Key West Weekly 23-1228

“In America, the president reigns for four years, and journalism governs forever and ever.” — Oscar Wilde

December 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

KEYS

NEWSPAPERS

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5 Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com Publisher / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

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NUMBER OF THE WEEK According to Wallethub, 51% of Americans plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve with family or friends.

And more than 360 million glasses of sparkling wine are consumed each New Year’s Eve.

ON THE COVER Here’s to a safe, happy and healthy new year from our families to yours, see page 32 for a round up of New Year’s Eve events in Key West.

Publishing Partner / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Editor / Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

MILES TO GO

Digital Editor / Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com Director of Sales Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com Account Executive Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Staff Writers Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com Design / Pre-Press Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844 Se habla español THE KEY WEST WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR

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MANDY MILES drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. She’s married to a saintly — and handy — fisherman, and has been stringing words together in Key West since 1998.

A YEAR-END CONFESSION

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s we wrap up 2023 and embark on another trip around the sun, I should come clean and unburden my soul, before people learn the truth on their own and think less of me.

My taste in movies is NOT sophisticated. Far from it.

Hell, the fact that I refer to them as movies instead of films would have instantly tipped off any legit cinephile. I also once spent an entire Sundance Film Festival in a friend’s (free to me) luxury condo, mid-mountain at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah — and I did nothing but ski and drink. Wait. I saw exactly one movie. No, one short film. And I still have no idea why the thing had been accepted to a supposedly elite film festival.

I have no regrets about missing hundreds of films at various venues. The slopes were mostly empty during Sundance. Everyone was in town, consulting their catalog-sized festival program and boarding buses in the snow to go sit in the dark with a bunch of people just like them. People who wore black turtlenecks and dark jeans, looking like members of the stage crew in a high school drama club, and trying with desperate arrogance to sound smarter and more condescending than the guy next to them. (To be perfectly clear, this was all at Sundance.

The Key West Film Festival is welcoming and unpretentious — plus it’s way too hot for black turtlenecks.)

The Sundance snobs relentlessly evaluated and critiqued plots, casting, characters, dialogue, directors, screen adaptations, authenticity, symbolism, reflections of society and other words of critical blather. They tried constantly to one-up each other with arcane facts about the screenwriter, art direction or costume designer.

They reminded me, in a bizarre way, of the Parrot Heads.

Legions of Jimmy Buffett fans flocked to Key West each November to spend the week trying to prove to their fellow fans that they knew more about the singer/ songwriter than anyone else.

But unlike the Parrot Heads, who still laugh every time they say, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere,” the film snobs derisively scorn anything remotely funny — then they enhance their off-putting nature by announcing with a yawn how they simply can’t abide such pedestrian “Hollywood” releases.

A word of advice for anyone considering a trip to Sundance: “Weekend at Bernie’s” movie quotes will be neither recognized nor appreciated. Ditto for “Dazed & Confused,” “Caddyshack,” “Animal House,” “Fletch,” “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” “Christmas Vacation,” “Bridesmaids” or “The Hangover.”

All are American cinematic classics, in my opinion, yet uniformly scorned by those who fancy themselves connoisseurs.

It makes me wonder if these people genuinely enjoy all the obscure “films” they extol. Or is their opinion formed because someone ELSE liked it? Some equally insufferable film critics liked it, so they’re supposed to find it mesmerizing — even if it makes no sense.

I’ve given up on refining my taste in movies. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to watch something I wouldn’t normally choose based on a trusted friend’s recommendation. But not because some weenie in a black turtleneck decides a film is “an important meditation on the ills of today’s society.”

As the new year approaches, we have plenty of important issues on our plate. I’m not going to take entertainment advice from someone who doesn’t know the origin of the line, “Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.”

Happy New Year, Key West!

See you at the movies — well, some of them.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

HEADLINES IN HINDSIGHT

2023 saw less COVID & cruise ship talk in Key West

MAY

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

JUNE

MARCH

JULY

JANUARY • City Commission pushes pause on shortterm rental restriction law that would have required a special license for rentals of fewer than 6 months.

• Dry Tortugas National Park temporarily closes Jan. 2 after 300 migrants arrive.

• Migrant arrivals in the Florida Keys show no sign of slowing; Sen. Rick Scott holds press conference in Marathon about migrants.

• Sushi’s New Year swan song as her last time in the island’s legendary shoe drop.

• Key West government loses longtime staff in 2023: city manager, city attorney, city clerk, HR director.

• City manager search begins with 43 applicants, narrowed down to 9, down to 3, then adds 2 more finalists, including Albert Childress.

• Three weeks of music festivals in KW RokIsland, Mile 0 Fest and Key Western Fest.

• Keys hotel rates drop slightly after “unsustainably high prices” during the 2021 pandemic, but still higher than 2019, pre-pandemic.

• Key West’s flag football founder helps 70 Afghan women get asylum in other nations.

• Key West Conch Ran Carthon becomes Tennessee Titans’ GM. FEBRUARY • Key West freediver Dylan Gartenmayer is rescued after hours at sea, found clinging to three mooring buoys. His rescue video made CNN and other national news outlets.

• KWPD upgrades sidewalk cameras as investigative tools.

• City hosts meet-and-greet reception for city manager finalists.

• Key West bans smoking & vaping at city parks and beaches; cigar smoking is still allowed because — for reasons largely unknown — the state won’t let local governments restrict it. The city commission also can’t restrict the

APRIL

use of prescription medications, which for millions of Americans now includes marjuana.

• Keys restaurant owners & workers adjust to huge decline in cash transactions — including tips.

• Key Western Fest is a hit its first year.

• Jimmy Buffett spends a week in Key West and plays 3 shows.

• Lloyd Preston Brewer fatally shoots Garrett Hughes in a bar parking lot hours after the Super Bowl, police say.

• Key West officials select Albert Childress as city manager.

• Keys Weekly’s Britt Myers scores interview with legendary pitcher Roger Clemens, who was in Key West for a charity event.

MARCH • Key West rallies to help keep local shipwrecker Joe Weatherby afloat following stroke.

• U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez sworn in for second term; his district includes Miami and the Florida Keys.

• Key West Dr. Adrienne Curran faces lawsuits claiming she injected patients with illegal, cheaper, foreign versions of cosmetic fillers.

• Tourist statue at Key West International Airport hits the road for safekeeping during construction.

• Massive ‘blob’ of sargassum approaches the Keys.

• Florida Keys celebrates bicentennial with concert, drone fireworks display and other events.

APRIL • New City Manager Albert Childress starts work April 3 and attends first city commission meeting on April 4.

• Blue Angels return to Key West for air show; Keys Weekly’s Britt Myers flies with the elite team of fighter jets.

• County officials approve three new helicopters for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Trauma Star air ambulance program.

• Sanctuary’s Eco-Discovery Center reopens after $1 million renovation.

• Wendy McPherson announced as principal of new CFK Academy, a charter high school on the campus of the College of the Florida Keys that opens in fall 2023.

• Perry Hotel and Marina on Stock Island are bought by two different companies.

MAY • Key West hosts commissioning ceremony for Navy’s new guided-missile destroyer USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee.

• Garden View affordable apartments open with 103 new units on College Road.

• Aqua Nightclub gets new owners; Jonathan and Michael Barrett buy complex from Michael Ingram.

• Conch softball vies for regional title.

• State agency issues warning letter to FKAA over water pipeline condition.

JUNE • Casa Marina Resort closes for major renovations.

• County officials begin discussion of becoming a charter county to levy infrastructure tax for road-raising and other projects.

• Somerset Island Prep charter high school holds fourth annual graduation ceremony — on jet skis.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023 AUGUST

OCTOBER

DECEMBER NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER

• Conch softball crowned regional champions.

• Nominations open for the 10th annual Bubba: Key West People’s Choice Awards.

• Work starts on new Key West High School football stadium.

• Key West celebrates 20th anniversary of the Sea-to-Sea Rainbow Flag during Pride.

• Proposed wind insurance hikes may pose more of a threat than hurricanes.

• Key West’s Dr. Bruce Guerdan returns to Poland to work in medical clinic helping Ukrainian refugees.

• Key West businessman “Mr. Frank” Toppino turns 100.

• Monroe County investigation reveals more than 600 vials of missing fentanyl and other narcotics; Trauma Star chief flight nurse Linda Rubinowski is arrested.

• Key West officials oust appointed Planning Board member due to a letter to the editor in which he criticized FKAA and its water pipeline replacement.

• Brittany Holbrook arrested in fatal shooting of boyfriend, Tyler Nulisch, on Big Coppitt Key. • Garrett Hughes’ shooter Lloyd Preston Brewer indicted on 3 felonies; victim’s family opposes bond.

• Key Wests hosts retirement party for City Manager Patti McLauchlin.

JULY • City Manager Patti McLauchlin retires after more than 30 years with the city.

• Fantasy Fest’s King & Queen fundraising campaign to benefit Florida Keys SPCA for first year.

• Oil billionaires back out of building employee housing for teachers on Trumbo Road.

• Woman dies in boat fire at Perry Marina on Stock Island.

• Key West’s Hog’s Breath Saloon gets new owners.

• Florida Keys face unprecedented heat wave; high ocean temps threaten coral.

• The Key West Weekly’s Bubba Awards Gala celebrates the island’s favorite people and places.

• Keys Weekly sports columnist Ralph Morrow dies at 87.

AUGUST • Last-minute daycare closure at Sunbeam Christian School has dire impact on local families.

• Key West teen Kane Grissinger wins a national mullet contest (yes, as in the hairstyle).

• Feds arrest Marathon couple, Bryan and Tonya Jean Bishop, for their involvement in the Jan. 6 riot at the US Capitol.

• Coast Guard suspends search for missing Key West divemaster Tommy Faulkenberry.

• Construction continues on sheriff’s office employee housing complex on Trumbo Road.

• 2 Keys high schools offer controversial AP Psychology class despite state and governor opposition.

• Keys Weekly welcomes Gwen Filosa as digital editor and county reporter.

• Dr. Greg Keifer buys longtime family medical practice on Big Pine Key. • Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson controversially calculates that Barbie Land could be in the Florida Keys.

• Key West artist Rick Worth recovers from a stroke.

• Florida Keys officials and residents publicly oppose consolidation of court circuits.

• Thousands of bees terrorize hotel guests near the entrance to Key West.

SEPTEMBER • Legendary singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who helped put Key West on the map, dies Sept. 1 of a rare form of skin cancer.

• Key West holds parade to celebrate Jimmy Buffett’s life and music.

• Military Special Ops teams compete in Key West in ‘Best Combat Diver’ contest.

• Key West officials give approval for small cruise ship to dock at Mallory Square.

• City breaks ground on The Lofts workforce housing at Truman Waterfront.

• Key West Mayor Teri Johnston wants new faces on the Housing Authority Board, but gets pushback from city commissioners.

OCTOBER • Key West teen accused of stabbing movie theater coworker over borrowed earbuds.

• Longtime car dealership Niles Sales & Service changes hands.

• Key West Outdoor Movies return to the Parade Grounds at East Martello Museum.

• Ron Saunders files to run for Monroe County Supervisor of Elections.

• Key West High School marching band raises money for London trip.

• Key West City Commission talks nudity — again; discusses body paint during Fantasy Fest.

• Key West man Kerry Calvin Gasag is convicted of raping a woman behind the Southernmost Point and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

• Key West leaders Roosevelt Sands Jr. dies at age 93.

• Key West Business Guild’s over-the-top Headdress Ball turns 40.

• City Commissioner Clayton Lopez recovers from heart trouble.

• Key West Conch Jorge Quintana opens Cayo Hueso Brewery on Stock Island.

• Fantasy Fest Royal Campaign raises record-breaking $587,000 for Florida Keys SPCA. • Revelers pack Key West for another Fantasy Fest; Ben Hennington and Tangela Torres are crowned king and queen of the festivities.

NOVEMBER • 3 Key West teens charged in traumatic attack on minor at Sigsbee Park naval base.

• Keys tourism agency fails financial audit; director Stacey Mitchell suspended with pay pending follow-up forensic audit.

• Longtime Big Pine dentist Fred Troxel retires after 46 years.

• State judicial committee says no to court consolidation.

• New hurricane evacuation model could allow thousands of new building permits.

• Yvette Mira-Talbott enters school board race.

• Keys nonprofit builds new home for local veteran who’s 87.

• Key West lights city Christmas tree.

DECEMBER • Keys couple pleads not guilty to charges stemming from their involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the US Capitol.

• Truck driver Charles Shipley dies in fiery crash on U.S. 1; sheriff says he had warned FDOT officials about unsafe construction zone.

• FDOT denies receiving warning from sheriff about construction zone on US 1 where a truck driver died.

• First-ever Waterfront Winter Wonderland brings ice skating and more to the Coffee Butler Amphitheater.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

STRANGE STORYLINES

Headlines that made us laugh, and scratch our heads, in 2023 ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

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hen it comes to reporting the news in one of the most eclectic counties in the U.S., there’s rarely a month without at least two or three headlines worthy of laughing out loud or simply scratching your head, saying “wait … what?” From dozens of worthy stories, here are our favorites: RESCUED FREEDIVER TELLS HARROWING STORY On Jan. 19, freediver Dylan Gartenmayer was swept away by deep-ocean currents while spearfishing. Surfacing out of sight from his boat and dive buddies, Gartenmayer swam more than a mile to a part of the reef marked with floating mooring balls, lashed three of them together and used them as a flotation device until he was found hours later in the dark. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary eventually found the buoys that saved Gartenmayer’s life and gave one to him as a memento.

Keys Weekly file photos.

SUGARLOAF SCHOOL SETS ‘BABY SHARK’ WORLD RECORD On the morning of May 5, the Sugarloaf Sharks set a new Guinness World Record for the most people simultaneously performing the “Baby Shark” song and dance. The 887-person event was organized by Ajax builders to mark the ribboncutting of the new elementary wing.

UHH … THAT DOESN’T FIT The southbound lanes of U.S. 1 crossing Vaca Cut in Marathon temporarily closed on May 24 as a barge traversing the cut while carrying an excavator struck and eventually became stuck on the underside of the bridge’s northern edge. The barge was freed about an hour later.

OH CRAP: SEWER LINE BREAK CAUSES TRAFFIC IN THE UPPER KEYS Motorists traveling north in the Upper Keys on June 18 experienced heavy traffic backups after a sewer line break at MM 92.5 in Tavernier closed one road lane. Crews arrived on scene to conduct repairs, leaving only one northbound lane open to vehicles on a busy Father’s Day and three-day weekend. The closure of one northbound lane had traffic backed up for several miles throughout the day and into the evening. The village urged residents to avoid the area if possible.

NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON SAYS BARBIELAND IS IN THE FLORIDA KEYS Neil deGrasse Tyson, the noted astrophysicist and author, revealed Aug. 9 on Twitter that his astronomical expertise places Barbie Land in our beloved island chain. “In (Barbie), the Moon’s orientation places Barbie World between 20 & 40 deg North Latitude on Earth. Palm trees further constrain latitude between 20 & 30 deg,” he wrote.

“The Sun & Moon rose & set over the ocean. If it’s in the U.S., Barbie World lands somewhere in the Florida Keys.”

METH-FUELED FRENZY ON CONCH KEY High on methamphetamine and ranting about a nonexistent burglar, a Conch Key man on Aug. 30 fired a handgun three times inside his home while his roommate was inside, according to Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies. No one was injured, but that wasn’t for a lack of trying, deputies said.

His roommate, a 27-year-old woman who had her infant son with her when the first gunshot went off, said she feared for her life. The night before the shooting, Peter Anthony Capurro had called the Sheriff’s Office to his home on West Conch Avenue. He claimed he saw two people hiding behind the shower curtain in his bathroom, “so he discharged a firearm towards the shower,” detectives wrote in a report. Capurro’s roommate told deputies Capurro had been on a meth bender.

THOUSANDS OF ANGRY BEES TERRORIZE KEY WEST HOTEL GUESTS A horror show with swarms of bees in attack mode started on Aug. 16 after a beehive had been “improperly removed” from behind a home on 20th Street in Key West, which runs behind two hotels on North Roosevelt Boulevard at the entrance to the southernmost city, according to the Key West Fire Department. Someone trying to remove the bees from the home sprayed the hives with insecticide, according to David Lewis, a Big Pine Key beekeeper, who was called in to help.

Lewis estimated a bee count of up to 100,000.

“They were all in attack mode,” he said. “They were all in a complete stinging frenzy, flying around and attacking. … They went nuts.”

ILLEGAL, BUT HILARIOUS Key West International Airport’s entrance sign was given an unauthorized update on the morning of Sept. 10. Someone put up their own letters to make the sign appear to have been named after legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who passed away nine days earlier. The fake letters were removed within 15 minutes after the act was reported, as airport officials and MCSO deputies acted quickly to take them down.

GRAND THEFT … BAHIA HONDA? KEYS ICONS POP UP IN VIDEO GAME TRAILER Revealed in a short trailer on Dec. 4, the Bahia Honda Bridge (with the Seven Mile Bridge in the background) appears to be a set piece in Rockstar Games’ highly-anticipated upcoming action/ adventure game “Grand Theft Auto VI.” The eighth installment in the iconic game series is set within a fictional state of Leonida – based on Florida – and a fictionalized version of Miami dubbed “Vice City.”

Signs seen in the game’s trailer mention the “Vice City Keys.” It was unclear whether video game versions of Monroe County Sheriff’s Office staff will make an appearance in the crime-centric game during high-speed chases. Or whether there will be empty squad cars every few miles.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

A LOOK BACK AT CRIME AND COURTS NEWS

In 2023, the Keys weren’t spared from crime, grief … and some meth GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

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hile the Florida Keys are known for low crime rates compared to the mainland, the island chain in 2023 wasn’t spared by trauma and grief.

The tragic fatal shooting of beloved 21-year-old Garrett Hughes in Key West rocked the tight-knit Key West community in February 2023, and set off a court case expected to drag out far into 2024.

Hughes, a standout athlete at Key West High School who became a volunteer coach for youth sports teams, was shot in the abdomen outside the now-closed Conch Town bar in the early hours of Feb. 13.

Lloyd Preston Brewer admits to firing the handgun at Hughes and is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and violation of a concealed firearm permit, but he claims he only pulled the trigger in fear for his life.

Hughes was unarmed, shirtless and facing a wall when Brewer approached, and prosecutors said video footage of the incident refutes his story.

No trial date has been set.

Brewer’s next court hearing is Jan. 2, 2024.

Keys couple took part in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, prosecutors say A live-aboard couple in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor wanted for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers and entering the U.S. Capitol during the infamous Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection were arrested on Aug. 7 in Marathon.

Bryan Roger Bishop, 51, and Tonya Bishop, 47, were taken into custody in a joint operation of the FBI, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement partners.

They are fighting the charges in federal court.

Bryan Bishop is accused of assaulting two Capitol police officers with a dangerous weapon by spraying pepper spray under their helmets during the riot, carrying a dangerous weapon inside a restricted area, engaging in physical violence in a restricted area with a weapon, and disorderly conduct.

Bishop’s wife, Tonya is not accused of violence or weaponsrelated charges, but of remaining in a restricted area and disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted area and in the Capitol building. She pleaded not guilty to the four counts at her Dec. 1 arraignment. A status conference hearing in Tonya’s case is scheduled for Jan. 30.

Movie theater stabbing A Key West teen attacked a 17-year-old boy with a steak knife in each hand at about 1:20 a.m. Oct. 1 in the parking lot outside the Regal Cinema, police said.

The attack, which police said was over a borrowed pair of earbuds that weren’t returned timely, sent the victim airlifted to a Miami-Dade hospital with wounds to his shoulder, abdomen and one side of his chest.

Marc Louissaint, a student at Key West High School, was placed in juvenile detention and prosecutors said he would face charges as an adult.

Teens accused of terrorizing children at their Sigsbee home Three Key West teens, all 14, were facing felony charges following their Oct. 24 arrest at Sigsbee Park Navy Base for charges that include false imprisonment, aggravated assault and burglary.

The charges do not include sexual assault, although the police investigation indicates some of the suspects carried out attempted acts of rape with a spoon on the 14-yearold victim, along with forcing a minor to watch porn from a gaming console.

Their victims were an 11-year-old girl and her 14-year-old brother who live in military housing at Sigsbee Park.

The suspects, whose names were withheld by Key West police due to their age, reportedly followed the 11-year-old girl home from the

Navy’s MWR building while harassing her with questions about her brother’s girlfriend.

Southernmost Point buoy rape case A Key West man who in 2021 raped a tourist behind the island’s iconic Southernmost Point Buoy – after earlier that night stopping a man who was assaulting her – pleaded guilty as charged on Oct. 5 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Kerry Calvin Gasag, 39, who never left jail after his arrest on Sept. 11, 2021, on Oct. 5 agreed to plead guilty to sexual battery, false imprisonment and evidence tampering, to avoid a trial on sexual assault charges.

The plea deal meant the victim didn’t have to appear in court for any of Gasag’s hearings or trial. But a second Key West man awaits trial for alleging raping her on the same night.

Jorge Calderon Nunez, 32, remains locked up at the county jail on Stock Island on $225,000 bond and charged with sexual assault, false imprisonment and evidence tampering.

He was arrested Sept. 17, 2021.

Key deer killing Was it a desperate attempt to put a Key deer out of its misery? Federal prosecutors weren’t convinced.

On March 23, Wendy C. Kilheffer, of Big Pine Key, was sentenced to one year of probation, a $4,000 fine and 100 hours of community service for killing a Key deer in distress with a handgun. Local Key deer activists said wildlife authorities wouldn’t respond to calls for help with the ailing deer and the shooting was an act of mercy for the animal.

In the end, Kilheffer pleaded guilty to violating the Endangered Species Act by shooting and killing the deer on Nov. 16, 2022.

Conch Key meth-inspired shooting case High on methamphetamine and ranting about a non-existent burglar, a Conch Key man on Aug. 30 fired a handgun three times inside his home while his roommate was inside, according to Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies.

No one was injured, but that wasn’t for a lack of trying, deputies said. His roommate, a 27-year-old woman who had her infant son with her when the first gunshot went off, said she feared for her life.

Peter Anthony Capurro, 57, was arrested on a charge of attempted murder. But he was later charged with lesser crimes: shooting inside a building and using a firearm under

the influence of a controlled substance. His next court hearing is Feb. 15.

Southernmost Point buoy vandals plead The culprits behind the New Year’s Day 2022 vandalism of the Southernmost Point buoy – 24-yearold David Brendan Perkins Jr., of Leesburg, Florida, and 23-year-old Skylar Jacobson, of Henrietta, Texas – each took a plea deal in 2023 from the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office.

This past spring, each pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of misdemeanor criminal mischief to avoid jail, according to Monroe County court filings.

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

Perkins, who lit the discarded tree the two had dragged to the buoy on Dec. 31, 2021, paid $5,379 to reimburse the city for repainting the buoy. When he spoke with police shortly after the incident, he called the stunt “a colossal mistake.”

GPS theft ring cracked A ring of thieves from outside the Keys steal $2.5 million worth of GPS equipment A rash of GPS marine thefts — ranging in the millions of dollars and spanning the Florida Keys and 16 other counties in the state — led the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to bust a large, organized crime ring on Aug. 23.

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

Together, the suspects face 122 charges stemming from roughly $2.5 million in stolen Garmin GPS systems in Monroe County. Ramsay said other charges are forthcoming from other counties.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

less of anyone’s opinion of him, this Athletes, artists, was clearly a man of sincere resolve proud of his playing days, but more musicians and writers —importantly, proud of who he is as join the podcast a husband, father, grandfather and MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

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andwritten signs on the interior office doors remind colleagues, “Shhh … Podcast recording in progress.”

Behind the door is our “recording studio,” which looks a lot like a dining room table, four chairs, three sets of headphones, two microphones and some sort of sound mixing board that I’m not supposed to touch. Ever.

The Florida Keys Weekly Podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts. Or just search “podcast” at keysweekly.com.

The past year included a few big-name podcast guests who either called in to the show, or joined us in our Stock Island “studio.”

Musician Jelly Roll Keys Weekly’s Alex Rickert and Britt Myers had the chance in April to interview perhaps the world’s most unexpected country star — Jelly Roll, who had just ruled the CMT Music Awards and won all three of the categories in which he was nominated.

He was due in Key West the following month to headline the annual Key West Songwriters Festival. Later in the year, he’d also collect the New CMA Artist Award.

But during the podcast interview, the gracious and face-tattooed Jelly Roll, who was calling in from his tour bus, was more interested in trying to buy a baby goat from the back of a passing pickup truck than bragging about his awards.

Pitcher Roger Clemens When the Major League pitching great Roger Clemens visited Key West in February to emcee a charity golf tournament, he made stops at the Key West baseball and softball fields to sign autographs and chat with local players, kids and parents. At the Key West Golf Club, he graciously posed for selfies and chatted with media – including our own Britt Myers.

“I was blown away by how gracious and engaged Clemens was with our questions,” Myers said. “Regard-

friend.”

Author Carl Hiaasen While in Key West before Christmas, legendary South Florida newspaper columnist, novelist and satirist Carl Hiaasen joined the Keys Weekly podcast on Dec. 8.

The consummate newspaperman — and thorn in the side of corrupt politicians — retired from writing his opinion column in the Miami Herald a few years ago, but had recently penned an essay for “Vanity Fair,” comparing two infamous “Florida men,” Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Hiaasen’s newest book, “Wrecker,” is intended for kids, but is apparently still devoured by adult readers. The adventure tale takes place in Key West during the COVID pandemic.

Hiaasen will be back in Key West for this year’s Key West Literary Seminar, Jan. 11-14, where the theme is, most appropriately for today’s political climate, “Florida: The State We’re In.” Artist Wyland Robert Wyland, known to millions simply as Wyland, is one of the most renowned and recognized artists and conservationists on the globe. He joined the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast in April to discuss his love for the Florida Keys, his “Whaling Wall” murals seen around the world and the 45th anniversary of Wyland Galleries. USA Today called him the “Marine Michelangelo” and during his career an estimated 1 billion people have seen his artwork on an annual basis. But in the Keys, he’s a guy who regularly shows up and gives back to the community.

Peanuts artist Tom Everhart Famed “Peanuts” artist Tom Everhart, who continued the work of the cartoon’s creator Charles Schulz, joined the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast in March as he prepared for an art show and appearances at Ocean Blue Galleries, 109 Duval St. in Key West.

Everhart discussed his friendship with Schulz, who approved Everhart as the only artist legally authorized to use the cartoonist’s subject matter to create fine art.

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12

T

ributes to legendary singersongwriter Jimmy Buffett, Fantasy Fest parades and the Key West Holiday parade were among the most popular posts on the Keys Weekly social media accounts. The Weekly’s Facebook page alone reached nearly 1.6 million people in 2023.

You can also follow the Keys Weekly on Instagram and X ( formerly Twitter).

FACEBOOK @THE KEYS WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS POSTS

• Reminder: Saturday, April 1st, the Seven Mile Bridge Will Be Closed Temporarily For the 2023 Seven Mile Bridge Run Posted March 30, 2023.

Reach: 372,823 Shares: 1,124 • Thousands Honor Jimmy Buffett in Second Line Parade Posted Sept. 3, 2023 Reach 312,793 Shares: 1,573 • Zombies on Bikes! Several Thousand People in Full Zombie Makeup and Costumes Pedaled Through Key West on Sunday Evening in the Annual Zombie Bike Ride. Posted Oct. 23, 2023 Reach: 102,526 Shares: 399 • Waterfront Winter Wonderland opens Friday at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater and runs through December.

Posted Dec. 14, 2023 Reach: 62,269 • Florida Keys Top Tourism Agency Under Scrutiny Posted Nov. 1, 2023 Reach: 46,039 Story by Mandy Miles • From the City of Key West on Tuesday: “A small luxury ship on its maiden voyage pulled into Mallory Square Dock” Posted Dec. 12, 2023 Reach: 34,474

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

TOP SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS OF 2023

Online, viewers flocked to Keys Weekly’s Facebook, Instagram and website

REELS • Key West’s Holiday Parade rolled downtown Saturday Posted Dec. 2, 2023 Plays: 70,557 Video by Gwen Filosa • Jimmy Buffett performing at the Key West Theater on Feb. 4, 2023 Posted Sept. 2, 2023 Plays: 28,200 Video by Gwen Filosa • Fantasy Fest Masquerade March Plays: 17,200 Video by Gwen Filosa

INSTAGRAM @KEYS WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS POSTS • Jimmy Buffett Performing at the Key West Theater on Feb. 4, 2023 Posted Sept. 2 Reach: 139,000 • Key West Pays Tribute to Jimmy Buffett Posted Sept. 3, 2023 Reach: 30,400 • Dry Tortugas National Park Temporarily Closes Jan. 2 After 300 Migrants Arrive Posted Jan. 2, 2023 Reach: 9,827 • Party in the Back: Keys Teen a Finalist in National Mullet Contest Posted Aug. 6, 2023 Reach: 8,987

• A Pre-Dawn Fatal Crash Involving a Semi-Trailer Truck Posted Dec. 5, 2023 Plays: 25,385 • The Blue Angels Arrived in Style Over Duval Street Posted April 13, 2023 Plays 18,300 TOP STORIES ON KEYSWEEKLY.COM • Priscilla Presley Visits Key West 132,728 views • Florida Keys Record Two Shark Bites in 36 Hours 34,701 views • Surprise Storm Wreaks Havoc on the Keys 33,406 views • Prosecutor Says Video Evidence Does Not Support Self-Defense Claim in Key West shooting 32,215 views

REELS • New Records Set at Stone Crab Eating Contest Posted Nov. 5, 2023 Plays: 53,266 • In Key West, This Is How People Commemorate the End of Hurricane Season Posted Nov. 30, 2023 Plays: 41,813

13

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

UP, UP AND AWAY

Elite pole vaulters demonstrate their gravity-defying skills during Pole Vault in Paradise on Jan. 6 at the Backyard behind Key West High School. CONTRIBUTED

Pole Vault in Paradise returns to Key West Jan. 6

A

display of strength and speed awaits audiences in Key West on Saturday, Jan. 6, as national and world champion athletes compete in Pole Vault in Paradise.

Slated to take place at Key West High School’s new track at the Backyard Sports Complex behind the school, the all-day, open-air challenge is sanctioned by USA Track and Field (USATF). Spectators can watch entrants ranging from youngsters to seniors vie for prizes and personal bests in various categories.

“Pole Vault in Paradise is now on the World Athletics Calendar, which means marks established in Key West will count for American and international vaulters to qualify for the Olympics,” said Steve Hanes, president of the Key West Track & Field Club that produces the event.

Registered competitors include Kat Stefanidi, a 2016 Olympic gold medalist and 2017 world champion; Tray Oates, first alternate for the 2016 Olympic team; Anicka Newell, a 2016 and 2020 Canadian Olympian and 2018 Canadian national champion; and Scott Houston, the 2019 U.S. national indoor champion.

“Although we feature elites, Pole Vault in Paradise is for all ages,” said Hanes, who has earned numerous vaulting honors including an

age-group national record. “So far, our oldest competitor is 80 and the youngest is 14.”

Action for athletes begins Friday, Jan. 5, with pole vault clinics from 10 a.m. to noon. An open practice and final registration will follow, along with a one-mile Conch Crawl race for vaulters and the public.

For Saturday’s competition, vaulters will be grouped in flights based on ability and starting heights, with jumps to begin at about 9 a.m. Hanes anticipates eight total flights and competition continuing past 5 p.m.

Prize money awaits the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s open divisions. Additional cash prizes are to be awarded to all men and women who break the island records, which stand at 18 feet, 4.5 inches for men and 14 feet, 3.25 inches for women.

A $5,000 prize pool is to be split between any men jumping 19 feet, with an equal pool to be split between any women jumping 15 feet.

As well as the fast-paced competition, attractions for fans include an opening ceremony and a live radio broadcast.

Pole Vault in Paradise is a fundraiser for the Key West High School track team. Athlete registration is $100 per person to compete and $25 per person to attend the clinic.

Viewing is free.

For more information, visit kwtfc.org/pole-vault-in-paradise.

— Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

FAREWELL, FRIENDS

Keys communities lose leaders, legends and loved ones in 2023

Every life is remarkable, every death significant. Those who occupy this world forever change it, in some way, first with their presence, then with their absence.

Keys Weekly pauses to remember the local leaders, legends and loved ones lost in 2023.

He was 21.

Garrett Hughes A Key West High School athlete, diver and fisherman, Hughes was shot to death on Feb. 13 while in the parking lot of a New Town bar following the Super Bowl.

Jerry Wilkinson Historian, entrepreneur, philanthropist and adventurer who loved stained glass and photography died March 17 at age 94. His collection of Keys history is housed at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada. “I’m not sure you can overstate the role Jerry Wilkinson played in collecting, preserving and promoting the history of the Upper Keys,” Richard Russell, Keys History & Discovery Center board of directors, wrote on Facebook.

George Steinmetz: “A respected businessman and former marine patrol officer, Steinmetz’s imposing frame belied a generous and affable nature that endeared him to everyone.”

The Keys icon died in March.

Ben Segard “A Keys boy through and through,” Segard died in a dive accident on Aug. 1.

He was just 13, but left an indelible mark on all who knew him. “An early fascination with trucks took an aquatic turn as Ben became enamored with the Keys’ marine environment and the boats used to enjoy it.

Known to ‘pancake’ a 12-foot cast net with ease – a rite of passage for Keys fishermen – Ben was soon honing his craft with rod and reel and his speargun, even developing a small bait fishing business with friends and learning to sail.”

Danny Toppino Key West businessman and community leader, he was involved with his family’s construction company, Charley Toppino & Sons, as well as countless organizations and charities. He died May 7 at age 74.

Ralph Morrow Career newspaperman and award-winning sportswriter who finished his career writing a sports column for the Keys Weekly, Morrow died July 31 at 87.

Jimmy Buffett The music died in Key West on Sept. 1. The singer and writer who created the Margaritaville mindset with songs about sunburn, sailboats and island life died of Merkel cell skin cancer at 76.

Mark Belile Belile, who worked as a law enforcement with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office from 1989-2022 died Sept.

30 of pancreatic cancer. He was 68.

Roosevelt Sands Jr. Mentor, church leader and civil rights activist across generations in Key West died Oct. 9 at the age of 93.

Sands “was a tireless advocate for civil rights, housing, healthcare and job opportunities for the Black community and the Bahama Village neighborhood,” said his nephew, Key West City Commissioner Clayton Lopez. “An icon passed this morning and so did an era in Key West history.”

Tom Hambright Longtime Monroe County historian and steward of Key West’s past, Hambright died Oct. 14 at 85. “Tom will be missed terribly, and his death leaves a big hole, but he has also left so much for us to appreciate, learn from and build upon,” said Corey Malcom, Hambright’s successor as lead historian in Monroe County Library’s Florida History Center. “We understand the Florida Keys, and how our island communities came to be, much better because of him. Tom may be gone, but he is unforgettable.”

Michael Ingram Key West architect, former guest house owner, community leader and more recently owner of Aqua Nightclub, died Oct. 21 at age 79.

Enoch “Enos” Mitchell “The man who helped build Key Largo” died Oct. 31 at 93.

Tom McDonald Mosquito Control commissioner, died Nov. 9 at 77.

Tim Dorsey The New York Times bestselling author, Islamorada resident and dive bar devotee died Nov. 26 at 62.

Keys Weekly file photos.

18

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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WE’VE GOT YA COVERED

A few favorite newspaper covers from 2023

H

ere at the Keys Weekly, we take immense pride in working with the most talented photographers and graphic designers around, both on our staff and in the community.

The cover of each Weekly edition is the window to our stories – its job is to draw readers’ eyes and make them want to reach inside those red newspaper boxes all over town and check out a truly local newspaper.

In the Key West office, we often say our graphic designer Irene de Bruijn’s computer mouse is a magic wand with which she transforms a bunch of words, graphics and photos into an actual and eye-catching design.

We couldn’t do what we do without her. And here’s a look back through some of our favorite covers of 2023.

March 23, 2023

“I wanna go back / To the island / Where the shrimp boats / Tie up to the pilin’” — J.B.

STICKIN’ WITH IT KEY WEST LACROSSE IS HAVING A BALL | P. 23

FLORIDA ABANDONS ELECTION DATABASE | P. 7

THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED

KEYS COUPLE CHARGED IN JAN. 6 RIOTS

Marathon boaters await Oct. 31 federal hearing | P. 6

Key West celebrates the life & times of Jimmy Buffett | PGS. 4, 8, 15

NEW PLAN FOR AGING POINCIANA HOUSING? | P. 7

“I owe everything in my life to the relatable struggles of Harry & Meghan.”

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March 30, 2023

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HELP WANTED AT CITY HALL

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3 MUSIC FESTIVALS ROCK THE ISLAND | P. 8

KEY WEST PUSHES BACK AGAINST TALLAHASSEE FLORIDA KEYS: 200 YEARS & COUNTING

September 28, 2023

MONROE COUNTY CELEBRATES BICENTENNIAL | P. 32

WHO WERE YOU & WHO WILL YOU BE? ‘THREE TALL WOMEN’ ON STAGE AT WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE | P. 10

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WHAT HAPPENED ON THE WATER?

RESCUED FREEDIVER SHARES HIS STORY | P. 4

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SOUTHERNMOST CITY GOES SUPERSONIC

COFFEE, SANDWICHES, GIFTS, WINE & CHEESE | P. 26

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BLUE ANGELS TAKE TO THE SKIES | P. 4

July 6: Key West second baseman Michael Greenberg makes the Keys Weekly’s All-Keys Baseball Team. (ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly) Sept. 7: The Keys Weekly’s tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett. (Lawson Little ©) Sept. 28: If you can’t have some fun with boobs, for a good cause, what’s the point?

Oct. 12: A new take on an old ‘Rocky Horror Show’

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October 12, 2023

READING THE ROOM

Feb. 16: A historical exhibit of Key West’s local Black history inspired this cover.

April 13: The Navy’s Blue Angels always get attention.

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Feb. 2: February is for love.

March 30: The play ‘Three Tall Women’ comes to life on the cover.

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“Marked safe from the Swift & Kelce promotional tour.”

CITY OPPOSES SEVERAL STATE PROPOSALS — AGAIN | P. 4

Jan. 12: Conch soccer gets its kicks.

March 23: Photographer Ella Hall captures the Lady Conch lacrosse team’s enthusiasm and talent.

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KEYS PARENTS DON’T WANT BOOKS BANNED IN LOCAL SCHOOLS | P. 10

Fat Albert shot down over Keys; residents surprised to learn it was world’s largest piñata.

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KEY WEST OFFICIALS TALK NUDITY — AGAIN

LAWSUIT FILED IN SHOOTING DEATH | P. 8

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February 16, 2023

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‘THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW’ RETURNS TO THE KEY WEST STAGE | P. 14

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY — LOCALLY

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SCARY! Let us help you ‘scare’ up a little excitement in your life with better conversations and easier listening!

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 TH 2024 Higgs Beach, Key West

SUPPORT THE KWHS’S TRACK & FIELD TEAM

SPECTATORS CAN WATCH OLYMPIC CALIBER ATHLETES AND NATIONAL CHAMPIONS COMPETE ALONGSIDE AMATEURS FROM 12 TO 80 YEARS OLD. Athletes expected to compete include KAT STEFANIDI, a 2016 Olympic gold medalist and 2017 world champion; TRAY OATES, first alternate for the 2016 Olympic team; ANICKA NEWELL, a 2016 and 2020 Canadian Olympian and 2018 Canadian national champion; and SCOTT HOUSTON, the 2019 U.S. national indoor champion.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023 A weakened common tern (probably) taken into the Key West Wildlife Center recently.

PEGGY KOONTZ/Key West Wildlife Center

I

was working hard on a “The Year In Birds” column. I had gotten as far as “January 2023” and needed a break. The mental energy it takes to produce this column can be exhausting. I’d post a link to the GoFundMe account I’ve MARK set up to combat this mental HEDDEN fatigue, but the editors would just remove it again, ... is a photographer, writer, and as they always do, and I’d get semi-professional another terse email from the birdwatcher. He Keys Weekly HR department has lived in Key telling me how it is “journalWest for more than 25 years and istically unethical” to prey may no longer on people’s empathy just so be employable in I can buy more expensive the real world. He bourbon. But how, exactly, is also executive is self-care “journalistically director of the Florida Keys Audu- unethical?” How? I ask you. bon Society.

Anyhow, I went to Facebook, which is the single best way to not procrastinate, when I saw a photo Jim Hale posted.

A photo of a bird in Jim Hales’ hand is not uncommon. He’s a pigeon fancier, and used to keep a coop. And he’s kind of the go-to guy for reuniting other pigeon fanciers with homing pigeons that have de-homed themselves and strayed into the Lower Keys. He also ends up caring for a lot of the Cuban homing pigeons that show up here, which happens more often than you would think.

But this bird was a small tern, sleeker than a pigeon, with a similar wingspan but about half the body mass. It had an all dark bill about the size and shape of a BIC pen cap. It had a white belly, breast and forehead, but everything else was a grayish brown.

Tern identification can be tricky, especially with the small ones. From Jim’s photo I was thinking it might be a sooty tern, a species that breeds at the Dry Tortugas, or a bridled tern, which only breeds very rarely at the Dry Tortugas. Both are pelagic species that are seen pretty regularly offshore. But the dark parts of a sooty tern are black and the dark parts of a bridled tern are black or gray, and this bird was more brown. Brown plumage often means immature (see: white ibis) but immature sooties are kind of polka-dotted and immature bridles are kind of striated. This bird was neither.

The brownishness, though, might have just been a color cast of the photo.

Jim had seen the bird sitting in the parking lot at a marina and apparently thought it looked unwell. Catching a tern, even an unhealthy one, is no easy task. Unlike gulls, their trashier cousins, there’s not a lot in the human world, other than dock pilings, that attracts them, and they tend to be highly evasive. But Jim has an innate calm that animals tend to trust and he seemed to have scooped it up rather easily.

AN UNEXPECTED TERN

He said he was taking it to the Key West Wildlife Center.

Curiosity and deadline avoidance were getting the better of me, so I texted Peggy Koontz and asked if she could send me a few more photos, which she was kind enough to do, though I think partly because she wasn’t sure what species it was either.

The bird was banded, but, Peggy said, when she tried to enter the numbers into the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory, it said the numbers weren’t in the system.

That could mean the bird was a young one that had been banded this summer, and there had just been a lag in the data entry.

The bird looked much different standing on a table. There was no brown. There was the white belly, breast and forehead, but the cap was black, and its back and wings were gray, except for a band of darker feathers that contoured the leading edge of the folded wing. The bird also had orange legs.

The feathers looked disheveled, though, which often happens with unhealthy birds, but also can muddy the waters ID-wise.

The bird was in non-breeding plumage, which makes sense in the winter. Looking at the size, there were only four or five species it could be at this point. Flipping through Sibley’s I narrowed it down to three very similar possibilities – Forster’s tern, common tern, or roseate tern.

One of the field marks for common tern is a thing called a carpal bar, or a dark band of feathers that follow the contour of the leading edge of the wing, which this bird had. But in the field guide, when common terns have the plumage with the carpal bar, they have black legs. They only had orange legs in breeding plumage, when there was no carpal bar.

The Forster’s tern had orange legs year-

round, but no carpal bar. The roseate tern had kind of orangey-red legs year-round, but also no carpal bar.

Field guides, even those as great as the Sibley guide, can’t always show all possibilities of what a species might look like, what with their parts changing color all the time as they transition between plumages. So I did a little Googling and found photos of common terns with carpal bars and orange legs at the same time.

Mystery solved. But it’s a fine line between confidence and hubris, so I texted the photos to my bird savant friend, Rafael Galvez. He got back to me pretty quickly, pointing out that birds transitioning between plumages can have some crazy combinations. Also, he’d seen carpal bars on roseate terns before, so that didn’t rule them out. Arrrgh.

But he added that from the photo I sent, even though most of the tail was cropped out, it looked like the two outer tail feathers were darker than the inner tail feathers, and if that was the case, it would clinch it for common tern.

I sent him one of the other photos, with more tail in it, and the outer tail feathers were, in fact, darker. He also said all the dark flight feathers were also indicative. So common tern.

Almost certainly. Hopefully someday the band number will confirm this.

I texted Peggy, telling her that we were pretty sure it was a common tern, and asking how the bird was doing. She said it was very weak and its feathers were full of lice, which happens if a bird is unable to groom itself well enough. But the bird was warmed up now, and had even managed to eat a few small, live fish.

Peggy said she was hopeful the bird will continue to improve. As am I. I’d much rather be confused by a bird like that in the wild.

25

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

MONROE COUNTY IN REVIEW Trauma Star & TDC audit dominate headlines JIM McCARTHY

L

jim@keysweekly.com

anding atop the 2023 headlines were a pair of audits by the Monroe County Clerk’s Office which were critical of two governmental organizations. Meanwhile, county officials inked a deal for new Trauma Star choppers, and a court consolidation proposal brought strong opposition from many Keys residents.

Audit: Oversight failures enabled reported theft of narcotics on Trauma Star On May 11, Keys Weekly broke the news of an audit by the Monroe County Clerk’s Office that revealed glarLynda ing breakdowns in Monroe Rusinowksi County Fire Rescue’s Trauma Star life-flight service — enabling a chief flight nurse to reportedly steal more than 200 vials of fentanyl and other narcotics.

Lynda Rusinowski, 56, worked as chief flight nurse for Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) until she was sent to rehab by another MCFR employee. Eventually, she was suspended and arrested in September 2022.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office initially reported the arrest of Rusinowski, who per an anonymous July 2022 tip, allegedly altered controlled substance inventory logs in an effort to pilfer drugs. She was an employee of MCFR, not the sheriff’s office. She’s scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial conference before Judge James Morgan on Jan. 2, 2024 in Marathon.

The audit report noted no wrongdoing on the part of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, but it was highly critical of MCFR and senior county administration. The audit details a total of 623 vials of controlled substances missing from inventory logs during the audit period.

The report describes “significant breach of controls,” as staff responsible for managing the narcotics inventory at the Trauma Star supply room were the same individuals managing inventory counts on each helicopter.

Scan the QR code for the full story.

Keys Weekly file photos.

A critical TDC audit Yet another audit by the clerk’s office made headlines, this time involving the Monroe County Tourist Development Council — the Florida Keys’ multimillion-dollar tourism marketing agency.

In November, the Keys Weekly’s Mandy Miles broke the news of the county clerk’s 32page audit report of the TDC, which revealed significant issues over its financial oversight and operations. The report detailed misuse of the marketing director’s position to allow a local photographer to profit from the Florida Keys annual photo calendar. The audit also stated TDC annual financial reports presented to county commissioners misstated revenues and expenditures.

Another finding alleged the TDC’s contracted relations firm, NewmanPR, doubledbilled the county separately for services that were included in its agreement with the TDC. But County Attorney Bob Shillinger disagreed with the double-billing finding in reference to NewmanPR and its owner, Andy Newman. In a Nov. 7 memo, Shillinger said his office cleared NewmanPR of the double-billing allegation after researching the contract between the firm at the TDC. On Nov. 16, the TDC board voted to suspend director Stacey Mitchell with pay pending the results of a followup forensic audit by an outside firm.

Scan the QR codes for the full story, and a follow up story.

OTHER HEADLINES FROM 2023 Traffic study gives the Florida Keys a lousy grade.

County inks $52 million deal for new Trauma Star helicopters.

Keys contingent speaks loudly against court consolidation. A state advisory committee says ‘no’ to the idea.

Updated hurricane evacuation simulations could mean more building allocations in the Florida Keys.

30

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023 Keys Weekly file photos.

‘WILD’ STORIES Newsworthy animals from the headlines ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

A

s an archipelago more than 100 miles long that exists at the intersection of several terrestrial and marine habitats, the Keys are ripe for spotting some pretty incredible wildlife. With that comes those who will innovate and do whatever it takes to protect our environment – and those who could use an extra lesson in respect. Here are our top wildlife headlines from 2023:

THE SIGHTINGS Glimpses of unusual wildlife up and down the Keys were plentiful this year. Just three days in, “Sable,” a tagged juvenile great white shark, “pinged” in the waters off Layton on Jan. 3. Known as a sort of “snowbird” species, the shark was likely circling the Keys on its way to the Gulf following tuna and marlin. Later that same month, College of the Florida Keys student Travis Ellington recorded photos and videos of a juvenile white shark hanging out off the stern

of a family friend’s boat while fishing off Duck Key on Jan. 21.

Later in the year, two other apex predators joined the party. On May 5, a crocodile making normal appearances at one Islamorada canal found its way to dry land at the Venetian Shores community. Law enforcement and nearby residents helped return the croc, known as “Old Gruesome,” back to its home in the water. And on July 24, a group of friends fishing off Key Largo had a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, coming across a pod of orcas parading around with their latest kill.

As the summer wound down, the Middle Keys were abuzz when a flamboyance of flamingoes – yes, that’s actually the correct term – made a pit stop on Grassy Key on Sept. 1.

THE BITINGS 2022 was a banner year for shark bites in the Keys, but 2023 had some stories of its own.

On May 5, 22-year-old Ethan Wilder was bitten in the foot and ankle while spearing near Davis Reef off Islamorada.

The island chain later recorded two bites in 36 hours on May 18 and 19, but the scenarios were vastly different. In the first, 20-year-old Miami spearfisherman Kevin Blanco was hunting in the waters off Marathon when a large bull shark bit him twice in the left leg. In a second incident the following day, a man fishing off a dock in Summerland Key was bitten in the foot by a shark. At the time, the bites were three of nine publicized bites in the Keys in the last 13 months.

THE FIGHTING Though the Keys Weekly probably got more than we bargained for with our April Fools’ Day joke about the origins of the Keys’ lionfish invasion, there are thankfully folks out there with innovative tools to combat the issue. These days, tiny, affordable submarines (one nicknamed “Great White”) are joining the fight, courtesy of Lionfish Central, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing awareness, technology and marketbased solutions to fight the world’s lionfish invasion.

THE CITINGS If you can’t catch your own lobster – legally – it’s probably best to just stay on shore. On Aug. 22, after a brief boat chase, FWC officers nabbed three Miami-area men for trap robbing off Layton after allegedly watching a diver handing lobsters to individuals on a boat as they moved along the trap line. Barely a week later, three more Marathon suspects had to answer to FWC. While on patrol in the Middle Keys, officers received a tip that several people were jumping in the water with lobster equipment near commercial traps. In addition, inspection of the vessel in question found 20 spiny lobsters on board the boat for three people – two over the bag limit, with seven under the legal size.

The Keys were outraged in October when unnamed suspects took it upon themselves to shoot two feral cats in Tavernier with blow darts.

Around the same time, the Weekly received similar photos of roosters that had been shot with darts in Big Pine Key. Though veterinarian Kyle Maddox at Keys Veterinary Hospital was able to remove the dart from one cat, the other evaded volunteer trappers for several days.

On Oct. 19, an adult male loggerhead sea turtle that appeared to be intentionally speared in the head was rescued off the shoreline of Long Key. Nicknamed “Aubie,” the turtle was eventually humanely euthanized after a CT scan revealed a penetrated brain casing, causing irreparable neurological issues. Turtle Hospital founder Richie Moretti offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

THE DELIGHTING Though there are plenty of stories about those with no respect for our beautiful ecosystem and its inhabitants, it’s important to remember: Here in the Keys, the vast majority DO care, and DO love the animals whose home we visit.

On Nov. 26, staff and visitors pulled out all the stops to celebrate the “golden birthday” of 50-year-old dolphin Tursi, the first calf ever born at the facility and one of the U.S.’ oldest living cetaceans. The matriarch of the DRC pod has a famous lineage as the offspring of two dolphins that starred in the original 1963 “Flipper” film.

31

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

TAKE ME HOME? FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

T

he Keys Weekly family loves animals as much as our friends at the Florida Keys SPCA do, and we’re honored each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adoption at the organization’s Key West campus.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. 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. Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

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Benz is an 11-month-old kitten who is looking for his Mercedes — and by that we mean a family that will drive him home from the shelter and into their loving hearts.

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Are you looking for a 7-month-old lab who’s sure to make you smile? Meet Milo — goofy, awkward and very handsome. He’s everything you could possibly ask for in a new best friend.

Meet Stan. He’s 3 and looking for a new family to call his own. Stan isn’t a complicated guy; he just wants to be loved.

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NEWSPAPERS

Bean the guinea pig is looking for a home with his best friend, Squeaky. Did you know it’s illegal in Sweden to own just one guinea pig? Their social tendencies mean they do best when paired with at least one other guinea pig.

KEY WEST | MARATHON | UPPER KEYS Meet El Burro. When he’s not masked up and vying for the title in ‘Lucha Libre,’ this 2-month-old kitten can be found snuggling in our kitten room.

KEYSWEEKLY.COM

32

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

LOCAL NEWS MATTERS

KEY WEST DROPS THE BALL — AND MORE — ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

Keys Weekly turns 20, expands sports coverage & adds staff in 2023 MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

W

hile newspapers around the world have been closing, consolidating, cutting staff, outsourcing stories and selling out to hedge fund owners, the Keys Weekly continues to print its paper every week while enjoying a huge digital and social media following from around the world. And we have you, our readers and advertisers, to thank for that. From the bottom of our hearts, and from our families to yours, thank you for trusting us to tell your stories and keep you informed.

Though no one likes a braggart, perhaps you’ll indulge us a moment of proud reflection as we – your locally owned, locally staffed and locally committed newspaper – toot our own horn and look back on a successful and milestone 2023 Keys Weekly turns 20 September marked the 20th anniversary of the Keys Weekly, which initially launched in Marathon and later expanded to include the Key West Weekly and the Upper Keys Weekly.

With offices, editors and sales associates in each region of the Florida Keys, the Weekly lives by its motto, “Local Matters.”

Never bought, never sold, always free It’s pricey enough to live in paradise, so the Keys Weekly proudly offers all of its content — both print and digital — for free. No paywalls, no passwords and no login required to read the news that matters. In 2023, our daily e-newsletter boasted more than 24,000 active subscribers who receive a digest of Florida Keys news in their inbox every afternoon — again, for free.

Gwen Filosa joins team as digital editor Our news team expanded in August, when Gwen Filosa, a well-known Key West journalist and stand-up comic, joined the operation as digital editor, using her social media skills to increase engagement and amplify the stories we tell.

From conch shells to cocktails, the island parties like it’s 2024 The Keys Weekly’s 20th anniversary edition on Sept. 14 featured our expanded sports coverage with the new, 16-page Sports Wrap featuring high school sports, scores, schedules and more.

Keys Weekly expands local sports coverage With the start of the 2023 high school football season, Keys Weekly expanded its local sports coverage and added a 16-page, Sports Wrap pull-out section each week. The section quickly became the go-to resource for high school sports news. It’s written

by Tracy McDonald, compiled and edited by Marathon Weekly editor Alex Rickert, designed by Javier Reyes and supplemented with a podcast hosted

by Marathon football coach Sean McDonald. The section wouldn’t be possible without our cadre of photographers that includes Grace Andrew, Doug Finger, Barry Gaukel, Mark Hedden and more.

Our People’s Choice Awards go global Our annual People’s Choice Awards — The Key West Bubbas, Best of Marathon and Best of the Upper Keys — raised more than $100,000 for local charities while honoring the people, places and products that make this place special.

In 2023, the Bubba Awards garnered online nominations and votes from six continents – all except Antarctica. (That’ll be our goal for next year.)

Best of Marathon • 169,125 votes cast • 4,845 individual voters from 44 U.S. states and 12 countries The Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards • 513,000 votes cast • 30,000+ individual voters from 34 U.S. states and 20 countries Best of the Upper Keys (just launched in 2022) • 121,000+ votes cast by 5,021 individual voters

N

ew Year’s Eve celebrations in the southernmost city traditionally feature balmy temperatures and a warm welcome for revelers fleeing colder climes.

Chief among Key West’s festivities are five offbeat takeoffs on the traditional “ball drop” in New York’s Times Square.

• As midnight approaches Sunday, Dec. 31, thousands of people are expected to ring in the New Year on Duval Street, enjoying a quirky island tradition dubbed the “Red Shoe Drop.” Renowned female impersonator Christopher Peterson will star in the festivities, sitting in a supersized red high heel shoe suspended high above the crowds while singing live during his descent down the facade of the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St. The event marks Peterson’s first time in the shoe after being chosen to take over for Key West drag queen Sushi, who “hung up the heel” following her 25th year as a New Year’s Eve icon.

Street viewing of the entertainment and “drop” is free and open to the public. VIP seating is available by contacting Bourbon Street Pub. • Down the street outside Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St., all eyes turn to a gigantic manmade conch shell — the symbol of the Florida Keys — atop the bar for the 30th annual “Dropping of the Conch Shell.” Events are emceed by rooftop host DJ Sanaris and, as a huge clock counts down the seconds to midnight, the shell starts its descent. The festivities also feature

musical appearances by Key West’s own Mike Stack and D-Lew. No reservations or tickets are taken for the popular outdoor event.

• In the Key West Historic Seaport outside the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., the watering hole’s traditional “Lowering of the Pirate Wench” celebrates the island’s nautical heritage. Just before midnight bar owner Evalena Worthington, garbed as a pirate wench, will begin her descent from atop the mast of the tall ship America 2.0 as cannons boom. The free-admission event includes live music and festivities at the Schooner Wharf.

• A “Gatsby New Year’s Eve” gala is planned at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, the original home of Pan American World Airways. New Year’s Eve features the midnight “landing” of a replica Pan Am aircraft carrying a costumed flight attendant. The building at 301 Whitehead St. is where Pan Am’s first tickets were sold in 1927.

Attractions include a full open bar, champagne, chef-manned food stations, live music and DJ performances. Attendees are encouraged to wear formal 1920s Gatsby-era costumes. For tickets, visit firstflightkw.com/nye.

• At the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, 0 Duval St. on Key West Harbor, plans call for a huge replica of a Key lime wedge to splash down into a larger-than-life margarita glass on the property’s Sunset Pier at midnight. The free event features live entertainment by Reggae Lou & the Kind Budz. Visit oceankey.com/ key-west-sunset-pier.

— Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

EVENTS AT THE STUDIOS The Studios of Key West welcomes Mike Wiley with two captivating one-man shows.

ONE NOBLE JOURNEY

FRI JAN 5, 8PM Henry “Box” Brown was a black slave who saw no alternative but to mail himself to freedom in a small crate.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

HAPPY 2024!

A look at New Year traditions around the world

T

SHELF HELP

S

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

What: “Being Henry: The Fonz … and Beyond” by Henry Winkler Why: Winkler’s career has been astounding, spanning multiple decades starting with the iconic role as the Fonz to his best work as the acting teacher, Gene Cousineau, in HBO’s brilliant series “Barry.” (He also had some memorable turns on “Parks and Recreation” and “Arrested Development” along the way.) Anyone would admire his career, and his memoir is consistently engaging, honest and easygoing -- though Winkler can be prickly, too, with some barbs thrown at his strict German parents and Jeffery Katzenberg, who fired him as the director of “Turner & Hooch.” (Apparently Winkler had a better rap-

port with the dog than he did with Tom Hanks.) The book feels like spending an enjoyable afternoon in conversation with a living legend who can be both a little curmudgeonly while simultaneously undeniably charming.

Where: This is available in regular and large print and as an e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library system.

How: You can request books online by logging in to your account keyslibraries.org and get e-books and e-audiobooks 24/7 at estuff.keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@ keyslibraries.org Recommended by: Michael Nelson, assistant director of public services See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/shelf-help.

he year 2024 is upon us, and ready or not, here it comes!

While prognosticators try to make New Year forecasts, I haven’t a clue about the future. I do, however, have insights as to how we celebrate the arrival of the New Year, and there are some really cool celebrations around the world. It’s just how we humans mark the passage of time — our own imperfect artificial construct — as the universe goes on all around us.

We all know about the countdown, ball drop (or Sushi drop), champagne and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

Another tradition involves the New Year’s meal of Hoppin’ John with blackeyed peas, cornbread and collard greens. And thanks to CNN, we can tune in to fireworks from around the world as the different time zones ring in the New Year.

There are a lot of New Year traditions, some stranger than others. But all seem to be designed to help make the New Year as good as it could possibly be. Here are a few.

A common New Year’s tradition in Spain involves grapes. Each New Year precisely at midnight, Spaniards eat one grape for every month of the upcoming trip around the sun. This is meant to bring good luck and help wine makers get a good harvest.

If you wake up New Year’s morning to find a pile of broken dish shards outside your door, it’s probably New Year’s in Denmark. Danes have this tradition of taking unused dishes and hurling them against the front doors of friends and family. It’s a somewhat weird and destructive display of affection.

If you have the travel bug, and you happen to be in Colombia, you might find yourself carrying around an empty suitcase or two in a circle around your neighborhood at the stroke of midnight. Also in South America, the color of your underwear signifies what you truly want from the New Year: red means love, yellow means money, and white means peace. So don’t leave those favorite underwear colors in the suitcase.

Seeing that it’s summer in South America in January, a Brazilian tradition is heading to the beach. Immediately after midnight, people are supposed to jump seven waves and make seven wishes. Also, the wearing of white symbolizes purity for the upcoming year.

In Greece, Turkey and Armenia, there is a New Year tradition that

involves smashing pomegranates. In Greece, pomegranates are crushed on the door, and the number of seeds that fall out signify JOHN how much good BARTUS luck will come in the New Year.

John Bartus is a (They also hang singer-songwriter onions outside and the former the door on New mayor of MaraYear’s Day — thon. probably to hide the pomegranate stains.) In the other countries, pomegranates are smashed on the ground. The more pieces and seeds, the more good luck will follow.

In some places in Johannesburg, South Africa, people throw furniture out of tall buildings in a somewhat dangerous tradition. People would collect old chairs, sofas, and appliances and then toss them out of a window.

The meaning behind this practice involved getting rid of old problems and making a new start. I just wouldn’t want to be walking outside in those neighborhoods on New Year’s Eve. In Scotland, the last day of the year is called Hogmanay. Scots practice the tradition of “first-footing,” where the first person to enter a home in the New Year brings a small gift to guarantee good luck. Scots also stage large bonfires to commemorate the Vikings’ winter solstice celebrations.

Italians also torch things — they burn an old man (signifying the old year) in effigy to get rid of the bad and open the way for good.

In the Philippines, round shapes are the symbols of success and wealth for the New Year. Given that it is the shape of coins, round is most certainly not square in the Philippines. The wearing of polka dot attire is often seen and encouraged.

No matter how you celebrate, we certainly wish you a happy and prosperous New Year. It is my hope that as another 365 days pass (actually, 366 — 2024 is a leap year), and another trip around the sun concludes, that the good in our lives eclipses the bad.

May there be many more days ahead in which to celebrate the magic that is our everyday lives.

— Catch John live Wednesdays at Brutus Seafood, Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, this Friday on US 1 Radio’s Morning Magazine, and Sundays at the Skipjack Resort Tiki Bar. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com • johnbartus.hearnow.com

38

KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / DECEMBER 28, 2023

December 28, 2023

Looking back at the athletes and coaches who were at their best when the lights were brightest

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DECEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP SPORTS WRITER

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

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

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

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Keys Weekly Sports Wrap looks back at the top stories in prep sports this year

F

or a tight-knit island chain with just three relatively small high schools, the Florida Keys had no shortage of accomplishments from record-breaking athletes in 2023. From college commitments to school records, district leaders to state champions, the Keys Weekly thought our final issue of 2023 would be a perfect time to pair our Year in Review editions with a look at the top 23 athletic accomplishments in Keys prep sports this year.

4

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / DECEMBER 28, 2023

RAIN BANKS LEADS FHSAA 3A DISTRICT 16 IN SCORING Marathon midfielder Rain Banks capped off her junior season on the pitch with 20 goals and 11 assists, resulting in 51 points for the Lady Fins. Banks’ season stats were the top in the district, setting her up for an exciting senior campaign. With 9 goals in a 3-game span in December, that’s already off to a blazing start.

15 KEYS CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS QUALIFY FOR THE BIG SHOW Marathon’s boys and girls made 2023 their ninth and fifth consecutive state championship appearances, respectively, sending Ella Dunn, Mikkel Ross, Rain Banks, Maeve Merryman, Sara Robinson, Madelyn Thornton, Rebecca Merryman, Vance Bursa, Jakub Bursa, Antonin Bursa, Dillon Shelar, Adrien Holdinga, Allan Taylor and Mason Buxton to Tallahassee. Key West’s Caylaa Makimaa defied the odds and qualified for states as an individual with one of the best Conch times in recent history.

CORAL SHORES FEARSOME FOURSOME DOMINATES RELAYS Hurricane swimmers Abbie Sargent, Layne Smith, Riley Cooper and Allegra Fucaraccio combined in the 200 medley relay to win district gold this season. At regionals, they placed sixth with a time fast enough to qualify for the state championships. Sargent qualified as an individual as well, representing the ’Canes in the 100 breaststroke. MARGIE SMITH/Contributed

AJ SMITH MAKES HISTORY Conchs’ swimming phenom AJ Smith won district and regional medals in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle events with times that were dominant enough to give him the top seed at states in the 50. Smith added more hardware to his extensive collection when he won the state championship gold medal in the 50 freestyle event, breaking his own school record to become the Conchs’ first state swim champ.

5

DECEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

Coral Shores Boys Dominate During 12-Game Win Streak Head coach Jarrod Mandozzi led the Hurricane hoopsters on a 12-game winning streak last season, beginning on Jan. 5 against Oxbridge Academy and ending on Feb. 8. The ’Canes’ streak came to an end when Riviera Prep, the eventual 3A state champs, defeated them in the district semifinals. During the season, the ’Canes bested both Marathon and Key West, making them the undisputed Kings of the Keys in 2023.

Conch Track Stars Win Double District Title Key West’s boys and girls both won the FHSAA 2A District 16 Championship trophy in ’23. The dual titles were secured, in part, by 11 individual district wins, with 25 athletes qualifying for regionals. The Conchs went on to qualify five for states, returning with five medals.

Top: Vance Bursa Bottom: Savannah Chadic

Ten Keys Track Athletes Medal at States Monroe County proved its prowess last spring in track and field, bringing home 10 state medals from the FHSAA State Championships. Hurricane strongman Xavyer Arrington won two, an eighth place in shot put and sixth in discus. Key West’s Savannah Chadic also won two, taking eighth place in the 200 and sixth place in the 400. Fellow Conchs with state medals of their own were Kevon Mills (sixth in high jump), Suharevskis Niks-Davis (second in pole vault) and Josh Canterbury (sixth in pole vault). For Marathon, Vance Bursa brought home an eighth-place medal in the 3200 while Ava Merryman placed seventh in the pole vault and Daysi Williams won fourth place in the high jump.

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September 14, 2023

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / DECEMBER 28, 2023

Year of the Kicker Two Keys kickers broke school records in football in ’23. Key West’s Marco Davila (below) racked up 41 career touchbacks to set a new Conch record.

Marathon’s Fabbianho Louis Jeune set the mark for the Fins with a 51-yard field goal.

Juvier and Arrington Strike Gold

ALL OUT, ALL GAME, ALL SEASON

Coral Shores’ Julian Juvier won a pair of gold medals at the state championships in traditional and Olympic lifting. Teammate Xavyer Arrington added to his 2022 win with a gold in ’23 in the Olympic event and a third-place medal in traditional.

CORAL SHORES, KEY WEST GET BACK IN THE WIN COLUMN | P.6

Keys Weekly Debuts Breakout Sports Section To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap, the team put together a new and improved breakout section featuring all three Keys high schools each week. The breakout sports section continues to offer readers more coverage of prep sports and the best sports photography around.

Keys Girls Flex on Florida Seven Monroe County lifters represented the Keys at the FHSAA state championships in girls’ weightlifting. Key West’s Valerie Thene, Coral Shores’ Lily Hitchcock and Valentina Rizzo, and Marathon’s Alexandra Brabenec, Ella Dunn, Justice Lee and Mikkel Ross made the trip to Lakeland for states. Ross brought home a fifth-place medal in traditional lifting.

Lee and Thene cracked the top 10.

Left, Alexandra Brabenec, Ella Dunn, Mikkel Ross, Justice Lee and coach Michelle James; right, Key West’s Valerie Thene. CONTRIBUTED

DECEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

Standout Lineman Andre Otto Goes D1 Many Keys athletes penned letters of intent to play at the next level in 2023, but one took it a step further and went straight to the top of the D1 rankings. Andre Otto’s play on the line for the Conchs sent collegiate scouts into a frenzy last season. A three-sport letterman for Key West, Otto eventually chose to keep his talents in the state and signed to play with the Seminoles of FSU, where he is already earning playing time and working toward a career in film.

Andre Otto earned a scholarship and playing time as a true freshman at FSU this fall. FSU MEDIA TEAM/Contributed

7

8

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / DECEMBER 28, 2023 Riche and Otto Medal at States for Conchs Key West sent three competitors to the FHSAA State Championship in boys’ wrestling last season. Abram Canet, Ralph Riche (below) and Andre Otto made the trip and Otto and Riche returned wearing medals. Riche won fifth place while Otto won bronze to help continue the Conchs’ legacy of success.

Key West’s Felix Ong Commits to University of Florida Star pitcher Felix Ong has yet to throw a game ball in his senior campaign for the 2024 Conchs, but he’s already set to play at the next level. Ong has a fastball already clocked at 96 mph this fall, and he’s a face Key West’s opponents don’t want to see when they step in the batter’s box. Ong won eight of his 10 appearances on the mound in 2023 with a pair of shutouts and a pair of no-hitters. “The UF baseball team has no idea what’s coming,” said coach Ralph Henriquez.

Conchs Reign as Kings of Diamond There’s no way around it: Key West is the Keys’ baseball powerhouse, and last year’s team proved worthy to wear the crimson and gray. The Conchs won 22 times last season, including a 13-0 district championship victory over Miami Sunset. The stomping gave Key West district title number 31 for the record books. Sunset went on to knock the Conchs out of contention for a coveted 12th state championship, which would break the tie for most in the state.

The ’23 team was ranked first in its district and region for good reason – multiple Conchs signed on to play collegiately, while coach Ralph Henriquez and the underclassmen went right back to work securing their dynasty on the diamond.

9

DECEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

Chaz Jimenez and His Grappling Conchs Win 16th District Title Key West is well known as a baseball town, but homegrown wrestling coach Chaz Jimenez has been churning out district championships and state qualifiers at breakneck speed. Last season, the boys earned their 16th first place trophy and extended their district-winning seasons to 14 consecutive.

Conch Girls’ Debut Wrestling Season Yields Pair of Medals Key West’s wrestling team is steeped in a tradition of winning, and when they added a girls team, success was instantaneous. Three qualified for states, including Sheyla Figueira and sisters Ailee and Shannon Briggs. Both Briggs sisters brought home silver medals from states and Shannon later signed to wrestle collegiately at Avila.

Conchs head coach Chaz Jimenez stands between Ailee Briggs (left) and Shannon Briggs (right) at the FHSAA 1A state championships. Both athletes earned runner-up medals.

Ziels Earns National Ranking on Mound for Fins Marathon pitcher Dylan Ziels amassed 129 strikeouts in 57.1 innings pitched for the Fins last season, walking just 20 of the 242 batters he faced. His strikeout success was the second-best showing in the entire state and ranked 35th nationally. Ziels recently committed to pitch for Palm Beach State College after numerous universities wooed the big righty.

BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

10

Coaching Giant Ralph Henriquez Inducted into Hall of Fame Key West’s winningest coach of its winningest team earned a state nod when he was selected to the High School Baseball Network South Florida Hall of Fame.

Henriquez has 550 wins spanning his 30-year career as a baseball coach. His career led him all the way to an MLB coaching position, but he returned to his hometown in 2014. Henriquez has 373 wins with the Conchs and has guided over 100 players to collegiate careers. His major league player roster is in double digits.

If the Conchs’ 2023 season is any indication, he isn’t even close to being finished.

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / DECEMBER 28, 2023

Coral Shores Legend Steps Down as AD After more than three decades as athletic director at Coral Shores High School, Rich Russell passed the reins on to Ed Holly in 2023. Russell was a standout football player for the ’Canes, earning a full scholarship to play at the University of Miami.

The great-great-grandson of the original Upper Keys settlers returned from his collegiate career to coach for his hometown and eventually run the athletic department. Russell is still a fixture on campus as he uses his vast knowledge and experience to help guide and mentor his beloved Hurricanes.

Top: Rich Russell Bottom: Ed Holly

Lady Conchs Lacrosse Comes Alive to Win District Championship Key West went 11-3 last season, boasting a perfect 6-0 record in district matchups. The team won the FHSAA District 16 1A Championship, fueled by a scoring frenzy. Bella Marchiano’s play was stellar enough for her to sign to play for Palm Beach Atlantic University her junior year. Marchiano earned her 100th goal in ’23. Teammate Ella Baxter was the first Lady Conch to hit triple digits, though, and she signed to play for Kenyon College in Ohio next year.

Freshman Maria Chaney is well on her way to hitting the 100 milestone, with 37 goals in just one varsity season of play, making for what could just be the next sports dynasty for Key West.

11

DECEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

Conchs Softball Makes it to Final Four The Lady Conchs proved that their ’22 final four appearance was not a fluke when they brought home district and regional titles in ’23. The team went 19-4 last season, sending multiple players to college and earning District 16 4A accolades in almost every statistic. Isabella Franco was first in the district in batting average with a .475 and led in on base percentage with .536. Scarlet Niles was second, batting .457.

Niles led the district in runs scored with 35 and stolen bases with 16. Miesha Hernandez (below) was first in home runs, slamming 3, first in RBIs with 27 and earned the top slugging percentage with .685. Chloe Gilday had the top ERA with 2.07, edging out teammate Nevaeh Arnold who came in second with 2.70. The pair of pitchers combined for 109 strikeouts.

ELLA HALL/Keys Weekly

Chaz Jimenez and His Grappling Conchs Win 16th District Title Key West is well known as a baseball town, but homegrown wrestling coach Chaz Jimenez (right) has been churning out district championships and state qualifiers at breakneck speed. Last season, the boys earned their 16th first-place trophy and extended their district-winning seasons to 14 consecutive.

Coral Shores Extends Battle of the Keys Margin on Gridiron The Hurricanes earned a big win over Marathon in the 54th Battle of the Keys, defeating Marathon in a lopsided 42-7 victory.

The ’Canes went 6-4 in head coach Ed Holly’s second season of his coaching stint for Coral Shores.

12

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying).

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adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, CALLING FOR A REFERENDUM VOTE TO BE HELD WITH GENERAL ELECTION ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024; PROVIDING FOR SUBMISSION TO THE ELECTORS OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE VILLAGE CHARTER PERTAINING TO TERM LIMITS; PROVIDING FOR PLACEMENT ON THE BALLOT; PROVIDING FOR REQUISITE BALLOT LANGUAGE; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE OF ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION OF VILLAGE CLERK AND FOR VILLAGE CANVASSING BOARD; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CHARTER/CONFORMITY OF AMENDMENT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Islamorada, Village of Islands website by viewing the agenda packet for the January 9, 2024 meeting, which will be posted beginning on December 4, 2024 at: https://islamoradafl. portal.civicclerk.com/ The ordinance may also be viewed at the Village Clerk’s office at 86800 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036.

The public can participate in the January 9, 2024 meeting of the Islamorada, Village of Islands Village Council by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at https://zoom. us/j/91106564166 ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the ADA Coordinator, by phoning (305) 664-6448, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

Dated at Islamorada, Florida, this 21st day of December, 2023.

Marne McGrath Village Clerk Publish: December 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

AS FURTHER DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT “A”; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Islamorada, Village of Islands website by viewing the agenda packet for the January 9, 2024 meeting, which will be posted beginning on December 4, 2024 at: https://islamoradafl. portal.civicclerk.com/ The ordinance may also be viewed at the Village Clerk’s office at 86800 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036.

The public can participate in the January 9, 2024 meeting of the Islamorada, Village of Islands Village Council by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at https://zoom. us/j/91106564166 ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the ADA Coordinator, by phoning (305) 664-6448, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

Dated at Islamorada, Florida, this 21st day of December, 2023.

Marne McGrath Village Clerk Publish: December 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

us/j/91106564166 ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the ADA Coordinator, by phoning (305) 664-6448, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

Dated at Islamorada, Florida, this 21st day of December, 2023.

Marne McGrath Village Clerk Publish: December 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

Engineering Inspection and 10.3 Construction Materials Inspection and be experienced in Federal grant reporting requirements.

Monroe County is seeking the services of a firm or individual to provide construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services for the Twin Lakes Subdivision Flood Mitigation Project located on Key Largo. The drainage design includes inlets, manholes, above-ground electrical pump station controls, distribution panels and components, generators, underground valve boxes, wet wells, pollution treatment unit structures, and solids storage sumps. The roadway work includes reconstructing and elevating roads, establishing crowns, milling and asphalt paving, and will include water utility line replacement (FKAA scope).

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids.com.

The Public Record is available upon request.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposal/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecountyfl.gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Professional CEI Services, TWIN LAKES SUBDIVISION (KEY LARGO) FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECT 01/302024 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size.

Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is here by given that on January 8th, 2024, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Yanet Pere – 1678 $529.85 Sean Ciccarone – 1569 $505.90 Oscar Lopez – 1752 $809.48 Wayne Mosley – 1110 $719.85 Publish: December 28, 2023 and January 4, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: THE VEHICLE(S) LISTED BELOW WILL BE SOLD ON JAN. 23, 2024 AT 9:00 AM AT A RESERVED PUBLIC SALE PERSUANT TO CHAPTER 713.585 OF THE F. S. AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION(S): 2014 DODG 2D 2C3CDYAG7EH100504 SALE DATE: JAN. 23, 2024 at 9:00 AM LOCATION: G C MECHANICAL SERVICES 10791 6TH AVE GULF, MARATHON,FL 33050 P#813-410-3698 SUM TO REDEEM VEHICLE:$7,243.27 OWNER/LIENHOLDER MAY RECOVER VEHICLE WITHOUT INSTITUTING JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BY POSTING A BOND AS PER FLORIDA STATUTE 559.917 ANY PERSON(S) CLAIMING ANY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE VEHICLE SHOULD CONTACT: BEST LIEN SERVICES (1-866299-9391) AT LEAST 1 WEEK PRIOR TO THE LIEN SALE. Publish: December 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers DISTRICT IV ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC IV) (Between the Long Key Bridge and mile marker 90.939) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE - Shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF VILLAGE ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on January 9, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida, the Village Council of Islamorada, Village of Islands, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR AN INCREASE IN COMPENSATION FOR VILLAGE COUNCIL MEMBERS; PROVIDING FOR REFERENDUM TO BE HELD WITH THE REGULAR VILLAGE ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024; PROVIDING FOR SUBMISSION TO THE ELECTORS OF A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE VILLAGE CHARTER PERTAINING TO INCREASED COMPENSATION FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS; PROVIDING FOR REQUISITE BALLOT LANGUAGE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CHARTER/CONFORMITY OF AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Islamorada, Village of Islands website by viewing the agenda packet for the January 9, 2024 meeting, which will be posted beginning on December 4, 2024 at: https://islamoradafl. portal.civicclerk.com/ The ordinance may also be viewed at the Village Clerk’s office at 86800 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036.

The public can participate in the January 9, 2024 meeting of the Islamorada, Village of Islands Village Council by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at https://zoom. us/j/91106564166 ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding,

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF VILLAGE ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on January 9, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida, the Village Council of Islamorada, Village of Islands, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 30 “LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS”, ARTICLE IV “ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES”, DIVISION 10 “PLATTING”, SECTION 30-431 OF THE VILLAGE CODE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Islamorada, Village of Islands website by viewing the agenda packet for the January 9, 2024 meeting, which will be posted beginning on December 4, 2024 at: https://islamoradafl. portal.civicclerk.com/ The ordinance may also be viewed at the Village Clerk’s office at 86800 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036.

The public can participate in the January 9, 2024 meeting of the Islamorada, Village of Islands Village Council by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at https://zoom. us/j/91106564166 ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the ADA Coordinator, by phoning (305) 664-6448, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

Dated at Islamorada, Florida, this 21st day of December, 2023.

Marne McGrath Village Clerk Publish: December 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF VILLAGE ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on January 9, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida, the Village Council of Islamorada, Village of Islands, Florida, intends to consider

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF VILLAGE ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on January 9, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida, the Village Council of Islamorada, Village of Islands, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 66 “WATERWAYS”, ARTICLE I “IN GENERAL”, SECTION 66-2 “OPERATION OF VESSELS IN RESTRICTED AREAS” OF THE VILLAGE CODE TO MODIFY THE VESSEL EXCLUSION ZONE/SWIM AREA GENERALLY LOCATED OFF OF PORT ANTIGUA AND WHITE MARLIN BEACH ON LOWER MATECUMBE KEY,

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF VILLAGE ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on January 9, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida, the Village Council of Islamorada, Village of Islands, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 30 “LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS”, ARTICLE IV “ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES” DIVISION 2 “DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS”, SECTION 30-212 OF THE VILLAGE CODE TO CREATE A ZONING IN PROGRESS PROVISION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Islamorada, Village of Islands website by viewing the agenda packet for the January 9, 2024 meeting, which will be posted beginning on December 4, 2024 at: https://islamoradafl. portal.civicclerk.com/ The ordinance may also be viewed at the Village Clerk’s office at 86800 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036.

The public can participate in the January 9, 2024 meeting of the Islamorada, Village of Islands Village Council by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at https://zoom.

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS City of Key Colony Beach PO Box 510141 600 W Ocean Drive Key Colony Beach, FL, 33051 ITB – Invitation to Bid Tennis Courts 1TB-2023-014 The City of Key Colony Beach requests interested parties to submit formal sealed bids for the above referenced solicitation.

Scope of Work: Construction of two tennis courts.

Ordering Instructions: Bid packages are available online at DemandStar. Bids will be deemed valid for a period of sixty (60) days after the submittal date. www. demandstar.com Document Cost: Supply all labor, materials and permits needed.

Pre/Bid Proposal Conference: NON-MANDATORY. Site visit is highly recommended to see scope of work.

Due Date/Time: 01-21-2024 – 4:00 PM Eastern City of Key Colony Beach must receive bids no later than said date and time. Bids received after such time will be returned unopened.

Bid opening will take place at 9:35 am, 600 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, at the temporary Key Colony Beach City Hall.

NOTE: ALL PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS/RESPONDENTS ARE HEREBY CAUTIONED NOT TO CONTACT ANY MEMBER OF THE City of Key Colony Beach STAFF OR OFFICIALS OTHER THAN THE SPECIFIED CONTACT PERSON. M/WBE's are encouraged to participate in the bid process.

Contact: Silvia Gransee, City Clerk Phone: 305-289-1212 Mailing Address: PO Box 510141 Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 Publish: December 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION, ENGINEERING, AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE TWIN LAKES SUBDIVISION (KEY LARGO) FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECT KEY LARGO, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Respondents must be pre-qualified by FDOT for WORK GROUP 10.1 Roadway Construction

13

DECEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

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: December 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMBBIDS@MONROECOUNTY-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Twin Lakes (Key Largo) Flood Mitigation Project 03/05/2024 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size.

Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov., in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid, and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. 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: December 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

milling and asphalt paving.

Respondents must be pre-approved by FDOT for Work Group 10.1, Roadway Construction Engineering Inspection services and Work Group 10.3, Construction Materials Inspection. The CEI will ensure that the roadway and drainage work conform with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) standards and will facilitate communications between all parties ensuring responses and resolutions are provided in a timely manner.

The CEI will maintain accurate records and provide contract support for County’s State and/or Federal grants.

The CEI will confirm that construction is performed in conformance with the plans and specifications.

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar

by Onvia at www. demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com. The Public Record is available upon request.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposal/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on January 25, 2024. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents.

Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Professional CEI Services, KEY LARGO III ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE PROJECT 01/25/2024 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size.

Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on January 25, 2024.

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: December 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

BOULEVARD (NORTH OF WATSON BLVD) ROADWAY PROJECT Big Pine 02/07/2024 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size.

Should your bid documents exceed 25MB or otherwise be rejected or undeliverable to OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. 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: December 28, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: December 28, 2023.

Personal Representative: Rebecca Ford Hayden 85261 Old Highway Islamorada, Florida 33036 Attorney for Personal Representatives: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: December 28, 2023 and January 4, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon.

Privatebay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided.

305-6108 0 0 2

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: TWIN LAKES (KEY LARGO) FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Bidders must be Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pre-qualified in the types of work specified for the project. The prime bidder must be prequalified in at least one major type of work regardless of the number of major types that are solicited.

For any type of work that isn’t met by the prime, the subcontractor must meet the prequalification requirement.

The team must be prequalified in all types of work needed for the project.

The project is partially funded through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Resilient Florida Grant Program as well as by federal funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) pre-disaster mitigation program. The awarded contractor is bound by the terms and conditions of the County’s grant agreements with both grantor agencies.

The Scope of Work consists of reconstruction and elevation of roads in the Twin Lakes Subdivision of Key Largo, construction of a stormwater management system consisting of a collection system, treatment unit, pump station with controls and a force main and injection wells for disposal. The work includes replacement of water utility infrastructure on behalf of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA scope) and coordination with Florida Keys Electric Cooperative (FKEC pass thru scope) for electrical infrastructure to the pump station.

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at: www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecuntybids.com.

The Public Record is available upon request.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically-delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION, ENGINEERING, AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE KEY LARGO III ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE PROJECT KEY LARGO, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Respondents must be pre-qualified by FDOT for WORK GROUP 10.1 Roadway Construction Engineering Inspection and 10.3 Construction Materials Inspection and be experienced in federal grant reporting requirements.

Monroe County is seeking the services of a firm or individual to provide construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services for the Key Largo III Roadway and Drainage Project. The drainage design includes inlets, manholes, and the roadway work includes reconstructing and elevating roads, establishing crowns,

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING DESIGN AND PERMITTING SERVICES FOR THE KEY DEER BOULEVARD (NORTH OF WATSON BLVD.) ROADWAY PROJECT BIG PINE KEY, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Respondents must be prequalified by FDOT for WORK TYPES 3.1 Minor Highway Design. The prime consultant, at a minimum must be prequalified by FDOT in Group 3 - Type 3.1 Minor Highway Design, 7.1 Signing, Pavement Markings. Subconsultants may be prequalified by FDOT in remaining Group or Types of work: Group 8, Surveying and Mapping – 8.2 Design, Right of Way and Construction Surveying, 8.4 Right of Way Mapping, Group 9. Soil Exploration, Material Testing and Foundations – 9.1 Soil Exploration, 9.2 Geotechnical Classification Lab Testing.

Monroe County is seeking the services of a firm or individuals to provide professional engineering design and permitting services for resurfacing, reconstruction and elevation of portions of Key Deer Boulevard on Big Pine Key. This solicitation qualifies for local preference.

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar

by Onvia at www. demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com. The Public Record is available upon request.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department has implemented a new electronic process for reviewing and opening sealed bids. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposal/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING DESIGN AND PERMITTING SERVICES, KEY DEER

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2023-CP-122-P IN RE: ESTATE OF STANLEY SAMUEL HAYDEN, JR. Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of STANLEY SAMUEL HAYDEN, JR., deceased, whose date of death was August 26, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the 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

AUTOS WANTED

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

Runs or Not. $CASH 305-332-0483 AUTOS FOR SALE

1964 Ford Galaxy, 427 Big Block, 5-speed, located in Key Largo. 954-445-6647 2009 Toyota Rav4 166k miles - excellent running condition.

Located in Marathon. $5,500 305-393-3230 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK! 2008 Acura TL. Recent rebuilt A/C. Brand new battery.

Runs wells $2,995.

Located in Key Largo.

Call 305-451-8410 or 305-852-3471.

SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK! Place your AUTO FOR SALE ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Place your BOAT SLIP FOR RENT ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT

New warehouses for rent in the Upper Keys.

4 units avail., 600 sq ft each, 20 ft. high ceilings, ½ bath in each unit. $2,500.00/month.

305-924-0593 EMPLOYMENT

BAHAMAS BEACH Family Retreat Needs Retired Caretaker Couple.

Call or text 305-439-9991 Looking for happy personality with good customer service skills to complete staff in fun Keys Gift Shop in Marathon. Part time to start. Call 305 731 6947 for appointment.

Boat rental company in Marathon needs an Outboard Mechanic.

Some general marina work, and boat experience a plus.

Call 305-481-7006 City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Administrative Asst.

Fire Department and Right of Way Technician.

Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us 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

14

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / DECEMBER 28, 2023

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

EMPLOYMENT

RV LOT FOR RENT

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 Tu e s d ay – S u n d ay.

Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub. c o m

online at www.kwha. org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

Large RV Waterfront Lot with Dockage for rent in Marathon.

Full hook up. $1950/ month plus utilities.

F/L/S 305-731-5042

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

Large RV Lot for Rent in Marathon.

Full hook up. $1600/ month plus utilities.

F/L/S 305-731-5042

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time bartender for event nights. $12/hr plus guaranteed gratuity, employee meal provided, private club environment. Variety of afternoon/evening hours available Tuesday – Sunday.

Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub. c o m .

The Housing Authority

of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: PT Receptionist, Housing Assistant-Key West, Occupancy & Admissions AssistantKey West, Protective Service Aide, Housing Manager-Middle Keys, HVAC Maintenance M e c h a n i c , M a i n t e n a n c e M e c h a n i c (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

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

LONG TERM Key Largo 2BR/2BA Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access.

Very nice community. $3750/month 786-258-3127 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.

Available now. $2,000/month includes electric, water, sewer, cable, internet.

No Pets. 305-610-8002

Place your RV LOT FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

PAPA JOE’S WATERFRONT in Islamorada is in final stages of construction and looking forward to an end-of-January opening!!

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

Monday-Friday with some overtime available.

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

VACATION RENTAL

Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum.

Recently renovated.

2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport.

Starting $214/night.

SweetCarolineSeaport. c o m 3BR/2.5BA For Rent in Key Largo - on the water with dockage available.

Jan/Feb/ March 954-445-6647

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

We are now beginning to assemble our management team.

If you’re interested in any of these listed employment opportunities, please email your resume to FrankS@PapaJoesWaterfront.com Please be sure to attach your resume, contact info, & position(s) of interest.

Please No calls, No walk-ins at this time.

Thank you.

YARD SALES

Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

HOUSING WANTED

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

M a t u r e professional female seeks empty or furnished living space in Key West.

Need Washer/Dryer, Private Bath & Kitchen.

202-531-9878

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! WISHING YOU HEALTH AND H A P P I N E S S THROUGHOUT THE COMING YEAR!

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

• Bussers • Hosts • Line Cooks • Waitstaff • Bartenders • Dishwashers • Bar Backs Apply in person at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

WE ARE HIRING! PLANT STORE/NURSERY ASSOCIATE (PT) SAT – MONDAY 9AM – 5 PM Position requires a min. of high school completion and 1 yr exp. Must be knowledgeable in tropical plants and have good social/business skills, above average computer skills (knowledge of POS a plus). Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. FL driver’s license w/good driving record, references and background screening required.

DIRECT CARE STAFF /DRIVER AT ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM KW (FT/PT)

This position is available at our Adult Day program. This position provided direct care service and support to our clients in the day program. This position requires the minimum of high school completion or GED. FL Driver’s license w/clean driving record, English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Pre-employment training online and in person required.

MARC | 1401 Seminary St, Key West | www.marchouse.org

Now accepting applications via email for the following positions: Admin/Office-Manager Assistant General Manager Restaurant/Floor Manager(s) Beverage/Bar Manager Sous Chef(s) Kitchen Manager/Supervisor(s)

Come join our family! EOE

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

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.

15

DECEMBER 28, 2023 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

IS HIRING! Volunteer Resources Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

Staff Photographer

(Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal)

Media & Marketing Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING!

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

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

Apply at westcare.com and enter your availability.

KEY LARGO

Advocate (PT) Behavioral Health Counselor (Child)

KEY WEST

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

MARATHON

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

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

*No experience required for this position. Will train.

A caring heart & helpful hands required.

Teaching... Learning... Caring

Background and drug screen req.

COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

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

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

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

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL

OPENINGS AVAILABLE TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Network Administrator

Ensure the stable operation of the computer networks. This includes planning, developing, installing, configuring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing all network hardware, software, and communication links.

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

Construction Foreman

Coordination and participation in the day-to-day on site construction process, to the highest quality standards.

- Customer Service Coordinator - Medical Technologist, $15k Sign-on Bonus* - Medical Technologist, Laboratory - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Radiology, $20k Sign-on Bonus* - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Ultrasound, $20k Sign-on Bonus* - MH Multiplace Hyperbaric Tech - Pool Group Exercise Instructor - Pool Physical Therapist - Registered Nurse, $25k Sign-on Bonus*

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL - Cook, Dietary, $5k Sign-on Bonus* - Emergency Department Team Coordinator - Environmental Tech, $5k Sign-on Bonus* - Manager Food Service - Medical Technologist, $15k Sign-on Bonus* - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Radiology, $20k Sign-on Bonus* - Patient Care Manager, Emergency Department, $20k Sign-on Bonus* - Patient Experience Advocate - Pharmacy Tech, $4k Sign-on Bonus* - Phlebotomist, Laboratory - Pool Physical Therapist - Registered Nurse, Oncology-Outpatient, $15k Sign-on Bonus* - Registered Nurse, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, $15k Sign-on Bonus* - Security Officer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. *Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATORS LOCATION: MARATHON

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

Apply online at www.fkaa.com/212/opportunities EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

$$$ OFFICE ASSISTANT $$$

DYNASTY MARINE ASSOCIATES, 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.

Competitive compensation plus benefits.

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

THE REGAN ROTH TEAM IS HERE TO PROTECT YOU...

YOUR FAMILY, YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR HOME!

Family owned and operated since 1958 ADMINISTRATION

Joseph H. Roth III President 25 years

Lorie Head Office Manager 34 years

Jennifer Miller Assistant Manager 2 years

ACCOUNTING

Sara Roth Executive Assistant/Agent 1 year

SALES

Linda Griswold Agent/Sales 17 years

Holly Redding Agent/Sales 21 years

Maria Bell Receptionist 1 year

Aileen Joiner Accounting/ Automation 17 years

Irma Guerra Accounting 4 years

COMMERCIAL LINES

Grimi Betancourt Manager/Sales Agent-Marathon 4 years

Lilliam Reyes Supervisor 18 years

Lisa Maguire Account Manager 14 years

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

PERSONAL LINES

Paula Sachs Supervisor 18 years

Vianey Diaz Account Manager 1 year

Jennifer Paul Account Manager 20 years

Miriam Marin Account Manager 19 years

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

Kayla Soriano Account Processor 1 year

Home, wind and flood. All lines of commercial/business insurance.

Boats, autos, golf carts and recreational vehicles

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

305.743.3414 8065 Overseas Hwy. Marathon

www.ReganRoth.com | Response@ReganRoth.com