Marathon Weekly 23-0713

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

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Members of

Is the Heat Miser vacationing in the Florida Keys?

Per the National Weather Service Key West, the Marathon International Airport reached 98 degrees on July 11, breaking the previous record of 96 degrees that was set in 1991.

Summer, ice cold beer and barbecue are a match made in heaven. Thankfully, all that and more is on deck for the third annual Florida Keys BrewBQ. See page 8. SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/Keys Weekly

LIGHT WORK FOR THE MARATHON CITY COUNCIL

Monthly meeting sees brief updates on parking and boat ramps, turtle lighting, workshop topics

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

The Marathon City Council breezed through its July 11 agenda with an ease befitting the mere 14-day gap since its last meeting. With June’s regular meeting pushed to the final week of the month due to hurricane evacuation modeling meetings a few weeks prior, Tuesday’s 28-minute agenda saw no hefty discussion items as the council solidified topics for future workshop discussions, heard a brief update on beach and boat ramp parking, and solidified a new lighting ordinance to protect sea turtles throughout Marathon.

Councilman Jeff Smith renewed his request to clarify topics for the council’s second monthly meeting, adding that discussion of the city’s code, land development regulations and affordable housing initiatives were next on the docket as well as a quarterly update on the city’s progress with vacation rental enforcement.

With some residents unaware of the timelines and steps required to build a code case, councilman Lynn Landry additionally asked Code Director Ted Lozier to add a full explanation of his department’s process to an upcoming meeting.

Following a significant discussion of parking issues along right-of-ways on Marathon’s 25th Street Ocean at June’s council meeting, Councilman Kenny Matlock also added a request for discussion of a citywide parking ordinance – one that may possibly only allow residents and businesses with property immediately adjacent to a right-of-way to use that right-of-way for parking.

Discussion items will presumably need to wait until August’s meeting, as the council’s July 25 session is already earmarked for a special call budget meeting, according to Finance Director Jennifer Johnson. This meeting will serve to adopt the city’s preliminary millage rate – dollars assessed per $1,000 in home value – for Marathon’s 2023-24 budget, and will establish the dates for two public budget hearings in September.

Public Works Director Carlos Solis reported that the month of June saw additional beach parking and boat ramp use revenues of more than $121,000, bringing the city’s total above $348,000 since Marathon’s new fees were implemented in early April. The intended use of this money has yet to be identified, and should find a place in the city’s September budget discussions.

Solis said parking enforcement cameras set for installment by management company Pave Mobility, a subject of council ire at its June meeting, have been installed at the Quay and 33rd Street boat ramps, with the goal of having them energized and fully operational before lobster mini-season. He

said that while the city hopes to rely on electronic enforcement at boat ramps while continuing manual enforcement at Sombrero Beach when the tourist influx comes to Marathon, Pave Mobility will provide additional staff members to work boat ramp shifts if additional enforcement is necessary.

Ordinance 2023-10, unanimously approved at its second public hearing, brings Marathon’s standards for exterior artificial lighting in line with Florida’s model sea turtle lighting ordinance. Language in the new ordinance is designed to prevent adult female turtles from being deterred from nesting due to artificial lighting and promote a safe return to the water for nesting turtles and hatchlings. Among several items, it contains provisions to ensure that light fixtures installed near a beach are not visible from the beach, are downward-directed, and are long-wavelength – items designed to reduce interference with the turtles’ reliance on the moon and stars for safe navigation.

Speaking as a public commenter, the National Wildlife Foundation’s Paige Lansky applauded the move, which she said changed Marathon’s turtle protection language from “somewhat ideal” to “most ideal,” joining the top 15% of protective local governments throughout Florida.

City Manager George Garrett also praised the move, as a lighting issue on Sombrero Beach Road prompted a rescue effort by Marathon’s Turtle Hospital and others that very morning. Following a nonconforming light, misguided hatchlings from a nest that hatched on Monday night were found throughout the beach park, storm drains and surrounding roads, causing multiple fatalities.

Garrett said the city will visit homes and commercial operations in critical areas like Sombrero Beach, Coco Plum Beach and Grassy Key with correspondence informing residents and businesses of the changes.

The city of Marathon hopes that boat ramp enforcement cameras installed by Pave Mobility will be fully operational in time for mini-season later this month, ensuring compliance with ramp usage fees for visitors while exempting locals from charges. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL

The new school year is around the corner! Avoid rushing to book your child’s ANNUAL PHYSICAL at the last minute. Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) provides an affordable way to get your child back-to-school ready.

CHI will be conducting school physicals on Saturday, August 5, 2023

Most insurances are accepted Evening and weekend hours are available Please bring immunization records Book an appointment at any of our pediatric locations before August 5th or at the participating location for School Physical day. Scan QR code for more information.

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Beer and barbecue lovers, rejoice: Your favorite weekend in the Keys is here.

Friday and Saturday, July 14 and 15 will see the return of the third annual Florida Keys BrewBQ, a celebration of savory grilled meats and craft beers presented by the Marathon Chamber of Commerce. The festival will see the return of the live music lineup, delicious food, kids’ games and vendors that have become staples of the weekend. A renewed amateur barbecue contest and second year of the People’s Choice Awards is sure to highlight both evenings – see our competition preview page for plenty of smack talk – and new for this year, the Marathon Community Park will host a petting zoo as exotic animals from Julio’s Zoo 2 U make an appearance on Saturday.

Ready for the festival? We’ve got everything you need to know, all in one place.

THE HOURS

Friday, July 14: 5 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 15: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

THE LOCATION

Marathon Community Park, 200 36th St. Ocean, Marathon

THE COST Tickets are $5 per person per day. Children under 12 are admitted free.

THE LAYOUT

See a full festival map on page 11.

THE BEERS

Islamorada Beer Co., Florida Keys Brewing Co., Waterfront Brewery, Founders Brewing Co., Veza Sur Brewing Co., JDub’s Brewing Co., Goose Island Beer Co., Cigar City Brewing, Wynwood Brewing, J. Wakefield Brewing, Broski Ciderworks, Cycle Brewing, Dogfish Head, Swamp Head Brewery, Funky Buddha, Hard Bottom Brewing, South Beach Brewing Co., Sailfish Brewing Co., Inlet Brewing Co.

THE FOOD

Joe the Smoking Pig, Brutus Restaurant & Seafood Market, BattleRig BBQ, Lazy Days South, Sweet Savannah’s of the Florida Keys

FRIDAY

The 79th Street Band - 5 p.m. 79th Street Band is four guys hanging out who love to play music here in the beautiful Florida Keys. Covering rock, country, and other genres, you will enjoy their Keysy music and vibe!

Abstract Radio - 7 p.m.

A local band covering rock and many other types of popular music, with some of the most talented musicians here in the Florida Keys. You will enjoy Abstract Radio, preferably with a beer in one hand and some BBQ in the other.

SATURDAY

John Bartus & Adrienne Z - 11:30 a.m.

Singer/songwriters John and Adrienne bring quite a variety of classic rock as well as original songs from their CDs. Expect anything from quiet acoustic numbers to all-out rockers.

Lady A Band - 2:30 p.m.

Lady A, with her strong, earthy blues vocal style and harmonica playing, has carved a place all over Florida in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and has now returned to her beloved Florida Keys ready for action.

THE COMPETITION

People’s Choice tasting tickets for the amateur barbecue competition are available for $2 per sample ($10 per night to sample all five competitors’ dishes). Tasting for pork belly burnt ends goes from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, and tasting for pulled pork goes from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Please note that all tasting is while supplies last. Vote for your favorite pitmaster to win prizes and glory by dropping a ticket in the voting boxes at their booths!

Apache Dragon - 5:30 p.m.

Apache Dragon is a kick-ass

6-piece classic rock party band from South Florida. Their unique brand of entertainment combines incredible musicianship and highenergy crowd participation with primarily ’70s, ’80s and ’90s rock hits fused with thunderous Latin percussion that will make you want to dance and have a great time.

Photos by Sandra Lee Photography and Alex Rickert

Everything you need to know about this weekend’s festival in Marathon

Abstract Radio’s David Campbell.

THE QUESTIONS:

1. Why do you have an edge (mental or flavor-wise) over your competitors?

2. A short preview of your recipe.

3. Please rank your favorite meats to smoke from the following choices: pig, cow, bison, fish, iguana.

4. What’s your preferred libation while smoking meat?

5. Have you ever smoked anything illegal? If so, what was it?

6. If you could BBQ with one person living or dead, who would it be and why?

7. How many pounds of meat have you grilled in your lifetime?

THIN BLUE SMOKE

Matt Pitcher & Jason Koler

1. With Koler and I together, we’re basically a Michelin star restaurant.

2. Our pork belly will be like candied bacon made in heaven. And our butt is more legendary than Tom Brady when he retired the first time.

3. Pig, cow, fish, bison, and only Blanton smokes iguana.

4. You have to have whiskey to be successful. Tyler for some reason prefers Zimas.

5. Tyler in last year’s competition.

6. Tyler’s mom, so she could cook with a winner.

7. About 5 Tylers or 500 pigs.

PITS ‘N’ GIGGLES

Tyler Blanton

1. Age. These other competitors are getting old and senile – especially Matt. They’re gonna need to get a couple naps in throughout the day and who knows what they’ll forget to bring.

2. Whatever it is will be better than Matt’s.

3. Looks like a pretty good order to me. Matt will probably put iguana first because he thinks it makes him look cultured and diverse.

4. Beer. I’m not all “sophisticated” like Matt who thinks drinking Maker’s Mark puts him above everyone else.

5. I plead the fifth…

6. I’d have to say I’m pretty excited to compete with Matt again this year. He’s getting pretty long in the tooth these days and his health is questionable. I’m not sure how many more of these he’s got left before he’s gotta hang it up. So I’ll make sure this is a memorable one for him.

7. More than Matt.

If you’re the local king of the smoker, but you can’t talk smack about it … do you even barbecue?

This year, the BrewBQ’s amateur barbecue competition will pit five seasoned competitors – both puns very much intended – from last year’s contest against one another, as they duke it out for hometown glory with their best pork belly burnt end and pulled pork recipes. The field includes the 2022 Best Ribs winner in Thin Blue Smoke, as well as the Best Brisket and defending Best Overall champion in Smoked ’Que.

Back for its second year after a popular debut, the People’s Choice Awards will allow BrewBQ guests to sample the pitmasters’ wares and weigh in on the most delectable product. Tasting tickets are $2 apiece, meaning that patrons can purchase a full palate of samples each day for just $10. Tasting goes from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, and 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday.

To get the competitive juices flowing a bit ahead of time, we caught up with most of the competitors to ask about their true grilling prowess, and gained a little insight into what we can expect this weekend.

THE TACKLE BOX

Chris Still

1. I’m the total package. Smarts, cunning and cooking excellence. Folks ’round these parts call me “The Grill Master.”

2. Charcoal, hardwood, with one open flame with my pull-behind smoker. The secret is in the rub recipe, which will be sold at the Tackle Box vendor booth this weekend.

3. Pig is the Boston Butt. I like my butts big! Cow is definitely brisket. Bison has always been burgers. For fish, mahi is delicious smoked. Iguana, which my dog Max loves to catch for me, is best smoked whole. Field dress and skin that lizard and season it up to perfection.

4. Truth be told, sweet tea.

5. Growing up I never had an interest in anything illegal. Those that know me know that my prior career kept me walking a straight line.

6. Very simple answer: my PawPaw. He’s in his 90s now and not able to get around like he would like. He and I have some wonderful memories together cooking.

7. My wife Robyn says way more than I can count. Making a wild guess, I’d say 2,000 pounds or so.

SMOKED ’QUE

Craig & Ashley Thompson

1. Smoked ’Que’s laid-back style lets the cooker do the work. Our flavors are made up of mixtures of seasonings and sauces you can’t duplicate!

2. Smoky – Sticky – Sweet

3 Cow, Pig, Bison, Fish, WTF – Iguana?

4. Ice-cold beer is a must, with maybe a nice smooth shot of whiskey.

5. We don’t kiss and tell.

6. Bob Marley. Keep it cool, calm and collected with great music – Ya mon!

7. Nine full-grown elephants

SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/Keys Weekly

Local smokers set to bring their best this BrewBQ weekend

ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

57417 MORTON STREET MARATHON | $3,999,000

Fabulous 1/2 Acre Gulf front home featuring Pool and 150' of waterfront with protected boat basin! D'Asign Source home features an open concept floor plan ideal for entertaining. Enjoy Open Water views from the Main Suite with access to the back Porch overlooking the nature reserve. A Guest Wing o ers an abundance of Privacy. Lounge by the resort-style pool with spa and swim-up bar; this masterpiece truly is the epitome of luxury!

SAT JULY 15 - 11AM-1PM

OPEN HOUSES

800 CAMINO REAL MARATHON | $2,499,000

Stunning, move-in ready home on a deep-water canal with resort-style amenities! Enjoy a custom in-ground pool enveloped by lush tropical landscaping, creating a private Keys oasis! An angler’s paradise, the property boasts 12K boatlift and quick access to enviable boating and fishing in Boot Key Harbor and the Atlantic. This sprawling, turn-key home boasts 5 generous bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, providing comfortable accommodation for family and guests.

927 GULF DRIVE SUMMERLAND KEY | $2,399,000

Brand-new masterpiece situated on a Deep Water Canal with Direct Ocean Access! Magnificent three story beauty featuring Chef's Kitchen boasting top of the line stainlesssteel appliances, and two master suites with luxuriously finished ensuite bathrooms. Picturesque open ocean views from the rooftop deck looking down on the exquisitely landscaped back yard retreat. A sparkling pool with sundeck and summer kitchen to maximize your poolside entertaining potential. 40' dock and new 20,000’ boat lift!

Currently one of the lowest-priced single-family residences per sq. ft. in Marathon with the option for 7-day rentals! Impressive 5 bedroom 3 bath home on a picturesque canal, boasting concrete dock and boat lift. Open concept, tastefully updated, and an expansive upstairs balcony. Tropical landscaping adorns the grounds and a brand-new pool to be completed by closing! This property truly o ers endless opportunities!

SAT JULY 15 - 11AM-1PM

Meticulously maintained 2 bedroom 2 bath 1,344 sq. ft. home located on a sprawling oversized lot with 165 ft. of concrete dockage on an excellent, deep-water canal. Lush tropical landscape surrounds the corner lot a ording plenty of privacy and serenity. Plenty of space for o street vehicle and trailer parking. Located in Tamarac Park mobile home community with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and a short 6 miles away from the hustle and bustle of Key West.

FEATURED PROPERTY

143 DORSETT DRIVE MARATHON | $2,699,000

Open water turquoise sea views welcome you to this tropical sanctuary situated on almost 1 acre of lush foliage. This one-of-a-kind property includes a 1,668 sq. ft. 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath ground level residence with an additional detached 768 sq. ft. guest cottage with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, living room, kitchenette, and laundry. Boater's delight featuring a boat basin and deep-water dockage.

THE LISA FERRINGO GROUP

O ce: 305.872.5261

Cell: 305.797.1221

lisaferringo@gmail.com

LisaFerringo.com

110 WEST BRUCE COURT MARATHON | $1,875,000

136 STAR LANE GEIGER KEY | $899,000

SCUBA SAVE

Better Than Most divers make a feel-good find

By Abigail Haddock and Alex Rickert

Marathon-based Better Than Most Scuba went out on April 27 for what seemed like a normal morning spearfishing dive off Duck Key. Their team included the owners, Jason and Jeanie Schwenke. The location was one they hadn’t visited in a week, but going there on that day “was meant to be.”

Jeanie was the first one in the water, and less than 50 feet away from the boat she noticed a tackle box.

“Then I saw a couple Top Spot maps, some fishing rods, a bucket, even an anchor,” she said. “That’s when I signaled my guide to say ‘Hey, there’s a lot of stuff here!’ I remember thinking to myself, are we going to find a boat? We started collecting the stuff, and we bundled it into one area.”

That’s when Jason swam by and saw Jeanie’s discovery. “I swam by and saw her carrying a bunch of loot,” he said. “She pointed me in the direction, and we went all across the area looking for anybody, or a boat.”

With no sign of the boat, they started bringing the salvaged cargo up. In addition to more fishing rods and tackle boxes, the team recovered everything from prescription sunglasses to a fire extinguisher – and most importantly, an old prescription bottle, since used to store sinkers, with a name on it.

Switching from dive guides to detectives, the team recalled a report from the U.S. Coast Guard about a capsized boat seven miles off of Duck Key, not too far from their recovered gear, just three days earlier.

The boat capsized on April 24 due to a presumed cracked transom, prompting a search and rescue effort by Coast Guard Station Marathon that Monday. The two passengers were safely rescued from their life raft, but an incoming front prevented tow boats from recovering the sinking boat until the day after.

Armed only with the name she found in the tackle box, Jeanie continued her investigation with local tow boats until she found the owner of the

missing gear, Doug McComb. She reached out just in time – McComb and his girlfriend Dawn Austin were leaving his condo in Marathon the very next day – and made arrangements to return everything they had found in person.

Speaking with the Weekly on July 11, Austin recalled a harrowing experience that left her and McComb with only minutes to unpack, deploy and board their life raft as the boat flipped. But more than anything, they sang the praises of the Schwenkes.

“They had everything in a nice container for us, and it was wonderful,” said Austin, who added that she and McComb are now considering pursuing their scuba certifications with Better than Most. “Just that they took the time to call us, because they really didn’t have to do that at all. Just honesty, and good people. They were even getting ready to go out for a dive (when we went to pick up the gear) and they took the time to get off

the boat and come and shake our hands.”

“That was a lot of expensive fishing gear,” said Jeanie. “It was nice getting it back to them.”

“He was really shocked, and really thankful,” said Jason. “Also he was generous and wanted to take care of the crew, (so) he gave the crew on the boat that day a tip. It was good karma points.

“We’re a small operation, she’s mom and I’m pop. We started this business after Hurricane Irma, but I’ve been teaching diving for 30 years. We’ve also had our share of boat struggles, (so) we’re empathetic to a bad day on a boat, and glad we could make someone’s day a little better.”

“It was meant to be; we’re the only dive boat that goes out there,” said Jeanie. “The timing just happened to be perfect.”

For more about Better Than Most, call 305-432-1214, visit www.btmscuba.com or email btmscuba@gmail.com.

Doug McComb makes an emergency satellite phone call from inside his vessel’s life raft. DAWN AUSTIN/Contributed

Doug McComb and Dawn Austin had minutes to board their life raft as their WorldCat catamaran began taking on water on April 24. U.S. COAST GUARD/Contributed

Better Than Most owners Jeanie, left, and Jason Schwenke ran an unexpected, yet successful, salvage mission. CONTRIBUTED

THE BEST OF MARATHON NEEDS YOU!

The Marathon Weekly team is ready to welcome the fast-approaching 2023 Best of Marathon Awards, with nominations set to open on July 27. Have a category you’ve always wanted to see represented in the 14th annual awards ceremony? From the mundane to the wacky, we want to hear about it! Send ideas to alex@keysweekly.com by Friday, July 21 for a chance to create a brand-new award this September.

OIL BILLIONAIRES WON’T BUILD TEACHER HOUSING

TRUMBO ROAD APARTMENTS FOR SCHOOL EMPLOYEES BACK TO SQUARE ONE

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

The oil billionaires who had agreed to build teacher housing on Trumbo Road in Key West have pulled out of the deal, Superintendent Theresa Axford announced during the July 11 school board meeting in Marathon.

“On Friday, I got a call from Jed Molleston of SPGL LLC, who said, regrettably, that they couldn’t help us with the Trumbo housing. They are still building the sheriff’s office housing on the lot neighboring theirs, so we do still have a reason to be thankful for their support of our community, if not the school district.”

The school board on July 11 was slated to approve a ground lease with SPGL for the school district’s Trumbo Road property, but the Friday call from Molleston made that a moot point.

Jed Molleston and his wife, Meg, own the luxury Steam Plant Condominiums adjacent to the school district’s property that houses its headquarters and current administrative building.

Meg Molleston’s brother, Walter “Wag” Woodward, had infamously told the school district’s housing task force in May 2022, “We have a pile of cash that a long-legged show dog couldn’t jump over.”

But apparently that cash won’t be used for teacher housing.

Axford told the board that members of the district’s housing task force

were amenable to reissuing a Request for Proposals from potential developers of that property.

“The urgency for housing is still there, because we are still losing teachers and having potential teachers turn down job offers here because they can’t afford housing in the Keys,” Axford said.

The withdrawal of SPGL, which was going to fully fund the housing development, will likely give the school district more flexibility with the number of units built on the property and the height of the buildings, said school board attorney Gaelen Jones.

“We had a lot of self-imposed limits in our agreement with SPGL, including that we wouldn’t build a third story even if it was allowed by the city’s height limits, and we had said we wouldn’t build to the maximum density allowed on that property. But presumably a different developer wouldn’t have those same concerns. I believe the maximum density was 237 units.”

The agreement with SPGL would have been limited to 80 units.

The ability to build more units with a larger density could make the project more financially attractive to potential developers, Jones added.

So now all options are back on the table for teacher housing on Trumbo Road, where school board members and administrators have talked for 25 years about moving the administration building off that property and converting it to employee housing.

This aerial map shows the location of the school district headquarters on Trumbo Road in Key West that has long been discussed as a prime location for employee housing. CONTRIBUTED

RECORD-BREAKING SALE

841 W. OCEAN DRIVE, KEY COLONY BEACH

5 BEDROOMS | 4 5 BATHROOMS | 5,165 SQFT | 30,555 LOT SQFT | SOLD FOR $6,999,000

This Mediterranean villa, in the exclusive, highly sought-after community of Key Colony Beach Just Sold! A remarkable single-family home in Key Colony Beach, has recently been sold for an astonishing $6,999,000 Real estate agent Karen Raspe, a top producing professional with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Keys Real Estate, played a n instrumental role in facilitating this momentous deal With her exceptional track record and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, she has firmly established herself as a trusted expert in the field This landmark transaction, which represents a new record for the highest sale price of a single-family home in the area, which surpassed the previous highest sale price by an impressive $999,000 Raspe commented, "I am incredibly honored to have been a part of thi s record-breaking sale It is a testament to the allure and desirability of Key Colony Beach as a premier destination for luxury real estate I extend my warmest congratulations to both the sellers and buyers "

393 9010

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

R.J. ESTEVEZ

SUMMER BRINGS CHANGES FOR MARATHON HIGH

Plans for Upcoming Seasons of Sports Are Underway

Summer offers most students and teachers a brief reprieve from the typical workload they endure through 10 months of the year, but for athletes and coaches, there is often little time to rest. Coaches are busy preparing for the upcoming season, and athletes are completing summer workouts, visiting camps and sharpening skills.

Perhaps the busiest people at school during the break are the athletic directors. This week, we caught up with Marathon’s athletic director, Lance Martin, to see what the athletes and coaches have been up to this summer.

Martin named several new coaches hired for the upcoming school year, including Sean McDonald as the new head football coach and Michelle Macoskey, who will head the Fins’ varsity and middle school cheer squads this fall.

Winter sports will also see changes, with Jim Murphy taking the reins from Kevin Freeman to coach varsity basketball and McDonald working with younger athletes as he coaches middle

school hoopsters. The school’s head boys and girls soccer positions stand vacant.

Marathon High will not undergo any district or division changes this year. Its middle school football team re-entered the Tri-County Football Conference, allowing the opportunity to play for a conference championship. Unlike their neighbors to the north and south, Marathon’s facilities will not undergo any major overhauls this year, but they have been putting their current facilities to good use this summer. The weight room has been open and well-used all summer, and the gym held pickup and shoot-around basketball for several weeks.

One major change for Marathon was a complete administrative overhaul, as both assistant principals accepted positions elsewhere in the district and former principal Wendy McPherson is set to helm a new charter school in Key West.

Marathon’s new leader will be alumnus Christine Paul, who shifted across U.S. 1 from Stanley Switlik Elementary School to become the principal at MHS. Changes are in store for all our Keys schools next year. You can read about them all in the upcoming editions of Keys Weekly.

Senior, Key West Football

Offseasons are when a student athlete can really make gains, and R.J. Estevez has been doing just that. He has been diligently attending summer workouts and putting in the time and effort needed to improve his game. Conchs football coach Johnny Hughes believes he will play multiple positions, both offensively and defensively, this season. The rising senior will see time at linebacker, defensive end, fullback and tight end in some situations. His hard work in the weight room will ensure he quickly becomes an impact player for the Conchs this year. For his dedication to his team as well as relentless self-improvement, R.J. Estevez is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

“R.J. has added size, strength and speed this offseason. He works hard in the weight room and on the field.”

– Johnny Hughes, Key West football coach

Seen here with the 2023 basketball cheerleading squad, coach Michelle Macoskey, left, will lead this fall’s varsity and middle school football cheerleading teams. ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

THE 2023 KEYS WEEKLY ALL-KEYS BOYS LACROSSE TEAM

Coral Shores secured a winning 7-5 record this year, winning half of their district games and a high-profile showdown with Key West. The ’Canes graduate 11 seniors this season, but return their top goal scorer and faceoff winner as well as one of their top three ground ball scoopers, giving them a solid foundation to build upon for next year.

Key West faced adversity this season with a plague of injuries hampering their success. Their 2-16 record was not indicative of their potential when fully healthy. The Conchs will graduate five seniors, but their relatively young team will return several key scorers and their goalkeeper, setting the stage for success in 2024.

Key West junior attacker and captain Mack Hill was voted as the Conchs’ offensive MVP. ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

SULLY MCDONOUGH Junior, Coral Shores

Attacker

McDonough led the Hurricanes with 28 goals scored this season. The unselfish junior had no problem helping his teammates net goals as well; he earned 17 assists, which was second for the ’Canes. McDonough picked up 28 ground balls and was credited with five takeaways, placing him in the top portion of his team in nearly every statistical category but one. McDonough was tied for last in penalties, proving he embraces enough finesse and understanding of the game to enhance his aggressive scoring style rather than hinder it. With another season of play next year, McDonough will undoubtedly do big things for Coral Shores in 2024.

MATEO LOPEZ Freshman, Key West Goalkeeper

In Mateo Lopez’s inaugural season playing lacrosse, he saved 113 out of 267 shots on goal for the Conchs, giving him a 43% save percentage. The freshman was awarded the MVP commendation for Key West for his positive impact on his team both on and off the field.

ALEX SEBBEN

Senior, Coral Shores Attacker

Senior Alex Sebben has been an integral part of Coral Shores’ team for the duration of his high school career. This season he moved from defender to attacker, scoring 17 goals and 18 assists for the ’Canes and still managing to earn six takeaways. His versatility was key in many of the team’s wins this season.

EDDIE MOLINE

Junior, Key West Goalkeeper/Defender

Moline was another first-year player for Key West, using his prior baseball catcher skills for his new sport of choice. He was credited with 27 ground balls and 22 saves this season, due in part to his quick reflexes and to the discipline he showed in play.

DOMINIC GONZALEZ

Senior, Coral Shores

Midfielder

Gonzalez netted 15 goals this season and was credited with three assists as well. The hard-working senior picked up 51 ground balls for the ’Canes, averaging more than five per game in his efforts to hold down the midfield.

MACK HILL Junior, Key West Attacker

In an abbreviated season due to injury, Conchs captain Mack Hill scored 16 goals, assisted another 16 times and won 24 ground balls in his junior campaign. Hill was voted the team’s offensive MVP despite playing in just over half of its games and was elected captain the past two years.

ANDREW KUMAR

Senior, Coral Shores Midfielder

Kumar led the Hurricanes in ground balls this season with 58, averaging 5.3 pickups per game. His hustle went both ways on the field. He ended his senior season with 11 goals scored and was credited with 14 assists offensively.

TATE GARR

Junior, Key West Defender

With 17 takeaways and 22 ground balls this season, Tate Garr was a force on defense, scoring one goal offensively as well. The junior impact player was elected the defensive MVP for the Conchs and also earned a ScholarAthlete Award.

LANDON BLACKFORD

Senior, Coral Shores Midfielder

Landon Blackford was all over the field this season, attacking as much as he was defending. The senior netted 16 goals and four assists for the ’Canes offensively. He is also credited with 24 ground balls and a takeaway for Coral Shores.

JONDEL TORO

Junior, Key West Midfielder

Conchs midfielder Jondel Toro had seven takeaways, 26 ground balls, one goal and one assist last season for Key West. The versatile junior was elected a team captain by his teammates and won the Unsung Hero Award this year for his extraordinary yet often unrecognized play.

CHUCK JACOBSEN

Senior, Coral Shores Midfielder

One look at Chuck Jacobsen and you would never guess he was a first-year player for Coral Shores. Jacobsen dominated face-offs, winning 68 this season. He picked up 45 ground balls and is credited with five takeaways, making him a terror to opposing teams on defense. Offensively, he scored a pair of goals and helped out with another pair of assists.

REESE JAHN

Senior, Coral Shores

Goalkeeper

Senior goaltender Reese Jahn took his position as the last line of defense seriously, earning a 66% save percentage while blocking 147 shots from scoring this season. Jahn was also credited with 29 ground balls and three takeaways during his senior campaign.

MVP

Coral Shores junior attacker Sully McDonough is the 2023 All-Keys Lacrosse MVP after a 28-goal, 17-assist season. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED

WELLNESS

LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ON A BUDGET

In my last article we learned just how expensive it is to be sick and unhealthy. Today we’ll explore how maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to break your bank, and significantly outweighs the cost of being sick or battling a chronic lifestyle illness.

By incorporating simple practices like eating fruits and vegetables by season, engaging in free exercise options like walking and following credible YouTube exercise videos, individuals can achieve optimal health without sacrificing their financial stability. Not only does this approach benefit one's wallet, but it also offers substantial long-term financial gains. That’s right, staying healthy actually increases one’s wealth. (Insert mind-blown emoji).

Fruits and Vegetables by Season

One of the easiest ways to eat healthily on a budget is by following the seasonal approach to fruits and vegetables. Seasonal produce is more abundant, fresher and less expensive due to reduced transportation and storage costs. Local farmers' markets often offer a wide variety of seasonal produce at lower prices, supporting the community and local economy in the process.

By embracing seasonal eating, individuals can enjoy a diverse and nutritious diet throughout the year. Furthermore, seasonal produce is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which contribute to overall well-being and immune system support. Embracing seasonal eating not only promotes health but also helps protect the environment by reducing the carbon footprint associated with importing out-of-season produce.

Free Exercise Options

Physical activity doesn't have to involve costly gym memberships or expensive equipment. Walking is a simple, effective and free way to stay active and fit. Whether it's a stroll in the park, walking to work or taking a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, this low-impact exercise offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management and reduced stress.

In today's digital age, the internet provides a wealth of free exercise resources. Credible YouTube channels – including my personal favorites Athlean-X, Hannah Eden, Yoga with Adrienne and SilverSneakers – and fitness apps offer a wide range of workout routines, from yoga and pilates to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and bodyweight exercises. These platforms allow individuals to tailor their workouts to their preferences and fitness levels, all from the comfort of their homes and without spending a dime.

Financial Benefits of a Healthy Life

Beyond the immediate savings on expensive diets and fitness programs, living a healthy lifestyle can have profound financial implications.

Health insurance premiums are often lower for individuals who prioritize their health. Insurance companies recognize that healthier habits lead to fewer medical expenses, resulting in reduced risk and costs for both the individual and the insurer. As a result, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can lead to significant savings on health insurance premiums over time.

Moreover, adopting a healthy lifestyle can substantially decrease missed work days due to illness. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that healthier employees are more productive and have lower absenteeism rates, leading to increased income and job stability.

Furthermore, the long-term financial benefits of a healthy lifestyle are most evident in terms of healthcare costs. Unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, poor diets and sedentary lifestyles contribute to various chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. And as you learned in the last article, these conditions often require ongoing medical treatments, expensive medications and potential long-term care, leading to significant healthcare costs.

Still not sold? Let’s do a cost comparison of a healthy 50-year-old vs. unhealthy 50-year-old.

Healthy 50-Year-Old: These individuals practice a balanced diet, consume seasonal fruits and vegetables, and engage in regular free exercises like walking and online workouts. They prioritize preventive healthcare and may occasionally invest in fitness equipment or workout gear. Annual costs resulting from this lifestyle, including copays for yearly medical visits, the occasional prescription, and some modest home workout equipment, may range around $1,500 to $2,000.

Unhealthy 50-Year-Old: On the other hand, the unhealthy individual indulges in unhealthy eating habits, relies on processed and fast foods and leads a sedentary lifestyle. This person may incur significant medical expenses, require medications to manage chronic conditions and potentially

need long-term care. The healthcare costs for an unhealthy individual can quickly escalate anywhere from $9,000-$20,000+ annually.

It is evident that investing in a healthy lifestyle can lead to considerable financial savings over time, not to mention the immeasurable value of improved quality of life and longevity.

In my last article I asked you a question:

“What would be your number one reason for not being able to adhere to a healthy diet and regular exercise plan?” Now that you have some more information on how living a healthy lifestyle is financially beneficial, my next question is: What is your health and longevity worth to you?

Feel free to email me your answers at Jenniferlynnboltz@gmail.com. I love knowing your “why” to saying yes to health and no to chronic disease. More time with your kids? Skiing into your 80s? Traveling on your 100th birthday? It’s all possible.

More information:

• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "The Benefits of Fruits & Vegetables." Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Nutrition Source. (https://www. hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/whatshould-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "The Link Between Nutrition and Physical Activity." CDC, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. (https:// www.cdc.gov/nutrition/index.html)

• The World Bank. "How Does Health Impact Development?" The World Bank. (https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/ health/overview)

• National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. "Health and Economic Costs of Chronic Diseases." CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (https:// www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/costs/ index.htm)

...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC.

JENNIFER BOLTZ HARVEY

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SUBSURFACE SONGS

Reef protection highlights Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival

Aone-of-a-kind undersea concert spotlighted reef protection Saturday while entertaining divers and snorkelers in Florida Keys waters -- home to the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef.

The 39th annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival was held at Looe (pronounced Lou) Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary south of Big Pine Key. The sanctuary protects the waters surrounding the entire Keys island chain.

Designed to encourage environmentally responsible diving and preservation of the Keys’ coral reef, the event was presented by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce and staged by US1 Radio 104.1 FM.

Music broadcast by the radio station was piped underwater via speakers suspended beneath boats that were positioned above the reef. Several hundred divers and snorkelers listened to the “sub-sea soundtrack” as they explored Looe Key’s colorful realm of tropical fish, coral formations and other marine life.

The ocean-inspired playlist included the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” Jimmy Buffett’s “Fins” and the soundtracks from films “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Little Mermaid.”

Several mermaids -- or at least divers dressed as the mythical lovelies -- entertained attendees beneath the sea, dancing and pretending to play their own tunes on underwater instruments.

While the festival offered a unique experience, its primary purpose was to inform participants about eco-conscious diving practices and ways they can help protect the Keys’ reef ecosystem. The broadcast featured public service diver awareness messages about how to enjoy the reef responsibly while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

— Contributed

Kelly Angel, left, and Kara Norman rock the guitar and trumpet.

Mermaid Donna Whitney serenades divers on the harp.

Kristen Livengood takes on the task of lead vocalist.

Mermaid Tamara Bredova strums the ukulele.

Photos by FRAZIER NIVENS/Florida Keys News Bureau

T H I S W EE K

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

I was in shock when I saw that the city put on the agenda as a “consent item” Vestcor’s request to waive the permit fees on their Coco Plum project.

I was equally shocked when the council vote was 3-2 to refuse the request and not 5-0. Vestcor is a for-profit enterprise, and the last thing the city needs to be doing is asking the local taxpayers to use their taxes to subsidize a for-profit development. Those requests should be reserved for nonprofit organizations! Shame on the city for adding this to the agenda as a “consent item” and hats off to council members Smith, Matlock and Still for standing up for our taxpayers and voting against such a request. It would be a waste of our good taxpayers’ money!

I also find it interesting that Vestcor’s lawyer, Bart Smith, also represents the city of Marathon. That arrangement seems strange. Perhaps the new council should look into the arrangement.

Kudos to councilman Jeff Smith. Jeff has echoed my statement that the workshops should be formalized so council members can communicate with each other in coming up with solutions and ideas instead of city officials controlling the discussions. This month’s workshop is earmarked for budget discussions. If you want to find out how the city is spending your tax dollars you should attend. You might find yourself surprised at what you learn.

Sincerely,

James M. Leonard

SHELF HELP

Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.

What: “Love, Theoretically” by Ali

Hazelwood

Why: Romance has developed a near-infinite number of subgenres (Amish! Dinosaurs! Shifters!). My favorite might be STEMinist – books where our heroine is also a science, technology, engineering and/or math nerd. No one is doing that better than Ali Hazelwood (a neuroscientist herself in real life) and her third full-length novel is her best yet. Elsie has a doctorate in physics and is scraping along as an adjunct professor at three different colleges. Jack is a professor at MIT, where she’s applying for a job. Naturally, they hate each other – especially since Elsie is fake-dating his brother as a side gig. If enemies-to-lovers with a dash of fake dating are tropes you like, this book does them exceedingly well. Along with hilarious emails from Elsie’s students, a lot of shade about academic politics and some hard truths about family dynamics.

Where: This is available as a print book and e-book from the Monroe County Public Library system.

How: You can request books online by logging in to www.keyslibraries.org and get e-books and e-audiobooks 24/7 at www.estuff. keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org

Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager

JUST THE TIPS FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS…

The Edwards family has been fishing with Noreaster for many years now and recently had a great mahi and mangrove snapper trip on the Noreaster 2 with captain Mike Nealis. CONTRIBUTED

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

I’m happy to report that the fishing is pretty darn good right now.

Within the last week or so the mangrove snapper have started to bite in the daytime on the reef, where they are gathered to spawn. Tuna at the humps has been consistent to say the least, good numbers of nice-size mahi are pouring through, and the super strong 3- to 4-knot current that has made it difficult to deep drop has slowed to a more reasonable and fishable 1.5 to 2.5. What’s not to love?

Masses of mangrove snapper are ganged up on certain locations on the reef right now in 30 to 70 feet of water to spawn. Usually a crowd of boats will give away one of these locations, but that doesn’t mean they’re not anywhere else. Do some searching with that bottom machine and pull that anchor a few times looking for them. Chum heavy, and you’ll know within 15 minutes if they’re there.

Use enough weight to reach bottom with just about any reasonably-sized live bait or cut bait and you should get a bite. They’re feeding aggressively. Please be reasonable in the amount of fish you take. It’s not an unlimited resource. We abide by the state five-fish-per-person limit. A jig head, knocker or fish finder rig with 30-pound leader should do it.

As far as the mahi, there are LOTS of little chickens out there, so just keep looking. The nicer fish have been a little further, about 15 to 25 miles out. The birds are on them. Even some masses of birds that would initially seem like they were on skipjacks turned out to be circling bunches of dolphin.

Troll through the school and hook one up, then slow down and leave that fish about 50 feet from the boat. More will come. With the fishing as good as it is, don’t measure any fish. If it’s even close to not being legal, shake it loose with your de-hooker. Again, here we like to abide by the five-fish-per-person state limit.

The current was perfect out there on Sunday for deep dropping, so give those mahi a break, grab a sandwich, and send a rig down. When scouting I like to make long drifts if possible – there have been plenty of times where I’ve hooked a fish on what seemed like nothing on the bottom machine. You just never know!

CAPT. NICK BORRACCINO

POWERING A NEW REEF

Decommissioned

FKEC Electric Poles Saved For Artificial Marine Habitat Projects

Some 37 concrete electric utility poles that once stood about 55 feet high and were recently removed from the Sea Oats Beach region in Islamorada, along the Overseas Highway, are destined to be repurposed as new artificial marine habitats off the Keys.

The poles, originally installed in a several-mile line on the ocean side of the highway, once carried the main transmission line for the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative. However, after more than 40 years of use, the harsh marine environment had taken its toll and a replacement and relocation program was in order.

The almost two-year replacement program features new, spun-concrete transmission poles installed on the bay side of the highway. It cost almost $8 million and was 75 percent funded by a FEMA mitigation grant, according to FKEC CEO Scott Newberry.

Meanwhile, the old poles were originally to be ground and trucked to a mainland landfill, but an effort evolved to save them for potential use as artificial reefs. Discussions were initiated among the co-op, Monroe County and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials.

“Florida Keys Electric Cooperative strives to protect and preserve the unique Florida Keys environment in all the projects we undertake,” Newberry said, adding that the co-op contributed $42,550 to the project that it saved from not having to dispose of the old poles. “We are pleased to work with Monroe County to repurpose the transmission poles into new habitat that will benefit marine life and provide a new attraction to residents and visitors alike.”

According to FWC officials, sinking the power poles could take one to three years due to the need for surveying locations and various permits.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary officials have no near-term plans to permit artificial marine habitats in sanctuary waters, according to Superintendent Sarah Fangman.

Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi said that if the county is not able to procure a permit from the sanctuary, there are locations outside sanctuary boundaries that could likely be used with permitting from the Army Corp of Engineers and other agencies.

But Gastesi noted the best part is that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed off on a bill providing $10 million “in nonrecurring funds from general revenue to FWC for the purpose of establishing and implementing a framework for the placement, monitoring and maintenance of artificial habitat in Monroe County.”

“The hardest part of this type of program is getting the money,” Gastesi said. “We have the money.

“Now we need to put a comprehensive artificial reef program together that would go way beyond just the FKEC poles.”

Gastesi said he is communicating with other coastal counties as well as FWC officials for guidance.

The effort to help secure state funds for Monroe County artificial marine habitats was fostered by Robert Spottswood Jr., president of Key Westbased Spottswood Companies.

“We’ve been blessed with the opportunity to establish an artificial reef program in the Keys,” Spottswood said. “This will be of great benefit to our environment, residents and our tourismcentered economy, which is based largely on our surrounding waters.”

Spottswood lauded Florida Sen. Ben Albritton, the senate majority leader, who championed funding for Monroe County.

“What’s really nice is that our legislators understand that our fishery resources are not only important to Monroe County, but they are critical for the rest of the state and nation,” Spottswood said. “Legislators from other parts of the state are listening to local communities and are making a difference.”

Officials at FWC seem eager to assist Monroe County with creating more artificial marine habitats.

“FWC looks forward to working with Keys partners to develop a diverse artificial reef program for Monroe County,” said Keith Mille, the artificial reef program administrator for the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management. “We want to help the Keys carefully identify locations and appropriate materials to achieve multiple objectives that benefit anglers and divers.

“Artificial reefs can maximize ecological benefits that help achieve fisheries management goals,” he said.

Spottswood said the old FKEC power poles, weighing about 20,000 pounds each with dimensions that average two feet by two feet at the base and one by one foot at the top, are worth setting aside for future use.

“We get a couple of benefits,” he said. “They’re expensive to discard and truck them out of the county, but more importantly they can be repurposed to help us.

“It’s a win-win for everyone,” he said.

A Florida Keys Electric Cooperative contractor removes an old transmission pole from the Sea Oats Beach region on Lower Matecumbe Key in Islamorada. ANDY NEWMAN/Contributed

A Florida Keys Electric Cooperative contractor places an old transmission pole on a flatbed trailer in the Sea Oats Beach region on Lower Matecumbe Key in Islamorada.

COMMERCE CORNER

COUNTY COMMISSIONER MICHELLE LINCOLN ELECTED FIRST VICE PRESIDENT OF FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES

On June 30, Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln was elected as the first vice president of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) at the association’s annual conference in Orlando. Commissioners Holly Merrill Raschein and Jim Scholl were also at the conference. Lincoln previously served as second vice president and sits on many policy committees, including Health, Safety, and Justice and Water and Environmental Sustainability.

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“Public service is something I truly enjoy,” said Lincoln. “By continuing to serve on the association’s executive committee, I have the opportunity to assist my community in a unique way by being their representation at a state and national level.”

In addition to her leadership position at FAC, Lincoln holds an Advanced County Commissioner II designation, the highest level of commissioner education offered by the Institute for County Government.

“In recent years, I have seen Commissioner Lincoln step up to the plate for her community,” said Ginger Delegal, FAC executive director. “Observing her determination to be a leader in the association has proven her as an asset to Florida’s 67 counties.”

As first vice president, Lincoln plays a vital role in the association’s advocacy and policy efforts along with representatives from Charlotte, Okeechobee, Pinellas and Seminole counties.

Founded in 1929, FAC has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties and Floridians, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that impact their community.

— Contributed

Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln at the Florida Association of Counties’ annual conference. Lincoln will serve as the association’s second vice president. FAC/Contributed

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32

BRIEFLY Forgotten Felines, Payton’s Promise to host fundraiser

Forgotten Felines and Payton’s Promise Sanctuary will team

up on Sunday, July 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. in a fundraising social to support both organizations’ efforts in aiding dogs and cats in need in the Middle Keys. The event at Brutus Seafood (6950 Overseas Hwy.) will feature hors d’oeuvres prepared by chef Heather MacDonald, a cash bar with specialty cocktails, silent auction items and live music by Anthony Manfredi. Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased by scanning the attached QR code. More information is at Forgotten Felines’ Facebook page or by texting or calling 305942-1553.

Wireless zone to host backpack giveaway for kids

On Sunday, July 30, Wireless Zone in Marathon, located in the Gulfside Village plaza (5800 Overseas Hwy.), will host a backpack giveaway for students of all ages. No purchase at the store is necessary, and backpacks will be distributed while supplies last. For more information, contact the store at 786-920-8074.

City of Marathon, Hapynkeys team up for Color Run event

On Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11 a.m., the city of Marathon’s Parks and Recreation Department will team with Hapynkeys

Running to present a family color run for all ages at the Marathon Community Park. A $25 entry fee per person includes a race shirt, goodie bag, medal, food and drink. A color run is a fun run event where participants are showered with brightly-colored powder or paint at various points along the route, creating a colorful and festive atmosphere. The powders are non-toxic. For additional information, contact Lara at hapynkeys@gmail.com, or contact the Marathon Parks and Recreation Department.

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.

Two men arrested for Fourth of July oil theft

Two Miami-Dade County men were arrested July 4 after they were allegedly caught stealing hundreds of gallons of used cooking oil. Reynier Rivero Gonzalez, 36, of Hialeah, Florida, and Yadriel Luis Zaragoza, 24, of Miami, Florida, were both charged with grand theft. The Sheriff’s Office was notified that two men in an unmarked white van had just siphoned used cooking oil from a holding tank at Herbie’s Bar & Chowder House. The suspects were stopped shortly thereafter. According to the Sheriff’s Office, they smelled of cooking oil and the inside of the van appeared to be covered in oil. There were two 250-gallon containers containing cooking oil and a large pump inside the van. The business owner stated he contracts a company to handle the collection and recycling of the used cooking oil from his kitchen. A representative from the oil company confirmed the suspects were not employed by them and wished to prosecute the theft of approximately 300 gallons of used cooking oil worth approximately $1,290. Anyone who believes they may have been the victim of a similar theft should contact Sheriff’s Office Lt. Nancy Alvarez at 305481-8060.

THE VALUE OF LIVE MUSIC Payment for services received…

One of the recurring themes of a particular online musicians’ forum is the topic of musicians being asked to perform for free. Sometimes it takes the form of a “free audition” at a club where the musician hopes to one day get a paying gig. Sometimes it’s an open mic or jam session where the musician gladly “plays real good for free” for the sheer joy of playing. And sometimes it’s at a benefit event in support of a worthy cause (most working pros I know are glad to donate their time to help a legitimate cause or charity).

And then, there are the more egregious examples of club owners or event organizers (thankfully not here in the Keys) who have no idea of the real value of a live musical performance. The online marketplace Craigslist sometimes features people in search of free musicians, as in this example:

“Need a cellist, violinist, pianist or flutist to play at my wedding ceremony on Aug. 18. The gig will only be about two hours total time. This includes the rehearsal the night before. Please respond as soon as possible. Thank you. Please do not be expecting big bucks for this gig. You will be invited to the rehearsal dinner and the reception as part compensation. Please reply to the Craigslist email above.”

Imagine the brilliant musicians who would likely line up to perform at this gig where the only compensation is dinner with strangers!!! It gets worse…

“Acoustic Musician Wanted for Coffee Shop Gig – Hi! I'm trying to launch an evening music program at the coffee shop I manage. I am looking for someone who would like to play 30-60 minutes of original acoustic music on May 11 starting at 7 p.m. This will be our shop’s test run to earn the approval of neighboring businesses. You will get one free drink and can put out items for sale and a tip jar. We have zero equipment and we don't have a music license so it's important that you only play original acoustic songs. Would be helpful if you were able to do some self-promotion and have Facebook so we can help promote you too! If you are interested, please respond and attach a sound file if you have one. Thanks!”

A musician and recording studio owner posted this wonderful response:

“Seeking Coffee House To Provide Coffee For My Studio!

– Hi! I am trying to launch coffee in my studio and am looking for a coffee shop providing coffee for it. I am looking for a coffee shop that provides me 7 different flavored coffees on the hour, so my clients can make their minds up which one I should stick to. I don't have a kitchen nor any coffee maker, but you can bring what you need and you will get one cup of coffee (the one you bring, your choice of flavor) for free. I will put a tip jar at my studio as well, so my clients can tip you. Would be helpful if you were able to do some self-promotion that you are indeed preparing coffee at my studio and you give us your Facebook site so we can promote you… see we help each other like that! If you're interested, please bring a taste sample to the studio! Thanks!”

There are those who see nothing wrong with asking musicians to perform for free. And there are plenty of (non-professional) musicians who will, just to have a gig. But there is a difference between working as a professional and playing music as an amateur — especially when you’re not getting paid and they only comp you one free drink (or the aforementioned dinner with strangers).

Sadly, there are venues that charge musicians to play — I swear I’m not making this up. Some clubs actually ask bands to pay for the “exposure” that a date at their club would give them. Think of music cities like Los Angeles where a club showcase is worth something. Still, it’s a wretched way for a club to fill its entertainment schedule.

It’s already bad enough that people don’t see value in recorded music any more. God help us if the same happens with live music performance.

— Catch John live every Monday at Boondocks, Wednesdays at Brutus Seafood, and Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com • johnbartus. hearnow.com

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

JOHN BARTUS

SALLY LOUISE FLAGG 1943-2023

Sally Louise Flagg (née Ricker), age 79, of Key Colony Beach, Florida and West Dennis, Massachusetts died on July 3, 2023.

Born in Leominster, Massachusetts on Oct. 2, 1943, Sally was the beloved daughter of the late Thornton M. and Dorothy (née Elliott) Ricker. She graduated from Leominster High School in 1961, attended Framingham State College in Framingham, Massachusetts, and graduated with honors from North Shore Babies and Children’s Hospital with a degree in nursing in Salem, Massachusetts.

On Aug. 20, 1965, four years after their first date, Sally married the love of her life, Philip Flagg of Natick, Massachusetts. Sally worked as a pediatric nurse at Leonard Morse Hospital for three years before she left to take care of their three children.

In 1973, Sally joined her husband as owner and operator of Windy-Lo Nursery and Garden Center in Natick, Massachusetts, until her retirement in 2016.

In her early married life, between juggling family and career, Sally was a Sunday school teacher and active member of the Wellesley Congregational (Village) Church and the Florence Crittenton League, a home for unwed mothers. Later, after moving to Key Colony Beach, she became very involved with the women’s auxiliary of the Marathon Shrine Club and the Kirk of the Keys Church.

Sally’s special place was their home in West Dennis on Kelley’s Pond. She spent summers there as a child, and continued to enjoy it with her children and grandchildren.

Everywhere she lived, Sally loved playing tennis and bridge, reading and, most importantly, being with family and friends. She was a witty and fun fashionista who loved to entertain. Always dressed to the nines, she was gracious and beautiful inside and out – the epitome of a lady.

She leaves behind her adoring husband of 58 years, Phil; her daughter, Heidi Flagg; her daughter, Kathlyn (Flagg) Fini; her son-in-law, James Fini; and her two grandchildren, Marcus Fini and Emma Fini.

She was predeceased by her son, officer Philip J. Flagg, and her brother, Wesley A. Ricker.

A memorial service will be held in the chapel at the Wellesley Village Church, 2 Central Street, Wellesley MA, 02482 at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 29. Reception at the church to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (ASPCA) at P.O Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929 or to the Philip J. Flagg Scholarship Fund, Randolph-Macon Academy, 200 Academy Dr., Front Royal, VA 22630.

ELAINE FLORENCE BRENNER 1941-2023

Elaine Florence (Ruhwedel) Brenner, 81, of Duck Key, passed away of natural causes on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

She was born on December 4, 1941, in Queens, NY to the late Conrad and Florence (Chichester) Ruhwedel.

After marrying her husband Wayne Brenner, they were located in Texas and Delaware while Wayne was serving as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. He retired from the service and landed home in Long Island, NY. They then moved to Florida to expand the family insurance business.

Elaine and Wayne and their two daughters moved to Cooper City, FL from New York to open a southern office under the same name – Brenner Agency – in Hollywood, FL to service their insurance customers who had homes in Florida and New York.

They built Seminole Plaza, where the insurance business was located. Its location was right across the street from the Seminole Farmer's Market, currently the Hard Rock Casino. The Seminole Plaza is still in existence today.

When the family decided that Fort Lauderdale was too busy for them, they decided it was time to move south. The Florida Keys offered the quiet respite and less-busy atmosphere they craved, and they moved to Duck Key in 1976. Elaine and Wayne had their real estate licenses and worked for Sun and Surf Realty, who had 10 offices Keys-wide reaching from Key Largo to Key West.

Elaine and her husband took over the floor time of the Duck Key office and eventually opened their own real estate office called Brenner Realty in Duck Key in 1977. Brenner Realty was eventually renamed Duck Key Realty when her daughter Kristen took over the business in 1989.

The Brenners spent many summers on the boat lobstering and fishing. They attended many Marathon High School volleyball and softball games all over the state, rooting for their girls and their teams all the way to regional and state championships in those sports in 1983 and ‘84.

As a breast cancer survivor, Elaine was an active participant in the Relay for Life events in Marathon, with many many miles walked in the 1990s and many dollars raised for the cause.

In her retirement, Elaine enjoyed spending the summers at their home on the remote rocky coast of Harborside, Maine on the Penobscot Bay at Cape Rosier and enjoyed cooking, gardening, stamp collecting and playing the organ.

Elaine attended Martin Luther Chapel in Marathon. She was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, a friend to many, and so loved by her family. She will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Wayne Edward Brenner; sister, Cora Pretsch; and brother, Richard Ruhwedel.

She is survived by her daughters, Kristen E. Brenner-Currier (Chuck) of Duck Key, FL and Sherry Wentzel (Mick), of Mooresville, NC; grandchildren Elliott Kreizman of Key Colony Beach, FL, Grant Wentzel (Kelly) of Murfreesboro, TN and Kevin Wentzel (Lindsay) of Clemmons, NC; and great grandson Landon Wetzel of Clemmons, NC.

Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the American Cancer Society.

Covering All The Keys From Key Largo To Key West

BENDER

7-year-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: A fun fact about me is I’m originally from Korea.

Turnoffs: These people say I need to “diet.”

SWIPE RIGHT

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.

SASHA

5.5-year-old female mixed breed.

Looking for: Fun, water, toys and car rides.

Turnoffs: Cats. ‘Nuff said.

SQUIRT

3-month-old female domestic shorthair. Looking for: Reformed street kitten looking for cuddles.

Turnoffs: Nothing yet.

Gabriela Tejeda drove down a cypress-lined side road in Everglades National Park. The newly minted National Geographic Society 2023 Young Explorer was on one of her regular jaunts to the park to take photos and video to document the scenes for her social media — 10,000 followers and counting.

“The water levels are high,” she said, looking into the clusters of trees. “It brings out the reds and golds — wow, an owl. Two owls!”

She suddenly skidded her car to a halt.

“I saw them fly,” she exclaimed. “I never thought I’d see them in action.”

Tejeda grabbed her camera and, slowly and gingerly, got out of the car so as not to scare away the pair of barred owls, which had settled onto tree branches opposite the road from each other. She swiped away dive-bombing mosquitos while snapping photos of the squat, puffy creatures, which were giving her the side eye.

“I think one is male and one is female,” she said. “See? One of them is bigger.”

Yes, we see. Keys Weekly was along for this romp in the wilderness, and now we couldn’t help but be stoked too. And that is the allure of Tejeda — her enthusiasm for nature is infectious. Stomping around in a swamp while battling heat and insects? Sure, count us in!

And the world is catching on. Over the past couple of years, the 25-yearold Tavernier resident, content creator and wildlife storyteller (and former Keys Weekly staffer) has racked up a resume that could impress nature documentarian David Attenborough. She received a National Geographic Society Young Explorer designation in May 2023. Her 2021 wordand-photography project called “Fire & Water” documented prescribed burns in the Everglades and was sponsored by National Geographic, The Nature Conservancy and Paragon One. She’s been appointed as a Jackson Wild 2022 Summit Fellow and Jackson Wild 2023 LatinX Film Lab Fellow, during which she covered marine conservation issues; and, as a cherry on the sundae, in November 2022, her video of barred owls cozily nestled together in a tree went viral and was seen by over one million viewers.

“To have people be like, ‘You’re great at this,’ and also love to do it, that’s lucky,” she said. “How often is it that you can turn that passion into impactful work?”

Her latest project is an immersive experience for the Everglades that she

ENTRANCED WITH THE WILD

Tavernier Resident & National Geographic Young Explorer Tells Innovative Nature Stories

The creature that launched Tejeda’s viral video: a barred owl. GABRIELA TEJEDA/Contributed

on her “Fire & Water: An Ecological Love Story” project.

“Gabby provides a valuable service,” Gue said. “The public don’t realize how fire is a critical piece to ecosystems to help them remain healthy. People like Gabby help us tell that story in a way to push the communities in the right direction to find a balance with nature. It’s more digestible than the scientific jargon. … Also, she doesn’t have an inside track to Nat Geo like other people I know. She’s done all this all on her own. That says a lot about her.”

CONTRIBUTED

has been pitching to outlets such as Zoo Miami.

“Think ‘Van Gogh Exhibit’ (the immersive experience in Miami) meets Disney. It’s physical props and augmented reality so you can blast it on a wall and really evoke the feeling you get when you walk through the Everglades.”

Tejeda’s colleagues are applauding her creativity.

“I’ve had the privilege of being ‘in the backroom’ with her on several projects, and it is fun and exciting to think about how she will interpret and represent our natural world for all to access,” said Tiffany T.V. Duong, who is an environmental advocate and writer for such venues as Keys Weekly, where she met Tejeda as a staffer. “She’s self-aware, up to any challenge, and boatloads of fun. I mean, who else could make owls go viral and romanticize a swamp?”

Tejeda worked with Michael Gue, South Florida prescribed fire manager,

Tejeda was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Athens, Georgia, where she “spent hours outside in rocks and mud.” She graduated from Boston College, and through a marine conservation internship with REEF, found her way to the Florida Keys. And she has stayed after becoming entranced with the wilds of South Florida.

Her goal for now is to continue to pitch her projects, work her side hustles in nonprofit marketing and as a Florida Keys Brewing Company bartender — and keep on exploring the Everglades.

Meanwhile, back on that Everglades road trip, she pointed out more wildlife through the car window. “Look at that anhinga!” she said. “Look at that spearshaped beak. I feel like I’m in Jurassic Park.”

With Tejeda, we silently watched the bird cut through the sky. And we felt like we were in Jurassic Park too.

Follow Tejeda on Instagram @gabtejeda or at gabtejeda.weebly.com.

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

C T WITH

CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

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

305.743.0844 EMPLOYMENT

Place your Employment Ad here for $25.00/week for up to five 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

LOT FOR SALE

Oceanside-Lot with building permit in Tavernier $399K OBO 305-933-9594 OwnerAgent [3% to selling office]

3 yr. old soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, neutered male, good jogger, trained. AKC registered. Price negotiable. 505-699-4199

YARD SALES

Place your YARD SALE Ad here for $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today AND SELL YOUR STUFF!

NOW HIRING FT FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT MARATHON, FL

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

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

Dolphin Research Center has Full-Time/Part-Time, Permanent/Temporary Gift Shop positions that involve direct contact with our visitors & is another opportunity to ensure they leave DRC with a happy & positive experience. Some of the duties involve; being familiar with all merchandise in the selling area, suggest specific merchandise & offer product advise. Walk around the grounds and see dolphins every day.

Job description available at www.dolphins.org. E-mail your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

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

BOAT RENTAL STAFF

FLEXIBLE HOURS

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

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

We are looking for a hard-working, self-motivated salesman in Islamorada with previous and demonstratable sales experience.

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU: oversleep, have no alarm clock, have no car, have court often, have no baby sitter every day, have to give friends rides to work later than we start work, experience flat tires every week, have to hold on to cell phone all day, need to go on a vacation in the next three weeks, or become an expert at your job with no need to learn or take advice after the first day.

Should not expect to receive Purple Ribbons or Gold Stars for showing up.

If this is you, please send your resume to: brandon@oceanrecruiting.com

JOIN OUR TEAM !

PEDRO FALCON CONTRACTORS INC.

WE ARE HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

• Carpenters • Laborers

• Electricians & Electricians helpers

• Supervisor(s)

Email resume to mari@pedrofalcon.com or call our office at 305-872-2200. Competitive pay & benefits. Contact us for more information. O ffice located in Big Pine Key.

P.F.C, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Section 3 Candidates are encouraged to apply.

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

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

T&D ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

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

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

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

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

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

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

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

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

Please contact April at 305.407.3262 or april@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com

SUDOKU SOLUTION

TRUCK DRIVERS CDL CLASS A

We are hiring CDL CLASS A Drivers, Monday-Friday with overtime available. Hazmat not needed.

Apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc.

129 Toppino Industrial Dr., Key West (ask for Cheryl) 305-296-5606 ext 126.

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

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

Volunteer Resources

Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Media

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

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

Accounting Director (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

58901 O/S

enter your availability.

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED

Experience is required. Must have a valid driver’s license. We offer 401K, medical insurance, paid holidays and paid vacation. Positions available in Key West and Marathon. 305-292-3369

MARATHON’S ONLY ROOFTOP LOUNGE IS Small plates, local specials, and. rotating entrees to share and pair. Enjoy an interesting wine & cocktail menu.

COCKTAIL BAR: OPEN 7 DAYS - 5 TO 10 PM

KITCHEN:

MON THROUGH THURS - 5 TO 9 PM

SATURDAY A & SUNDAY - 5 TO 10 PM

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS - 5 TO 7 PM

$9 Wagyu Slider with Fries

$8 Wells & Wines

$4 Budlight & Buenaveza