Marathon Weekly 23-0914

Helping

Stunning open water views of the Atlantic! This spacious pool home features two bedrooms, two full baths upstairs, and a living, dining, and full-size kitchen offering endless ocean views. Step out on the balcony and take it all in. The avid boater will love the 45 feet of TREX dockage with direct access to the reef. Relax by your oceanside pool while taking in the views. There's plenty of room for company with an additional 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath downstairs with the Master bedroom poolside with open water views. Make this your primary home or take advantage of a fantastic rental opportunity. This home has a great rental history, along with future bookings.

MARATHON | $2,485,000 | Listing ID: 604978

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9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Digital Editor / Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Diana Striker

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

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News Deadline Tuesday Noon

The first Keys Weekly newspaper hit the stands 20 years ago on Sept. 14, 2003. The 40-page edition featured a cover of a young girl greeting Talon, a 13-year-old dolphin, at Dolphin Research Center in Marathon.

NEVER BOUGHT, NEVER SOLD, ALWAYS LOCAL

Keys Weekly celebrates 20 years

The fact you are reading this paper is nothing short of a miracle. All across the country, locally owned newspapers are closing their doors, consolidating or being absorbed by large hedge funds designed to cut staff and squeeze operations for maximum profit.

The internet, 24-hour news and social media have changed the way people access information. Paper is getting harder to source and the skills required to operate a press and bindery are becoming a lost art form.

There were doubts.

When the Weekly launched on Sept. 14, 2003, there were multiple papers across the Florida Keys with larger staffs, more resources and bigger offices.

We started in a converted apartment, had no reserves and worked all hours of the day and night to put a paper on the streets. And even with countless hours of labor and endless nights, there were times the paper wasn’t measuring up to our standard.

Say yes to the community … the rest will follow.

recognition. Yes to the playhouses and art studios and yes to the teachers and our schools. Why? Because that same community said yes to us in return. And that’s an honor and privilege we can never repay.

Community first

When hiring, our primary credential for candidates was to identify those who care about our community. This simple philosophy of “community first” and putting the needs of others before our own was a culture we were founded on and one that we proudly adhere to 20 years later. Today the Keys Weekly is proud to employ over 25 dynamic locals across the Florida Keys. Between our three offices, the Weekly consists of moms, dads, grandmas, conservatives, liberals, moderates, environmentalists, athletes, bookworms, some who love country music and some who loudly blast Kendrick Lamar from their office (not saying any names in Key West). But what they all share is a mission to serve. Our “Best Of” events in Marathon, Key West and Tavernier have raised close to $1 million for local nonprofits and our current Weekly team has either served or currently participates in over 40 civic and nonprofit organizations – from memberships to board positions. Simply put, the Weekly adheres to a “community first” culture – and we hope this remains evident in our approach to journalism.

Though the face of the adorable youngster may be different, believe it or not, the dolphin from our first cover and 20th anniversary cover is the same. Now 33 years old, Talon is a research star at Dolphin Research Center and still makes new friends like Amy Reyes daily. Cover photo by: DEB MOOSE/Dolphin Research Center

Read our entire first edition at Keysweekly.com

mation biases from every mainstream website and news feed that fits a “side” or nationalized narrative. And the loss of community newspapers has only perpetuated this concerning trend. This is why serving our community is so important to the men and women who span our three offices here in the Keys. We truly believe that empathy and compromise can still exist when a community puts the needs of others first. And we hope that is what our publications continue to resonate each and every week.

We are active. We are engaged and we are grateful.

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m. @theWeekly

@KeysWeekly

Even when we didn’t know that much, we knew enough to say “yes.” If one thing defines the difference between locally owned community news and corporate media, it is the responsibility to not only report on your community, but also to serve and participate with your neighbors. So when people called in need of an article, press release or added exposure for an event, we said yes. Yes to the nonprofits that called and needed additional press and yes to the civil servants, first responders and those who get up and go to work every single day. We said yes to the mom-and-pop businesses that called in vital need of

Our job is simple - we tell stories. And your story is important - especially to us.

While we strive to keep a humble perspective on our jobs, whether it be design, journalism, marketing and logistics, we have always maintained a culture that has as much fun as possible, while remaining respectful of the responsibility we have to our readers and our community. So often in this modern age we have lost the pursuit of reading with a purpose to learn, stimulate and grow. We are fed confir-

Grateful for the front row seats to all the cool events and contentious meetings. We are grateful you answer our phone calls because your story is important. Grateful for the relationships that have survived hurricanes, an oil spill, a recession, a pandemic and a rash of other moments that tested our resolve.

We had to adapt

Every lasting business in America must adapt and this has certainly manifested in the media. As other media sources come and go, we keep listening, moving, adapting and growing. Today our website boasts over

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GEIGER KEY | $1,399,000

Picturesque waterfront home, situated on 2.5 lots with private bay bottom ownership, making it a rare gem in desirable Geiger Key! After a day on the water, dock your boat in a protected boat basin. Upon entry, a beautifully designed open concept living area flows into a well-equipped kitchen. Within walking distance to Geiger Key Marina, with restaurant and the beach, you'll always be close to the action at this slice of paradise!

273 MARS LANE

7 CORMORANT LANE

CITY COUNCIL, STAFF SQUARE OFF OVER BUDGETED PAY RAISES

Things got spicy on Tuesday night

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Acrowd of around 40 Marathon city employees — irate with the City Council’s recent comments on proposed staff raises in the city’s 2023-24 budget — filled the council chambers on Tuesday night, kicking off the panel’s renewed budget talks on Sept. 12 with a tense exchange.

Referencing a nearly 30-page packet distributed to council members detailing salaries and expenses of many city staff in relation to household survival and stability budgets for Monroe County published by United Way, Public Works Manager Jim Griffith spoke on behalf of gathered workers in a sharp address to the council. In the crosshairs were comments from the council’s Aug. 22 budget workshop, in which a proposed 9.6% cost of living increase for all staff was tentatively reduced to 6.9%.

“You like to use terms like CPI, regional trends and the Wall Street Journal,” he said, describing the plight of several city workers whose salaries are not low enough to qualify for assistance programs, but aren’t high enough to comfortably cover Keys expenses. “I don’t recall anywhere in the city of Marathon … a street named Wall … so I don’t know what that has to do with anything.

“The numbers that are coming up are ludicrous, or as (councilman Jeff Smith) would like to say, ‘It’s insane to pay that much money,’ or as you’d like to say, councilman (Kenny) Matlock, ‘nobody’s struggling to live here.’”

The targeted remarks drew a fiery response from Matlock, who took exception to Griffith’s characterization of his thoughts on the raises. As first quoted in the Aug. 24 edition of the Weekly, Matlock’s remarks only referenced “some of the salaries” in the city “well past six figures” and advocated for a “graduated scale” in increases, with lower-paid employees eligible for more significant bumps.

Vocal jabs from the gathered staff continued throughout Smith’s response, who argued for continued use of statistics and analysis of city salaries against comparable positions elsewhere.

“I’m a data guy,” he said. “I agree we have to support our people, and

that’s why I asked for a salary survey. … Let’s look at our salary ranges and what’s comparable, because I do want to be fair, but I also have to be fair to the taxpayers.

“There’s a balance we have to have, and that balance is looking at price ranges. It’s not across the board. I’m sorry, but if you’re making $200,000 and I’m giving you 20% over two years, that’s exorbitant. However, I do agree that if I’m making 40 (thousand), I probably have to look at that.”

Councilman Lynn Landry similarly backed a salary survey as a mechanism to individually adjust salaries, while Vice Mayor Robyn Still and Mayor Luis Gonzalez argued strongly for significant raises across the board, with Gonzalez comparing the importance of staff raises against taxpayer dollars used for other purposes like Fishermen’s Hospital and nonprofit grants re-initiated by the city in 2023.

The council gave a unanimous first approval to Finance Director Jennifer Johnson’s updated budget with the 6.9% increase, with a final hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 5:05 p.m. at City Hall. Down from the originally-proposed rate of $2.72 mills at the direction of the council – $2.72 paid per $1,000 of assessed property value – the updated budget assesses the rollback rate from 202223 of 2.4477 mills, raising around $9.8 million in revenues for Marathon’s general fund.

The city’s projected revenues are roughly $20.8 million for fiscal year 2024, with budgeted expenses of $20.5 million. As Johnson explained, the drop in millage from the last meeting will result in roughly $300,000 in reserves added to Marathon’s general fund, down from the $1 million in originally budgeted additions.

For additional meeting coverage, please see the Sept. 21 issue of the Marathon Weekly.

half a million visitors each and every month, while our daily E-Blast is read by over 25,000 organic users. Our sister company, Overseas Media Group, provides websites, social media and digital support. For 20 years, not one week has passed without someone proclaiming to us that “print is dead.” Maybe it is, but not in the Florida Keys. There is no secret recipe to successful newspapers in a digital world. Yes, you have to adapt. But more important are the people who make up the offices. Our success is a direct result of a culture embraced and amplified by our talented and beloved staff. Our team’s dedication to their craft as well as their commitment to the community is what we are most proud of. Those humble beginnings in the converted apartment taught us well. We know where we came from – and never take for granted where we are now.

We are thankful

So our message to you is one of gratitude. We thank you for supporting local media, our staff and our families. And moreover, we implore you to continue to read. Leon Gutterman, the late editor of Wisdom magazine, once said, “Reading is easy and thinking is hard, but the one is useless without the other.” So keep reading the Keys Weekly, whether you agree with every page or not, and continue to play your part in a thriving community that thinks, empathizes and miraculously exists in spite of the differences and challenges we all face every day. We are proud to serve this community, alongside each of you, for the past 20 years. And we look forward to the next 20 years of local media here in the Florida Keys.

— Jason Koler & Britt Myers

Dozens of city staff filled the Marathon council chambers on Sept. 12, offering applause and occasional outbursts throughout the council’s discussion on budgeted staff raises.

ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Scan the codes to watch recordings of Marathon’s Aug. 22 and Sept. 12 budget discussions:

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE…

Marathon’s 2003 headlines outlast the decades

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

than two years. Frost’s headline and article describe the efforts of the 2003 Marathon City Council – Mayor Randy Mearns, Vice Mayor Pete Worthington and councilmen John Bartus, Jeff Pinkus and John Repetto – to alter ROGO point criteria to “favor local residency” and “reduce the number of ROGO points that could in effect be ‘purchased.’” The same discussions could be – and have been – added to any council agenda in 2023.

SAME RATES, NEW PRICE

“When the city put together its first budget in 2000, the assessed property value was just under $1 billion.” – Ed Frost, “City Council Adopts Rollback Rate” While the current tentative millage rate (2.4477 mills) for Marathon’s 2023-24 budget isn’t too far off from its 2003-2004 number (2.4931), property values in Marathon are now well north of $4.1 billion.

WE STILL TAKE PRIDE IN DOLPHIN COUNTRY

Second-year head coach Lance Martin guided the Fins to a 6-6 record and a playoff win in his first year at the helm, starting the ‘03 season 2-0 with quarterback Chris Kuck when the Weekly was born. Today, Martin still spends his Friday nights under the lights of Marathon’s brand new stadium as the school’s athletic director, but Dolphin Country is still the place to be to start the weekend as coach Sean McDonald’s 2023 Fins take the field.

and commercial fishermen tired of being “taxed” by these fish from debating the extent of the species’ recovery – and the viability of several ongoing harvest options – in the decades since. In early 2022, FWC approved an extremely limited, highly-regulated harvest of 200 fish per year starting in 2023, regulated by a random lottery among paying entrants. It was the first harvest of its kind in 33 years.

SHAMING THE SCOOTERS

“It is my understanding … that both KCB and Marathon city councils are planning a meeting to discuss the gasoperated stand-up go-peds … that are both fast and noisy, and driven primarily by allegedly irresponsible youngsters. I do not believe that adults who use properly-equipped electric scooters for transportation on sidewalks should be part of this new issue. In fact, I don’t believe the two councils should be wasting taxpayers’ money even discussing such a trivial issue.”

– Bond Ying, Letter to the Editor

STILL BUILDING ANSWERS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

“The affordable housing crisis has been a significant issue in Monroe County for at least 15 years. When I was a county planner here in 1987, I couldn’t afford housing, and eventually left for greener pastures. … Affordable housing is a critical issue. Unless we are successful with our efforts, it could adversely affect our community for years to come.”

– Scott Janke, Marathon city manager

If affordable housing isn’t atop the list of concerns for most Marathon residents, it’s in the top three, as nearly every employer struggles to retain their most valued workers in the midst of inflation, a dwindling long-term housing stock and an exploding vacation rental pool. Though most experts would agree Marathon can’t “build its way out of” the affordable housing crisis, and many of its driving factors are governed at the state level, recent years have seen hundreds of new units built between Duck Key and the Seven Mile Bridge. The city’s mooring field in Boot Key Harbor, which contained 64 moorings in 2003 according to Janke, now boasts 226 permanent moorings, and the harbor has become a valued housing resource for the Marathon workforce.

ROGO HEADING FOR RECKONING

“Council Tries to Fix ROGO” – headline by Ed Frost

A headline that could just as easily be written in 2023. Building allocations throughout the Keys will soon reach a reckoning point, with allocations set to fully expire in Marathon in less

WE REALLY, REALLY HATE STORMS WITH “I” NAMES

“Keys Keeping Wary Eye on Isabel; Major hurricane still days away from potential impact” -headline by John Bartus Thankfully, the deadliest, costliest and most intense hurricane of the 2003 season spared the Keys, but made landfall in North Carolina with winds of 105 mph. The devastation brought by Hurricane Irma 14 years later needs no explanation. Thanks to the National Weather Service pros in Key West, our ability to predict, prepare for, and react appropriately to storms like Ian (2022) and Idalia (2023) has grown by leaps and bounds. But it goes without saying that storms with “I” names give Floridians a reason to shudder.

GRIPES ABOUT GROUPER

“Jewfish, a.k.a. ‘Goliath Grouper’ for those P.C. wussies, were an endangered species. Some years ago their ranks were decimated. … Today, they have made a dramatic if not somewhat horrific comeback in many cases according to Gulfside wreck fishermen. … Whatever the solution, many wreck fishermen that I have interviewed … are fed up with the current situation. They want some sort of open season.” – Rick Berry, “A Few Words About Jewfish”

Goliath grouper harvest has been illegal since 1990 in Florida, but that certainly hasn’t stopped recreational

Most folks would probably agree they’re glad the loud go-ped era is over, but Mr. Ying might be surprised to see just how much electric scooters now form the center of this “new-old” issue. For the first time in city history, Marathon passed an electric scooter and E-bike ordinance in 2023 to address use of various vehicles on sidewalks and roadways. Today, electric scooters are a critical mode of transportation for Marathon’s workforce … and yeah, maybe a few of those “allegedly irresponsible youngsters,” too.

A 52-unit affordable housing complex on 39th Street in Marathon is just one piece of the housing puzzle in the city. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Then-head coach Lance Martin leads the 2003 Dolphins football team through a practice. KEYS WEEKLY

Don Rogers and captain Jeff Mulligan land a 200-pound goliath grouper in 2003. KEYS WEEKLY

FEDERAL AGENCIES RESCUE MIGRANTS FROM DRY TORTUGAS

A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN 20 YEARS

A LOOK BACK AT THE COUNTRY — AND THE KEYS — IN 2003

The world — and the Florida Keys — were different places in 2003, when the Keys Weekly began covering and chronicling the island chain.

George W. Bush was president. The nation was still recovering from the 9/11 attacks, and in March 2003, launched the “shock and awe” bombing campaign against Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Anthrax scares were still common in the U.S. and America was still five years away from even considering a black president.

To see where we’ve come from, let’s take a look back at the world in which this newspaper was created.

23 CUBANS RESCUED, PLUS ONE TEMPORARILY LOST AT SEA

Border Patrol agents, along with Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, the US Coast Guard, and local law enforcement partners responded to a migrant landing at the Dry Tortugas National Park, approximately 70 miles east of Key West on Sept. 9.

Border Patrol agents encountered 23 Cuban migrants who were stranded on Loggerhead Key after they made landfall on a homemade vessel. The migrants told agents that someone jumped overboard while out at sea and was missing from the group, states a Coast Guard press release.

Coast Guard Sector Key West command center watchstanders launched search and rescue crews. Nearly 24 hours into the search and rescue effort, a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater aircrew located a person in the water about seven nautical miles north of Loggerhead Key on Sunday, Sept. 10.

The Coast Guard Cutter Charles Sexton crew was diverted to rescue the survivor

and transferred the person to a Monroe County Trauma Star aircraft for transportation to medical care, where they remain in stable condition.

“Our agents and law enforcement partners worked diligently over the weekend to ensure these migrants were rescued and provided with immediate care,” said Walter N. Slosar, chief patrol agent for the U.S. Border Patrol. “As we enter the peak of hurricane season, unlawful maritime migration becomes an increasingly dangerous journey across the Florida Straits.”

The 24 total Cuban migrants will be interviewed, processed for removal proceedings and transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody for repatriation.

Anyone who unlawfully attempts to reach the U.S. by sea or who arrives by sea unlawfully will be processed for return to their country of origin or departure, in accordance with U.S. law and policy, the release states. — Contributed

In 2003…

• Beyonce’s first solo album, “Dangerously in Love,” topped the Billboard charts while 50 Cent’s single “In Da Club” was Billboard Song of the Year.

• Britney Spears became the youngest singer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at age 21.

• “Chicago” won the Oscar for Best Picture — the first musical to win the award since 1968 — and the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical.

• Michael Jordan played his last game in the NBA, but for the Washington Wizards, not the Chicago Bulls. LeBron James was drafted by his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

• Barry Bonds became the first player in MLB history to reach 500 career home runs and 500 steals.

• In soccer, Lionel Messi made his team debut for FC Barcelona at age 16.

• In political news, voters recalled California Governor Gray Davis and elected Arnold Schwarzenegger to office.

2003 in the Florida Keys

• A one-bedroom (not a studio) apartment in the Florida Keys could be rented for $800 per month.

• Two-bedroom apartments were available for $1,200 per month.

• Housing prices were still on an upswing, before the real estate crash in 2006.

• In April 2003, a Cuban passenger plane bound from the Isle of Youth to Havana was hijacked and landed in Key West. There were 25 passengers and six crew members on board.

• The Monroe County Commission included George Neugent, Charles “Sonny” McCoy, Dixie Spehar, Murray Nelson and David Rice.

• In June 2003, Key West unfurled the world’s longest rainbow flag down Duval Street during its Gay Pride celebration.

• Lowest temperature in the Florida Keys in 2003 was 45 degrees on Jan. 24. The highest temperature was 92 degrees on Aug. 25.

• “Finding Nemo,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” were released in theaters.

• Popular TV shows included “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “The West Wing.”

• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won Super Bowl XXXVII.

• Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson recorded the hit song, “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere.”

Several federal agencies work together to rescue migrants who landed on Loggerhead Key in the Dry Tortugas. US BORDER PATROL/Contributed

TWENTY YEARS ON

Happy anniversary to us!

2003 — twenty years ago. Seems like just yesterday … and yet it seems like two decades on. George W. Bush was president and the second Gulf war started in Iraq. The Concorde made its last commercial flight, while China joined the community of human spaceflight nations with the launch of Shenzhou 5. The Tesla electric car company was founded, and not by Elon Musk. Social media company MySpace began transmitting everyone’s submitted information, and we learned to thank you for the add!

And in September of that year, this very newspaper that you’re holding in your hand (or reading on a screen) published its first issue. The three original partners – in the name of full disclosure, I was one – saw a need for a local community newspaper that reported on the good things that happen in our island towns. Also, a publication that got the advertisers’ colors correct in their ads might just do all right. None of the original three partners had significant print or publishing experience; I wrote a monthly column and learned a little bit about desktop publishing so I could design graphics for my CD releases. We did know radio, however. But off into the wild blue yonder we went.

Our first cover showed a young girl kissing a dolphin, and we were lucky that the Dolphin Research Center provided us such a wonderful image. The reception we received from the local community let us know that we were on to something, and our advertisers’ support allowed us to grow, improve and prosper.

I remember outfitting our offices with a bunch of slightly used Macintosh computers (those were still the days of the big CRT monitors) and external cartridge-based hard drives for “sneakernet” communication and file sharing among our different computers. In the early 2000s, Wi-Fi was still in its infancy.

We hired our first salesperson, Julie Johnson. I’m not going to reveal whether or not we “persuaded” her daughter and her friends into helping us with home delivery of our first few issues. I will say it’s amazing what free pizza will get you.

In the following three years, the Weekly had expanded into Upper and Lower Keys markets and began publishing specialty magazines like “Tropical Living” and our hurricane guide. Along the way, we

JOHN BARTUS

were assisted by the talents of some amazing people, some of whom stand out: Steve Conklin (reporter and editor), Rob Busweiler (reporter), and Rianna Perry (ad and page layout). Another of our great hires was Jose Sanchez, the Weekly’s delivery guru. Their contributions helped make the paper what it is today.

Another couple of hires from those early days were named Kate and Jason Koler. Jason came aboard as a writer and reporter, and Kate handled office stuff and account management. They quickly became an invaluable part of the Weekly, so much so that a former Marathon mayor rescued Jason’s bicycle from the clutches of a petty thief. (True story.) Jason’s becoming editor was a mere foreshadowing of Jason and Kate’s subsequent purchase of the Weekly from the founding partners.

Since the Kolers took over, the Weekly has become the largest locally-owned community newspaper (and media group) in the Keys. Three weekly newspapers, a plethora of magazines dedicated to a variety of community interests and an online media division round out the burgeoning empire. Great people have been and continue to be associated with the Weekly, putting their hearts and souls into honoring the original mission of the Weekly and serving their local communities.

It’s also why, 20 years later, I still write my Keys Disease column for the Weekly. In an era where print newspapers are in decline nationwide, the Weekly Newspapers have grown and thrived by keeping up with the times and staying true to our original mission of reporting the good things that happen in our communities.

That, and getting the advertisers’ colors correct.

- John’s Perpetual Island Tour stops every Monday at Boondocks, Wednesday at Brutus Seafood, and Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing. Check out John’s music anywhere you stream or download your music! Or point your browser to: johnbartus.hearnow.com

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

Above, adult females

Aleta and Cayo swim with baby dolphins

Morada and Bowie, the center’s two newest arrivals. DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER/ Contributed

Right top, DRC operates the only state and federally-authorized manatee rescue team in the Florida Keys.

Right, DRC’s spotlight in the first Weekly issue from 2003.

STILL THE ‘PLACE TO BE’

handlers. Education remains at the core of Dolphin Research Center’s mission.

Research also remains an integral part of our mission. In 2013, we began participating in a field research project we often refer to internally as the Wild Dolphin Study. This study will establish a cohesive estimation of the distribution, residency and movement patterns for bottlenose dolphins in the Middle Keys that will enhance our understanding of the populations in the entire region. With more than 100 surveys under the belts of our research team, they have made huge strides and contributions to this vital study.

We witness truly inspirational moments between man and animal every day. Many of these incredible moments through the years have occurred as a result of our close relationship with Wounded Warrior Project and the various experiences we are able to offer our nation’s soldiers and veterans.

A few of our most testing times were brought to us by Mother Nature herself. Both Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and Hurricane Irma in 2017 presented challenges and obstacles to overcome.

Thankfully, along with life’s trials, come life’s joys.

We have been lucky enough to provide a forever home to many rescued animals throughout the years including four rescued dolphins, Jax, Louie, Ranger and Summer; a sea lion named Lina; a blue and gold macaw name Calypso; and two African spurred tortoises, Ziggy and Speedy. DRC’s strong history of rescue is made possible by generous donations from those who understand the importance of caring for our environment and the animals that inhabit it. Dolphin Research Center is the only state and federal government-authorized manatee rescue team in the Florida Keys. The dedicated team has rescued countless manatees over the last four decades. Dually, a locally known manatee, was rescued for the 13th time in April of this year. Thank you to everyone who makes these efforts possible.

As we prepare to celebrate our 40th anniversary at Dolphin Research Center, a look back seems appropriate. Over the last 20 years we have accomplished and experienced so many different things, and Keys Weekly has been there to celebrate and cover every step of the way right along with us.

For starters, with the incredible support from our members and donors, we have certainly expanded our footprint over the years in order to best serve our animal family, staff and guests. One of the most recent structures we have added is the Jayne Shannon-Rodriguez and Mandy Rodriguez Welcome Center. This addition not only welcomes our guests with a beautiful and accessible building, but it also provides a Category 5 hurricane-rated building to safely house the animal care team during a storm. The Sanger Family Education Center is another impactful resource used to support our mission by housing the education team, library and classrooms utilized by all of our

various camps and educational programs for children, teens and adults.

DRC was co-founded by Jayne and Mandy Rodriguez with the idea of educating and inspiring people for the benefit of marine mammals and the environment we share. Their core ideal of creating strong relationships between marine mammals and people, based on trust and respect, remains strong today. The Dolphin Research Center Training Institute (DRCTI) was established in 2012 in response to the limited availability of professional educational programs that prepare individuals for careers regarding the behavior, care and training of marine mammals. In addition, in January 2018, DRC Training Institute launched the Professional Animal Trainer program, a continuing education program for current trainers and

This all brings us to a few of our most recent milestones leading us into our 40th year. This year will be the inaugural class of the Dolphin Academy educational program. In collaboration with researchers from the University of Bristol, the “Anthropogenic noise impairs cooperation in bottlenose dolphins” study was published, along with an additional published study showing “Trainer interaction can improve welfare outcomes of toy enrichment for isolated animals.” Last but certainly not least, our “baby” dolphins Bowie and Morada turn 1 year old, and our matriarch Tursi will turn 50 in November.

Dolphin Research Center continues to grow and thrive by virtue of a strong and expert team of leadership. With the experience of DRC’s past and a clear vision of the future, nurturing sincere friendships with the marine mammals in our care, the relationship and sense of partnership between marine mammals and people will remain a treasured part of the equation.

Allie Proskovec is the director of media and marketing for Dolphin Research Center.

Whether you are a resident or a snowbird, it is important to have your assets properly titled in a way that will avoid those assets going through probate.

KATHLEEN HENDRICKSON

ATTORNEY AT LAW MASTERS

LAW, ESTATE PLANNING 5701 Overseas Hwy • 305 393 2598

BACK IN 2003

Keys Weekly staff look back two decades ago

The Keys Weekly Newspapers formed two decades ago, so where exactly were the current staff in their journeys?

As the first Weekly hit the newsstands I was starting my final year at the University of Toledo where I would earn a degree in English. Twelve months later my girlfriend and I would be preparing to move to the Florida Keys to ‘check it out for a year or so.’

— Jason Koler, Keys Weekly publisher

I was spending my time in the backyard playing football with my brothers. I also remember watching the Buffalo Bills dominate a New England Patriots team that usually had its way against us. The highlight of that game may have been the 300-plus-pound defensive tackle Sam Adams’ interception that he returned for the touchdown. The score was 31-0. What a fond memory.

I was the owner-operator of a lifestyle magazine in the Atlanta area, with little to no idea of what I was doing. Twenty years later, I still have no idea what I’m doing, but I thankfully have a lot of people around me that do.

— Britt Myers, Keys Weekly Newspapers managing partner

I was a grandmother for the first time. My two sons were at Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia and we were following their baseball careers by traveling to games. I was a paralegal at Jorden & White Law Firm in Meadville PA, owned an Antique Shop and rental property in Linesville, Pennsylvania.

— Char Hruska, Keys Weekly Newspapers office manager

I was 27, single and still known as Mandy Bolen. I was writing for a Key West newspaper and making questionable dating decisions.

—

Jim McCarthy, Upper Keys Weekly editor

I was sleep deprived, covered in various fluids and consistently amazed that I was somehow allowed to be responsible for keeping a tiny human alive – seriously, who left me unsupervised? All joking and a tequila-fueled night nine months prior aside, 2003 was the year I had the honor of welcoming my daughter into this crazy world.

— Patti Childress, Marathon business development specialist

— Mandy Miles, Key West Weekly editor

I was a fearless adventurer ready to tackle a new life in a foreign country solo. No family, no friends, just me and my courage. It was a wild ride that shaped me into who I am today and I couldn’t be more grateful

— Manuela Carrillo Mobley, Keys Weekly Newspapers director of sales

I was making the best mix CD of all time to have on our sixth-grade class field trip to Ellis Island. It had all my favorite things on the cover, whether or not they had anything to do with music: Blink-182, boat motors, “Finding Nemo,” you name it. That, and I was working up the guts to ask my crush out.

— Alex Rickert, Marathon Weekly editor

I was covering criminal courts in New Orleans for The Times-Picayune, shooting pool very poorly and learning the importance of crawfish boils, Saints football and parades. I had no idea I’d land in Key West by 2011 with a dog named Pedro and all we owned packed inside my Toyota Corolla, not knowing a soul.

— Gwen Filosa, Keys Weekly Newspapers digital editor

NEVER FORGET

Marathon High School 9/11 memorial ceremonies to continue on Thursday night

Aceremony that began on the date of one of the United States’ darkest days will continue at halftime of this Thursday’s Marathon High School varsity football game to honor the lives lost in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The school’s commemorative efforts made for an impactful display last year as MHS students placed nearly 3,000 American flags on the school’s front lawn to commemorate the 2,977 lives lost in the tragic attacks. This year, following a day of educational assemblies on Monday, students made their way to the school’s stadium to tie thousands of flags around the football field – with a personal touch. Each student was assigned four flags, corresponding to four information cards with the names, ages and stories of four 9/11 victims.

A community ceremony is scheduled for halftime of the Dolphins’ varsity football game on Thursday, Sept. 14. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. With a theme of “Home of the Brave,” attendees are encouraged to wear patriotic clothing. At halftime, a Coast Guard color guard will present the colors, followed by Taps and performance of the Star-Spangled Banner.

First responders, veterans, active-duty military members and those who lost loved ones on 9/11 who would like to join and be recognized during the ceremony should gather by the first set of stadium bleachers just before halftime. Contact christina.belotti@ keysschools.com with any questions.

— Weekly staff report

Members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office spent Monday participating in 9/11 commemorative ceremonies throughout the county, including helping tie flags at MHS. MCSO/Contributed

SIGN ME UP 2003 ADVERTISING REMINDS US OF THE “GOOD OLD DAYS”

At the Weekly, we believe that local news should be brought to you by local journalists, free of charge. This is only made possible through incredible partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits and governments, many of whom have forged multi-year partnerships with our print and digital media. Several businesses have changed names or ownership multiple times in the last 20 years, and many made some … let’s call it “interesting” … advertising choices. But as we look back through the first edition of the Marathon Weekly from 2003, we can’t help but say, “Man … I wish THAT was still a thing.”

1. The almighty predecessor to the “Netflix and Chill” movement. Can we all agree that finding the perfect weekend flick after walking up and down aisles of the latest releases is infinitely more satisfying than clicking a remote onto the same TV episode you’ve seen a thousand times?

2. This one is just loaded with deals. A weekend rental for $59? Cruise for a day in a convertible with the top down for less than $50? Free pickups, additional drivers, free upgrades … that’s how you take care of locals.

3. Forget the D.D. for Fantasy Fest, just hop on a $20 flight in a borderline-private plane from Marathon to Key West. (Body paint not included.)

4. The next time you pay Key West’s Niles Sales & Service a visit, tell them they can close a deal on a new car by throwing in a free vacation and a Gateway computer. Oh, and a new car for under $20,000 (this ad had several) would be nice.

5. I think it’s safe to say under the umbrella of Baptist Health South Florida, the graphic design and advertising work has raised the bar for Fishermen’s Hospital. Either way, this is an incredible ad.

6. Originally introduced by Polaris in the mid-1980s before being superseded by an amphibious version in the early 2000s, rumor has it that MCSO came close to a contract for a few of these bad boys to police our reefs.

7.Because there’s nothing more Keys-like than kickstarting a weeknight of drinking with a free round.

8. It may be for all different reasons, but longtime Marathon locals all have their own versions of Hurricane memories, and the original 25-cent Wing Night was always the place to be. (Trash Can sauce, anyone?)

We see no problem with this bumper sticker being reprinted in large quantities.

STANDING THE TEST OF TIME

Marathon’s Turtle Hospital rings in 20 years of public education and conservation

Richie Moretti, director and founder of the world-renowned Turtle Hospital located in the heart of the Florida Keys, was ahead of his time when he renovated a 1950s mom-and-pop hotel and the girly club next store into a veterinary hospital to save sea turtles. The popular destination is an example of ecotourism at its best.

The Turtle Hospital has been rescuing, rehabilitating and returning sea turtles to the wild since 1984, when Moretti received his first permit from the state of Florida to care for marine turtles. For the first two decades, Moretti funded the Turtle Hospital with the income generated by the Hidden Harbor Motel, which he owned and operated.

In 1991, he purchased the gentlemen’s club, Fannie’s, next to the motel and renovated it into a veterinary hospital complete with a surgery suite and an emergency room. Today, the unassuming buildings may appear the same from the outside, adorned in sea foam green, but the modern medical facility behind their doors is on the cutting edge of veterinary medicine applied to sea turtles and educates more than 100,000 visitors a year.

Once motel rooms, the units now provide housing for the hospital’s animal care and maintenance staff. Other rooms have been completely repurposed for sea turtle research, a veterinary office, a water testing lab, equipment repair and retail storage. The fully-functioning veterinary hospital is now equipped with a new generation digital X-ray, 3D ultrasound, anesthesia machine, CO2 laser, electrocautery, class 4 laser, blood processing equipment and state-of-the-art video scopes for endoscopic procedures and surgeries. A full-time vet is on staff and performs sea turtle surgeries 10 days a month.

More than 30 paid employees care for the sea turtles, maintain the buildings and property and offer 15 educational programs daily, 365 days a year. The Turtle Hospital ambulance has grown into a fleet of four ambulances that can be found on the road throughout Monroe County. The team at the hospital staffs a 24/7 stranding hotline with rescues covering more than 200 miles of coastline in the Keys.

In addition to rescues, the ambulances are used to transport staff and sea turtles to schools and community events for educational outreach programs. A few times a month you may see a Turtle Hospital ambulance in the Miami area, where sea turtles are taken to a veterinary ophthalmologist for eye surgeries, or parked at the Key West airport, where veterinarians fly in for sea turtle surgeries.

The facility has had some serious improvements over recent years with the help of Monroe County Tourist Development Council grants. Step behind the white picket gates and you will notice pavers where dusty gravel once lived, a stunning 80- by 50-foot tiki hut offering an open air educational and special events area, guest restrooms and standby generators.

The Turtle Hospital is a nonprofit organization, and the budget to care for sea turtles – once funded by the rental of Hidden Harbor Motel rooms – is now paid by admission fees. Not only does the Turtle Hospital care for sick and injured sea turtles locally, it supports research that helps sea turtles globally. The facility is the largest of its kind and admits sea turtle patients from as far away as New England. The nonprofit now owns the hospital and the property has a deed restriction stating it can only be used for sea turtle conservation.

The Turtle Hospital has been the subject of national and international documentaries and continues to attract visitors. The visitors to the Turtle Hospital are the same visitors enjoying the beautiful waters surrounding the islands, fishing, diving and boating. Six out of every 10 sea turtle rescue calls to the hospital’s stranding hotline come from people who have been through an educational program at the Turtle Hospital. This is a win/win for the sea turtles and for the island community.

Bette Zirkelbach is the manager of the Turtle Hospital.

Top, Turtle Hospital founder Richie Moretti, right, and manager Bette Zirkelbach, center, show off the newly-paved driveway inside the Turtle Hospital’s campus with Paver Dave’s John Keller. CONTRIBUTED

Bottom, Bette Zirkelbach, left, and Richie Moretti, right, watch as “Marcia,” a juvenile green sea turtle, is released off the Florida Keys on July 14 at Sombrero Beach in Marathon. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau

ISLA BELLA STEPS UP FOR SWITLIK

On Aug. 30, Stanley Switlik Elementary School principal Linda Diaz accepted a $12,000 check from Isla Bella Beach Resort.

“This donation will provide support for students to attend events and activities to enrich their education and life experiences,” she wrote in a thank-you letter to the resort, additionally telling the Weekly that the funds will primarily go toward covering the school’s field trip expenses throughout the year as well as attendance rewards for staff and students.

PORKY’S NEW COURSE IS GOLFIN’ DOLPHINAPPROVED

Porky’s new miniature golf course received a professional test from some of Marathon’s top young talent when it hosted the Marathon High School Golfin’ Dolphins for some putting practice on Sept. 6. Porky’s is a sponsor of the team and will celebrate the official grand opening of its new course on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m., including food and giveaways. CONTRIBUTED

“(Isla Bella’s) substantial gift will make it possible to recognize those staff and students who go above and beyond,” she said, acknowledging donated reward items from Bealls Outlet and gift certificates donated by Porky’s Bayside Restaurant, the first local business to respond to her donation request. “It’s early days, but it seems to have a lot of people motivated to be at school.”

Pictured are Diaz, center, with Isla Bella’s regional managing director Justin Nels, left, and regional director of rooms Brenda Hinton. CONTRIBUTED

FLORIDA’S TOP NATIONAL POLITICS REPORTER CONGRATULATES KEYS WEEKLY ON 20 YEARS

basics right here in the Keys.

“Covering the Key West police department as my first job really showed me that politics is in everything,” Caputo said.

“Aristotle says man by nature is a political animal, but boy, it was certainly true of the Key West police department,” he said. “There was this civil service board scandal where this promotional examination was either lost or stolen. There was all this vicious backstabbing at the time.”

JUST THE TIPS

IT’S FALL, Y’ALL

Marc Caputo, a national political reporter at The Messenger, a digital news outlet, was pleased to hear Keys Weekly is celebrating 20 years.

A locally owned and operated newspaper born in Marathon in 2003, the Weekly hasn’t just survived the ever-changing news business, it’s continued to thrive as both a powerful print and digital presence, publishing three editions across the Florida Keys each week.

That matters to journalists like Caputo who learned the trade in a small-town local newsroom, in his case Key West.

“You should only do this job because you like doing it, and because there’s really no other job you can do,” Caputo said in an interview this week. “There are a thousand great stories out there. And people love to tell stories. That’s the essence of what we do. It’s great that you guys are doing it.”

Caputo has covered a series of presidential elections and assorted political scandals as one of Florida’s top reporters. He can trace his career in journalism back through NBC News, Politico and the Miami Herald.

But Caputo got his start in the Keys. His first job was as a crime reporter at the daily paper in Key West, where he grew up after his family moved to the island in the late 1970s.

“I just learned on the job,” Caputo told Keys Weekly in an interview. “The thing about Key West, it's a little laboratory. It’s a small town that has this cosmopolitan flair to it. It’s a place you can be a reporter on your bicycle.”

Caputo would go on to become immersed in politics at the highest levels. He said he was schooled in the

Caputo attended Harris School and Glynn Archer elementaries before Horace O’Bryant and Key West High School. Small-town life taught him how to talk to people – and how, as a reporter, to get people to tell him what was happening.

“We’re in the information business,” Caputo said. “In order for people to give you information they kind of have to trust you, and they have to like you.”

Caputo has been on the frontlines of watching the age-old newspaper business model unravel over the years. Craigslist’s free ads destroyed the newspaper classifieds that had always paid a ton of the operating expenses. As the internet took hold, advertisers bailed and social media took the place of the daily headlines.

“We’re in such an era of information democratization,” Caputo said. “So much of the stuff is free; just erecting paywalls sometimes is no guarantee. I don’t think a daily newspaper product is going to work any more.”

Local newspapers bought and run by out-of-towners or simply disappearing has changed how people perceive the media, Caputo said.

“A lot of conservatives don’t trust the media because they think the media’s liberal and in many cases they’re right,” Caputo said. “All these New York publications are drawing on people from New York and they’re like-minded. There is no real stability of say, the Midwest, really reflected in mainstream media any more.”

Caputo’s advice for local journalists: just keep reporting.

“The best thing for folks like us is to focus on writing the news as accurately as we can, as fairly as possible and keep doing what we enjoy,” he said.

is the owner and operator of Noreaster Sport Fishing in Marathon. A Massachusetts native, Nick fished for bluefin tuna and striped bass before moving to the Keys in 2005.

It’s fall! Right? Even though there’s football on TV and the calendar says September, it sure still feels like summer out there. So as we attempt to will a change of season upon ourselves, here are a few little tips in the meantime. First, forget about tunas at the humps, for now. This time of year silky and dusky sharks are spawning out there, making their presence in numbers even more ridiculous than before. With no natural predators and baffling regulations on fishing for and killing the “endangered” pests, the number of sharks that have taken up permanent residence there – and seemingly everywhere, for that matter – has been on the rise for years. It seems to be getting worse every year, everywhere. So no, it’s not just you or your imagination or your memory. It is bad, and worse than ever, just about everywhere you go, and just about all year long.

On my last trip to the Marathon humps, I found it to be inundated with teeny tiny baby tunas – and sharks. Any decent-sized fish we hooked was gobbled up almost instantly. Even in a zone we found five miles from there that had packs of skipjack tuna working under birds, there were sharks all over, eating the fish we hooked there as well. Right now you’re better off spending your time inshore from there looking for mahi. The blue water edge has been pretty far out lately (10-20 miles). Start there looking for weed lines and birds.

Another good option this time of year is yellowtail. It’s still a little warm for the shallow patch reefs to be at their best, but yellowtail in the 60- to 90-foot zones have been pretty active, as long as there is some current. If there is zero current where you’re trying to yellowtail, you’re probably better off not wasting any time there. Unfortunately the sharks have been a major issue there as well. It’s usually bull sharks there.

If you’re looking for a heck of a fight and some poundage for the smoker, there are some big amberjack on the deeper wrecks from 150 to 300 feet. I like to drop a big bait (almost anything that’s lively like a legal snapper, blue runner, bar jack, bonita or the like) on a 2030 size conventional rod with a 10- to 12-ounce sinker and 15 feet of 80-pound leader with a big circle hook. Hit bottom, crank it up about 20 turns and hang on!

To book a trip with NorEaster Sport Fishing, call or text Captain Nick at 508-769-4189.

Hefty amberjacks can be had on wrecks from 150 to 300 feet of water. NICK BORRACCINO/Keys Weekly

CAPT. NICK BORRACCINO

‘There are a thousand great stories out there. It’s great you guys are doing it.’

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

Gone fishing

SQUARE GROUPER & MY NEW JOINT IN CUDJOE ARE CLOSED SEPT 3 - OCT 9

WE WILL REOPEN TUESDAY OCT 10

SQUARE GROUPER & SUNSET LOUNGE IN ISLAMORADA ARE CLOSED SEPT 4 - OCT 3

WE WILL REOPEN WEDNESDAY OCT 4

TRAFFIC STOPS LEAD TO SUSPECTED HUMAN SMUGGLING

BORDER PATROL APPREHENDS

20- PLUS CUBANS IN KEY LARGO

FWC ARRESTS THREE MARATHON RESIDENTS FOR TRAP ROBBING

On Sept. 1, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer arrested three individuals for allegedly taking spiny lobster out of commercial traps in Marathon. Felix L. Malave, 54, of Marathon; Matthew W. Clockel, 35, of Marathon; and Ashley E. Smith, 36, of Marathon were arrested on four felony and eight misdemeanor counts for violation of Florida law related to spiny lobster.

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Multiple human smugglers and more than 20 Cuban migrants were detained in Key Largo on the afternoon of Sept. 7 after witnesses told law enforcement they saw a vessel offloading a large group of people near the Seven Mile Bridge earlier in the day.

The U.S. Border Patrol said it is investigating the incident, which when deputies stopped a trailered center console at the Marathon public boat ramp for having no tie-downs. Witnesses reported to law enforcement that they saw a blue and white vessel with two outboards matching the boat’s description letting 20 people onto the shore near the east end of the Seven Mile Bridge.

In a separate incident a short time later, sheriff’s deputies pulled over an orange sedan and a white van for reportedly speeding near MM 104 in Key Largo. Preliminary investigation by deputies and Border Patrol agents confirmed the passengers inside the vehicles matched the description of those seen jumping off a boat near the Seven Mile Bridge earlier.

Walter Slosar, Border Patrol chief patrol agent, said via X, formerly Twitter, that officials arrested 21 Cuban migrants and multiple suspected human smugglers during the traffic stop. The case is under investigation by Border Patrol and Homeland Security in Miami.

While on patrol in Marathon, the officer received a tip that several individuals were jumping into the water with lobster equipment near commercial lobster traps. When he arrived on scene, he saw a vessel matching the description anchored within 400 feet of six commercial lobster traps, an FWC release said. The officer conducted a resource inspection and found 20 spiny lobsters on the vessel, two over the bag limit of six per person. Seven were under the legal-size limit.

None of the three individuals admitted to taking lobster from the traps. However, examination of the traps closest to the anchored vessel allegedly revealed clear signs of being tampered with. The owner of the traps confirmed that he had not inspected them in over a week. Malave, Clockel and Smith were arrested and taken to jail.

More information on Florida’s spiny lobster regulations is at MyFWC.com/fishing/saltwater/commercial/spiny-lobster, or scan the code below.

— Contributed

Deputies and Border Patrol agents pull over a white van with a large number of Cuban migrants reportedly dropped off by a boat in Marathon during the early morning of Sept. 7. MCSO/Contributed

A center console trailered at a Marathon public boat ramp that deputies stopped for having no tie-downs on Sept. 7.

This orange vehicle was pulled over for speeding. Deputies discovered the vehicle contained suspected human smugglers.

MCSO/Contributed

Felix Malave Ashley Smith Matthew Clockel

JIMMY BUFFETT’S ISLAND MUSIC ATTRACTED PEOPLE TO FLORIDA

COCONUT TROUBADOUR TRIBUTE

At 24, I decided to run away from Southern California and move to an island. The original airline ticket was booked to St. Croix, but Hurricane Hugo beat me there by a week and devastated the opportunity.

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

The next ticket would have sent me to Hawaii, but the airline went bankrupt, and I lost the chance. The third ticket brought me to Florida, where, in 1989, Captiva Island became my first island home.

Captiva was a beautiful introduction to the Sunshine State. There, I found a job at a resort, moved into employee housing — right on the sand — and walked two miles up the beach to the restaurant where I worked the breakfast and lunch shifts. By the time the sun set, I had my toes in the sand, and my Walkman tuned in to a local radio station when, during the sunset hour, they played Jimmy Buffett songs one after another.

I worked through the winter season but, as I was prone to doing in those days, got antsy and felt the familiar pull of wanting to escape. I returned to Huntington Beach, California, turned 25, and got antsy again. While there, I didn’t hear much Buffett on the radio, but now and again, “Margaritaville” or “Come Monday” came strumming through the speakers. When they did, all I could see were my toes in the Captiva sand, so I moved back to the island, to employee housing, and to the restaurant.

After a few years and a handful of bad decisions, I got antsy, packed up and moved to Atlanta. I lived with a friend for a while but then moved into a small, sketchy Midtown apartment. The cracked, red-brick building overlooked neon signs drawing attention to a local strip club where the thump of a bass note reverberated through the night air and rattled the windows in the apartment well into the wee hours.

What became clear from my time in Atlanta was that I was taking a slow tumble that landed me, now 28, at my rock bottom. However, because there is silver and gold in every story, even just threads of it, while I was in that horrible apartment, two good things happened. First, I bought my first Buffett album, a used CD of “A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean.” Second, I adopted Alex.

The black kitten was off in a cage, away from the other cats. It had arrived at the shelter the day before. According to its records, the profile remarked “liked to wander” — a sentiment I could identify with. I looked at all the cats in all the cages, but the black one all by itself, the one who liked to wander, Alexander Van Kitten — Alex for short — came home with me.

As a 20-something roamer chasing a dream and largely failing to gain any ground, I moved back to California and back in with my mother — and Alex, who spent the next 15 years

cuddled up by my side. While back home in California, I enrolled in college because I wanted to make sure I was doing everything I could to ensure success (even minor success) as a writer. I also picked up another 20 or so Buffett CDs because they reminded me of the beach back on Captiva, where I was going back to as soon as I earned my bachelor’s from Cal State Long Beach.

Like so many others, my presence in Florida can be linked to Jimmy Buffett, if even just peripherally. Buffett was the soundtrack when I was in California, driving in the Jeep or listening to music at home. His siren call kept me focused on where I knew I wanted to be, and for sure, he is one of the reasons I moved back to Florida and eventually to the Keys, where I’ve been living for the last 22 years.

I still listen to Buffett, but not like I used to. Sadly, I did not jump on tickets when he came to town back in February. However, I do feel like I participated in the event, if even in my mind, by influencing the pick of his opening song. Just a day or two before Jimmy played his “locals only” show at the Key West Theater, my column about the Summerland Keys came out in the paper.

Mostly, the story revolved around the name and how it was tied to some of the Flagler-era history. Partly, it was about one of the island’s former residents, a songwriter named Fred Neil, who penned a catchy little tune called “Everybody’s Talkin’” that was made famous in “Midnight Cowboy” starring Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman.

The story I ended the column with was centered on the notion that even though Fred Neil had passed away in his house on Summerland Key years before, his energy might still be swirling around in the island breezes. Because of that, I suggested that it might not be unusual for drivers crossing Summerland Key to have “Everybody’s Talkin’” crawl inside their head like an earworm.

And then, just a day or two after the column was published, Jimmy Buffett opened up his Key West concerts with “Everybody’s Talkin’.” Intellectually, I know he recorded his version of the song in 2003. Still, it is interesting that, out of all the songs in his catalog, Jimmy chose to open with the one I had just written about.

For me, one of two things happened: either he read my column and made a last-minute change to the set list, or there really is some magic in the air and, after traveling down to Key West, he felt compelled to open with it. Either way, it gave me a connection to the coconut troubadour that will spark a special place in my Florida state of mind for the rest of my life. After all, life is just a tire swing.

Jimmy Buffett performs in Key West in early 2023. LARRY BLACKBURN/ Keys Weekly

An author, speaker, Florida Keys historian and Honorary Conch. His latest book, “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, Volume 1,” shares fascinating glimpses into the rich and sometimes surprising histories of the Florida Keys.

PLASTIC IS ON THE MENU

PARTICLES ARE GLOBAL PROBLEM

It is no secret to anyone that the world is experiencing a massive plastic problem. When I say massive, I think it would be better described as a global plastic crisis.

Plastic is overrunning our landfills, showing up on our beautiful shorelines, floating in our oceans, being consumed by our wildlife and even being consumed by us. Yes, you read that correctly, humans are now consuming plastic.

The plastic humans are consuming is called microplastics. Plastic particles have accumulated in our oceans since the 1960s and are now globally present in our seas. A new study in the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology says it’s possible that humans may be consuming anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year. So how in the world do these tiny pieces of plastic get into our bellies?

Plastic litter enters our oceans, where it can never wholly break down. Instead, it breaks up into smaller and smaller particles, which eventually become microplastics. These particles are less than 5 millimeters in size and are often eaten by fish, seabirds and other marine life that mistake it for its natural food.

Humans consume microplastics in various ways, primarily through the ingestion of contaminated food and water, as well as through inhalation. Microplastics are often found in seafood, mainly filter-feeding organisms like mussels, clams and oysters. Larger fish that prey on smaller fish may accumulate microplastics in their digestive systems. When humans consume these fish, they can indirectly ingest the microplastics. Sea salt can also contain microplastic particles, as well as seawater. This can lead to the ingestion of microplastics when using salt in cooking or seasoning food.

It seems silly to think of a family sitting around the dinner table eating plastic for dinner; however, this visualization appears to be becoming more and more realistic. The worst part about this situation is that humans are the only ones responsible for plastics getting into our foods, our oceans, our landfills and beaches.

Microplastics are a concerning environmental and health issue, stemming from humans overusing plastic in today’s modern world. It is truly going to take extensive efforts on our part to help reduce this problem. It will require a combination of regulatory measures, sustainable practices and ongoing research to address the complex challenges microplastics present.

Today, many countries have implemented bans or restrictions on microbeads in personal care products to reduce primary microplastic pollution. You can do your part by ensuring proper disposal and recycling of plastic products. This can reduce the formation of microplastics and potentially prevent them from ending up in our oceans. It’s essential to choose natural fibers over synthetic textiles and reduce plastic

is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension coordinator.

usage in daily life. We should attempt to reach out and support organizations that continue to research and better understand the sources, distribution and effects of microplastics, enabling more effective strategies for reducing microplastics in our environment.

If you see it, remove it. Try to make an effort to remove plastic waste from the oceans and waterways; this can help reduce the presence of microplastics. I know it can be overwhelming when we think about tackling a problem as big as plastic pollution, but I challenge everyone to start with something small. Next time you load up your boat for that perfect fishing trip or beautiful day at the sandbar, ditch the case of plastic water bottles, invite everyone to “BYORWB” — bring your own reusable water bottle. Remember, simple changes and efforts can lead to significant changes in the future.

Microplastics found in water. TYLER JONES/UF-IFAS

Microplastics are often found in seafood, mainly filter-feeding organisms like mussels, clams and oysters. Larger fish that prey on smaller fish may accumulate microplastics in their digestive systems.

MARK HEDDEN

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

It was late in the day and Kevin Christman was leaving the Keys, not for the weekend, but for good – boxes packed, small dog in his lap, on his way to his new home in Gainesville – when he saw the booby on the side of the road on Bahia Honda, just outside the state park entrance. He stopped and took a couple photos, and texted a few members of the local bird mafia with a picture of the bird, a pin on a map, and the words “right now.”

Boobies stand about 2 feet tall, but they don’t stand that often. They are pelagic birds of the deep ocean, and they spend most of their lives flying or floating. They do not resemble human mammaries in any way, unless you consider their pointed bills reminiscent of Madonna’s cone-shaped bra era, but people still make the titillating jokes. Because most people are third graders at heart.

Boobies got the name because they tend to breed on predator-free desert islands and often don’t have fight-or-flight instincts. In days of yore, sailors would walk right up to them and conk them on the heads with cudgels, clubs, or whatever blunt instrument was available. The word booby, in the sailor lingo of the time, meant stupid.

Whichever species Kevin saw, no doubt it had been brought in by Idalia. Since the storm passed, rare birds had been reported all over Florida – though nearly all of them were American flamingos.

Looking at Kevin’s photo, the bird was mostly brown, making it a juvenile, and narrowing it down to two possibilities – a brown booby, which you can see pretty easily if you go out to the Dry Tortugas, as well as on the occasional channel marker, or a red-footed booby, which would be a pretty serious rarity.

I saw a red-footed booby once out at the Dry Tortugas, but the bird was about a halfmile away in blanching, glaring sunlight and I was looking through a wind-shaken spotting scope, which made the world look as if it was enduring a prolonged earthquake. There were other field marks, but the main clue for the bird was the nominate red feet, which were really hard to see at that distance, and it took a while to feel confident about it, though eventually I mostly did. But I was really interested in getting another, better look.

PRIZED BOOBIES AND BOOBY PRIZES

Kevin being on the move, the picture he sent was an iPhone photo of the screen on the back of his “real” camera – not an uncommon thing in the birding world, where people often want to get information out quickly. In that photo, the booby looked like it had red feet. Or reddish. Or at least you couldn’t eliminate the possibility of red feet. Maybe they were orange? No, they were definitely red. But maybe not that red. Colors can get a little funky in a picture of a picture.

Still, I texted Ellen Westbrook and Mark Whiteside and said there was a possible red-footed booby up the Keys and did they want to go with me. They both said heck yeah, or something to that effect. So then I started packing up my gear – binoculars, camera, Nalgene bottle with drawings of hawks all over it.

Kevin pulled over and texted a few more photos on his way out of the Keys. In them you could see a bit of a demarcation, a subtle tonal change, between the brown of the breast and throat and the brown of the belly. And adult brown boobies have an abrupt color change between the brown of the breast and throat and the white of their bellies. And this bird could be on its way to molting that way.

As I was heading out the door Kevin sent another text. Mariah Hryniewich and Gianna Arcuri from the Florida Keys Hawkwatch at Curry Hammock State Park had gone down to see the bird and it was definitely the more common (but not that common) brown booby. Also, the bird had a broken wing, which explained why it was sitting by the side of U.S.1, when it should be out skimming over the ocean. They had managed to wrap the bird in a shirt, and were taking it up to Kelly Grinter at the Marathon Wild Bird Center.

I texted Mark and Ellen and said game off,

there was nothing to chase. Then, five minutes later, I texted them again and asked, “Want to go look for flamingos?” Both of them said heck yeah, or something to that effect.

We started looking on Rockland Key, which has a lot of salt ponds — the hyper-saline habitat American flamingos really like. We eyed everything we could as we cruised through the Saddlebunches, and drove the length of Sugarloaf Boulevard, stopping at Sammy Creek Landing to scan out over the water toward American Shoal Lighthouse. (There had been a flamingo right off shore there a few years ago.)

We kept going up to Blimp Road on Cudjoe, then to Middle Torch. We saw gray kingbirds that still hadn’t migrated, great egrets and tricolored herons, which are here year-round, and belted kingfishers, just back from the northlands. We saw magnificent frigatebirds sitting on the highest of the power lines, dozens if not hundreds of double-crested cormorants, and a dozen or so northern cardinals, back in places I hadn’t really seen them since Hurricane Irma in 2017.

We continued on to Big Torch, where we saw three or four Key deer bucks with fuzz still on their antlers, as well as several does and two or three absolutely adorable fawns, and one distant, scrawny raccoon running across the road. We made it down to the ponds where Christina Wilson spotted six American flamingos in the first months of the pandemic, one of which hung around for several weeks.

The sun was setting when we hit the end of the road and turned around, the sky turning the color of a blood orange.

We’d made all that effort, and all we saw was a lot of everyday Florida Keys nature. A total waste of time. Unless you like that sort of thing.

A booby seen recently on the side of the road on Bahia Honda. KEVIN CHRISTMAN/Contributed

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRACIÓN

AFTERLIFE

By Julia Alvarez

Retired English professor Antonia Vega is struggling after the death of her husband Sam. Having grown up in the Dominican Republic, English is her second language, but platitudes from her favorite authors swirl through her mind as she doles out wise words garnered from years of reading. Favorite students and books have nurtured her life while Sam, a compassionate physician, took care of the rest of the world. As she contemplates her suddenly solitary life in a quiet Vermont farming town, Antonia begs Sam for a sign. One day a pregnant teenager, the girlfriend of a local migrant worker, shows up on her doorstep terrified that her boyfriend Mario has abandoned her. As the only Spanish-speaking local, how can Antonia send her away? To add to her distress, Antonia’s eldest erratic sister, Izzy, never arrives at her birthday celebration, sending the other three sisters on a wild goose chase. Her once ordered world has been turned upside down. Antonia must figure out whom she will be in this afterlife. A sensitive, fast-paced story of diversity and identity by international bestselling Dominican- American author Julia Alvarez.

SAMMY ESPINOZA’S LAST REVIEW

By Tehlor Kay Mejia

The online rumor mills insist that Max Ryan, who hasn’t performed in seven years, is preparing a comeback. Once a heartthrob, this sexy rockstar was crooning to stadium-sized crowds, but after two extraordinary tours he disappeared. Max has been secretly tucked away in Ridley Falls, working on a new solo album. Meanwhile, Sammy Espinoza is living in Seattle and working as a music critic when her thriving career implodes. Sammy’s most recent reviews misled her fans, and the truth is she was trying to hang on to her rocky relationship. Now single with her job on the line, Sammy comes up with the perfect solution: To save her column, she convinces her boss that a trip to Ridley Falls – where her parents grew up – will give her access to Max Ryan and the interview of a lifetime. What Sammy has not fully disclosed is that she and Max met 11 years earlier, before he was a household name. A melodious romance filled with all kinds of love, friendship and family by Mexican-American author Tehlor Kay Mejia.

KAREN NEWFIELD

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

AN AMERICAN IMMIGRANT

By Johanna Rojas Vann

Melanie Carvajal is a young, inexperienced journalist at the Miami Herald. When a big story breaks in Colombia, Melanie volunteers to take the assignment. Although her mother is from Colombia, she has never been, and in all honesty spent her childhood wishing away her Latin heritage. Growing up in Maryland in a tiny apartment, Melanie wished she had better clothes, more money and parents who spoke English. She didn’t care for aunts who behaved too loudly, or for the smell of foreign food that filled her lunchbox. Since her grandmother Alba’s birthday is approaching, she decides to meet her mother for a celebration before heading to Bogota for work. As she slowly loosens up and begins cooking with Alba, dancing with cousins and reading her mother’s old journals, Melanie has a change of heart. She can finally see her familia in a new light, their generosity and kindness unlike the violent Colombia portrayed in the media. Devouring the journals, she learns of the terrifying struggles and sacrifices her mother made. Inspired by actual events, this debut novel by ColombianAmerican author Johanna Rojas Vann is filled with culture, community and the sacred gift of family.

#WORTHWATCHING: To save their impoverished orphanage from ruin, the guardian in charge partners with an old disgruntled captain for a chance to catch the big one and win prize money that could change their lives. Based on a true story, “Blue Miracle” can be seen on Netflix.

A chance for our country to acknowledge the rich history of its diverse Hispanic communities through these amazing authors and their novels

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

BRIEFLY

MLKAR to offer free self-defense class

Members of the MCSO deputies self defense training group will conduct a free self defense and safety class on Monday, Sept. 18 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Marathon BOCC building, 2796 Overseas Hwy. Though the course was originally intended for realtors, all community members are welcome to attend. Topics of instruction will include basic self defense techniques, safety while holding open houses, taking new clients on property showings, and methods of screening individuals to detect red flags. Space is limited to 80 participants. Scan the attached code to register.

Two arrested in Duck Key on drug trafficking charges

Two Homestead people were arrested after a traffic stop on Sept. 10 in which fentanyl, methamphetamine and marijuana were allegedly found. Rickeita Roseanna Brown, 32, was charged with trafficking 8.8 grams of fentanyl, possession of baggies with fentanyl and methamphetamine residue, and possession of 8.6 grams of marijuana. Ulysses Randolph Monos, 40, was charged with possession of a 1.8 grams of fentanyl and methamphetamine mixture and possession of .4 grams of marijuana. The traffic stop for an expired license tag occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Hawk’s Cay Boulevard. Both suspects were taken to jail.

just off U.S. 1 in the Lower Keys near Bahia Honda Bridge were cited on Sept. 10. The Sheriff’s Office was notified of tents near MM 35 and deputies say they found a group of people there with tents and other camping gear set up. The citations ranged from damaging wildlife to having fires in prohibited areas. For information on camping areas/regulations in the Florida Keys go to www.monroecounty-fl.gov

Keys attractions offer kid discounts in September Kids and their families can explore Florida Keys attractions through a program that provides free admission and opportunities for children age 12 and under. The Kids Keys Deals program continues through Sunday, Oct. 15, and is spearheaded by the Key West Attractions Association. Families can visit kidskeysdeals.com to download coupons for visits to nature-themed and historic attractions, restaurant perks and activities on the water. Participating attractions in Key West include the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Conch Tour Train, Key West Aquarium, Old Town Trolley Tours, Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Sails to Rails Museum, Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, Key West Escape Room and Harry S. Truman Little White House. Elsewhere in the island chain, offerings for kids include free general admission to the Middle Keys’ Dolphin Research Center and Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters marine park, and admission and other treats from Islamorada’s one-of-a-kind History of Diving Museum. Also featured are watersports excursions from Danger Charters, FunKey Charters, Fish Monster MAX, Sebago Watersports and Fury Water Adventures.

Covering All The Keys From Key Largo To Key West

CORNER

Bike repair station installed at Marathon Community Park

Marathon Community Park is home to a new bike repair station installed near the west end of the park’s basketball courts. The station includes commonly-used repair tools and a manual air pump to inflate tires.

Multiple people cited for illegal camping

Seven mainland Florida people who were allegedly illegally camping

Marathon youth flag football registration is now open Registration is open for the Marathon Parks and Recreation youth flag football league. Four divisions will compete in this year’s league: 6U, 8U, 10U and 14U. Registration is open until Friday, Sept. 22 and practices will start on Monday, Oct. 2. For more information and to register, visit https://clubs. bluesombrero.com/cityofmarathonparksandrec.

Come take a class at the Marathon library

The Marathon library has a wide variety of class offerings, ranging from photography to book clubs, robots, virtual reality and more. Scan the QR code here to see the schedule and get involved.

While Hurley Land Planning and Consulting was established in 2023, owner Steve Hurley has over 30 years' experience in land planning and zoning in South Florida, including 10 years in the Florida Keys. The services he provides include conceptual planning to determine the highest and best use of land based on local and state government regulations. Steve understands the unique aspects of the Florida Keys and can help you bring your development vision through the approval processes needed to bring your project to fruition. "I enjoy working with clients, helping them and their development be successful. Throughout the process I am happy to answer questions and provide realistic solutions and timeframes using a hands-on project management approach" said Hurley.

ALL OUT, ALL GAME, ALL SEASON

CORAL SHORES, KEY WEST GET BACK IN THE WIN COLUMN | P.6

THE SCOREBOARD

SEPT.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK PUTETTI

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

125 25 total yards yard touchdown run

It wasn’t just a 25-yard touchdown run or the 125 total yards Coral Shores’ gridiron great AJ Putetti put in for the Hurricanes this week that impressed the coaching staff. It is also his unrelenting drive to compete.

“When he shows up, he’s ready to play,” head coach Ed Holly said of his junior running back. Putetti gives his all in every game and every rep, and the results are stacking up. The two-way athlete had three solo tackles, three assisted tackles and three pass breakups during last Friday’s game against Palm Glades Prep, making him a threat on offense and defense. Instead of getting winded or slowing down, “his play actually got better from the first half to the second,” Holly said. “He just didn’t get tired.”

Holly also noted that Putetti challenges himself in the classroom, opting for AP courses and making excellent grades.

For his leadership and accomplishments for the Hurricanes football program and the school itself, AJ Putetti is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Junior, Football Coral Shores

“AJ is a phenomenal student and a leader in the school and on the field. He is an unbelievable competitor.”

– Ed Holly, Coral Shores head coach

Photo by: DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

tracy mcdonald

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.

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.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

sean mcdonald

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

MARKET EDITORS

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

TO THE READER:

We are absolutely thrilled to present the first break-out edition of the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap. The publication you are holding is the culmination of more than a year of collaboration and vision among our writers, editors, photographers and business staff, and we couldn’t be more honored to be the only locally-owned media outlet bringing you Keys prep sports coverage from Coral Shores High School all the way to Key West.

Across our three offices, we’re fortunate to work with some of the Keys’ finest sports photographers, including Barry Gaukel, Doug Finger, Joy Smith, Mark Hedden and Grace Andrew. Whether or not you’re able to make it to a game in person, their work allows readers to immerse themselves in the triumphs of student athletes across Monroe County, capturing the most critical moments in the Keys’ biggest games so that all can relive them. When paired with the skills of graphic designer Javier Reyes, their photography allows us to take our comprehensive coverage to the next level, something we believe is apparent from the first page of this issue.

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

I can’t leave out the driving force behind our Sports Wrap content: the McDonalds. We’ve been blessed to work with this duo for more than a year, and couldn’t be happier to have them with us as we launch the next evolution of this section. With more than 50 combined years of immersion – and counting – in the Keys’ sports and school communities, it’s only fitting that these two long-time locals are the heart of the Sports Wrap. Their passion for Monroe County sports at every mile marker adds another dimension to our coverage, and if you’ve never listened to a Sports Wrap Podcast episode to hear Sean’s encyclopedia-like knowledge of the island chain’s sports history, you’re missing out.

Thank you to all of our partners, athletic directors, coaches and the community as a whole for trusting in our vision thus far and continuing to embrace us as we add layers to this ever-evolving section. And thank you to all our staff who have worked tirelessly to make this a reality.

Whether you’re a parent, classmate, family member or someone who just plain loves sports, keep an eye out for this new section, printing in all three Keys Weekly markets every week. Thank you for trusting us for your all-inclusive prep sports coverage – local media covering local athletes, the way it should be. Never miss a beat with our coverage across three papers, our daily news blast, sports podcasts and breaking coverage at keysweekly.com.

And welcome to the all-new Keys Weekly Sports Wrap.

Sincerely,

Alex Rickert Managing Editor

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

FKAA

EMERGENCY WATER PLAN STORE

WATER

FILL BATHTUB AND LARGE CONTAINERS WITH WATER FOR WASHING AND FLUSHING ONLY.

CROSS COUNTRY TIMES TRENDING IN RIGHT DIRECTION

Keys teams hitting earlyseason strides

With postseason racing still weeks away, times are beginning to drop for harriers from Key Largo to Key West.

Key West’s girls took the week off, but the boys traveled to Larry & Penny Thompson Park in Miami to run the FNU Invitational. Colbin Hill led the charge and finished the 5K course first for the Conchs in 19:12. Daniel Roy finished second and Jerven Louis took third for the team. Wyatt Gibson, William Forester, Sebastian Jaroszewicz, Prometheus Delacerda and Owen Fisher rounded out the top eight for Key West.

Marathon traveled to Miami on Sept. 6 to participate in the Miami Country Day Open. The boys team captured first place with an average time of 19:03. Vance Bursa was third overall and the first Fin to cross the finish line in just over 18 minutes. Jakub and Tony Bursa were close behind, followed by Mason Buxton, Dillon Shelar, Allan Taylor and seventh grader Lucian Burns, who shaved off

several minutes already this season and has improved weekly.

The Lady Fins were led by senior Mikkel Ross, who placed seventh overall with a time of 22:31. Rounding out Marathon’s top seven were Ella Dunn, Rain Banks, Rilynn Richards, Maeve Merryman, Sara Robinson and Madelyn Thornton, all finishing in under 27 minutes.

Coral Shores’ girls are putting in the miles this season under new head coach Lyndie Meyers. The Lady ’Canes traveled to Ives Estates Park in Miami for the first race in the Lightning Invitational Series on Sept. 5, and Meyers’ stress on positivity and teamwork paid off for the young squad.

“The bond they have created in a few short weeks has been incredible to see – they just fit best together,” she said after the race. “I noticed at our last meet each of the girls were working hard for one another, (and) I can see they care to do well for our team.”

At the front of the pack was junior Kai Guth, who placed third overall at the meet with a time of 26:30. Sophomore Jenna Mandozzi was second for Coral Shores, followed by freshmen Julia Rush, Saige Ensign and Hayden Teal.

With just three days of rest, Guth, Rush and Ensign raced again, this time at the FNU Invitational. Meyers has instilled an “every second counts” attitude into her team, and they took it to the extreme in their second race of the week. Guth and Ensign shaved off about half a minute from their paces earlier in the week, and Rush dropped nearly two minutes. Meyers and her young team will join up with Coral Shores’ boys team plus Marathon for their next race on Sept. 15 at the King of the Hill held at Tropical Park in Miami.

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Paced by the performances of the Bursa brothers — Jakub, left, Vance and Tony — Marathon’s boys took first place in the Miami Country Day Open. BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly”

CONCHS, HURRICANES GRIND OUT FIRST WINS OF 2023

“We needed it.”

That is what Key West coach Johnny Hughes said of his team’s victory over Oxbridge Academy on Sept. 8 when the Conchs rolled the Thunder Wolves 44-15.

With starting running back Jaden Fox out with a shoulder injury suffered a week prior, the Conchs found some depth in Leandro Batista. The sophomore, who played basketball for Key West but is new to football, was convinced to give it a try, and Hughes believes Batista may be on the road to becoming a dual athlete after running for three touchdowns against Oxbridge.

Hughes had high praise for quarterback Adrian Mira as well, saying that the Conchs play caller did a great job taking his time and making his reads. Mira scored one rushing touchdown and connected with Cole Jackson on a 35-yard touchdown pass. RJ Brown’s rushing touchdown accounted for the final regular score of the evening. The Conchs also caught Oxbridge by surprise and added two points on a safety, and kicker Marco Davila was 6-for-6 on extra points. Defensively, Key West played a solid game, giving up one of just two touchdowns while the younger players were earning some experience.

The Conchs will face University School (Orange City) on Sept. 15 at home. Hughes called the 3-0 Titans, “an explosive team with a lot of weapons.” In order to even out Key West’s 1-2 record, he said the Conchs have “got to stop giving them chances,” referencing the team’s two turnovers against Oxbridge. “We can’t afford to keep turning over the ball.” For now, though, Key West can enjoy the high-scoring win and use the energy to carry over into the next contest.

Marathon still searching for a W

Coral Shores coach Ed Holly told his players to “trust the process” from day one. The team listened, and Holly’s words rang true after a 20-12 victory on Sept. 8 at home. The Hurricanes and the Eagles of Palm Glades Prep traded touchdowns in what Holly called “a slugfest,” with Coral Shores striking first. Dantay Diorio capitalized on a long march down the field on the opening drive of the game with a 42-yard touchdown run. The Eagles answered, then AJ Putetti punched in a two-yard TD run to put the ’Canes up 13-6 at the half. Palm Glades added another 6 in half number two, but Isaac Holmes put the game away in the final moments with a short TD run for the win.

“It was an evenlymatched, competitive game,”

Holly said. “Our guys didn’t quit and it paid off.”

Quarterback Yemcel Moreno played well on offense, racking up yardage –including a 42-yard run of his own – and Putetti was good for 125 yards on the ground. Defensively, Eddie Holly created chaos with 10 solo tackles, while RJ Dube added nine. “I don’t think Jamoris Davis ever left the field,” Holly said, praising the junior for his work “all over the field” on offense, defense and special teams.

Holly said the team’s spirits were high coming off the win, putting them in good position for the contest this coming Friday night.

Coral Shores will play its homecoming game early this season to avoid scheduling conflicts with a community event, and the ’Canes will look for win number two against SmartEn Sports Academy out of Miami on Sept. 15.

1. The Key West Conchs prepare for an offensive snap against Oxbridge.

2. Hurricanes back A.J. Putetti runs upfield against the Palm Glades Eagles.

3. Marathon’s Fab Louis Jeune (2) gets vertical to deflect a NSU University School extra point attempt.

4. Key West goes vertical to block an Oxbridge kick.

5. Coral Shores quarterback Yemcel Moreno (5) surveys the Palm Glades defense before the snap.

6. Cole Jackson (2) receives a throw on his way to the endzone for a Key West touchdown.

Photos by Doug Finger, Grace Andrew and Caylie Globe. See more game photos at keysweekly.com.

Marathon traveled to Fort Lauderdale on Sept. 7 to play the Sharks of NSU University High School. The Sharks are undefeated this season, with their smallest margin of victory set at 34 points. That 34-point spread was against the Dolphins, and though the Fins gave the Sharks their best game of the season, it did not end the way they would have hoped.

Things were looking good for Marathon as they marched down the field on their opening drive and scored 6 on a Carlos Lezcano 8-yard touchdown run. Fab Louis Jeune tacked on one more with the PAT to make it 7-0 in favor of the Fins.

It went downhill from there, though, as Marathon did not see the end zone again during the 41-7 loss. Marathon suffered the worst sort of blow when two-waystarter and last week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week Nolan O’Hara went down with a broken ankle while blocking on a kick return. O’Hara will need surgery on the ankle and will not return for action this season.

“Losing Nolan is far worse than losing a hundred games,” Marathon coach Sean McDonald said. “He is such a positive, hardworking player, and for him to be hurt so badly is just the worst.”

Marathon will return home this week to play the Knights of Miami Sunset. In preparation, the team will be going back to the basics. “This week we are going to focus on the fundamentals of tackling and blocking,” McDonald said. “We need to stay positive, and that is difficult when you are in our situation.”

Marathon’s team is small and young, but unified in the goal of steady progress. “We are just going to work hard every day to be better than yesterday. It is really about our team improving," said McDonald. “We can’t gauge ourselves on the other team – we can only gauge ourselves on our play versus the play we had the day before.”

CONCHS, ’CANES DIVE INTO SWIM SEASONS

Strong relays and distance athletes a common theme for Keys squads

The Key West Conchs are starting their swimming and diving season strong, with times consistent with what they will need to cruise into postseason competition later this fall.

“This is the beginning of the season, and the Conchs are looking forward to establishing personal records and growing as a team,” said Lori Bosco, Monroe County’s longest-serving head coach.

Key West participated in a tri-meet at Westminster along with Doctors Charter High School, then returned to their home pool at the College of the Florida Keys for a home meet against Archbishop McCarthy. The Sept. 9 meet was an opportunity for Key West to work on the “little things,” improving form and times to prepare for a long season in the water. The Conchs were narrowly edged out by McCarthy in team points, but both groups “had some great, exciting races” that Bosco deemed a “great experience for the Conchs.”

The Conchs fared well in the 200 yard freestyle relay event, winning both the boys and girls races. The winning Lady Conch team consisted of Katelyn Noss, Reeghan Davis,

1. Key West and Archbishop McCarthy swimmers prepare to explode off the starting blocks.

2. Coral Shores swimmer Abbie Sargent, right, stands on the blocks as she prepares to compete in the relay versus G. Holmes Braddock High School at Founders Park on Sept. 6.

3. Coral Shores swimmer Patrick O’Donnell is cheered on by Layne Smith, Riley Cooper, Chrislyn Lowell and Abbie Sargent as he competes in the 200-meter breaststroke.

4. Coral Shores freshman Sofia Figueroa competes in the breaststroke during a home meet against G. Holmes Braddock.

5. AJ Smith prepares to mount his block.

6. A Sept. 9 meet against Archbishop McCarthy allowed Key West swimmers to focus on ‘the little things’ in their race form, according to coach Lori Bosco.

Gracie Lechnar and Aly Camargo. The boys team included Jeffrey Hoyt, Roan Milleli, Anthony Korzen and AJ Smith.

Smith cruised to two individual first-place finishes as well, taking the top spot in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle races. Lechnar also won the 100 yard butterfly. Other individual race winners were Hadley Bardoni and Jacob Perez, who won the girls and boys 500 freestyle events, respectively. Key West swims again this weekend against South Dade High School at the CFK pool on Sept. 16.

Coral Shores opened its season against Braddock High School on Sept. 6 at Islamorada’s Founders Park. Coach Kelly Owens is optimistic about her young team, saying, “We are definitely rebuilding our team this year with the loss of quite a few seniors, but our core of swimmers remains strong.”

The girls team, though young, has experience in postseason competition and looks to be right on track for more district and regional hardware this season.

Owens said her girls had a strong showing against Braddock, highlighting junior Abbie Sargent's 100 breaststroke, the Canes’ 200 free relay team of Sargent, Layne Smith, Riley Cooper and Allegra Fucarracio, and Smith's 200 freestyle.

On the boys’ side, senior Patrick O’Donnell will specialize in distance events again this season. O’Donnell, along with several other ’Canes, got some extra swim time last weekend by participating in the annual Alligator Lighthouse Swim.

O'Donnell was a top 10 finisher on the men's side, and Sargent, Chrislyn Lowell, Cooper and Reese Andres, who joined in from Miami, were the top women’s four-person relay. Smith was the youngest female participant in the eightmile open-water swim and was the second female overall in her first solo attempt at the course.

The ’Canes are adding some flair to their meets this season, with three competitive divers participating on the team. Junior Rachel Rusch, freshman Mae Turner and sophomore Max Waldo will be adding some extra excitement on the platform.

Coral Shores hosted another home meet at Founders Park on Sept. 13 before hitting the road in early October.

This is the beginning of the season, and the Conchs are looking forward to establishing personal records and growing as a team.”

— Lori Bosco, head coach.

Photos by Grace Andrew and Doug Finger. See more meet photos at keysweekly.com.

PREP VOLLEYBALL SEASON REACHES HALFWAY MARK

Coral Shores hangs on to winning record

Coral Shores volleyball added three wins last week after a win against Keys Gate on Sept. 6. The Hurricanes beat the Knights 3-0 in Florida City, then headed north for a tournament at Wesley Chapel on Sept. 8 and 9. The ’Canes traveled about 30 miles north of Tampa for a pair of wins against Hudson and Fivay High School. They lost a pair to Gaither and one to Sumner, bringing their record to 5-3 before heading back to the Keys.

Coral Shores will stay closer to home until next month when it heads to Orlando for another round of tournament action.

Marathon played one match last week, hosting Palmer Trinity School on Sept. 7. The Lady Fins lost in three sets but improved on each, scoring 11, 12 and 23 points against a talented Falcon team.

Coach Kelley Cruz said she likes how her team is beginning to gel. “I think the girls' minds finally clicked that they could compete, that they are in this match,” she said. “We as a team will need to build on our mental game, because we are capable of hanging with every team on our schedule.”

Next up for Marathon will be the Conch Cup in Key West on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15 and 16, where they will see a variety of competition in tournament play.

One team which will most certainly be across the net from the Dolphins will be the host team, Key West. The Conchs, fresh off their first win of the season against Marathon, headed to the East Coast Challenge at Jensen Beach where they played against Martin County, Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Jensen Beach High and Winter Haven. The Lady Conchs did not pick up another win, but returned to the Southernmost City with a lot of experience gained by playing top-level teams. Key West will now prepare to host the Conch Cup this weekend in Bobby Menendez Gym.

Coral Shores senior Crystal Gutierrez. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS MEDICAL SERVICES

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office requests proposals from Florida licensed physicians practicing in Monroe, Dade and Broward County to provide medical service to MCSO employees for a three year contract period.

Required services include:

• Annual physical examinations including EKG and TB test

• Pre-employment physical including EKG,TB Test and 16 Panel Drug test

• Hepatitis B Vaccinations

• Random and for cause drug urinalysis (16 Panel)

• Fitness for duty examinations

• Consultations with Sheriff’s staff as required

• Certification for respirator use in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134

• Hearing Test (if applicable)

• Stress Test (if applicable)

• Range of Motion Test (if applicable)

• QuantiFeron Test (approval required)

• FAA Physicals

• FAA Drug Test

• Hair Follicle Drug Test

MCSO has approximately 590 employees. Currently 322 are sworn deputy sheriffs and detention deputies; the remainder, are civilian. All new hires receive a physical examination. Only sworn officers receive annual physicals. Last year 310 employees received annual physicals, 76 new hires received physicals including drug urinalysis and 60 random drug tests were administered.

MCSO intends to contract with physicians in Monroe (Lower, Middle, and Upper Keys) Dade and Broward County. Evening and Saturday hours are desirable.

The MCSO reserves the right to take any action that may be necessary or in the best interest of the MCSO; in proposals received; to request additional information, to exercise its discretion and to apply its judgment in all matters pertaining to the proposal. The MCSO further reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, with or without cause, to waive technical errors and informalities or accept proposals, which in its judgment, best serves the MCSO.

For further information contact Executive Director Donna A. Moore at (305) 292-7044. The proposals must be received at the MCSO Human Resources Division – 5525 College Road, Key West, no later than 5:00 pm on Monday, September 25, 2023, and include the following information:

• Name and credentials of physicians

• Certificate of Liability

• State of Florida Department of Health Division of Medical quality Assurance

• Controlled Substance Registration Certificate

• National Provider Identification (NPI) Enumerator

• Location(s) where services are to be performed

• Hours of Operation

• Cost of the aforementioned required services

Proposals received after the deadline noted above will not be accepted. MCSO is not responsible for postal or courier service delays.

MCSO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual preference, transgender, transsexual, genetics or disability.

Publish:

September 14 & 21, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of MARK EN GO TRAVEL located at 92550 Overseas Hwy, Suite 202, Tavernier, FL 33070 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Asian-Euro Enterprises LLC

Publish:

September 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Island Storage, Inc., 10730 4th Avenue, Gulf, Marathon, Florida 33050, will sell or otherwise dispose of the contents of the following units to satisfy delinquent storage liens. The following unit contains commercial kitchen items:

Shamera Simmons

Unit H-13

$700.00

Auction will occur from 8:00AM –5:00PM on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Island Storage, Inc., 10730 4th Avenue, Gulf, Marathon, FL 33050. The terms of the sale will be cash only. Island Storage, Inc. reserves the right to refuse any bids.

Publish:

September 14 & 21, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Wheatons Towing gives notice that on 09/29/2023 at 10:00 am, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ or all bids.

1GDKP37W6J3500174 1988 GMC

BWCMA169B494 1994 BWC

LEGAL NOTICES

Publish: September 14 & 21, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2022-CP-222

DIVISION: K IN RE: ESTATE OF DONNA JEAN WINN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Donna Jean Winn, deceased, whose date of death was January 15, 2022, and whose case number is 2022-CP-222, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this

LEGAL NOTICES

notice is: September 14, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Renetta D. Winn

7841 Cezanne Dr. N. Jacksonville, Florida 32221

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

D. Grant Leggett, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 37611 Leggett Law Offices 301 W. Bay Street, Suite 1405 Jacksonville, FL 32202 Phone: (904) 281-9102

Fax: (904) 281-9119

E-mail: grant@leggettlawoffices. com

Publish:

September 14 & 21, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-020-M IN RE: ESTATE OF BETTY NIELSEN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of BETTY NIELSEN, deceased, whose date of death was December 21, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent’s Will and any codicils are November 11, 2021. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent

Effective September 28, 2023, Michelle D. Bachtel, MD, FACC, will no longer be practicing at the office of Keys Medical Group Cardiology.

Patients may continue to contact the office for an appointment with April Gallagher, APRN. As of September 27, 2023, appointments will also be available with Steven Rowe, MD, FACC. Request an appointment via the patient portal, online at KeysMedicalGroup.com or at 305-294-5727.

Patients may also request a copy of their medical records by contacting Keys Medical Group Cardiology, 1111 12th Street, Suite 210, Key West, FL 33040. Phone: 305-294-5727.

Publish: August 31, September 7, 14 & 21, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: September 7, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Erik C. Nielsen 2347 Sombrero Boulevard Marathon, FL 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative:

James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403 JAMES J. DORL, P.A. Suite 12 First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6565

Facsimile: (305) 743-4143 e-mail: jjdorl@yahoo.com

Publish:

September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-051-M IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM W. BROWN, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of William W. Brown, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was June 19, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent’s Will and any codicils are December 11, 2015. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: September 7, 2023.

Personal

IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBIN G. SAUNDERS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Robin G. Saunders, deceased, whose date of death was April 3, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent’s Will and any codicils are April 3, 2023. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN

THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: September 7, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Kenneth W. Saunders

327 Anglers Drive North Marathon, FL 33050

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403

JAMES J. DORL, P.A.

Suite 12 First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6565

Facsimile: (305) 743-4143

e-mail: jjdorl@yahoo.com

Publish: September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2022-CP-088-M

IN RE: ESTATE OF JOSEPH P. RABITO, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Joseph P. Rabito, deceased, whose date of death was June 27, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The estate is intestate. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY

CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S

DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: September 7, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Linda M. Rabito

2913 Sombrero Boulevard

Marathon, FL 33050

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403

JAMES J. DORL, P.A.

Suite 12 First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway

Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6565

Facsimile: (305) 743-4143

e-mail: jjdorl@yahoo.com

Publish: September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

DIVISION: PROBATE

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000098-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF ALAN ALFRED HANCHER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ALAN ALFRED HANCHER, deceased, whose date of death was May 19, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: September 7, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Jay Park Hancher

20 Hillside Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Anthony A. Velardi, Esq. Florida Bar No. 113917

Key Largo Law 218 Lignumvitae Drive

Key Largo, FL 33037 Tel: (305) 453-5277

Fax: (305) 453-4985

E-Mail: anthony@keylargolaw.com

Publish:

September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 21-CP-98-P

DIVISION: UPPER KEYS

(Adversarial Proceeding)

IN RE: ESTATE OF BERTHOLD KEIL

Deceased.

NOTICE OF ACTION

(formal notice by publication)

TO: All persons having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the assets and estate of BERTHOLD KEIL, deceased YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Petition to Determine Beneficiaries has been filed in this court. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, on petitioner’s attorney, whose name and address are:

Richard E. Warner, Esq., Richard E. Warner P.A., 12221 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 on or before November 22, 2023, and to file the original of the written defenses with the clerk of this court either before service or immediately thereafter. Failure to serve and file written defenses as required may result in a judgment or order for the relief demanded, without further notice.

Signed on this 24th day of August, 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA, As Clerk of the Court

By: Catie L. Knowles As Deputy Clerk Publish:

August 31 and September 7, 14 & 21, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 23-DR-646-K

DIANA RESHETKO ROSA Petitioner, and, ABDUSALOM KADIROV Respondent.

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

TO: ABDUSALOM KADIROV 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 Diana Reshetko Rosa, whose address is 3333 Duck Avenue, Apt. A208, Key West, FL 33040 on or before October 10, 2023, 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: NONE

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

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

Dated: August 30, 2023

Kevin Madok, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 23-DR-0000590-K

ORLANDO MACHADO GALIANO

Petitioner, and, NIURKA JIMENEZ PAZO, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

TO: NIURKA JIMENEZ PAZO

RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 240 LIBERTAD MORON CA, CUBA 65110

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 ORLANDO MACHADO

GALIANO, whose address is 2111 FLAGLER AVENUE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before SEPTEMBER 25, 2023, 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: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

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

Dated: August 21, 2023

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Riza Hall

Deputy Clerk

Publish:

August 24 & 31 and September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-CA-276-P SOUTHSTATE BANK, N.A. f/k/a CENTERSTATE BANK, N.A. f/k/a CENTERSTATE BANK OF FLORIDA, N.A., successor by merger to COMMUNITY BANK OF FLORIDA, INC.

Plaintiff, v. THE UNKNOWN SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, CREDITORS, OR OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THOMAS GOODRUM, deceased; and UNKNOWN TENTANTS 1-2, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: THE UNKNOWN SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, CREDITORS, OR OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THOMAS GOODRUM, deceased; and UNKNOWN TENTANTS 1-2. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclosure a mortgage on the following real property in Monroe County, Florida: Lots 23 and 24, Block 4, INDIAN HARBOR, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 3, at Page(s) 178, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida The Real Property or its address is commonly known as 131 Pueblo Street, Tavernier, FL 33070 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to LAW OFFICES OF PAUL A. HUMBERT, P.L., Plaintiff’s attorney, 9655 South Dixie Highway, Suite 312, Miami, FL 33156 (phone number: 305-914-7862; email: pa@pahumbertlaw.com), within 30 days of the first publication of this notice, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint or petition. Answer by October 16, 2023.

Dated: August 30, 2023

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk

LEGAL NOTICES

In accordance with the America with Disabilities Act, if you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in court proceedings you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Not later than five working days prior to the proceeding, please contact the Court Administrator’s office, at the Freeman Justice Center, 302 Fleming St, 2nd Floor, Key West, FL 33040. Telephone: 305-292-3423 or via the Florida Relay Center. To make calls through the Florida Relay Center, you may dial 7-1-1 or use the following toll free access numbers: 1-800-955-8771 (TTY); 1-877-955-8260 (VCO); 1-800955-8770 (Voice); 1-800-955-1339 (ASCII); 1-877-955-5334 (STS); 1-877-955-8707 (French Creole –available from 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. daily)

Publish:

September 14 & 21, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO. 2020-CA-44-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 27th day of September, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

COUNT I

Condominium Unit 105, Unit Weeks 36 and 37, of THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST, together with an undivided interest in the common elements, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 872, Page 1654, as amended from time to time, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida.

Pursuant to ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESET FORECLOSURE SALE DATE ON COUNT(S) I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23RD day of August 2023

Style of which is: THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION Plaintiff

v. WILLIAM STAFFORD Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2020-CA-44-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of August 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish:

September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO. 2020-CA-44-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 27th day of September, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: COUNT II

An undivided 1/260th interest as a tenant in common with other owners in the Resort Facility (1 Time Share Interest), according to the Time-Sharing Plan thereof, recorded in the Official Records

Book 942, Page 653, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida (Plan). Together with the right to occupy, pursuant to the Plan, Unit 405, during Unit Week 35.

Pursuant to ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESET FORECLOSURE SALE DATE ON COUNT(S) II entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23RD day of August 2023

Style of which is: THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

Plaintiff v. WILLIAM STAFFORD Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2020-CA-44-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of August 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk

Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO. 2020-CA-44-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 27th day of September, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

COUNT III

An undivided 1/416th interest as a tenant in common with other owners in the Resort Facility (1 Time Share Interest), according to the Time-Sharing Plan thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 988, Pages 1510 through 1580, of the Public records of Monroe County, Florida (Plan). Together with the right to occupy, pursuant to the Plan, Unit 503, during Unit Week 35.

Pursuant to ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESET FORECLOSURE SALE DATE ON COUNT(S) III entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23RD day of August 2023

Style of which is:

THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

v.

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO. 2020-CA-44-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 27th day of September, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: COUNT IV Unit 38 in Condominium Parcel Number 105, of the BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided interest in the common elements appurtenant thereto, according the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Record Book 872 at page 1654 Public Records of Monroe County, FL, together with any amendments thereto.

Pursuant to ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESET FORECLOSURE SALE DATE ON COUNT(S) IV entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23RD day of August 2023 Style of which is:

THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

Plaintiff v. WILLIAM STAFFORD

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2020-CA-44-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of August 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish:

September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY

CASE NO. 2020-CA-44-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 27th day of September, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

COUNT VI

Plaintiff

WILLIAM STAFFORD

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2020-CA-44-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of August 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish:

September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

An undivided 1/416th interest as a tenant in common with other owners in the Resort Facility (1 Time Share Interest), according to the Time-Sharing Plan thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 988, pages 1510 through 1580, of the Public records of Monroe County, Florida (Plan). Together with the right to occupy, pursuant to the Plan, Unit 502, during Unit Week 18.

Pursuant to ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESET FORECLOSURE SALE DATE ON COUNT(S) VI entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23RD day of August 2023

Style of which is:

THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION Plaintiff

v. JACK A. JENSEN & RUTH L. JENSEN Defendant And the Docket Number of which is 2020-CA-44-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of

LEGAL NOTICES

August 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish:

September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO. 2020-CA-44-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 27th day of September, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

COUNT VII

Unit Week(s) No(s). 19 in Condominium Parcel Number

103 of the BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM, according the Declaration of Condominium thereof, as recorded in Official Records Book 872 at Page 1654 in the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all amendments thereto, if any.

Pursuant to ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESET FORECLOSURE SALE DATE ON COUNT(S) VII entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23RD day of August 2023

Style of which is:

THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

Plaintiff

v. JACK A. JENSEN & RUTH L. JENSEN

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2020-CA-44-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of August 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish:

September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO. 2020-CA-44-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 27th day of September, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

COUNT XI

Condominium Unit 504, During Unit Week 38, of BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided interest in common elements, according to the Declaration thereof, as recorded in Official Record Book 988 at Page 1580, as amended from time to time, of Public Records of Monroe County, Florida.

Pursuant to ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESET

FORECLOSURE SALE DATE ON COUNT(S) XI entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23RD day of August 2023 Style of which is: THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

Plaintiff

v. BARBARA D. COMPSON & MARY I. LAY

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2020-CA-44-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of August 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish:

September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY

CASE NO. 2020-CA-44-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 27th day of September, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

COUNT XII

An undivided 1/416th interest as a tenant in common with other owners in the Resort Facility (1 Time Share Interest), according to the Time-Sharing Plan thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 988, pages 1510 through 1580 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida (Plan). Together with the right to occupy, pursuant to the Plan, Unit 504, during Unit Week 39.

Pursuant to ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESET FORECLOSURE SALE DATE ON COUNT(S) XII entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23RD day of August 2023

Style of which is: THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

Plaintiff

v. BARBARA D. COMPSON & MARY

I. LAY

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2020-CA-44-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of August 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish:

September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

COUNT XIII

An undivided 1/416th interest as a tenant in common with other owners in the Resort Facility (1 Time Share Interest), according to the Time-Sharing Plan thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 1003, pages 1806 through 1877 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida (Plan). Together with the right to occupy, pursuant to the Plan, Unit 605, during Unit Week 37.

Pursuant to ORDER ON

PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESET FORECLOSURE SALE DATE ON COUNT(S) XIII entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23RD day of August 2023

Style of which is: THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

Plaintiff

v. BARBARA D. COMPSON & MARY

I. LAY Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2020-CA-44-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of August 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk

Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO. 2020-CA-44-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 27th day of September, 2023 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

COUNT XIV

An undivided 1/260th interest as a tenant in common with other owners in the Resort Facility (1 Time Share Interest), according to the Time-Sharing Plan thereof, recorded in the Official Records Book 942, Page 653 through 723, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida (Plan). Together with the right to occupy, pursuant

to Plan, Unit 401, during Unit Week 21.

Pursuant to ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESET FORECLOSURE SALE DATE ON COUNT(S) XIV entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23RD day of August 2023

Style of which is:

THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION

Plaintiff v. JOAN C. MANTAS & NICOLAS T. MANTAS

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is 2020-CA-44-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 24TH day of August 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish:

September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS!

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

EMPLOYMENT

Night LPN needed. 1-2 nights per week, 8:30pm-5:30am. Private Pay. Marathon area. 631-831-0879

Boat rental company in Marathon needs an Outboard Mechanic. Some general marina work, and boat experience a plus. Call 305-481-7006

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time line cook. Responsible for food and kitchen prep. Competitive pay at a private club, opportunities to advance. Flexible afternoon/evening hours Wednesday –Saturday. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Housekeeper, HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, Personal Care Aide, Resident Assistant, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker), Med Tech (Caregiver), and Grounds Caretaker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621

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

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Administrative Asst. Fire Department and Right of Way Technician. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

Immediate openings for experienced plumbers and helpers (with or without experience - we will train the right person). Must have a valid driver's license & clean driving record. Please apply in person at 10700 5th Avenue Gulf, Marathon or email resume to: eerpinc@gmail.com

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder now hiring Guest Service Representativeresponsibilities include assisting guests at our Key Largo and Islamorada locations, making reservations and/or answering questions over phone and in-person, taking and processing photos, and checking-in and out guests visiting our facility. To apply, please send your resume to andreaw@dpmmr.org.

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a CustomerService Oriented Server for the pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

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

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

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

2 Bedroom 1 Bath house in Marathon. Tile floor, appliances, gated property. No pets. $2,700/mo. including electric, water, & sewer. 305-610-8002

PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE FOR $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844.

YARD SALES

PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE FOR $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844 TODAY AND SELL YOUR STUFF!

MONROE COUNTY ROADS DEPT.

40 hpw with Bene ts Training and promotional opportunities for career growth are encouraged within our department.

ROAD TECHNICIAN 2: $42,198.38 - $65,407.50

Valid Florida Driver’s License required

ROAD TECHNICIAN 3: $46,523.721 - $72,111.77

CDL B License required

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

$51,292.40 - $79,503.23

CDL A License required

Veteran’s Preference Available; E.O.E.

The primary function of these positions is to perform work repairing and maintaining county roads, bridges, and rights-of-way.

To view job descriptions and apply, visit: WWW.MONROECOUNTY-FL.GOV/JOBS

For questions, contact Human Resources at: Careers@MonroeCounty-FL.gov or 305.292.4554

COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok,

FT administrative, salaried position. Responsible for oversight of adult day training programs, client transportation coordination and facility maintenance. Bachelor’s degree required and 2 years’ experience in eld required. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. FL driver’s license with clean driving record. Pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references. EOE. Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West, FL or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32 FAX 305-292-0078

MARC, 1401 Seminar y St, Key West, FL www.marchouse.org Come join our family! EOE

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIER

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

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

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

Full-time, split-shift, In-Home Support Coach/Trainer to provide companionship and assist clients with training/ support. HSD/GED & 1 yr. exp in a related field. 1 year of college can substitute for experience. Must be able to use a tablet for documentation purposes. The shift for this job is split shift 7-9 AM then 3-9 PM. We can be flexible. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must.

FL driver’s license w/good driving record, references and background screening required. This is a rewarding position for the right person. Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org, phone: 305.294.9526 *32 , fax 305.292.0078

1401 Seminar y St, Key West, www.marchouse.org

Come join our family! EOE

BOAT RENTAL STAFF

FLEXIBLE HOURS & COMPETITIVE WAGES

Need to have experience driving boats and a working knowledge of the Islamorada area by water. Duties include taking reservations, giving captains lessons and routine boat maintenance.

Email Ma at eliteboatrentalsma @gmail.com. Please include contact information and any relevant experience.

IS HIRING

IN THE UPPER KEYS

FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER EXPERIENCED

TRIM CARPENTER

Send resume to: admin@cbtconstruction.com

Or call: 305-852-3002

FT administrative, salaried position. Responsible for operations of Group Homes in accordance with State and Fed rules and regulations. Oversight of sta and clients. Bachelor’s degree and Florida DL w/clean driving record req. At least 2 yrs of mgmt and admin experience req, and direct or comparable experience w/same or similar population preferred. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. Pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references. EOE. Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West, FL or online at www.marchouse.org.

For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305.294.9526 *32 FAX 305.292.0078

MARC, 1401 Seminar y St, Key West, FL www.marchouse.org Come join our family! EOE

NOW HIRING DIVE INSTRUCTOR

Please contact April at 305.407.3262 or april@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com for more information.

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR

LOCATION: MARATHON

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for a Distribution System Operator to perform semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems. We provide on the job training for qualified applicants. Requires a High School, Diploma or GED and valid Florida Driver’s License. Salary: $48,909.19 Excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Apply online at www. aa.com/employment EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR A

LOCATION: CUDJOE KEY

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s WASTEWATER DIVISION is looking for a WWTP Operator with a Florida “A” license. You will perform skilled/technical work involving the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. This requires technical knowledge and independent judgment to make treatment process adjustments and perform maintenance on plant equipment, machinery, and related control apparatus in accordance with established standards and procedures. Annual salary $90,000. Benefit package is extremely competitive!

Apply online at www. aa.com/employment EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

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

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

T&D ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $108,332/annually$111,365/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.

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

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on quali cations and experience: $40.35/hr. - $45.19/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required quali cations, 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 lled.

is accepting applications for the following full-time position in Key West

TERRITORY SERVICE AND SALES REPRESENTATIVE

This opportunity o ers you the ability to partner with our current customers in the Hospitality and Food Service industries. You will serve as the face of Ecolab, servicing Laundries and Dish machines, dispensing equipment, and systems for our customers. You will also provide recommendations on advanced cleaning and sanitation programs. Full training provided at our Headquarters.

Comprehensive bene ts package including medical, dental, vision, matching 401K, company paid pension, opportunities for stock purchase, tuition reimbursement, and more. Decal company vehicle provided. $3000-$4000 Sign on Bonus available for this role!

High School Diploma or GED. For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please call 786-512-2238.

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED

Experience is required. Must have a valid driver’s license. We offer 401K, medical insurance, paid holidays and paid vacation.

Positions available in Key West and Marathon. 305-292-3369

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

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

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers

CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS

HIRING!

GCC offers excellent benefits for full-time employment, but we realize some would prefer part-time to enjoy the Florida Keys lifestyle more. All positions can be considered for full or part-time unless notated. Apply at westcare.com and enter your availability.

KEY LARGO

Advocate

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child)

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist

Prevention Specialist Advocate

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)

Case Managers (Adult)

MARATHON

Driver (CDL required)

Care Coordinator

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

RNs/LPNs - 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

Maintenance Specialist

*Behavioral Health Technicians

3 shifts (also Per Diem)

Peer Support Specialist

*Support Worker – Assisted Living Psychiatric ARNP (PT only)

*No experience required for these positions. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

Volunteer Resources

Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Media & Marketing Staff Member (Full-Time, Permanent)

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

Guest Services & Gift Shop Staff (Full-Time/Part-Time, Temporary/Permanent)

Accounting Director (Full-Time, Permanent)

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)

Trainer (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

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

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

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

Duties to include invoice and inventory entry, booking airline shipments, creating and filing paperwork for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments, customer communication and tracking, creating and maintaining customer accounts and some customer service. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Compensation will be dependent on experience.

Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please send cover letter and resume to sales@dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please. dynastymarine.net

DOLPHIN