Upper Keys Weekly 25-0410

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Price adjustment in Buccaneer Point

Prepare to be captivated by this five bedroom, four bath extraordinary waterfront masterpiece that combines modern elegance and over 3,900 sq. ft of living space with a tropical paradise ambiance. Nestled on the shores of the bay, this custom-designed home has been thoughtfully crafted with discerning clients in mind. As you step inside, ascend the interior stairs from the grand foyer to the main living level, where cathedral ceilings and an abundance of natural light create an inviting atmosphere. Revel in the breathtaking water views framed by expansive windows and doors, seamlessly blending the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of your luxurious sanctuary. The heart of this residence lies within the great room, where a well-appointed double island creates the perfect setting for entertaining while the expansive porch areas beckon you to soak in the tranquil vistas. Designed to accommodate a large family or gathering of friends, this home boasts two primary ensuites on each level. In addition, three guest bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms provide ample space for everyone to unwind and recharge. This home is a dream come true for water enthusiasts with an inviting in-ground heated pool, surrounded by a custom paved deck area and lush privacy landscaping. The deep water pier dock features a boat lift and jet ski lift. The spacious four-car garage with dual doors, a second refrigerator, an ice maker, and the potential for a bar or summer kitchen makes it a versatile space for hosting unforgettable backyard gatherings.

89240 Overseas Hwy. Suite 2

Tavernier, FL 33070

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The previously extinct dire wolf – made famous in the “Game of Thrones” TV series, is walking the earth again. Using DNA from fossils dating back between 13,000 and 72,000 years ago, researchers edited genes into gray wolf cells and using domestic dogs as surrogates, they birthed three dire wolf pups. Debate remains as to whether the breakthrough truly constitutes a de-extinction of a species.

A least tern chick receives care from the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center. Least terns are a state-threatened species. Read more on page 17. CONTRIBUTED

MAN ARRESTED FOR MURDER AT KEY LARGO RESORT

A33-year-old Key Largo man was arrested April 8 for the murder of a 43-yearold Upper Keys woman who was found in a resort hotel room.

The sheriff’s office responded to the Amoray Dive Resort in Key Largo at about 11 a.m. on April 7 regarding a missing person identified as Nadyne Marie Tillman, 43, of Key Largo. A family member reported she had not heard from her since Saturday morning, which was unusual.

The sheriff’s office investigation showed that Tillman met Dylan Lamb, 33, of Key Largo, at the resort on Saturday morning. Tillman’s body was later found hidden in Lamb’s

room, with injuries consistent with being beaten.

Lamb was found and arrested Tuesday in Key Largo and booked into the Plantation Key jail facility later that evening. Lamb is facing three felony charges of homicide, kidnapping/false imprisonment and destroying evidence. His arraignment is scheduled for May 13.

“I want to thank the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office for working around the clock to make an arrest in this case,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay, “While the investigation remains ongoing, there do not appear to be any other individuals involved in this incident.”

— Keys Weekly staff report

Dylan Lamb. MCSO/Contributed

MAN ON E-BIKE KILLED AFTER CRASHING INTO VEHICLE IN KEY LARGO

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

A71-year-old man riding on an electric bicycle died after he collided with a vehicle at MM 99 in Key Largo on Sunday evening.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, the man on the bicycle was traveling north on the southbound sidewalk of U.S. 1 and approaching Bay Drive on Sunday evening around 6:25 p.m. A 2021 Chevy Silverado was traveling east on Bay Drive and preparing to make a right

turn to proceed south on U.S. 1.

As the Silverado started to turn onto U.S. 1, troopers say, the man on the scooter failed to stop and yield at the sidewalk stop sign and collided with the truck’s front right quarter panel. The man was taken to Baptist Health South Florida Mariners Hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Sunday’s accident marks the sixth fatality in five vehicle accidents seen in the Upper Keys since March 17. Last week, a 69-year-old Florida

man was struck and killed while attempting to cross U.S. 1 in Key Largo the morning of April 1.

The other three accidents occurred in Islamorada at MM 79, where a husband and wife were hit and killed attempting to cross U.S. 1 on March 20; at MM 90, where a vehicle struck and killed a 71-year-old who was walking on the sidewalk on March 21; and at MM 82, where a California bicyclist was struck and killed attempting to cross the highway on March 17.

BROTHERS SERVE SIDE-BYSIDE

Marines added to Armory Speakeasy’s Wall of Honor

AWall of Honor inside the Armory Speakeasy in Key Largo holds the pictures of local men and women who have served in the military. Two brothers currently serving in the U.S. Marines together were recently added to the distinguished wall.

The Marines’ Hymn filled the speakeasy to kickstart a ceremony on March 27 for Sgt. Noah Hane and Lance Cpl. Andrew Hane. The brothers were joined by their parents, Monica and Michael, other family members, VFW Post 10211 members and speakeasy staff.

“Once a Marine, always a Marine,” said Dennis Ward, state attorney and VFW Post 10211 postmaster, to kickoff the ceremony.

John Donnelly, Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, proceeded by offering a toast in honor of the Hane brothers.

“There’s nothing that I can say that could bring any more dignity and respect to anybody that I know having been to places that these men have been and are going to go,” Donnelly said. “It gives us much pride and appreciation and distinguishes the Armory Speakeasy and the VFW.”

Noah and Andrew watched as Janessa Silvestri, owner of the military-themed speakeasy, hung their pictures side-by-side on the wall. It was a special moment for the Hane family, whose sons received the go-ahead to head back to their Keys community from Camp Pendleton, California for the ceremony.

Noah headed off to boot camp shortly after graduating from Coral Shores High School in 2018. He worked through the ranks to a leadership position with the Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment — in which his brother Andrew

also serves — at Camp Pendleton.

“I live on the first floor of the barracks and he (Andrew) lives in the room above me,” Noah said. “We get breakfast and go surfing together. I see him at work all the time, and we do our job and train and shoot.”

Andrew graduated from Coral Shores in 2023. He, too, shipped off to boot camp not long after high school. Andrew said he sees himself working through the ranks, learning his job with the goal one day of teaching new Marines how to be infantry.

The Hane brothers didn’t come from a service background. Both said they grew up loving the thought of serving their country in the military.

“The Marines do air, sea and water, and I love being on the water,” Noah said. “I just wanted to serve and learn skills and be there for a sense of belonging with other people.”

“(He) and I just took the same path, and it’s been destined since we were both little,” Andrew said.

Noah and Andrew say they’re honored to be on a wall with fellow servicemen and -women from the local community.

“It gives me a great sense of courage and honor to be on the wall with the rest of these people who have done a lot more than I have and sacrificed a lot more than I have,” Andrew said.

“To be honored with other members of the community who have also gone up there makes me feel closer to home,” Noah said. “People will see that my brother and I are here together, both in the Marine Corps and here on the wall. … It’s awesome.”

1: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew Hane. 2: Marines Corps Sgt. Noah Hane. 3: The Hanes are honored by members of the VFW Post 10211 and the Armory Speakeasy staff. 4: From left, Noah, Monica (mom), Andrew and Michael Hane (dad). JIM McCARTHY/Keys

JIM McCARTHY

KEY LARGO MAN GETS PRISON FOR VIOLATING PROBATION CONNECTED TO REPAIR FRAUD SCHEME

Philip “Phil” Fiorito, 38, was sentenced on April 2 to five years in state prison by Circuit Judge James Morgan following a felony probation violation connected to a $25,000 air conditioning repair fraud scheme.

In addition to the prison sentence, Fiorito was ordered to serve five years of probation upon release, pay court costs and pay $19,277.11 in restitution to the victim.

The case began in 2018 when local property owner Mark Peterson reported that he had written multiple checks totaling $25,015.19 to Fiorito for air conditioning repairs across his rental properties in the Florida Keys. Fiorito, who falsely claimed to work for Rex Air in Islamorada, convinced the victim that he was arranging professional installations through a subcontractor — an individual later discovered to be fictitious. No work was ever completed, and Fiorito had not been employed with Rex Air since late 2017.

Much of the interaction began after Hurricane Irma, when Peterson offered Fiorito and his girlfriend a place to stay in one of his rental units that had been made available post-storm. Fiorito used this arrangement as an opportunity to build trust and request payments for repairs that were never done.

Fiorito was convicted of fraud and grand theft and originally sentenced to probation. However, he later violated the terms of his probation numerous times. Morgan found these

Philip ‘Phil’ Fiorito. MCSO/Contributed

actions to be willful and substantial violations and imposed the sentence under Florida law.

“Mr. Fiorito didn’t just commit theft — he took advantage of someone’s kindness during a time when our community was still recovering from a major storm,” said Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward. “We take that kind of deception very seriously. This sentence reinforces our commitment to protecting residents from fraud and exploitation.”

“Probation is meant to give individuals a chance to turn things around. But when that chance is abused, and the harm continues, incarceration becomes necessary,” Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield added. “We deeply appreciate the dedication of Assistant State Attorney Jon Byrne, whose work helped bring resolution and justice in this case.”

Fiorito is in the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections.

— Keys Weekly staff report

THREE CANDIDATES IN THE RUNNING FOR ISLMORADA MANAGER

All finalists are Keys residents

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Asearch for Islamorada’s next village manager will culminate with the council’s selection among three finalists at a Thursday, April 10 meeting.

Among the candidates are Jennifer DeBoisbriand, the village’s planning director; Ron Saunders, Florida Keys native who served in the Florida House; and Theodore Munchmeyer, Plantation Key resident who’s a former senior military officer.

Mark Sohaney, Key West resident and former Naval Air Station Key West commander, was also in the running for village manager. He withdrew his name, however, before the village council’s April 8 meeting, when candidates were given five minutes to give their final pitch.

Islamorada is seeking to hire its fourth manager in as many years. In January, the council approved a severance-for-resignation agreement with then-manager Rob Cole, who was hired in February 2024 by a previous council following an internal search.

Following Cole’s departure, the village conducted an inhouse search for a village manager using the human resources office to seek and vet candidates. Sixteen applicants, of whom six were Florida residents, expressed interest in the position.

Council members conducted interviews with the four candidates at village hall on March 29; two other Florida candidates were out of the running as they weren’t available for interviews. On April 8, the three finalists were given five minutes each to explain why they would be the perfect fit.

DeBoisbriand was hired as village planning director in December 2022. Before coming to Islamorada, she worked for municipalities in Massachusetts. In total, she’s been in local government for 27 years. She entered public service because she loves helping people.

“As an employee of the village, I am familiar with many issues the village faces moving forward,” she said. “The transition would be seamless with no added delays, which is why I feel I’m the best candidate.”

Munchmeyer has lived in Islamorada for the past 14 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years before retiring as colonel. He worked at the Homestead Air Reserve Base, where he oversaw the fire department explosive ordnance, emergency management and public works. He said Islamorada is thriving with “good problems” to tackle together.

“I know traffic is the number one thing. I looked at the charrette, I agree with you. People want to come here, people want to live, people want to see, people want to spend a week or two,” he said. “While we have five council members leading us, I want to lead the team to make sure people who have time in Islamorada, whether short or long, enjoy it.”

Saunders served in the Florida House of Representatives for 14 years, representing all of Monroe County and parts of Miami-Dade County. During his time at the state capital, he sponsored and passed the Save Our Homes cap on homestead property value assessments as well as the first Everglades Protection Act and the Save the Manatee license plate. He chaired the House Appropriations Committee in charge of a multibillion-dollar state budget.

If selected, Saunders told council members, he would give staff members the opportunity to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities, while ensuring Islamorada maintains its unique style and quality of life. He noted his relationships with officials throughout the Keys from his days as a representative to his time as a radio host.

A public meet-and-greet with the finalists was held on April 9 at the Ron Levy Aquatic Center at Founders Park. The final item on the council’s Thursday, April 10 meeting agenda is the manager selection.

An estimated 600 people joined Key West’s Hands Off protest on April 5. The peaceful demonstration against the second administration of President Donald Trump and recent actions by the federal government took place along the 1300 block of White Street, in front of the federal National Weather Service forecast office and across the street at Key West’s city hall. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

KEYS COMMUNITIES JOIN NATIONAL HANDS OFF PROTESTS

Key West event draws 600 demonstrators; others join in Marathon & Upper Keys

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Communities in the Florida Keys joined thousands of nationwide Hands Off protests on April 5 that took place in all 50 states. In the Keys, the largest demonstration was in Key West, where an estimated 600 people lined both sides of the 1300 block of White Street, in front of the National Weather Service office, which has been targeted for funding cuts, and in front of Key West’s city hall. Some 250 residents held signs alongside U.S. 1 in Key Largo, and another group was seen holding flags and signs along the highway in Islamorada. In the Middle Keys, cars passing the intersection of U.S. 1 and Sombrero Beach Road found around 130 protesters lining the street and median.

Nationally, the protests are thought to have drawn as many as 5 million in one of the largest one-day nationwide displays of opposition to the current administration.

Demonstrators railed against President Donald Trump and billionaire businessman Elon Musk, who has become a top adviser to Trump and the leader of the new Department of Government Efficiency.

Signs in Key West included: “DEI — Deport Elon Instead,” “No One Voted for Elon,” “Hands Off the Constitution” and “Honk If You Never Drunk Text War Plans” – that last one a reference to the recent “Signalgate” scandal in which Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth used a non-government messaging app called Signal to text detailed plans for a military bombing in Yemen to a group of top U.S. officials, accidentally including a journalist.

“In a county that is overwhelmingly Republican, our group received supporting honks, thumbs and fists up,” said Mid-Keys Democrats chair Laurie Swanson, who helped organize the Marathon protest. “As each fleet of cars left the traffic light we were regaled with a cacophony of horns and slow-moving vehicles joining in with ‘This is what democracy looks like.’”

Roughly 250 people held signs outside the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo during the protest. CONTRIBUTED

An estimated 130 protesters hold Hands Off signs lining U.S. 1 near Sombrero Beach Road in Marathon. CONTRIBUTED

BRIEFLY

Man arrested for alleged sexual battery

A 43-year-old Key Largo man was arrested on April 4 following a sheriff’s office investigation into the sexual battery of a 7-yearold female. Jeffrey Scott Kesling was charged with multiple counts of sexual battery. The investigation began in March 2025. His bond was set at $450,000. An arraignment hearing is set for April 15 before Circuit Court Judge James Morgan at the Plantation Key Courthouse.

Second man sought in lottery ticket case

Sheriff’s office detectives arrested one suspect and are seeking the public’s help in arresting a second in a theft case involving $15,000 worth of lottery tickets in the Lower Keys that paid an approximate $8,000 in winnings.

Jorge Acevedo Perez, 47, of Big Coppitt Key, was arrested and charged last month with grand theft and conspiracy. Detectives found that Acevedo Perez conspired with co-defendant Dave Dackens Pluviose, 20, of Key West, to steal the lottery tickets from Circle K, 451 Overseas Highway. Pluviose, a former employee of Circle K, can be seen multiple times in security video handing Acevedo Perez large amounts of lottery tickets without charging him. Additionally, both men can be seen in subsequent supermarket security video cashing some of the lottery tickets together.

The case is ongoing and more charges may be pending. Anyone with information about Pluviose and/or this case should contact sheriff’s office detectives at 305-292-7060 or Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.

Sanctuary Advisory Council meeting is April 15

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, in Marathon City Council chambers. The council will receive updates on the current status of the Restoration Blueprint, as well as updates from the sanctuary’s education and outreach team. Speakers from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Nova Southeastern University will share information on Florida’s Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery (FCR3) Initiative. A public comment opportunity will be offered at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Presenter discusses Nike missile base

Join the Historic Preservation Society of the Upper Keys and speaker David Zelagin, Nike missile site coordinator for Everglades National Park on Monday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at Coral Isles Church at MM 90, oceanside, on Plantation Key.

Zelagin’s presentation will explore the Cold War era of South Florida. Emblematic of this is the Nike missile base located within Everglades National Park. There, soldiers served as a dependable and specialized counter to threats to our nation for decades. The presentation and discussion will look at the Cuban Missile Crisis and military mobilization to south Florida, the Nike missile program, and some stories of what it was like to live and work in a defensive nuclear missile base during the Cold War.

ST. JAMES THE FISHERMAN

EPISCOPAL CHURCH

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

SUNDAY, April 13, 10 a.m. The Liturgy of Palm Sunday and Procession of Palms

THURSDAY, April 17 6 p.m. Maundy (Holy) Thursday Liturgy including Stripping of the Altar followed by Meditation

FRIDAY, April 19 Good Friday 12 p.m. Stations of the Cross | 6 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy

SUNDAY, April 20, 10 a.m. Easter Sunday Service Easter Egg Hunt and Reception to follow

87500 Overseas Highway,

All Keys Port-A-Lets, established in 2005 and under new ownership as of June 2024, o ers portable sanitation rentals Keyswide and in Miami-Dade County. The new owners strive to provide a complete refresh of rental inventory and business operating procedures to guarantee customer satisfaction. They are bringing all contractors and event planners in the Florida Keys new and improved options when it comes to portable sanitation rentals.

A variety of portable sanitation, trash, and septic services are available including portable restrooms, hand wash stations, holding tanks and grease traps, and RV and marine pump-outs.

"At All Keys Port-A-Lets, we believe the key to our success is customer service and reliability. We believe that leaving a long-lasting positive impression on our customer will have us in their mind for the next event or jobsite," said manager Gabriel Venzant. "It is also extremely important to us for our customers to know that they can count on us at any time no ma er how big or small the jobsite or event."

104615 Overseas Hwy., Suite 5 | 305-664-2226 www.akpfl.com | sales@akpfl.com @AllKeysPortALets

Jeff Kesling

David Zelagin

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH DOWN FROM 32 TO 11

List includes 4 current school district employees & 1 former employee

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

The school board’s search for the next superintendent continued on April 8, when the five board members narrowed the field from 32 total applicants to 11 semi-finalists.

The 11 semifinalists include four current employees of the Monroe County School District — Amber Acevedo, Christina McPherson, Laura Lietaert and Melissa Alsobrooks — and one former employee, Melanie Stefanowicz, who worked for the district from 2005 to 2016. From 2012 to 2016, she was the district’s director of adult, alternative and career and technical education and is currently the CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, living in Cape Coral.

Acevedo is deputy superintendent and a former principal at Key West High School and Poinciana Elementary. McPherson is also a former KWHS principal and is now the executive director of student services at the district headquarters. Lietaert is principal of Coral Shores High School and Alsobrooks is principal of Gerald Adams Elementary School.

The other six semi-finalists are:

Edward Tierney: deputy superintendent/chief of schools in Palm Beach County school district

Michael George: principal of Atlantic Coast High School in Jacksonville, and Florida’s 2024 principal of the year.

Darren Burkett: deputy superintendent of Collier County public schools.

John Millay: former superintendent of Martin County schools in Florida and former senior vice

president of Boys & Girls Club in Martin County.

James Tager: former superintendent in Flagler County, and in Vermont and Maine.

Gillian Gregory: Former assistant superintendent in Leon County, and currently a program director at Florida State University’s College of Education, Health and Human Services.

All applications are available at keysschools.com, under the “Superintendent Search” link at the top of the home page.

Working with search consultants from the Florida School Boards Association, the five school board members have drafted five questions for the 11 semifinalists. Some replies will be written and some will be recorded via video.

The school board at its April 21 board meeting will select three to five finalists who will be invited to the Keys the week of April 28 for in-person interviews and public receptions, where they can meet community members, teachers, principals, parents and students. Public interviews will be conducted on Thursday, May 1 at 9 a.m.

The final selection is expected at the May 6 board meeting in Marathon. Contract negotiations will follow. The job posting outlines a salary range of $175,000 to $225,000, plus benefits, “along with a relocation stipend and other negotiated incentives,” the job posting states. The current superintendent’s salary is $175,000.

The new schools chief will start work July 1, allowing a month-long overlap before the July 31 retirement of Theresa Axford.

SENDING OFF THE RECYCLABLES

Tour offers glimpse into Pembroke Pines processing facility

Agroup of Monroe County and Key West staff, along with local Florida Keys environmental advocates, recently visited Reuter Recycling in Pembroke Pines. The tour provided insights into the single-stream recycling process used for Monroe County’s recyclables.

The visit provided understanding of the county’s recycling system and the challenges involved in processing materials, including the complexity of the sorting and processing to prepare recyclable materials for the commodity market. The tour emphasized the importance of proper recycling practices and the detrimental effect of contamination on the system’s efficiency.

“I think there is still a large portion of the population that does not understand the process,

specifically what can be recycled,” said Kacey Hunt, executive assistant for commissioner Michelle Lincoln.

“I left that experience wishing I could take everyone to Reuter’s because it is so eye-opening and informative.”

Reuter is building a new recycling facility expected to open by 2026. It will process materials more efficiently, doubling its capacity from 35 tons to 70 tons per hour. Additionally, research is underway to expand the types of plastics that can be accepted for processing.

“Single stream has made recycling less intimidating and more convenient for households,” said Chrissy Collins, senior administrator of Monroe County Facilities Maintenance. Single stream means that all of the recycles can go in one bin and then are sorted at the facility.

— Contributed

Several members of the community toured the Reuter facility with Greg Sullivan of Waste Management and Melody Tuschel, Monroe County recycling coordinator. MONROE COUNTY/Contributed

The biggest obstacle to recycling is contamination, as seen with this car seat.

Water bottles are very easy to recycle. About 23 percent make it to the recycling bin.

SPRING CLEANING

Keys locals get dirty to keep islands clean

Locals across the Keys joined in and got dirty last month to keep their islands clean. Whether that meant picking up marine debris on a cleanup dive or wading through mangroves to unwind derelict fishing lines, one thing was clear: this is our house, our responsibility. Various organizations throughout the Keys — nonprofits and dive shops — hosted the cleanups, which took place across the entire length of the islands.

TIFFANY DUONG www.keysweekly.com

Results of the cleanups:

• Coastlove: 4,024.7 pounds of debris in one day at Dagny Johnson State Park in Key Largo.

• Surfrider, Florida Keys Chapter: 407 pounds at the Channel 2 Bridge in Islamorada.

• Key Dives: 322 pounds off Islamorada reefs during Goal: Clean Seas programs

• Captain’s Corner: 238 pounds off Key West reefs during Goal: Clean Seas programs.

• Conch Republic Marine Army: bags of derelict line in Marathon.

1: Key Dives’ conservation coordinator Morgan Gardner holds a large amount of debris during a recent cleanup off Islamorada. 2: CoastLove cleanups helped remove thousands of pounds of derelict fishing gear. Participants gather debris during a cleanup on Summerland Key. 3: Clean Seas leaders from Captain’s Corner Dive Center in Key West sort and weigh their day’s haul from two cleanup dives. 4: Surfrider’s Nikki Cox retrieves an abandoned bird’s nest constructed with lots of plastic – a toxic downside of plastic pollution in our natural environments — during cleanup in Islamorada. 5: Divers help retrieve derelict fishing and trap lines that can entangle corals and marine animals during a cleanup off Key West. Photos by Tiffany Duong, Joseph Henry, Derek Bardini and CoastLove. Full gallery at keysweekly.com.

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A small fence is installed around the rooftop to help prevent least terns from falling off the rooftop. CONTRIBUTED. Inset: Members from the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation successfully place a small fence around the rooftop of a Little Miss Muffett Lane residence for a nesting colony of least terns.

A SAFE SPACE FOR THREATENED BIRD SPECIES

Fence installed on rooftop of home where least tern chicks sit

Least tern chicks sitting atop a Key Largo residence are safe as they begin their development, thanks to the homeowner and several wildlife officials who recently visited the home to install a fence around the roof.

North America’s smallest terns usually like to nest in large colonies on gravel and beaches. Gravel rooftops are no longer up to code, so that further threatens their suitable nesting habitat.

In the Florida Keys, the bestknown colonies are on the Diver’s Direct shopping center roof, Bank of America and Walgreens in Key Largo. Least terns also found safe nesting on the rooftop of a home on Little Miss Muffett Lane.

Least terns are a state-threatened species and are in decline due to lack of suitable nesting habitat.

“During nesting season, we get tons of calls about least tern chicks that have fallen off these roofs,” said Erin Allison, executive director for the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Tavernier. “If in good health, we typically re-nest the birds, with the help of Florida Keys Electric Cooperative in cases where the roof is inaccessible.”

Allison said the Little Miss Muffett homeowners were caring

This least tern chick weighs in at 9 grams. The least tern is among the smallest of North America’s tern species.

enough to help prevent chicks from falling off the roof. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation and the Wild Bird Center teamed up to install a small fence that will help contain the least tern chicks.

“FWC is also installing this on the roofs of condo buildings where other tern colonies are located,” she said.

Allison said this effort has a direct, positive effect on the survival of least tern chicks.

— Keys Weekly staff report

‘LENNY’ THE GIANT LOGGERHEAD GOES HOME

Two-week rehab stint at Turtle Hospital ends in time for mating season

Less than two weeks after being rescued from the pristine waters off the Florida Keys, a giant loggerhead turtle is back where he belongs, thanks to the quick thinking of a local underwater photographer and the staff at the Turtle Hospital.

Affectionately named “Lenny” by the team that rescued him, the 322-pound loggerhead sea turtle was spotted when Mike Papish, an underwater photographer, saw him in distress off Islamorada and sprang into action.

“Went up, called the Turtle Hospital and said there’s an injured turtle here,” said Papish. “They said (to) try to get them pictures of it.”

Papish then worked with the Turtle Hospital and Sundance Water Sports to rescue the injured turtle. The Turtle Hospital transported the loggerhead to its facility to treat his severe injuries on March 14.

“He was found not using his front flipper, due to a predator wound, and when I say predator wound, part of the flipper was

After less than two weeks of rehab at the Turtle Hospital to heal his injuries, ‘Lenny’ the giant loggerhead turtle goes home. BOB CARE/ Florida Keys News Bureau

actually missing and he had bites to his head,” said Bette Zirkelbach, manager at the Turtle Hospital.

Lenny’s two-week stay at the Turtle Hospital included treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, pain medication, vitamins, wound care and class 4 laser treatment.

Timing was critical for Lenny’s release, as mating season in the Florida Keys is in full swing.

“We see sub-adult and adult loggerheads here in the Florida Keys,” said Zirkelbach. They’re here, they’re looking for dates, they’re here mating.”

North Atlantic loggerheads are the biggest nesting population in Florida and can live up to 100 years. Lenny is estimated to be 60 to 70 years old.

“It’s important to get him out there with the ladies so they can propagate the species,” Zirkelbach added.

More information is at www. turtlehospital.org.

– Contributed

ARTIST’S

CORNER

WORTH THE LOOK — AND DON’T TOUCH

Beth Kaminstein’s ‘Lady View’ was on display last month at The Studios of Key West. CONTRIBUTED. Right: Artist Beth Kaminstein is an Islamorada resident. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

Artist’s complex sculptures displayed in the Southernmost City

Upper Keys artist Beth Kaminstein recently had a captivating event at The Studios of Key West with her “Tactile Sensibility” exhibit.

WILLIAM DEPAULA

the art, although you aren’t allowed to touch the pieces when visiting galleries and museums. From her sculpture to her paper art, you want to feel them and touch them like a toddler first learning about the tactile world.

Kaminstein’s work feels very physical in an increasingly digital world. It feels raw and introduces us to the basics of art.

is an artist, designer and gemologist who believes in the power of art.

Kaminstein combines an appreciation for space and color with a tactile sensibility. She draws inspiration from nature to create clay sculptures, platters and bowls that explore complex layering, light and form.

Key West is known for its fantastic art and one of the galleries leading the way is The Studios of Key West. “The Campus,” as it is affectionately called, is an iconic Miami Deco building in the heart of downtown Key West, just one block from Duval Street. The Studios of Key West includes a 200-seat theater, four galleries devoted to contemporary art, eight studios for local practicing artists, two dedicated classrooms and a rooftop terrace for outdoor programming. They have won the Bubba Award for Best Gallery in Key West for the last 10 years.

While looking through the exhibition, I found myself wanting to touch

“As an artist working with clay, my shapes and colors are drawn from the environment around me as well as from my study of art. I live with a vast expanse of ocean and sky in front of me, which manifests in my work, and I thrive on the notion that my surroundings directly affect it both consciously and subconsciously,” Kaminstein said.

What is most impressive is that The Studios has been able to have workable studios for artists in a highdemand and commercial area. The Studios gets art right: it lets the artist be the artist and create with meaning. This is also without the ever-present need to be overtly commercial, which many artists succumb to; it is an art center that should be observed and adopted elsewhere.

“Tactile Sensibility” by Beth Kaminstein concluded March 27 at The Studios of Key West, located at 533 Eaton St. Check out the studio at https://tskw.org/ and learn more about Kaminstein at https://bethkaminstein. com.

LIFESTYLE RESORT BOUTIQUE GETS NEW OWNERS

Islamorada Mercantile adds products

MELINDA VAN FLEET

www.keysweekly.com

There’s something to be said for balance and having fun, which makes a friendship — and now a business — work.

The new owners of Islamorada Mercantile, MM 81.9 bayside, Byrne Coles and Elizabeth Shipley have an unparalleled history of 38 years of “retail friendship.”

“I love being with (Coles),” Shipley said. “We laugh a lot.”

The freshly curated resort boutique not only showcases a wide range of perfectly merchandised gifts and clothing, but it also demonstrates how they are paying specific attention to the needs and fit of Keys clients — resort and local.

“We first met when I was working for a store in Lexington, Kentucky and hired Elizabeth at age 17,” Coles said.

“It was my very first job,” Shipley said. “And we have remained friends even long-distance.”

Coles owns a store in Smyrna, Georgia, called Marshmallow Dream Monogram and Gifts, while living in the Keys part-time. She has been coming down to the Keys on and off for years. Coles’ daughter runs the store with her in Smyrna.

When asked if they had talked about it before over the years, Coles said, “Elizabeth stayed in retail and bought for and ran a chain of stores, but I moved to Georgia to become a clothing rep and then opened my embroidery store in Georgia.”

“Then, about a year ago, we talked about purchasing a store down here, which didn’t work out,” said Shipley, who also has come to the Keys on and off. “I was just coming in here (Islamorada Mercantile) and looking. I hesitated to reach out to Becky (the former owner) for a long time, but then sent her an email. It happened

pretty quick and at a busy holiday time.”

“We closed within two-and-a-half weeks. However, it was a challenge because we missed all of the shows to buy at for season,” Shipley added.

Coles said Shipley knew so many of the clothing lines, so she was able to get it done.

“I trust her. I trust what she picks, what she does, and her sense of what’s going to sell,” Coles said.

“Byrne has a successful store in Smyrna, and we balance each other very well,” Shipley added.

“And I have always said that. I have always felt we think alike when it comes to this and whatnot,” Coles added. “And she’s really good at telling me ‘no,’ as I am someone who goes with the flow.”

Shipley said both husbands are super supportive of this venture.

“And they pushed for it,” Coles said.

Monogramming and embroidery are some of the new merchandise they have added to the store. The hat that says “Sorry about my Husband” has been a hit. They also added a wreath that can hang on the front door along with an embroidered weather-resistant sash for specific holidays, occasions or everyday decor.

“Brighton has really updated their line of accessories, so we brought in new and it’s getting a great reaction. The Apple watch bands are a top item.” Shipley said.

Need a hostess or teacher’s gift? Customers requested and they listened by adding in well-known Tyler candles and detergent (try the best-seller “Diva”), serving entertainment pieces from Mariposa and the colorful French Bull line, Swig drinkware, a wide variety of snappy cocktail napkins and

tasty dips.

They also have you covered for Easter, Mother’s Day and even Father’s Day. Continuing items for men include Kahala and Callaway shirts, hats, gifts from popular lines such as Corkcicle, and fun games for everyone to enjoy.

The new children’s and baby gifts and baby clothing are an “Ah, where did you get that?” stopper and are perfect for an Easter basket or birthday gift.

Shipley’s natural merchandising skill is a gift in itself. The island-vibe displays she creates incorporate all sorts of goodies such as cosmetic travel bags, readers from Peepers, books, conversational trivial games, jewelry and more.

Women’s apparel continues to be a focus, and they added items made from natural fibers like gauze and cotton. A solid linen jacket in bright colors from LuLu B is a best seller, as it’s perfect for chilly Keys mornings or evenings and looks great with any outfit.

Other popular women’s lines they carry are Top It Off, Charlie B, Erin Gray and Honest Cotton. Sizes are extra small to extra large and some plus options. They also added in comfortable platform shoes to complement outfits from Isle Jacobsen, which have been selling very well.

“Everyone in this community has been like family. We had a great grand opening and lots of support; it’s been amazing,” Shipley said.

“It’s been really, really good,” Coles added.

The store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit @IslamoradaMercantile on Facebook and @Islamorada_Mercantile on Instagram.

1: New Islamorada Mercantile owners Elizabeth Shipley and Byrne Coles. CONTRIBUTED. 2: Baby and children’s items found at Islamorada Mercantile. 3: Products found inside Islamorada Mercantile. 4: Islamorada embroidered kids sweatshirt and a book called ‘Florida Alphabet.’

6-week

• May 16 - June 19

• On-campus, online, and hybrid courses

• May 16 - Aug. 8

• Online courses

• June 2 - Aug. 5 • 8-week term

invites you to an EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE ON THE BEACH Sunday, April 20, 6:45 a.m.

Coconut Cove Resort, 84810 Overseas Highway

WHAT’S HOPPING?

Easter egg hunts, sunrise services and delicious brunches in the Upper Keys

From brunches to beach services, Easter weekend in the Upper Keys is full of activities. With Easter on Sunday, April 20, church-goers can visit small, sandy beaches for service as the sun rises over the water. There are also traditional church services from Key Largo to Islamorada. With delicious brunches also come fun family activities, including visits from the Easter bunny and Easter egg hunts.

Brunch

• Easter brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sol by the Sea, Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Key Largo. $135 per guest.

• Easter brunch all morning and afternoon at Papa Joe’s Waterfront, Islamorada. The day also features an Easter egg hunt for kids and an appearance from the Easter bunny.

Egg hunts and activities

• Easter egg hunts at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier on Sunday, April 13. Hosted by the Florida Keys Masonic Lodge. Easter Egg Hunt times by age group: up to 4 years old at 10 a.m.; 5-7 years old at 11 a.m.; and 8-10 years old at noon. Enjoy cotton candy, popcorn, drinks, a bounce house and face painting. Lunch is available for $10: your choice of a hot dog, hamburger or brisket sandwich.

• Spring Fest will be held on Saturday, April 19 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Founders Park. Free admission. For kids ages 12 and under. Enjoy DJ and dancing, airbrush tattoos, face painting, kid’s crafts, a bounce house and a Mad Hatter activity course. There will also be snow cones, popcorn, mini donuts and drinks for purchase. The bunny arrives at the amphitheater at 9:30 a.m.; the egg hunt (sorted by age group) begins at 11:30 a.m.

Church

• Island Community Church sunrise service at 6:45 a.m. at Whale Harbor beach, 83413 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

• First Baptist Islamorada’s sunrise service on the beach at 6:45 a.m. at Coconut Cove Resort, 84810 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

• Easter service at 10 a.m. at Island Community Church, 83250 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

• Easter service at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at San Pedro Catholic Parish, 89500 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key. Easter egg hunt to follow the 9 a.m. mass.

• Easter service at 10 a.m. at St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, 87500 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

• Easter service at 9 a.m. at Pearl Christian Church, 161 Pearl Avenue, Tavernier.

• Easter service at 10 a.m. at Coral Isles Church, 90001 Old Highway, Tavernier.

— Keys Weekly staff report

Young hunters get a look inside Easter eggs they snatched during last year’s Spring Fest. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

PIXABAY

Ocean Reef Community Foundation for your continued support with awarding us the Ocean Reef Community Foundation grant for more than 10 years!

We couldn't do it without you! We are so appreciative of your generosity in our community.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HONORS BOARD MEMBER PETER RAFFALSKI

Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys recently recognized Peter Raffalski for his contributions and dedication to the organization’s mission of providing affordable housing in the Upper Keys.

Raffalski, who is stepping down as a member of the board of directors, also has served on the organization’s executive committee.

Officials recently honored Raffalski with the Dan McAfee Volun-

‘TREE’

teer of the Year Award, reflecting his dedication and hours of service.

“Peter’s impact on Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys is immeasurable. His compassion, wisdom and dedication have left a lasting legacy,” said Lindsay Fast, outgoing executive director. “We thank him for his years of service and know that his contributions will continue to inspire others in our community.”

— Contributed

RECOGNIZED

FOR 10 YEARS WITH MONROE COUNTY

Herbert “Tree” Roundtree, a maintenance worker in Upper Keys Road Maintenance, was recently recognized for his 10 years of service to the residents of Monroe County. “He is a highly skilled, reliable employee whose work ethic and vast knowledge are an asset to the county,” said Kimberly Kelley, roads and bridges administrator. “He is safetyconscious and takes pride in keeping our neighborhoods looking nice. He is a legend, and we are happy to have him.” MONROE COUNTY/Contributed

LECTURE HIGHLIGHTS ERNEST HEMINGWAY

Key West curator discusses writer’s affinity for angling

The talk will highlight Hemingway’s angling exploits and spotlight his conservation activities. CONTRIBUTED

On Wednesday, April 16, the History of Diving Museum will host Cori Convertito for a presentation on “Following the Fish: Hemingway in the Keys” at 7 p.m. Convertito will take attendees through Ernest Hemingway’s life in the Florida Keys and his involvement in the local sport fishing scene.

A famous writer in Key West throughout the 1930s, Hemingway immersed himself in Florida Keys game fishing and did much to popularize it among fellow writers, readers and sportsmen. This talk will discuss Hemingway’s angling exploits and spotlight his conservation activities.

Convertito is the chief curator and historian at the Key West Art and Historical Society. She has 25 years of experience in the museum and archives sector, and serves as an adjunct educator in history at the College of the Florida Keys.

April 16 will be the last day to catch the History of Diving Museum’s featured exhibit “Dive Into Art: Fintastic Fish of Florida.” Students from local schools crafted sculptures, plush toys, paintings and paper mache creations. Their work is displayed

Cori Convertito, chief curator and historian at the Key West Art and Historical Society, will discuss Ernest Hemingway in the Florida Keys during a talk on Wednesday, April 16 at the History of Diving Museum.

alongside art from the Art Guild of the Purple Isles, as well as interpretives provided by local organizations committed to ocean conservation. Those interested in attending the “Immerse Yourself” lecture either in-person or via Zoom may register at divingmuseum.org. This session will also be recorded and posted to the HDM YouTube channel. This month’s Immerse Yourself sponsor is the Surgery Center.

— Contributed

Peter Raffalski, pictured with his award, is joined by the Habitat for Humanity board of directors and Lindsay Fast. HFHUK/Contributed

Islamorada Investment Management (est. 2008) recently acquired another veteran-owned RIA to expand client services and capabilities. The new firm is branded Bastion Fiduciary.

KAI GOES TO COLLEGE

UM students get lesson on how foxes communicate

REEF THE FOX

Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.

Hi friends, Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.”

My buddy Kai had the chance to go to college last week. That’s right, while I was back at the sanctuary perfecting my scream by yelling at Ridley, Kai was out there making academic history. Kai accompanied our human mom, Nicole Navarro, to the University of Miami, where she was invited to guest lecture at the School of Communication for an interpersonal communication class. The students learned all about how foxes communicate nonverbally, both with each other and with humans. From ear twitches to tail flicks, subtle body shifts to eye contact, we’re basically fluent in silent language.

But the lecture didn’t stop there. Mom also talked about how Pawsitive Beginnings uses storytelling as a form of healing. She shared how the stories of our survival, from cages and cruelty to care and compassion, are woven into animal-

BUDDY

Buddy is a 5-year-old American bully with a heart as big as his smile. He’s the ultimate cuddlebug who loves nothing more than relaxing by your side after a fun day of adventures. Buddy has a passion for swimming and long walks on the beach — he’s the perfect beach buddy. He’s great with other dogs and even cats (as long as they don’t try to play hide-and-seek). Buddy is friendly, loyal and ready to be your bosom buddy for life. Give him a chance, and you’ll see why he’s a paw-some choice for your family. Call MarrVelous Pet Rescues at 305-453-1315.

Thursday, April 10

assisted therapy sessions for people who have experienced trauma. Our stories help people find hope again. It’s deep stuff. (Deeper than the hole I dug in the enclosure last week, and trust me, that was impressive.)

And of course, Mom made sure to highlight something she always reminds our visitors: wild animals are not pets. No matter how charming, fluffy or clever we seem (I personally check all three boxes), we belong in sanctuaries, not on sofas. We’ve come from tough pasts, and we deserve lives that honor our wild nature, not ones that put us at risk for exploitation again.

What made the trip even more meaningful was that a young lady from the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter was able to accompany them. She’s been dreaming of attending the University of Miami, and this visit gave her a glimpse of what that future could look like. Sitting in on a college lecture and walking the campus made her dream feel just a little closer, and we couldn’t be prouder to have her as part of the experience.

Anywho, that’s all for this week. Keep up with all things fox by following our social media pages linked in the footer of our website at pawsitivebeginnings.org.

Until next time. Reef, over and out!

• Hurricane preparedness training for adults/Preparacion para huracanes, desastres y emergencias para adultos at 2:30 p.m. (English) and 3:30 p.m. (Espanol) at Key Largo library. Call 305-453-3491 for more information.

Friday, April 11

• Conch shell blowing class at 4 p.m. at Key Largo library. First 15 people who register get a conch shell. Register at KeysLibraries.org.

Saturday, April 12

• Chess information session and play at 11 a.m. at Key Largo library.

• Fourth annual Swim Across AmericaFlorida Keys Open Water Swim beginning at 8 a.m. at Founders Park beach, Islamorada. Learn more by scanning the QR code.

• Pilot House Pirate Fest at noon at 13 Seagate Blvd., Key Largo. Best costume contest at 3 p.m.

• MarrVelous Pet Rescues’ Bets for Pets fundraiser at 6 p.m. at 68 Silver Springs Dr., Key Largo. Learn more at mprescues.org/bets-for-pets.

Sunday, April 13

• 30th annual Bay Jam outdoor music festival at 10 a.m. at Islamorada’s Founders Park.

Monday, April 14

• Crochet information session at 3 p.m. at Key Largo library.

• Birding in Islamorada with naturalist and bird expert Rachel DiPietro

from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Anne’s Beach, Islamorada. Class is $9 per person. For adults ages 18 and up.

• League & Lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Key Largo library. Bring your own lunch. All are welcome.

• Historic Preservation Society of the Upper Keys presentation welcomes David Zelagin, Nike Missile Site Coordinator for Everglades National Park, at 7 p.m. at Coral Isles Church, Plantation Key. Free to the public.

April 15-16

• JOY Center activities from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Monroe County Plantation Key Community Center, 53 High Point Road, Islamorada.

Tuesday, April 15

• LEGO club at 4 p.m. at Key Largo library. For ages 6-11.

• Dolphin Sunset Eggstravaganza from 5 to 8 p.m. at Dolphin’s Plus Bayside, 101900 Overseas Highway, Key Largo. Free admission.

Wednesday, April 16

• Free “Immerse Yourself” lecture series featuring Cori Convertito, chief curator and historian at the Key West Historical Society, at 7 p.m. at History of Diving Museum, Islamorada.

Thursday, April 17

• Adult craft: Create a Scrabble tile from 2 to 4 p.m. at Key Largo library.

• Art Walk pre-party from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Hale Gallery, 81888 Overseas Highway, Unit 2, Islamorada.

• Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Morada Way Arts& Cultural District, Islamorada.

Kai the fox and Pawsitive Beginnings founder Nicole Navarro with students in the University of Miami’s School of Communication. CONTRIBUTED

Restaurant’s location a junction between railroad and highway

Advertisement for Hunter S. Thompson in the 1983-84 Key West Yellow Pages. FLORIDA

KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Monroe County Library

THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP: THE SUGARLOAFS

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.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word sugarloaf as “refined sugar molded into a cone.” It can also mean something cone-shaped. Why the name was given to Sugarloaf Key is tricky to pin down. Some say it was named for crops of sugarloaf pineapples said to have once been farmed on the island.

The sugarloaf is one of about 40 varieties of the sweet, pulpy fruit. One of the sweetest varieties, it bears a white fruit that is low in acid and less fibrous than other pineapples. However, the Sugarloaf name predates the history of pineapple farming in the Keys. Other stories suggest the name was chosen because a cone-shaped Indian mound once existed on the island’s east side, north of the Overseas Highway.

As it turns out, Sugarloaf is not an uncommon name. Worldwide, more than 400 rocks, mountains and other cone-shaped formations bear the name. When driving along the highway, it can seem like there are two Sugarloaf Keys — especially because the road travels over another island while rolling between its parts — but the weirdly shaped island kind of looks like a backward E.

The highway crosses Sugarloaf Key twice, at Upper Sugarloaf and Lower Sugarloaf. Both jut out like the top and bottom arms of the backward E. Upper Sugarloaf Sound and Lower Sugarloaf Sound fill the open spaces. An interesting tidbit of local history is presented shortly after rolling past the green and white Upper Sugarloaf road sign. It appears near Mangrove Mama’s.

What is cool about the restaurant’s location is that it marks a junction linking both railroad and highway history — it houses a bit of it, too. Back when both the train and the highway were operating, the train huffed and puffed up and down the island chain, roaring along the same right-of-

way that the highway travels today.

When the first version of the Overseas Highway opened in 1927, it followed a much different path. Officially called State Road 4A, it traveled along the Sugarloaf shoreline, the spine of the backward E, before crossing a wooden bridge to the Saddlebunch Keys. Should you turn left (toward the oceanside) at Mangrove Mama’s you can still travel along State Road 4A. The road doesn’t go as far as it used to. It travels past the Sugarloaf K.O.A. Resort and a little bit beyond before it abruptly ends. However, it picks back up again at Lower Sugarloaf, at the end of Sugarloaf Boulevard.

In those days, too, the road crossed the railroad tracks and passed through what is now the parking lot at Mangrove Mama’s. From there, it went to an old wooden highway bridge that linked Sugarloaf to Cudjoe Key. Also, at least one building on the property of Mangrove Mama’s is said to date back to the railroad years. The former railroad building has been part of a restaurant for a long time. In the 1950s, it was Eddie’s Fish Basket, which is why the fried fish basket on the Mangrove Mama’s menu is called Eddie’s Fish Basket.

After rolling past Mangrove Mama’s and over Upper Sugarloaf, the highway crosses Park Channel and Park Key. Park Key was not built from railroad fill but is a small, slender island that naturally developed in the Upper Sugarloaf Sound. From there, the highway crosses passes and bridges called Harris. While Dr. J. Vinning Harris is usually associated with Key West, he is an important part of Sugarloaf Key’s history, too.

Harris graduated from the University of Mississippi’s medical school in 1859. He was a Confederate Army and Navy assistant surgeon during the Civil War. After the war, Dr. Harris moved to Key West, where he engaged the community well beyond his medical practice. Harris served as a customs collector and as the Monroe County school superintendent. The former J. Vinning Harris School was named in his honor.

At one point, he owned most of Sugarloaf Key — all of it, really, except for what has been described as its southern shore. He built a large

house on the island, and in 1897, the doctor began experimenting with sponge farming in the warm, shallow waters surrounding the island. His property would change hands a couple of times, though the one constant was the continuation of an effort to farm sponges which, eventually, became a failed experiment. It did not fail because it could not be done — though sponge thieves were always a problem — but because of a collapse of financial support.

The sponge headquarters were found in the area of MM 17 on Lower Sugarloaf. Today, a fire station and the Sugarloaf Lodge are there. Oh, if the walls at the Sugarloaf Lodge could talk. One of its most colorful guests was Hunter S. Thompson, who stayed at the lodge in the 1970s and 1980s.

Thompson is best remembered for his “gonzo” style of journalism that incorporated firstperson narratives and the use of writing more commonly associated with fiction than journalism. He is also remembered for his love of drugs, drinking, guns and his 1972 novel “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” Johnny Depp played the central character based on Thompson in the 1998 movie.

The following advertisement appeared in Key West’s 1983-84 Yellow Pages: “Gonzo Tours, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Shall Enter Here. Fishing, Snorkeling, Diving, Etc. Moonlight Cruises, Fast Boats in the Ocean at Night, Experience the Dark Underbelly of Key West. Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, Prop., Sugarloaf Lodge Marina.” That would have been one wild adventure.

At MM 17, there is also a small airport where you can experience the Florida Keys in a totally different way; it’s home to Sky Dive Key West. Take a right (to the gulfside) on Bat Tower Road where, for nearly 100 years, the Perky Bat Tower stood. It was one of the great roadside attractions before Hurricane Irma blew it down in 2017.

There is more to say about Sugarloaf Key and the conversation will continue when the Great Florida Keys Road Trip travels over Harris Channel and into the Saddlebunch Keys. There, we’ll take a quick stop at Baby’s Coffee before exploring all the red mangroves.

LILO WAECHTER DUNCAN

May

2, 1930 - March 28, 2025

Lilo Waechter Duncan, age 94, of Elizabethton, Tennessee went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Hillview Rehabilitation Center. Lilo was born in Elizabethton on May 2, 1930 to the late Albert and Maria (Korr) Waechter. In addition to her parents, Lilo was also preceded in death by her husband, Howard Duncan; two sisters, Margaret Broome and Hetty Klapp; and one nephew, Al Broome.

Lilo was a retired educator. She taught at Happy Valley Middle School, Keenburg Elementary, Ross Robinson Middle School and Coral Shores High School in Tavernier, Florida. In her retirement, Lilo’s greatest joy was taking care of her great-great-nieces and -nephews, especially Maggie and Aubrey. She was a surrogate grandmother to her great-nephews and great-niece, Brett, Becky and Ben.

Lilo was a devoted member and also the oldest living member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Women’s Guild, the Elizabethton/Carter County Imagination Library, and the GFWC of Elizabethton Women’s Club where she was the current secretary. Lilo was the supportive wife of her husband while he was the football coach at Hampton High School and Coral Shores High School. She also served as cheerleading sponsor at Coral Shores

High School. Lilo was honored with an award as 2023 Milligan University Leader in Christian Service. She loved playing bridge. Preparing Sunday dinners for her family was a very important part of her life.

Those left to cherish and remember Lilo include her nieces, Mary Klapp and Terry Cole, both of Elizabethton; her greatnephews and great-nieces, Brett (Rachel) Cole of Elizabethton, Ben (Joy) Cole also of Elizabethton, Becky (Michael) Wexler of Spring Hill, Tennessee, and Lucy (Jeremy) Webb of Aiken, South Carolina; her great-great-nieces and greatgreat-nephews, Maggie Cole, Aubrey Cole, Olivia Wexler, Paige Wexler, Daily Grace Cole, Bradleigh Webb, Aiden Cole, and Hendrix Webb; special niece, Susan (Bill) Warner and their son, Ross. Several other nieces and nephews also survive.

A visitation was held March 30, 2025 at Hathaway Percy Funeral Home of Elizabethton. A funeral mass to honor and celebrate the life of Lilo Waechter Duncan was held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Elizabethton. The graveside service followed at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers were Brett Cole, Aiden Cole, Ross Warner, Bill Warner, Richard Barker and Joe Alexander. Honorary pallbearers were her church family at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, members of the Knights of Columbus, Jim Campbell and all of her Mayfield Drive neighbors, friends of the Elizabethton/Carter County Imagination Library and the graduating class of 1948 at Elizabethton High School.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in honor of Lilo to the Elizabethton/Carter County Imagination Library, 201 N Sycamore Street, Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www. hathawaypercy.com.

MONEY MAKES THE ‘JOY’ GO AROUND

JOY members. CONTRIBUTED

E. G. MERKEL www.keysweekly.com

Time and people support every successful organization, but whether you are a for-profit or nonprofit organization, money does make the world go around.

The JOY Center depends on donors and community support to help provide two days of programming per week for our seasoned citizens in the Upper Keys. What kinds of monetary support did JOY get last year? Donors have a few ways to help.

One anonymous way many members choose to support JOY is through the donation boxes available during activities. This method generates $100 to $200 each week. While this is not the most lucrative method, every little bit is appreciated.

Some choose to mail in donations. Of the 55 unique donations last year, 28 were one-time gifts. Multiple donations came from six individuals giving from two to 13 times. Donation amounts ranged from $15 to $2,000, generating $13,116.50 to help with programming.

Using the PayPal option was the chosen method for 137 donations, with 20 being one-time donations. Multiple donations came from 15 individuals donating

from two to 13 times. Donation amounts ranged from $7 to $1,200, generating $8,002.62 to help with programming.

With the expansion of programming from one day to two days last year, two grants helped spread more JOY. Specifically granted to help with program expansion, funds came from the Ocean Reef Community Foundation in the amount of $10,000 and the Village of Islamorada, also in the amount of $10,000. Thanks to those funds, more opportunities for classes and events are possible.

Of note is the largest single gift ever received (so far) by JOY prior to last year. The Peterson Family Foundation donated $25,000 to support JOY’s work and continues to be a major supporter.

New individual, business and community partnerships are being developed currently and will be highlighted this year.

As JOY works to create its vision to be a welcoming, vibrant center for a thriving community, our programs and services sharpen the mind, improve physical and emotional wellbeing, and empower seniors to remain active, independent assets within our community.

Your support is welcomed.

Find ways to spread JOY at justolderyouthinc.org.

Ukulele

ALEX RICKERT

WHEN IT’S BLOWING, THEY’RE STILL GOING

MILE BRIDGE RUN RACERS

The good news: When winds top 25 miles per hour, it’s hard to overheat while running a road race. The bad news: When those winds are directly in your face, it makes for some of the toughest racing around.

Despite facing brutal headwinds for the second year in a row, there were still plenty of smiles – and an abundance of “sunrise selfies” – as racers “Beat the Bus” and crossed the finish line of the 44th annual 7 Mile Bridge Run on April 5.

Around 1,500 runners and walkers, from 5-year-olds to 88-year-old Grand Masters, braved the longest bridge in the Keys on Saturday morning in one of the unique and scenic footraces in the United States.

Familiar faces and locals locked down top positions in the race. Key West 24-year-old Owen Allen was the first to break the tape in 41 minutes, 3 seconds, followed by a second consecutive second-place finish for 2023 bridge champ Vance Bursa of Big Pine Key in 42:27. Three-time winner Collin Wainwright of Philadelphia, the top finisher in 2024, completed the top three with a time of 42:39.

Joanna Stephens of Dallas, Georgia led all female finishers, breaking the tape in 44:15 for her third consecutive win. She was followed for the second straight year by 28-year-old Anne DenOtter of Tavernier, who crossed the line in 47:55. Key West High School distance running phenom Caylaa Makimaa rounded out the top three with a time of 50:12.

The 7 Mile Bridge Run began in 1982 to celebrate the opening of the new Seven Mile Brdige, which replaced the converted railroad bridge built by Henry Flagler in 1912. Racers are allowed just 90 minutes to complete the course, challenging themselves to “Beat the Bus” sent to collect stragglers.

The course record of 32 minutes, 57 seconds, set in 1998 by Florida resident Paul Marmaro, has stood tall for nearly 30 years.

1. Overall champion Owen Allen breaks the tape in 41 minutes, 3 seconds.

2. Women’s overall winner Joanna Stephens finishes her 6.8 miles in 44 minutes, 15 seconds.

3. As with every 7 Mile Bridge Run, it takes an army of volunteers at the start, finish and aid stations to corral the chaos of 1,500 runners into a well-oiled machine that keeps racers coming back for more.

4. The crew at US1 Radio and Keys dignitaries enjoy a sunrise ride on the Pigeon Key Express to watch the action up close.

5. As they did last year, Joanna Stephens of Dallas, Georgia, right, and Anne DenOtter of Tavernier, center, went 1-2 as the women’s overall finishers, with Key West High School senior Caylaa Makimaa close behind in third.

6. The top three overall male finishers included Key West’s Owen Allen, center, in first; 2023 bridge run winner Vance Bursa, left, in second; and 2024 champion Collin Wainwright in third.

7. Mary, left, and Tom Casarsa are the final two across the line to ‘Beat the Bus.’

Photos by Barry Gaukel, Brandon Bowman and contributed images.

DID YOU SEE YOUR SHOTS? Scan the QR codes to find your race photos.

Line photos by Barry Gaukel

5 photos (post-fire truck) by Brandon Bowman 7

NAUTICAL FUN IN THE SUN

PHOTO BY ANDY NEWMAN

ARTFUL ENDING

Guild closes 59th season with awards

and a ‘good-bye’

March 24 marked the conclusion to the Art Guild of the Purple Isles’ 59th season.

During the gathering, David Bader, the guild’s president, announced the winner of the People’s Choice Award of the 59th Judged Show. The winner was Anne Chambers for her work “The Ascent.”

“Many people voted my work their favorite and that means so much,” said Chambers. “This award means to me that you can reach the most unlikely people through art. I have spread art in unlikely places. I have been inspired by many people and events, including a job for 18 years at the Florida Keys Handbag Factory as an artist and instructor.”

After retirement, Chambers said, the art guild encouraged and educated her in ways she did not learn in college, like display, matting and framing. The members helped her develop her skills and confidence.

“‘The Ascent’ is inspired by my years of scuba diving and is the memory of a beautiful moment in the dive,” she said.

Every year, guild members vote for the Cris Sandifer Award, which celebrates Sandifer’s talent and work building the artistic community in the Keys and making art available to the public. Bader received the Sandifer award for his artwork “Once Upon a Time in Key Largo.”

“The Cris Sandifer Award is particularly meaningful because it is chosen by fellow art guild members — peers who witness your artistic growth from season to season,” he said. “While expecting awards is never a healthy mindset, one can always remain hopeful.”

Bader joined the guild shortly after Sandifer’s unexpected passing and, though he did not know her personally, he understood she was deeply passionate about promoting art and artists.

“As the current president of AGPI, I work to ensure the guild remains an inclusive and encouraging space for all member artists and the Upper Keys community,” he said.

Speaking on his piece “Once Upon a Time in Key Largo,” Bader said after creating this artwork, he considered how its subject matter might resonate with those interested in Florida Keys history.

“It offers a glimpse into the past, when people first ventured into this dramatically transformed landscape,” he said.

The season-ending occasion also celebrated the guild’s retiring historian, Ingrid Brooks.

“AGPI was a life-changing experience for me,” said Brooks. “It was a vehicle through which I could transition my corporate management skills by applying them to communityoriented art endeavors in my retirement years.”

A seasonal Canadian snowbird, Brooks said the organization welcomed her and fellow Canadians into the art community, providing camaraderie that has developed into long friendships.

“Many AGPI members have inspired me throughout the years. Most mentionable to me were: Cris Sandifer, Paula Friedman, Sharon Braunberns, Janice Lee, Lynn Lamont, Diane Smith, Monica Bankowski, Jackie Campa, Morna Strengholt, Kathleen Denis … and I could keep going on and on,” Brooks said.

Brooks joined the guild 15 years ago in season 2010-2011 and accepted her first guild board position the following season. She has been selling professionally since 2002. She is primarily a self-taught artist, but gained skills through various art guild workshops, including AGPI and night classes at art schools in Toronto. She began instructing art workshops in 2013.

‘The Ascent’ by Anne Chambers won the People’s Choice Award during the Art Guild of the Purple Isles’ 59th Judged Show.

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

What: “Meet Me In St. Louis” (1944)

Why: Part of the Judy Garland holy trinity that includes “The Wizard of Oz” and “A Star is Born,” this charming slice of turn-of-thecentury Americana showcases why she was such a major star at MGM. Garland famously found the screenplay corny, but director Vincente Minnelli (whom she would later marry) persuaded her to approach this sincerely. That sincerity gives the film its heartbeat, making it not only moving, but also charmingly funny. It garnered a reputation as a Christmas classic due to its third act, but the whole film takes place over the course of a year and can be viewed any time. By the time Garland’s joyously belting out “The Trolley Song,” you’ll be glad you did.

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

Brooks told fellow art guild members to “Be brave, step out, spread your wings and be the best you can be in that moment.” More information is at agpi.us.

— Contributed

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

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

David Bader’s ‘Once Upon A Time In Key Largo’ won the Cris Sandifer Award. CONTRIBUTED

Ingrid Brooks’ ‘Live Stream.’

Founded by Betty Debnam

Meet Will Shakespeare

Mini Fact: This painting from 1834 shows the house where Shakespeare was born (center house).

William Shakespeare was born in April 1564, and even now, more than 460 years later, his plays, including “Romeo and Juliet” and “Hamlet,” are among the most admired literature in the world. He is also known for his sonnets (SAHNits), a special type of poem.

This week, The Mini Page learns more about the writer known as the Bard.

WILL’S HOME

William was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. His father, John Shakespeare, was wealthy. He had gained much of his money from his wife, Mary Arden. A woman’s property went to her husband at that time.

William’s dad made leather goods such as gloves. He was also a top official in Stratford. He was chief alderman, or an elected official similar to a city councilman. At times, he served as deputy bailiff (BAY-lif), or sheriff.

William grew up with five siblings and many cousins. His mother and grandmotherprobably taught the kids to read at home.

When they were 4 or 5 years old, children learned to read with a hornbook, or a little wooden tablet with a piece of paper or parchment glued to it. It was covered

TRY ’N’ FIND

ACTOR, ALDERMAN, ANNE, BAILIFF, BARD, ENGLAND, GLOBE, HORNBOOK, LONDON, PLAYERS, PLAYS, POEM, SCHOOL, SHAKESPEARE, SONNETS, STRATFORD, THEATER, WILLIAM, WRITER.

with a thin, protective piece of animal horn.

Children attending grammar school usually learned both reading and writing. There were no set rules for how to spell words at that time, so nobody had spelling tests.

GOING TO SCHOOL

When he was 7, William began attending the Stratford Grammar School, an excellent school founded in 1295. It was in a large hall above a meeting room.

School was hard. The school day started at 6 a.m. in the summer and 7 a.m. in the winter. It lasted eight to 12 hours, six days a week. Kids had to bring their own candles to study in the dark.

The boys studied plays and literature by ancient Romans and Greeks. Students learned by reciting or writing things over and over. They had to memorize a lot. They also had to learn how to compose their own works.

DRAMATIC PLAYS

About once a year, groups of traveling players, or actors, came to Stratford. From the time he was about 8, William was able to watch plays with the rest of the townspeople.

Players would perform in front of town officials, in the square or in an inn yard. People would watch from balconies around the inn.

There were no women players. Young men acted the women’s parts. Traveling players may have performed in churches or on temporary stages built in the town.

they performed.

GROWING UP

William left school at around 15 years old and may have become a schoolmaster in a household in northern England, or he may have become an actor.

He returned to Stratford when he was 18 and married a neighborhood girl, Anne Hathaway. They had a daughter, Susanna, and twins, Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet died when he was 11.

SHAKESPEARE’S PLAYS

We don’t know how Shakespeare got started in theater, but experts know he was in London acting and writing plays by the 1590s.

His playwriting career went very well. He bought a house in Stratford for his family. He became part owner of a successful playing, or acting, company called The King’s Men. It was probably sponsored, or supported, by King James. Shakespeare also owned property in London.

RESOURCES

On the Web:

• folger.edu/explore/shakespearefor-kids

At the library:

• “Shakespeare’s First Folio: All the Plays: A Children’s Edition” by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

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

A global seafood company is offering a $48 bounty per fish captured after around 27,000 of its farmed salmon escaped from a facility off Norway’s coast, sparking concerns for the area’s ecology. The escape occurred after a powerful winter storm damaged a fish pen in Troms. Norway’s government has ruled out banning open-net farms, where fish are raised in large floating cages in the ocean. Conservationists warn that escaped farmed salmon threaten wild populations by reducing genetic diversity and spreading disease.

art by Phoebe Dightonrt, courtesy Folger Shakespeare Library

photos courtesy Folger Shakespeare Library

A hornbook

William Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s acting company built the Globe Theatre in London, where

held on April will held on 10th from 6-8pm. 6-8pm. All Are Welcome! Are Welcome!

invites you to spend Holy Week with us.

Reconciliation Service, Wednesday, April 16, 4 p.m.

Palm Sunday Vigil, Saturday, April 12, 4:45 p.m. Palm Sunday Masses, April 13, 8:45 a.m., 10:45 a.m, and 4:45 p.m. (in Espanol)

Tenebrae Service, Wednesday, April 16, 6 p.m. Celebrate Last Days of Jesus

Holy Thursday, April 17, 6 p.m. Mass of the Lord Last Supper Good Friday, April 18, 3 p.m. Rosary and The Passion of the Lord Holy Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Confessions Easter Masses, April 20, 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. en Espanol Easter Egg Hunt 10: 05 a.m.

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Serves Kindergarten through 8th Grade

Weekly Field Labs for Hands-On Learning

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LOCKING IN

Four lifters headed to states | P.4

APRIL 10

Marathon Baseball Berean Christian 4/1 W, 8-3

Coral Shores Baseball Dade Christian 4/1 W, 7-6

Marathon Baseball Berean Christian 4/1 W, 14-0

Coral Shores Softball Colonial Christian 4/1 W, 33-24

Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Miami Country Day 4/1 W, 8-5

Coral Shores Girls Lacrosse Palmer 4/1 L, 10-3

Marathon Softball Ransom 4/2 W, 22-10 Key West Baseball Miami Academy Charter 4/2 L, 11-9 Key West Softball Mater Bay Academy 4/2 W, 20-5

Coral Shores Baseball Mater Bay Academy 4/2 W, 14-4 Key West Girls Lacrosse Miami Country Day 4/3 L, 11-10 Marathon Baseball Jupiter Christian 4/3 L, 5-1

Key West Boys Lacrosse Miami Country Day 4/3 W, 17-11

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

HOLLY

He is a great leader on and off the field with his teammates. He’s a big part of why we are 16-1-1.”

.788

Coral Shores senior Eddie Holly currently leads the Hurricanes in home runs this season with three, all of which were pounded out last week in a magnificent performance at the plate. He started the week with a tworun homer against Dade Christian in a game that could not have been closer, helping the Hurricanes to keep their win streak alive. The following night, Holly let two fly, driving in five runs with an unprecedented three homers in one week.

Holly leads the team in on-base percentage at .600, which coach Joe Szymanski described as unheard-of. Holly is currently hitting .455 and his slugging percentage is .788. Defensively, he is perfect 98.6% of the time, making him, statistically, nothing short of a phenom. For his unparalleled contributions to the Hurricanes last week and all season long, Coral Shores’ Eddie Holly is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

THIS WEEK Eddie

Senior, Coral Shores

Photo by: JOY SMITH/Keys Weekly

four of Marathon’s weightlifting captains will head to

big dance at the FHSAA State Championships. From left: Max Childress, Tanner Ross, Matthias Martinez-Velez and Damian Stasiewicz.

Baseball DH/Catcher

– Hurricane coach Joe Szymanski

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

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

IN CONTENTION

Four Keys lifters qualify for state championships

On April 3, Coral Shores and Marathon sent some of the strongest young men in the Florida Keys to the FHSAA 1A Region 4 championships in Frostproof. For four of them, it won’t be the final stop in their postseason journey.

Marathon had a strong showing, securing a third-place team total in Olympic lifts and a runner-up trophy in traditional. Fueling the team’s successful showing at regionals were two first-place titles as well as multiple second-place finishes to stack on points to their team totals, much as they do with plates on their Olympic bars. Coral Shores did not place in the top 10 at regionals as a team, but had some success in individual weight categories.

Two lifters left Frostproof with automatic qualifications for the state meet by winning their weight classes outright. Marathon’s Matthias Martinez-Velez won the regional championship in the traditional event in his 139-pound weight class. He combined 225 pounds on the bench with 180 on his clean and jerk to win the title outright and punch his card to states. Martinez-Velez is in a three-way tie for the eighth-place ranking for states. The talented junior came in fourth in the Olympic competition, missing a second state bid by a five-pound one-place margin.

Joining Martinez-Velez at the top spot on the podium last week was senior Damian Stasiewicz, who claimed a regional title in the Olympic competition and a runner-up medal in traditional. The 169-pound lifter paired a 185-pound snatch lift with 185 pounds in the clean and jerk to win the title. Stasiewicz is tied for eighth in the state rankings in Olympic lifts and will also compete in the traditional event at states.

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Marathon’s best shot at a medal lies with junior Max Childress, who brought home a pair of second-place finishes from regionals in the 183-pound class. In the Olympic event, Childress snatched 185 pounds and added a 275-pound clean to secure his medal and qualify for states, where he is ranked fourth. Given that he failed his final

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

CONTENTION

snatch, it is likely that Childress has the ability to add at least 10 pounds to his total and could bring home some hardware. In traditional lifts, he is ranked fifth with a 265-pound bench added to his clean lift. Childress likely has more in the tank at bench, as well.

The final competitor to qualify for states in boys weightlifting this season is Tanner Ross. Like Childress, Ross secured a pair of runner-up medals at regionals. In the 199-pound Olympic category, the senior put together 205 pounds in the snatch with 265 pounds in clean to tie for an eighth-place ranking at states. Ross failed both of his final lifts at regionals, giving him a potential extra 20 at states, which could easily bump the senior into medal contention. In the traditional event, Ross benched 265 in his second lift and went for a big 15-pound increase in lift number three, which was recorded as a fail. Should he find the fortitude to dig deep and clear his best attempts from regionals at the state meet, Ross could also find the podium in that event.

The team captains have led the Fins to resounding success this season.

Coral Shores did not have any state qualifiers, but did have some notable performances at regionals. Tyler Bettner placed third in the traditional event and fifth in Olympic at 139 pounds, bringing home a pair of medals. Teammate Aaron Lykins was the runner-up behind Stasiewicz in the 169-pound class in Olympic lifts. Despite coming in second, Lykins missed the state cut by two places with just five pounds of combined weight separating him from the big dance. Lykins was third in traditional lifts, giving him two regional medals this season. At 154 pounds, William Roberts medaled in sixth place in the Olympic category.

The four Fins and their coaches head to Lakeland’s R.P. Funding Center this week for the FHSAA 1A State Championships, which will occur Saturday, April 12.

Far left: Tanner Ross puts up a 265-pound clean and jerk.

Left: Max Childress preps for his 265-pound clean and jerk at regionals.

Right: Marathon’s Matthias MartinezVelez, left, Max Childress, Damian Stasiewicz and Tanner Ross will head to states this week to compete in the FHSAA 1A Championships in Lakeland.

Photos by Barry Gaukel and Jackson Garcia

NEXT LEVEL

Two Conchs sign letters of intent

ASoccer star DJ Barrett, left, and baseball standout Sam Holland sign their letters of intent with Roosevelt University and the University of Tampa.

MAICEY MALGRAT/ Keys Weekly

BATTING 1.000

Softball teams have perfect week of wins Keys-wide

As the final month of prep softball’s regular season began, Keys teams refused to lose.

The

pair of Key West athletes signed national letters of intent last week to take their skills to the next level.

Come fall, baseball player Sam Holland will continue to don red, but the Conch will put on a Spartan hat for Division II baseball stronghold University of Tampa. Holland’s performance in the outfield has been nothing short of stellar this season, with a .985 fielding percentage. His ability to gun the ball from deep in the outfield makes him an asset, and he has turned five double plays this season, a testament to his athleticism. Holland’s bat also attracted much collegiate attention; he is batting .323 with 21 hits, 18 RBIs, 11 doubles and a home run this season.

Also signing was soccer standout Dennis “DJ” Barrett. The defenseman, described as a true team leader for the Conchs who is willing to do the gritty work behind the scenes, often without recognition, will take his can-do attitude to Chicago’s Roosevelt University.

The Division II Lakers are very excited with their Southernmost addition. "We’re thrilled to have Dennis joining our program at Roosevelt University,” said coach Paddy Hoepp. “He brings an infectious energy to the team, combines physicality with a strong work ethic, and has the kind of mindset that will help him grow quickly at the college level. We’re excited to see him develop and make an impact in our squad."

Key West added to their win column last week after routing the Rays of Mater Bay Academy 20-5 on April 2. The Conchs piled on 18 hits, with Kaleaya Dickerson and Tavyn Gage accounting for three each. Chloe Kongos, Kaleya Cervantes and Alexa Condella added two each. Ryleigh Harnish earned the win on the mound, fanning three, walking nine and allowing two hits over three innings. Brianna Brenner put in four innings of work in the circle, striking out five, walking one and giving up just one hit. The team stands at 10-6 with a little over a week to go in the regular season.

Coral Shores improved to 3-4 after a two-game win streak, starting with the Patriots of Colonial Christian. Despite it being April Fool’s Day, the 33-24 score was legit. The ’Canes stacked up 20 hits, with four from Presley Bagwell and three each from Jenna Mandozzi, Chloie Stanley and Addison Gady. Mira Jones earned the win pitching four and one-third innings, striking out seven, walking six and giving up four hits. Bagwell spent two and twothirds innings in the circle, fanning five, walking six and surrendering seven hits to the Patriots.

it being April Fool’s Day, the 33-24 score was

On April 4, the Hurricanes picked up their second road win of the week against Ransom Everglades. Jones had the hot bat for Coral Shores, registering four hits. Melanie Estevez added three more to the team total of 12, with Arianna Talan driving in four runs in the 21-11 victory. Bagwell spent five innings pitching, striking out eight, walking nine and surrendering seven hits.

Marathon defeated the Raiders 22-10 errors.

The ’Canes were not the only Keys team to bring home a win from Ransom last week; the Dolphins of Marathon defeated the Raiders 22-10 on April 2. The Fins had 16 hits, with Maeve Merryman and Madelyn Thornton leading the charge. The pair had three hits apiece and Merryman drove in five runs while Thornton had four RBIs. Elena Eubank, Trinity McLeod, Sara Robinson and Elianys Roque had two hits each.

The following day, Marathon hosted Miami Country Day, a team they suffered a mercy-rule loss to just one month prior. This time around, the Fins were ready and did their best to capitalize on five Spartan errors. Merryman, Thornton and Elena Eubank had the Fins’ only hits, but it would be enough. Thornton held the Spartans to a single hit, and Marathon’s defense held steady to safeguard the win. Now 8-4, Marathon, like the rest of Monroe County’s teams, must continue their winning ways to boost their power rankings in hopes of securing a top spot in district playoffs later this month.

ning ways to boost their power rank-

Kaleaya Dickerson had three hits against Mater Bay Academy on April 2. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

CIVIL SERVICE

’Canes girls and Fins boys enjoy late-season wins

On April 2, Marathon hosted Coral Shores, with the Dolphins and Hurricanes trading wins on the tennis courts. Though the teams are one another’s closest rivals, the Fins and ’Canes tennis crews enjoy a civil relationship, meeting up multiple times each season and looking forward to rematches.

“It’s great that we get to play them so much,” Marathon coach Kevin Freeman said. “They are a good team with two really good coaches. Our players and theirs get to know each other and it’s always a great match when our teams get together.”

The Lady ’Canes prevailed 6-1, with wins from Chloe Koval, Emma Sogegeian, Harlee Beeler and Kameron Vetter in singles plus wins from the doubles teams of Koval and Vanessa Gabriel and Sogegeian and Emily Rosu. Marathon’s lone winner was Emily Alvear, in the No. 1 singles spot.

Marathon’s boys secured a 5-2 victory, with Adrien Holdinga, Carlos Lezcano and Graham Murphy winning in singles. Holdinga and Lezcano and Matt Delgado and Kasimir Krzypkowski teamed up to take both doubles matches for the Fins. Coral Shores’ wins came from Zach Bolano in the No. 2 singles match and Max Smith at No. 4 singles.

As of press time, Marathon will have played their final regular-season matches while Key West and Coral Shores will play theirs against one another on April 10 in Tavernier. District tournaments span April 14-17 for the various Keys teams.

Adrien Holdinga, left, and Emily Alvear both won matches in Marathon’s No. 1 singles spots last week. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

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WRECKING CREW

Eight records fall in track and field action last week

Eight Keys school records were broken last week in track and field as athletes gear up for districts later this month. The first to fall was via the legs of Coral Shores freshman phenom Ali Wheatley, who placed first at a South Dade mini meet on April 1. Wheatley ran the 800-meter run, finishing two laps around the track in 2:36. Teammate Sammy Bates placed second in the same event. Wheatley went on to win the 3,200-meter run in 12:15 for two firsts.

Alaric Rodriguez placed first in the boys 800-meter run, finishing in 2:04. Adrik Gadea was one second behind Rodriguez for second place. Hayden Teal was second in the girls 1,600-meter run, while Tristian Rios and Jamie Cary were second and third in the boys race. Tristan Sanchez took second in the 3,200-meter boys run and Jarmoris Davis was second in shot put.

Two days later, the ’Canes headed to Marathon for the Middle Keys Invite.

Marathon’s girls won the meet 180-142 while Coral Shores won the boys competition 245-237. The Lady Fin win was driven by a trio of first-place throws from junior Justice Lee, whose top tosses re-broke all three of her own Marathon school records. Her discus throw, considered an elite performance by Mile Split, landed 33.20 meters from the throwing circle. That’s just under 109 feet, more than twice as far as her closest competitor. In the shot put, Lee hurled the 6-pound ball 37’3” and her javelin toss was 105’3”. Ava Merryman broke her own school record in pole vault, clearing the bar at 9’7.25” for a first-place finish in the event. Tinashay Cunningham won the 400-meter race in 1:04.25 on the track while Marathon’s jumpers secured multiple field events.

Daysi Williams won the high jump, clearing 4’9.75”, while Caylie Globe leaped 15’7.5” for a first in long jump. Other Fins wins were the 4x800 relay team of Rebecca Merryman, Rilynn Richards, Molly Joly and

Mylana Loza and the 4x100 team of Bryanna Jouvin, Marti Kilbourne, Williams and Adrianna Golding.

The Lady ’Canes saw firsts in the 100-meter dash, finished by Niveah Howard in 14.05 seconds, and the 200-meter dash, with Olive Welch finishing in 30.31. Sammy Bates won the 800 in 2:47 while Wheatley opted for the longer 1,600, which she won in 5:42. Julieanna Oddo raced to a first in the 100 hurdles in 20.03 seconds and the Coral Shores 4x400 team of Mira Jones, Tess Hill, Bates and Kate King was the team’s final first-place finish.

The Hurricane boys took 10 firsts. In the field events, Evan Osipov won the discus with a 120’4” throw while Jarmoris Davis threw the shot 41’11.5”. Adrik Gadea outjumped the field of long jump competitors with a 20’2.25” leap, while Riley Froman won the pole vault competition, clearing a 10’11.75” bar. On the track, Sean Harm won the 200-meter race in 24.76 seconds, Adrik Gadea won the 400 in 53.11 and Victor Lopez

1. Mikail ‘Jay’ Marshall leads the pack in the 100-meter dash.

2. Marathon’s Justice Lee, seen here preparing to unleash a PR javelin toss, broke three of her own school records April 2.

3. Coral Shores’ Evan Osipov won the discus competition at the Middle Keys Invitational on April 2.

4. Fabbianho Louis Jeune catches major air during his winning triple jump on April 2.

was first in the 800 with a time of 2:16. Tristan Sanchez rounded out the individual winners with a 12:25 3,200 race. The Hurricanes had two winning relay teams as well: the 4x100 crew of Uriel Gutierrez, Harm, Danny Malagon and Tanel Irons and 4x400 team of Alaric Rodriguez, Tristian Rios, William Roberts and Gadea raced to first-place finishes.

Marathon’s boys had just two track wins. Mikail Marshall won the 100 in 11.47 seconds and Vance Bursa was first in the 1,600, winning in 4:33. In the jumping events, Fab Louis Jeune won the high jump and triple jump, clearing 5’5.75” and 36’9.5” respectively. Israel Gonzalez won the javelin event with a 111’6” throw. Maverick McDonald’s 8’7” vault did not win but did break a school record.

Key West had some elite performances of its own last week at the Father Luis Ripoll S.J. Relays at Belen Jesuit, where more than a dozen top-level South Florida teams went to compete on April 5. The Conch boys were second overall and the girls were fourth, with multiple notable performances from both squads.

Just prior to the meet’s start, Conchs head coach Dave Perkins asked thrower Noah Mercer if he would be breaking any records that day. Mercer’s short reply,

Photos by RICK MACKENZIE/

“Yep,” rang true as he won the boys discus event with a 152-foot toss that broke his own school record by six feet. Shane Lavallee then hurled the javelin 176’8” to take over that Conch record, surpassing the old one by more than seven feet. And though it was two-and-ahalf inches shy of a school record, Malachi Telisma won first place at the meet with a fantastic 6’3.5” high jump performance.

Other notable performances from Key West’s boys team were Walson Morin’s second-place 200-meter race. Morin also ran a leg of each of Key West’s secondplace relay teams. Morin teamed up with Jeff Dejean, Lavallee and Telisma in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays. Dejean went on to place second in the long and triple jump events, Ian Newton was second in pole vault and Josh Johnson was second in the shot and discus events.

Audrey Smith was the big winner for the Lady Conchs, sweeping the throwing events for a trio of firsts. Smith threw the javelin 119’10”, the discus 110’9” and the shot 28’5.75” to secure nearly half of the team’s points. Colleen Barter accounted for the team’s other first-place finish, clearing the high jump bar at 4’7.75”. Ariel Newton was second in pole vault, clearing 8’10.25”, and then ran a leg of the second-place 4x200 relay team with Alyssandra Camargo, Mirakle Humphrey and Janiliah Moore.

All three Keys teams will meet in Key West on Friday, April 11 to finish out their regular seasons. District meets begin April 22 for Key West and Coral Shores, who will compete at Tropical Park in Miami for the FHSAA 2A District 16 Championships. Marathon will compete the following day at Palmer Trinity for the 1A event.

Jace Jackson’s successful faceoffs helped boost the Hurricanes in a five-game win streak the past two weeks. JOY SMITH/Keys Weekly

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

’Canes

and Conchs won’t travel for quarterfinals

Coral Shores baseball is not the only team with an impressive win streak this season. The Hurricane lacrosse team has won its last five games, giving them a slightly easier path in district bracketing as the postseason begins.

Last week, the team added three of those wins, first against Miami Country Day on April 1 in an 8-5 triumph over the Spartans. Yandel Chaguaseda scored three goals and assisted on another to lead the scoring. Zane Martinez and Reed Tudor found the goal twice each and Finn McDonough scored one and assisted on two more. McDonough also picked up 11 ground balls for the ’Canes. Jace Jackson won 15 of his 16 faceoffs and scooped up seven ground balls of his own. Brock Bynum registered 11 saves in goal.

Two days later it was Christian Gonzalez with the high score, with two goals netted. McDonough, Tudor and James Mitchell accounted for the other three and Bynum had another 19 saves in a 5-3 win over Miami Palmetto. The following night, Bynum recorded a rare lacrosse shutout against Keys Gate. A dozen Hurricanes scored against the Knights in a lopsided 18-0 win. Mitchell and Tudor each recorded hat tricks and Drake Prosek and Rory Ferger scored two apiece to bring the team to an 11-5 regular season finish.

Key West finished 8-6 after defeating Miami Country Day 17-11. The win likely boosted the Conchs just enough for them to earn a coveted home-field playoff game in the district quarterfinals this week.

Coral Shores will play Florida Christian in the FHSAA 1 District 16 quarterfinals on Thursday, April 10 at 4 p.m. The ’Canes come into the tournament ranked No. 3 while Florida Christian is sixth in the standings. In their last meetup, the Hurricanes prevailed over the Patriots, but the game was forced into overtime before a victor could emerge. Should the Hurricanes beat the Patriots, their most likely opponent in the semis would be Ransom Everglades, another team the Hurricanes narrowly defeated in the regular season. The topranked team in the district is a formidable Gulliver Prep, a high-scoring crew that remains untested against Keys teams this season.

Key West, ranked No. 4 in District 16, is matched with fifth-ranked Westminster Christian in the quarterfinals. The teams will face off in The Backyard of Key West on April 10 at 6 p.m. Key West is looking to avenge a narrow loss to the Warriors earlier this season, and should they prevail, their path to the championship game becomes a bit trickier; their next opponent would be Gulliver for the semis on April 12.

5. Riley Froman sets up to clear the bar for a win in the boys pole vault competition.

Coral Shores baseball stretched its win streak to 15 last week after a pair of victories, beginning with what amounted to a home run derby against Dade Christian School on April 1. Donovan Thiery started the slugfest with a solo homer to center field before the Warriors retired the side. The game went scoreless for the next two frames until Campbell Lavoie sent one over the center field fence for a solo home run of his own. Then it was Dade Christian’s turn, but unlike the Hurricane homers, this one scored three, giving the Warriors the lead until Eddie Holly drove home two with a shot to left field for home run number four of the game.

By the top of the sixth, Coral Shores was ahead 7-4. A pair of Dade Christian home runs put the Hurricanes in jeopardy, but the team held on and brought home win number 15. Thiery earned the win pitching for Coral Shores while Lavoie collected the save. Lavoie, Holly and AJ Putetti had two hits each in the team total of 10.

15 STRONG Hurricanes extend win streak as all three Keys squads carry winning records

The following night, the ’Canes won 14-4 at Mater Bay Academy. Holly and Putetti’s bats were still on fire, with each slugger logging three hits while Lavoie added two to the team’s 11-hit total. O’Berry threw four innings of no-hit ball, striking out six and walking one. Glade Harrelson closed it out for win number 16 for the team, whose 16-1-1 record should serve them well in district seedings.

MARATHON

Marathon had an action-packed week, playing four games in as many days. They started off at Berean Christian in West Palm Beach for a doubleheader with the Bulldogs on April 1. In game one, Marathon collected seven hits with two from Mason Thornton, who had two RBIs. Gavin Leal added a hit and three RBIs to the team totals. The Fins stole 10 bases, with three each by Thornton and Jason Stubblefield. Shane Dieguez lasted five innings, striking out four, walking none and allowing five hits and zero earned runs in an 8-3 Dolphin win.

Due to the doubleheader, the teams decided to make game one a bit shorter, cutting off play after five frames. Game two would also be abbreviated, but this time due to the mercy rule. In a resounding 14-0 win, Marathon racked up 16 hits, with two each from Dylan Williams, Jack Chapman, Jack Dunn, Gavin Leal and Gabe Leal. Gabe Leal and Curren Nicolay each drove in three runs for the Fins. Roco Piscetello earned the win on the mound, surrendering just two hits, walking one and striking out one batter.

Two nights later, the Fins were at Jupiter Christian, where despite outhitting the Eagles, they lost 5-1. Gabe Leal went the distance on the mound, delivering two strikeouts and two walks while surrendering seven hits. Leal led offensively as well, logging three hits against Jupiter. Jason Stubblefield and Thornton had two hits each out of the Fins’ nine total. The team stole five bases, but luck was with the Eagles, whose perfectly-placed hits gave them the advantage while nine stranded Fins runners made for a low score.

Marathon’s week ended in a home game against Mater Bay Academy on April 4. The Dolphins defeated the Rays 10-3

Top: Coral Shores’ pitcher Campbell Lavoie’s efficiency on the mound has led to a 2.03 ERA this season. The senior hurler has five wins and two saves this season. JOY SMITH/Keys Weekly

Above: A 3-3 performance at the plate by Marathon sophomore Jason Stubblefield, plus two stolen bases, helped power the Dolphins’ home win against Mater Bay Academy on April 4.

SEAN WESTERBAND/Keys Weekly

off 10 hits, led by Stubblefield, who was 3-3 at the plate. Stubblefield went on to steal two of Marathon’s eight stolen bases in the win. Williams, Thornton and Leo Mendez had two hits apiece and Gavin Leal added one. Thornton got the win on the mound with eight strikeouts, one walk and five hits allowed over five innings. Jack Chapman and Dylan Williams finished out the innings to help bring Marathon to a 14-9 record as they await their conference playoff bracket, which will precede district playoffs for the Fins.

KEY WEST

Key West made the trip to Mater Academy Charter on April 2 to take on a talented Lions team. The Conchs put one on the board in the first inning, then the Lions answered back with an eight-run rally for a comfortable lead. Key West took advantage of a pair of errors and strong hitting from Conch bats in the third to narrow the deficit by five runs, but a strong Lions team and the unfortunate first inning were too much to overcome. Roman Garcia had three of Key West’s nine hits. Kade Maltz and Xavier Perez were good for two each in the 11-9 loss.

The Conchs then took their frustrations out on the Stingarees of Miami High in a two-game series with the 7A team. In the April 4 matchup, Key West dispatched them in five innings via nine hits, nine walks and three hit batters. Darreld Tremino and Nelson Ong had two hits each in the win. Tremino had three RBIs and Ong had two. Sam Holland had three RBIs and a pair of stolen bases. Jon Carlos Lampas-Gormley threw four innings for the win, striking out six, walking one and allowing four hits before Kasey Kasper closed the show for a 14-4 Conch win.

The following night, the Stingarees lasted seven innings but still ended up on the losing side thanks to a dozen Conch hits, several of which went for extra bases. Maltz registered two doubles and a triple while Pichardo had a triple and two singles. Tremino smacked three singles for three RBIs and Nelson Ong added two singles. Auggy Davila accounted for the final Conch hit. Vinnie Moline earned the win in four innings on the mound by fanning five, walking two and surrendering four hits. Maltz and Cruz Holmes also saw action, striking out two batters each. The 14-9 Conchs have just two games left in the regular season.

KTIME TO SHINE

Giacopuzzi says that the team will focus on shifting to a more confident dialogue and use their errors from the Country Day game to fuel them in the postseason. The Lady Conchs’ power rankings placed them as the fourth seed in District 16, matching them against No. 5 Lourdes Academy for their quarterfinal matchup on April 9 (results not available at press time).

Coral Shores had a pair of games last week, starting with an away game at Palmer Trinity School on April 1. The Hurricanes lost that one 10-3, but with one game left in the regular season to pick up a W, the team was not about to go winless – and in their final showing, the Hurricanes downright dominated.

Shay Stober scored a half-dozen goals to lead the charge in the April 4 home game against Keys Gate. Lela Goodrich and Ivy Tiedemann each netted hat tricks while Adelynn McNew, Allegra Fucaraccio and Anaia Woods scored two apiece. Saylor Wampler, Chloe Cummings and Eliyanna McLeod accounted for the other three in a 21-2 thumping. Wampler and McLeod enjoyed their first career goals in the team’s first win of the season.

The ’Canes will need to win a play-in game prior to earning a district quarterfinal game. The good news is their opponent for the April 9 play-in was Keys Gate at Westminster Christian School (results not available at press time). A win against the Knights would place the Hurricanes in the quarterfinals, but that game would occur directly afterward, against the district’s top-seeded team.

The Westminster Christian Warriors are not just the top-ranked team in the district; they will play their quarterfinal matchup against either eighth-ranked Coral Shores or ninth-ranked Keys Gate on fresh legs at home when their opponent has just finished a full game.

ey West’s girls lacrosse team finished the regular season 5-8 after a disappointing loss at Miami Country Day on April 3. The Lady Conchs lost 11-10 to the Spartans despite maintaining a narrow lead for the bulk of the game. A last-minute sideline error and twominute penalty gave the Spartans the upper hand, and they capitalized to tie the game and force a six-minute sudden-death overtime period. In such a predicament, Conchs coach Marisa Giacopuzzi said, “It all comes down to the draw. Win the draw, win the game. And that is exactly what Miami Country Day did in less than one minute.”

Though the loss wasn’t the final game the Conchs wanted, some fantastic performances were noted from Key West’s athletes. Althea Olsen was on point in her defense against the Spartans’ top scorer, shutting her down for much of the game. Deanna Mercier scored four goals, picked up three ground balls and won three draw controls to lead the stat boards. The talented senior also caused a turnover. Kaitlyn Piloto netted one goal, won four draws and scooped three ground balls. Colbie Turner scored three and Adriana Dall and Eisley Whitehead each scored one goal while Mavis Bishop won a pair of draw controls. Courtney Grabus and Olivia Moore combined for 16 saves in goal to keep the game close.

From left: Mavis Bishop added one goal to the team total against Miami Country Day last week.

Althea Olsen was credited with putting other teams on lockdown this season.

Saylor Wampler netted her first career goal last week.

Shay Stober scored six against Keys Gate on April 4.

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Ocean Breeze Marathon located at 101 11th Street, Marathon, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: 101 11TH STREET LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

Publish: April 10, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Sunset Harbor at Cow Key located at 5031 5th Avenue, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: 5031 5th AVENUE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company Publish: April 10, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of The Hideaway located at 6531 Maloney Avenue, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: 6531 MALONEY AVENUE

Statute 328.17, Robbies of Key West, LLC claims a possessory lien on the following described vessels:

Owned by Phillip Northcutt for unpaid storage fees: a 1974 Coronado Yachts 35’ Sailboat “Starship” HIN: CYNA01840174

Owned by Eric Desantis for unpaid storage fees: a 1972 Morgan 36.5’ Sailboat “Southern Aire” HIN: 623721

Owned by David Vance for unpaid storage fees: a 1984 Hunter 31.3’ Sailboat “Zephyr” HIN: HUN31366G484

Sealed bids will be accepted on April 18th, 2025 at Robbies of Key West, 7281 Shrimp Rd, Key West Fl 33040. Robbies of Key West, LLC reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Publish:

April 3 & 10, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Florida Keys Council of the Arts

Notice of Upcoming Meetings

Apr 21, 2025, at 4:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 868 5977 7957

Passcode: 474491

Executive Committee Meeting

Apr 23, 2025, at 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 829 1861 1720

Passcode: 588567

Publish: April 10, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS CITY OF MARATHON REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR

PROFESSIONAL AUDITING

SERVICES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed proposals will be received by the CITY OF MARATHON, until 10:00 am, local time, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Clerk’s office of the City of Marathon located at 9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida, 33050.

Marathon, FL 33050, or by email to: ci.marathon.fl.us.cityofmarathon@ No verbal communications shall be binding. Only written Addendum from the City shall be Publish:binding. April 10, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS CITY OF MARATHON NOTICE TO QUALIFIED PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER: REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

PUBLIC NOTICE

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.

THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: April 10, 2025.

Co-Personal Representative: HARVEY E. BROWN

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

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

Co-Personal Representative: JILL E. WINLAND-BROWN

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

LLC, a Delaware limited liability

Publish:company

April 10, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Please take notice that in accordance with Florida

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

Art In Public Places Committee Meeting

Apr 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 889 2768 6745

Passcode: 960431 Council of the Arts Nominating Committee

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

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

The City of Marathon, Florida, hereby requests, sealed "Proposals" from Professional auditors to provide auditing Services to the City of Marathon.

Proposals shall be prepared, addressed and submitted in compliance with detailed instructions as set forth in the RFP documents. Bid documents may be examined and obtained online at www. demandstar.com.

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive irregularities, technical errors and formalities, and to award the contract as it deems will best serve the interest of the City.

Any questions by prospective Proposers concerning this RFP shall be addressed in writing to the City Clerk, not later than 7 days prior to the submittal date by mail to 9805 Overseas Highway,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The City of Marathon, Florida, is seeking to hire a contracted Public Information Officer (PIO) to manage all social media and press releases within the City of Marathon. The PIO will keep the media and public informed of the services and accomplishments of the City. This includes but is not limited to: writing press releases, all social media (Facebook, etc.), television, website information, and communication with the press. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) documents may be examined at City Hall, 9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida. RFQ documents may also be examined online at www.demandstar.com. All RFQ documents must be obtained from Demand Star. RFQ documents obtained from any source other than Demand Star may not be accurate or complete, and each Responder and subcontractor assumes all risks by their reliance on such documents. Any Responder or sub-contractor who does not obtain the RFQ documents from Demand Star will not be notified of any RFQ addenda issued by the City, which could contain material changes thereto (such as additions or changes to the technical specifications, extensions of time, etc.)

Responses should be limited to 10 pages.

To be considered, qualifications packages must be submitted to the City Clerk of the City of Marathon. Qualifications packages will be received by the City Clerk, at the City of Marathon City Hall, 9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050 until 3:00 PM EDT, May 15, 2025 (the “Response Submission Deadline”). Responses received after this time will not be considered. Responses received will be opened promptly thereafter. One (1) original qualification package and two (2) complete unbound copies must be signed and submitted in a sealed opaque envelope. Envelopes must be clearly marked:

City Clerk City of Marathon RESPONSE TO RFQ

Public Information Officer (PIO)

Publish: April 10, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

File No. 25-CP-000093-P Division: Probate IN RE: ESTATE OF Charles C. Phelan, also known as, Charles Craven Phelan, Deceased.

The administration of the estate of Charles C. Phelan, deceased, whose date of death was July 5, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is April 10, 2025.

Personal Representative:  Sandra L. Phelan 121 Front Street, Unit E  Lewes, DE 19958 Attorney for Personal Representative:  Bryan E. Bloom Florida Bar No.126722  Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

2600 Campus Drive Florham Park, NJ 07932  Email Address: bryan.bloom@ faegredrinker.com Telephone: 973-549-7104 Publish: April 10 & 17, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-125-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LARRIE STEPHEN BUSLOFF, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of LARRIE STEPHEN BUSLOFF, deceased, whose date of death was March 17, 2025, Case: 25-CP-125-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF

Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

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

Telephone: (305) 292-3926

Fax: (305) 295-7947

Publish: April 10 & 17, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-97-M

DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD ROBERT BRASWELL Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Donald Robert Braswell, deceased, whose date of death was February 17, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: April 3, 2025.

Personal Representative: James Gary Braswell 670 E. Riverside Dr. Bastrop, TX 78602 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq. Attorney

Publish: April 3 & 10, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

KEY WEST DIVISION “IN ADMIRALTY” CASE NUMBER: 4:25-cv-10021JEM IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPLAINT OF:

WILLIAM MILNER & PAULA MILNER, as owners of the S/V Sara Lou, a 1992 34’ Pacific Seacraft Monohull Sail, bearing Hull Identification No.: PCS34227G192, its Engines, Tackle, Appurtenances, Equipment, Etc., In a cause for Exoneration from or Limitation of Liability. Petitioner.

___________________/

NOTICE TO ALL POTENTIAL CLAIMANTS OF COMPLAINT FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

As the owner of the S/V Sara Lou, a 1992 34’ Pacific Seacraft Monohull Sail bearing Hull Identification No.: PCS34227G192, (the “Vessel”)—and pursuant to 46 U.S.C § 30501, et seq., and Supplemental Rule F of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure—William Milner and Paula Milner filed a Complaint on March 4, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida seeking exoneration from, or limitation of, any liability concerning any and all personal injury, property damage, destruction, or other losses arising out of or related to an incident on or about December 27, 2024, on the navigable waters of the United States in Buttonwood Sound, Key Largo, in Monroe County, Florida, as more fully described in the complaint. The Court has accepted a letter of undertaking as interim security for all claims against Petitioners and the Vessel. Pursuant to 46 U.S.C. § 30511(c), “all claims and proceedings against the owner related to the matter in question shall cease.” By June 9, 2025, all persons or entities claiming damage for any and all loss, destruction, injuries, and/or death allegedly as a result of the occurrences and happenings recited in the complaint must file their respective claims with the clerk of this court and serve copies thereof on Petitioners’ counsel. By the same date, all persons or entities presenting claims and desiring to contest the allegations of the complaint must file an answer to the complaint in this court and must serve copies thereof on Petitioners’ counsel or be defaulted. Service on Petitioners’ counsel may be made by delivery or mail to Richard J. McAlpin, or Lourdes M. Cardelle of MCALPIN FLOREZ MARCOTTE, P.A., 80 SW 8th Street, Suite 2805, Miami, Florida 33130, telephone number (305) 810-5400. Dated: March 13, 2025. Angela E. Noble United States District Court Southern District Court of Florida By: Nadhege Augustin Deputy Clerk

Publish: April 10, 17, 24 and May 1, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-349-K DEON ROBINSON, Petitioner, and ANTTWON JEWSOME, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ANTTWON JEWSOME RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 1213 14TH STREET, LOT 184, KEY WEST, FL 33040

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Deon Robinson, whose address is 1213 14th Street, Lot 184, Key West, FL 33040 on or before May 31, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: N/A

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

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

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

Dated: March 26, 2025 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson Deputy Clerk Publish: April 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-315-K MONIKA BANDOVA, Petitioner, and MICHAEL DAVID CARBON, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

TO: MICHAEL DAVID CARBON RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN

ADDRESS: UNKNOWN

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Monika Bandova, whose address is 3 Casa Roma Lane, Apt. 3, Key West, FL 33040 on or before April 28, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 530 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: N/A

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: March 17, 2025

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk

Publish: March 27 and April 3, 10 & 17, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CA-0291-K BANKS G. PREVATT, PATTY L. PEERY-PREVATT and JILL NOTTKE, Plaintiffs, vs. LITTLE TORCH PROPERTIES, INC.,(A DISSOLVED FLORIDA CORPORATION),JOSEPH PARDO, AS RECEIVER OF LITTLE TORCH PROPERTIES, INC.,(DECEASED), AND ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS OR BUSINESS ENTITIES HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN THE DISPUTED PROPERTY IN THIS CASE, WHETHER THROUGH OR DERIVED FROM LITTLE TORCH PROPERTIES INC., OR OTHERWISE, Defendants. ___________ / NOTICE OF ACTION TO QUIET TITLE To: LITTLE TORCH PROPERTIES, INC., (A DISSOLVED FLORIDA CORPORATION), C/O JOSEPH PARDO (DECEASED), AS RECEIVER OF LITTLE TORCH PROPERTIES, INC., AND ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS OR BUSINESS ENTITIES HAVING, OR CLAIMING TO HAVE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN THE DISPUTED PROPERTY IN THIS CASE, WHETHER THROUGH OR DERIVED FROM LITTLE TORCH PROPERTIES INC., OR OTHERWISE, YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title of the following described property in the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Key West Division, has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to Kevin Hoyes, of Kevin Hoyes Attorney, P.A, at 422 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida, 33040, Phone (305) 731 3349 (Plaintiffs Attorney), on or before DATE: April 28, 2025, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on the Plaintiffs' attorney or immediately thereafter, including your full name and address; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

The Property at issue in this case is formally described as follows:

1. The disputed property lies at the rear of 141 Pirates Road, Little Torch Key, is of a size of approximately 750 square Feet, has a parcel ID number of 00215471-000000 (and an Alternate Key Number of 9036754) according to the Monroe County Property

Appraiser's website.

2. The upland property is also more fully described (according to a survey dated February 19, 2025 by Reece & Associates (of 31193 Avenue A, Big Pine Key, FL. 33043), as follows:

Parcel 1

A portion of the northerly 25 feet of Lot 30, Block 1 of Jolly Roger Estates, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 34, of the public records of Monroe County, Florida, and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows:

Commence at Southwest corner of Lot 30, Block 1 of Jolly Roger Estates, Plat book 5, Page 34, thence bear N00°00'00"E along the west line of said Lot 30 and the east right-of-way line of Pirates Road, as shown on said Plat, for a distance of 85 feet to the point of beginning.

Thence, continue N00°00'00"E for a distance of 10.22 Feet to a point on the edge of an existing canal and the intersection of the westerly projection of an existing concrete seawall; Thence leaving said right of way line, bear S89°54'0l"E along said canal edge and seawall for a distance of 24.32 feet to a point on the northwest corner of an existing boat basin; Thence bear S00°40'33"W for a distance of 10.18 feet to a point that is 25 feet south of and parallel to the north line of said Lot 30, Block 1; Thence bear N90°00'00"W, along said line, for a distance of 24.44 feet back to the point of the beginning.

Together with Parcel 2

A portion of the northerly 25 feet of Lot 30, Block 1, Jolly Roger Estates, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 34, of the public records of Monroe County, Florida, and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows:

Commence at Southwest corner of Lot 30, Block 1 of Jolly Roger Estates, Plat book 5, Page 34, thence bear N00°00'00"E along the west line of said Lot 30 and the east right-of-way line of Pirates Road, as shown on said Plat, for a distance of 85 feet to a point of intersection with a line that is 25 feet south of and parallel to the north line of said Lot 30, Block 1; then bear S90°00'00''E, along said line, for a distance of 49.60 to a point on the east line of an existing boat basin and the point of beginning.

Thence, bear N00°55'28", along said basin, for a distance of 9.73 feet to the northwest corner thereof, said corner also being on the face of an existing concrete seawall on the southerly side of an existing canal; Thence S89°06'33"E, along said seawall, for a distance of 50.24 feet to a point on line of said lot 30; Thence bear S00°00'00"W, along said east line for a distance of 8.95 feet to s point that is 25 feet south of and parallel to the north line of said Lot 30, Block 1; Thence bear N90°00'00"W, along said line, for as distance of 50.39 feet back to the point of the beginning. Containing 469.85 Sq. Ft., more or less. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, ADA Coordinator, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040; (305) 292-3423, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice

impaired, call 711. Dated: March 17, 2025 Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Court for Circuit Court of Monroe County Key West, Florida By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk

Publish: March 27 and April 3, 10 & 17, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

1964 Ford Galaxy, 427 Big Block, 5-speed, located in Key Largo. REDUCED $45,000 954-445-6647

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

19’x40’ slip in Marathon, could handle somewhat larger boat with approval from dockmaster. Desirable location in marina, easy in, easy out. Electricity, available, free water, pump out, WiFi. Available 1 May 25 thru Oct 25, possibly long term lease. Please contact Vern Rozier, 904 626 5279, or 904 626 8224 and leave call back info. Or email vrrozier@yahoo.com.

EMPLOYMENT

All Keys Yamaha hiring a Technician Marine Repair specializing in Yamaha outboard engines. Also hiring: Retail Parts/Counter HelpMarine outboard knowledge a plus. QuickBooks experience a plus. Hours M-F 8a-5p for both positions. Apply in person at 2001 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-743-3530

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

Night Monitor – FREE

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

HELP WANTED: Two Conchs in Marathon is now hiring a Full Time Retail Sales Person in our Tackle Shop/Marina. Competitive wages. Contact George 305-289-0199

Part Time Supervisor/ Housekeeper Position Available Immediately in Key Colony Beach. Hours may vary depending on need including weekends. Responsibilities include oversee housekeeping staff, inspecting rooms prior to guest occupancy, making up laundry bags, cleaning rooms, etc. Physical demands: ability to lift and carry laundry bags ~ 35 lb. **Must have reliable transportation** Please call/ text or email to discuss pay and to request application. Vivian -952-208-2850 Cheryl -305-505-8747

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

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

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring for the following positions: Resident Care Supervisor with min. 3 yrs. experience of an LPN, Carpenter-FTKeyWest, Housing Manager- FT-Marathon, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: wrightk@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 ext. 224. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am- 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 404-219-3359 and ask for Dave.

Full time office position with strong computer skills, KCB Condominium, $78K per yr., apply by e-mail to HardingThomasL@aol.com, text or call 734-476-0531. HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

PRICE REDUCED!

2BR/1.5BA Mobile on canal in Key Largo. Single-wide, unfurn, w/40' dock-davits. No pets. $2,100/mo + $2,100 security. References needed. 616-813-9755

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

1 upstairs bedroom for rent in Grassy Key (East Marathon). Unfurnished. Mostly private bathroom with shared W/D. Other upstairs occupants are the homeowners: A probation officer, his wife, and their very small dog. $1200/ month F/S 305-393-5049

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

Available Now, Stock Island near CVS. Traveling nurses/Working professionals only. No pets, smokers or drugs. Gated, safe, quiet, has parking and a pool. Fully furnished room w/private bath, smart TV, washer/dryer. House and kitchen privileges always, w/fridge and cabinet space. Monthly rent REDUCED to $1,400.00 All Included. First and Last due at move in time. Call 305-797-5600

1BR/1BA fully furnished Apt. for rent in Marathon. Ideally one person. On canal w/boat lift, W/D, Wifi. $1,950/mo. 850-376-7137 RENTED IN THREE WEEKS!

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

YARD SALES

SARA’S ESTATE SALE: Part 2 of 2 Selling the contents of an award-winning watercolorist’s waterfront estate in Marathon!! Sale is Fri, April 11 and Sat, April 12 from 845a to 1p, both days, 2691 Sombrero Blvd, Marathon. We have ART! and art supplies: frames, canvas, mats, paper, paint & pastels. Three Q bedroom sets (Drexel and wicker), living room & sitting room furniture, 6-seat glass & wood dining set. Bestequipped kitchen ever: AllClad, Le Creuset, Williams & Sonoma, crockpots, lobster pots, mixers, Breville oven & more. Pink Mikasa silverware matches a GINORMOUS set of Lenox “Poppies on Blue” matches French glass plates & pretty crystal pieces. Designer clothing (sm & med); shoes (8-8.5); purses by Dooney & Burke, Coach, Vera Bradley, etc.; pretty perfume bottles. Office chairs, printer, grill, grill accessories & outdoor wicker furniture (6 pcs). Flatscreen TVs (3), bedding, towels, beautiful pottery, lamps and so many rugs (runners & room). And, finally, a huge Knox gun safe. Follow the signs and park with consideration (DO NOT PARK on golf course grass). More photos at estatesales.net.

To place a Classified ad, please call 305-417-0871 or email anneke@keysweekly.com Anything from Autos or Boats for Sale to Housing for Rent or Yard Sales. The Keys Weekly Newspapers is the perfect place for you to advertise - only $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy!

NOW HIRING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IT DIRECTOR

Manages the IT department and other technical operations within the City Government providing day to day support. Their main duties include identifying the organization’s IT needs, adding updates and enhancements to current computer systems and ensuring employees’ technical issues are resolved efficiently.

Researches and responds to technical questions regarding the operation of computing system functions. Works with the existing security and IT services provider to ensure accurate billing and IT needs are being met.

Extensive knowledge in computer systems and Microsoft application and operating system software required. Additional experience using proprietary software, such as ESRI ArcGIS, VueWorks, and/or other work-flow management software tools is helpful. Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. Prior experience with similar hardware, software, and network systems and familiarity with local government information system is desirable.

Please see the online post on our website for additional details. www.ci.marathon.fl.us/jobs

MARINE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST AT FIU’S AQUARIUS REEF BASE

Join our dedicated Florida International University team that provides offshore logistical and emergency response support to the Medina Aquarius Program. We maintain and operate all underwater laboratory equipment and boats, monitor Life Support Systems, and coordinate diving activities as we assist scientists and clients in achieving their underwater research objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Service, maintain, and operate underwater laboratory equipment support systems, ensuring functionality of critical safety equipment.

- Assist divers with underwater tasks such as experiment placement and data collection.

- Provide shore-based logistical support for Aquarius diving and boating operations, ensuring equipment is ready for missions.

- Serve as Captain of the ARB research vessel and as a USCG Captain for passenger vessels during operations.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

- High School Diploma with 3 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- SCUBA diving certi cation and the ability to pass a Diving Physical Exam within 90 days of hire.

- General knowledge of diesel inboard boat operation and maintenance.

- Certi cations in CPR, Automatic External De brillator, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration, Current USCG License 6 Passenger.

For further information or to apply, please visit careers. u.edu and reference Job Opening ID# 534641. The position is open until lled; we will begin reviewing applications April 15, 2025.

SOLAR SALES FOR SALT ENERGY, LLC. - Dynamic, local company looking for good people to grow with us. Located in Marathon, we have been engineering, installing and servicing solar energy systems in the Keys, South Florida and Caribbean for over 30 years. We are looking for a Team player with a great attitude, excellent communication and sales skills, who is excited to share the benefits of solar energy. Initially, this position will be representing the residential and small commercial sector of the company, focused primarily in the Florida Keys.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Visit customers’ homes to perform site surveys and provide tailored solar solutions.

• Prepare and deliver compelling sales proposals and negotiate terms to close deals.

• Communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project implementation and complete customer satisfaction.

REQUIREMENTS

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with customers.

• Self-motivated, target-driven and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering an outstanding customer experience.

• Strong understanding of solar energy systems and industry best practices, preferred.

EDUCATION: High school diploma required. College degree in business or communication preferred.

JOB TYPE: Full-time. WORK LOCATION: In person.

PAY: Base pay plus bonus commissions. Benefits: 401(k) matching, PTO.

SALT Energy, LLC., 2992 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050. Send resume and cover letter to Lisak@saltenergy.net.

NOW HIRING!

e Turtle Hospital in Marathon wants you to join their team!

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM GUIDES/GIFT SHOP SALES

Full and part-time. Public speaking and & retail sales experience helpful. $19/hour to start.

Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org

NOW HIRING

HVAC TECH WANTED

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

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

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

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

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

Call 305-407-3262 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON WANT TO WORK IN A

We are hiring for a new Walking and Running Store in Islamorada and Marathon, WALK HERE RUN HERE.

DUI FRONT DESK CLERK & EVALUATOR/INSTRUCTOR

The Advocate Program DUI school is hiring for part time positions. Front desk: 3 days a week, high school diploma required.

DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required.

Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.

We have the following openings available. Scan the QR code to visit the careers page on our website.

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

APPRENTICE

(Full-Time, Permanent)

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

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

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

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

(Full-Time, Part-Time, Permanent)

DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees by offering a competitive total package. DRC currently offers a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays, vacation, sick and an employee assistance program. DRC also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee.

COME JOIN THE FAMILY!

Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

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

YEARS!

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

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST

- Radiation Therapist, $12k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Chemotherapy Infusion, $15k Bonus

- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C), Medical Oncology, $5k Bonus

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary

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

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

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $25k Bonus

- Patient Scheduler, Radiology

- ED Team Coordinator 1, Emergency Department

- Environmental Tech 1, $5k Bonus

- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, Ultrasound/Vascular with Echo, $50k Bonus

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

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

- Radiology Technologist 1, $40k Bonus

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

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Care, $25k Bonus

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

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

*Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)

MARATHON Care Coordinator (PT)

Driver – PT (CDL not required)

RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult)

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

*Support Worker (Assisted

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

CLIENT MEDICAL SERVICES ASSISTANT, CNA (FT)

Assisting our clients with dental, medical and transportation appts. Act as liaison between clients, families and support staff. Requires some on-call responsibility. Min. requirement - Florida certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant.*

SUPPORTED LIVING COACH (FT)

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

GROUP HOME MANAGER  FT  KEY WEST

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

DIRECT CARE STAFF – NIGHTS/WEEKENDS - GROUP HOMES 24/7 (FT)

These positions are available at our Windsor and Von Phister Group Homes. Providing direct-care services and support to our clients in their home. Must be willing to work flexible shifts including overnights. This position requires a minimum of high school completion or GED and 1 year of experience with care giving or 30 hours of college coursework.*

*ALSO REQUIRED FOR ALL POSITIONS: Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license. EOE