Marathon Weekly 23-1109

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2023: The year Marathon found out there’s one wall we can all agree on.

DEFENDING THE WALL SurfStyle, artists respond | P.10

MS. MAYOR Holly Raschein takes the county gavel | P.26

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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JUST LISTED! 2650 MANOR LANE, MARATHON

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

3

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

NOTHING COMPARES TO FINDING HIDDEN TREASURES

Unit 302 is a prestigiously renovated top floor condo with two-bedrooms, two-bathrooms, 1,314 square feet and 9 foot. Step inside the condo and be greeted by an open, airy floor plan that effortlessly combines style, comfort, and functionality. The heart of this unit is the newly updated kitchen, featuring sleek granite countertops (with a matching dining table that conveys), pristine new appliances, bar counter seating, and new washer dryer tucked away behind a barn door. Cooking and entertaining have never been so enjoyable in the spacious open concept kitchen, dining and living areas. From both living area and primary suite, access a private, screened-in balcony that runs the length of the unit while overlooking the tranquil Key Colony Beach landscape. Retreat to the expansive primary suite, which boasts a luxurious, newly updated bathroom complete with a contemporary step-in tiled shower and sleek vanity with marble top. Guest bedroom is also sizable along with two closets. Key Haven recently completed a new roof in 2018, and spalling repairs. Condo amenities include multiple fruit trees, individual storage space for each owner, shared storage for tools, and assigned parking space for 2 vehicles.

KEY COLONY BEACH | $525,000 | Listing ID: 606798

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

4

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

16.5M 9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

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

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Digital Editor / Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Diana Striker

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

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Members of

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 16.5 million veterans in the U.S. Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 making it an annual observance, and it became a national holiday in 1938.

At the Nov. 8 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, former Mayor Pro Tem Holly Merrill Raschein was chosen to take the gavel from outgoing Mayor Craig Cates as Monroe County’s new mayor.

See page 26. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/ Monroe County

STATE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE SAYS ‘NO’ TO MERGING FLORIDA’S COURTS JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

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state committee is preparing to recommend no mergers or consolidations of Florida’s 20 judicial circuits to the state Supreme Court and the Florida Legislature. The decision by 14 members of the state’s court system was unanimous during a Nov. 3 virtual meeting, and it came after many hours weighing the data from thousands of surveys from law professionals and the public.

Tasked with determining whether there’s a need for consolidation, the committee believed such a move wouldn’t improve efficiency within the courts nor would it result in any substantial taxpayer savings. Part of the recommendation included no merger of the state’s smallest circuit court in Monroe County with a larger circuit court system in Miami-Dade — as outlined by House Speaker Paul Renner in a June letter to the state Supreme Court.

Committee members also acknowledged the uniqueness of certain circuit courts, like the 16th Judicial Circuit in Monroe County, and the high level of public trust in the system — as evidenced by the 1,400-plus survey responses from Keys residents to the committee.

Joining Keys residents were the cities of Key West and Marathon, village of Islamorada and Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, which all sent resolutions to Tallahassee explaining their reasons against the move. There was even a rally in Key Largo that brought the likes of Monroe State Attorney Dennis Ward, Monroe County Public Defender Robert Lockwood and State Rep. Jim Mooney.

“It’s quite clear within that community and in each village, city and the county coming forward that they’re in opposition to consolidation,” said Chief Judge Shawn Crane of the 6th Judicial Circuit.

Some committee members pointed to the Keys’ high cost of living and the frequent turnover of assistant district attorneys in the Keys. Some stressed the need for more funding

“What I hope is that it’s over and it won’t go to the state Legislature.”

— Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward

from the state Legislature to boost pay.

“It’s really important that whatever is done, consolation is not solving it,” said Carlos Martinez, public defender for the 11th Judicial Circuit. “Whatever the Legislature can do to increase salaries significantly to reduce turnover throughout the Keys in the court system, that would be a significant improvement in efficiency.”

In June, Renner tasked the state Supreme Court with analyzing a consolidation of the 20 judicial circuits.

In his letter to Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz, Renner said the courts have gone unchanged for decades despite significant population and demographic shifts over that time.

Renner’s letter alluded to the size of certain judicial courts, specifically the 2.7 million people within the 11th Circuit, which encompasses MiamiDade, and the fewer than 100,000 people in Monroe County within the 16th Circuit.

Monroe County Attorney Bob Shillinger said the committee’s decision is

one step closer to ensuring no consolidation of Monroe County and MiamiDade’s circuit courts.

“I would like to thank the stakeholders and the community members who came together in one voice to express opposition to this proposal,” he said.

Ward told the Keys Weekly he was particularly pleased with the residents’ involvement in the process and their realization of the ramifications if the 16th Judicial Circuit merged with the largest judicial circuit in Miami-Dade County. Ward also praised the JCAC’s hard work and due diligence throughout the process.

“What I hope is that it’s over and it won’t go to the state Legislature,” Ward said. “I’m hoping the Supreme Court administration receives the report from the committee and the chief judge doesn’t recommend it either and passes it to the speaker of the House, Paul Renner and (he) agrees with the committee.”

Ward added that he doesn’t see how the Legislature can have a more educated discussion on the topic than the JCAC, which is composed of judges and law professionals who are familiar with the court system.

The committee will begin to draft a report based on its recommendation. The Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee will meet virtually Nov. 17 to review the draft report. Dec. 1 is the deadline to submit a final report to the Supreme Court.

5

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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6

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

BOCC wants a charter, but what’s in it for voters?

COUNTY ATTORNEYS CONTINUE TO PITCH CHANGE TO HELP THE KEYS

Monroe County Tourist Development Council staff display Flagler tourism marketing awards won by the TDC on Sept. 6, 2023, at the 2023 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Orlando. From the left, Eric Gitlin, Jaclyn Fortier, Chad Newman, TDC marketing director Stacey Mitchell, Ashley Serrate, Kelli Fountain, Meera Tikku and Markham McGill. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed

COUNTY STAFF URGES BOCC: SUSPEND TDC DIRECTOR, HIRE MANAGEMENT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO ADDRESS PROBLEMATIC AUDIT OF TOURISM AGENCY GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

M

onroe County staff and officials decided Monday to ask the Board of County Commissioners to recommend suspending Tourist Development Council marketing director Stacey Mitchell with pay, according to county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood.

This comes a week after an audit from Monroe County Clerk Kevin Madok’s office reported the TDC had repeatedly violated the county’s purchasing policy, “a lack of controls and management oversight,” and appearances of “potential self-dealing by certain employees.”

County staff also suggests that the county hire an external management company to temporarily run the multimillion-dollar tourism marketing agency. The clerk’s office is currently auditing the TDC’s three partner agencies – NewmanPR, Tinsley Advertising & Marketing, and Two Oceans Digital.

The five county commissioners were to meet Wednesday at the Harvey Government Center in Key West.

The meeting is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

But the hot-button TDC issue had its own time set on the Nov. 8 agenda: 9:45 a.m., Livengood said.

The county commission can’t implement any suspension and can only vote on whether to make recommendations to the TDC board.

“The TDC board will ultimately make any of these decisions,” Livengood said. “All we do is recommend.”

The TDC board is made up of nine members, who are appointed by the BOCC; six must work in a tourismrelated business; the county mayor or a designee is a member; and two other elected officials serve – currently Key West Mayor Teri Johnston and Key West Utility Board member Timothy Root.

Mitchell told the Keys Weekly on Nov. 6 that she hasn’t yet spoken with the full TDC board about the matter.

“So I’m not at liberty to discuss before speaking to them,” Mitchell said.

The TDC board has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. at the DoubleTree Resort in Key West. It’s an in-person meeting only with no Zoom access available, Livengood said.

“We’re taking this seriously, looking at the recommendations and behaving in a professional manner to respond,” TDC chair Rita Irwin told the Keys Weekly on Oct. 31, the day the audit was publicly released.

The decision to recommend a temporary suspension with pay for Mitchell, whose annual salary is $205,749, came after a Monday morning meeting attended by County Mayor Craig Cates, County Administrator Roman Gastesi, County Attorney Bob Shillinger, and Tina Boan, the senior director of the Monroe County Office of Management and Budget, Livengood said.

Mitchell is a 24-year veteran employee of the TDC, first hired as sales manager in April 1999 and within months promoted to director of sales.

She was hired as the TDC’s marketing director in September 2017.

From left, County Administrator Roman Gastesi, County Attorney Bob Shillinger and consultant Kurt Spitzer at the Nov. 6 charter workshop in Marathon. GWEN FILOSA/Keys Weekly

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

T

he Monroe Board of County Commissioners wants voters to approve a charter form of government, which would allow them to create a new tax to pay the enormous costs of fixing bridges and roads across the island chain.

It’s still a big ask, according to Christopher Massicotte, of Key West.

“It seems like a power consolidation,” Massicotte told commissioners at a Nov. 6 public workshop in Marathon on the charter proposal. “This just seems like it’s being done very quickly and not well thought-out.”

The workshop was part of the public process of drafting a referendum in advance of the November 2024 election. If approved by a majority of Monroe County voters, the charter – a countywide constitution – would take effect Jan. 1, 2025.

The county’s pitch is that the charter isn’t a power grab, but the only move left to collect money to raise roads and repair aging bridges, a list that already adds up to $1 billion over the next decade.

Massicotte, who runs a marketing company in Key West that has worked on local political campaigns, said it’s not enough for the county to tell voters that tourists would pay two-thirds of a new transportation tax that would be possible under a charter government.

“We say tourists pay most of these taxes,” Massicotte said. “But tell that to a single mother of three who just got off her shift and has to buy McDonald’s for her kids and now has to pay another penny for that meal.”

Commissioners and county staff

say they’re still working on the referendum language and view the workshop as an example of their transparency.

“We are not interested in taxes on our residents only,” said Commissioner David Rice of Marathon.

Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein of Key Largo said she wasn’t instantly convinced the charter form of government was the right move for the county, but County Attorney Bob Shillinger’s presentations have cleared up some questions she had.

“We’ve governed ourselves similarly for the last 200 years,” said Raschein.

“We just turned 200, and things have been working reasonably well. We are resilient and we will continue. The notion that we have not been transparent is not only untrue, I think that’s unfair.”

Raschein said as an example, she doesn’t agree with putting a recall effort section in the charter referendum.

“I’m all about the voters, but aren’t those what elections are for?” Raschein asked. “We have those regularly.”

When asked by a resident if the county has done any polling on the referendum proposed, Rice said that would be a waste of time because the charter referendum isn’t finished.

Commissioner Craig Cates of Key West said he wasn’t a big fan of the charter proposal at first either, but having a countywide charter isn’t only about adding a new tax.

“Tallahassee is making decisions for this county that we don’t always agree with,” Cates said. “This gives us the opportunity for home rule and to govern ourselves here.”

“It has to go to referendum,” Cates said. “Some people act like we’re pushing this down their throats. The citizens are going to decide.”

7

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

MESSAGE

FROM THE

SHERIFF Veterans Day is an important day at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. I’m proud to say we have many members who served in all branches of the military.

We celebrate and recognize those who put their country first, before themselves.

Their sacrifice represents the best of us, the best of the Florida Keys, and the best of America.

We salute you and appreciate the great costs that come with serving.

We should all also take a moment to acknowledge the families who helped shoulder the weight of that sacrifice. This is a day to also thank the mothers, fathers, spouses, and children of our military men and women.

Their commitment inspires me each and every day I come to work.

Let’s celebrate what we can accomplish when we work together while we honor our Veterans. They are proof we are stronger together.

They encourage and motivate us in all that we do.

Thank you to all who served and who continue to serve!

Monroe County Sheriff, Rick Ramsay

Download the MCSO App Today!

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

SurfStyle, original muralists respond to plans for Kmart building This page: Architectural plans for SurfStyle’s new storefront, overlaid on images of the existing building, indicate demolition of a portion of Wyland and Guy Harvey’s ‘Whaling Wall #87’ to install SurfStyle’s new east entrance. Graphic compiled from architecture plans by API+ and images by Alex Rickert.

Opposite page: Though the artwork is not finalized, SurfStyle’s proposed storefront includes a series of graphic metal panels affixed to the store’s exterior walls with metal anchors.

The main entrance to the former Kmart will be closed, and two new entrances will be created by demolishing portions of the existing wall.

API+/Contributed Center: Renderings submitted with SurfStyle’s permit documents show a proposed layout for SurfStyle’s sales floor. API+/Contributed

T

he seven days since the Keys Weekly broke the news of beachwear retailer SurfStyle’s plans for Marathon’s former Kmart building have been filled with a massive outcry from local residents. Largely demanding protection for the historic mural set to be covered and partially destroyed by the building’s refreshed facade, many asked for further clarity regarding the retailer’s plans for the space, citing seemingly conflicting information found in the Weekly’s report, SurfStyle’s permit and email replies seemingly sent by the company to concerned citizens immediately following the Nov. 2 article.

Throughout this week, the Weekly carefully studied SurfStyle’s permit on file with the city of Marathon and spoke at length with city officials, SurfStyle executives and original mural artists Wyland and Guy Harvey in an attempt to rectify these conflicting accounts.

“It is going to be replacing the original,” Ovaknin said.

However, in an email exchange on Nov. 6, in which he was asked if SurfStyle would consider leaving the original wall with an unaltered mural, Ovaknin’s wording slightly changed.

“We will work out these details with Wyland and Guy Harvey as we progress the design work and weigh all the aspects in order to deliver the most valuable public art mural to the area for many more years to come,” he wrote.

SurfStyle’s permit documents additionally outline demolition plans which appear to call for closure of the existing building’s main doorway and demolition of a portion of the wall with the original mural in order to create the new store’s east entrance. Asked to confirm these plans, Ovaknin wrote that “the current plans reflect a rebuilding of an expanded facade and applying a new mural on it.”

What’s the Issue?

Permit P-23-1065, last revised Oct. 23, details plans for a reimagined facade for SurfStyle’s newest location. Included are plans to cover a majority of the storefront with graphic metal panels affixed to the existing walls with metal anchors.

While the artwork for these panels is not finalized, the panels are currently slated to cover the location of artists Wyland and Guy Harvey’s 2001 mural, dubbed “Whaling Wall #87 - Florida’s Radiant Reef.”

Speaking with the Weekly by phone on Nov. 2, SurfStyle managing partner Gilad Ovaknin was asked to confirm whether the metal panel system would indeed obscure the original work of art.

SurfStyle’s Vision In the Nov. 6 email exchange, Ovaknin outlined the retailer’s vision for the revamped space.

“As part of our redevelopment effort, we produced plans to build a surf machine in the space, revamp the marine mural outside on a new expanded façade and rehabilitate the entire indoor space to include video walls, (an) indoor marine mural and an amazing shopping experience that Surf Style provides with everything you need for your Florida vacation experience in the Keys,” he wrote.

Noting that artwork included in preliminary graphic renderings for the storefront was for “illustration only,” Ovaknin said the company has yet to make a final call on the illustration used for the storefront’s metal panels.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

As part of the retailer’s efforts to redevelop the building’s facade, Ovaknin said, his team had approached Harvey after a collaboration 10 years prior on a SurfStyle store in Clearwater. But as Ovaknin confirmed in the same email, he was unaware until a phone conversation with the Weekly on Nov. 2 that Wyland was the lead artist on the mural, with Harvey added as a guest collaborator.

“Guy Harvey’s team had expressed their interest in working with us on revitalizing the mural on a new facade,” Ovaknin wrote. “I now understand that Guy Harvey relied on me to coordinate with Wyland, and I relied on them for the same. Nevertheless, since our last call I spoke to both Guy Harvey’s team and (Wyland Foundation executive director) Steve Creech and received from both a positive interest in revamping the mural collab (with) Wyland’s leadership.”

“It’s an exciting project, and SurfStyle will be honored to have Wyland continue that same collab with Guy Harvey on that new outside facade and inside that store, with the intent of having that art mural there for another 30 years and more.”

Wyland, Guy Harvey Speak Out Speaking to the Weekly by phone on Nov. 7, Wyland’s account of the last several days was in stark contrast to Ovaknin’s. Acknowledging he had been out of the country with limited communication until Tuesday while working on a mural in Havana, Cuba, the artist said there was “no way (he) gave permission,” though he had spoken to Harvey by text.

“That wall is sacred to the people of Marathon and the Florida Keys,” he said. “I won’t even consider anything like that – that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Steve (Creech) is on the same page as me,” he added. “What Steve and I talked about was, if they’re going to redo the inside and spruce up the outside, they could certainly do some lighting and some different colors around it. But never would we allow it to be blocked or (have) some signage on it.”

Wyland referred again to federal protections he believed would be afforded to the mural under the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA), used in seemingly similar scenarios to effect multimillion-dollar settlements in previous court cases.

“My lawyers have already lined up to sue them for $11.5 million if they touch it,” he said.

“The community, myself, the leaders of Marathon have got to take a stand.

“They can do something with the existing doors, but if they’re going to destroy one inch of that wall, we’re not going to let it happen.

They need to know that there’s going to be

a serious price to pay. I’m hoping they come around to some common sense and say ‘you know, this does fit with our brand.’”

In a text message with the Weekly on Nov. 7, Harvey expressed similar support for preservation of the mural in its original, unaltered form.

“When I heard … SurfStyle wanted to refurbish the building, my first thought was they should ask Wyland how best to preserve the mural,” he wrote. “When I saw the renderings of the proposed new building, the mural was not included but replaced by some of my reproduced images, which SurfStyle has used before.

“I have not been in direct contact with SurfStyle’s management, only with my apparel licensee Intradeco, which is based in Miami. I conveyed to my brand manager at Intradeco that the account, SurfStyle, should make best efforts to redesign the front and include the original wall and painting. As with any public murals that Wyland and I have created together or separately … they are monuments to nature and encourage people to admire, respect and conserve our marine environment.”

Conflicting Responses Several Marathon residents expressed confusion when, to their surprise, emails sent to SurfStyle soon after the Weekly’s Nov. 2 article expressing concern with plans for the mural were met with a response promising that the retailer “(has) no intention of covering up the 20-year-old mural.”

But as SurfStyle marketing director Tara Malinasky told the Weekly on Nov. 6, these early responses were handled by a third-party customer service company contracted by SurfStyle, and representatives responding had not received specific instructions for inquiries about the Marathon store.

Both she and Ovaknin said the company had ordered a halt to these replies pending a formal statement from the company, and several Marathon residents who contacted the company more recently confirmed that their emails were not yet answered.

“Surf Style’s instructions were to not send a response to the emails yet, until a formal response is released,” Ovaknin wrote in Monday’s emails to the Weekly when asked about the third-party service. “We plan to release one early this week to the residents.”

As of press time on Nov. 8, none of the Weekly’s contacts had received an updated statement from the company.

What’s Next?

As of Nov. 8, SurfStyle’s plans were still under review by city staff, with multiple departments placing holds on the permit for further consideration. If and when the permit is issued, 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.

Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez acknowledged that the city has little to no ability to deny the permit based solely on a desire to preserve a mural on private property, as long as the permit documents submitted comply with the city’s code of ordinances and meet all legal requirements. Nonetheless, at his direction, the agenda for the Marathon City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 5:30 p.m. includes the mural as a discussion item, opening the floor for public comment and possible discussion with stakeholders. Ovaknin told the Weekly on Nov. 8 that one or more SurfStyle representatives, including himself, would plan to attend.

“Ultimately, the issue is between the landlord and the tenant,” Gonzalez told the Weekly on Nov. 2. “However, the mural is an integral part of the community. We all appreciate its presence, and hope that the new business will reconsider and keep this unique and artistic piece of Marathon’s beauty.”

A Change.org petition titled “Save the Wyland Wall Mural in Marathon, FL” authored by longtime Marathon resident Mary Stella had amassed more than 2,000 signatures at press time on Nov. 8. A similar Facebook group created by Stella and local fisheries biologist Andrew Heise titled “Save Wyland’s Whale Mural!” totaled nearly 900 members as of Wednesday.

“The people of the Florida Keys are in danger of losing a treasured piece of our cultural history,” Stella wrote in the online petition’s description. “Action must be taken now to convince SurfStyle to change their plan, preserve the original mural, and include it in their design plan. … Show SurfStyle that we treasure the mural and are adamant that it remain in place so that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy and be inspired by it for years to come.”

Other Contacts The Weekly spoke by phone to an employee of Kimco, the real estate investment trust that owns the building in question, on Nov. 7. The employee declined to make an official statement on Kimco’s behalf, and said others from the company would contact the Weekly with a formal response. As of press time on Nov. 8, no additional response was received.

12

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ANDY GRIFFITHS?

30-YEAR-PLUS SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER WON’T SEEK REELECTION IN 2024

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ndy Griffiths, one of the Florida Keys’ longestserving elected officials who has served on the county school board for more than 30 years, has decided he will not seek reelection when his term ends in November 2024.

Griffiths called the changes he has seen in his 30+ years on the school board “mind-boggling.”

When he first was elected to the board in 1992 there was no internet in the schools — no Google, no social media, no touch screens, no smartphones. The rare cell phones had as much heft as a small child. Much of the equipment and methods in use had been largely unchanged for 50 years.

The onslaught of new technology requires constant policy creation, which is the job of a school board, Griffiths emphasized, saying, “Boards do not manage; they govern, at least in this instance. The board creates policy that sets parameters for management to stay within while pursuing board-approved district goals. And then the board has meetings to check on the progress towards said targets.”

In 1992, the average school building in the Florida Keys was 30 years old, and in most cases included structural and design flaws. Today, Griffiths’ name appears on the cornerstone of every traditional public school, each of which has been replaced during his tenure on the school board.

He said he believes each school will outlast the kids of today’s graduating class. This is the result of a half-billion dollar effort over the course of three decades that saw every traditional public school in the county replaced.

All of the recently constructed

Andy Griffiths, who has served on the Monroe County school board since 1992, has decided not to seek reelection in 2024. CONTRIBUTED

schools are of superior engineering and built to withstand the strongest hurricane winds.

The school board kicked off its ambitious construction program to replace its school buildings by enacting a half-cent sales tax in 1995, and immediately bonded the revenue from that tax to its building plan, Griffiths said.

“With a sales tax, we export our tax burden to our visitors because tourists statistically pay far more sales tax than our permanent residents,” he added.

State law dictates that funds derived from sales tax can only be used for construction and renovation, not teacher salaries and other in-classroom needs.

So in 2004, the school board reduced the tax that it levies for construction needs, and with voter approval enacted a new tax in the same amount of the reduction, allowing the school district to use revenue from the new tax to increase teachers’ earnings.

Griffiths has worked with superintendents who were elected by the voters, appointed by the governor and more recently, selected by the board. Superintendent Theresa Axford is the 10th superintendent with whom Griffiths has worked — and the district’s first female one.

After his first election in 1992, Griffiths faced challengers to his reelection in 1996, 2004 and 2012. He has run unopposed four times and faced an opponent as many times, for a total of eight election cycles. While he jokingly says that of course it’s better to run unopposed, he acknowledges that a challenger in an election forces the incumbent to reconnect with the community. It’s a long county, geographically, and a Keyswide campaign is challenging.

“I know a lot about this district, its inner workings and its history,” said Griffiths, the longest-serving elected official in the Florida Keys. “I also know the budget, and when I leave, that goes with me. I have worked well with other board members who have differences of opinion.

We have a great board right now and I’ll miss my colleagues. I will also miss my peers across Florida as I’ve developed great friendships with other board members statewide.”

In 2004, Griffiths became president of the Florida School Boards Association, which represents 65 of 67 school districts in Florida.

“It was one of my greatest honors to lead all Florida school board members. The association had 27 directors on its board, and I enjoyed chairing those meetings, which could get very lively.

By comparison, it’s a piece of cake to chair our local board of five members. I still plan to visit my colleagues by attending state conferences. In what capacity, that isn’t known yet,” he said.

What about a continued future in politics? Griffiths acknowledges that he has a strong network of contacts and connections throughout the state and beyond, plus decades of experience that could lend itself to other areas of governing. But the avid fisherman and father of two says he plans to enjoy his free time.

“I think I’m going to appreciate retirement for a while but, in addition to more advanced technology in schools, my interests run outside of education. Maybe I need to polish up my standup comedy routine?” he said, only half-joking.

— Contributed

The sole occupant of a single-engine fixed-wing aircraft that crashed into the Gulf of Mexico north of Marathon on Monday appeared to avoid significant injury, Coast Guard representatives said. U.S. COAST GUARD/Contributed

COAST GUARD, GOOD SAMARITAN RESPOND TO PLANE CRASH OFF MARATHON No casualties reported from downed aircraft

T

he Coast Guard, partner agencies and a good Samaritan responded to a plane crash about three miles north of Marathon on Nov. 7.

Coast Guard Sector Key West command center watchstanders received notification from Air Traffic Control Key West around 2:30 p.m., notifying them of a downed aircraft near Marathon.

The watchstanders launched a Coast Guard Station Marathon rescue crew to the scene and put out an urgent marine information broadcast alerting mariners in the vicinity.

Officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office also responded.

At 2:50 p.m., the boat crew found the single-engine, fixed-wing aircraft crash, where the only person on the plane was already aboard a good Samaritan's vessel.

The Marathon crew transferred the man aboard their boat and took him to awaiting emergency medical services personnel at Coast Guard Station Marathon.

“The pilot, though shaken up, appeared to be in good condition,” a social media post from Coast Guard Station Marathon stated.

Coast Guard pollution responders are monitoring the scene and commercial salvage operators are determining appropriate actions to address the wreckage. The cause of the crash was not immediately released.

"Massive thank you and a job well done to the good Samaritan that assisted in this rescue," said Station Marathon coxswain Timothy Worthen. "This individual's life was saved due to their actions."

– Contributed

13

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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14

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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1. Mike Goldberg and the I.CARE team hosted the largest ever underwater cleanup in the Keys in May as part of the former’s ongoing efforts to protect the ocean.

TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly. 2. I.CARE is a team effort and a community success. 3. Dr. Kylie Smith and Mike Goldberg co-founded I.CARE in Islamorada to restore local reefs. 4. Goldberg does everything he can to protect our oceans. 5. The I.CARE team celebrates together after a community fundraiser event in Islamorada.

MIKE GOLDBERG IN THE RUNNING FOR CNN’S HERO OF THE YEAR I.CARE’S FOUNDER IS IN THE TOP 10, NEEDS VOTES TIFFANY DUONG

W

tiffany@keysweekly.com

hat would you do with $100,000?

If you’re Mike Goldberg, a hometown hero in the coral restoration world and newly-minted Top 10 CNN Hero, you’d plant a lot of corals and spread the message about why they matter as widely as possible.

CNN Heroes are “everyday people who are making extraordinary contributions to help improve the lives of others,” the news agency says.

Nominated from around the world, CNN Heroes are selected and featured for their work and contributions to the world, an honor that Goldberg received earlier this year for his work with I.CARE, an Islamorada-based coral restoration nonprofit that he cofounded with Kylie Smith.

Corals are vital to the survival of people and planet, deflecting 95% of storm energy, nurturing 25% of marine life, and feeding more than a billion people worldwide. In the Keys, corals have been the backbone of the coastal economy and way of life for centuries.

Unfortunately, Goldberg noted, the Keys have already lost over 95% of the living coral. By partnering with Mote Marine Laboratory and the Na-

tional Marine Sanctuary Foundation, I.CARE works to restore our marine ecosystem through science-based, community-backed action – starting with the endangered corals that used to dominate these waters. In doing so, Goldberg and Smith hope to revitalize the local blue economy and create resilience for the community.

So far, I.CARE has planted over 10,000 corals and educated more than 2,000 people.

In November, Goldberg was announced as a Top 10 Hero.

“Michael Goldberg is a local hero in Islamorada,” said Monroe County Commissioner David Rice. “Through Mike’s dedication, he has accomplished a great deal in a short time. It is a remarkable thing to have a Keys homegrown cause elevated to such a high international honor.”

Goldberg is the only Top 10 Hero working on an environmental cause, and the only one from South Florida.

He and the other nine will each receive a $10,000 award and contend for the title of CNN’s Hero of the Year.

Chosen by public vote, that person earns an additional $100,000 prize for their cause.

“Restoring the coral reefs of the Florida Keys is so large of a challenge that it often feels as though we are unable, as individuals, to make a dif-

ference,” said Sarah Fangman, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary superintendent. “But Mike has proven otherwise, and I hope this recognition inspires others to join him, beginning with a vote that could bring $100,000 to the coral restoration effort in the Keys.”

“This is a huge honor,” Smith said.

Both Smith and Goldberg emphasized that the credit should be shared with the entire I.CARE team and the Keys community as a whole. The former added, “And we wouldn’t be here without the support of our community. … It has been a team effort, and I am so proud of our team of interns, staff, sponsors, and, of course, recreational divers that have helped put I.CARE on (this) stage.”

“This money will help fund our expansion,” Goldberg told the Weekly.

“Specifically, we want every recreational diver that visits the Keys to have the opportunity to become a citizen scientist – to become educated on the history of our reef and the science behind the coral we are planting and to go underwater and plant coral.”

CNN applauded I.CARE for this unique public-private model: recruiting “an army of recreational divers to help heal our oceans by transplanting coral and restoring our dying reefs.”

The ecotourism model is also a

scalable, replicable model that can be used around the world, said Patxi Pastor, founder and CEO of Celebration of the Seas Foundation, which works with I.CARE to share ocean expertise around the world.

So, what does the public need to do now to help get Goldberg over the finish line and much-needed funding to our reefs?

Vote.

People can cast up to 10 votes per day at cnnheroes.com through Tuesday, Dec. 5.

On Sunday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. EST, Goldberg and the other Top 10 Heroes will be honored by CNN during a live All-Star Tribute program hosted

by Anderson Cooper. The 2023 Hero of the Year will be announced during that show.

“Mike is relentless in his efforts to restore our fragile coral reef ecosystem and a true champion of the Florida Keys,” said Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein, offering her support. “His recognition by CNN showcases the plight of our coral reefs and how important they are to the entire world. Join me in voting for Mike and let’s help him receive even more support to reestablish and repopulate our coral reef ecosystem for all to enjoy for years and years to come.”

15

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

FAMILIES & FELLOWSHIP Joy on the Rock Festival brings daylong celebration of community and faith to Marathon Community Park

M

arathon’s New Life Church held true to its promise on Nov. 4, bringing a day of family-friendly fun and support for local nonprofits to Marathon Community Park for its annual Joy on the Rock Family Fest. Bringing more than 30 vendors and nonprofits together with live music and all-ages activities, the day represented combined efforts of nearly a dozen churches from Layton to Key West.

“We are thrilled with the turnout for the Joy on the Rock. It was heartwarming to see so many people from our community come together to enjoy a day of fun, fellowship, and service,” said New Life Church pastor John Krainer. “We are so thankful for the support of our community and the sponsors who made (this festival) possible. It was truly a special day, and we are so glad that we could bring so much joy to our community.”

— Alex Rickert Photos by SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/Keys Weekly. See more photos at keysweekly.com

17

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

MAPLE SPICE 2-month-old female domestic shorthair.

Looking for: Would you adopt me and my brother?

Turnoffs: Nothing so far, I’m just a baby!

MOMMA FOO FOO 1-year-old female dwarf rabbit.

Looking for: I love being a free-roaming house rabbit.

Turnoffs: People think I’m a baby, but I’m just a dwarf.

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit at 10550 Aviation Blvd. For the month of November, adoption fees are waived for all senior pets age 6 and up.

Deep Sea | SASHA 6-year-old female American bulldog.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

KEYS OFFICIALS SEEK HELP WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSING JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

s Florida legislators prepare for a March 2024 opening of session, Keys officials joined state Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez to relay policy priorities and funding requests during a Nov. 2 virtual meeting.

Stakeholders from municipalities across Monroe County, as well as executives from various nonprofit agencies, were among the attendees of the annual Keys delegation meeting that’s held before the start of session in Tallahassee. Many governmental agencies asked Mooney and Rodriguez to assist in again securing $20 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. Passed by the state Legislature and signed into law in 2016, the act has historically meant millions of dollars for water quality projects like canal restoration.

In recent years, state officials have fully funded the Stewardship Act and another $5 million on top for land acquisition. Lisa Tennyson, county legislative affairs director, told Mooney and Rodriguez that the $20 million appropriation is the county’s No. 1 priority heading into session.

Many Keys officials also listed a merger of Monroe County’s court system with Miami-Dade as a top issue to watch as the Judicial Consolidation Assessment Committee forms its recommendation to the state Supreme Court and legislature.

All municipalities acknowledged their opposition to the idea in the form of a letter to the 14-person committee.

“The county commission has formally opposed any consolidation of our circuit court with Dade with the understanding that it’s not something that would help in terms of representation,” Tennyson said.

The judicial committee met the following day and will recommend that Florida’s judicial circuits remain unchanged with no consolidations.

Rising insurance costs across Monroe County, specifically hikes on policyholders with Citizens, remains

a concern for many officials. Tennyson said the county would like to see a 10% cap on the yearly increases.

In addition, Tennyson hopes the legislature will remove the unnecessary costs associated with a flood insurance requirement for elevated homes and properties with minimal flood hazard.

Increasing insurance costs aren’t only affecting homeowners. For residents living in Habitat for Humanity homes, the ability to afford insurance is becoming more difficult by the day. Mel Montagne, president of Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe (FIRM), said they’re working with Habitat officials and the Insurance Consumer Advocate office, which has the ability to put forth legislation, to find some kind of solution.

“Believe me, it’s a crisis,” Montagne said.

With the Keys in desperate straits for affordable housing, Monroe County Schools Superintendent Theresa Axford is asking for $20 million to advance the housing project at the school headquarters on Trumbo Road in Key West. Axford said the district saw 30 candidates for positions walk away due to the lack of affordable housing.

“The cost of living creates a revolving door in the classroom,” said Axford, adding that the district is still seeking an English teacher at Key West High School and an algebra teacher at Sugarloaf School. “The list goes on. … Most of that relates to affordable housing.”

Mooney and Rodriguez agreed to tackle legislation that would allow county Tourist Development council funds for affordable housing in the Keys. Between 2020 and 2022, the TDC raked in $25 million in surplus revenue that the county commission would like to use for workers in the hospitality and tourism business.

Florida law allows TDC funds for public facilities, but affordable housing isn’t currently an allowable use.

The TDC, an advisory committee for the county commission, uses bed tax revenues to advertise the Keys, promote the largest events and for large building projects that boost tourism.

CHICAGO MAN SETS NEW RECORD AT STONE CRAB EATING CONTEST

Scott Milison raises his hands to signify he has finished cracking and eating 25 stone crab claws at the Keys Fisheries Stone Crab Eating Contest. Milison, a Chicago resident vacationing in the Keys, broke the contest’s record turning in a time of 10 minutes and 17 seconds. STEVE PANARIELLO/Florida Keys News Bureau

SCOTT MILISON FINISHES 25 CLAWS IN 10 MINUTES, 17 SECONDS

A

Chicago man visiting the Florida Keys set a new record and took first place in the Keys Fisheries Stone Crab Eating Contest held Nov. 4.

Scott Milison triumphed over 39 other contestants, divided into individual and team divisions, in the raucous amateur eating competition in Marathon.

Contestants had to crack and eat 25 of the tasty stone crab claws and pick them completely clean in the fastest time. Participants received a 30-second penalty for each piece of claw meat left behind.

Milison set a new contest record with a final time of 10 minutes and 17 seconds, beating the previous record time of 10 minutes and 23 seconds.

“So I think I just cracked the world record for stone crab — first place — bringing home the prize back to Chi-town,” Milison said following his victory. “No experience in any contest of eating.

“And to be able to enjoy stone crab was just a bonus,” he added.

Milison entered the competition on a spur-of-the-moment suggestion from family and friends, who traveled to the Keys with him to celebrate their November birthdays.

Sally Mishmash, right, and other participants in the Keys Fisheries Stone Crab Eating Contest crack and eat meat from stone crab claws. Contestants were judged on their speed at cracking and eating 25 stone crab claws without leaving meat behind.

Marathon residents Tom Zajac and Justin Hare claimed the top team title, finishing in 6 minutes and 7 seconds, setting a new team record.

Stone crabs are considered a renewable resource because of the crabs’ ability to re-grow harvested claws. The Florida Keys are responsible for about half of the state’s stone crab harvest that averages about 2 million pounds annually, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Keys Fisheries is the largest processor of stone crab claws in Florida.

Stone crab harvest season runs Oct. 15 to May 1.

— Contributed

22

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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24

KEYS WEEKLY SALUTES OUR VETERANS

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

DON STIER | Air Force

ROBERT EUGENE LAMBERT | Navy RAY RHASH | Army

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

A

rmy, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard: All are represented in the following pages, as the Keys Weekly, in preparation for Veterans Day on Nov. 11, proudly highlights some of the local men and women who placed service above self and country above everything.

These men and women make us proud and we sincerely thank them and all American veterans for their service.

— Keys Weekly staff report

JEREMY LAMBERT | Army DICK BARNES | Navy

LOUIS ZWIRLEIN | Army

VETERANS DAY EVENTS IN THE FLORIDA KEYS SATURDAY, NOV. 11: 11 a.m — Key West: Wreath-laying ceremony at Veterans Memorial Garden at Bayview Park.

11 a.m. — Marathon: American Legion Post 154 hosts a Veterans Day parade from 20th Street, making a U-turn at 107th Street and ending with a ceremony at the American Legion, 4115 Overseas Hwy. 11 a.m. — Islamorada: Islamorada Fire Rescue Station 20 will host a Veterans Day ceremony at 81850 Overseas Highway.

11 a.m. — Key Largo: Ceremony at Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo, followed by a community picnic at Peace Park behind the government center hosted by Monroe County Veterans Affairs and the American Legion.

4 p.m. — Key West: Naval Air Station Key West hosts the annual Veterans Day Parade on Duval Street.

Keys government buildings will be lit in green from Nov. 6-12 to show support for veterans through Operation Green Light. County offices will be closed Friday, Nov. 10.

FRANK DERFLER | Air Force MICHAEL STEVE HURT | Air Force

WARREN RUSSELL | Air Force

JAMES CALLAHAN | Marines

DAVID ELLIS Marines & National Guard

ROD DELOSTRINOS | Army

JOSEPH GOETZ | Air Force

MATT TURK | Marines

LARRY ZETTWOCH | Air Force

25

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Air Force

BOBBY WELLSBY Marines

COL. BOB NOSSOV (retired) US Army

CHRIS GREEN | Army

JAMES TRUEMPER | Air Force

JOSEPH AND ROBERT STICKNEY | Navy

DAVID DOLQUEIST Marines

MONICA DEGNAN | Air Force

KEN BELL (WITH WIFE BARBIE BELL) | Marines

JOHN MADDOX | Marines

CAMERON UA | Army ROBERT ERICKSON | Army KARL STAHL | Navy PETER DSWONYK Marine Corps

CECIL ‘LEE’ LAWSON Army & Marines

DENNY HOWLEY | Army ALBERT MURPHY | Army

BILL VERGE | Coast Guard BRIAN BRANTLEY | Air Force JON CRANE | Army

JOHN DICK | Army

DAN MEYERS | Coast Guard

DANNY KING | Army

CARL GEORGE LINES | Navy

CATHY CRANE | Army

26

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

County Commissioners, from left, Michelle Lincoln, Jim Scholl, mayor pro tem, Holly Merrill Raschein, mayor, David Rice and Craig Cates. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County

MERRILL RASCHEIN IS COUNTY MAYOR SCHOLL TAPPED FOR MAYOR PRO TEM

Holly Merrill Raschein, incoming county mayor, is ready to take the gavel.

MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

M

onroe County Commissioners chose Holly Merrill Raschein as the mayor during a Nov. 8 meeting at the Harvey Government Center in Key West. Commissioner Jim Scholl will serve as mayor pro tem.

Merrill Raschein has been a commissioner since 2021, and Scholl since 2022. Commissioners recognized outgoing Mayor Craig Cates for his performance for the past year and for leading the county through its 200th anniversary celebrations.

The mayor’s title is given to the Board of County Commissioners chairperson. The commissioners choose the designee based on a majority vote, usually at the November board meeting. A mayor pro tem is also designated to fill in when the mayor is unavailable. The mayor presides over the Board of County Commissioners meetings and serves as the Monroe County representative at ceremonial occasions. The mayor is also responsible for signing and co-signing documents with the county clerk.

— Contributed

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

RESPECT & REMEMBER Overseas’ Veterans Day fundraiser to benefit ‘R2 Factor’ ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

I

n the words of Overseas bar manager Andy Sharf’s oft-repeated rallying cry: “All right Marathon, it’s that time again!”

Sharf’s series of fundraisers for deserving local causes have netted hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the bar staff at Overseas hopes this Saturday is no exception, albeit on a national scale.

Just in time for Veterans Day, Saturday’s event will benefit the Respect and Remember Memorial Foundation (R2 Factor), established in memory of army staff sergeant Ryan Christian Knauss. As one of the final U.S. troops in Afghanistan, Knauss lost his life along with 12 other service members and 170 Afghans at the age of 23 in a suicide bombing in Kabul on Aug. 26, 2021.

Speaking to the Weekly by phone, Paula Knauss Selph, now a Gold Star mother and the foundation’s executive director, said the goals of R2 Factor are threefold: to provide scholarships and endowments to those enlisting in the military after high school or college, to provide care packages and welcome home packages for deployed troops, and to honor living veterans as well as those who paid the ultimate price in service to the country.

“You’ve got to do something with your anger and your grief,” she said.

“I had to channel my anger and my frustration into something that will make a difference for other people and bring comfort to those who may face them in the future. … My purpose in life changed drastically with the loss of my youngest son.

“There are a lot of places I could be right now, but I will not dishonor all the effort and all the momentum that’s in such a patriotic place like the Keys. … Our whole board will be flying

Paula Knauss Selph, center, with sons Tyler, left, and Ryan.

Army staff sergeant Ryan Knauss’ last words to his mother were sent in a selfie two days before he was killed by a suicide bomber: ‘All good here mom, I love you.’

in from different parts of the country.

I can’t tell you how honored I am to be coming.”

From open to close on Saturday, Overseas will offer raffle prizes, a wide-ranging silent auction (closing at 9 p.m.) and food and cocktail specials, paired with a cornhole tournament and full lineup of live music. As has become the standard for the bar’s fundraising events, 100% of bartender tips will go to benefit R2 Factor, and a “big ticket” item is on the table: a $6,000 golf cart, raffled off through $50 tickets in a drawing on Nov. 18.

“Paula is a pretty strong woman, and it’s a pretty crazy story,” Sharf said when asked why he chose to venture outside Marathon’s city limits for his latest beneficiary. “I remember I was working at Overseas when we had the news on and 13 service members were killed. The war was supposed to be over, and it was such a black eye on American history.

“It was really, really profound on me and a lot of other people. … We decided to make this on Veterans Day to honor all those who are still with us as well as the ones who didn’t come home.”

Army staff sergeant Ryan Knauss was one of 13 U.S. service members and 170 Afghans killed by a suicide bomber in Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 26, 2021.

29

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

NEW-LOOK GRASSY KEY MARINA HAS PLENTY FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS ALIKE Storage options and watersports abound, with restaurant plans on the horizon JEN ALEXANDER

C

www.keysweekly.com

onveniences previously only found with a “long” trip into downtown Marathon are a little closer to home for Grassy Key residents with the new and improved Grassy Key Marina.

Located at the eastern entrance to incorporated Marathon, the full-service marina offers a complete suite of products and amenities including indoor and outdoor boat storage, fishing equipment rentals, live bait and the Grassy Key Market convenience store, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and stocked with necessities for a day on the water – yes, that includes beer and ice.

“It has always been a dream of mine to own a marina,” said new owner Jeff Vastola, who currently serves the as magistrate for Marathon’s code hearings and purchased the marina in the fall of 2022. “My partner and I were looking to start with a watersports business when the opportunity presented itself. We added a third partner and bought the marina last September.

We are upgrading the marina daily and are looking forward to what it will become in the future.”

The partners’ efforts have not gone unnoticed; in 2022, Grassy Key Marina was named

Top: As one of very few publicly accessible marinas on Marathon’s east end, Grassy Key Marina offers multiple storage options, boat slips, watersports rentals, a boat ramp, convenience store and plenty of waterfront views.

as a Boaters’ Choice Award winner by Marinas. com.

Vastola pointed to the property’s 110 protected dry racks and wet slip boat storage areas – previously under-used, in his eyes – as one of the marina’s main draws for locals, and said this is where the partners have devoted most of their efforts. Since last September, they’ve invested $300,000 in a forklift and have been updating and upgrading all the storage areas. Multiple openings are still available in the marina’s sheltered dry rack building, along with outdoor storage areas on trailers and wet slips.

Grassy Key Marina is also home to Paradise Watersports, offering boat and kayak rentals along with paddleboard and jet ski rentals and guided tours. The marina currently has four boats in its fleet, from an 18-foot Stingray bow rider and 20-foot pontoon to 22- and 25-foot center console vessels capable of navigating all Keys waters for serious anglers and pleasure cruisers alike. Multi-day rentals and boat delivery are available.

Future plans for the marina include the sale of Rec-90 fuel, pickup and delivery services for goods and the addition of more high-end tackle and gear, Vastola said. The marina has engaged in negotiations to open a coffee stand and sandwich shop on premises so guests can enjoy the view off the tiki pier or even catch a

Top right: Grassy Key Marina’s fully-protected indoor storage offers secure racks with forklift launching services.

Above: The refreshed facade of the Grassy Key Market features artwork from local muralist Shannon Paul Wiley.

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

sunset. The partners have also considered a waterfront restaurant featuring local cuisine and live music.

“We are looking to partner with someone local that has knowledge of the restaurant business,” Vastola said. “We have such incredible waterfront locations that would be perfect for a restaurant with a sunset view, (and) we even have room for at least 10 tables at the end of the pier that (would) have an unobstructed view.”

Guests who visit the marina can enjoy daily amenities such as wireless internet, restrooms, showers and an ATM. An on-site boat ramp with Vaca Cut five miles away allows for easy access to the open water and a way to avoid the congestion of Marathon’s public ramps.

The marina is offering 50% off docking and storage for the month of November, and locals who sign a year-long storage contract will receive one month of free storage.

“We are always looking for new business and partnership opportunities, ways to improve and input on services that can be offered to the community,” Vastola said. “Please don’t hesitate to call, text or email me.”

Grassy Key Marina is located at 59073 Overseas Highway. More information is at grassykeymarinaflorida.com or paradisewatersportsrentals.com, from the office at 305-4403055 or from Vastola directly at 561-827-5333.

31

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

1

LOGGING LAPS 2

3

Youngsters tear up the track in Stanley Switlik’s annual jog-a-thon

A

rotating parade of kids and parents – some practically “tailgating” the event on the side of U.S. 1 – took over the fields at Stanley Switlik Elementary School on Nov. 6 and 7 for some stiff competition in the school’s annual jog-a-thon. A Switlik staple for more than 30 years, the annual fundraiser nets tens of thousands of dollars each year to be used for classroom supplies and field trip expenses, all while promoting physical activity and giving youngsters with a competitive edge a moment to shine. With their preliminary 20-minute opening sessions now complete – monitored closely by Switlik staff and even a video review – runners with the highest lap totals will move on to a final “Run Off” on Friday, Nov. 17 to determine the school’s fastest racers and classes.

— Alex Rickert

5

6

1. Switlik fourth-graders prepare for their shot at the jog-a-thon 2. Third-graders Owen Loftus, left, and Jordan Spalten make their way through the course.

3. Blaise Merryman goes all-out in the closing minutes of his third-grade class’ session.

4. Madison Dorleus sprints to complete her final laps.

5. Robert Bogan picks up the pace.

4

6. Jog-a-thon supervisors Ginger Sayer, left, Allison Sayer, Candice Grostefon and Heather Geneas add tally marks to third-graders’ jog-a-thon sticks as students complete their laps..

7. Fourth-grader Cameron Coletti heads for the finish line of another lap.

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

THE MARATHON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WANTS YOU! November loaded with incentives for new members

D

uring November, the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce is recruiting area businesses to join.

“Membership has many benefits, such as business referrals, marketing opportunities, continuing education and beautification grants, as well as having an organization that represents and supports your business,” said Marathon Chamber board chair Teri Hiller.

New members joining in November will receive the following free or discounted items: • Florida Keys Media (Conch Country 98.7 only): free radio ads for two weeks.

• Marathon Weekly: free business spotlight “Commerce Corner” ad.

• Florida Keys Free Press: free business spotlight ad.

• Time Out Magazine: 50% off for three ad runs (includes ad design).

• Marathon & The Middle Florida Keys Magazine: 20% off all ads.

• Marathon UPS Store: 20% print discount for Chamber members.

• US1 Graphics: New members get a free 32-ounce stainless steel drinking tumbler and a discount package on business printing, branded clothing, tee shirts, signs and banners.

• Overseas Media Group: free website audit or consultation.

• Magnum Broadcasting: 25 free ads on Keys Talk 102.5/96.9, plus 25 free ads on 105.7.

• Two Oceans Digital: destination marketing opportunities are available on top tourism websites Fla-Keys.com, Keywest.com & FloridaKeys.com. Mention this report and receive three months for the price of two on new contracted services. Also offering free digital marketing consultation.

• Marathon Chamber of Commerce: 20% off advertising (visitor center, newsletter, web banner, travel e-blast, minimum one year commitment).

• Marathon Chamber of Commerce: BOGO for one month in 2023 and get one (December) free for your Chamber membership.

• Sandra Lee Photography Studio: 10% off professional headshot and marketing photos/videos.

New members joining in November will be entered into a raffle to win a free dinner for two valued at $200 at Brutus Restaurant & Seafood Market.

The Marathon Chamber of Commerce also provides other opportunities for business members such as monthly networking events; academic scholarships; candidate forums; and advertising opportunities in the Marathon visitor center, website, travel e-blast, newsletter and more; as well as its annual educational seminars.

“As we grow our membership, we are able to expand these and other new programs to our members and community,” Chamber CEO Daniel Samess said. “What comes in goes back out in a way that benefits our businesses and community.”

For more information about joining the chamber or other business assistance, call 305-743-5417 or email Laura at membership@ floridakeysmarathon.com. The chamber is located at 12222 Overseas Hwy. in Marathon and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

— Contributed

OPINION

WHITHER WYLAND’S WHALING WALL? Landmark mural under very real threat

L

egendary local commercial fisherman Tommy Coppedge had a saying — often directed at Chamber of Commerce CEO Daniel Samess when discussing new ideas for the Seafood Festival: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

Wyland’s 87th Whaling Wall, “Florida’s Radiant Reef,” certainly isn’t broke. With just a little over 100 Whaling Walls in existence worldwide, the greater Marathon community is lucky to have one. The mural painted on the exterior wall of the old Kmart by Wyland and Guy Harvey, just touched up and restored last year, has been a work of art and a community treasure for 22 years.

That’s why you know that someone’s going to try and screw with it.

Surf Style, a “leading beachwear and souvenir shopping destination,” is leasing the old Kmart space for one of its stores. Plans filed with Marathon’s building department detail what they intend to do with that exterior wall. If those plans are allowed to move forward, Marathon’s landmark Whaling Wall will indeed be broke.

As reported right here in the Weekly, “As currently permitted, 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-year-old ‘Whaling Wall #87.’” Not only will the Whaling Wall totally be covered by these panels, plans include breaking through the wall to install another set of doors.

When warned by Marathon Planning Director Brian Shea about potential community backlash, project architect David Keener wrote, “We have made the owner aware. 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 original but there was just no way with the exterior work proposed.”

Social media has been abuzz with a lot of back-and-forth, rumors and much discontent. Some posters in the Save Wyland’s Whale Mural Facebook group have engaged with people at Surf Style. One posted a response from the Surf Style support team that stated, “Thank you for your message regarding the Wyland

mural at our new Marathon, FL location. We want to reassure you that we have no plans to destroy this mural. We wholeheartedly recognize its JOHN value as a unique BARTUS piece of public art John Bartus is a in the town and singer-songwriter its importance to and the former the community. … mayor of MaraWe are dedicated thon. to preserving this cherished mural as a sign of our respect for the town we are becoming a part of.”

Sounds great, doesn’t it? Before anyone goes to bed thinking that the battle has been won, keep in mind that no revisions or alterations to the original permit have been filed.

While one voice at the company is attempting to ameliorate public outcry, no effort to actually make those changes is happening. I’m willing to bet that the higher-ups at Surf Style don’t care that much about what locals think — because their core business will be our visitors, who won’t be aware of what they may potentially destroy.

Alex Rickert’s article in last week’s Weekly offered some hope of federal protection of the mural under the Visual Artists Rights Act. Multimillion-dollar judgments have been awarded to artists after developers painted over or destroyed works of public art. One can only hope that the threat of losing money, as well as face in the community, will inspire Surf Style to do the right thing and preserve the Whaling Wall.

In the meantime, continued pressure from the community just might make a big difference. Check out the Save Wyland’s Whale Mural Facebook group, contact the company with your feelings and stay informed. In my opinion, the only good outcome is the total preservation of Wyland’s 87th Whaling Wall.

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36

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

OPINION Avian nomenclature generally does not rate a lot of attention – or any attention, really – in the mainstream media. At least it didn’t until last week, when the American Ornithological Society sent out a press release.

MARK Stories soon followed HEDDEN in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Smithson... is a photographer, writer, and ian Magazine, Politico, on semi-professional NPR, CNN and other outlets, birdwatcher. He including a predictable rant has lived in Key against “wokeness” on Fox West for more than 25 years and News. may no longer What radical idea was in be employable in the press release? That birds the real world. He would no longer be named is also executive after people. director of the At first you might ask, Florida Keys Audubon Society. who is this group that thinks they get to decide what birds get which names? But the American Ornithological Society, formerly called the American Ornithological Union, has been in charge of the official English-language common names, as well as the official Latin and Greek scientific names, of all birds in North and South America since 1886. (They are also one of the keepers of avian taxonomy, the chart/list/ concept of where birds fit in the evolutionary tree.)

Whenever I’m out with a newer birder and they screw up an ID – call a great egret a great white heron, or something like that – and they get apologetic, I usually make the same joke: Birds don’t care what you call them. Heck, I even have a 45-minute talk I’ve given a bunch of times with the subtitle, “Birds Don’t Care What You Call Them.” Because they don’t care.

But that isn’t to say what you call them doesn’t matter.

The fundamental unit of understanding birds is species. That’s the nucleus of our conception of not just birds, but all organisms and their lives. Which is why a consistent naming system is necessary. It’s a bulwark against the chaos of misunderstanding.

The concept of species is a little like art or pornography – hard to define, but you know it when you see it. Or you think you do. The definition has shifted since its earliest incarnations, and will no doubt continue to do so as we learn more. Currently, species and taxonomy are being somewhat radically redefined by DNA and genetic testing.

On average, several bird names get changed every year, and people generally don’t get upset. Species get lumped, like when the Audubon’s warbler and the Myrtle warbler were redefined as different populations of the same species, the yellow-rumped warbler. Or they get split, like last year when the Eastern meadowlark population was divided into the Eastern meadowlark and the newly-named Chihuahuan meadowlark.

Names also can be changed if they’re deemed offensive, such as oldsquaw, now con-

BIRDS DON’T CARE WHAT YOU CALL THEM, BUT IT STILL MATTERS

A Cooper’s hawk, named after the ornithologist William Cooper after he collected a specimen in 1828. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

sidered something of a racial slur, which was replaced with long-tailed duck.

The impetus for renaming all birds named after people was a little different. The short version is: Some birds are named after really horrible people. For instance, the Townsend’s warbler and the Townsend’s solitaire are both named after John Kirk Townsend, who collected many bird specimens new to science during an 1833 expedition through the Rocky Mountains.That sounds nice. But he also spent a lot of time on that trip robbing the graves of Native Americans and stealing their skulls in an attempt to prove their intellectual inferiority via the “cutting-edge science” of phrenology.

Hammond’s flycatcher is named after William Alexander Hammond, the U.S. Surgeon General during the Civil War until he was courtmartialed – though he was in the right in that instance. Hammond was also a pioneering neurologist who, while in the army, encouraged soldiers to pick fatal fights with Native Americans – and only those they thought were pure Native Americans – so he could study their brains. He was raised in a free state, but acquired slaves when he moved west, and despite being in the Union army, he was a hardened anti-abolitionist. Hammond also held numerous racist and misogynist beliefs that he acted upon during his career.

I could go on – about Winfield Scott (Scott’s oriole), who oversaw the forced relocation of the Cherokee people from North Carolina to Oklahoma in what we now call the Trail of Tears. Or about William Bachman (Bachman’s warbler), who was a sometimes pal of John James Audubon, but also a slave-owning antiabolitionist. Or about Audubon himself (Audu-

bon’s shearwater and Audubon’s warbler), whose impact on American ornithology is deep, so much so that he is the one ornithologist most people can name, but was also a slave owner who expressed many disturbingly racist ideas and once bragged about cajoling a family of escaped slaves into returning to their enslavers. (The Audubon Society name is a whole different conversation.)

And it doesn’t stop there, or anywhere near there.

The conversation about how problematic – or f*cked up, depending on how you want to phrase it – a lot of these eponyms are, and the question about whether something should be done about them, started just after the incident with Christian Cooper in Central Park in 2020.

At least that’s when a lot of people first started thinking about it.

There is the question of honoring people who perhaps shouldn’t be honored. There’s also the fact that some of these eponyms make a lot of black people, Native Americans and people of other ethnicities deeply uncomfortable, so it blunts a lot of people’s interests in the world of birds.

Birds are under threat from so many forces – habitat loss, light pollution, feral cats, tall buildings, etc. Avian populations are declining all over the place. People’s interest in birds is their best hope for survival and protection. Why would you want to leave in place a series of names that alienates large swaths of humanity?

There are about 150 birds in North and South America named after people, and 70 or 80 of those species get seen regularly in the U.S. Not all of their namesakes did reprehensible things. Most of them probably did not.

But the question of who was moral and ethical enough to have their name attached to a species is a deeply thorny one, as well as an exhausting one.

I am wowed by the AOS’ simple and clear solution: Don’t name birds after anyone.

Nobody is owed an honorific, especially someone who died 150 years ago. Naming birds should not be about egos or honor or reverence or sentimentality. It should be about the birds, what makes them distinctive, where they live, how they thrive.

I think it’s important to keep some poetry in there, but eponyms tell us nothing, other than the fact that some human had some social status back in the day. I’m relatively fond of humans – some of them anyway – but everything need not be about us. In fact, we gain a much better understanding of the world and how it works when we stop making everything about us.

And it’s not going to happen overnight.

Avian nomenclature is a slow-steering ship. It will take years, possibly decades. (They are not changing the scientific nomenclature, just the common names.) Everyone will survive the process. And a lot of new birders might feel more at home, might feel they have a stronger stake in the world of birds, and a greater understanding of the imperative to protect them.

I’m sure I, like a lot of birders, will screw up a lot when the new names come around, falling back on the well-worn grooves in my brain. And that’s fine. The birds really don’t care.

37

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

TRUSTS • WILLS POWERS OF ATTORNEY LADYBIRD DEEDS Whether you are a resident or a snowbird, it is important to have your assets properly titled in a way that will avoid those assets going through probate.

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City Manager George Garrett City Attorney Steve Williams City Clerk Diane Clavier

SUBJECT: Executive Session Notice: 11/14/23 4:30pm Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy. FOLKS v. City of Marathon City Council Meeting 11/14/23 5:30pm

Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Code Compliance Hearing 11/16/23 2:00pm Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy. Planning Commission Meeting 11/20/23 5:30pm Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at any meeting or workshop noted herein, he or she will need a record of the proceedings and for such purposes he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. The City of Marathon complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a disabled person requiring special accommodations or assistance, please notify the City ADA Coordinator at (305) 289-5022 of such need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance.

City of Marathon City Council Agenda 9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 5:30 P.M. (*Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval of Agenda) Public Comments taken on all times and at 6:30pm time certain for items not on the agenda or as soon as possible thereafter of after the last agenda item; whichever comes first.

City Council Items * A. Approval of Minutes B. Smart Ride Proclamation C. Code Department Vacation Rental Compliance Update * D. Celtic Festival January 6 and 7 Request to Serve Alcohol at Community Park E. Workshop Discussion Items for 2024 F. Wyland Wall Mural Discussion (Gonzalez) City Manager Report * A. Wastewater Utilities Report * B. Grants Update * C. Public Works Report * D. Park and Recreation Report * E. Marathon Fire Rescue Report * F. Marina Report * G. Building Report Ordinances for Second Public Hearing and Adoption A. Ordinance 2023-20, Modifying Section 32-34 Of The City Code Of Ordinances, ‘Tow Away Zones’; Add One Tow Away Zone And Adding Section 32.35 ‘Parking Prohibitions In Specified Places’; Providing For Removal Of Any Sections Of The Code Found In Conflict With This Change In The Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Incorporation Into The Code Of Ordinances; And Providing For An Effective Date.

B. Ordinance 2023-21, Amending The First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code Of Ordinances, City Of Marathon, Florida; And Providing An Effective Date.

Resolutions For Adoption *A. Resolution 2023-111, Approving A Lease Agreement Between The City Of Marathon, Florida As The Owner, And QOF, Inc. As Lessee For Submerged Lands Identified By Real Estate Number 00355400-000000; Including, But Not Limited To Establishing A Lease Area, Lease Amount, Lease Duration, And Release Of Liability; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Lease Agreement On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date. *B. Resolution 2023-112, Modifying the City’s Wastewater Rate Policy to amend the Alternative Water Supply Customer rate; Authorizing The City Manager To Administer Wastewater Rate Implementation; Accordingly, And Providing An Effective Date *C. Resolution 2023-113, Approving the Use Utilities Fund Balance Reserves to Payoff the City’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan WW637090; And Providing For An Effective Date. *D. Resolution 2023-114, Approving A Project Specific Agreement In The Amount Of $80,000 With The Firm Of Florida Technical Consultants (FTC), A Continuing Services Contractor For City Wide GIS Support Services; Authorizing The City Manager To Sign The Agreement; And Providing For An Effective Date *E. Resolution 2023-115, Approving The Professional Service Agreement Between The City And Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., For Professional Engineering Services For The Design of The Decking Replacement of the 117th Street and 116th Street Bridges In An Amount Not To Exceed $208,355.60; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Expend Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date. *F. Resolution 2023-116, Accepting The Ranking And Recommendation Of The City’s Evaluation Team In Response To An RFQ For Professional Design Services For The Design Of The 112th Street Bridge; Authorizing The City Manager And Staff To Negotiate A Contract With The Top Ranked Firm Of Stantec Consulting Services, Inc; And Providing For An Effective Date.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at such hearing or meeting, one will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; such record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA Assistance: Anyone needing special assistance at the City Council hearing due to disability should contact the City of Marathon City Attorney at (305) 289-4130 at least five days prior thereto. Please contact the City Clerk at clavierd@ci.marathon.fl.us if you would like to receive any of the items on the agenda by email.

38

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

NOT ON THE MENU

A turtle kraal at Key West Bight. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Contributed

PROTECTIONS IN PLACE FOR A TURTLE SPECIES ONCE HUNTED IN THE KEYS

T

he turtle industry in the Florida Keys has performed something of an about-face. Once upon a time, sea turtles like the green, hawksbill and loggerhead, among others, were hunted by indigenous coastal populations and later European explorers.

By the 20th century, turtle FLORIDA populations were nearly too KEYS exhausted to recover.

HISTORY What was convenient about WITH turtles as a protein source was BRAD that they could be captured and BERTELLI stored live with minimum effort.

Before the days of refrigeration, An author, speaker, Florida the best way to keep a protein Keys historian and fresh was to keep it alive. For Honorary Conch.

European sailors, and later comHis latest book, mercial fishermen, the turtles “Florida Keys History with Brad could be kept on ships, on their Bertelli, Volume backs, for extended periods.

1,” shares fasciThey could also be corralled like nating glimpses livestock in enclosures called into the rich and kraals. sometimes surAccording to Merriamprising histories of the Florida Keys.

Webster, kraal is defined as “an enclosure for animals, especially in southern Africa.”

When ornithologist John James Audubon visited the Florida Keys in 1832, he wrote letters about his experiences. According to one of those: “Each turtler has his crawl, which is a square

wooden building or pen, formed of logs, which are so far separated as to allow the tide to pass freely through, and stand erect in the mud. The turtles are placed in the enclosure, fed and kept there until sold.”

The reptiles were harvested in a number of ways. When Ponce de Leon and other European explorers collected them, one technique was to wait for the pregnant females to labor onto beaches to lay their clutches of ping-pong-ball-sized eggs.

While beached, it was easy for someone walking along to secure the creature by flipping it over on its back until it could be transported to the ship.

Nets, too, could be unfurled across a shallow, grassy area where patient fishermen caught them when they swam into the net and became entangled. The trick for the fishermen was to get to the turtle before it drowned. There were other ways to catch them.

One of these techniques was described in the memoir, “A True Story of Some Eventful Years in Grandpa’s Life,” written by Henry Perrine Jr., who spent 20 months living in the Florida Keys as a boy.

More than four decades later, in 1885, he recorded his memories.

About capturing turtles, Perrine wrote: “Another which is not so well understood is called pegging the turtle. A small square sharp-pointed iron peg about an inch and a half long, having a groove around its center, to which is attached a long line, is fitted into a socket up on the end of a pole about twelve or fourteen feet in length. When a turtle is seen sleeping upon the surface of the water, or if seen swimming near the bottom, one man

cautiously sculls or poles the boat as closely as possible to it, and then the man in the bow with a quick but not violent thrust of his pole plants the peg in the turtle’s back, at the same time giving plenty of slack to the line. The turtle darting away brings the taut of the line at nearly right angles with the peg which thus remains firmly embedded in the shell.”

Commercially, turtles became another boom and bust industry. It boomed primarily because of the green turtle — named not for their outward color but for the color of the layer of fat found beneath its shell. It was this green fat that rendered the tastiest stock for the turtle soup that grew to attain worldwide popularity.

For a time, Key West became a hub for the processing and canning of turtle and turtle products, and it seems to be generally agreed that the French chef Armand Granday was the first to find success operating a turtle cannery in the Keys.

According to Norberg Thompson, who purchased Granday’s operation in 1910: “At the time the industry was first started, Mr. Granday secured his turtles from the water about Key West, but they become so scarce in these waters that the turtles used in the manufacture of the soup are now caught in the Caribbean Sea along the Gulf of Mexico, with some from the coast of Nicaragua” (Norberg Thompson, 1914, “The New and Greater Key West” told in picture and story).

Turtle populations dwindled not just because of their commercial harvest but because their nesting sites were being dug out and the eggs collected for human consumption, too. It took decades for the government to intervene. In the U.S., it started in earnest when the Endangered Species Conservation Act was passed in 1969.

Today, all sea turtles are protected by the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973.

While no longer found on restaurant menus, turtles in the Florida Keys remain a tourist draw.

Seen gliding through the clear water or resting at the surface and taking a breath of air, they are a wonder to see. Though they are no longer hunted for the meat or their eggs in the U.S. (though still in some countries), they do face unnatural dangers that include boat strikes, a herpes-like virus called fibropapillomatosis and garbage. For instance, when cigarette butts and plastic bags are floating in the water, they mimic primary food sources like shrimp (cigarette butts) and jellyfish (plastic bags).

Fortunately for the turtles and the Florida Keys, there is the old Hidden Harbor Motel.

Back in the 1950s, it was a roadside accommodation in a sleepy Marathon. Today, it represents a unique roadside attraction. The Hidden Harbor Marine Environmental Project is a nonprofit better known as the Turtle Hospital. Its mission is to not only educate the public but also to rehabilitate and release injured and sick turtles.

The education center offers daily guided tours of the hospital and rehabilitation facility where permanent and recuperating guests are kept. Because tours are limited in space, reservations are highly recommended for this one-of-a-kind tour.

39

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

REALITY CHECK: NON-FICTION NOVEMBER Explore captivating stories through these three compelling reads

ELON MUSK

By Walter Isaacson At 52, Elon Musk has accomplished things most people deemed impossible. Following a rough childhood in South Africa, Elon moved to Canada with his mother, brother and sister.

After college, he and his brother began work on what would become their first startup. With a background in physics and computer science, it became quickly apparent he needed to run his own company. Musk’s strong personality and unstoppable drive were a gift and a curse. He was difficult to work for, but most employees would rather be stimulated by his enlightenment than bored working for someone else.

After making his mark with PayPal, he transferred his boundless energy to creating Tesla, leading to batteries and AI, Space X, The Boring Company and X. While Musk surrounds himself with teams of scientists and engineers, there is no doubt he is the driving force. Musk struggles with some social awkwardness and is often misunderstood. His unfortunate relationship with his abusive father left painful marks. Musk’s lofty goals are not dollar-driven, but he possesses an unyielding determination to do what he believes will save humanity. Expertly written, this is a lengthy biography, but the chapters are well-structured and manageable. I devoured every word.

THE MANY LIVES OF MAMA LOVE

By Lara Love Hardin Lara is going to jail. It was always a possibility in the back of her mind as she furtively swiped credit cards from unsuspecting neighbors and cars in the school parking lot. As an attractive mother of four, Lara appears to be a typical soccer mom. The truth is Lara and her husband, DJ, spend every waking moment securing cash to purchase heroin and shoot up. They are addicts, barely functioning. Growing up in an unloving home, Lara dreamed of becoming a writer and mother. Now she is going to jail with 32 felony counts, and so is DJ. Her youngest son is hysterical as police drag Lara away. Determined to survive and keep her kids, Lara must first figure out the complicated hierarchy in prison. Surprisingly, Lara learns about herself through these women who have been abused and bullied their entire lives. They crave to be heard, and she becomes a good listener. Upon release, Lara must create a new life for herself and her children. She must face life without the drugs that nearly destroyed her. This smart, sensitive, beautifully-written memoir is an honest retelling of a life worth living.

KAREN NEWFIELD First and foremost a reader, she has reviewed hundreds of books on her blog www. readingandeating. com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing.

GOING INFINITE

By Michael Lewis Sam Bankman-Fried is 31 and has been convicted of seven criminal counts for defrauding his customers.

He awaits sentencing. Bankman-Fried grew up in California, his parents law professors at Stanford. From a young age it was clear he thought differently from other children and didn’t have any friends. While attending math camp, he finally met others he felt a kinship with. After a degree in physics from MIT, Bankman-Fried used his extraordinary math and thinking skills to obtain a job with a high-caliber private equity firm in New York. It did not take long for him to learn about cryptocurrency and realize he could easily perform similar trading skills in this new realm. He built a world shared with only a few key people where they created software that bought and sold cryptocurrency faster than any human trader could imagine. With small profits per trade, the volume was so enormous that they were soon making millions, then billions. Alameda and FTX, his two trading companies, grew to unimaginable proportions for a group of “kids” with little experience and scary accounting practices. There is no doubt Bankman-Fried is brilliant and this trial will go down in history.

#WORTHWATCHING: A documentary detailing the very real and deadly consequences of food illnesses and contaminants found in what we eat every day. Originally based on a book, “Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food” can be seen on Netflix.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

MILLION AIR HELPS AVIATION DAY ‘TAKE OFF’ FOR SWITLIK SECOND GRADERS The Stanley Switlik second grade class fills the hangar at Million Air at the Marathon International Airport.CONTRIBUTED

K

Million Air general manager Nettie Mayer gives a presentation on aviation, finishing with a live feed of the entire globe’s active flights through Flight Aware tracking software.

ey West International Airport and Marathon/ Florida Keys International Airport thank Million Air for recently hosting the Stanley Switlik Elementary School second-grade class on an aviation-focused field trip.

Nearly 100 second grade students, their teachers and chaperones spent the better part of Sept. 24 at Million Air with a full schedule of aviation-focused activities.

“Million Air general manager Nettie Mayer and her staff did an incredible job showing these kids all of the exciting activities going on at our Middle Keys FBO (fixedbase operator),” said Richard Strickland, Executive Director of Airports.

Students were given a marshalling lesson in the Million Air hangar by line service manager Tara Moffett and line technician Michael Stapleman. The students also took part in a paper airplane contest and had a picnic lunch prepared

by Chef Heather. Inside the FBO, Mayer gave a presentation covering aviation from its roots to the technological capabilities of today.

“An airplane will take you anywhere you want to go in the world,” Mayer told the students, finishing by showing

a live feed of the entire globe’s active flights through Flight Aware tracking software.

“I hope it sparked some aviation interest … and I would like to thank my staff for their part in making the entire day such a success,” Mayer said.

The last treat of the day was a gift bag for each student including a miniature globe, light-up airplane keychain and a paratrooper toy, representing Marathon’s connection to Stanley Switlik, who built the first parachute training tower in the United States.

“Stanley Switlik Elementary School is an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school. Our focus is on helping students discover that hard work and determination can help them achieve success and determine the career that is best-suited (for them),” said Switlik principal Linda Diaz. “This field trip tied in perfectly with our goal of preparing students for the future early.”

Other Million Air employees who helped make the day a success include Lexie Townsley, Brook Bezanis and Tara Kincannon.

– Contributed

BRIEFLY Volunteer to ring the bell for the Salvation Army The Salvation Army Red Kettle annual fundraiser has been an American icon for 125 years around the world with collections running through the holidays. The organization is seeking volunteers to “ring the bell” during this holiday season. Volunteers are needed for locations in Marathon and Key West. Shifts are two hours beginning Nov. 24 through Dec. 23, and volunteers may sign up for one or multiple shifts. All funds collected stay in the Keys community and help to provide food, shelter, disaster relief and much more to individuals and families in crisis. Visit registertoring.com to sign up.

If you have questions, contact Loretta at 813-892-3342.

Marathon man arrested for discharging firearm An apparently intoxicated 37-yearold Marathon man was arrested Nov.

3 after allegedly discharging a firearm in public and fleeing from the Sheriff’s Office. There were no reported serious injuries. Robert Matthew Phillips was charged with discharging a weapon in public, possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony, using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, resisting arrest, fleeing and eluding, assault and DUI. The Sheriff’s Office went to the area of Eastwind Apartments regarding a shots-fired call around 8:15 p.m. The suspect, identified as Phillips, was seen on a bicycle but did not stop when ordered, the Sheriff’s Office said. Phillips rode away on the bicycle before he was caught.

Phillips was shocked with a Taser as he continued to resist arrest. A loaded .40-caliber Glock handgun was found in Phillips’ possession. A witness said Phillips threatened to shoot a resident.

Another witness reported seeing Phillips fire the gun into the air multiple times. Spent casings found matched

those in the gun formerly in Phillips’ possession.

Dolphin Research Center offers free admission for vets this Saturday To salute the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces, Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is offering free general admission to veterans, current military service personnel and their accompanying spouses and children on Saturday, Nov. 11. Personnel need to show their military identification cards or other proof of military service when they arrive at the facility. DRC offers educational narrated behavior demonstrations throughout the day and a variety of interactive programs that bring guests up close to their family of dolphins and sea lions. The nonprofit facility is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MM 59 on Grassy Key. More information is available from 305-289-1121 or www.dolphins.org.

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.

44

MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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MARATHON WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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November 9, 2023

AJ Smith earns record-setting gold medal | P.4

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3

NOVEMBER 9, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

NOV. 9

THE SCOREBOARD

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Coral Shores

Football

Palm Glades Prep

11/1

W, 50-12

Marathon

Girls Weightlifting

Coral Shores

11/2

W, 46-32

Marathon

Football

Somerset South Homestead

11/3

L, 48-14

Key West

Football

Archbishop McCarthy

11/3

L, 51-47

THIS WEEK

AJ

SMITH

NOV. 9

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

11/9

Marathon

Cross Country

Regionals @ Spanish River

8:30 a.m.

11/9

KWHS & CSHS Cross Country

Regionals @ Boca Raton

8 a.m.

11/11

Key West

Girls Soccer

@ Doral Academy

2 p.m.

11/11

Key West

Boys Soccer

Ransom

1 p.m.

11/14

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

@ Monsignor Pace

4 p.m.

11/15

Marathon

Boys Soccer

Coral Shores

5 p.m.

11/15

Key West

Girls Weightlifting

Marathon

4 p.m.

11/16

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

SLAM

7 p.m.

Senior, Key West Swimming

AJ works extremely hard every day. He takes his role as captain seriously and leads by example.”

— Lori Bosco, Conchs head swimming coach.

STATE CHAMP

20.89S 50 freestyle

AJ Smith receives his gold medal at the FHSAA state championships. CONTRIBUTED

ON THE COVER For the first time in school history, Key West High School is home to a state champion swimmer with AJ Smith’s gold medal performance in the 50 free. See page 4. GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly

For the first time in school history, a Conch swimmer is a state champion, and that swimmer is Key West’s AJ Smith. Chosen as our Athlete of the Week a little over a month ago for breaking the school record in his best event, the 50 free, Smith managed to re-break the record twice more since his previous honor. In addition, he returned from regionals with a gold medal and the top seed in the 50 at states. Smith balanced the pressure with his usual relentless work ethic and did what he was predicted to do: claim a state title for the southernmost swim team and earn a spot on the Conch Wall of Fame in the school’s gymnasium.

For his unwavering commitment to his team and sport and for putting Key West swimming on the map, AJ Smith is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Photo by: GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly

4

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / NOVEMBER 9, 2023 SPORTS WRITER

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

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

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

PODCAST HOST

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development

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

Production Manager

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Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

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

MARKET EDITORS

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR

BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050.

APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

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

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

AJ Smith, right, pauses for a photo op with Key West High School principal Rebecca Palomino. CONTRIBUTED

5

NOVEMBER 9, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

FKAA The Key West community lines the streets to welcome home state champion swimmer AJ Smith. CONTRIBUTED

SOLID GOLD AJ Smith is Key West’s first state champion swimmer

O

n Nov. 3, Key West senior AJ Smith made school history, re-breaking his own school record in the 50 freestyle event at the FHSAA Florida swimming state championships. Smith’s 20.89-second effort was the fastest time in the pool, making him the 2A state champion in the event.

Smith is the first swimmer in the Conchs’ rich history to bring home state gold, and the 2023 season marked his second trip to the state meet. Last season he placed 10th in the same event. Smith’s dedication to his sport and rock-solid work ethic made the difference this year.

Longtime Conchs coach Lori Bosco’s pride in her senior captain is twofold.

“He definitely put in all the hard work,” she said. “He’s always thinking about the rest of the team and he leads by example. He wanted to show the rest of the team that they could achieve their goals, too. We are all very proud of him.”

Smith has not decided on whether he will pursue swimming at the collegiate level, but his coach said he is keeping his mind open.

“This has definitely opened some doors for him,” Bosco said.

The phenom also qualified for the 100 free at the state meet, held at the Ocala Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training (FAST) Center. His preliminary time was fast enough to qualify for a chance to bring home a second medal, but a false start in the finals disqualified him from the event.

“He’s always thinking about the rest of the team and he leads by example. He wanted to show the rest of the team that they could achieve their goals, too. We are all very proud of him.” ­— coach Lori Bosco

Coral Shores sent four athletes to the 1A state championships, also held at FAST, on Nov. 4. Junior Abbie Sargent qualified for the meet in the individual 100 breaststroke race as well as the 200 yard medley relay with Layne Smith, Allegra Fucaraccio and Riley Cooper.

Sargent ended in 21st place in the 100 breaststroke, and the relay team suffered an early takeoff, disqualifying them from the race. All four athletes are highly decorated after an impressive showing at both districts and regionals, and will likely continue to improve next season.

Their training is extensive and includes open-water distance swims “for the fun of it.” Earlier this fall, Smith became the youngest solo swimmer in the eight-mile Swim for Alligator Lighthouse, placing second in the women’s division, while Cooper and Sargent were part of the winning relay team in the event.

EMERGENCY WATER PLAN STORE WATER

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

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

EVACUATING? HERE'S WHAT TO DO SHUT OFF THE HOME'S WATER VALVE (TYPICALLY FOUND ON THE EXTERIOR WALL OF THE HOME). SOME WATER HEATERS MAY ALSO NEED TO BE SHUT OFF. CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER.

Should you require assistance in turning off your water, FKAA will be happy to come out and turn it off for you, as a courtesy (time permitting).

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

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

6

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

4

THAT’S A WRAP

1 2

5

3

T

he Key West Conchs came very close to upsetting Archbishop McCarthy’s perfect season on Nov. 3, but a sluggish start in the second half would prove too much to overcome. Key West struck first, then traded touchdowns with McCarthy in a back-and-forth game.

At halftime, Key West was down 14-13 despite the physical mismatch of the teams.

In quarter three, the Conchs had four failed offensive series, including three turned over on downs and one interception. Refusing to say die and down 34-13, the Conchs began executing, and a comeback seemed possible as they racked up 34 points throughout the remainder of the game.

In all, four Conchs crossed the goal line, as Adrian Mira, Clerff Alexandre and Jaden Fox scored one touchdown each and Walson Morin scored twice.

“We ran out of time,” head coach Johnny Hughes said of the 51-47 loss.

The Conchs closed their season at 3-7, but as Hughes explained to his team, “if 10 or 11 plays had different outcomes, it’s a 7-3 season.”

“We were physically outmanned against McCarthy,” he told the Weekly. “We’re going to spend some time in the

weight room this offseason and get to where we need to be.”

Key West had a season beleaguered with turnovers, with 22 in the first four games alone. Later in the season, minor injuries began to pile up, testing the depth of the team. While the Conchs had a dozen seniors on their roster, the younger players had plenty of opportunities to earn time on the field this year.

“We didn’t have a JV this year. We had nine freshmen on the varsity team instead, and they all ended up playing,” Hughes said. The experience gained by the freshmen as well as “a talented sophomore class and some really strong juniors” should spell success for Key West in the 2024 season.

The Dolphins traveled to Harris Field in Homestead on Nov. 3 to play their final game of the season. Across the line of scrimmage were the Hurricanes of Somerset South Homestead. On their opening drive, the Fins did what they do best: controlling the clock and holding the ball as long as they could.

Marathon marched down the field on a 70-yard drive, capped off with an 11-yard Braulio Garcia touchdown run. All systems pointed toward a win with the Fins moving the ball at will and managing decent chunks of yardage for their first possession.

Two plays later, the score was tied up, and Marathon’s hopes began to ebb. A turnover further set the Fins back, and the Hurricanes scored again just moments into the second quarter.

Down 14-7, Marathon got back to work on offense, but

This page: 1. It takes two Archbishop McCarthy defenders to get Key West running back Walson Morin to the ground.

2. Key West’s defense readies for an Archbishop McCarthy snap.

3. Key West’s Walson Morin turns upfield.

4. Key West’s Jaden Fox (6) takes a handoff from quarterback Adrian Mira.

5. Key West’s players push the pile for a short touchdown.

Opposite page: 1. Marathon’s Carlos Lezcano catches the snap early in the first quarter of the Fins’ final game of the season.

2. Lezcano has nowhere to run in the Dolphins’ game against Somerset South Homestead.

3. Carlos Lezcano (1) follows Tanner Ross (5) into a wall of Hurricanes on Nov. 3.

4. Ball carrier Fab Louis Jeune awaits a block from Alexandre Cruz in the second half of Marathon’s final game Nov. 3.

Photos by TRACY LAVALLEE and CAYLIE GLOBE/Contributed

7

NOVEMBER 9, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

1

Prep football season concludes in the Keys

2

3

an interception returned the ball to the Hurricanes, who were given a first-and-goal scenario. The ’Canes quickly scored not once, but twice, with both TDs being called back on penalties. The Fins’ defense held strong, and a series of big defensive plays, including an Eddie Garcia sack, put the Hurricanes on the 50-yard line in a third-and-47 situation.

But Somerset managed to dig themselves out of their mess and scored on the next play. Marathon was able to stop the Hurricanes from capitalizing on the extra point, making the score 20-7.

With 7:40 to go in the half, the Fins were driving again, but a fumble recovered by Somerset gave them a quick extra 6 along with a 2-point conversion. One more turnover in the first half led to a 35-7 deficit that Marathon wasn’t able to undo in the second half of play.

Marathon did some regrouping in the second half, holding Somerset to just a pair of touchdowns, both in quarter three, but a running clock and deep deficit would prevent a victory. The Dolphins did manage another touchdown in the fourth quarter, this time a 4-yard run from Tanner Ross, who willed himself into the end zone. At the final buzzer, the score was 48-14, giving the Fins a 2-8 record for the season.

The Dolphins will return to action next season hungry for more wins and ready to put in the work with a nearly intact roster – the team has just two seniors this year.

Coral Shores was slated to play Ransom Everglades for the third-place trophy in the FIFC conference consolation game. The game was scheduled for Nov. 2 and coach

SEASON RECORDS Coral Shores 6-4 Marathon 2-8 Key West 3-7

4

Ed Holly and his team worked all week in preparation for a rematch against Raiders. On Monday, they learned that Ransom would not play the game, citing their team’s health after being banged up the previous week.

Despite having a deep varsity and full JV roster, the Raiders were unwilling to consider the scheduled matchup, leaving Holly to either end his season early or scramble for another opponent.

“It’s not just a game,” he said. “Our kids have only 10 chances to play all year. Not playing a game takes away 10% of their year and we didn’t want to do that to them, especially our seniors.”

Holly was able to find a worthy opponent who was not only willing to play, but was close and within the conference. The Hurricanes quickly changed their gameplan, preparing for Palm Glades Prep in a walk-through practice on Tuesday afternoon, then playing them on Wednesday evening at Harris Park in Homestead.

In their last matchup on Sept. 8, the ’Canes bested Palm Glades 20-12. This time, the score would be 5012, a testament to the Hurricanes’ hard work the past two months. Holly summed up his team’s season in one word: “Improvement.”

“My litmus test is, are we playing the best ball at the end of the year? The answer to that this season is yes,” he said.

On Wednesday night, the ’Canes certainly looked to be playing well.

The scoring started on their first drive with an Isaac Holmes 16-yard pass to Austin Vogt. It would be the first of three passing TDs from Holmes, including a 38-yard bomb to AJ Putetti and one more for 16 yards to Kristers Vutnans. Putetti also scored on an interception which he carried 50 yards for the score. Holmes, who had close to 300 all-purpose yards on the night, also ran one in for a 33-yard touchdown, capping off the senior’s career in style.

Kicker Ethan Margut put 3 on the board with a 31-yard field goal, and Dantay Diorio added a touchdown on the ground. He was also credited with a forced fumble, which was recovered by Micah Carr. RJ Dube had a 1-yard TD run to complete the scoring onslaught for the ’Canes.

Coral Shores finished its season 6-4, picking up steam as the season went on. The Hurricanes earned third-place honors in their conference with the forfeit by Ransom, making their lopsided win over Palm Glades an added bonus to an already stat-studded season.

8

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

7 1 2

3

8

MOVING ON UP Fins, Conchs win district hardware; all three Keys schools send athletes to regionals

C

4

5

6

ross country district races are complete and Keys runners performed very well, with many moving on to regionals.

Marathon ran at Palmer Trinity School on Nov. 2 for the 1A District 8 championships. The Fins’ boys earned a district runner-up title and an automatic entry into regionals. Vance Bursa was the first Dolphin, finishing in 16:52 and earning a silver medal for the district. Tony Bursa was fifth overall and second for his team, crossing the line in 17:55. Senior Mason Buxton also cracked the top 10, finishing in ninth place overall and third for Marathon. Jakub Bursa, Adrien Holdinga, Dillon Shelar and Allan Taylor also counted toward the Fins’ total and will move on in their quest for their ninth consecutive state appearance as a team.

They will need to get through some stiff regional competition first, though. For the 1A Dolphins, that means racing against the top 16 teams, four from each district, in South Florida.

“Our region is racing at Spanish River, which is the FAU home course. It is known to be one of the faster courses in South Florida,” said coach Jim Murphy. “As long as it stays dry, it is going to be a very fast race.”

In preparation for the challenge that awaits them on Thursday, Nov. 9, he said, “We have shifted our workouts to prepare for the faster course and tougher teams. It’s been a speed work, recovery, speed work cycle for the last few weeks in preparation for this postseason. The kids have bought in and have been working hard to prepare. I’m excited to see how we end up on Thursday and if we can make another run at states.”

The girls team was third overall, qualifying them for the next round of racing. Ella Dunn was the first Fin to cross the line in 22:49, which was fast enough to take the number 10 spot in the district.

Maeve Merryman was next in 23:10, and Mikkel Ross, Rain Banks, Sara Robinson, Madelyn Thornton and Rebecca Merryman also contributed to the team scoring.

2A Key West and Coral Shores competed on Nov. 1 at Larry and Penny Thompson Park in Miami. The Lady Conchs buckled down and took fourth place, qualifying the entire team for regionals. Caylaa Makimaa and Naima Thomas both finished with personal best times and top-15 finishes, helping spur the team’s success. Makimaa crossed the finish line third overall in 20:00, with Thomas earning 12th in 21:44. Laira Anaya, Violet Jangraw, Briana Nodal, Ava Gonzalez and Mia Steer all contributed to the scoring and will move on.

Photos by RICK MACKENZIE and LYNDIE MEYERS/Contributed

10 12

9

NOVEMBER 9, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

9

11

1. Coral Shores and Key West explode off the start line of the boys’ 2A District 8 championships.

2. Key West’s Colbin Hill runs strong at districts, placing first for the Conchs and earning an individual bid to regionals.

3. Key West’s Jerven Louis focuses midrace. Louis qualified for regionals with a strong individual time.

4. Coral Shores’ Nathaniel Shugarman races to the best finish for his team at districts.

5. Jenna Mandozzi finishes strong at districts. Mandozzi was second for the Lady ‘Canes.

6. Coral Shores’ Kai Guth pushes past another runner at districts. Guth’s time qualified her for regionals.

7. The Lady Conchs’ fourth place team poses with their hardware with head coach Keara McGraw. From left: Violet Jangraw, Laira Anaya, Briana Nodal, Mia Steer, McGraw, Zoe Basham, Ava Gonzalez, Naima Thomas and Caylaa Makimaa.

8. Ella Dunn works her way through the middle of the course at districts. Dunn was first for Marathon and placed 10th in the district.

9. Marathon girls Sara Robinson (172), Rain Banks (168) and Maeve Merryman (169) work in a pack early in the race.

10.Tony Bursa crosses the line at districts. Bursa finished fifth overall and second for Marathon.

11. Marathon’s Mason Buxton (181) kicks at the finish of the district championships.

12. The Coral Shores’ girls cross country team toes the line at the start of the FHSAA 2A District 8 championships on Nov. 1.

Key West’s boys finished in ninth place overall, which did not qualify the team for regionals, but Colbin Hill and Jerven Louis finished fast enough to qualify as individuals. Hill ran an 18:34, while Louis finished in 19:37. One of the team’s goals was to make it to regionals this season. With that checked off, the focus is now to get to Tallahassee.

Coral Shores’ young teams did not qualify for regionals this season, but Kai Guth made it as an individual runner, finishing first for her team in 24:49.

Jenna Mandozzi finished second for the Lady ‘Canes. Nathaniel Shugarman was first for the boys, finishing in 20:48, while teammate Jamie Cary was second.

Guth will make the trip to Boca for the regional race with first-year coach Lyndie Meyers, who said she could not be prouder of her entire team. Their hard work, as well as that of the boys, has paid off with marked improvement as the season went on, and Meyers has plans to include some middle school athletes next year to keep strengthening the Hurricane program.

For 2A Coral Shores and Key West, their race will be at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton on Nov. 9. The top eight teams plus the top four individuals not included in a qualifying team in each region will make the trip to Tallahassee for the state championships later this month.

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

WINTER SPORTS OFFICIALLY BEGIN 1

who are still in the running for cross country regionals, and Justice Lee Isom, who is finishing out her football season before returning to the weightlifting team.

Dolphin coach Jessie Schubert was the first to bring weightlifting to Monroe County, and he is confident this season could be the best yet.

“We’re all really excited about the season and the girls are looking promising,” he said after meet number one was complete.

Keys lifters were to meet again Nov. 8, this time at Marathon. Results were not available at press time.

1. Marathon’s Sierra Earnhardt, pictured in a meet late last season, was a dual winner at the opening meet of the 2023-24 girls weightlifting season.

2. Elise Dolton 3. Marathon coach Jessie Schubert and Ella Dunn with some postseason hardware from the 2022-23 season.

4. Sierra Earnhardt 5. Elizabeth Piper Photos by JUSTICE LEE ISOM and DOUG FINGER

2

Girls weightlifting season opens competition

G

irls weightlifting officially opened for regular competition in Florida on Oct. 30, and two Keys teams wasted no time getting the first meet under their weight belts, as Marathon traveled to Tavernier to compete with Coral Shores on Nov. 1. Both teams produced strong early-season lifts, but the Dolphins edged out the Hurricanes 46-32 in Olympic lifts and 44-39 in traditional.

Olympic lifting combines weight totals for the clean and jerk plus the snatch lift, while traditional lifting combines clean and jerk with bench press. Coral Shores’ Mallory Hughes won the traditional lifting event in the 101-pound class, while Rachel Rusch won both events in the 110-pound class. Marathon’s Elizabeth Vanderlee and Coral Shores’ Leticia Lima split the 119-pound division, with Vanderlee winning Olympic style and Lima winning traditional. Marathon’s Sierra Earnhardt, Cami Wrinn, Marquisha Abraham and Sabrina Schofield were all dual winners in their weight classes, while

Grace Patterson, Jenille Arias and Sydney Eisenbach were dual winners for the Hurricanes.

Eisenbach had the highest bench press of the afternoon, putting up 125 pounds. Teammate Arias’ 125-pound clean and jerk was the high score of the day in that event. Eisenbach and Arias tied for the top snatch score, each lifting 105 pounds.

Marathon is without several top returners, including state qualifiers Mikkel Ross and Ella Dunn,

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NOVEMBER 9, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

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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

County, FLORIDA ELECTING TO USE THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS LEVIED WITHIN THE County FOR THE PROVISION OF ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS, FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECTS AND ADDRESSING SEA LEVEL RISE PROJECTS FOR TWIN LAKES; STATING A NEED FOR SUCH LEVY; PROVIDING FOR THE MAILING OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The resolution, if adopted, would indicate the County’s intent to use the uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem special assessments to be levied within the County as authorized by section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, for the cost of providing roadway improvements, flood mitigation projects and sea level rise projects for the Fiscal Year beginning on October 1, 2024 and continuing until discontinued by the County.

The proposed resolution, which contains the legal description of the real property subject to the levy and states the need for the special assessment, can be inspected by the public by viewing the agenda packet for this meeting at: http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx All interested persons are invited to attend, either in person or by zoom. The zoom link can be found at: http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30a.m. – 5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 30th day of October 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: November 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

470, 472, 474, 475 and 476 IN GEIGER KEY; STATING A NEED FOR SUCH LEVY; PROVIDING FOR THE MAILING OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The proposed resolution, which contains the legal description of the real property subject to the levy and states the need for the special assessment, can be inspected by the public by viewing the agenda packet for this meeting at: http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx All interested persons are invited to attend, either in person or by zoom. The zoom link can be found at: http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30a.m. – 5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 31st day of October 2023.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: November 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071.

If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on December 14, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: November 9, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

designated or be defaulted.

Dated at Miami, Florida, this 23rd day of October, 2023.

Angela E. Noble UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA By: J. Adams Deputy Clerk Publish: November 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meeting The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform.

The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed.

Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com Art in Public Places Committee Meeting Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 12:00PM Eastern Time Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 879 9635 8555 Passcode: 025260 Publish: November 9, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a special meeting on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., at the Doubletree Resort at 3990 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040 for the purpose of discussing the TDC’s recent audit.

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

All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public, and one or more County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the Monroe County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

Publish: November 9, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF INTENT TO USE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on December 13, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, at the Monroe County BOCC Chambers at the Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners will consider adoption of the following resolution: A RESOLUTION OF Monroe

NOTICE OF INTENT TO USE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on December 13, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, at the Monroe County BOCC Chambers at the Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners will consider adoption of the following resolution: A RESOLUTION OF Monroe County, FLORIDA ANNOUNCING NOTICE OF INTENT TO USE THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS LEVIED WITHIN THE County BEGINNING WITH the TAX BILL ISSUED IN NOVEMBER 2024 FOR CANAL RESTORATION PROJECTS ON CANALS 255, 293, 297, and 299 IN BIG PINE KEY; AND CANALs

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Request for Proposals for Operation and Management Services Jacobs Aquatic Center, Key Largo, Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids.

Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https:// monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub. com, no later than 3:00P.M. on December 14, 2023. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform.

Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA IN ADMIRALTY Case No.: 4:23-mc-10081-KMM IN THE MATTER OF THE: PETITION OF UPPER KEYS MARINE CONSTRUCTION LLC AS TITLED OWNER OF ONE INTERCONNECTED DECK BARGE MEASURING 60’ x 24’ x 4’ FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. ________________________/ NOTICE OF PETITION FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY NOTICE is hereby given that UPPER KEYS MARINE CONSTRUCTION LLC (hereinafter “Petitioner”), as owner of One Interconnected Deck Barge Measuring 60’ x 24’ x 4’, her gear, tackle, and appurtenances (the “Vessel”), has filed a Petition claiming the benefit of exoneration from and/or limitation of liability according to law and as provided in Section 30501 et seq. of Title 46, United States Code, Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and the statutes supplemental thereto and amendatory thereof, and also contesting liability independently of the limitation of liability claimed in said Petition for any loss, damage or injury occurring on or about March 21, 2023 in navigable waters of Florida Bay off Mutiny Place, Key Largo, FL 33037 as described in the Petition and said Petition also stating the facts and circumstances upon which exoneration from and/or limitation or liability is claimed.

All persons, estates, or corporations having claims arising out of the events mentioned above and as more particularly described in the Petition must present them as provided in Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, to the Clerk, United States District Courthouse for the Southern District of Florida located at 301 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040 and serve on or mail copies thereof to the Petitioner’s attorney, Marcus G. Mahfood, CHARTWELL LAW, 100 SE 2nd Street, Suite 2150, Miami, Florida, 33131, on or before December 18, 2023 or be defaulted. Personal attendance is not required.

Any claimant desiring to contest the allegations of the Petition shall file and serve on counsel for Petitioner, an Answer to the Petition on or before the aforesaid date unless the Claim includes an Answer so

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 2023-CP-0055-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF CHRISTINE BARON Dceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CHRISTINE BARON, deceased, whose date of death was March 4, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The 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 9, 2023.

Personal Representative: LORI BARON 700 Latonka Drive Mercer, Pennsylvania 16137 Attorney for Personal Representative: LORI R. KILPECK, ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 0012371 Brouse McDowell 600 Superior Avenue East, St. 1600 Cleveland, OH 44114 Telephone: (216) 830-6830 E-Mail: lkilpeck@brouse.com Publish: November 9 & 16, 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

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

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 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

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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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 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

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

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

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

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

Clerk Publish: October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

October 26 and November 2, 9 & 16, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

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

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2023-30 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: 2021/1437 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 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

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 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 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

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 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 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:

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 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 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

13

NOVEMBER 9, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

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EMPLOYMENT

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: 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

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: 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

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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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 2023-41 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

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:

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

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

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

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AUTOS FOR SALE 2009 Toyota Rav4 166k miles - excellent running condition.

Located in Marathon. $5,500 305-393-3230 1964 Ford Galaxy, 427 Big Block, 5-speed, located in Key Largo. 954-445-6647 2008 Acura TL. Recent rebuilt A/C. Brand new battery. Runs wells $2,995.

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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.

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The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Med Tech, 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!

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

HOUSING FOR RENT 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 screened-in porch w/full size refrigerator. $900.00/month includes utilities. $300.00 security. Call 305-395-8485 3BR/2.5BA for rent in Key Largo - on the water with dockage available. Jan/ Feb/Mar 954-445-6647

EMPLOYMENT BOAT SALESPERSON: Great opportunity to sell new and used boats in Islamorada.

Contact brad@sevensports. com or call 305.393.3883 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.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time line cook.

Responsible for food and kitchen prep.

Competitive pay at a private club, opportunities to advance. Flexible morning/ afternoon/evening hours Tuesday–Sunday. Call 305743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com | 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 rental company in Marathon needs an Outboard Mechanic. Some general marina work, and boat experience a plus. Call 305-481-7006

2 Bedroom 1 Bath house in Marathon. Tile & carpet floors, new appliances, gated property.

No pets.

305-610-8002 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 Place your Housing For Rent ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844.

ROOMMATE WANTED Roommates wanted - Key Largo. Lg. house - A/C, 4 BR/2.5 baths, Wash/Dryer, enclosed patio, parking. Util inc., no smokers. Deposit, References, Immed. occup. $1250/mo. Call/text Eric-305393-6495 or 305-664-1353.

SERVICES OFFERED CAREGIVER available in Key Largo. Available Live-In 7 days a week. Call Dinorah 786-222-2192 Place your Services Offered ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844.

14

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / NOVEMBER 9, 2023

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 YARD SALES Garage Sale behind the Marathon Airport this Saturday, Nov. 11 from 8am-12noon. Tools, Harley Davidson stuff, wall hangings and more. Look for signs on Aviation Boulevard.

Community-wide Yard Sale this Saturday, Nov. 11 from 8am-3pm. MM 74.5 Community of Port Antigua, Individual yard sales throughout neighborhood.

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

IS HIRING D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details, please visit: DAsignSource.com/careers

Pool & Landscape Technician Experienced in landscaping, hardscape install, irrigation and lighting systems. Competitive compensation plus benefits.

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

IN THE UPPER KEYS

FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER EXPERIENCED TRIM CARPENTER CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR – WILL TRAIN Send resume to: admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call: 305-852-3002

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

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

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR A LOCATION: CUDJOE KEY

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s WASTEWATER DIVISION is looking for a WWTP Operator with a Florida “A” license. You will perform skilled/technical work involving the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. This requires technical knowledge and independent judgment to make treatment process adjustments and perform maintenance on plant equipment, machinery, and related control apparatus in accordance with established standards and procedures. Annual salary $95,000. Benefit package is extremely competitive! Apply online at www.fkaa.com/212/opportunities

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

HEAVY DIESEL MECHANIC

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

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

Monday-Friday with some overtime available.

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

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

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

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! PROGRAM COORDINATOR / SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT JOB COACH DIRECT CARE (F/T) (TAVERNIER OFFICE) Responsible for development, implementation, and goal setting for clients. Interaction with co-workers and supervision, and any miscellaneous training and/or counseling that is needed to acquire and maintain employment.

This position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree OR 4 years of experience with DD individuals; a combination of formal education and experience are accepted.

Min requirements: English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. FL Driver’s license w/clean driving record, pre-employment training online and in person.

Level II background screening and references. EOE. 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

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

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION T&D ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $108,332/annually $111,365/annually For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

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

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $40.35/hr. - $45.19/hr.

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

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

15

NOVEMBER 9, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

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

Work with the BEST!

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.

11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING!

GCC offers excellent benefits for full-time employment, but we realize some would prefer part-time to enjoy the Florida Keys lifestyle more.

All positions can be considered for full or part-time unless notated.

Apply at westcare.com and enter your availability.

KEY LARGO

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

• 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 Key West Facilities & Grounds Maintenance Technician Full Time Teller

KEY WEST

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR The Advocate DUI Program is hiring for part time positions.

DUI instructors and evaluators - 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse field required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Office located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

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

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

MARATHON

Driver (CDL) Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult) RNs/LPNs - 3 shifts (also Per Diem) Maintenance Specialist Peer Support Specialist *Support Worker – Assisted Living (PT) *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)

Lower Keys Customer Service Representative/Branch Lobby

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.

Medical Technician (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

Media & Marketing Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

Full job descriptions available at www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities Email cover letter, DRC application & resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org EOE

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

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

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.