Marathon Weekly 23-1102 by Keys Weekly Newspapers

“I say more dumb things before 9 a.m. than most people say all day.” — Chandler Bing

WYLAND’S WORK DESTROYED? SurfStyle plans erase iconic mural | P.4 TDC IN HOT WATER Scathing audit released | P.6

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Lung Association, the lung cancer survival rate has increased by nearly 40% over the past 10 years thanks to advances in treatment and access to care.

Little Leo Estrada was one of many adorable kids making their way around Gulfside Village’s trick-or-treat event on Halloween. See page 18. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

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Staﬀ Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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New SurfStyle installment in Kmart building set to destroy Wyland mural

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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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Wyland works in March 2022 to restore ‘Whaling Wall #87 - Florida’s Radiant Reef’ on the shuttered Kmart building. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

arathon locals may be delighted to know the official answer to a hotbutton question: “What’s going into the Kmart building?” They might be less than thrilled about the cost of the transition. According to a permit currently on file with the city of Marathon, the building shuttered for two and a half years is slated to become the newest location for trendy beach clothing retailer SurfStyle. In addition to considerable retail space, the area formerly occupied by Kmart’s outdoor and fishing section is designated for use as a Flow Rider attraction, a small pool with pumps to provide a perpetual “wave” for its users. Still, the face of the building will likely draw the attention of most locals. As currently submitted, the structure’s east end is set for a full redesign with a series of graphic metal panels, affixed with metal anchors over renowned artists Wyland and Guy Harvey’s 22-yearold “Whaling Wall #87.” Originally dedicated on March 9, 2001, the mural, titled “Florida’s Radiant Reef,” is one installment in a nearly 30-year series painted from 1981 to 2008 to raise global ocean awareness. In March 2022, with the assistance of several local businesses and Stanley Switlik art teacher Shannon Paul Wiley,

Wyland returned to restore the mural, touching up outlines and adding a few new elements before applying a new clear protective coating to the entire piece. As this piece was written, the duo was together again in Havana to paint what Wyland said will be his final largescale mural on the National Aquarium of Cuba. “It’s hard to believe that somebody would even consider destroying a public work of art that is so much a part of the community,” Wyland told the Weekly by phone on Oct. 27. “Talk about bad branding. To come in as a new business and try to do that is really disrespectful, not only to myself but everyone that supported that wall.” "I believe Wyland's murals, those found here in the Keys and at hundreds of locations throughout the world, should be preserved and maintained as part of our history,” added Wiley. “His creations are not only aesthetically magnificent, but speak volumes about the importance of conservation of marine species and preservation of this precious planet we are all blessed to share." Wyland pointed to protections he believes are afforded to the mural by the federal Visual Artists Rights Act. Passed in 1990, the legislation provides additional rights to the creators of significant artwork that meets a certain set of requirements, regardless of physical ownership of the work itself.

Several cases throughout the last 20 years would appear to be similar to this one. In 2018, a federal judge awarded $6.7 million to 21 graffiti artists after their works were abruptly painted over during the process of constructing luxury condominiums in Queens, New York. Ten years earlier, the U.S. government was among 11 defendants that paid $1.1 million to Los Angeles artist Kent Twitchell after his six-story mural honoring artist Ed Ruscha was painted over without his knowledge or consent. In an email exchange obtained by the Weekly via a public records request, Marathon planning director Brian Shea cautioned David Keener, one of the project’s architects, about potential “community backlash” if the original mural is destroyed. “Locals are very fond of the Wyland/Guy Harvey painting on the building,” Shea wrote, “And it looks like you are bisecting it to add the new entrance, and then covering it up with the metal panel system with graphics.” (Ironically, potential renderings for graphics on the new panels include work by none other than Guy Harvey.) “We have made the owner aware,” Keener wrote in response. “He is working with Guy Harvey to either recreate the mural as a graphic applied to the metal panels or to repaint on them. We did what we could to keep the continued on page 37

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

KEYS TOURISM AGENCY FAILS FINANCIAL AUDIT

REPORT FAULTS TDC FOR ‘REPEATED NONCOMPLIANCE,’ ‘POTENTIAL SELF-DEALING’ & ‘ETHICAL CONCERNS’

recent county audit of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC) — the Florida Keys’ multimillion-dollar tourism marketing agency — revealed significant concerns with its financial oversight and operations. “The audit found repeated noncompliance with Monroe County’s purchasing policy, … a lack of controls and management oversight, … appearances of potential selfdealing by certain employees as well as possibly one of the TDC’s agencies of record.” The county clerk’s audit of the TDC covered the five-year period from October 2018 through September 2023 and resulted in a 32-page report of its findings and recommendations. The TDC’s marketing director, Stacey Mitchell, who heads the agency, is identified only by title in the report. She spoke with the Keys Weekly on Oct. 31 about the audit report. “I’m still digesting it,” said Mitchell, who had been at a TDC meeting in the Upper Keys in the morning and then received news that her friend and TDC predecessor Harold Wheeler had died on Oct. 31. “I just received the report. Obviously we’ll work in full cooperation with all county departments to implement the recommendations and improvements. I’m honestly still processing this after learning of the death of Harold.” TDC Chair Rita Irwin echoed Mitchell’s comments.

“I’m very much process- and rulebound,” she said, adding that she would be included in an internal staff meeting set for Nov. 2 to discuss the report with Mitchell and County Administrator Roman Gastesi, among others. “We’re taking this seriously, looking at the recommendations and behaving in a professional manner to respond. We’re also in the process of scheduling a public meeting of the TDC board, which requires proper public notice.” CAUSES FOR CONCERN • Auditors report that the TDC’s longtime public relations firm, NewmanPR, submitted reimbursement requests of about $14,000 last year that may represent “double billing,” as they were paid to a company the auditors believe doesn’t exist. Andy Newman, who owns NewmanPR, told auditors he had started the company in question 35 years ago to be paid for services that he himself performs for NewmanPR such as photography. But the audit report states that those services are included in NewmanPR’s contract with the TDC, which should not be billed for them separately. “Due to the serious nature of the potential double-billing and the use of an entity that likely does not exist, the clerk’s office finds it necessary to immediately alert the BOCC of this audit finding. The clerk also is exercising the Right To Audit clause that is in the NewmanPR contract to review additional invoices to determine the legitimacy, compliance with contract, and adherence to Monroe County purchasing policy. Given the severity of the issue, finance cannot process any further payments for NewmanPR on behalf of the TDC until there is some resolution to this matter,” the report states. • Auditors are currently conducting additional audits of the TDC’s three partner agencies — NewmanPR, which handles public relations; Two Oceans Digital, which handles website and digital marketing and Tinsley Advertising & Marketing, which handles advertising for the TDC. The additional audits will be released separately when completed, the report states. • Auditors report “serious ethical concerns” over an agreement between Mitchell and local photographer Rob O’Neal, who since 2008 has produced an annual Florida Keys photography calendar for the TDC. The report notes that Mitchell and O’Neal also have a long-term personal relationship that calls into question the TDC’s impartiality in selecting vendors. The TDC gives away the calendars as a marketing tool, but then gives O’Neal some of the calendars to sell himself for a profit, the report states. “It appears that the marketing director misused her official position to allow Mr. O’Neal to profit from the photo calendar, especially since no other vendors were given an opportunity to bid on its production…,” the report states. “The

The Tourist Development Council is the subject of a critical audit by the Monroe County clerk. MONROE COUNTY/Contributed

clerk’s office believes the purchase of the calendars … could be … improper payment and, therefore, has declined to pay Mr. O’Neal’s invoice for the 2024 calendars, which totals $14,850,” the report states. • Auditors found several instances in which invoices for services and reimbursements were paid without proper documentation or details of services rendered, and often were approved by someone without proper authority given the agency’s practice of sharing secure online login credentials and passwords. They have recommended tighter controls and additional staff training. • Auditors “found that the TDC’s annual financial reports that were presented to the BOCC and the public materially misstated the TDC’s fiscal year revenues and expenditures,” the report states. When compared to the county’s audited financial statements, the amounts differed by $2 to $6 million, according to charts in the report. “Due to the importance of TDC’s financial reporting being accurate as well as being transparent to the public, consideration may be given to requiring one TDC member having a financial background and/or requiring TDC’s executive office to have an annual compliance audit,” the report states. WHAT NEXT? The county commission will likely discuss the audit report at its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 8 in Key West, Monroe County Mayor Craig Cates told the Keys Weekly on Oct. 31. “Kevin Madok, as the county’s clerk of court and comptroller, is a constitutional officer and it’s his responsibility to make sure all public funds are spent and accounted for properly,” Cates said. “This audit was part of normal procedures and now the county commission will have to discuss how to proceed.”

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Though the street has been cleaned since this shot was taken in September, a growing 20th Street homeless encampment has been thrust into the spotlight for consideration by the Marathon City Council in recent months. JASON KOLER/Keys Weekly

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

WHAT TO DO WITH 20TH STREET?

t’s no secret that a growing homeless encampment on Marathon’s 20th Street has become a cause for concern for local residents and businesses. However the city chooses to address the matter, it will walk a fine line. A fire in the area on Oct. 1, followed by a city-sponsored cleanup of the street, reignited discussions of long-term plans for the area, prompting public input on Oct. 24 from several residents and business owners around the area of Fisherman’s Point and the street leading up to the decommissioned Boot Key Bridge. As outlined by City Manager George Garrett to open the meeting, one plan to allow continued public use of the area could include, among other items, a combination of newly-installed security cameras, enhanced lighting, increased surveillance and fencing along the sides of the road, in addition to continued use of a city-supplied dumpster and portable restroom. Garrett also mentioned enactment of a citywide open container law, though both he and City Attorney Steve Williams panned the effect it would have outside of the area in question. The other would involve a near-complete closure of the area, in which case the city would need to be prepared to allow the individuals to occupy other spaces throughout Marathon. “It’s sort of an all-or-none issue here, and we can’t be selective about enforcement,” Garrett said. Williams echoed Garrett’s thought, explaining again that as Marathon has no homeless shelter, actions taken may not specifically target the homeless population, which has a “right to exist in public.” He repeatedly urged council members throughout the session to address matters on 20th Street solely from a perspective of public safety, touting the city’s actions so far as a “significant first step” that likely would not face constitutional challenges if continued. “We’ve only done (the cleanup) once. We (could) do it again here in the near future and see what the results are and see what the responses are,” he said. “If we were trying to remove anyone who would reside in that area against their will, maybe someone … could tell us what it costs to operate (a shelter) each year.” “Constitutionally, this is thin ice here,” he warned. “And the hazard of doing it incorrectly is very, very expensive.”

Public commenters including Hard Bottom Brewing co-owner Steve Pfaller – a potential future tenant of the property currently operated as Andy and Dave’s Garage – and Marathon Boat Yard manager Tony Iarocci praised the city’s efforts so far, but spoke of a need to revitalize the area for enjoyment by the general public, possibly turning the existing street into a walking destination with a quasi-park at its end. Iarocci and others did not, however, mince words when speaking of the area’s current challenges, saying some employees from the street’s businesses were “scared to death” as they repeatedly dealt with alleged issues of trespassing, substance abuse, noise complaints, fires, burglaries, threats and other public safety concerns. Councilman Kenny Matlock has thus far has been the most vocal in his requests for cessation of accommodating measures provided by the city. He floated the idea of prohibiting temporary structures on city right-ofways, or even eventually leasing the area, technically under FDOT ownership at present, to a nearby resident or business, thereby changing the parameters for law enforcement in the area. “If they didn’t bother anybody, it would be a different conversation. But that’s not what it is,” he said. “Don’t just facilitate (the situation) … while the business owners are the ones paying the bills.” “I see all sides to it, but I also don’t think empathy is a bad thing,” responded councilman Jeff Smith, briefly squaring off with Matlock’s outlook on the area and its underlying causes. “Addiction issues are real. All of these are societal issues that we’re going to have to deal with. … I would suggest that somebody report back to us on a feasibility study (for) a homeless shelter. “We need, I think, to put more than a push-around approach together. … There are experts in our town who do, on a daily basis, work with this population, and I would like to get their input.” Mayor Luis Gonzalez asked Garrett to prepare a report of the number and severity of recent calls for Sheriff’s Office and other EMS personnel to the area by the council’s next meeting, during which he encouraged local professionals with expertise in dealing with Marathon’s homeless population to address the council with their thoughts on the encampment. He also asked staff to begin discussions with FDOT about officially turning the property over to Marathon, a process Garrett said should arguably have already happened when multiple roads were turned over from FDOT to Monroe County and subsequently to Marathon in years past.

Marathon Council weighs possibilities for growing homeless encampment

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

COUNTY: CHARTER IS KEY TO SAVING AGING BRIDGES ANOTHER WORKSHOP SET FOR NOV. 6 IN MARATHON GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

he Monroe County Commission’s proposal to switch the Florida Keys to a charter form of government is a pursuit of the type of money needed to repair aging bridges and beaten down roads, along with the daunting task of making sure it all withstands the rising waters. It could all add up to more than $1 billion by the 2030s, according to county leaders. They say adding a new tax, only available to charter counties that essentially are run by a county constitution, is a solution to protecting Keys homes and roads by paying the inevitable and exponential price of construction projects. “Do we want to share the burden of paying for all of that with our 5.1 million tourists or would we really prefer to jack up our property taxes paid by everybody who owns property?” Monroe County Commissioner David Rice told The Keys Weekly on Oct. 31. Charters can allow a county to have more control over some local issues but the first draft of Monroe’s charter referendum, which is available on the county’s website, includes a section saying that the county wouldn’t interfere with municipalities’ laws. To change that would require a unanimous vote by the county commission to put any changes on a referendum for voters. “Monroe County has no interest in overseeing the municipalities,” said county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood in a statement. “The draft charter would preserve municipal independence.” Commissioners say county staff has exhausted the available options for Monroe to plan ahead on road and bridge projects. So they’re putting together a pitch for voters in the Nov. 5 general election to make Monroe a charter-government county. If that were to pass at the polls, the county would have to come back to voters a second time in order to create what’s called the Charter County and Regional Transportation System Sales Surtax. The county has scheduled a workshop for Monday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second floor of the Marathon Government Center,

2798 Overseas Highway. People may participate via Zoom and the workshop will be aired online, on cable – channel 76 on Comcast, channel 99 on U-verse and on Hulu, Roku and Apple TV. This isn’t your last chance to attend a county-led event about the charter. More public hearings will be scheduled in 2024. County Attorney Bob Shillinger has been on a Keyswide tour, making presentations before elected leaders and community groups. Since late September, Monroe County’s legal team has made presentations at the Key West City Commission and both the Middle and Upper Keys Republican Clubs. SIMILAR TO THE PENNY TAX County leaders like Rice believe the transportation tax would act much like the one penny infrastructure sales surtax that’s been in the Keys for decades. In 2022, more than 65 percent of Monroe voters approved extending the one penny tax. “Experience has shown that roughly two-thirds of sales taxes collected in the Florida Keys are paid by visitors,” Livengood said in a statement. “So the transportation surtax would be expected to shift the majority of the cost of the transportation and transit improvements from local taxpayers to visitors.” Rice said the two-thirds estimate comes from hard experience in 2020, when the county put roadblocks at the entrances to the Keys in 2020 to keep out visitors due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We shut down tourism for two months and our tax revenues dropped by twothirds,” Rice said. “That’s about as real life an experiment as you can do to find out.” Rice said as a property taxpayer he wants the new tax, and the charter form of government that Monroe needs in order to add it. But it’s voters who will decide, he said. “We have 26 bridges the county is totally responsible for,” Rice said. “They’re not on U.S. 1 but they provide service to residents. We don’t want to lose them.” As examples, the county points to the No Name Key Bridge, which is almost the same length as Card Sound Road Bridge and links 42 homes to the island chain. It will likely cost more than $20 million to replace.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

COURT CONSOLIDATION DETRIMENTAL TO MONROE COUNTY Dear Editor, Any attempt by a government to alter and politically maneuver the functioning of our courts, for any reason whatsoever, is a breach of the public’s trust that will immediately begin to disintegrate and destroy the fabric of our constitutional republic. Disenfranchising, limiting or restricting a citizen’s “constitutional right” to elect the judges, prosecutors and public defenders they believe best protect and serve them and their families is a criminal breach and violation. As knowledge of the state of Florida’s drive for a “political takeover of our judicial system,” by combining Monroe County’s 16th Judicial Circuit into Miami-Dade’s 11th Judicial Circuit, begins to grasp political prominence, the enormity of the harm and destructive nature of such a consolidation upon Monroe County’s citizens and residents will be a reprehensible shock. There will be a political backlash against those politicians responsible for introducing this despotic destruction into our already stressful lives. There will be a price to pay for them, having dared to undercut and defile the fabric of our judicial system, attempting to eradicate one of our most fundamental and precious rights as Americans. Consolidating the 11th and 16th Judicial Circuits will significantly diminish the ability of Monroe County residents to have direct involvement in electing those public officials that will govern them. Their ballots cast on Election Day will be ravaged and watered

down by the enormous voter turnout coming from MiamiDade County residents. These residents have very little awareness or concern for the “distinct uniqueness” needs and geographical structure of those residing in the Florida Keys. This attempted “forced consolidation” of judicial circuits is unnecessary. It appears to be politically motivated. It’s a clear and evident fact, citizens of the 16th Judicial Circuit (Monroe County) are becoming more vocal in asserting their resistance to this coercive and heavy-handed proposal, which will bring suffering into their lives, if this “consolidation effort” is approved. Monroe County residents will be required to drive and be answerable and held accountable, in courts many hundreds of miles away. At this contentious time within our nation, this unnecessarily “consolidation nonsense” will not benefit any constituents on any level. We do not need any more dysfunctional and discredited ideas from anyone in government, purporting and masquerading as bearers of relief, good judgment and compassionate resolve, for the people they’ve taken an oath to protect and serve. If this “consolidation proposal” causes you to be alarmed and concerned, please contact Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, along with the sponsor of this proposal in Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and urge them to withdraw and prevent this perversion from becoming our reality. John Donnelly, Key Largo

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

FACTS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR

Sam Steele

monroetaxcollector.com 305.295.5000

NOVEMBER • The 2023 property tax roll is open for collection. If you have not received your tax bill yet, please contact us at 305-295-5044. • The Tax Collector’s Office returned over $5.2 million in unused fees to the taxing authorities for the 2023 fiscal year, which goes towards funding essential services for our community. • In partnership with the City of Marathon, our office has brought 133 fraudulent vacation rentals located within the City of Marathon into compliance since April 2023, which has accounted for over $230,000 in taxes, penalties, and interest allocated to their district.

• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our office. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted. • All rental properties must also have a local business tax, regardless of how long they are being rented. • If you suspect a fraudulent property rental, you may report it on our hotline at 1-855-422-4540 • All our offices will be closed on Friday, November 10, in observance of Veterans Day.

for more important tax information.

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

3 4

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS? COSTUMED CREATIONS FILL KEY WEST

2. This group came from the North Pole to warm up before Christmas and watch the Fantasy Fest parade. MARK HEDDENKeys Weekly

he last weekend of October never disappoints in Key West, where the annual Fantasy Fest wrapped up with the ever-popular Masquerade March on Oct. 27 and then the wildly popular Fantasy Fest Parade on Oct. 28. As our photographers prove every year, the crowds have as much fun as the marchers in both events. — Mandy Miles

1. The Lower Keys Fluffers ‘Conchtucky Derby’ entry won the $6,000 Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade Grand Prize for Best Overall in Saturday night’s parade. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

3. The Barbie and Ken theme made repeat appearances throughout this year’s Fantasy Fest activities. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly 4. The Caribbean Junkanoo dancers spice up the Fantasy Fest Parade on Oct. 28. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

5. Masked crusaders watch the parade. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly 6. A Captain Morgan Masquerade March group pays tribute to Key West’s most flamboyant jogger, Douglas Miller, also known as “Red Zorro” and “The Flag Man.” CAROL TEDESCO/FantasyFest.com 7. Revelers follow the call of the disco ball during Friday’s Captain Morgan Masquerade March. CAROL TEDESCO/FantasyFest.com 8. Two Masquerade March participants pay tribute to the Florida Keys’ fragile coral reef. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

9. Minions watch the Fantasy Fest Parade. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly 10. A group depicting an offbeat Kentucky Derby for unicorns performs on Duval Street during the Oct. 28 Fantasy Fest Parade. The Derby takeoff, produced by the Lower Keys Fluffers, was named the parade’s best overall entry. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Dr. Fred Troxel and his Key Smile staff in their scrubs and bare feet. CONTRIBUTED

e’s been to Burning Man 11 times. He’s a bonefishing world champion. He and his staff typically work in scrubs and bare feet. Jimmy Buffett played at his wedding 13 years ago. He started the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival with local radio legend Bill Becker 30 years ago. And he had to reschedule an interview about his upcoming retirement — to go skydiving on Sugarloaf Key. He is Dr. Fred Troxel, venerable Keys dentist, yet still a self-described “old hippie” who was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, but grew up in the Fort Lauderdale area. His dad was a Pennsylvania Dutch sea captain and his mom was a U.S. Army nurse from Memphis. Troxel’s Key Smile restorative and aesthetic dental practice has been housed in one of the coolest buildings on Big Pine Key since 1977, but Troxel had fallen in love with the Keys in the late ’60s. “I went to SeaCamp on Big Pine in 1965 when I was a junior in high school and my family lived in Fort Lauderdale,” he told the Keys Weekly on Oct. 31, a day after his second skydiving adventure. “Then I came back to it as a counselor after college and before I started dental school, which I signed up for to avoid the draft. “But that was the part of the Keys that I knew and fell in love with,” Troxel said of Big Pine. “When I first opened my practice here in 1977, there were probably only 1,000 full-time residents on Big Pine. But this island and all the Keys grew up and grew up fast.” So did his dental practice. “Oh man, back in the beginning, I barely knew enough not to be dangerous,” he said laughing. “I hired my first wife to run the office and a bank teller that I liked from my bank to be my dental assistant. But we made a living.

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

KEYS’ BAREFOOT DENTIST TO RETIRE AFTER NEARLY 50 YEARS Dr. Fred Troxel sells venerable Big Pine practice to Dr. Chris Forsee

Dr. Chris Forsee, left, has bought Dr. Fred Troxel’s Key Smile restorative dental practice on Big Pine Key. CONTRIBUTED

I was just an old hippie. I grew into it and I spent a jillion hours on continuing education to improve my skills and I found some fantastic mentors.” Troxel for years has specialized in full-mouth restorative and aesthetic dentistry, creating the smiles that people wish they had. “There’s an artistic element to not making everyone look the same,” he said, admitting that he can’t look at someone — on television or in person — without mentally noting what he could “fix” with their teeth and smile. And as for the Jimmy Buffett connection? “Well, my first wife was an artist and then went to school to become an architect,” Troxel recalled. “It was in the mid-’80s and Jimmy had already had musical success. He had bought a house on Riviera Drive and after seeing some of my wife’s architectural work, he hired her. Then she hooked us both up to go bonefishing together. Once we started fishing together, we just continued the friendship. And when Rita and I got married 13 years ago, he played at our wedding.”

It’s a story Keys locals have heard even if they don’t know the Troxels personally. Rita Troxel was an actress in Key West, usually at Red Barn Theater, when Fred met her. “We’d be at the same parties and events,” Fred Troxel said. “Actually, Tony Falcone likes to take credit for us getting together, but Dr. Michael Berman takes the same credit. That was 13 years ago.” As Troxel wraps up his long and successful dental career, he and his wife are looking forward to retirement. But they’re not going anywhere too far away for too long. “We’re here forever. Rita’s been here even longer than I and these are our people,” he said. Troxel will turn 75 in a few weeks, and didn’t know how he would ever retire and leave his patients, staff and practice in good and capable hands. Then Dr. Chris Forsee arrived back on the Keys scene. “He had actually been down here 20 years ago on Simonton Street and he loved the Keys,” Troxel said of Forsee. “Then he moved up to the mainland to practice, but always wanted to come back to the Keys. When he called and asked if I was ready to retire yet, I knew he was the perfect guy to buy my practice. “He’s a really, really good dentist,” Troxel said. “He and his wife are just the greatest people, and once he met my staff and patients, we all said, ‘This is perfect.’ No qualms whatsoever about him taking over.” Troxel says he’ll wrap things up around January 2024, as he still has long-term cases he’s working on with some patients. “It’s been a really great ride, through it all, and I couldn’t be more comfortable leaving the practice in the hands of Dr. Chris Forsee.”

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QUAY PROPERTY ISSUES Scrap everything done to this point?

et me begin this week’s column by stating that I have the utmost respect for our current City Council. To a person, I believe every individual occupying those seats is doing their best to do the right thing for the people of Marathon. Sometimes, however, good people disagree on what may be the best solution to a particular issue. Democracy can be a messy business sometimes, but that’s why we have multi-member councils, commissions and legislatures. People can get together, discuss and debate and hopefully come to the right decision. It’s just the nature of government that not everyone will agree on a particular course of action. A current case in point is the recent decision by the council concerning the Quay property. As a member of the City Council who voted to purchase the Quay property, I do not believe that the project’s design — and nearly $850,000 in grant funding — should be scrapped in favor of adding another boat ramp and additional trailer parking. The Marathon City Council of 2018 voted to acquire the Quay property to enhance the existing boat ramp as well as provide a beautiful waterfront park for our residents and visitors. The city hosted multiple workshops, got a lot of citizen input, and then hired design consultants. All this effort resulted in plans that were moving forward until the council meeting on Oct. 24. All that progress is now on hold because three council members want to put in another boat ramp at the site. The city manager and city staff didn’t agree with this decision, and neither do I. Remember, this was brought to the residents, and the city received a whole lot of public input as to the design. The Quay site was destined to become an enticing off-highway attraction and a perfect recreational green space with stunning waterfront views — a tropical park to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. To throw all this away now because some want another boat ramp and trailer parking is short-sighted at best. This is not to say that there isn’t a problem with our boat ramps. The worst times of year are always around lobster mini-season and the opening of regular season. Given that, and the occasional weekend demands of seasonal boaters, it’s still

safe to say that there is no boat ramp congestion for more than 300 days in each calendar year. So why would we kill off a park that would benefit our JOHN residents yearBARTUS round in favor of something that John Bartus is a singer-songwriter will exist primarily for Marathon and and the former Key Colony Beach mayor of Marathon. tourists? As I mentioned previously, I was on the city council that voted to acquire the Quay property. We understood that the development of the park would take time. As former council member and Mayor Randy Mearns said, “Government moves at the pace of a dead snake.” The process of developing a property to its best use with taxpayer dollars and grants is a slow, laborious grind. That’s why things take as long as they do when the government is involved. If the current decision stands, more than four years of effort and tax dollars already spent will be thrown away in order to begin the process anew. Starting over will put off any progress at the Quay site for likely another four years while permits are considered, grants and funding sources investigated, contractors hired, and construction commences. Let’s not forget all the resident input the city already received in those workshops — all those voices will be ignored and thrown out as well. As a resident and taxpayer, I strongly disagree with the idea of tossing out a beautiful green space that benefits everyone and replacing it with another boat ramp that mostly benefits tourists. If you feel the same, contact your city council members — respectfully, with understanding and kindness. It’s often a thankless job to sit in those seats and make those decisions. Even though I disagree with some of them sometimes, I appreciate the effort all of them put into making Marathon a better place. — Catch John live Wednesdays at Brutus Seafood, Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, Saturday at the Presents In Paradise fundraiser at the Marathon Elks Lodge, and Sunday at the Skipjack Resort Tiki Bar. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com • johnbartus.hearnow.com

WORKING IT OUT Meeting brings contractors, city officials face to face

SALT Energy’s Lisa Kaul, left, addresses a panel of Marathon Planning Director Brian Shea, FKCA president Armand Messina, Public Works Director Carlos Solis, Building Official Gerard Roussin and City Manager George Garrett at a contractors workshop on Oct. 26. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

hose counting the number of times the word “communication” came up in conversation at an Oct. 26 meeting between the city of Marathon and the Florida Keys Contractors Association (FKCA) had their work cut out for them. A product of recent weekly meetings between FKCA president Armand Messina and city officials, the open workshop brought a panel of Messina, City Manager George Garrett, Building Official Gerard Roussin and Public Works Director Carlos Solis before a crowd of local contractors to address issues with Marathon’s permitting system and other related workflow complaints. Councilmen Jeff Smith and Kenny Matlock attended the session as observers, while Planning Director Brian Shea joined the panel later in the meeting after requests from public commenters. For nearly three hours, the panel worked through a gamut of concerns and questions brought by local contractors, several of which could fill a page of this paper by themselves. While some prompted simple “no-brainer” fixes – working to improve cell phone reception for Roussin from within his own office, for one – others fell outside the city’s current purview, highlighting the tail end of strained relationships between Marathon and the Florida Department of Commerce (formerly the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity). Marathon’s planning department, among others, was frequently under the microscope, as several echoed the sentiment of “Permit Lady” Gay Marie Smith that “Communication is bad. I’m going to say it with a capital B, capital A, capital D.”

Though it admittedly would not solve their issues, many said frequent updates on the city’s progress with permitting work, as well as greater accessibility to contact employees directly, would go a long way toward assuaging their concerns. Others lambasted Marathon’s OpenGov permitting portal, saying the city’s permits require items not needed in other municipalities and that the system prohibits progression with required entry fields that may not be applicable to their particular type of permit. A few advocated for a 48-hour deadline to return calls and emails, while Messina returned to his oftrepeated request to do away with the locked door at the entrance to City Hall’s lobby. Solis said the area is due for a remodel in the coming months, while Garrett added that city staff are currently undergoing customer relations training. “I would like to get to the point where any time we are interacting with the public, I would like that interaction to be something where you are the client, and in order to make us successful, we’re going to try to accomplish something for you,” Garrett said. “There’s no reason that anybody should be impolite, because I can tell you ‘hell no,’ but do it with a smile. There’s nobody in this building who should have that problem.” “Overall, everybody was just really pleased,” Messina told the Weekly a day later. “Even if they didn’t like what they heard, they were just pleased to get it out and express their opinion. “Now, the future depends on how they take it. Let’s see if it does any good. … The FKCA would like to see Marathon be the best city in the Florida Keys as far as pulling permits goes, and there’s no reason why we couldn’t be.”

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

THIS IS HALLOWEEN Marathon celebrates the spookiest week of the year

he final weekend of October meant the return of all things Halloween as Marathon renewed all its annual celebrations. Crane Point Museum and Nature Center kicked things off Friday night with its annual Witches in the Hammock event before Key Colony Beach’s Havana Jack’s closed the evening by raising $1,600 at the 2023 Boo Bash to benefit the nonprofit Presents in Paradise. Despite a last-minute venue change, the next morning saw dozens of costumed youngsters take to the street on Sombrero Beach Road for HapynKeys Running and the Marathon Parks and Rec Department’s Halloween Kids Costume Run. Presents and Paradise was once again the winner of the week as proceeds from Tuesday’s City of Marathon Employee Costume Contest netted another $900 to help kids get Christmas this year. And finally, Tuesday night meant an evening of costumes, candy and more than a little bit of shaving cream as kids and kids at heart made their way around Gulfside Village and the neighborhood behind the Marathon Airport for two of the city’s most popular trick-or-treat events. — Alex Rickert

1. Jonathan Collins takes off down Sombrero Beach Road for the Halloween Kids Costume Run. 2. Participants in the Halloween Kids Costume Run at Sombrero Beach take a pre-race photo.

3. In true ‘Karen’ fashion, Erin Dafoe demands to speak to a manager.

4. City Manager George Garrett brings out his inner villain as Oogie Boogie. 5. Milo Borjas, right, makes the rounds at Gulfside Village with Kensley Keller. 6. Gabriella Wiebe, left, and Addison Tufts make their way to the finish line for the Halloween Kids Costume Run at Sombrero Beach. 7. Gabbi Doering, center, says hello to friends Mia Williams, left, and Brooke Clark in Crane Point’s haunted Adderley House. 8. The namesake for Crane Point’s Witches in the Hammock event, a coven of dancing sorceresses perform their routine around a bonfire at the nature center’s Adderley House.

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

9. Sea Level Spa’s Heather Rouse has her work cut out for her with this client. 10. Judges for the annual Boo Bash at Havana Jack’s included Sheriff Rick Ramsay, left, Keys Weekly editor Alex Rickert, Key Colony Beach Mayor Pro Tem Beth RamsayVickrey and Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln. 11. Boo Bash judge Rick Ramsay gets mobbed by loofahs in the evening’s costume parade 12. A dino-mite family of Wyatt, left, Trevor and Anna Gordon.

13. Village Phil and the Loofahs claim the top prize at the 2023 Boo Bash.

14. Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln, left, faces her fears as a judge for the 2023 Boo Bash. 15. Olivia Banks is covered head to toe at the Tuna Drive foam pit. 16. City Councilman Jeff Smith, left, plays God to Brian Shea’s Black Knight. Shea ended the day as the top vote-getter in the city’s employee costume contest. 17. More than a dozen city employees donned their best fits for Marathon’s 2023 Employee Costume Contest. 18 Cassandra Dickson has the complete look nailed down as a spore druid from Dungeons and Dragons. 19. Little miss Kaylynn Coburn as Alice in Wonderland with mom Courtney and dad Dale.

20. The Tuna Drive foam pit behind the airport never disappoints as a Halloween staple for Marathon kids. 21. Mayor Luis Gonzalez’s house transforms for the 23rd time into the most well-known Halloween party in Marathon, with help from a small army of cooks and DJ Trae Dae. Photos by Alex Rickert, Pam Geiger and Steve Hurley.

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Adorable faces are waiting at the Florida Keys SPCA

The annual powerboat races, seen here in 2019, return to Key West Nov. 5, presented by Race World Offshore. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

ace World Offshore once again brings powerboat teams and fans to Key West for an Offshore World Championship experience presented by Performance Boat Center. RWO is the premier Offshore Racing Sanctioning body in the United States and its team is dedicated to producing an unforgettable week. With the most experienced team in all of offshore racing around the world, RWO anticipates another spectacular event with the world’s best offshore race teams in attendance. Visit raceworldoffshore.com for schedule, full details and results during race week. — Contributed

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. 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. On Friday, Nov. 3, the FKSPCA will host a Fete en Blanc dinner to benefit the Marathon shelter animals. Bring a dish to share and dress all in white for an evening of dining, music and dancing from 6 to 8 p.m. at an undisclosed Marathon location (venue will be announced to ticket holders the day of the event). The evening will include a DJ, cash bar and 50/50 raffle. Purchase tickets for $20 per person at FKSPCA.org.

PEPPERMINT SCHNAPPS 3-month-old female domestic shorthair. Looking for: Playtime, cuddles, snacks and more play. Turnoffs: None.

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

1 2

HISPANIC PRIDE Marathon High holds heritage celebration

Arriving just on the heels of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Marathon High School held a Hispanic heritage celebration of its own on Oct. 24. Opening with an introduction by MHS vice principal Rebecca Keenum, the evening’s festivities included presentations on the flags of Guatemala, Mexico and Nicaragua, a personal immigration story told by Neek Perez Urra, dance demonstrations, a Spanish singing group and address by guest speaker Janny Oliva before closing remarks from Alexander Nicolas and MHS principal Christine Paul. — Alex Rickert 1. The school’s Spanish singing group performs. 2. MHS principal Christine Paul, right, and Alexander Nicolas deliver closing remarks. 3. Neek Perez Urra relates the story of his family’s immigration journey from Cuba when he was a young child. 4. Centennial Bank’s Janny Oliva, right, applauds the MHS students’ presentations as Alexander Nicolas translates. 5. From left, Maria Sanchez, Alejandro Gonzalez Gamez, Lexie Maloney and Neek Perez show off their Latin dance moves with salsa, bachata and merengue. 6: From left, Zyan Wiggins, Braulio Garcia, Carlos Lezcano and Isielki Verbel demonstrate the ‘Baile Tipico de Panama.’ Photos by SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/ Keys Weekly

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

3 KEY WEST TEENS CHARGED IN TRAUMATIC ATTACK ON MINORS BOYS, 14, THREATENED 11-YEAR-GIRL & HER BROTHER WITH SODOMY & KIDNAPPING; FACING ASSAULT & FALSE IMPRISONMENT CHARGES MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

hree Key West teens, all 14, are facing felony charges following their Oct. 24 arrest at Sigsbee Park Navy Base for charges that include false imprisonment, aggravated assault and burglary. The charges do not include sexual assault, although the police investigation indicates some of the suspects carried out attempted acts of sodomy with a spoon on the 14-year-old victim, along with forcing a minor to watch porn from a gaming console. Their victims were an 11-year-old girl and her 14-year-old brother who live in military housing at Sigsbee Park, police said. The accused, whose names were removed from the Key West Police report due to their age, reportedly followed the 11-year-old girl home from the Navy’s MWR building while harassing her with questions about her boyfriend’s girlfriend. The boys reportedly pushed the girl down and threatened to kidnap her if she ran away. The girl ran to her house, where her 14-year-old brother was home alone, with the boys chasing her. She found the back door of her screened-in porch locked when she arrived. When her brother arrived at the door from inside the house, the attackers held a 10-pound metal weight from a weight bench over his sister’s head and counted backward from three, threatening to drop the weight on the sister’s head if the boy did not let them inside his house. The boy, “fearing for his sister’s safety,” reluctantly opened the door and the attackers rushed inside, according to the police report. The girl then ran to a friend’s house for help. Once inside, the three suspects reportedly forced the male victim down the hallway and locked themselves in a game room, “accessed the internet through an Xbox and began to play a pornographic video at the highest volume. The suspect then grabbed the victim by his shoulders, forced him onto the couch and held him down while they retrieved a spoon from the victim’s kitchen and “attempted to

place the straight edge of the spoon into the victim’s rear end,” states the police report. The victim thrashed and tried to evade the attackers, finally breaking free and running outside, despite his fear of what the boys would do inside his house. After the attackers then broke several eggs on the walkway of the victims’ house, the victims’ mother returned home, ordered the attackers out of her house and called police. The victims’ parents told Navy Police and then Key West Police they wanted to press charges against all three teens. The three were arrested and charged with aggravated assault, false imprisonment and burglary. The incident and arrests occurred shortly after 5 p.m. on Oct. 24. As of Oct. 31, Schools Superintendent Theresa Axford told the Keys Weekly, “We are cooperating with law enforcement to support the investigation and are reviewing placement for the students moving forward.” But as of Oct. 31, there was no reason the suspects could not have returned to their normal classes at Key West High School pending the results of the ongoing investigation, said Deputy Superintendent Amber Acevedo. She emphasized that the school district’s role in a case like this, when the incident occurred off school grounds and after school hours, is to cooperate with law enforcement and make plans to continue the suspects’ education, regardless of whether they end up being detained in a juvenile facility, attending alternative classes at Key West High School, where they are kept separately from the rest of the students, or whether they return to their normal classes. “One thing we’re always careful about is placing victims and aggressors together in a situation that could potentially be dangerous or difficult,” Acevedo said, adding that the law enforcement investigation is continuing. State Attorney Dennis Ward told the Keys Weekly on Oct. 31 that his office had not been involved in the case yet, and added that it would be up to the school officials whether to keep the suspects out of school.

‘JOY ON THE ROCK’ IS THIS WEEKEND Second annual festival hopes to ‘inspire both joy and hope’ in Marathon JEN ALEXANDER

www.keysweekly.com

he Marathon Community Park will play host to this year’s Joy on the Rock Festival on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hosted by Marathon’s New Life Church, and sponsored by other churches, the free event aspires to bring both joy and hope to the Marathon community. "Joy on the Rock is a family-friendly festival celebrating our community and supporting local non-profits,” said New Life’s pastor John Krainer. “We offer a variety of free activities for all ages, including bounce houses, ax throwing, live music and more. We also showcase the tireless efforts of our local nonprofits and community servants who care for all of us who call the Keys home.” The event has a dual purpose, in the organizers’ words: to provide a family-friendly event in which believers and non-believers can come together and enjoy a day of activities, learn more about what their community is doing, and worship God. The second purpose is to help raise awareness of local ministries and nonprofit organizations in the area. Several churches will provide music, equipment and resources for the event, including the Layton Community Baptist Church, San Pablo Church, Last Resort Ministry, Church of Christ, Calvary Baptist Church, Marathon Church of God, First Baptist Church, Marathon Community Church, Calvary Chapel Key West, Keys Community Church of Big Pine and the Vineyard Church. “Joy on the Rock is made possible by the collaborative efforts of local businesses, individuals and churches,” said Krainer. “We are beyond excited to bring this larger-than-life celebration to our community and to bring joy and hope to everyone who calls Marathon home,” said Krainer. There are more than 30 vendors and nonprofits participating in this year’s event. Musicians included in the weekend’s playlist include the 79th Street Band, One Way Lane, Kirk of the Keys Band, the Vineyard Family Band and the 5th Street Baptist Band. According to the New Life Church website, the Marathon location at 4711 Overseas Hwy. was established more than 50 years ago. The church describes itself as “a beacon of hope and love in the heart of the Florida Keys. We’ve grown together as a vibrant, multi-generational and multi-cultural family of faith, bound by love for Christ and the waters that surround us.” The church aims to foster a welcoming community of faith, rooted in love, spiritual growth and service. Sponsors making the weekend festivities possible include Design Center, Juice Paradise, Discount Rock & Sand, Sunbelt Rentals, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Deb’s Cleaning, Paradise Towing, The Pittsburgers, and the Kleve, Adams and Manz families.

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FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

ype 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, posing a significant public health challenge. In 2023, the global prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise, with an estimated 463 million adults living with the condition, up from 366 million in 2019.

CURRENT STATUS AND TRENDS In 2023, type 2 diabetes remains a major health concern. The condition occurs when the body's cells become resistant to insulin or when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin. The resulting high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, can lead to complications including heart disease, kidney problems, vision impairment and neuropathy. The latest statistics reveal that about 10.9% of the global adult population now has type 2 diabetes. The disease affects all age groups and is closely linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, sedentary behavior and obesity. With the global rise in these risk factors, it is projected that by 2045, the number of people living with type 2 diabetes will reach a staggering 700 million. MANAGING TYPE 2 DIABETES Managing type 2 diabetes effectively is crucial for preventing complications and maintaining a good quality of life. Here are some best practices for controlling the condition: Diet and nutrition: Adopt a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats. Limit the intake of sugary and processed foods. Consult a certified nutrition coach or dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations.

Regular physical activity: Engage in regular physical activity to help improve insulin sensitivity and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Medication: Many people with type 2 diabetes require medication, such as oral drugs or insulin, to help control blood sugar levels. Compliance with medication regimens is crucial. Blood sugar monitoring: Regularly monitor blood glucose levels as directed by a healthcare provider to track the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments. Weight management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can improve insulin sensitivity. Even modest weight loss can have a significant impact on diabetes management. Stress management: Chronic stress can elevate blood sugar levels. Engage in stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation or yoga. Regular checkups: Medical checkups are essential to monitor diabetesrelated complications and overall health. CONSEQUENCES OF UNCONTROLLED BLOOD SUGAR Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can have severe consequences, affecting nearly every organ and system in the body. Here are some examples: Cardiovascular complications: High blood sugar increases the risk of heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes. It can also lead to the development of atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of blood vessels). Nerve damage (neuropathy): Uncontrolled diabetes can damage nerves, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and pain, especially in the extremities.

Kidney disease (nephropathy): Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to kidney damage and impaired filtration. Vision problems: Diabetes can lead JENNIFER BOLTZ HARVEY to various eye complications, including ...is a Marathondiabetic retinopathy, based ACSMwhich can result in certified pervision loss. sonal trainer and Foot problems: precision nutrition Nerve damage and coach who owns and operates poor blood flow to Highly Motivated the feet can lead to Functionally diabetic foot ulcers, inCaffeinated LLC. fections, and in severe cases, amputation. Gastrointestinal issues: Uncontrolled diabetes can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to problems like gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying). Mental health: Diabetes can affect mental health, leading to conditions like depression and anxiety. FUTURE PROJECTIONS As the global prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise, prevention and management are key to curbing the epidemic. In the coming years, we can expect a continued focus on personalized treatments, improved medications and innovative technologies for better glucose control. Lifestyle interventions and public health initiatives will also play a critical role in reducing the burden of type 2 diabetes.

TOWFIQU BARBHUIYA/Unsplash

Managing type 2 diabetes: current trends and future projections

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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SILENT WORDSMITHS THE WORLD OF GHOSTWRITING

Step into the world of ghostwriters and explore the complexities of shaping someone else’s words.

THE FICTION WRITER By Jillian Cantor Book number one was a relative success. Book number two, not so much. Now suffering a severe case of writer’s block, Olivia Fitzgerald is truly at a loss for words. One day her agent offers her a gig as a ghostwriter, something she had never considered. An all-expenses-paid trip to Malibu to write for a billionaire who was voted People’s Sexiest Man Alive! Upon arrival, Olivia is shy when she meets Henry Asherwood and even more tongue-tied when this handsome man suggests she call him ”Ash.” He hired Olivia to write the story of his grandmother Emilia, who died tragically in a fire. Ash discovered a series of her journals and has sent them to be authenticated and translated. He believes Daphne du Maurier, the famous author of “Rebecca,” stole his grandmother’s story. KAREN NEWFIELD Ash wishes to vindicate his grandmother by publishing First and foremost the truth. Strangely, every time a reader, she has they attempt to work, Ash is reviewed hundistracted and they find themdreds of books on her blog www. selves on an outing that feels readingandeating. a lot like a date. Olivia doesn’t com. And, more know if she is losing her mind recently, this new or just her nerve. Don’t miss Keys resident has this deliciously twisted mystery also begun writthat releases Nov. 28. ing.

BUSINESS OR PLEASURE By Rachel Lynn Solomon Chandler Cohen is a writer in Seattle. She lives with her bestie/ cousin Noemie and has had success as a ghostwriter for a handful of low-level celebrities. She is independent, adorable and smart. But Chandler faces a difficult crossroads. She forgot what it was like to write for herself, to hear her voice instead of pretending for these mostly unappreciative media personalities. One evening, she randomly meets Finn Walsh and they share an unforgettable one-night stand. Things couldn’t be more complicated when her agent unknowingly sets up a lunch with Finn, who Chandler failed to recognize as an actor in a once-huge teen cult series. As awkwardly as this meeting begins, Finn is sweet, and the deal is too. Chandler accepts an opportunity to travel with Finn across the country attending conventions for overzealous fans and ghostwrite his memoir. Perhaps this is an opportunity to make enough money and get back to the cozy mystery writing she abandoned long ago. Hilarious, as Chandler and Finn figure out whether this trip is all business or mostly pleasure.

VERITY By Colleen Hoover A young ambitious writer named Lowen Ashleigh is struggling with her next deadline and demands from her publisher. She is offered an unlikely opportunity to co-write and finish a series for renowned author Verity Crawford, who has become mysteriously incapacitated after an accident. Jeremy Crawford, the charming husband, has hand-picked Lowen to spend time at his home, specifically in Verity’s office, reading her personal notes and becoming familiar with the writing style her fans love and have come to expect. Lowen is surprised to discover a personal manuscript that reveals Verity’s innermost thoughts and feelings. It is terrifyingly explicit as it details the deaths of not one, but two of their daughters who succumbed to tragic accidents. She decides to keep these pages from Jeremy as he is already grieving. In this beautiful and stately mansion lives handsome Jeremy, his sweet little boy, and Verity, who spends her days staring off in a comatose state. As Lowen grows more attached every day to this complicated family, she cannot shake the feeling that she is being watched. This dark page-turning tale will keep you on the edge of your seat.

#WORTHWATCHING A young writer is hired to complete the autobiography of a former British prime minister as his predecessor was murdered. A book-to-screen mystery starring Pierce Brosnan and filled with twists and turns, “The Ghost Writer” can be seen on Prime Video.

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

City of Marathon City Council

NOTICE OF ATTORNEY-CLIENT SESSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 286.011(8), FLORIDA STATUTE Notice is hereby given that the City Council consisting of Councilmembers Luis Gonzalez, Lynn Landry, Kenny Matlock, Jeff Smith and Robyn Still, City Manager George Garett, and City Attorney Steve Williams, Utilities Director Dan Saus, Contractor Ed Castle with Weiler Engineering and Special Legal Counsel (FOLKS) Gary Perko and David Childs, Attorneys representing the City will meet at 4:30 pm or as soon as possible thereafter on November 14, 2023 at the Marathon City Hall, 9805 Overseas Highway in an Attorney-Client Session, pursuant to Section 286.011(8), Florida Statutes, to discuss litigation in regard to the following case: Folks-Friends of the Lower Keys, LLC. v. City of Marathon, Florida, Defendant; pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Case No.: 4:22-cv-100002. The session is estimated to last sixty minutes (1 hour).

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

VOTE FOR MHS!

n Oct. 23, Marathon High School students and families received a powerful reminder of the importance of a drug-free lifestyle during the Educational Coalition of Monroe County (ECMC)’s annual Red Ribbon Week campaign. Student assemblies and an evening event featured a presentation from Drug Enforcement Administration special agent Oscar Negron and a physical display dubbed ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ illustrating trends and signs of teen substance abuse. The photo here has been entered into a national Red Ribbon Week photo contest, competing against other schools for an iPad and $1,000 grand prize. Scan the QR code here to vote for MHS daily from Nov. 2 to 16. SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/Keys Weekly

BRIEFLY CFK invites future students to virtual info event The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites prospective students to learn more about the academic and career training opportunities available at CFK through the Future Students Virtual Event on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 5:30 p.m. Topics to be covered include: academic and career training programs, including bachelor’s degrees in business, hospitality, marine science, nursing and education; guaranteed transfer to Florida universities with an associate in arts degree; programs and services at the Upper Keys Center in Key Largo; paying for college; and steps to become a CFK student. Attendees will receive a code to waive the $30 application fee. Applications to start classes in the spring semester, which begins January 5, are due Dec. 1. Registration for the event is required. More information is at CFK.edu/futurestudents. Lighthouse Grill happy hour to benefit Habitat for Humanity On Monday, Nov. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m., Marathon’s Lighthouse Grill at 1994 Overseas Hwy. will hold a happy hour to benefit Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys. 20% of lunch, dinner and happy hour proceeds will benefit the organization and its mission of building and renovating affordable

homes in partnership with qualifying individuals. Pigeon Key to present second ‘Movies by the Sea’ On Friday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m., Pigeon Key will host a showing of the film “True Lies” for another evening of Movies by the Sea. Admission is $15 for those who bike or walk to the island, or $25 for those who ride the train. Tickets may be purchased by visiting the “Book Online” tab at pigeonkey.net. Train 1 ticket holders must check in at the Seven Mile Marina by 5:30 p.m. for a 5:45 departure, while Train 2 ticket holders should check in by 6:10 p.m. for a 6:20 departure. Attendees should bring a chair or blanket to sit on as well as bug spray. No outside food or beverages are permitted, but concessions are available for purchase, and a ticket includes popcorn. All ticket holders must complete a waiver available online prior to arrival. No private watercraft are permitted. Care package donations sought for overseas troops The nonprofit Monroe Marauders are preparing to ship care packages to troops deployed overseas during the holiday season. The group is looking for addresses for anyone wanting their family members to receive care packages for the holidays, as well as

donations of items to include in care packages and volunteers to help box and ship the packages. Donations may be dropped off at 506 Southard St. in Key West or at the Marathon Baptist Church, 10875 Overseas Hwy. in Marathon and may include toiletries, personal care products, reading material, word games and puzzles, batteries, phone cards, writing material, food and candy, and letters and cards to boost morale. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 2. Potential volunteers may call 305-731-6040. 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.

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023 from page 4

A rendering from architects’ plans currently on file with the city of Marathon show a revamped facade on the new SurfStyle building. The plans would obscure Wyland’s original mural with graphic metal panels affixed to the existing wall with metal anchors. ARCHITECTUREPLUS INTERNATIONAL/Contributed

original but there was just no way with the exterior work proposed.” SurfStyle’s permit (P-231065) is currently on hold for review by city staff. Its status may be monitored by typing the permit number in the “Search for Records” function at marathonfl.portal.opengov. com. Once issued by the city, it will enter a five-day local appeal period, during which residents can voice their concerns, before being rendered to the state for a 45-day review by the Florida Department of Commerce. Conversations with several city officials indicated to the Weekly that the city’s ability to deny the permit outside of a civil suit is limited, as the mural is on private property owned by real estate investment trust Kimco. A request seeking an official comment from Marathon officials about efforts to preserve the mural, if any, was not returned by press time. An email sent to SurfStyle’s Gilad Ovaknin, listed as the permit’s point of contact, seeking comment on the proposed design and impacts to the existing mural, had gotten no response by press time.

MURDER CHARGES FILED FOR ALLEGED FENTANYL TRAFFICKER Melvin Howard supplied drugs that led to 2022 Grassy Key overdose death, authorities say

Weapons allegedly recovered from a Dodge Charger and the residence of Andrew Pena following arrests on Oct. 26 included a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, 9mm Glock and an ARstyle rifle. MCSO/Contributed

Melvin Howard. MCSO/Contributed

56-year-old Miami-Dade County man, arrested in April 2023 for allegedly leading an extensive fentanyl distribution ring in Monroe County, has been indicted for murder for his role in an overdose death. A Monroe County grand jury has indicted Melvin Anthony Howard on a charge of first-degree murder for allegedly supplying the fentanyl that led to the Sept. 2, 2022 overdose death of 53-year-old Amanda Roberts of Grassy Key. Alexis Joy Sather, 23, of Marathon was also arrested for murder in March 2023 in connection with Roberts’ death. Sather bought fentanyl from Howard which she sold to Roberts, the Sheriff’s Office said. Howard is also facing charges of trafficking fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and the unlawful use of a twoway communication device to facilitate a felony. Howard’s arrest in April followed a 15-month investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration that they say led to the discovery that Howard was spearheading the distribution of approximately 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl throughout Monroe County. “I want to thank the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office, and our federal partners with the DEA for their continued hard work to ensure that those who peddle this poison in our community are held to account,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. Howard remains in jail on a $1.3 million bond. Sather also remains in jail under no bond. — Contributed

Mikele Rocafort Carciani.

Martin Kilbourne.

JUVENILE AMONG FOUR ARRESTED IN ILLEGAL FIREARMS CASE Three arrested after deal with undercover detectives; fourth charged following threats to detectives

our males, all from Marathon, were arrested on Oct. 26 following a Sheriff’s Office investigation into illegal firearms sales.

• Jorge Efren Gonzalez, 17, was charged with dealing in stolen property, selling a firearm with an altered/ removed serial number, illegal open carry of weapons, and conspiracy. • Mikele Rocafort Carciani, 19, was charged with conspiracy and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. • Andrew Jonathan Pena, 22, was charged with conspiracy and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. • Martin Luther Kilbourne, 19, was charged with making threats to law enforcement, resisting arrest, and breaking law enforcement equipment.

Andrew Pena.

The Sheriff’s Office received information regarding illegal firearms sales in Marathon. A purchase was set up involving detectives for two weapons totaling $1,200. Gonzalez, Carciani, and Pena arrived at the meeting location on Oct. 26 in a white Dodge Charger, MCSO officials said. Gonzalez was in the front passenger seat with a 9mm Glock and a loaded 12-gauge shotgun in his lap, according to MCSO. A magazine containing 9mm bullets was found in Gonzalez’s pockets, as was a 6-inch knife. An AR-style rifle and ammunition were also recovered from Pena’s residence. Meanwhile, Kilbourne was one of three people inquiring about the above arrests who later arrived at the Sheriff’s Office Marathon Substation via the rear of the property. Two of the three subjects left when they were ordered to do so, but Kilbourne allegedly remained and told a detective to remove his badge and gun so Kilbourne could “beat his (expletive deleted).” Kilbourne resisted arrest and broke a body-worn camera in the process of being taken into custody. He also threatened other Sheriff’s Office members, saying, “(Expletive deleted), I’ll tell them all — I’ll shoot them all,” while at the jail, an MCSO press release said. The case is ongoing and more arrests and charges may be pending. “Thank you to the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office who worked quickly to get these illegal weapons off our streets,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I will not tolerate threats directed at my staff and those who make such threats will be arrested.” – Contributed

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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November 2, 2023

Hurricanes, Conchs steamroll opponents ahead of ﬁnal matchups | P.8

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

NOV. 2

THE SCOREBOARD

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Marathon

Football

Palmer Trinity

10/26

L, 40-10

Coral Shores

Football

Somerset South Homestead

10/27

W, 45-14

Key West

Football

Gateway

10/27

W, 42-0

THIS WEEK

Marco NOV. 2

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

11/2

Coral Shores

Football

@ Ransom

7 p.m.

11/3

Key West

Swimming

@ States

9 a.m.

11/3

Key West

Football

Archbishop McCarthy

7 p.m.

11/3

Marathon

Football

@ Somerset South Homestead

7 p.m.

11/4

Coral Shores

Swimming

@ States

9 a.m.

11/8

Coral Shores

Girls Soccer

Key West

6 p.m.

11/8

Marathon

Girls Weightlifting

Coral Shores

4:30 p.m.

DAVILA

Senior, Football Key West

Marco works very hard and I was ecstatic that he was able to break the record in front of the home crowd.” – Judd Wise, Conchs kicking coach

Key West High School record for career touchbacks Marco Davila kicks oﬀ in a game earlier this fall. MILA GRAVES/Contributed

ON THE COVER Jhonathan Mesa, left, and the Coral Shores Hurricanes, along with RJ Estevez and the Key West Conchs, both obliterated their next-to-last opponents of the regular season last weekend by a combined score of 87-14. See page 8. Photos by Doug Finger and Grace Andrew.

Key West senior kicker Marco Davila is a four-year starter for the Conchs. Last Friday, he made school history by breaking the Key West High School record for career touchbacks with 41, four of which happened that night. Davila is described by Conchs kicking coach Judd Wise as hard-working and willing to put in extra effort in the offseason. Davila attends kicking camps and combines and is being recruited by a number of universities hoping to secure him and his deadly leg next fall. For his multiple years of excellence for Key West and his strong work ethic, Marco Davila is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week. Photo by: GREG DAVILA/Contributed

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / NOVEMBER 2, 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.

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Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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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.

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SEASON COMPLETE FOR KEYS GOLFERS Despite great rounds, Monroe County athletes fall short of regional play

eys golfers came up just short of making regionals this season, but athletes and coaches are optimistic for future play and are already planning off-season practices and fundraising. 1A Marathon and Coral Shores played their final matches at Crandon Course in Key Biscayne on Oct. 24. 2A Key West was at Grand Palms the same day. Each school sent one athlete to represent the girls’ teams and the outcome was similar to regular season play. All three golfers were within two strokes of one another. The top female golfer of the day was Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas. Thomas shot a 104, and coach Danielle Thomas was excited that she shot multiple pars on the 18-hole course. The junior will return for another season with the ’Canes next year. Marathon’s Summer Haines was next with a 105. Haines, a senior, played her final round of high school golf at Crandon, and coach Mary Coleman-Sayer said she played as well as one could expect, considering a lack of experience at varying courses. Miami-Dade golfers enjoy a wide variety of courses and can hone their skills more readily than Keys golfers, who almost exclusively play the same three nine-hole courses throughout the season. Key West’s Claudia Steling, a sophomore, shot a 106. Conchs coach Josh Bassett was proud of Steling not only for her play on the course, but her attitude as well. “She played with an outstanding can-do attitude and I received various comments on her positivity and joyfulness on the course,” he said. Last week was not the first time Steling, Haines and Thomas received praise for their sportsmanship and kindness. It

has been the theme all season long. Their camaraderie is commendable and they help one another improve at each match despite being competitors. For the gentlemen, a pair of Conchs had the low scores, with junior duo Andrew Bassett and Peyton Zubieta each shooting an 84. “I'm extremely proud of this team. All of our returning members improved from last year's district scores and our overall score was lower than the previous years,” Bassett said of his crew. He and coach Robert Barrios are pleased with the improvement of every member of their team. “Our returning team has talked about wanting to golf in the offseason, and we are hoping to see them out there,” Bassett added. “Golf is all about being consistent. We want them to take a little time off to recover, but it's important to keep playing and improve upon what they have learned this year. If you're not catching golf fever, you're missing out.” Marathon senior Michael Merryman was the top golfer for the Fins. “Michael played well for the first time out of 18 holes,” said Coleman-Sayer. “He had a great season.” Merryman shot a 96 on a course he had never played before. Coral Shores’ Derek Ramos shot a 98 at Crandon, placing first for the Hurricanes. The junior will return in 2024 alongside classmate Preston Carroll, who broke 100 as well by shooting a 99 at the match. Coach Thomas said she has great pride for her entire team after watching them improve steadily throughout the season. “We are excited for next season and have already started thinking about fundraising so we can try and participate in some invitationals and practice at more courses,” she said.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS TO TAKE THEIR MARKS AT DISTRICTS Marathon, Coral Shores add one ﬁnal training race

ith just days before districts, Marathon and Coral Shores headed to Miami for one last regular-season race. Both teams ran at Larry and Penny Thompson Park in Miami at the Junior Orange Bowl Invitational and Open 5K race. Coral Shores ran the open and Marathon received the coveted invite to a race with some of the fastest competition in the area. Both the girls and boys Coral Shores teams are young, with just one senior between the two squads. But what the teams lack in experience, they more than compensate for in effort. Both groups have shown steady improvement throughout the season. The top finisher for the boys team last week was sophomore Nathaniel Shugarman, who crossed the finish line in 21:17. Connor Daniels clocked in at 21:43, followed by Sean Andrews in 22:37. Lochlain James (22:53), Tristan Sanchez (23:43), Kellan Bourbeau (24:00), Willy Valdez (24:32) and Alex Perez (27:07) will also represent the Hurricanes at districts. Coral Shores junior Kai Guth took the top spot for the Hurricanes’ girls team, finishing in 25:31. Second for Coral Shores was Jenna Mandozzi in 28:19. Saige Ensign (29:24), Julia Rusch (29:31) and Hayden Teal (30:18), a trio of freshmen, will look to run their best race at districts and pick up some PRs for the young team. Marathon’s girls and boys teams have enjoyed large numbers and stiff competition all season long. The postseason lineups have been finalized and athletes can now focus on the long road to Tallahassee. The Bursa brothers have earned the top three spots on Marathon’s district roster. Vance clocked in at 17:05, followed by Tony in 18:13 and Jakub in 19:12. Mason Buxton ran a 19:22, giving him the fourth spot for the Fins. Dillon Shelar (19:37), Allan Taylor (20:06), Caleb Shelar (20:40) and Adrien Holdinga (20:46) will also make the trip to districts. The girls team also has an official district lineup, starting with senior Mikkel Ross, who has consistently been first for Marathon all season. Ross ran the course in 23:11. Ella Dunn was next in 23:24. Maeve Merryman was third for Marathon, breaking the 24-minute mark with a 23:43 finish. Sara Robinson (24:56), Madelyn Thornton (25:24), Rebecca Merryman (25:34), Rilynn Richards (26:31), Rain Banks (27:47) and Shaina Robinson (28:27) will also compete for the Fins at districts. Key West’s runners had a week packed with homecoming activities and opted to rest and recuperate for districts. With the regular season officially closed, it’s do-or-die time for runners. Athletes who do not qualify for regional competition at districts will see their seasons end at the finish line. The Conchs and ’Canes competed together at the FHSAA 2A meet at Larry and Penny Thompson Park on Nov. 1 (results not available at press time). 1A Marathon will take their marks on Nov. 2 at Palmer Trinity School.

25:34

Top: Marathon’s senior trio of Jakub Bursa, left, Mason Buxton and Dillon Shelar will head to Palmer Trinity on Thursday, Nov. 2 to begin their final postseason racing campaign. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly Right: Just a seventh grader, Rebecca Merryman has already established herself among the varsity Dolphin ranks, running just seconds slower than her personal record on Oct. 26. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

TORNADOES TEAR UP THE GRIDIRON Inaugural season brings optimism for future of Upper Keys football

bit of history was made in the Upper Keys in early August when a group of middle school athletes strapped on their new helmets and took to the practice field in Key Largo. An inaugural Tornado football program had no problems recruiting players in sixth through eighth grades from various Upper Keys schools like Key Largo School and Plantation Key School. They even received a bit of help securing helmets thanks to former NFL defensive star J.J. Watt’s foundation, which supports middle school athletic programs. There was a learning curve, however, as players donned pads, practiced form tackling, learned plays and experienced game action against some formidable opponents for the first time. The Tornado squad even played a game that saw seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady watching from the sideline. His son, Benny, played for the Spartans out of Miami. “There were a lot of growing pains, but the kids really stuck together,” said head coach Will Jones. “It’s hard to take kids playing backyard football with each other and playing a game that’s not about yourself but rather the team.” Behind the scenes, work to jumpstart the Tornado football program took a group effort. Jones is a second-year teacher at Key Largo School. Upon arriving, he was surprised to learn

there was no middle school football team in the Upper Keys. Jones spoke to Darren Pais, Key Largo School principal, and expressed interest in being part of a program. Pais took the idea to district officials who expressed support. Joining Jones’ Tornado staff were Mark Leffler, Jose Zepeda, Kevin Williams, Danny MacShane and Augie Wampler. After three weeks of hitting the sleds and learning plays, the team had its first game against Marathon. Despite the lack of real-game experience, the Tornadoes had no problem reaching the end zone and playing stingy defense in a 34-0 win over Marathon. They faced tougher opponents on the mainland, but the Tornadoes’ inaugural season saw them finishing 2-2. Overall, Jones said he was impressed with the improvement from day one of training camp to the season’s end. Melanie Estevez served as quarterback toward the end of the season. “We took a group of kids who were excited but didn’t know what to expect and (had them) hit someone for the first time,” he said. “By the end of the season they had no fear. Everyone bought into the program.” Jones was particularly impressed with the play of Charles Royal and Evan Campanioni. Royal is considered one of the better all-around players on the Tornado squad, serving as running back and lineman. Jones said Campanioni’s talent and

athleticism had him playing everywhere from cornerback and receiver to running back. And Jones is excited to bring back Sean Connolly and Rene Castillo, both sixth graders who were exceptional as linemen. Ed Holly, Coral Shores Hurricanes football coach, lent his help to the team with a playbook and some gear. Holly said the new program’s success is a testament to Jones and his staff. He said Tornadoes football will improve the level of play in the Upper Keys. “Our goal is to give the players the opportunity after spending time in the KLS program the chance to run the same system at Coral Shores,” he said. “It gives them the opportunity to continue their careers at the collegiate level.” The Tornado football program will look for momentum in year two. Practice begins in August 2024.

From top: The Key Largo Tornadoes youth football team plays against Ransom Everglades at Coral Shores High School on Oct. 18. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly Key Largo Tornadoes back Gyo Diorio runs upfield. Key Largo Tornadoes quarterback Melanie Estevez throws against Ransom Everglades. Key Largo Tornadoes running back Charles Royal runs upfield against Ransom Everglades.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP Key West High School Baseball Coach Ralph Henriquez. HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL NETWORK/contributed

CONCH LEGEND, NOW A HALL OF FAMER Key West’s Ralph Henriquez inducted into inaugural South Florida hall of fame class

ey West High School Baseball Coach Ralph Henriquez is already a living legend on the island’s diamonds. And on Oct. 26, Henriquez became one of the first people inducted into the High School Baseball Network South Florida Hall of Fame. The class of 2023 numbered 23 of “the best and most influential coaches who have ever stepped foot in South Florida dugouts,” the HSBN said. With 550 wins, Henriquez was honored with 22 other coaches from the region at a ceremony at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. “Our baseball program in Key West is really special,” Henriquez said during his acceptance speech. “Key West has embraced Key West High School baseball. It’s been a blessing.” During his introduction to the podium, Henriquez was lauded for a 30year baseball coaching career that included working for the Atlanta Braves before returning to KWHS in 2014. Since then, he became the winningest coach in the school’s history, with 373 wins at KWHS, and presided over a program known nationally for its tremendous competition. More than 100 of Henriquez’s players have won college scholarships and more than 10 have gone on to the major leagues. Henriquez said along with his coaching career successes, he is also proud of having helped develop a chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at KWHS. “Coaching baseball down here in South Florida has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Henriquez told HSBN. “Looking down the list of coaches that are being inducted, I see a lot of familiar names, coaches who I have developed friendships with through the years. I am humbled and honored to be one of the members of the first HSBN Hall of Fame class.” — Weekly staff report

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

KEY WEST, CORAL SHORES DEVASTATE OPPONENTS 2

oral Shores started its third quarterback in as many weeks on Oct. 27 against Somerset Academy South Homestead, and from the way AJ Putetti played, it’s difficult to believe he had never taken the snaps before Friday. Putetti and the Hurricanes started the game fast, marching down the field 68 yards on their opening drive. Dantay Diorio put the ’Canes on the board with a four-yard touchdown run. The ’Canes’ kicker was not feeling well, so Coral Shores went for 2 and got them. The Hurricanes had a bit of trouble in the middle of quarter one, fumbling the ball on their second drive and fueling a quick touchdown and 2-point conversion from Somerset to tie the game at 8. Diorio quickly scored two more TDs, one on a 4-yard run and one punching it in from the 1-yard line. Though the ’Canes were up 24-8, the game was far from in the bag and Somerset was driving again. Putetti, playing double duty on defense, intercepted a pass, then stayed on the field to run his offense. He threw a pass of his own, this one landing in the hands of Diorio for a 33-yard touchdown to end the half 30-8. Diorio had a 6-yard touchdown early in the second half, then Somerset added their final points to the game. Late in the contest, with the ’Canes up 38-16, Putetti dove in for a 1-yard touchdown. For the final extra-point attempt, Putetti split the uprights in his first career kicking attempt, giving the first-time quarterback a running touchdown, a passing touchdown, an extra-point kick and an interception to help fuel the ’Canes to their fifth win of the season, 45-14. Coral Shores plays Nov. 2 at Ransom for third place in their conference. The 5-4 ’Canes are looking for win number six and some redemption against a team who beat them by just five points on Sept. 29. Key West held their homecoming game against Gateway on Oct. 27 in front of a packed crowd. The matchup was a must-win in order to keep the Conchs statistically alive in the hunt for a playoff game. Key West is the only Monroe County team eligible for the state championship series, as the other

Kickers come alive, break records

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

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schools operate as independents. The night would be a game of big plays, starting off with a 49-yard touchdown run from Walson Morin. Morin hit for another TD on the Conchs’ next possession, this one for 21 yards. Next up for the Conchs’ onslaught was QB Adrian Mira, who carried the ball 65 yards but was stopped just shy of the goal line. He carried it in the final 3 yards on the next play for Key West’s third score of the night. Morin added a second 21-yard touchdown run, followed by a Brondson Etienne 76-yard score. Clerff Alexandre ran for 65 yards for the Conchs’ final touchdown of the game, a resounding 42-0 victory over the Fort Myers squad. In its first shutout of the season, Key West’s defense came out strong and stayed that way the entire game. Etienne was outstanding at defensive end, rushing the passer all night long. Corners Jondel Toro and Jeff Dejean locked down the Eagles’ receivers, nullifying any hopes of Gateway’s spread offense to put points on the board. Also in the Conchs’ favor was a game free of turnovers, something which has plagued them much of the season. The district win gave the Conchs a 3-6 record and allowed them to stay mathematically alive in their quest for a postseason run. Key West will need to defeat the 8-0 Mavericks of Archbishop McCarthy on Nov. 3 to boost its power rankings in order to have a hope of a playoff game. Kickoff for the Conchs is 7 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale. Marathon hosted Palmer Trinity School on Oct. 26. The game served as senior night, honoring the Fins’ members of the Class of 2024 before kickoff. The freshman-heavy roster boasts just two seniors this season, Yaniel Garcia and Alex Cruz. Marathon was the underdog of the contest – Palmer has six wins this season and has beaten both Coral Shores

1. Coral Shores Hurricanes back-up quarterback A.J. Putetti runs the ball upfield against Somerset Academy Silver Palms. The ‘Canes went on to beat the Stallions 45-14. 2. Coral Shores Hurricanes back Jhonathan Mesa celebrates his catch for a two-point conversion. Mesa had a 100-plus-yard rushing game. 3. Key West takes on Gateway on homecoming. 4. Key West’s Te’Von Watson buries a Gateway ball carrier. 5. Marathon’s Braulio Garcia (11) earns his yardage the hard way. Photos by DOUG FINGER, TRACY MCDONALD and GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly

and Ransom, two teams that defeated Marathon earlier this season. The Fins were down by just seven in the first quarter and were driving the ball, but a fumble deep in Falcon territory turned the ball over. Marathon’s defense then found some steam and managed to pin Palmer back in what could have been great field position. But on third and 24, Palmer broke for an 87-yard touchdown run, breaking Marathon’s spirits in the process. The Dolphins started to get things rolling by the end of the second quarter, but ran out of time. With just seconds left in the half and no points on the board, Marathon’s Fabbianho Louis Jeune connected on a booming 51-yard field goal, breathing life back into the crowd and breaking Ryan Parros’ long-standing school record at the same time. In the second half, the Fins did manage some long drives and Carlos Lezcano capitalized on one of them, adding a seven-yard touchdown run to his stats. Louis Jeune added the point-after to give Marathon 10. “We played well in the second half,” Marathon coach Sean McDonald said of the loss. “It was just too late.” McDonald had high praise for Josh Wall, who stepped in for an injured Tanner Ross at fullback. “Wall ran well and is really coming into his own,” he said, “and Charlie (Apollony) came in at tailback and caught a pass. They are good players and they are going to be great. The team is working hard. We are young and we knew it would be a struggle, but we are keeping our heads up and we are going to put in the work in the weightroom. The payoff is coming.” The 40-10 loss puts the Fins at 2-7 this season with one game to go. They play Somerset South Homestead at Harris Field on Nov. 3.

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

SMITH WINS GOLD AT REGIONALS

ess than two weeks after earning double district gold, Key West’s AJ Smith is at it again. Key West’s swimmers went to Jensen Beach to compete at the FHSAA 2A Regional Championships on Oct. 28. The Conchs had multiple individual and relay teams earning lanes at regionals this year, spelling out a successful season for the team. The Conch relays performed well, but the competition in other regions was just too strong to win an at-large bid to the state meet. Senior AJ Smith took his fate into his own hands, qualifying automatically for a lane at states with gold and silver performances in his swim sprint specialties. Smith won the 50 freestyle event outright, adding a gold regional medal to his collection. He then went on to take second in the 100 free, making him a dual individual competitor in Ocala. Smith made the cut last season as well, and his performance in the 50 free event cracked the top 10 but was just shy of a medal. This year, Smith is ranked number one in the entire state in the 50, with his qualifying time well ahead of last year’s first place performance. Smith is ranked number six in the 100 free event, putting him in contention for two state medals this season, which would cap off an amazing high school career. Smith already owns a school record and is one of the most decorated athletes to swim for the Conchs. One day before Smith’s performance, a talented group of Hurricane swimmers traveled to Nova Southeastern University Aquatics Complex to compete against the most elite athletes in South Florida. Coral Shores coach Kelly Kater could not be prouder of her team and how they performed at regionals. “Every single athlete dropped time from districts,” she said, which is exactly what a coach wants to happen at the end of the season. But for four swimmers, last week did not spell out the end. The Coral Shores 200 yard medley relay team finished ninth out of 28 teams competing, and their 1:55.08 time was strong enough to qualify for the state championship meet on Friday, Nov. 3. The

foursome of Layne Smith, Allegra Fucaraccio, Abbie Sargent and Riley Cooper will make the trip to Ocala in hopes of returning with a state medal for the Hurricanes. Sargent will be performing double duties for the ’Canes. She qualified in the individual 100 yard breaststroke event, in which she placed second at districts. At regionals, Sargent shaved off an incredible 2 seconds from her district time. Her sixth-place finish was fast enough for a lane at states, putting her in contention for two medals this season. “The girls have been working incredibly hard to get to this point,” Kater said. “Jon (Olsen) has been helping with technique to help shave off time and compete with confidence, and it shows. I’m super proud of them and cannot wait to watch them compete with the best of the state next week.” The accomplishments of the Keys swimmers are unquestionably fantastic, but the nature of private and charter schools catering to athletics in the past decade has made what local athletes have done so far even more incredible. This is especially true in the 1A division, in which Coral Shores participates. The 200 yard medley team ranks 18th in the entire state of Florida, a feat in itself, but when the private and charter schools are removed from the mix, the Hurricanes’ relay team ranks third among public schools. Of 24 qualifiers plus two alternates making the cut in the individual 100 yard backstroke event, Sargent is just one of two swimmers representing a Florida 1A public school.

Five Keys swimmers earn lanes at state championships

Seen here in an earlier meet against the Doral Firebirds, Key West sprint swimmer AJ Smith, right, will enter the FHSAA State Championships as a medal favorite, following a gold-medal performance at the 2A regional championships. GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives notice that on 11/24/2023 at 10:00 am, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1FTRW08L22KA85905 2002 FORD 1J4GL48K06W253435 2006 JEEP 2B3KA43GX6H427293 2006 DODG 2C3LA63T59H602537 2009 CHRYSLER JA4MT21H41P012521 2001 MITS JTMZD33V486076124 2008 TOYT Publish: November 2 & 9, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS INVITATION TO RE-BID LEGO Construction Company and FLHSMV/FHP cordially invite interested subcontractors to complete and submit sealed bids by November 14th, 2023 no later than 03:00 PM for the following project/bid packages: RE-BID - ADA Restroom Renovation – Marathon FHP – Phase 2 (02219020) RE-BID SELECT TRADE BID PACKAGES (see below) This invitation to re-bid includes the following trades only. All contractors certified as SBE, MBE & M/WBE are encouraged to participate in any of these trades. TRADES: • Millwork • Painting • Flooring • Drywall • Mechanical The bid manual, bid requirements, bid forms, specifications, drawings, and other construction documents will be available by reaching out to Ruturaj Sonawane at rs@ legocc.com or at 305-381-8421 Ext 105. All bids must be received no later than November 14th, 2023 @ 03:00 PM at LEGO Construction Co office located at 1011 Sunnybrook Road, Suite 905, Miami, Florida 33136. Bids must be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Sealed Bid for Re-Bid of ADA Restroom Renovation – Marathon FHP – Phase 2” along with the name of your firm and the trades covered in your bid. Subcontractors interested in working with LEGO must obtain prequalification with LEGO prior to bidding. All questions regarding prequalification & the bid process should be directed to Ruturaj Sonawane at rs@ legocc.com

LEGAL NOTICES Publish: October 19, 26 & November 2, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA UPPER KEYS PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 23-CP-000117-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN J. BANGMA, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JOHN J. BANGMA, deceased, whose date of death was July 3, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, 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 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: November 2, 2023. Personal Representative: James K. Bangma 535 Key Royale Dr. Holmes Beach, FL 34217 Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw.com Publish: November 2 & 9, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 2023-CP-61-M IN RE: ESTATE OF GENE A. MIDNIGHT Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Gene A. Midnight, deceased, whose date of death was July 15, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is November 2, 2023. The date of the second publication of this notice is November 9, 2023. Personal Representative: Blaise A. Midnight 950 Shoemaker Road Webster, NY 14580 Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony J. Barrows Attorney for Blaise A. Midnight Florida Bar Number: 662569 WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC 9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-8118 Fax: (305) 489-0307 E-mail: Tony@keysclosings.com Publish: November 2 & 9, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 23-CP-127-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MARGARET A. CHRISTIAN, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS (summary administration) TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Margaret A. Christian, deceased, File Number 23-CP-127-P, by 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; that the decedent’s date of death was May 18, 2023; that the total value of the estate is $5,000.00 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: NAME The Allen Leslie Christian and Margaret Anne Christian Living Trust, dtd 06/13/19 ADDRESS Centene Center 7676 Forsyth Blvd, Floor 24 MO9-250-24-01 Clayton, MO 63105-3404 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, 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: November 2, 2023. Personal Representative: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. By: Kathleen Selinger, Vice President of Bank of America, NA, Petitioner LANCE D. CHRISTIAN Attorney for Personal Representative: JOE A. CATARINEAU Florida Bar Number: 0517291 91750 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Telephone: (305) 852-4833 Publish: November 2 & 9, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

November 24, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) 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: October 20, 2023 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

By: Lisa M. Pierce Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

MEETING NOTICE

MONROE COUNTY LAND AUTHORITY Notice is hereby given that the Governing Board of the Monroe County Land Authority will hold a public hearing on the Amendment of the adopted budget for fiscal year 2024 on November 8, 2023 at 9:25 a.m. at the Harvey Government Center in Key West. A copy of the proposed amended budget is available online at www.monroecounty-fl.gov or by contacting the Land Authority office at 305-295-5180. ADA ASSISTANCE If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-DR-701-K DIVISION: FAMILY REBECCA MARIA TREMINIO GOMEZ Petitioner, and, EDWIN DE JESUS SUAREZ BALMACEDA Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: EDWIN DE JESUS SUAREZ BALMACEDA 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 REBECCA MARIA TREMINIO GOMEZ, whose address is 6705 Shrimp Road, Apt. 104, Key West, FL 33040 on or before

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-DR-711-K DIVISION: FAMILY KENNETH E. KINGSLEY Petitioner, and, ANGELA DAWN HUFF Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ANGELA DAWN HUFF 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 Kenneth E. Kingsley, whose address is 55 Boca Chica Road, Lot 63, Key West, FL 33040 on or before November 27, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) 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: October 18, 2023 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-26 Notice is hereby given that KEYS FUNDING LLC - 6021 holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/185 Alt Key No: 8675712 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00065322-000100 Description of Property: UNIT 101 KEY WEST PROFESSIONAL PLAZA A CONDOMINIUM OR922-2171/72 OR26191091/92 OR2917-100/01 Name in which assessed: KEY BRIDGE INC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-27 Notice is hereby given that ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/1680 Alt Key No: 1657972 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00534470-000000 Description of Property: BK 3 LT 21 LAKE SURPRISE ESTATES KEY LARGO PB4-162 OR564-159 OR564-160 OR91531D/C OR915-30/AFF OR915-32 OR1121-2028 OR1244-1298/99 OR1667-187 OR1667-211/12/ AFF OR1754-134/35QC OR17871005 OR2290-1804/15F/J OR2293-1175/77 OR2873659/60 Along with mobile home Make ADAM IN-HOUSE Title nr.: 11287574 Vehicle ID Number: 1082A Year: 1973 Name in which assessed: FINAL HOLDINGS LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9

LEGAL NOTICES & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-28 Notice is hereby given that TLOA OF FLORIDA, LLC FOR SECURED PARTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/1650 Alt Key No: 1641596 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00522380-000000 Description of Property: BK 6 LT 15 HARBOR SHORES PB3-56 KEY LARGO OR512653 OR602-764 OR609-896 OR778-515 OR2193-1817/18 OR2499-2407 OR2758-949 Name in which assessed: GUY WILLIAM G III All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-29 Notice is hereby given that TLOA OF FLORIDA, LLC FOR SECURED PARTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/1513 Alt Key No: 9101569 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00483401-005500 Description of Property: UNIT 55 KEY LARGO OCEAN RESORT CONDOMINIUM OR2611-829 OR2813-2342D/C OR2818-842/43 OR2925-551AFF OR3031-1537 OR3031-1539 Name in which assessed: KLOR 55 INVESTMENT LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-30 Notice is hereby given that KEYS FUNDING LLC - 6021 holder of the following

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

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Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/1437 Alt Key No: 1563005 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00459470-000000 Description of Property: BK 4 LT 4 KEY LARGO TRAILER VILLAGE KEY LARGO PB4-43 OR627-854 OR981-1203P/R OR998-804AFF OR998-805D/C OR998-802/03 OR1525-1327 OR1667-159 OR1667-160 OR2537-1180 Along with mobile home: Make: Homette Year: 1969 Title: 3648224 Vehicle ID nr.: MF2979C Name in which assessed: GARCIA MAURICO GARCIA DEISY All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/1423 Alt Key No: 1560910 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00457350-000000 Description of Property: BK 10 LT 11 LARGO GARDENS KEY LARGO PB4-38 OR566-722 OR825-694 OR995-686 OR1306505C/T OR1574-821/821A OR25442203R/S Name in which assessed: MITCHELL ROBERT MITCHELL FATIMA MITCHELL TONY All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/1222 Alt Key No: 1470805 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00386571-002800 Description of Property: LT 28 PROPERTY LINE SURVEY SECTION 1 LONG KEY PROJECT PB6-44 (OUTDOOR RESORTS) OR548-811 OR735-362D/C OR735-364 OR783-690 OR818141 OR818-142 OR910-148 OR1320-27/29POA OR1320-2130 OR1320- 2131 OR2522-247/48 Along with a mobile home MAKE: Tara Vehicle ID: T7776723 TITLE NR.:14672691 YEAR: 1977 Name in which assessed: OTANO DOMINGO OTANO MARINA OTANO JUAN All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/1006 Alt Key No: 1401714 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00327480-000000 Description of Property: LT 15 TIPTONS SUBD MARATHON PB2-46 OR9-300 OR425-826/827 OR1032982/983 OR1233-1062/63 OR1570-515 Along with mobile home TITLE NR.: 49518161 TITLE NR.: 49522296 VEHICLE ID NR.: N14060B VEHICLE ID NR.: N14060A YEAR: 1991 MAKE: Nobility Name in which assessed: MALONE JAMES D MALONE ANNE J All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

Certificate Number: 2021/934 Alt Key No: 1377015 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00304950-000000 Description of Property: BK 36 LT 1 SANDS SUB PB1-65 BIG PINE KEY OR378-597/598 OR38015/E OR626-130 OR1093378 OR1093-378 OR1224-540 OR1529-1557 OR1998-32/33 Along with a mobile home TITLE: 2705243 VEHICLE ID NR.: G602CDR12WEA649 YEAR: 1967 MAKE: Craftmade Name in which assessed: CARTER LAWRENCE D All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

2021/820 Alt Key No: 1315273 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00246221-011400 Description of Property: BK 5 LT 4 PINE KEY YACHT CLUB ESTATES BIG PINE KEY PB6-98 OR531-183 OR564-70 OR560871 OR1097-1483 OR1111-365 OR1476-1748 OR1625-25 OR2673-1157/58 OR2676-1217/19C OR27461658/60 OR3064-1057 Name in which assessed: MAESTRE LUZ ELENA All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

OR825-1707 OR898-2328 OR1110-1746 OR1673-346D/ C OR1789-603 OR2738-944/45 OR3051-1627 Name in which assessed: SZETELA GREGORY S All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-31 Notice is hereby given that ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/1416 Alt Key No: 1560014 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00456440-000000 Description of Property: BK 6 LT 4 LARGO GARDENS KEY LARGO PB4-38 OR531-87 OR2483-904/06 OR3033-1878 Along with mobile home TITLE NUMBER:6231720 VEHICLE ID NR.:60451812 YEAR: 1973 MAKE: Charm Name in which assessed: MAESTRE LUZ ELENA All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-32 Notice is hereby given that ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-33 Notice is hereby given that ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/1378 Alt Key No: 1536415 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00437493-003700 Description of Property: BK 2 LT 7 TAVERNAERO INC PLANTATION KEY PB6-80 OR498-798 OR620-455/45 OR655-223 OR655-224 OR724-86 OR724-87 OR8481386 OR1011-99/101 OR1215817/18 OR1216-460 OR1216462 OR2877-1691/92 OR2908-444 OR2908-446/47 OR2959-2380 OR3023-2268 OR3023-2270 Name in which assessed: MCKEOWN JAMES All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-34 Notice is hereby given that KEYS FUNDING LLC - 2021 holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-35 Notice is hereby given that MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/1024 Alt Key No: 1408158 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00332130-000000 Description of Property: BK 3 LT 16 VENICE KEY VACCAS PB3-22 OR447-724 OR760365 OR777-1212 OR839-1362 OR1094-2459 OR1098-1561C OR1603-1566 OR1793-1753 OR2064-759/760 OR2064-761 OR2310-1309 Name in which assessed: MOWDER ROBERT E JR All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-36 Notice is hereby given that ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-37 Notice is hereby given that ATCF II FLORIDA – A LLC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/941 Alt Key No: 1377953 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00305900-000000 Description of Property: BK 41 LT 12 SANDS SUB BIG PINE KEY PB1-65 OR482-473/74 OR654-203 OR1029-2498 OR1043-61 OR2347-1473 OR2347-1474D/C OR2876-47/48 OR28932293/94C OR2893-2298/99 Name in which assessed: JOHNSTON JIMMY JOHNSTON JANET All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-39 Notice is hereby given that KENEFICK & CO., CPAS, P.A. holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2016/791 Alt Key No: 1373648 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2016 RE: 00301550-000000 Description of Property: BK 15 PT LT 6 SANDS SUB PB165 BIG PINE KEY F1-361 OR431905/09 OR522-974 OR605-200 OR689-198 OR701-661D/C OR770-958 OR790-658/59 OR790-660/61 OR790-662 OR1155-704 OR1155-705 OR1430-277 OR1836-362/63 OR1878-1078/79C OR25062319/36F/J OR2518-2371 Name in which assessed: BOTSFORD BRIAN H All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-38 Notice is hereby given that ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-40 Notice is hereby given that MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number:

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-41 Notice is hereby given that KEYS FUNDING LLC – 6021 holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/712 Alt Key No: 1234826 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00182850-000000 Description of Property: BK 29 AND LOTS 7 AND 8 CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES PB4-165 CUDJOE KEY OR225-510 OR55732 OR1396-1213 OR24601382/83 Name in which assessed: LANGER ROSE G IRREVOCABLE TRUST 3/29/2010 All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-42 Notice is hereby given that ATCF II FLORIDA-A LLC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/700 Alt Key No: 1230731 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00178720-000000 Description of Property: BK 9 LT 19 CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES CUDJOE KEY PB4-165 OR242-149 OR787-799 OR8161658

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-43 Notice is hereby given that KEYS FUNDING LLC - 2021 holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/386 Alt Key No: 1137065 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00111075-046000 Description of Property: 22 66 29 BIG PINE KEY PINE KEY ACRES TRACT TU OR528266 OR630-548 OR766-1317 OR3012-1395 Name in which assessed: POND LANE LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-44 Notice is hereby given that CANAL TAXSB MUNI CUST FOR CANAL TAX holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/382 Alt Key No: 1131466 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00111000-000000 Description of Property: 25 66 29 BIG PINE KEY PT GOV LT 1 OR412-944 OR538-172 OR814-2116 OR830-1350 OR1380-778 OR1311-1214 OR1336-1615 OR1450-87 OR2999-1232 Name in which assessed: MAESTRE LUZ ELENA All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

SERVICES OFFERED

certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

Marathon Auto Air looking for Shop Help - full or part-time. Pay based on experience. Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-289-9884 BOAT SALESPERSON: Great opportunity to sell new and used boats in Islamorada. Contact brad@sevensports.com or call 305.393.3883

35' Travel Trailer with 2 pullouts for rent in Key Largo (MM112). Fully furnished 1BR/1BA. Small, very clean, newly renovated, new floors & paint. Small screenedin porch w/full size refrigerator. $900.00/ month includes utilities. $300.00 security. Call 305-395-8485

CAREGIVER available in Key Largo. Available Live-In 7 days a week. Call Dinorah 786-222-2192

AUTOS WANTED

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Housing ManagerMiddle Keys, Resident Activities Coordinator, HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker) 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. Place your Help Wanted ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

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

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-45 Notice is hereby given that KEYS FUNDING LLC - 2021 holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/331 Alt Key No: 1116751 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00099990-000000 Description of Property: 19 65 34 GRASSY KEY PT LOT 2 G62-425 OR1437-306 OR1437310 OR1635-814 OR1782-108 OR3042-1984 OR3154-1010 Name in which assessed: R&R PROGRESSIVE LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-46 Notice is hereby given that ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/300 Alt Key No: 8591331 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00091101-003300 Description of Property: THE LANDINGS OF LARGO A TOWNHOME CONDOMINIUM PHASE 1 BOAT UNIT #33 OR856459/460 OR1176-1405/09 OR1395-701 OR1513-859 OR2847-2138/39 OR3015-1554 Name in which assessed: PARSON YENEYS PARSON DAVID All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-47 Notice is hereby given that ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/196 Alt Key No: 1070033 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00066171-010100 Description of Property: UNIT 706 SANTA CLARA CONDOMINIUM-PHASE I OR802-265 OR851-1968/69WILL OR912-208/13 OR925-553/54 OR925-555 OR1052-517 OR1099-253 OR2195-546/47L/E OR22692293/95 OR2398-1543/49AGR OR23981551ORD OR2402-2405/06ORD OR2561-900/03 OR25691626D/C Name in which assessed: CHIPS MARK CHIPS LORI CHIPS GARY All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-48 Notice is hereby given that CANAL TAXSB MUNI CUST FOR CANAL TAX holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2021/186 Alt Key No: 9075826 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00065570-001050 Description of Property: NORTHERLY 126.67 FT OF TRACT A TRINITY SUB PB7-72 OR216-146/147 OR1922427/430E OR2017-2387(RES NO 04-228) OR2146-872/933DEC/ REST OR2151-2037C/E OR2363341/45 Name in which assessed: CHABAD OF KEY WEST All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: December 6th, 2023 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 20th day of September 2023

AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not. $CASH 305-332-0483 AUTOS FOR SALE

2008 Acura TL. Recent rebuilt A/C. Brand new battery. Runs wells $2,995. Located in Key Largo. Call 305-451-8410 or 305-852-3471. 1964 Ford Galaxy, 427 Big Block, 5-speed, located in Key Largo. 954-445-6647 BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

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

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

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

HARRY HARRIS PARK, MM93 - 3BR/2BA Central Air, No Pets, Long Term Lease. $3,000/mo F/L/S Call 786-493-7829 2 Bedroom 1 Bath house in Marathon. Tile & carpet floors, new appliances, gated property. No pets. 305-610-8002

YARD SALES

Community-wide Yard Sale - Sat Nov. 11 from 8am-3pm. Community of Port Antigua, MM 74.5 Individual yard sales throughout neighborhood. Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and sell your stuff!

Place your Housing For Rent ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 .

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR A 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

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

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 $95,000. Benefit package is extremely competitive! Apply online at www.fkaa.com/212/opportunities

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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

JOB FAIR!

FRIDAY, NOV. 3

Apply on site at 1313 Ocean Bay Drive, Key Largo from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm POSITIONS: cashier, retail, cutters, freezer, sales/office (full-time, part-time , temporary, and permanent positions available). If you cannot make it to our job fair, please send resume to klfcareers@keylargofisheries.com (no phone calls). BENEFITS OFFERED: health, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401K plus other benefits (compensation is based on experience). KEY LARGO FISHERIES 1313 OCEAN BAY DRIVE, KEY LARGO

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• 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

IS HIRING IN THE UPPER KEYS

FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER EXPERIENCED TRIM CARPENTER CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR – WILL TRAIN

Key West

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

Facilities & Grounds Maintenance Technician Full Time Teller

Lower Keys Customer Service Representative/Branch Lobby

HEAVY DIESEL MECHANIC 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

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

IS HIRING! SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT JOB COACH UPPER KEYS (TAVERNIER) P/T This position works with our clients in obtaining and retaining employment in the local community. Minimum requirements: a bachelor’s degree OR 4 years of experience with DD individuals; a combination of formal education and experience are accepted. Good computer skills utilizing multiple applications. Florida driver’s license with a clean driving record required. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Pre-hire coursework is required and ability to pass a Level 2 background check. 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

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

Middle Keys Assistant Branch Operations Manager

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

Member FDIC

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender

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.

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.

• 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.

NOVEMBER 2, 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

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

“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

11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

Advocate (PT) Behavioral Health Counselor (Child) Behavioral Health Therapist (Child) Case Manager (Child)

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

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

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.

MARATHON

KEY WEST

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

Driver (CDL) Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult) RNs/LPNs - 3 shifts (also Per Diem) Maintenance Specialist Peer Support Specialist *Behavioral Health Technicians 3 shifts (also Per Diem) *No experience required for this position. 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)

Accounting Director (Full-Time, Permanent)

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

Medical Technician (Full-Time, Permanent)

Visual Communications Staff (Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal)

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: SWEET TOOTH ACROSS 1. *Bow Wow Wow’s “I ____ Candy” 5. Money source 8. *____’s Root Beer 11. Pelvic parts 12. Start of something big? 13. Round openings 15. RPM gauge 16. Cantina cooker 17. Car sound, to a toddler 18. *Ninepins namesake 20. Kiln for drying hops 21. They had 22. Division, abbr. 23. Informal wear 26. “Tail” on letter C 30. Kamakawiwo’ole’s strings 31. Real estate sale agreement 34. Denials 35. 9 a.m. prayer 37. Even, to a poet 38. *Desert plant harvested for sweet syrup 39. Forbidden 40. Quickly or slowly, e.g. 42. *Sweet ____ brew 43. Breathe in 45. Westernmost city in Germany 47. Soldier’s bed 48. Mensch, alt. sp. 50. Italian car brand 52. *Jolly livestock raisers? 55. Russia’s hard liquor 56. Ctrl + Z 57. Consumes food 59. Checks out 60. Famous French couturier (1905-1957) 61. Heavy Metal’s Quiet ____ 62. Caustic soda 63. Newsman Rather 64. Kill, as in dragon

DOWN 1. Clever humor 2. Unfortunately, exclamation 3. Actor Nolte 4. Island in French Polynesia 5. *Donut filler 6. Checked out 7. Bleats 8. Rocky & Bullwinkle and Mary Kate & Ashley, pl. 9. To a very great degree (2 words) 10. Not bright 12. Sacred choral compositions 13. Roundish 14. *Sweet tooth, technically 19. *___ Musketeers, spelled out 22. Drops at dawn 23. *____-Frutti 24. Highlander’s dagger 25. Sage and rosemary 26. *Scoop holder 27. Averse 28. “Drove my chevy to the ____” 29. Southeast Asian org. 32. Relinquish, as in property 33. Clergyman’s title, abbr. 36. *Single serving treat 38. Embarrass 40. Arthur, to friends 41. Hard feelings 44. I to Greeks, pl. 46. TV’s “Where everybody knows your name” 48. Opposite of depression 49. “____ ____ a high note” 50. Same as fogey 51. Inactive 52. “Ant-Man” leading actor 53. Not top-shelf in a bar 54. Greek portico 55. Radio knob, abbr. 58. Farm pen

THE REGAN ROTH TEAM IS HERE TO PROTECT YOU... YOUR FAMILY, YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR HOME!

Family owned and operated since 1958 ADMINISTRATION

Joseph H. Roth III President 25 years

Lorie Head Office Manager 34 years

Jennifer Miller Assistant Manager 2 years

ACCOUNTING

Sara Roth Executive Assistant/Agent 1 year

SALES

Linda Griswold Agent/Sales 17 years

Holly Redding Agent/Sales 21 years

Maria Bell Receptionist 1 year

Aileen Joiner Accounting/ Automation 17 years

Irma Guerra Accounting 4 years

COMMERCIAL LINES

Grimi Betancourt Manager/Sales Agent-Marathon 4 years

Lilliam Reyes Supervisor 18 years

Lisa Maguire Account Manager 14 years

Remorna Pottinger Kyra Beyer Account Processor Ochoa 2 years Account Processor 15 years

PERSONAL LINES

Paula Sachs Supervisor 18 years

Vianey Diaz Account Manager 1 year

Jennifer Paul Account Manager 20 years

Miriam Marin Account Manager 19 years

Elizabeth Kubishen Renee Sebastian Account Processor Account Processor 5 years 7 years

Kayla Soriano Account Processor 1 year

Home, wind and flood. All lines of commercial/business insurance. Boats, autos, golf carts and recreational vehicles

REST ASSURED, WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP YOU WEATHER ANY STORM! 305.852.3234 90144 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier

305.743.3414 8065 Overseas Hwy. Marathon