Marathon Weekly 22-0922

Anchored to your health and our community.

An anchor of health and wellness in the heart of the Florida Keys, Fishermen’s Community Hospital has expanded its specialized service offerings.

The state-of-the-art facility is home to the services you need, brought to you by the most trusted healthcare provider in the region. Fishermen’s Community Hospital is proud to now offer the following:

Other services available include: 24/7 emergency care with on-site helipad, diagnostic imaging, inpatient care, intensive care unit, telestroke services to provide stroke patients with emergency access to board-certified neurologists, outpatient laboratory and rehabilitation.

The care you deserve, right in your neighborhood.

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: www.keysweekly.com305.743.0844

Publisher Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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NUMBER OF THE WEEK

A wild week 2 in the NFL saw three teams making unbelievable come backs. The Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins both overcame 20-point deficits at halftime to win their respective games. The New York Jets did the unthinkable by overcoming a 30-17 deficit with two minutes to go against the Cleveland Browns, winning 31-30.

After a community campaign to post humously honor one of Marathon’s most beloved bartenders, Bill Alch, left, and Lauren Barbush accepted the 2022 Best Bartender award on behalf of Shannon Gosselin at the Best of Marathon. Coverage begins on page 5. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

BUDGET TAKES A BACK SEAT AT SPECIAL CALL MEETING

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

The “budget” portion of the Marathon City Council’s final budget hearing special call meeting on Sept. 21 took less than 10 minutes, and for the second time was unanimously approved with no public comment.

Instead, the council spent the majority of its time discussing Marathon’s building allocations and permitting process moving forward in the wake of the recent revocation of 300 affordable housing allocations given to the city in 2018.

The budget and tax rate tenta tively approved at the Sept. 13 city council meeting went unchanged throughout the course of Tuesday’s meeting. With a final millage rate of 2.72 mills, the city’s 2022-2023 tax rate reflects a 15.04% increase over the rollback rate – the rate required to raise the same tax revenue as in 2021-2022 given current assessed property values.

Finance director Jennifer John son justified the increase in part due to additional staff members in the city’s code and public works depart ments, along with a 9.6% cost of living adjustment for city staff and an anticipated 5% increase in health in surance costs. The increase will add roughly $9.7 million in revenue for the city’s general fund and will bring the city to 13 days shy of one year in unassigned reserves.

The new $116,909,494 bud get accounts for development of the Seven Mile Marina, along with $400,000 set aside for the first time homebuyer loan program. Expected infrastructure projects include improvements to bridges, the park at the base of the Seven Mile Bridge, the unused Quay property and the community park.

In addition to approving the rec ommended building allocations for the current BPAS period, Marathon Mayor John Bartus made a motion

to use seven of the city’s available administrative relief building alloca tions – set aside for use in special circumstances – in order to allow completion of affordable housing units in the La Palma development on 101st Street Ocean. Nearly com plete, the development’s original building allocations were revoked as part of 300 affordable units deemed illegal in an Aug. 3 opinion handed down by Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal (DCA).

City Attorney Steve Williams revealed in the course of discussion that the city’s request for a rehearing of the affordable units case had been denied in an 8-1 decision earlier that afternoon. Short of an unlikely result should the city appeal the case to the Florida Supreme Court, a fix for the revoked allocations via the state’s next legislative session, if success ful, could be more than six months away.

“There is one gentleman who is literally 25 miles into a 26-mile mara thon,” said Williams, adding that by the same analogy, “If he’s at mile 25, I’m not sure anybody else was back at mile 20 yet.

“Our initial thought was to use some of our available administrative relief pool to assist that gentleman. It’s a barn door situation. … You’re nice to one person, everyone else wants you to be nice to them. … At some point someone’s going to have to make the policy calls or the legal calls or both as to what units you’re handing out … and where do you draw the line?”

“I would urge you all to pause on all of this,” said councilman Steve Cook. “Is it harsher to choose the same outcome for all as opposed to treating some better than others? … Trying to get around the court ruling by doing what looks like the right thing may just cost us a lot.”

Following discussion of several contractors’ relative progress in their respective developments both now and in the near future while the re voked units are involved in additional

appeals or legislative fixes, the coun cil voted 4-1 to abstain from granting the administrative relief allocations, with Bartus as the lone yes vote. Vice Mayor Dan Zieg also reminded the council of a 2001 decision in which the current appellants’ attorney in the 300 units case, Richard Grosso, successfully argued that a $3.3-mil lion apartment complex violated its county’s comprehensive plan and was torn down after being previously occupied.

In other news:

• At its first public hearing, the council unanimously voted to pass an ordinance prohibiting drinking and smoking any item other than an unfiltered cigar – an exception mandated by state statutes – at Marathon’s beaches and parks, as well as establishing an enforcement mechanism. The prohibition may be waived by the city council for special occasions upon request.

• At its final public hearing, the council voted to formally establish non-resident boat ramp usage fees as well as parking fees for trailers at boat ramps and vehicles at Som brero Beach. The fee schedule is as follows: $5 per hour for the first two hours to park at Sombrero Beach, followed by $2 per hour thereafter; $25 to launch or retrieve a boat at any of the city’s three public boat ramps; and $20 per day to park a ve hicle and trailer in available spaces at these ramps. The ordinance dictates that vehicles registered in Marathon or Key Colony beach may register annually to use these facilities at no cost, and at its Sept. 13 meeting, the council indicated its wishes to extend the same free use to yearround Marathon and KCB residents as evidenced by documents such as driver’s licenses, voter registration cards and leases. The privilege of free use is not transferable to shortterm renters or visitors. The exact registration process used is yet to be determined, as is the date of practi cal enforcement.

Even with a change in the 11th hour, by 7 p.m. the Million Air hangar was primed and ready to welcome nearly 300 guests for the Best of Marathon. SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/Contributed

NEW PLAN, SAME PHENOMENAL RESULT Best of Marathon was bigger and better than ever

JASON KOLER jason@keysweekly.com

On the afternoon of Sept. 16, Marathon Rotary Club president Mike Puto dialed into the National Weather Service.

The message from Warning Coordination Meteorolo gist Jon Rizzo confirmed the former county mayor’s fears. A barrage of isolated thunderstorms would be striking the Middle Keys throughout the weekend, casting a cloud of doubt over one of Mara thon’s biggest parties: the Best of Marathon celebration.

With 280 guests scheduled to gather at the Marathon Community Park, the club’s administration and Keys Weekly leadership executed “Plan

AtB.”that time they had no Plan B.

So the Weekly’s Business Development Officer Patti Childress made a call to Million Air General Manager Nettie Mayer, “for a small favor.”

By 4 p.m. the City of Marathon’s Public Works crew and a few Rotarians like Michael Cunningham, George Garrett, Puto and Childress were transporting tables and chairs to the Million Air hangar next to the Marathon fire station.

Since 2008, the Best of Marathon has served several functions: a fundraiser for the Rotary Club, a roast of local dignitaries and business leaders and a celebration of the tenacious spirit and generosity of the Marathon community. The annual ceremony is further proof that it's the people who make this town what it is.

The 14th iteration didn’t disappoint.

2022 marked a commemoration of Shannon Gosselin, a beloved bartender who lost her battle with cancer late last year. Her colleagues across the city came together to make sure she was crowned “Best Bartender” posthumously.

To the sponsors, donors and those who supported the event, we can’t say “thank you” enough for yet another fantastic night of laughter, fun, beverages, food, music and togetherness. With Marathon Liquor and Deli supplying all the spirits, and local establishments like Drift wood, Sparky’s, Brutus, Dockside, Sweet Savannah’s, the Wreck, Irie and Steak and Lobster House providing the food, the guests ate, drank and enjoyed the music of Abstract Radio while mingling in the hangar.

Marathon may be a tiny island, but when it comes to BOM voting, we go global. Pictured are the number of votes cast in different regions across three continents. CONTRIBUTED

The number of throughoutwhoindividualscastballots the final voting process.

206,932

The total number of votes that decided the winners for the 2022 Best of Marathon Awards.

Shortly after the show started, a torrential downpour slammed into the metal building, but the show continued right on as community members like Lynn Voit, Kelly McKinnon and Denise Pankow among others were recognized for their individual commitments to Marathon.

Just like the town itself, the Best of Marathon has undergone nu merous changes since its inception at the Jaycee Building all those years ago. And, like Marathon, it returns better and stronger each and every year – because of the people.

A ABOVESTEP

callamakeindividualsAwardsCommunityhonorwhoMarathonbetterplacetohome.

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Named for iconic Mara thon families and residents, the Best of Marathon Community Awards began in 2008 and are gestures of gratitude for those who inspire us to do better by our fellow man. They are now a fitting tribute to the Rotary Club’s mis sion to “unite dedicated people to exchange ideas, build relation ships and take action.”

The Marathon Rotary Club’s presence can be felt at the new Rotary Children’s Park, at the 4th of July celebration on Sombrero Beach and other community ac tivities. Its membership consists of business leaders, elected officials, executives and essential and highranking personnel in the public and private sectors. The club is currently meeting at the Florida Keys Country Club every Wednes day for lunch. Contact a member to learn more or find the club on Facebook.

PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR: LYNN VOIT

Our Philanthropist of the Year is a woman who tirelessly gives her time, money and talent to so many of Marathon’s most cherished institu tions. She is an incredibly gifted artist who, in addition to beautifying many areas in our community with donated art, never shies away from using the sale of her pieces to benefit causes she believes in. She has helped to develop Pigeon Key’s art show, as well as do nating both art and funding to rebuild and beautify Fishermen’s Community Hospital. She was instrumental in the rehabilitation of Crane Point’s train car, gardens and Crane House. In early 2022, she established an art exhibi tion at Marathon Community Theatre, the proceeds of which were donated entirely to furthering the theater’s mis sion of providing a central hub for arts and entertainment in Marathon. She has donated to countless wide-reach ing causes, including many organiza tions we ourselves don’t even know about. For these reasons, and many more, our 2022 Philanthropist of the Year is Lynn Voit.

ROBIN TANNER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD: HAMMER RUNYON

This award is presented to the out standing public servant who continu ally goes above and beyond. It’s only fitting that our 2022 recipient is the longest-running continuous city em ployee since Marathon’s incorporation in 1999. A Keys resident since 1995, this gentleman joined the Marathon Public Works Department in 2003 after stints with the Monroe County recy cling and parks and beaches depart ments, eventually serving the city in the fire department and his current post with the Parks and Recreation department. He quickly became known as half of a “Dynamic Duo” with Jamie Faircloth and has long embodied the philosophy of doing anything that needed to be done, regardless of whether it was technically his job. He has an incredible sense of humor, and he has been a constant presence at Marathon’s 4th of July celebration, the Seafood Festival and most other events, not to mention his legendary Christmas decorations at the com munity park. This year’s Robin Tanner Public Service Award goes to Hammer Runyon.

MOST COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSI NESS: MARATHON LUMBER

Tricia Baker, left, accepts the Most Community Minded Business award on behalf of her father Dale. The owner of our Most Community Minded Business, Dale Baker, is a born-and-raised Marathon resident who opened his business here in 1977 after serving his country with the Army in Vietnam. He has been heav ily involved for years with numerous community organizations including the Marathon Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce, the Masonic Lodge/Shri ners, the Elks and the Moose Lodge. In the past year, this business has been instrumental in both the Rotary Park rebuild and Habitat for Human ity, donating thousands of dollars in materials and supplies to ensure that our children have a safe place to play and the hardworking families that form the backbone of our community have a secure and affordable place to live. We know that Marathon Lumber will continue to exemplify community commitment for years to come, and we are proud to recognize 2022’s Most Community Minded Business.

Every new idea feeds a will to keep learning and growing. That’s why First Horizon is proud to support the countless ways the Florida Keys is invested in enlightening and inspiring the next generation of leaders – and lifelong learners.

HENRY FLAGLER SETTLER AWARD: KELLY MCKINNON

The Henry Flagler Settler Award is presented to a resident whose vision and determination have made Mara thon a better place to live. This year’s recipient grew up in Rochester Hills, Michigan before moving to Key West in 1999 to attend the then-Florida Keys Community College. He would later be recognized as the college’s distinguished alumnus of 2014. He eventually graduated from Wayne State University, focusing on marine science education and history. For the past 15 years, this individual has lived on the island of Pigeon Key, serving as its executive director since 2008. As he tells it, his years on his family farm best prepared him for his early years on the island, but under his leadership, one of the Florida Keys’ richest historical sites has blossomed into a phenom enal historical site, a highly regarded education center, and a wonderful place to spend the day (or night). His accomplishments leading Pigeon Key are too numerous to list here, and his work has not gone unnoticed by the county, which showed its faith in his vision for the island’s future by renew ing the Pigeon Key Foundation’s lease early for another 10 years. The 2022 Henry Flagler Settler Award is present ed to self-described “amateur beauty pageant judge” Kelly McKinnon.

A ABOVESTEP

KAY GRADICK WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD: DENISE PANKOW

Our 2022 Woman of the Year is a hometown girl, arriving in Marathon in 1968 and graduating from Marathon High School in 1974. She would ride her bicycle, a gift from her parents, to school, and continues to ride the same bike in Marathon’s annual 4th of July parade. Of her many accomplish ments, the most noteworthy is her involvement in the Seven Mile Bridge Run. She is a charter member of the run, having volunteered for all 42 races while serving as the race director for 26 years. She has been active in the historic Dolphin Scramble, the annual Pride Walk and the Sombrero Beach Run. She has co-chaired the Pigeon Key Art Festival and has been instru mental in countless Seafood Festivals. Denise Pankow’s hand is always in the air when help is needed for a good cause, and for this reason she is our 2022 Kay Gradick Woman of the Year.

MIKE PUTO MAN OF THE YEAR RICKAWARD:RAMSAY

Our 2022 Man of the Year is one of the most visible and involved public officials Monroe County could ever ask for, as he is always a friendly face lending a hand at events from award ceremonies to small local beach clean ups. This man has served for 35 years with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Of fice after graduating from the Florida Keys Institute of Criminal Justice in 1987. Since 2012, he has served as the county’s sheriff, serving our citizens so well that he ran unopposed for the position in 2016 and 2020. In addition to serving for 15 years as a volunteer firefighter in Marathon, the most deco rated deputy in the history of MCSO has received 93 commendations of merit across every category bestowed by the office. Today, he leads an office that maintains constant contact with the citizens it serves. Under his leader ship, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was one of only 38 agencies to attain the “Triple Crown” status with the National Sheriff’s Association. We are honored to present the 2022 Mike Puto Man of the Year Award to Sheriff Rick Ramsay.

Photos by Barry Gaukel

callamakeindividualsAwardsCommunityhonorwhoMarathonbetterplacetohome.

1. Key Colony Beach was well-represented by commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickrey, left, city administrator David Turner and Monroe County Director of Strategic Plan ning & Libraries Kimberly Matthews.

2. Michael and Jo-Anne Cunningham pose with the new Pigeon Key Express.

3. Jo Anne Cook, left, and Mike Puto.

4. Blue Magic Charters’ contingent of Ronnie Ashley, left, Stacy Caba, Alex Bell, Quinlyn Haddon, Sandra Prendiville and Steve Steenstra would soon take home a “Best Fishing Guide” win.

5. Chris Campbell jams with Abstract Radio to provide the evening’s musical

Alast-minute venue change ne cessitated by weather couldn’t derail one of Marathon’s finest events as the Best of Mara thon awards transformed the gener ously donated Million Air hangar. The 2022 event was our biggest yet, with nearly 300 local business leaders and dignitaries on hand to pay tribute to more standout individuals, organiza tions and businesses than ever before. As always, proceeds raised directly benefited the deserving Marathon Rotary Club as it continues its chari table work and support of Marathon’s students. Congratulations to all our winners and nominees on a phenom enal evening of well-earned praise and friendly competition.

— Alex Rickert returns record-settingin fashion

6.backdrop.LisaSilva, left, Michelle Sauer and Sarah Leach represent D’Asign Source.

7. Trey Sly, left, Chris Still and Harris Still are ready to take home the win for the Tackle Box.

8. Hammer Runyon, left, Susan Runyon and Kate Koler enjoy a chat.

9. Centerpieces courtesy of Flowers by J&J provide beautiful table decorations.

10. The 79th Street Band’s Dave Dipre, left, and Chad Neller pre-game their ‘Best Band’ win.

11. Volunteer bartenders like Erika Good man, left, John Bartus, Erin Arnett and Kiki McIntyre had the all-important task of the night: keep the drinks flowing.

12. Shady Palm’s photographic wizard Barry Gaukel, right, gets in a test shot with Henry Menendez.

13. It wouldn’t be the Best of Marathon without shenanigans from Mike Puto, left, and Keys Weekly’s fearless leader Jason

14.Koler.Tony

Piscetello, not pictured, makes it rain on Best Local Celebrity Cheddar. Both were exempt from cleanup duty – sorry, Mike Puto.

15. Food generously donated by Brutus Seafood, Coca Cola, Dockside Boot Key Harbor, Driftwood Pizza, Pasta & Subs, Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House, Irie Island Eats, Marathon Liquors and Deli, Sparky’s Landing, S.S. Wreck and Sweet Savannah’s kept attendees well-fed.

Photos by Sandra Lee Photography and Barry Gaukel. See more event photos at keysweekly.com, shadypalmphotography. com and sandraleephotographystudio. com.

Best Server: Billy Blasingame

Billy Blasingame, right, celebrates his Best Server win with Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House owner Maria Ely.

NOTHING LIKE YOUR FIRST

Host of new categories highlight

2022 Best of Marathon

You asked, we listened. If we’ve learned anything over the past few years, it’s that Marathon residents are extremely passionate about what should – or shouldn’t – constitute a separate category for our city’s annual awards. While the 2021 Best of Marathon awards were distinguished by a staggering number of firsttime winners – 28, to be exact – the 2022 iteration of the ceremony saw 11 new categories added at the suggestion of our staff and readers. There’s nothing like winning your first BOM award, or being the first to christen a new category, so without further ado, here are your “new kids on the block.”

—Alex Rickert

Best Health & Fitness Coach: Cara O’Neill

2022’s Best Health and Fitness Coach Cara O’Neill will get you in shape in a hurry.

Best Catering: Heather MacDonald

‘Chef Heather’ MacDonald brings the fla vor straight to you as 2022’s Best Catering.

Best Lender: Keys Federal Credit Union

The Keys Federal Credit Union team of Avani George, left, Desiree Perez, Charmel Taylor, Dave Peck and Maggie Sayer ended the night as the year’s Best Lender.

Best Material/Supply Shop: Specialty Hardware

Though the store may have passed hands from former owner Pam Daniels, right, to Eric Guzman, Specialty Hardware is still Marathon’s Best Material/Supply Shop.

Best Specialty Contractor: Paver Dave Paver Dave secures the win with the inaugu ral Best Specialty Contractor award. Pictured are Tudi Carlson, left, Mark Keller, Dave Keller, John P. Keller and John T. Keller.

WE DID IT

Keys Weekly was proud to share in the celebration as longtime bartender Shannon Gosselin of Keys Fisheries was posthu mously honored as 2022’s Best Bartender. Gosselin tragically passed away in December 2021 after a prolonged battle with cancer, eventually leading fellow Keys Fisheries bartender Rachel Bowman to recruit drink sling ers from across the island in a campaign to commemorate a cherished community member gone too soon. Pictured accept ing the award for Shannon are her longtime boyfriend Bill Alch, left, and Keys Fisheries bartend er Lauren Barbush.

Best Pizza & Best New Business: Coast to Coast Pizza Company Coast to Coast Pizza Company burst onto the scene and made the most of its first Best of Marathon awards, taking home wins as 2022’s Best Pizza and Best New Business. Pictured are Omar Maldonado, left, Anthony Ludovici-DeBrigida, Nicole Maldonado and Adam Kane.

Best Place to Have a Wedding: Sunset Park (KCB)

Looking to get hitched? Head over to Key Colony Beach’s Sunset Park for the best spot in town. Pictured are KCB commis sioners Beth Ramsay-Vickrey, left, and Ron Sutton, right, as they accept the award with city administrator David Turner.

Best Cook Your Catch: Lazy Days South

Best Burger: Burdines Waterfront

Best Family Owned Business: Marathon Bagel Co. Dan Halladay, left, Samantha Kratzert, Cynthia Paglio-Minni and Michael Minni celebrate Marathon Bagel Co.’s first win as the Best Family Owned Business

Best Volunteer: Megan Hughes

Megan Hughes is dressed for the part as her work with Forgotten Felines earns her the inaugural Best Volunteer award.

Best Vacation Rental Company: Florida Keys Vacation Rentals

Antonette Verna, left, Brian Schmitt and Jessica Borracino of Florida Keys Vacation Rentals earn the first-ever crown as the Best Vacation Rental Company.

Best Nail Spa: Marathon Nail Spa

Sherry Alana, left, and Lily Loeung accept the first ever Best Nail Spa award on be half of Marathon Nail Spa.

Best Fishing Guide: Blue Magic Charters Blue Magic Charters – represented by Amanda Costantino, left, Nick Caruso, Steve Steen stra, Quinlyn Haddon, Alex Bell and Stacy Caba – is chosen as Marathon’s best option for a fishing trip in 2022.

MARINE SANCTUARY UNVEILS FREE APP GUIDES USERS

THROUGH KEYS ENVIRONMENT

Like a lighthouse showing the way home, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has built a mobile application that will help protect the unique Florida Keys environment by promoting responsible recreation and providing real-time information about sanctuary rules and regulations, as well as points of interests.

As of Sept. 19, Marine Sanctuary Explorer is available for free and features GPS-enabled technology that alerts users when they approach managed zones inside the sanctuary. Packed with facts, the app describes the more than 50 marine zones located within the sanctuary with easy-to-read guidelines that communicate activities allowable in each managed area.

Marine Sanctuary Explorer was developed in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

EDUCATION ENFORCEMENT& EMPHASIZED IN FIRST BLUEPRINTFORCOMMENTIN-PERSONSESSIONRESTORATION

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

More law enforcement and education, as well the need for better water quality, were among the sentiments relayed by residents during a public comment session on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Restoration Blueprint on Sept. 20 at Coral Shores High School auditorium.

A revised draft management plan unveiled to the public in July detailed a variety of new marine zones, regulations and a sanctuary expansion to 4,795 square miles. Sanctuary officials say the latest proposal recognized a host of comments from the Restoration Blueprint’s release in 2019 that contained four proposals.

Public comment on the latest proposal started mid-July. Residents can provide their opinion in writing by visiting regulations.gov now through Oct. 21. They also had the chance to issue their response via the microphone inside the Coral Shores High School auditorium as sanctuary officials listened.

Glenn Paton was among the 20plus commenters on Sept. 20. He said a 2011 condition report showed the sanctuary was in fair to poor condition. Eleven years later, he said, it’s still going downhill.“Themost important thing to do, but politically almost impossible, is water quality,” said Paton, noting the difficulty in getting counties to the north to advance wastewater projects. “We need to improve water quality, that’s key to making the sanctuary better.”

Bill Kelly, Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association executive director, noted the challenges taking in a 356-page Restoration Blueprint with no table of contents or page numbers.

“The reality is the Restoration Blueprint is a report card for the sanctuary. Right now it’s a failing grade. We’ve had management for over 30 years and continue to have numerous problems,” he said.

Kelly went on to note that development and a growing number of users on the Keys waters are contributing to a decline in water quality that’s bringing algal blooms of enormous proportions. He also said the sanctuary must also address law enforcement, which “we have barked about for decades here.”Dianne Harbaugh, of the Islamorada Charter Boat Association, also expressed the need for education, enforcement and water. In addition, she said the plan needs to be friendly to artificial reefs.

“It’s not really stated much in the plan how you want to address that,” she said.

Some commenters took issue with the proposed no-entry zone for Pelican Key Wildlife Management Area at Sunset Cove in Key Largo. According to the blueprint, the closure seeks to protect shallow seagrasses, decrease disturbance of manatees and roosting and wading birds, including magnificent frigatebirds and pelicans. Joseph Mastrangelo Jr., owner of Veteran Sailing Association, said he’s never seen anyone on the island besides kids snorkeling.“I’venever seen anyone molest or harm the creatures,” he said. “The noentry zone is absurd in every manner.”

Ginette Hughes, of MarineLab, said children coming through the program have snorkeled at Pelican Key. She acknowledged support for Pelican Key’s

“Weclosure.gothere a lot and we know how special it is. We talk about sanctuary to our students. If the sanctuary wasn’t there it’d be so much worse,” she said.

Sanctuary officials held an inperson comment session at Marathon High School on Sept. 21. A final in-person comment session is set for Thursday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. at Key West High ResidentsSchool.have until Oct. 21 to voice their opinion or in person at an Oct. 18 meeting of the Sanctuary Advisory Council at 9 a.m. in Marathon. People can also visit regulations.gov to submit their comments. In the past 90 days, more than 630 comments were made to the federal website.

WHAT IS KEY COLONY BEACH’S GREATEST ASSET?

KCB commission candidates weigh in

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Inan effort to provide greater familiarity and communication between the Key Colony Beach City Commission candidates and our readers, the Marathon Weekly sent each of them a series of questions concerning their backgrounds and stances on press ing city issues. The Weekly will continue to print each candidate’s responses in a Q&A series leading up to the Nov. 8 election, in which two candidates will win commission seats. Have a question you’d like to see answered by the candidates? Send it to alex@keysweekly.com for potential inclusion throughout the series.

Answers are printed exactly as submitted by candidates, with responses limited to 100 words.

BETH RAMSAY-VICKREY

The Community, the wonderful people who call KCB home, are our greatest asset. As your City Commissioner, my #1 priority is protecting Key Colony Beach’s special sense of community, and ensuring that Key Colony Beach stays the wonderful Gem it is! Pro tecting and enhancing your quality of life begins by mitigating the negative impacts of vacation rentals, and ensur ing we have good communication and strong partnerships across all levels of the County. I have the relevant experi ence and great relationships neces sary to achieve these goals, and I’m honored to be endorsed by the elected officials we need to partner with.

FREDDIE FOSTER

KCB’s greatest asset is its family-like community. My wife and I purchased our home because of the close-knit atmosphere with the neighbors, City Commission, and City Hall. However, that charm of KCB has started to wane; the days of walking into City Hall for friendly advice seem to be more and more distant. This can be seen in the city: both with the number of people leaving, and the turnover rate in the city itself. How can we protect and nurture that family atmosphere of KCB? Vote!

JOHN DENEALE

Our people, and this is how we protect them and their Keys lifestyle. We need to maintain our city’s character by en suring our vacation rental ordinances are relevant and enforced; prepare for further sea level rise to include up dating our land development regula tions so we can renovate or rebuild our homes and businesses if needed; continue to protect our environment as we have with our recently upgraded sewer plant and complete our storm water system; build our new city hall to provide quality services and activities, a much-needed EOC and refuge of last resort; and keep our taxes low.

This Whatweek:isKCB's greatest asset, and how do you plan to protect it?

Not

only is the Best of Marathon awards show a celebration of community spirit and ingenuity, it is also a time to gather friends and neighbors for some fun and humor. While the elected officials and other dignitaries are the main fodder, the event producers also like to spread the ribbing to others.

SIGNS YOU MARATHON…BEMIGHTFROM

10) Three months after completing construction of your “Florida Keys dream home” you sold it for a net profit of $1 million and now you can’t even afford Ocala, so you’re renting in Tavernier.

9) You are one of the 324 people who nominated the Brass Monkey as the “Best Place to Take the Kids.”

8) You decide whether you’re sober enough to drive the same way you pick your elected officials – with the flip of a coin.

7) Your kid is so good at baseball that he plays for Key West.

6) You are still citing “trauma and stress from Hurricane Wilma” while renewing your medical marijuana card.

5) You use a tickle stick during foreplay.

4) You hired Dave Dipre to sing at your wedding, bar mitzvah or mother’s funeral.

3) Your hiring philosophy is “who needs Zip Recruiter when I’ve got a Customs and Border Patrol facility right across the street?”

2) If you have ever sued the City of Marathon, have a pending lawsuit against the City of Marathon or met with Patrick Stevens just this afternoon about suing the City of Marathon.

1) You have never flown in or out of the Marathon airport.

BONUS: You’ve identified the hidden CRT in your kid’s 6th grade math book, but can’t figure out how to solve those darn word problems.

CORNBREAD

2-year-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: A home with lots of toys and catnip too.

Turnoffs: I’ve been waiting so long for a home, I’m starting to get jealous when the other cats keep getting all the attention. I just want to be loved too.

TAKE ME HOME

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

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

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

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

CHASE

1-year-old male rabbit.

Looking for: A patient and kind new family to show me love for the rest of my days

Turnoffs: My brother. We just don’t get along any more.

I’M ALL IN FOR TUA

MAYBELLE

1-year-old female rabbit.

Looking for: Plenty of space to hop about. I’m loving my new freedom at the shelter.

Turnoffs: Just go slow and don’t grab me, please.

MORROWRALPH

ua! I’mTua!!!Tua!!a believer. Put me on bandwagon.theCan you believe it? Down 35-14 at the start of the fourth quarter. No one could recover from that. Is there another game to watch? What a bunch of bums!

And then Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa exploded. Touchdown pass after touchdown pass.

A scoring advantage of 28-3 in the fourth quarter. A final score of 42-38 Miami. A team-tying record of six touchdown passes. Six! Count me in.

But ... There’s always a but. We have to realize what had gotten the Dolphins in that hole to start.

To me, it was defense. And that defense will still be there this Sunday when the outstanding Buffalo Bills visit the Dolphins. Yes, Tua to Tyreek Hill will still be there, too. Tua to Jaylen Waddle will still be there. Tua to seven other receivers will still be there.

But I’m afraid the Bills are a better team. We shall see.

LET’S TALK ABOUT some baseball. Namely Babe Ruth to Aaron Judge.

For 34 years, the most hallowed baseball record was Ruth’s 60 home runs, which he hit in 1927.

It lasted until 1961, when another New York Yankee, Roger Maris, hit 61.

Three other hitters have also topped 60 and all did it in the National League. Sammy Sosa did it three times for the Cubs with totals of 66 in 1998, 63 in 1999 and 64 in 2001. Mark McGwire topped 60 twice for St. Louis with 70 in 1998 and 65 in 1999. And the king of homers, Barry Bonds, topped them all with 73 in 2001 for San Francisco.

But the 60 for Ruth and 61 for Maris remain tops for a lot of people as Sosa, McGwire and Bonds are all tainted because of the possible use of performance enhancers.

THence the interest in Judge as he trudged along in search of 60 and Interestingly,61. Ruth, though regarded as clean by so many people, was a victim of one of the worst sins of all: He faced only white pitchers. Not by choice, of course, but segregation back then eliminated a sizable portion of the baseball populace.

The fix was simple.

Eleven weeks after infielder Jackie Robinson integrated baseball on April 15, 1947, outfielder Larry Doby of Cleveland integrated the American League on July 5, 1947. Dan Bankhead was the first black pitcher, joining Robinson on the Brooklyn Dodgers on Aug. 26, 1947. Though Bankhead had left his mark in the Negro leagues, he couldn’t duplicate that in the majors – except for homering in his first at-bat – giving up 10 hits and eight runs in 3 1⁄3 innings of relief work in his first game. That first year, Bankhead got in only four games, finishing with an earned run average of 7.20. He was soon back in the minors, returning three years later and marking a season with 9 wins and 5 losses.

The first outstanding pitcher in the American League, who happened to be black, was Leroy Robert “Satchel” Paige, who was 42 when he broke in with the Cleveland Indians on July 9, 1948. In that year, the Tribe won the World Championship and I saw Paige with the team. He won 6, lost 1 over 21 games. Paige, who began his pitching career as an 18-year-old semipro in 1924, also pitched for the St. Louis Browns and a final game in which he pitched three one-hit innings in 1959 – when he would have been 53 – with the Kansas City Athletics. He had a career mark of 28 wins and 31 losses.

Judge’s season continues against a variety of talented pitchers. While Ruth batted left-handed, Judge bats right. Ruth was 32 when he hit those 60 home runs while batting .356, Judge is 30 and is batting above .300. Judge has this week (Sept. 22-25) to overcome what must be a ton of pressure in search of further records. &

... a veteran sports columnist, says the only sport he doesn’t follow is cricket. That leaves plenty of others to fill his @gmail.comralphmoro1936time.

REASONABLE GOALS

FOR THE SANCTUARY TO TARGET

As fishermen we are always making decisions that are calculated to result in success. Careful attention to weather, tides, and seasonal patterns are constant factors in creating success, but so too are understanding fisher ies matters from things like the quality of water moving through the southern everglades to the condition of the reefs along our coastline. The best days on the water are the ones that strike a balance and create oppor tunity for today and for tomorrow.

We believe the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary should use the same logical approach as fishermen to protect and restore our marine ecosystem which provides a crucial role in the lives of the members of our community that depend on this resource to make a living and for the betterment of their quality of life.

We commend the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for its clear ability to listen to community concerns following the 2019 draft proposals. The new blueprint is a solid step in the right direction. Adjustments to zones that received tremendous public outcry were implemented and "mission iconic reefs” is an ambitious public/private project that should get everyone’s support. The Sanctuary‘s commitment to education, enforce ment, and water quality are also heard loud and clear. But frankly, more needs to be done and local knowledge from a diverse group of users must be brought to bear. We urge the public to recognize the importance of public comment to inform these decisions and we humbly ask you to consider our input and provide your own input via the o cial federal register. www.regulations.gov Docket number: NOAA-NOS-2019-0094-1012

The Lower Keys Guides Association, the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association, and the Islamorada Charter Boat Association are leading a coalition to weigh in on the important decisions that are needed to achieve success with the restoration blueprint. In preparing our comments we have also worked with community and business leaders to ensure we did so with a diverse perspective. Here are the general goals we believe will strike the right balance for the future of our community, our economy, and our marine environment:

1. IMPROVE ACCESS AND RECOGNIZE HISTORICAL USES

From the world class sail fishing on Alligator Reef to the cast netting of Pilchards on Boca Grande Key to the wildlife management areas proposed throughout the backcountry, we believe that access to fishing and reason able environmental protections can be achieved with precise "no anchor ing, idle speed, or no motor" zones.  Modifying behavior while still allowing for traditional uses is far better than restricting access. It will improve it.

2. IDLE SPEED ZONES AND MARKED RUNNING LANES

Following Covid pandemic, the Florida Keys have seen an enormous increase in boat tra c. Ask any local and they will tell you it takes a lot of experience to learn how to run the backcountry. Even with GPS and marine tracks software there are uneducated boaters running aground all the time. What is needed are gate style markers similar in design to what is found in Everglades National Park and marked idle speed zones on certain flats that are susceptible to regular destructive impacts. This will greatly assist in safe navigation (especially on slick calm days) and reduce harmful prop scarring and boater caused habitat degradation.

3. A COMPREHENSIVE ARTIFICIAL REEF AND HABITAT RESTORATION PLAN

From German submarines to old shrimp boats to the 7-mile bridge rubble, artificial structure has played an enormous role in the Florida Keys fishery for decades. The sheer number of wrecks in the Florida Keys has no doubt aided if not helped to create the world-class fishery we are known for today. But after countless storms and old age taking its toll, these structures are crum bling. But there is hope. New designs, advances in architecture, and reefing techniques have been proven successful elsewhere. We strongly suggest the Sanctuary utilize this valuable restoration and mitigation tool. But take it further! Deep water FADS, Vandenberg size ships, nearshore post larval recruitment habitat, and bait fish/juvenile fish habitat are good ideas to bring to the table. We need to use science to inform the process and get hands-on to create favorable structure. This will help prepare for future threats, climatize our fisheries for the future, and mitigate the di cult socioeconomic and environmental challenges to face us. The sanctuary restoration blueprint must include language that provides for such a program. While coral restoration technology and "mission iconic reefs" o er tremendous hope, the timeline for restoration is too long. The Sanctuary must engage in alternative habitat restoration techniques to bridge the gap and maintain healthy fish stocks that support our entire economy.

4. ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT

The Sanctuary EIS process has provided a unique opportunity for citizens and organizations to weigh in with ideas about how to manage our shared marine resources. Constructive dialogue between citizen user groups, science-based environmental organizations, and regulators is critical to building trust and achieving meaningful protections. Our shared path to environmental resto ration relies on this trust. We urge the Sanctuary to make continued e orts to engage and build trust. True adaptive management is the key to this and must be a cornerstone process moving forward. We must be both proactive in our e orts and responsive to our concerns. Furthermore, we need to simplify rules and regulations to improve the e ectiveness of such rules and our ability to enforce them. The Sanctuary must implement a process moving forward that can adjust to changes, provide flexibility in management, and avoid prolonged delays in action while simultaneously coordinating with the other agencies regulating recourses within the Sanctuary.

Sincerely,

Scan qr-code to make your electronic blueprint public comment in the Florida register.

THE

Team

Key MarathonWest

Coral Shores Boys Golf KW, MHS, CSHS 9/12 Key West MHS 205 CSHS 271

Marathon Volleyball Posnack 9/12 L, 3-2

Coral Shores Volleyball Key West 9/13 L, 3-0

Marathon Volleyball Archimedean 9/13 L, 3-2

Coral Shores Golf (boys) St. Brendan 9/13 W, 224-230

Coral Shores Swimming Key West 9/14 Boys L, 195-74 Girls W, 144-135

Key West Swimming Coral Shores 9/14 Boys W, 195-74 Girls L, 144-135

CORLEY SMITH

Key MarathonWest

Coral Shores Golf (boys) Key MarathonWest Coral Shores 9/15 KW 195 MHS 224 CSHS 233

Key West Football Dade Christian 9/16 W, 44-6

Coral Shores Football Miami Sunset 9/16 W, 35-0

Key West Volleyball 9/16 L, 2-1

Marathon Volleyball L, 2-1

Marathon Volleyball Beach L, 3-0

Marathon Volleyball County L, 3-0

Key West W, 3-0

Key West

Coral Shores, senior Swimming

Coral Shores senior Corley Smith is already an outstanding swimmer. But she’s also on a constant quest for improvement. Last year, Corley took fifth place overall and was the second female swimmer to complete the Swim to Alligator Lighthouse. This year she came in first in the women’s category and third place overall. She completed the 8-plus mile open water swim in rough conditions the morning after winning multiple events for the Hurricanes at their opening meet against Doctors Charter School.

On Sept. 14 against Key West, everything Smith touched turned to gold. She won the 200 freestyle by 25 seconds, was part of the winning 200 free relay and 400 free relay team and won the 500 freestyle. Corley was 16 seconds in front of her sister, Layne, in the distance race, but once the pair had finished, it was almost a minute and a half before another swimmer reached the finish line.

“Corley is the first to help a struggling teammate,” said coach Kelly Owens. “She is always actively leading a cheer for swimmers in the pool. Corley is kind and a great example of what it means to be a leader.”

For her amazing accomplishments, both in the water and on the deck, Corley Smith is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

THIS

Corley Smith came in first among women in the 2022 Alligator Lighthouse swim, after finishing second in 2021. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

“Corley is a hardjustdream.coach’sNotbecausesheworksandhastalent,butbecauseofhernaturalleadershipabilityandsportsman-shiponthepooldeck.”

— Kelly Owens, Coral Shores swim coach

TRACY MCDONALD www.keysweekly.com

CORAL SHORES

The Hurricanes made the most of their only road trip this season, soundly beating Miami Sunset 35-0. Coach Ed Holly said he was “so proud of the team for understanding the importance of travel and overcoming the struggles of a road game.” He elaborated that in addition to the regular trials of a long bus trip, the ’Canes had to endure well over an hour delay prior to kickoff due to bad weather.

When the game did finally start, it was sloppy in every way except for one: the play of the Hurricanes. Holly praised center Hugh Connolly for the perfection in his snaps despite the conditions and described the win as “a team effort.” Cornerback Alex Gutierrez played with impeccable coverage the entire game, shutting down big plays, while defensive ends Xavyer Arrington and Victor Franchini stopped the short game. Franchini had two sacks to his credit during the contest.

Offensively, quarterback Yemcel Moreno had a pair of passing touchdowns, one to Derek Smith and one to Isaac Holmes, along with one rushing TD. Chuck Jacobsen added a pair of touchdown runs to make the final score 35-0.

Overall, Holly said the team executed well and is excited to play Everglades Prep on Friday, Sept. 23 in Coral Shores’ homecoming game. The 3-1 Hurricanes hope to topple the 1-2 Panthers in the neon-themed celebration to top off the “Dancing Through the Decades” festivities. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

MARATHON

Marathon spent its bye week preparing for its game Friday, Sept. 23 against Ransom Everglades. The Fins seek to avenge their loss last season against the Raiders. The matchup appears to be a fairly even one, despite the 54-0 score last time the teams met. This time around, Ransom will travel to Marathon, whose student section asks that fans take part in their spirit theme, “Ridin’ in Style” by dressing up in rodeo gear.

KEY WEST

The outcome of Key West’s Sept. 16 game against the Crusaders of Dade Christian became obvious in the first quarter, during which the Conchs scored a record 30 points. The domination began on the Crusaders’ first offensive possession, when Jakari Blackman intercepted the ball and the Conchs’ offense quickly capitalized with a James touchdownReynoldsrun. The pick and subsequent score put Key West on the scoreboard before most fans had even settled in.

The Conchs’ defense played well all night, effectively stopping Dade Christian’s attempted air assault. The Crusaders threw the ball 18 times in the first half with zero runs, adding only one attempt on the ground in the second half.

The Conchs’ offense reached the end zone every time it touched the ball, scoring at will in a variety of ground and air attempts. The Crusaders had no answer for Blackman’s speed, Clerf Alexandre’s resilience, or James Reynold’s brute force. Adrian Mira threw well, with one touchdown pass in the game, but left the contest early with an ankle injury. While coach Johnny Hughes said there was no fracture found, he described the idea of heading into a game with nationallyranked Cardinal Gibbons with a starting QB whose play is questionable at the moment as “not an ideal situation.”Fortunately for the Conchs, backup quarterback Jaden Fox held down the QB spot for much of the final three quarters, connecting with Zentavious Carey for one of the Conchs’ six scores on the night. The Conchs scored early and often, with both teams agreeing to running clock – standard when a point deficit reaches 35 – early in the second quarter. The Crusaders managed to score late in the second quarter as Key West gave ample play time to underclassmen. It would be their only score of the game, though, as Key West rumbled to a 44-6 win via six touchdowns and a safety. Marco Davila had a perfect night kicking, converting all six PAT attempts and putting the ball into the end zone multiple times on kickoffs.

The Conchs hope to carry the momentum forward into this week’s matchup against the undefeated Chiefs of Cardinal Gibbons. Hughes says the Conchs are “stoked to have the opportunity” to play a team he described as talented, deep, disciplined and well-coached, stating, “We need to play our perfect game if we want to win. We can’t beat ourselves.” Key West kicks off at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23 in The Backyard.

For to the Keys Sports

Jakari Blackman turns on the jets against the Dade Christian Crusaders. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

Keys runners representing four schools traveled to Boca Raton for the 40th annual Spanish River Cross Country Invitational on Sept. 16. Monroe County fared well against teams from scores of schools across south and central Florida.

The top Keys runner was sophomore Vance Bursa, who blazed to the finish line with a personal best 16:52, good enough for third place overall in the 1A varsity division. “Vance keeps improving each week and moving up the time charts for our region,” coach Jim Murphy said of Bursa’s per formance. Vance had an exceptional race, breaking into the 16-minute zone for the first time. Marathon went on to take fourth place out of 14 teams with two of its top five runners still in middle school. Behind Bursa was junior Mason Buxton (20th, 18:47), who had a significant improve ment from the past few weeks, 7th grader Antonin Bursa (26th, 19:05), junior Jakub Bursa (34th, 19:18), junior Dillon Shelar (53rd, 20:30), and 6th grader Emmett Merryman (83rd, 22:28).

Key West elected to run in the JV 1A & 2A division to make sure the boys got a race this week. Coach Mark Coleman said he chose to enter the race after fearing weather would once again cancel later races. The move proved positive for junior Colbin Hill, who took first place with a time of 19:41. Sophomore Jerven Louis finished in second for the Conchs and 13th overall, running a 21:26. Rounding out the field for Key West were freshman Daniel Roy (14th, 21:29), junior Sebastian Jaroszewicz (51st, 24:41), junior Aaron Suprynowicz (52nd, 24:43), and freshman Owen Fisher (60th, 25:03). The Conchs’ times were good enough for fourth place in a field of nine teams. The girls team did not travel on Friday.

KEYS SUPREMACYBATTLEGOLFERSFOR

TRACY MCDONALD www.keysweekly.com

CoralShores’ Gabby Thomas has solidified her lead as the Keys’ top female golfer. The boys competition is still up in the air.

On Sept. 12, all three Keys teams met up in Marathon to play nine holes at Florida Keys Country Club. Key West’s Devon Gilday and Marathon’s Fisher Coleman-Sayer tied for first place, each scoring a solid 39. Key West took third through sixth places with Rocco Twyman shooting a 41, Andrew Bassett 46, Peyton Zubieta 48 and Thomas Highsmith 50. It was then Marathon’s turn to take the next four places, with Cullen Coleman Sayer scoring a 53, Michael Merryman 55, Aiden Richard 57 and Rocco Piscetello 58. Derek Ramos was Coral Shores’ top golfer in 11th place with a 63.

TRACY MCDONALD

Simon Gutierrez, a senior from Coral Shores, was the lone run ner for the ’Canes, taking the 24th spot in the boys 2A varsity divi sion with a respectable 18:21. The ’Canes were not able to run their first scheduled meet last week, making this the first time a Coral Shores runner competed in a 5K this season.

Marathon’s girls finished in sixth place in a field of 10 teams, with a pair of 8th graders taking the top two spots for the Fins. First for Marathon was Madelyn Thornton, who finished in 28th place overall in a time of 23:32 with Maeve Merryman just two places behind her (23:39). The rest of the Lady Fins’ finishers were sophomore Ella Dunn (39th, 24:00), freshman Ava Merryman (44th, 24:14), 8th grader Sara Robinson (42nd, 24:20), junior Mikkel Ross (49th, 24:22), junior Rain Banks (50th, 24:31), 8th grader Rilynn Richards (54, 24:53) and freshman Ailee Briggs (57th, 25:17). With district meets less than a month away, it is unclear just who will represent the Middle Keys as Marathon’s top five runners.

“We have had three races and different top fives for our girls each race,” said coach Jim Murphy. “They keep pushing each other and we keep seeing glimpses of their potential.”

Marathon’s extensive girls roster allows the Lady Fins to also com pete in the junior varsity division, giving them extra racing experience. Rebecca Merryman, only a 6th grader, ran the 5K in 27:13. Her team mates included Shilo Yeider, Cami Wrinn, Nicole Merryman and Tinashay Cunningham, all of whom have been getting faster and pushing the varsity team for spots on the roster.

In the middle school division, Sugarloaf School represented Mon roe County in the 3K race. Jeremiah Clark was the first finisher for the Sharks, completing the race in 13:33. Clark, a 7th grader, was followed by 8th grader Xavier Conception (14:14), with 7th grader Chase Gilbert (14:28), 7th grader Brady Wright (15:00) and 6th grader Jeaven Nodal (15:48) rounding out the top five. Sugarloaf’s David Temple, Kaiden Asen cio, Nathan Radziewjewski, Collin Palomino, Joey Westbrook, Zyaire Allen, Cooper McClung and Isaac Roman also completed the run.

The Lady Sharks were led by 8th grader Jilliam Cullum, who ran the course in 18:47. Berkeley Tripp, a 7th grader, was next with a 19:46, fol lowed by 6th grader Harper Reeves (19:53), 7th grader Hannah Andress (21:09) and 6th grader Payton Melnyk (21:47).

For the girls, Gabby Thomas of Coral Shores came in first place with a score of 51, followed by Key West’s Savannah Oropeza (53) and Claudia Sterling (58). Elise Dolton of Marathon shot a 66, which was good enough for a fourth-place finish, and teammate Summer Haines shot a 68. Breanna Santana of Key West finished 6th with a 71.

The teams met again at Ocean Reef’s Hammock Course on Sept. 15, and this time it was a three-way tie for first as Gilday and Fisher Cole man-Sayer shared the podium with Coral Shores’ Preston Carroll after the match. All three scored a 44. Twyman was fourth with a 46, followed by High smith with a 49. Rounding out the top ten in the match were Tanel Irons (CS, 54), Zubieta (56), Billy Martin (MHS, 57) and Merryman (MHS, 59).

On the girls’ side, Thomas took an other win, shooting a 49, followed by Oropeza (53) and Sterling (60). Kaylee Arsenault of Key West ended in fourth place, Sophia Borders of Coral Shores took fifth, and Santana earned a sixthplace finish in the match.

Coral Shores played in a bonus match on Sept. 13, taking on the Sabers of St. Brendan at International Links of Miami. The ’Canes boys won the match, this time with Irons tying a Saber for first with a 49. Carroll shot a 53, which was good for third place, Cayson Johnson and Andrew Kumar both shot a 58, Allen Perez shot a 59, and Aidan Althouse came in 10th place with a 64. Luke Warfield and Dominic Gonzalez tied for 11th place, each shooting a 66.

The Lady ’Canes did not have enough golfers in stroke play to make an official team, but as individuals, Gabby Thomas tied for third shooting a 59 and Mattie Johnson tied for fifth with a 69.

Fisher Coleman-Sayer lines up a shot. TRACY MCDONALD/Keys Weekly.

Key West’s Lady Conchs had two of the three lowest scores of the afternoon.

Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas has cement ed herself thus far as the Keys’ top female golfer..

KEY WEST, CORAL SHORES TRADE WINS IN THE POOL

TRACY MCDONALD www.keysweekly.com

Keys swimmers met up at Founders Park in Islamorada on Sept. 14 and both teams experienced success. Key West’s boys had a decisive 195-74 win and Coral Shores’ girls edged out the Conchs, 144-135.KeyWest took first place on the boys’ side of the meet, sweeping the 200 free, 50 free, 100 free and 100 fly events. Coral Shores won four events, but Key West’s depth proved too much to overcome in the points column. The Conchs started off the meet with a win in the 200 yard medley relay, with their squad of John Searcy, Ryan Martinez, Jonathan Gvili and Lucas Montiel de la Nuez taking first in 1:57.12.

Marco Montiel de la Nuez won the 200 free in 2:16.39 followed by Jeffrey Hoyt and Roman Saballos, all of Key West. Coral Shores took their first win in the 200 IM when Curran O’Donnell (2:17.67) outpaced Ryan Martinez and Charlie Doerfel of Key West. The Conchs took the first four places in the 50 free with AJ Smith (23.80) finishing just ahead of Lucas Montiel de la Nuez, Brody McCandless and Westley Ellerbee. Searcy (1:02.80), Martinez and Doerfel swept the 100 fly event, then fellow Conchs AJ Smith (53.33), Aid an Pate, Westley Ellerbee and Roman Saballos took spots one through four in the 100 free.

Patrick O’Donnell went the distance for Cor al Shores in the 500 free event. His 5:15.09 finish was over a minute ahead of Marco Montiel de la Nuez, Jeffrey Hoyt, Anthony Korzen and Nathan Frank of Key West. Lucas Montiel de la Nuez, Gvili, McCandless and Smith teamed up to win the 200 free relay and Smith, Marco Montiel de la Nuez, Searcy and Pate won the 400 free relay.

O’Donnell of Coral Shores added another individual win in the 100 back event, followed by Searcy of Key West and Evan Osipov of Coral Shores. In the 100 breaststroke event, Coral Shores’ Curran O’Donnell took first, with Gvili and Lucas Montiel de la Nuez in second and third.

Key West’s girls started the meet with a win in the 200 yard medley relay. Katelyn Noss, Lauren Walterson, Daniela Mikes and Serena Sander teamed up in the event, winning in 2:14.35, and Key West’s second team of Savan nah Murray, Samantha O’Brien, Taylor Gibson, and Emma Scepkova took second. Coral Shores’ top team took third.

After the first event of the afternoon, the wins in the girls races all belonged to Coral Shores.Corley

Smith won the 200 free (2:00.26)

with Fucaraccio in second and Grace Lechnar of Key West in third. Abbie Sargent won the 200 IM (2:15.51) with Chrislyn Lowell in second and Key West’s Taylor Gibson in third. Riley Cooper (27.21) and Olivia Sargent of Coral Shores were first and second in the 50 free with Isabelle Johnson taking third for the Conchs. Cooper won the 100 fly (1:11.26) as well, while Conchs Lauren Walterson and Grace Lechnar took second and third. In the 100 free, Olivia Sargent won in 1:02.28 and Isabella Johnson and Katelyn Noss of Key West were second and third.

Corley (5:16.33) and Layne (5:32.87) Smith took first and second in the 500 free, with Ser ena Sander of Key West third. Layne Smith won the 100 backstroke (1:08.77) followed by Katelyn Noss and Allegra Fucaraccio.

Abbie Sargent won the 100 breaststroke event in 1:07.84, followed by Conchs Taylor Gibson, Daniela Mikesz, Samantha O’Brien and Isabela Barr.

Corley Smith, Lowell, Olivia Sargent, and Fu caraccio won the 200 free relay for Coral Shores, and the Sargent and Smith sisters would pair up again to win the 400 free relay.

Key West fit in a second meet three days lat er, traveling to a tri-meet in Wellington against both Wellington and South Dade High School.

In both the boys and girls matchups, the Conchs beat South Dade but lost to Wellington. Notable performances from the boys came in the 50 free, with AJ Smith winning the event in 23.08 and Lucas Montiel de la Nuez taking second in 24.82. Smith also had a second place in the 100 free finishing in 53.89 while Lucas Montiel de la Nuez took second in the 100 breaststroke (1:12.46). John Searcy was second in the 100 butterfly in 59.59.

The Lady Conchs did not have any individual winners, but several swimmers took second in their events, including Gracie Lechnar (200 free, 2:29.78), Isabella Johnson (50 free, 28.60) and Daniela Mikesz (100 breaststroke, 1:25.69).

A MIXED BAG FOR MONROE VOLLEYBALLCOUNTY

TRACY MCDONALD www.keysweekly.com

KEY WEST

The Lady Conchs started their week in Taver nier, beating Coral Shores 3-0, then worked on preparing for another round of high-level tournament play, this time at home. Key West hosted the Conch Cup Tournament, inviting 6A Martin County, 7A Palm Beach Central and 5A Pasco. On Sept. 16 the Conchs lost a close one to the Martin County Tigers, losing 2-1, but picked up a win against Marathon the next morning, 3-0. Key West will have a few days to prepare for the Palm Beach Tournament start ing Saturday, Sept. 24, then another at Florida Christian the following week.

MARATHON

Marathon was scheduled for three road con tests in the past week but lost one to a late cancellation, giving the Fins some much-needed rest. The respite was short-lived, as the team picked up an extra four games when they filled in for a team unable to attend the Conch Cup. Though the team battled, the Fins were unable to find their way into the win column through out the tournament.

On Sept. 12, the Fins traveled to Posnack and battled it out in five sets, losing 3-2. The next night, Marathon fell to Archimedean in another 3-2 loss.

Coach Kelley Cruz found a silver lining in the matches, explaining, “We’ve been working on consistency. The last two games we have shown great improvement in staying in the game and playing with the same energy throughout the matches. It’s something we will continue to work on for the rest of the season.”

The 2-11 Dolphins will finally get a true “break” this week, as they play just one game on Thursday, Sept. 22 at home against Somerset South Homestead.

CORAL SHORES

Coral Shores played just one game this week, falling to county rival Key West on Sept. 13. The Conchs picked up the win, but Coral Shores showed some grit in their gameplay. Assistant coach Dabney Desantis, filling in for Sam Ovalle, gave the Conchs credit for their win, saying, “Key West is a very competitive and tough team and they brought the energy and came to play.”

The ‘Canes didn’t just hand a win over to the Conchs, though. Desantis praised her team for some big plays and strong effort in the battle, praising digs from Brooke Mandozzi and Kailee Reinoso along with blocks from Leann Quick. She also credited Quick, Grace Leffler and Jenna Castillo for a series of kills and blocks against Key West’s tough front line.

The Key West and Coral Shores boys swimming teams jump off the blocks. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Key West and Coral Shores girls swimmers compete in the backstroke. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

RICHARD TAMBORRINO

Marathon is facing an important election. The Marathon City Council needs strong leadership to guide the city through significant issues like a ordable housing, reigning in vacation rentals and improving several City Depart ment ine ciencies.

My experience as the former Keynoter and Key West Citizen publisher has prepared me well for the issues facing our city. I am well versed on these issues and can ask the right questions to address the problems we face.

• I will provide a strong voice on the Council.

• Endorsed and supported by many local Marathon business leaders.

• Committed to improving the City’s operational e ciency and customer service standards.

• United Way Board Member for over 9 years.

Paid for by Richard Tamborrino for City of Marathon Council

A dickcissel, a migrating songbird seen recently in Key West. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

THE STRUGGLE OF MEMORY FORGETTINGAGAINST

HEDDENMARK

... is a photogra pher, writer, bonFloridadirectoristhebemaythanWesthasbirdwatcher.semi-professionalandHelivedinKeyformore25yearsandnolongeremployableinrealworld.HealsoexecutiveoftheKeysAuduSociety.

MilanKundera once wrote, “The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting.” That line has long stuck with me. Possibly because I wrote a paper in college about the novel it came from – “The Book of Laughter and Forgetting” – and possibly because it’s the first line of said novel.

I’m struggling to remember specifics of characters or plot points from the book, and all I can come up with is the image of a Czechoslovakian Communist leader being airbrushed out of a historic photo after he had fallen from political favor. Also, looking it up, the line I quoted is not the first line of the novel, but the second line of the second chapter. Still, it stuck.

It floated up again the other morning at Fort Zach ary Taylor. Not so much the struggle-of-man-against-power part. It was the struggle-of-memory-against-forgetting part. Sometimes I think about how much math I knew as a kid, how many arithmetic hoops I could jump through, and how little of that I have retained.

Sometimes I think about all the birds that migrated north in the spring, and are now migrating south, and I have this overwhelming fear that I’m going to blank out on their IDs, that memory will lose the upper hand to forgetting.

It had been a long, pretty stressful summer, and I hadn’t found time to do much birding, at least not the walk-around-andsee-what-you-can-find type. Mostly it had been mission oriented – going out to track down something specific – or random – seeing something on the way to the grocery store.

And I’d spent most of the previous week driving to Alabama to pick up a dog. I felt out of touch with one of the things that most reliably brings me joy in life. Especially since it was migration season in one of the best places in the country to see migration in action.

Honestly, I was worried about leaving the new dog alone in the house. But it had to happen some time, so I figured I’d bird for an hour, and see if the dog got into any trouble.

Walking into the hammock, my fears of having gone bird stupid were allayed a bit when the bird world threw me a softball – an American redstart, the small, impossible to misidentify war bler spinning its way up a branch with its tail spread like a cancan dancer. Next there was an overbird, another small warbler, doing a Mick Jagger strut.

Up on the berm the world scaled up when I flushed a chuckwill’s-widow, a brown bird, the size of my wife’s shoe, that zigzagged away through the trees. A blue-gray gnatcatcher, a diminu tive Old World warbler, threw me by the way that it didn’t spin as it disappeared and reappeared behind a cluster of leaves. I looked up to see a flock of snowy egrets in formation. A common-yellow throat, another newly arrived warbler, was working low in a bush.

At the edge of the moat a magnificent frigatebird circled over head. Then, a hundred yards away, a large black mass dropped at an attack angle toward the far edge of the moat. It disappeared into a low copse of trees with a slapping sound and I worried.

Nothing happened for a solid minute, but then a dark-phase

short-tailed hawk popped up, having missed its target, and drifted off.

It’s always a debate whether it’s worth the long walk across the field at Fort Zach to the cluster of trees known informally as the Back 40, especially when it’s hot as Hades, but I started toward it. Halfway there I spotted a pile of feathers and bones. The skull was missing, but the long legs made me think wading bird, and when I flipped one of the wings over, there was a lot of rufous in the feath ers, which made me think green heron.

While being all “CSI: Bird Crimes” I heard a splash behind me and turned to see a belted kingfisher rise out of the water. Then I heard what my notes describe as a “low recipe grunt” – it was voice to text, so no doubt I didn’t say recipe – and I turned to see a white ibis in a descending glide over the water.

As I worked toward the Back 40 I caught sight of the white Sshape of a great white heron in the shadow of a buttonwood, then the smiley-face yellow of a prairie warbler in a mangrove, then, a hundred feet above the fort, the frenetic flapping of a merlin, the most psycho of the American falcons, on an urgent mission to cause some mischief somewhere.

In the blessed shade of the hammock I heard the yip of a barn swallow, but didn’t bother to look for it, as I’d seen a few thousand on the drive from Alabama. Then I saw a black-and-white warbler spiraling up a branch, as if trying to trace the erratic stripe of a poorly painted barber pole.

There was a quintet of basic Florida Keys bird species – a pair of northern mockingbirds, a royal tern, a laughing gull and a mourning dove.The first bird that made me doubt myself was in a patch of rag weed on the way back across the field. It was a mid-sized songbird, brown and streaky, with a big honking bill, clinging to one of the stalks. I waved a butterfly net around my skull for a while, came up with nothing, felt defeated briefly, and then saw it clearly: a dickcis sel, which is not some fourth-grade version of profanity, but instead the name of a small, seed-eating bird that breeds in the Midwest and that you get to see here once or twice a year if you’re lucky.

The alarm went off on my phone, telling me it had been an hour. I hadn’t even gotten to all the good spots in the park, so I hit repeat and headed back toward the hammock for another hour.

When I got home, the new dog had only eaten a single pair of my flip flops.

COMMERCE CORNER

BEHIND THE BLONDE

THE DILEMMADRINKINGMYERSKIRBY

Ifeared deeply when I quit drink ing that two things happen:mightIwould

no longer love living in Key West. And my husband would find me boring.

The truth? For a good bit sobriety really sucked. I replaced drinking and smoking at night with binge eating, which triggered a short relapse in my long-dormant bulimia, (which I covered in a previous column at keysweekly. com). I spent countless hours sob bing silently. And I took a lot of my angst out on my husband, convinc ing myself he was going to end up missing the fun-loving life of the party woman he married … all the while not being totally transparent with my needs. So basically, I was a ball of joy.

on my T-shirt instead of being able to just say “drinking isn’t working for me” and “I don’t want to live like this any more.”

I contemplated quitting for years, but didn’t know what that meant for me. I was indulging too much, sure, but my life was under control — until it wasn’t. And unfor tunately, while my hamster wheel turned nightly in my brain about how “tomorrow I’m going to be better” (usually while outside on my porch chain-smoking alone with a vodka), I went from wanting to quit to absolutely needing to quit.

Questioning one’s relationship with alcohol is starting to become less of a stigma. You don’t have to shout “I’m an alcoholic!” from the rooftops to decide that alcohol is not serving you – for whatever reason.And to people like me, who fear that life will be no fun, that YOU will be no fun, let me let you in on a little secret: Life without al cohol is not only fun, it’s downright fabulous. I’ve never once woken in the morning — clear-headed and well-rested — and thought “man I wish I drank last night.”

1996 Overseas Hwy., Marathonfaroblanco@suntex.comfaroblancomarina.com305-434-9047Undernewownership

as part of Suntex Marinas, Faro Blanco Marina is a first-class marina that offers safety, privacy, entertainment, activities, convenient fuel and pump-out services, dockside hookups and a resort-owned restaurant facing the marina, all in a setting with magnificent sunsets and expansive views. This trophy marina is easily identifiable by its historic lighthouse, an attraction to visitors for decades. Vessels look for this iconic landmark when navigating the coastal waters. Today, the marina is filled with yachts up to 140’ with owners who expect a high level of customer service and amenities. Its staff believe in a passionate dedication to personal and professional integrity, measured by transparent accountability, unwavering hospitality, and respecting themselves, their employees, their guests and the environment they share.

I tried a couple of women only meetings (wonderful group and felt so incredibly welcomed). I’m still trying to find the right therapist. Ultimately reading and writing saved me. I threw myself into the science behind alcohol and how it affects not only our bodies, but our brains. I kept note of how I was feeling. I read lots of memoirs and blogs from other now-sober women I could relate to – particularly those mothers and wives battling addiction while also managing a household and/ or a career (and appearing to have their shit together). I stared at my children. A lot.

Over the years I also found myself repeatedly Googling “Am I an alcoholic?”

I believe part of the reason more people don’t abstain when they maybe think they should is the emphasis placed on the word alcoholic. Drinking and the struggle that comes with it are often not black and white. It’s not either brown-bagging it in a park or being completely in control and sipping one glass of rosé over dinner. More often than not it lies somewhere in the middle. And for many, like myself, that big A word is the reason it took so long to give up the booze. I felt as if I had to identify fully that way and wear it

I thought I’d hate living In Key West. But I’ve come up on a decade here and I’ve never loved it so much. I recently watched the sun come up on the old Seven Mile Bridge and as I stared at the jaw-dropping skyline, I thought to myself, “I can’t believe I get to live here, and I’m so lucky that now I get to really see it.”

I feared my marriage would suffer, that with our out-on-thetown escapades behind us, my husband would feel like he was missing out because of me. It took us some time to find our groove again socially, no doubt, and we certainly had our ups and downs, but I can honestly say we are more in love now than ever. Intimacy without alcohol is a game changer.

The fear of what life would be like without alcohol was nearly impossible to imagine. I’ll be 18 months in October. And in place of fear, I found freedom.

(September is National Recovery Month. Visit samhsa.gov/recoverymonth for information, resources and support.)

is a busy mom, business owner and writer who’s not afraid to say what many of us are thinking.

“Florida

Keys History with Brad Bertelli, Volume 1,” was not the next book I planned to write. However, the interest ing year keeps getting more interesting. The book is the result of one thing lead ing to another, and it started because of the Facebook group Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli.

The group has become something of a virtual and interactive local history museum that appears in your Facebook feed every morning, seven days a week. It has been a tremendous outlet, and the response has been nothing short of amazing. The insights and memories shared by the members have been quite an education and have made two things abundantly clear. First, people have a significant appetite for the histories associated with this particular chain of islands.

Second, the little Facebook group I started in late December is not so little anymore.Onthe last day of the week, I post the Sunday Morning Read to the group page. Hopefully, Sunday comes with fewer commitments and maybe an extra cup of coffee, so I will post one of my columns from the Keys Weekly. It was the Sunday Morning Read that prompted the new book. The response to the Sun day Morning Read inspired me to revisit some of my old columns and create a new book.

The limitation of my column is that it is saddled with a word count. When I write the story, I am only able to use bits and pieces of information. What I wanted to do with this book was to take some of those bits and pieces, add a bunch of other bits and pieces, and tell stories that were unconstrained by word counts. I wanted a format where I could tell the stories I wanted to tell the way I wanted to tell them, and that format turned out to be the book I didn't see coming.

“Florida Keys History with Brad Ber telli, Volume 1” is not a standalone his tory of the Florida Keys, but a peek into some fantastic moments in the local his tory that might be otherwise overlooked. The collection of stories stretches from the island chain’s northern reach in Bis cayne National Park to the Dry Tortugas some 70 miles southwest of Key West.

In this first volume, I picked out some of my favorite stories. The Ed and Fern Butters love story is one of them and one of the reasons I wanted to write this book. Not only is their story an all-time great love story, but their union also engaged the Florida Keys, Key lime pie, and the most powerful hurricane to ever strike North America, still.

BRAD BERTELLI

is an theprisingsometimesintonating1,”Bertelli,History“FloridaHisHonoraryKeysspeaker,author,FloridahistorianandConch.latestbook,KeyswithBradVolumesharesfasciglimpsestherichandsurhistoriesofFloridaKeys.

Captain Ben Baker, too, has always been a favorite topic. In the mid-19th century, he was the king of the Florida wreckers. In ad dition to being a classic Florida Keys character, he is considered to be the man respon sible for likepineapplesKeys.farminglarge-scaleintroducingpineappletotheFloridaFarmingandmightseemforeignconcepts these days. However, farming and pineapple, tomato, cucumber and lime crops (among others) were how early pioneer families made their living – at least part of the time.

The book is not all about a case of love at first sight and pineapples but is filled with stories about early pioneers, place names and historical connections that connect the islands to surprising people and places far beyond the Florida Keys. Davida Breier, the author of the amazing novel “Sinkhole,” wrote: “Pull up a barstool and gather ‘round as historian and honorary Conch Brad Bertelli brings the past alive. From pineapple farmers to notorious wreckers, Bertelli focuses on individuals who worked the land and sea, as well as those who tried to exploit the Keys since they were first sighted. Locals and visitors alike will delight in his vibrant telling of the lush and often quirky history of the Florida Keys.”

Volume 1 is just the beginning of something bigger. As my Facebook group continues to grow, so will these volumes of history. Two more editions are already in the works.

The book is available through Ama zon. Locally, it can currently be found at Sandbar Books in Tavernier and the Oldest House Museum in Key West. If you are a retail outlet and want to sell this title, send me a note at whypanic@aol.com.

Copies of Volume 1, along with copies of “The Florida Keys Skunk Ape Files,” will be available at my next talk at the Islamo rada Moose Lodge on Monday, Oct. 3. I will be sharing stories about Captain Ben Baker and the rise and fall of the pineap ple industry at this free event that is open to the public. The talk starts at 6 p.m. I will be signing books after the event. Mark your calendars. I hope to see you there.

In the meantime, pick up your copy of my latest book, learn some great local history, and help support my efforts as I continue to share the fascinating and mul tifaceted histories of our favorite string of islands.

“Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, Volume 1” is available for purchase on Amazon, Sandbar Books in Tavernier and Oldest House Museum in Key West. CONTRIBUTED

New Card Sound tolls take effect

A new toll rate on Card Sound Road will be effective on Oct. 1. The toll adjustment is following the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.

$1.74Sunpassfor two-axle vehicles: cars, pickup trucks, or motorcycles $3.42 for three-axles

$1.14 per each additional axle

$2.61Toll-By-Platefortwo-axle vehicles: cars, pickup trucks, or motorcycles $5.13 for three-axles

$1.71 per each additional axle

The toll is completely electronic using Toll-By-Plate, SunPass, or another highway pass like E-Pass or EZ-Pass. No cash is accepted at the toll. The toll helps fund maintenance costs of the road and future repair and replacement of the five bridges along Card Sound Road. Two discount programs are available for drivers with a two-axle vehicle and a good-standing SunPass account.Monthly Discount Program: Drivers do not need to sign up for the monthly discount program and will automatically receive a 40 percent rebate on their SunPass account after any calendar month that 28 or more one-way trips are made through the toll.

Annual Pass: The annual pass is for frequent users and allows for unlimited trips through the toll. The fee is $420 annually and runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023. The annual pass will be available for purchase in December 2022 and January 2023. Additional annual pass program details will be released later this year.

Yoga, photography and more at the Marathon Library

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Ask about how easy it is to win a free book to keep.

Friday, Sept. 23: Photography: Fun learning through creative assignments (adults/teens), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 24: Easy Yoga: Adaptive yoga for older adults and those with injuries or limitations (adults) 10 a.m.; R.E.A.D. Reading Assistance Education Dogs (kids) 10:30 a.m.; VR, Robots & Games Open Lab (family) 2:30Monday,p.m. Sept. 26: 3D Printing Open Lab, 10 a.m.; Medicare Counseling with SHINE by appointment, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Teen Advisory Group, 3 p.m.Tuesday, Sept. 27: Fine Art: Come let your creative juices flow as we continue to honor Hispanic Heritage through color. Supplies included or bring your favorite tools (adults/teens) 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Mahjong: Game of Tiles, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Storytime:

Stories, songs, crafts and rhymes celebrating Hispanic Heritage, 10:30 a.m (ages infant-5); Paradise Quilters, 1 p.m.; Maker Lab, 3:30 p.m.; Dungeons & Dragons (adults) 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 28: Cosmic Kids Movement & Yoga Adventures: Mindful movement for kids and their caregivers (ages 2-6) 10:30 a.m.; Dungeons & Dragons (teens) 3 p.m.; Dungeons & Dragons (adults), 5 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 29: Home school fun learning activity (Family) 10:30 a.m.; Preteen Dungeons & Dragons: It's adventure time (ages 9-12) 3:30 p.m.; Family Lego Day, 4 p.m.

Monroe County prohibits smoking at parks and beaches

In August, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners prohibited smoking within all countyowned public parks and public beaches.

The new ordinance reads: (a) It shall be prohibited for any person in or on any County-owned public park or public beach to smoke, burn, ignite, inhale, exhale, or possess any cigarette, pipe, or other lighted tobacco product other than an unfiltered cigar. (b) Any person who violates subsection (a) commits a noncriminal violation, punishable by a fine of not more than $100 for the first violation and not more than $500 for each subsequent violation.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has found that tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, and an estimated two-thirds of cigarette butts are discarded as litter.

Florida recently granted counties and municipalities the legal authority to restrict smoking within the boundaries of county- and municipal-owned public beaches and public parks, with an exception for unfiltered cigars. Before July 2022, counties and cities could not restrict smoking at parks and beaches.

Making Strides walk to return Oct. 15

The American Cancer Society invites Keys residents to join forces with the nation’s nonprofit leader in the breast cancer fight. The annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will return to Marathon on Saturday, Oct. 15 beginning at 8 a.m. at the Marathon Fire Rescue station at 8900 Overseas Hwy. For more information and to sign up or donate, visit strideswalk.org/marathonfl.www.making-

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

WORKING WITH CITY STAFF

Marathon City Council candidates weigh in

In an effort to provide greater familiarity and communication between the nine Marathon City Council candidates and our readers, the Marathon Weekly sent each prospective council member a series of questions concerning their backgrounds and stances on pressing city is sues. The Marathon Weekly will continue to print each candidate’s responses in a Q&A series leading up to the election, where four of the nine candidates will win seats on the city council. Per the referendum passed in August’s primary election, the candidate with the fewest votes who still wins a seat will serve a shorter two-year term, set to expire at the same time as councilman Luis Gonzalez’s. The other three winners will serve three-year terms. Be on the lookout for a candidate forum co-sponsored by the Keys Weekly and Marathon Chamber of Commerce, set for Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. Readers who have questions they would like to see answered by Marathon City Council, U.S. House or Florida House candidates may submit them to ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com for potential inclusion.

Answers are printed exactly as submitted by candidates, with responses limited to 100 words.

WAYNE QUARBERG

Building and code enforcement. I have had many conversations with Mara thon residents who have expressed their extreme dissatisfaction with this department.

JEFF SMITH

I am most interested in working with the City Attorney. The most pressing problems facing the City will require sage legal counsel. The city has signifi cant exposure associated with current litigation. Prudent risk and fiscal management in the responsibility of the council for which a strong working relationship with our City Attorney is of paramount importance. Decision and issues related to litigation, HR, grants, BPAS, code, planning and vacation rentals will all require good legal guid ance to avoid missteps. When evalu ating policy directives to staff, legal concerns and compliance should be at the forefront of our decision-making process.

ROBYN STILL

While all departments are crucial to our city, I most look forward to work ing with Code Enforcement because they have the duty of enforcing our codes and ordinances. Violations of our codes and ordinances impact the quality of life, safety, and health of residents and visitors. Enforcement of codes and ordinances is vital to make sure the city of Marathon is properly maintained, and our residents have a safe place to live, work and raise their families.

This Whatweek:citydepartment are you most interested in working closely with, and why?

RICHARD TAMBORRINO

Based on numerous interviews I’ve conducted with builders, contrac tors and even City staff the past five months, it’s clear that the Planning De partment is the one that requires im mediate oversight and reshaping. This department is the one that appears to be slowing the permitting process the most and negatively impacting builders and Ahomeowners.homeowner shouldn’t have to wait months and even years for an ap proved permit, which is often held up in Planning. My expertise in workflow and organizational management, cus tomer service standards and identify ing solutions to problems will help the Council and the City navigate through this problem.

INGRID TYREE

Present day is building and planning departments. As a council member, I wouldn’t pick and choose. I will follow the issues as they present themselves. A council member needs to be a multitasker and take on issues in whatever department the problems may be in. They must also be continually asking questions and have good communica tion skills.

LYNN LANDRY

If elected, I am looking forward to working with the city Manager. It is my goal to help make the city run smooth er, more efficiently, and more user friendly. It is councils’ job to set policy and work with the city manager and city attorney to accomplish this goal.

MIKE LEONARD

I will focus on locals! Therefore en forcement and fiscal responsibility are my focus! Today, the city offers our residents the “Illusion of Enforce ment” instead of actually “Enforcing the Rules.” Marathon has written rules with associated fines that in large part are never levied! This must change. If elected, I will urge council to authorize the hiring of an Enforcement Manager whose purpose will be to actually enforce the rules and regulations of the city and when they are broken, issue and collect the appropriate fines that add revenues without taxing our locals! Such fines only impact those who break the rules.

KEVIN MACAULAY

Like everything else, our city depart ments do not work completely in dependently. No single department is equipped to solve our complex problems on its own. The best way to accomplish our goals is through collaboration, education, hard work, and yes, some compromise as well. Fi nance, building, planning, code compli ance, and public works would all need to work closely together to address the affordable housing crisis. We also need to work with state and federal agencies as well as private sector and not-forprofit organizations to deal with this multifaceted issue. Our challenges are complex, and the solutions will be even more so.

KENNY MATLOCK

The biggest complaint I hear about is the planning department. Based on numerous complaints (no response to emails, no response to calls, too long to approve permits) from many contractors, citizens and my firsthand experience. I would first focus on ad dressing these complaints and work ing against questionable activities and preferential treatments. We need all departments to be transparent and accountable to the taxpayers. Which department requires more focus from the council will constantly change.

AFTER AT FLATSGRASSYRESORT

Grassy Flats Resort and Beach Club was the setting for the monthly Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce networking event as about 100 members of the business community gathered to network and enjoy the oceanfront amenities of Marathon’s premier boutique resort.

— Jason Koler

1. Susan Groffman, Barry and Lori Gaukel, Brian Tewes, Inez Serrano and Chamber board chairman Mike Kiraly.

2. From left, Joy Wilson, Freida and Lynn Landry, Sally Mishmash, chamber board member Jeff Smith and Susan Groffman. Smith and Landry are both candidates for Marathon City Council.

3. Grassy Flats chef Steven Andrade passes appetizers to Tina Reichard, Cathy Walters and St. Columba Church’s Rev. Debra Maconaughey.

4. Keys Federal Credit Union’s David Peck, left, enjoys a poolside beer with Julie Johnson, Sally Mishmash, Peter Policastro and Chamber CEO Daniel

5.Samess.Chamber

ambassador Sandra Brad shaw, bottom right, checks in newly elected county judge Al Kelley.

6. Chamber of Commerce CEO Daniel Samess, left, greets Julie Johnson, Grassy Flats proprietor Matt Sexton, Tina Reichard and chamber office manager Erika Goodman.

7. The Grassy Flats event brings a crowd of about 100.

Photos

Fundraiser dinner provides care for homeless abandonedandcats

Ahost of cat lovers showed up at Brutus Seafood on the evening of Sept. 11 for an evening of fundraising to benefit Forgotten Felines of the Florida Keys. Headed by president Elise Much and vice president Megan Hughes, the organization works to trap, spay or neuter and release stray cats to curb uncontrolled wild populations, as well as provide veterinary care and food for homeless and abandoned cats throughout the Keys. With food provided by local chefs Jamie Pruitt and Amy Lee and music from Anthony Manfredi, the 70-plus attendees bid on silent auction items donated by more than 25 local businesses.

“It means so much to us to be recognized by our community for what we do,” said Hughes. “Elise and I both have very busy lives as everyone else does, and we couldn’t have done it without us all coming together as a whole to make it a successful event!”

— Alex Rickert

1. Roughly 70 attendees filled Brutus Seafood for the dinner. CONTRIBUTED

2. Chef Jamie Pruitt shows off some hors 3.d’oeuvresErinBuckley, left, Melissa Johnson, Lara Martin, Megan Hughes, Joey Brown, Jenn Showalter, Elise Mucha and Denise Tufts are the evening’s volunteer crew.

4. Forgotten Felines vice president Megan Hughes, left and president Elise Mucha check in guests and sling some merch.

5. Hapynkeys Running hosts an early morning 5K on Sept. 12 with donated supplies to benefit Forgotten Felines.

NEWFIELDKAREN

... a reader and now a writer, has hundreds of book reviews at: comments,questionsing.com.readingandeatwww.Forandemail karen@newfield. org.

MONTHHISPANICEMBRACINGHERITAGE

CELEBRATED SEPT. 15 OCT. 15, HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH PROMOTES THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF HISPANIC AMERICANS. BOOKS ARE AN EXCELLENT WAY TO BETTER UNDERSTAND AND SUPPORT OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY. CHECK OUT SOME OF MY FAVORITES!

OUR LAST DAYS IN BARCELONA

By Chanel Cleeton

In 1964, the eldest Perez daugh ter, Isabel, travels from Palm Beach to Barcelona looking for her sister Beatriz. Always the rebel, Beatriz was involved with the CIA and her family fears the worst. In Spain, Isabel finds the apartment empty and a hand some stranger named Diego offering his assistance. Isabel is searching for more than her sister as she admits she is in a loveless marriage. In 1936, Alicia Perez, Isabel’s mother, also traveled to Barce lona, running from her own crumbling union. As Spain exploded with fascism and violence, Alicia debated whether she should return to Cuba and face the only happiness a woman can possibly expect. She spent months with her parents and sister and reunited with a long lost love while contemplating her and her daugh ter’s future. As history and the present collide, these women learn to follow their hearts.

About the author: Growing up in Florida, Cleeton’s passion for politics and history is rooted in endless stories of her family’s life as they fled to the U.S. after the Cuban Revolution.

OFSHADOWTHEWIND

By Carlos Ruiz Zafron

On his 11th birthday, Daniel Sem pere can select one book from the Cem etery of Forgotten Books, where every volume has a soul. Mourning the loss of his mother, Daniel is searching for a way to fill the hole in his heart. He carefully selects an intriguing novel by author Julian Carax. Daniel quickly reads the complex novel and decides to begin a search for other works by the elusive author. When he realizes that someone has begun systematically destroying every copy of the late author’s work, Daniel sets out to solve the mystery. As the lives of everyone around him unravel, so do answers. Set in post-civil war Barcelona 1945, this book is both intriguing and macabre. Beauti fully translated, it is filled with dark alleys, murder and corruption and is the first in an epic series not to be missed.

About the author: This international bestselling novelist, who was born in Barce lona and moved to the U.S. in the 1990s, re cently passed away. He was the most widely read Spanish author in the world.

THE CRASHERWEDDING

By MiaSolangeSosa Pereira, a gorgeous BrazilianAmerican firecracker, is helping her wed ding planner cousin Lina with an affair when she mistakenly overhears a private conversation. Unable to keep quiet dur ing the ceremony, this wedding crasher becomes the wedding destroyer and stops the handsome groom, Dean, from making the biggest mistake of his life. Little does she know that the couple had an agreement and Dean does not believe in true love. Mortified that she ruined his special day, Solange cannot refuse when Dean asks her for a favor. As he fights for a partnership track in his law firm, Dean must help recruit a woman from a wellconnected family and needs Solange to “date” him to accomplish this task. One rom-com mishap after another leads these adorable characters and their fake romance to finally acknowledge their very real chemistry.

About the author: Born and raised in Harlem, this Puerto Rican and Brazilian author defines sassy romance in our multi cultural world.

WATCH TIP: “In The Time of the Butterflies.” Dominican-American author Julia Alvarez wrote this phenomenal novel in 1994, and it was adapted to the big screen in 2001. A fictionalized account of the brave Mirabal sisters fighting for freedom during the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. Watch on Hoopla, Vudu or Tubi.

More than 100 nonprofit leaders from more than 60 charitable organizations across the Keys gathered on Sept. 13 at the Marathon Community Theatre for Florida Keys Nonprofit Day.

The afternoon included education sessions from two experts who traveled to Marathon for Florida Keys Nonprofit Day. John Ri ley, vice president of philanthropy at United Way of Collier and the Keys, came from Marco Island to share his tips on building donor relationships. Professional development expert Janelle Abela flew from Ontario, Canada to give a presentation on inclusion, diver sity, equity, and accessibility.

Florida Keys Nonprofit Day is presented by the Florida Keys Funders Alliance, led by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, Ocean Reef Community Foundation and United Way of Col lier and the Keys. First State Bank of the Florida Keys sponsored a networking reception.

A limited number of Monroe County nonprofit professionals will have the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive online learning experience with Abela, organized by Reef Environmental Educational Foundation and funded by the Michael Dively Social Justice and Diversity Endowment at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. Participants in the IDEA Learning Group will work as a cohort devoting six hours per month from October 2022 to March 2023. The registration deadline is September 25. For more information and to sign up, visit reef.org/idea.

The next Florida Keys Nonprofit Day will be held on Sept. 12, 2023.

OBITUARY

CLIFFORD R. STEELE

AUG. 6, 1951 AUG. 6, 2022

CliffordReynold Steele was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Paramus, New Jersey. Cliff was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Laura Steele (née Campenni), of Paramus, N.J.

He attended Rutgers University in New Jersey and was admitted as a member into Phi Beta Kappa before leaving the East Coast to attend law school at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated with the class of 1977 and began his dedicated law career with a work ethic that quickly earned him a reputation as one of the best attorneys in the country.

Cliff, as he was known by friends, cultivated strong connec tions in Milwaukee that would last through his lifetime. In 1983, he married the love of his life, Mary (née Schafer). Alexandra and Sam uel were born before the family re located to tropical Miami, Florida in 1989, and soon after, Chelsea was born. Cliff always wanted to live in Miami, and when the opportunity arose to join a law firm there, he reinvented himself as a civil litigator to do so, after years of practicing criminal law.

In the 30 years he lived in Miami, Cliff enjoyed boating, fishing and snorkeling throughout the Flor ida Keys. He taught Mary and the kids to appreciate what he loved about the wonders of the ocean. It was always his dream to live on the water, and he ultimately made that dream come true several times. His happy place was being on the boat, the water “like glass,” listening to Tom Petty and Talking Heads with his family.Afterdecades of practicing law, enduring debilitating physical pain, and many subsequent surgeries, Cliff retired at an early age. Despite being in chronic pain, he would not miss out on life with his family, which so clearly brought him the joy and reason to persevere.

While Cliff was recognized for his achievements as an attorney and businessman, he considered his three children to be his greatest accomplishments, and he cher ished his role as “Big Papa” to his belovedWithgrandchildren.aglimmerofhope, Cliff was approved to be on a kidney transplant list with the Cleveland

Clinic in August 2021. However, a systemic infection in September 2021 and a consequential surgery resulted in complications, ad ditional surgeries, and deteriora tion of his respiratory, kidney and heart functions. During a nearly 11-month hospitalization, he fought a courageous battle against all odds.

Cliff was larger than life, a force of nature, and will always be re membered as a legend. Cliff passed peacefully at home in Key West, surrounded by his family and dear friends on his 71st birthday. An inti mate gathering of close family and friends will spread his ashes among the currents off Islamorada, at the same coordinates where Cliff had spread the ashes of his best friend, Eddie Collins, in 2002.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Mary Steele; his daughter, Al exandra Steele, and her fiancè, Peter Wallner; his son, Sam Steele, and wife, Lauren; grandchildren Carter, Audrey and Jackson Steele; his daughter, Dr. Chelsea Steele, and her significant other, Robert Orban Jr.; his sister, Pamela Steele; brother, Tony Campenni, and his significant other, Rose Marston, and niece, Cara Steele; in-law par ents, Robert and Audrey Schafer; brothers-in-law, Thomas and Rob ert Schafer, niece, Chloe Monnier, and nephews, Robert and Ronin Schafer.Inloving memory - you are greatly missed already.

The late Cliff Steele with his beloved wife, Mary Steele. CONTRIBUTED

Attendees at the inaugural Florida Keys Nonprofit Day fill the stage at Marathon Community Theatre. CONTRIBUTED

Leah Stockton, left, Jen McComb and Yuri Mikolay represent the Florida Keys Funders Alliance.

CONTRIBUTED

John Riley, left, and Janelle Abela traveled to spearhead educational presentations for the Keys represen tatives in attendance. CONTRIBUTED

INTERACT ACTIVE AT MARATHON HIGH

Students learning about Service Above Self

Alot of locals are familiar with Rotary International. Rotary was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a Chicago business man who wanted to exchange ideas and form meaningful friendships with other like-minded business lead ers. Rotary’s reach soon extended to humanitarian service; 16 years after it was founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today, Rotary has 1.4 million members who are part of more than 46,000 clubs. A truly international organization, Rotarians work around the world to solve problems on both local and global levels.

One example of that is Rotary’s PolioPlus campaign. In 1988, polio was still endemic in 125 countries. Thanks to Rotary’s global immunization efforts, that number is down to just two. (Al though with the less-than-enlightened anti-vax movement, polio is trying to make a comeback in New York. It’s truly tragic to think that the United States could become a polio nation again because of blatant stupidity.)

Rotary’s outreach includes our next generation. Interact is the Rotarysponsored service club for future lead ers aged 12-18. Currently, there are 14,911 Interact clubs in 145 countries, with nearly 343,000 members, or Inter actors. The Interact club at Marathon Middle/High School is a vital and grow ing club already tackling some local issues.

Interact president Casey Horvat told me that “Interact currently has 27 members, but we are gaining new members weekly.” My wife Sarah is the Rotary Club of Marathon’s liaison to our local Interact Club, and our Rotary Club has become more active in our sponsorship of Interact. Whatever our club can do to make Interact more suc cessful is a top goal of our club.

Interact and Rotary share a theme: Serious leadership can be seriously fun. Getting together to make our local and global communities a better place is immensely rewarding, and it’s really fun to share in that experience.

In addition to Horvat, Interact’s officers include vice president Nicho las Higgins, treasurer Jack Horvat and secretary Billy Martin. Interact already has a few future projects ready to go even though the school year is just beginning.Interact members are volunteer ing for the Fall Harvest event at Crane Point on Sunday, Sept. 25. This fun

family event runs from 4 to 7:30 p.m., and will feature new games, fall harvest food and a whole lot of fun.

BARTUSJOHN

is the Mayor of the City of Mara thon. He also is a musician who performs around town. For more see comjohnbartus.

Another upcoming event is one that Interact has been sponsor ing and doing for some time now. On Saturday, Oct. 22, everyone is invited to come help In teract with a beach cleanup at Coco Plum Beach. These beach cleanups are fun, plus they keep Coco Plum in great shape. I’ve done a couple of these, and I can tell you from personal experience that it’s a very rewarding day at the beach! Watch these pages for more in formation and start times as the beach cleanup approaches.

I hope you’ll join me and our Rotary Club in wishing the Interact Club a very successful year. From the Rotary International website: “Interact clubs organize at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Rotary club sponsors mentor and guide Inter actors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills.”

If you’re a student at MMHS, and you’re looking for an outlet for your community service aspirations, Interact is a great place to go. If you’re an adult looking for the same thing, find out more about the Rotary Club of Marathon. We meet each Wednesday for lunch at the Florida Keys Country Club, and we’d love to have you stop by.

For both Interact and Rotary, it truly is all about Service Above Self. And it’s a boatload of fun at the same time!

— John Bartus’ Perpetual Island Tour stops Thursdays 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: john bartus.hearnow.com

OLD SEVEN MILE BRIDGE RECEIVES PRESERVATIONPRESTIGIOUSAWARD

The Florida Keys’ Old Seven Mile Bridge has been named one of three global 2022 Phoenix Awards winners by the Society of American Travel Writers. Restoration of a 2.2-mile span of the bridge, creating a linear recreational park stretching over the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, was honored as a sustainable and cultural tourism initiative. Winners were announced late Satur day, Sept. 10, during the SATW 2022 Convention in Bogota, Colombia.

SATW's Phoenix Awards recognize destinations that showcase responsible, sustainable tourism including conservation, preser vation, beautification and anti-pollution efforts relating to travel. Awardees may be individuals, communities or organizations.

"Restoration of this historical and cultural structure, that's such an iconic symbol of the Florida Keys, was fostered by a local com munity effort led by the ‘Friends of Old Seven’ organization,” said Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Coldiron. “It has become a premier Middle Keys attraction for both residents and visitors.”

The project to fully rehabilitate and restore the 2.2-mile section of the bridge that connects Marathon to historic Pigeon Key began Sept. 30, 2017, and was accomplished through some $44 million in funding from the Florida Department of Transportation, Monroe County Commission and the City of Marathon. Another $33 million is earmarked for maintenance during the next 30 years. The bridge reopened to the public in January 2022.

"We are proud our beloved Old Seven Mile Bridge won recogni tion for sustainable tourism," said Stacey Mitchell, director of the Keys tourism council.

Former SATW president Jane Wooldridge, senior director for journalism sustainability and partnerships for the Miami Herald, nominated the Old Seven Mile Bridge for the Phoenix. Nominations are reviewed by an SATW committee and then submitted to the orga nization’s board of directors for final approval.

SATW’s other 2022 Phoenix Awards winners were the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Mashpi Lodge, located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Ecuador’s tropical rainfor est.

Previous Florida Keys winners of the award include Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trails, also in Marathon.

The newly restored Old Seven Mile Bridge is a 2022 recipient of the Society of American Travel Writers’ Phoenix Award. NEWMANPR/Contributed

Food & ANDDrink WINNERSTHE ARE! AND WINNERSTHE ARE!TheBusinesses

Best Fish Sandwich: Brutus Seafood

Best Key Lime Pie: Sweet Savannah’s

Best Fine Dining: Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House

Best Ethnic Food: Frank’s Grill

Best Cup of Coffee: Curly’s Coffee

Best Breakfast: Marathon Bagel Co

Best Lunch: Burdines

Best BBQ: Irie Island Eats

Best Bar: Overseas Pub and Grill

Best Bartender: Shannon/Keys Fisheries

Best Server: Billy at Fl Keys Steak & Lobster

Best Happy Hour: Sparky’s Landing

Best Waterfront Dining: Lazy Days South

Best Live Music Venue: Dockside

Best Pizza: Coast to Coast Pizza Co

Best Bloody Mary: Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Best Margarita: Sparky’s Landing

Best Late Night Spot: Brass Monkey

Best Beer Selection: Herbie’s Bar & Chowder House

Best Food Delivery: Driftwood Pizza

Best Catering: Chef Heather

Best Taco: La Isla Taco Grill

Best Food Truck: Irie Island Eats

Best Seafood: Keys Fisheries

Best Steak: Florida Key Steak & Lobster House

Best Sushi: Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Best Burger: Burdines

Best Cook your own Catch: Lazy Days South

Best Restaurant: Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House

Our Community

Best Place to Take the Kids: Dolphin Research Center

Best Event: The Original Marathon Seafood Festival

Best Bathroom: Marathon Public Library

Best Sunset: Old Seven Mile Bridge

Best Place to Have a Wedding: Sunset Park

Best Elected Official: Rick Ramsay

Best Tourist Attraction: Turtle Hospital

Best Local Celebrity: Cheddar

Best Volunteer: Megan Hughes

Best Non-Profit Organization: FKSPCA

Best Place to Take a Date: Hideaway Cafe

Best Band: 79th Street Band

Best Place to Take a Selfie: Old Seven Mile Bridge

Best Summer Camp: Pigeon Key

Best Sport Coach: Mac Childress

Best Educator: MP Coleman-Sayer

Best School Event: Football Games

Best Resort/Hotel: Isla Bella Beach Resort

Best Accounting Firm: Sue Corbin P.A

Best Law Firm: Wolfe Stevens PLLC

Best Gift Shop: Marooned In Marathon

Best Fishing Guide: Blue Magic Charters

Best Dive Shop: Captain Hooks

Best Bait & Tackle Shop: The Tackle Box

Best Customer Service: Island Tire

Best New Business: Coast To Coast Pizza Company

Best Medical Professional: John P. O’Connor, MD

Best Landscape Company: Alex Landscaping

Best Auto Repair: Island Tire

Best Marine Repair: Marathon Boat Yard

Best Photographer: Yeni Matie

Best Health/Fitness Coach: Cara O’Neill

Best Marina: Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club

Best Water Sports: Keys Cable Park/The Lagoon Adventure Park

Best Vet: Mike Dunn

Best Realtor: Teri Hiller

Best Real Estate Office: Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.

Best Bank: Keys Federal Credit Union

Best Vacation Rental Company: Florida Keys Vacation Rentals

Best Lender: Keys Federal Credit Union

Best General Contractor: Keys All Area Roofing Inc.

Best Specialty Contractor: Paver Dave

Best Material/Supply Shop: Specialty Hardware

Best Hair Salon: Salon Blanco Spa

Best Nail Salon: Marathon Nail Spa

Best Jewelry Store: The Midas Touch

Best Clothing Store: DK’S Beach Boutique

Best Place to Work Out: Keys Strength & Conditioning

Best Family Owned Business: Marathon Bagel Co.

Best Business: D’Asign Source

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of MARATHON HAIR AND NAILS SALON located at 5177 Overseas Highway Marathon FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee,

By:Florida.Voeun Loeung

SeptemberPublish: 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Wheatons Towing gives notice that on 10/06/2022 at 10:00 am, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant Florida statute 713.78.

Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ or all 1G1ZE5ST9HF159422bids. CHEV 2MEFM74W91X682447 2001

SeptemberPublish:MERCURY

15 & 22, 20221

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI

Notice is hereby given that on October 10th, 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. Name and Last Known Addresses are as Follows: Benjamin Capote Unit 1207 $523.85

Kimberley Stewart Unit 1185 $507.80

Cody Merrin Unit 1589 $871.55

Daniel Norton Unit 1775 $1,134.76

Pat Edward Placey Jr Unit 1003 $716.45

SeptemberPublish: 22nd & September 29th, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the FIREfollowing:ALARM,PANIC ALARM, AND SECURITY SYSTEM ANNUAL CERTIFICATION, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND MONITORING MONRE COUNTY, FLORIDA

Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: floridapublicnotices.com,www. a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR readsubjectandSEPARATEfinancialPleaseWednesday,gov,OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl.bidsDepartmentThebeproposals/responsesphysicallypersonmailelectronically.DepartmentMonroerequest.Publicmonroecounty-fl.gov/bids.www.TheRecordisavailableuponCountyPurchasingreceivesbidsPleasedonotorattempttodeliverinanysealedbids.Mailed/deliveredbids/WILLNOTaccepted.MonroeCountyPurchasingherebydirectsthatbesubmittedviaemailto:nolaterthan3:00P.M.,onNovember9,2022.submityourconfidentialinformationinaEMAILfromyourbidrequireddocuments.Yourlineonbothemailsmustasfollows:

LEGAL NOTICES

Files11-9-22that do not contain this REJECTED. Please note that the maximum size that will be is Please plan accordingly to ensure that your is not rejected the

LEGAL NOTICES

after the sale.

SeptemberPublish: 15 & 22, 2022 The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

CASE NO.: 44-2021-CC-331-K

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL MONROEINCIRCUITANDFORCOUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 44-2021-CA-726-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 3RD day of October, 2022 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5721, Week 35, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the Pursuant“Declaration”).toIN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AS TO COUNT(S) I, II entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3RD day of August 2022. Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITIED LIABILITY

SHERRIVS.PlaintiffCOMPANYJ.CARTER, et. al

AndDefendanttheDocket Number of which is Number 44-2021-CAWITNESS726-K my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 15TH day of August, 2022.

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

SeptemberPublish: 15 & 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL

MONROEINCIRCUITANDFORCOUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 44-2021-CA-786-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 3RD day of October, 2022 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5411, Week 38, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the Pursuant“Declaration”).toIN REM FINAL

JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AS TO COUNT(S) III entered in a case pending in said Court, the 12TH day of August 2022.

Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY VS.PlaintiffCOMPANY MONROEINCIRCUITOFINTheSeptemberPublish:aftermustasotherthepersonFloridaDeputyBy:MonroeClerkKEVIN26thOfficialWITNESS306-KwhichAndDefendantet.THOMASUNDERCLAIMANTS,ADMINISTRATORSPERSONALCREDITORS,ASSIGNEES,DEVISEES,INTERESTPARTIESANYvs.PlaintiffOFUNDERAASSOCIATIONBEACHStyle11THaV,FORECLOSUREFINALPursuant“Declaration”).anyexhibitsMonroePageinCondominiumaccordingHouse,UnitFlorida,situatedthehighestandKeyMonroea.m.,dayCounty,ofundersigned,NoticeBYNOTICECASEMONROEINCIRCUITOFINTheSeptemberPublish:aftermustasotherthepersonFloridaDeputyBy:MonroeClerkKEVIN16THOfficialWITNESS786-KwhichAndDefendantKIMBALL,UNDERCLAIMANTS,ADMINISTRATORSPERSONALCREDITORS,ASSIGNEES,GRANTEES,LIENORS,TRUSTEES,REPRESENTATIVES,ORASOTHERBY,THROUGH,ORAGAINSTMARYELLENDECEASED,et.altheDocketNumberofisNumber44-2021-CA-myhandandtheSealofSaidCourt,thisdayofAugust,2022.MADOK,CPAoftheCircuitCourtCounty,FloridaShontaMcLeodClerkStatute45.031:Anyclaiminganinterestinsurplusfromthesale,ifany,thanthepropertyownerofthedateoftheLisPendensfileaclaimwithin60daysthesale.15&22,2022WeeklyNewspapersTHECIRCUITCOURTTHESIXTEENTHJUDICIALANDFORCOUNTY,FLORIDANO.:44-2021-CC-306-KOFFORECLOSURESALECLERKOFTHECIRCUITCOURTisherebygiventhattheKevinMadok,ClerktheCircuitCourtofMonroeFlorida,willonthe3RDofOctober,2022at11o’clockat500WhiteheadStreet,County,intheCityofWest,Florida,offerforsalesellatpublicoutcrytotheandbestbidderforCASHFollowingdescribedpropertyinMonroeCounty,towit:E31,Week20,BeachaCondominiumtotheDeclarationofthereofrecordedOfficialRecordsBook1510,225,PublicRecordsofCounty,Florida,andallattachedthereto,andamendmentsthereof(thetoINREMSUMMARYJUDGMENTOFASTOCOUNT(S)UNITE31,WEEK20enteredincasependinginsaidCourt,thedayofJuly2022.ofwhichis:HOUSECONDOMINIUMOFKEYWEST,INC.,NONPROFITCORPORATIONTHELAWSOFTHESTATEFLORIDAANDALLUNKNOWNWHOCLAIMANASSPOUSE,HEIRS,GRANTEES,LIENORS,TRUSTEES,REPRESENTATIVES,ORASOTHERBY,THROUGH,ORAGAINSTCHESTERMCCREARY,DECEASED,al.theDocketNumberofisNumber44-2021-CC-myhandandtheSealofSaidCourt,thisdayofJuly,2022.MADOK,CPAoftheCircuitCourtCounty,FloridaShontaMcLeodClerkStatute45.031:Anyclaiminganinterestinsurplusfromthesale,ifany,thanthepropertyownerofthedateoftheLisPendensfileaclaimwithin60daysthesale.15&22,2022WeeklyNewspapersTHECIRCUITCOURTTHESIXTEENTHJUDICIALANDFORCOUNTY,FLORIDA

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will on the 3RD day of October, 2022 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5432, Week 22, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the Pursuant“Declaration”).toIN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) I, UNIT 5432, WEEK 22 entered in a case pending in said Court, the 11TH day of July 2022. Style of which is: WINDWARD

PlaintiffCOMPANYDELAWAREWINDWARDStyleAugustinIIAFTERJUDGMENTPursuantthereofthereto,County,PublicRecordsthereofthe(“Condominium”),aBiennialUnitFlorida,situatedthehighestandKeyMonroea.m.,dayCounty,ofundersigned,NoticeBYNOTICECASEMONROEINCIRCUITOFINTheSeptemberPublish:aftermustasotherthepersonFloridaDeputyBy:MonroeClerkKEVIN26THOfficialWITNESS331-KwhichAndDefendantSHEETS,UNDERCLAIMANTS,ADMINISTRATORSPERSONALCREDITORS,ASSIGNEES,DEVISEES,INTERESTPARTIESANYVS.PlaintiffOFUNDERCORPORATIONOFCONDOMINIUMPOINTEASSOCIATIONKEYWEST,INC.,ANOT-FOR-PROFITTHELAWSOFTHESTATEFLORIDAANDALLUNKNOWNWHOCLAIMANASSPOUSE,HEIRS,GRANTEES,LIENORS,TRUSTEES,REPRESENTATIVES,ORASOTHERBY,THROUGH,ORAGAINSTRONALDLEEDECEASED,et.altheDocketNumberofisNumber44-2021-CC-myhandandtheSealofSaidCourt,thisdayofJuly,2022.MADOK,CPAoftheCircuitCourtCounty,FloridaShontaMcLeodClerkStatute45.031:Anyclaiminganinterestinsurplusfromthesale,ifany,thanthepropertyownerofthedateoftheLisPendensfileaclaimwithin60daysthesale.15&22,2022WeeklyNewspapersTHECIRCUITCOURTTHESIXTEENTHJUDICIALANDFORCOUNTY,FLORIDANO.:44-2021-CA-786-KOFFORECLOSURESALECLERKOFTHECIRCUITCOURTisherebygiventhattheKevinMadok,ClerktheCircuitCourtofMonroeFlorida,willonthe3RDofOctober,2022at11o’clockat500WhiteheadStreet,County,intheCityofWest,Florida,offerforsalesellatpublicoutcrytotheandbestbidderforCASHFollowingdescribedpropertyinMonroeCounty,towit:5313,Week48,OddYearWindwardPointe,LeaseholdCondominiumaccordingtoDeclarationofCondominiumrecordedinOfficialBook1803,Page844,RecordsofMonroeFlorida,andallexhibitsandanyamendments(the“Declaration”).toINREMFINALOFFORECLOSUREDEFAULTASTOCOUNT(S)enteredinacasependingsaidCourt,the3RDdayof2022.ofwhichis:POINTEII,LLC,ALIMITEDLIABILITY Florida,CircuitJuneceased,WILLIAMTheNOTICEDeceased.WARDINsionFilePROBATEFORTEENTHINTheSeptemberPublish:aftermustasotherthepersonFloridaDeputyBy:MonroeClerkKEVIN15THOfficialWITNESSisAdDefendantSHERRIVS.PlaintiffCOMPANYDELAWAREWINDWARDStyleAugustinVII,FORECLOSUREFINALPursuant“Declaration”).amendmentsallMonroePageinCondominiumaccordingCondominiumWindwardUnitFlorida,situatedthehighestandKeyMonroea.m.,dayCounty,ofundersigned,NoticeBYNOTICECASEMONROEINCIRCUITOFINTheSeptemberPublish:aftermustasotherthepersonFloridaDeputyBy:MonroeClerkKEVIN15THOfficialWITNESS786-KwhichAndDefendantKIMBALL,UNDERCLAIMANTS,ADMINISTRATORSPERSONALCREDITORS,ASSIGNEES,GRANTEES,LIENORS,TRUSTEES,REPRESENTATIVES,ORASOTHERBY,THROUGH,ORAGAINSTMARYELLENDECEASED,et.altheDocketNumberofisNumber44-2021-CA-myhandandtheSealofSaidCourt,thisdayofAugust,2022.MADOK,CPAoftheCircuitCourtCounty,FloridaShontaMcLeodClerkStatute45.031:Anyclaiminganinterestinsurplusfromthesale,ifany,thanthepropertyownerofthedateoftheLisPendensfileaclaimwithin60daysthesale.15&22,2022WeeklyNewspapersTHECIRCUITCOURTTHESIXTEENTHJUDICIALANDFORCOUNTY,FLORIDANO.:44-2021-CA-726-KOFFORECLOSURESALECLERKOFTHECIRCUITCOURTisherebygiventhattheKevinMadok,ClerktheCircuitCourtofMonroeFlorida,willonthe3RDofOctober,2022at11o’clockat500WhiteheadStreet,County,intheCityofWest,Florida,offerforsalesellatpublicoutcrytotheandbestbidderforCASHFollowingdescribedpropertyinMonroeCounty,towit:5133,Week26,AnnualPointe,aLeasehold(“Condominium”),totheDeclarationofthereofrecordedOfficialRecordsBook1803,844,PublicRecordsofCounty,Florida,andexhibitsthereto,andanythereof(thetoINREMSUMMARYJUDGMENTOFASTOCOUNT(S)VIIIenteredinacasependingsaidCourt,the3RDdayof2022.ofwhichis:POINTEII,LLC,ALIMITIEDLIABILITYJ.CARTER,et.altheDocketNumberofwhichNumber44-2021-CA-726-KmyhandandtheSealofSaidCourt,thisdayofAugust,2022.MADOK,CPAoftheCircuitCourtCounty,FloridaShontaMcLeodClerkStatute45.031:Anyclaiminganinterestinsurplusfromthesale,ifany,thanthepropertyownerofthedateoftheLisPendensfileaclaimwithin60daysthesale.15&22,2022WeeklyNewspapersTHECIRCUITCOURTOFTHESIXJUDICIALCIRCUITINANDMONROECOUNTY,FLORIDADIVISIONNo.2022-CP-103-PDiviProbateRE:ESTATEOFWILLIAMEDFLEMINGTOCREDITORSadministrationoftheestateofEDWARDFLEMING,dewhosedateofdeathwas13,2022;ispendingintheCourtforMonroeCounty,ProbateDivision,thead

dress of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative=s attor ney 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 NOTWITHSTANDINGBARRED. 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 September 22, 2022. Personal

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

proceeding, 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 Publication“711”.

Dates: Thursday, September 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

MEETING NOTICE

The District II Advisory Committee (DAC II) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 6:00 P.M., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar

Pursuantplatform. to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) socialdistancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the October 12, 2022, regular meeting of the District I Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Develop ment Council will provide updates on the County website at www.

TheMonroecounty-fl.gov.accesspointstoview the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will

Joinbe:Zoom

MEETING NOTICE

The District V Advisory Commit tee (DAC V) of the Monroe Coun ty Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 10:00 A.M., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar

Pursuantplatform.toExecutive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) guidelinessocial-distancingestablishedto contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the October 12, 2022, regular meeting of the District I Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County website at www.

TheMonroecounty-fl.gov.accesspointstoview the meeting or for members of the public to provide public com ment will be: Join Zoom AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF TRACT “B”, HAMMER POINT PARK, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 6, PAGE 35 0F THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, THENCE RUN NORTHEASTLY, ALONG AN EXTENSION OF THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID TRACT “B” FOR A DISTANCE OF 80.83 FEET TO A POINT, SAID POINT BEING 70 FEET FROM THE EAST LINE OF SAID TRACT “B”, THENCE RUN NORTHERLY, ALONG A LINE 70 FEET EAST OF AND PARALLEL TO THE EAST LINE OF SAID TRACT “B”: FOR A DISTANCE OF 151.00 FEET, PLUS OR MINUS, TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF PARCEL ID#00089210-000000 SAID POINT BEING COINCIDENT WITH THE MEAN HIGH TIDE LINE; THENCE RUN IN A SOUTHWEST ERLY DIRECTION ( S48º39’43”W), ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF PARCEL ID# 00089210-000000 BEING COINCIDENT WITH THE MEAN HIGH TIDE LINE FOR A DISTANCE OF 93.11 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID TRACT “B” THENCE RUN SOUTH, ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID TRACT “B”, ALSO BEING THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 22-62-38, FOR A DISTANCE OF 130 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. CONTAINING +-0.21 ACRE Has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Ronald G. Baker, plaintiff’s attorney whose address is 1176 E 5th Ave., Mount Dora, FL

PLACE YOUR HELP WANTED AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 TODAY

MIDDLE KEYS

Pancho's Fuel Dock in Marathon is looking for a part-time cashier Thu/Fri/Sat. Please 305-743-2281.call

NOW HIRING - Full Time Seafood Packers/Graders. Competitive Wage. Apply in person at Keys Fisheries Fish House, 3390 Gulfview Ave, Marathon. EOE DFWP

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

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Recreation Specialist, Right of Way Technician, Parttime Marina Custodian/ Maintenance and Marina Tech/Pump Out Captain. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for www.ci.marathon.fl.usdetails

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, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or lobstercrawl@gmail.comemail:

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Housekeeper, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker), Med Tech, Protective Service Aide. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305296-5621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha. org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity

ActundercoveredisSection3oftheHUDof1968.

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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

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

HOUSING FOR RENT LONG TERM

Las Brisa - 2BR/2BA Unfurnished, great view, W/D, covered parking. Tennis, Swimming Pool & BBQ on property. Across from Smather’s Beach, Key West. $3,900/month + util. F/L/S Owner/Agent Douglas Miller 305-296-7706

EMPLOYMENT WANTED Need sitter for older selfsufficient woman, two or three days at a time. Sombrero Isle, Marathon. Please call 305662-1916 daytime for details.

Program Facilitator: PartTime. Manager position, computer skills, create & implement programs. Independent contractor $20.00/hour,16-20 hrs/ wk Send resume gmail.comjustolderyouthinc@to

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 305-852-9639to

Sandbar Donuts mobile food trailer located at 102840 Overseas Highway, Key Largo is open Saturdays and Sundays 8am-1pm. We prepare hot fresh donuts daily and are looking for creative and responsible individuals to join our team. Please email sandbardonuts@ gmail.com or stop by to see us if interested in becoming part of our "Sprinkle Squad" or just to place a donut order and experience the Sandbar Donuts crave! Hiring excavator operators, deckhands, & boat operators in Key Largo. 40/hrs per week MondayFriday. 305-440-3304 HIRED!!!

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: Cashiermust be 16 yrs or older, Fulltime Baker & Part-time Baker's Assistant. Stop by for an application at 8919 Overseas Highway, Marathon or info@sweetsavannahs.comemail:

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 404219-3359 and ask for Dave.

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!!

PLACE YOUR HELP WANTED AD here for only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-7430844 TODAY

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

1 BR/1 BA Efficiency for rent in Marathon. 3-4 months lease. Own entrance. 2 parking spots. $1,350/mo. 305-417-0346 RENTED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!

HOUSING FOR RENT SHORT TERM

2BR/2BA Single Family Waterfront Home for rent in Marathon. Fully furnished. 70' dock. $5,000/ month includes all utilities, internet & TV. Available for 3 months - Jan, Feb & March. 727-278-1105

FOR SALE

RV FOR SALE - 2017 Thor Citation RV, 24ft Mercedes V6 Diesel, Cummings Diesel Generator, Low Mileage, Many Upgrades, Call Richard 363-8021305-

YARD SALES

SARA’S ESTATE SALE: 87 Bay Drive, Baypoint, MM15, Lower Keys | Fri., Sept. 23 and Sat., Sept. 24, 9am to 1pm both days | ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD at waterfront estate behind Baby’s Coffee, Oceanside: high-end battery operated mower, blowers, chain saws, hand tools; generator, work lights, tools, tool chest, pressure washer, lots of outdoor furniture, mini tiki hut, Olhausen pool table, cue cabinet, Martha dePoo art, carved mahogany king bed and sidetables, plants, pots, yard art and bedding, silk rug, dining table, TVs and mattresses. Follow signs and park

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, is accepting applications for the following position in its Fleets & Facilities Section:

GENERAL HELPER/COURIER

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $17.38/hr. - $19.46/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon

Join our team! Full and part-time Educational Program Guides/Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $16.00/hour to start. resume TurtleHospitalMarathon@gmail.comto:

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, is accepting applications for the following position in its Fleets & Facilities Section:

AUTO DIESEL VEHICLE TECHNICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $27.17/hr. - $30.43/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, is accepting applications for the following position in its Fleets & Facilities Section:

APPRENTICE AUTO MECHANIC

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $22.59/hr. - $25.31/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit our website at www.KeysEnergy.com

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

DUI

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

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

OPEN POSITIONS

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus

- Cook, $5,000 Bonus

- Medical Technologist, $15,000 Bonus

- Multi Modality Imaging Tech

- Occupational Health Registered Nurse, $20,000 Bonus

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Pool Group Exercise Instructor

- Pool Physical Therapist

- Registered Nurse, Emergency

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, $15,000 Bonus

- Sr Phlebotomist

MARATHON COMMUNITYFISHERMEN’SHOSPITAL

- Cook, $5,000 Bonus

- Dietitian, $5,000 Bonus

- ED Team Coordinator

- Floor Technician, $5,000 Bonus

- Medical Assistant, $5,000 Bonus

- Medical Technologist, $15,000 Bonus

- Multi Modality Imaging Tech

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Phlebotomist, $10,000 Bonus

- Pool Physical Therapist

- Registered Nurse, Emergency, $20,000 Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $20,000 Bonus

- Security Of cer

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE – MARATHON

- Patient Representative, $1,000 Bonus

- Registered Nurse

- Athletic Trainer

APPLY AND LEARN MORE

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

Offering

HOUSEKEEPING for full or part-time to meet your needs. Apply and enter your availability.

THEME:

First, let me thank Marathon Weekly for presenting a forum that allows the public to show their appreciation for all who serve this great town.

Congratulations to all of the winners in every category.

Many thanks to those who voted for the Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House. We will display our 3 plaques with pride.

Lastly, I want to thank my employees for working incredibly hard, day and night to make our restaurant such a success!

-Maria Ely