Marathon Weekly 23-0928

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Coming soon: Taylor Swift - The Travis Kelce Album.

LEAVING THE DOOR OPEN Judge dismisses KCB injunction, but plans second hearing | P.4 DOLLARS & SENSE Marathon cements budget, staff raises | P.6

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Marathon FC edges Key West in adult soccer league duel | P.20

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MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

WE’VE SOLD MORE PROPERTIES OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS THAN THE NEXT FOUR COMPANIES COMBINED CALL US TO FIND OUT HOW • 305.743.5181 JUST SOLD! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SELLER!

501 E. OCEAN DRIVE, #32, KEY COLONY BEACH

MONICA BARRETT

RICK SERVAIS 305.731.5010

ServaisBarrettRealEstateTeam.com

305.433.0349

JUST LISTED! 106 ALYNN PLACE, MARATHON

ASKING PRICE $2,100,000 | 3 BEDROOMS & 2 BATHS

JOSH MOTHNER 305.942.9519 josh@soldinthekeys.com

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TERI HILLER

305.481.0361 terihiller@cbschmitt.com

JUST LISTED! 104 S BAHAMA DRIVE, DUCK KEY

ASKING PRICE $925,000 | 3 BEDROOMS & 2 BATHS NATALIE ARDIS, ®

305.481.3317 | natalie@cbschmitt.com

LELA ASHKARIAN,

305.395.0814 | lela@cbschmitt.com

COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

JUST SOLD! CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER!

1101 W. OCEAN DRIVE, #12, KEY COLONY BEACH

AMY PUTO, REALTOR

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JUST LISTED! 261 5TH STREET, KEY COLONY BEACH

ASKING PRICE $725,000 | 2 BEDROOMS & 1 BATH

SAM WILLIAMS, REALTOR

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JUST LISTED! 135 COCO PLUM DRIVE, 2C, MARATHON

ASKING PRICE $738,000 | 2 BEDROOMS & 2 BATHS

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

3

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

OPEN THE DOOR TO WHAT’S NEXT

Be inspired with ultra luxury island living at newly constructed Key Colony Beach Club, both buildings completed in 2023. This East-facing, two-bedroom, two-bathroom 2nd floor condo in Building 1 is the third unit in from the Ocean! Features just over 1,000 square feet of living with oceanfront views from the open air balcony that expands the entire width of the residence. Weekly 7-day rentals permitted. Immediately upon stepping foot through the front door, you are greeted with 9 foot ceilings, and exquisite views of the Atlantic Ocean from the impact resistant sliding doors. Gourmet kitchen features a center island, white shaker-style cabinets topped with white quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an open concept that flows effortlessly into the expansive living area. Dining nook and bar seating allows seating for all. Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. Greet each day with stunning ocean views and sunrises from the East in the primary bedroom that also features floor to ceiling impact sliders and access to the open air balcony. Primary bathroom houses a step-in tiled shower with glass enclosure and quartz topped vanity. Guest bedroom is located just off of the kitchen with washer dryer in the walk in closet and a bathtub/shower combo in the guest bathroom. Key Colony Beach Club's amenities are almost complete: in-ground concrete pool, white sandy beach, and courtyard landscaping. Elevator allows easy access to the second floor from the covered carport parking for two vehicles.

KEY COLONY | $889,000 | Listing ID: 606074

10055 Overseas Highway, Marathon | 305.735.4095 | oceansir.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

4

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

4M

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

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Digital Editor / Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

JUDGE DISMISSES KCB CITY HALL INJUNCTION, BUT LEAVES THE DOOR OPEN Case hinges on ‘legislative’ or ‘administrative’ interpretation of $8.375 million contract

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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. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month starts Oct. 1. And 4 million is the number of women with a history of breast cancer in the United States. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment, according to breastcancer.org.

ALEX RICKERT

I

alex@keysweekly.com

n a Key West hearing on Sept. 21 between the city of Key Colony Beach and resident Laurie Swanson, Judge Mark Jones declined to provide a final ruling that could largely close the door on KCB’s years-long City Hall “repair or rebuild” debate.

But Jones’ comments, as well as those of all attorneys, clearly established the pivotal question moving forward as both sides prepare for a second hearing: Is an $8.375 million contract for construction of a new City Hall merely an administrative budgetary item, or should the 3-2 vote of the Key Colony Beach City Commission to award the contract on July 20 be viewed as a legislative action? The latter appears to be clearly subject to challenge via a referendum per KCB’s code of ordinances, as Swanson has steadfastly pursued in the months following the commission’s decision, while the former is not.

In the weeks since the commission’s July vote, Swanson gathered two signed versions of petitions from 264 registered voters in Key Colony Beach, 244 of which were verified by Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin in a petition audit dated Sept.

13. The city’s code outlines provisions for a referendum, stating that if petitions are signed by 25% or more of KCB’s registered voters and returned within 45 days of issuance, they may serve to suspend the effective date of the City Hall vote. Speaking to the Weekly shortly after the July vote, Griffin said the city had 650 registered

voters at the time, requiring 163 signatures to pursue a referendum.

However, when Swanson turned in the petitions on Sept. 13, a letter from the city was waiting for her. Signed by City Administrator Dave Turner, the letter referenced ongoing legal action and asserted the city’s position that the “Referendum Petition is not the appropriate legal mechanism and remedy to challenge the City’s discretionary-level planning decision.

“As such,” it continued, “the submitted petition will not be placed on a future agenda, the City will not be holding a referendum vote of the electors, and it shall not suspend any action on the matter.”

“The letter given was from legal as per our charter, and as always, as the City Administrator, I have to sign most documents in day-to-day operations,” Turner said in a text message to the Weekly on Sept. 26. “As far as the proceedings, I’m glad we are getting closer to a decision.”

Thursday’s hearing was limited in its official scope, intended only to address Swanson’s injunction after the City Commission’s vote, filed on July 27, and the city’s motion to dismiss said petition for injunction.

Representing the city, Vernis & Bowling attorneys Scott Black and Ryan Benninger again argued that the contract was a discretionary budgetary item. Among other items, they said the petition for injunctive relief should fail as its “sole basis” was to provide time to pursue a referendum, which the city has repeatedly asserted is invalid and will not occur. The motion to dismiss also invoked arguments of sovereign immunity and said that pursuit of the new hall would only cause “irreparable harm” to the building and not Swanson herself, a critical element when considering injunctive relief.

“It’s immaterial whether (a contract) is $8.5 million or whether it’s $150,” Black said. “If a referendum petition was used in this manner, you could challenge potentially every decision that’s made by the government,

In a first-of-its-kind matchup, Key West-based Dep. Chapin traveled up the Keys to face Marathon FC in a Florida Keys Soccer League showdown at Marathon Community Park.

Marathon claimed a 2-1 win. See page 20. SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/Keys Weekly.

and that’s not the purpose and that’s not the intent behind it.”

Citing several cases both within and outside Florida in which municipalities’ decisions on large capital expenditures were deemed legislative functions, attorney Matthew Hutchinson argued that such a large-scale project was far beyond the award of a simple contract.

“The city keeps talking about the word ‘contract.’ … This is so much more than that,” he said, adding that the $8.4 million price tag still does not include multiple “incalculable” related costs and that a lone fully-responsive bid did not constitute a good-faith competitive bidding process. “The 264 that have already signed the petition are 40% of the total registered electorate. The people want to be heard.”

Offering a preliminary dismissal of the injunction “without prejudice” – meaning it could be refiled – Jones asked Hutchinson to return with an amended motion reflecting developments made in the case since its original filing, but declined to make a ruling characterizing the contract award as legislative or administrative. As he outlined, the amended petition must include acknowledgement and argument against the city’s referendum dismissal, proof of a lack of other legal remedies for Swanson, and clarification of the irreparable injury alleged in the original motion.

“The court review is limited to the four corners of the complaint,” Jones said. “That doesn’t diminish by any means the passion with which the plaintiff and a number of other residents of the community feel about this issue.”

Jones gave until Sept. 29 for the filing of an amended motion, which Hutchinson said was already largely written. Key Colony attorneys will then have 20 days to file a response before the case will, in all likelihood, head to a second hearing with Jones.

In a Sept. 23 email to the likeminded Concerned in KCB group titled “Gut Punch from KCB Commission,” Swanson called the day “disappointing all around.”

“We are hopeful, but not certain that we will prevail,” she wrote. “We are fighting a city commission that is acting outside of KCB ordinance and Florida law. … We lost the first set, but we intend to win the match.”

5

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

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6

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

MARATHON COUNCIL FINALIZES BUDGET, STAFF RAISES City is the only Keys municipality to achieve rollback rate ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

A

brief but intense feud between Marathon city officials and staff regarding pay raises for city employees came to a relatively quiet close on the evening of Sept. 21 with the finalization of Marathon’s 2023-24 budget.

Presented by Finance Director Jennifer Johnson, the city’s rollback budget of $107,349,361 raises the same amount of tax revenues as fiscal year 2022-23 via a millage rate of 2.4477 mills – roughly $2.45 per $1,000 of taxable property value.

Audience members including Coldwell Banker’s Brian Schmitt and former county commissioner George Neugent praised the council for achieving rollback – Marathon is the only Keys municipality to do so this budget season – and touted the city’s affordable housing efforts in recent years. Neugent and former Mayor John Bartus advocated for significant raises for city staff, a hot button issue for the last two council meetings, and praised continuity among Marathon’s employees as a driving factor behind its recent successes.

The council wasted no time in diving into the proposed staff raises, with Mayor Luis Gonzalez continuing his support for significant increases following several years of staff loyalty surrounding Hurricane Irma when increases were minimal. Councilman Kenny Matlock reiterated his support for a sliding scale of increases to primarily boost lowerend salaries within the city, while councilman Jeff Smith renewed his request for a salary survey to individually adjust pay scales while rewarding top performers over providing generous blanket increases.

Smith also raised the issue of previous increases to staff salaries in June 2022 independent from cost of living adjustments, a process he called the “right methodology” for addressing adjustments.

“I’ve learned a few things up here, and that’s be careful what you ask for and how you ask for it,” he said. “I’d like to point out that 48% of our staff last year got an additional average of 9% by adjustments, so I think we have been fair in adjusting our salaries and being competitive.”

Councilman Lynn Landry said he viewed a cost of living adjustment – in which regional statistics including the greater Miami area did not truly represent the realities of Marathon life – as an “easy decision” to maintain buying power for staff, but that individual adjustments to compete with salaries in surrounding jurisdictions were also a must. Vice Mayor Robyn Still again urged the council to “take care of” city employees struggling to pay basic living expenses.

An initial motion by Gonzalez for a 7.8% cost of living increase, as well as a 2% general increase and maximum of $1,500 for additional merit raises per employee failed, with Gonzalez and Still as its two “yes” votes.

Another by Smith and seconded by Matlock with a 5.5% cost of living increase and up to $5,000 per employee in merit raises, in an effort to arrive at a total maximum increase of roughly 9%, also failed.

A final motion by Still with a 7% cost of living increase, a 2% general increase and a maximum of $1,500 per employee for additional merit raises carried in a 4-1 vote, with Smith voting against.

As confirmed by Johnson and again in a city press release, funds for the approved increases will come from the city’s reserve funds, which are still sufficient to finance more than one year of city operating expenses.

In Other News: • Following negotiations with the city’s firefighter union that City Attorney Steve Williams called “pleasant and straightforward,” the council emphatically approved resolution 2023-95, establishing a three-year contract that will begin a process to bring city firefighter pay in line with other municipalities. Among other items, union members will receive a 20% increase in fiscal year 2023-24, followed by a 10% increase in 2024-25 and 5% in 2025-26. Firefighter-paramedic Trace Goodwin praised the move, saying the increase will help attract and retain firefighters with local residences.

• Resolution 2023-96 was unanimously approved after direction from the council following recent discussions of a triplex redevelopment on Anglers Drive. The resolution declares Marathon’s intent to rework its land development regulations concerning redevelopment of single family residences of seven bedrooms or more. With approval of the resolution, any new applications for permits falling under this type of redevelopment will be deferred for a maximum of one year or until the city’s revisions are complete.

• With construction on a restroom set to begin soon at Marathon’s Quay property, Landry asked the council to revisit the idea of adding boat ramp space in addition to development of a park at the site to alleviate heavy traffic at an inefficient ramp. Gonzalez asked Public Works Director Carlos Solis to research the possibility of adding another ramp or widening the existing ramp, to which Garrett responded that preliminary plan concepts were already in progress.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

F

lorida Keys leaders – and a wide range of residents – have united in full force to oppose the idea of consolidating Monroe County’s circuit court with that of Miami-Dade.

County Attorney Bob Shillinger plans to travel to Tampa on Oct. 13 to tell a state judicial committee – appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to consider the consolidation – that what they’re hearing is true: The Keys are overwhelmingly against consolidation of the 16th Judicial Circuit with the 11th Circuit.

Shillinger said at the Sept. 20 Monroe County Commission meeting that he wants the committee to hear from him in person at their meeting.

“It is the result of this community coming together in opposition to this stupid idea – those are my words – and express that to them, and say, ‘You’ve done something that is hard to do,’” Shillinger told commissioners at their regular meeting in Key Largo. “You’ve united the Florida Keys from Key West to Key Largo against this idea. That’s how bad an idea it is.”

Shillinger recalled that someone at the state committee meeting this month reacted to the number of surveys from Monroe County residents opposed to the consolidation proposal by doubting the data.

“They thought our numbers were skewed or fake,” Commissioner Michelle Lincoln said. “It truly angered me.”

Monroe County Commissioners on Sept. 20 unanimously approved a resolution in opposition to consolidation. But the local panel has no say in the decision-making. The appointed committee is tasked with making a recommendation to the state legislature in December about whether to pursue consolidation.

For starters, consolidation would mean Monroe voters’ choices for officials, including the local state attorney, public defender and judges, would compete with voters in Miami.

“We would lose a lot of access for justice for all of our residents if we were consolidated with the biggest circuit in the state,” said Holly Elomina, the Monroe County circuit court system administrator.

“Our votes would not stand a chance with the 2.7 million voters in Miami,” Elomina said.

ANTI-COURT CONSOLIDATION RALLY SET FOR OCT. 8 IN UPPER KEYS Keys bail bondsman Albert Vigil on Sept. 20 announced a “Save Our Courts” rally set for Oct. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the front parking lot of the Juice House, at MM 103 in Key Largo.

“It’s our right to vote on our judicial system,” Vigil told commissioners. “I’d be here talking if we were voting for a dog-catcher.”

‘FIX THE ROAD,’ SAY FLOODED KEY LARGO RESIDENTS After years of requests and trudging through standing water outside their homes,

HOW DO YOU UNITE THE FLORIDA KEYS? THREATEN TO COMBINE THEM WITH MIAMI TEMPERS FLARE AT COUNTY MEETING OVER KEY LARGO FLOODING

areas where he said standing water threatens health and safety. “This affects all the low-lying roads from Key West to Key Largo.”

County Mayor Craig Cates angrily defended the county’s work on the flooding issues.

“What do you think you’re accomplishing yelling at us?” he asked one woman after she spoke. “Don’t act like we don’t want to do anything here.”

The county is in the process of designing a plan for Stillwright Point and is working to secure more funding for another area, Cates said.

“It’s not our fault the cost of construction has increased,” Cates said. “Have you heard of inflation?”

Cates said, “A billion dollars to fix all these roads, that’s the reality.”

Monroe County Commissioner David Rice, of Marathon, said, “These figures are getting so huge. If that’s the solution, we’re going to sit here and watch Monroe County sink out of sight.”

Flooding in the Twin Lakes neighborhood in Key Largo has plagued residents for years, as seen in this 2020 photo. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

Key Largo residents continue to demand government agencies solve the almost decade-long wait for relief from street flooding in the Twin Lakes neighborhood and other areas such as Stillwright Point.

“It’s time to stop the eight years of persecuting these neighborhoods and do a simple flooding fix,” said Sandy Millhiser of Key Largo, reading from a prepared statement at the Sept.

20 commission meeting.

Millhiser was among the speakers, dressed in yellow T-shirts that included slogans like “Fix the road,” who blasted the county for failing to come up with what she called “common sense solutions” to neighborhood flooding.

The creation of county projects to address the flooding has only increased government spending, Millhiser said.

“What we the people don’t need is the perpetuation of the ridiculousness cloaked in the name of sustainability,” Millhiser said.

David Hughes of Key Largo said he and others had to cross through 3 to 6 inches of standing water stretching some 200 feet to get to the commission meeting at the Murray Nelson Government Center.

“We’re tired of this,” Hughes said.

“Specifically Shaw Drive, Crane Street and Adams Drive,” Hughes said, ticking off troubled

Monroe County Facilities Maintenance employee Leo Morin on Sept. 20 hangs a memorial plaque honoring the late County Commissioner Sylvia Murphy in the lobby of the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. Murphy’s office was located in the building. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County

IN MEMORIAM Commissioners on Sept. 20 paid tribute to the late Sylvia Murphy, who was the District 5 commissioner for 14 years and named Mayor Emeritus of Monroe County.

Murphy, who served on the BOCC from 2006-2020, died in November 2022 at age 86.

“A champion of progress and community,” part of the inscription reads.

Murphy retired from the commission in 2020, after years of speaking her mind without hesitation on county issues and standing up for Monroe County.

The plaque was placed next to a framed photograph of Murphy that hangs in the lobby of the Nelson Government Center, the building where she had her office.

“Her spirit is still here,” said Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein, who now holds the District 5 seat.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

SHEDDING SOME ‘LIGHT’ ON MUSICAL EDUCATION ABIGAIL HADDOCK www.keysweekly.com

Sunrise Studios offers ‘total music training’ in Marathon

M

arathon’s newest center for music education and recording is just over a year old, and it’s still full-steam ahead.

Opened in March 2022 by Jeff and Patty Dalton, Sunrise Studios offers classes to kids and adults interested in learning music. In addition to lessons for a variety of instruments, it offers vocal lessons, music reading, songwriting and even an upcoming toddler drumming class.

“We started Sunrise Studios about a year ago to bring music education and a professional music studio to the Keys,” said Jeff.

“I noticed a lack of opportunity, especially for young students, to learn about music and recording.”

Dalton is a professional musician, and when he’s not working at Sunrise Studios he plays in Marathon and Key West, including at the Little Room Jazz Club, Hog’s Breath and the Green Parrot.

Dalton calls himself a “lifetime musician” and said Sunrise is a “retirement job” of sorts for him.

“I grew up in a folk music version of the Partridge family,” he said. “We performed all over.

I started so young that I thought everybody did that. As soon as school was over, we'd pack up and travel to play. My father and brothers were all music teachers, and I learned a lot about teaching and working with young students.

I went to music school and learned the technical side of music, and this brings it all together.”

Dalton combines his experience in multiple aspects of music in his teaching, but wants his studio to offer “total music training,” he said. “Yes, we teach guitar, piano, bass, singing, drums, but also music reading and music theory. Kids get full music theory experience, including learning to write music.

From top: A Sunrise Studios student practices the drums. • Collette Campbell lays down a guitar track in Sunrise’s recording studio. • Sunrise Studios owner Jeff Dalton, right, teaches a chord progression to Kai Daughtry. • Sunrise Studios owner Jeff Dalton, right, works through a guitar lesson with Joseph Koler. • In addition to classes, Sunrise Studios offers a fully-equipped professional recording space.

Photos by PATRICK LUKE and JEFF DALTON/Contributed.

“We’ve really focused on the depth of music, not just learning songs on guitar, which is good, but really getting an in-depth music education. This way students can also switch instruments, and we have a number of students who learn two or three different instruments.”

In addition to providing professional recording services, the studio side of Sunrise can help students learn fundamentals of rhythm and recording. Professional artists in Key West have come to record in Marathon, as well as students working on songwriting, or even creative gift givers seeking a unique and special present for loved ones and friends.

For people who might be interested in learning music, but find starting daunting, Dalton said, “There is an instrument out there for you, and I will help you find what that is. We take older students and younger students. If anyone is not sure where they fit into the musical collage, we can help.” He said some students “try something different each week” as they explore various options, but “there’s something for everybody.”

“Not everyone needs to be a concert virtuoso, you just need to enjoy it,” he said. “We’re here to bring the joy of music to the community. We're here to help everyone who wants their kids to get the benefit of music, or adults who have the dream to play music for fun. We’re teaching in a kind and safe manner that students are comfortable with and can really enjoy.”

Sunrise Studios is in the midst of creating more potential classes – a musical theater class with performance opportunities, for one, or a “school of rock” class to put together a band and a concert.

The Daltons are looking for people available to teach kids and open more lessons, and are taking new students and people interested in recording. Sunrise Studios is located at 5192 Overseas Highway, Marathon. More information is at sunrisestudiosofmarathon.com/ or via email to lessons@sunrisestudiosofmarathon.com.

11

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FRANK'S GRILL BEST INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR THE 7TH YEAR!

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AMERICAN AND ITALIAN FAVORITES 305-289-7772 | WWW.FRANKSGRILLMARATHON.COM LOCATED IN TOWNSQUARE MALL | 11400 O/S HWY MARATHON LUNCH MON - FRI 10AM-3PM | DINNER MON - SAT 5PM-9PM

THANK YOU FOR VOTING CURLY'S COFFEE

BEST COFFEE IN MARATHON! presented by

Thursday, Oct 5th | 9:00am-11:45am @ Marathon Library Effective tips, tools and tactics for your business's social media and online marketing to engage and connect with your customers and desired audience.

Bring your laptop for some interaction!

Hosted by:

Water & light pastries included Costs:

305.942.3728 • 11601 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Contact info to RSVP & attend: Marathon Chamber of Commerce 305.743.5417 erika@floridakeysmarathon.com Pay Online (or at the door)

Marathon Chamber Members: $15.00/per person Key Largo/Islamorada/Lower Keys Chamber Members: $20.00/pp Non-member: $30.00/pp

12

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

TEEING OFF Friendly competition on the miniature green is no longer a road trip for Marathon residents, with the official opening and ribbon cutting of Porky’s Bayside Mini Golf on Sept. 20. The course features 18 tropically landscaped holes – complete with a waterfall – and a bar at its entrance to “start the game off right.” Pictured are Porky’s owner Magda Jedrzejewska, left center, and Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez as they cut the Chamber’s ribbon with Marathon officials, dignitaries and guests. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

COMING FULL CIRCLE (K) A highly-anticipated expansion at Marathon’s east end officially reached the finish line with a ribbon cutting at the city’s remodeled Circle K at 11140 Overseas Highway. Removing the blight of the vacant former Burger King building, the renovated station’s larger footprint offers an expansive convenience store to pair with 14 fuel pumps offering in-demand Rec 90 boat fuel without on-water prices. Plans are in the works for a celebration of the company’s 75th anniversary. Pictured, from left, in the store’s interior are Ethan Dorsey, Jorn Madsen, Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez, Marathon Chamber CEO Daniel Samess, Marathon Vice Mayor Robyn Still, Eddie Quintana and Shelby Harrison. PATTI CHILDRESS/Keys Weekly

13

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

TRUSTS • WILLS POWERS OF ATTORNEY LADYBIRD DEEDS 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.

KATHLEEN HENDRICKSON ATTORNEY AT LAW MASTERS OF LAW, ESTATE PLANNING 5701 Overseas Hwy • 305 393 2598

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• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!

• 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm * $2 Pints of Yuengling and Bud Light!

BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM • Unique & interesting menu • $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots

LUNCH & DINNER Established in 1963 and renovated in 2016, Banana Bay Resort and Marina offers guests comfort, located on 10 spacious acres, each of the hotel's 59 deluxe guest rooms have been designed to welcome the ambiance of the Florida Keys inside, with the décor eliciting a calm feeling. The resort also offers convenient travel for guests looking to explore the island with the resort's complimentary bicycle rental and proximity to a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions such as the Turtle Hospital, Dolphin Research Center, 7 Mile Bridge, and Sombrero Beach. The resort also offers access to a marina, boat ramp, trailer parking, and is conveniently located near several dive shops and excursions.

Guests can bask in the warmth of Florida Sun or take a dip in the pool and enjoy drinks from The Sunset Pointe Bar. Visit our website, bananabay.com, for more information and to schedule your dream vacation.

4590 Overseas Highway 305.743.3500

• Lobster Enchiladas • Diver Speared Local Fish • Prime Rib • Local Lobster • Cook Your Own Catch • Great Seafood Selections

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14

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

ALL YOU CAN EAT MAHI MAHI FISH FRY EVERY FRIDAY 5PM - 9PM

COME CELEBRATE SUNSET WITH LIVE CANNON SALUTE AND COMPLIMENTARY SHOTS!

OPEN

7 DAYS A WEEK 11AM-12AM 14 TV'S & SURROUND SOUND

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15

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Representatives from the Middle and Lower Keys Association of Realtors paint pilings at Habitat for Humanity’s Bell Haven development on Sept. 20. Back row, from left: real estate agents Milly Perez, Lisa Baez, Natalie Ardis, Lisa Joseph, Katie Carrillo. Front row: Habitat Middle Keys executive director Chris Todd Young, real estate agent Astrid Ramirez.

CONTRIBUTED

PILLARS OF SUPPORT MLKAR, Habitat for Humanity team up for day of service at Bell Haven

T

o commemorate the Homeownership for All grant awarded to Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys, the Middle and Lower Keys Association of Realtors (MLKAR) came together on Sept. 20 for a day of community service to paint the foundation pilings at Bell Haven as part of their ongoing commitment to support Habitat. This charitable initiative is in collaboration with the Homeownership for All license plate grant program, aimed at fostering affordable homeownership in the Middle Keys community.

Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys has been a pillar of support for families in the Middle Keys, offering affordable homeownership and promoting a more sustainable community.

Created by the Florida Realtors in 2006 and supported by MLKAR, the license plate grant program provides essential funding to help more families achieve the dream of owning their own homes through the sale of their specialty license plates.

"We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to own a safe and affordable home," said Wayne Carter, CEO of MLKAR. "Our Realtor Volunteer Day event is a testament to our dedication to making a positive impact in the Middle Keys community. By partnering with Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys and the Homeownership for All license plate grant program, we aim to bring that dream closer to reality for many local families."

Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys expressed gratitude for MLKAR's volunteer hours and the continuous support of the Florida Realtors through the grant program.

"This collaboration strengthens our mission of creating affordable homeownership," said Chris Todd Young, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys.

More information about the Homeownership for All license plates is at homeownershipforall.org. More information about Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys is at habitatmiddlekeys. org or facebook.com/HFHoftheMiddleKeys.

— Contributed

Not only is the Best of Marathon awards show a celebration of community spirit and ingenuity, it’s also a time to gather friends and neighbors for some fun and humor. While elected officials and dignitaries take the brunt of the verbal abuse “jokes” at the Best of Marathon, we save some for the everyday residents, too. If none of these applies to you, do you even actually live here?

SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE FROM MARATHON… 10. You currently owe the city $3,200 in unpaid Sombrero Beach parking fines. (Leslie Christensen … you know what we’re talking about.)

5. Two weeks before Travis Pastrana jumped the Boot Key Bridge in a souped-up Subaru, you and Cheddar did it in an ’03 Kia Sorento.

9. Your online dating profile states “No pending resource violations.”

4. You believe with all your heart that hydroxychloroquine is the cure for coral bleaching.

8. You received $3,200 in building permit refunds from the city of Marathon, but have never once pulled a permit.

3. You think America needs to build a wall, but your family’s nest egg was created by smuggling marijuana and cocaine through Sisters Creek.

7. You say you want a roller rink at the old K-Mart, but you haven’t exercised since Hurricane Wilma.

6. You hate vacation rentals, except for the five you own and illegally rent to “friends and family.”

2. You have tried canceling your Marathon Weekly subscription 183 times, but they keep throwing the damn thing in your driveway.

1. You don’t give a…

16

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Sam Williams PA, REALTOR

Sam.Williams@ColdwellBanker.com TOP PRODUCER FOR 12 YEARS

Call or text 305.942.6069

SOLD 100% OF ASK

#SELLITWITHSAM

44 Closed YTD

In a market where sellers get on average 90% of their asking price. Sam Williams PA is outperforming the market by averaging 95% for his sellers putting $1000’s more in his sellers pockets.

With the Keys average sales price of just over $1M this means Sam Williams PA is putting an extra $50K more in his sellers pockets.

Sam has twice as many sales as any of his competitors which translates into twice as much experience negotiating better results for his sellers.

115 WINDY POINT CIRCLE | MARATHON | SOLD FOR $4,595,000

SOLD 94% OF ASK

Why would you hire anyone else to negotiate the sale price of your home?

MAKE LISTING YOUR HOME A BUSINESS DECISION. CALL SAM WILLIAMS TODAY!

BUYING OR SELLING, THIS IS THE FASTEST WAY TO REACH ME

735 50TH STREET GULF | MARATHON | SOLD FOR $3,600,000

17

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

PAY IT FORWARD When he wasn’t working, Mike Forster enjoyed some backcountry fishing. CONTRIBUTED

‘BE LIKE MIKE’ WEEK RETURNS NEXT MONTH

2

022’s inaugural “Be Like Mike” week was a huge success, so there’s no better way to continue the legacy of former county commissioner and Islamorada councilman Mike Forster’s legacy than to keep it going in 2023.

“Mangrove” Mike Forster was also a restaurateur and member of the board of directors for United Way of Collier and the Keys before his passing away on Sept. 6, 2021 after a battle with COVID-19.

“Mike loved our community and lived to serve others,” said Leah Stockton, Keys area president for United Way of Collier and the Keys.

“He’d be so happy to see volunteers committing these small acts of kindness, whether it be donating canned goods or picking up litter.”

Set for Oct. 16-20, there are countless ways to help, but this

SHORELINE CLEANUPS • Oct. 16 from 8:30-10 a.m. at Indian Key Fill.

• Oct. 18 from 8:30-10 a.m. at Long Key State Park (entry fee waived for participants).

• Oct. 19 from 5:30-7 p.m. at White Street Pier & Higgs Beach.

year, UWCK is partnering with Reef Relief for “Be Kind to our Shoreline,” which provides volunteers with different cleanup locations. For the second year, UWCK will partner with Burton Memorial Church in Tavernier, Keys Area Interdenominational Resources in Marathon and Star of the Sea in Key West for a food drive.

The donations made in Forster’s name will honor his biggest contribution to our community: feeding the Keys in times of need.

Use the hashtag #BeLikeMike on social media when conducting cleanups, donating canned goods or doing other positive acts in the community. More details are at uwcollierkeys.org/belikemike/.

— Contributed

Last year, UWCK board members Maria Jones, Brandi Horton and Bill Doxey delivered supplies to MarrVelous Pet Rescue in the Upper Keys for “Waggin’ Wednesday.”

TIME FOR THE TIME WARP (AGAIN) Back for a second year with a nearly identical cast, Marathon Community Theatre’s production of Richard O’Brien’s “The Rocky Horror Show” opens next Thursday, Oct. 5. The 10-date show run has curtains scheduled for 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 21, with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Oct. 15. The interactive musical features a host of audience participation opportunities with pre-assembled “goodie bags” for sale before the show. Tickets are $33 and are available at marathontheater.org or by calling 305-743-0994. The show is intended for 18+ audiences and contains sexual themes and strong language. Pictured are actors John Schaefer, right, and Jeanie Schwenke, back for a second round as Brad and Janet. Alex Rickert/Keys Weekly

18

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 PRESENTED BY

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Acai & Pitaya Energy Bowls Smoothies Salads & Wraps

THANK YOU MARATHON! WE ARE HONORED TO BE VOTED BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE!

Fresh Juices

WHETHER YOU’RE A LOCAL OR JUST PASSING THROUGH, WE CAN HELP GUIDE YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY TO OPTIMAL HEALTH! Store Mon - Sat 8:30am - 5:30pm (cafe closes at 5pm) 5800 Overseas Hwy, Ste 23 • Gulfside Village • Marathon www.foodforthoughtflkeys.com

Located at Keys Fisheries Market & Marina MM 48.5 End of 35th Bayside Marathon

CALL TO BOOK YOUR CHARTER

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19

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

MALLORY PINTO BROKER ASSOCIATE I am local, approachable, and my roots run deep in this community.

THANK YOU MARATHON FOR VOTING ME BEST HEALTH/ FITNESS COACH! I am proud to be a member of this community and honored to do what I love with all my clients.

10055 Overseas Highway | Marathon C: 813.846.6759 | O: 305.735.4095 mpinto@oceansir.com

oceansir.com

ASTRID RAMIREZ 305.509.0619 Astrid@Islandbreezerealty.com 12220 Overseas Highway, Marathon

IslandBreezeRealty.com Congratulations to my buyers!

Cara O'Neill | 305-731-7887 | caraoneill0731@gmail.com

Congratulations to my buyers!

Stephany Duvall REALTOR®

Direct: 407.256.9614 Stephany@IslandBreezeRealty.com

Saara Staten

Stephany Duvall

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

SOLD! 12399 Overseas Hwy

Direct: 407.256.9614

Direct: 786.623.7392

Stephany@IslandBreezeRealty.com

Saara@IslandBreezeRealty.com

SOLD! 108 Avenue A

SOLD! 65821 Overseas Hwy #177

Marathon

Long Key

Congratulations to my sellers!

SOLD! 261 3rd Street

Slip 29 | Marathon

Key Colony

Jessica Boyanton

Stephany Duvall

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

Direct: 305.304.9414

Direct: 407.256.9614

Jessica@IslandBreezeRealty.com

Stephany@IslandBreezeRealty.com

12220 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050

305.743.8328 | www.IslandBreezeRealty.com

Congratulations to my seller!

20

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

HOME DEFENSE

MARATHON FC FENDS OFF DEP. CHAPIN IN FLORIDA KEYS ADULT SOCCER MATCH

T

he evening of Sept. 20 marked a new era for the adult Florida Keys Soccer League, as for the first time ever, Key West-based Dep. Chapin made the drive from the Southernmost City to face Marathon FC on their “home” field at Marathon Community Park.

Marathon protected home turf in the first-of-its-kind matchup, edging Dep. Chapin 2-1. The defending 2023 champions will again enter the league playoffs as the top seed with a record of 10-5-1, courtesy of a league-low 18 goals allowed and +30 goal differential.

Dep. Chapin will enter the playoffs as the fourth seed with an 8-3-4 record and +22 goal differential.

— Alex Rickert

Marathon FC and Key West-based Dep. Chapin square off at Marathon Community Park on the evening of Sept. 20.

Marathon emerged with a 2-1 victory.

SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/Keys Weekly

21

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT Enjoy our daily specials.

Open for Lunch & Dinner Every Day!

RETAIL STORE

Fish, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!

RAW BAR UPSTAIRS Oysters • Clams • Full Bar THE BEST SUNSETS

Casual Dining • Reservations NOT Required • Pets Welcomed!

Open 11 A.M. - 9 P.M. 7 Days a Week 35TH Street, on the bay (Behind the Stuffed Pig) • MARATHON • 305.743.4353

www.keysfisheries.com

Best Fish Sandwich Best Seafood

Fuel Dock Rec 90 7am to Noon Mon. - Sat.

22

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Don't mention the"R"word Dr. Fred Troxel Jr., DDS

Unless you are talking about RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY which is what I LOVE and do. I've spent 45 years practicing on Big Pine Key developing my skills in complex restorative and esthetic dentistry and developing a world class team. I would love to help YOU get the smile you desire and the healthy function you deserve.

BENDER 7-year-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: I’m a foreigner cat looking for my citizenship.

Turnoffs: I don’t always like some other cats.

"

DIVA 2-year-old female mixed breed.

Looking for: An adventure buddy to take me with them.

Turnoffs: Iguanas – oh, I don’t like those things.

SWIPE RIGHT

DJ TRAE DAE PLAYING POOLSIDE FROM 1 TO 5PM

Y A D N U F Y A D 678 SUN

H S A L P SUNS& BEACH POOAL SH BBQ23 B OCT. 1, 20 TH

MLB BASEBALL PLAYOFFS ALL WEEK! WE WILL GRILL YOUR LOBSTER CATCH FOR FREE 1 TO 5PM AT THE POOLSIDE GRILL! GRILLED ON THE POOL DECK

• Complimentary Lobster Grilling Services • Famous Cheeseburgers • Cuban Burger • Blackened Dolphin Sandwiches • Grilled Ribeye Sandwiches • Grilled Bratwurst • BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Scallops • Chili Cheese Dogs

MARATHON’S NFL & MLB HEADQUARTERS! NFL SUNDAY TICKET

ON 16 HDTV’S EVERY SUNDAY ALL SEASON LONG!

DRINK SPECIALS

• $2 Coors Light • $5 Mango Painkillers • $2 Jello Shots 305.396.7235 • 7 KNIGHTS KEY BOULEVARD • MM 47 (AT THE FOOT OF THE 7 MILE BRIDGE, OCEAN) • SUNSETGRILLE7MILEBRIDGE.COM

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit the campus at 10550 Aviation Blvd.

SQUIRT 5-month-old female domestic shorthair.

Looking for: I’d love to be adopted with my brother.

Turnoffs: I’m not such a little kitten anymore – I hope someone still wants me.

23

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Seafood

differently

Dive into Angler & Ale’s fresh new flavors and unwind in the same laid-back atmosphere. Head down to the docks of Hawks Cay Marina at MM61 to sample our new menu and classic Keys specialties. Or bring us your filets for some great hook and cook options.

(305) 209-9991 | AnglerAndAle.com

540 Duck Key Drive • Duck Key, FL 33050

Su O Fr n-T pen an i & hu r Dail S k at 11a y #1 f y 11a m ke or o m- 9p u y 10 m v pm li o MA

Th

it’s that time of year..

PUMPKINPaLOoZA We have PUMPKIN

me

tin RA pie g th - 9 us on tim es !

EVERYTHING! Ice Cream, Cookies, Cheesecakes, Cupcakes, pumpkin rolls

Unique gifts toys books sweetsavannahs.com

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custom cakes desserts & more…..

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24

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

FORBIDDEN FICTION Parents, school boards, activists and governments have been responsible for removing dozens of books from school and library shelves. In honor of Banned Books Week, which starts Oct. 1, we celebrate and defend the freedom to read.

THE HATE U GIVE

By Angie Thomas Starr Carter is driving home from a party with her friend Khalil. At 16, Starr didn’t usually go to parties in her neighborhood.

Although she was raised in this poor community, Starr’s parents enrolled her in a suburban private school. Her father ran the local grocery and her mom worked as an ER nurse. They knew how tough the streets are, and wanted their children to have a better future. Khalil and Starr are pulled over. Starr remembers what her mom drilled into her: Keep your hands where they can be seen, no sudden movements and no talking. Khalil is shot three times in the back. Blood is everywhere, and Starr’s life will never be the same. She questions her authenticity, friends and her white boyfriend – she feels like a black girl with two identities. The incident makes national headlines, with Starr as the witness. Her family, the local gangs and the entire neighborhood choose sides. Starr learns that she must speak for her friends who no longer have a voice. Vivid depictions of police brutality, violence and racism have led this heartbreaking, meaningful and bestselling book to appear frequently on banned lists.

THE STORYTELLER

By Jodi Picoult Sage Singer feels like she has lost everything – her parents, friends and, lastly, hope. Living in a small rural town in New Hampshire, Sage has spent her life in the shadows of her outspoken sisters and questionable faith. She squirrels herself away, baking and working nights for an ex-nun, sometimes sleeping all day while the world spins forward without her. One day Sage meets Josef Weber, a 95-year-old German man who walks into the bakery. They become instant friends. Josef is everyone’s favorite retired teacher and Little League coach who has been living under the weight of a dark secret. Sage is also deeply connected to her grandmother, a Holocaust survivor who never shared much of her past but was determined to live a full, loving life. When Josef asks Sage for an unimaginable favor, she is torn by guilt and regret entangled within their unlikely friendship. More than just another Holocaust story of survival, this intricate web of characters connect in ways the reader has never imagined. This novel, among many other Holocaust themed books, has been ensnared in efforts to purge schools and public libraries of what some deem inappropriate.

DID YOU KNOW? These books have also been challenged: Gone with the Wind, The Handmaid’s Tale, Go Ask Alice, Forever, The Diary of Anne Frank, Of Mice and Men, Harry Potter, Wicked, James and the Giant Peach, To Kill a Mockingbird, 1984, The Scarlet Letter, The Color Purple, Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, The Namesake and Sophie’s Choice.

ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET

By Judy Blume Margaret Simon moves from the Big Apple to the New Jersey suburbs in sixth grade, a time of great importance to an 11-year-old girl. Margaret is deeply self-conscious of the changes happening to her body. Being the new girl is both exciting and terrifying. As Margaret and her new friends obsess over boys and Two Minutes in the Closet, she prays to God for guidance, while deep inside Margaret struggles with what it means to be half-Jewish and half-Christian while her parents have raised her with no religion at all. Faith, puberty, family and friendship – this classic young adult story encourages honest discussion for girls who are on the cusp of learning how to express themselves during adolescence. It is no easy task to choose from the many incredible books written

by Judy Blume, but her KAREN timeless coming-of-age NEWFIELD story recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and First and foremost was also adapted to the a reader, she has big screen. This bestseller reviewed hunhas appeared on banned dreds of books on her blog www. book lists since its publication in 1970, prompting readingandeating. com. And, more Blume to become a longrecently, this new time advocate for readKeys resident has ing rights while battling also begun writing. censorship.

25

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Run the Bridge!

Watch the Sunrise!

SIGN UP AT KEYLARGOBRIDGERUN.COM

Fall into Spa Savings at Isla Bella until October 31st!

Take advantage of 30% off the following: Any Spa Retail Product OR 50 minute Signature Massage* 50 minute Facial* *must books service on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

See website to view full menu.

Must call direct to make appointment for specials listed above: 786-652-9045

islabellabeachresort.com

| 305-481-9451

FIRST STATE BANK

KEY LARGO BRIDGE RUN 5K RUN/WALK

SATURDAY DEC. 2

7:30 A.M. STARTING AT GILBERT'S RESORT ACCESS ROAD

26

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

HAVE YOU SEEN THESE CRABS?

COAST GUARD DETAINS MARATHON CHARTER FISHING BOAT Inspection report details numerous safety violations on Sea Dog Charters vessel Barracuda

C

Tagged crabs will have a yellow tag with a four-digit number protruding near the back leg. Tagged crabs should be reported without removing the tag. FWC/Contributed

KEEP A SHARP EYE OUT FOR TAGS THIS STONE CRAB SEASON

C

rustacean biologists with FWC are investigating stone crab movement throughout the Florida Keys. Stone crabs caught in fisheries-independent monitoring traps are being tagged and released into nearby waters from Marathon to Key West. So far, researchers have tagged more than 3,100 crabs.

Investigators ask all trappers to look out for tagged stone crabs. The tags are placed by the back leg, are chartreuse yellow and have a unique four-digit number.

Researchers hope to receive enough tag reports from commercial and recreational fishermen to estimate how far crabs are traveling and the

direction of their movement.

This data will help to fill in knowledge gaps and may result in a greater statewide tagging effort.

After catching a tagged stone crab, please do not remove the tag before returning the crab to the water, as the crabs will retain the tag through their molt phase.

Please send a picture of a chart plotter with coordinates displayed and the tag with the four-digit number showing. Call or text 786-492-0137 or email tagreturn@myfwc.com. Those who report tags may include their mailing address and shirt size for a reward.

— Contributed

oast Guard marine inspectors from Sector Key West have removed a small passenger vessel from commercial service in Marathon, according to a Sept. 26 press release.

A Flag State Detention has been issued for the 36-foot small passenger vessel Barracuda, operated by Marathon charter company Sea Dog Charters, after Coast Guard inspectors said they discovered multiple violations on board the vessel.

The Barracuda, certificated to carry 20 passengers, had taken passengers on excursions earlier in the week, with additional trips booked later that day. During the inspection, numerous deficiencies were found, such as significant amounts of oil and hydraulic fluid in the bilges, electrical wiring hazards, non-compliant fuel line installations, inoperable fuel shut-off valves and through-hull valves, excessive water ingress at the shaft seal, and the fixed firefighting system with indication it had been previously discharged, among others.

Prior to the completion of the inspection, enough deficiencies were identified to issue a Flag State Detention to the vessel, prohibiting the carriage of passengers. A Flag State Detention is rarely issued to U.S. small passenger vessels. Upon additional review of the vessel’s operating history, the officer in charge of marine inspections decided to revoke the vessel’s Certificate of Inspection, removing the vessel entirely from the fleet of inspected passenger vessels operating in the Florida Keys.

A Captain of the Port Order was issued, requiring the vessel to cease commercial operations until it fully complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Owners and operators who violate a Captain of the Port Order can face a penalty of up to $111,031 per violation.

“My marine inspectors attend to small passenger vessels at least annually, but I need to trust that USCG Credentialed Masters are keeping the public safe on the water at all times. Luckily we caught this before anyone got hurt,” said Capt. Jason Ingram, commander of Sector Key West.

“Ultimately, I want the public to have an enjoyable time on the water and the Florida Keys are generally full of professional mariners who understand that safety is their number one priority when it comes to operating a business underway. If a passenger pays for a trip on the water and has any cause for concern, I encourage them to contact Sector Key West at 305-292-8727 or via email at SKW@ uscg.mil. I will ensure my team follows up on every tip to hold the inspected passenger fleet to all safety standards.”

— Contributed

27

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Now Forming Join Us Fridays at 2pm Marathon Community Church 3010 Overseas Hwy

305.481.7233

Monday: Closed | Tuesday - Sunday: 11:00am - 10:00pm

BEST HAPPY HOUR 14 YEARS IN A ROW

& BEST MARGARITA

MARATHON COMMUNITY CHURCH THE PERFECT CHURCH FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

SUNDAY SERVICES

10AM IN THE SANCTUARY 3010 Overseas Highway

Pastor Mary Ashcraft

COME BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR!

305.481.7233

"Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord, my God, is with you." — 1 Chronicles 28:20

Injured in a boating accident?

Regular Menu Available and BRUNCH items including Chorizo Breakfast Burrito, Guava French Toast, Crab Benedict and BOGO Mimosas & Glasses of Sparkling Wine

SPECIALS Monday: Closed Tuesday: Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila LIVE MUSIC: ROGER JOKELA Wednesday: Wine Time Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles)

CE! N A EN NTRadio I Friday: Abstract A M R LIVE MUSIC: ABSTRACT RADIO O F D Brunch HAPPY OSE BOGOSaturday: L C Mimosas & Sparkling Wine Y LIVE MUSIC: ROGER JOKELA HOUR ARIL R O P Sunday: Brunch TEM 4-6pm BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine Thursday: Prime Rib Night LIVE MUSIC: JOHN BARTUS

Please call us today. We want to help.

We wil cook youl catch, fis r and lobst h er Please

833-VASTOLA Jeff D. Vastola, Esq.

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9141 Overseas Hwy. Suite 3 Marathon FL. 33050 | 305.705.6788 | JVastola@VastolaLegal.com

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28

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

SAVING CISTERNS

AN OLD WATER-COLLECTION SYSTEM IN THE KEYS IS WORTHY OF A HISTORY LESSON

S

everal months ago, I was invited to one of the local Key Largo schools to talk with some students about the use of cisterns in early pioneer life — what they did, how they were built, and why they were important.

FLORIDA What I told them was KEYS that cisterns were built to HISTORY collect rainwater. In those WITH days, there was no faucet BRAD water at the turn BERTELLI spouting of a handle or a convenient store nearby where water An author, speaker, Florida was sold by the bottle or Keys historian and jug. While barrels of water Honorary Conch. were shipped in, having a His latest book, local source to help pioneers “Florida Keys History with Brad navigate the dry season was Bertelli, Volume essential to everyday living.

1,” shares fasciCisterns served as a primary nating glimpses source for the much-needed into the rich and resource. sometimes surThe cisterns built in prising histories of the Florida Keys. early pioneer history were constructed using concrete produced from locally sourced materials, including seashells. It was called tabby concrete and was created by burning shells like conch to extract the lime necessary to cement the formula.

After the shells were burned in a pit, the crushed shells, the lime they produced, and the ash were mixed with water and sand to create a mixture that created an island-styled concrete.

Sometimes, the cisterns were built adjacent to a house or other structure; sometimes, those structures were built on top. In either case, the cistern was filled via a gutter system that collected rainwater after it splattered against a sloped roof. The droplets slid down the slanted wood and pooled in gutters before flowing downstream and emptying into the cistern.

They were a way of life in the Florida Keys for longer than you might think and were still being built and used into the 1940s. The freshwater pipeline delivering convenience from a tap did not arrive along the chain of islands, at least those connected by the Overseas Highway, until 1942. Fun Florida Keys fact: it takes 10 to 14 days for a drop of water to flow from the aqueduct’s wellfield in Homestead to Key West.

The good news is that, at least in the Keys, the relatively modern convenience of fresh water no longer relies on using cisterns as a primary source. The better news, at least from a history nut’s perspective, is that a handful of cisterns, some dating back to the 1830s (as is the case of the square cisterns found on Indian Key), are still standing relatively intact. The Indian Key cisterns, at least the square ones, were built with tabby concrete. The government made the three redbricked masonry cisterns on the island in 1840.

The cisterns still standing up and down the Florida Keys are a reminder of life on these islands before fresh water, mosquito control, air-conditioning, the highway or even Henry Flagler and his Over-Sea Railroad roared across the islands. Sadly, many have been bulldozed or otherwise destroyed in the name of progress.

Certainly, real estate is a commercialized premium here in paradise, but preserving local history is important, too. People come to the island chain for the clear waters, local seafood (though it is getting harder to come by), fishing, diving, snorkeling and picturesque sunset views — but the local history and breadth of it are not just extraordinary but worth celebrating. However, “progress” is “progress” and the latest historic cistern likely to become a victim of it was built by Edmund Albury in 1897.

Like many early pioneers, Albury moved to the Keys from the Bahamas. He settled at Key Largo’s Rock Harbor, where he farmed pineapples, Key limes and tomatoes. The tomatoes were known as Key Largo globe tomatoes and became a primary cash crop. By 1923, 56 indi-

viduals or companies grew the globe tomato on 312 acres of Key Largo. Unlike tomatoes grown on the mainland, the Key Largo variety had a thicker skin and was juicy, sweet and better able to withstand the packing and shipping element of farming.

Edmund Albury was farming tomatoes on six acres of his land, but he was also a fisherman who built a fish house over the aforementioned cistern on his oceanfront property where he and his wife, Elizabeth, had 10 children. Their eighth child, Calvin, grew up to be a legendary fishing guide — and a favorite of the former president and bona fide fisherman Herbert Hoover.

Calvin’s daughter, Carol, asked me to visit the family property and see the cistern her grandfather built 126 years ago. It still holds water. Unfortunately, the parcel of Albury land on which the cistern was built has been sold, and the fate of the cistern has been all but sealed.

The story is nearly as old as time: the old is cleared away to make room for the new. It is one of the reasons a dedicated, though small, group of people has historically worked on recording, restoring and remembering the past so that, at the very least, the children of tomorrow will have the opportunity to learn about the history of this string of islands that is so much more than a vacation destination.

One of the people who worked to preserve the local history was Calvin Albury’s wife, Lenora Albury, who, in 1976, helped to establish the Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys.

She also worked to create the first Key Largo library, where she served as its branch manager for three decades. In the case of the historic cistern on what was once the Albury property, instead of knocking it down, it would be amazing if it did not become just another memory and, instead, was honored with an interpretive plaque or some other way of remembering the cistern and the family’s tremendous history. Wishful thinking, sure, but once in a while, wishes come true.

29

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

HOST A PRIVATE HOLIDAY GATHERING FOR YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY OR STAFF ON A PRIVATE ISLAND! Celebrate the wonder. magic and joy of the holiday season on historic Pigeon Key!

Full access to the island including the transportation of guests aboard the Pigeon Key Express.

Limited dates available, so call today to learn more!

305.743.5999

1090 Overseas Hwy, Marathon | PigeonKey.net

30

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

309 Calzada De Bougainville Marathon, Florida Keys

SOLD!

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company would like to welcome

Barbara McKee & Servais~Barrett Team Listing Just SOLD in Marathon.

Sold for $1,440,000!

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We get your property SOLD; NOT just listed. Give US a call today!

Servais~Barrett Team & Barbara McKee Rick Servais & Monica Barrett, REALTORS® Rick - 305.731.5010 | rservais@cbschmitt.com Monica - 305.433.0349 | monica@cbschmitt.com Barbara McKee, REALTOR® Barbara - 305-872-8416 | mckeebarbara1@gmail.com 11050 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. ®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.

111 Windy Point Circle Marathon, Florida Keys

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Aly Bainbridge Office Number 305.289.6540 Cell Number 812.593.1615 aly@cbschmitt.com

COMING SOON! CONTACT US FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES patti@keysweekly.com 305.731.9628

Kim & Wanda’s Listing Just SOLD in Marathon!

Sold in 96 days and Sold for $4,900,000 If you are considering buying or selling a property give Kim or Wanda a call today.

Kim Rabito Show, REALTOR® 305.304.8591 | kimmieinthekeys@gmail.com

Wanda Brock, REALTOR®

305.304.8862 | wanda@midkeysproperties.com 11050 Overseas Hwy., Marathon KEYS ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. ®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT

31

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Local and Veteran Owned

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MONDAY - FRIDAY 3PM-5PM $8 FOOD MENU SUNDAY - THURSDAY 11AM-9PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11AM-10PM $1 OFF BEER, WINE & WELL DRINKS Closing Sept 5-24 for a much needed rest for all our staff!** Visit our www.sswreck.com for online ordering and upcoming special events Mile Marker 59, Grassy Key (next to the Dolphin Research Center), 305.517.6484

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32

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

CAPTAIN JOEL’S FISHIN’ HOLES

Whether you’re fishing for predators, a good fight or a decent meal, fishing the bridges of the Florida Keys can be a productive way to do it. JOEL BRANDENBURG/ Contributed

BACK TO THE BRIDGES THIS FALL

N

ow that we are getting into the windy cooler months, it’s time to start fishing the bridges more and more. At this time of year, many charters are scheduled for offshore, deep sea, big game trips, but sometimes Mother Nature has different plans in store. In this case we’ll tuck CAPT. JOEL into our bridge spots and pull off a BRANDENheck of a fishing trip that our clients will never forget. We can catch …is a fifth-generation Floridian and dozens of species this time of year, second-generation whether they’re table fare, a great fishing captain fight, or memorable predators. who owns and We target these bridge fish with operates Ana live bait such as shrimp, pilchards, Banana Fishpinfish and mini mullet. Live shrimp ing Company in is bait number one by far. We also Marathon. His passions include fish with cut bait such as squid, fishing, hunting chunks of ballyhoo and slivers of and spending time mullet and bonita bellies. When we with his family. fish with live shrimp, we use whatever size jig head will stay in the middle of the water column in the current. In other words, nothing so big that it immediately sinks to the bottom, and nothing so small that it won’t sink your bait in the rushing current. A heavy current means a heavier jig, with slack or slack-ish current calling for a smaller jig.

For example, if the current is running left or right from the bridge, cast out your jig hooked shrimp parallel to the bridge and work it back to the boat slowly. I like to use a combination of jigs and reels to make the retrieval somewhat sporadic. Sometimes the game fish just like the jigged shrimp to go with the flow.

It’s very important to hook your shrimp correctly. If you look on the internet “how to hook a live shrimp” you’ll see 100 different ways. Your shrimp should be hooked so when you retrieve it, it will be streamlined and hydro dynamic without “helicoptering.” We like to hook the live shrimp under its chin, up through its head and make the point of your hook flush with its horn. It’s important to miss its brains so

the shrimp will stay lively. The shrimp’s head is transparent, and you can usually see its brains clearly.

When we fish the bridges, we like to chum a lot. In the fall we use an average of one block of chum per hour. Most bait shops in town sell chum by the box or by the case. One case of chum includes six boxes, so if we’re going out on a trip that’s six hours or less we’ll bring the whole case, and two cases if we’re going out longer. It’s better to have too much chum than not enough, and if you have leftovers at the end of the day, you can always stick them in your freezer for the next trip.

When anchoring at a bridge, I used to think it was better to anchor off the bridge and have your chum and hooked bait flowing toward the bridge. I found out years ago that in most cases, it’s better to anchor close to the bridge and have your chum and bait flowing away from the bridge. You catch just as many fish, and you don’t have as many fish breaking off by getting wrapped around the bridge pylons during the fight. Also, if you’re fishing into the bridge, and your anchor comes loose, your boat is floating toward the bridge. This can be dangerous, especially if you have a boat with a higher tower.

Speaking of potentially dangerous situations while bridge fishing – if you see a “Danger: Falling Debris” sign on the bridge, pay attention to it, because bridge debris really does fall from the bridge on occasion. Even though you don’t hear of it much, one day a big chunk of debris is going to fall off the bridge and take somebody out, especially around the un-renovated sections of the old Seven Mile Bridge. Just don’t anchor directly under it.

At the Seven Mile Bridge we like to target large snapper and grouper under the highest bridge span. We like mackerel and jacks near Fred the Tree, and most of our tarpon, shark and barracuda bridge fishing is on the extreme east side of the bridge at the entrance to Marathon near Sunset Grille. We like targeting bonefish and permit in the shallower water

While not always thought of as a bridge species, cobia can be found near the Old Seven Mile Bridge.

A mutton snapper caught by the Old Seven Mile Bridge makes for a fantastic dinner.

near Pigeon Key. We like to troll around Vaca Cut Bridge and catch snook and redfish near the Duck Key Bridge and Long Key Bridge.

Remember, when the weather is rough and you want to stay close to port and fish the bridge, the fish are running for cover too, and they hang around the bridges for shelter and food.

To book a charter with Ana Banana, call or text Capt. Joel at 813-267-4401 or Capt. Jojo at 305-879-0564, or visit anabananafishing.com.

33

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

This Saturday World Famous $5 Bag Sale 8am - 12pm

Sunday Blessing of the Pets Bring your furbaby on a leash or in a crate to the 10am Service or stop by after 11:30am and stay for lunch!

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled. John 14:14 WE OFFER A COMMUNITY OF PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

St. Columba Episcopal Church 451 West 52nd St, Marathon Fl

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34

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

THIS WEEK’S ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, SEPT 28 MIKE V 6:30PM

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ONLY WATERFRONT DIVE BAR IN THE MIDDLE KEYS • COLD BEER, COCKTAILS & INCREDIBLE SPECIALTY DRINKS • DELICIOUS FOOD - TRY OUR FAMOUS CHICKEN POT PIE OR AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS!

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35

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

STEVEN MILLER NEEDS HELP

Benefit for local guitar hero at the Crib on Oct. 8 MARKET SUMMARY, Residential, August 2023. CONTRIBUTED

MLKAR BACKS FAIR INSURANCE FIGHT On Aug. 22, the Middle and Lower Keys Association of Realtors presented a check for $36,000 to Fair Insurance Rates Monroe (FIRM) following a charity mini-golf tournament at Boondocks one month prior. Funds will support FIRM’s ongoing efforts to fight exorbitant rate increases from Florida insurance companies that continually fail to account for Monroe County’s strict building codes and status as an insurance donor county within the state. Pictured are MLKAR and FIRM board members at the club’s August charity luncheon. CONTRIBUTED

I

first saw Steven Miller playing guitar in a nightclub in Islamorada some 30 years ago (or thereabouts). I had stopped in after playing a gig in the Upper Keys, and I had heard stories about this amazing axe slinger from Key Largo. I stepped inside, ordered a beer, and proceeded to be blown away by what I heard.

I believe the band was Steven’s Blackwater Sound band, and my introduction to Steven’s ability was when he started the guitar riff to the Eagles’ “Life in the Fast Lane.” It was as if Joe Walsh himself was standing on that stage, playing that signature lick. It was note-perfect. I stayed and listened for a while, and it didn’t matter what he played — his notes and his tone were perfect for the songs he played.

Fast-forward some years, and Glenn Faast (my longtime friend and drummer in several of my bands) had been playing with Blackwater Sound.

Glenn was also playing with me in Storm Watch, and Steven sort of organically became a member of Storm Watch as well. I had been the only guitar player in my band, playing both rhythm and lead.

There are all sorts of sordid rock and roll tales about multiple guitarists copping attitudes and not getting along in the same band.

That never happened with us.

Steven fit in like he’d been playing with us for years. I gladly gave up playing lead guitar on a lot of our songs because, frankly, he played them better than I did. His tone was (and still is) amazing, and we meshed perfectly. It was always pure joy playing music with Steven — we never got in each other’s way. For years, I told people I played with the band mostly so I could hear and watch Steven play guitar. Steven could easily hold his own on the big stages with myriad rock bands on the road today. He really is that good.

Fast forward to the present, and Steven isn’t doing too well. He had complications from a recent surgery, and is trying to maintain until he’s healthy enough for another surgical procedure to correct what went wrong the first time. He’s been out of work for months, and his wife, Alisa, is holding things together as best as she can.

Simply put, they need our help.

On Sunday, Oct. 8 beginning at 1 p.m., the Caribbean Club in Key Largo is hosting a huge concert and benefit to help Steven Miller.

JOHN Lots of the finest BARTUS Florida Keys musicians will be there John Bartus is a to play and lend singer-songwriter support. Among and the former those scheduled mayor of Maraare Jimmy Hawkins, thon.

Ron Thoman, Luke Sommer Glenn, Dashboard Dave and The Fender Benders, Ric “Bluesfuze” Arra, Key Largo Jam Band, Allan Truesdell, General Eclectic, The Carousers, Scott Youngburg, Vinny Beard and more. John Mavis, Luke Ptomey, and I will play a set as Jade Storm.

Dave Feder has donated a guitar that will be auctioned off, and Pasta Pantaleo has donated a very cool work of art to help raise funds for Steven.

There will be 50-50 raffles, and all of this will help a Coral Shores graduate and a true native son of Key Largo and the Upper Keys.

If you can’t make the benefit, a GoFundMe page has been set up.

Point your browser in the direction of gofundme.com, and search for Steven Miller. Anything you can do will be a huge help.

If you can make the benefit, please come with a generous spirit. Steven has played numerous benefits for other people and worthy causes, and now he needs our help. There’s a Facebook event page and a Facebook group for the Steven Miller benefit, and you can keep track of everything leading up to the event. There are links there to the GoFundMe page as well.

I really hope to see you (and a whole lot of other people) there at this benefit. It’s time we rally and take care of one of our own, someone who has give a lot to his community and spread so much love and joy with his music.

See you at the Crib.

— John’s Perpetual Island Tour stops every Monday at Boondocks, Wednesday at Brutus Seafood, and Sunday, October 8 at the Caribbean Club for the Steven Miller benefit. Check out John’s music anywhere you stream or download your music! Or point your browser to: johnbartus.hearnow.com

36

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

START YOUR PIGEON KEY ISLAND ADVENTURE ON OUR TRAIN THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST SUMMER CAMP!

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37

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

BRIEFLY MHS invites 1987 football team for halftime ceremony Marathon High School would like to invite the school’s 1987 football team back to Marathon for its Oct. 6 game against Coral Shores. The school will honor the record-breaking team at halftime.

The 1987 squad finished the regular season with a 9-1 record, the best ever achieved by a Marathon football team. The team, which began its first year as a 1-A school ranked first in the state by the Miami News, went on to break several records – the Dolphins scored a record-breaking 259 points while allowing only 75 points to opponents. Members, coaches and staff from the 1987 team should make plans to visit Dolphin Country to honor the team 35 years after its senior players graduated. A reception is scheduled for 6 p.m., with kickoff set for 7 p.m.

CFK to hold virtual dual enrollment event The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) will hold a virtual event for Monroe County high school students and their parents and guardians to learn more about its dual enrollment opportunities on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m.

Through dual enrollment, high school students can simultaneously earn college and high school credits at no cost to the student.

The program provides a head start to college for students while potentially saving families thousands of dollars. At the virtual event, CFK will discuss the benefits of taking dual enrollment classes, requirements to participate and the application process. Interested students and parents can sign up for the event and learn more about the dual enrollment program at cfk.edu/de. For more information, contact Marissa Owens, director of recruitment, at marissa.owens@ cfk.edu.

Annual Strides Walk set for Oct. 14 at Crane Point Making Strides of the Florida Keys is preparing for its annual Strides Walk in Marathon on Saturday, Oct. 14. This year’s walk will be at Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, with gates set to open at 7:30 a.m. Scan the QR code for more information.

MCSO cites two men for harvesting tarpon Two men from Hialeah were given mandatory notice to appear in court citations on Sept. 23 for allegedly harvesting a tarpon.

MCSO deputies Jacob Ladd and Anthony Zito were conducting resource checks near the Bahia Honda Bridge in the area of MM 35 around 2:30 a.m. when they saw a group fishing. They also saw a headless, descaled tarpon carcass nearby, an MCSO release said. Upon investigation, Luis Manuel Salazar, 57, and Jan Alberto Dominguez-Parra, 37, were both cited. Tarpon is a catch-andrelease-only fishery. One tarpon tag per person per year may be purchased when in pursuit of a Florida state or world record.

More information on wildlife regulations is at www.myfwc.com Hialeah man arrested after naked jacuzzi incident A 34-year-old Hialeah man was arrested on Sept. 25 after allegedly exposing himself in a jacuzzi at a Key Largo resort.

Julio Daniel Rodriguez Coipel was charged with indecent exposure.

The Sheriff’s Office was called to the Playa Resort & Spa around 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 20 after witnesses reported seeing the nude man, later identified as Rodriguez Coipel, expose and touch himself while in a hot tub and in view of a female employee. A male employee confronted Rodriguez Coipel.

He reportedly screamed, “It’s my birthday today!” and left on foot toward U.S. 1. It was later learned he got into a vehicle and drove back to Miami-Dade County.

Deputies confirmed that Aug. 20 is his birthday and witnesses identified him as the suspect. A warrant was issued for his arrest and Rodriguez Coipel was booked into jail on Monday.

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.

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR MARATHON PERMIT REFUND APPLICATIONS City has issued about $575,000 to citizens

H

Scan the code for a

omeowners have just a few direct link to a permit days left to submit applicarefund application on tions for a building permit Marathon’s website. refund from the city of Marathon. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2023.

The city is set to refund up to $2.2 million to homeowners who paid for city building permits between Dec. 14, 2020 and March 14, 2023. The city of Marathon estimates that about 3,000 applicants are eligible for refunds, for one or more permit applications.

So far, the City has issued 559 permit refunds of $575,000. The largest refund issued was $48,328.12.

The refunds coincide with a 42% decrease in building permit fees that was approved at the March meeting of the Marathon City Council. Both the reduced fees and refunds are to correct the current balance of the city’s building department, which exceeds the limits set by Florida State Statute. Unclaimed refunds will be earmarked to support charitable endeavors associated with the city Building Department’s normal operations; i.e., waiving fees for qualified applicants.

Who is eligible?

• Homeowners who paid for city of Marathon building permits between Dec. 14, 2020 and March 14, 2023 are eligible to apply.

• The amount of the partial refund will be limited to the difference between the building permit fees paid during that time period ($30 per $1,000 of stated project cost) and the current building permit fees ($17.50 per $1,000 of stated project cost). For example, a homeowner who applied for permits for a $500,000 project would have paid $15,000 in permit fees, and is now entitled to a $6,250 refund.

• Refunds shall be made payable to the property owner of record at the time the building permit fee was paid, and should not be payable to any contractor, assignee or the current owner if the property has been since sold.

• Building permit fees filed by a corporation, LLC or trust must still be owned by the named entity in order to be eligible for a refund. The person signing the refund application must be either the president or treasurer of the entity.

• The required application is available on the home page of the city website (www.ci.marathon.fl.us) under the “What’s Happening” tab, or by visiting City Hall for a hard copy. Completed forms can be emailed to refunds@ ci.marathon.fl.us.

-- Contributed

38

MARATHON WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

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Keys’ racers times drop before postseason | P.6

3

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

THE SCOREBOARD

Sept. 28

Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Marathon

Volleyball

Somerset Silver Palms

9/19

L, 3-0

Key West

Volleyball

Coral Shores

9/19

W, 3-0

Coral Shores

Volleyball

Mater Bay

9/21

W, 3-0

Marathon

Volleyball

Westwood Christian

9/22

L, 3-0

Key West

Volleyball

Gulliver

9/22

L, 2-0

Marathon

Football

Ransom Everglades

9/22

L, 42-0

Key West

Football

University Christian (Jax)

9/22

L, 41-17

Key West

Volleyball

Archbishop McCarthy

9/22

L, 2-0

Key West

Volleyball

Gulliver Prep

9/22

L, 2–0

Key West

Volleyball

Chaminade Madonna

9/23

L, 2-1

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

THIS WEEK

Annie

SCEPKOVA

Senior, Key West Volleyball

Sept. 28

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

9/28

Coral Shores

Volleyball

Westwood Christian

6 p.m.

9/28

All Keys Teams

Golf

@ Key West

2 p.m.

9/29

Marathon

Football

Florida Christian

7 p.m.

9/29

Coral Shores

Football

Ransom Everglades

7 p.m.

9/29

Key West

Volleyball

@ FL Christian Tourney

TBD

9/29

Key West

Swimming

@ FSPA Invite Orlando

5 p.m.

9/30

Key West

Swimming

@ FSPA Invite Orlando

All Day

9/30

Key West

Volleyball

@ FL Christian Tourney

TBD

9/29

Key West

Football

@ Bishop Verot

7 p.m.

10/2

All Keys Teams

Golf

@ Marathon

3 p.m.

10/3

Coral Shores

Volleyball

@ Westwood Christian

6 p.m.

10/3

Coral Shores

Cross Country

@ Lightning Invite

TBA

10/3

Key West

Volleyball

@ Marathon

6 p.m.

10/4

Coral Shores

Volleyball

@ Keys Gate

5 p.m.

10/4

Key West

Swimming

@ Wellington

2 p.m.

10/4

Coral Shores

Swimming

Westminster Christian

4 p.m.

She is crucial in our offense.

When we get the pass to use her and Audrey (Smith), the level of play and team performance elevates tremendously.”

10/5

Marathon

Volleyball

Palmer

5:30 p.m.

10/5

All Keys Teams

Golf

@ Key West

2 p.m.

— Conchs coach Sarah Eckert

10/5

Marathon & Key West

Cross Country

@ Larry & Penny Park

TBA

Key West senior Annie Scepkova has been a force on the court for the Conchs since her freshman year, and her skills have grown every season. Against Coral Shores last week, Scepkova amassed nine kills, five aces, two digs and one block, making her an offensive and defensive threat. Coach Sarah Eckert was not alone in her praise for Scepkova, saying, “Annie really stood out and did a fantastic job for us on Tuesday. Even Coral Shores coach Sam (Ovalle) commented after the game that her fast tempo attacks were incredible.” For her dependable and exceptional play and positive attitude, Key West’s Annie Scepkova is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

4

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 SPORTS WRITER

The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West.

Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.

tracy mcdonald fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.

PODCAST HOST

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

sean mcdonald grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.

MARKET EDITORS

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Annie Scepkova

9 KIILS 5 ACES

5

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

Left: Seen here in a game earlier this year, Key West senior Annie Scepkova provided a deadly offensive spark against Coral Shores on Sept. 19. BERT BUDDE/ Keys Weekly

CONCHS DEFEAT ’CANES 3-0 Volleyball barrelling toward end of regular season

T

wo Keys teams played for bragging rights on Sept. 19, and despite earning an early advantage in all three sets, Coral Shores lost to Key West 3-0. For the Conchs, Annie Scepkova was deadly with nine kills and five aces. Bridgette Sweeney and Gabrielle Garcia had eight kills apiece. Sweeney served the ’Canes four aces as well. Defensively, the Conchs combined for 57 digs with a dozen from Sweeney and 10 from Elise Warwick. Garcia, Sweeney and Audrey Smith also registered individual blocks for Key West.

The ’Canes did not go down easily. Brooke Mandozzi had 22 digs and Sofia Jans added 10, pacing the team in the back and keeping the sets close. Ivy Tiedemann also had a solid defensive showing for the Hurricanes.

“Losing Sabina (Naranjo) definitely hurt us,” Coral Shores coach Sam Ovalle said of the junior, who injured a finger early in the first set while diving for a ball. “Give Key West credit – they’re a very good team but this is a winnable game for us.” Ovalle will have a second shot when the teams meet again in Key West on Tuesday, Oct. 10.

After their tough loss to Key West, Coral Shores made light work of Mater Bay Academy on Sept. 21, beating the Rays 3-0 in a road win. The ’Canes boast an 8-4 record with an unblemished district showing of 4-0.

Following their in-county win over Coral Shores, Key West traveled to Miami to participate in the CM Cares Tournament hosted by Chaminade Madonna High School. The Conchs were pooled with some of the top teams in the state and held their own, but did not advance to the championship game.

Notably, Key West was pitted against Gulliver, ranked seventh in the state overall and first in district 4A. The Conchs had a tough first set but battled back in the second, coming within a few points of upsetting the Raiders. The high-caliber tournament play could prove valuable in the final games for Key West leading up to Districts. The Conchs have three very winnable games and one more tournament at the end of their regular season schedule.

Marathon hosted Somerset Silver Palms on Sept. 19, giving the Stallions a run for their money. The Fins lost three close sets, 25-19, 26-24 and 25-19. “Silver Palms was a tough one,” said coach Kelley Cruz. “We could have come away with a different outcome if we capitalized on their mistakes and minimized our own.” On the 22nd, the Dolphins traveled to Westwood Christian, again keeping the scores close but narrowly losing to the Warriors. Kayesha Christian and Jasmine Keomaniboth stood out on the court for Marathon, and Cruz added that “everyone played pretty evenly” in Friday’s game. The Fins will have a second shot at Westwood on Friday, Oct. 6, this time on their home court.

Brooke Mandozzi

22 DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

DIGS

6

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

BURSA, MAKIMAA LEAD THE KEYS AT SPANISH RIVER Coral Shores’ girls team rapidly strengthening in true ‘Hurricane’ fashion

M

arathon and Key West traveled to Boca Raton to compete in the annual Spanish River Invitational. In the girls’ race, Caylaa Makimaa was the first Keys runner to cross the finish line.

The Conch junior finished in an incredible 20:03.60 and placed 11th overall out of nearly 300 runners. Laira Anaya (23:18.20), Violet Jangraw (23:41.03), Mia Steer (26:41.33) and Ava Gonzalez (26:58.54) rounded out the top five for Key West. With Naima Thomas unable to make the race, Gonzalez stepped in for her first ever 5k, finishing it in under 27 minutes and making coach Keara McGraw extremely proud. “I’ve got no voice left!” McGraw said. She and the Lady Conchs have plenty to shout about, with their times continuing to trend in the right direction just in time for the postseason.

For Marathon, it was Mikkel Ross crossing first for the Fins and 72nd overall in 22:40.37.

Next was Ella Dunn (23:14.03), Rain Banks (24:29.71), Madelyn Thornton (24:40.84) and Maeve Merryman (25:17.32) made up Marathon’s top five. But the Lady Fins have no clear roster for postseason travel. Sara Robinson was 10 seconds behind Maeve Merryman, seventh grader Rebecca Merryman was 20 seconds behind Sara Robinson and sixth grader Shaina Robinson crossed in 27:35.86. With their close times and similar names (Marathon has numerous siblings and cousins in its ranks), Marathon’s list for districts is anybody’s guess.

Marathon’s boys have a similar situation with multiple siblings and close times being traded in the race for the number seven spot to serve as the final traveler for postseason racing.

7

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

The top six are fairly consistent but after that, it’s up in the air. Vaclav Bursa finished in sixth place overall and first for the Fins in 16:44.01.

Brothers Jakub (18:43.46) and Antonin (18:47.41) were next followed by Mason Buxton (19:07.94).

Brothers Dillon (19:44.33) and Caleb (20:15.37) Shelar finished fifth and sixth. Battling for the number seven spot are Adrien Holdinga (20:54.24), Allan Taylor (21:04.31) and seventh grader Lucian Burns (22:17.06), whose times continue to improve weekly. Marathon will travel to Miami a few more times in the coming week then enjoy a home advantage on Tuesday, Oct. 10 on a course that begins at Sombrero Beach. Middle school racers start at 3:30, varsity girls at 4 and boys at 4:30.

Key West’s Colbin Hill crossed first for the Conchs in 18:28.25 placing him 51st overall in a field of well over 300 runners.

Andrew Fedor (20:30.90), Daniel Roy (21:10.17), William Forester (22:43.07) and Sebastian Jaroszewicz (22:45.26) completed the top five spots for Key West. Prometheus Delacerda (23:44.91) and Wyatt Gibson (25:36.41) finished sixth and seventh for the Conchs.

The boys and girls from Key West will also travel in the coming weeks but plan to attend the Marathon home meet on Oct. 10.

Coral Shores’ girls traveled to Miami on Sept. 19 for the second race in the Lightning Invite Series at Ives Estates Park. The young team had a solid showing, placing fourth out of 15 teams.

Kai Guth was first for the ’Canes, crossing the line in 25:52.7 which placed her eighth overall in the event. Jenna Mandozzi was 31st with a time of 28:26.8. Julia Rush, Saige Ensign and Hayden Teal all added to the team total. First year coach Lyndie Meyers is leading by example, training with the team through the brutal Florida late summer heat. “They are a young but hard working team, capable of so much. I love that they let me challenge them and run with them.

It’s definitely getting tougher for me to keep up,” she said. Meyers’ team will have several chances to improve their times leading up to districts on Nov. 1 when the 2A ’Canes hope to advance to the next round of racing. Coral Shores’ boys will resume racing in October after taking September off to focus on training. Their next race is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 5 at Larry & Penny Thompson Park in Miami.

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Coral Shores’ top five from the recent Lightning Invite race posed for a post-race photo with their coach.

From left: Saige Ensign, Jenna Mandozzi, Kai Guth, Julia Rusch, Hayden Teal, coach Lyndie Meyers.

CONTRIBUTED

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03

Caylaa Makimaa first Keys female runner to cross the finish line to place 11th overall.

16:

44

Vance Bursa finished in sixth place overall and first for the Fins.

State Insurance Committee Member-Elect 2023 Legislative + Regulatory Business Committee Member-Elect 2023

GGOO SS!!

H H C C N CCOON 2023 PRESIDENT OF THE KEY WEST ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

8

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

The Key West Conchs battle University Christian School on Sept.

23. Despite a renewed effort in the second half, the Conchs fell to the Christians 41-17. GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly.

See more game photos at keysweekly.com Right: The Marathon Dolphins take on the Ransom Everglades Raiders on Sept. 22. Marathon’s ground game fell prey to the Raiders’ air attack, 42-0. Photos contributed.

9

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

PREP FOOTBALL REACHES MIDWAY MARK

T

he two Keys teams to take the field last weekend found tough sledding against stout opponents.

Key West fell to 1-4 after a loss to seventh-ranked University Christian School out of Jacksonville. The Christians outscored the Conchs 41-17, but Key West put up a fantastic fight to the end. The first half saw Key West at a 28-3 deficit, with their only score coming off the foot of Marco Davila, who drove a 33-yard field goal between the uprights.

A familiar issue continued to plague the Conchs – Key West turned the ball over four times against the Christians, costing the team momentum each time.

The Christians had tacked on enough points to trigger a running clock by early in the second half, but Key West was having none of it. Walson Morin re-

Hurricanes stand at 2-2, Fins and Conchs slip to 1-4 energized the crowd with a 67-yard touchdown run, reactivating the regular clock.

Morin scored again with a 21-yard run in the final moments of the game, giving Key West a bit of momentum going into next week’s game, and the Conchs will need all they can get on the road against second-ranked Bishop Verot out of Fort Myers on Sept. 29.

Head coach Johnny Hughes is hoping for a breakout game against the Vikings, saying, “Talentwise, we match up with

anybody. We cannot afford any turnovers if we want to win this game.” Hughes and his Conchs will also need to contend with a quarterback Hughes knows is capable of high numbers: junior phenom Carter Smith. “(Smith) is definitely legit,” Hughes said. “One game he throws for three touchdowns and the next one he runs for six. They have a big, talented sophomore running back, too.” The trip to Fort Myers is the first of a three-game series in which Key West must travel about five hours each week before returning to the Backyard on Oct. 27.

If anybody was wondering whether Ransom Everglades quarterback Neimann Lawrence was the real deal, just ask the Dolphins. On Sept. 22, Marathon traveled to Miami to face the undefeated Raiders in a matchup of two very distinct styles of play. Ransom is a welloiled machine of precision throwing, while Marathon prefers to play a physical style of football, wearing down opponents with their hard-hitting run game. And while the Fins did appear to chip away at the ironclad protection afforded to

Lawrence, a running clock was not their friend and the Dolphins were unable to get their offense going against the Raiders.

The Fins were able to apply pressure, sacking the Ransom QB four times, but long drives that stalled on their own offense kept Marathon from putting points on the board. The closest they came was a Shamar Wright kick return which he carried into the end zone, but an illegal crackback block negated the fantastic run. Marathon lost the game 42-0 but is undeterred in spirit.

“The guys played from start to finish without giving up and without complaint. I am proud of the effort they gave and the composure they are keeping,” coach Sean McDonald said of his young team. The Dolphins face Florida Christian Sept.

29 at home in a game which should be a closer matchup.

Coral Shores had a bye week and used the time to get healthy, take care of some nagging injuries and prepare for the air raid offense they will likely encounter this week. They play the 5-0 Raiders of Ransom Everglades in Tavernier on Sept. 29.

10

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

MARATHON AND CORAL SHORES PREPARE FOR POSTSEASON District Matches Set for October 23

T

he Coral Shores and Marathon golf teams participated in a home-and-home set of matches last week, playing at Marathon’s Florida Keys Country Club on Sept. 18, then Ocean Reef Hammock Course on the 20th. In girls’ play, Marathon’s Summer Haines and Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas traded places, each winning at the visitor’s course and placing second at home. They were the only two girls to play at Ocean Reef, but ’Canes senior Mattie Johnson and Fins freshman Makenna Haines joined them at Marathon to place third and fourth, respectively.

The boys also did some trading of spots at each event. At the Marathon match, Dolphin golfer Michael Merryman took first place with a low score of 44, followed by teammates Leo Mendez, Mason Thornton, Dylan Ziels, Roco Piscetello, Cullen Coleman-Sayer and Ethan Sauders, who placed second through seventh. Walter Hussey and Dylan Lindman made the leaderboard for the Hurricanes, and Marathon’s Aiden Richard rounded out the top ten.

At Ocean Reef, it was Thornton in first with a 44 while Mendez, Merryman, Piscetello and Sauders came in second through fifth. Preston Carroll was first for the ’Canes in sixth place with Coleman-Sayer in seventh, Coral Shores’ Aidan Althouse in eighth, Ziels in ninth and Coral Shores’ Tanel Irons in 10th.

Key West had a week off, but resumed competitive play on Sept. 25 at Marathon and Sept. 28 at home. The Conchs were to be joined by the ’Canes and Fins for both matches (results not available at press time). District action is set for October 23 for 1A and 2A divisions, which includes all three Keys schools.

Gabby Thomas. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

Effective September 29, 2023, Luis Geada, M.D., is no longer practicing with Baptist Health General Surgery at the following location: 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 17, Marathon, FL 33050.

Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may call 305-271-9777 or fax 786-260-0516 to request a records release.

Publish: September 28, October 5, 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

Effective September 29, 2023, Luis Geada, M.D., is no longer practicing with Baptist Health General Surgery at the following location: 91550 Overseas Highway, Suite 214, Tavernier, FL 33070.

Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may call 305-271-9777 or fax 786-260-0510 to request a records release.

Publish: September 28, October 5, 12 & 19, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District I Advisory Committee (DAC I) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/86249409223 Meeting ID: 862 4940 9223 One tap mobile: +13052241968,,86249409223# US +13126266799,,86249409223# US (Chicago) Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: maxine@ fla-keys.com, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Friday, October 6, 2023.

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

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

Publish: September 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

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: September 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

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

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

Publish: September 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids electronically. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M., on October 25, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Operation & Management Services, Jacobs Aquatic Center, Key Largo, FL 10-25-2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: omb-purchasing@ monroecounty-fl.gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on October 25, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: September 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District II Advisory Committee (DAC II) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 6:00 P.M., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/83445974877 Meeting ID: 834 4597 4877 One tap mobile: +13052241968,,83445974877# US +16469313860,,83445974877# US Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: maxine@ fla-keys.com, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Friday, October 6, 2023.

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

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office,

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District III Advisory Committee (DAC III) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 9:30 A.M., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/84535210181 Meeting ID: 845 3521 0181 One tap mobile: +13052241968,,84535210181# US +19292056099,,84535210181# US Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: maxine@ fla-keys.com, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Friday, October 6, 2023.

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

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

Publish: September 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District IV Advisory Committee (DAC IV) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 2:00 P.M., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/85864466921 Meeting ID: 858 6446 6921 One tap mobile: +13052241968,,85864466921# US +19292056099,,85864466921# US Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: maxine@ fla-keys.com, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Friday, October 6, 2023.

All District Advisory Committee

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The District V Advisory Committee (DAC V) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/82654859042 Meeting ID: 826 5485 9042 One tap mobile: +13052241968,,82654859042# US +16469313860,,82654859042# US Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: maxine@ fla-keys.com, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Friday, October 6, 2023.

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

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

Publish: September 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Operation and Management Services, Jacobs Aquatic Center, Key Largo Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecounty-fl.gov/bids.

The Public Record is available upon request.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO: 23-CP-000213-K IN RE: ESTATE OF LYNWOOD RAY SILAR, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of Lynwood Ray Silar, Deceased, whose date of death was July 8, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 302 Fleming 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 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.

12

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

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 September 28, 2023.

Signed on this 19th day of September, 2023.

Personal Representative Tammy Lynn Lehti-Silar, Petitioner 239 Caribbean Drive East Summerland Key, FL 33042 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: September 28 & October 5, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 23-CP-232-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GLENN G. COLLINS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of GLENN G. COLLINS, deceased, whose date of death was August 25, 2023, Case: 23-CP-232-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is 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 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, 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. The date of first publication of this Notice is: September 21, 2023.

Co-Personal Representatives: KEITH LAPP c/o Samuel J. Kaufman Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 MARY ELLEN LAPP c/o Samuel J. Kaufman Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304 Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Email designation for service: Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com Telephone: (305) 292-3926 Fax: (305) 295-7947 Publish: September 21 & 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

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: September 21, 2023.

Personal Representative: GERALD ALBERTSON 149 Dickie Way 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: September 21 & 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Ste. 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070.

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

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: September 21, 2023.

Personal Representative: Wanda Kierski 23 Mockingbird Rd. Key Largo, Florida 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA

10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: September 21 & 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

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.) Future papers in this lawsuit 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 30, 2023 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: September 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

by the Association’s lien on your unit week(s) as showing below in cash or certified funds to Timeshare Trustee™ at any time prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Sale.

Unit Week Owner Name Address City, State, Zip Default Year Amount Due Per Diem A05-38 Andrew Scott Thornton 701 Woodlawn Dr. Winter Springs, FL 32708 2022 $2,359.23 1.179615 A06-21 Gloria Nelly P.O. Box 564 McDonough, GA 30253 2022 $2,337.29 1.168645 If you fail to cure the default as set forth in this notice or take other appropriate action with regard to this foreclosure matter, you risk losing ownership of your timeshare interest through the trustee foreclosure procedure established in section 721.855, Florida Statutes. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT AS A MATTER OF LAW TO SEND TO THE TRUSTEE WRITTEN NOTICE THAT YOU OBJECT TO THIS PROCEDURE. UPON THE TRUSTEE’S RECEIPT OF YOUR OBJECTION, THE FORECLOSURE OF THE LIEN WITH RESPECT TO THE DEFAULT SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEDURE ONLY. You have the right to cure your default in the manner set forth in this notice at any time before the trustee’s sale of your timeshare interest. If you do not object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure, you will not be subject to a deficiency judgment even if the proceeds from the sale of your timeshare interest by the TRUSTEE are insufficient to offset the amounts secured by the lien.

STAACK, SIMMS & REIGHARD, PLLC, d/b/a TIMESHARE TRUSTEE™ 51 S. MAIN AVENUE, SUITE 319 CLEARWATER, FL 33765 PHONE: (727) 441-2635 FAX: (727) 461-4836 Website: www.staacklaw.com Publish: September 28 & October 5, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-244-K IN RE: ESTATE OF GREGORY SZETELA Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Gregory Szetela, deceased, whose date of death was June 17, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 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: September 28, 2023.

Personal Representative: Elaine Holliday 508 Foxglove Ct. Peachtree City, Georgia 30269 Attorney for Personal Representative: Brett Halperin Attorney Florida Bar Number: 109695 HALPERIN LAW GROUP 2160 W. Atlantic Ave. Delray Beach, Florida 33445 Telephone: (561) 324-2420 E-Mail: brett@halperinlawgroup. com Secondary E-Mail: bretthalperinesq@gmail.com Publish: September 28 & October 5, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-114-P IN RE: ESTATE OF STANLEY K. ALBERTSON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of STANLEY K. ALBERTSON, deceased, whose date of death was July 31, 2023, File Number 23-CP-114-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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-000111-P DIVISION: PLANTATION KEY IN RE: ESTATE OF BARBARA MARY SCHAEFFER Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Barbara Mary Schaeffer, deceased, whose date of death was July 14, 2023, is pending

CDL CLASS A DRIVER

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-DR-646-K DIANA RESHETKO ROSA Petitioner, and, ABDUSALOM KADIROV Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ABDUSALOM KADIROV RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: UNKNOWN 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 Diana Reshetko Rosa, whose address is 3333 Duck Avenue, Apt. A208, Key West, FL 33040 on or before October 10, 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

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND INTENT TO FORECLOSE To: All persons listed below, their guardians, heirs and assigns, record owners of the unit week(s) as showing, all located in Monroe County, Florida comprised of Unit Weeks as more particularly defined in and governed by that certain: Declaration of Condominium for Florida Bay Club of Key largo, a condominium, recorded in O.R. Book 871 at pages 1215, et seq.

Public Records, Monroe County, Florida.

You are hereby given Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose on behalf of THE FLORIDA BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC. a Florida not-for-profit corporation.

You may cure the default and redeem the timeshare interest by paying the amounts secured

HEAVY DIESEL MECHANIC

We are hiring CDL CLASS A Drivers with Hazmat endorsement.

Monday-Friday with overtime available.

We are hiring a heavy diesel mechanic with experience working on John Deere, Caterpillar, Kubota, etc.

Monday-Friday with some overtime available.

Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc. 129 Toppino Industrial Dr, Key West – ask for Cheryl 305-296-5606 extension 126

Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc. 129 Toppino Industrial Dr, Key West – ask for Cheryl 305-296-5606 extension 126

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

SUDOKU SOLUTION

AUTOS WANTED AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks.

Runs or Not. $CASH 305-332-0483

AUTOS FOR SALE 2014 GMC Savana, 84k miles, everything works great. Cold AC, fully shelved Ladder racks, new tires, new battery $16,000 305-743-6098 text or call

EMPLOYMENT Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder now hiring Guest Service Representative responsibilities 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.

13

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

MISC. FOR SALE

YARD SALES

Now Hiring in Marathon – Part time office position, needs to have prior office experience, Mon-Fri 8am1pm. Starting at $17/ hour.

Please apply in person at Discount Rock & Sand, 10500 Aviation Blvd, Unit 2, Marathon.

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

Nice sturdy E-Bike Radcity 5+ stepthru regular tires essentially new (10mi) 30+ range 20mph.

Located in Tavernier. $1500.

Ta n d j e f @ gm a i l. co m

HOME FURNISHINGS SALE: Sat. 9/30 & Sun. 10/1 from 9am-2pm. 7911 Shark Dr., Marathon. BR/LR/DR & Misc.

Furniture, Artwork, Kitchen wares. Cash & Carry ONLY

HOUSING FOR RENT

Hiring: Lead Gutter Installer - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED – valid Driver’s License - must be comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier. To apply, please call or text Jay 305-587-1581.

.

2 Bedroom 1 Bath house in Marathon. Tile floor, appliances, gated property.

No pets. $2,700/mo. including electric, water, & sewer.

305-610-8002

YARD SALE: SAT 9/30 & SUN 10/1 in Marathon. 101 West 63rd Street Ocean.

Night LPN needed. 1-2 nights per week, 8:30pm5:30am.

Private Pay. Marathon area. 631-831-0879 The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Housing Manager-Middle Keys, Resident Activities Coordinator, Housekeeper, HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, Personal Care Aide, Resident Assistant, 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 Boat rental company in Marathon needs an Outboard Mechanic. Some general marina work, and boat experience a plus. Call 305-481-7006

HOBBIES/COLLECT. P R I V A T E C O L L E C T O R WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

MISC. FOR SALE

Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-7430844 today and sell your stuff!

Large One Bedroom Suite, Conch House, carpet, tile, appliances, fully furnished in Marathon. $2,000/month includes electric, water, sewer, cable, internet.

No Pets.

305-610-8002

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 (Matt at islamarinamatt@gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.

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.fkaa.com/employment

305.743.0844

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

NOW HIRING FT FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT MARATHON, FL

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

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 Matt at eliteboatrentalsmatt@gmail.com.

Please include contact information and any relevant experience.

MONROE COUNTY ROADS DEPT. 40 hpw with Benefits Training and promotional opportunities for career growth are encouraged within our department.

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

ROAD TECHNICIAN 2: $42,198.38 - $65,407.50 Valid Florida Driver’s License required

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

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR $51,292.40 - $79,503.23 CDL A License required

NOW HIRING DIVE INSTRUCTOR Please contact April at 305.407.3262 or april@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com for more information.

11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

ROAD TECHNICIAN 3: $46,523.721 - $72,111.77 CDL B License required

Veteran’s Preference Available; E.O.E.

The primary function of these positions is to perform work repairing and maintaining county roads, bridges, and rights-of-way.

To view job descriptions and apply, visit: WWW.MONROECOUNTY-FL.GOV/JOBS For questions, contact Human Resources at: Careers@MonroeCounty-FL.gov or 305.292.4554

14

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844

FT administrative, salaried position. Responsible for oversight of adult day training programs, client transportation coordination and facility maintenance. Bachelor’s degree required and 2 years’ experience in field required. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. FL driver’s license with clean driving record. Pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references. EOE. Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West, FL or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32 FAX 305-292-0078

Work with the BEST!

• Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance • Tuition Reimbursement • Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time • 401K Employer Match • Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing • Fun, Fast-Paced Environment • Great Hours

Voted Best Bank 2014 - 2023

IN THE UPPER KEYS FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER EXPERIENCED TRIM CARPENTER

Key West

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

Maintenance Technician

MARC, 1401 Seminary St, Key West, FL www.marchouse.org Come join our family! EOE

IS HIRING

Lower Keys Customer Service Representative/Branch Lobby

Full-time, split-shift, In-Home Support Coach/Trainer to provide companionship and assist clients with training/ support. HSD/GED & 1 yr. exp in a related field. 1 year of college can substitute for experience. Must be able to use a tablet for documentation purposes. The shift for this job is split shift 7-9 AM then 3-9 PM. We can be flexible. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must.

FL driver’s license w/good driving record, references and background screening required. This is a rewarding position for the right person.

Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org, phone: 305.294.9526 *32 , fax 305.292.0078 1401 Seminary St, Key West, www.marchouse.org Come join our family! EOE

FT administrative, salaried position. Responsible for operations of Group Homes in accordance with State and Fed rules and regulations. Oversight of staff and clients. Bachelor’s degree and Florida DL w/clean driving record req. At least 2 yrs of mgmt and admin experience req, and direct or comparable experience w/same or similar population preferred. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. Pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references. EOE. Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West, FL or online at www.marchouse.org.

For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305.294.9526 *32 FAX 305.292.0078 MARC, 1401 Seminary St, Key West, FL www.marchouse.org Come join our family! EOE

IS HIRING! PROGRAM COORDINATOR / DIRECT CARE (F/T) (TAVERNIER OFFICE) Responsible for development, implementation, and goal setting for clients. Interaction with co-workers and supervision, and any miscellaneous training and/or counseling that is needed to acquire and maintain employment. Associate degree or 2 years of experience working with DD individuals.

Minimum requirements: moderate to advanced computer skills. FL driver’s license w/clean driving record, pre-employment training online and in person. Level II background screening and references.

Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West or online at www.marchouse.org For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org, phone: 305-294-9526 *32, fax: 305-292-0078 Come join our family! EOE

Middle Keys

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

Assistant Branch Operations Manager

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

• Bussers • Hosts • Line Cooks • Waitstaff • Bartenders • Dishwashers • Bar Backs 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.

15

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

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) Case Manager (Child)

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist Prevention Specialist Advocate Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult) Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Case Manager (Adult)

MARATHON

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 field required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Office located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

Driver 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 *No experience required for these positions.

Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.

Background and drug screen req.

COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

Check out all available positions at: www.westcare.com (search by zip code) EEOC/DFWP

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)

Accounting Director (Full-Time, Permanent)

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

Medical Technician (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

THEME: WORLD SERIES ACROSS 1. In the middle of 6. “____, the Beloved Country” 9. Start of “The Night Before Christmas” 13. Anoint 14. *”...three strikes, ____’re out, at the old ball game” 15. Capital of Egypt 16. *Yanees owner, George ____brenner 17. Mandela’s org.

18. Back street 19. *Walk-off move (2 words) 21. *One of MLB countries 23. Start an engine 24. Salvador Dali’s muse 25. Old French coin 28. Select 30. Pass, as time 35. Antonym of is 37. Rumpelstiltskin’s weaver 39. Virgo’s brightest star 40. Snack, in Spain 41. Rose oil 43. *Yogi Berra - 295 PA, e.g.

44. *Player’s representative 46. Eyelid affliction 47. Shade of beige 48. *a.k.a. Mr. October 50. Small island 52. In the know 53. Part of armor 55. Octopus’ defense 57. *Last year’s World Series winners 60. *Ronald AcuÒa Jr.’s home base 64. Indian monetary unit 65. Sun, in Mexico 67. ____ Asimov 68. Artemis’ companion 69. E.T.’s craft, acr.

70. Shelf material 71. Cry like a baby 72. Young newt 73. Shermans, in World War II

DOWN 1. It starred Alan Alda from 19721983 2. Digging, so to speak 3. Think 4. More like a fox 5. Madagascar’s hedgehog-like animal 6. Printer cartridge color 7. *Guidry, Cey or Gardenhire 8. New Mexico’s state flower 9. Samoan money 10. *____ card 11. Length times width 12. Tofu ingredient 15. Lock sites 20. Soft palate hanger 22. Kind of beer 24. Speech organ 25. Fretted instrument 26. a.k.a. People of the Middle Waters 27. Remove pegs 29. Auction portions 31. Cathedral recess 32. *____ clock 33. Close call 34. Relish (2 words) 36. NASA’s orange drink 38. *”The Catch” (1954) catcher 42. Rekindled 45. Like theater seating 49. Big-headedness 51. Join the army 54. Matter of debate 56. Buckwheat dish 57. Halo 58. Do like volcano 59. Bluish green 60. Sir Mix-____-____ 61. Delhi bread 62. Spill the beans 63. *Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson and Christy Mathewson 64. *Commissioner Manfred 66. Bug enemy

FKAA EMERGENCY WATER PLAN STORE WATER

FILL BATHTUB AND LARGE CONTAINERS WITH WATER FOR WASHING AND FLUSHING ONLY. FOR DRINKING AND COOKING WATER, STORE IN CONTAINERS FOR 7-10 DAYS. 1 GALLON PER PERSON PER DAY IS RECOMMENDED.

FOLLOW PRECAUTIONARY/ MANDATORY BOIL WATER NOTICES IF A NOTICE IS ISSUED, DISINFECT YOUR WATER BY EITHER BOILING FOR 1 MINUTE, OR ADDING 1/8 TEASPOON OF BLEACH, OR USING PURIFICATION TABLETS.

EVACUATING? HERE'S WHAT TO DO SHUT OFF THE HOME'S WATER VALVE (TYPICALLY FOUND ON THE EXTERIOR WALL OF THE HOME). SOME WATER HEATERS MAY ALSO NEED TO BE SHUT OFF. CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER. Should you require assistance in turning off your water, FKAA will be happy to come out and turn it off for you, as a courtesy (time permitting).

CUSTOMERS WITH LOW PRESSURE SEWER PUMP ON THEIR PROPERTY ARE ASKED TO SHUT OFF THE BREAKER TO THEIR GRINDER PUMP (LOCATED IN THE DEDICATED ELECTRIC BOX OUTSIDE OF THEIR HOME).

STAY INFORMED REGISTER FOR "PRIORITY CALL" @FKAA.COM TO RECEIVE NOTICES VIA PHONE, TEXT, & EMAIL. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, FKAA.COM AND THE RADIO CALL US @ 305.296.2454