Monroe County football fans will be treated to a seldom-played rivalry match under Friday night lights when the Coral Shores Hurricanes make the trip south to play the Key West Conchs on Friday, Nov. 1. See page 8. Pictured, clockwise from top: Coral Shores’ Yemcel Moreno, Eddie Holly and Jhonathan Mesa; Key West’s Shane Lavallee, Jaden Fox and Cole Jackson. Photos by Doug Finger and Maicey Malgrat.
Jayden is a twoway player who has become an invaluable part of the team.”
–
Key West head coach
Johnny Hughes
Key West senior Jayden Gist has quietly become a game changer for the Conchs this season. He is a strong option in Key West’s dynamic offense, running the ball with a force perfect for short-yardage situations. Defensively, Gist leads the team in interceptions with seven this season. In Key West’s victory Oct. 25 against Miami Jackson, Gist’s pick helped shift the momentum in the Conchs’ favor. His athleticism and leadership on the field have made him integral to Key West’s winning this season. For his uncanny ability to create a spark at exactly the right moment all season long, Jayden Gist is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
Photos by Maicey Malgrat and Mark Hedden.
fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.
sean mcdonald
grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.
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This week, two Monroe County athletes approach the end of not just their prep running careers, but a journey that began long before they stepped into the halls of their respective schools.
Like most long distance runners, Key West’s Caylaa Makimaa and Marathon’s Vance Bursa are driven, but anyone who has followed their stories over the past few seasons can attest that there is something special about the pair. Their similarities are striking and yet each has forged their own path leading up to, perhaps, the most exciting race of their lives.
Caylaa Makimaa
After her parents got her hooked by running the local 5K races with her, Makimaa was enamored with the sport. “My parents inspired me to become a distance runner. I grew up watching my parents compete in triathlons, half marathons, marathons, Ironmans and more,” she said. “I ran my first 5K with my mom at age 7, and since then I have been hooked.”
Many kids are dragged along with their well-meaning parents, but unlike most sports, distance running is not something one can like half-heartedly if there is any hope for glory. The training is grueling and unforgiving on the body. Makimaa’s training includes strength training, intervals, paced runs, tempo runs, long runs and shorter runs she calls “easy.”
The “easy” runs she describes would leave most of us gasping for breath and praying for the end. Yet Makimaa, despite the challenges to her body, enjoys it all in some form. “I am driven by my love of running because it has always been a place where I feel so free and happy,” she said. “I enjoy going out for my runs. I love the feeling of stress slowly fading away the longer I run and I love the accomplished feeling I get when I finish a hard workout.”
Makimaa said she grew up watching another Lady Conch dominating the sport. “I watched Nicole Matysik,” she said, “and I wanted to grow up to be just like her.” Matysik, too, was a regular on the local 5K circuit and went on to medal at states during her four years with the Conchs. As Matysik was signing to run at Furman University, Makimaa was an impressionable middle schooler, and she could not have chosen a better role model.
Makimaa hopes to continue her running after high school as well, but is undecided on her path. It’s unsurprising that a studentathlete disciplined enough to get this far in cross country is also disciplined in the classroom, and the scholarly Makimaa has a lot of options to weigh. She applied to over 20 schools and was accepted to all.
tracy mcdonald
ALL ON THE LINE
Senior standouts Makimaa, Bursa have one more shot at state glory
Regardless of her choice, Makimaa is certain of one thing: Her future will include the sport she loves in some capacity.
Caylaa Makimaa, far left, leads the pack during the 2023 track season. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly
Vance Bursa, left, makes his way through a cross country course at Coral Shores in 2022. DOUG FINGER/ Keys Weekly
“I never want to disappoint myself by not giving my 100% at every single practice and race, because when I don't leave it all out there, I can't live with myself.”
—
senior Vance Bursa on his training
“After high school, I plan on pursuing a degree in health science, then getting a master's in physician assistant studies and entering the medical field post-college,” she said. “I don't know exactly what running will look like. Still, whether I am granted the opportunity to run collegiately or I join my college's run club, I will most certainly be spending most of my free time running.”
Last season, Makimaa set two goals, meeting them both. She wanted to make it to the state meet, which she did individually by meeting her second goal, a sub-20-minute 5K at regionals. This season, she registered a new PR of 19:07 in Marathon a few weeks ago. Her pace was so fast that Coral Shores’ Ali Wheatley and Naima Thomas, her teammate and training partner, also PRed trying to keep up. Makimaa’s drive is good for everyone who takes the line against her, and her positivity is infectious.
After a breakout season last year and the success she has steadily made in this one, she said she “absolutely” feels the pressure as all eyes are on her this postseason.
“This is my last chance to race as a Conch, so I want to soak up every single moment and accomplish as much as possible, and hopefully take home a state medal this year,” she said.
To manage the pressure, Makimaa said she will trust the process, believing in the training that coach Keara McGraw and the Lady Conchs have completed thus far. “I have worked incredibly hard with my team this year and feel confident we all will perform excellently at these championship meets,” she said, adding, “In addition, I am just trying to have fun. With my time on the cross country team coming to a rapid close, I am making as many memories as possible with the amazing family that I have the honor to run with every day.” Vaclav “Vance” Bursa
Bursa also took up running at a young age. The name Bursa has been prolific in the local racing community for many years.
Vance’s mother, Helena, and his brothers Jakub and Antonin are all extremely talented and typically win their respective age groups when they don’t just win races outright.
Vance began his journey in a similar fashion to Makimaa. “My mom, who is an amazing runner and inspiration, pushed my brothers and I into running, and what inspired me to continue the sport was how rewarding distance running is; the more work you put in, the better you get,” he said.
The Bursa household is certainly a very active one. With three boys, all athletically gifted and competitive, there is never a dull moment. The Bursa brothers grew up in the relative freedom of the woods of Big Pine Key and the surrounding waters where they run, dive, fish and enjoy the outdoors. Both Bursa parents are natives of Czech Republic, and the family spends summers in Europe as well as enjoying adventures to Costa Rica and Mexico. Somehow, between world travels, free diving and
even power hang gliding, Bursa has found the time to train and dedicate himself to become one of the fastest runners in school history.
Middle children are often described as independent, easy-going, adaptable, mature and confident. Bursa perfectly epitomizes each of those qualities. Vance has never met a stranger, and his smile and happy-go-lucky attitude quickly draw people in. He is one of the friendliest people you will ever meet, quick to laugh and make others feel welcome and at ease. Yet he is competitive to the core.
“I would really love a sub-16 and hopefully a school record at any of the upcoming races,” he said. “But from now on it's all about placing and not so much about running for time.”
In order to meet his goals, Bursa will need to strategize his races and figure out a balance between training and rest. Balance might just be the only thing at which Bursa does not excel; he goes 100% all of the time in all that he does, and though this attitude has gotten him far, it has taken a toll on his body. He has battled through injuries to his feet and legs, and a stoic refusal to lay off of training has exacerbated those injuries throughout his career. But Bursa’s adaptability may prove to be a saving grace this season.
“Because I'm so injury-prone, I've been doing less miles on the road and a lot of cross training this season,” he said. “I swim 30 minutes or about a mile every morning and I run about 35 miles per week and take a day off on the weekend,” he said. “This is a lot less than last track season, where I ran about 65 miles per week at peak mileage. I also do a bunch of elliptical and stair stepper work at the gym on the weekends to take some running load off of my legs.”
Bursa also feels the pressure of being a repeat state qualifier as a senior. “Running at this level puts a lot of weight on our shoulders because we want to represent our community the best we can,” he said. “I don't want to let everyone down, especially my teammates, parents and coaches. At these high-level races I'm always thinking about not letting the entire community down by not doing good, and it's really tough sometimes.”
With the immense pressure he has placed on himself, Bursa has figured out a way to deal with the encumbrance the only way he knows how: with more hard work. “I always tell myself that I will do my absolute best and leave every single bit of strength out there on the course, even if it means collapsing at the finish line,” he said. “Knowing I couldn't have done any better or run any faster is the only way I can be content with myself.”
Like many high-achieving distance runners, Bursa is also a driven student. He has taken college-level courses for years, amassing well above a 4.6 GPA and numerous options for his future. His love of entrepreneurship will be the driving force behind his college selection, as he has a multitude of ideas for businesses, all of which are compelling and full of ingenuity.
When asked about his proudest accomplishment as a runner, Bursa struggled with an answer. “This is a very tough question because I'm always super proud when any of my boys PR or have a good race,” he said. Bursa’s positivity toward others and his team are infectiously motivating and make him both respected and loved by his teammates.
Despite nagging injuries and the weight of the world on his shoulders, Bursa has everything in his makeup to pull off a top performance in Tallahassee this year. He is accustomed to running through pain, and though the community views him as a shoe-in for a state medal, he is actually a bit of an underdog. This year’s 1A classification is full of talent, and currently 13 runners are seeded in front of him, but that shouldn’t bother Bursa; he likes the fun of the chase and of-
ten does best when he’s got someone to hawk down.
If he pulls off the perfect performance at states this season, it won’t be the first time he proved the numbers wrong. As a sophomore, Bursa had what many believed to be zero chance in the 3200 meter race. His personal best in that race was over 20 seconds slower than the runner ranked eighth, the last medal-earning position. Bursa beat his PR by 24 seconds and earned the eighth-place medal to add to his collection.
In 2022, Bursa claimed 10th place at the state cross country meet, clocking in at 16:18. Last season, he hit a wall in the final mile, watching dozens of competitors – and with them, his hopes at a medal – pass him by. He finished a minute slower than the previous year. This season, he has already run three sub-17 races, with his last effort breaking his 2022 state mark, but the flat concrete course he PRed on is vastly different from the course in Tallahassee.
“I always think about how if you told 7-, 8-, or 9-year-old me what I was doing today, she would be beaming with pride, and I most certainly can't let her down.”
Both Makimaa and Bursa have expressed the pressure they feel to bring pride home to their respective communities, which they both thanked for their encouragement and support these past few years. But regardless of the perceived pressures, the marks the pair, who just happen to be a couple, have made on their schools and Keyswide are indelible. Like Matysik’s journey shaped Makimaa and Marathon’s rich history of runners did for Bursa, the pair are already making an impact on the sport’s future stars. And despite what the clock reads at the end of the course at Apalachee Regional Park on Nov. 16, their stories are not shaped by a single race or performance. A legacy, after all, is not created in a single day.
– senior Conch harrier Caylaa Makimaa on her relentless pursuit of a state medal
MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly
WEEKLY FILE PHOTO
“They’re big up front, especially the defensive line. It should be a fun game to play.”
— Key West coach Johnny Hughes
CONCHS, ’CANES WIN IN WEEK 10
Marathon falls to undefeated John Carroll
Coral Shores improved to 8-1 in a homecoming win that delighted an energized crowd on Oct. 25. The ’Canes were scheduled to play a markedly weaker Tradition Prep for their big game, but when that fell apart, St. John Neumann out of Naples answered the call and made the big trip to the Keys. Neumann was 5-1 heading into the game against a 7-1 Coral Shores, making for an even matchup that went into overtime before a winner could be decided.
The Hurricanes struggled offensively in the first half, stalling and then settling for three in quarter one. Freshman William Hudson’s field goal was the first this season for Coral Shores. That would be all the ’Canes would put on the board for the first half. St. John Neumann scored once and added a 2-point conversion in quarter two, sending the teams into the locker room with the score 8-3 at halftime.
Coach Ed Holly made some quick adjustments before sending his team back onto the field. “We had to settle down,” he said.
“We had a great crowd for homecoming and came out excited.”
Holly said he mixed up his team’s coverage defensively to add more pressure on Neumann’s quarterback. The adjustments made the difference in quarter three, where the ’Canes
The Coral Shores Hurricanes pull out an overtime thriller over St. John Neumann on homecoming night, securing a 25-18 win. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly. See more game photos at keysweekly.com.
from page 7
held Neumann to a field goal. When the Hurricanes got the ball back on offense, AJ Putetti ran one in for 6 and Yemcel Moreno added a 2-point conversion to tie up the game. Neumann scored again, and things looked bleak until Moreno connected with Putetti on a 31-yard touchdown pass to tie it up again, sending the game into overtime.
Neumann chose to play defense first in overtime, and Moreno found the end zone to give the ’Canes the advantage. Holly’s defensive adjustments continued to prevail, and Neumann had just one chance left to extend the game. Putetti put an end to any hopes Neumann had, batting down a pass in the end zone to seal the homecoming victory, 25-18.
The Hurricanes already secured at least a shared FIFC championship this season and will finish with one of the best records in school history. Their sights are now set on doing what only one Hurricane team in history has ever done: beat Key West.
“We like playing good teams, and Key West is a very good football team.”
— Coral Shores coach Ed Holly
“Key West is a very good team,” Holly said. “We’re going to have to play our best game of the year to compete with them. We’re looking forward to it.”
Key West stayed alive in their hopes for a postseason game when they beat Miami Jackson on Oct. 25 in a road win. The Conchs traveled to Curtis Park, where they beat the Generals 24-19, picking up what Conch historian Judd Wise says was the team’s 400th win.
Walson Morin got the scoring started for Key West with a 35-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Jaden Fox’s pick-6 put the Conchs ahead 12-0 and Key West’s uncompromising defense kept Jackson scoreless until quarter two. In the second, Roman Van Loon connected with Daniel Oviedo for their solo score of the quarter. Jackson scored its lone TD of the half as well, making the score 18-7 at halftime with Key West on top.
Conchs coach Johnny Hughes knew Jackson was not a team to take lightly, though. “It was a tough game with an athletic team,” he said. The Generals were stocked with tall, strong targets at wide receiver, and despite the Conchs’ best efforts, Jackson hit those targets once in each of the final quarters. Key West managed to score one more and secure the win when Fox punched one in during the fourth quarter.
Up next for Key West is the home game against Coral Shores. “It’s great for the county,” Hughes said of the game. “It’s going to be fun. We’re fighting for a home playoff game so it definitely matters. We want to put ourselves in the best situation we can.”
Both Coral Shores and Key West have been playing great defense this season, and their offenses are similarly heavy on the run, making the matchup an exciting one. Key West holds the clear edge in all-time play against the ’Canes. The Conchs have won 11 of the 12 times the
two teams have faced off, with Coral Shores’ only win coming in 2002. Kickoff is Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium
Marathon had less luck last week, losing to the undefeated 4A John Carroll Catholic Rams from Fort Pierce. The sizable Rams were as advertised, and the Fins quickly found themselves at a disadvantage. On Marathon’s first possession, a fumble could not have bounced more perfectly for the Carroll defense, and the Fins were down 7-0 just seconds into the game. The Dolphins then drove the ball a few yards at a time, using the power of their offense to overcome the Rams’ defense.
A dropped pass in the end zone forced the Fins to settle for 3, and Fabbianho Louis Jeune’s kick cut the deficit to 7-3. Carroll scored again in the first quarter to make it 14-3. Quarter two was a replay offensively for Marathon, with Louis Jeune splitting the uprights for the only score the Dolphins could manage, while Carroll added 7 to send the teams to the halftime break with the score 21-6.
In the third quarter, Carroll scored a pair of TDs, but the Fins’ offense began to chip away at the Rams’ fortitude. Louis Jeune found the endzone for 6, then added the extra point to give Marathon some confidence heading into the final quarter. Tanner Ross willed himself across the goal line and Louis Jeune’s kick was, as usual, good for the Fins. Carroll scored one more time in quarter four to make the final score 42-20.
Coach Sean McDonald concluded that the hoped-for upset was flawed by “early mistakes and an inability to create a big play on either side of the ball.” He credited Ross with his refusal to let up regardless of the situation and Louis Jeune’s play against Carroll’s four-star offensive tackle.
“Fab held his own against the best that Florida has to offer, and that speaks volumes about his abilities,” McDonald said. Louis Jeune leads the team in multiple categories on offense, defense and special teams.
Despite the loss, Carroll’s considerably higher classification over the Fins and their unbeaten record could prove favorable to Marathon in the elusive and oftentimes fickle rankings. A last-minute decision by the FHSAA to change its playoff brackets for the 1A rural classification puts a Marathon playoff game in jeopardy, and a loss next week to Pine Crest would be catastrophic. Marathon travels to Fort Lauderdale to take on the Panthers on Nov. 1 for a 3 p.m. kickoff.
Top: Carlos Lezcano (1) does his best to find a gap in the John Carroll defense. Bottom left: Shamar Wright (13) carries the ball. Bottom right: Marathon’s varsity cheer team entertains the crowd at halftime. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly
2 BIRDIES, 2 WINS FOR CARROLL
Golfers enter postseason play this week with regional hopes
Marathon and Coral Shores put in a few rounds of final practice leading up to their district matches this week. On Oct. 22, both teams met in Marathon for nine holes at Florida Keys Country Club. Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas was first overall in the girls competition with a 46. Thomas, a senior, has led the ’Canes the past few seasons. Marathon’s Makenna Haines and Justice Lee Isom were second and third and Coral Shores’ Amber Ender was fourth.
In the boys competition, Coral Shores’ Preston Carroll shot a 39. His birdie on hole 2 helped Carroll secure the win. Marathon’s Mason Thornton was in second place, shooting a 42 over nine holes. Coral Shores’ Brock Bynum and Marathon’s Roco Piscetello tied at 44 in third place. Aidan Althouse was fifth for the ’Canes (45), then Fins Emmett Merryman, Jackson Millard, Jack Dunn and Aiden Richard and Hurricane Derek Ramos rounded out the top 10.
The following day, both teams traveled to Redland Golf and Country Club for 18 holes. The boys district event is held there, giving the athletes a bit of an edge in postseason play. Carroll’s birdie on hole 9 gave him an 88 for the day. The single-stroke advantage proved to be exactly what he needed for the win. Thornton was second again, with Merryman in third, then Coral Shores’ Jacob Bohnstedt in fourth. Bynum, Althouse and Piscetello were fifth through seventh. Luca Picariello of Marathon and Derek Ramos of Coral Shores all broke 100 over the 18 holes.
Thomas was the only female golfer to make the trip. She shot a 100 in her final round prior to district action. Thomas and the rest of the Hurricane and Dolphin girls golfers play their district match at Normandy Shores in Miami Beach.
Key West’s boys did a little traveling last week, with two rounds for their district warmup. On Oct. 21, they traveled to Coral Springs for the Maverick Invitational, which was postponed earlier this season. Peyton Zubieta and Geo Twyman tied for the top spot on the Conchs’ team. Both shot a respectable 89 over 18 holes. Jackson Barroso was two strokes behind and Andrew Bassett broke 100 at the match. Two days later, the Conchs headed to Palm Beach Gardens to the PGA National Resort, where they participated in the Wolverine Classic. Bassett was first for his team with an 83. Twyman was one stroke away. Zubieta finished the day with an 89 while Mason Titensor and Barroso each shot a 93.
If one of Monroe County’s teams or an individual golfer advances past districts, it will be an improvement from last season. No athletes made the cut to regionals in 2023.
Preston Carroll. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
FICTITIOUS NAME
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of DemonaLisa Designs, located at 22993 Calico Jack Circle, Cudjoe Key, FL 33042, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
By:
Terri Grinnik
Publish: October 31, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Notice of Seizure that in accordance with Florida Statues 83.805 / 83.506, Tavernier Mini Storage, 135 Hood Ave., Tavernier, Florida 33070 will sell or otherwise will dispose of the personal contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.
All Contents in:
Unit B-13 –Tyler Drakas
Sale of all goods will be 11/18/24 at 10:00 am at 135 Hood Ave., Tavernier, Florida 33070. Tavernier Mini Storage reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.
Publish: October 31 and November 7, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI
Notice is hereby given that on November 11th, 2024, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on November 19, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL 33040, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, will hold a public hearing to consider approval of the following County Resolution: A RESOLUTION OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA ELECTING TO USE THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS LEVIED WITHIN THE COUNTY FOR THE PROVISION OF ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS, FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECTS AND ADDRESSING SEA LEVEL RISE IMPACTS FOR TWIN LAKES; STATING A NEED FOR SUCH LEVY; PROVIDING FOR THE MAILING OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The public hearing is being held for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed assessments and collection of the assessment on the ad valorem tax bills. All affected property owners have the right to appear and provide input at the hearing, and may file written objections with the County Administrator at any time prior to the public meeting or within twenty (20) days following publication of this notice, whichever is greater. The assessments will be collected
on the ad valorem tax bill, commencing with the tax bill to be mailed in November 2024, as authorized by Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. Failure to pay the assessments will cause a tax certificate to be issued against the real property which may result in a loss of title. If you have any questions, please contact Rhonda Haag at (305) 453-8774 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The public can participate in the November 19, 20024 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida by attending in person or via Zoom. The zoom link can be found in the agenda at: http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/citizens.default.aspx. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, F.S., if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made. ADA Assistance: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person needing a special accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the Administrator'sCountyoffice at (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) days prior to the date of the hearing. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call ‘711.’
Dated at Key West this 19th day of October, 2024.
KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court an ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: October 24 & 31 and November 7 & 14, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Construction, Engineering and Inspection Services for Card Sound Road at Tubby’s Creek Bridge #904982 and Card Sound Road at Mosquito Creek Bridge #904984 Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at bonfirehub.comhttps://monroecounty-fl. OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https:// monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub. com, no later than 3:00P.M. on Thursday, December 12, 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. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.
The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, December 12, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156
Meeting ID: 4509326156
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Publish: October 31, 2024
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
CASE NO.: 2024-CP-451-P IN RE: ESTATE OF HAROLD L. YOH, JR., Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
OU ARE NOTIFIED that the administration of the estate of Harold L. Yoh, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was June 21, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, File Number 2024-CP-451-P, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Hwy., Suite 1, Tavernier, FL 33070.
The name and address of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against the estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice must file their claims WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED 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 personal representatives have no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: OCTOBER 31, 2024.
Personal Representatives: Harold L. Yoh, III 309 Winfield Road Devon, PA 19333
Michael H. Yoh 41 Tunbridge Road Haverford, PA 19041
Jeffrey M. Yoh
5631 Quail Trail Lane Clover, SC 29710
William C. Yoh
9 Allens Lane
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Attorney to Personal Representatives: Leon N. Patricios, Esq.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION
CASE NO: 24-CP-529-P
IN RE: ESTATE OF MARGARET A. WALSTON Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of, MARGARET A. WALSTON, deceased, whose date of death was 17 September 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, 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 October 31, 2024.
Personal Representative Meg Pizzano aka Meg SimonPizzano 65 Nathan Blvd. Parlin, NJ 08859
Attorney for Personal Representative Tom Woods, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 0525197 116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036 Phone 305.664.2200 Fax 2205 email: tom@tomwoodslaw. com
Publish: October 31 & November 7, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
NATURAL FATHER
ORDER OF PUBLICATION HARRISON COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA
IN RE: P.F. 24-JA-28-1
TO: ARTHUR GASSER or UNKNOWN FATHER
The purpose of the above action is to determine guardianship of the child, P.F. born on October 25, 2022, to Nicole Faraco.
The petitioner, the West Virginia Department of Human Services, is seeking
permanent legal and physical custody of the said infant child. It is ORDERED that Arthur Gasser or the unknown biological father, appear in the Harrison County Circuit Court, Division I, 4th Floor, Harrison County Courthouse, Clarksburg, West Virginia on the 17th day of December 2024 at 11:00 o’clock a.m., or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, for the adjudicatory hearing of Arthur Gasser or the unknown biological father. Said person is instructed that he has thirty (30) days from this Notice to answer the Petition herein. Said person is given notice that he must object, or, otherwise permanent legal and physical custody of the said infant child may be granted to the West Virginia Department of Human Services and his parental rights may be permanently terminated. Said Arthur Gasser or unknown biological father, shall have the right to be represented by counsel and if he cannot pay for the services of counsel, counsel will be appointed. Said Arthur Gasser or unknown biological father is represented by Christopher Wilson, Esquire, at 300 Adams Street, Fairmont, WV 26554-3104, at phone number 304-333-1500.
Publish: October 31 & November 7, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-189-P DIVISION: FAMILY TERESITA PEREZ, Petitioner, and ANAIS LORENZO, WILLIAM GONZALEZ, Respondents.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR MOTION FOR MODIFICATION OF LEGAL GUARDIAN TO: WILLIAM GONZALEZ RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 416 E 27TH STREET, HIALEAH, FL 33013 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Custody Case has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Teresita Perez, whose address is 142 Dickie Way, Apt. 1, Tavernier, FL 33070 on or before December 2, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 88770 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: October 25, 2024
Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court
Monroe County, Florida By: Jennifer
Havengar
Deputy Clerk
Publish: October 31 and November 7, 14 & 21, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-971-K
DIVISION: FAMILY
JOSEPH MOISE, Petitioner, and LUCRETIA GREEN, Respondent.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR EMERGENCY PETITION FOR TEMPORARY CUSTODY TO: LUCRETIA GREEN
RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN
ADDRESS: UNKNOWN
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Emergency Petition for Temporary Custody has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Joseph Moise, whose address is 126 Avenue F, Key West, FL 33040 on or before November 17, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 530 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.
WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: October 15, 2024
Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jaquelyn Fonseca
Deputy Clerk
Publish: October 17, 24 & 31 and November 7, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
AUTOS FOR SALE
1964 Ford Galaxy, 427 Big Block, 5-speed, located in Key Largo. $50,000 954-445-6647
BOATS FOR SALE
FOR SALE: 2019 Walker Bay fiberglass RIB mod. 325ST LOA 11’ with 9.9 HP Yamaha. Located in Marathon. $3,995.00 970-901-1138
2006 Bluewater 23 1/2 ft. CC with T-Top, outriggers, rod holders, rear deck light, electronic box, 200 HD Evinrude, Continental trailer. Everything in execellent shape - too much to list. Located in Lower Keys. 305-481-6980
COMMERCIAL SPACE
Commercial office/medical/ retail space for rent/lease available in Marathon. High highway visibility, 2100- 3500 sq. ft. Call for more information 305-481-3198 or email drice519@aol.com
One acre commercial space for rent in Big Pine. Fenced, electric, water, sewage hookup, easy access. Rent all or part. Option to buy. 305-481-6980
EMPLOYMENT
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 full-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere, afternoon/ evening hours Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide checking account for direct deposit, photo ID, and social security card or passport. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time servers and bartenders. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.
PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE FOR $25/WEEK FOR UP TO FIVE LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY AND FIND YOUR STAFF!
- EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.
Serve/Bartend
on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.
HOBBIES/COLLECT
WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578 HOUSING FOR RENT
1BR/1BA Unfurnished upstairs apt. for rent in Key Largo. W/D hookup or common use W/D. $2000/ month F/L/S 909-831-5841
2BR/1.5BA Mobile Home for rent in Tavernier. Unfurn. W/D, No Pets. $2800/month F/L/S 786-263-8433
Downstairs apartment of a duplex to rent to 1 person (no pets). Large living room/bedroom and separate kitchen. Large screened porch with its own washer/dryer and driveway. Utilities include wifi/tv. 150 ft to the ocean. MM96 Key Largo. $1850/ month. F/L/S 305-853-3779
2BR/1BA Condo Unit for rent in Marathon. Canal view. Close to Sombrero Beach. No Pets. $3900/ month 305-431-0577
Conch House - Studio for rent, newly furnished in Marathon. $960/ month + utilities. Dockage avail. for additional $. No Pets. 305-610-8002
BEACH HOUSE VACATION! Caretaker couple needed for Bahamas Beach House for
D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details, please visit: DAsignSource.com/careers
Competitive Salary Opportunity for Growth
Landscape Designer/Sales
Seeking a talented Landscape Designer/Sales professional. Bring your creativity and passion for outdoor spaces to our company! Ideal candidates will have design experience, hardscaping and soft scaping and strong sales skills.
Residential Lead A/V Tech
Responsible for the integration of Audio & Video, Lighting Control, low-voltage project installation, programming, and crew management to ensure the usability and stable operation of all systems.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Executive Department:
SYSTEMS ANALYST AUTOMATED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE AMI
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $102,164$105,024/annually
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING
• Hosts
• Waitstaff • Bartenders
• Bar Backs
• Bussers
• Line Cooks • Dishwashers
Marathon
MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE
DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR
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.
THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.
JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS!
We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.
Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!
Apply at guidancecarecenter.org
Search Employment/Portal/Location/zip
LIVE IN
PARADISE
AND SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.
We have the following openings available. Please scan the QR code to visit the careers page on our website.
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE
APPRENTICE
(Full-Time, Permanent)
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
(Full-Time, Part-Time, Permanent)
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE
OPENINGS
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C), Urology Marathon, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant 1, Upper Keys Internal Medicine, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant 2, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray) Radiology, $50k Bonus
- Medical Technologist 2, Laboratory, $50k Bonus
COME JOIN THE FAMILY!
Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE
DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees by offering a competitive total package. DRC currently offers a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays, vacation, sick and an employee assistance program. DRC also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER
58901 O/S Hwy -
- Patient Scheduler 3, Radiology-Diagnostic
- Radiology Technologist 1, Radiology, $40k Bonus
- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center
- Registered Nurse, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, $15k Bonus
- Security Officer 1, Security/Safety
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
*Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.
APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507
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.
ALMANAC | Oct. 31
On this day: In 1517, Mar n Luther nailed his “Ninety- ve Theses” on the d r of the Castle Church in Wi enberg, Germany, in protest of the se ing of papal indulgences.
In The Bleachers
If the wai ng list isn’t t long, you may s have a chance to visit McKamey Manor in Su ertown, Te e , an “i ersive ho or” experience that is personalized to each guest and involves a six-hour-long tour. People magazine reported on Oct. 8 that guests are required to sign a 40-page waiver and must be over 21; in a i on, they may have to complete a “sports physical” and provide pr f of medical insurance before a iving. “We’re known for no qui ing and no safe word,” said owner and Navy veteran Ru McKamey. “Your hair may be cho ed o , den stry may be done, you may have a t th extracted.” McKamey was a ested in July for second-degr a empted murder, rape and domes c violence a er an incident with his girlfriend, but the charges were dro ed in September, and McKamey Manor is up and ru ing.
In 1950, Earl Lloyd became the first African American to play in an NBA game.
Brevity
TODAY’S SPORTS
News of the Weird
7 bi ion — es mated popula on of the world on Oct. 31, 2011, which was o icia y designated the “Day of Seven Bi ion” by the United Na ons Popula on Fund.
In 1941, the Mount Rushmore Na onal Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, was declared complete
TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS
John Keats (1795-1821), poet; Julie e Gordon Low (1860-1927), Girl Scouts founder; Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975), Chinese/ Taiwanese leader; Dale Evans (1912-2001), actre /singersongwriter; Dan Rather (1931- ), TV journalist; Michael Landon (1936-1991), actor; John Candy (1950-1994), actor; Jane Pauley (1950- ), TV journalist; Nick Saban (1951- ), f tba coach; Peter Jackson (1961- ), l aker.
