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

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The Mega Millions jackpot rose to $977 million on March 20, after no ticket was the winner on March 19. According to the lottery, there have been 28 consecutive drawings without a winner. The next drawing is set for Friday, March 22. $977M

This past week, news broke of a highly-publicized settlement by the National Association of Realtors that could reshape how buyers’ and sellers’ agents agree on commissions. But as some agents told the Weekly, certain national headlines deserve to be debunked. See page 11.

COULD A NEW BILL END HOMELESS CAMPING IN THE KEYS?

New mandate asks as many questions as it answers

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Abill set to reshape the treatment of Florida’s homeless population received its expected signature from Gov. Ron DeSantis on March 20.

House Bill 1365, entitled “Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping,” made its way to the governor’s desk for final approval following 82-26 and 27-12 votes in the Florida House and Senate, respectively, during the 2024 legislative session. DeSantis heavily endorsed a push to crack down on public camping in early February, delivering a press conference while standing at a podium with a sign reading “Don’t Allow Florida to Become San Francisco.”

At a press conference in Miami Beach on Wednesday morning, DeSantis said the bill, set to take effect on Oct. 1 of this year, will “help maintain and ensure that Florida streets are clean and safe for our residents.”

The governor acknowledged that homeless populations have “needs that need to be met” for treatment of

substance abuse and mental health issues, among other services, “But doing the San Francisco and New York model is not a way to get the job done.”

While providing clear direction to the state as a whole on Florida’s treatment of homeless encampments moving forward, numerous clauses within the bill leave plenty of mud in the water as to how exactly it will apply in the Florida Keys.

The new legislation “prohibits counties and municipalities from authorizing or otherwise allowing public camping or sleeping on public property.” However, a county or municipality can choose to designate an area of its own property for this purpose for one year through a majority vote of its governing body – provided it satisfies a litany of conditions to certify the area through the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Permitted only in areas where there are not available beds in homeless shelters, certified areas must provide access to restrooms, running water, consistent safety patrols and behavioral health services including substance abuse and mental health treatment resources. Drug and alcohol use is prohibited within the certified area, and it’s currently unclear whether a governing body could vote to renew the same designated camping area in subsequent years.

According to the bill, the certi-

fied area may not border property designated for residential use. Language also prohibits use of an area that would “adversely and materially affect the property value or safety and security of other existing residential or commercial property,” and provides a mechanism for affected residents and business owners to file civil suits against a local government.

The bill’s impact may be minimal in areas of the island chain like Key West, which since 2004 has provided shelter and showers for homeless individuals at the Keys Overnight Temporary Shelter (KOTS). But 50 miles away in Marathon, the subject of a growing homeless population is a recurring point of contention at recent city council sessions.

With no homeless shelter to speak of, Marathon is currently legally prohibited from removing homeless individuals from public areas. The result is a growing homeless encampment along the 20th Street right-of-way leading to the decommissioned Boot Key Bridge – an area Marathon officials are careful to say is not actively managed by the city, though it has its own Dumpster, portable restroom and additional lighting installed.

That encampment has been under heavy scrutiny – particularly from nearby residents and businesses – in

Tents line a recently-cleaned portion of the 20th Street homeless encampment in Marathon. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

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PREPARING FOR POTENTIAL MASS MIGRATION

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered a wave of state officers and guardsmen to the Florida Keys in preparation for possibly more maritime voyages among migrants from two Caribbean countries facing unrest and violence.

DeSantis’ deployment of some 133 Florida State Guard members on March 13 was in response to the possible influx of Haitian migrants taking to the southern U.S. waters. Since late February, gangs unleashed violent, lethal attacks on areas surrounding Haiti’s capital in Port-au-Prince, killing dozens, kidnapping many more and leaving the country in a state of despair.

Attacks and killings continue despite Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s intentions to step down and form a presidential transition council, which gangs demanded. Gangs in Haiti have opposed Henry as prime minister, believing he wasn’t elected by the people.

Recent gang uprisings in Haiti could mean more dilapidated sailing vessels taking to the sea with hundreds of Haitians onboard hoping to reach U.S. soil, particularly the Sunshine State and the Keys. Not only did DeSantis deploy more than 130 state guardsmen to the Keys and South Florida, but he also recently ordered 30 Florida Highway Troopers, 23 Florida Fish & Wildlife officers, 39 Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers and 48 Florida National Guard members. A total of 250 officers and soldiers and more than a dozen air and sea craft were deployed to the southern coast of Florida, DeSantis said.

“No state has done more to supplement the (under-resourced) U.S. Coast Guard’s interdiction efforts; we cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida,” DeSantis said.

This isn’t the first time the Florida governor deployed resources to the Florida Keys to assist local law enforcement overwhelmed with migrant

Disarray in Haiti prompts DeSantis to deploy resources to the Keys

“What’s their potential threat to the citizens here and also to the state of Florida?”

— Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay

uprisings. Ramsay said he was told there could be a larger wave of voyages and migrants than what the island chain witnessed in past years.

In August 2022, 300 Haitian men, women and children aboard a wooden vessel grounded not far from the gated Ocean Reef community in North Key Largo. Months later, a vessel carrying nearly 200 Haitian migrants grounded on the sandbar in Islamorada on Nov. 21, 2022.

landings. DeSantis activated the Florida National Guard on Jan. 6, 2023, days after federal, state and local authorities dealt with the arrival of 300 Cuban migrants at Dry Tortugas National Park. Since August 2022, agencies have encountered more than 8,000 Haitian migrants in the Florida waters.

Florida Keys Sheriff Rick Ramsay appeared on Fox News on March 18 to discuss the potential flow of Haitian migrants to Florida amid the gang

“Our resources are very limited here,” Ramsay said, applauding U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and DeSantis for assisting on the mass migration front. “All my troops are on ready (and) standby. We have mass migration plans already on the books. Our first goal is to help, aid, and assist state, local and federal governments, but keep my citizens safe and secure.”

Meanwhile off the Florida coast, vessels carrying Haitian migrants have been intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard, which continues to confront illegal voyages to the U.S. by sea from Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba. On March 12, the Coast Guard repatriated 65 migrants to Haiti following an interdiction near Great Inagua, Bahamas five days before. A good Samaritan notified the Coast Guard on March 7 of a vessel in distress.

“The Coast Guard’s primary mission as a member of the Homeland Security Task ForceSoutheast is to preserve human life at sea,” said Capt. Willie Carmichael, incident commander for Operation Vigilant Sentry.

On Feb. 29, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission intercepted a boat with smugglers and children in Brevard County near the Indian River County line. Officers say the 42-foot vessel had two dozen Haitians, guns, night vision equipment and drugs onboard.

“This is not really our responsibility,” DeSantis said regarding state and local resources used to combat illegal maritime voyages. “This is the federal government’s responsibility. The Coast Guard does by and large a good job, but they’re undermanned.”

Ramsay said the federal government has “dropped the ball” in dealing with mass migration issues.

“Are these people (Haitians) coming just looking for a better way of life? Or, with all the volatility, are these criminals, are these emptied-out prisons, are these gang members? … What’s their potential threat to the citizens here and also to

continued on page 12

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Venturous repatriated 65 migrants to Haiti on March 7 following an interdiction of a migrant venture on this vessel near Great Inagua, Bahamas. U.S. COAST GUARD/Contributed

Haitian migrants who reached the Tavernier shore receive a mask and board a U.S. Homeland Security bus on Feb. 9, 2023. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

A Haitian puts a thumbs-up after reaching U.S. soil in Tavernier on Feb. 9, 2023. The man was loaded onto a bus with 100 other Haitians. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

NEW RULES AFFECT REALTORS’ COMMISSIONS

Local agents respond to national legal settlement

By Mandy Miles, Jim McCarthy and Alex Rickert

The typical 6% commission that has long been paid to real estate agents by people selling a home may no longer be standard practice.

That figure could be more negotiable come July, pending a judge’s approval.

Realtors nationwide are facing new rules and restrictions on their commissions following a legal settlement that affects the real estate professionals and consumers buying and selling homes.

The National Association of Realtors on March 15 announced it had settled an antitrust lawsuit that claimed the organization and its real estate agents colluded with brokerage firms, forcing home sellers to pay high commission fees to agents.

The terms of the settlement will take effect in July, pending its approval by the courts.

In addition to a $418 million payout over four years to the plaintiffs, the settlement changes the industry’s overall business model in which the seller of a house typically paid a 6% commission — $60,000 for a $1 million home — that was split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent.

Plaintiffs in the recent lawsuit claimed the 6% fee was expected and anything less would discourage agents from showing a seller’s property. But according to several agents who spoke with the Weekly following news of the settlement, that “standard” commission, and the agreed-upon split be-

Some buyers may not have the funds to pay their own agent separately, which becomes particularly problematic if a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or Veterans Affairs (VA) loan is involved.

“With any FHA or even VA loan, the loan rules do not allow buyers to finance the cost of their agent’s compensation,” said Ocean Sotheby’s Realtor Ally Kelley. “Should a seller not choose to offer a buyer’s agent’s compensation, the buyer, not the FHA or VA loan, will have to pay for the representation. This only increases the closing costs … and may make the property even less affordable.”

“This could have an adverse impact on buyers with limited funds for a down payment and closing costs,” said Key West broker Bascom Grooms of Bascom Grooms Real Estate. “In the event their Realtor finds them a property that the seller has not agreed to compensate a buyer’s agent for procuring a buyer, they would have to compensate their Realtor out of pocket, and they may not have the resources.”

Realtor. For sellers this is common practice that they sign a listing agreement. Buyers would still have the option to represent themselves if they did not want to commit to an exclusive agreement, much like sellers have the option to sell their property as a for sale by owner.

But buyers representing themselves, Del Negro said, “translates to delayed transactions and extra work for listing agents and title companies.”

“(Having a buyer’s agent) has always been allowed and personally, I encourage it as there is more protection for the buyers,” added Kelley.

For some agents, a standard written agreement with buyers before starting any significant amount of work is nothing new. Regardless, multiple agents who spoke to the Weekly said the new across-the-board requirement would heighten competition, forcing companies to re-examine the quality and depth of services offered to buyers. And on the buyers’ end, “shopping around” until the moment a deal is struck won’t be as easy as it once was.

tween sellers’ and buyers’ agents, is far less universal than has been portrayed.

“There’s no such thing as a standard commission,” said Coldwell Banker Schmitt agent Josh Mothner.

“I view the fact that they’re all roughly the same as the same reason many products are the same price, even if they’re not from the same company –competition.”

Under the terms of the settlement, as of July, the buyer and seller could each have to pay their own agent’s commission fee. The seller will not be burdened with both, unless they choose to pay both commissions in order to facilitate the sale – an option still very much on the table, contrary to some national headlines. However, where sellers’ agents could previously add proposed commission offers for buyers’ agents on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), they will no longer be permitted to do so, regardless of their intent to strike a deal.

These changes concern some Florida Keys real estate brokers and agents.

“These new rules will make real estate transactions more complex and slow,” said Sebastian Del Negro, comanaging broker with Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty. “At OceanSIR, we never made it compulsory for sellers to offer commissions to buyer’s agents. Although we usually followed industry standards, commissions have always been negotiated. Historically, sellers offering compensation to buyers’ agents has been a tool to attract buyers.”

Del Negro agreed, saying, “With our current system, commissions were rolled into the loan, whereas in the future, buyers will negotiate commissions with agents and then need to bring additional funds to the closing table.”

Derek Epperly, principal broker of Keys Atlantic Realty in Key West and president of the Key West Association of Realtors, has similar concerns for VA buyers and others with limited funds.

Grooms added that some sellers may still elect to pay both agents’ commissions in order to sweeten the deal and facilitate the sale, “but it remains to be seen if this structure will actually benefit a seller,” Grooms said.

The commission fees will be negotiable and cannot be included in the MLS listing for a property. Rather, the fee must be negotiated individually for each sale with each agent.

“For Realtors, the proposed settlement just means more paperwork; for the consumer, it means a clear understanding of who pays for what,” Epperly said.

“Who this is really going to impact are inexperienced agents who aren’t able to have frank conversation about commissions and being compensated,” Mothner added. “It’s going to cause a lot of confusion initially, but it will settle out.”

Finally, the settlement includes a new rule that requires buyers to enter into written agreements with one agent. The designated agents handle all showings and offers.

“This is going to be an adjustment for buyers,” said Grooms. “Historically they have never had to sign a representation agreement to work with a

“It’s going to tighten up the ship for those people who love to call around and call a different agent every day,” said Mothner. “They’re going to have to be careful, because they will have formal, likely binding, agreements with buyers’ agents.”

In announcing the settlement, NAR did not set a new suggested commission fee, but the current 6% standard is significantly higher than the 1% and 2% commissions paid in other countries such as the U.K. and Israel, according to CNN.

Grooms said he doesn’t expect the proposed settlement to significantly affect the Florida Keys’ listing inventory or local agents’ livelihoods.

“Our income is driven more by the health of the economy, strength of financial markets, interest rates, etc.,” he said. “This is not the first change our industry has experienced and it won’t be the last. We as real estate professionals will adapt and change our business models accordingly.”

Del Negro added, “Real estate agents are one of the few professionals that only get paid after all their work is done and finished. The reward is great, but the risk is considerable.”

He also specified that, “Anywhere Realty, our umbrella company, had settled this lawsuit last November and is excluded from any current or future copycat lawsuits.”

Anywhere Real Estate Inc. owns and franchises several recognizable real estate brands, including Coldwell Banker, Century 21 Real Estate, Sotheby’s International Realty and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, among others.

PIXABAY/Contributed

continued from page 4

HOMELESS CAMPING

recent months, and has more recently made its way into the headlines of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office press releases.

On Jan. 27, a 58-year-old man was arrested after allegedly “hitting another man on the street with the butt of a knife and threatening a woman with the same knife.” A little over a month later, a reported fight inside a tent led to the arrest of a 30-year-old Key West man who had also allegedly hit another man with a metal rake earlier in the night.

“In the last couple of months, we’ve had some pretty violent crimes in the area,” confirmed Lt. Lissette Quintero, who oversees the sheriff’s office’s Marathon substation. “It’s not necessarily the volume of calls that’s increased, but the severity. It may very well be because there are a lot of individuals that are identified as newcomers to the area.”

Marathon has thus far orchestrated two major “cleanups” of the area – one in October 2023, and another on March 1, 2024 – in which accessory structures and other items beyond tents and basic necessities were removed following a notice to area residents. The city plans to continue these cleanups on a monthly basis, City Manager George Garrett told the Weekly.

According to statistics provided to the Weekly by Quintero, in the three months prior to October’s cleanup, the sheriff’s office responded to five physical batteries in the area, 13 verbal disturbances, three thefts and one sex offense. From the beginning of 2024 to the March cleanup, there were nine physical batteries, five verbal disturbances and three thefts.

At first glance, DeSantis’ signature would appear to force a point of reckoning for 20th Street and other similar encampments in the Keys. But provisions tacked on to the end of the bill – and one notable omission – beg a series of questions.

While the 20th Street right-of-way is technically under the purview of the Florida Department of Transportation, the bill makes no mention of camping restrictions on state-owned land. It also contains exceptions for counties under a state of emergency, or any immediately adjacent counties – something that has applied to the Florida Keys at nearly all times since 2017, due to Hurricane Irma, the COVID-19 pandemic and migrant influx crises.

Though both Garrett and City Attorney Steve Williams said they weren’t overly concerned about the results of the bill, Williams told the Weekly that compliance with the new rules would be “an impossibility” on city-owned land. He said the bill, which he called the “biggest unfunded mandate in years,” could also complicate construction of a homeless shelter in the future, should Keys municipalities decide to pursue that route.

As properties with several different zoning classifications can theoretically be used for residential structures, Williams said the bill’s prohibition of using adjacent properties for shelters or certified camping areas “is the part that’s confusing us. We can’t think of any place that that applies in Monroe County.”

Asked directly whether the bill’s passage would be the end of the 20th Street encampment, Williams said, “I don’t know. In the definitions of this bill, 20th Street is not county or municipality property.”

continued from page 8

PREPARING FOR POTENTIAL MASS MIGRATION

the state of Florida?” Ramsay said during the Fox News interview.

Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S Homeland Security secretary, recently said a limited pool of funds is putting all work, from shelter services and border security and “everything across the diverse threat landscape that we face in very serious peril.”

In January 2023, the Biden administration announced its intent to provide safe and orderly pathways to the U.S. for up to 30,000 nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. The program, formerly known as the Process for Cubans, Haitians, Nicarauguans and Venezuelans, allows certain people from those four countries who have a sponsor in the U.S. and who pass a background check to come to the U.S. to live and work lawfully for two years — using a mechanism called “humanitarian parole.”

The creation of this new parole program, however, was coupled with restricted access to asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. In January 2023, the government of Mexico agreed to allow the U.S. to expel up to 30,000 migrants from those countries to Mexico each month — preventing them from requesting asylum under U.S. immigration law. With the expiration of the Title 42 order in May 2023, the U.S. announced that it would formally deport some migrants from these countries to Mexico instead of to their home countries.

U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez represents the Florida Keys and south Florida in Congress. He accused the Biden administration of standing idly by while Haiti descended in chaos following the assassination of then-President Jovenel Moïse three years ago. Gimenez said community security is at risk of another mass migration event from Haiti.

“I demand the Biden administration implement a comprehen-

“The Coast Guard does by and large a good job, but they’re undermanned.”

— Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

sive strategy to address the unrest in Haiti and prevent this security crisis from impacting South Florida families,” Gimenez said.

According to a report by CNN, the Biden Administration has discussed using Guantanamo Bay to process Haitian migrants, if there’s a mass exodus to the U.S. Located 200 miles from Haiti, Guantanamo Bay in Cuba once had a migrant center to process migrants before returning them to Haiti. The center is separate from where terrorist suspects are held.

Last July, the U.S. State Department heightened the travel advisory to level 4, urging people not to travel to Haiti amid rising crime, kidnappings and poor infrastructure. The message hasn’t changed as of March. And with the Port-au-Prince airport shutdown, the State Department is working to get Americans trapped in the country safely to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Local, state and federal authorities aren’t only preparing for possible mass migrations from Haiti. They’re also dealing with Cuban migrant landings amid political unrest.

On the evening of March 18, U.S. Customs & Border Patrol responded to Duck Key, where 24 Cuban migrants arrived on a homemade vessel. Samuel Briggs II, acting chief patrol agent for U.S. Border Patrol in Miami, said they will be processed for removal proceedings.

City of Marathon and MCSO staff work to complete a cleanup of the 20th Street homeless encampment in Marathon, removing all structures except for necessary tents and minor amenities like grills. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

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DO YOU HAVE A DRIVER’S LICENSE?

Are you sure?

This might shock those who know me, but on the first day of March … I was officially the bad boy of Marathon.

The last thing I expected to see as I pulled into 20th Street to take photos for an article was a set of blue-and-red lights behind me. I went through my normal process – thought about whether I’d been speeding (no), questioned whether maybe I missed a turn signal (no), and hid the gun and kilo of cocaine under the back seat. (That’s obviously a joke – don’t send me angry emails.)

Turns out I’d done nothing wrong, but the deputy told me that he had run my license plate. His computer system showed that the primary driver of my truck (me) had a Florida license that was currently expired. Confused, I pulled out my license – complete with a printed expiration date on my birthday in May 2024.

So you can imagine my complete confusion when, after returning to the car a few minutes later, the gentleman told me that according to his system, my license expired in November of 2023. Adding salt to the wound of my confusion was the fact that I walked away from the encounter with not one, not two, but THREE tickets for documentation I needed to correct. (Part of that is on me, I guess – I’ll never again rely on digital copies of my registration and insurance.)

Before we go on, I want to stress that this column is NOT to criticize the wonderful folks from MCSO or the DMV, all of whom were simply doing their jobs, got caught in the weird glitch I’m about to describe, and later helped me resolve the entire situation within 24 hours. I can’t say enough about how professional and helpful every single one of them was from start to finish.

Upon arriving at the tax collector’s office, I went to renew my gooduntil-a-couple-minutes-ago license. The only problem? According to the FLHSMV computer system, my Florida license had been canceled because my home state of Rhode Island had issued me a license on my birthday in May 2023.

Here are the facts: I moved to the Keys from Rhode Island in 2015, and immediately switched my license to Florida. I’ve never applied for a license

ALEX RICKERT

made the natural career transition from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor after six years at Dolphin Research Center. His passions include running, watersports, and civil disagreements with sharks while spearfishing.

in Rhode Island since leaving there, and never surrendered my Florida license. My supposedly expired/ invalid Florida license got me through TSA and onto six airplanes with no issue since November. And for some reason, the Rhode Island DMV decided to send me a letter in late 2023 CONFIRMING that my Rhode Island license was canceled because I had a valid Florida license. The date of that letter? Nov. 30, 2023.

Fortunately, one of the women at the tax collector’s office had heard a similar story to mine, and pulled out an FLHSMV technical advisory from May 2023 (Technical Advisory DL 23008, if you’re a nerd like me and want to read). According to that advisory, this is a known issue within the Stateto-State (S2S) Verification Service, an electronic system used to check if a license applicant has a license or ID card in other participating states.

It’s a great idea to prevent duplicates. But in my case and others, the national computer system goofed – shocker, I know – and mistakenly showed Rhode Island as the last state to issue me a valid driver’s license.

It canceled my Florida license in the process.

I don’t generally spend my week calling around to make sure my active licenses and registrations are still good. For me, the scary part about this was that I truly had no reasonable way of knowing.

Once we figured out what was going on, the situation was easy enough to fix with a call to the Rhode Island DMV – again, thanks a million to all the wonderful employees at the Tax Collector’s office. But you can bet there will be a copy of that technical advisory sitting in my glove box.

And for those of you who have a license close to expiring and came here from another state beforehand, it might be worth a quick call to check. You might think you have a perfectly good Florida driver’s license. But do you?

APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN UNTIL APRIL 30 FOR EARLY REENTRY PLACARDS AFTER HURRICANES

County Emergency Management’s early reentry placards allow essential businesses quicker access into the Keys following hurricanes to assist in restoring community lifelines.

KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

The application period for Monroe County Emergency Management’s 2024 business placard early reentry program is open through Tuesday, April 30 at 5 p.m. There will be no exceptions after this time to apply for the 2024 business placard. The program allows essential businesses and nonprofits based in Monroe County timely access to the Florida Keys following hurricanes to assist in restoring community lifelines more efficiently and timely.

Placards are only valid in the year they are issued. There is only one application form to fill out each year. Do not apply until you have read and compiled the required documentation described on the placard web page. A link to the application and program details are at www.monroecountyem.com/ placardprogram. Applications will be reviewed within 21 working days.

Each registered business is allowed to bring in only its essential personnel; it does not include friends and family of those workers. Entering the county under a state of emergency using a placard grants access to an area that has not been deemed safe. Basic life support re-

sources may not be available after a major event; those entering with a placard must be self-sufficient for 14 days with shelter, food and water.

“Disaster response takes the effort of an entire community,” said Shannon Weiner, emergency management director. “Sharing your business’s skills and resources when needed most contributes to a swift recovery for all.”

Other residents who wish to obtain or renew a Monroe County early reentry placard for 2024 may do so through the Monroe County Emergency Reserve Corps at www. mercorps.org. Hurricane recovery courses are required for residents to receive the placard.

Standard reentry windshield stickers for residents can be picked up at Monroe County Tax Collector offices throughout the Florida Keys with proof of residency and vehicle registration. For more information and locations to obtain stickers, visit www.monroecountyem.com/reentrystickers.

Hurricane season begins June 1.

— Contributed

Monroe

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Newly updated private oasis in desirable Cudjoe Gardens! Exquisite finishes in the expertly remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, and ample space for entertaining. A sprawling corner canal front lot features excellent deep-draft boating and a generous entertainment area with a large pool, spa, and a tiki hut. The attached garage a ords storage and parking out of the elements, all just minutes to delectable dining in Cudjoe Key.

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Remarkable custom estate epitomizing luxury waterfront living in the heart of the Florida Keys! Spacious open floor plan and towering cathedral ceilings give way to a wall of windows o ering pristine views. Gourmet chef's kitchen, 450-bottle walk-in wine closet and expansive deck area make entertaining a breeze! Outside, a sparkling pool and stellar outdoor kitchen overlook 60’ of dockage granting unrivaled boating access to both ocean and bay.

TROUBLED WATERS: KEYS LEADERS FIGHT FOR FISH HEALTH

State provides $2M for research on sawfish deaths

With a sawfish death toll at 21 and other species exhibiting bizarre behavior, such as spinning in circles, Florida Keys leaders have united to support researchers in a search for the causes behind the troubles.

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners on March 13 announced its support for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in its quest to uncover the mystery behind both the ongoing deaths of the rare, critically endangered smalltooth sawfish and fish abnormalities in the Keys.

“We know there is a lot of frustration in the community not knowing what is going on,” said commissioner Michelle Lincoln of Marathon. “We are all extremely concerned about our ecosystem and what is causing this to happen.”

FWC’s investigation is an organized response by researchers and environ-

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mental advocates. And State Rep. Jim Mooney, of Islamorada led an effort to send $2 million in state funds for the FWC’s effort in determining the scale and scope of the recent fish mortality and disease happening in Biscayne Bay, Florida Bay and the Keys.

“The FWC will contract with nonprofits to assist with data collection and analysis, and employ local fishing guides to assist with data collection,” county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood said.

For now, the BOCC is helping spread the word of the FWC’s efforts.

County Mayor Holly Rashein said, “We are fully supporting our state scientists and experts in working as quickly as possible to discover what is happening.”

What FWC knows so far:

There have been 21 documented deaths of smalltooth sawfish, one of five species of sawfishes.

9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon

Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 5:30 P.M.

Based on fish necropsy data, there are no signs of a communicable pathogen and specimens were negative for bacterial infection. Additional sawfish tissues are still being processed for analysis.

Dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH and temperature are not suspected as the cause of the fish behavior or kills.

Red tide toxins produced by Karenia brevis have not been detected in water samples.

How to help

Report all healthy, sick, injured or dead sawfish to FWC’s Sawfish Hotline at 844-472-9374 or email Sawfish@ myfwc.com with the date, time and location of the sighting, estimated length, water depth and other relevant details.

NOAA describes smalltooth sawfish as being “olive gray to brown on top” with a white underside.

“Although sawfish have shark-like

bodies, they are actually a type of ray,” NOAA’s website says. They get their name from their long, flat snouts that are lined with about 22 to 29 teeth on each side.

Under the Endangered Species Act, it is illegal to catch, harm, harass or kill an endangered sawfish. It is also illegal to possess, sell, carry or transport sawfish or parts of sawfish — such as the rostrum (snout).

While some fishermen catch sawfish as bycatch, they can follow safe handling and release guidelines to quickly and safely release incidentally captured sawfish.

Report fish concerns

If you see abnormal fish behavior, fish disease or fish kills, submit a report to FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline either through the web form MyFWC.com/ ReportFishKill or call 800-636-0511.

— Keys Weekly Staff

Itwasaprettygooddaytobe akid–oraspiritedonlooker –onSt.Patrick’sDayinKey ColonyBeach.Theevening of March 17 meant the return of KCB’sannualparade,byfarthe biggestmarkeroftheholidayin theMiddleKeysunderorganizer LarrySmoot.Afullfleetofcars, bicycles,golfcarts,boats,trailers andwalkersmadetheirwayfrom WesttoEastOceanDrive,toss ingoutgobsofcandy,beadsand luckycoinstoallthosewholined thestreets.TheKeys’secondsmallestcityproved,onceagain, thatithasnoshortageofholiday spirit.

LUCKOFTHEIRISHINKCB

AnnualSt.Patrick’sDayparadedelightshundreds

Fromperennialfavorites–like ‘Fritzy’sFloat’andBestBetSportfishing’sfully-loadedboat–todozens ofKeyColony’selectedofficialsand communitygroups,entrantsinthe city’sannualSt.Patrick’sDayparade fillEastandWestOceanDrivewith streetsofgreenonSundayafternoon.

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

DEPUTY SHOOTS ARMED TEEN WHO PULLED A GUN

Sheriff said it’s self-defense, but asked state to review

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

AMonroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy fatally shot a girl who was armed with a stolen handgun on March 18 shortly after 5 a.m. on Stock Island.

She was shot after pointing the handgun at deputies, MCSO spokesman Adam Linhardt said.

“This incident is a tragedy for everyone involved,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay said in a statement. “While the deputy appears to have acted in self-defense, I have asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to conduct an independent investigation to ensure transparency.”

At 5:21 a.m., deputies responded to a call of a suicidal juvenile who had stolen a firearm, broken off an attached gun lock and walked to a remote location on Stock Island, Linhardt said.

“She pointed the gun at deputies who were attempting to de-escalate the situation,” Linhardt said.

After she was shot, deputies “immediately called for rescue and rendered aid,” Linhardt said.

The girl was pronounced dead at Lower Keys Medical Center.

Linhardt told Keys Weekly he could not identify the girl or give her age. A press release only referred to her as a “female juvenile.”

On Monday, an FDLE spokesperson would only confirm that the state agency is investigating.

“At the request of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, FDLE is investigating an officer-involved shooting in the Florida Keys from this morning,” said Dana Kelly, of the FDLE’s press office. “This is an active investigation and we have no additional information.”

LET IT SHINE … DOWN

Marathon council amends lighting ordinance

On March 12, the Marathon City Council unanimously amended the lighting ordinance requiring homeowners to replace nonconforming outside lights within two years. Specifically, the ordinance change addresses “light trespass” – a light that shines on an adjoining or nearby property.

The new language says exterior lighting of homes must be designed and installed to prevent glare affecting motorists, bicyclists and users of roads, bicycle paths, etc. Additionally, the light shouldn’t trespass over property lines.

The ordinance was designed to address instances of a neighbor’s outdoor lighting causing a nuisance to adjacent homeowners by requiring fixtures that only shine down, narrowing the scope of light. Lighting fixtures can be replaced, or homeowners can add shields to the fixtures to direct the light. The ordinance states that functional equivalents are allowed. For example, a light under a porch or roof overhang is properly shielded by architectural elements of the home.

New or replacement luminaries and new construction must comply with the new rules. Existing light fixtures must be replaced within two years of the second reading of this

ordinance, which will take place at the April meeting of the Marathon City Council. Council asked staff to emphasize outreach and education efforts while noting that code enforcement, per state law, cannot act on anonymous complaints.

In 2023, the city of Marathon made extensive changes to this lighting ordinance to protect nesting sea turtles and address light trespass on nesting beaches.

Marathon’s code specifies that there should be no light visible from any coastal buildings adjacent to an established turtle nesting beach –whether exterior or interior. According to the National Ocean Service, baby turtles “find their way to the ocean via the downward slope of the beach and the reflections of the moon and stars on the water.” In places where artificial light is visible from the turtle nesting beach, hatchlings can head in the opposite direction, exposing them to hazards from other wildlife or dangers such as vehicular traffic.

Homeowners can comply with the rule by installing special bulbs, using fixtures that cast light downward and aren’t visible from the beach, or using barriers to light such as window film.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the fatal shooting of a juvenile girl by a Monroe County deputy on March 18, 2024.

LIVE

LIVE

4-6pm

LIVE

LIVE

LIVE

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

7-MILE OFFSHORE GRAND PRIX TO SPEED INTO MARATHON APRIL 26-28

High-octane spectacle allows for up-close viewer experience

Powerful offshore boats racing at high speeds near the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge will show their muscle Friday through Sunday, April 26-28, when the 7-Mile Offshore Grand Prix roars into the Middle Keys.

The challenge is the second annual Race World Offshore (RWO) powerboat race to take place in Marathon as part of the American Power Boat Association’s Offshore National Championship Series. It serves as the opening event for RWO’s 2024 season.

Race teams are coming from around the United States, Bermuda and as far away as the United Kingdom to compete in Marathon.

Eleven classes of boats will participate in the challenge, with the largest classes racing Sunday – including the Super Cat that can achieve speeds of up to 140 mph – on a course that provides spectators a close-up viewing experience.

A free opening event set for Friday, April 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters will welcome race teams and fans.

Races will take place Saturday

More than 60 offshore racing powerboats registered for the 7 Mile Offshore Grand Prix in 2023. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

from 1:30 to 4 p.m. with the smallerclass vessel race brackets taking to the water. Sunday will feature four races, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending with the 3:30 p.m. Super Cat competition.

The pedestrian-friendly Old Seven Mile Bridge will be the primary viewing area for spectators, with 90% of the 5.6-mile counterclockwise race course viewable from the span that parallels the contemporary bridge. According to race organizers, the old bridge will be open to the public with free admission, with one section reserved for VIP viewing.

Race World Offshore plans to set up its VIP hospitality areas on and below the Marathon end of the Old Seven Mile Bridge. VIP guests will be allowed to park at the nearby Sunset Grille and walk under the bridge.

Free general-admission parking will be available at Marathon Community Park with shuttle service to Sunset Grille. There will be no general-admission parking at Sunset Grille or on-site at the entrance to the Old Seven Mile Bridge. VIP ticket holders will receive a parking pass at will call.

Race fans can enjoy free admission to the dry pit area at San Pablo Catholic Church to view high-speed boats and meet race teams and crew Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. .

Wet pits, located at Suntex Faro Blanco Marina, will be open to the public Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Events culminate Sunday evening with an award ceremony and an afterparty, with the final location to be determined.

Race schedules, VIP tickets and information are at raceworldoffshore. com/marathon.

62900 Overseas Hwy #25, Coral Key

62900

THE CONNECTIONS PROJECT, REIMAGINED

Arts Council’s annual installation adds a musical touch

How do you enhance one of the Keys’ best displays of local art? Add some of the islands’ best musicians.

On March 14, Sparky’s Landing in Marathon hosted the third of five receptions for the 2024 Connections Project. Now a highly-anticipated annual event driven by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, the display showcased a mosaic of 48 “tiles” individually imagined by artists throughout the island chain. While proceeds from sales of the tiles, as always, benefit Keys artists and arts organizations through grants awarded by the Arts Council, the 2024 reception series added a musical touch to a series historically driven by visual art.

On Wednesday evening, Connections Project guests and Sparky’s patrons enjoyed a Nashville-style writers’ round from singer/songwriters Adrienne Z, John Bartus and Cory Young, each detailing their own artistic journeys in the Keys.

“The performing arts enhance our shared experiences,” said Elizabeth Young, the Arts Council’s executive director. “We’re thrilled to highlight local talent to celebrate the longstanding connection between the community and local cultural initiatives.”

Upcoming Connections Project receptions include Thursday, March 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lower Keys Chamber Grounds on Big Pine Key and Tuesday, April 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Williams Hall in Key West. For more information, scan QR code.

Top: Cory Young, left, Adrienne Z and John Bartus weave together stories and songs at Sparky’s Landing.

Bottom: Arts Council advisors and staff pause for a photo op with the 2024 Connections Project mo-

saic. From left: Madalyn Mussey, Elizabeth Young, Susann D’Antonio, Leslie Calero, Marianne Finizio, Sarah Bartus.

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

. E n j o y

E a s t e r B r u n c h

Ea er Menu

Sunday, March 31 6pm-9pm

STARTERS

Conch Chowder | 18 G

Traditional Bahamian Style Chowder in a Spicy Tomato Broth

Butternut Squash Soup | 16

Herbs, Butternut Squash

Warm Goat Cheese | 22

Marcona Almond Crust, Amarena Cherries

Shrimp Cocktail | 22 G

Lemon/Lime Wedge, Cocktail Sauce

Lump Crab Cakes | 24

Jicama Slaw, Chipotle Aioli

Spring Salad | 18

Mixed Greens, Mandarin Oranges, Raspberries, Dry Canberries, Feta Cheese, Pecans, Champagne Citrus Vinaigrette

Butter y Salad | 19

Mixed Greens, Blue Cheese, Pecans Caramelized Onions, Carrots, Mango Balsamic Vinaigrette

Caesar Salad | 19

b y M a h i n a a t

I s l a B e l l a ’ s

T o w n S q u a r e

M a r c h 3 1 s t : 1 1 a m - 3 p m

Romaine, Parmesan Cheese, Brioche Croutons, House Caesar Dressing

Tomato & Mozzarella Salad | 19 G

Fresh Florida Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Balsamic,Virgin Olive Oil, Fresh Basil

ENTREES

Easter Ham | 42 G

Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Tri Color Baby Carrot

Mahi Mahi | 48 G

Key Lime Butter,Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Broccolini (Grilled Or Blackened)

Herb Roast Lamb Chop* | 56 G

Grilled Lamb Chops, Rum Raisin Béchamel Sauce, Smoked Celery Root, Tri Color Baby Carrot

Caribbean Jerk Chicken | 46

Marinated Bone-In Breast, Pineapple Chutney, Coconut Rice, Seasonal Vegetables

Grilled Salmon | 52

Grilled Salmon, Lemon And Capers Butter Sauce, Coconut Rice, Asparagus

Yellowtail Francaise | 48

Lightly Battered Filets Sautéed, Lemon And Capers Butter Sauce, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Broccolini

Seafood Frutti Di Mare | 45

Linguini Pasta, Shrimp, Fish, Scallop, Spicy Tomato Sauce, Parmesan Cheese

Scallop Risotto* | 54 G

Parmesan Risotto, Roasted Red Pepper Brandy Cream Sauce (sub Shrimp) Filet Mignon* | 59 G

Onion Marmalade, Red Wine Demi,Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus

2600 Overseas Highway

Marathon | tranquilitybay.com

*Consuming raw or uncooked foods may increase your risk of food borne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions. Prices do not include applicable sales tax and gratuity. 20% gratuity will be added to all checks. G - Gluten Free

CAPTAIN JOEL’S FISHIN’ HOLES

SPRING IS HERE

Look for the fishing to start picking up. It's that time of year where the mahi start showing up. Big fish start hanging around the reef, like kingfish, cero mackerel, amberjack, cobia, African pompano, yellow jacks and permit. Wahoo come in a little closer and big tuna start showing up at the humps. Schools of ballyhoo come in with the sailfish smashing them, and schools of mullet come in with the migratory tarpon following right behind the mullet schools.

Once the tarpon show up, the sharks come to greet them. This is also the time of the year when mutton snapper bunch up outside the reef, yellowtail gather on the reef and big mangrove snapper can be targeted in the backcountry in the Gulf of Mexico.

This time of year, bait can be hit or miss. At night we go out and get goggle eyes and shrimp. During the day we harvest pinfish out of our pinfish traps and we also cast net for pilchards. We also spend a lot of time catching mullet for tarpon and live ballyhoo and speedos inside the reef for the pelagic game fish. It's also that time of year when kite fishing is very effective for sailfish. We can catch small bonita this time of year to bump troll for wahoo, too. Bonefish and permit are showing up around the Seven Mile Bridge and in the backcountry flats. We typically

…is a fifth-generation Floridian and second-generation fishing captain who owns and operates Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon. His passions include fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.

target them with live shrimp on a small jig.

Recently, there have been reports of a large number of sawfish washing up on the shore in the Lower Keys. There have also been reports of many other species, from large fish down to small bait fish, acting weird and doing circles. Scientists from a number of local and national agencies are doing a lot of research and development on these reports. Although no one has yet identified an absolute cause, some are already pointing their finger at agriculture runoff from sugar cane through the Everglades, some are pointing their finger at the recent record-high heat waves affecting the reef, and some are saying there's nothing to see here, it's just Mother Nature doing her thing.

I'm sure we'll find out more specifics as the scientists’ research continues. You may remember last year the big story in the news was that our satellites showed images of a big blob of weeds heading our way that was supposed to cover up the Keys, possibly for months. That report scared off a lot of tourists and left a lot of locals wondering how we were going to get our boats in and out of ports with all the weed cover.

While many media outlets painted a doom-and-gloom story, several scientists said it was too early to tell what the “blob’s” impact would be in the Keys. Sure enough, our situation last summer was nowhere near what initial stories suggested.

Hopefully whatever is affecting these fish comes and goes like the green blob did. This is one of the best times of the year to catch good quality and quantity fish. It's also a great time to target your trophy bucket list fish.

To book a charter with Ana Banana, call or text Capt. Joel at 813-2674401 or Capt. Jojo at 305-879-0564, or visit anabananafishing.com.

Editor’s note: Reports of dead sawfish and spinning fish are still under close investigation by multiple scientific organizations, with no cause identified definitively at press time. The Keys Weekly reminds all our readers to get their information from credible professional scientists and research organizations.

CAPT. JOEL BRANDENBURG

Top: Multiple mackerel and jack species can be found hanging around the reef in the spring months. JOEL BRANDENBURG/Keys Weekly

Bottom: Though the water is starting to warm up, there have still been a number of trophy wahoo caught in recent weeks. JOEL BRANDENBURG/Keys Weekly

The best part of any rehab journey is the end, as staff from Marathon’s Turtle Hospital gather with hundreds of onlookers to cheer for ‘Crackle’ and ‘Pop’ as they make their way back to the Florida Keys waters. LARRY BENVENUTI/Contributed

Juvenile turtles complete rehab journey

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

It was a picture-perfect morning on March 14 as a crowd of hundreds gathered at Sombrero Beach to watch two juvenile green sea turtles complete their journey home. Rescued in November off Cudjoe Key, both turtles, later named “Crackle” and “Pop,” were suffering from fibropapillomatosis, a common disease that can cause extreme tumor growth. Their fourmonth rehabilitation at Marathon’s Turtle Hospital included tumor removal surgeries, broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a healthy diet of mixed seafood and greens.

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

SWITLIK WORDSMITHS LEARN THE ROPES

Keys Weekly joins elementary school’s annual Career and Truck Day

Fifth-grade students at Stanley Switlik Elementary School had a chance to test out their writing and photography chops as they joined Keys Weekly for a workshop session during the school’s Career and Truck Day. An annual staple at Switlik, the morning sessions on March 14 brought dozens of working professionals from throughout the Marathon community to the school for interactive presentations designed to educate and inspire students about the career paths available to them. In their time with the Weekly, students learned about the importance of free, locally-owned media outlets and how a newspaper is put together from start to finish, including the process of taking and captioning photos. Most importantly, students learned about the difference between facts and opinions, and the role of each in professional journalism. Editor’s note: These fifth-graders have a better understanding than many mainstream media outlets.

The following pictures were photographed by Switlik students and staff, and captioned by fifth-graders during their Career and Truck Day sessions with Keys Weekly.

1. Antoine, in the white shirt, and Artie, in the red shirt, show off the Weekly Newspaper and the Sports Wrap with editor Alex Rickert. MS. WORTHINGTON/Keys Weekly

2. These students were so busy asking excellent questions that they ran out of time to write a caption! ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly

3. Switlik fifth-graders take a good, good picture at Career and Truck Day showing off the Keys Weekly. JOSUE CORREA/Keys Weekly

4. Stanley Switlik’s star fifth-grade students learn about newspaper captions. Top: Orlando. Second row: ‘bomb suit kid’ Tyler, left, and safety patrol member Yelien. Third row: Phineas Trout actress Hailey, left, and safety patrol member Brianna. ASHLEY JUAREZ/Keys Weekly

Buyer represented by: Jo Ann Cook 305.360.7968

jcook@oceansir.com

and operated.

SATURDAY,

SUNDAY,

TONY

MONDAY,

TUESDAY,

THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF STRENGTH TRAINING AFTER 60

As the clock ticks forward, many individuals find themselves grappling with the unwelcome effects of aging, from reduced mobility to diminished strength. However, contrary to popular belief, the key to defying the ravages of time may lie not in expensive elixirs or elusive secrets, but in something as accessible as strength training.

Particularly for those aged 60 and beyond, incorporating resistance exercises into their routine can be a game-changer, offering a path to vitality, independence and longevity. As I tell many of my older active clients, “don’t let the old wo/man in.” Age can truly be irrelevant in today’s modern era. How old would you be, if you didn’t know how old you are? Why as a society do we limit ourselves because of a number? Not convinced? Go look up an article from theguardian. com about Joan Macdonald, a 71-year-old woman who didn’t start strength training until she was 60.

At the heart of the need for strength training in older adults lies the ominous specter of sarcopenia — the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength that accompanies aging. This insidious process begins as early as the third decade of life but accelerates markedly after the age of 60, with individuals potentially losing up to 3% to 5% of muscle mass per decade thereafter. Sarcopenia isn't merely a cosmetic concern; it's a harbinger of decreased mobility, increased susceptibility to falls and fractures and a loss of independence.

The causes of sarcopenia are multifaceted. Reduced physical activity levels, hormonal changes and inadequate nutrition all contribute to its onset and progression. Yet, while the deck may seem stacked against older adults, there is hope in the form of strength training, a potent antidote to muscle loss and physical decline.

Despite its proven benefits, common myths about building muscle often dissuade older adults from embracing resistance training. One such myth is the notion that muscle building is the domain of the young or the athletic. However, research has unequivocally shown that individuals of all ages and fitness levels can reap the rewards of strength training, even those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

Another pervasive misconception is the fear of injury associated with lifting weights or using resistance equipment. While caution and proper form are essential, strength training, when done correctly and

JENNIFER BOLTZ HARVEY

...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC. jenniferlynnboltz@gmail.com

under expert guidance, is a safe and effective way to enhance muscle mass and strength, even for older adults.

Some may believe it's too late to start strength training in later life or that the benefits pale in comparison to the effort required. On the contrary, studies show that older adults who engage in regular resistance training can achieve significant improvements in muscle mass, strength and overall functional capacity, regardless of when they begin.

According to research, older adults can experience substantial increases in muscle mass and strength with consistent training. While individual results may vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet and training intensity, studies have shown gains of up to 20% to 40% in muscle strength among older adults who engage in structured resistance training programs.

To maximize the benefits of strength training, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) offers guidelines tailored specifically for older adults. These guidelines recommend engaging in resistance exercises at least two days per week, targeting all major muscle groups with a variety of exercises. It's crucial to choose an appropriate resistance level that allows for 8-12 repetitions per set, ensuring both safety and effectiveness.

Beyond the obvious benefits of increased strength and mobility, preserving muscle mass is vital for maintaining metabolic health and preventing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Strong muscles also play a critical role in supporting healthy joints, reducing the risk of arthritis and improving overall mobility and flexibility. By embracing strength training, older adults can not only enhance their current well-being but also increase their chances of living a longer, healthier life. More time with the grandkids, more time traveling, more time doing whatever the hell it is you love to do –doesn’t that sound amazing? It does to me. So promise me, the next time you want to say “I can’t do that; I am ___ years old,” rephrase and start saying, “I can’t wait until I am strong enough to do that.” Start today so tomorrow, next month and next year are full of a lot more of the stuff you love.

SHELF HELP

What: “Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar

Why: Cyrus Shams is a typical American 20-something with delusions of artistic grandeur, tumultuous relationships and a substance abuse disorder. Haunted by the ghosts of his Iranian heritage, Cyrus becomes obsessed with martyrdom.

He hears about Orkideh, an Iranian artist who’s completing her final work — a performance piece — while dying of cancer. She holds court in an empty museum, conversing with anyone who wishes to engage. Cyrus and Orkideh develop an immediate rapport. But she swiftly disabuses him of the notion that her death is more noble or meaningful than any other – or, indeed, that death has any meaning at all.

Cyrus’ journey ends in a paradoxical revelation: rather than ending in death, everything, in fact, ends in life. The big twist on which the plot turns requires a suspension of disbelief – but why not? To reject the tale out of “plausibility” concerns seems to miss the point. While sometimes too ambitious, it’s an enjoyable debut novel, with elements of philosophy, poetry and pop culture. I’m interested in what he writes next.

Where: This is available as a print book, e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library system.

How: You can request books online by logging in to your account keyslibraries.org and get e-books and e-audiobooks 24/7 at estuff. keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org

Recommended by: Laura Bernazzoli, library associate, Key West library

See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/shelf-help.

A broad-winged hawk surveys the world from atop a power pole. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

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.

It is difficult, as a birder, to think about chickens – or at least to know how to think about chickens properly. Is there a right way to do it? And is there a way to do it that might make sense to people who don’t spend a lot of time thinking about birds? I don’t know.

Chickens are biologically birds, but they are not wild. They live in this netherworld of classification.

I bring this up because I was out the other day, looking for birds, when I saw a broad-winged hawk perched high up on a concrete telephone pole over Atlantic Boulevard. He was glancing around, left, right and forward, but also generally down. He had a pretty tactical view of the neighborhood, and I imagined the world spilling out beneath him, like a topographical map.

Broad-wings are perch hunters. They feed by sitting in elevated positions and waiting for something slow and unsuspecting to wander beneath them. Which means it’s hard to tell when they are hunting and when they are loafing. Maybe there is no difference in their mind. To perch is to hunt. Opportunistic loafing.

Pondering too deeply about a random bird’s motivations is not going to get you any closer to the truth – it’s a locked-box mystery. But still, I lingered, if for no other reason than it is always somewhat edifying to see a hawk, to notice that there is often a world of life and death happening just at the periphery of our cushy day-to-day existence.

It took me a while to tune into all the cheeping. It was coming from chickens, or more specifically, chicken chicks, and it seemed like a lot of noise to be making with an apex predator sitting on a pole 30 feet overhead, just waiting for his moment. Did they have any clue he was up there?

I looked around for a while – under some bushes, through a fence. I finally found them, eight chicks and a hen, hiding in the deep shadows under a car, their safety enhanced by the 10-inch gap between tarmac and drive shaft. The world in 3D. A Cooper’s hawk might go under there after them at full speed, but broadwings are – and I’ve probably said this way too many times – the lazy asses of the hawk world. They’d rather wait it out.

Alfred Lord Tennyson described nature’s ruthlessness as “red in tooth and claw,” a phrase that has largely become a cliche because it is so apt. Carnivorism is a large part of what makes the world go ’round, or at least what keeps the living things on the world alive as it goes around.

It’s important not to think of the natural world as a metaphor, especially for human behavior. Predator and prey both fill crucial roles in the natural world. The short version is: without predators, the world would be overrun

HAWKS AND CHICKENS, PREDATORS AND PREY

with unchecked populations of prey animals. Without prey, predators would starve. It’s not pretty, but it’s true.

You could think of it as a zero sum game, where there is a winner and a loser, at least on a one-to-one basis. But in terms of population dynamics and species evolving, predators create a stronger prey population by (usually) taking the oldest, the slowest and the weakest, thus allowing the fittest to survive and pass their DNA forward.

The thing about chickens is, they are not wild animals; they are domesticated animals. Chickens are properly called red junglefowl. They evolved in the jungles of South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is thought that the initial impulse for pulling them out of the jungle and domesticating them wasn’t to raise them as food, but for betting and cockfighting. Using them as a hardy, low-maintenance, and genetically malleable food source was an afterthought.

It’s debated when exactly, or even roughly, this domestication happened, but current thinking is it was somewhere between 3,500 and 9,500 years ago. For a while there was a theory that domestic chickens may have had multiple genetic ancestors – green junglefowl among them – but most scientists now seem to believe in the one-ancestor – red junglefowl –theory.

There are currently an estimated 33 billion domesticated chickens in the world, with 1,600 different breeds. They are one of the more widely distributed animals on the planet. Ironically, the still extant population of wild red junglefowl in Asia is considered at risk of being overrun by the population of domesticated red junglefowl.

If you do a little Googling, you can find some overly confident statements about where Key West’s population of feral chickens came from – they all came from Cuba, they are all descended from fighting cocks, they were freed from their coops by Hurricane Georges. But there’s not a lot of documentation of any of that, just a lot of lore. And it should be pointed out that for the longest time, you could order

chickens from the Sears catalog. Odds are they came from multiple places and were allowed to go feral gradually, as people became more comfortable with the ease of acquiring their poultry pre-butchered at the grocery store.

Captive chickens can lay up to 300 eggs a year. Wild red junglefowl lay about 10 to 15 eggs a year. I’d be curious to know how many eggs a feral, free-roaming Key West hen lays in a year, but I can’t find any reliable studies.

What is certain is that the Key West population has exploded over the last few decades. Any Conch or long-timer will tell you that –though again, there really isn’t any data.

I’ve wondered over the last 10 or 15 years, with so much easy prey wandering the Key West streets, why some of our overwintering hawks – say, Cooper’s hawks, which have been steadily expanding their range down the Florida peninsula in recent years, or shorttailed hawks, which breed regularly in the state, haven’t extended their breeding territory into the Keys. And in the last couple of years both species have bred here at least once, though not regularly.

But even if either or both species colonize Key West and the Keys, it won’t put a dent in such a fast-growing population of chickens. There are just too many of them.

I don’t really have much by way of a conclusion here, just a lot of uncorrelated thoughts intermixed with more than a little curiosity about how this is all going to play out.

I’m generally pretty detached and hardhearted about predators and their prey, but watching those chicks under the car the other day, I was torn between wanting to see something happen and not wanting to see anything happen.

I looked back up at the top of the pole and saw that the broad-wing was gone. A few minutes later the hen and her chicks emerged from the shadows and crossed the street.

Things had ultimately sorted themselves out. At least for the time being.

40 YEARS AND COUNTING…

What a long, strange trip it’s been…

Forty years.

Four decades gone by. 1984 was a big year in my world, and the world in general. Apple introduced the Macintosh. Michael Jackson was burned filming a Pepsi commercial, and Marvin Gaye was shot and killed by his father. Prince released “Purple Rain,” Tina Turner released “Private Dancer,” Springsteen released “Born in the U.S.A.,” and Van Halen released (of course) “1984.”

And February of 1984 was when I performed my first gig in the Keys at the old Compass Lounge in the old Holiday Inn.

I had already been on the road a few years at that point, working in a duo with Sallie Foster, another veteran entertainer who still performs regularly during season at the Bull in Key West. The Holiday Inn in Marathon was just another road gig (so we thought) on a five-week South Florida leg that included a stint on the old SeaEscape cruise ship sailing daily to Freeport and back.

Neither of us expected the warm welcome and loads of gig offers we received when we got here. As a musician, it was an amazing gift to be able to perform in one wonderful tropical island destination, and make a living playing music without having to travel. Sallie and I played at the old Holiday Inn as it changed to the Marathon Inn and then the Days Inn of Marathon. Months later, we formed the Red Hots and played at Sombrero Resort. I left that band back in 1986 to pursue my solo career and other projects, and thus began the Perpetual Island Tour.

Marathon was a bit different in 1984. U.S. 1 through town was mostly two-lane and didn’t become four lanes until the Overseas Lounge. During season, traffic could be problematic. During the three years of the four-lane construction, traffic was a legitimate nightmare. Aviation Boulevard was the Marathon construction bypass. There was no McDonald’s. No Wendy’s. No Walgreens. No Publix. WinnDixie was where Beall’s is now. And where Winn-Dixie now sits was a grocery store called Pantry Pride. Bars could stay open 24 hours, and many did. Late nights turned into early mornings, and I recall more than a few nights coming out of a dark club and being blinded by sunlight. The Idle Hour, the

JOHN BARTUS

John Bartus is a singer-songwriter and the former mayor of Marathon.

Driftwood, the Overseas, the Dog House, the Reef Bar and the Brass Monkey all stayed open as late or as early as the clientele hung out. And there was a place called Fanny’s … you might be able to guess what happened there.

In addition to all the solo gigs, I performed (a lot) with Roy McAdams, Glenn Faast and Adrienne Z; had a stint in the Brass Monkey band with Freddie Bye, Ronnie B and Robyn Robins (Google that name for a music history tidbit); and played in other bands with names like the Dead Parrot Society, Men Without Parents, Stark Naked and the Car Thieves, Storm Watch, and Jade Storm. I’ve played in most of the places up and down the Keys at one time or another, including several establishments that are no more.

During those 40 years, I’ve managed to have a few side jobs (writing, publishing, broadcasting, politics), but none could ever take the place of my “real” job – playing music. To celebrate the past three decades of my Perpetual Island Tour, I’m playing a special 40th Anniversary Concert this Sunday at 4 p.m. at Sunset Park in Key Colony Beach. Please stop by, say hello and enjoy an afternoon of music leading into the KCB Sunset Singers at sunset. Thanks to the Key Colony Beach Community Association for having me as part of the Concerts in the Park series, and thank you to everyone who has enjoyed my music throughout the years and helped me realize that we truly are “The Heart of the Keys.” I don’t know if I’ll get another 40 years here (that would make me quite ancient) but I don’t plan on putting the guitar down any time soon. See you at the show!

- Catch John live Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, Friday night at Isla Bella Resort, and this Sunday at Sunset Park. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com • johnbartus. hearnow.com

OPEN MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.

MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2024

AT 1:00 P.M.

FKEC TAVERNIER HEADQUARTERS, BOARD ROOM

NATIVE EDIBLES

Florida Keys bear a variety of fruits

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

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

One of the best early accounts of aboriginal life in the Florida Keys was in a memoir by Hernando De Escalante Fontaneda. As a boy, Fontaneda was shipwrecked on the Florida Keys and spent 17 years living with the Calusa Indians. His memoir was published in 1575.

In his work, he wrote about the Calusa: “The territory of Carlos, a province of Indians, which in their language signifies a fierce people, they are so-called for being brave and skillful, as in truth they are. They are masters of a large district of country.”

He also wrote about the Keys, noting: “On these islands is likewise a wood we call here palo para muchas cosas (the wood of many uses), well known to physicians; also much fruit of many sorts, which I will not enumerate, as, were I to attempt to do so, I should never finish. ... These Indians have no gold, less silver, and less clothing. They go naked except only some breech-cloths woven of palm, with which the men cover themselves; the women do the like with certain grass that grows on trees. This grass looks like wool, although it is different from it.”

The “palo para muchas cosas” may have referred to the lignumvitae tree, which has a history of medicinal uses ranging from modern pharmaceuticals like Xanax to Viagra. For a long time, it was also used to treat

Early Keys pioneers called the papaya pawpaw. BRAD BERTELLI/Contributed

syphilis. What I have always been curious about is the statement “also much fruit of many sorts, which I will not enumerate, as, were I to attempt to do so, I should never finish.”

What were the “fruits of many sorts” that Fontaneda observed? A quick search of plants native to the Florida Keys provides a surprisingly long list of scores of possibilities. The fruits of historical note that were not included on the list were pineapples, Key limes and coconuts — none of which are native to the Keys but were later introduced. Potential fruits and other edible plants that might have been among those observed by Fontaneda include berry, plum and cucumber, among others.

Quail berry, or Christmasberry, is an evergreen that bears small red berries year-round. The mildly sweet berry grows in pine rocklands and rockland hammocks. Cocoplum produces a purplish plum with a bland flavor. The seeds taste something like almonds and can be roasted or crushed and added to other dishes for extra flavor. Seagrape produces clusters of red grape-like fruits that ripen in summer.

Coral bean, sometimes called Cherokee bean, has both good and bad properties. Native Americans ate the roots to increase perspiration. The red flowers and young leaves can be cooked like string beans. However, parts of the plant are toxic, a narcotic and a hallucinogen.

The creeping cucumber’s fruit is about the size of a jellybean. It is edible when it is ripening and still green with white stripes, like a tiny watermelon. Once it continues to ripen and turns purple to blackish, it can become toxic.

The coastal ground cherry is also edible. The yellow to orange berries are covered in a papery husk like a small tomatillo.

The Florida prickly pear cactus, sometimes called the devil’s tongue, produces a reddish fruit that grows atop the cactus’ flat paddle. Once dethorned, both the fruit and the paddle can be eaten. The fruit can be eaten raw, but the paddle is best grilled or sautéed. The paddle is sometimes

found in the produce section of the local supermarket.

The gopher apple is a small fruit that grows from ½ inch to 1 inch in length and ripens in late summer. As the fruit matures, it transitions from white to a pink, purple or red color. The flavor has been reported as relatively tasteless.

Marlberry fruits grow off and on throughout the year. When the small berries first grow, they are green or reddish but turn a shiny black color when they ripen. Some people report the flavor as something like blackberry or a grape, though not everyone seems to agree, with some referring to the fruit as distasteful and acidic.

The beach bean, sometimes called seaside bean or bay bean, grows near the water’s edge and develops tough bean pods about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. The plant’s flowers can be eaten, and the pods, when they are still young, are edible when boiled or roasted. However, as the pod matures and grows thicker, the beach bean can be toxic.

One of the more recognizable fruits that Fontaneda might have observed and possibly tasted was what early Keys pioneers called pawpaw. The more common name is papaya, and though not indigenous to South Florida and the Keys, it is considered a native species. Native species that are not indigenous need to have arrived before European discovery. Several years ago, papaya seeds dating back to circa 300 A.D. were discovered in Lee County. By the time Fontaneda was shipwrecked in the Keys, the papaya had been growing in Florida for more than 1,200 years.

The ripe fruit of the papaya is soft and juicy, with some comparing the flavor to a mango. I would disagree, as I find a mango delicious, though messy. I find papaya to be more like the mixed reviews of the marlberry that is sometimes likened to the taste of blackberry, and some not liking it all. While the historical note attached to the papaya’s story is super cool and I love that part of its history, I do not care for the taste of its fruit.

RUNNING FOR GOLD

Inaugural St. Paddy’s races attract hundreds

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Before the Guinness, Car Bombs and corned beef and cabbage, a couple hundred runners decked in festive green took to the starting line for the inaugural St. Paddy’s Day 5k and 10k on March 17. The race, organized by Islamorada Running Co., was held at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. in Islamorada. Dania, Florida resident Ricardo Rios, 35, won the 10k with a time of 38 minutes and 39 seconds. Marathon’s Holly Smith came in a close second, and No. 1 in the female division, at 38 minutes and 56 seconds. Amesbury, Massachusetts resident Andre Bailin, 19, won the 5k with a time of 17 minutes and 52 seconds. Karen Carlton, 57, of New Jersey, ran the 5k in 23 minutes and 5 seconds to take the female crown.

1. Runners await the start of the Islamorada Running Company St. Paddy’s Island 5k & 10K at Florida Keys Brewing Co. 2. Runners begin the 5k and 10k in Islamorada. 3. Marathon’s Darby Sheehan, left, and Jake Long run the 10k. 4. Decked in green garb, Tavernier residents Ashley Hudson, left, and Nicole Mulder participate in the 5k. 5. The race may have been in Islamorada, but a sizable crew of Middle Keys distance runners made their way to Florida Keys Brewing Co. on Sunday morning.

Photos by Doug Finger and Alex Rickert.

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PROUD

SOFTBALL TOURNEY PAYS DIVIDENDS FOR KIDS

The Marathon Youth Club’s 2024 season recently received a generous boost, thanks to a $1,500 contribution from Bambi Kuck. The donation was made possible by proceeds collected from February’s Pops Stiglitz co-ed adult softball tournament in Marathon. “This contribution will play a vital role in supporting player sponsorships and replenishing essential equipment such as baseballs, softballs and gear that undergoes wear and tear each season,” said MYC board member Kerri Worthington. “We are deeply thankful for Bambi's thoughtful gesture and the community support for youth sports. Such acts of generosity truly make a significant difference in nurturing young athletes and fostering a sense of camaraderie within our community.”

PUPPIES!

2-month-old rottweiler mixes.

Looking for: We will soon have eight large-breed puppies for adoption. Turnoffs: Nothing. They are happy, healthy, playful puppies.

TAKE ME HOME

Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA

Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit 10550 Aviation Blvd.

DIVA

2.5-year-old female mixed breed.

Looking for: I’ve been looking for a home for 11 months – almost a whole year.

Turnoffs: Cats and iguanas.

OJ

1.5-year-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: Someone to “talk” to. Turnoffs: I’m the new guy, so we’re not sure yet...

Pictured, from left, are Worthington, Kuck and MYC board member Veronica Mir. CONTRIBUTED

BRIEFLY

MHS football set to host live pro wrestling in May

On Friday, May 3, the Marathon High School football team is set to host a live pro wrestling fundraiser as Coastal Championship Wrestling visits the MHS gym for “Trouble in the Tropics.” The evening’s show will feature wrestlers Cha Cha Charlie, Ariel Levy, Ruthie Jay, Chris Farrow, Jackal Stevens and many more. The event is familyfriendly, and doors will open at 7 p.m. Tickets and additional details are available at ccwrestlingfl.com.

Sail and Power Squadron

offers basic boating class

The Marathon Sail and Power Squadron will offer a basic boating class on Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. The class will be held at the Brady Building at St. Columba Church in Marathon. Completion of the course will qualify the student to obtain a Florida Boating Safety Education ID card, required for those born after Jan. 1, 1988 to operate a vessel of 10 or more horsepower. The cost is $45 per person for non-Power Squadron members. The Power Squadron will also host a local boaters knowledge seminar on Monday, March 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Brady Building. This course is free and open to the public. Details, course topics and online registration for all sessions are at www.marathonpowersquadron.org.

Marathon Rotary Club

hosts Easter egg hunt

The Marathon Rotary Club will host its annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 30 at 10 a.m. at Marathon Rotary Park, 7575 Overseas Hwy. The hunt features treats, prizes and a special appearance by the Easter bunny. The hunt is free and open to the public.

Leadership Monroe festival to celebrate 2024 grads

Leadership Monroe County (LMC) will celebrate its Class XXXI graduation with “Leadership Spring GradFest,” a community festival and alumni reunion to be held Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Marathon Community Park. The family-friendly event will feature food trucks, games, a bounce house, artist booths, members of the Key West Police Department mounted patrol unit, music, vendors, Monroe County non-profit booths and a Class XXXI raffle and graduation ceremony. Admission is $10; children aged 12 and under are free. LMC is an educational, nonpartisan, non-profit community organization that brings together existing and emerging leaders to build constructive alliances in the

Florida Keys. For more information, visit LeadershipMonroeCounty.org or call 305-394-3804.

Literacy tutors needed in Middle and Upper Keys

If you have two hours a week to help an adult in your community learn to read, write, speak, understand and better communicate in English, please call, text or email Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) Middle Keys coordinator Maria Triana or Upper Keys coordinator Raymond Reigadas. There is no charge for training and every volunteer gets to choose his or her own student or students. Please reach out to Triana at (305) 393-6064 or trianamaria@comcast.net; or Reigadas at (305) 338-8067 or rrrr6491@gmail.com.

Marathon band seeks instrument repair sponsors

The Marathon High School band is asking for the community’s help in providing working instruments for the growing number of students in the program. Currently there are 60 older wind and percussion instruments that are in need of repair and maintenance. Most repairs are more than $150 to $200 per instrument this year. The band is seeking community members to “adopt” an instrument for repair. Each sponsorship is for $100 and will include the sponsor’s name, foundation name or business name in a prominent location on a new band website. Each instrument repair sponsor will also be listed in the band concert programs for the remainder of the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. Support of these repairs helps keep participation for band and steel drum programs free. Please make checks payable to the Marathon Band, with “instrument repair sponsorship” in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to the school or dropped off in the front office.

ECMC, Champions for Change set BBQ dinner fundraiser

The Educational Coalition for Monroe County and Champions for Change will hold a barbecue dinner fundraiser at the Marathon Elks Lodge, 8329 Overseas Hwy., on Sunday, April 7 from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Food will be served until 8 p.m., and takeout is available. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Dinner will include pork prepared by local pitmasters Matt Pitcher and Andrew Sharf along with sides, a roll and dessert. The evening will include a cash bar, 50/50 raffle and silent auction along with live music by Brian Roberts and the 79th Street Band beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.

com. Please call 305-731-0771 with any questions.

Healthy Start Coalition announces doula program

The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition (FKHSC) is seeking passionate individuals to join its community doula program. Through this program, FKHSC will sponsor qualified candidates’ tuition and liability insurance as they equip themselves with the skills and knowledge needed to support families during pregnancy, childbirth and the early postpartum period. Once students begin the doula program, they will have flexibility to complete the training within two years, which includes attending three births. Their support will go on to create positive birth experiences throughout the community for years to come. Doulas play a vital role in improving maternal and child health outcomes in the Florida Keys. FKHSC is seeking candidates who are passionate about maternal and child health, culturally competent and sensitive to diverse needs. Being fluent in English, Spanish and/or Haitian-Creole is a plus. To apply for the program or learn more about FKHSC, visit keyshealthystart.org or call 305-293-8424.

Elks Lodge announces night of dinner and dancing

The Marathon Elks Lodge will host an evening of dinner and dancing on Saturday, March 23. Doors open at 6 p.m. at 6:30 p.m. Music will be provided by Four Sheets to the Wind starting at 7 p.m. A spaghetti and meatball dinner with dessert will be offered for $15 per plate. Reservations are required. Call 305-743-2652 or come by the lodge to sign up.

Florida Keys Wildlife Society to host lecture and outdoor series

The Florida Keys Wildlife Society will host a three-event lecture and outdoor program series in March and April. On Wednesday, March 27, Kristie Killam will host a lecture “Exposing Nature in the Florida Keys” at the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Nature Center, 30587 Overseas Hwy. on Big Pine Key from 6:30 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, April 6, wildlife refuges ranger Katy Hosokawa will host a guided bird walk in the National Key Deer Refuge from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., with a starting location to be announced on Big Pine Key. On Saturday, April 13, David Fine will host an evening bug hunt for Keys moths at the Nature Center, with a start time to be announced. Lectures and programs are free and open to the public. Details and updates will be posted on www.floridakeyswildlifesociety.org. For more information, contact keydeer@fws.gov or call 786-881-9535.

OBITUARY

CHARLES CONRAD HENDERSON III

1954-2024

Chuck Henderson of Marathon died suddenly on Jan. 30.

Chuck, whose parents were both in the Navy, was born in Yokosuka, Japan but lived in Italy until he was 12 years old. After spending 1956 to 1959 in Key West, his family moved to Plymouth, Massachusetts. After high school he joined the Navy. He married Melody Edwards and moved vto North Carolina. They had a daughter, Megan. He was always proud of the fact that he delivered his lovely daughter.

He moved to the Keys in 1984. He was captain of the "Masterplan" for 15 years as well as of the "Baby Cakes.” He was known as "Barefoot Chuck" and "Robot Brain" on the morning cruisers net.

Chuck had a great sense of humor and we will forever miss his stories. He was a whiz at trivia on the morning net and loved the water, traveling, NASCAR and backgammon. He generously volunteered for so many causes in Marathon: the Seafood Festival, the Celtic Fest and Wounded Warriors. He had a great moral compass.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles C. Henderson and Ruth Clifford Henderson, and his sister, Sandy. He is survived by his sister, Barbara (Tom) Bussolari from Shooting Creek, NC; his daughter, Megan Orr, from Roswell, Georgia; and nephews and nieces as well as his best friend, Catherine McCole.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Rest in peace, my friend.

A DUEL ON THE DIAMOND

Coral Shores visits Marathon for ‘Battle of the Keys’ | P.5

THE SCOREBOARD

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

MARCH 21

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK NILES

3/28 Key West Girls Lacrosse @ St. Thomas Aquinas 4 p.m.

3/28

Coral Shores Tennis Marathon 2 p.m. THIS WEEK

Monday, March 25 will mark the only time this year that two Keys teams will face off on the baseball diamond, as Campbell Lavoie and the Coral Shores Hurricanes will travel to face Jack Chapman and the Marathon Dolphins for 2024’s ‘Battle of the Keys.’ Game time is set for 7 p.m. Photos by Doug Finger and Barry Gaukel.

Scarlet is one of the most athletic players to come through this program since I have been here.”

– Jason Garcia, head coach

home runs slugging percentage

.960

“Scarlet will not be outworked,” said head coach Jason Garcia. “Scarlet always puts in extra work on the field or in the cage. (She’s) always leading the way on conditioning and workouts.”

Though Niles is clearly a power hitter, she is willing to lay down a bunt when it is what her team needs, and defensively, her speed and agility make her a deadly outfielder. For her phenomenal talent paired with tremendous work ethic, Key West’s Scarlet Niles is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Photo by: MAICEY

Weekly

Senior, Key West Softball

Two weeks ago, Key West’s Scarlet Niles slammed four home runs, with three in one game. This week, the talented senior proved it was no fluke when she drilled her fifth home run of the season, a team high. But her stats don’t stop there – Niles leads the Conchs in numerous categories, boasting a .360 batting average, .448 on-base percentage, a .960 slugging percentage, 5 stolen bases and 8 RBIs. And though much of her accomplishments are in part due to her pure athleticism, Niles earns her stats the old-fashioned way.

MALGRAT/Keys

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MARCH 21

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.

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

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP PODCAST

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

On this week’s Keys Weekly Sports Wrap Podcast, Sean and Tracy bring you all the scores and events from last week and give you behind-the-scenes information you won’t get anywhere else. Find out about upcoming games and matches and hear about some of our local athletes and their work toward greatness. This week, Sean will give a special sneak preview of an exciting upcoming event for Marathon’s football team.

Scarlet Niles. GRACE ANDREW/ Keys Weekly

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

SPORTS WRITER

PODCAST HOST

MARKET EDITORS

FINS, ’CANES PREP FOR BASEBALL’S ONLY ‘BATTLE OF THE KEYS’ THIS YEAR

Conchs head to West Coast after two-game skid

Following a pair of splits last week, the Marathon Dolphins and Coral Shores Hurricanes will have the only chance to duel for Keys bragging rights when they meet on Monday, March 25.

It would take 12 innings for a winner to be decided when Marathon traveled to Ransom on March 12, and unfortunately for the Fins, the win went to the Raiders.

Gavin Leal registered 4 hits in 5 at-bats in the loss, while Jack Chapman, Aidan Gonzalez, Mason Thornton, Dylan Williams and Gabe Leal each had 1 hit. Dylan Ziels pitched the first 6 innings, striking out 10 batters before both Leal brothers added some relief.

Two days later, Marathon had an easier go against Berean Christian in a two-game series. In game one, Thornton started things off on the mound, lasting 5 innings and striking out 8 of the 20 batters he faced. Williams closed out the final inning in a mercy-rule 10-0 win. Gabe Leal had a pair of hits with 4 RBIs and Williams, Thornton, Ziels and Michael Merryman had 1 hit apiece.

The following day, the Bulldogs made it onto the scoreboard, facing many of Marathon’s younger athletes, but the Fins still won it in 6 innings, 16-5.

Williams, Chapman, Ziels and Gabe Leal had two hits, with Thornton, Curran Nicolay and Wyatt Sifford

adding a hit each. Gabe Leal pitched 4 innings, striking out 7, while Williams and Chapman shared the rest of the game. The Fins are off for spring break but will face perhaps their toughest opponent this season the day school resumes. Coral Shores travels to Marathon on Monday night for both a District 16 and Battle of the Keys matchup at 7 p.m.

Coral Shores split the week with a loss to Varela on March 12, then a win against Somerset South Homestead the next night. The Vipers of Varela were stingy, allowing just 2 hits, 1 each from Keller Blackburn and Benjamin Friedman. Donovan Thiery spent 3.2 innings on the mound with Riley O’Berry and Dominic Batista helping out for an inning each. The trio combined for 3 strikeouts against the markedly larger 6A Vipers.

Against South Homestead, a fellow 3A District 16 opponent, things went much better. The ’Canes were error-free in the field and drove 7 hits, 2 of which came off the bat of Thiery. The others were from Friedman, O’Berry, Batista, Campbell Lavoie and Ezekiel Myers. Once on base, Coral Shores stole 9 bases total, with 3 from Friedman. Tate Brumbalow spent 3 innings on the mound and Grayden Ross closed out the 11-1 win. The Hurricanes have a pair of games scheduled over break before heading to Marathon.

Key West continued the tradition of taking on

OF

the toughest opponents they can schedule when they traveled to American Heritage High School on March 13. There, the Conchs faced the Plantation-based Patriots, ranked sixth in 5A. South Florida is home to two American Heritage High Schools, both with top-notch baseball programs. The other is the 4A Delray Beachbased Stallions of American Heritage, a team the Conchs could face in regionals. Key West is hanging on to the No. 2 spot in 4A.

Anthony Lariz and Felix Ong paired up on the mound for Key West in a powerful performance, striking out 10 batters, walking 4 and allowing just 3 hits. Despite their best efforts and some solid hitting, 4 errors contributed to a negative outcome for Key West. Steel Mientkiewicz, Auggy Davila, Nelson Ong and Sam Holland had one hit each in the 3-1 loss.

On March 17, Key West hosted another perennial powerhouse, Belen Jesuit. The game went scoreless through the third, then Key West scored 1 in the fourth inning to claim the lead. Belen struck back in inning 5, scoring 3 runs, then added 2 each in the sixth and seventh. Key West would not score again, resulting in a 7-1 loss to the Wolverines. Noah Burnham, Caden Pichardo and Nelson Ong each had a pair of hits, and though the Conchs were perfect in the field, 11 hits from Belen proved more than enough to defeat Key West.

Next for the Conchs is a trip to California to play some of the top-ranked teams on the West Coast before heading home for the second half of their regular season.

Top: Ezekiel Myers. JOY SMITH/Purely Joyous Photography

Bottom: Mason Thornton. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

NILES HITS FIFTH HOME RUN

Marathon, Key West pick up one win each last week

Key West traveled to Homestead to take on Keys Gate on March 12, bringing home a resounding 15-3 win. The Conchs’ bats were on fire, amassing 22 hits in total with Alexa Condella leading the pack with a single, double and triple. Vera Rodger, Shylo Sanchez and Lindsey Koppal had 3 apiece and Ryleigh Harnish, Skye Sterling and Alexandra Rodriguez each had a pair of base hits. Monica Bueno, Scarlet Niles, Tavyn Gage and Maciey Malgrat accounted for the rest. Chloe Gilday completed the game for Key West, striking out 6 batters over the 7 innings of play.

Two days later, Eustis made the long trip to Key West for a highly-anticipated meeting of two of Florida’s top 2A teams. The Panthers, ranked 19th in the state and No. 2 in 2A, hail from district 7. The Panthers topped the Conchs, currently ranked No. 5 in 2A, 7-0. Eustis held Key West to just 2 hits, 1 from Sterling, who doubled, and Rodriguez. The score was tight, with the Panthers scoring the only run prior to inning six. Eustis unleashed a flurry of hits on the Conchs, who struggled with three errors in close succession. The 6-run sixth inning was too much for Key West to overcome in game one of the two-game series.

The following day, the yet-unbeaten Panthers held Key West to just 4 hits. Alexa Condella, Rodger, Malgrat and Niles each had 1. Niles’ hit was a home run, her fifth this season. Despite the Conchs’ best efforts, the Panthers, who boast six athletes batting over .500, defeated Key West 9-2. The 3-5 Conchs play again at home on March 23 against the 7A Indians of Vero Beach High School.

Marathon gained one win the easy way last week. Ransom Everglades forfeited their scheduled matchup on March 12. The following day, the Lady Fins hosted Miami Country Day, losing 10-1. Sara Robinson had a single and a triple in the loss. Madelyn Thornton and Shynell McGuire each tripled and Maeve Merryman and Elena Eubank added a single each for the remainder of the Fins’ 6 hits. Marathon, now 6-2, is off until after spring break, when they pick up again at home against Gulliver on Tuesday, April 2 at 4 p.m.

Coral Shores did not see any action last week.The Hurricanes will work for their first win in their next scheduled game on Thursday, April 4 at home against Somerset South Homestead at 5 p.m.

The Key West Lady Conchs do battle with the Eustis Panthers in the second game of a back-to-back series. The Panthers prevailed, 9-2.

1. Scarlet Niles hits her fifth home run of the season.

2. Nevaeh Arnold.

3. Shylo Sanchez.

Photos by GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly. See more game photos at keysweekly.com.

2

Matthias Martinez

Velez earned wins in both traditional and Olympic lifts for the 139-lb. weight class.

BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

FINS AND ’CANES STRUGGLE AGAINST 3A COLUMBUS

Lifters complete their regular season with a fourway dance at Coral Shores

On March 13, Coral Shores held a quadmeet to complete its regular season schedule. The ’Canes were joined by Marathon and Gulliver Prep, both 1A District 16 opponents, plus Columbus High, a larger 3A competitor. Columbus won first place in Olympic and traditional lifting, with Marathon securing second place in both events. Coral Shores was third in Olympic and fourth in traditional.

Three Keys strongmen were dual winners, all hailing from Marathon. Chase Leird won both events at 119 pounds, Matthias Martinez Velez at 139 and Max Childress at 183. Braulio Garcia won the traditional competition at 238 pounds. Coral Shores’ AJ Johnson was the champion at 219 pounds in the traditional event.

On Thursday, March 28, Marathon and Coral Shores will head to Doctors Charter for the FHSAA 1A District 16 Championships to begin the long road toward states.

The Conchs, ’Canes and Fins battle through a triple rivalry meet in track and field at Key West on March 16. The Conchs ended the evening with the highest scores for boys and girls, followed by Marathon, then Coral Shores.

KEY WEST DOMINANT ON HOME TURF

IMarathon’s Marshall and Key West’s Jenkins claim speed titles

t was a busy week on the track for Keys schools, with each team competing twice, but on March 16, all three squads met up in Key West for a tri-meet to showcase the track and field talents of Monroe County. When the final runner crossed the finish line and results were tabulated, the Conchs topped their in-county competition in both the boys and girls events. Marathon was second in both, with Coral Shores taking third. All three schools enjoyed some success in the various events, with plenty of time left in the season to improve.

Coral Shores had multiple winners and plenty of notable performances at the tri-meet. Ethan Marguet came in first in the 800m race in 2:07. Distance teammate Alaric Rodriguez was second in the mile, running it in 4:57, just a few seconds shy of a school record. Adrik Gadea was first in the 400m race, finishing it in 55.06s. Jack Collins was third. Xavier Johnson cruised over the 110 hurdles for a second-place finish and in the field, Rex Matthews was second in the long jump event. The 4x400m team of Adrik Gadea, Brian Hurt, Rodriguez and Marguet added another first for the ’Canes.

For the Lady Canes, Mira Jones was the biggest winner of the day with a first-place finish in the 400 in 1:06.02. Sammy Bates was second in the 800, finishing her two laps just one second away from the current school record.

Marathon’s Mikail “Jay” Marshall was the top finisher in the 100m and 200m races. Marshall finished the 100 in a respectable 11.26s, and his 22.71s finish in the 200 was a solid second faster than his closest competitor. Tony Bursa was first in the two-mile race, completing eight laps in 11:03.

Older brother Vance was third. Caleb Shelar finished the 400 in second place, rounding out the Fins’ track highlights. In the field, Fabbianho Louis Jeune won the high jump and came in third in long and triple jump. Cullen Coleman-Sayer was second in the pole vault.

The Fins’ girls fared well in the field events, with wins from Daysi Williams in the high jump and Kayesha Christian in the long jump. Christian also took third in the 100m while Williams was third in the 200m. Tinashay Cunningham came in second in the 400m while Mikkel Ross claimed a pair of seconds in the one- and two-mile races. Rebecca Merryman was third in the mile. Caylie Globe was second in both the high and long jump events while Shilo Yeider was second in the 100m hurdles. Justice Lee placed second in javelin and third in discus with teammate Marti Kilbourne taking third in javelin.

The Conchs had lots of first-place finishers, including Andrew Fedor with a 4:56 mile. Colbin Hill was close behind in third. Hill also claimed second in the two-mile race. Suharevskis Niks-Davis was a dual winner, taking first in the 110m high hurdles in 17.30s and the pole vault with a height of 13’11.25”. Jeff Dejean won a pair of firsts, in long jump (20’7.25”) and triple jump (40’).

The Conchs swept the throwing events, picking up a big share of their points. Jean Louis was first in shot put, tossing it 43’5.25”. Anthony Jenner and Benndy Ambrose were second and third. Noah Mercer was first in discus with a 130’4” throw. Ambrose claimed another second while Te’von Watson was third in that event. In javelin, Peyton Zubieta’s 156’4”

Photos by TRACY McDONALD/ Keys Weekly.

Lower left, Dazmine Jenkins; lower right, Mikail ‘Jay’ Marshall. Photos by Mark Hedden and Barry Gaukel.

throw was good for first place, with Watson finishing second and Jeremiah Harvey in third.

Other top-three performances for Key West’s boys included Clerff Alexandre with second-place finishes in the 100m race and triple jump. Shane Lavallee captured third in the 100m, while Walson Morin and Leandro Batista finished second and third in the 200m. William Forster was second in the 800m, Anthony Jenner was third in the 110m hurdles and Ian Torrealba was third in pole vault. Additionally, the Conchs claimed firsts in the 4x100m and 4x800m relays. The 100 team was made up of Alexandre, Morin, Dejean and Lavallee, while the 800 team included Ryan Barrios, Hill, Jerven Louis and Forster.

The Lady Conchs were led by Dazmine Jenkins, with

wins in the 100m and 200m races. The speedy senior finished the races in 13.65s and 27.95s, respectively. Alyssandra Camargo was right behind Jenkins, claiming second in the 200m.

Caylaa Makimaa was first in the 800m, finishing in 2:41, then won the 3200 in 11:37, neary three minutes ahead of the second-place finisher. Teammate Naima Thomas was first in the mile, winning the race in 6:01. Thomas was also third in the 800m. Brooke Biskupich was first in the 100m high hurdles. Neslo Atilla was first in the 400m hurdles and third in the 100m high hurdles.

Anabel Portuondo won the pole vault, clearing 8’11.75”, then took third in the high jump. Clare Boysen threw the shot put 29’3.25” for first place. Kaylee Matas Cabezuelo won the discus with an 87’9” toss, then

claimed second in pole vault and third in shot put. Audrey Smith was first in javelin with a 112’11” throw and was second in discus. Taking third places for the Conchs were Jaila Hicks in the 400m and Riley Richard in pole vault. The Lady Conchs swept all three relays, as well. Abigail Cowan, Biskupich, Jenkins and Camargo teamed up to win the 4x100m race. Biskupich, Camargo, Makimaa and Thomas won the 4x400m relay and Thomas, Makimaa, Emerson Jackson and Mia Steer won the 4x800m event.

CONCH BOYS EARN DECISIVE VICTORY OVER ’CANES

Lady Conchs show improvement against Mavericks

Boys lacrosse had a Keys matchup last week when Key West and Coral Shores played in Tavernier on March 12. The Conchs beat the ’Canes 18-3 in a decisive victory. Mack Hill led Key West in scoring with 6 goals and 4 assists. Hill was also credited with 3 takeaways in the win. Carter Sessoms, Brooks Pellicier, Smith Switzer and Max Louchheim had 2 goals each, with Sessoms and Pellicier assisting 3 times each, as well. Roman Van Loon, Kieran Smith, Zachary Payne and Dreyden Telfer made up the other goals for the Conchs. Goalkeeper Mateo Lopez had a half-dozen ground balls and 8 saves.

For Coral Shores, Red Tudor scored twice and Nick Petrusha netted 1 goal with assists from Nathaniel Shugarman and Lucas

Carballo. SG Paul scooped up 4 ground balls and registered 6 take-aways in the ’Canes’ loss while Brock Bynum and Yoan Garcia paired up in goal for 13 saves. Key West is sitting on a 7-3 record with its next game scheduled against LaSalle on Tuesday, March 26. Coral Shores, now 1-7, plays at St. Brendan on Wednesday, March 27.

In girls lacrosse, Key West added one win and one loss to its record last week. The Lady Conchs played Archbishop McCarthy on March 13, winning 11-9 over

“Palmer came to play and the Conchs didn’t. We were flat the entire game and couldn’t find our rhythm.”

—

head coach

Marisa Giacopuzzi

the Mavericks, a team Key West lost to just two weeks prior. The team has been picking up steam lately, just in time for postseason action. Against McCarthy, Key West was all tied up at the end of quarter one and two, but managed to pull away in the second half. “It was a goal-for-goal type of game, high intensity and very physical,” said head coach Marisa Giacopuzzi. “Archbishop got four yellow cards in the first half, leading them to be down a player the entire second half.”

Key West took advantage of the situation, applying pressure to the Mavericks at the goal. “It was a hardfought game on both sides,” Giacopuzzi said, describing her young team’s will to win against a more seasoned rival. Colbie Turner scored 5 goals, won 6 draw controls and caused a turnover. Kait-

lyn Piloto netted 3 goals and intercepted twice. Maeve O’Hearn, Eisley Whitehead and Deanna Mercier each scored 1 goal. O’Hearn caused a turnover and had an interception and Mercier caused 3 turnovers and won 3 draw controls. Ava Brock caused 2 turnovers and was credited with a pair of assists. In goal, Courtney Grabus saved 7 to preserve the win.

On March 15, the Conchs celebrated Senior Night against Palmer Trinity. Key West struggled against the Falcons, losing 6-5. Though Palmer was the underdog in the game, Giacopuzzi said, “Palmer came to play and the Conchs didn't. We were flat the entire game and couldn't find our rhythm.

“Having just upset Archbishop, I thought we were ready. … Palmer out-hustled us, pressured us and shot

more than us. We were prepared in knowing what we needed to do in a close game like this, as we were with Coral Shores a few weeks back, but we still couldn't make it happen.”

Despite the loss, Giacopuzzi praised the hustle of Ella Bishop, whose defensive play, including 7 ground balls, helped keep the Conchs in the game. Grabus had 11 saves in goal, keeping the game close through the end. Turner scored 2 while Mercier, Piloto and Taylor Gibson each netted 1 goal.

Key West will need to leave its loss against Palmer behind in order to prepare for the strongest portion of the schedule in the coming weeks. The next game is Saturday, April 6 against St. Thomas Aquinas, then they face both American Heritage schools, one of which is the No. 1-ranked team in the state.

Colbie Turner, left, and Mack Hill. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

CORAL SHORES BOYS, KEY WEST GIRLS BLANK DOLPHINS

Districts set for April 15-16

Keys teams hit the tennis courts last week to get some matches in just prior to spring break. Marathon was the busiest team, playing both Coral Shores and Key West. The Fins hosted the Conchs on March 11, picking up two wins against Key West’s five. Adrien Holdinga won his singles match, then paired up with Tanner Snowden to claim the number one doubles match for Marathon’s only wins of the day. Key West saw wins from Michael Grodzinski and Devon Soni in singles, plus a win from the duo of Grodzinski and Soni in doubles action. Marathon did not field a full boys roster.

Two days later, Marathon traveled to Tavernier to play against Coral Shores. The Hurricanes swept the Fins in singles and doubles with wins from Makani Burga, Zachary Bolano, Merrick Dunn and Max Smith. Burga teamed up with Rory MacEachern and Bolano did the same with Tony Khioni to claim both doubles matches.

In girls action, Key West’s Amalia Strunk, Claudia Steling, Juliana Strunk, Violet Jangraw and Leyla Atilla beat out the entirety of Marathon’s lineup. Amalia Strunk and Steling plus Juliana Strunk and Atilla won the doubles matches for a clean Conch sweep. Marathon fared a little better against the ’Canes, picking up a singles win from Rain Banks and a doubles victory from Banks and Reese Elwell. Coral Shores managed to edge out the Fins 5-2 with wins from Charlotte MacEachern, Olivia Hughes, Chloe Koval and Vanessa Gabriel. MacEachern and Hughes teamed up for a doubles win as well.

All three schools have some early April matches, then head to district play on April 15 and 16. Key West will play at Tropical Park, while Marathon and Coral Shores face their district rivals at the Miami Dade College courts.

Top: Key West’s Michael Grodzinski, left, and Amalia Strunk.

MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

Bottom: Coral Shores’ Zach Bolano, left, and Merrick Dunn.

DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice of Seizure that in accordance with Florida Statutes 83.805/83.506, Upper Keys Commerce Center, 97300

Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 will sell or otherwise dispose of the personal contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.

All contents in:

Unit 9 – Tonya Skillman

Sale of all goods will be 4/8/24 at 10:00 am at , 97300

Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037.

Upper Keys Commerce Center reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

Publish: March 21 & 28, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold their regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at the DoubleTree Grand Key, 3990 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, Florida 33040.

The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting.

All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public, and one or more County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the Monroe 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”.

Publish:

March 21, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT II ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC II)

(From the City Limits of Key West to the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying. (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are

dependent upon tourists.) Any person wishing to participate on the District III Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@ fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:

Department DAC

Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040

The deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: March 21, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that

on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Customs and Border Protection Facility Phase 3

Key West International Airport Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00P.M. on May 9, 2024. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of

your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071.

If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, May 9, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING:

(Prospective bidders failing to attend the Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting shall forfeit their opportunity to respond to the solicitation.)

Date: April 17, 2024

Time: 10:00 A.M.

Location: 3941 S. Roosevelt

Blvd., (Construction Trailers, Front of Complex)

Publish: March 21, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that on Tuesday, April 16, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Monroe County On-Demand Micro-Transit Monroe County, Florida

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon

NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY FOR MONROE COUNTY HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Electronic applications for Monroe County Fiscal Year 2025 are now available to eligible 501(c)3 organizations. The new application is available on the Monroe County website on the Human Services Advisory Board page at: www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ 318/Human-Services-Advisory-Board.

Applications must be submitted electronically at noon, Friday, April 26, 2024. Applications are reviewed and funding recommendations are made by the Human Services Advisory Board, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. All HSAB meetings are open to the public. For questions contact Oksana Christow at Christow-Oksana@monroecounty- .gov or 305-292-4474.

request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00P.M. on April 16, 2024. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071.

If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom.

us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish: March 21, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-23-M

DIVISION: MARATHON

IN RE: ESTATE OF HENRY BERNARD SPITZIG

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Henry Bernard Spitzig, deceased, whose date of death was June 29, 2022, 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 ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS

LEGAL NOTICES

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 21, 2024.

Personal Representative:

Margaret A. Spitzig 1505 Sombrero Blvd., #203 Marathon, Florida 33050

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:

March 21 & 28, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 2024-CP-1-M IN RE: ESTATE OF SALLY J. PRINCE Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Sally J. Prince, deceased, whose date of death was October 2, 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 21, 2024.

The date of the second publication of this notice is March 28, 2024.

Personal Representative:

Marty Prince 1365 Marlin Drive Marathon, FL 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Anthony J. Barrows

Attorney for Marty Prince

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 21 & 28, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO: 24-CP-119-P IN RE: ESTATE OF GEORGE WOOD, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of GEORGE WOOD, deceased, whose date of death was 10 July 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the Personal Representatives and the Personal Representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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 21, 2024.

Co-Personal Representatives:

Elizabeth Wood 94381 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070

Jessica Wood 182 Carroll Street Islamorada, FL 33036

Attorney for Co-Personal

Representatives:

Tom Woods, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 0525197

116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036

Phone: 305.664.2200 Fax 2205

Email: tom@tomwoodslaw. com

Secondary Email: eserve@ tomwoodslaw.com

Publish: March 21 & 28, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO: 23-CP-000120-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF TED JONES, a/k/a Ted Warren Jones, a/k/a Ted W. Jones, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The Administration of the Estate of Ted Jones, deceased, whose date of death was August 5, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s Estate on whom a copy of this Notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3

MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION

OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS

AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s Estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS

AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN 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 21, 2024.

Personal Representative:

Keith Edward Jones 4197 Baker Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94306

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Cyrus Malhotra, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0022751

THE MALHOTRA LAW FIRM

P.A.

Attorneys for Petitioner

3903 Northdale Blvd., Suite 100E Tampa, FL 33624

Telephone: (813) 902-2119

Fax Number: (727) 290-4044

Email: filings@ FLprobatesolutions.com

Secondary Email: sandra@ FLprobatesolutions.com

Publish: March 21 & 28, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-000058-K

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF STEVEN DUNCAN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of STEVEN DUNCAN, deceased, whose date of death was October 12, 2023, and whose Social Security Number is ***-**0714, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 302 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 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 14, 2024.

Personal Representative: Michael Duncan

435 South Gulfstream Avenue, #808 Sarasota, FL 34236 Attorney for Personal Representative: Steven K. Schwartz Florida Bar No. 187976

E-mail: Steven@ stevenkschwartzpa.com

Publish: March 14 & 21, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 22-CP-000323-K

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PAUL P. ROLLICK, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of PAUL P. ROLLICK, deceased, whose date of death was September 20, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a

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 14, 2024.

Personal Representative: Arnold David Makepeace 83311 Old Highway Islamorada, Florida 33036

Attorney for Personal Representative: Nicholas W. Mulick

E-mail Address: reception@ mulicklaw.com Florida Bar No. 337757

Nicholas W. Mulick P.A. 91645 Overseas Highway Tavernier, Florida 33070 Telephone: (305) 852-9292

Publish: March 14 & 21, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

All

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 14, 2024.

Personal Representative: MICHELE CAROL STAROBA

1614 Steven Avenue Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN A. TURNER

E-mail Addresses: john.turner@saul.com linda.dunne@saul.com shar-ann.callahan@saul.com

Florida Bar No. 000922

SAUL EWING LLP

515 W. Flagler Drive, Suite 1400 West Palm Beach, Florida 33401

Telephone: 561-833-9800

Publish: March 14 & 21, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-000035-P

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAKEPEACE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Robert Makepeace, deceased, whose date of death was December 4, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Ste. 2, Plantation Key, Florida 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

All other creditors of the

Zodiac 11' Yachtliner w/trailer. Equipped w/40hp Yamaha. Well maintained, 6 hrs./year annual usage. Fun vessel named "Tubby" - pleasure assured to captain. Located in Key Colony Beach. Fairly priced at $8,995 Call 781-422-1131

2008 Precision 165

Sailboat for sale. Length: 16.5’ Beam 7’2” Draft 1’9” Fiberglass w/ two 6’8” berths. Trailer and 1.5 hp Honda outboard. $6,500. Located on Summerland Key. Call Kyle 928-231-0442

Place your BOAT FOR SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Place your BOAT SLIP FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-194-K KALAMKAS AKHMETOVA

Wife, and, ANDRE WILLIAM WALTERS Husband.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

TO: ANDRE WILLIAM WALTERS

2213 STAPLES AVENUE

KEY WEST, FL 33040

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Kalamkas Akhmetova, whose address is Law Office of Wayne Dapser, 300 Southard Street, Suite 208, Key West, FL 33040 on or before April 6, 2024, 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. 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 Notice of Current Address, Florida Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address 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 4, 2024

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court

Monroe County, Florida

By: Destiny Johnson

Deputy Clerk

Publish: March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS!

Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.

$CASH 305-332-0483

BOATS FOR SALE

City of Marathon

Current Job Openings: Administrative Asst. Fire Department and Part-time Custodian/ Maintenance. Full Benefits for full-time positions. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

Marathon Auto Air looking for Shop Help - full or part-time. Pay based on experience. Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-289-9884

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is now hiring for the following positions: Server, $10/hr + tips, 9:30am-7pm, Beach Shop Attendant, $18/hr, 9:30am-5pm, and Part- time Office Clerk, $18/hr, Thu/Fri/Sat, 9:30am-7pm. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR SALE OR LEASE

COMMERCIAL OFFICE/ RETAIL SPACE For Sale or Lease, Middle of Marathon. Excellent Highway Exposure, 1,900 + sq. ft. Available May 1st. Call or text 305-731-6021

EMPLOYMENT

Las Marias Medical Center- Hiring bilingual: Front Desk, RN, Medical Assistant & Local Driver. Tavernier, MM 91. 305-780-7730

Aluminum Installer needed in the Upper Keys: (Handy Randin) Install pool cages, hurricane shutters, railing. No exp. needed. Pay rate $17- $25/hr depending on experience. 305.394.5929

Hiring for backyard, light work, pull weeds in Marathon. $15/hour 305-610-8002

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder is hiring an overnight Security Guard- responsibilities include but are not limited to observing marine mammals to ensure quality care, the ability to follow written instructions, and follow protocol and procedures as directed. Candidates must be able to lift 50 lbs and must be able to stay awake and alert for a 13.5 hour shift (5:30pm- 7am). DPMMR is a drug- free workplace. To apply, please send your resume to andreaw@dpmmr.org.

Hiring: Lead Gutter Installer - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED – valid Driver’s License - must be comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier. To apply, please call or text Jay 305-587-1581.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time dishwasher. Private club, friendly atmosphere, flexible afternoon/ evening hours available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID and social security card or passport. Call 305-743- 6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com

Large One Bedroom Suite, Conch House, carpet, tile, appliances, available for rent in Marathon. $2,000/month furnished, $1600/ month unfurnished includes electric, water, sewer, cable & internet. No Pets. 305-610-8002

2BR/2BA Conch House downtown Key West. Recently renovated kitchen and baths; original Dade Co pine on walls; incl. W/D, fridge; unfurnished. No smoking. No pets. $4,500/mo + F/L/S. 305-842-1368

Place your Housing For Rent ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844.

RV LOT FOR RENT

Large RV Lots for Rent in Marathon. Full hook up. Dry & Waterfront lots. $1300 - $1700/ month plus utilities. F/L/S 305-731-5042

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions:

PT Receptionist, Housing Assistant-Key West, Housing Manager- Middle Keys, HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, and Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker). To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621

Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

Pigeon Key in

Marathon is seeking a Customer Service Rep/ Ramp Attendant. to join our island team. Position includes greeting customers, giving information and taking admissions. Outgoing professionals can contact pigeonkey@aol.com for additional details. HIRED!!!

Place your EMPLOYMENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844

HOBBIES/COLLECT

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

Place your Hobbies/ Collectibles ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844.

HOUSING FOR RENT

ANNUAL RENTALKey Largo - 2BR/2BA Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community. $3,500/ month 786-258-3127

SARA’S ESTATE SALE: 7525 Gulfstream Blvd, Marathon | Fri, March 22 & Sat, March 23 9a to 1p both days. MASSIVE ESTATE SALE, PART 1 @ waterfront home featuring dive, fish & boat gear plus designer interior. Outstanding: mermaid/dolphin fountain, a Ritz-quality brass bellhop cart, pair of 20-ft carbon fiber outriggers and top- quality tools and fishing rods. Also: boat parts (12v and 24v), electronics, tanks, vests, regs, gaffs, Ryobi tools, 30-g air compressor, acetylene torch and more. Inside see the fully stocked “pool” kitchen packed with designer, casual entertaining dish & glassware. Also full-size bed and bedroom set

and a queen-size bed and bedroom set and nautical antique reproductions, faux potted plants, designer bamboo accent chairs, tropical art & light fixtures, a stunning driftwood base console and a Hollywood Regency faux bamboo (metal) étagère plus 3 TVs ranging up to 60”. Follow signs, park with consideration. More photos: estatesales.net.

Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

IS HIRING!

DIRECT CARE STAFF/DRIVER (FT/PT) KEY WEST OFFICE

Place your RV Lot For Rent ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844.

VACATION RENTAL

Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet Caroline Seaport.com

This position is available at our Adult Day program. Providing direct care service & support to our clients in the day program. This position requires the minimum of high school completion or GED. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. FL Driver’s license w/clean driving record, pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references.

Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West, or online at www.marchouse.org.

For more information contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32. Come join our family! EOE

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIERS

Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.

DOCKHANDS

Duties include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking. Morning & a ernoon hours available.

Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.

NOW HIRING ADMINISTRATION/OFFICE HELP

Fast paced, busy resort in need of Of ce Help. Must be able to multi-task, stay calm under pressure and have great communication skills. Be dependable, able to work weekends, 3 to 4 days a week, hours til 7pm.

If you want to be part of a great team, please apply!

Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into the of ce at 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon to ll out an application.

CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM.

LEGAL

CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR

The ideal candidate will possess excellent phone skills and a passion for helping people. The role involves phone call follow-up, scheduling appointments, and utilizing strong computer skills. The hours are up to 30 per week, and the pay rate is $25 per hour. After successful training in Marathon, the role may permit working from home. Call 305-783-3395 to schedule an interview.

MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE IS NOW HIRING:

GENERAL / BUSINESS MANAGER

Full-Time, Permanent, Salary Commensurate with Experience

Oversees all business operations of Marathon Community Theatre including the Playhouse and Cinema. Ensures the theatre venue is ready for events by adhering to prescribed timelines and requirements and by coordinating with staff, production crews, volunteer committees, and outside vendors. Meet deadlines for grant submittals, compliance reporting, and production needs. Responsible for accounting processes including bank deposits, invoice payment, and budget adherence. Coordinate with the building committee chair to ensure the building is safe and maintenance needs are met.

A candidate should possess:

• Strong management skills with ability to delegate (supervise 4-6 employees and many volunteers)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Self-Motivation

• Strong working knowledge of common computer applications (Gmail, Google Sheets, GoDaddy, Canva, Excel, Word) and ability to learn unique industry applications (Audience View, Veezi etc.)

• Strong organizational skills

CUSTODIAL TECHNICIAN

Part-Time, Permanent, 30 hours per week

Reports to the General/Business Manager. Responsible for the day-today custodial maintenance and minor repairs/maintenance of the playhouse and cinema.

To apply for either position:

Email/mail a cover letter and resume to: gm@marathontheater.org Marathon Community Theatre, 5101 Overseas Highway, Marathon.

FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER

The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for a FULL-TIME Police Officer.

Experience

•

•

•

•

•

Applicants must posses a current Florida Certification as a police officer. Applicants will undergo a thorough background investigation, including drug screening, medical, polygraph and a psychological exam.

Salary: $60,000.

Full Health & Dental Insurance, 457 (b) Participation.

Email resume to:

Chief of Police at: chief@keycolonybeach.net

Or call for additional information:

305-289-1212 ext. 1

Preference in the selection of vacant positions will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans. The Key Colony Beach Police Department is an EEO employer, drug-free and nicotine-free workplace.

DUI

The Advocate DUI Program is hiring for part time positions. DUI instructors and evaluators - 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

Competitive

Job

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, Marathon, Orthopedics, Part Time

- Ortho Support Tech, Tavernier, Orthopedics, Part Time

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, Per Diem

- Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem

- Medical Technologist, $15k Sign-on Bonus*

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $20k Sign-on Bonus*

- Nuclear Medicine Tech, Per Diem

- Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem

- Pool Yoga Instructor, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $25k Sign-on Bonus*

- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Sign-on Bonus*

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, Part Time

- Wellness Center Manager

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator

- Environment Tech, $5k Sign-on Bonus*

- First Cook, $5k Sign-on Bonus*

- Medical Technologist, $15k Sign-on Bonus*

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $20k Sign-on Bonus*

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Radiology Tech, $15k Sign-on Bonus*

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $25k Sign-on Bonus*

- Security Of cer

All

APPLY AND LEARN MORE

careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist

Prevention Specialist (any location)

(PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Child)

Volunteer Resources

Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

Staff Photographer (Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal)

Media & Marketing Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Visual Communications Coordinator (Full-Time, Permanent) Trainer (Full-Time, Permanent)

Benefits include medical, life & disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick time & holidays.

Full job descriptions available at www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

Email cover letter, DRC application & resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org EOE

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATORS

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for Distribution System Operators to perform semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems. We provide on the job training for qualified applicants. Requires a High School, Diploma or GED and valid Florida Driver’s License. Salary:  $50,376.48. Excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Apply online at www. aa.com/212/opportunities

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

Must work well with animals, in order to support Medical & Animal Care & Training departments & participate on Manatee Rescue Team. Must be physically fit, able to lift 75 lbs., possess general “handy-man” skills, have a clean driving record & be diver certified or willing to become certified –knowledge of dive equipment maintenance is a plus. Successful candidate will be responsible, organized, & motivated with excellent team player skills. Benefits include medical insurance, 401(k), vacation & paid holidays. Job description available at www.dolphins.org. Email resume & DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

58901