Marathon Weekly 22-1222

Very attractive seller financing is being offered to start living your best Keys life! This newly renovated waterfront property is located on a spacious 11,220 sq. ft. lot, featuring 102.5 ft of seawall dockage with quick and direct access to both the ocean and gulf. This prime waterfront property is positioned in the prestigious and safe Key Colony Beach neighborhood. It is complete with a pool, boat lift, lush tropical landscape, and magnificent water views all around the back. Live worry-free as this home was built and has been well maintained for the Florida Keys weather; some of the updates include a brand-new metal roof, impact resistance doors and windows, new kitchen countertops and SS appliances. These are only a few of the many attractive features of this property, and you need to see it for yourself — one-of-a-kind property and opportunity.

KEY COLONY | $2,795,000 | Listing ID: 603142

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

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$434.5 million

The much-anticipated release of “Avatar: The Way of the Water” earned $434.5 million in its global debut, according to the Associated Press. The film rolled out internationally on Dec. 14 and in the U.S. on Dec. 15. Former Islamorada resident Jon Landau helped produce the film alongside director James Cameron.

COMING TO CONSENSUS, DAY TWO

Sanctuary Advisory Council wraps up twoday Restoration Blueprint session

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Day one of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC)’s meeting found most council members relatively united in their support, or lack thereof, of proposed regulation changes outlined in the latest draft of the sanctuary’s Restoration Blueprint.

Day two of the same meeting, held on Dec. 14, drew out differences in perspective as commercial and recreational fishermen and guides debated catch-and-release trolling and bait fishing in established Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs), along with best practices for managing, expanding or establishing new wildlife management areas.

While the council reached a summary statement of support or concern for most regulatory changes discussed on day one, preliminary drafts of its recommendations on the aforementioned topics elected instead to relay a spectrum of perspectives.

Proponents of the trolling and bait fishing changes in the Conch Reef, Sombrero, Alligator Reef and Sand Key SPAs argued that making the four areas “fully protected” would reduce mortality of reef fish species, creating a “spillover effect” to surrounding areas as the size and number of protected species inside the SPAs increased. Some stated that no extractive activities should be allowed within SPAs, and that eliminating the only allowed fishing methods within the areas would reduce confusion about where fishing was allowed or not allowed.

They also cited concerns about the increased mortality of weakened fish released after they are caught, as well as concerns about derelict gear and potential impacts to benthic habitats if hooked fish were to seek shelter on the bottom.

But fishermen argued that the existing policies were the result of long-standing agreements between the sanctuary and charter captains and bait companies.

“These concessions were made in good faith,” an early draft of the advisory council’s recommendation document reads. “If this is taken away, (it) would show that the FKMNS could come in and take away any and all previous agreements or concessions and would fuel animosity and a lack of trust.”

Those opposing the changes also stated that the existing practices allow “historically significant traditional fisheries activities” and “thread the needle” by continuing to allow access only for practices that do not disturb sensitive seafloor habitats.

Some mentioned alternatives to the bait fishing proposal in which the number of bait fishing permits would be capped or become nontransferable, or only fishermen with current FWC permits would be allowed to continue the practice.

Though the balance between No Motor, Idle Speed and No Entry regulations in dozens of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout the sanctuary remained a

Charleigh Horn takes advantage of an ultra-rare snow day during Crane Point’s 2022 Winter Wonderland celebration. See page 40. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Catch-and-release trolling inside certain Sanctuary Preservation Areas, like the one seen here near the Sombrero lighthouse, was a hot topic on day two of the Sanctuary Advisory Council’s December session. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

hotly contested topic, most fishermen and conservationists agreed that many No Entry zones should be changed to No Motor zones within 300 feet of shorelines, with a 50-foot No Entry zone around areas with currently documented nesting colonies of at-risk bird species. In this proposal, boats would still be allowed to cast from the No Motor zone into the No Entry zone.

Several cited the need for yearly re-evaluation of these WMA zones in accordance with the sanctuary’s new proposed adaptive management procedures to allow for updates with changes in bird populations and observed impacts.

Some council members petitioned the sanctuary to aggressively pursue the addition of artificial reefs, while others urged caution as the sanctuary considers whether these structures are added for the purpose of conservation or extraction of target species.

Many council members showed support for a Keysspecific boating education course, with nearly all agreeing that there is a significant need for better channel marking in sensitive shallow areas. The council discussed challenges in educating the public about rule changes, particularly if information is not clear and obvious on major chartplotting systems used by recreational boaters. All agreed that additional funding for the sanctuary is a high priority, particularly to allow for additional law enforcement.

Armed with the advisory council’s recommendations, sanctuary staff will now consult with stakeholder agencies –including FWC and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, among others – to hear additional recommendations before submitting an updated draft of the Restoration Blueprint for final review at the state and federal levels.

More information about the proposed Restoration Blueprint is at https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/blueprint/.

A better, personalized approach to cancer treatment.

At Miami Cancer Institute and Lynn Cancer Institute, partners in Baptist Health Cancer Care, we know that the sooner treatment begins after a cancer diagnosis, the better the chances of success. We also know that cancer can behave very differently from one patient to another. So we invest in research and medical innovation to provide the latest advancements in cancer science. This approach allows our oncologists to determine the best course of action based on a patient’s unique genetic makeup. This gives us better opportunities to improve patient care, especially for those who don’t respond to traditional treatments. That’s the level of personalized, expert care our patients deserve, delivered with the heart of Baptist Health.

Don’t delay care. Better cancer care is here. MiamiCancerInstitute.com

Learn more about Miami Cancer Institute at Fishermen’s Community Hospital

BaptistHealth.net/CancerCare

A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence. For giving opportunities, visit BaptistHealth.net/Foundation.

JOIN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ONE OF FLORIDA’S LARGEST EDUCATION FOCUSED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Inc., is seeking a private sector and Early Head Start/Head Start director to ll vacant board seats. To qualify members must meet the statutory requirements, as de ned in Chapter 1002.83, Florida statutes.

Governor appointed private sector business members, either for-pro t or nonpro t, who do not (or any relatives as de ned in s. 112.3143) have a substantial nancial interest in the design or delivery of the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (1002.51 – 79, Florida Statutes) or the School Readiness Program (1002.81 – 995, Florida Statutes).

To apply for this position go to https://www. gov.com/appointments/ and ll out the application.

Early Head Start or Head Start director, candidate must reside in Florida and be the director of an early care and education program o ering Early Head Start and/or Head Start and conducting business in Miami-Dade or Monroe County.

To apply for this position go to https://bit.ly/ELCMDM_BOD or scan the QR code for the application.

representative of private for-profit child care providers, including private for-profit family day care homes; a representative of faith-based child care providers; a representative of programs for children with disabilities under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; additional members who must be private sector business members, either for-profit or nonprofit. The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring high-quality early education for children in Miami-Dade and Monroe. Through a community-based collaborative approach, we are committed to promoting high-quality early learning, advocating on behalf of children, and preparing every child for success in both school and life.

This publication was made possible by Grant Number 90TP0068-02-00 from the O ce of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

STATE’S PROPERTY INSURANCE REFORM NOT PERFECT

BILL DIDN’T HARM RATES IN THE KEYS, MOONEY SAYS

you when you’re most vulnerable as your roof’s gone and you’re feeling like the world’s coming to an end,” he said. “They tell people ‘Let me show you how I can make this better.’ The person signs over the benefits and that person disappears.”

Legislation also addressed growing issues with the state’s insurer of last resort, the nonprofit Citizens. Playing a critical role in Florida’s property insurance marketplace, Citizens provides various types of property insurance to homeowners and businesses who are in good faith and entitled to coverage, but can’t find it in the private market.

More property owners have flocked to Citizens for coverage in recent years. In June 2020, roughly 474,000 were insured through Citizens. But due to issues facing the insurance market in recent times, Citizens policies could hit 1.6 million by 2023.

Aspecial session in Tallahassee seeking property insurance reform culminated with the signing of a bill by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Dec. 16 in Fort Myers. While some say the bill enacts measures not seen in recent history, others believe there’s still more to accomplish to keep rates from further spiking.

Proposals debated in committee and on the floor of the Florida House and Senate combatted one larger issue facing the industry in lawsuits, which Republican supporters reiterated during the session. Legislation did away with one-way attorney fees, which force property insurers to pay attorney fees when policyholders’ lawsuits are successful over a claim. The bill also ended the state’s assignment of benefits laws, which allowed property owners to sign over their claims to contractors to handle with insurance companies.

DeSantis, in a press conference, acknowledged that the state had to do something to decrease the legal costs for insurers. He noted that Florida’s property insurance market was “very good for lawyers.” Backers of the property insurance bill hammered a statistic that, of the roughly 7% of nationwide claims, 76% of homeowners’ lawsuits in the U.S. were filed in Florida.

“It’s made a lot of people very, very rich. But the question is, is that in your best interest to have a situation like that?” DeSantis said.

Not only has the state seen six insurers go insolvent this year, but the state has also written two consecutive years of net underwriting losses that exceed $1 billion.

State Rep. Jim Mooney was one of 84 members in the House who backed the bill. He applauded a component of the bill that addressed some issues with the assignment of benefits.

“There are people who come in within hours of a storm being over. They’re predatory and catch

Per new legislation, Citizens won’t renew policies if a policyholder is offered coverage from a private insurer that’s within 20% of their current premium.

Mel Montagne, president of Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe (FIRM), said the state is trying to operate Citizens as a normal insurance company, when it’s a state-owned nonprofit that’s paid by Florida taxpayers that should only provide wind coverage and nothing more.

“My whole contention with Citizens for years has been why have you deviated from the prime directive? It was created to provide wind coverage in Monroe County. Nowhere in this legislation gets Citizens back to what it was created for.”

More than 9,000 homeowners in Monroe County have a wind-only policy through Citizens, and more than 1,000 have a multi-peril policy.

Mooney said Citizens’ current glidepath cap of 1% increases to 15% in 2026 and subsequent years remain the same for Monroe. Local officials are seeking support for legislation in the 2023 session that provides an exemption from the annual rate increase and maintains a 10% rate cap. County officials are seeking help from the state to lower premiums and annual rate increases by Citizens in recognition of the county’s strong building codes and housing affordability issues.

Mooney said secondary homeowners who have long-term leases with tenants are protected from any further increase. As for a new requirement that condo owners need flood insurance, Mooney said that issue will likely be discussed during the regular legislative session in 2023. He also said the county needs more competitive property insurance options.

“Was the legislation the perfect fix? No. But it’s not the end of discussion by any imagination,” Mooney said.

CITY OF MARATHON’S FIRE RESCUE PRESENTS: SANTA’S CHRISTMAS EVE CARAVAN H

ere are the scheduled stops where candy will be distributed to crowds on Saturday, Dec. 24. The timing is approximate, but the fun begins on Grassy Key and heads southwest through the city.

Morton St./Guava Ave. 6:00 p.m. Morton St./Kyle Ave. 6:10 p.m.

Curry Hammock State Park 6:20 p.m. Coco Plum Dr./Ave. C 6:30 p.m. Key Colony Beach City Hall 6:40 p.m. Fairfield Inn* 7:00 p.m. Coldwell Banker

Schmitt Realty 7:15 p.m. Shark Dr./Harbor Dr. (Behind the airport) 7:30 p.m.

Winn-Dixie Plaza 7:40 p.m. 41st St./Louisa (gulfside)** 7:55 p.m.

Knights Key** 8:15 p.m. 15th St./U.S.1 8:30 p.m. Sombrero Blvd./Copa D Oro 8:40 p.m. Sombrero Beach City Beach House 8:55 p.m.

*Milk and cookie stop ** Drive through, no stop

Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a bill that makes several reforms to the state’s property insurance industry on Dec. 16 in Fort Myers. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE/Contributed

A MISSION OF THANKS

Korean War veteran Douglas Hurtubise takes Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Hurtubise visits the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Serving in the Air Force from 1951-1955, he was stationed at Kimpo Air Force Base during the war. CONTRIBUTED

Many believe it’s impossible to thank the men and women in our armed forces for the sacrifices they make defending our freedoms. Still, some efforts truly stand out.

Enter 91-year-old Douglas Hurtubise, a full-time Marathon resident since 2009 after making the trip to the islands several times as a snowbird in a 36-foot trawler with his wife Sandie. An Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955, Hurtubise was stationed at Kimpo Air Force Base, working in the armaments division to sight in, load and repair cameras and weaponry on jets. Though he told us he doesn’t like to brag, we were able to pull out what he considers his crowning military achievement: escorting in one of the first defecting North Korean MiG jets.

And on Sept. 17, Hurtubise took to the skies for his first “mission” in decades: a one-day whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C.

Sponsored by Honor Flight South Florida, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to honoring the most senior

veterans in Broward, Dade and Monroe County, the free flight is a “race against time to fly these veterans to Washington to visit and reflect at the memorials built in their honor.”

As part of the trip, Hurtubise and the other veterans received police escorts and bus transportation around the city as they paid visits to the Korean War Veterans Memorial and others before returning to South Florida, where a crowd of more than 1,000 stood waiting to welcome them home.

Accompanying Hurtubise to D.C. was Shawn Parker, who flew in from Phoenix, Arizona to accompany his grandfather on the trip. Parker described a moving scene from the veterans’ return flight to Keys Weekly.

“My favorite part was on the way home, they had what was called the ‘mail drop.’ Friends and families of the veterans, strangers, schools and volunteers wrote letters to them as if they were coming back from the war,” he said. “Doug’s was so thick he couldn’t read them all on the flight back from D.C.

“There wasn’t a single dry eye on the airplane when that happened. …

Hurtubise makes his way through his stack of letters during ‘mail call’ on the return flight to South Florida. HONOR FLIGHT SOUTH FLORIDA/ Contributed Jets of water herald the arrival of the Honor Flight plane. HONOR FLIGHT SOUTH FLORIDA/ Contributed

Hurtubise, left, and his grandson Shawn Parker visit the Washington Monument. CONTRIBUTED

We were sitting there just talking to guys we’d never met before like they were brothers.

“I had some relations that I didn’t even know existed, and some that I hadn’t heard from in years,” Hurtubise added. “It was exceptionally emotional.”

Veterans returned to a party at the Fort Lauderdale airport filled with flag-waving spectators as patriotic music played for their arrival. And while most let their companions wheel them through the welcoming party in their provided wheelchairs, Parker said Hurtubise took a different approach.

“He was like, ‘I’m not sitting in that damn thing.’ … He got me in trouble. They asked, ‘Where’s your veteran?’ and I had to say ‘He’s up there about 100 feet, shaking every single person’s hand.’”

“Doug said it was one of the best days of his life,” Sandie told the Weekly.

For information on how to get involved with Honor Flight South Florida or submit a veteran for consideration, visit honorflightsouthflorida.org.

Douglas Hurtubise during his Air Force days.

Hurtubise greets children at the Fort Lauderdale airport as his Honor Flight returns home. HONOR FLIGHT SOUTH FLORIDA/Contributed

ABIGAIL HADDOCK www.keysweekly.com

‘MY RACE IS AGAINST MYSELF’

A sitdown with worldwide windsurfing competitor Valentina Vix

Valentina Vix is a windsurfer, sailor, coach and West Marine manager living in Marathon. She previously participated in the pre-Olympics for windsurfing, medaled in competitions in Central America and has windsurfed worldwide. Valentina recently returned from the Windsurfer World Championship in Sicily, Italy in early October, and is preparing to go to the Australian Windsurfer National Championships in January.

As she returns from the world stage, Vix is also hoping to get the Keys back onto the windsurfing map. “It almost hurts me to see the weather so perfect and not see anyone out there sailing or surfing,” she said. “People from around the world want to go to places to surf, and when you put it as a destination, when you make it an event, it’s not just a race, it’s an amazing source of tourism and connection.”

When did you start windsurfing?

I grew up in Venezuela, on Margarita Island. I remember being 10 in my dad’s boat, and dad asked, “What is that?” It was someone windsurfing. My dad said, “We have to do that!” I started to teach others at 12, then raced internationally at 15. Now I’m 50, and grand masters start at 50. I feel like I’m starting a new life.

What brought you to Florida?

Back then you couldn’t take any sponsors to qualify for the Olympics, and that made it really hard to afford the sport. I would have a better chance in the States. I was 19 and had family in Miami, so I sold all my equipment and had 50 bucks in my pocket when I got there. 15 years went by where I could barely afford to survive, and I couldn’t surf. I was frustrated – I was at a level where I was ready for the Olympics, and needed to find a purpose. Then it clicked as I became involved with sailing. I said, this is how I’ll save money, I’ll live on a boat and teach. It became my purpose to work hard and one way or another have a life on the water.

Any advice for anyone looking to follow through with their dream?

I think people put limitations on themselves. Ever since I was 12 I said, “It’s not a dream, it’s a goal.” You have to do what you love. As long as it’s something good, live with

Valentina Vix surfing in the 2005 British Virgin Islands HIHO regatta. The race was the last time she surfed until 2022.

With one of the biggest turnouts ever, some races of the 2022 Windsurfing World Championship had more than 350 racers at the starting line.

no regrets. I struggled knowing that what I loved was almost ripped away from me. I had to come back stronger than I’d ever been. It’s been 17 years since I sailed competitively, and I decided I was going to train. Even if I’m the last one in the race, I don’t care. With all my heart I’m going to do my best. My race isn’t against everybody, my race is against myself. My race is just to be there. I’m going to take advantage of being 50 and still having the energy and drive, because now I can do it. I can afford it. And I can’t afford not to do it!

What’s your favorite place to surf?

Every place is so different, I can’t compare. Sometimes you connect with geographic places, sometimes people, sometimes food, but I can’t pick a favorite, I think it’s impossible. I boated from Massachusetts to the Keys and even in the smallest little towns I had the most amazing experiences.

What’s next for you?

I’m trying to see if we can reinforce the sailing program here. I love teaching kids and I love sharing the sport. Kids need to know that they are able to do these things. It’s not just how you perform – it’s the experience, it’s the community. People never really leave sailing, they stay connected. And it’s a gift to live here. I throw my board in from any seawall I can. I’m so blessed for my parents; they gave me wings to fly. I’d like to get the basic equipment to teach kids. It would be great to get a sponsor to help kids get access to these events.

Valentina Vix at the 2022 Windsurfing World Championship. CONTRIBUTED

Valentina Vix, second from right, at the 2022 Windsurfing World Championship.

LATIN FLAIR

First-ever Marathon Latin Festival is a hit

An all-day celebration of Latin music and culture filled the Marathon Community Park on Dec. 17 as the city hosted its first-ever Marathon Latin Festival. Headlined by Cuban music pioneer Yoandys Lores González – better known by his stage name Baby Lores – proceeds from the festival went to support Somos Esperanza, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to offering hope to disadvantaged families with children suffering from pre-existing conditions or chronic or incurable diseases.

A family-friendly festival with games filled the daylight hours, while a two-hour segment of local talent preceded a four-hour closing concert with more than 30 Latin music artists.

“Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the outpouring of support our local community showed for the first ever Marathon Latin Festival,” said event organizer Joey Gonzalez. “I’m eternally grateful to every one of the artists who came to Marathon in support of the beautiful Somos Esperanza foundation. Nearly 1,500 people in attendance with 60 sold-out VIP tables. Thanks to my great friend Baby Lores for having this vision and for trusting his team.”

— Alex Rickert

Formerly from Marathon, Israel from Homestead enjoys the challenge of the Meltdown.

Orlando from Marathon enjoys his ice cream from Naranja Pina gelato.

Baby Lores, right, presents Presents in Paradise directors and city officials with a $2,500 check in support of the organization’s holiday efforts.

Photos by SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/ Keys Weekly

By:

CORAL SHORES AND MARATHON TRADE WINS IN

oral Shores traveled to Marathon on Dec. 15 for a county matchup in boys and girls basket-

The Lady Fins won the girls game 54-38. Elena Eubank had the hot hand for Marathon, scoring 17 points in the game, with teammate Abrianna Marshall adding 14 before retiring to the bench to allow the younger players to gain some valuable playing time. Brooke Mandozzi led the scoring for the Lady ’Canes with 18 plus 4 steals. Grace Leffler had 9 points with 7 rebounds and 3

Marathon’s girls are 3-6 so far this season and play again Thursday, Jan. 5 at NSU University School in Fort Lauderdale. The Lady ’Canes are 4-3 and will have a chance at redemption in their rematch with Marathon in Tavernier on Friday, Jan. 6.

Key West’s girls are looking for their first win this season. The young team will face Coral Shores in their next game on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at home.

In the boys Marathon-Coral Shores game, it would be the Hurricanes bringing home the win as the Upper Keys squad bested Marathon 64-28. Matt St. Aubin had 20 points including 3 3-point baskets. Isaac Holmes scored 17 points and added 6 steals, disrupting the Dolphins’ offense. Eddy Espinosa had 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals for the night. Marathon’s Xavier Grant was good for 13 points in the loss.

The 6-2 Hurricanes play a series of out-of-state teams over the holiday break in Orlando, then resume their regular opponents on Thursday, Jan. 5 at Oxbridge Academy. The 2-4 Dolphins tip off again against Palmer Trinity at home on Wednesday, Jan.

Dec.

Photos by BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly. See more game photos at shadypalmphotography.com

Tracy and Sean McDonald

Monroe County matmen and -women competed against the best wrestlers in Florida at the 2022 Key West Invitational on Dec. 16 and 17 at Key West High School. Top finishers for the Conchs were Jason Flynn, who took second place in the 138-pound class, winning four of his matches via pin; Alfredo Corrales and Elijah Miranda, who took third place in the 145-pound and 170-pound classes, respectively; and fourth-place finishes from Dostmukhammad Bakhtiyorov (138 pounds), Jaden Fox (182 pounds), Weston Andrews (195 pounds) and Ralph Riche (285 pounds). Abram Canet (132 pounds) earned 5th place honors.

The Lady Conchs fared well at the event as well. In Group 1, Sheyla Figueria came in third and Lola Jaime was fourth. In Group 2, Fernanda Cruz took third place, and in Group 3, Natalie Arguello won second place. Three of Arguello’s wins came by pinning her opponent.

Coral Shores’ top finishers were Jayden Angel (145 pounds) and Sebastian McCoy (113 pounds), who both finished in eighth place. The ’Canes and Conchs will both compete again on Jan. 6 and 7 at the Somerset Scuffle in Pembroke Pines.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

BOYS SOCCER KEY WEST MARATHON JANUARY 6 | 6 p.m

VS

Photos by Ella Hall and Tracy McDonald

Alex Marcotte

Justin Tran

Weston Andrews

Lazaro Diaz

Jaden Fox

Sebastian McCoy of Coral Shores, left, faces Christopher Blanco of Florida Christian in a preliminary 113-pound bout on Dec. 16 at the Key West Invitational at which he placed 8th.

Sports Wrap Podcast, Dec. 22: 1984 baseball state champion Joey Wardlow joins the show to talk about his recent induction to the University of Tampa Athletic Hall of Fame.

THE SCOREBOARD

Key West Girls Soccer Silver Palms 12/14 W, 6-0

Key West Girls Basketball Pace 12/14 L, 52-18

Coral Shores Girls Soccer Marathon 12/15 W, 6-0

Marathon Boys Soccer SLAM Academy 12/15 L, 0-4

Key West Girls Basketball St. Cloud 12/16 L, 69-21

Key West Boys Soccer Ransom 12/16 L, 4-0

Key West Girls Soccer Orangewood Christian 12/16 L, 4-2

Key West Boys Basketball Keys Gate 12/17 L, 84-57

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

1/3

1/4

1/4

Marathon Boys Basketball @ Silver Palms 4 p.m.

Coral Shores Weightlifting Marathon 3:30 p.m.

Coral Shores Boys Soccer @ Gulliver Prep 4 p.m.

1/4 Marathon Boys Soccer Key West 6 p.m. 1/4

Marathon Boys Basketball Palmer 4 p.m.

1/5 Marathon Girls Soccer @ Westwood 4 p.m.

1/5

1/6

Coral Shores Boys Basketball @ Oxbridge Academy 6 p.m.

Coral Shores & Key West Wrestling Somerset Scuffle @ Pembroke Pines All Day

1/6

Coral Shores Boys Soccer Westminster 6 p.m.

Coral Shores Girls Basketball Marathon 4 p.m. 1/6

Key West’s Ralph Riche didn’t take much time to transition from dominating on the gridiron to dominating on the mats. The multisport athlete has honed his skills and is becoming a fearsome rival across South Florida.

“He has developed his offense since last season and is scoring early in his matches,” explained Conchs head coach Chaz Jimenez. The early scoring is often a moot point, however. Riche’s matches often end in pins, including three in the Key West Invitational, where he placed fourth among a pool of the top wrestlers in Florida. Riche won second place in the H-Town Throwdown tournament on Dec. 3 and went 5-0 in his matches last week.

— Chaz Jimenez, Conchs wrestling coach.

The statistics he has accomplished already are impressive by themselves, but in a few weeks, the command he holds over his opponents will likely increase. Riche is currently wrestling up a weight class and will move back down to the 220-pound category when teammate Andre Otto cuts to 285 pounds. Wrestling opponents more than 60 pounds heavier is a feat in itself, but having a high rate of success in that situation makes Ralph Riche this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

“He’s dominating at a heavier weight class and can’t wait to see what he will do when he’s at 220.”

Key West High School, Junior Wrestling

By:

Coral Shores traveled to Marathon on Dec. 14 to compete in the final weightlifting meet of 2022. Mikkel Ross was the overall top lifter – calculated with a formula that takes into account each athlete’s weight class and top lifts – in both Olympic and Traditional scoring. Her total lifts of 250 pounds also won her the top spot in the 129 pound weight class. Teammate Justice Lee Isom’s 295 pound total was second among all lifters by the formula and first in her 183 pound class. Coral Shores’ Rachel Rusch won the 110 pound class with 190 total pounds lifted, earning third place among all lifters.

Marathon won the meet, scoring 100 points to Coral Shores’ 53 in Traditional scoring, which totals a lifter’s bench press along with the clean and jerk lift. The ’Canes narrowed the gap in Olympic scoring but still fell short to the Fins 91-58. Olympic scoring totals a lifter’s best clean and jerk attempt with her best snatch lift.

Both teams will measure their gains from the holiday break when they meet again on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at Coral Shores.

Photos by RILEY McDONALD/Contributed

PREP SOCCER BREAKS FOR HOLIDAYS

All Six Keys Teams Boast Winning Records for First Half of Season

Prep soccer has reached the halfway point of the season, and it is looking good for Monroe County this year. All six teams can claim a winning record as they take a two-week hiatus for the holiday season. Key West’s girls had a win and a loss last week. The Lady Conchs beat Somerset Silver Palms 6-0 on Dec. 14 with a hat trick from Kathryn Smith, 2 goals from Victoria Daley-Willy and 1 from Madison Kilduff. On Dec. 16 they lost 4-2 to Orangewood Christian, putting them at 7-3 for the first half of the season. The Lady Conchs play again Friday, Jan. 6 on the road against South Florida HEAT.

Marathon started the week with a win against Cushman on Dec. 13, winning 8-0 against the Spartans. Rain Banks and Jordan MacDonald each had a hat trick. Riley McDonald and Reese Elwell had a goal each in the win. Two days later, they headed to Coral Shores for a rescheduled matchup, losing 6-0. Marathon returns from the holiday break to play Westwood Christinan in Miami on Wednesday, Jan. 4 then Coral Shores at home on Thursday, Jan. 5. They are 5-3 at the halfway point of the season.

Coral Shores made the most of its only game the week prior to the holiday break, beating Marathon at home 6-0. Sophomore Sofia Jans led the scoring with 2 goals and an assist. Izzy Malloggi, Joe Eysenbach, Ashley Jans and Delaney Donnelley each scored 1 in the match. Katelyn Gilman and Jessie Liddell combined in goal for six saves, earning a shutout for the ’Canes. Coral Shores is currently 5-2 for the season. Their next game will be against Marathon again, this time on Dolphin turf.

In boys soccer, Key West played Ransom Everglades on Dec. 16 in Miami, losing 4-0 against the Raiders. They are 6-2-1 for the first half of the season and open their 2023 drive on Jan. 4 at Marathon.

Marathon won a mercy rule victory against Cushman on Dec. 13 at home. Henry Herrera and Oscar Cardona scored 2 goals each in the match and teammates Jayden Rosete, Gabriel Hernandez, Juan Vasquez, and Sebastian Stasiewicz each added 1. On Dec. 15 the Dolphins lost to SLAM in a 4-0 road game. The 6-5 Fins take on Key West at home Wednesday, Jan. 4 in their next match.

Coral Shores kept their first half winning record intact last week despite a loss. The 4-3 Hurricanes lost their Dec. 15 game against St. Brendan 5-1. They play again on Wednesday, Jan. 4 when they take on Gulliver Prep on the road.

Tracy and Sean McDonald

BOYS SOCCER KEY WEST MARATHON JANUARY 6 | 6 p.m

VS

Mackenzie Budi takes a shot on goal against Cushman on Dec. 13. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

Mikkel

Marquisha Abraham prepares for her lift.

Marathon’s Larissa Prieto attempts a lift at the Dec. 14 home meet.

DEAR SANTA, FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES

It’s Christmas time in Marathon, and with the season comes a deluge of letters at the North Pole filled with holiday requests from kids who have “been good all year” – along with last-minute repentance from self-disclosed members of the Naughty List. It’s well known that tampering with mail is a federal offense, but thankfully, due to special partnerships with Sweet Savannah’s of the Florida Keys and the North Pole Postal Service (NPPS), Keys Weekly was able to secure exclusive coverage of a couple Keys kids’ Christmas wishes. Please note that all letters were first thoroughly reviewed by Kris Kringle, and though some were lightly edited for clarity or length, we elected in most cases to leave them completely as-is – in all their adorable, heartwarming, Webster’sdictionary-approved glory.

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Dear Santa and the Rainder, I do not have vary much on my list. Please supise me but I do have a few things

• Calico cats family

• Calico critters husky family

• Calico critters red roof grand mansion

• Mermaid tail

• Snake necklace

• Calico bunny family Love, Lily

Dear Santa, This is my Christmas list for this year,

• Throw the Avocado game

• Arm pads and knew pads and wrist pads

• Hoverboard

• Light for my bike

• New bell or horn for my bike

For all three sisters, please get us a Playdo ice cream maker.

Thank You!

By the way Santa, this is my ideas for Christmas, so I will leave my real list under my tree!

(Unsigned)

Dear Santa, All I want for Chirstmas is a playground, VR glasses, makeup, ofitts for my elfs, Christmas tree, my dad to be a little skinnier he got to go on a diet, a phone, and most of all a carmra and for you to stop by and for me to see you. I always put that on my list. And last, to make my parants happy. Delver to my house in Zakopane because I will still be living in another family’s house and I don’t want them to be jealous, you know? So on your way, instead of coming to me go to my house in Poland. Thank you, your the best, I will always belive in Santa. Nothing will take me down, nothing. Thank you, I am so graetful to belive in you and get to experiment you. You even make me happy and hiped up and ready for the day…

And I for got something, I realy want roller skates. Thank you, I love you and say hello to Mrs. Clause.

Love, Natalia

Dear Santa, May I please have a tablet with a unicorn case and a unicorn headphone please and a lot of unicorn Jewly pleas and a unicorn iPod please and a unicorn camra please and a LoL seat that comes with unicorns and a hamster that has babys evry time you play with it and a rell unicorn please and alive doll and all of Elsa’s dress from Frozen II … (Editor’s note: 20 unicorn-themed requests were removed for length. Santa knows.) ... and all unicorn school stof so I can use it for school and all the stof I wished for on TV and babby elfs and everything I wished for and a unicorn notebook and a unicorn phone.

Love, Molly

Keys kids send their love and wishes to the North Pole

NORTH

SANT A CLAU

Dear Santa, May I plese have a Kiddle and a iPad and headphones? I know I have been bad but I cleaned a lot I halped my siblings a lot. Thanks for Sparkl Hart, she is a good elf. And if you could please can I get some baby elfs. And my family to be happy. Some people do not belive but I do belive in you. So do my siblings. Sometimes we play Cristmis where there is 1 mom, 2 kids and a Santa Claus. Tell Miss Claus I saw her and you on the Macy’s day parade. You were grat, I love you. I am sorry that you have to watch like 7,000 kids. God gave you a hard job. Do you have to write all the names? I wish I can meet one of your elvs. I bet thay have been working very hard with all the games, eletrioncs, dolls, toy sand all in between. Oh, and I will also like a cople of Rompers and cute oufits and a Yeti water bottle for my bikes. Bie for now, can’t wait!

-Hannah

Dear Santa, I will like a doll house and a bunch of toys like a giraffe, a toy Cristmis tree, jerlery, makeup. Thank you Santa, I’ve been good all year. A real camera. Love, Graceie

Santa,

I tried my hardest to be a good girl. For Christmas I want a bracelet kit, dollhouse, art supplies. Merry Christmas! Love, Carli

Dear Santa, My name is Mateo Guzman. I am 9 years old. I live in Marathon, FL. This year I have been nice. Thank you for the presents you brought me last year. This year I would like to have a dirtbike, go kart, punching bag, iPhone and cumputer. Love you, Santa! Your friend, Mateo

Dear Santa, Christmas List

• Baby Sqish Melow Pack • Ice cream Play Dough cart • Minnie Mouse bike. If you can, fast. From, Amy

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

And to all a good night

Merry Christmas to all of you from all of us here at the Weekly Newspapers. To help keep you in that holiday spirit, I’ll present some festive Christmas quotes from wise people throughout the ages.

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more?” – Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

“How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, His precepts!” –Benjamin Franklin

“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.”

–

Steve Maraboli

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

– Norman Vincent Peale

“In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it ‘Christmas’ and went to church; the Jews called it ‘Hanukkah’ and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say ‘Merry Christmas!’ or ‘Happy Hanukkah!’ or (to the atheists) ‘Look out for the wall!’”

– Dave Barry

“The Supreme Court has ruled that they cannot have a nativity scene in Washington, D.C. This wasn't for any religious reasons. They couldn't find three wise men and a virgin.” – Jay Leno

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” – Bob Hope

“The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.” – George Carlin

“A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.” – Garrison Keillor

“If my Valentine you won’t be, I'll hang myself on your Christmas tree.” – Ernest Hemingway

“‘There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say,’ returned the nephew. ‘Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time,

when it has come round — apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that — as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!’” – Charles Dickens

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” –Andy Rooney

“What kind of Christmas present would Jesus ask Santa for?” –Salman Rushdie

“Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.” –Larry Wilde

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” – Peg Bracken

“I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.” – Harlan Miller

In the spirit of all that’s good on Christmas, I’d like to thank all the elves who helped Sarah and Presents In Paradise make Christmas possible for a lot of local families this holiday season. I’d also like to thank all who attended one (or more) of our events, and donated time and money to the cause. Thank you for being the reason for the season!

- Catch John each Monday at Boondocks, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Key Colony Inn and Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com

Trolling tips for the pelagic speedsters

This time of year a few things happen in the Florida Keys. One thing is when the snow starts falling up north, the phones start ringing down south. Instead of the leaves changing like up north, the license plates start changing color down south.

Another change is the wahoo bite. When the wind stirs up the water and we get a little chill in the air, the wahoo bite goes from good to great. The food chain changes, and that’s the main reason for the increased wahoo action. It starts with a glass minnow hatch. When the glass minnows get big enough they school on the outside edge of the reef. These glass minnows attract the juvenile bonita, a wahoo’s number one meal – which is why most artificial wahoo lures are modeled to resemble juvenile bonita. When we fillet a wahoo this time of year they have juvenile bonita in their belly. We open the bonita’s belly and find glass minnows in it.

I compare wahoo fishing to whitetail buck hunting. Sometimes wahoo fishing is the most boring type of fishing in the world until you get one on. You have to be committed to it. You have to spend hours, just like sitting in a tree stand for hours waiting for a twelve-point buck to step out. Just like hunting, when the buck does step out, it’s normally a game of inches and seconds. When the wahoo strikes, you’d better have your drag set right, your knots tied tight and have a ready angler on standby.

If you Google how to catch wahoo, you’ll find a hundred different techniques. We’ve tried many ways and been successful catching wahoo with several of them. Our top three favorites are: Slow trolling - We like to troll

IT’S WAHOO SEASON

…is a fifth-generation Floridian and second-generation fishing captain who owns and operates Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon. His passions include fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.

a pink and black double-hooked Nomad lure on an 80 wide Penn reel at six knots, using a 60-pound braided line with a 50-foot 100-pound mono leader connected with a snap swivel. We slow troll 125 to 250 feet deep. Don’t troll in a straight line; troll in wide sweeping turns left and right. Have one lure out 200 yards and the other out 75 yards so no matter how tight your turns are, you won’t tangle your lines.

Bump trolling - Catch and immediately de-hook and re-hook a live bonita on #8 wire leader. Use a main “J” hook through the roof of the bonita’s mouth and a treble hook stinger rig either dangling or hooked slightly in the bonita’s back so as not to hinder its natural swimming motion. Bump your boat in forward and back to neutral, never exceeding three knots.

High-speed trolling - Troll from 11 to 14 knots using a black and purple Tormentor feathered or plastic skirt dart with a one pound in-line cabled weight. We buy wahoo gear from the Tackle Box in Marathon. They are wahoo pros and can hook you up with the right tackle. It’s hard to imagine a fish being able to eat while going that fast, but it’s nothing for a wahoo. Wahoo are one of the fastest-swimming fish in the ocean, clocked at more than 60 mph – and some of the best tasting too!

To book a charter with Ana Banana, call or text Capt. Joel at 813-2674401 or Capt. Jojo at 305-879-0564, or visit anabananafishing.com.

CAPT. JOEL BRANDENBURG

Capt. Joel Brandenburg, left, helps a client bring a wahoo on board during a recent Ana Banana fishing charter. CONTRIBUTED

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

JOHN BARTUS

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MM 1 - Inez Martin Child Care Center (C16M0012)

1100 Varela St., Key West, FL 33040 Contact: Christine Patterson • 305-809-5055 • christine.patterson@wesleyhouse.org Vacancies: 3 teachers

MM 2 - Sunbeam Christian School (C16MO0034)

1311 5th St., Key West, FL 33040 Contact: Jerlyn Matthews • 305-2946018 • sunbeam@fsbckw.org Vacancies: 3 teachers

MM 5 - Lighthouse Christian Academy (C16MO0014) 5580 MacDonald Ave, Key West, FL 33040 Jennifer Sisco • 305-292-5582 • lcaoffice@cwckw.org Vacancies: 1 floater

MM 22.9 - Banana Cabanna Academy Inc. (C16MO0054) 22673 Pieces of Eight Rd, Cudjoe Key, FL 33042

Contact: Roxanne Rosado • 305-745-1400 • banana.cabanna@att.net Vacancies: 2 teachers

MM 47 - Kreative Kids Christian Academy (X16MO0001)

4711 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

Contact: Maria Vaillant • 305-743-7165 Kreativekidsca@bellsouth.net • vaillantmaria@yahoo.com Vacancies: 2 teachers

MM 49 - Grace Jones Community Center, Inc. (C16MO0048) 230 41st Street Gulf, Marathon, FL 33050

Kelly Ullrich • 305-743-6064 • gjcckids@gmail.com Vacancies: 3 teachers

MM 87.5 - St. James Children’s Center (C16MO0033) 87500 Overseas Hwy, I slamorada, FL 33036

Contact: Sue Ellen Bennett • 305-852-2161 • childrenscenter@stjamesthefisherman.org Vacancies: 1 teacher

MM 92 - Burton Memorial CDC (C16MO0018) 93001 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070

Contact: Nilda Bernaldez • 305-852-0250 • acabar11@yahoo.com Vacancies: 2 part-time floaters

MM 99 - First Baptist Church Jack Hill Child Care (C16MO0021) 99001 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Contact: Leeanna Woods • 305-451-2125 • fbcjhccc@yahoo.com Vacancies: 1 teacher

There’s nothing like the feeling when your team comes out on top. Well, except for maybe winning with your finances. And, for that, First Horizon is always your team. With banking tools that save you time and support that keeps it simple, you’ll feel like you can take on any financial challenge.

I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season and thank you all for your partnerships. I couldn’t ask for better community support and friendships that I have enjoyed over the years from Ocean Reef to Key West and everywhere in between. It continues to be a privilege and an honor to serve as your Sheriff.

I’m always reminded this time of year of those partnerships and friendships, which are so important to me both professionally and personally. We really couldn’t do what we do here at the Sheriff’s Office without you: whether it’s a crime tip, assisting with a clean-up along U.S. 1, or helping a neighbor in need. Thank you.

I also want to remind everyone to reduce some stress this holiday season and give yourself extra time while traveling on U.S. 1. We typically see a large increase in the amount of traffic right after Christmas and through New Year’s Day.

Do yourself a favor: prepare and expect some delays.

Thank you again and Happy Holidays!

Monroe County Sheriff, Rick Ramsay

W O c e a n D r i v e , K e y C o l o n y B e a c h G o r g e o u s , c u s t o m - b u i l t M e d i t e r r a n e a n v i l l a s i t t i n g o n a w h i t e s a n d b e a c h i n t h e e x c l u s i v e c o m m u n i t y o f K e y C o l o n y B e a c h O v e r 5 , 0 0 0 s q u a r e f e e t o f l u x u r y l i v i n g , f e a t u r i n g t u r q u o i s e o c e a n v i e w s f r o m n e a r l y e v e r y r o o m E x q u i s i t e a t t e n t i o n t o d e t a i l , i s l a n d l i v i n g a t i t s b e s t ! Y o u r p r i v a t e g a t e d b e a c h f r o n t e s t a t e a w a i t s y o u 3 , 7 8 8 s f M a i n L i v i n g , B o n u s : 1 , 3 7 7 s f 1 B e d r o o m , 1 B a t h A p t / I n - L a w S u i t e , I n

y P o o l , E l e v a

f i n i t

JEANETTE GIERULA

General manager, Marathon Community Theatre & Cinema

How did you first come to the Keys? My family moved here in 1982 from Lebanon, Connecticut. My father found a job doing Florida room installations with Jack Brier Trailers after finding an ad in the paper. It turned out Jack went to high school with my father in New Britain, Connecticut.

What’s your hype song and your sad song? This month I was listening to “Black Betty” by Ram Jam. No sad songs this month; I don’t feel like crying.

If there was one chore you could have taken away from you forever, what would it be? Dishes.

What is the most ridiculous social media rant you’ve witnessed? We had a good one today. I posted the theatre’s Drag Queen Bingo event on the What’s Happening in Marathon Facebook page, and the first response I got was someone saying I needed to keep the drag queens out of the schools. It’s an adult event; we don’t advertise to school children, so that’s not a problem.

What’s the funniest app on your phone? TikTok. All my ideas are coming from TikTok these days.

What is one thing that’s always on the menu, but you will never try? Shrimp. I don’t really like shrimp.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you? I think that it’s strange when people don’t know I grew up down here. I’ve been here since second grade, but I’m pretty quiet, so people will say “Oh, you grew up down here?” They don’t realize I’ve known them since I was 10. My parents were here for years and knew everybody, and I moved away for a little while, but I came back after my mom passed away.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? To take a step back and watch or read the room before you step into something and make a judgment call.

BLUE

3-month-old male rabbit.

Looking for: Born just days before coming to the shelter, I’m hoping to learn what it’s like to have a family for the first time in my life.

Turnoffs: I’m young and independent and learning to be held. I much prefer being able to hop around and play.

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.

IKE

3-month-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: A place of my own where I can play my heart out.

Turnoffs: Not a thing. Some say I’m the purrrrfect kitten.

No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue. This week’s neighbor is tasked with anything and everything – and we mean EVERYthing – as she’s kept the Marathon Community Theatre and Cinema running as its general manager since 2018.

Two truths and a lie: I graduated from the University of Florida with honors, I love to fish, and I own a house in Marathon. (Our last Neighbor of the Week, Ky’Ondra, only has one sibling.)

Would you rather every stop light you come to for the rest of your life be red when you first get there, or every year you turn into a loaf of bread for 24 hours? I’ll turn into a loaf of bread. Once a year, that’s a nice day off.

What are the most surprising parts and most enjoyable parts about managing the theater? I expected the drama on stage, but the drama backstage with everything it takes to build a show was new for me. And I love the creativity and the amount of joy that I see people get out of this building; it’s so important to me.

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.

ISAAC

2-year-old male bulldog mix.

Looking for: Someone to give slobbery kisses to while I get belly rubs.

Turnoffs: Doors and stairs. Oh boy, those are weird.

Spotlighting the amazing individuals who live and work in the Middle Keys

2022 wishes for the Keys’ kids at heart

In continuation of the special arrangement between Keys Weekly and the North Pole Postal Service (NPPS), the Marathon Weekly took a dive into the “big kid” pile of letters to find out what some of the adults in the Keys had on their wish lists this year. Let it be known that you are NEVER too old to write to Santa. Instead of electronics, hoverboards and unicorns, what we found were many thoughtful wishes in letters that were, mercifully, easier to read.

Dear Santa, I’ve been exceptionally good this year, along with everyone here from Key Colony Beach. (Yes… I know. There were a few that were naughty, but you already know their names and have referred said names to the appropriate government agency). There are only a few things on my Christmas list this year. The first is a magical potion that repels no-see-ums; bonus points if it doubles as an iguana pesticide. The second is for fair insurance premiums that don’t require the sale of a kidney. And last, but not least…

It is my fervent desire to never again hear Jon Rizzo (or ANYONE ELSE, for that matter), utter the words “Rapid Intensification.”

Until next year, Patti Trefry, Key Colony Beach mayor

Dear Santa,

First, allow me to thank you for all the gifts you delivered to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary this past year: A new boat for our Upper Keys buoy team, a newly renovated Eco-Discovery Center, and, of course, a successful rollout of our latest edition of Restoration Blueprint. Our stockings runneth over.

So, in the spirit of the season, and instead of asking for more, let me offer a gift to you. When your busy night of work is done and the reindeer are safely back in their North Pole stables, come for a vacation visit to the fabulous Florida Keys (all of the snowbirds do this). I’ll be your guide, taking you through the 3,800 square miles of ecosystem that encompass our national marine sanctuary. Our first stops will be along the seven sites that make up Mission: Iconic Reefs, one of the largest coral restoration projects in the world. You will be well pleased to see how some of the corals are grown underwater, on trees that give the luster of Christmas beneath the waves. When your visit is done, I know you’ll come to the conclusion this slice of the world is a gift unto itself, and one that must be preserved for generations of children to come.

Sarah Fangman, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary superintendent

Dear Santa, I’m sorry for any confusion last night’s letter might have caused you, and I’m sorry that it might have smelled like Corona – my bad.

Toward such, please disregard my request for the pink llama for myself, and for the purple alpaca for Mayor Patti. But, if it’s too late to cancel my requests, could you please change my delivery address to:

The Monroe County Sheriff Office 5501 College Rd., Key West.

Attention Rick Ramsay Thanks Santa!

Beth Ramsay-Vickrey, Key Colony Beach vice mayor

Dear Santa, Wow, how time flies. Seems like just a few months ago I reached out to you with some very deserving requests, which apparently got lost in cyberspace. That said, I do have some updated requests for you.

1) Please extend the snook season until Dec. 25. This would allow those of us with grown children to have a fun-filled day on the water, while still sending Merry Christmas texts to our kids, who are busy with projects stating “slight assembly required.” HAHAHA

2) Please do not tell the fish it was extended, as they only meet the slot limit after the season is over.

3) If that very simple request cannot be achieved, please send pictures of said fish that are in the slot.

4) OK, enough with a far-fetched list, let’s get down to some real requests.

5) I would like to see a “Horn Melon” in every refrigerator. There are those out there that know how incredible they are.

6) Have kids open gifts which they can use without a Twitter, TikTok, or a Facebook account.

7) Please have American Airlines stop using gate 60 in Miami.

8) Please deliver Jason some new jackets, as he continues to be outdone by Scott Russell.

9) I still could use that new lawn mower as the rocks have taken their toll on mine.

10) Finally, please deliver to all a safe and happy holiday season!

Jim Mooney, state representative

Dear Santa,

It has been an amazing year in the beautiful city of Marathon! It’s been my pleasure and honor to help lead our city with the wonderful city staff that we have. I hope you’ve been keeping an eye on them – they sure do work hard and deserve to be on the Nice list.

Speaking of your list … I hope all of the children of Marathon have made the Nice list too. They’ve been putting on beautiful performances, caroling, visiting your helpers and keeping us all in the holiday spirit this season.

My only wishes this Christmas from you Santa are:

For continued health and prosperity for the beautiful people of Marathon;

For our local business owners to continue to thrive and be successful;

And for there to be plenty of presents under the tree for all of the children in the city; I know your elves have been working extra hard this year!

Best wishes for a prosperous and successful year to all of the residents of Marathon!

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Luis Gonzalez, Marathon mayor

Dear Santa,

Honestly, my Christmas wish is to be just like you, eat cookies nonstop, work one night out of the entire year, and as a homegrown Alaska girl, fly around in a sleigh pulled by tiny reindeer, who are all female by the way, because we girls know how to get it done. However, in all seriousness, I wish for joy and delight for all my loved ones and friends. Life has been interesting lately, to say the least, and we could all use some legit holiday spirit. I also wish for my son, Drake, to be thoughtful, kind and to be a leader in his own right. After all, with me as his mom, adventures and challenges rule the day. Additionally, if he can achieve higher grades in math, that would be amazing.

As for our incredible community, I wish for countywide peace. World peace may not be attainable now, so let’s be real and stick with what we have the power to do as a collective tribe. Our Florida Keys people are limitless in valuable qualities like loyalty, unity, and my favorite, eccentricity, all attributes that make our little island chain so special and equally inspiring. And lastly, I wish for those who are struggling during this festive season to find solace in the opportunities that this awesome planet we call home offers. Here, you will always find someone to talk to, or about, a place to get a delicious snack, or a cocktail, and that one thing that makes you eternally happy, or wild “at heart”.

Godspeed to you and your boss lady reindeer,

Holly Merrill Raschein, Monroe County commissioner

FILLING THE STOCKINGS

ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION ENSURES A BRIGHT HOLIDAY SEASON FOR MARATHON FAMILIES IN NEED

ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

1. Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez, left, Vice Mayor Robyn Still and City Manager George Garrett hand out pork shoulders.

2. Linda Fatora, left, Lisa Silva and Giuliana Silva hand out hams from D’Asign Source.

The incredible generosity of more than 100 sponsors and 30 businesses brought carloads of holiday assistance to more than 150 Marathon families as the Educational Coalition for Monroe County organized its annual holiday food and gift distribution on Dec. 15.

With supplies donated by the city of Marathon, Skipjack Resort, D’Asign Source, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sweet Savannah’s, Publix and many more organizations, families with verified needs received enough food to last throughout much of the holiday break.

After making their way through the drive-through food distribution, eager teams of Marathon High School volunteers delivered prewrapped bundles of gifts sourced directly from each family’s children’s wish lists.

3. The U.S. Coast Guard Station Marathon stands ready to assist.

4. U.S. Coast Guard Station Marathon’s Matt Enke is ready to roll out with a load of food and toys for delivery.

5. David Ornelas, left, Elvira Vega and Christina Geer staff Keys AHEC’s table.

6. MHS students, faculty and volunteers are ready to distribute prewrapped Christmas gift bundles.

7. Hundreds of gifts sit wrapped and waiting in ‘Santa’s Workshop’ at Marathon High School.

8. Robert Nehmadi, left, Ramona Nehmadi, Dahlia Westdickenberg, Kaitlin Noa and Christian Westdickenberg pass out donations from Skipjack Resort.

9. Kelly Norris, left, and Mary ColemanSayer staff one of several Marathon High School donation tables.

10. Volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pass out food and early childhood supplies.

— Alex Rickert

Right:

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

KEY LARGO WOMAN SHARES STORY OF DETERMINATION, HOPE AND UNWAVERING FAITH

By all accounts, the fact that 63-year-old Karol Harrelson is alive is nothing short of a miracle.

“My heart stopped twice,” she recalled. “They resuscitated me twice, once in the helicopter and once at the hospital.”

Seven years ago, this former nurse’s life changed in a blink of an eye. Harrelson was on her way to Miami at 6 a.m. for her last week of training to become an ICU nurse. She never made it.

“At the green light I looked both ways twice, I always did,” explained Harrelson.

As she turned out of her Avenue A home across from Tradewinds Plaza onto the Overseas Highway, the driver of a large box truck ran the red light, careening into her car, T-boning the vehicle and pushing it into a light post.

“I heard the crash and I was praying that it wasn’t her,” said Karol’s husband of 30 years, Terry Harrelson. He rushed outside. By the time he reached Karol, she was unconscious.

For the next three months, Karol remained in a medically induced coma at Jackson Memorial Hospital and was later transferred to Kindred Hospital in Coral Gables. Karol suffered compound fractures in her arm and leg along with traumatic brain injury. When she awoke from the coma, she had no idea what had happened to her.

What followed was years of rehabilitation. It wasn’t easy for the Mariners Hospital nurse. She was accustomed to being the caregiver, not the patient.

“I was a nurse. I’m supposed to be on the other side of the bed, not in the bed,” she said.

“It was hard times, it was real hard times,” added Terry.

Karol was told she would likely never walk again, but she beat the odds and can get around with the help of a walker or cane. Her speech was affected, but she can effectively communicate.

Karol believes she is here today because of the never-ending support of her husband.

“Terry’s been my inspiration. He pushes me all the time,” said Karol.

“I would not let her give up. I wouldn’t let her give up at all. I would stay on her,” agreed Terry.

Karol also credits her strong faith in seeing her through the most difficult time of her life.

“I believe in angels,” said Karol. “I know that God was holding me that day. No doubt in my mind,” she said.

Now this mother of three and grandmother of eight is telling her story of faith and survival. With the help of her sister Lynn, she wrote a book about her experience titled “The Miracle on Overseas Highway.” The book is available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Karol says writing the book was cathartic, a much-needed step toward closure.

“I had to do something with the anger that I had, anger at the guy who hit me,” she said.

According to Karol and Terry, the driver of the box truck that hit Karol left the country. Terry said authorities did not believe he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They said he may have been texting or could have fallen asleep at the wheel.

After a year of jumping through legal hoops, Terry and Karol were able to reach a settlement from the driver’s employer. That money was used to cover Karol’s staggering medical expenses.

“The medical bills were way over a million dollars, “ said Terry.

During this interview, Karol and Terry sat hand in hand at their kitchen table. Their bond is undeniable and inspiring. Although they’ve been through more than most people could ever imagine, they are grateful.

THE MIRACLE ON OVERSEAS HIGHWAY

“I have pain everywhere, but it’s okay, I’m here,” said Karol. “God saved my life. I know that.”

“She’s my miracle,” added an emotional Terry.

Left: From their Key Largo home, Karol and Terry Harrelson hold up a copy of Karol’s newly released book. It is available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly

Before the accident in 2015, Karol Harrelson was a nurse at Mariner’s Hospital. She loved nursing and helping people who couldn’t help themselves. CONTRIBUTED

BOOT KEY AND DUCK KEY BOAT PARADES SHINE

Marathon triples up on lighted vessel celebrations

Residents of most towns are lucky to attend one lighted boat parade throughout the holiday season. In 2022, Marathon had three in three nights.

Joining the Key Colony Beach boat parade, covered in last week’s Keys Weekly, were the Boot Key Harbor lighted boat parade on Dec. 10, as well as the inaugural Duck Key boat parade the night before on Dec. 9.

Nine boats participated in Duck Key’s first event, including Dirty Pools, In Pursuit, Cay Sea, Mimi,

Blash Splash, Jimmy 5, Gone, Madame Butterfly and Snowburst.

In the Boot Key event, judges hailed Craig and Kim Crouthamel’s Reel Therapy as the Best of Show, Ilene Clark’s New Beginnings as the top vessel over 30 feet, Donnie and Carla Medeiros’ Finest as the top vessel under 30 feet, and Tim Reams as the top kayak or dinghy entrant.

— Alex Rickert

PONIES…NEED

MORE?

The weekend of Dec. 9 was a three-night spectacle on the water as vessels took part in the Duck Key, Boot Key Harbor and Key Colony Beach boat parades on back-to-back-to-back nights. Photos contributed.

Aweekend jam packed with holiday events didn’t deter a crowd of hundreds from making their way to Crane Point Museum and Nature Center for its annual Winter Wonderland. Featuring rides in Santa’s sleigh, a snow machine, sweet and savory treats in every direction, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the highly anticipated reindeer ponies, the annual event has become a staple of the holidays in Marathon.

“Each year we try to add more to each event,” said Crane Point CEO Charlotte Quinn. “This time, it ‘snowed’ with blizzard conditions in Marathon. Without the community attendance, it would not happen. Thank you to the Keys Chamber Orchestra, volunteers and staff, and thank you Marathon for making this event a success.”

— Alex Rickert

Far left: According to Santa and Mrs. Claus, Erin Arnett, left, and Isabelle Wiseman made the ‘nice’ list this year.

Top right: Santa’s sleigh carries visitors around the trails of Crane Point.

Center right: The Keys Chamber Orchestra provides the musical backdrop for the evening.

Bottom right: Reindeer ponies were the stars of the evening as they made the trip down from Homestead.

by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Photos

‘ZACK ATTACK’: MARATHON RALLIES BEHIND DIVER BITTEN BY SHARK

In yet another act of generosity from the crew at Overseas Pub and Grill, the restaurant played host to a “Zack Attack” fundraiser on Dec. 17 in support of local scuba instructor Zack Winegardner. Bitten while spearfishing on Sept. 6 by what he believed to be a bull shark, Winegardner was flown via Trauma Star to Jackson South Medical Center, where he underwent multiple surgeries to close his wounds, apply a skin graft and repair damaged tendons in his injured arm. A silent auction with fishing and diving-related items and experiences donated by local businesses raised more than $10,000 to aid Winegardner with his extensive medical bills, and an ongoing GoFundMe will continue to help defray costs. Those wishing to donate may scan the attached QR code. Pictured are Winegardner, left, and Tilden’s Scuba Center owner and event organizer Wendy Hall. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

The New Home Spot has been helping buyers and sellers for nearly ten years. Lisa Baez is proud of their team of seasoned professionals who know the Keys, from Key Largo to Key West. “We know real estate, we know how to get deals done and we know the ever-changing local market. We also know the biggest need of our real estate customers is to be welcomed and informed. We take hospitality and intellect to the next level of excellence. Our industry is not known for greatness, yet this is what we deliver” said Lisa.

OPERATION STAMP SENDS HUNDREDS OF MILITARY CARE PACKAGES

Men and women of the U.S. armed forces serving overseas will soon receive tokens of holiday gratitude from the Florida Keys, thanks to the work of Operation STAMP (Serving The Active Military Personnel). Organized by Tony Daiuto in collaboration with the United States Postal Service, more than 250 care packages containing toiletries, candy, snacks, Bibles and letters from the community were shipped out to deployed troops. Care package sponsors include the Monroe Marauders, Antique Aircraft Restorations, the Marathon Baptist Church, the Southernmost Baptist Church, Island Tire, the Cracked Conch, the Moose Lodge 1058, the EAA Chapter 1241, the VFW Post 3911, and numerous individual community donors. Pictured are volunteer Cassy Bowles, left, with USPS workers Shaneka Small, Jean Etienne and Keara Hollinger with a cart full of care packages. CONTRIBUTED

‘BEAUTIFUL BENCHMARKS’

BRIEFLY

Wounded Warrior Bike Ride set

The Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride takes place Friday, Jan. 6, and Saturday, Jan. 7, in the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys. Residents and visitors are encouraged to cheer on and support the warriors or join them for the community ride on Saturday in Key West.

The City of Marathon has teamed with the Florida Keys Council of the Arts to shine a light on a very important subject, sea level rise, with a commissioned piece of public art.

“It will be a physical reminder to make people aware,” said artist Craig Gray. “It will be in the public eye all the time to remind people of what’s important and the end goal.”

Gray responded to the city’s call for artists to lead the Beautiful Benchmarks project. It is a $10,000 Art Builds Community Grant awarded by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts. The city will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall for community input. Residents are encouraged to attend to share ideas for the design and placement of the art installation.

“I have lots of great ideas,” Gray said. “I’ll bring a couple of sketched concepts to the meeting, but I want feedback from city officials and community members and stakeholders to see how the project will develop. In other words, I let them guide my hands during the carving process.”

Gray has created more than 100 public art pieces in 26 states; some big, some small.

“I’ve done projects that cost as much as $100,000 and some that cost $5,000,” he said. “If the project interests me, the size doesn’t matter. The fun thing about this project will be creating the measuring stick and designing its incremental visuals.”

Craig Gray is a resident of Monroe County.

As a Monroe County resident of more than a decade, Gray says he has experience with flooding that accompanies hurricanes, specifically those of 2017 and 2022.

The goal of Beautiful Benchmarks is to provide community engagement regarding flooding and sea level rise that is outside the standard scope of flood mapping and statistical analysis. Low-income residents tend to face increased safety risks during floods, as research suggests they are more likely to remain in low-lying areas.

“By engaging the community with the artist Craig Gray, citizens will be able to assist in developing a visual representation of the data and analysis that crosses the language barriers, and acts as a local benchmark to know how they may be impacted in the future from storms, high tides or other climate change events,” said Brian Shea, the city’s planning director.

“I commend Marathon for being a leader in highlighting sea level rise and I want to be a part of bringing awareness to this issue, bringing change,” Gray said. “Hopefully, preventative measures can ‘turn the tide.’”

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts’ Art Builds Community Grant aims to strengthen community by fostering relationships between artists, arts organizations, and civic organizations within the Florida Keys to generate greater cultural equity. The grant is made possible with additional support from the Helmerich Trust, Ocean Sotheby’s International and private donations. — Contributed

“The Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride is an opportunity for those who honorably serve or have served our nation to build confidence and strength from wounds incurred in service,” said Monroe County Veterans Affairs Director Cathy Crane, who is also a coordinator of the event. “We enthusiastically welcome these warriors as they ride through the Florida Keys.”

Motorists should take extra time to get to their destination during the ride times. U.S. 1 will remain open for the Soldier Ride, but motorists should be patient, use caution and note there may be rolling lane shifts in traffic.

Paws for a Cause to support Domestic Abuse Shelter

On Saturday, Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Domestic Abuse Shelter will hold its inaugural Paws for a Cause dog walk fundraiser on the Old Seven Mile Bridge.

Walkers will team up with their companions for a walk to Pigeon Key and back, and donation pledges secured by each walker will go to support the Domestic Abuse Shelter in its efforts to rebuild the Middle Keys shelter destroyed by Hurricane Irma. Register in advance by scanning the attached QR code. Walkers who raise $100 in sponsorships will have their $25 registration fee waived, and the walker who raises the most money will win a two-night stay at Isla Bella Beach Resort. Walkers who wish to participate but don’t have a four-legged teammate of their own may volunteer to walk a shelter dog from the Marathon SPCA. Contact 305-8496236 with questions.

Habitat for

Humanity to hold applicant information sessions

Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys will be holding meetings for residents of the Middle Keys interested in applying for the new homes at Bell Haven. The meetings are Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 from 6 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 7 from 9 to 10 a.m., at Marathon Garden Club, 5270 Overseas Hwy. Applicants are highly encouraged to attend one of these two meetings before applying for the homes. The application period for these homes will open on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Contact 305-7439828 or email fsm@habitatmiddlekeys.org with questions. Spanish translators will be at the meetings. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Come take a class at the Marathon Library

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

Registration is open for youth baseball, softball and tee ball

Registration is now open for the Marathon Youth Club’s 2023 spring season of youth baseball, softball and tee ball. Children ranging in age from 4.5 (birth date on or before May 31, 2018) to 12 can register to play. Tee ball is free and sponsored by the Miami Marlins. Baseball and softball are $55 per child (plus a $3 transaction service fee). Registration closes on Saturday, Jan. 28. Evaluations will be held the week of Feb. 6 at the community park baseball fields. Practices will begin Monday, Feb. 13 with games starting the week of March 6. Register at MYC’s new online registration link by scanning the QR code here. Follow MYC on Facebook at “Marathon Youth Sports'' or send questions via email to marathonyouthclub305@gmail.com.

Public to work with artist on piece that illustrates sea level rise

Artist

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SANCTUARY AQUARIUM INC. located at P.O. Box 370664, Key Largo, FL 33037 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Carlos Vilarchao Publish: December 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE TO SELL

Wheatons Towing gives notice that on 12/29/2022 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 to Florida statute 713.78. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1GTEC14V3YE185331 2000 GMC

Publish: December 15 & 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICE

LOST TITLE APPLICATION NO: 2431504

OFFICE OF TITLES

NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 82 OF THE REGISTRATION OF TITLES ACT (RTA)

WHEREAS the applicant(s) in the above state application has/ have declared that the following duplicate Certificate of Title has been lost, I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend to cancel the said Certificate of Title and issue a new one in duplicate fourteen days after the last publication of the advertisement.

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

Volume: 1448 Folio: 868

Lot: 8

Place: Part of Bluefields

Parish: Westmoreland

Registered proprietor(s): John McSherry

Dated: November 14, 2022 L. Dunbar

Deputy Registrar of Titles To publish in the Daily Gleaner/ Jamaica Observer for two consecutive weeks and Publish: December 15 & 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District I Advisory Committee (DAC I) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be:

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/88429343368

Meeting ID: 884 2934 3368

One tap mobile +13052241968,,88429343368# US +13126266799,,88429343368# US (Chicago)

Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: Pacini-Maxine@monroecounty-fl. gov, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. –5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open

to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this 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 “711”.

Publish: December 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District II Advisory Committee (DAC II) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 6:00 P.M., via Communications Media

Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be:

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/86155674193 Meeting ID: 861 5567 4193

One tap mobile +13052241968,,86155674193# US +13126266799,,86155674193# US (Chicago)

Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: Pacini-Maxine@monroecounty-fl. gov, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. –5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this 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 “711”.

Publish: December 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District III Advisory Committee (DAC III) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 9:30 A.M., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/81105688651 Meeting ID: 811 0568 8651 One tap mobile +13052241968,,81105688651# US +19292056099,,81105688651# US (New York)

Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: Pacini-Maxine@monroecounty-fl. gov, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. –5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a

person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this 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 “711”.

Publish: December 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District IV Advisory Committee (DAC IV) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 2:00 P.M., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be:

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/86212474907

Meeting ID: 862 1247 4907

One tap mobile +13052241968,,86212474907# US +16469313860,,86212474907# US

Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: Pacini-Maxine@monroecounty-fl. gov, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. –5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this 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 “711”.

Publish: December 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District V Advisory Committee (DAC V) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/88955213123

Meeting ID: 889 5521 3123

One tap mobile +13052241968,,88955213123# US +13126266799,,88955213123# US

LEGAL NOTICES

Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: Pacini-Maxine@monroecounty-fl. gov, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. –5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this 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 “711”.

Publish: December 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 22-CP-117-M

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS

IN RE: ESTATE OF WALTER FLORIMONT Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Walter Florimont, deceased, whose date of death was October 30, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: December 22, 2022.

Personal Representative: Cynthia Dawn Florimont 925 43rd Street Marathon, Florida 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish: December 22 & 29, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-111-M

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS

IN RE: ESTATE OF ALLEN L. SIMMONS Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Allen L. Simmons, deceased, whose date of death was

November 6, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: December 22, 2022.

Personal Representative: Susan M. Simmons 5 Ocean East Marathon, Florida 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish: December 22 & 29, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-93-M

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF PATRICIA A. GROHN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Patricia A. Grohn, deceased, whose date of death was July 11, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: December 15, 2022.

Personal Representative: Christine McClellan 1280 W. Indian Trail, Unit 5 Aurora, Illinois 60506

Attorney for Personal

LEGAL NOTICES

Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173

Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938

Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw.

com

Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: December 15 & 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2022-CP-043-M IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD H. BEETSCHEN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of DONALD H. BEETSCHEN, deceased, whose date of death was April 12, 2011, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent’s Will and any codicils are June 21, 2017. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this Notice is: December 15, 2022.

Personal Representative: Donna M. Hoffman, CPA 428 80th Street Marathon, FL 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403

JAMES J. DORL, P.A. Suite 12 First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6565 Facsimile: (305) 743-4143 e-mail: jjdorl@yahoo.com Publish: December 15 & 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2022-CP-340-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF JERRY MAGGARD LAWSON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JERRY MAGGARD LAWSON, deceased, whose date of death was January 25, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent’s Will and any codicils are March 22, 2002. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: December 15, 2022.

Ancillary Personal Representative: Cynthia Diane Van Vynckt 5051 Highway 162 South Covington, GA 30016

Attorney for Ancillary Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403

JAMES J. DORL, P.A. Suite 12 First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6565 Facsimile: (305) 743-4143 e-mail: jjdorl@yahoo.com Publish: December 15 & 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 22-CP-000091-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DOUGLAS FREDERICK PEEL, A/K/A DOUGLAS F. PEEL DECEASED.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of Douglas Frederick Peel, deceased, whose date of death was February 17, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is December 15, 2022.

Personal Representative: Tina D. Peel 234 Atlantic Boulevard Key Largo, Florida 33037

Attorney for Personal Representative: Cyrus Malhotra, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0022751 THE MALHOTRA LAW FIRM, P.A.

3903 Northdale Blvd., Suite 100E

Tampa, FL 33624

Telephone: (813) 902-2119 Fax: (727) 290-4044 E-Mail: filings@ flprobatesolutions.com Secondary E-Mail: ryan@ flprobatesolutions.com Publish: December 15 & 22, 2022

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 22-CP-000144-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MARTIN G. LANE, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Martin G. Lane, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was October 28, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: December 15, 2022.

Personal Representative: Sheri Phillips Lane c/o Dunwody White & Landon, P.A. 4001 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 200 Naples, FL 34103

Attorney for Personal Representative: DUNWODY WHITE & LANDON, P.A. Alfred J. Stashis, Jr., Esq.

Florida Bar Number: 14772 Jonathan T. Baker, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 97793 4001 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 200 Naples, FL 34103

Telephone: (239) 263-5885 Fax: (239) 262-1442

Publish: December 15 & 22, 2022 The

CARETAKER COUPLE WANTED at small Abaco, Bahamas beach resort having $500-$1000/night accommodations in exchange for Security and Supervision of the Landscaper. Call or text 305-439-9991.

Night Monitor – FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight coverage at an Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm8am with weekly stipend Drug and background screen required. Apply at www.westcare.com

Join the Ocean Dayz Team! We are accepting applications for a Sales Associate in Islamorada. Must be outgoing, detail oriented and willing to work weekends. Experience a plus. Starting pay dependent upon qualifications. Apply in person at Island Dreamz, 84001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada or submit resume to: csteele@oceandayz.com

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time server. $12/hr + Guaranteed tip pool, employee meals, private club & friendly atmosphere. Weeknight and Saturday evening availability. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

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

SS Wreck and Galley Grill on Grassy Key is looking for line cooks, full or part time. Please call Nicole at 305433-0515, or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.

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

All Keys Yamaha hiring a Technician Marine Repair specializing in Yamaha outboard engines. Hours M-F 8a-5p. Apply in person at 2001 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-743-3530

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 email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com

Immediate positions at the Grassy Key Marina. Under new ownership and looking for smiling faces. Fulltime or part-time available. Pay rates are commensurate with experience but we are willing to interview those with no experience who have an interest in working in a marina environment. Please call Randall Glass to schedule an interview at 305-465-1491.

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

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a Customer-Service Oriented Server for the pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404219-3359 and ask for Dave.

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a Part-Time Line Cook. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff. Hourly pay commensurate with experience. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404219-3359 and ask for Dave.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker), Med Tech, Resident Activities Coordinator. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@ kwha.org or 305-296-5621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.orgEOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

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 email: info@sweetsavannahs.com

Place your EMPLOYMENT ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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

HOUSING FOR RENT STUDIO APT FOR RENT

- Furnished Studio Apt w/ patio, like new, W/D, off street parking. Key West. $2,300/month including util. F/L/S Owner/Agent Douglas Miller 305-747-1700

Place your HOUSING FOR RENT ad here for $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

EMPLOYMENT

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: WW Operator/Controls Trainee, Support Services/ Logistics, Paralegal, Utilities Maintenance, Recreation Specialist, Right of Way Technician, and Marina Tech/Pump Out Captain. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

LOT FOR RENT

PARALEGAL

Turtle Hospital in Marathon

to: TurtleHospitalMarathon@gmail.com

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

CUSTOMER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE I

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $19.82/hr. - $22.20/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:

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.