Marathon Weekly 23-0831

MERMAID’S OASIS

This ground level, waterfront one bedroom, one and a half bathroom condo is located in Marathon at Coco Plum Terraces (assigned deep water 40 ft boat slip and 7 day weekly rentals permitted). Recently renovated from top to bottom, every inch of this residence is sure to impress - stunning brand new kitchen with quartz countertops, new stainless steel appliances, nautical blue wood cabinets, tumbled marble 'mermaid scale' backsplash, new wide plank luxury vinyl flooring throughout, new electrical panel, new HVAC and duct work, plus new impact window and slider. Conveys fully furnished with a stocked kitchen, and new linens - ideally ready for a new owner to live in or utilize as an AirBnb/VRBO short term rental property. Numerous thoughtful details throughout, even a washer-dryer hook up in the bedroom storage. Direct Atlantic Ocean access with gulf access close by and water/power at the boat slips; truly... nothing compares to “Mermaid’s Oasis”.

MARATHON | $539,000 | Listing ID: 606062

$7.22 B

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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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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Americans aren’t afraid to back up sports smack talk with their hard-earned cash. With fantasy football season just around the corner, the Fantasy Sports and Gaming Association (FSGA), which represents more than 150 companies across the USA and Canada, estimates the fantasy sports market at a staggering U.S. $7.22 billion annually.

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN GPS THEFTS LEAD TO CRIME RING BUST

M ULTIPLE ARRESTS MADE IN BURGLARY SPREE IN THE KEYS & 16 FLORIDA COUNTIES

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Arash of GPS marine thefts — ranging in the millions of dollars and spanning the Florida Keys and 16 other counties in the state — led the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to bust a large, organized crime ring on Aug. 23.

Ten out-of-county suspects linked to the burglaries in the Upper Keys and as far south as Duck Key dating back to March were taken into custody in the early morning on Aug. 23, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay announced at a press conference in Tavernier. Roughly 70 law enforcement officials rounded up the subjects throughout Miami-Dade County. Ramsay said law enforcement was working to arrest one more suspect.

Arrests made by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the MiamiDade Marine Theft Task Force took roughly two-and-a-half hours, Ramsay said. Together, the suspects face 122 charges stemming from roughly $2.5 million in stolen Garmin GPS systems. Ramsay said other charges are forthcoming from other counties.

“All 11 men resided in Miami-Dade County,” Ramsay said. “This was the hub of this organized crime ring where they were working from and going out.”

Ramsay said the suspects targeted high-end boats located in marinas and storage yards throughout the Keys and other sections of the east and west coasts of Florida. The bulk of the thefts involved Garmin GPS systems — hence the name “Operation Garmin” — as well as stereo components.

Flanked by top law enforcement officials at the press conference, Ramsay said the investigation began in May when reports of stolen Garmin GPS systems poured into the sheriff’s office. By mid-May, detectives and investigators from Monroe and Miami-Dade counties identified a person of interest

Ten of the 11 men accused in the stealing of Garmin GPS systems. MCSO/Contributed

and began observing the suspects’ vehicles connected to the Keys marine thefts in Miami.

Ramsay said surveillance teams saw three suspects mobilizing around midnight on May 18, traveling from the Turnpike to the state’s west coast. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office was contacted regarding the suspects. Surveillance teams were deployed to follow them to a marina. Officers reportedly saw three individuals breaking into a marina and burglarizing several vessels, ultimately coming out with a handful of GPS systems.

After the vehicle left the marina, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop. Ramsay said the top two ring

leaders, Juan Felipe Villegas, 19, and Lazaro Gonzalez Munoz, 22, were in the car with a large number of GPS systems. A warrant was secured to search the vehicle, which led to the discovery of many more marine electronics. The suspects’ cell phones were seized.

Ramsay said cell phone data collected by law enforcement led to the discovery of some 194 burglary target areas spanning 17 Florida counties. Conversations among suspects detailed which areas in the state were hot, such as the Keys, and which were medium-risk targets.

“Anything red don’t go,” reads one continued on page 36

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay discusses ‘Operation Garmin,’ a multi-agency bust that netted 10 suspects accused of stealing marine electronics, during an Aug. 23 press conference in Tavernier. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

The Marathon Dolphins football team, led by Tanner Ross, left, and Carlos Lezcano, will play in Dolphin Country for the first time this Friday night. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

FEMA LETTER TO MONROE COUNTY LISTS 1,913 STRUCTURES ON NATIONAL VIOLATION TRACKER

NONCOMPLIANT PROPERTIES COULD FORFEIT 35% FLOOD INSURANCE DISCOUNT

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Monroe County remains entrenched in a battle to remove itself from FEMA’s “naughty list” and improve its standing with the agency. The next item in that effort is a property list nearly 2,000 items long, according to a letter received from FEMA earlier this month.

A letter received on Aug. 7 detailed FEMA’s findings following a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Assistance Visit (CAV) to determine the effectiveness of Monroe County’s floodplain management program, public information officer Kristen Livengood said in a press release.

A requirement for participation in the NFIP, the visit identified no problems with the county’s floodplain ordinance or recent violations of floodplain regulations, the release said. However, it continued, more than 1,900 structures throughout unincorporated Monroe County that are a foot or more below base flood elevation are currently listed on the National Violation Tracker (NVT) as structures with potential compliance issues.

Concerns about the NVT list were brought to the forefront when Monroe County officials approached FEMA about the feasibility of altering certain components of its floodplain ordinance – among other items, eliminating a restriction that caps downstairs enclosures at a maximum of 299 square feet, rather than the entire footprint of the stilted home.

The county has been under FEMA’s microscope since 2002, when it entered into a remedial plan after – in the words of a notice to Monroe County policyholders from Feb. 27 of that year – “deficiencies in the administration and enforcement of the County’s floodplain management ordinance that have resulted in a large number of noncompliant enclosures being constructed under elevated buildings in special flood hazard areas.”

Items such as the 299-square-foot restriction and an enclosure inspection procedure, the latter of which has drawn the ire of real estate professionals in recent months, were part of the 2002 remedial plan and a subsequent addition in 2003, respectively. As Marathon and Islamorada incorporated in the midst of the county’s back-and-forth with FEMA, establishing new municipalities without a documented history of violations in the process, both were left out of the remedial plan.

A meeting earlier this summer between FEMA and Monroe County officials to discuss problematic items found a tepid response on FEMA’s end, County Attorney Bob Shillinger told the county commission at its July 19 meeting.

A flood insurance premium discount of 35% (circled), obtained through unincorporated Monroe County’s Class 3 rating within the NFIP’s Community Rating System, could drop to zero for below-flood structures throughout the county on a National Violation Tracker list. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County

“(FEMA) basically said, ‘What proposals do you have to offer as part of a revised remedial plan that would give us comfort that the county would not backslide into the position that we were in decades ago,’” he said, “when, quite frankly, we were paying lip service to these regulations. We found ourselves in hot water.”

“Per FEMA’s request, on Aug. 17, Monroe County submitted a plan … to research structures on the NVT list,” Livengood’s release said. According to County Building Official and Floodplain Administrator Rick Griffin, the 1,900-property NVT list “can likely be substantially reduced” by submitting documentation and information to show compliant structures – whether they’ve been floodproofed, found in compliance with previous inspections, issued a Letter of Map Change, demolished, or located outside the county’s jurisdiction.

The county expects to submit a more detailed action plan to FEMA to address the noncompliant structures by the end of September, Livengood’s release said. But in the meantime, owners of properties on the NVT list may not benefit from the county’s flood insurance discounts through its participation in the Community Rating System (CRS), a program created to encourage responsible floodplain management practices through insurance discounts.

On a scale of 1-10, with lower numbers favorable, Monroe County is currently a Class 3 within the CRS, corresponding to a 35% discount on insurance premiums. But where property owners may expect to see this discount on their bills, owners of properties on the NVT list may see a zero instead, Livengood’s release said.

“If you see a zero, contact your insurance agent for more details on why a lesser discount is shown,” it continued. “The county is still developing the next steps, including seeing which properties can be removed from the list that are not in violation. Details for properties that may be in violation will be decided in the future.”

WILDLIFE OFFICERS NAB ALLEGED LOBSTER TRAP ROBBERS

Three men are facing a slew of charges for reportedly robbing a lobster trap and attempting to flee state wildlife officers in Layton on Aug. 22.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation (FWC) officers said they saw three men on a boat near a lobster trap line. Officers said they saw a diver handing lobsters to individuals on the boat as they moved along the trap line. The diver returned to the vessel after clearing all traps and began riding back to the dock, officers said.

FWC officers attempted to stop the vessel, but the operator sped up. When they reached the entrance to their destination, they dumped the stolen lobster into the basin before returning to the boat dock, where they were arrested: Enrique Airado, 67, of Cutler Bay; Luis M. Airado, 61, of Cutler Bay; and Carlos L. Castillo, 63, of Hollywood.

“FWC Aviation spotted and investigated this incident,” said FWC Capt. David Dipre. “The aircraft is our eyes on the water. It can be in places our officers cannot go in boats without being observed and provides an advantage our officers in boats do not have.”

The three men face several felony charges, including trap molesting, fleeing and eluding law enforcement and tampering with evidence. They also face a misdemeanor count of interfering with FWC officers.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers examine lobsters allegedly stolen by three men from a trap that didn’t belong to them on Aug. 22 in Layton. FWC/ Contributed

City Council Luis Gonzalez, Mayor

Robyn Still, Vice-Mayor

, City Manager George Garrett City Attorney

Lynn Landry, Councilmember

Jeff Smith, Councilmember

Kenny

Matlock, Councilmember

Steve Williams

City Clerk

Diane Clavier, CMC

SUBJECT:

City Council Budget and Regular Meeting: 9/12/23 5:05pm Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Code Compliance Hearing 9/21/23 2:00pm Council Chambers, 99805 Overseas Hwy.

City Council Special Call Budget Meeting 9/21/23 5:05pm Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at any meeting or workshop noted herein, he or she will need a record of the proceedings and for such purposes he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. The City of Marathon complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a disabled person requiring special accommodations or assistance, please notify the City ADA Coordinator at (305) 289-5022 of such need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance. Call with your Questions 305.743.2300

Karen Farley-Wilkinson, Bill Wilkinson

OPEN HOUSES: SEPTEMBER 2

MARATHON | $2,449,999

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 boat lift 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 accommo dation for family and guests.

MARATHON | $1,049,000

Modern sanctuary with Endless Ocean Views! Beautifully updated, with an airy open concept and loads of natural light. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, sleek quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, and abundant storage. Entertain guests and dine al fresco

SUGARLOAF KEY | $869,900

Spacious Sugarloaf Key sanctuary! This massive home boasts an open concept living area that blends seamlessly with a sizeable kitchen, featuring granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and large island. Enjoy gorgeous views of the immaculate lawn from the screened-in porch. The oversized lot has loads of space for a pool, storage, or parking, and o ers peace and tranquility in an established neighborhood but just minutes to Key West.

305 50TH STREET OCEAN MARATHON | $975,000

Canal front Marathon home on a sizeable lot with ample outdoor living space, jet ski lift, chickee hut, and direct no-bridge access to Boot Key Harbor and the Atlantic. Incredible investment opportunity currently being operated as a vacation rental. Inside boasts an openconcept living space blending seamlessly into the well-equipped kitchen featuring Miele appliances and abundant cabinetry, and a large, open back porch overlooks the yard and canal below.

Modern masterpiece with enviable amenities and open water views, in proximity to Sombrero Beach and exciting Marathon, nestled within the confines of gated Ocean East neighborhood. This home o ers superb Keys living with sparkling pool, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, outdoor shower, abundant poolside seating, 12K boat lift, and great boating! Inside, the spacious main living area lends itself to entertaining with an expertly appointed chef’s kitchen featuring top-of-the-line Jenn-Air appliances.

NO NAME KEY | $1,329,000

Endless Gulf Views at this spacious, custom-built home on No Name Key o ering abundant privacy and incomparable deep draft boating! This renovated home boasts an open-concept floorplan, low-maintenance engineered hardwood flooring and two upstairs screened-in balconies with an open wrap-around deck. Approximately 35 feet of composite dock, with 50, 30, and 15 amp service, and located on a 60' wide sailboat canal with easy Gulf and Ocean access!

6575 OCEANVIEW AVENUE

800 CAMINO REAL

257 VENETIAN WAY

14 OCEAN EAST MARATHON | $3,999,999

2083 BAHIA SHORES ROAD

This stunning 5 acres piece of land is a prime coastal jewel surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico. The house on the lot is not livable and is under the 50% rule. Start fresh and build your dream estate with a breathtaking open water view! This property is zoned conservation native area which allows for 1 unit per 4 acres. This land is also neighboring Curry Hammock State Park and offers great privacy. 36.82 ACRES ENVIRONMENTALLY SENS/BAY BOTTOM ALSO CONVEY WITH THIS SALE.

PROPERTY HAS A GATE. DO NOT GO INTO THE BUILDING, IT IS UNSAFE!

Please contact Paulette or Jass for showing instructions.

Don'tmention the R"word

Dr.Fred TroxelJr., DDS

Unlessyouaretalkingabout RESTORATIVEDENTISTRY whichiswhatILOVEand do.I'vespent45years practicingonBigPineKey developingmyskillsin complexrestorativeand estheticdentistryand developingaworldclass team.Iwouldlovetohelp YOUgetthesmileyoudesire andthehealthyfunction youdeserve.

56185 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY | MARATHON

5309 OCEAN #9 | MARATHON 2BD/1BA | 776 SF MSL#605881 | $379,000

106 AVENUE K | MARATHON Vacant land with active building permit 12,100 SF | MLS#605310 | $499,000

120 9TH ST | KEY COLONY BEACH 3BD/2BA | 1,599 SF MLS#606219 | $849,000

1288 91ST CT | MARATHON 3BD/2BA | 1,397 SF MLS#605554 | $1,000,000

FLORIDA BUSINESSES FACE NEW IMMIGRATION RULES

THOSE WITH 25 OR MORE EMPLOYEES MUST E -VERIFY WORKERS’ STATUS

mandy@keysweekly.com

Anew anti-immigration bill in Florida that took effect July 1 is affecting local restaurants and other businesses, and was opposed by the statewide Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.

When the Key West chapter of FRLA met on Aug. 24 at Opal Key Resort & Marina, chapter leaders, including local restaurateur Bill Lay, reminded members that Senate Bill 1718 requires all private employers in Florida with 25 or more employees to use EVerify, the federal online immigration database used to confirm whether someone is eligible to work in the U.S.

FRLA opposed Senate Bill 1718, “and now FRLA wants to hear from you about the impacts of the new bill on your business and your employees,” Lay said. “We are working behind the scenes. We have a labor issue in Florida and we have a labor problem.”

Many employers in Florida say the new law and its requirements will only exacerbate the state’s labor shortage, as immigrant workers — including those who are here legally, but may be living with or married to those who are not — are afraid to work in Florida.

Opponents of SB 1718 point out that immigration is a federal, not a state issue.

Even the state’s Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a Republican, acknowledged that the immigration law pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis during his campaign for the presidency could have “unintended consequences” for the state’s construction and tourism industries.

“I do think that there are unintended consequences in our construction industry, in our hotel, restaurant lodging association,” Simpson was quoted in an Aug. 4 article in Florida Trend.

“And I don’t know that we fully understand the downside to the new law. I know the intentions were good. But, again, this is a federal issue that needs to be resolved at the federal level.”

The nonprofit Florida Policy Institute estimates that without undocumented workers, some of Florida’s most labor-intensive industries — agriculture, hospitality and construction — could lose 10% of their already strapped workforce.

“That could lead to a drop of $12.6 billion in Florida’s Gross Domestic Product in a single year — about 1.1% — which would, in turn, cut workers’ spending power and reduce state and local tax revenue,” according to a May article by NPR.

“But the most worrisome measures — for businesses and undocumented immigrants alike — are the host of penalties for those who violate new employment mandates,” the NPR article states.

Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity will be responsible for enforcing the E-Verify requirement, and DeSantis has touted new, harsh penalties for employers who violate it.

A graphic on the governor’s office website states that employers who fail to use E-Verify could be fined $1,000 a day following multiple violations. For workers, it will be a felony to use a false ID to get a job.

Critics of the law point out that the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, which is tasked with enforcing the E-Verify requirements, “does not have a robust enforcement section and creating new positions to oversee the new provisions would result in significant costs to the state,” the Florida Policy Institute states.

Despite ongoing court challenges to some sections of the new law, it is in effect as of July 1 and the potential penalties for violations will begin in July 2024.

FWC OFFICERS ARREST TWO FOR DERELICT VESSELS

Charges stem from problematic Boot Key Harbor

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers arrested two men on charges related to derelict vessels. Bradley L. Cochran, 35, of Marathon was arrested on Aug. 16, and Jonathan F. Rayha, 53, of Marathon was arrested on Aug. 22. Both men were charged with one first-degree misdemeanor pertaining to derelict vessels in two separate incidents.

Two FWC officers inspected Cochran’s vessel while on patrol near Boot Harbor Key in Marathon. Cochran’s vessel, already allegedly identified by one officer as derelict earlier in the month, still had no means of propulsion or steerage. He was placed under arrest and transported to a local jail.

Officers later responded to a mostly sunken vessel owned by Rayha in Boot Key Harbor on Aug. 21. The officers said they observed fuel leaking into the harbor from the vessel and notified the United States Coast Guard to conduct a cleanup. The following day, after relocating the vessel from the mooring field, Rayha was arrested and transported to a local jail.

Derelict vessels and vessels at risk of becoming derelict (at-risk vessels) can cause property damage, pose threats to public safety, destroy valuable seagrass resources and endanger marine life. They can also pose a hazard when they block navigable waterways.

Removing at-risk or public nuisance vessels before they become derelict will save Florida taxpayers money. Removal costs for vessels still floating are significantly lower than costs for removing sunken derelict vessels.

FWC created the voluntary Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) to help owners dispose of unwanted at-risk vessels before they become derelict. This prevents the legal ramifications of having a derelict vessel and protects Florida’s marine resources and its boating public.

To qualify for VTIP, a vessel must be floating on waters of the state and cannot be already determined derelict by law enforcement. The owner must have at least one written at-risk warning or citation and possess a clear title to the vessel.

More information is at www.myfwc.com/vtip or from the FWC Boating and Waterways Division at 850-4885600. For more information regarding derelict and at-risk vessels, visit myfwc. com/boating and click on “Waterway Management” and “Derelict Vessel Removal Program.”

Derelict vessels, like this one photographed in Boot Key Harbor in late 2021, are a costly eyesore that can have significant environmental impacts and legal ramifications for negligent owners. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Jonathan Rayha. MCSO/Contributed

MANDY MILES

Bradley Cochran.

KEY WEST NATIVE KILLED IN SHOOTING IN JACKSONVILLE

ANGELA MICHELLE CARR

WAS 1 OF 3 VICTIMS OF RACIST SHOOTER

‘THAT IS A TASTY BURGER’

Key West native Angela Michelle Carr, 52, was killed in the Aug. 27 racist shooting in Jacksonville, Florida. CONTRIBUTED

GWEN FILOSA

gwen@keysweekly.com

A52-year-old woman who was born and raised in Key West was one of three black people fatally shot Saturday at a Dollar General Store in Jacksonville, Florida, by a white man on a racist rampage, according to a family member.

Angela Michelle Carr was the first victim murdered at 1:08 p.m. Saturday by the shooter, who was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a handgun, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said in a press conference Sunday.

Kawana Staffney-Ashe, of Key West, said Carr was her cousin, and that she learned of the murder from her family members before authorities released the victims’ names.

“She never bothered anybody,” Staffney-Ashe said. “She didn’t deserve this, just because of the color of her skin.”

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters holds a press conference following the Aug. 27 mass shooting in which a racist gunman shot and killed three black people before shooting himself at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida.

JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF’S OFFICE/ Contributed

Carr, known as Angie to her family and friends, left Key West years ago. Staffney-Ashe said she hasn’t seen her since the early 1990s.

Carr was shot while parked in her car outside the store. Then the killer entered the store and murdered Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr., 19, and Jerrald Gallion, 29.

“We continue to pray for the loved ones of those who were lost through this maniac’s acts of senseless violence,” Waters said.

The sheriff’s office believes the shooter, 21-year-old Ryan Christopher Palmeter, killed himself at the store after taking the three lives.

— Mandy Miles contributed to this report.

‘Pulp Fiction’ inspiration brings home hardware for two Marathon chefs

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Samuel L. Jackson fans will want to pay attention to this one. In a move inspired by arguably the most famous scene from Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece “Pulp Fiction,” two Marathon chefs brought their version of the “Big Kahuna Burger” to the mainland on Aug. 19 for Tampa’s VooDoo Chef Burger Bash – bringing home a championship belt in the process.

Masterminded by Marathon High’s Carl “Chef Flavor” Stanton and his former student turned business partner Chris Gaskill, the pair’s entry was based on a beef brisket patty with its fat cap removed, smoked and ground back into the meat. A southwesternflavored VooDoo Chef red seasoning, slow-roasted pork belly kimchi slaw, a fried egg and the pair’s proprietary “Boss Sauce” rounded out the flavorful tower atop an avocado sesame nigella bun.

By the end of the two-day contest, the concoction bested 23 other competitors to claim the “Best Use of VooDoo” title.

“We had the grills going, and it was a lot of fun,” said Stanton. “The first day they had a progressive fundraising dinner where the chefs got together to put on a five-course dinner, and then

the second day was a burger battle. We were busier than a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest.”

“It was a great experience seeing chefs from all over Florida coming together to show off their burger skills,” said Gaskill, who, after graduating from MHS in 2017 with several of Stanton’s courses under his belt, attended the Culinary Institute of America before returning to Marathon. Together with Stanton, the two now operate the locally-owned Chef Flavor Catering. “It was some tough competition, but Chef and I worked well together through the heat and were able to execute our Big Kahuna Burger and bring home a belt.”

Chef Erik Youngs created the VooDoo Chef in 2017 to support students pursuing careers in food service and hospitality industries through educational programs, charity events and scholarships. Proceeds from the Burger Bash, including a raffle and silent auction, went to raising money for these scholarships.

Carl ‘Chef Flavor’ Stanton shows off his ‘Best Use of VooDoo’ championship belt from the 2023 VooDoo Chef Burger Bash. CONTRIBUTED

Chef Flavor and Chris Gaskill’s ‘Big Kahuna Burger.’ CONTRIBUTED

COMMERCE CORNER

Established in 1970, Grassy Key Marina and Market offers a wide array of services including dry and wet boat storage, and a well maintained boat ramp. Grassy Key Marina and Market is a one stop shop that includes boat rentals, a well stocked grocery store, live/frozen bait, and all of your tackle needs. The marina is recently under new ownership and an emphasis has been placed on providing the customer service and setting that allows consumers to enjoy the beautiful Florida Keys. Jeff Vastola, owner, says the keys to their success is the upbeat atmosphere and helpful employees. "We are constantly striving to make improvements in our operations and aesthetically so that the marina is a place that suits the needs of all and provides a memorable experience" said Vastola. Grassy Key Marina and Market will never stop pushing to make its service and atmosphere better in hopes of continuing to meet all needs of Keys Residents and visitors alike.

59073 Overseas Hwy, Marathon 7AM to 7PM Daily

Bait & Marketplace 305/922-2665 | Office 305/440-3055

www.grassykeymarinaflorida.com

MARK HEDDEN

... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.

Were I a better birder, I would have been at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden when the gates opened at 10 a.m., but I’d been reading and doing chores not worth describing, other than the one where, after months of flailing, I had finally got the chlorine levels right in our tiny pool. (Suck it, algae, you stupid eukaryotic organism. Whatever eukaryotic means.)

I’ve been talking lately with my friend Craig Reynolds, landscape architect to the stars, about garden design and whatnot. We were discussing a project he did in Jamaica where he had to integrate some new design work with a pre-existing, formal landscaping scheme that featured scissor-cut grass as well as hedges with Marine Corps-severe buzz cuts. To counterbalance that, and to create something of a visual respite, he created a patch of wild, sprawling, freeform flora as a counterpoint.

“It was driving me crazy that it was so clipped. I had to have something loose,” he said.

It’s not the first time the spectrum between the poles of tight/formal/clipped and loose/ relaxed has come up, but it’s been in my mind a lot of late. With the noted exceptions of driving and shooting an apple off someone’s head with a crossbow, I tend to be attracted to the looser end of the range. Precision generally bores the hell out of me. Which is a long way of saying I didn’t manage to show up at the botanical garden until 11:30 – nobody’s prime birding hour, as they tend to be less active during the hottest part of the day.

My vague plan, if you could call it that, was to wander back and forth on the trio of paths that lead from the bridge to the Toppino chapel. But after entering the garden I found myself veering towards Desbiens Pond, over near the FKAA water towers. I took a seat on the small platform and decided I’d sit there until I saw at least 10 species, figuring it’s been the hottest summer ever recorded, and I could wander around and get all sweaty, or I could sit in one place and get sweaty without all the effort.

Desbiens Pond is the most Florida of ponds. I’d call it a seasonal wetland, but it’s more of a micro-lowland, filled with roots and branches, shrinking and growing depending on how much it has rained recently, but somehow never going dry. It’s freshwater and muddy, and at its deepest, probably about eight inches.

The one bird that was pretty much guaranteed was a waterthrush, a type of warbler that spends its days bobbing along the muddy edges of rivers and ponds. Ninety-eight percent

NOTES FROM A SMALL POND

of the waterthrushes you see in the Keys are northern waterthrushes, but we do get the odd Louisiana waterthrush.

The first bird I saw, though, was a white ibis, which kind of dropped in through a hole in the canopy, weaved through the crosshatch of branches, and landed out of view on the far side of the pond.

Then, a great-crested flycatcher flew up and sat for a few minutes on a branch over the path, then continued on, no doubt attending to important flycatcher business.

The third bird was a white-crowned pigeon I spotted down in some flooded roots. It was dropping its head, then throwing it back every few seconds as if doing tequila shots. Birds don’t have the ability to suction water up through their beaks, so that is often how they drink. Occasionally it would stretch its right wing out, as if trying to summon a waiter. It was a young bird, its crown more gray than white.

The fourth was a prairie warbler, bright yellow, but with pale dark markings on the edge of the breast, instead of sturdy black markings, meaning it was also a young bird, probably hatched within the last month or two somewhere nearby. It was hunting for bugs down in the low branches, and occasionally dropping down to splash through the water.

The fifth bird was the first official migrant of the morning, a yellow-throated warbler, probably just in from Illinois or South Carolina, with the aforementioned yellow throat looking a bit like a spritely ascot, a bright accent over the white belly and the slaty gray wings and mantle. It was the first yellow-throated I’d seen in months.

The sixth bird was a black-and-white warbler, maybe just down from Canada or East Texas, hopping around horizontally on the side of a tree trunk, like the ’60s TV version of Batman. Only this bird had a white throat, making her female, so she was more like Batgirl.

Seventh was a pair of northern parulas, your basic warbler’s warblers, good looking, but

not too good looking, hard working, but not too hard working, always moving, not inclined to linger, but never frantic about it.

After about a half-hour I saw the eighth species – a female red-winged blackbird, striped and brown and so different looking from her male counterparts that it generally takes new birders a while to accept that they are the same species. At least it did me.

It was 12:15 then, and after that all the birds just disappeared. I sat there for 10 minutes., then 20. I heard the ping of a well hit golf ball, the whine of a scooter, the train horn installed in the truck of someone who obviously didn’t get enough attention as a child.

I thought about that scene in “Cool Hand Luke” when Paul Newman, for a bet, says, “I can eat 50 eggs.” And then goes through the nauseating, excruciating process of doing it in an hour. And afterwards George Kennedy’s character goes, “Why you gotta go and say 50 eggs for? Why not 35 or 39?”

Why’d I have to say I’d wait until I saw 10 species? Why not eight?

It took another 10 minutes for an osprey, species number nine, to fly over, no doubt heading for his perch on the flagpole he likes over at the Power Squadron building.

Five minutes after that, a waterthrush flew in, though I had to track it for a while to figure out which species it was. Northern waterthrushes have a faint citrine wash in their pale parts, something that is not always easy to pick up on. The best field mark is the supercilium, a stripe that goes over the eye. Towards the back of the head the stripe tends to narrow down on a northern waterthrush, and get wide on a Louisiana waterthrush.

Finally the bird came out from behind a stump and gave me a good look, bobbing its body to an unknown beat. It faced me directly at first, then turned and gave me a profile. The stripe went up over its eye and then widened like the mouth of a river on a map. Louisiana, number 10.

A black-and-white warbler, a migrant seen recently at Desbiens Pond at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

KEYS WEEKLY

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

CAYLAA MAKIMAA

THE SCOREBOARD

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

Junior, Key West Cross Country

Caylaa Makimaa did not become Key West’s top female cross country runner overnight – she has worked consistently for the past three years to gain strength and speed. Her positive attitude and willingness to put others first are an asset to the Conchs, and her team-first spirit has helped Key West improve greatly over the past few seasons. Makimaa’s 5K time last week (22:58.37) in the season opener for the Lady Conchs was just 30 seconds from her time at districts last season, putting her in great position to continue to lead Key West toward the ever-elusive bid to states in November. For her fantastic athleticism and her encouraging, positive attitude, Caylaa Makimaa is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

“Caylaa is a welcome returner to the cross country team. As one of our captains, she’s always positive and encouraging to her fellow runners. It’s been great to see the girls really working together this season to build the strength of our top five runners.”

– Keara McGraw, Lady Conchs cross country coach

Caylaa Makimaa leads the Lady Conchs in a 2022 cross country meet. RICK MACKENZIE/Contributed

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

GRIDIRON SQUADS DROP ROAD GAMES

Key West, Marathon and Coral Shores still looking for Win #1

Three Keys teams faced very different opponents to officially open their seasons on Aug. 25, but experienced similar outcomes.

Key West traveled to Clewiston to take on the Tigers on the southernmost shore of Lake Okeechobee. Though Conchs coach Johnny Hughes was pleased with his defense and felt confident his team could move the ball against anyone, turnovers cost the Conchs dearly. Some early-season miscues and jitters led to a total of seven reversals of fortune for Key West, with three inside the 15-yard line. “We dominated every stat,” Hughes said, “but turnovers and depth are a concern right now.”

Though the 28-21 final score was not indicative of the Conchs’ potential, they proved they are a threat on the ground and in the air. For one of their three touchdowns, Adrian Mira connected with Brondson Etienne for 22 yards in one of Key West’s three touchdowns on the night. A long Jaden Fox run and an RJ Brown rocket sweep added two more.

To get into the win column, Key West will need to defeat IMG White out of Bradenton, Florida. Hughes explained that the all-star powerhouse school has three football teams – one at a national level, one state-level squad and one a more typical varsity team. And while Hughes and the Fighting Conchs will not have to see the national team across the line of scrimmage, they face the state-level unit, which is full of talent.

“They have a big line and a 6’5” receiver,” Hughes said, adding that IMG will likely run a spread offense against his Conchs in The Backyard on Friday, Sept. 1. Though the teams have not played one another since 2017, Key West

came out on top in that matchup and they hope to do the same Friday.

Marathon looked like the better team on Aug. 25, but it would not be the play of Pompano Beach that defeated the Fins. Six fumbles left points on the board, and Marathon lost by just one point in the final seconds of the game. Despite the disappointing outcome, coach Sean McDonald found some positives which he feels will only continue to grow.

“Our team is so young and relatively inexperienced, so unlike most teams, freshmen and sophomores end up being contributing players here,” he said. “Jesus Gonzalez completed a pass to Daeshawn (Holmes) in his first attempt at throwing the ball in a game situation. That’s huge for a freshman.”

McDonald also loved his team’s attitude, saying they are willing to work hard and learn and that their effort and desire are exactly where they need to be.

“We just need more experience, and sometimes when you are earning that, you have games like we did on Friday,” he said. “You pick up and learn and get better.”

Leading the stats for Marathon was Carlos Lezcano, who was 2-4 on completions for 37 yards in the air and racked up 101 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries on the ground. Lezcano was also credited with three tackles defensively. Tanner Ross had some key blocks and managed to pick up 62 yards offensively as well as 6 tackles. Fabbianho Louis Jeune had two carries for 26 yards and one touchdown, plus an incredible one-handed interception. Nolan O’Hara, a relative football newcomer, had three solo tackles and two sacks, giving Marathon some serious

defensive weapons, which they will need on Sept. 1 when they play Somerset Silver Palms.

Silver Palms has a highly skilled offense loaded with year-round seven-on-seven players, and they love to air the ball out. Marathon prefers a more physical game on the ground, which should make for an interesting matchup in the Fins’ home opener.

“We have been studying film and adjusting our play so we can match Silver Palms to the best of our ability,” McDonald said. “We really want to give the Marathon community a good showing because they have been so supportive of us.”

Coral Shores was on the road last week as well, playing True North Classical Academy at Tropical Park. The Titans have steadily built a solid program the past few seasons, and when asked if True North lived up to the hype, ‘Canes coach Ed Holly did not hesitate to acknowledge that they were, indeed, loaded with talent.

“They had a really good football team with dynamic players on offense and defense, and they’re well-coached,” Holly said, adding, “I’m proud of the way the guys competed for 48 minutes on Friday.”

It looked like it was going to be a closer game, with True North scoring first on a breakaway run, but Coral Shores kept their composure and AJ Putetti answered back with his own style of tough running. It would be the last score of the game for the Hurricanes, though, and True North’s larger roster, in both size and number, was just too much for Coral Shores. Coach Holly was undeterred by the loss and said that despite the score, his team is showing improvement and just may gel at the most opportune time.

“We’re a work in progress,” Holly said. “We are getting better every week.”

The ’Canes have a big game Sept. 1 against Palmer Trinity, a conference rival with a talented roster of their own. The Falcons of Palmer should be a tight matchup, as last season Palmer bested Coral Shores by just five points.

Carlos Lezcano drops back to pass the ball in Marathon’s opening drive against Pompano Beach on Aug. 25. MIKKEL ROSS/Keys Weekly

Key West’s Clerff Alexandre gains yards in the first quarter against Clewiston. GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

1 | 7 p.m

KEYS RUNNERS BRING HOME HARDWARE FROM CONQUISTADOR KICKOFF

Friday, Aug. 25 marked the official start of racing season for Key West and Marathon. Both teams traveled to Homestead’s Larry & Penny Thompson Park to participate in the 2023 Conquistador Kickoff. Marathon’s boys and Key West’s girls placed second overall, and Marathon’s girls came in just behind their southern neighbors.

Conchs girls coach Keara McGraw called it a “great start to the season,” saying it was “awesome to see the girls working together to close the gap in our top five.” Key West’s Caylaa Makimaa took eighth place, finishing in 22:58, with teammate Naima Thomas right behind her. Thomas shaved an incredible two minutes from her previous personal record time. Rounding out Key West’s top seven spots were Laira Anaya, freshman Violet Jangraw, Briana Nodal and Mia Steer. Nodal is the only senior on the

junior-heavy team, giving the Conchs a lot to look forward to this season and next.

Marathon’s girls were close behind in team rankings, bringing home the third-place trophy and settling right into the race scene. Leading the Fins was senior Mikkel Ross in 11th place with a time of 23:29. Behind Ross was a trio of freshmen in Rilynn Richards, Maeve Merryman and Sara Robinson. Completing the Dolphins’ top seven were Ella Dunn, Rain Banks and Madelyn Thornton. Though their times did not count toward Marathon’s team scoring, the eighth- and ninth-place finishers for the Fins, Rebecca Merryman and Shaina Robinson, are in seventh and sixth grade, respectively, giving Marathon quite an advantage for the foreseeable future.

Marathon’s boys took second place at the meet, led by junior Vance Bursa with a

CORAL SHORES VOLLEYBALL STARTS SEASON WITH PAIR OF WINS

Coral Shores jumped to an early 2-0 record this season, defeating Somerset Silver Palms and Colonial Christian last week. Hurricanes coach Sam Ovalle was pleased with the wins, but said his team has things to work on if they want to continue picking up Ws.

“We’ll need to clean some things up when we get into the meat of our schedule against some of the stronger teams we’ll face this year,” he said.

Working well for the ’Canes are the defensive efforts of Brooke Mandozzi and Sofia Jans, who have fought for every ball. With Jans, Mandozzi and Sabina Naranjo, Coral Shores combined for 40 digs against Silver Palms and 26 against Colonial Christian, with 15 credited to Mandozzi alone. Blocking is another strength for Coral Shores, with sophomore Violet Matthews earning five and Mandozzi with two in the Silver Palms game. In the same match, Mandozzi, Naranjo and Iona Holmquist were credited with seven kills each.

Coral Shores is off until Sept. 6, when they take a short trip to Keys Gate for a district matchup.

Marathon has two matches in the books this season, one against Somerset Silver Palms

and one against University School. The team’s record stands at 0-2, but the Lady Fins are picking up steam, and came close to an upset on Aug. 24.

“Yesterday’s match was a nice learning experience for the girls,” said coach Kelley Cruz. “We started off running our usual rotations and something wasn’t clicking. So after the loss of the second set, we made a change and won the next two sets.” Addison Collins was crucial in the fourth set with a string of aces, which helped put the set in the win column for the Dolphins. Heading into the fifth set, Marathon picked up a small lead, but ended up losing the final set. Cruz credited her middle hitters, Marquisha Abraham and Bethann “Kiki” Hewlett, with key blocks and some fantastic kills at the net, while setter Jordan MacDonald played what Cruz called “one of her best games yet.”

Marathon plays its southernmost neighbor Aug. 31 in Key West in what will be the first of a long series of road matches. They do not return to their home court again until Sept. 19.

Key West took a four-hour trip to Boca Raton High School, where they faced the 7A Bobcats on Aug. 25. The Conchs lost in two sets against a team that was not only much larger, but ranked fifth in the state of Florida. Coach

17:44 time, good enough for third place overall. Breaking the 20-minute mark early in the season were Mason Buxton and Jakub Bursa in second and third place for Marathon. Rounding out Marathon’s top seven were Tony Bursa, Caleb Shelar, Dillon Shelar and Allan Taylor. The youngest Bursa and Taylor are both eighth graders.

Key West’s boys took eighth place at the meet, led by senior Colbin Hill, who ran the course in 18:45 and finished in eighth place overall. Following him were Andrew Fedor, Sebastian Jaroszewicz, Prometheus Delacerda, William Forrester and Wyatt Gibson. All of the Conchs are upperclassmen besides Delacerda, a sophomore. However, many are new to the sport and thereby likely to drop their times quickly, giving Key West’s boys a lot of upside for the remainder of the season.

Sara Eckert described the Bobcats’ offense as fast-paced with strong hitters. Though the Conchs came out a bit too slowly at first, they were able to regroup and adjust.

“I was proud that the entire team adjusted to play at a high pace,” Eckert said. “Our defense sped up and blockers were up early, forcing their hitters to adjust their swing. Our back court defense aligned faster, giving us better passes to be able to incorporate our own offense.”

Making the necessary adjustments allowed the Lady Conchs to hold their own against a powerhouse team.

“We are capable of playing competitively at that level, but need to be comfortable setting that tempo for ourselves and not allowing the opposing team to dictate the speed of the game,” Eckert said. She had high praise for senior Bridgette Sweeney, saying, “Bridgette is doing a great job hitting and setting and her back row defense gets stronger every day.” Eckert was also happy with the play of senior Annie Scepkova and sophomore Audrey Smith, who did “a tremendous job speeding up the pace on the block to improve our overall defense.”

The Lady Conchs have their home opener against 3A Marathon on Aug. 31. After that, Key West will participate in a variety of tournaments across the state to get some more experience playing some of the highest-caliber talent in Florida.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

PREP GOLF SWINGS INTO ACTION

Keys coaches impressed with early-season play

Two of three scheduled golf matches took place in the Keys last week, allowing local golfers to take their best shots against some friendly competition. An Aug. 21 match at Marathon was canceled due to weather and poor course conditions, but by the 23rd, conditions were good enough to play in Key Largo at Ocean Reef’s Hammock course. Marathon and Coral Shores played nine holes, and both coaches were pleased with their teams’ first outing. The next day, all three Monroe County teams met in Key West for a round.

In the Ocean Reef match, Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas was first by one stroke, just ahead of Marathon’s Summer Haines. For the gentlemen, Coral Shores took the top three spots with Preston Carroll in first, Tanel Irons in second and Luke Warfield in third. Marathon’s Roco Piscetello was the Fin with the lowest score of the day. Coral Shores coach Danielle Thomas likes how her teams’ seasons have begun, saying, “Preston Carrol had a fantastic start of the year at Ocean Reef, leading the team with a score of 44. He was able to get himself out of trouble on the third hole and ended up parring it.

“Tanny Irons and Aidan Althouse had a great match even though the greens did slow down their short game a little,” she added. “Gabby Thomas parred two holes and is continuing to improve from last year.” She also thanked Roman Gastesi and Mike Leone for organizing the match.

In the Southernmost City on Aug. 24, Key West’s boys took the top three spots, with Peyton Zubieta winning overall and Ty Hill and Andrew Bassett tying for second place.

“It was the first match of the year for the Conchs and I couldn't be happier with my team's performance,” said Key West coach Josh Bassett after the match. “I had several kids on the team playing in their first high school competition, and I am very proud of how they came out and represented themselves and our Conch community.”

He was also impressed with the play of his girls team, which may lack experience but has been eager to learn and improve. “It's impressive to see how far they have come since we've

started,” he said. “Claudia Steling and Althea Olsen were our low scorers on the day.”

He praised Key West newcomer Lexi Finigan as well as some players not wearing Conch red. “I made the calculated decision to place my freshman, Lexi Finigan, with the top group of girls (Steling plus Gabby Thomas and Haines),” he said. “Lexi has only been playing for a year, but has shown some great potential for the game. … I particularly wanted Lexi to learn from these girls how to handle situations when they don't go your way.

“I knew what to expect with Claudia – she is always looking to the next shot and doesn't let the small stuff bother her. I told Lexi to do two things by the end of the match: walk off the course with her head held high, and smile. Golf is a game of integrity, etiquette and sportsmanship, and Summer and Gabby were the very definition of all three in our match yesterday.”

While it is unusual and refreshing to hear a coach from an opposing team afford genuine praise and admiration for the athletes in direct competition with their own, Bassett was not finished with the accolades.

“I can't help but think that it is indicative of their coaching and how the programs are run at both Marathon and Coral Shores,” he said. “I thank the girls and their coaches for helping me in our match.”

All three teams had new members on their rosters, many playing their first competitive rounds. Coral Shores’ Brock Bynum played his first high school match on the 23rd, and coach Danielle Thomas deemed it “a great showing.” The following day, she said, “two players new to the sport played their first nine-hole match, Dylan Lindmar and Fischer Daly. They both had an excellent first start and I am excited to see them progress in their golfing career.”

The loss of four Marathon seniors who formed the core of the team for years could have been a major setback for coach Mary Coleman-Sayer, but a big turnout this summer helped ease the blow. Coleman-Sayer added many names to her roster this season, including Makenna Haines, Dylan Ziels and Mason Thornton, and low scorer Piscetello is just a freshman.

"I am very happy with the progress of this year's team and the individual performances of each player this week,” said Coleman-Sayer. “We are only going to keep getting better this year, and these athletes are working daily to improve their game. We have so many players who are new to the game and picking up on it quickly."

With all three teams growing and helping one another develop, the Keys are in for a fantastic season on the greens.

Marathon’s Mason Thornton watches his shot at Key West Golf Course. CONTRIBUTED

Dylan Ziels lines up a putt.

Leo Mendez, left, and Caden Pitcher prepare for their match.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Adult

softball, youth soccer get the ball rolling at Marathon Community Park

July’s brutal heat throughout the Florida Keys gave way to a slight breath of reprieve just in time for the start of Marathon’s fall sports leagues. Starting earlier this month, citysponsored adult softball and Marathon Youth Club youth soccer will fill the fields at the Community Park throughout September, October and November, bringing Marathon friends and families together in the evenings to enjoy friendly competition.

— Alex Rickert

Rank Team Record

1-2. Marathon Youth Club teams gather for opening ceremonies.

3. Tilden's Scuba Center’s Zack Winegardner gets ready to run.

4. Coast to Coast’s Kyrstyn Ransom heads for first base.

5. Tilden’s Scuba Center’s Dalton Vuncannon makes a play in the outfield.

6. Coast to Coast and Tilden’s Scuba Center make their way through the handshake line after a tight battle.

7. Tilden's Scuba Center’s Joe Marino swings for the fences.

8. Sutton Sayer sings the national anthem.

Photos by Barry Gaukel and Cole Griffith

1. Keys Yacht Management 5-0

T-2. WEB Cleaning 4-1

T-2. Marathon Seawalls & Docks 4-1

T-2. Coast to Coast Pizza Co. 4-1

5. Rough Riders 2-3

6. Conch Custard 1-4

T-7. Ale House 0-5

T-7. Tilden's Scuba Center 0-5

Marathon Adult Softball League Standings (Updated Aug. 28)

SCIENCE VS. RELIGION

The two don’t have to be enemies

For centuries, there has been this divide between religion and science, as if the two were mortal enemies hellbent on each other’s destruction. For example: the evolution debate, a debate so silly that it’s hard to believe that it’s still going on in Century 21. Unfortunately, when facts get in the way of closely-held beliefs, it’s often the facts that are left behind. It’s a damn shame, because science and spirituality do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Fundamentalism – in religion (or even science) – is dangerous. It encourages its followers to accept some sort of ancient text or teachings (or utterances from a leader) as dogma, not to be questioned. All else is false or blasphemous.

The authors of biblical texts, and the later synods and councils that decided which ones were canonical, were not experts in astronomy, geology, physics, or paleontology. They had no knowledge of how our universe was formed, or awareness of the planetary dynamics of our solar system. So why do some people assume that the Bible contains a literal description of the creation of the Earth and heavens? God would have to be one mighty prankster to have given us all this astronomical and geological evidence about our origins and expect us to believe instead that the Earth is just 7,000 years old.

Similarly, science can tell us an awful lot about our physical world, our geological history, biological processes and the vastness of our universe. It’s not so good, however, at shedding any light on other important questions such as the meaning of life, why we’re here, or if there’s life after death. There are, however, a number of scientific studies about the near-death experience, and how similar they have been for many people who have had them.

People have literally died, left their bodies, and can describe in amazing detail what was going on around them at their accident scene or the operating room. They can remember being told that it wasn’t their time and they’d have to go back. Does our consciousness exist apart from our physical brain and body? Science will likely never determine the ultimate answer to that question – that will come down to belief and faith.

As someone who was raised Catholic (and did a lot of my own comparative religion study) and

focused on sciences during my high school and college years, I came to see that science and spirituality aren’t mutually exclusive. From the study of stuff as small as atoms and subatomic particles, to looking into the vast reaches of the universe, science shows just how amazing our physical world really is. The origins of life and the evolution of basic processes that lead to the incredible biological diversity we have on our planet in no way discounts or diminishes the existence or influence of a supreme being or cosmic consciousness.

Images from technological advances like the Hubble Telescope show us just how small we really are. Our planet revolves around a star that is one of about 200-400 billion stars in our galaxy, the Milky Way. As large as our galaxy is, it’s only one of about the 80 billion galaxies that exist in the vastness of the observable universe. To say that there is so much out there is still a drastic understatement.

So — if we did indeed evolve from apes over the course of our history, does that disprove the existence of the divine? Just because the Old Testament authors may have gotten the timeline of creation wrong, does that mean there is no God? Will science ever be able to conclusively prove what happens to us after we die? And just how did the Mayans get all their astronomical knowledge?

There are still so many questions, and that’s a good thing. Part of our humanity is our quest for knowledge and our thirst for understanding. Both science and spirituality are about searching for the truth. We’ve come a long way because we continue to ask questions. Let’s resist the temptation to close off our minds to the truth … or have others close them for us.

— 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

TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN OPENS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

The Take Stock in Children scholarship application process is now open for eligible Monroe County middle and high school students who meet the income and academic guidelines. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for this unique college scholarship and career readiness opportunity.

“We have updated income thresholds for our Take Stock program which are nearly 30% higher than last year’s income caps,” said Chuck Licis-Masson, executive director of the Monroe County Education Foundation, “allowing us to serve even more eligible students in Monroe County.”

He encourages families who have a student in grades 6 through 9 to check out the new income guidelines for Take Stock Monroe. Updated family income limits range from $56,425 for a two-person household to $93,125 for an eight-person household.

Take Stock in Children aligns mentorship and college/career readiness with a Florida prepaid tuition scholarship. Take Stock scholars meet once a week for 45 minutes during the school year with a volunteer mentor, participate in college and career readiness workshops, and receive regular educational and career coaching from a Take Stock College Success Coach.

“For 20 years, Take Stock in Children has changed lives in Monroe County by providing a pathway to postsecondary education and success,” Licis-Masson said.

Eligible TSIC students sign a contract promising to earn passing grades each grading period, maintain good attendance and behavior, attend college/ career readiness workshops, meet weekly with their mentor, and remain crime- and drug-free. Upon successful completion of the Take Stock in Children program, high school graduates receive access to a Florida prepaid tuition scholarship.

"Whether their goal is to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or an industry certificate,” Licis-Masson said, “our team of TSIC success coaches and mentors along with their teachers and parents help guide and motivate the TSIC scholars towards their dream of attending the Florida college, university, or technical college or their choice.”

More information about Take Stock Monroe and how to access the scholarship application is at monroecountyedfound.com or from the Take Stock Monroe office at 305-293-1546.

Take Stock in Children is the flagship program of the Monroe County Education Foundation. Over 900 scholarships have been granted to Monroe County students since 2001. Nearly 70% of those students have earned a college degree or career certificate, which is well above the national average of the same peer group.

— Contributed

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

JOHN BARTUS

“For 20 years, Take Stock in Children has changed lives in Monroe County by providing a pathway to post-secondary education and success.”

— Chuck Licis-Masson

Take Stock in Children participants benefit from college scholarship and career readiness opportunities, including one-on-one mentoring and regular coaching from a Take Stock college success coach. CONTRIBUTED

TRUSTS • WILLS POWERS OF ATTORNEY LADYBIRD DEEDS

KATHLEEN HENDRICKSON ATTORNEY AT LAW

UNITED WAY PLEDGES $50K FOR CORAL BLEACHING RESPONSE

In response to the escalating coral bleaching crisis throughout the Florida Keys, United Way of Collier and the Keys (UWCK) announced a collaborative effort with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to provide critical funding of up to $50,000 to support Reef Renewal USA's urgent coral rescue efforts.

Coral bleaching is a harmful process in which corals expel their symbiotic algae, causing them to lose their vibrant colors and turn white. This phenomenon occurs due to environmental stressors, such as increased water temperatures, and can lead to the decline and potential death of entire coral reefs.

With the Florida Keys dependent on the marine environment for both financial and physical resilience, the crisis demands swift action. Coral reefs are an essential component of the marine environment that sustains many other life forms and protects the coastline. The funding will aid Reef Renewal USA in implementing targeted projects that focus on removing the corals at risk of bleaching from their current environment and relocating them to deep water or land-based nurseries.

"The Tavernier nursery has become a priceless repository of (coral)

genetic diversity for the state of Florida and the nation. Keeping the corals in this nursery alive has become the focus of an all-out rescue effort by our team and partners,” said Ken Nedimyer, Reef Renewal USA’s technical director.

“There is no hesitation when help is needed to safeguard these fragile ecosystems for future generations,” said Tiffani Mensch, president and CEO of United Way of Collier and the Keys.

This alliance between UWCK and the UAE underscores the importance of international collaboration in tackling environmental challenges. As part of a multiyear project, it involves collaborative efforts in conjunction with Mission: Iconic Reefs, an ambitious plan to restore seven reefs within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

“We understand the urgent situation in the Florida Keys based on our own work to protect coral reefs in the UAE,” said Dana Al Marashi, head of cultural diplomacy at the UAE embassy in Washington, D.C. “This is a local emergency that is part of a global crisis, and we are eager to work with our partners in Florida to preserve these vital ecosystems.”

Whether you are a resident or a snowbird, it is important to have your assets properly titled in a way that will avoid those assets going through probate.

Thanks to a pledge from United Way of Collier and the Keys, Reef Renewal USA will have up to $50,000 at its disposal for use in an ongoing coral bleaching crisis response. CONTRIBUTED

CASE CLOSED: SOUTHERNMOST POINT FIRESTARTERS AVOID JAIL

gwen@keysweekly.com

ings. Perkins made his plea in April and Jacobson followed suit in May, court records indicate.

Circuit Court Judge Mark Jones in Monroe County sentenced each to one year of probation, 50 hours of community service, restitution for forcing the city to redo the Key West tourist attraction, and ordered them to send written apologies to the city.

Perkins, who lit the discarded tree the two had dragged to the buoy on Dec. 31, 2021, paid $5,379 to reimburse the city for the buoy repair.

FLIPPING THE SWITCH ON THE MAHI BITE

THE ANGLER’S OUTLOOK

It was the peculiar Key West crime story heard around the world: Two tourists rang in the new year by lighting a fire that scorched the island’s most popular selfie spot.

And their inexplicable mischief – involving a discarded Christmas tree, a lighter and failing to tip a bartender – was captured on the webcam pointed 24/7 at the famous Southernmost Point buoy.

Two years later, the case was resolved quietly without any announcements from the city or state prosecutors.

Perkins, who at the start told Key West police he had made a “colossal mistake,” during his New Year’s trip to the island, wrote to the city that he came to Key West with his friend to have fun and didn’t intend to end up damaging the big buoy or “show any disrespect to the city of Key West or its citizens.”

“I had too much to drink and made a poor decision,” Perkins wrote, in the letter filed in court May 26.”I take full responsibility for my actions. This is not typical behavior for myself. I have been to the Keys there several times in the past without incident.”

No letter of apology from Jacobson had been filed at court as of Tuesday. His probation order, dated July 10, said he had 30 days to turn it in.

The pair were universally roasted on social media and their names rang out as miscreants across the biggest names in news outlets.

for

The culprits – 24-year-old David Brendan Perkins Jr., of Leesburg, Florida, and 23-year-old Skylar Jacobson, of Henrietta, Texas –each took a deal from the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office.

Both pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of misdemeanor criminal mischief to avoid jail, according to Monroe County court fil-

And the pair were tracked down with the help of Irish Kevin’s Bar, where Perkins and Jacobson drank New Year’s Eve. Even on a crowded, busy night, bartender

Cameron Briody remembered the pair because they didn’t tip on the rounds they ordered. Daylin Starks, the bar’s manager, and Briody combed through receipts and the bar’s security camera footage to help police detectives identify Perkins and Jacobson, who were arrested within the week.

Better late than never: finally the mahi bite has turned on. With the end of the mangrove snapper spawn upon us, your chance to go offshore and catch some exciting mahi has finally come.

Mahi have been anywhere from 250 feet of water and deeper. Unlike what many believed we were in store for this summer, sargassum grass has practically been nonexistent, so all the fish that we are finding are either under working birds or some type of floating debris. Our favorite birds to find offshore are frigatebirds. Mahi will chase prey fish up to the surface, giving the frigate birds a shot at an easy meal. Since we can only see the bird, this gives fishermen a visual cue of where a mahi or a school of mahi may be feeding.

Floating debris such as wooden pallets or discarded cargo nets in essence create their own ecosystems by providing shelter for shrimp, crabs and small jacks in the open water, which mahi love to target for their feasts.

Although you may need to weed out a few small ones, the majority of the fish are schoolies or heavy lifters. We categorize mahi based on size, from the tip of the nose to the inner fork of the tail. These classifications range from peanuts (20 inches or less), schoolies (20 to 30 inches), heavy lifters (30 to 38), gaffers (38 inches or more) and slammers (more than 40 pounds).

A good trolling spread consists of a rigged ballyhoo in each outrigger and two trolling baits such as a Billy Bait or three-inch artificial lure on the flatlines. I like to keep my baits out of the prop wash (air bubbles created by cavitation of the prop or the exhaust of the en-

is the owner and operator of Top Notch Sportfishing in Marathon. His passions include scuba diving and enjoying the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

gine). Depending on the type of boat you are fishing from, the distance of your trolling baits will differ. Ideally, you’ll want to have your rigged ballyhoo a minimum of 30 feet behind your flatlines to avoid having your spread get tangled when making a turn.

It’s all personal preference on what color skirt to use on your ballyhoo – if you use one at all. I prefer a naked ballyhoo because it appears more natural to the mahi. I rig my ballyhoo on a 6/0 long shank Mustad hook with 80-pound leader and a copper wire to secure the ballyhoo to the rig.

Many people use oversized tackle for mahi, but they are much more enjoyable to catch on light tackle. My primary set up is a 6500 series spinning reel on a seven-foot medium-to-lightaction rod, spooled with 20-pound monofilament. To attach my main line to my leader I suggest using a bimini twist in order to create a shock absorber and a stronger connection to the leader. I prefer not to use braided fishing line because it does not absorb the shock of angler error or have any stretch while fighting a fish.

Mahi-mahi is one of the most commonly-served fish at restaurants here in the Florida Keys. The white, flaky texture of the filet will absorb whichever seasonings or herbs you decide to cook with. Preparations for this catch include, but are not limited to: fried, blackened, grilled, broiled, Francaise or diced for tacos. Most restaurants throughout the Keys have a cook-your-catch option where they will cook up to one pound of your freshlycaught mahi and prepare it a variety of ways with a few sides. Most places have a signature style unique to them that is delicious.

Flat seas and very little weeds can make

trouble-free late-summer mahi fishing. BILL GILIBERTI/Contributed

CAPT. BILL GILIBERTI

‘I HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK AND MADE A POOR DECISION’

GWEN FILOSA

David Brendan Perkins (left) and Skylar Rae Jacobson. MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Contributed

Two tourists take photos with the fire they lit beside the Southernmost Point buoy in Key West in the pre-dawn hours of Jan. 1, 2022. File photo/KEYS WEEKLY

SYLVIE MARTEL SPIERING STOLL passed away July 29, 2023 at 10:47 pm. Formerly from Quebec, Canada, Sylvie adventurously explored life through the Bahamas and the Keys nally landing in Sebastian, FL. She was 62 years old.

Sylvie was a beautiful kind hearted soul. She touched so many lives with her creative fashions via Keykers clothing and an eye for photographing precious memories with KeyShot Photography. She was a member of BPW for many years, organizing fundraisers and spreading her contagious condence. She was a Ms. Kahuna for education and always the life of the party!

Sylvie died at home surrounded with love by her supportive friends and family.

Leave it to Sylvie to have one last excursion. She was so proud to make a body gift donation to research to help prevent cancer. She was own to Oregon wearing her favorite dress.

She is lovingly survived by her sister Christiane Martel, husband Bruce Stoll, daughter Kianna Spiering and grandchildren Luna and Kaiden.

A celebration of life will be held September 30th at 801 105th Street Ocean E., Marathon FL 33050. Gathering will begin at 3:30 and celebration with Zoom will start at 4:30pm

If you have a Keykers out t, please wear one!

Zoom Meeting ID: 387 559 2233

Passcode: a1m0J3

If you would like to donate in Sylvie’s honor, please consider the Marathon BPW Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 522450, Marathon, FL 33050.

BRENNAN

3-month-old male cur mix.

Looking for: I’m a sensitive guy that needs extra loving.

Turnoffs: Sharing – I am not a good sharer.

SWIPE RIGHT

Adorable

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.

DALE

3-month-old male mixed breed.

Looking for: Absolutely anything. I’m one happy dude.

Turnoffs: Potty training. Man, that’s hard.

‘HEROES SALUTE TRIBUTE WEEKEND’ TO MARK LABOR DAY HOLIDAY AT HAWKS CAY

Hawks Cay Resort will celebrate the 15th anniversary of its seasonal Heroes Salute program with the Heroes Salute Tribute Weekend. From Sept. 1-3, the resort will honor “heroes in action,” active and retired men and women members of the military, fire rescue, police and medical personnel who serve and sacrifice for the nation.

To celebrate the milestone anniversary, Hawks Cay will host its popular Keys to County concert series with a performance Sunday, Sept. 3, by acclaimed country singer and military veteran Craig Morgan, along with a weekend of patriotic fun and tributes.

a touch-a-truck event will give kids and adults a chance to view vehicles and life-saving equipment used by everyday heroes of the fire and police departments. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Live music and special guest appearances are planned from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday. A 7:30 p.m. Heroes Tribute is scheduled to honor fallen heroes and those formerly and currently in action, with guests from the Coast Guard Honor Guard and regional dignitaries. Guests can then enjoy live music by country artists Krystal King and Kirsti Kraus, followed by a 10 p.m. fireworks show.

MATEO

11-month-old male mixed breed.

Looking for: I need someone strong and energetic, like me!

Turnoffs: I’m a busy boy and get bored easily.

Saturday morning, Sept. 2, a Heroes Salute 5K Run/Walk is open to Hawks Cay guests, Florida Keys visitors and local residents. Cost to participate is $30 per person in advance or $35 on race day.

Participants are encouraged to wear their patriotic best or represent their department during the race through the island of Duck Key. Friends and family are invited to attend and cheer on the racers.

On-site registration and early packet pick-up are set from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, inside the Hawks Cay Resort lobby.

Saturday morning’s registration check-in will start at 6:30 a.m. at the resort’s Angler and Ale restaurant parking area. The race begins at 7 a.m.

Also at the Angler and Ale parking area, from 8 to 10 a.m.,

On Sunday, the Keys to Country Music Series brings live performances from 7 to 10 p.m. headlined by country music icon Morgan. Joining him on stage are Shane Minor, blending his rodeo background with musical prowess, and Marla Cannon-Goodman, writer of chart-topping hits including "The Fool."

Through Dec. 25, 2023, the Heroes Salute program features value-added offers for watersports activities, a weekly Heroes Tribute ceremony and specially priced rooms at Hawks Cay Resort for current and former military, fire and rescue, law enforcement and medical personnel, as well as for their civilian supporters. Hawks Cay will donate a portion of proceeds to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

More information is at floridakeysheroes.com.

— Contributed

Runners cool off with their finisher’s medals after the 2022 Heroes Salute 5K, part of Hawks Cay’s Heroes Salute Tribute Weekend. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

furry

MCSO responds to Coco Plum boat fire

The Sheriff’s Office as well as firefighters responded to a boat fire on Aug. 27 in Marathon that heavily damaged a 37-foot commercial trap boat. The fire was reported at Avenue A and Coco Plum Drive at around 10:40 p.m. There were no reported serious injuries. The state Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.

Florida City man cited for wildlife violations

A 57-year-old Florida City man was given a mandatory notice to appear in court on Aug. 26 for harvesting illegal fish. Middle Keys Deputy Devon Petersen was conducting resource checks at the Vaca Cut Bridge at around 1 p.m. Charles Leon Luckett was reportedly in possession of multiple snappers and was cited for possession of three undersized mangrove snapper, one undersized schoolmaster snapper and possession of over-the-limit snapper.

September is library card sign-up month

September is library card signup month, a time when the Monroe County Public Library joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind everyone about the valuable resources available with a library card – from borrowing books, ebooks, audiobooks and DVDs to getting homework help, learning new skills, streaming films or attending a book club or story time. Monroe County public libraries offer LinkedIn Learning, with more than 20,000 courses that can help entrepreneurs and small business owners. There are also courses in technology and creative fields that can help people advance in their professional and personal lives. The library offers Law Depot, where cardholders can get business agreements and other forms.

Each branch offers free wifi and loans laptops for in-library use. To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, as well as locations and hours, please visit www.keyslibraries.org or email info@keyslibraries.org.

Aqueduct Authority pauses lane closures for Labor Day

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) has announced the southbound U.S. 1 rolling lane closure will be suspended from 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31 through 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5 for the Labor Day weekend.

A rolling lane closure means that sections of U.S. 1 are closed in 1,000- to 1,500-foot increments while crews install the new transmission main; however, a northbound and southbound lane will always remain open. While traveling through the work zone, motorists should stay vigilant and abide by the 35 mph speed limit.

Marathon youth flag football registration is now open

Registration is open for the Marathon Parks and Recreation youth flag football league. Four divisions will compete in this year’s league: 6U, 8U, 10U and 14U. Registration is open until Friday, Sept. 22 and practices will start on Monday, Oct. 2. For more information and to register, visit https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/ cityofmarathonparksandrec.

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.

message sent by Villegas to a man named “Julio,” likely referring to a map of South Florida released by the Sheriff’s Office with certain coastal areas circled in different colors. “Try to stay away from the right side of Florida. And No. 1 rule before you go send me your drops.”

Among those arrested during an Aug. 22 sweep were Villegas and Gonzalez Munoz and associates Denzel Varona, 18, and Paul Moises Balbino Crespo, 23. They face counts of burglary and grand theft and one count of participating in racketeering through enterprise, among other charges.

Six individuals suspected of buying and selling the GPS units and other marine electronics and arrested were Anthony Manuel Guerra, 23; Walfrido William Garcia, 22; Oscar Sahori Medina, 24; Carlos Mederos, 45; Jonathan Richard Lopez, no age given; and Alfredo Sanchez, 29.

Suspected seller and buyer Milton Horney Gonzalez Gil, 53, wasn’t arrested. Ramsay said it’s believed he was out of state.

Ramsay said Villegas was out on bond from Indian River and Collier counties for similar marine theft offenses. Gonzalez Munoz was also previously arrested in Collier County for GPS theft.

“This is a total dismantle of an organized crime ring that is occuring not only in Monroe but throughout the entire state of Florida as far north as Duval County,” Ramsay said.

Total bond for Villegas and Gonzalez Munoz was set at $1,085,000. Together, the total bond for the 11 suspects is $3.9 million.

“We’re trying to send a strong message here in Monroe that you’re more likely to get arrested here, prosecuted and spend more time in jail,” Ramsay said.

TIM MOSSHOLDER/Unsplash

BE BACK SOON

Marathon businesses set for annual September closures

With the “slow season” upon us in the Florida Keys, many Marathon restaurants are preparing for their annual fall closures. For some, it’s a chance to work on much-needed renovations and projects that are impossible during peak tourism months. For others, it’s an opportunity for well-earned R&R.

The following restaurants will be closed temporarily during September and early October. A special thanks to the staff at the Marathon Chamber of Commerce for their work in compiling this list.

Frank’s Grill: Aug. 13 - Oct. 3

Keys Fisheries: Sept. 6Sept. 20

Bongos Botanical Beer Garden: Sept. 4 - Oct. 7

Castaway: Sept. 11 - Sept. 20

Dockside Boot Key Harbor: Sept. 4 - Sept. 24

Fish Tales Market & Eatery: Aug. 26 - Oct. 2

Havana Jack’s: Sept. 17Sept. 30

S.S. Wreck: Sept. 5 - Sept. 30

Burdines Waterfront: Sept. 5 - Sept. 24

Coast to Coast Pizza Company: Short September closure TBA

Sweet Chili: Sept. 1 - Oct. 1

Have a correction or another closure the Weekly should know about? Email alex@keysweekly.com

A map shows areas of the state circled to inform fellow members of the crime ring of places to stay away from.

MCSO/Contributed

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of LANAKILA CONSTRUCTION located at 101425 Overseas Highway, #145, Key Largo, FL 33037, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Lanakila LLC

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of THE KEYS PARADISE located at 25 Mangrove Lane, Key Largo, FL 33037, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

LEGAL NOTICES

By: 14 Mangrove LLC

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of ZOOMIES located at 102001Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Zoograde Pet Care, LLC

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES

PUBLIC SALE AT 9:00 AM THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES TO SATISFY LIEN PURSUANT TO CHAPTERS 713 .585/713.78/677.209/677.210/328. 17 OF THE FLORIDA STATUES.

2007 FORD 2D

1ZVFT84N375300485

DATE OF SALE: SEPT.18,2023 AT 9:00 AM LOCATED AT: 400 COUNTY RD, BIG PINE KEY,FL 33043 P#786-7779867 OWNER/LIENHOLDER MAY RECOVER VEHICLE WITHOUT INSTITUTING JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BY POSTING A BOND AS PER FLORIDA STATUTE

559.917 ANY PERSON(S) CLAIMING ANY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE VEHICLES/VESSELS SHOULD CONTACT: BEST LIEN SERVICES, 6800 SW 40 ST, SUITE #279, MIAMI, FL 33155 (1-866-299-9391) AT LEAST 1 WEEK PRIOR TO THE LIEN SALE.

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PUBLIC MEETING

SR 5/US 1 Long Key Bridge Over Long Key Channel (Bridge # 900094)

Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study

From Mile Marker (MM) 63 to MM 66 Monroe County, Florida

Financial Project ID: 448206-1-22-01

Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) Number: 14451

VIRTUAL: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 INPERSON: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold an Alternatives Public Meeting for the referenced project virtually on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm and in-person on Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. These meetings are an opportunity to provide you with an overview of the proposed study alternatives, including social, environmental, and economic effects, followed by a question-and-answer session. These meetings will be conducted in an informal setting.

The purpose and need for this study is to evaluate the replacement of the Long Key Bridge to address bridge deficiencies, assess capacity and safety needs, evaluate mobility, improve evacuation and emergency response, and to evaluate bicycle and pedestrian needs.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and FDOT.

MEETING PARTICIPATION OPTIONS

Attend Virtually: To participate virtually from your computer, tablet or smartphone please register using the following link https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1850873226781237847 or scan the QR Code provided above. You will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. If you are using a mobile device, the free “GoToMeeting” App will be required to attend. Participants can also call in by telephone (in listen-only mode) by dialing +1 562-247-8422 and entering access code 660-683-896

Attend in Person: The in-person meeting will be held at the Marathon Government Center – BOCC located at 2798 Overseas Highway, 2nd Floor, Marathon, FL 33050. All participants, regardless of the method they choose to attend will be presented with the same information.

IN-PERSON MEETING LOCATION

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Megan Echols at 305-470-5308; in writing to FDOT, 1000 NW 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172; or by email at Megan.Echols@ dot.state.fl.us at least seven (7) days prior to the Alternatives Public Meeting.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Community Outreach Specialist Veronica Paredes at 305-215-8673 or by email at veronica.paredes@stantec.com You may also visit the project website at southflroads.com/LongKeyBridge

LEGAL NOTICES

PUBLIC SALE NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI

Notice is here by given that on September 11th, 2023, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows:

103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Anita Lezcano Unit 1559 $952.91

Brian Long Unit 1504-51 $1,292.00

LEGAL NOTICES

Todd Nichols Unit 1449

$572.05

Corey McGahen Unit 1184

$644.79

Edmund Joseph Unit 1622

$580.56

David Allen

Unit 1407

$584.92

Publish:

August 31 & September 7, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT II ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC II) (From the City Limits of Key West to the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS

LEGAL NOTICES

REPRESENTATIVE - Shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying.

Any person wishing to participate on the District II Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com.

Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:

Department DAC

Monroe County Tourist Development Council

DEPARTAMENTO DE TRANSPORTE DE LA FLORIDA, REUNIÓN PÚBLICA DE ALTERNATIVAS

Estudio de Desarrollo del Proyecto y Medio Ambiente (PD&E) para la Carretera Estatal 5/US 1 Puente Long Key sobre el Canal Long Key (Puente #900094) desde el marcador de milla (MM) 63 al MM 66

Condado de Monroe, Florida

Número de Identificación del Proyecto Financiero: 448206-1-22-01

Número de Toma de Decisiones de Transporte Eficiente (ETDM): 14451

1201 White Street, Suite 102

Key West, FL 33040

Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday September 29, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT V ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC V) (From Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any Mainland portions of Monroe County) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying.

(The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists.)

ESCANEE

VIRTUAL: MARTES, 12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2023

EN PERSONA: JUEVES, 14 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2023

El Departamento de Transporte de Florida (FDOT) llevará a cabo una Reunión Pública de Alternativas para el proyecto referenciado virtualmente el martes 12 de septiembre de 2023, de 5:30 pm a 7:30 pm y en persona el jueves 14 de septiembre de 2023, de 5:30 pm a 7:30 pm. Estas reuniones son una oportunidad para brindarle una visión general de las alternativas de estudio propuestas, incluyendo los efectos sociales, ambientales y económicos, seguida por una sesión de preguntas y respuestas. Estas reuniones se llevará a cabo en un formato informal.

El propósito y la necesidad de este estudio es evaluar el reemplazo del puente Long Key para tratar las deficiencias del puente, evaluar las necesidades de capacidad y seguridad, evaluar la movilidad, mejorar la evacuación y la respuesta de emergencia, y evaluar las necesidades de bicicletas y peatones.

La revisión ambiental, la consulta y otras acciones requeridas por las leyes ambientales federales aplicables para este proyecto están siendo, o han sido, llevadas a cabo por el FDOT de conformidad con 23 U.S.C. § 327 y un Memorando de Entendimiento de fecha 26 de mayo de 2022, y ejecutado por la Administración Federal de Carreteras (FHWA) y FDOT.

OPCIONES DE PARTICIPACIÓN

Participar Virtualmente: Para participar virtualmente desde su computadora, tableta o teléfono inteligente, regístrese utilizando el siguiente enlace https:// register.gotowebinar.com/register/1850873226781237847 o escanee el código QR proporcionado anteriormente. Recibirá un correo electrónico de confirmación con información sobre cómo unirse al seminario web. Si está utilizando un equipo móvil, la aplicación gratuita "GoToMeeting" se requerirá para participar virtualmente. Participantes también pueden llamar por teléfono (en modo de solo escucha) marcando +1 562-247-8422 e ingresando el código de acceso 660-683-896

Participar en Persona: La reunión en persona se llevará a cabo en el Marathon Government Center – BOCC ubicado en 2798 Overseas Highway, 2nd piso, Marathon, FL 33050.

Todos los participantes, independientemente del método que elijan para participar, se

LUGAR DE REUNIÓN EN PERSONA

Se solicita la participación pública sin distinción de raza, color, origen nacional, edad, sexo, religión, discapacidad o estado familiar. Las personas que requieren adaptaciones bajo la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades o las personas que requieren servicios de traducción (sin cargo) deben comunicarse con Megan Echols al (305) 470-5308; por escrito a FDOT, 1000 NW 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172; o por correo electrónico a Megan.Echols@dot.state.fl.us al menos siete (7) días antes de la Reunión Publica de Alternativas.

Si desea obtener más información sobre este proyecto, comuníquese con la Especialista de Comunicación de Comunidad Veronica Paredes al 305-215-8673 o por correo electrónico a veronica.paredes@stantec.com. También puede visitar el sitio web del proyecto al southflroads.com/LongKeyBridge

Publish: August 31, 2023. The Weekly Newspapers

Any person wishing to participate on the District V Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:

Department DAC

Monroe County Tourist Development Council

1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040

Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold their regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., at the DoubleTree Grand Key, 3990 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, Florida 33040.

The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting.

All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public, and one or more 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 Monroe 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:

August 31, 2023

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Florida Keys Council of the Arts

Notice of Upcoming Meetings

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings 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 input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed.

Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com

GRANT Committee Meeting

Thurs. Sep 7, 2023 at 10:00 AM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 840 2262 4056

Passcode: 282451 MEMBERSHIP Committee Meeting

EARS STRONG 18 YEARS STRONG 18

JOINING FORCES

FORCE BLUE, TURTLE HOSPITAL TEAM UP TO SEND FOUR REHABBED ANIMALS HOME

Acrowd packed Sombrero Beach before sunset on Aug. 25 to watch as staff from Marathon’s Turtle Hospital teamed with Force Blue to send four juvenile green sea turtles back to their ocean home.

Rescued this year and rehabbed at the Turtle Hospital, “Myrtle,” “Emma,” “Keira” and “Splash” were treated for a variety of fibropapilloma tumors and boat strike injuries with tumor removal surgeries, wound care, laser therapy, antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a diet of greens and mixed seafood.

Established in 2016, Force Blue retrains and redeploys Special Operations veterans and combat divers to work alongside scientists and environmentalists on marine

From top: Members of Force Blue get ready to release four juvenile green turtles. Turtle Hospital rehab staff and Force Blue team members prepare for a simultaneous release of ‘Myrtle,’ ‘Emma,’ ‘Keira’ and ‘Splash.’ Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach, left, smiles with Force Blue team members as the rehabilitated turtles make their way to the water.

LARRY BENVENUTI/Contributed

conservation missions. The nonprofit aims to address two problems – a rapidly-declining marine environment and the difficulty that many servicemen and women face in adjusting to civilian life after their service ends.

— Alex Rickert

Meeting ID: 838 6468 2743

Passcode: 386306

MEMBERSHIP Committee Meeting

Thurs. Sep 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 896 8470 9462

Passcode: 833855

EXECUTIVE Committee Meeting

Wed. Sep 27, 2023 at 2:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 838 1582 5453

Passcode: 186586

Publish:

August 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 21-CP-98-P

DIVISION: UPPER KEYS (Adversarial Proceeding) IN RE: ESTATE OF BERTHOLD KEIL

Deceased.

NOTICE OF ACTION

(formal notice by publication)

TO: All persons having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the assets and estate of BERTHOLD KEIL, deceased YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Petition to Determine Beneficiaries has been filed in this court. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, on petitioner’s attorney, whose name and address are: Richard E. Warner, Esq., Richard E. Warner P.A., 12221 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 on or before November 22, 2023, and to file the original of the written defenses with the clerk of this court either before service or immediately thereafter. Failure to serve and file written defenses as required may result in a judgment or order for the relief demanded, without further notice.

Signed on this 24th day of August, 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, CPA, As Clerk of the Court

By: Catie L. Knowles

As Deputy Clerk

Publish:

August 31 and September 7, 14 & 21, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-211-K

DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF FREDERICK EBERSTADT Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Frederick Eberstadt, deceased, whose date of death was July 29, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE

MEETING NOTICE

MONROE COUNTY LAND AUTHORITY

Notice is hereby given that the Governing Board of the Monroe County Land Authority will hold public hearings on the adoption of a budget for fiscal year 2024 on September 6, 2023 at 5:05 p.m. at the Harvey Government Center in Key West and on September 20, 2023 at 5:05 p.m. at the Nelson Government Center on Key Largo. A copy of the proposed budget is available online at www.monroecounty-fl.gov or by contacting the Land Authority office at 305-295-5180.

ADA ASSISTANCE If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711".

Key Lime Medical Associates

John W. Norris III M.D. PA

508 Southard Street, Suite 103

Key West, Florida 33040

Key Lime Medical Associates is transferring care of its patients and location to Keys Medical Group (KMG) effective September 1, 2023.

Patients’ medical records will remain at Key Lime Medical Associates, 508 Southard Street, Suite 103, Key West, Florida 33040 under the custodianship of Keys Medical Group providers and staff.

Patients wishing to pick up their records may do so after a signed medical records release is received after September 1, 2023.

Publish: August 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. 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: August 31, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Nicholas Nash Eberstadt 53 Cape Henlopen Drive, Apt. 3 Lewes, Delaware 19958

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:

LEGAL NOTICES

August 31 & September 7, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-105-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF STEPHEN J. ORTON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of STEPHEN J. ORTON, deceased, whose date of death was June 25, 2023, File Number 23-CP-105-P is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice has been served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME 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 SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 31, 2023.

Personal Representative:

CYNTHIA A. ORTON

174 Indian Mound Trail

Tavernier, FL 33070

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

JOE A. CATARINEAU

Florida Bar Number: 0517291

91750 Overseas Highway

Tavernier, FL 33070

Telephone: (305) 852-4833

Publish:

August 31 & September 7, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO: 23-CP-000160-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF LLOYD P. BREWER, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of Lloyd P. Brewer, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was June 9, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the Administrator Ad Litem and the Administrator Ad Litem’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

Effective September 28, 2023, Michelle D. Bachtel, MD, FACC, will no longer be practicing at the office of Keys Medical Group Cardiology.

Patients may continue to contact the office for an appointment with April Gallagher, APRN. As of September 27, 2023, appointments will also be available with Steven Rowe, MD, FACC. Request an appointment via the patient portal, online at KeysMedicalGroup.com or at 305-294-5727.

Patients may also request a copy of their medical records by contacting Keys Medical Group 305-294-5727.

Publish: August 31, September 7, 14 & 21, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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: August 31, 2023.

Scott Saunders, Administrator Ad Litem

P.O. Box 6162 Key West, Florida 33041 Jared Gelles, Esq. FBN 991181 Co-Counsel to Scott Saunders STOLZENBERG GELLES FLYNN & ARANGO, LLP 1533 Sunset Drive, Suite 150 Coral Gables, Florida 33143 Tel: (305) 961-1450/ Fax: (305) 423-3979 E-mail: jgelles@sgfcounsel.com egrant@sgfcounsel.com

Publish:

August 31 & September 7, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO: 23-CP-000050-M IN RE: ESTATE OF DANIEL CALLAGHAN GUDE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of Daniel Callaghan Gude, Deceased, whose date of death was July 2, 2023, 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 the 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 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is August 31, 2023.

Signed on this 28th day of August, 2023.

Personal Representative

Michael Egan Gude, Petitioner 1536 Camp Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Attorney for Personal Representative

Lee Robert Rohe, ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 271365

LEE ROBERT ROHE, P.A. 1100 Crestwood Court South Unit 1117 Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411 Telephone: (305) 745-2254 Email: lrrlaw@bellsouth.net

Publish: August 31 & September 7, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-041-M

IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD M. DAHLFUES, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Donald M. Dahlfues,

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

LEGAL NOTICES

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 July 5, 2011. 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: August 31, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Judy M. Dahlfues

302 B Anglers Drive North 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:

August 31 & September 7, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000097-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF LOUIS A. SADLER

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of LOUIS A. SADLER, deceased, whose date of death was July 4, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Ste. 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE 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 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 the first publication of this notice is August 24, 2023.

Personal Representatives:

Cassandra Lang

57 Beverly Hills Blvd. Beverly Hills, FL 34465

Susan Miranda

36 Acorn Rd.

Whitman, MA 02382

Attorney for Personal

Representatives:

Suzette M. Alfonso Florida Bar Number: 13439 6310 Bayshore Rd. Palmetto, FL 34221

Telephone: (813) 892-9596

E-Mail: suzettealfonso@gmail. com

Publish: August 24 & 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2021-CP-048-M IN RE: ESTATE OF JOEL CURTIS COLLISON, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Joel Curtis Collison, deceased, whose date of death was March 10, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The estate is intestate.

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

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 dece -

INVITATION TO BID

LEGO Construction Company and Department of Management Services –Florida Highway Patrol cordially invite interested subcontractors to complete and submit sealed bids by September 14th, 2023 no later than 3 p.m. for the followingproject/bid packages:

ADA Restroom Renovation – Marathon FHP – Phase 2 (02219020)

SELECT TRADE BID PACKAGES (see below)

This invitation to bid (ITB) includes the following trades. All contractors certified as SBE, MBE & M/WBE are encouraged to participate in any of these trades:

• Demolition

• Fencing

• Sitework

• Concrete & Masonry

• Metals

• Acoustical Ceilings

• Door, Frames, Hardware

• Windows

• Flooring and Wall Tile

• Drywall

• Painting

• Toilet Accessories

• Toilet Partitions

• Signage

• Plumbing

• Mechanical

• Electrical

• Final Cleaning

The bid manual, bid requirements, bid forms, specifications, drawings, and other construction documents will be available by reaching out to Ruturaj Sonawane at rs@legocc.com or at 305-381-8421 Ext 105.

There will be a Non-Mandatory Prebid conference and site visit on August 28th, 2023 at 12 p.m.

All bids must be received no later than September 14th, 2023 @ 3 p.m. at LEGO Construction Co office located at 1011 Sunnybrook Road Suite 905, Miami Florida 33136. Bids must be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Sealed Bid for ADA Restroom Renovation – Marathon FHP – Phase 2” along with the name of your firm and the trades covered in your bid. Subcontractors interested in working with LEGO must obtain prequalification with LEGO prior to bidding. All questions regarding prequalification & the bid process should be directed to Ruturaj Sonawane at rs@legocc.com.

dent 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: August 24, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Sijabulisiwe Dube P.O. Box 500796 2000 Coco Plum Drive 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:

August 24 & 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE SIXTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-107-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN FRANCIS KISSINGER, III, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JOHN FRANCIS KISSINGER, III, deceased, whose date of death was April 18, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The estate is intestate. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court 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 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 FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: August 24, 2023.

Personal Representative: JOHN KISSINGER

406 Eleventh Street St. Augustine, FL 32084 Attorney for Personal Representative: HEATHER@EPPGLAW.COM

Heather S. Maltby Florida Bar No. 116571

E.P.P.G. Law of St. Johns, PLLC 200 Malaga Street, Suite 2 St. Augustine, FL 32084 Telephone: 904-875-3774

Publish: August 24 & 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

SAMUEL JAMES FRIEDMAN a/k/a SAM JAMES FRIEDMAN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of SAMUEL JAMES FRIEDMAN, deceased, whose date of death was July 2, 2023, 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. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is August 24, 2023.

Personal Representative:

EDWINA B. FRIEDMAN 24 Dockside Lane PMB 134 Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal

Representative:

DIANA B. BAUER, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 1000844 Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball 818 North A1A, Suite 104 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (904) 356-2600 dbb@fishertousey.com

Publish: August 24 & 31, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-DR-0000590-K ORLANDO MACHADO GALIANO Petitioner, and, NIURKA JIMENEZ PAZO, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

TO: NIURKA JIMENEZ PAZO RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 240 LIBERTAD MORON CA, CUBA 65110 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on ORLANDO MACHADO GALIANO, whose address is 2111 FLAGLER AVENUE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before SEPTEMBER 25, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.)

will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: August 21, 2023

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Riza Hall

Deputy Clerk

Publish: August 24 & 31 and September 7 & 14, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS!

Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not. $CASH 305-332-0483

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002

EMPLOYMENT

Night LPN needed. 1-2 nights per week, 8:30pm-5:30am.

Private Pay. Marathon area. 631-831-0879

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

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time line cook. Responsible for food and kitchen prep. Competitive pay at a private club, opportunities to advance. Flexible afternoon/evening hours Wednesday –Saturday. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Housekeeper, HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, Personal Care Aide, Resident Assistant, Cook, 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.

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Administrative Asst. Fire Department and Right of Way Technician. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

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

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder now hiring Guest Service Representativeresponsibilities include assisting guests at our Key Largo and Islamorada locations, making reservations and/or answering questions over phone and in-person, taking and processing photos, and checking-in and out guests visiting our facility. To apply, please send your resume to andreaw@dpmmr.org.

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder is hiring an overnight Security Guard- responsibilities include but are not limited to observing marine mammals to ensure quality care, the ability to follow written instructions, and follow protocol and procedures as directed. Candidates must be able to lift 50 lbs and must be able to stay awake and alert for a 13 hour shift (6:00pm7am). DPMMR is a drugfree workplace. To apply, please send your resume to nancyc@dpmmr.org.

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a CustomerService 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 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE FOR $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844.

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

2 Bedroom 1 Bath house in Marathon. Tile floor, appliances, gated property. No pets. $2,700/mo. including electric, water, & sewer. 305-610-8002

RV SITE FOR RENT

RV Site for rent in Marathon. Up to 35', private gated property. $1,500/mo plus water & sewer (electric included). Dockage available - inquire for price. 305-610-8002

RETAIL SPACE

WANTED: Long term business owner seeks retail space off Duval Street, Key West. Please contact, Leda 305-393-5053

Email: In1Era@aol.com

YARD SALES

PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE FOR $25/WEEK FOR UP TO 5 LINES OF COPY. CALL 305-743-0844.

MARATHON LIQUOR & DELI

NOW HIRING

Experience preferred. $20.00/hour plus signing bonus for the right fit.

Apply in person from 10am-2pm

5101 Overseas Highway, Marathon

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

305.743.0844

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR

LOCATION: MARATHON

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for a Distribution System Operator to perform semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems. We provide on the job training for qualified applicants. Requires a High School, Diploma or GED and valid Florida Driver’s License. Salary: $48,909.19 Excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Apply online at www. aa.com/employment EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR A

LOCATION: CUDJOE KEY

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s WASTEWATER DIVISION is looking for a WWTP Operator with a Florida “A” license. You will perform skilled/technical work involving the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. This requires technical knowledge and independent judgment to make treatment process adjustments and perform maintenance on plant equipment, machinery, and related control apparatus in accordance with established standards and procedures. Annual salary $90,000. Benefit package is extremely competitive!

Apply online at www. aa.com/employment EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

TRANSFER STATION OPERATOR

MONROE COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT is looking for a responsible applicant for the Long Key Transfer Station, MM 68. The primary function of this position is to weigh vehicles in and out of transfer station and maintain transfer station property.

Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED, working knowledge of computers and other office equipment, and a Florida Driver’s License Class B CDL within 6 months of hire. This position is designated as a safety sensitive position. An employee in this position is subject to the mandatory Department of Transportation drug testing program which involves random drug testing. Starting salary: $40,188.94 plus benefits

Application available at: www.monroecounty-fl.gov via the position link on our employment page. For more information, contact Human Resources at: Careers@monroecounty-fl.gov or call 305-292-4554. Veteran’s Preference Available; E.O.E.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

NOW HIRING DIVE INSTRUCTOR

Please contact April at 305.407.3262 or april@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com for more information.

11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

HIRING

FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER

Location: Upper Keys

Send resume to: admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call: 305-852-3002

Dolphin Research Center has Full-Time/Part-Time, Permanent/Temporary Guest Services & Gift Shop positions that involve direct contact with our visitors & is another opportunity to ensure they leave DRC with a happy & positive experience.

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

•

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

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 qualifications and experience: $40.35/hr. - $45.19/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.

is accepting applications for the following full-time position in Key West

TERRITORY SERVICE AND SALES REPRESENTATIVE

This opportunity o ers you the ability to partner with our current customers in the Hospitality and Food Service industries. You will serve as the face of Ecolab, servicing Laundries and Dish machines, dispensing equipment, and systems for our customers. You will also provide recommendations on advanced cleaning and sanitation programs. Full training provided at our Headquarters.

Comprehensive bene ts package including medical, dental, vision, matching 401K, company paid pension, opportunities for stock purchase, tuition reimbursement, and more. Decal company vehicle provided. $3000-$4000 Sign on Bonus available for this role!

High School Diploma or GED. For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please call 786-512-2238.

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

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.

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING!

GCC offers excellent benefits for full-time employment, but we realize some would prefer part-time to enjoy the Florida Keys lifestyle more. All positions can be considered for full or part-time unless notated. Apply at westcare.com and enter your availability.

KEY LARGO

Advocate

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child)

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist

Prevention Specialist Advocate

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)

Case Managers (Adult)

MARATHON

Driver (CDL required)

Care Coordinator

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

RNs/LPNs - 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

Maintenance Specialist

*Behavioral Health Technicians

3 shifts (also Per Diem)

Peer Support Specialist

*Support Worker – Assisted Living Psychiatric ARNP (PT only)

*No experience required for these positions. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

Volunteer Resources

Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

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

Accounting Director (Full-Time, Permanent)

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)

Trainer (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

Full job descriptions available at www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

Email cover letter, DRC application & resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org EOE

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

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

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIER

Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.

Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.

BOAT RENTAL STAFF

FLEXIBLE HOURS & COMPETITIVE WAGES

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

Please include contact information and any relevant experience.

THIS IS WHERE

LABORDAY A HAPPY WE WISH YOU

We are ready to help you find or manage your Oasis. Keys Ocean Vacation Rentals strives to give every customer the true Keys experience; we don’t just book homes, we book vacations of a lifetime. Ranging from large single family homes to cozy condos, we are here to find what you are looking for. Don’t delay, please contact us today!

OUR SERVICES

24/7 CONTACT | ADVERTISEMENT

PROPERTY INSPECTIONS | SALES TAX COLLECTION

COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS | GUEST CONCIERGE SERVICE MAINTENANCE STAFF | HOUSEKEEPING STAFF

UP TO DATE MARKETING & TECHNOLOGY

We are constantly striving to meet market demands with the newest technology. We have Premier Partner status on HomeAway/VRBO with most of our properties.

IN HOUSE SERVICES

Our team of cleaning, maintenance, and contractors are always available.

CONCIERGE

Our guest can book different activitiesthrough us for a one of a-kind trip.

24/7 SERVICE

Our mobile app provides guests all the information they need about their vacation rental.

Keys Ocean Vacation Rentals

Inspections before and after guests allow us to keep the house in optimal shape.

10035 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 305-735-4095 Ext. 2

www.KeysOceanVacationRentals.com