constain’s family confirmed he’ll miss multiple months of his typical construction and HVAC work.
“I have pain, but nothing like that matters because the experience was so hard,” Constain said from the hospital. “I feel good that I’m here, alive.”
Documented cases of crocodile attacks on humans in the U.S. are exceedingly rare, with Heise’s experience joining just one other report from Coral Gables in 2014 as the only known incidents in recent decades. Heise said he was unsure about Half-Jaw’s current status, but knew rangers were searching for the large reptile in the days after the bite.
Asked what allowed him to take charge of the situation as Constain went into shock, Heise credited both Scouting and years of karate training. His answer was half serious, half said with a smile.
“I don’t know – I can just instinctively take care of a situation, fix a problem,” he said. “It’s probably where I got the ‘cop walk’ that my friends harass me for.”
“I am so incredibly proud of him – he is the most selfless person I know and will always be there when the world needs him,” Heise’s girlfriend, Taylor Marcialis, told the Weekly. “It’s truly an honor to be by his side and see the greatness he can and is accomplishing.”
As news of the save spread to his hometown, Heise said he was inundated with congratulatory calls. But one that he made himself held special significance: a call to former Army medic J.J. Krupa, Heise’s counselor for his First Aid merit badge in Boy Scouts.
“I asked him if he’d read our local paper, and he goes, ‘I have indeed, Mr. Heise. That’s quite an experience you had there.’ I said, ‘Well, if it wasn’t for someone’s skills and teachings, this might have had a different outcome.’”
Top: Andrew Heise, left, and his girlfriend Taylor Marcialis arrive at the governor’s mansion for the 2025 Florida Heroes’ reception. Center: Heise receives his certificate of recognition from Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis. Bottom: The local FWC biologist was honored as one of 62 Florida Heroes by Gov. Ron DeSantis after his quick action in March of 2024 saved a man bitten in the leg by a crocodile.
7
CLOSED
SATURDAY, APRIL 5TH
6:00AM - 9:00AM
ALLISON MORGAN www.keysweekly.com
Aspiring pilots achieve aviation dreams with help of Florida Keys Flight Academy
Left: 2024 Marathon High School graduate and newly-certified flight instructor Ethan Sauders takes a high-altitude selfie.
Below: Key West High School senior Courtney Grabus stands inside the EAA Air Museum before flight training.
TEENS TAKE CONTROL OF CAREERS IN THE COCKPIT
While many high schoolers are getting their driver’s licenses and learning to navigate roads, some local teens are also maneuvering in the sky with their pilot’s certifications. The Florida Keys Flight Academy is producing talented young pilots, some of whom are in high school or just graduated. Two recent success stories are those of standout students Ethan Sauders, 19, and Courtney Grabus, 18, who launched their aviation journeys two years ago.
Last week, Sauders, a 2024 Marathon High School graduate, became the youngest certified flight instructor of the current cadre of instructors at the academy. Just a few years ago, Sauders had never sat behind the controls of a plane before he embarked on the academy’s discovery flight – the starting point for pilots that gives them the feel of being beyond the control yoke. Now he has cross-country flight experience, flying from the Middle Keys to the Midwest.
“They do a really good job of preparing you because they introduce some of the real-world flying,” Sauders said. “A lot of places don’t do that. I got to fly to Wisconsin twice and on a couple of the legs of the trip solo, and that’s something that a lot of people don’t get to do.”
The academy was established in the early 2000s and in 2020 was bought by Sol Bradman, who has been flying since 1984 and has been involved with aviation practically his whole life. At 15 years old, Bradman flew his first flight, so he said he can relate to young students’ excitement when taking to the air.
“It’s super rewarding to see our students start from scratch and end up in an aviation career,” Bradman said. “My favor-
ite part of what I do is giving back knowledge. The texts and photos I get from the kids make it very rewarding.”
The flight school offers instruction all the way from zero-hour training to certification as a commercial pilot or certified flight instructor. Students go through levels including FAA written test prep, private pilot, instrument, commercial and certified flight instructor training.
The Marathon-based academy also offers training in Key West. That’s where Grabus, a Key West High School senior, usually flies. Next month, she’ll earn her high school diploma, and she hopes to add a flight instructor certification to her list of life milestones. The daughter of a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission pilot who earlier was a U.S. Navy aviator, she said she naturally fell into her father’s footsteps.
“One summer, my dad, who knows Sol very well, was talking about scholarships and the flight school. I was like ‘I would like to do that,’ and I thought I could make my dad proud, too,” Grabus said.
Grabus has her sights set on becoming a commercial airline pilot in her early 20s after earning a degree from Lynn University in Boca Raton. She’s inspiring others to explore a passion for aviation, too. Last year, she and a friend created an Aviation Club at Key West High School to introduce their peers to the field and connect them to the flight school. Community outreach from the academy is helping young flyers “catch the bug” as well.
“We fly over 200 kids here a year for free,” Bradman said. “A lot of young kids started with the Young Eagles program, where 8- to 17-year-olds get to fly free twice a year.”
With many fair-weather days and less air traffic in the Keys, Bradman said the school can give students a solid foundation quickly.
“We give them a good base here and then have them take it to the mainland to get additional experience with communications and traffic,” Bradman said. “We have a lot of success stories with our students. We have a lot of locals now flying for corporate.”
The school takes no deposits, allowing all students to pay and progress at their own pace. The academy also offers scholarship opportunities. Sauders and Grabus were both awarded scholarships from the Buzza Foundation, founded by a local family.
To see the school’s complete offerings, including instruction, plane rentals, historical experiences and more, visit floridakeysflightacademy.com or visit the school, above the EAA Air Museum at the Marathon International Airport.
Ethan Sauders, center, stands with his parents after earning his private pilot license. Photos by Allison Morgan and contributed images
FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS
CALISTHENICS: THE ART OF GETTING STRONG WITH JUST YOUR BODY
If you’ve ever marveled at someone effortlessly pulling themselves up on a bar or executing a flawless handstand push-up and thought, “Wow, I’d probably break my face trying that,” then welcome to the wonderful world of calisthenics. A time-honored, gravity-defying fitness art, calisthenics is all about using your body weight to build strength, mobility, and control — all without a single dumbbell in sight. That’s right, no gym needed!
Believe it or not, calisthenics isn’t some trendy TikTok fitness craze, although it’s having a well-deserved comeback online. This form of training dates back to ancient Greece, where warriors and athletes sculpted their bodies into pure muscle machines using nothing but their own mass. The word itself comes from the Greek words kallos (meaning beauty) and sthenos (meaning strength). Basically, the Greeks figured out thousands of years ago that you don’t need fancy equipment to get ripped. They’re also responsible for Feta cheese, which automatically puts them into the genius zone if you know what I mean.
Fast-forward to the 1800s and Europeans re-embraced calisthenics as a crucial component of physical education. Schools, military training and athletes incorporated push-ups, pullups and dips into their regimens. And let’s not forget gymnasts — arguably the most impressive practitioners of calisthenics — who have been defying gravity with their insane body control for centuries.
Calisthenics is essentially the launchpad to total-body fitness. You don’t need a gym membership, heavy weights or even much space. If you have a floor and a bit of willpower, you’re good to go. It’s all about functional strength — building the kind of muscle that helps you move like a superhero in real life, not just look good in a tank top (though that’s a nice bonus).
Lifting weights is great, but being able to control your own body is nextlevel strength. A one-arm push-up or muscle-up requires a different kind of power — one that builds coordination, stability and raw strength.
Calisthenics also improves mobility by forcing you to move your body through space dynamically. Ever seen
JENNIFER HARVEY
...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC. Hello@highlymotivatedfc.com
a gymnast struggle to touch their toes? Exactly.
On top of this, every single move in calisthenics — yes, even a simple squat — engages your core.
It also requires minimal equipment for maximum gains. Your own body is the weight, and gravity is your gym partner.
Finally, let’s be real: It’s just plain cool. Pulling off a human flag or a pistol squat earns you instant bragging rights. It’s fitness with flair.
If you’re wondering whether calisthenics can replace traditional strength training, the answer is that it depends. If you want to deadlift a car, you’re going to need to hit the weights. But if you’re after functional, adaptable strength, then mastering calisthenics can lay an incredible foundation for any fitness goal.
Think of bodyweight training as learning the alphabet before writing poetry. Push-ups, dips, pull-ups, squats and lunges teach you control, balance and resilience. Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can start adding resistance (hello, weighted vests) or incorporating weights into your routine. Even elite body builders integrate calisthenics to improve their overall athleticism. If you’re convinced to give calisthenics a shot, master the classics first:
• Push-ups: the bread and butter of upper body strength.
• Squats: your legs will thank you (eventually).
• Pull-ups: the ultimate test of back and arm power.
• Dips: get ready for some serious triceps and shoulder burn.
• Planks: the core builder that’ll make you realize just how long a minute actually is.
Once you’ve got those down, the world of advanced calisthenics (planche push-ups, front levers and handstand walks) is yours to conquer.
FISH, DONATE, REPEAT
Key Colony Beach Fishing and Boating Club showers local groups with more than $22,000 in donations
In a widespread show of charity throughout the Keys, members of the Key Colony Beach Fishing and Boating Club filled the coffers of nearly two dozen local nonprofits this spring. Funds totaling $22,455 will bolster the efforts of groups ranging from coral restoration programs to Boy Scouts, community theaters, animal rescue and rehab organizations and the United States Coast Guard.
Raised primarily through the club’s tournaments throughout the year as well as an annual clam bake and silent auction, the 2025 funds are a massive addition to the group’s total of more than $43,000 in reported donations from 2022 through 2024.
“It’s the most money we’ve ever given away,” the club’s assistant fundraising director, John Fruhmorgen, told the Weekly. “We had an abundance, and we made sure we gave it all.”
Recipients this year include:
• City of KCB, Beautification Giving Tree - $2,500
• Florida Keys SPCA - $500
• Keys Area Interdenominational Resources - $2,000
• Ron Sutton Memorial Kids Fishing Derby - $1,955
• Marathon Community Theatre - $500
• Domestic Abuse Shelter - $2,000
• Marathon Elks Lodge - $1,000
• Marathon High School scholarships - $500
• Marathon Moose Building Fund - $1,000
• Marathon Moose Veterans Fund - $1,000
• Shriners of Marathon - $1,000
• Boy Scout Troop 573 - $500
• Tunnel to Towers Foundation - $1,500
• Turtle Hospital - $1,000
• U.S. Coast Guard of Marathon - $500
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 13-2 - $500
• Marathon Wild Bird Center - $1,000
• Dolphin Research Center - $1,000
• St. Columba/The Hammock House camps - $1,000
• Pigeon Key and Marine Science Center - $500
Members of the Key Colony Beach Fishing and Boating Club executive board present donations to the Marathon Wild Bird Center and Pigeon Key and Marine Science Center. More than 20 local nonprofits were recipients of donations from the club ranging from $500 to $2,500 in 2025. CONTRIBUTED
• USF Foundation Keys Marine Lab Coral Restoration - $1,000
– Keys Weekly staff report
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
From a flyover on Duval Street on March 26 to the grand finale air show on March 30, the Southernmost Air Spectacular did not disappoint.
Despite a rainout on March 29, the March 30 show was flying high under blue skies and heart-stopping power.
An estimated 13,000 people streamed into Naval Air Station Key West at Boca Chica on March 30 to watch heart-stopping aerobatic performances, parachutists deploying an American flag to the sound of the national anthem and the stars of the show, the U.S. Navy’s elite precision flying team, the Blue Angels, in their F/A-18 Super Hornets.
Godspeed, guys. See you back here in two years.
THE BLUE ANGELS WERE BACK
Key West air show flies high despite a rain day
The Blue Angels were back for the Southernmost Air Spectacular March 29 and 30. Despite a one-day rainout, the Navy’s elite F/A-18 Super Hornets did not disappoint on March 30, along with parachutists, aerobatic flights and tours of giant aircraft. Photos by Mark Hedden and Larry Blackburn
117 Ave E, Marathon, FL 4 bed / 4 bath, 3,069 SF, 12,100 SF Lot, Open Concept, Vaulted Ceilings, Large Lanai, 110’ Deep Water Dockage, Boat Ramp, Guest Quarter w/ Private Entrance Offered at $2,195,000
3 bed / 3 bath, 1,857 SF, New Roof, Impact Resistant Doors & Windows, Covered Parking, 7 day Rentals Allowed, Tons of On-site Amenities, Furnished Offered at $975,000
Walter Ceballos, P.A. 305 -562- 0819 walter@keysrealestate.com
133 Coco Plum Dr. #22, Royal Plum Condos
1 bed / 1 bath, 656 SF, Spacious Open Living Area, Screened Porch, Expansive Sandy Beach, Heated Pool, Tennis Court, 7 day Rentals Allowed Offered at $386,000
Lynn B. Lucas, P.A. 305-393-0559 lynn@keyshomehunter.com
REFLECTING ON MISSION: ICONIC REEFS
Unique partnership model provides hope, path forward in year 5
TIFFANY DUONG
tiffany@keysweekly.com
Coral restoration practitioners and environmental enthusiasts recently marked the fifth anniversary of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s landmark Mission: Iconic Reefs (M:IR) program, celebrating the innovative partnership model that has led to its success and calling for continued commitment to the reefs.
Launched in 2019, the program set an ambitious goal of rebuilding and strengthening seven iconic coral reef tracts within the Florida Keys. Their approach is novel: leveraging different coral restoration practitioners and the programs they’ve individually developed, together with research and agency coordination, to ensure synergy of all goals and objectives.
“Mission: Iconic Reefs is NOAA-led and partnerdriven,” said Maddie Cholnoky, the M:IR implementation manager. Her job is to encourage partnerships with coral practitioners, and to work with them to assess where different outplants should happen in relation to other experiments and activities. “We look at the mission holistically to make sure each facet is successful. We look at everything — from people’s missions and goals to who’s doing what experiment to who focuses on what species — to best fit people’s work together, so they can all achieve their goals while contributing to the broader mission.”
David Burke, the acting sanctuary superintendent, added, “The Mission: Iconic Reefs program was set up … to be something that we helped to get started but that everybody was going to be a participant in.” The intention, he said, is for this to be a project that is bigger than the sum of its parts.
This partnership model allows individual practitioners to bring their own expertise and tools to the fight to save the reefs; the framework helps diverse techniques to be used on the parts of the reef tract where they will be most effective.
“There’s all these organizations and businesses that inherently would be competitive by nature,” said Cholnoky. “Under this mission, they’ve collectively come together with the same goals, so people are sharing stories, they’re sharing data, they’re sharing ideas, and it strengthens restoration to make what’s happening here a model for the rest of the world. I think that makes it really special.”
This shift toward collaboration proved critical in 2023, during an unprecedented marine heat wave that killed off much of the coral in restoration nurseries and on reefs. Wild and restored colonies both suffered.
“The 2023 bleaching was the most severe in this region ever recorded in history,” said Katey Lesneski, the M:IR research and monitoring coordinator. “It led to a high percentage of mortality of elkhorn and staghorn coral, but in that time we also saw higher resilience in boulder, brain and massive corals.”
Those more resilient corals and the resilient genets of elkhorn and staghorn have now become the restoration focus of many groups, kickstarting a later phase of M:IR earlier than intended.
“Based on everything we’ve seen and learned, this is the right move,” Lesneski said.
The “silver lining” of the 2023 bleaching event has been the lessons implemented in its aftermath and the learned resilience of practitioners, multiple people said.
“It changed our approach to restoration and adaptive management,” Cholnoky said. “We saw people come together and be innovative in a way that had never happened before.”
NOAA hosted a special five-year anniversary screening of a feature film on M:IR produced by the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. The event, hosted at the Eco-Discovery Center in Key West, brought the coral community together from across the Keys.
Lesneski introduced the film and summarized for the Weekly some of the other successes that M:IR is celebrating:
• Creation of 100 new jobs.
• New research initiatives.
• Better understanding of our reefs.
• Increased public engagement through the Iconic Reef Guardians stewardship program and the new Eco-Discovery Center.
1: Maddie Cholnoky, Katey Lesneski and Chandler Nelson welcome guests to the Eco-Discovery Center in Key West for the Mission: Iconic Reefs’ five-year anniversary special screening. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly. 2: Practitioners grow and maintain corals in CRF’s nursery in Tavernier. 3: After the 2023 bleaching, more resilient genets of staghorn coral, like these in the CRF Tavernier nursery, have become the restoration focus of many groups. JOSEPH HENRY/ Triton Society 4: A March 2025 Iconic Reef Guardians trip brought locals and visitors to Snapper Ledge in Islamorada, to admire wild elkhorn that survived the 2023 bleaching.
• New partners: coral practitioners, research partners, state partners.
“Mission: Iconic Reefs is so incredible because it not only supports the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and ecosystems here, but also the local economy,” Lesneski said. “Restoring our reefs and creating all these jobs and pulling all these different funding sources in is a critical component of supporting the folks that live down here that really care about and rely on the reefs. … In order to keep obtaining those benefits, and for the people who live here to continue to benefit, we need to have our reefs healthy.”
Originally pitched as a 20-year endeavor costing nearly $100 million, M:IR is adapting in real time to the challenges that a changing planet and political ecosystem pose. What remains constant, practitioners said, is the passion everyone has for this work and their drive to learn more, do better and protect the place we all call home.
BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR!
HAPPY HOUR
DAILY
CHAMBER
BUSINESS
AFTER HOURS
Who: The Turtle Hospital
April 9th 5:30 -
When: Wednesday, April 9th 5:30pm - Sunset
Where: 2396 Overseas Hwy
What: Great networking, food & beverages; come promote your business and meet Marathon business owners, executives, and leaders!
MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
April 15th 12pm - 1pm
When: Tuesday, April 15th 12pm - 1pm
Where: Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club 1996 Overseas Hwy
Topic:
Speaker: Hotwire Communications
Topic: Future Proofing your Business for the demands of the future: Fiber-Optics & Connectivity
Chamber members can apply by April 11th, for any
MARK HEDDEN
... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.
Iwas hearing a red-winged blackbird but seeing a common grackle. Which was fine. If I wasn’t excessively comfortable with cognitive dissonance I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed most mornings. Or even most afternoons.
The grackle I could see. Actually there were two of them, down on the ground, sallying forth to drink from the puddle, then backing away into the shadow of the parked backhoe, then sallying forth to drink again. Sometimes they alternated in doing this, sometimes they did it as a pair.
I didn’t really try to find the red-winged blackbird. They’re here year-round and kind of hard to avoid as a species, and I did eventually, without really trying, catch sight of it giving its short-long-short, down-up-down whistle in the high branches of a nearby tree.
It was the grackles I was interested in. While most of the Florida population of the species is non-migratory, the Keys population disappears from the landscape sometime in September or October, and re-appears in late March or early April. And these were the first I had seen this year.
Grackles are some of the least loved creatures in the birding world.
Their physical traits can come off as simultaneously weird and, as the descriptor in their name implies, common. While they appear at first glance to be black, if you pay them enough attention you notice they have a purplish iridescence in the head and neck, which some people think looks like an oily sheen. They also have this bright, contrasting lunar-yellow eye that freaks some people out.
Then there is their voice. It has variously been described as a “harsh, metallic hiss,” “raspy” and “unmusical,” and akin to “the squeaking of an oilless wheelbarrow.”
I think another part of their public image issue is they come off as less-qualified crows, perhaps nearly equally cunning and canny, but with a far lower degree of the charm. Also, they are smaller, with pointier bills.
Crows are members of the smarty-pants corvid family, along with the smarter-than-youraverage-bird jays and magpies. Grackles are with the icterids, who aren’t as sharp-witted but are generally prettier. Compared to the brilliant oranges and yellows of their oriole, meadowlark and oropendola cousins, though, grackles come off like Victorian undertakers or maladjusted goth kids, like the Skids on the TV show “Letterkenny.”
While an aggregation of crows is called a murder, an aggregation of grackles is called a plague. There is a reason for that beyond their looks and personality.
Grackles are one of the North American avian species that have benefited from human development of ecosystems. Before the Europeans arrived, population-wise they lived a respectable
AN ORNITHOLOGICAL DEBACLE
if modest existence in open woodlands and on the edges of forests. As the Europeans cleared the mature, old-growth forests and converted them into more agricultural habitats, the common grackle population spread and grew rapidly.
Two of the grackle’s great strengths are their adaptability and their sociability. They primarily eat seeds and insects – they even have a special ridge on their upper mandible called a keel that’s used to score and crack open hard seeds like acorns – but they will also eat eggs, chicks, small birds, small lizards and the occasional bit of garbage. They will sometimes follow plows and pick grubs and other invertebrates out of the overturned earth.
The thing that earned them the collective noun of plague, though, is their fondness for crops, especially corn and corn sprouts. Grackles will sometimes descend on fields of early-growth produce by the tens of thousands and go to town.
John James Audubon had something of a love/hate relationship with the common grackle. Describing the actions in his painting of them he wrote, “The male, as if full of delight at the sight of the havoc which he has already committed on the tender, juicy, unripe corn on which he stands, has swelled his throat, and is calling in exultation to his companions to come and assist him in demolishing it.”
“This is the tithe our (grackles) take from our planters and farmers; but it was so appointed, and such is the will of the beneficent Creator,” he added.
Another wag noted that resenting grackles for eating crops is like having an open bar and complaining that people got drunk.
This sanguineness was probably not shared by actual farmers.
The poet Ogden Nash, who is often wrongly credited with the lines, “A wonderful bird is the pelican / his beak can hold more than his belly can,” actually did write a short poem that prettywell summed up the grackle:
The grackle’s voice is less than mellow, His heart is black, his eye is yellow, He bullies more attractive birds
With hoodlum deeds and vulgar words, And should a human interfere,
Attacks that human in the rear.
I cannot help but deem the grackle
An ornithological debacle.
Personally, I’ve never had issues with grackles. As a species, they do what they have to do to survive and thrive. As the poet Waylon Jennings said of some other miscreants, they are making their way the only way they know how.
Also, I appreciate their DIY resourcefulness, which to my mind is more punk than goth.
Years ago, we fed our dog out on the back porch. When he wasn’t around, or when he was snoozing in the sun, the grackles would come in, grab a nugget, drop it in the water bowl, and disappear for a few minutes. Then they would come in, grab the softened kibble, gulp it down, and drop another nugget in the water bowl.
More recently, there was a time when our pool pump died for a couple months and the pool became something of a frog pond. Sometimes a palm frond would fall down on the edge and dip down into the water. And then a grackle or two would come in, sidle down the center vane of the frond, and nab their fill of tadpoles as they swam up to the surface to breathe.
I think it helps that in the Keys, with no agriculture, we get small gangs of them, not armies.
Christian Cooper, in his book “Better Living Through Birding,” had a sweet story about having a somewhat jaundiced eye toward grackles until he took a class of fourth graders birding in Central Park. It was a slow day, with not much to see. And then one of the kids spotted something. Cooper said it was a grackle, and that he “nearly expectorated the name, as if to underscore just how common it was.”
“‘It’s beautiful,’” the kid said with a “reverent hush.”
He said for the first time in many years he actually looked at a grackle. And everything changed after that.
City Manager Report
A. Discussion Of Timing, Process And Traffic Control For Sombrero Blvd. Stormwater Improvements
B. Marathon High School Student Art in City Hall
Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings
A. Resolution 2025-34, A Request For A Development Agreement For Wharf Marina, Inc. Pursuant To Chapter 102, Article 8 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (Code) Entitled “Development Agreement” For The Development Of A Property Into Five (5) Transient Units, Office And Restaurant, And Marina; Located At 1480 Overseas; Which Is As Part Of Government Lot 2 And Bay Bottom North Of And Adjacent To Lot 2 And Adjacent Portion Of State Road 4-A And 1458 Coral Drive Legally Described As Back 3 Part Of Lots 1- 2 -3 And Back 2 Parts Of Lots 1-2-3-4 W R Thompson Subdivision PB 2-104 (Aka Parcels B-C-D-E-F-K-L Per UNREC 1977 C G Bailey Survey On File), Section 9, Township 66 South, Range 32, Key Vaccas, Monroe County, Florida; Having Real Estate Numbers 00102790-000000, & 00320330-000000. Nearest Mile Marker 48. (Second Hearing)
B. Resolution 2025-35, Request For A Development Agreement For Wharf Marina, Inc. Pursuant To Chapter 102, Article 8 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (Code) Entitled “Development Agreement” For The Development Of A Restaurant, Marina, Retail Shop, And Eleven (11) Transient Housing Units At The Property Located At
1622 Overseas Highway, Which Is Legally Described As 9 66 32 Key Vaccas Part Lot 2 & Bay Bottom North Of & Adjacent To Part Government Lot 2 (PT ST RD 4-A), Marathon, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Number 00102600-000000. Nearest Mile Marker 48.
Ordinances for First Public Hearing
A. Ordinance 2025-02, Amending Chapter 18, Article 3 (“Abatement Of Criminal Nuisances”) By Deleting Sections 18-186, 18-187, 18-888, 18-189, And 18-190; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Thereof Found To Be In Conflict; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code Of Ordinances And Providing For An Effective Date.
Resolutions For Adoption
*A. Resolution 2025-36, Accepting The Responsible Bid And Approving A Contract Between The City And Pedro Falcon Contractors, Inc. In An Amount Not To Exceed $193,703.00 For The Alteration to The City Hall Lobby Area and Office Modifications At City Hall; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Appropriate Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.
CULTURE SWAP
Rotary Club of Marathon invites local families to participate in Youth Exchange Program
The Rotary Club of Marathon is seeking two additional local families to host an exchange student for three months each. The program provides an opportunity to learn new perspectives, explore new customs and be exposed to a different culture.
Kelly Williams, Marathon resident and Marathon Rotary Club member, grew up with exchange students in her home and will soon be welcoming the exchange student to her Marathon home with her husband Sam and stepdaughter Mia.
“Growing up, my family hosted seven students and I have been able to keep in contact with five of them in the years since,” Williams said. “The program truly opens you up to the world and is such a special experience. Sam’s family also hosted a student years ago and now we want to share the experience with our family. Sam and I recently went on a trip and connected with both of our exchange students. We all met up in Volendam, a fishing village in the Netherlands, and had so much fun.”
The program allows students ages 15 to 18 to live with host families and attend Marathon High School. Students who are selected undergo a thorough vetting process and must have medical insurance and strong academic records. Host families are responsible for housing and meals for the student, including the student in family outings and supporting the student in school and extracurricular activities. The students have health insurance and are provided spending money by Rotary.
Jesus Parra, who lives in Marathon and is a Marathon Rotary Club member, was a youth exchange student in another program and said the experience was invaluable.
“Being part of a youth exchange program was, without a doubt, the best 12 months of my life,” Parra said. “The personal growth I experienced during that time truly shaped who I am today. I met one of my best friends, who I’m still close to, and I gained a second family in Port Edwards, Wisconsin, who I stay in touch with and try to see as often as I can. Hosting a student from another country can truly change their life in ways only an exchange student can explain. I’m so excited to see some join our community soon.”
For more information on becoming a host family, visit https://www. ryese.org/page/host or contact Mary Ann Royse at maroyse@gmail.com or Kelly Williams at kelgeorgie@hotmail.com. — Contributed
by email.
Now Hiring FINANCE MANAGER
The Keys Weekly Newspapers and Overseas Media Group are seeking an organized, detail-orientated 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.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
2 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home centrally located in mid Marathon. Large screened porch. 50 X 97lot. Reduced $325,000 MLS# 610518
CRANE HAMMOCK
Eastward Ho, Marathon
3 BD& 2 BA. Backs up to Crane Hammock park giving back yard privacy. Walk in concrete pool. Undivided ownership to a Gulf front park with boat ramp. AC workshop and a storage shed. Enclosed carport Nicely landscaped shaded lot. 9 ft elevation. $799,900
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
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
• 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
THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP: LONG KEY
Famous Western novelist enjoyed annual fishing trips
Rattlesnakes are pit vipers. Pit vipers have two little heat-sensing pits on their heads between their eyes and nostrils. When a rattlesnake strikes with its fangs at some warm-blooded prey, the pits help guide its aim.
This information is relevant because, once upon a time, the island ahead was identified as Viper Kay.
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
cery store in Miami with his wife Mary before they purchased 40 acres of Long Key. He developed the Long Key Construction Company in 1946, after which a fishing camp was established, followed by cabins and a restaurant. What started as Layton’s Long Key Fishing Camp grew into a town that was incorporated on Sept. 18, 1963. Layton is small. No sooner is the blinking yellow light in the rearview mirror than Layton has passed, and you’re cruising down the island. It won’t be long before a brown sign on the side of the road reads: Long Key State Park 1,000 Feet.
novels. The writer was also a world-record-holding fisherman who became a fan of the Florida Keys.
Pearl Zane Grey grew up wanting to be a baseball player and played semi-professionally.
His father wanted him to be a dentist, and he became one. He was also a writer, and in 1902, he self-published “Betty Zane” with the help of his wife, who paid $600 for that first novel to be published.
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
The Spanish word for viper is vibura. Early Spanish names for the island included slight variations of vibura, Cayo Vivora and Vivoras. In 1775, a chart created by Gauld identified the island by two names, Cayo Bivoras and Viper Kay. In 1846, the Blunt chart used the same two names. In 1849, Gerdes wrote in his “Reconnaissance of the Florida Reef and all the Keys,” “The name of Viper Key, or Cayo Bivoras is not known to anybody, but the island is called Long Island.”
On an 1872 government survey, Charles Smith called it Long Key, and Long Key it is today. The view of the island from the high arch of the Channel 5 Bridge offers a picturesque approach. When driving down the bridge, a sailboat or two can often be seen at anchor just offshore from the island. From the bridge, on the oceanside of the highway, it looks like an island’s bushy green arm is sticking out. The “elbow” is Long Key Point. After the bridge, the highway rolls past Fiesta Key, and a short span of railroad fill before it reaches Long Key. While driving over the long, thin line of asphalt, the island does give off a serpentine feel. Slithering along, the first thing Long Key reveals is Layton. It is a small community with a blinking yellow light reminding you to slow down.
It was named after Del Layton, who ran a gro-
If there is one thing that the state of Florida does really well, it is its state park program, and Long Key State Park presents another opportunity to experience a more natural island state. The thousand-acre park was dedicated on Oct. 1, 1969. It offers camping, kayaking, bird watching and the chance to see what the real Florida Keys are like. There are nature trails, too.
If you are a fan of the Netflix series “Bloodline,” stroll down the Golden Orb Trail. Long Key State Park was home to where the fratricide occurred – the sheriff drowned his brother. The spot where the scene was filmed is a little off the beaten path and between the Golden Orb Trail and Long Key Point. For years, the log out in the water seen in the shot was still there — it isn’t any more, but the view is still gorgeous.
What brought Long Key national attention is fishing, or at least fishermen and a fish camp. According to the Key West Citizen, an Oct. 23, 1908 story reveals, “Six buildings are being erected at Long Key for the use of tourists, and incidentally to allow the traveling public to stop over here and enjoy some of the best fishing in the world.”
The Key West Citizen reported in 1909, “We have tips from good authority that Long Key Fishing Camp is going to be crowded this winter. It is one of the most attractive places along the line; contains a two-story hotel and about 30 neat little cottages.”
The camp attracted the attention of Zane Grey, who is best remembered for his Western
In 1907, Grey visited a friend in Arizona, helping him trap mountain lions, and fell in love with the majesty of the West. Western novels became his sweet spot, and he published more than 90 books and 196 short stories. He was also one of the first American authors to become a millionaire. Grey went into the movie business and, in 1919, opened Zane Grey Productions.
Forty-six movies based on his work helped launch the careers of Hollywood legends like John Wayne, Tom Mix, Randolph Scott and Shirley Temple.
Grey first came to the Keys in 1911, when a tarpon fishing trip with his brother, originally planned for Mexico, fell through after an epidemic swept over their destination. After returning to Miami, with time on their hands and fishing on their minds, they decided to ride Flagler’s train south to Long Key. It left an impression. Between 1911 and 1926, Grey only missed his annual fishing trip to Long Key twice.
At the end of the island, right before rolling over the Long Key Bridge, you’ll speed past a historic marker commemorating the Long Key Fishing Camp that was destroyed in the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. Where many of the old buildings once stood is now a condominium complex.
The last thing to remember about Long Key is that after driving past the old fishing camp, off the island, and over the Long Key Bridge, there is a second bridge. The old railroad bridge, the Long Key Viaduct, is on the oceanside. There are probably people standing on it fishing. Of all the railroad bridges in the Keys, the Long Key Viaduct was Henry Flagler’s favorite.
The building and grounds of the Long Key Fishing Camp circa 1915. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Monroe County Library Collection
MARATHON
•
•
•
•
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.
• Please visit our website for helpful information, forms, applications, and important announcements.
Follow us on for more imortant tax information.
& EASTER HOLY WEEK
Holy Week is a time to reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ Remembering Jesus' actions, reflecting on his messages and recommitting to living as his disciples in the world today
9:00am & 11:00am Palm Sunday Service
Wednesday, April 16
Sunday April 13 6:00pm Taize
Thursday, April 17 5:00pm Maundy Thursday
Good Friday, April 18
Noon Good Friday Service
Holy Saturday, April 19 5:00pm Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday, April 20 9:00am Traditional Service 11:00am Contemporary Service
• 2 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom
• No-Bridge Access to Cudjoe Bay
• Partial Open Water Views
• Additional Downstairs Storage
• Laundry Room
• Covered Downstairs Patio
• Deep-Water Canal & Approximately 36’ of Concrete Dockage
•
•
•
•
• 3,224 Sq. Ft.
• Open Concept Great Room
• Unmatched Boating Amenities
• 40’ Finger Piers w/ Mooring Pilings
• Potential For 5th Bedroom
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 11-1 OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 11-1 OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 11-1
HOUSE SATURDAY 11-1
1507 SOMBRERO BLVD A MARATHON | $ 3,149,000
2305 GROUPER DRIVE MARATHON | $1,299,000
• 3 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom
• Situated On A Wide Boating Canal
• Garage
• 60’ Concrete Dock
• 13,000 Lb. Boat Lift
• Easy Gulf Access
• New Impact Doors & Windows, AC and Decking
• 2 Bedroom | 2.5 Bathroom • Wide Range of Community Amenities
• Heated/Chilled Community Pool
• 1st Come Dock & 8 Boat Slips
• Panoramic Gulf Views
• 7 Day Rentals Allowed
• Minutes to Local Beaches & Restaurants
• 5 Spacious Bedrooms
• 2,928 Sq. Ft. of Luxury
• Stunning Boot Key & Partial Sisters Creek Views
• Deep-Draft Dockage
• Resort-Style Pool & Spa with White Marble Deck
• Open Concept Great Room with Soaring Ceilings
• 2 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom
• Room For Pool
• High Rental Potential with 7-Day Rentals Allowed
• Approximately 60’ Concrete Dock
• Deep-Draft Ocean Access
• Peaceful Neighborhood Across from a Nature Preserve
• CBS Construction
CHRIS McNULTY
is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com
We’ve made it through another eclipse season, and this one was a bit of a doozy with the addition of Neptune’s move into Aries. What changed for you in the past two weeks? What feels different? Eclipse season brings momentous endings that enable momentous beginnings, and it is our challenge to remain steadfast amongst the tumultuousness. Neptune’s ingress into Aries marked the beginning of a new 14-year period of unexplored intuitions, unexpected dreams, and bringing our highest ideals into practice. Big shifts. Now that we are on the other side of these transitions, we are integrating all that has changed. This week’s astrology is comparatively calm, so let your eyes adjust to the light and gaze upon the new terrain with curiosity. The astrology doesn’t stop, however, and Mars in Cancer is forming a 120-degree trine to the conjunction of Saturn and retrograde Venus in Pisces. Under this sky, we are offered the chance to review our relationships, creative endeavors and/ or financial matters with greater maturity and authority, allowing us to make hard but necessary choices. Mars is offering the courage to seek emotional growth through this process while giving us the energy to persevere. We are reminded it is OK to say “No” to what we love and to love what tells us “No.”
Here are your horoscopes for Mars in Cancer trine Saturn conjunct retrograde Venus in Pisces. Read for your rising and sun signs.
ARIES
March 21 - April 19
There is a lot of activity and movement occurring around home and family right now, and you are courageously planting your roots where they can be nourished. All of
this activity is helping you learn that your heart can sometimes lead you astray, but you have the strength to be your own parent and say “No” to the things that do not serve your higher interest. Trust your conscience.
TAURUS
April 20 - May 20
Is there a lot of communication going on around you right now? Emails. Phone calls. Running into everyone at Publix. Take the messages you need and leave the rest behind. All of these ideas being thrown around are helping you to love your real support networks and set boundaries with those who waste time. You can be choosy with what you let in.
GEMINI
May 21 - June 20
Money in. Money out. Your bank account has probably been ebbing and flowing with some higher velocity, and you are actively navigating how your spending and earning reflects your personal values. All of that action is helping you to make tough decisions about what is and is not serving you at work. Honestly, it’s OK to turn down a promotion sometimes. A new opportunity could be waiting in the wings.
CANCER
June 21 - July 22
You are getting active. Is it a new workout routine? A flurry of projects? Some fresh, unexpected attention? Whatever it is, your body and your charisma are working overtime. Follow the new adventures that are calling out to your heart, but be choosy. You can not go down all paths simultaneously, and sometimes the FOMO is the lesson.
LEO
July 23 - Aug. 22
Busy being alone is a perfect place to be right now, Leo. Your solitude is where your action is. At home workouts, solitary walks, and fighting with yourself are all on the docket. Use this contained
fire to help you suss out how to use the resources you share with other people. Sometimes you invest and sometimes you sit out. How will you use your time, talent and treasure with others?
VIRGO
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
Your social life is popping off. There is a flurry of activity with other people right now, so be sure that you are surrounding yourself with those who truly want what’s best for you. If you immerse yourself in support, you will find that you can pick and choose the more intimate partners in life that move you forward. Call in the partners who help, and cut off the partners who hinder.
LIBRA
Sept. 23 - Oct. 23
Work, work, work. You’ve got a lot of working energy going on right now, Libra. There’s some action and maybe some frustration happening in your place of work. Lots of projects or frustrating coworkers, perhaps. Use that energy coming at you from outside to help you be choosy about what you have control over. How will you choose routines that you love and cut out tasks that don’t support you? You control your micro, everyday actions.
SCORPIO
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
Your world is expanding, and you are taking action to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Whether it’s through travel, education or just shifting your mindset, you are in a moment of stepping up. Be mindful, though. Just because a door is open doesn’t mean you have to walk through it. Follow your bliss and turn down frivolity.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
Something is stirring in your depths, Sag. You’re working through some serious emotional material, and it may be playing out in your relationships or financial
LOVE THE EDIT
agreements. You’re used to flying free, but this moment calls for more structure. Make some loving choices about how you are engaging with your home and family. Call in family love and shut down any disregard.
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
Your relationships are in the hot seat right now. The people closest to you are either proving their worth or making you question their role in your life. This isn’t about burning bridges, but it is about defining your boundaries. Who deserves your time, energy and commitment? Answering this question will help you better define and find comfort in your familiar surroundings.
AQUARIUS
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
You’re getting into the nittygritty of your daily life, Aquarius. Routines, habits and the small details that keep everything running smoothly are demanding your attention. This is a time for tweaking, adjusting and setting yourself up for long-term success. Getting your habits straight will help you make important financial decisions.
PISCES
Feb. 19 - March 20
Your creativity and passion are front and center. Whether you’re diving into an artistic project, a romantic entanglement or a pursuit that sets your heart on fire, this is a moment to take action. But with Venus retrograde in your sign, this is also about refining what brings you joy. Not everything needs to be a masterpiece, and not every romance needs to last forever. Play, explore and let yourself edit as you go.
Having Fun in the Middle Keys
Hammock House receives $20,000 from United Way
The Hammock House at St. Columba Episcopal Church has received a grant of $20,000 from United Way of Collier and the Keys. Thanks in part to this funding, the Hammock House will continue to offer a free after-school program that includes camps during school breaks as well as four weeks of free Just For Fun Summer Camp. The Hammock House aims to provide children of the Middle Keys with positive development strategies to strengthen their academics and relationships and create trusting, safe spaces for them to succeed in the local community. The program offers 11th- and 12th-grade students community service hours or paid positions to help tutor and provide homework help during the school year and to have fun as camp counselors during summer camp.
Celebrate 15 years of the Dolphin Bistro
The Dolphin Bistro, home of Marathon High School’s culinary program, will celebrate 15 years of developing the next generation of hospitality greatness on Friday, April 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the high school. For a $25 donation, the Bistro will offer a buffet and beverages to thank the Marathon community for its support of the culinary arts program under Carl “Chef” Stanton.
Marathon Youth Club thanks Bryk family, Marathon Chamber
The Marathon Youth Club extends its sincere thanks to the Bryk family and Daniel Samess with the Marathon Chamber of Commerce for their generosity in support of Middle Keys youth sports. Thanks to the donation of vendor space by the chamber, the Bryk family was able to fundraise throughout the weekend at the Original Marathon Seafood Festival, showcasing a photo of the Old Seven Mile Bridge
captured by Chris Bryk and printed on wood. “We are beyond grateful for their continuous dedication year after year and for giving up the weekend to support our youth,” said the youth club’s Veronica Mir. “The generous donation will make a tremendous impact, helping cover equipment replacement costs and future player registration fees.”
Champions for Change hosts week of drug prevention activities
Last month, the Educational Coalition for Monroe County and its student group, Marathon High School Champions for Change, hosted a week of leadership and substance abuse prevention opportunities at MHS. This included presentations by Jake White and Tomas Barraza from drug, alcohol and vaping prevention organization Vive18; Captain Zach Mason of the National Guard; DEA Special Agent Oscar Negron; AHEC; Womankind; and other community organizations. In addition to prevention assemblies, spring varsity athletes had the opportunity to attend sessions on Protect your Game, a national program. Middle school students attended a Positive Vibes Prevention Palooza while parents and community members attended sessions with a focus on drug and underage drinking prevention as well as information about local resources. To close the week, 120 students from Key West, Coral Shores and Marathon High Schools attended a countywide leadership forum at MHS opened by Theresa Axford, the school district superintendent.
Big Pine men arrested for alleged child neglect
Two Big Pine Key, Florida men were arrested on March 28 following an investigation into how an infant suffered a broken leg. Lester Gustavo
Perez-Tecu, 24, and Gustavo PerezRamirez, 43, were both charged with child neglect as well as making false statements to law enforcement. The investigation began in September 2024 when a child under the age of 1 was brought to Fishermen’s Hospital in Marathon with a broken leg. The child was in the custody of Perez-Tecu at the time the investigation began. The child is currently in custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families. The investigation showed discrepancies in statements made by witnesses and the two suspects, MCSO said. Medical officials subsequently found evidence of previous injuries to the child’s bones, including the skull, which were determined to be nonaccidental. The investigation remains ongoing and more charges may be pending.
Watercolor Society offers $1,000 scholarship
The Florida Keys Watercolor Society will look to award a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating Monroe County high school student pursuing a degree in the visual arts. Applications can be requested from thefkwcs@gmail.com or 786-309-4585. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 30.
Keys AHEC to hold Middle Keys Mixer
Keys AHEC Health Centers will hold a Middle Keys Mixer in support of providing medical and dental care to children in the Keys. The event will take place on Thursday, April 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Palm Deck Rooftop Lounge at Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit Keys AHEC’s children’s medical and dental clinics. "This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together in support of a cause that truly makes a difference in the lives of children," said Michael Cunningham, CEO at Keys AHEC. "Every ticket purchased helps provide critical health care services to kids right here in our community." The evening will include entertainment, appetizers and a selection of beer and wine. Purchase event tickets by scanning the QR code or visiting keysahec. org.
Come take a class at the Marathon library
The Marathon library has a wide variety of class offerings, ranging from photography to book clubs, robots, virtual reality and more. Scan the QR code here to see the schedule and get involved.
Founded by Betty Debnam
Representing the U.S.
Think about the last time you visited friends or family who live in another city or state. Did they show you around their town? Maybe you were the special guest at a party.
The United States has friends around the world, too. But you can imagine that it would be hard for Americans to invite a whole country to visit and see our favorite things about our country. So instead, we have embassies in most other countries, and we deliver American pride and hospitality to them.
An embassy is an official government office for an ambassador and other diplomats. An ambassador is a representative of a country (or another group). The U.S. has 173 embassies and consulates around the world. The foreign service is part of the U.S. Department of State.
This week, The Mini Page finds out more about what U.S. ambassadors and embassy staff do in foreign countries.
WHAT IS DIPLOMACY?
Diplomacy is the art and practice of managing relations with other countries. Diplomacy is also a profession and a career in public service and in foreign service.
U.S. diplomats serve in different countries and at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. They represent the United States to other countries and to internationalorganizations such as the United Nations.
Diplomats need to know history and understand current issues and concerns in American
life. They also need to be knowledgeable about other countries and available to serve throughout the world.
U.S. diplomats promote peace and democracy, bring nations together to address global problems such as trade, and protect and help American businesses and citizens overseas.
LEARNING THE LINGO
It helps diplomats to know the language of the country they’re working in. Before they move to a new country, diplomats get language training at the Foreign Service Institute outside of Washington, D.C., which is like a college campus.
SHARING OUR VALUES
Ambassadors and embassies hold events and sponsor visitors to share American culture. The embassy might host U.S. musicians, artists, authors and others, as well as scientists and representatives from Congress.
The ambassador’s home in Bangkok, Thailand. Diplomats may live on the embassy grounds or elsewhere in the city where they serve.
Programs such as Art in Embassies bring the work of American artists to embassies so it can be experienced by people around the world.
Words that remind us of U.S. embassies are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
FOREIGN SERVICE KIDS
Diplomats move every couple of years to a new country, which means their kids get to live in many interesting and unusual places. Life growing up in the foreign service is exciting and also difficult at times.
A few years ago, The Mini Page spoke with Aidan, a 9-year-old foreign service kid who lived in Jordan at the time.
Q: What are the good things about moving every few years? What are the bad things?
A: You get new friends, and sometimes that’s fun. Sometimes it’s hard to leave your really good friends. When I first got to Jordan, I was scared about finding new friends. The first two weeks of school I was really shy until a person named Carter came over to me. He’s been my best friend ever since.
Q: What is your school like?
A: It’s nice, and the teachers are nice! My school in Jordan is probably the nicest school I’ve been to. In China, they had 78 buses so it was hard to find your bus.
Q: Are you interested in being a foreign service worker when you grow up?
A: I do want to be in the foreign service because I like to move and I want to visit different countries.
RESOURCES
the Web:
kids.kiddle.co/Embassy
the library:
“Inside a U.S. Embassy: How the Foreign Service Works for America” by Shawn Dorman
Temperatures at the North Pole soared 36 degrees Fahrenheit above normal in early February, reaching just above freezing in normally frigid midwinter. Julien Nicolas of Europe’s Copernicus Climate Change Service attributed the unusual warmth to a deep low-pressure system over Iceland, which funneled warm air toward the North Pole. A similar pattern in February 2018 caused the North Pole to reach 35 degrees. The spike this year followed Arctic sea ice levels shrinking to the second lowest on record for January.
Mini Fact: The U.S. Embassy in Mozambique moved into a new building in 2021.
Coral Shores Girls Lacrosse Loures Academy 3/28 L, 14-8
Key West Softball Sebastian River 3/28 W, 10-4
Coral Shores Baseball Westminster Academy 3/28 W, 12-2
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse North Broward Prep 3/28 W, 12-1 Key West Baseball Sports Leadership Tampa 3/28 L, 6-5 (9)
Key West Baseball Sports Leadership Tampa 3/29 L, 6-5
Marathon Baseball Westminster Academy 3/29 W, 3-0
Key West Boys Lacrosse North Broward Prep 3/29 W, 13-12
Key West Softball John Carroll Catholic 3/29 L, 13-3
Key West
BYNUM
Brock’s play has been outstanding this season. Every game, he is making big-time saves. He’s been our team MVP so far.”
– Coral Shores head coach Chris Carrow
Coral Shores goalkeeper Brock Bynum has been nothing short of outstanding this season, keeping the Hurricanes steady as he defends their cage. Last week, Bynum had 15 saves in Coral Shores’ game against Key West, helping the ’Canes avenge an earlier season loss to their Keys rival. Two days later, he saved another 14 shots from scoring, allowing a single goal against North Broward Prep, a statistical anomaly in lacrosse. Bynum’s leadership by example has been crucial in the team’s winning record this season. For his phenomenal gameplay and unrivaled leadership, Coral Shores’ Brock Bynum is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
Coral Shores Lacrosse Goalkeeper
Photo by JOY SMITH/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 mcdonald
grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.
Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials. 9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com
Coral Shores adds two wins to streak with Putetti on top of state leaderboard
The Hurricanes of Coral Shores traveled to Archbishop Carroll on March 24, where the Bulldogs took an early lead, scoring one run each in innings two and three. But a patient, steady Hurricane team managed to pull ahead by inning five. They maintained and stretched their lead for the duration of the game, making it 12 wins in a row with the 8-5 victory.
Donovan Thiery got the start on the mound, striking out seven, walking three and surrendering seven hits over five frames. Riley O’Berry earned the win for the ’Canes and Campbell Lavoie was credited with the save. The team was error-free in the field, giving the Bulldogs little hope.
Offensively, Thiery dominated at the plate, going 4-4 while AJ Putetti homered for one of his two hits. Derek Ramos registered three hits including a double as part of the Hurricanes’ dozen.
Then, on March 28, the ’Canes made it a lucky 13 in a row, winning against Westminster Academy at home. Lavoie and O’Berry combined for six innings on the mound for six strikeouts, two walks and three hits to effectively shut down the Lions. Putetti’s bat was busy, with four hits and four RBIs for Coral Shores. Maykol Bonito, Lavoie, Ramos, O’Berry and Mason Clark had two hits each and Eddie Holly added one for a total of 15. The Hurricanes have been all but invincible thus far this season. Putetti and Thiery are both hitting over .500 and the team dominates the district leaderboard. Putetti is currently in first in all of FHSAA’s 2A in runs scored with 33. Their only loss came back on Feb. 18 when district rival Keys Gate beat them by a single run, setting the team up for solid postseason prospects.
tracy mcdonald
KEY WEST
The Spartans outpaced the Conchs on March 27 when Key West traveled to their old-school rivals Monsignor Pace for a battle between two of the top-ranked teams in the state. Key West struck first, taking advantage of a Spartan error to score one in their first at-bat. The Spartans did the same in inning two when an error and a walk put two runners on to set the stage for a three-run homer to make it 3-1. Monsignor Pace added four more in the third to take a hefty lead, then the Conchs did what they do best: nibbling away at that lead to make what often amounts to a fantastic comeback. By the final frame, Key West narrowed the gap, but ultimately lost to the Spartans 8-5. Nelson Ong and Sam Holland had a pair of hits each and Roman Garcia and Jackie Niles accounted for one apiece for a total of six.
On March 28 and 29, the Spartans of Sports Leadership & Management, best known as SLAM, sent their Tampa branch’s best to Key West for a twogame series. Jon Carlos Lampas-Gormley went the distance for the Conchs, striking out eight, walking two and surrendering 10 hits. But the game would require more than Lampas-Gormley’s 100-plus pitches and seven innings of service.
At the end of seven, the game was tied up and freshman Kade Maltz stepped in, shutting out the Spartans in the eighth. In inning nine, a single run would score on a sacrifice fly and Key West could not get their bats to cooperate, ending the game 6-5 in favor of the Spartans. Ong and Caden Pichardo registered two hits each and Jackson Bernhard and Holland had one each for six total Conch hits.
The following night, Key West wasted no time exacting revenge. They piled on five runs in the first and kept the pain train coming for the Spartans, sending them back to Tampa in five innings via a mercy-rule win. Roman Garcia drove in five runs off three hits to lead the charge. Maltz tore a triple and a single for two RBIs and Xavier Perez logged a single and double. Darreld Tremino and Jackie Niles each drove in two runs off one hit each and Auggie Davila scored four runs off one hit. Davila and Garcia were both perfect at the plate for the Conchs. Cruz Holmes started on the mound for Key West, pitching three and two-thirds innings. Davila stepped in for one and one-third innings of shutout baseball, closing the door on the Spartans. The win brought the Conchs to 12-8 on the season with some strong competition on the horizon for the final week and a half of the regular season.
MARATHON
In the Middle Keys, Gabe Leal pitched the game of his life on March 24, striking out 11 batters in six strong innings against Somerset Silver Palms. Leal walked one and gave up five hits to keep the Fins in the game until the end. Mason Thornton gave one inning of relief, but three unearned runs would score, fueled by four errors, which cost the Dolphins the ballgame. Marathon’s bats were unusually quiet with just four hits logged, two of which came from Thornton. Leal and Leo Mendez accounted for the other two.
The 3-2 loss showed a marked improvement from the teams’ first goround earlier this season, but was especially hard to swallow as the Fins teeter on the brink of a rankings war in which they could secure an at-large bid to the playoffs. The loss sank their ranking for the week and put the Dolphins in an uphill climb for their first appearance in FHSAA’s Rural 1A classification.
Their district counterpart, the Miners of Fort Meade, hosted the Fins March 27 in a game which gauged Marathon’s abilities against a top-ranked team in their class. Though Marathon lost 6-3, the outing made it clear that the team has what it takes to hang with the best their division has to offer and gives them hope in a possible future matchup with the Miners in the playoffs.
Fort Meade kept the Dolphins off the board for six innings, scoring six of their own runs for a decisive lead. Marathon then went to work in the final inning, where they would log two of their six hits along with a walk and a fielder’s choice to put three runs on the board and narrow the gap. The comeback was too little too late for a Fins win, but Leal and Williams showed their bats could handle the heat with two hits each.
On March 29, the Fins were back on top, beating the Lions in four and a half innings before the rain would put an end to the action. The Dolphins put together two hits and six walks to put their points on the board before the game was called, and Gabe Leal had another great showing on the mound. The senior hurler struck out three, walked one and gave up just one hit to blank the Lions. A perfect defensive showing put an end to any hopes for Westminster. Leal doubled and drove in two runs to lead offensively. Roco Piscetello accounted for the Fins’ other hit and Jason Stubblefield drove in the final run for Marathon.
1. Coral Shores senior AJ Putetti’s bat has been unstoppable this season. He currently leads Florida’s 2A division in runs scored and is batting over .500.
2. Gabe Leal loads up for a pitch against Somerset Silver Palms.
3. Mason Thornton avoids the tag.
4. Hurricane pitcher Donovan Thiery has sent 63 dejected batters back to the dugout, earned five wins and has a 1.63 ERA this season.
5. Key West hurler Jon Carlos LampasGormley threw more than 100 pitches over 7 innings of work against SLAM on March 28.
Photos by Joy Smith, Sean Westerband and Maicey Malgrat.
CLEANING UP
K32 Keys lifters headed for regionals
eys weightlifters descended upon Doctors Charter School on March 26 for the FHSAA 1A District 16 Championships, and what a showing Monroe County lifters had. When the chalk dust cleared, both Keys teams had secured a district championship and five local athletes brought home a total of eight individual titles.
Marathon won a team first-place trophy in both the traditional and Olympic events. The Fins will share the title of Olympic champs with Coral Shores, which tied with Marathon for first place. The teams will now travel with their qualifying individual athletes to Frostproof High School on April 3 for the Class 1A Region 4 event.
and bench press were 165, 225 and 250 pounds, respectively. His closest competitor was district runner-up Aaron Lykins of Coral Shores. Both athletes, as well as Coral Shores’ Tristan Court, qualified for regionals in the traditional event, with Stasiewicz ranked No. 1 in the region. In the Olympic competition, Vitalii Konyk of Marathon will join the trio at regionals, where Stasiewicz is also ranked number one.
To qualify for the next round, only the four district champions in each region are guaranteed a spot at regionals. The other 16 spots are at-large, meaning the top weight totals are calculated from all the other lifters in the region and the top 16 make the cut. When a strong region such as FHSAA’s Region 4, which encompasses South Florida, relies on at-large bids, the second- through fourth-place lifters in each district still have excellent odds. Athletes as far down the district list as sixth and seventh could make the cut.
Marathon had three athletes winning double district titles. Damian Stasiewicz won both the Olympic and traditional events in the 169–pound class. Stasiewicz’s best lifts in the three events of snatch, clean and jerk
In the 183-pound competition, Marathon’s Max Childress brought home double gold. Childress is ranked No. 2 in the region in both events after his best lifts of 175, 255 and 240 pounds in the snatch, clean and jerk and bench. Joining Childress in his weight class at regionals will be Xavier Johnson of Coral Shores and Roland Gonzalez of Marathon in both events plus Coral Shores’ Jackson Garcia in Olympic and Jake Campanioni in traditional.
The Keys’ final double district champ was Tanner Ross, at 199 pounds. Ross’ best lifts were 205 (snatch), 255 (clean & jerk) and 265 (bench). He outlifted his closest competitor by 100 or more pounds in each event. Ross was the top lifter in all weight classes in the Olympic event in which he is tied for first in the regional rankings. He is ranked second in traditional. Joining Ross at the 199-pound
category at regionals will be teammate Isaak Vallejo, who was the runner-up in traditional, plus Coral Shores’ Troy Register and Sebastian Diaz. All four 199-pound athletes will compete in both events.
Matthias Martinez-Velez of the Fins earned a district championship in the traditional event in the 139-pound class and a runner-up medal in Olympic lifts. His top lifts in snatch, clean and jerk and bench were 125, 180 and 215 pounds, respectively. In traditional, he is ranked second, with Coral Shores’ Tyler Bettner right behind him. Bettner was the runner up in traditional lifts and will represent the ’Canes in both events at regionals. Kristers Vutnans of Coral Shores and Connor Malone of Marathon will join them at regionals. The final district champion this year was Eduardo Garcia at 238 pounds. Garcia secured a first in traditional and second in Olympic with a 140-pound snatch, 185-pound clean and 275-pound bench. Mason Aussubel of Coral Shores also made the cut for regionals in both events.
Marathon’s Braulio Garcia (219 pounds) and Coral Shores’ Andrew Grgek (Unlimited) were district runner-ups
Marathon’s Max Childress secured double district championships as Keys lifters swept the floor with the rest of the competition at FHSAA’s 1A District 16 Championships last week. BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly
1. Hurricane lifter Andrew Grgek secured the district silver medal plus a spot at regionals this week.
2. Marathon’s Roland Gonzalez
3. Marathon’s Tanner Ross
4. Coral Shores’ Jake Campanioni
in their weight classes. Grgek was second in both events while Garcia was second in traditional lifts. Zane Rindom (219) was third in both events and will join Garcia and Chris Paul of Marathon as well as AJ Delgado of Coral Shores in the regional competition. Joining Grgek in the Unlimited class will be Evan Johnston and Trevor Wofsey, both of Marathon.
The rest of the Keys competitors who qualified for the next round of competition are Nick Brown (119), Roger Sandino (129), Kyle Derobertis (129), Kevin Gonzalez (154) and William Roberts (154) of Coral Shores and Erik Wilson (154) of Marathon. Every single Keys athlete who made weight for his district event qualified for regionals in at least one event. At Frostproof, there will be 15 Fins and 17 ’Canes competing for a chance to have their ticket punched to the next round. States will take place on April 12 at Polk County’s RP Funding Center.
REGAN ROTH PUTS THE EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT ON
REMORNA POTTINGER OCHOA
"What I love about working at Regan Roth Insurance is the fact that we work as a team and management truly cares about the staff. It's my home away from home. I look forward to coming to work everyday as we are like one big happy family."
A Keys resident for 23 years, Remorna has been in insurance for 17 years and works as a commercial lines account manager. She has a Bachelor’s of Applied Science Degree in Tourism Management and a Master’s of Science Degree in Higher Education with a major in Curriculum Design and online teaching. When not working, you can nd her dancing, working out at the gym, riding her bike and cooking.
Home, wind and flood. All lines of commercial/business insurance. Boats, autos, golf carts and recreational vehicles
WHIRLWIND VICTORY Hurricanes lacrosse takes down Key West
With district playoffs looming, both of the Keys’ prep lacrosse squads own winning records as the regular season comes to a close.
Coral Shores enjoyed two big wins last week, starting with a district matchup with their closest competitor, Key West. The ’Canes took an early lead and never looked back, winning 8-4 and avenging an earlier single-point loss to the Conchs. James Mitchell netted four goals for Coral Shores. Yandel Chaguaseda scored two while Reed Tudor and Christian Gonzalez accounted for the other two. Zane Martinez was credited
with three assists and Xico Reynoso-Heaton helped out on another. Brock Bynum locked down the Hurricanes’ cage, saving 15 shots from scoring.
The next victim would be the Eagles of North Broward Prep two nights later. Chaguaseda scored four against the Eagles and Tudor added a hat trick and two assists. Gonzalez scored one and had three assists; James Mitchell, Jace Jackson and SG Paul added one each to the team total. Bynum was outstanding again, saving 14. The Hurricanes enter their final week of games prior to district at a respectable 8-5, all but ensuring a winning record this season.
Key West played again on March 28, losing to Westminster Academy at home 12-9, then got back to their winning ways the following night. The Conchs played North Broward Prep in Tavernier, giving the Eagles a break in drive time. The Conchs, now at 7-6 on the season, defeated the Eagles in an exciting 13-12 overtime victory.
Coral Shores and Key West now set their sights on the playoffs, which begin on Wednesday, April 9. The teams compete in FHSAA’s 1A District 16 bracket, a grouping of seven teams, making a third match between the rivals within reason.
The Coral Shores Hurricanes and Key West Conchs lacrosse teams do battle in the Upper Keys on March 26. The ’Canes prevailed 8-4. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
HIGH SCORE
Fins prevail in barn-burner Senior Night against Coral Shores
Coral Shores made the quick trip to Marathon on March 28 to take on the Dolphins in a much-anticipated game for fans of offensive softball. The ’Canes piled on eight runs in a wild first inning that included hits on both balls and batters, walks, and the entire Coral Shores lineup taking a turn in the batter’s box, some multiple times. A crafty double play ended the onslaught and the Fins struggled against a locked-in Presley Bagwell, scoring just one run in their first at-bat.
The next two frames would be all Marathon, with seven runs scoring in the second and five more in the third. The ’Canes found their offensive groove again by inning four, but the Dolphins just kept tacking on the runs, ending the game in five innings with a 24-14 result. Marathon scored their two dozen runs off eight hits, 20 walks and four hit batters.
Madelyn Thornton had a triple, a double and three RBIs to lead the offense. Elena Eubank celebrated Senior Night in style with a pair of hits, as did seventh-grader Shaina Robinson. Maeve Merryman and Trinity McLeod each had one. The Hurricanes scored their runs off of six hits, 14 walks and two hit batters. Mira Jones had the hot bat for Coral Shores, registering two hits and three RBIs. Melanie Estevez, Chloie Stanley, Valerie Gabriel and Alex Burson accounted for the rest.
The Marathon game was the only outing for Coral Shores last week, but it was the culmination of three for the Fins. On March 25, Marathon combined 11 hits, 13 walks and two hit batters to pile on 20 runs against the Royal Lions of La Salle, winning 20-4 with the mercy rule in three innings. Merryman had a pair of doubles and five RBIs while Eubank and Robinson matched hits again with a triple and single each. McLeod and Madelyn Thornton each had a pair of base hits and Kaya Hughes-Struyf accounted for the other hit. Sara Robinson and Thornton combined in the circle to strike out four batters, walk three and allow three hits in the lopsided win.
Two days later, they lost against Carrollton 11-4 despite stacking up 13 hits. Dani Perdomo, Eubank, Shaina Robinson, Elianys Roque and
for the
KEY WEST
Shynell McGuire had two apiece, but a half-dozen errors spelled doom for the Fins.
The Lady Conchs were very busy last week, playing four games in as many days and winning three to improve to 9-6. Their first game was at Lourdes Academy, where Key West dispatched the Royal Lions 14-1. Brianna Brenner struck out 11, walked one and surrendered three hits in the win. The Conchs piled on 15 hits, with Aaliyah Mcleod leading the charge. Mcleod’s double and home run led to four RBIs for the freshman. Vera Rodger had a pair of doubles and Brenner and Arianna Garcia each added two base hits to help in the offense.
Next up was Sebastian River, who fell 10-4 to Key West. This time, a different freshman, Lucy Katz, had the hot bat. Katz piled on three hits, then Lilee Gage, Rodger, Alexa Condella and Shylo Sanchez added two apiece for what would amount to 15 total hits. Sanchez added five RBIs to her stats in the win. Brenner was masterful in her pitching
Conch freshman Lucy Katz, right, had three hits against Sebastian River last week. Photos by Maicey Malgrat and Barry Gaukel.
again, striking out 10 batters for Key West.
The Lady Conchs’ final two games of the week came in the form of a doubleheader against John Carroll Catholic on March 29. In game number one, John Carroll held the Conchs to just six hits – two from Sterling and one each from Lilee Gage, Tavyn Gage, Rodger and Kaleya Cervantes. Ryleigh Harnish took over pitching duties, but a hard-hitting John Carroll team racked up 17 hits to beat the Conchs 13-3 in a five-inning mercy-rule decision.
The Lady Conchs came back swinging. John Carroll jumped ahead with a six-run lead, but a patient Key West team waited for their chance and found it in inning three, when they scored five. They added two more in the fifth inning, hanging on to win game two 7-6. Maicee Gage had three hits and Lilee Gage and Mcleod had two each with the team total reaching nine. Brenner completed seven innings of work pitching, striking out four, and despite 15 hits from the Rams, the Conchs’ defense backed Brenner for the win.
Key West freshman Aaliyah McLeod, left went yard last week, registering her first career home run, against Lourdes Academy. Marathon’s Shaina Robinson, middle, a seventh-grader, has amassed 17 hits and 15 RBIs this season
Fins.
TRIUMPH ON THE TRACK
Dejean wins four events as Conchs outscore Coral Shores in track and field
Key West’s track and field teams visited Coral Shores on March 27, handily outscoring the Hurricanes 109-26 in boys events and 96-20 in girls. Senior Jeff Dejean was successful in all four of his events, winning the 200-meter dash in 22.87 seconds and out-jumping his opponents in long jump with a mark of 19’7” and triple jump with a 41’4.5” best. Dejean also ran a leg of the Conchs’ winning 4x100 relay. Shane Lavallee, Walson Morin and Jayden Gist were the other members of that team, with Lavallee also winning the 100-meter race in 11.48 seconds.
Josue Thanus blazed to a 54.75-second first place in the 400 while Prometheus Delacerda made it around the track eight times for a 12:05 first in the 3,200. Rounding out the Conch wins on the track were Davens Azard in the 110 hurdles with a time of 18.80 seconds and Nathan Gasag, who won the 400-meter hurdles in 1:13.30.
Key West’s boys went on to win every single field event, starting with Malachi Telisma with a 6-foot high jump, then Ian Newton with a 14’0.75” pole vault in the jumping events. In throwing, Josh Johnson’s 41’2.5” shot put was good enough for first, as was Noah Mercer’s 133’7” discus throw and Jeremiah Harvey’s 159’10” javelin toss. Coral Shores had two individual event winners, both in distance events. Alaric Rodriguez won the 800-meter race in 2:11 and Jamie Cary finished first in the 1,600-meter run in 5:13.
The Lady Conchs’ Audrey Smith was a three-event winner in a sweep of the throwing events. Smith threw the discus 102’11”, the javelin 117’9” and the shot 28’1.75”. Jordan Greene won the long jump with a leap of 13’11.75” and the triple jump with a 30’11.75” mark. Greene also ran a leg of the winning 4x400 relay race along with Mirakle Humphrey, Alyssandra Camargo and Lilia Mook. Camargo won the 200-meter and 400-meter races in 27.55 seconds and 1:04.16, respectively. Humphrey won the 100 in 13.35 seconds and Mook did double duty on the 4x100 relay team, as well. On that relay, she was joined by Camargo and Humphrey again as well as Ariel Newton, who went on to win the pole vault, clearing 8’8.25”. Emerson Jackson won the 800 in 2:57.4 and Colleen Barter’s 4’7.75” high jump rounded out the Lady Conchs’ first places. Coral Shores had a pair of winners in distance specialist Ali Wheatley, who finished the 1,600 in 5:41, and Julieanna Oddo, who took first in the 100-meter hurdles, with a 20.19-second finish time.
The Fins took the week off from competition, but will host a home meet with the rest of Monroe County’s teams on Thursday, April 3. Districts for Coral Shores and Key West will be April 22 at Tropical Park and April 23 for Marathon at Palmer Trinity School.
Top left: Jeff Dejean won four events at the Key West vs. Coral Shores track meet.
Top right: Coral Shores freshman Ali Wheatley wins the 1,600-meter race by 37 seconds.
Center: Alaric Rodriguez, left, leads teammates Adrik Gadea and Corey Dickerson in the open 800 race. Rodriguez went on to win the event.
Bottom left: Alyssandra Camargo won the 200- and 400-meter races at Coral Shores last week.
Bottom right: Audrey Smith swept the throwing events, winning shot put, javelin and discus.
RICK MACKENZIE/Contributed
SENIOR SUCCESS
Conchs topple ’Canes on celebratory night
Key West celebrated lacrosse Senior Night in style, outscoring the Hurricanes of Coral Shores 17-6. The Conchs honored four seniors, three of whom have been four-year varsity players. Courtney Grabus, Deanna Mercier and Kaitlyn Piloto have been staples on Key West’s roster, while Olivia Moore, who is graduating early, celebrated her first and final year with the Lady Conchs.
Key West coach Marissa Giacopuzzi was delighted to snap out of the team’s two-game slump.
“(The) girls got their groove back,” she said. “Everyone showed up big for their seniors.”
Grabus and Moore, who split time in goal, combined for seven saves. Grabus added four ground balls, a caused turnover and her first career assist, playing in the field while Moore secured the net. Mercier scored five goals and assisted two others, winning six draw controls as well. Piloto scored five, won five draw controls and caused a turnover. Junior Colbie Turner added to the action, netting four goals and four draw control wins and causing a pair of turnovers.
Coral Shores put together an admirable offensive effort, with Adelynn McNew and Shay Stober scoring three apiece and Allegra Fucaraccio adding one goal for the Hurricanes. On March 28, Archbishop McCarthy paid a visit to the Backyard, but a shorthanded Conchs squad was not able to avenge an early-season loss against the Mavericks. The 5-7 Conchs and 0-8 ’Canes complete their regular seasons this week and begin district bracket play on Wednesday, April 9.
Top, from left: Seniors Courtney Grabus, Kaitlyn Piloto and Deanna Mercier have been on the Lady Conchs’ roster for four seasons. Above, senior Olivia Moore made a positive impact in her only year with the Conchs. Photos by Doug Finger and Maicey Malgrat
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Key West Dance Tribe located at 35 Dondi Road, Key West, FL 33040, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
By: Kelsey Lynn Eckerson
Publish: April 3, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statute 328.17, Robbies of Key West, LLC claims a possessory lien on the following described vessels: Owned by Phillip Northcutt for unpaid storage fees: a 1974 Coronado Yachts 35’ Sailboat “Starship” HIN: CYNA01840174
Owned by Eric Desantis for unpaid storage fees: a 1972 Morgan 36.5’ Sailboat “Southern Aire” HIN: 623721
Owned by David Vance for unpaid storage fees: a 1984 Hunter 31.3’ Sailboat “Zephyr” HIN: HUN31366G484
Sealed bids will be accepted on April 18th, 2025 at Robbies of Key West, 7281 Shrimp Rd, Key West Fl 33040. Robbies of Key West, LLC reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
Publish: April 3 & 10, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Notice of Sale of Surplus Vehicles
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will be auctioning off a multiple surplus vehicles and equipment via sealed bids. All bids must be received by 10:00am on Wednesday April 16th, 2025. The bids will be opened publicly on Wednesday at 10:30am on April 16th, 2025. A list of vehicles to be sold may be viewed on our website; www.keysso.net/ auction.
Vehicle list is subject to change. Bidding instructions and required bid forms are available on the website or can be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building 1st floor reception, or by contacting: Michael Cabot, MCSO Fleet Manager Phone- (305) 293-7477 Cell- (305) 797-0115 Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 5525 College Road Key West, FL 33040 The Property to be sold is open to the public for inspection at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office,
Headquarters building at 5525 College Road, Key West, FL 33040 on the following dates and times below:
April 8th, 2025 8:00am –10:00am
April 10th, 2025 2:00pm –
4:00pm
The Sheriff’s Office makes no representation or guarantee of mechanical condition.
All sales are, as is, no warranty. All sales are final. Vehicle List is subject to change.
Publish: March 27 & April 3, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH WILL BE HOLDING PUBLIC HEARINGS ON:
DATE/TIME:
Planning & Zoning Hearing: Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, 9:30 A.M. City Commission Public Hearing: Thursday, May 15th, 2025, 9:30 A.M.
LOCATION:
City of Key Colony Beach City Hall Auditorium ‘Marble Hall’
600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, To hear a Variance Request from Melanie L. Lyden, representative of the Melanie L. Richards Revocable Trust, for the property at 240 9th Street, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051. This meeting will be available via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email the City Clerk at cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings. The applicant requests a variance to the City of Key Colony Beach Land Development Regulations, Article IV, Sec. 101-26 (11a), for the installation of a residential pool that would encroach into the side setback by 5 feet. This variance is sought to accommodate an existing condition and enable an extension of the pool. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
If you are unable to attend the Hearings on Wednesday,
April 16th, 2025, or Thursday, May 15th, 2025, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or via email at cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net, and your comments will be entered into the record. Published: On or before April 7th, 2025 City Clerk, City of Key Colony Beach
Publish: April 3, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on April 16, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY AMENDING MONROE COUNTY CODE TO REFLECT CHANGES TO THE TABLE OF ORGANIZATION INCLUDING AMENDING SECTION 1-2 TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM “DEPARTMENT HEAD” AND TO ELIMINATE THE CURRENT REQUIREMENTS THAT THE VETERANS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT HEADS DIRECT REPORT TO THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE; PROVIDING FOR FILING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the April 16, 2025, meeting, which will be posted beginning on April 11, 2025 at: http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/citizens/default. aspx. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the April 16, 2025, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.
MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING: APRIL 16, 2025
At the regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners Meeting on Wednesday April 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, Monroe County is providing information to the County Commission and the community regarding the closeout of the Voluntary Home Buyout Program.
The meeting will be held at the Marathon Government Center, BOCC Chambers, located at 2798 Overseas Highway, 2nd Floor, Marathon, FL 33050. Members of the public may attend in person or via Zoom webinar. More information is available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/695/BOCC-Meetings-Agendas
ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.
ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voiceimpaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.
Dated at Key West, Florida, this 29th day of March, 2025. KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida
Publish: April 3, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO.: 25-CP-97-M DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD ROBERT BRASWELL Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Donald Robert Braswell, deceased, whose date of death was February 17, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: April 3, 2025.
Personal Representative: James Gary Braswell
670 E. Riverside Dr. Bastrop, TX 78602
Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq.
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050
Telephone: (305) 743-9428
Fax: (305) 743-8800
E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com
Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com
Publish:
April 3 & 10, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000115-P
DIVISION: PROBATE IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD KEITH CELMER Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Richard Keith Celmer, deceased, whose date of death was January 29, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
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 27, 2025.
Personal Representative: Carly Falgout 200 Coral Road Islamorada, Florida 33036
Attorney for Personal Representative: Brian C. Perlin
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 357898
Law Office of Brian C. Perlin, P.A. 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 503 Coral Gables, FL 33134
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
DIVISION: PROBATE
FILE NO.: 2024-CP-433-M IN RE: ESTATE OF
KATHLEEN E. POWELL A/K/A KATHLEEN ELAINE POWELL
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Kathleen E. Powell a/k/a Kathleen Elaine Powell, deceased, whose date of death was December 3, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is March 27, 2025. The date of the second publication of this notice is April 3, 2025.
Personal Representative: Valerie Powell Brown 200 Trenton Street Cambridge, MD 21613 Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony J. Barrows Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar Number: 662569 WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC 9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-8118 Fax: (305) 489-0307 E-mail: Tony@keysclosings. com Publish: March 27 & April 3, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-349-K DEON ROBINSON, Petitioner, and ANTTWON JEWSOME, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ANTTWON JEWSOME RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 1213 14TH STREET, LOT 184, KEY WEST, FL 33040 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Deon Robinson, whose address is 1213 14th Street, Lot 184, Key West, FL 33040 on or before May 31, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 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. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property
should be divided: N/A 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: March 26, 2025 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson Deputy Clerk Publish: April 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-315-K MONIKA BANDOVA, Petitioner, and MICHAEL DAVID CARBON, Respondent.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: MICHAEL DAVID CARBON RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: UNKNOWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Monika Bandova, whose address is 3 Casa Roma Lane, Apt. 3, Key West, FL 33040 on or before April 28, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 530 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 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. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: N/A 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: March 17, 2025 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod
Deputy Clerk
Publish: March 27 and April 3, 10 & 17, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
CIVIL DIVISION
CASE NO.: 25-CA-0291-K
BANKS G. PREVATT, PATTY L. PEERY-PREVATT and JILL NOTTKE, Plaintiffs, vs. LITTLE TORCH PROPERTIES, INC.,(A DISSOLVED FLORIDA CORPORATION),JOSEPH PARDO, AS RECEIVER OF LITTLE TORCH PROPERTIES, INC.,(DECEASED), AND ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS OR BUSINESS ENTITIES HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN THE DISPUTED PROPERTY IN THIS CASE, WHETHER THROUGH OR DERIVED FROM LITTLE TORCH PROPERTIES INC., OR OTHERWISE, Defendants. ___________ / NOTICE OF ACTION TO QUIET TITLE
To: LITTLE TORCH PROPERTIES, INC., (A DISSOLVED FLORIDA CORPORATION), C/O JOSEPH PARDO (DECEASED), AS RECEIVER OF LITTLE TORCH PROPERTIES, INC., AND ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS OR BUSINESS ENTITIES HAVING, OR CLAIMING TO HAVE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN THE DISPUTED PROPERTY IN THIS CASE, WHETHER THROUGH OR DERIVED FROM LITTLE TORCH PROPERTIES INC., OR OTHERWISE, YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title of the following described property in the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Key West Division, has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to Kevin Hoyes, of Kevin Hoyes Attorney, P.A, at 422 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida, 33040, Phone (305) 731 3349 (Plaintiffs Attorney), on or before DATE: April 28, 2025, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on the Plaintiffs' attorney or immediately thereafter, including your full name and address; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
The Property at issue in this case is formally described as follows:
1. The disputed property lies at the rear of 141 Pirates Road, Little Torch Key, is of a size of approximately 750 square Feet, has a parcel ID number of 00215471-000000 (and an Alternate Key Number of 9036754) according to the Monroe County Property Appraiser's website.
2. The upland property is also more fully described (according to a survey dated February 19, 2025 by Reece & Associates (of 31193 Avenue A, Big Pine Key, FL. 33043), as follows:
Parcel 1
A portion of the northerly 25 feet of Lot 30, Block 1 of Jolly Roger Estates, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 34, of the public records of Monroe County, Florida, and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows:
Commence at Southwest corner of Lot 30, Block 1 of Jolly Roger Estates, Plat book 5, Page 34, thence bear N00°00'00"E along the west line of said Lot 30 and the east right-of-way line of Pirates Road, as shown on said Plat, for a distance of 85 feet to the point of beginning.
Thence, continue N00°00'00"E for a distance of 10.22 Feet to a point on the edge of an existing canal and the intersection of the westerly projection of an existing concrete seawall; Thence leaving said right of way line, bear S89°54'0l"E along said canal edge and seawall for a distance of 24.32 feet to a point on the northwest corner of an existing boat basin; Thence bear S00°40'33"W for
a distance of 10.18 feet to a point that is 25 feet south of and parallel to the north line of said Lot 30, Block 1; Thence bear N90°00'00"W, along said line, for a distance of 24.44 feet back to the point of the beginning.
Together with Parcel 2
A portion of the northerly 25 feet of Lot 30, Block 1, Jolly Roger Estates, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 34, of the public records of Monroe County, Florida, and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows:
Commence at Southwest corner of Lot 30, Block 1 of Jolly Roger Estates, Plat book 5, Page 34, thence bear N00°00'00"E along the west line of said Lot 30 and the east right-of-way line of Pirates Road, as shown on said Plat, for a distance of 85 feet to a point of intersection with a line that is 25 feet south of and parallel to the north line of said Lot 30, Block 1; then bear S90°00'00''E, along said line, for a distance of 49.60 to a point on the east line of an existing boat basin and the point of beginning.
Thence, bear N00°55'28", along said basin, for a distance of 9.73 feet to the northwest corner thereof, said corner also being on the face of an existing concrete seawall on the southerly side of an existing canal; Thence S89°06'33"E, along said seawall, for a distance of 50.24 feet to a point on line of said lot 30; Thence bear S00°00'00"W, along said east line for a distance of 8.95 feet to s point that is 25 feet south of and parallel to the north line of said Lot 30, Block 1; Thence bear N90°00'00"W, along said line, for as distance of 50.39 feet back to the point of the beginning. Containing 469.85 Sq. Ft., more or less. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, ADA Coordinator, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040; (305) 292-3423, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
Dated: March 17, 2025 Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Court for Circuit Court of Monroe County Key West, Florida By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk Publish: March 27 and April 3, 10 & 17, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS WANTED
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
AUTOS FOR SALE
Your Classified Auto For Sale ad here for $25/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!
BOATS FOR SALE
21' Key Largo Deep V Center Console w/ trailer. New 150hp motor & electronics. Great Deal - PRICE REDUCED TO $20,000. Located in Marathon. 201-696-8906
19’x40’ slip in Marathon, could handle somewhat larger boat with approval from dockmaster. Desirable location in marina, easy in, easy out. Electricity, available, free water, pump out, WiFi. Available 1 May 25 thru Oct 25, possibly long term lease. Please contact Vern Rozier, 904 626 5279, or 904 626 8224 and leave call back info. Or email vrrozier@yahoo.com.
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
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/
HELP WANTED: Two Conchs in Marathon is now hiring a Full Time Retail Sales Person in our Tackle Shop/Marina. Competitive wages. Contact George 305-289-0199
Full time office position with strong computer skills, KCB Condominium, $78K per yr., apply by e-mail to HardingThomasL@aol.com, text or call 734-476-0531.
Part Time Supervisor/ Housekeeper Position Available Immediately in Key Colony Beach. Hours may vary depending on need including weekends. Responsibilities include oversee housekeeping staff, inspecting rooms prior to guest occupancy, making up laundry bags, cleaning rooms, etc. Physical demands: ability to lift and carry laundry bags ~ 35 lb. **Must have reliable transportation** Please call/text or email to discuss pay and to request application. Michelle - 952-208-2850 Cheryl -305-505-8747
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 bookkeeper. QuickBooks experience 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 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.
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring for the following positions: Resident Care Supervisor with min. 3 yrs. experience of an LPN, Carpenter-FT-KeyWest, Housing Manager- FTMarathon, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: wrightk@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 ext. 224. 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.
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.
Your Classified Employment ad here for $25/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-7430844 today!
We are hiring for a new Walking and Running Store in Islamorada and Marathon, WALK HERE RUN HERE.
PRIVATE COLLECTOR
WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
HOUSING FOR RENT
Available Now, Stock Island near CVS. Traveling nurses/Working professionals only. No pets, smokers or drugs. Gated, safe, quiet, has parking and a pool. Fully furnished room w/private bath, smart TV, washer/dryer. House and kitchen privileges always, w/fridge and cabinet space. Monthly rent $1550.00 All Included. First and Last due at move in time. Call 305-797-5600
2BR/1.5BA Mobile on canal in Key Largo. Singlewide, unfurn, w/40' dockdavits. No pets. $2,500/ mo + $2,500 security. References needed. 616-813-9755
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
Your Classified Housing For Rent ad here for $25/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!
1 upstairs bedroom for rent in Grassy Key (East Marathon). Unfurnished. Mostly private bathroom with shared W/D. Other upstairs occupants are the homeowners: A probation officer, his wife, and their very small dog. $1200/ month F/S 305-393-5049
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
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
Your Classified Housing For Rent ad here for $25/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!
1BR/1BA fully furnished Apt. for rent in Marathon. Ideally one person. On canal w/boat lift, W/D, Wifi. $1,950/mo. 850-376-7137 RENTED IN THREE WEEKS!
RV SITE FOR RENT
RV Site For Rent in Marathon. Very quiet, gated property. Dockage available for sep. fee. No pets. 305-610-8002
Please fax your resume to 305-852-9997 or call 305-852-9898
Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet CarolineSeaport.com
YARD SALES
THE YARD SALE! If you don't see something you want, consult your Optometrist & then come back. Fri April 4 - Sun April 6 from 8AM - 4PM 565 Copa D'Oro, Marathon
SARA’S ESTATE SALE: Part 1 of 2: Y’all we’re starting with a FULL twocar garage in Marathon on Fri, April 4 and Sat, April 5 from 9a to 1p, both days, 2691 Sombrero Blvd, Marathon. Fishing rods & reels, Big Green Egg, NAPA battery charger, dive buoys, long dock box, line & diver flags. Vintage (some NIB) Craftsman tools like bandsaw, planer & 2 tool chests and Makita electric handtools. Plus gas cans, Christmas ornaments, men & women’s golf clubs, bike, beach chairs, coolers and garden supplies. Follow the signs and park with consideration (DO NOT PARK on Golf course side of the street). More photos at estatesales.net.
Place your Classified Yard Sale ad here for $25/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!
MARINE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST AT FIU’S AQUARIUS REEF BASE
Join our dedicated Florida International University team that provides offshore logistical and emergency response support to the Medina Aquarius Program. We maintain and operate all underwater laboratory equipment and boats, monitor Life Support Systems, and coordinate diving activities as we assist scientists and clients in achieving their underwater research objectives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Service, maintain, and operate underwater laboratory equipment support systems, ensuring functionality of critical safety equipment.
- Assist divers with underwater tasks such as experiment placement and data collection.
- Provide shore-based logistical support for Aquarius diving and boating operations, ensuring equipment is ready for missions.
- Serve as Captain of the ARB research vessel and as a USCG Captain for passenger vessels during operations.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma with 3 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- SCUBA diving certi cation and the ability to pass a Diving Physical Exam within 90 days of hire.
- General knowledge of diesel inboard boat operation and maintenance.
- Certi cations in CPR, Automatic External De brillator, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration, Current USCG License 6 Passenger. For further information or to apply, please visit careers. u.edu and reference Job Opening ID# 534641. The position is open until lled; we will begin reviewing applications April 15, 2025.
NOW HIRING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IT DIRECTOR
Manages the IT department and other technical operations within the City Government providing day to day support. Their main duties include identifying the organization’s IT needs, adding updates and enhancements to current computer systems and ensuring employees’ technical issues are resolved efficiently.
Researches and responds to technical questions regarding the operation of computing system functions. Works with the existing security and IT services provider to ensure accurate billing and IT needs are being met.
Extensive knowledge in computer systems and Microsoft application and operating system software required. Additional experience using proprietary software, such as ESRI ArcGIS, VueWorks, and/or other work-flow management software tools is helpful. Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. Prior experience with similar hardware, software, and network systems and familiarity with local government information system is desirable.
Please see the online post on our website for additional details. www.ci.marathon.fl.us/jobs
SOLAR SALES FOR SALT ENERGY, LLC. - Dynamic, local company looking for good people to grow with us. Located in Marathon, we have been engineering, installing and servicing solar energy systems in the Keys, South Florida and Caribbean for over 30 years. We are looking for a Team player with a great attitude, excellent communication and sales skills, who is excited to share the benefits of solar energy. Initially, this position will be representing the residential and small commercial sector of the company, focused primarily in the Florida Keys.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Visit customers’ homes to perform site surveys and provide tailored solar solutions.
• Prepare and deliver compelling sales proposals and negotiate terms to close deals.
• Communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project implementation and complete customer satisfaction.
REQUIREMENTS
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with customers.
• Self-motivated, target-driven and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering an outstanding customer experience.
• Strong understanding of solar energy systems and industry best practices, preferred.
EDUCATION: High school diploma required. College degree in business or communication preferred.
JOB TYPE: Full-time. WORK LOCATION: In person.
PAY: Base pay plus bonus commissions. Benefits: 401(k) matching, PTO.
SALT Energy, LLC., 2992 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050. Send resume and cover letter to Lisak@saltenergy.net.
NOW HIRING!
e Turtle Hospital in Marathon wants you to join their team!
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM GUIDES/GIFT SHOP SALES
Full and part-time. Public speaking and & retail sales experience helpful. $19/hour to start. Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org
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
Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Engineering Department:
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.
HIRING
Call 305-407-3262 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON
DESK
The Advocate Program DUI school is hiring for part time positions. Front desk: 3 days a week, high school diploma required.
DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required. Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.
We have the following openings available. Scan the QR code to visit the careers page on our website.
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE
APPRENTICE
(Full-Time, Permanent)
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C)Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier
- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
(Full-Time, Part-Time, Permanent)
DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees by offering a competitive total package. DRC currently offers a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays, vacation, sick and an employee assistance program. DRC also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee.
COME JOIN THE FAMILY!
Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE
- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Care, $25k Bonus
- Social Work Case Manager, Case Management, $10k Bonus
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
*Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.
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
MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE
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.*
DIRECT CARE STAFF – NIGHTS/WEEKENDS - GROUP HOMES 24/7 (FT)
These positions are available at our Windsor and Von Phister Group Homes. Providing direct-care services and support to our clients in their home. Must be willing to work flexible shifts including overnights. This position requires a minimum of high school completion or GED and 1 year of experience with care giving or 30 hours of college coursework.*
*ALSO REQUIRED FOR ALL POSITIONS
Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license. EOE
