Issuu

‘Tis the Season of Sweat

FROM THE GROUND UP

Rotary Park rebuild in a race to the finish | P.10

OFF TO THE RACES Previewing the 2022 election season | P.16

TURTLE TRAGEDY Endangered animals need a helping hand | P.25

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

JUST SOLD LISTINGS! CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BUYER!

199 STIRRUP KEY BLVD., MARATHON

750 9TH STREET, KEY COLONY BEACH

SAM WILLIAMS, REALTOR

305.289.6559 | swilliams.realestatefloridakeys.com | #sellitwithsam

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER! CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER!

SAM WILLIAMS, REALTOR

305.289.6559 | swilliams.realestatefloridakeys.com | #sellitwithsam

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SELLER!

57443 GOODLEY STREET, MARATHON

57485 GIBSON STREET, MARATHON

BARBARA MCKEE, REALTOR ® 305.289.6499

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER!

7563 GULFSTREAM BLVD., MARATHON

SAM WILLIAMS, REALTOR

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BUYER!

NATALIE ARDIS, REALTOR ®

305.481.3317 | natalie@cbschmitt.com

LELA ASHKARIAN,

P.A, CRS, GRI, e-PRO

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CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER!

58130 MORTON STREET, MARATHON

305.289.6559 | swilliams.realestatefloridakeys.com | #sellitwithsam

SAM WILLIAMS, REALTOR

305.289.6559 | swilliams.realestatefloridakeys.com | #sellitwithsam

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022 NUMBER OF THE WEEK

$489,770 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

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Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

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Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

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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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On June 21, Twitter’s board of directors unanimously recommended approval of Elon Musk's $44 billion purchase of the company. To put this price tag into context: a person who began earning money the day the U.S. declared its independence would need to earn $489,770 per day to amass $44 billion by the day this paper was printed.

ON THE COVER On June 7, a horrific scene unfolded as an endangered loggerhead turtle was killed crossing U.S. 1 in Islamorada. The tragedy underscores the aquatic reptiles’ need for help, especially during nesting season. See page 25. CONTRIBUTED

MOSQUITOES ARE BUZZING THE FLORIDA KEYS A super soaker storm in early June created the perfect breeding ground KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

cushy desk job, it is not. Every day, mosquito control field inspector Ryan Rodriguez literally invites mosquitoes to settle down on him so he can conduct what is called a landing rate count. Rodriguez does this at six different locations in the Upper Keys, starting at 7 every morning. "You have to shake up the bushes, you stand there for a whole minute and you see how many mosquitoes land on you," said Rodriguez. We caught up with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District inspector at a monitoring site at MM 94, in the thick brush leading into the Sunset Gardens neighborhood. We watched as six mosquitoes landed on him within a minute. "Depending on how many mosquitoes you have on you kind of determines what you do throughout the day," he said. "If you have a very high count in one area that must mean that there's either a swamp nearby that's breeding, we have to go check that area, so on and so forth." Rodriguez is one of 30 mosquito control field inspectors monitoring the island chain, and they are busy. "It is definitely Keyswide," said Chad Huff, spokesman for Florida Keys Mosquito Control District. Requests for service are on the rise, thanks to a storm that swept across the Keys in the beginning of June, dumping 10 inches of rain or more in some spots, before developing into Tropical Storm Alex. On a recent weekend, there were over 20 requests for service in the Upper Keys alone. Mosquito control officials say 90 percent of the time, they are able to kill the insects while they are still larvae, before they become flying adults. "When we receive rain like we did a month ago, all up and down the 120 miles, it's simply not possible to get all of them before they turn into adults, unfortunately," said Huff.

Mosquito Control is fighting the biting bugs from the air and ground. Adulticides – insecticides used to kill adult mosquitoes – are being released from a fleet of helicopters. Fog trucks are also being deployed to affected neighborhoods. So far this year, there have not been any reports of mosquito-borne illnesses in the Keys. In 2020, it was a different story. There were 72 cases of dengue fever reported here. "If you don't get bit, you're not going to get sick," said Huff. When possible, limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Also, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and don't forget the repellent. "DEET is very good but there are also several natural products that people down here use with various essential oils, citronella,

anything like that, that's your final line of defense," added Huff. Residents are also encouraged to take a lap around their properties, at least once a week, and get rid of any standing water. Remember, standing water is not always in obvious places. It can be found in toys, boat tarps, lawn debris, and all kinds of places. Inspector Rodriguez is confident relief is in sight. "Right now we're getting it all under control. We had the helicopter go by today; that should knock all the numbers down," he said. If you are having a problem with mosquitoes in your neighborhood, you can request a service call by going to the district's website, keysmosquito. org, or call (305) 292-7190.

Mosquito Control Field Inspector Ryan Rodriguez stands with arms spread as he conducts a landing rate count in Key Largo. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

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Sponsorship opportunities still available! Contact 305.942.6069 or 305.570.9542 Proceeds go to our local community foundations, scholarship programs, and so much more.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

JUST SOLD Jody & Lynn Represented the Sellers of: 230 11th Street, Key Colony, FL 33051 Sold for $1,000,000 Jody Owen 305-923-1902 Cell 305-743-7636 Office Jodyowen@me.com

$5 Bag Sale this Saturday The Incredible Fruit Stand This Saturday 9:00 am

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

1 1. Though several buildings on Pigeon Key may have new roofs and other upgrades, the goal is to preserve the ‘old Florida charm’ of the 100-year-old workers’ camp. 2. Buoys painted by different visiting school groups hang from the rafters in the Section Gang Quarters, built in 1909. Pigeon Key’s 2022 education and summer camp seasons are reportedly its biggest ever, with nearly 6,000 student days scheduled. 3. A revitalized Pigeon Key awaits visitors who arrive by boat. 4. Scheduled to be up and running within a month, the new Pigeon Key Express will take up to 60 visitors at a time back and forth between the island and the south end of Marathon. 5. New lithium-ion power banks and solar inverters storing power from Pigeon Keys’s solar array are housed in an air-conditioned, self-contained trailer, designed for easy removal in the event of a storm. 6. A Pigeon Key logo designed by local artist Ananda Ellis can now be seen on jumbotrons at Kenny Chesney concerts, thanks to Pigeon Key’s partnership with No Shoes Reefs.

2 3

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

6 4

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

GAME-CHANGING PROGRESS

Spurred by new lease and projects, Pigeon Key moves into the future ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

After years without its main avenue of access during the renovation of the Old Seven Mile Bridge, it would be easy for the staff at Pigeon Key to simply enjoy the welcome hike in visitation with the bridge’s January reopening. But for executive director Kelly McKinnon, this is just the start of a series of developments that will take Pigeon Key well into the future. “We’ve probably doubled visitation as the bridge opened,” he said. “We always knew the next 6, 12, 18, 24 months were going to be really transformative for us. But knowing that this bridge was going to come back online, we’ve been thinking 30 years down the road.” The island boasts a laundry list of pending and completed projects and awards over the last five years, even with the challenges presented by Hurricane Irma and the COVID pandemic. They include, but are not limited to: an $800,000 state appropriation to be used for an on-island wastewater treatment system, a $50,000 resiliency study to protect the island’s historic resources from storms and sea level rise, installation of a $1.3 million fire suppression system, complete rebuilds of two buildings destroyed by Hurricane Irma, replacement of four roofs on historic buildings since the storm, replacement of the island’s sidewalks and main entrance ramp, and the installation of ADA ramps. Pigeon Key has also heavily invested in its education and outreach programs, securing partnerships with Reef flip flops, iROCKER paddle boards and No Shoes Reefs, an ocean conservation organization spearheaded by country superstar Kenny Chesney – in fact, concertgoers may just see a new version of the island’s logo flash across jumbotrons at his concerts. However, two developments in particular are critical for the iconic

Keys attraction. In 2021, the Pigeon Key Foundation, with the help of a TDC grant, managed to work with the bridge contractors and the Department of Transportation to run a power line all the way to the island, ending its reliance on diesel generators to provide electricity beyond the power supplied by its massive solar array. “Solar was taking about 85% of the load we needed, but we still had to say, okay, don’t look behind the curtain over there,” said McKinnon. “It was time to start practicing what we preach.” Pigeon Key still relies mostly on its solar array, but the additional reliable connection will allow the island to host larger community events in the years to come. With the island’s original batteries storing solar power knocked out by Hurricane Irma, McKinnon was determined to find a more resilient solution. Today, Pigeon Key’s solar inverters and new lithium-ion power banks – providing twice the battery capacity with less than half the weight of the old system – are housed in an independent air-conditioned trailer that can be disconnected and towed to safety in the event of a storm. “It’s a beautiful system,” said McKinnon. “There are very few people in as good a position as us once a storm hits.” Arguably the most anticipated development, though, is the island’s trolley, scheduled to be up and running within a month. With two coaches and a locomotive painted to match Marathon High School’s colors, the train will be able to carry up to 60 passengers at a time to and from Pigeon Key, starting at the old Salty’s property recently purchased by the city of Marathon. “When we got the locomotive delivered, we couldn’t get it off the truck before 30 people were around taking photos and asking questions,” said McKinnon. “Everybody’s smiling ear to ear. … It’s just an unbelievable asset

for everybody, and the fact that it’s our driveway and we get to incorporate it into this operation is just perfect.” With such an array of promising projects ahead, the Pigeon Key Foundation encountered increasing hesitation from private donors who worried about the organization’s lease from Monroe County, originally set to expire in 2023 after its original 30-year term. But in April 2019, the Monroe County BOCC agreed to an early extension of the foundation’s lease, setting a new end date of 2033 with an option to renew for an additional 10 years. The county’s support was a catalyst for a multitude of private donations that made many of the projects over the last five years a reality. “I’m sure (Kelly) used the word ‘game changer,’ and we use that word frequently when we talk about Pigeon Key,” commissioner Michelle Coldiron told Keys Weekly. “I have this advantage because I live in Marathon, and I see firsthand how much time and energy Kelly and the foundation put there. … We understood that it is an icon that we want to make sure is preserved.” Even with all the improvements, McKinnon and the Pigeon Key Foundation are committed to preserving the island’s historical feel and authenticity. “We don’t want everything new and shiny and perfect,” he said. “This is a 100-year-old work camp made out of wood in the most harsh environment you can pretty much put it in. It should look like it’s an old rugged place, and we want to be able to have that feel of old Florida charm.” Those efforts have not gone unnoticed. “I’m so proud of the progress and the state grants that they’ve been able to get,” said commissioner Holly Raschein. “I think their exposure and visitor traffic is going to explode. … What they’ve done to preserve the character of that island is awesome.”

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

1 4

IT TAKES A CITY

Rotary Park rebuild hits the ground running

1. Robyn Still, left, Melanie Kibler and Andrea Patton dig post holes on the first day of the build. ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly 2. Ilsia Lagos, left, and Jon Colby line up support beams for the park’s main play structure.

he rebuild of Marathon’s Rotary Park is off to a solid start, but more hands are always needed. The seven-day build kicked off on June 20, bringing to life a vision created in tandem between playground experts Play by Design and Marathon’s own resident experts in play: students at Stanley Switlik Elementary School. With dedicated groups of volunteers working in shifts from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day, the park’s major structures are beginning to take shape. The goal is to finish the entire build by Sunday, June 26. Though many community organizations, corporations and government groups have lent significant manpower to the build, there’s always room for more. “We haven’t had as many bodies as we would like, but we’ve gotten a lot of work done,” said Marathon parks and recreation director Paul Davis on June 22. “Today we’re going to be pouring the concrete, and now you can actually

3. Marathon parks and recreation director Paul Davis is a jack of all trades at the build site. 4. Kevin Macaulay hauls concrete. 5. Marathon High School Champions for Change club members Tinashay Cunningham, left, Taylor Sipe and Hailey Peña pack down dirt in post holes before Wednesday’s concrete pour.

see it come to form. “We definitely need more people, though. The more we have, the faster we can get things done. It’s a sevenday build, and we’re on day three already, so we’ve got a ways to go.” To volunteer for shifts on the park’s final build days, contact Jennifer Ward at wardj@ci.marathon.fl.us. Volunteer shifts run from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on each day of the build, and vol-

unteers are encouraged to stop by and help with whatever time they have. Opportunities range from working a sign-in table and serving food to providing skilled labor with power tools. Childcare is available for parents who wish to volunteer. Volunteers may park at the Calvary Baptist Church parking lot on 76th Street before checking in at the volunteer table. — Alex Rickert

6. Sure, hand tools can dig a hole. But a little heavy equipment never hurt anyone. 7. Cara O’Neill, left, and Melissa Cartan are all about the power tools. CONTRIBUTED. 8. Volunteers dig post holes under the supervision of Play by Design’s design team.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022 Boats pack Alligator Reef during Memorial Day Weekend 2021. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

NOAA’S UPDATED RESTORATION BLUEPRINT SET FOR RELEASE PUBLIC COMMENT ON DRAFT RULE BEGINS NEXT MONTH

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

n updated set of proposed rules and regulations to counteract a decline in resources within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) will go out to the public for review and input next month. The next step in the Restoration Blueprint process, a draft rule, will be released to the public on July 12. The draft rule includes proposed management plan activities, boundary expansion, sanctuary-wide regulations and marine zones and zone-specific regulation. A public input process on the draft rule will be similar to the blueprint’s initial release in August 2019 that led to a series of meetings and opportunities to submit comments through regulations.gov. On June 21, the sanctuary’s advisory council convened for its first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Sarah Fangman, superintendent of FKNMS, said meetings with the public related to the draft rule will kick off roughly a month after its release to give people enough time to view the content. A virtual question-andanswer session is set for Aug. 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. A virtual public comment meeting is set for Aug. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. “People can start looking on July 12. If they have questions after reflection and want to participate, we’re going to make it virtual so people anywhere can participate,” Fangman said. In addition, residents will have the opportunity to comment at in-person meetings on Sept. 20 at Coral Shores High School Performing Arts Center; Sept. 21 at Marathon High School auditorium; and Sept. 22 at Key West High School auditorium. All meetings

begin at 6 p.m. Fangman said these meetings are in-person only. The public will have another opportunity to provide public comment in person during an Oct. 18 meeting of the Sanctuary Advisory Council in Marathon (an exact location is still being determined). Those who can’t make it to meetings can submit comments wherever and whenever through regulations.gov beginning July 13. Fangman said a variety of materials, including videos, maps and text, will be released on the FKNMS Restoration Blueprint webpage for people to digest. For instance, people will be able to zoom in to their favorite spots to compare the existing rules to what’s being proposed. “If the last time is any example, there will be a lot of public engagement and a lot of comments,” Fangman said. Once the public comment portion concludes, Fangman said they will confer with sanctuary managers and state partners, like Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, to garner input. A final environmental impact statement and final rule and marine zones would follow, and that could take anywhere from nine months to a year. “It’s in the hands of the community and leadership,” Fangman said. “Are we all willing to compromise a little bit in order to get something that’s better than nothing? It’s not going to be perfect.” If final action is taken, it would be followed by an opportunity for review by the governor of Florida and Congress.

On Nov. 16, 1990, Congress designated the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Encompassing 3,800 square miles, the sanctuary protects open ocean, offshore reef tract and nearshore patch reefs, as well as seagrass meadows and fringing mangroves. The sanctuary is also home to maritime heritage resources that encompass a broad historical period. A 2011 condition report on the sanctuary detailed declining water quality, habitats and key species due to coastal development, overfishing, vessel groundings and marine debris, among other factors. Since that report, the Keys experienced Hurricane Irma and an increase in boaters. A recent study by Bonefish & Tarpon Trust analyzed 93 South Florida bonefish for an average of seven pharmaceuticals in their systems. One fish had 17 pharmaceuticals. It’s the first in-depth review of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s regulations and marine zoning approach since they were established in 1997. In the two decades since, the sanctuary said, a lot has been learned about what management tools work and where improvements can be made. The Restoration Blueprint seeks to create a balance between resource protection and sustainable use. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is administered by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. The sanctuary is jointly managed by NOAA and the state of Florida per an agreement that sees FWC enforcing sanctuary regulations in partnership with sanctuary managers and the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

KEYS CANDIDATES OFF TO THE RACES

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

With ballots final, Hometown introduces hopefuls

he new season of “Keys Politics'' premiered June 17 in real life. Its first episode drew an enthusiastic — and bipartisan — audience to Hometown’s Meet the Candidates event. Nearly 200 people — Republicans and Democrats — filled the lobby of Tennessee Williams Theater, where several candidates in contested races each spoke for three minutes about their priorities and platforms. The event started five hours after the noon filing deadline on June 17, when ballots were finalized and any incumbents without a qualified opponent automatically kept their seat. The primary election takes place Aug. 23, when each party

Darren Horan

Gabrielle Brown

Sue Woltanski

will choose its candidate for the general election on Nov. 8. The Key West mayor and commission races, as well as the school board races, however, are nonpartisan, and will be decided in the August primary if one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote. If no such majority is achieved, the two candidates with the most votes will continue to the general election for a November runoff. Todd German, chairman of Hometown, a nonpartisan voter education group, opened the event by announcing, “I think more people were elected without opposition today than have to run for office.”

Alexandria Suarez

SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 1

SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 5

Two seats on the county school board are up for grabs, District 1 and District 5, at opposite ends of the island chain. While the elected official must live in the district they represent, all voters in Monroe County elect all five school board members in nonpartisan races. Two candidates, attorney Darren Horan and single-parent foster mother Gabrielle Brown, are seeking the District 1 school board seat being vacated by Bobby Highsmith, who won’t seek re-election. Horan said he’s running “because I have kids, and I think you have to have skin in the game as a school board member. I have three beautiful girls. The oldest went through COVID in her senior year. It was very tough.” Horan emotionally recognized his father and law partner, David Paul Horan, then thanked the current school board members with a smile. “They didn’t make national news in the past year, and that’s a credit to them,” he said. Brown described herself as a widow, a mother, grandmother and now a single foster mother. “So I don’t just have concern for my own children and grandchildren. As a foster parent, I’ve also received extensive training and annual recertifications in child development.” She said she’s also the daughter of a three-term county commissioner. “As a working-class mother, I understand well the struggles of living in paradise.”

In the Upper Keys, incumbent board member and retired pediatrician Sue Woltanski faces challenger Alexandria Suarez, who previously ran for state representative against Jim Mooney. Woltanski emphasized that she’s not a politician, but rather a mother and a public education advocate and expert. “For more than a decade, I’ve advocated against excessive standardized testing and all the time spent preparing for those tests,” as it takes time away from more enriching and valuable lessons. “Our schools are good, but they can be better,” she said, asking that people “vote to keep a mom and a public education expert on the school board.” Suarez told the audience that she’s the only candidate with teaching experience. She said she taught for 10 years, “but had to leave because I couldn’t afford it.” She then became a pharmaceutical sales representative. “Then at 43, I got my law degree and have served in the prosecutor’s office for the past few years,” she said. “Kids must learn how to think, not what to think. The reason our kids are doing well is because parents now have a choice. We need board members who will do what’s best for our kids. There’s no place for partisan politics in the classroom.”

Jose Peixoto

Holly Raschein

COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 5 County Commissioner and former State Rep. Holly Raschein is seeking election to the county commission after she was appointed by the governor to fill the seat of the late Mike Forster following his death from COVID-19. Raschein was unable to attend Hometown’s event, German said. Her opponent, Jose Peixoto, has run in several county races, but does not raise money and rarely campaigns. He has not raised money in the current campaign, according to the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections website. Peixoto was born in Brazil and has lived in Key Largo for more than 30 years. He told the audience the commission race is between “a real man like me and a career politician.” He advocated for term limits, but also admonished voters, “Don’t keep voting them in over and over again.”

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

Al Kelley

Jason Smith

COUNTY JUDGE Al Kelley and Jason Smith want to be county judge. Kelley said his experience is unmatched, as he has served as both prosecutor and defense attorney and has been recognized by The Florida Bar for his pro bono work. He’s also a Supreme Court-certified mediator. Smith said he has more trial experience than his opponent, and as such understands the immense responsibility of deciding whether to take away someone’s rights, property or liberty. He also worked two stints in the public defender’s office and in private practice.

Carlos Gimenez

KW Miller

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Carlos Gimenez, incumbent U.S. representative for Florida’s 28th District, which includes the Florida Keys, was unable to attend the Friday event due to a mistake by Hometown. German apologized to Gimenez, because Hometown’s invitations and announcements of the event listed its date as July 17, not June 17. Republican challenger KW Miller, who grew up in Marathon, spoke about his campaign to challenge Gimenez and represent the district. “We can’t carry on with congressional representatives who are essentially voting against the U.S. Constitution,” said Miller, who is the national chairman of the America First Committee, “which is committed to getting conservatives elected to all offices,” he said at Friday’s event, adding that “Issues such as housing won’t be resolved by local efforts, but need public private partnerships.” (Note: Due to redistricting in Florida, the former U.S. House’s 26th District is now the 28th District, but the boundaries remain the same and the district includes all of the Florida Keys and the area of West Kendall, Miller said.)

Jim Mooney

Rhonda Rebman

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, D 120 Unlike the county school board, the race to represent the Florida Keys in the Florida House of Representatives is undoubtedly partisan. In the Aug. 23 primary, Republicans will select from incumbent Jim Mooney, Rhonda Rebman Lopez and Robert Scott Allen, who has not raised any campaign money. Democrats will choose either Daniel Horton-Diaz or Adam Gentle to face the Republican candidate. All five candidates were at the Hometown event, where Allen, who lives on Big Pine Key, told the audience he’ll let his platform speak for itself, but it is unknown what his platform includes, or where it can be found online. His state election documents declare his 2021 net worth as –(minus)$385,000. Incumbent Jim Mooney’s state election documents declare his net worth in 2021 as $2.46 million with income from ownership of a clothing line, a storage business and as a real estate agent. Mooney touted his experience in and familiarity with both the Florida Keys and Tallahassee. “If you don’t understand the issues of Monroe County, you won’t do well. I twice served as mayor of Islamorada. And Tallahassee is a different beast; it doesn’t work like local government. I’ve had five bills signed by the governor in my two terms. I’ll represent the Florida Keys with pride, quality and dignity.” Rebman Lopez declared a 2021 net worth of $4.6 million and $550,000 in income last year from PECO International Electric, a company her husband owns. She told the audience, “I want Tallahassee to stop overlooking the Florida Keys. We are a donor county and I want to bring back as much as we contribute to the state.” She criticized “current House members” who voted for a bill that would have hurt the Everglades and thus the Keys. “But our wonderful governor vetoed that bill.” She also advocated for tort reform as a means to address skyrocketing increases in property insurance.

Robert Scott

Adam Gentle

Dan Horton

The Democrat side includes Daniel Horton-Diaz and Adam Gentle. Horton-Diaz, whose 2021 net worth was –(minus)$146,000 due to student loans, previously worked as district chief of staff for former Keys U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel Powell. He also was the Democratic nominee for Florida Keys state representative in 2016, but lost to Republican Holly Raschein 57% to 43%. His state campaign documents list his occupation as “consultant.” “I believe in helping people,” he said. “In Tallahassee, I’ll support a woman’s right to choose. I’ll protect our neighbors in the LGBT community and support smart gun laws. I’ll vote to give local governments control over local issues.” Adam Gentle, who also has become a familiar face at Key West events, was the final speaker of the evening. He declared a 2021 net worth of $781,000 with income from Citrix Systems Inc. and rental income. “I got into this race after watching the events of Jan. 6, and realizing the fragility of our democracy,” Gentle said, adding that he previously worked as an attorney investigating corruption. “I think we can agree we have a corruption problem in Florida. We have a governor who could lower gas prices by 25 cents a gallon today, but he’s not going to do it until October. Our government failed to fund AHEC — health care for kids. Instead they attack our most vulnerable communities, including the LGBT community, and the autonomy of a woman’s body.” He said it’s “disgusting” for a politician to think he has any right to be involved in the most important decision of a woman’s life.

UNOPPOSED & REELECTED: • State Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez • County Commissioners Michelle Coldiron David Rice Jim Scholl • Key West City Commissioners Mary Lou Hoover Sam Kaufman • School Board John Dick

• Mosquito Control Board Phil Goodman Tom McDonald • County Judge Sharon Hamilton • Key West Utility Board Mona Clark Steven Wells Sr. Robert Barrios • Key Largo Fire & Emerg. Board: Frank Conklin George Mirabella

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

DAVID CASTRO TO RUN BADWATER 135 ULTRAMARATHON IN DEATH VALLEY, CA

ONCE HOMELESS, KEYS RESIDENT TACKLES ‘WORLD’S TOUGHEST FOOT RACE’

avid Castro spent half his life running away — from childhood sexual abuse, torture, a heroin-addicted father and severe clinical depression. Now he runs toward things. And next month, he’ll head for the finish line of Badwater 135 Ultramarathon, a 135-mile race through Death Valley, California, which National Geographic has dubbed “the world’s toughest foot race.” It’s Castro’s third and toughest endurance race, and he’s running to raise money for Samuel’s House shelter in Key West. (See QR code to donate.) The Michigan native had blocked out his past and ignored his own mental health for decades. In his 30s he had a good job as a district manager for Longhorn Steakhouse. Then a friend’s suicide brought Castro’s own issues to the surface. “I snapped; I lost it,” he said. “I thought I had nothing and no one.” He had rebelled against the aunt and uncle who adopted him at 12 when they learned what he and his younger brother were enduring. “They were good people, but they weren’t equipped to deal with what we’d been through, and there was no specialized therapy back then. “I just walked out of my life with a backpack. I thought it would be some kind of adventure,” he said. It was anything but. Castro ended up homeless in Orlando, where tent cities were rife with drugs and gang violence. So he came to the Keys about 15 years ago, still homeless, but unlike many others, Castro never struggled with drugs or alcohol. “It was deep, severe depression,” he said. “But I always kept myself clean and presentable for whenever I could find work doing landscaping or construction, anything.” After staying in homeless encampments in Key West, he went up the road to Marathon. “I used to camp just outside the jail in Marathon, because no one else wanted to be near there. I met some truly amazing deputies. They were fantastic to me, along with a few Key West police officers.”

Castro eventually got into a men’s shelter in Marathon and started working in landscaping. In 2010, with his resume from Longhorn, Castro became operations manager of Catch 53 restaurant. “I went from making a couple hundred bucks a week to $70,000 a year. I was back on my feet.” He started leading a men’s support group at the shelter, where he met his wife, a licensed therapist. The pair moved to West Palm Beach and Castro started a successful catering business. When he sold his half, he and his wife returned to Marathon, where they bought a home close to one of the places he had camped while homeless. “I’m a big believer in turning a negative into a positive,” he said. Castro started running eight years ago to lose weight and lower his blood pressure. He ran his first 5K in 2016, and the very next year completed the Keys 100, a 100-mile ultra event that got him hooked. Castro is running Badwater 135 July 11-13 to raise money for Samuel’s House shelter. “I wanted to pick a charity I could relate to, and when I did my research, Samuel’s House fit the bill.” The nonprofit provides shelter and support services to homeless and abused women and families. The Badwater 135 Ultramarathon selects only 100 of the world’s toughest runners for the grueling race. “From 280 feet below sea level in scorching temperatures to altitudes of 8,360 feet, athletes from 23 nations, 28 American states and the Navajo Nation face off in a grueling 135-mile non-stop running race from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, California,” states the event website. “Widely recognized as ‘the world’s toughest foot race,’ the invitational Badwater 135 is the most demanding and extreme running race on the planet. “The course covers three mountain ranges for a total of 14,600 feet of cumulative vertical ascent and 6,100 feet of cumulative descent.” Visit samuelshouse.org to donate.

1 2

1. Badwater 135 is a grueling 135-mile ultramarathon through the deserts and mountains of Death Valley, California. BADWATER/Contributed 2. Marathon resident David Castro next month will compete in Badwater 135 Ultramarathon, a 135-mile race in Death Valley, California that’s been called the ‘world’s toughest.’ MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022 Lt. Charlene Sprinkle.

UPPER KEYS SEES NEW SHERIFF’S CAPTAIN & TWO NEW LIEUTENANTS Bryan excited to be back where he grew up

From left, Capt. Spenser Byran and Lt. Chuck Kellenberger. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

lieutenant recently promoted to captain within the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is back in the Upper Keys community where he grew up. And two lieutenants prepare to deal with unique challenges as they enter new districts. Sheriff Rick Ramsay recently promoted Key Largo native and current Marathon resident Spenser Bryan to captain of District 7, which covers Ocean Reef, Key Largo and Tavernier. A 12-year member of the sheriff’s office, Bryan was promoted to lieutenant in 2021. The district saw the retirements of Maj. Don Fanelli and Capt. Al Ramirez. Fanelli, who served as commander of the Key Largo district, retired last September following a 35year career in law enforcement, while Ramirez retired in 2021 following a 32year career with the sheriff’s office. Bryan, who’s 34, currently oversees 37 sworn deputies who cover as far north as MM 112.5 on the 18-Mile Stretch to Tavernier Creek Bridge. He started his career on the road patrolling Big Pine Key and Stock Island. After three years, he became a detective within the criminal investigations unit there. He worked several years as road patrol sergeant in Marathon. He was then promoted to detective sergeant of the criminal investigations unit in the Middle Keys for eight months. He

was transferred to special operations sergeant for nine months and then to lieutenant of detectives. A former student of Key Largo School and graduate of Coral Shores High School, Bryan said it’s nice to be back as commanding officer. “It’s the coolest thing driving around and seeing my old teachers,” he said. “A lot of them are principals now, Laura Lietaert, Darren Pais and Lisa Taylor.” Ramsay said Bryan worked alongside Fanelli before he retired to get experience as a patrol lieutenant. Once Fanelli left, Ramsay moved Capt. Don Hiller up from the Marathon district to mentor Bryan and see if he had what it took to be a patrol captain. “I think he’s done a great job,” Ramsay said of Bryan. “He’s been active in my community. He’s done everything I asked him to do. I made a decision after looking at some other lieutenants, all who could have done the job, but I felt at this point in time he was the best person for this position.” Spenser Bryan is the son of retired Maj. Corey Bryan, who retired in early January 2021 following 34 years with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Corey Bryan served as commanding officer of the Islamorada district. And Spenser Bryan’s mom, Peggy, also retired from the sheriff’s office after serv-

ing 32 years as a records supervisor for offices in Islamorada and Key Largo. Bryan said he’s excited to carry on the family legacy of serving the Upper Keys communities. “I hope people in the Upper Keys love and respect me as much as they have and still do for my dad and mom,” Spenser Bryan said. In addition to his duties as commander for District 7, Bryan will be taking over as commander of Monroe County’s SWAT team. He formerly served as assistant team leader to the SWAT team commander. Joining Bryan at District 7 is Lt. Chuck Kellenberger. He previously served three years as lieutenant for the Islamorada district. Kellenberger’s law enforcement career spans 27 years. A Marathon resident, he worked in Key Largo for a brief period in the 90s, but the majority of his time was spent in Marathon. He’s served as road patrol sergeant, detective sergeant of major crimes and field training officer. “To me it’s a challenge, but it’s a good challenge,” Kellenberger said. “It’s going to be a really good thing to be exposed to a bigger area with more responsibilities and work, and working with a great group of team members.” The complaints heard in Islamorada are similar to the ones in Key Largo, he said. “Like anything else, the No. 1

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

magine Tuesday’s Key West City Commission meeting was a drinking game and every time someone said the word “genitalia” you had to take a shot. Let’s just say, you’d have been 10 times over the legal limit. Yes, the commission was discussing Fantasy Fest’s contract renewal and the issues surrounding nudity, lewd behavior and the new and improved “re-imagined” Key West (because everyone knows the old way that created this island just wasn’t working any longer). But nothing beats a panel of middle-aged people (and possibly some approaching their twilight years) talking about nudity and body parts. It was the equivalent of a sex education class being led by the Moms for Liberty. With that said, the meeting did offer some fun sound bites and we jotted down a few of our favorites.

SOUND BITES FROM THE KEY WEST CITY COMMISSION DISCUSSION ON FANTASY FEST & NUDITY… 10. “I have not talked to one person in the city of Key West that said, ‘Yes, I believe we should have naked people walking around our streets.’” — Mayor Teri Johnston (Our thoughts: Maybe that’s a strange question to lead with when talking to people).

complaint is traffic. It’s true whether it’s Islamorada or Key Largo.” Ramsay said he selected the seasoned lieutenant in Kellenberger to help the new captain. Bryan said District 7 has a higher call volume than anywhere else due to the number of weekenders and day trippers coming from Miami-Dade County. “That’s our biggest challenge. It’s the weekenders coming down and people drinking. It’s the No. 1 crime. Everything is associated with drinking.” Bryan and Kellenberger say they’re excited to be teaming up to serve the Upper Keys residents. “I’ve known him for so long. He has a strong work ethic like his dad did,” Kellenberger said. “I’m looking forward to working with Chuck,” Bryan said. “We’re both local guys who grew up in the Keys. It will be nice to have two people that really understand the Monroe County community and provide the best service we can.” Taking Kellenberger’s spot in Islamorada is Lt. Charlene Sprinkle. Ramsay said he believed Sprinkle would fit best in Islamorada with a seasoned patrol captain in Derek Paul. “I’m thankful for Sheriff Ramsay giving me the opportunity to fill this position,” she said. “I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues and the community.”

She grew up in Marathon and was a cadet with the sheriff’s office during her days at Marathon High School. Upon graduation, she was hired as a communications officer in 1994. She was there for six years before she entered the law enforcement academy in Key West. After graduation, Sprinkle worked road patrol in Marathon. She was the crime scene detective and general crimes detective. Sprinkle was then promoted to sergeant road patrol in the Lower Keys. Sprinkle has been the lieutenant of the 911 center in Marathon for the past 10 years. June 6 was Sprinkle’s first day as lieutenant of road patrol in Islamorada. She is no stranger to the Islamorada district. She has participated in cleanups with the sheriff’s office at Indian Key Fill and she’s also participated in various community events. Sprinkle said she’s excited to be working with the deputies. She’s also excited to be learning from her colleagues Kellenberger and Paul, all of whom grew up in Marathon and went to Marathon High School. “Our families go way back, both the Kellenbergers and the Pauls and my family,” she said. And she’s also excited to work alongside Bryan, who she knew before he became a deputy. “We’re all here to help him as well,” she said.

9. “At one point, years ago, people who were naked were given an option to put on a T-shirt that was offered by police, or be arrested.” — Commissioner Jimmy Weekley (Our thoughts: Commissioner Weekley has been a commissioner since the Bronze Age, so we need more clarification on “years ago.” P.S. We love you, Commissioner Weekley.) 8. “50,000 to 80,000 people aren’t nude. It’s a really small minority that really ruins it for everyone else.” — Mayor Teri Johnston. (Our thoughts exactly. A really small minority does typically ruin it for everyone. Sort of like public speakers at commission meetings.) 7. “Wouldn’t body paint be considered an opaque covering of the genitalia and the top of the nipple?” — Commissioner Greg Davila, quoting from the city’s code defining nudity. (Our thoughts: He said “genitalia” and “nipple.”) 6. “If there’s no Fantasy Zone, I think we’ll have a problem with possible wanderers into our parts of town. I’d like to keep the Fantasy Zone.” — Commissioner Sam Kaufman. (Our thoughts: Or maybe we just keep the Fantasy Zone because it’s a huge part of the largest event in the Florida Keys for more than 40 years).

5. “The Fantasy Zone came from discussions YEARS ago when the city said, ‘Hey, we need to designate an area where certain behaviors are acceptable.’” — Steve Robbins, TDA board. (Our thoughts: Translation. The Fantasy Zone came along years ago because people like to have fun in a city that prides itself on openminded principals, fun, creative expression and less censorship.) 4. “We always are... (talking about buttocks).”— Commissioner Greg Davila, joking with city attorney Shawn Smith. (Our thoughts: He’s said “genitalia,” “nipple” and now “buttocks” from the dais. This will likely lead to a protest from some very offended moms at the next meeting.) 3. “Why can’t you be body-painted and not be nude?” — Mayor Teri Johnston. (Our thoughts: Because it’s called “body” paint.) 2. “A message has to be sent: Do NOT expose yourself to our kids.” — Paul Menta, local business man and a really good kiteboarder. (Our thoughts. This should be someone’s campaign slogan.) 1.”Your ordinance does not allow nudity, even with body paint. It says, ‘provided that such person not display genitalia or the pubic area in a public place.’ If you look at the definition of nudity, it says, ‘exposure of male or female genitalia or buttocks even if painted.’ So what you’re really talking about is buttocks.”— City Attorney Shawn Smith. (Our thoughts: There’s a very high likelihood that Smith used these remarks as a coded jab to call someone in the room an asshole.)

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

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RAY RHASH’S WORK FILLS OCEAN SOTHEBY’S GALLERY

Reception plays host to talented photographer

n May 19, Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty opened its newest art gallery exhibit, showcasing the exquisite work of Keys photographer Ray Rhash. And at its June 17 gallery reception, attendees were treated to an evening with a special guest: the man behind the lens himself. As a graduate of Marathon High School, Rhash serves as an analyst for the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative and an adjunct professor for the College of the Florida Keys. His portfolio consists largely of portrait work as well as stunning sunrise and sunset views of several iconic Keys landmarks. The new exhibit is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. — Alex Rickert

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATES FREEDOM FOR ALL

Key West hosts ceremony and parade 2 3

1. Gorgeous landscape photography fills the walls at Ocean Sotheby’s art gallery. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly 2. Photographer Ray Rhash takes time to greet, from left, Ben Daniels, JoAnn Cook, Ally Kelley and Sarah Ewald. PATTI CHILDRESS/Keys Weekly 3. Guy Moreau and Carol Miller enjoy the evening. 4. Melanie Menendez, Inez Serrano, Rhash and Mike Kiraly.

hile Monday marked the federal holiday for Juneteenth, Key West’s celebration took place Saturday, June 18. The event started with a ceremony at the African Cemetery on Higgs Beach, music from the African diaspora as well as Caribbean and reggae by local musician Toko Irie and his family’s band. The event culminated with a parade of dancing, costumes and colorful African garments. For generations, American schoolchildren learned that the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, freed the slaves. But that’s not accurate. The proclamation only freed slaves in the Union. With the Civil War still in progress, Confederate states did not abide by Union laws, and slavery continued in the Confederacy until Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia on April 9, 1865, ending

Key West’s Juneteenth parade on Saturday featured music, dancing and colorful African garments. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

the war and putting the Emancipation Proclamation into effect for all. But it took two months for word to spread. On June 19, 1865, Union Gen. Gordon Granger reached Galveston, Texas, and informed the enslaved African-Americans there that the war had ended and they were free. The day became known as Juneteenth and has been celebrated ever since as the true end of slavery in America, because freedom without knowledge of it was no freedom at all. Last year, President Biden signed legislation to make Juneteenth a national holiday called Juneteenth Independence Day. Monday, June 20 is the observance of the new national holiday. As such, banks and government offices were closed. — Mandy Miles

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

SEA TURTLE TRAGEDY Endangered loggerhead mama struck and killed on US 1

An adult loggerhead turtle returns to the ocean. CONTRIBUTED

TIFFANY DUONG

Volunteers from Save-A-Turtle walk the beaches searching for tracks and active nests to protect. CONTRIBUTED

tiffany@keysweekly.com

“T

his is horrific.” Bette Zirkelbach, the manager of the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, could not hide her frustration, disappointment and sadness. An endangered adult loggerhead sea turtle had come out of the ocean to nest on Sea Oats Beach. Unfortunately, the female turtle was hit and killed while crossing U.S. 1 in Islamorada. “This area continues to be a hazard for sea turtles during nesting season,” Zirkelbach said. “A short fence was put in in an attempt to keep sea turtles safe, but the sargassum weed is so thick, it piles up, and the sea turtles easily cross the fence barrier onto U.S. 1.” In the Florida Keys, sea turtle nesting season runs from mid-April to mid-October. This means there are active sea turtle nests throughout the Keys during that period. Each year, the Keys get an average of 100 loggerhead sea turtle nests and a handful of hawksbill sea turtle nets. There’s even been one documented leatherback sea turtle nest in the past 20 years. This year alone, there are already 16 counted nests at Sea Oats Beach. All species of sea turtles in and around the Florida Keys are listed as endangered, critically endangered or threatened. They are protected by both federal and state laws, Zirkelbach said. It is a federal offense to disturb or touch any sea turtle. Multiple times a season, adult female sea turtles will come onto the beaches to dig nests and lay their eggs. These turtle moms are sensitive to artificial light, Zirkelbach said. Historically, the moon reflecting on the water’s surface was the brightest thing in the night sky, and nesting females used that light contrast to find their way back to the ocean after nesting. Baby sea turtles, called hatchlings, also rely on natural light in the night sky to find their way into the ocean. Unfortunately, artificial lighting, including automobile headlights on U.S. 1 and exterior home lights or street lights can distract and disorient mom and baby sea turtles with “devastating results,” the turtle expert said. If sea turtles attempt to cross roads because they are disoriented, they come in danger of being hit or run over. This is a problem throughout the Keys. “We have rescued nesting females from the middle of the road in Key Colony Beach, Key West and off Tingler Avenue near Sombrero Beach over the years,” Zirkelbach said.

WAYS TO DO YOUR PART DURING SEA TURTLE NESTING SEASON: • Use sea turtle-friendly lights (red) or no lights at all • Don’t touch sea turtles ever • Don’t interfere with nests or hatching • Don’t place beach furnutire too close to a marked nest • Bring all beach furniture in before dark • Fill any holes you’ve dug with sand and smooth down any mounds of sand you’ve built • Train and volunteer with local organizations (Save-A-Turtle, Key West Sea Turtle Club) that walk the beaches to monitor for sea turtle nests

The loggerhead that was struck and killed was a 250-pound reproductive female, meaning she had reached sexual maturity and was able to help the species reproduce. She would have nested five to eight times this season, laying 100 to 120 eggs each time, Zirkelbach said. Only 1 in 5,000 sea turtles survives to sexual maturity, so this was a great loss for our local Keys population, she added. “Every sea turtle matters,” she said. As for what changes are needed, Zirkelbach and other sea turtle advocates are calling for appropriate safeguards for nesting females and hatchlings. First up, something that protects sea turtles from the artificial light of automobiles driving on Overseas Highway is needed. Also, a barrier high enough to prevent adult female and hatchling loggerhead sea turtles from entering onto the road is recommended. Chain link fences, which are being discussed, won’t work because hatchlings could still get through. Making this opaque enough to block out the light is key. State Rep. Jim Mooney reached out to FDOT and the Village of Islamorada to underscore the results of the low fencing. “I would like to think that this will be resolved before another turtle’s death occurs,” he said.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

WEEK 10 OF THE MARATHON MELTDOWN IS IN THE BOOKS! Here are your “biggest losers” for the last week, ranked by each team’s average percent of body weight loss per individual. We’re happy to report that after a rough Week 9, most teams got back to their “losing” ways, just in time to power through for the final week of competition. Monday, June 27 will be the final weigh-in for the 2022 Marathon Meltdown, but we hope the habits developed by contestants over the last three months will last well into the future. We’ve included some additional resources for staying motivated and on track once there are no more weekly weigh-ins to ensure accountability. Contestants, please come to the final weigh-in prepared to have your photo taken for our final Meltdown coverage. You’ve put in the work to shed the pounds, and now it’s time to reap the rewards! And mark your calendars: the 2022 Meltdown Awards Party is scheduled for Thursday, July 7. See ﬂiers at weigh-ins for details.

0.95%

0.75%

0.65%

SASSY BY SUMMER

WII NOT FIT

LOCKED & BLOATED

Teresa, Lisa, Nicole

Paul, Danielle, Malinda

Alex, Patti, Javier

RANKINGS 4. Make It Happen: 0.64% Grimi, Lynn, Lynny

8. Lift It to Lose It: 0.12% Kacey, Cindy, Robin

5. Air Bellies: 0.53% Diana, Wilson, Viviana

9. Oversized Highway: 0.10% 13. Slim-O-Knockers: +0.53% Lorie, Eric, Anneke Melissa, Giovanna, Mariuska

6. Waisting Away Again: 0.24% Robert, Mallory, Kacey

10. Team Less Is More: 0.06% Michelle, Bruce, Donna

7. Cardio Barbies: 0.13% Melissa, Samantha, Donna

12. Tons of Fun: +0.01% Andrew, John, Lisa

11. Time Out Toners: 0.02% Natalie, Julie, Michelle

% of weight loss Please come to the final weigh-in prepared to have your photo taken

0.28% AVERAGE TEAM WEIGHT LOSS

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

Though Meltdown contestants have undoubtedly made sacrifices over the last 11 weeks, staying consistent, accountable, and honest with yourself in the absence of official weekly weigh-ins will be the greatest challenge of all. CONTRIBUTED.

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ongratulations on reaching the end of your 11-week weight loss challenge! What goals did you set for yourself when you joined a Meltdown team? Was it to get healthy with your friends? Shed a few pounds before sandbar season or vacation? Win a prize and bragging rights? A healthy lifestyle is just that. Many of my clients I support in regaining control of their health through more strategic eating plans often ask in our initial consultation what they will have to give up and whether or not they will regain weight after an initial loss. Will you be able to eat chocolate cake and pizza and drink wine again? Yes, of course, absolutely. Maybe not all at the same time, but life is meant to be enjoyed. Do you eat that every day? Of course not. Because if you do, then yes, you will absolutely gain back your weight and your efforts will be for naught. Small habitual choices every day, combined with a bit of grace and honesty, are the gradual changes that eventually become better healthier habits. And that’s when your life really changes – when you change your habits. Why do you want to contend for your health? Knowing the answer to this question going forward will help you continue to make decisions and choices to keep you aligned with your goals. Every day, we’re making thousands of choices. You choose to brush your teeth every day. It is such an unconscious choice; we do it without any real thought. But, if we choose not to brush our teeth, we will have to live with those consequences. Bad breath, germs, cavities and costly

dental visits are the long term consequences of poor short term choices. What we choose to consume every day – the food, the water, the social media we scroll, the television shows we watch, the books we read, the conversations in which we engage – are all conscious decisions and either keep us more closely aligned with our health goals or further from them. Make note of your struggles I have so many clients who say that the tendency to munch mindlessly after dinner while parked in front of their television is one of their biggest challenges to overcome. Congratulations! If you know what your challenges and struggles are, then you know where to focus your energy. As we move into the dog days of summer, take advantage of these extra hours of daylight to create some new habits for yourself. What did you learn about yourself in this process? What were your “aha” moments? Were you eating enough food? The wrong foods for your body? Are you drinking enough water each day? What areas of your life can you really focus on improving? Instead of settling down to watch television each night after dinner, you could choose to take the dog for a walk and enjoy a sunset at one of our local parks. When you consciously choose to break a habit that no longer serves your greater health goals by replacing it with a healthier alternative, you’ve made a powerful statement to your brain. Is that to say one shouldn’t watch television? Of course not – family movie nights are great. But make it an indulgence and something you do together, not an unconscious habit.

Small habitual choices every day, combined with a bit of grace and honesty, are the gradual changes that eventually become better healthier habits. And that’s when your life really changes – when you change your habits.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

ow in its 15th year, the Key Colony Beach Kids Fishing Derby saw 48 young anglers and 20 parent volunteers take to the seas aboard the Marathon Lady on the morning of June 15. Free for children ages 6 to 14, the tournament offered kids the opportunity to enjoy a day on the reef while competing to catch and release the largest fish within their age divisions (6 to 8, 9 to 11, and 12 to 14). Following the trip, anglers were treated to a lunch at the Key Colony Inn and a litany of door prizes, along with first-, second- and third-place trophies for those who managed to reel in the largest catches of the day. KCB police chief and derby organizer Kris DiGiovanni was one of two officers on board the Marathon Lady. He deemed the derby’s return after a two-year COVID hiatus a resounding success. “It’s kind of cliche, but you want kids to look up to police officers as someone who’s helping, someone they can go fishing with,” he said. While officers and parents were on hand to help, DiGiovanni said the junior anglers needed little supervision and were locked in on the task at hand as soon as the boat left the dock. “I don't think I raised my voice this year at all,” he laughed. The derby organizers extend a special thanks to more than 60 community sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible, including: the Tania Teke Memorial Fund, fysportswear.com, the KCB Fishing and Boating Club, Key Colony Inn, the cities of Key Colony Beach and Marathon, the Marathon Lady, the Gonzalez Brothers, Dolphin Research Center, Marathon Sail & Power Squadron, Superior Electric, Ron and Kitty Sutton, and the Marshwood Foundation. “When you look at the sponsors who have been there since the first tournament, it’s amazing that they have no questions and no issues to say, ‘Hey, if you’re doing the derby again this year, we’re in for it,’” said DiGiovanni. “People are so gracious to keep giving.” — Alex Rickert

THE WINNERS’ CIRCLE • Ages 6-8 1st place: Beck Irvin 2nd place: Mila Lordi 3rd place: Bennett Knowles • Ages 9-11 1st place: Morgan Wolsey 2nd place: Carter Yeider 3rd place: Pablo Rodriguez • Ages 12-14 1st place: Claire Segard 2nd place: Aiden Judd 3rd place: Ben Segard

TIGHT LINES IN KCB

Kids fishing derby returns for 15th year 2

1. First-, second- and third-place winners in each of the derby’s age categories hoist their trophies at the derby awards ceremony.

2. Volunteer chaperones enjoy a beautiful day for fishing aboard the Marathon Lady. From left: KCB police officer Ross Bethard, derby judges Brian Russell, Rich Malafy and Jerry Ong, KCB police chief Kris DiGiovanni, Ron Teke. CONTRIBUTED 3. Volunteers serve up lunch at the Key Colony Inn. 4. Junior anglers wet their lines on the reef. 5. KCB police captain Kris DiGiovanni accepts a plaque commemorating 15 years of commitment to the city of Key Colony and the annual derby. 6. Volunteers made the tournament’s return a resounding success after two years off. From left: KCB commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickrey, Becky DiGiovanni, Jane Zaydon, police chief Kris DiGiovanni, Ken Duffy, KCB commissioner Ron Sutton, Joey Raspe, Karen Raspe, KCB mayor Patricia Trefry, Claire Duffy, Kitty Sutton.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

ROTARY PARK REBUILD WEEK Volunteer and leave a legacy to our children

wenty years after the original was built, Marathon’s Rotary Children’s Park is getting a total rebuild from the ground up. And we need your help! I will always remember the good times we had, coming together as a community to create and build this park. Rotarians, City of Marathon officials and staff, and a large number of volunteers from the community raised the park from a cleared field in a week. I felt I was part of a really good thing that happened in our city — I’ve always enjoyed coming back to the park, seeing my old brick from the first City Council and being glad that this was part of the legacy I (and so many others) left behind. As you read this, there are still three build days left: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The city needs volunteers to get as much done while the Play by Design folks are still in Marathon (we get them for a week). It doesn’t matter if you have mad construction skills or not — your talents will be put to good use. And even if you can only come for an hour or two at a time, please show up and lend a helping hand. You just might get a free breakfast, lunch or dinner as a bonus! There are a lot of local businesses and organizations helping out, and for that we are grateful. Local restaurants have donated food to help feed our volunteers, and working on rebuilding a park can certainly build one’s appetite. Some of our restaurant heroes are Irie Island Eats, Marathon Bagel, Driftwood Pizza, The Stuffed Pig, Brutus Seafood, Porky’s BBQ, Frank’s Grill, and more — I’m just sorry I won’t be able to name all the businesses that donate time and equipment. SeLevel Contracting donated time and resources to dig all the holes in our tough “soil” so that the posts could be properly anchored in the ground. Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys generously donated tools (and if you have them, please bring them along when you come). U.S. Coast Guard Station Marathon has donated a lot of time and human power, and we are very grateful for their service to country and community. Calvary Baptist Church (on 76th Street next to Rotary Park) is providing parking and their air conditioned basement for meals and a respite from the June weather. Keys Vineyard Church will

feed everyone breakfast on Saturday morning. And as I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of other local businesses donating time JOHN and resources BARTUS to help build this park — we are is the Mayor of very grateful. the City of Marathon. He also is I need to a musician who mention some performs around of the city staff town. For more who are busting see johnbartus. their buns on this com project — and again, please forgive me if I don’t have the space to mention your name here. Parks & Rec Director Paul Davis and his entire staff are helping out with everything, from digging holes and erecting park elements to coordinating volunteers and tools, and keeping everyone hydrated. Hammer Runyon is in beast mode, lifting and hauling and doing what he has done to make this city a better place for more than a decade and a half. Tuesday was his 60th birthday, and he celebrated it at Rotary park helping out. Marathon Fire Rescue are on site in case of emergency, but our firefighters are lending a helping hand with construction as well — thank you very much. And there are a lot of other city staff members going above and beyond. Ports Director Sean Cannon wields a mean power saw! Right now, the only thing missing is you. It’s not every day that you have a chance to be part of a project like this, something that will last decades and bring so much joy to our current children as well as the generation of children yet to come. Please be a part of this project, and leave behind a wonderful legacy to our kids. I hope to see you at the park! If you’re going: please park in the Calvary Baptist parking lot on 76th Street and check in at the volunteer table. - John Bartus’ Perpetual Island Tour resumes tonight at Sparky’s Landing. Catch John next Monday at Boondocks, and Tuesday and Wednesday at the Key Colony Inn. And check out John’s music anywhere you stream or download your music! Or point your browser to: johnbartus.hearnow. com

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

THIS SUMMER, BE A ‘QUALIFIED CAPTAIN’ Boat ramp etiquette in the busiest nautical months of the year

A little common sense at the ramp can make a nightmare day of launches much more manageable. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

ith Memorial Day in the rearview mirror, we’re officially into the sweltering days of summer in the Keys. The season will see residents and visitors alike flock to public boat ramps for their chance to beat the heat – with plenty of new captains still learning the ins and outs of their vessels. The National Marine Manufacturers’ Association announced that new boat sales reached a 13-year high in 2020 and remained elevated in 2021, with sales through March 2021 up 30% compared to the 2020 average. Keys boat ramps have taken center stage during several government meetings, and I’m sure most reading this article have seen at least one – OK, maybe 100 – angry social media rants about conduct at popular launch sites. The concern is justified; a visit to Marathon’s Quay boat ramp on a Saturday typically finds a line of trailers backed all the way out to U.S. 1, and R.I.P. to the brave souls who try to launch during the hellscape of mini-season. When captains fail to follow the unwritten – yet somehow ironclad – laws of boat ramp conduct, the problem becomes 10 times worse. In the spirit of heading off summer boat ramp shouting matches, I’m glad to offer what I’ve learned in the 17 years since my parents made the mistake of kick-starting my nautical obsessions with my first rowboat. Let me be clear: I’m no boating saint. I’m a proud member of the unspeakable heathens of the boating community: jet skiers. And though the group rightfully earns its reputation in many cases, there are plenty of riders who know, and follow, rules of common courtesy. How did I learn those rules? Well, my copy of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Boating and Sailing” is the most worn, dog-eared volume sitting on my shelf, and has been for years. The Qualified Captain’s Instagram account (@thequalifiedcaptain) is a fantastic collection of videos that vividly illustrate the consequences of captains’ poor choices. And my learning was *greatly*

accelerated when my own breaches of ramp etiquette were met with an impressive tapestry of obscenities from fellow boaters. But to save the rest of you from that lovely experience, just read the few paragraphs here. Maybe it’ll help. It’s better with a friend. Sure, every captain wants to be the master of both boat and towing vehicle, but so many boat ramp problems can be alleviated with a boat and car driver working together. Call that buddy of yours who likes to remind everyone that “having a friend with a boat is better than having a boat” and tell him it’s time to learn and pull his weight. While one drives the car, the other can quickly back the boat off the trailer, and when it’s time to head home, one of the two can keep the waiting boat out of the way while the other handles the line of trailers at the ramp. Which leads me to… Taking your turn: it’s about cars, not boats. The order of launching and retrieving vessels at a boat ramp is determined by the line of cars on land, NOT the order in which boats arrived at the ramp. A boat sitting near the ramp without a trailer prepared to haul it away is nothing more than a giant roadblock. Keep well away from the ramp and the attached courtesy dock until it is your turn to actively launch or retrieve your boat. If you’re retrieving your boat alone, make sure that once you tie your boat to the dock, you can quickly and efficiently get to your car and get it down the ramp. Launch prep: if it’s your turn, you’re too late. Most days on the boat require a good bit of gear to enjoy properly. A cooler full of cold ones, tackle boxes, floats, you name it. However, the time to “load up” is NOT when your boat is halfway down the ramp and nearly touching the water. Once you pull into the parking lot of the ramp, take some time to pull to the side, put all necessary gear in the boat, prep any dock lines

you might need, and release those pesky transom straps. Make sure your boat’s key is inserted, the batteries are on, and the boat responds if you tap the starter briefly. Then, and only then, may you enter the sacred line of cars that will lead you to your day on ALEX the water. RICKERT Don’t be a boat blocker. On the most chaotic days made the natural at the ramp, it can be nearly career transition impossible to tell who’s arfrom dolphin trainer to newspa- riving, who’s leaving, who’s per editor after six ready to go, and who’s still years at Dolphin working. Regardless of your Research Center. situation, realize that if you’re His passions not actively launching or include running, retrieving, it’s your obligation watersports, and civil disagreeto stay WELL out of the way. If ments with sharks you pull out of a ramp, hang while spearfishing. a quick turn, and plug the exit for everyone else while you prepare your entire boat for the trip back to the house, you’re doing it wrong. Pull up a little more, off to the side, or find a nearby parking lot to finish your preparations, and realize that everyone else needs just as much space as you did to launch and retrieve. Help others. You were once a newbie too. If you claim that you came out of the womb knowing how to back a trailer, I’m going to call you a liar. If you claim you’ve never made a mistake or broken the unwritten rules, knowingly or unknowingly, while launching your boat … well, same thing. Boat ramps are a better place to be with a bit of understanding and a willingness to help your fellow boaters, and the best captains I know are the ones who admit their mistakes, learn from them, and always keep an open ear when seasoned skippers have a word of advice to share.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022 A black rat, not to be confused with a tree rat, in the wild. BERNARD DUPONT/Creative Commons

TREE RATS: THE BIG LIE

think my favorite Key West tree rat experience was years ago at Blue Heaven. Before they were as busy as they are these days, they used to put on plays in the back corner of the yard. This parMARK ticular production was George Bernard Shaw’s “Saint HEDDEN Joan.” My friend Kathleen Balselmo was directing, and my friend Scott Elliott was starring as Saint Joan her... is a photograself. (I think Richard Hatch was in the cast somewhere, pher, writer, and but maybe I’m conflating it with the productions of semi-professional birdwatcher. He “The Tempest” and “Peter Pan” they also did there.) has lived in Key I’d helped a bit with some of the promotion for West for more the show, and volunteered as an usher a few nights. than 25 years and There was a battle scene in the play – a sword may no longer fight in which Joan of Arc is trying to lead her troops be employable in the real world. He to defeat the enemy for the greater glory of France, is also executive as well as for assigned gender role defiers the world director of the over – and every night during that scene, at the exact Florida Keys Audusame point, a tree rat would make itself visible on the bon Society. power line hanging over the stage, and run down it full speed, like a hero in an action movie. My wife got to see both the play and the rat, and for a long time afterward we’d be like, man, the tree rat was awesome. Years, arguably decades, later I was lying half awake in our living room late one unseasonably cold February evening when I heard a kind of scratching at the one kitchen door we never used. I sat up and it stopped, so I lay back down and fell asleep again. Minutes (hours?) later I heard kibble being crunched, not by the canines of our canine, but something that was taking much smaller, faster and more frantic bites. And when I sat up, I saw it – a tree rat sitting on top of the dog food bowl. I got up to chase it and the thing ran toward the wall and disappeared. I moved the bowl away and behind it, in the base of the door, was a debris field of wood chips and a perfect Tom and Jerry mouse hole, maybe an inch wide and two inches high. Up until that point, like most Key Westers I talked to, I had thought tree rats were these benign little creatures that, at worst, added comic relief to early-20th-century plays about how things could go horribly, horribly wrong even when people all thought they were doing the right thing. But now they had forcibly invaded our house. So I did a little reading. The main thing I learned was that tree rats are just a lie we’ve been telling ourselves. There’s no such thing as a tree rat. Or arguably, a tree rat is, at best, a euphemism for black rat, a.k.a. Rattus rattus if you want to get scientific and binomial about it, the world’s most basic garbage-munching rat. Seeing a black rat run across someone’s yard and saying, “aw, look, a tree rat,” is just another one of Key West’s collective delusions (though my editor tells me she was on to their game years ago). Black rats have a bit of a reputation. The go-to complaint against them is that they spread the bubonic plague around Europe a few times back in the day, though there’s an argument to be made that it was the Oriental Rat Fleas that actually carried the bacteria that caused the disease, and the rats just carried the fleas. But the black rat’s other zoonotic disease greatest hits include typhus, trichinosis, toxoplasmosis, and something rather charmingly plainspeakingly called rat-bite fever. One species account I read about them referred to Homo sapiens as a Rattus rattus “mutualist species,” but a mutualistic relationship between species implies a quid pro quo. We do a lot for them, but I’m not sure what they really do for us. Besides the infectious diseases, they are also known for destroying crops and food supplies – along with their cousins, the Norway rats – as well as chewing up the occasional bit of household wiring.

That being said, the fact that Rattus rattus is one of the more widely distributed species in the world – they are found on every continent – is pretty clearly the fault of humans. Black rats are thought to have evolved in Southeast Asia, but made their first foothold into Europe traveling the trade routes of the Roman Empire. There is some thought that their population collapsed when the Roman Empire fell apart, but had a resurgence during the Middle Ages when more stable trade routes were established. Once they made it to European port cities, they managed to invade the cargo holds of every ship that crossed an ocean, and distributed themselves around the world. One article I read said Rattus rattus arrived in North America in the mid-1800s, but I couldn’t find the source for that information, and it seems likely they would have made their way onto the continent much earlier. I got to thinking about the whole Rattus rattus thing the other day because our ice maker died. The previous owners of our house had kindly left us a binder full of manuals for all the kitchen appliances, air conditioners and whatnot, so I went leafing through it to see if I could find a manual with troubleshooting tips for the ice maker. I did find the ice maker manual, and it turns out the ice maker was, in fact, dead. But I also found a yellowing eight-page flier from 1992 from the University of Florida, distributed by the Monroe County Extension Service, which was basically a guide to rats and mice you are likely to come across in Florida. It lists both house mice and Norway rats, but also something called roof rats. Which got me excited for a second. Because maybe it wasn’t Rattus rattus I was seeing all the time. But even before I started Googling, I knew. Roof rat is just another name for black rat. As is ship rat, as is fruit rat, as is house rat. After the dog bowl incident, It took a little while, but we managed to trap all the rats that had been making the raids. But we left the Tom and Jerry mouse hole. Because it looked kind of awesome. And also because if we covered it up, there’s a good chance that any rat that wanted to get into the house would just chew another hole. I haven’t seen a rat make its way into our kitchen in years. But if I ever do see one again, at least I will know what to call it.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

CASTAWAYS AGAINST CANCER HONOR RESEARCH PLEDGES WITH IMPRESSIVE TREK

PROMISES KEPT

n June 17, a group of intrepid kayakers and cyclists pulled into Key West Simonton Beach. For the paddlers, it was the end of a grueling one-week, 160-mile trek from Miami’s Virginia Key to the southernmost island. For the cyclists, it was just as taxing a trip, but faster – 175 miles in a single day. And it’s all in the name of cancer research. “It was simply awesome,” said Jackie Suarez, the communications volunteer lead for Castaways Against Cancer, the organization that sponsors the yearly paddle to raise

money dedicated to fight the deadly disease. “We surpassed our goal of $200,000 by raising $205,000 to date, and it’s still growing.” Funds raised from the trip will go to the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. In February 2022, the Castaways announced a five-year, $1.5 million pledge to the research institute, and the University of Miami has pledged to match 50% of the funds raised by the adventurers each year.

— Alex Rickert

1. The 2022 Castaways Against Cancer kayak team, from left: Caleb Isenberg, Roger Dabdab, Kari Linfors, team captain Eric Pino, Suzy Cury, Castaways founder Steve O’Brien, Patrick Linfors, Paul Kumer, Jaime Lemus and Omar Beceiro. CONTRIBUTED 2. A memorial pays tribute to those who have fought valiant battles against cancer. 3. Paddlers take a brief break from their long journey for a sandbar hangout. 4. The 2022 Castaways Against Cancer cyclist team, from left: Tim Rea, Emilio Pineda, Jorge Bustamante, Josh Kantor, Andy Martinez, Dani Girado, Eric Stabaneu, Javi Hermida, Jesus Lopez and Stephanie Weldon. 5. South Florida mangrove trails provide welcome shade for the kayak team. 6. MCSO detective Ian Barnett helps keep the Castaways safe on their paddle.

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CLEANUP CREW CHER 6-month-old female mixed breed Looking for: Some fun! I’m a sweet, energetic pup. I have a canine companion at the shelter, and I love the pool and going for walks. Turnoffs: I can be a bit shy at first, but I’m learning how to be brave. I just don’t like too many scary new things.

CORNBREAD 1.5-year-old female domestic shorthair Looking for: My real home, please! I’ve been found as a stray twice in my short life, and nobody comes looking for me. Turnoffs: Some other cats, but not all. I like most of my feline companions. Life on the street has taught me to keep my guard up a bit.

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

On June 18, employees from Seafarer Realty joined with volunteers for a neighborhood cleanup. Moving along 1st Avenue Gulf, the team worked to clean the area at the edge of the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area behind Seafarer’s office. “I was surprised I was able to get almost everyone from our team out,” said owner Alexia Mann. “We’re definitely going to get out there again.” Pictured, from left, are Alexia Mann, Kira Mann, Joshua Mann, Ginger Perreault, Milly Cruz, Bert Perez and Michele Safos. Not pictured: Aaron Sipe. CONTRIBUTED

Dating in the Keys can be a drag, but thankfully there are plenty of animals waiting for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA. Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adoption at the organization’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turn-offs to ensure the best fit. From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit the campus at 10550 Aviation Blvd.

DAPPLE 1-year-old female tortoiseshell Looking for: That quiet spot on a shelf in your house. Turnoffs: Floors. Have you seen the shelves? They’re so much better, and the view is fantastic!

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

BRIEFLY Teen arrested for making threats on social media A 15-year-old from Marathon was arrested after police say he posted a video on Instagram of himself holding an airsoft gun and making threats. The teen was charged with writing or making electronic threats to kill or do bodily injury. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office also said it uncovered evidence that he was attempting to buy a real handgun online before he was arrested. “I take cases involving those making threats very seriously,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I want to thank my detectives and the members of my threat management team for their work in this important case.” The sheriff’s office said the teen admitted to making the threatening post as well as posting other videos portraying drug sales and use, and that he admitted to attempting to purchase a real handgun online so he could “take care of business.” The teen was turned over to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. The threat management team consists of detectives stationed throughout Monroe County who are trained by the FBI in spotting and determining the credibility or seriousness of a potential threat or threats made by an individual or individuals before those threats become a reality. The team may also work with other units such as school resource officers or crisis negotiators, depending on the case. Ramsay created the team after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018. The sheriff’s office also notified and worked with local school officials, the State Attorney’s Office, the Florida Department of Children and Families and the FBI as well as the Department of Juvenile Justice in this case. Cool off with classes at the Marathon Library Friday, June 24: Photography canceled; Investment Club, kids learn how to spend & invest money, 2 p.m.; last Friday of the month means Slime Time! 4 p.m. Saturday, June 25: Easy Yoga (Adults), 10 a.m.; come visit our real storytime reading dog, 10:30 a.m.; Build With Us: Maker Lab, school aged kids, 2-3 p.m. Monday, June 27: 3D Printing Open Lab, 10 a.m.; VR & Robots Open Lab, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 28: Art canceled; MahJong, 10 a.m.; Blue Blue Oceans: Summer Reading, STEM storytime, school aged kids, 10:30 a.m.; Game Day!, 2 to 4 p.m.; Summer Reading:

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Teen Challenge, 4 p.m.; Dungeons & Dragons, adults, 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 29: Cosmic Kids Movement & Yoga Adventures, 10:30 a.m.; WIC Breastfeeding Support, English, 1 p.m.; WIC Breastfeeding Support, Spanish, 2 p.m. Dungeons & Dragons, adults, 5 p.m. Thursday, June 30: Summer reading guest: Keely Kessler from Bahia Honda, Make a Recycling Splash, ages 6-12, 10:30 a.m.; Photography canceled; Procraftinators: Complete your unfinished crafts and Crafting with Cricut, adults, 2-3:45 p.m.; Weekly Dance Party, kids, 4 p.m. Champions for Change seeks donations for conference trip Members of Marathon High School’s Champions for change were recently recognized for their prevention work by the Marathon City Council. Twelve members will be traveling to Orlando in July to attend the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) National Prevention Conference. Members will have the opportunity to meet with youth and adults who also do drug and alcohol prevention work throughout the country to brainstorm and share ideas and learn current trends in prevention. Funding is still needed to support this trip. All donations are tax deductible and can be sent to the Educational Coalition for Monroe County (ECMC) and mailed to 900 84th Street Ocean, Marathon, FL 33050. Please call Christina at 305-7310771 with any questions. Hemingway hopefuls compete in famed contest Each July visitors can spot the spirit of Ernest Hemingway (or even scores of spirits) on the island where the legendary author lived and wrote during the 1930s. That’s because as many as 150 stocky, white-bearded aspiring “Ernests” converge on Key West in July to compete in Sloppy Joe’s annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest. Set for Thursday through Saturday, July 21-23, the contest takes place at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St., a historic saloon where Hemingway often enjoyed cocktails with cohorts. The event is a highlight of the annual Hemingway Days celebration of the literary legend’s writing talent and exuberant Key West lifestyle. Look-alike contestants come from around the United States and other countries to vie for the title of “Papa,” a nickname adopted by the author. Many compete in khaki safari attire or heavy turtleneck sweaters — even in the Key West summer — to emulate his signature garb.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT KEY LIME PIE? A friend asked my wife and I if we were going to have some Key lime pie on our trip to the Florida Keys. Wondering what the big deal was, we decided to do a little pie experiment while on vacation. We wanted to find out what the big deal about the Key lime pie was! Our first pie was from the bakery at Publix in Marathon that said, “Original Key Lime Pie Made With Real Key Lime Juice.” With great anticipation, we conducted our taste test with the immediate consensus being that this pie tasted like most other Key lime pies we had tasted. Not sure exactly what else we were expecting from grocery store pie. Kermit's Key West Lime Shop sells all things Key lime pie, up to and including Key lime pie on a stick dipped in chocolate. A sign inside says, “Key Lime Pie Heaven,” and the menu on the wall says the shop produces award-winning pies. By comparison, this pie had more Key lime flavor, higher acidity and a better texture. It was unlike any other Key lime pie we had ever tasted. Burdines, in Marathon, has deep-fried Key lime pie! This is a culinary feat of food engineering! The pie part in the middle is frozen and the outside is like a warm éclair. We strolled around the marina enjoying the sunset and spent a good deal of conversation trying to figure out how the restaurant kept the pie cold in the middle and warm on the outside. We could have asked, but it’s fun to just leave some things a mystery – like, how many calories are in a piece of Key lime pie? We also tried Key lime pie from the 7 Mile Grill, the Key Colony Inn and Sweet Savannah’s. Each was unique in very subtle ways. This little experiment became a mission for us. We didn’t come to the Keys to eat pie, but it turned out that we ate pie more consistently than anything else. We snorkeled, kayaked, fished, swam, sunbathed, read, grilled and had the best vacation ever. Yet, all our adventures were interwoven with pie. Key lime pie in the Florida Keys is not so much about the pie as the people you enjoy the pie with. It is about the adventures surrounding the pie. It is about how sweet life is that we may enjoy the pie to begin with. We may not remember which one was frozen and which one was deep-fried, but we will remember that because of this dessert we began to dream of how soon we could come back to the Keys. We were inspired to think and interact in our relationship. We laughed and loved and took a silly little question and turned it into something we will never forget as long as we live. The big deal about key lime pie in the Keys is that “Hey, you’re in the KEYS!” Sincerely, Wynn Greer

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

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LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that on July 18, 2022 at 11a.m., the following vessels will be sold at public sale for storage charges pursuant to Florida Statute 328.17. Tenant: James W Rider 1999 27ft EPY (Cat) HIN# EPY66270C999 Tag: FL7562PW Title: 118280091 Tenant: Jeffrey L Taylor 1987 24ft PVT HIN # PVT24691G687 Tag: FL1019FJ Title: 0001241786 Sale to be held at Wharf Marina, Inc. 4681 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 Vessel may have been released prior to the auction. Wharf Marina Inc. reserves the right to bid and/or reject any bid. Publish: June 16 & 23, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

electronics, home goods, #412 George Jones misc. home goods, tools & electronics, will be auctioned online by Storage Treasures via website at storagetreasures.com. All purchased items sold as is. Items are located at Big Pine Storage at 30677 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, Florida 33043 and must be collected within 72 hours of auction. Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

any decision made by the Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, July 14, 2022, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 and your comments will be entered into the record. Publish: June 23, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Ordinances/Land Development Regulations of the City of Key Colony Beach, in order to comport with the City’s recently amended variance application review process under Section 101-172, which now, as recently adopted, requires a minimum ten (10) days between the City’s Planning and Zoning Board hearings and the corresponding “first read” by the City of Commission of any and all recommendations to be made by the Planning and Zoning Board and presented to the City Commission. Following the adoption of Ordinance No. 2021-471, the City Commission now acknowledges there is conflict of the applicable enumerated timeframes set forth in Sections 101-172, and 101-173(3). Therefore, the City Commission respectfully requests to amend Section 101-173(3), currently requiring notice of City Commission Public Hearings to be mailed at least thirty (30) days prior to the hearing, to require ten (10) days notice for appeals and variance request applications. This change is necessary in order to comport with the recent adoption of Ordinance No. 201-471. Otherwise, remaining mailed notice requirements under this Section will follow the mandatory, statutory requirements set forth by the respective Florida Statutes. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, July 14, 2022, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record. Publish: June 23, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

In order to further facilitate the City’s business of time sensitive procurement or other important or emergent matters, including funding opportunities, the City proposes to adopt an emergency procedure allowing the City Administrator or the Utility Board Chair, in lieu of the Utility Board, to make recommendations to the City Commission on time-sensitive matters when the Utility Board is unable to meet or to establish a required quorum. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, July 14, 2022, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record. Publish: June 23, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Administration on such persons or the date that is 40 days after the date of termination of any proceedings involving the construction, admission to probate, or validity of the will or involving any other matter affecting any part of the exempt property. An election to take an elective share must be filed on or before the earlier of the date that is six (6) months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on the surviving spouse, an agent under Chapter 709, Florida Statutes, or a guardian of the property of the surviving spouse; or the date that is two (2) years after the date of the decedent’s death. Personal Representatives: Katie Jackson 3116 66th Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 Catherine Ingrande, Esq. 3935 16th Street North, Ste. 100 St. Petersburg, FL 33703 Attorneys for Personal Representatives: Katie Jackson, Esq. GROWNEY, MCKEOWN & BARBER, P.A. 3116 66th Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 Telephone: (727) 384-3800 Fax: (727) 343-1685 Service E-Mail kjackson@barberlaw.com Florida Bar No.: 0100158 Catherine Ingrande, Esq. 3935 16th Street North, Ste. 100 St. Petersburg, FL 33703 Telephone: (727) 231-1930 Service Email: catherineingrande@gmail.com Florida Bar No.: 115985 Publish: June 16 & 23, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Catherine Ingrande, Esq. 3935 16th Street North, Ste. 100 St. Petersburg, FL 33703 Telephone: (727) 231-1930 Service Email: catherineingrande@gmail.com Florida Bar No.: 115985 Publish: June 16 & 23, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is here by given that on July 11th, 2022, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL. 33037. Names And Last Known Addresses are as Follows: Brian Pienschke Unit 1035 $721.70 Anthony Aromandi Unit 1405 $696.16 Laurence Calvano Unit 1178 $636.20 Samantha Torres Unit 1569 $713.28 Richard Micue Unit 1193 $507.80 Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under the Florida Self Storage Facilities Act Statutes (Section 83.801 – 83.809). The undersigned will sell online by competitive bidding on July 8, 2022, at 10:00am. The following: #104 Cameron Willett misc. home goods, #217 Michael Brackens misc. home goods, #241 Tiffany Ridge misc. home goods, #255 Mark Schmidt misc.

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT HEARING SECOND READ OF ORDINANCE NO. 2022-473 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the CITY COMMISSION of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, July 14th, 2022, at 9:35 a.m., or at the conclusion of the prior Public Hearing, Key Colony Beach City Hall Commission Room, to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances. The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2022–473], entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE II (“DANGEROUS STRUCTURES”) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH BY AMENDING SECTION 6-31 – DEFINITIONS AND FURTHER ADOPTING SECTION 6-37 – EXISTING BUILDINGS, WHICH SHALL PROVIDE FOR A CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR EXISTING AND FUTURE MULTISTORY STRUCTURES; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF FOUND TO BE CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach. The City Commission requests amendments to Chapter 6, Article II (“Dangerous Structures”) of the City’s Code of Ordinances by providing a certification and recertification process for existing and future multistory structures, in light of the recent deadly collapse of the Champlain Tower in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It has become readily apparent that there is a significant danger posed by failing to more frequently review and inspect older structures with the City’s limits. If any person decides to appeal

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT HEARING SECOND/FINAL READ OF ORDINANCE NO. 2022-475 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the CITY COMMISSION of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 9:35 a.m., or at the end of the prior Public Hearing, Key Colony Beach City Hall Commission Room, to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances. The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission of Key Colony Beach is [ORDINANCE NO. 2022– 475], entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH FLORIDA, AMENDING LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATION ARTICLE XII – OTHER DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCEDURE, SECTION 101-173(3) REQUIRING MAILED NOTICE OF CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARINGS IN CIRCUMSTANCES OF APPEALS AND VARIANCE APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO – AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY AND FURTHER REQUIRING THAT SUCH NOTICE SHALL BE MAILED TO THE LAST KNOWN ADDRESS OF PROPERTY OWNERS BY REFERENCE TO THE LATEST AD VALOREM TAX RECORDS, AT LEAST TEN (10) DAYS PRIOR TO THE HEARING; REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCE AND LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.” Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach. The City Commission requests an amendment to Section 101-173(3) of the Code of

Meeting Notice Monroe County Land Authority The Monroe County Land Authority Advisory Committee will meet in the Marathon Government Center located at 2798 Overseas Highway, Media Room – 1st floor, Marathon, Florida on June 29, 2022 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The agenda is available online at www.monroecounty-fl.gov or by contacting the Monroe County Land Authority office at 305-295-5180. ADA ASSISTANCE If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT HEARING SECOND/FINAL READ OF ORDINANCE NO. 2022-476 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 9:35 a.m., or at the end of the prior Public Hearing, at the Key Colony Beach City Hall Commission Room, to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances. The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2022–476], entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH ARTICLE III, SECTION 14-50; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF FOUND TO BE CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE INCLUSION INTO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.” Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach. The City Commission requests amendments to Section 14-50 of the Code of Ordinance of the City of Key Colony Beach.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-61-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ALEXANDRA BEATON ESPY Deceased. NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION The administration of the Estate of ALEXANDRA BEATON ESPY, deceased, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The file number for the estate is 22-CP61-P. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent’s Last Will and Testament is November 26, 2021. The name and address of the Personal Representatives and the Personal Representatives’ attorneys are set forth below. The fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in Section 90.5021, Florida Statutes, applies with respect to the Personal Representatives and any attorneys employed by the Personal Representatives. Any interested person on whom a copy of the Notice of Administration is served must file with the Court, on or before the date that is three (3) months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on that person, any objection that challenges the validity of the will or any codicils, venue, or jurisdiction of the Court. The three (3) month time period may only be extended for estoppel based upon a misstatement by the Personal Representatives regarding the time period within which an objection must be filed. The time period may not be extended for any other reason, including affirmative representation, failure to disclose information, or misconduct by the Personal Representatives or any other person. Unless sooner barred by Section 733.212(3), Florida Statutes, all objections to the validity of a will or any codicils, venue or the jurisdiction of the Court must be filed no later than the earlier of the entry of any order of final discharge of the Personal Representatives or one (1) year after service of the Notice of Administration. Persons who may be entitled to exempt property under Section 732.402, Florida Statutes, will be deemed to have waived their rights to claim that property as exempt property unless a Petition for Determination of Exempt Property is filed by such persons or on their behalf on or before the later of the date that is four (4) months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-61-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ALEXANDRA BEATON ESPY Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of ALEXANDRA BEATON ESPY, deceased, was found deceased on January 11, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the Personal Representatives and the Personal Representatives’ attorneys are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: June 16, 2022. Personal Representatives: Katie Jackson 3116 66th Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 Catherine Ingrande, Esq. 3935 16th Street North, Ste. 100 St. Petersburg, FL 33703 Attorneys for Personal Representatives: Katie Jackson, Esq. GROWNEY, MCKEOWN & BARBER, P.A. 3116 66th Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 Telephone: (727) 384-3800 Fax: (727) 343-1685 Service E-Mail kjackson@barberlaw.com Florida Bar No.: 0100158

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-52-M IN RE: ESTATE OF CAROL S. WELDY, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Carol S. Weldy, deceased, whose date of death was February 27, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: June 16, 2022. Personal Representative: Jane Dallas-Bickel 803 Corte Del Sol Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: Service@floridakeyslaw. com Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: June 16 & 23, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2022-CP-15-M IN RE: ESTATE OF LOIS B. MILLER, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The ancillary administration of the Florida estate of LOIS B. MILLER, deceased, whose date of death was April 18, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the ancillary personal representatives and the ancillary personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is June 16, 2022. Personal Representatives: JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Kirsten L. Neptun c/o Jack A. Falk, Jr., Esq. Dunwody White & Landon, P.A. 550 Biltmore Way, Suite 810 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Attorneys for Personal Representative: DUNWODY WHITE & LANDON, P.A. Jack A. Falk, Jr., Esq. Florida Bar Number: 705136 550 Biltmore Way, Suite 810 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Telephone: (305) 529-1500 E-Mail: jfalk@dwl-law.com E-Mail: cpalte@dwl-law.com Publish: June 16 & 23, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-076-M IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD FORSYTH JONES, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Richard Forsyth Jones, deceased, whose date of death was March 8, 2021, and whose social security number is xxxxx-9884, 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: June 23, 2022. Personal Representative: Mary E. Brower 9 East Mansion Court Birdsboro, PA 19508 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: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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: June 23, 2022. Personal Representative: JAMES B. EWING 142 Tequesta St. Tavernier, FL 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

Estate of Carl Alton Redfern, deceased, whose date of death was February 6, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: June 23, 2022. Personal Representative: LeeAnn McDougall 1361 Overseas Highway, A-2 Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Elaine N. McGinnis Florida Bar Number: 725250 Law Office of Elaine McGinnis, P.A. 324 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 100 Tampa, Florida 33609 Telephone: (813) 851-3380 E-Mail: elaine@estatelawtampa. com Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2021-CP-076-M IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD FORSYTH JONES Deceased. NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION The administration of the estate of Richard Forsyth Jones, deceased, File Number 2021-CP076-M, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The estate is intestate. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. Any interested person on whom a copy of the notice of administration is served must object to the qualifications of the personal representative, venue, or jurisdiction of the court, by filing a petition or other pleading requesting relief in accordance with the Florida Probate Rules, WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THE OBJECTING PERSON, OR THOSE OBJECTIONS ARE FOREVER BARRED. Any person entitled to exempt property is required to file a petition for determination of exempt property WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW OR THE RIGHT TO EXEMPT PROPERTY IS DEEMED WAIVED. Any person entitled to elective share is required to file an election to take elective share WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW. Personal Representative: Mary E. Brower 9 East Mansion Court Birdsboro, PA 19508 Attorney for Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq. Attorney 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 Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY,

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2022-CP-67-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ELIZABETH EWING MILLS Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ELIZABETH EWING MILLS, deceased, whose date of death was January 11, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2022-CP-70-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JEANNE MOESLY Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JEANNE MOESLY, deceased, whose date of death was March 27, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. 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 PERIOD 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: June 23, 2022. Personal Representative: CARLA D. FINK 1383 Rose Court Melbourne, FL 32935 Attorney for Personal Representative: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@ yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000041-M IN RE: ESTATE OF CARL ALTON REDFERN Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-175-K IN RE: ESTATE OF KELLEY PHILLIPS COX Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS (summary administration) TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Kelley Phillips Cox, deceased, File Number 22-CP-175-K, by the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040; that the decedent’s date of death was May 3, 2021; that the total value of the estate is $12,700.00 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Gerald Lee Cox 21398 Tanyard Road Preston, MD 21655 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, 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: June 23, 2022.

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES Person Giving Notice: Gerald Lee Cox 21398 Tanyard Road Preston, MD 21655 Attorney for Person Giving Notice: Nancy J. Gibbs E-mail Addresses: nancy@ sgnapleslaw.com Florida Bar No. 15547 Skrivan & Gibbs, PLLC 1110 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 300 Naples, Florida 34108 Publish: June 23 & 30, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA FAMILY DIVISION CASE NO.: 22-DR-211-P IN RE: THE ADOPTION OF: ERIC RUBEN MUNOZ-MORENO, (Name to be given child(ren) Adoptee(s). NOTICE OF ACTION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS AND STEPPARENT ADOPTION TO: ERIC MANUEL OTERO ESPINO LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 817 MADRID ROAD, KEY LARGO, FLORIDA 33037 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Joint Petition for Adoption by Stepparent has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on: RUBEN MUNOZ, JR. whose address is 49 NORTH MARLIN AVENUE, KEY LARGO, FLORIDA 33037, on or before July 1, 2022, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at: 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The minor child(ren) are identified as follows: Date of Birth: 09/19/2013 Place of Birth: Miami Beach, Miami Dade County, FL Physical Description of Respondent: Age: 45, Race: Hispanic, Hair Color: Brown, Eye Color: Green, Approximate Height: 5’9”, Approximate Weight: 220 lbs. 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 addresses on record at the clerk’s office. Dated: 05/31/2022 KEVIN MADOK, CPA, Clerk CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: Jennifer Havengar Deputy Clerk Publish: June 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used. Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483

Nurse or Medical Assistant needed parttime - 3 days a week in Marathon medical office. Call 305-743-6526 office or 305-731-6185 cell.

BOATS FOR SALE

2008 Triumph 19.5' 140hp Suzuki 200 hours, bimini top, electronics, covers, no rips on cushions, live well, trolling motor, push pole, life jackets, and trailer. Well maintained. Located in Marathon. $15,400 Call 305-393-3439 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!! PLACE YOUR BOAT FOR SALE AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY! BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Boat Slip for rent in Marathon- inside storage at The Boat House - #29C. 35' - no taller than 8' - no T-tops. $650/ month. 609-682-1002 PLACE YOUR BOAT SLIP FOR RENT AD here for only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305743-0844 TODAY! COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT

PLACE YOUR COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY! EMPLOYMENT

Hiring excavator operators, deckhands, & boat operators in Key Largo. 40/hrs per week Monday-Friday. 3054 4 0 - 3 3 0 4 Shell World Key Largo, seeking engaging, dependable, experienced person(s) to work with the team at Mile Marker 97.5, Part and Full time opportunities available, some weekend and evening hours. Opportunities for advancement, great benefits, competitive salary and flexible hours. Please stop by and fill out an application, drop off resume or Fax to 305-852-9639.

Pancho's Fuel Dock in Marathon is looking for a part-time cashier Thu/Fri/Sat. Please call 305-743-2281. CDL Drivers needed. Must have a clean record & drug free. We are offering competitive wages. Please apply in person at Discount Rock & Sand, 10500 Aviation Blvd, Unit 2, Marathon. Marathon Auto Air looking for Counter Help. Pay based on experience. Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 3 0 5 - 2 8 9 - 9 8 8 4 Help Wanted Two Conchs Bait and Tackle in Marathon- competitive wages and working 3040 hrs a week. Contact George 305-289-0199 Boat rental company in Marathon needs a mechanic. Boat experience a plus. Call 305-481-7006 Also hiring a boat cleaner - call 305-481-7006. City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Code Compliance O f f i c e r , Engineering Intern, Marina Customer Service Rep, Part-time Marina Custodian/ Maintenance and Marina Tech/Pump Out Captain. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us Serve/Bartend on the ocean! FT/PT Ocean front private swim club is seeking customer service oriented server/ bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

LOT FOR RENT

CENTENNIAL BANK IS HIRING! TELLER II MARATHON/KEY WEST. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: Conduct transactions with speed, accuracy and efficiency while meeting or exceeding service quality standards. Safeguard bank assets assigned to them. Contribute to the growth of the bank by promoting and cross selling bank products and services. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Equivalent to four years high school or GED, with particular emphasis during high school in office skills, shop skills, or others, plus 12 to 18 months related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. To apply, please visit our careers page: www.my100bank. c o m / c a r e e r s

end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@ g m a i l . c o m

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

Lot for Rent - Key By the Sea Park in Marathon. $950.00/month - yearly only. 305-849-0507 RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

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 NOW HIRING: Sweet Savannah's is now hiring for multiple positions: Cashier - must be 16 yrs or older, Full-time Baker & Part-time Baker's Assistant. Stop by for an application at 8919 Overseas Highway, Marathon or email: info@ sweetsavannahs.com Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work! Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers - Full &/or parttime. AM & PM Shifts. Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant,

Property Manager, full time, Key Colony Beach, Sea Isle Condo - 1101 West Ocean Drive, Salary 65K-70K, resume to HardingThomasL@ aol.com, or call 734-476-0531 HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!! No Experience Necessary - Concrete Field Testing Technician needed. Full-time. Year round. We train you to go to various job sites and collect samples. Vehicle provided. Must speak English, live in Marathon area and have clean driving record. Starting pay $18/hour. Pay rate will rise at intervals. 305-743-5555 HIRED IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!! Key West Art Center & Gallery is looking for part time sales associate, one to three days per week, for our busy, colorful gallery located in Old Town. Hourly wage starts at $14/hr. Gallery is open 10 am to 5 pm daily. Contact Nancy at nhenning@ bellsouth.net HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!! PLACE YOUR HELP WANTED AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY! HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PLACE YOUR HOBBIES/ COLLECTIBLES AD here for only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305743-0844 TODAY!

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

HOUSING FOR RENT

Marathon - 2 BR/1BA Conch House available - Unfurnished, new kitchen, tile & carpet floors, huge closets. Laundry avail. Long term lease. No pets. $2,400/month incl. electric for 2 people. If more than two people additional $ for utilities. Tenant must pay for sewer & water. Dockage available for separate fee. F/L/S 305-610-8002 Large Studio Bedroom Suite in Conch House in Marathon Funrnished. $1,600/ month includes utilities for 1 person. Second person additional $$ for utiilities. F/L/S No Pets. 305-610-8002 PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!

305.743.0844

Invest in Yourself!

Large RV Lot for rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $1500/month plus utilities. 305-731-5042 RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH!! PLACE YOUR LOT FOR RENT AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY! YARD SALES

A BIG Treasures & Trash Yard Sale - Rain or Shine - Fri. June 24 & Sat. June 25 from 8am-3pm. Something for everyone. Bargains galore. All must go! 419 Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY!

Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance Paid Time Off Starting at 30 days per year Paid Time Off for Volunteering Tuition Reimbursement Competitive Salaries 401K Employer Match Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing Great Hours

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

Member FDIC

Lic# C16MO003

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

PROFESSIONAL NEEDED! APPLY TODAY! PRACTICE MANAGER / TOBACCO COUNSELOR

NOW HIRING DIRECTOR NAEYC accredited preschool seeking a Director. Faith based preschool with a reputation of maintaining a high quality program and having children ready for kindergarten (formal education). Director’s credential and prior experience required. Must be a team player, work well with church and advisory school board. Competitive benefits and salary.

TEACHER NAEYC accredited preschool seeking a Teacher. Follow our mission as a faith based high quality program. Instill the love of learning, social skills while preparing children to succeed. Must have effective communication skills, patience and compassion suitable to work with young children and the ability to develop activities that are fun and educational. Minimum of CDA and prior experience required. Starting salary up to $15.00/hr., competitive benefits and free tuition for your preschool age child. Call Sue Ellen at 305-852-2161 to schedule an in-person interview. St James the Fisherman Church and Children's Center, MM87.5 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

Keys AHEC Health Center is looking for a Unique Health Professional who will work with our Medical and Dental Teams assisting with Practice Logistics, Planning, and Billing. In addition to clinical oversight, the candidate will work with patients who need counseling for making a Tobacco Quit. Training for Tobacco Counseling with be provided prior to working with patients. Position is based in Marathon, FL. Seeking a candidate with clinic and office experience. Local travel will be required and strong computer skills are necessary. Interested candidates can send their resume to michael@keysahec.org EOE

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

BOAT CAPTAINS $1,500 SIGNING BONUS

Experience Required. Paid per trip plus tips & sales commission. Send resume to resumes@rainbowreef.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844

HAWKS CAY IS HIRING FOR MULTIPLE POSITIONS

Reservations Agent • Spa Guest Service Agents Gift Shop Attendants • Uniform Attendant F&B Receiving Clerks • Engineers • Banquet Setup On-Call Banquet Servers • Stewards/Dishwashers Servers • Bartenders • Safety Services Welcome Booth • Drivers AND MORE…

Please apply online at www.hawkscayjobs.com Equal Opportunity Employer

HIRING ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/ CONTRACT ADMIN (will train) Send resume to: admin@cbtconstruct.com Or call: 305-852-3002

DUI Evaluator Part-time – Marathon

The Advocate DUI Program is hiring for a part time position. DUI evaluator - 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree with experience in substance abuse field required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Office located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at (305) 704-0117.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Pigeon Key is seeking dedicated professionals seeking to make a positive impact in their community. Those individuals who wish to work on a uniquely beautiful island , while promoting our cultural history and preserving the natural Keys environment are encouraged to apply. Competitive wages based on ability and experience. Applicants will be subject to criminal background check and drug screening. Positions include: Trolley Operator (CDL licensing course provided for qualified applicant) Tour Guides, Sales Associates, Customer Relations Reps, Maintenance, Rental Associates and more. Application online at pigeonkey.net - under the Staff icon. Or apply in person at the Pigeon Key Gift Shop, 2010 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL. Questions and completed applications can be emailed to pigeonkey@aol.com

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR LOCATION: MIDDLE KEYS The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for a DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR to perform entry-level, semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems. Employee must ensure safe work practices, maintain water flow, and test the water supply. Qualifications: H.S. diploma or GED; supplemented by 1 yr. previous experience and/or training as a pipefitter with a public utility, construction comp, or plumbing company. Must have a valid FL CDL “A” license w/in 12 mos. of hire date. Must obtain a FDEP Level 3 license w/in 18 mos. of hire date. Salary: $21.78/hr. with excellent benefits. Location: Middle Keys. Apply online at www.fkaa.com/employment

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR “C” LOCATION: DUCK KEY

Salary $18.00 - $25.80/hour Key West, Sugarloaf, Marathon and Upper Keys (4 work locations) No Experience Required, Benefits, CDL Training Provided – work as a Bus Aide while training, Full Time or Flexible, Part Time Hours - 6 to 9 am or 1 or 2 to 5 pm Apply online: www.keysschools.com

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s WASTEWATER DIVISION IS GROWING, and we need a WWTP OPERATOR WITH A FLORIDA “C” LICENSE OR HIGHER. 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. Benefit package is extremely competitive! Location: Duck Key. Salary Range: $52,645.98 - $84,011.20. Apply online at www.fkaa.com/employment

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

OPEN POSITIONS

AT BAPTIST HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL - Environmental Tech, $2,000 Bonus - Line Cook - Medical Technologist, Lab-Admin, $15,000 Bonus - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $9,000 Bonus - Physical Therapist, $5,000 Bonus - Registered Nurse, Surgery MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL - ED Team Coordinator - First Cook, $5,000 Bonus - Floor Technician, $5,000 Bonus - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $9,000 Bonus - Security Officer

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

NOW HIRING: Hosts Waitstaff Bartenders Bar Backs Bussers Line Cooks Dishwashers

Apply in person at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

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

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844

PART TIME / FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES W/FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES CUSTOMER SERVICE ROLES Reservations Agent Front Desk Agent Bell/Valet CULINARY ROLES Dishwasher Line Cook F & B OPENINGS Server Support Staff Team Member HOUSEKEEPING OPENINGS Housekeeping – all shifts, multiple positions MANAGER OPENINGS F & B Manager Maintenance Manager – Employee Housing Spa Director Sous Chef SPA TERRE AT OCEAN KEY Spa Director PT Spa Coordinator Licensed Massage Therapist Licensed Nail Technician

TEXT “MYTOMTHUMB” TO

242424

WE ARE EXCITED TO OFFER REDUCED-COST EMPLOYEE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES IN OLD TOWN! SCAN TO VIEW JOB OPENINGS. APPLY TODAY! APPLY ONLINE AT www.noblehousehotels.com/careers APPLY IN PERSON AT Zero Duval St. Ocean Key Resort and Spa is EOE.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING! School Programs & Outreach Curriculum Specialist (Full-Time - Permanent)

Visual Communications Seasonal Utility Position (Full-Time)

Volunteer Resources Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

IT Technical Specialist (Part Time, Permanent)

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

Guest Services Staff

(Full-Time/Part-Time, Temporary/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

Apply online at mytomthumb.com/employment

THEME: AT THE BEACH The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor, FT (Children) Case Manager, FT (Children)

KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist, PT/FT (Child, Adult) Care Coordinator Driver PT/per diem Prevention Specialist Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Peer Support Specialist Crisis Counselor Case Managers (Adult, Forensic, Children ) Substance Abuse Counselor *Advocate

MARATHON

Peer Support Specialist/BHT (FT) Care Coordinator Behavioral Health Therapist, PT/FT (Child, Adult) RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) Advocate (PT) Driver (FT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) *No experience necessary. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required. Ability to work some evening or weekend shifts a plus. If you’ve wanted to get into the medical field but don’t have the education, this is the job for you!

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

Background and drug screen req.

COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!! Check out all available positions at: www.westcare.com (search by zip code) EEOC/DFWP

ACROSS 1. Like a certain eagle 5. *Beach-goer’s protective acronym 8. “To ____ and to hold” 12. Arabian bigwig 13. Indian lentil staple 14. Wild West grazer 15. TV prize 16. Between Illinois and Nebraska 17. Quick and light on one’s feet 18. *Wooden walkway by the beach 20. Not this 21. Unwritten examinations 22. Cherry middle 23. Relating to a rib 26. *Beach suit type 29. Kanye’s genre 30. Pool hall mishap 33. 52 cards 35. *Sunny Dutch Caribbean vacation destination 37. Be unwell 38. Eagle’s home 39. Precedes carotene? 40. Twisted or meandered 42. Chill, with ‘out’ 43. Seat by day, bed by night 45. Modifies 47. *Just out of the water 48. Parallel grooves 50. Arrival times 52. *Wave rider 56. Nitrogen, in the olden days 57. In ____ of 58. Hipbones 59. Parcel of land 60. Et alibi 61. Auctioneer’s exclamation 62. A.C.T. section 63. Tie the knot 64. *Casual beach tops

DOWN 1. British Broadcasting Corporation, colloquially 2. Shells in a magazine 3. Capital of Peru 4. Fungus damage (2 words) 5. *Same as sandbar 6. Catch for a ratchet’s notch, pl. 7. Criticism 8. *Water at its highest (2 words) 9. The largest continent 10. Retired electric Chevy 11. Compass dir. 13. Hindu Festival of Lights 14. Dyed fabric 19. Type of TV show 22. Eating contest staple 23. *Decapod on a beach 24. *Propelled like a paddle board 25. Plural of sputum 26. Type of bin in a grocery store 27. Bundle of axons 28. Slipperier 31. *Building material found at the beach 32. Jack Ryan’s and Jason Bourne’s org. 34. Barrels of beer 36. *Hasselhoff ’s beach TV show 38. Improvise 40. Exercise group 41. Upbraiding 44. Annoy 46. Lao Tzu follower 48. Hotel room option 49. Metallica’s “Don’t ____ On Me” 50. Poet Pound 51. To perfection (3 words) 52. A bunch 53. *End-of-day summertime soother 54. Rub the wrong way 55. Pops 56. Cash dispenser

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743-0844 Licensed & Insured Contractor # CACO53827

ARTIC TEMP, INC.

Leslie Christensen

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

OWNER

phone 305-743-6881 AmericanCoastalRentals.com Leslie@AmericanCoastalRentals.com 9141 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Residential, Commercial & Marine Ice Machine - Sales - Service Phone: (305) 743-5288

Fax: (305) 743-6887

Liz Samess Interiors

Alexia Mann, GRI

Broker/Owner 305-209-5166 Alexia@SeafarerRealty.com www.SeafarerRealty.com

SOLAR DONE RIGHT!

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

Liz Samess Interior Designer

When it comes to solar and power storage for your home in the Florida Keys, turn to the Florida Keys Local Experts at SALT Energy. A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

(954) 801-7883 Email: interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com CELL:

305-289-1150

Marathon, FL 33050

www.saltenergy.net 2992 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

Barbara Sanchez

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Home & Offices Expertly Cleaned Fast Dependable Service

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

“We Clean Your Place, Like it Was Our Place”

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Excellent References Upon Request

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

www.TewesMortgage.com

Sportfishing Adventures

Dolphin-Tuna-Wahoo-Billfish-Snapper-Grouper-Shark Deep Sea –Off Shore-Reef-Wrecks-Gulf

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

Nails by Ivis

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

5177 Overseas Highway

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-1631

Keys Fisheries Market & Marina Mile Marker 48.5, Marathon End of 35th Street Bayside

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

Kitchen Cabinets Sales REAL Wood Cabinets at Particle Board Prices

Only $57 Puts Your Business Card Here

Residential Commercial Marine

Automotive Installation Specialist

Todd Gibbins 305-393-1092

Chad Cossairt 305-340-8392

KitchenKorner/Fred's Beds 1333 O/S Hwy, MM 53.5 • 305-743-7277

AQUACLEAR SOLUTIONS POOL & SPA CARE

SALES | INSTALLATION | SERVICE Lic & Ins SP3696

SPECIALIZING IN REMODELS & NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR OVER 20 YEARS

Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm • 6681 Overseas Hwy, Marathon keystilestone@gmail.com • www.keystilestone.com • 305.743.7053

Call Jeff today for a complimentary Water Test, Evaluation and Estimate!

(305) 767-3703

aquaclearsolutionskeys@gmail.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 MARATHON • KEY COLONY OWNERS

START EARNING

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

305 3902315

WWW.KEYSRENTALSONLINE.COM OFFER YOUR ENJOY EXPERT MAXIMIZE GUESTS A VIP PROPERTY YOUR INCOME EXPERIENCE MAINTENANCE POTENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

Karen Raspe

Realtor 305-393-9010 karenraspe@bellsouth.net

Sales & Installation • Tub & Shower Enclosures Safety & Tempered Glass • Mirror & Mirror Walls Plexi-Glass & Lexan

9141 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 www.karenraspe.com

y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com And Sliding Glass Door Repair Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

_social media management _search engine optimization _custom website design

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

overseasmediagroup.com 305.906.0272

Tracy Chacksfield Realtor

CGC1523838 312-350-4601 tracy@thebeautifulkeys.com

9141 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 www.karenraspe.com

Lic No. SP1481

CGC1523838

When It Rains It Pours! Need 7” Gutters? We have 6” & 7” Seamless • Copper Specialists

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

Floor & Wall Tiles Porcelain/Planks Marble Carpets Quartz & Granite Countertops

Lic#SP-3562

We Do Installations! Licensed & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES U.S.1 & 109th St, Marathon

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING EXPERTS

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

(Across from Beall’s Outlet)

289-3019

Will Campbell

Serving Key Largo to Key West

President

BUiLDiNG iNSPECTiONS & PLAN REViEW PRiVATE PROViDER WiLL CAMPBELL - PRESiDENT

Cell: 305-363-8330 Office: 305-735-4626 will@cecflk.com www.CECFLK.com

Rachel Sanderson Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076

SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

P.E. Lic. No: 79269 5800 Overseas Hwy. Unit 32 Marathon, FL. 33050

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd. Overseas Market Key West

Michael Kiraly

Mortgage Lender Supervisor NMLS# 675432 MKiraly@My100Bank.com Direct: (305) 942-1756 Office: (305) 676-3019 11400 Overseas Hwy, Suite 214 & 215 Marathon, FL 33050 MY100BANK.COM | Centennial Bank

The Weekly Newspapers Milly Cruz

305.363.8869 milly@seafarerrealty.com www.SeafarerRealty.com

www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

MARATHON WEEKLY / JUNE 23, 2022

UPCOMING EVENTS

FITZ & THE TANTRUMS & ANDY GRAMMER

JULY 29

SLIGHTLY STOOPID

COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY KEY WEST THEATER

OCTOBER 4TH

COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER

AUGUST 7TH

ARIELLE

BACK STAGE LISTENING ROOM

OCTOBER 5TH

WHO’S BAD:

THE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE KEY WEST THEATER

NOVEMBER 19TH

PETER MAYER:

THE REVEREND PEYTON’S

CHRISTMAS TOUR

KEY WEST THEATER

NOVEMBER 26

PAUL REISER

BIG DAMN BAND

(STRANGER THINGS)

KEY WEST THEATER

JANUARY 13

2023

FEBRUARY 23RD 2023

THEKEYWESTAMP.COM | THEKEYWESTTHEATER.COM