SEVEN METERS TO GLORY

Key Colony’s bridge run returns

There are some athletic feats so daunting that few mere mortals ever attempt them, with those who reach the finish line earning eternal glory for their otherworldly accomplishments. Such was the case for nearly 200 bold participants in Key Colony Beach’s 7 Meter Bridge Run on March 9. For 23 whole feet, racers braved the Florida Keys heat to summit the Mount Everest of Sadowski Causeway, battling through a grueling 6-foot hill and crossing a vast multi-meter pavement desert before navigating a treacherous multifoot downhill slope. Keys Weekly can neither confirm nor deny that we lost many brave runners in the 2023 iteration of KCB’s ultimate endurance trial.

— Alex Rickert

Take Me Home

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

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

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

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

ARIA

4-year-old female domestic shorthair.

Looking for: A place where I can be the center of attention.

Turnoffs: Kids. They take the spotlight off of me!

DAPPLE

2.5-year-old female domestic shorthair.

Looking for: A fellow introvert to stay inside and watch TV together.

Turnoffs: All these strange people here.

Dear Friends,

This year marks the 24th kayak journey for the Castaways Against Cancer. This annual trip will start on Saturday, June 10 at Virginia Key in Miami and will finish on Friday, June 16 in Key West. This team kayaks 160 miles in 7 days and are passionate about the fight to end cancer. I join the team in north Key Largo and kayak with them to Key West for 5 days, about 110 miles. In June 2023 I will be passing the 1,000-mile mark paddling as a team member with the CAC.

This year I dedicate my journey in the memory of my friend Nancy who passed from lymphoma in November. It is my honor to kayak for such a sweet and gentle lady.

During this trip there is a lot of time for reflection, so I think of the others who are battling cancer. My friend Jackie's brother, Terry, Charlotte's sister, Sharon, my friends Anneke, Sarah and Kim, friends' husbands Bud and Ted and so many others who have heard those words "you have cancer."I also dedicate a day to all my breast cancer "sisters" since I am a 11 year breast

After paddling more than 3500 miles and raising more than $1.9 million since 2000 the Castaways are not stopping. We paddle for our loved ones who have passed on, the ones who are now fighting cancer and for the hope that cancer will be just a bad memory someday in the future.

100% of the money raised by CAC goes towards funding a grant. This year we are again partnering with Sylvester Cancer Center where 50 cents on the dollar will be matched by them and all

For more information on how you can help please contact me at stoutsjewell@comcast.net or go to our website www.cast- or donate www.givebutter.com/castaways/paddlers/susancurry

As always, I kayak this "ridiculous stunt" in all your loved one's honor to help in the fight to end cancer.

Thank you for your support! Suzy Curry

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Charitable Foundation

Helping Keys Residents since 2002. The Coldwell Banker Schmitt Charitable Foundation was created in April 2002, and is dedicated to helping Keys’ residents whose critical needs are not being met through other means. The funds are donated to the Foundation through the generous hearts of the Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate agents, staff, associates, business partners, and the public. www.gooddeedsinthekeys.org