Marathon Weekly 24-0201

In the 60s all week … everyone still have their fingers and toes?

Feb. 1, 2024

QUESTIONS AT THE QUAY Alternate park designs spark debate | P.4 SAY GOODBYE TO SOCIALS New bill could ban media apps for kids under 16 | P.6

TRIUMPH ON THE TURF Marathon squad wins IWFFA tournament | P.24

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

MARATHON | $2,295,000 | LISTING ID: 607756

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

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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

3:11

Harriers hoping for a coveted spot in the 2024 Seven Mile Bridge Run needed fast fingers at 6 a.m. on registration day, Jan. 30. 1,500 entries for the wildly popular run filled online in just 3 minutes, 11 seconds.

The Marathon Young Ladies, led by Middle Keys stars including Elena Eubank, finished the IWFFA Kelly McGillis Classic with an undefeated record, allowing only one touchdown en route to a Lower Division championship win over the Fort Lauderdale Dolphins. See page 24. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

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

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Director of Sales

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Se habla español

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

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Members of

Purchased in 2018, the fate of the Quay property next to one of Marathon’s public boat ramps has yet to be determined. CITY OF MARATHON/Contributed

PARKS VS. BOAT RAMPS Quay redevelopment still up in the air ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

A

new park, or another boat ramp?

The Marathon City Council left its Jan. 22 workshop with more questions than answers for redevelopment of the Quay property.

The workshop saw the council consider a second design for the area – previously headed for development as a community park with a kayak launch, boardwalk, picnic facilities, fishing areas, food trucks and restrooms – after three years of public workshops. Costs associated with the original design would total $1.175 million, city staff wrote in the evening’s agenda packet.

The second design, previously requested by Vice Mayor Lynn Landry and councilman Kenny Matlock and presented at the special call meeting, would add a double boat ramp on the property’s east end while modifying the existing ramp for use as a kayak launch and preserving scaled-down versions of amenities in the original plan. The new design incorporates a

counterclockwise loop pattern for a line of waiting boat trailers around the outside edge of the park. Costs for this modified plan would total roughly $2.02 million, along with an extended timeline due to permitting and bids for the modified scope of work.

Moving the boat ramp from its existing location – on property given to the city by the Florida Department of Transportation in 2009 – to the Quay property, purchased by the city in 2018, has significant financial implications beyond the construction costs of the redeveloped area.

An $844,000 grant from the Florida Community Trust helped partially fund the purchase of the Quay property nearly six years ago, and would be paid to the city as reimbursement for the purchase upon submission of purchase documentation and an approved management plan for the property.

However, as the grant is funded by the state, Marathon must maintain equal access for all on property purchased and developed with FCT funds.

The translation: Marathon can keep

the grant funding only if it levies fees on all users, including locals, for the Quay location, or makes that specific ramp free to use for everyone.

City staff also raised concerns that returning the grant could have negative implications for Marathon in future FCT grant applications. City Manager George Garrett said Marathon currently has another application in for an FCT grant on a second property, and that returning the Quay grant money “probably does put that at risk.”

Addressing the council, Public Works Director Carlos Solis said the modified design would likely take more than two years to complete, while a press release called construction plans for the original design “60% complete.”

“We have a boat problem in this community,” said Landry, citing the city’s exponential increase in vacation rentals since 2014. “We have to be willing as a city to pivot off of something that we thought would have been a great idea at the time. … Some locals say this is a vacation rental problem, but it’s a problem for the entire city when people are stuck on U.S. 1 with boats and trailers.”

Landry said he was pleased with the new design, calling the incorporation of an extended launch waiting line along with original park features “a win-win.”

“For me to give up an $844,000 grant … to build a long-term revenue stream on that property, it’s a nobrainer for me,” he added.

“We have to be willing as a city to pivot off of something that we thought would have been a great idea at the time.”

— Vice Mayor Lynn Landry

continued on page 12

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

STATE BILL COULD BAN SOCIAL MEDIA FOR KIDS UNDER 16

Florida House says ‘yes’ as Senate considers it next

K

ids under 16 in Florida could soon be barred from accessing certain social media platforms that allow users to create profiles, upload content and interact with others.

On Jan. 24, members of the state House voted 106-13 on a bill that would force social media platforms to terminate accounts belonging to those under the age of 16. Florida Keys State Rep. Jim Mooney co-sponsored the bill and voted in favor of it.

Specific social media channels aren’t named in the bill, but language added a day before passage states its intention to outlaw platforms with “addictive, harmful or deceptive design features” meant to draw and keep users engaged.

The legislation was sent to the Senate for consideration. The House and Senate must approve the bill in order for it to reach the governor’s desk, where a veto is always possible.

Lawmakers in the Florida House cosponsoring the legislation — which include Republicans and Democrats — haven’t named social media applications targeted by House Bill 1, despite questions from some opponents. The proposal doesn’t apply to websites mainly used for email, messaging and texts, news, sports, streaming services, online shopping or gaming.

Opponents say the bill prevents parents from having a say over their children’s access to social media platforms. Rep. Ashley Gantt, a Democrat representing Miami, agreed with the bill sponsors’ mission to protect children, but she said “it should not come at the cost of parents being the ultimate decision in how they raise their child.” Gantt also said the proposal infringes on free speech.

“We see this bill be(ing) introduced and passed in other states and go(ing) into litigation,” she said.

Utah passed a bill requiring social media companies to get consent from parents before minors under 18 can obtain an account.

The new law will take effect this October, but it’s facing a challenge in court by NetChoice, a trade group associated with Meta, TikTok and X, on claims that it violates the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech. Ne-

tChoice is also in opposition to the proposal floated in Florida.

House Bill 1 would also force social media platforms to use age-verification methods to ensure users meet the age requirement. An account holder would be denied if he or she fails to verify their age.

The age-verification would be conducted by a non-governmental, independent, third party that is not affiliated with the social media platform.

No specific punishments are outlined in the bill for minors who attempt to gain access to a social media platform. Rather, legislation targets social media companies with fines that could reach $50,000 per violation, according to the bill.

Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, a Republican, said the state has a compelling interest and duty to protect children and their mental health.

“We must address the harmful effects social media platforms have on the development and well-being of our kids,” he said.

Republican Rep. Fiona McFarland, a bill co-sponsor, said addictive pings and algorithms keep people turning back to their phones, turning down sleep and food to keep up with the latest happenings in the community or their social circles.

“These dopamine hits are addictive. It’s like a digital fentanyl,” McFarland said. “Even the most plugged-in parent or tuned-in teen has a hard time shutting the door against these addictive features.”

Mooney, a Republican who represents the Keys, was one of 26 bill co-sponsors, which included Republicans and Democrats.

Mooney alluded to Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner’s stories of kids committing suicide due to cyberbullying as one of the reasons strong action needs to be taken. Rayner was also a bill co-sponsor.

“The number of kids committing suicide because of cyberbullying … it’s truly frightening,” he said. “This is about kids.”

In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory to call attention to the effects of social media on youth mental health. The advisory noted that at crucial periods of adolescent brain

development, social media use is predictive of decreases in life satisfaction, as well as additional concerns around body image and sleep issues. He also concluded that 13 years old is “too early” for children to use social media, despite most social media companies allowing 13-year-olds to use their platforms, because in early adolescence, kids are still “developing their identity, their sense of self.”

Caulder Childs, public policy manager for Meta, told the House Judiciary Committee during a Jan. 17 hearing that the bill takes the decision-making away from parents as to which applications their teens can use.

“At Meta, we believe parents should have the ability to ensure teens are not accessing adult content or apps they’re simply not comfortable with,” said Childs, adding that 81% of adults support parental approval for a social media account per a survey by Pew Research Center.

Sue Woltanski, Monroe County school board chair, said she’s surprised to see bills passing through the state that restrict parental decisions, especially in an era where parental rights are a priority. Woltanski said she wishes to see a statewide campaign on the issues surrounding social media and the effects on a child’s mental health.

“I think that would be the better way.

How do you learn to use it responsibly?” she said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed some concerns with House Bill 1 during a news conference in Kissimmee on Jan. 26.

“To say that someone that is 15 just cannot have it no matter what, even if the parents consent, that may create some legal issues,” he said. “I want to give parents tools to be able to do this, so I think you have to be smart with how you do it.”

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

By Alex Rickert, Mandy Miles and Jim McCarthy

EARLY ENCOURAGEMENT Island leaders optimistic following 2024 Florida Keys Day

F

ollowing the annual Florida Keys Day, island officials returning from the panhandle say they’re more than encouraged about several issues atop the island chain’s wish list for the 2024 state Legislative session.

The annual gathering with state legislators to bring a piece of Florida’s southernmost county to Tallahassee, this year on Jan. 25, was a meeting of municipalities that several Keys leaders say they hope to see more often throughout the next year as the islands work to resolve critical issues affecting residents from Key Largo to Key West.

Minor changes to evacuations Multiple officials confirmed to the Weekly that following a brief uproar over draft legislation in Marathon earlier this month, the 2024 legislative session shouldn’t bring extreme changes to hurricane evacuation models or bestow additional building allocations to Keys governments.

Backed by resolutions and verbal support from the Monroe County BOCC, Islamorada Village Council, Key West City Commission and Marathon City Council, meetings with Florida Commerce, which presented potential changes to hurricane evacuation models in late 2023, found agreement with adding Key West residents and mobile homes to phase 2 (24 hours) and phase 1 (48 hours), respectively, of the Keys’ hurricane evacuations.

Decisions about what to do with nearly 8,000 vacant lots throughout the Keys, a large number of which may not be buildable, will likely wait until the 2025 legislative session, following extensive resident input and dialogue among the Keys’ governments. Leaders will try to balance the financial liabilities of takings cases with environmental, traffic and infrastructure concerns that accompany new development.

“They want us to be the decision makers (on building allocations),” said county commissioner Michelle Lincoln.

“They gave us the numbers (for evacuations), and then it’s up to us from there to start having the conversations,” said Marathon Mayor Robyn Still, adding that Florida Commerce “seemed like they wanted to distance themselves from any conversation about specific numbers (of permits).”

Affordable housing making headway County officials said they were encouraged in early meetings about the fate of legislation that would allow a one-time use of a $25 million surplus from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to go toward construction of affordable housing for tourism workers.

Though recent changes allow TDC funds to be used for capital projects with “public facilities,” the new legislation would allow these “public facility” funds to be used specifically for affordable housing.

“For us, it was about educating some of the different places where the bill is stopping,” said Lincoln. “Specific language was actually crafted with the assistance of the president of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and this has received the support of all of our chambers of commerce.”

Lincoln added that the bill was written to narrowly constrain distribution of the surplus to a one-time use in Monroe County alone, without larger effects on the other long-standing statutes governing the use of TDC money.

Other items on the table • House Bill 565, filed by state Rep. Jim Mooney, seeks several crucial insurance reforms for the Keys. As filed, the bill would raise the maximum property value for coverage by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. from $1 million to $1.5 million and would institute a 10% annual rate cap on insurance premium increases. The bill also nixes a flood insurance requirement for Citizens policyholders who aren’t at risk of flooding – either because of their location in an “X” zone or elevation of their home at least one foot above base flood elevation.

• Councilman Mark Gregg, who was among the contingent from Islamorada to visit Tallahassee, and Still both touted a new program that could fund new fire rescue boats in the islands. Gregg said Islamorada hopes to secure $300,000 from the state for equipment and training, and that “given the number of people on the water in Islamorada on any given weekend, it makes perfect sense.” Still said Marathon officials spoke extensively with District 82 state Rep. Lauren Melo about the program, which could fund units best equipped to handle all varieties of medical emergencies at sea, from heart trouble to shark bite victims, with paramedics on board.

• Key West Mayor Teri Johnston said she was pleased that the Southernmost City was “successful in getting both of our appropriation requests – the Caroline Street road project and the Southernmost Point sea wall – into the Senate budget thanks to the support of Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez.” Johnston said Key West is also closely monitoring a bill with language to assist funding of homeownership units in the Lofts in Bahama Village.

• A full allocation of $20 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act is once again in budgets for both the House and Senate. In addition to setting aside funding for state land ac-

Outgoing Monroe County School Board member Andy Griffiths and Schools Superintendent Theresa Axford pose with Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. The three had a meeting with Diaz’s senior staff in Tallahassee on Jan. 25. CONTRIBUTED

Monroe County commissioners and county staff advocate for the Florida Keys with state leaders in Tallahassee on Jan. 25. From left: Commissioners Michelle Lincoln and Holly Raschein, Monroe County legislative affairs director Lisa Tennyson and County Administrator Roman Gastesi. Commissioner Jim Scholl is second from the right. MONROE COUNTY/Contributed

Monroe County commissioners and top county staff members meet with state leaders in Tallahassee on Jan. 25. MONROE COUNTYContributed

Marathon officials opted for a series of live streams on social media to cover their efforts in Tallahassee, such as this one with Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, left, City Manager George Garrett and Mayor Robyn Still.

CITY OF MARATHON/Contributed

quisition throughout the Keys and other items, the act supports critical water quality projects throughout the islands.

• Lincoln said meetings with FWC officials continued to stress the derelict vessel issue throughout the Keys, reiterating that the current process leaves dozens of vessels stuck in an extensive paper trail before officials can take action. “We’re not doing anything to rattle their cage, but we asked for anything they can do to help this process become a little more expeditious, and they heard us on that,” she said.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

MESSAGE

FROM THE

SHERIFF The old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, is applicable when discussing online and phone scams afflicting every corner of our country — the Florida Keys included.

Unfortunately, our residents are sometimes swindled out of many thousands of dollars due to these unwanted phone calls, texts, and emails. One recent case involved a resident losing more than $265,000.

Criminals pose as legitimate law enforcement officers — sometimes they claim to be me — with false stories about missed jury duty, overdue bills, and unpaid taxes, fake arrest warrants or fire inspections— you name it — but they’re all scams.

Never give your personal information via unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails — particularly when using electronic banking platforms such as CashApp, PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle.

Anyone requesting that you to buy gift cards for payment is an immediate red flag!

Always hang up and call the appropriate agency the scammers claim to be affiliated with.

Often these criminals operate outside the country, making their arrest very difficult.

Help me spread the word and keep an eye on our social media pages for the latest scam alerts.

Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Monroe County Sheriff, Rick Ramsay

Download the MCSO App Today!

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

MARATHON WELCOMES LA CHAPINA A mariachi band welcomed diners to the grand opening of La Chapina Restaurant on Jan. 27. Specializing in authentic Guatemalan cuisine, the restaurant at 11524 Overseas Highway, Suite 1 serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours for Marathon’s newest eatery are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. MANUELA MOBLEY/Keys Weekly.

Womankind executive director Cali Roberts, left, lauds the women’s health organization’s expansion from its Key West roots. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Clinic staff and invited dignitaries commemorate the partnership among Keys AHEC, Womankind and the Good Health Clinic with a ribbon cutting.

THREE-IN-ONE CENTER IS A BIG WIN FOR MARATHON

Marathon’s Gulfside Village is growing as a health care haven for the Middle Keys’ medically underserved and vulnerable populations. On Jan. 24, Keys AHEC, Womankind and Good Health Clinic celebrated a ribbon cutting for a reimagined combined health center. Now under a single roof, the office at 5800 Overseas Hwy., Suite 36 combines Womankind’s offerings of full women’s health exams and prenatal care; Good Health Clinic’s adult primary care, specialty care and hospital services; and Keys AHEC’s on-site pediatric dental care. For more information on available services, visit keysahec.org, womankindkeywest.com and thegoodhealthclinic.org.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

PARKS VS. BOAT RAMPS from page 4

BOBA 1-year-old female Boston terrier mix.

Looking for: I’m a funny, silly, playful girl that wants to have fun.

Turnoffs: Shoelaces and cats.

ELLA 1-year-old female domestic shorthair.

Looking for: Excitement and adventure – I love zooming around and running on my wheel.

Turnoffs: Being bored.

A second design for the Quay property, brought to the Marathon City Council on Jan. 22, would combine a previously-imagined park concept with a double boat ramp. CITY OF MARATHON/Contributed

Garrett floated the idea of lowering boat ramp charges across the board but including locals in the fees to generate “the same amount of revenue,” an idea Landry and Mayor Robyn Still immediately nixed.

Councilman Luis Gonzalez raised safety concerns with the circle of boat trailers moving around a park with children, saying “the two don’t mix.”

“For me … getting boats launched a little quicker doesn’t outweigh the risk of putting people’s lives in danger,” he said. “We’ve all witnessed that boat ramp – it’s a total disaster. And now we’re going to beautify it to increase the amount of traffic that goes there.”

Landry agreed with Gonzalez’s concern, saying high-risk periods could be avoided by closing the park on busy holiday weekends.

Matlock supported “totally separating” the park from the ramp by exploring a third design that would turn the existing boat launch area into a linear park.

Councilman Jeff Smith asked for the new site plan to be tweaked to address safety concerns, but added that in viewing council meeting minutes and recordings from the original purchase of the Quay property, “it was bought specifically to alleviate boat traffic on U.S. 1 as a safety issue. … When I watch that meeting, I don’t know that we’ve met the goal of alleviating the backup on U.S. 1 and providing adequate boat ramps.”

Former councilman John Bartus, who served at the time of the property’s acquisition, contested Smith’s statement, saying that the council’s intent in purchasing the property also included “green space for recreational use.”

“We need more boat ramps … 40 days out of the year,” he said, adding that he “didn’t see a dual use there.”

“You need to choose one of two options: either do not install boat ramps and keep the grant, or make it just a big boat ramp park,” he said.

Though the workshop session prohibited any formal action, council members said they would review both plans and additional considerations from the evening for a future vote.

SWIPE RIGHT Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA

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

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

MOCHACHINO 3-month-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: A family with another cat to play with.

Turnoffs: I’m the only kitten left and I’m so lonely.

On Saturday, Feb. 10, the SPCA will partner with Photo Design by Natalie and Blue Waters Bar & Grill at Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort for a Valentine’s weekend pet photos event. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees can take a professional photo with their pet, with suggested donations of $20 going to benefit the FKSPCA.

13

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

BOOK SALE

MARATHON LIBRARY 3490 OVERSEAS HWY Thursday, February 8th 3pm - 6pm Friday, February 9th 9am - 5pm Saturday, February 10th 9am - 2pm Please drop off any gently used books to the Library during regular hours. For pick up of large local donations or to volunteer call Bruce at 912-634-6277.

All proceeds from the sale go directly to the Marathon Library to support many special events and programs!

Karen

KEY TO THE KEYS REAL ESTATE

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14

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

NEW YEAR, NEW PLANT 1

2 3

4

On Jan. 27, art, rummage sale and plant enthusiasts made their way to the Marathon Garden Club for its annual January Jamboree. In addition to a large sale of jewelry, pottery, food, used goods and locally-grown plants geared to survive in the Keys’ unique climate and soil conditions, master gardeners were on hand to answer questions and ensure the health of visitors’ new purchases.

1. Guests peruse the Marathon Garden Club’s indoor rummage sale.

2. Tables full of plants for sale offered species adapted to the Keys heat, humidity and soil conditions.

3. Master gardeners are ready to answer visitors’ questions about their new plants.

4. Marianne Benvenuti displays her handcrafted jewelry for sale.

Photos by LARRY BENVENUTI/Contributed

JANUARY’S STILL A WONDERLAND AT CRANE POINT The holidays may be in the rear view, but “snow” was still in the forecast for Santa Claus’ postponed visit to Crane Point Museum and Nature Center at the hammock’s Winter Wonderland Snow Festival celebration on Jan. 27. Delayed a month due to weather, the evening still included fan-favorite reindeer ponies, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and a showing of the movie “Frozen.”

LARRY BENVENUTI/Contributed

15

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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17

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024 A pair of common mynas seen this week in a Key West parking lot. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

I

t is hard to look at a common myna and not think that it is up to something.

Maybe it’s the black balaclava head. Maybe it’s the rubber duck yellow bill that connects to the rubber duck yellow patch of bare MARK skin that curves below and HEDDEN around the back of the eye like a curling wave. It gives ... is a photograthem the look of a charming pher, writer, and semi-professional scoundrel, of a gentleman birdwatcher. He bandit who’s maybe a little has lived in Key too flamboyant for his crimiWest for more than 25 years and nal ways.

Maybe it’s the slightlymay no longer be employable in less-than-rubber-duck yelthe real world. He low legs, or the white spots is also executive on their wings that flash like director of the Florida Keys Audu- a low-wattage strobe when they fly. Maybe it’s the way bon Society. they strut chest-first when they walk, as if they are about to go set someone straight.

Whatever it is, they are a hard bird not to notice, not to raise an eyebrow at. And I’ve been noticing them a lot lately, mostly in parking lots. In the past week I’ve seen them at both Key West Publixes (Publi? Publixi?) as well as gas stations in Marathon and Florida City.

It’s possible I’m bringing my own baggage to this, that I find it harder to ignore common mynas than most people. I’ve had something of a personal relationship with them for a pretty long time, though it is decidedly one-sided.

Most people who consider themselves birders have what they call a spark bird, a species that sent them down the road of avifaunaoriented biophilia and into a life of staring into bushes, hoping to see something interesting.

A lot of birders want you to know how young they were when it kicked in, how they saw a Rufous-sided towhee from the baby stroller, or a red-tailed hawk sitting on top of the swing set at their elementary school playground.

I wasn’t like that. I was almost the opposite of interested in such things when I was young.

I remember, in the early days of school, seeing one of those cardboard cutouts that said “R is for Robin” up above the chalkboard and classifying it as just one more thing the adults demanded I care about that I didn’t – even when I saw a robin out in the real world, pulling at a worm just like in the cutout.

I was almost the exact opposite of interested in wildlife, unless it was something that might kill you, like a shark or a bear or a giant crocodile. I always worry about what would have happened if someone had pressured me to become interested in birds.

I was in my late twenties when I got bird curious, a thing that crept further upon me in my early thirties. I wasn’t great at it, but I could look at a bird and get methodical – look at the overall shape, the color, patterns in the plumage, look at the legs, the bill, the range maps. I could generally figure out what I was looking for.

A LATE SPARK AND THE ROAD TO WACKADOO

And then one day I was walking the dog down by what used to be called Toxic Triangle and I saw it – this bird with a balaclava-looking head, a rubber duck yellow bandit mask, white spots on the wings when it flew. It was hanging at a slight angle off the halyard of a sailboat.

But when I went back home and flipped quickly through my Peterson’s field guide, I didn’t see any bird that looked remotely like the one I had seen. I went back to the beginning and leafed slowly through the field guide. Nothing.

I figured it had to be me, that I was jumbling the bird’s field marks in my brain, which is easy to do when you’re starting out. Competence takes time.

The next week I saw the bird in the same place. And two weeks after that. And repeatedly down there for months.

This was before the era of digital photography and I, like most birders at the time, did not have a camera. But I took diligent notes. And I would go back and work slowly through the Peterson’s. And I would come up with nothing.

Finally I tracked down a copy of the Golden field guide. Nothing. Same for the “All The Birds In North America” field guide, which organized birds not by taxonomy but by similarities in appearance.

This whole birdwatching thing is stupid, I thought, though stupid isn’t the actual word I used. Still, I couldn’t stop thinking about the bird with the rubber duck yellow bandit mask.

Finally someone told me I should talk to this guy Dr. Mark Whiteside. He knew everything about birds. So I called him and described what I was seeing.

“Well,” he said, “You should probably stop by the house.”

When I did, he brought me into his shelf of bird books and pulled out something called the “National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America, 4th Edition,” the “4th Edition” part being clutch.

Whiteside opened the page to (you guessed it) the common myna and finally, after

driving myself crazy over this bird for months, I knew what it was.

Why hadn’t I found this bird in the other field guides? Because the species had not been seen in North America when they were written.

The common myna was an exotic, a south Asian species that had escaped captivity and first been spotted in Homestead in the late 1980s.

I wasn’t dumb. At least not in this instance.

I was cutting edge.

Putting a name to the bird you are looking at is one of the most fundamental parts of competent birding. Not being able to do so for months had been strangely dispiriting, but also galvanizing. From that point on I felt like a legitimate birder, like I might actually know what I was talking about on occasion.

I got more obsessive after that – though when I just tried to look up a synonym for obsessive, the word wackadoo was offered as an equivalent.

There was worry for a while that the common myna population might go the way the closely-related and similarly-exotic European starling population did, but that has not turned out to be the case. Their range has spread not just down to the Keys, but as far north as Jupiter and as far west as St. Petersburg, but they are generally found in small flocks, and almost always in grocery store or gas station parking lots, surviving in an ecological niche that no one is really competing for.

For several years they were pretty easy to find in Key West. (They’ve always been pretty common in Marathon and Homestead.) But then I went several years without seeing one here. And now their population seems to have buoyed somewhat.

Seeing them is always a good reminder for me that it occasionally takes time to figure things out, but that if you can be a little zen about what you don’t know, you might actually be able to figure it out.

I still think robins are boring as hell, though.

18

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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

SUNDAY SERVICES

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"I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." — Psalm 34:1

Injured in a boating accident?

1

GONE FISHING

Second ‘Mahi Mingle’ sends 25 kids to camp this summer

Please call us today. We want to help.

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

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833-VASTOLA Jeff D. Vastola, Esq.

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

THIS WEEK’S

2

3

ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, FEB 1 JAMES HARTSOE 6:30PM

FRIDAY, FEB 2 DAN SULLIVAN 3PM FOUR SHEETS TO THE WIND 8PM SATURDAY, FEB 3 MIKE ROONEY 3PM TONY MANFREDI 8PM SUNDAY, FEB 4 TONY MANFREDI 3PM DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM MONDAY, FEB 5 JOHNNY LIVE 3PM TUESDAY, FEB 6 TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS

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1. An auction for ‘Reefer’ the lionfish, painted by Duck Key artist Stormy Hayes, raised $1,100 for the evening’s cause.

2. Duck Key Fishing Club vice president Margie Casey thanks attendees at the Mahi Mingle.

3. Local rockers Abstract Radio set the musical backdrop for an evening of fun and dancing under the stars.

4

wenty-five Middle Keys youngsters will have a memorable summer at Pigeon Key, thanks to the efforts of the Duck Key Fishing Club.

On Jan. 27, the club hosted its second annual Mahi Mingle, an annual fundraising social and dance under the stars aimed at sending underprivileged local children to the Pigeon Key marine science summer camp in the summer of 2024.

“Our goal was to send 10 children, but we raised enough from our members and their guests to send 25 kids at $500 apiece,” said club vice president Margie Casey. “Our commitment was to Pigeon Key. … We wanted to pick something related to fishing, and this camp is perfect. We’re going to be giving the kids fishing rods, bringing them lunch and engaging with them out there.”

More information about the club’s mission and upcoming events is at duckkeyfishingclub.com.

4. Attendees at the Mahi Mingle raised enough to send 25 children to the Pigeon Key marine science summer camp in the summer of 2024.

Photos by Nora Tornia, Margie Casey and Debbie Glaza.

19

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

GREATER MARATHON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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February 20th 12pm -1pm

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21

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

MASTERS OF SOUND Cellist Zlatomir Fung, left, and pianist Benjamin Hochman perform at Coral Shores High School’s Performing Arts Center in January. CONTRIBUTED

Pianist and young cellist take stage ASTA KRASKOUSKAS

F

www.keysweekly.com

lorida Keys Concert Association presented its second concert of the season at Coral Shores and Marathon high schools with Zlatomir Fung on Jan. 22-23. He’s the youngest cellist to win first prize at the Tchaikovsky Competition; in the Keys, he played with acclaimed pianist and conductor Benjamin Hochman.

The evening’s program included music of Robert Schumann, a 19th cen-

tury German romantic; Marshall Estrin, a 21st century New York-based modern classic; Benjamin Britten, a 20th century British classic; and Sulkhan Tsintsadze, a 20th century Georgian classic. The four compositions had one thing in common — they all had five movements. Fung explained that for a long time he had an idea of playing a program of five movements.

“A composer has to put an extra effort to compose five movements,” Fung said.

Fung, of Bulgarian and Chinese heritage, was born into a family of mathematicians. He is the second youngest in the family. Of the three other siblings, only the youngest brother plays music. The cellist’s hobbies are movies and playing chess. His cello is a rare Domenico Montagnana instrument of circa 1729.

Fung’s musical mission has three aspects. First, he loves playing music as a craft. Second, Fung loves sharing interesting music. Third is to have a special experience — a space that happens between him and the audience. The 24-year-old cellist has already proven himself a star among the next generation of world-class musicians. At the concert, he executed every composition, every movement, every sound with intense emotion.

“I enjoyed the depth of the talent,” Cynthia Finamore, a season ticket holder, said.

Hochman’s mission is to make great art. He plays solo recitals, concerts, chamber music and conducts orchestras. Hochman claims that he loves music and loves making it at the highest level.

Hochman was born and raised in Israel. He has one elder brother, a mathematician. His parents are professors of literature. Hochman’s hobbies include running, cooking and spending time with friends and family. As a soloist, he loves playing Schubert, Schumann, Beethoven and Brahms.

During the concert, Hochman was technically and emotionally connected with Fung’s playing in such a manner that it impressed everyone.

Hochman said contemporary music is very broad. Sometimes it takes time to listen to it for the second time.

“There are a few factors. There is a factor of fear. Try to be open. Not immediately have an opinion. Try to have an experience. It is important to keep an open mind,” he said.

Fung said it is important to play new contemporary composers.

“You never know, will a new music work be liked? Sometimes there is no choice. If the composition is commissioned, we have to play it. The most important thing for contemporary music is to be played by a second person. (It says something when) the piece is picked up by someone else and is played again.”

The next concerts will feature the Balourdet String Quartet on Monday, Feb. 12 at Marathon High School and Tuesday, Feb. 13 at Coral Shores High School. The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Visit FLKCA.com for more information.

MCSO QUARTERLY AWARD WINNERS HONORED

T

he Monroe County Sheriff’s Office recently held its quarterly member awards ceremony in Marathon. Members of the fourth quarter of 2023 were recognized for exemplary service to the agency and to the citizens of Monroe County. Members were also recognized for their years of service to the agency. From left: Deputy of the Quarter William Guerra, Bureau of Corrections Deputy of the Quarter Ybelisse Rodriguez, Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Reserve Deputy of the Quarter Tiffany Rodda, and Support Member of the Quarter Michael Cabot. MCSO/ Contributed

22

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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24

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

THERE’S A FLAG ON THE PLAY Women’s football tournament returns for 32nd year MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

T

he 32nd annual Kelly McGillis Classic women’s flag football tournament descended on Key West Jan. 22-29 this year, with special appearances by the tournament’s namesake, Kelly McGillis, and renowned singer Terri White.

Presented by the International Women’s Flag Football Association and its founder Diane Beruldsen, the tournament also included two Afghan flag football players, who IWFFA helped gain asylum from Afghanistan and relocate to Mexico.

Teams from Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Morocco and several U.S. states also competed, along with teams from Key West and Marathon.

The Key West International Women’s Flag Football Association hosts the 2024 Kelly McGillis Tournament in Key West, with games Jan. 25-29. The tournament included a whole week of events for the scores of women from dozens of states and countries. Photos by BARRY GAUKEL and LARRY BLACKBURN.

25

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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TROPIC CINEMA ANNOUNCES

STAR OF THE CENTURY:

AN OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND RETROSPECTIVE FEBRUARY 10–17, 2024

Join us for a week-long celebration of the life and film career of one of the great actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age with special screenings and presentations with filmakers and her daughter, Gisele Galante.

Feb 10: The Rebellious Olivia De Havilland (2021) Q&A with the filmmakers Feb 11: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) Feb 12: Hold Back the Dawn (1941 – Oscar Nominated) Feb 13: The Strawberry Blonde (1941) Feb 15: To Each His Own (1946 – Oscar Winner) Feb 16: The Snake Pit (1946 – Oscar Nominated) Feb 17: The Heiress (1949 – Oscar Winner) with Gisele Galante

For more information go to www.tropiccinema.com

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

HOT OFF THE HISTORICAL PRESS KAREN NEWFIELD

An orphan during World War II, compassion on the frontlines in Vietnam and midwifery in early America. Three captivating reads to add to your bookshelf.

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

#WORTHWATCHING: “All the Light We Cannot See” on Netflix. MarieLaure is a blind French teenager during World War II. She helps her uncle disperse valuable information to the resistance over the radio. Werner, a German soldier and radio specialist, grew up listening to her uncle’s stories about the world. Young and against all odds they try to do the right thing. A fabulous series and book.

The Boy with the Star Tattoo

By Talia Carner

The Women

By Kristin Hannah

The Frozen River

By Ariel Lawhon

In 1942, the Vichy government is hunting for Jews throughout France. Claudette is a seamstress living at the estate of a sympathetic duchess. As the Nazis get closer, a Jewish father and son are begging at the back entrance.

Freezing and malnourished, Claudette does what she can to help them. She falls in love with the son, Rafael, and soon after realizes she is pregnant and may never see him again. When the town is invaded, Claudette is forced to make a decision that will change her life forever.

In 1968, Sharon is grieving in Israel. Her fiancé is presumed dead as the submarine he manned disappeared.

Sharon is too young to spend her days as a grieving widow. Known for her language skills, Sharon is offered to be part of an operation in France. She works beside Daniel, a handsome naval officer who trusts Sharon with topsecret missions. Learning to rely on her instincts, she discovers clues to a past buried long ago. It is only 20 years after the Holocaust that these victims have become resourceful Israelis who will do anything to protect the future of their people.

Frankie McGrath is 20 when her brother Finley ships off to Vietnam. Growing up in southern California, they shared a charming childhood, surfing and riding bicycles throughout their bucolic neighborhood. Their father worked while mother doted on them between martinis and lunches at the club.

Just out of nursing school, Frankie is determined to make a difference and shocks her family by enlisting with the Army Nurse Corps. Upon arrival, her roommates quickly become mentors and sisters. Through exhausting nights filled with the blood-curdling screams of injured soldiers, Frankie becomes a top surgical nurse. At the same time, her compassion is endless, and she understands that holding a patient's hand through his last moments is sometimes all she can do. After two tours, she returns to California a different person. The public is protesting as they spit on the veterans. Frankie suffers through excruciating nightmares, recognizing her PTSD, but with no one to help, she turns to pills and alcohol – a slippery slope. “The Women” describes the heartbreak of war for those serving, their loved ones left behind and the hardship veterans face upon returning to civilian life. A history that continues to repeat itself.

Hollowell, Maine is a small town with the Kennebec River running through it.

The year is 1789 and the Ballard family runs a well-respected lumber mill. Mistress Martha Ballard is also a seasoned midwife and healer. Most women do not read and write, making Martha’s daily diary all the more valuable. She notes every birth, death and illness among these God-fearing people where gossip runs rampant and kindness does not always abound. Her husband Ephraim is a good man and their six grown children are making families of their own. One day Martha is called to care for and document the rape of a local woman who accuses two well-known, self-important men of the crime. During this brutal winter, one of these men is murdered. The other uses his power to undermine Martha as a witness and take over the land and business of anyone who stands in his way. As this suspenseful thriller introduces us to the many townspeople, it is hard to know who Martha can trust while doggedly pursuing the truth. Pay attention to the author's fascinating end notes detailing facts and fiction.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

THE ANGLER’S OUTLOOK

WINTER IN THE EVERGLADES

A

s cold fronts move through the Florida Keys and winter winds pick up, many anglers turn their sights north to the Florida Everglades. The Everglades span the southern portion of our state and offer amazing fishing experiences throughout the year. However, winter is an ideal time for anglers to explore its winding waterways and target a variety of fish species. While summer in the Everglades can be hot and humid, winter brings milder temperatures and lower humidity levels, providing an excellent opportunity for anglers to escape the cold in other parts of the country and escape the winter winds that blow through our island chain.

Navigating the shallow waterways of the Everglades requires a thoughtful approach; an understanding of how conditions change with the seasons is crucial for a successful fishing adventure. Keep in mind that winter temperatures can fluctuate in these shallow water habitats, affecting the behavior of your target fish.

Early mornings and late afternoons are typically the most productive times for anglers, but be prepared to adjust your tactics based on the day's temperature patterns. As water temperatures drop, fish tend to move to deeper areas where the water is warmer, making deeper holes, channels and the edges of flats the sweet spot for targeting several of the large predators.

The diverse habitats within the Everglades support a wide range of fish species, making it an ideal spot for anglers seeking a variety of target species and challenging fights on the rod. The Everglades is renowned for its thriving largemouth bass population, and during colder months, these fish tend to move to deeper holes, making them prime targets for anglers skilled in both freshwater and brackish water techniques.

Hard-fighting redfish gather in shallow estuaries, oyster bars and mangrove shorelines while hunting prey in the winter months. RICH SMITH/captainrichsmith.com

Snook, a prized game fish throughout Florida Bay, can be found in the brackish waters of the Everglades year-round. During winter, they seek warmer waters CAPT. BILL including shallow GILIBERTI flats, mangrove shorelines and tidal is the owner and creeks, which makes operator of Top Notch Sportfishing them more accessible to anglers. in Marathon. His passions include Redfish are a scuba diving and staple in the Everenjoying the natuglades ecosystem, ral beauty of the and during winter Florida Keys. months, these hardfighting fish gather in shallow estuaries, oyster bars and mangrove shorelines while hunting prey. Speckled sea trout are abundant in the brackish and freshwater areas of the Everglades, often congregating in deeper holes and channels. While tarpon are more commonly associated with warmer months in the Florida Keys, some resident tarpon can be found in the deeper channels and warmer areas of the Everglades during winter.

Slowly work your lures or bait through these areas to entice bites.

Both live bait and artificial lures can be effective in the Everglades during winter months. Live shrimp, pilchards or small baitfish can entice a variety of species, while soft plastic baits, topwater lures and jerkbaits can mimic the movements of prey, attracting many of these predatory fish.

The pristine nature and peaceful ambiance of the Everglades calls for a high level of respect and responsibility from anglers. Practicing catch-andrelease, handling fish with care, and avoiding damage to fragile habitats ensures the sustainability of this unique ecosystem. Abide by all fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, to contribute to the conservation of the Everglades' diverse aquatic life.

The next time the wind ruins your plans to fish on the reef or your favorite wrecks, consider a trip north to immerse yourself in the beauty of this iconic ecosystem, and savor the moments that make the Florida Everglades a true gem for anglers seeking a memorable fishing experience.

To book a trip with Captain Bill and Top Notch Sportfishing, call 732-6748323.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

INVASIVES ON THE ISLANDS Exotic trade brought nonnatives to the Florida Keys

A

s a kid who grew up hunting snakes and catching lizards, I find South Florida and the Keys to be something of a reptilian mecca. It is a mecca, however, for all the wrong reasons.

There is an impressive FLORIDA array of reptiles that are KEYS native to the Keys and, for a HISTORY lover of these scaly things, quite a few invasive species, WITH too. Two of the indigenous BRAD species are the American BERTELLI alligator and the crocodile.

Brad is a local Did you know that South historian, author, Florida and the Keys are speaker and the only places in the world Honorary Conch who loves sharing where alligators and crocothe history of the diles coexist?

Florida Keys.

These are not saltwater crocodiles like the man-killers in Australia, but the American crocodile, a generally shy and reclusive animal. What makes them dangerous for those members of your family not named Spot or Fluffy is feeding them and tossing pieces of meat to draw them closer – especially while standing at the cleaning station after a day out on the water fishing.

When they associate people with food, they lose their natural fear and become considered no longer part of the ecosystem but a nuisance.

Nuisance crocodiles and alligators are often euthanized because they pose a threat to humans.

Invasive reptiles are not a new thing to the Keys. In my yard alone, a whole host can be found. Of course, there are iguanas, the newly-everywhere curly-tailed lizards, the occasional red-headed agama and several species of geckos. These exotic species are introduced into the environment for a myriad of reasons.

For instance, the curly-tailed lizard was released into the sugar cane fields in the hopes that they would act as a form of pest control.

While iguana iguana, the green iguana, has all but taken over South Florida and the Keys, it is indigenous to Central and South America.

How did they wind up in South Florida?

It started with the exotic pet trade. The little green fellows escaped some of the enclosures attempting to hold them, and others were set

Veiled chameleon captured on Plantation Key. BRAD BERTELLI/Contributed

free by thoughtless owners. In 1964, an exotic pet store owner from Miami released 300 green iguanas – on purpose.

Invasive geckos, too, were introduced to the area through the exotic pet trade. Three species of invasive geckos can be seen around my yard and house – there are others crawling around the island chain. Mediterranean geckos come out at night and are the ones my cat catches inside. Tokay geckos from Indonesia are large, heavy-bodied monsters with a strong bite, and are quite beautiful with orange and purple hues. It is their song that echoes through the neighborhood at night.

The other invasive is the star from the Geico insurance commercials that, in real life, is a Madagascar day gecko. There is one native gecko in the yard. It is the reef gecko and is considered to be North America’s smallest lizard. I used to see them every time I moved a trash can. Since they developed the empty lot next door into a house with a pea rock yard, I have not seen one wriggle off when I take the trash cans out to the side of the road. I keep looking, though, and hoping they return.

There are also the anoles, besides the curly tails the most common lizards found scurrying around the yard. I know that at least four different kinds of anoles are living in the neighborhood. The brown anole, the bark anole and the largest of the anoles, the Cuban knight anole, perhaps the grumpiest and the one with the worst temperament of the local anoles, are all invasive.

The only native anole is the Carolina anole or green anole. I grew up calling them chameleons because they can change their color so dramatically from brown to green. Now, it looks like there might be a new invasive reptile climbing through the neighborhood trees. Unlike the green anole I grew up calling a chameleon, and that is sometimes referred to as the American chameleon, the real thing appears to have arrived – maybe.

Breeding populations of veiled chameleons have become established on the mainland.

They were first observed in 2000-2002. A striking species, they are native to the Arabian

peninsula and the mountainous regions of Yemen – bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north and the Red Sea to the west. Brightly colored and interestingly adorned with a large “horn” or crest atop their head, they are popular in the herpetology trade and retail from $129 to $349 each on at least one site.

The veiled chameleon represents one of the worst examples of the invasive species problem proliferating on and around the southern tip of the Florida peninsula and, maybe, now in the Keys. Reptile breeders and sellers take breeding pairs of a species and let them loose in the environment. Many, like the veiled chameleon, thrive and begin to expand their territory. The breeders are then able to go catch and sell them.

Veiled chameleons can now be found from Lee County to Florida City and north into Miami-Dade County. In recent months, poachers were caught in the Big Cypress National Preserve with a reported 150 chameleons.

They are out there. Apparently, they are in the Keys, too.

On a Thursday morning in late January, a veiled chameleon was found in a Plantation Key yard. On Friday morning, a second one was discovered. Before discovering these two, a third had been reported on Plantation Key. Often, these lizards enter the Keys via the farms and nurseries in Homestead as accidental hitchhikers – which is probably how these three arrived.

Are there others? Maybe. If you find an unusual creature in your yard or on some Florida Keys adventure, report it by calling the Exotic Species Hotline at 888-483-4681.

The green anole is the only native anole in Florida and the U.S. PIXABAY

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

CLASSIC ROCKERS Never too old to rock and roll 2024 is shaping up to be a year featuring some big rock and roll tours. Certified legends and Rock Hall of Fame members are hitting the road, proving that in many cases, age is just a number. As an aging musician myself, it gives me hope that I’ll have a career as long as I want one. Here’s a look at some of the traveling acts on the road, several making stops close to us.

Bob Dylan. The legendary shapeshifting 82-year-old troubadour put out his first album in 1962. His Rough and Rowdy Ways world tour that began in 2021 will make several Florida stops in March. Reviews of these concerts have been very positive, and the setlist draws a lot from his newest album that has the same name as the tour. Dylan’s band is tight, the arrangements are consistent from show to show, and reviewers have written that Dylan is singing better than he has in years. I will make one of these shows.

Rolling Stones. Their new “Hackney Diamonds” album deservedly earned rave reviews, and the band is firing on all cylinders. For Mick Jagger, 80 is the new 30 — no other frontman covers as much ground or struts as many miles in a concert as he does.

His voice still sounds as good as it ever has, and somehow Keith Richards and Ron Wood have lived to tell their tales as well. Original Stones drummer Charlie Watts passed away not long ago, and the last time he played a show with them was their 2019 South Florida stop at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Veteran Steve Jordan has taken Charlie’s place, and the Stones still rock 60 years on. They’ll be playing Orlando on June 3.

Eagles. They’re calling it Long Goodbye, The Final Tour. After 50 years of selling out arenas, everyone’s favorite mellow rockers are going to hang it up at the end of this tour. Although founding members Glenn Frey and Randy Meisner have passed away, and Bernie Leadon and Don Felder are out of the band, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit are carrying on with the help of Vince Gill and Deacon Frey (son and doppelgänger of Glenn).

The songs are classic, the harmonies tight and crisp, and they’ll play three Florida dates in March. As an added attraction, the coolest “band” ever, Steely Dan, is opening for the Eagles. After Walter Becker passed, Donald Fagen carried on the legacy with his inimitable voice, their band of mighty players, and those amazing songs.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. They played South Florida last year at the opening of the tour that’s still on the road in the U.S.,

and will travel to Europe, the U.S., and Canada before it wraps in November. Legendary for his three-hour-plus concerts, Bruce and the band will keep a stadium rocking JOHN from the front row BARTUS to the nosebleed seats. Fifty-one John Bartus is a singer-songwriter years after his first and the former album was remayor of Maraleased, Springsteen thon. remains one of the most celebrated live acts in music. They’re worth a trip if you haven’t seen them.

Billy Joel. The piano man is leaving live concerts behind after November of this year. With a litany of hits that began in the 1970s and went into the 1990s, Billy draws on a vast catalog of material for his concerts. His shows feature his amazing band as well as his virtuosic piano playing and still strong vocals. He’ll play a stadium show with Sting in Tampa later this month, and if you haven’t seen Billy live, this will likely be your last chance.

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. If you’re not believing this either, all I can say is that it’s true — Frankie Valli is still on the road for one last fling. It’s been named the Last Encores Tour, and it wraps up in October in Las Vegas. His career began in 1960 (!), and it carries on to this day, with a legacy of amazing and instantly recognizable songs. Frankie turns 90 this year, and he is certainly the oldest of the rockers still out on the road. He plays the Hard Rock in Hollywood on Feb. 9.

I would venture that (for the most part) these musical greats are not doing it solely for the money. Playing music live is what musicians do. Guitar legend B.B. King played until he was 88 and just couldn’t do it any more.

Willie Nelson is still on the road (again) at 90. Paul McCartney just wrapped up his Got Back tour last year at age 81. There really is something about playing music that is good for the soul — and as Bob Dylan once wrote, helps you stay forever young.

- John’s Perpetual Island Tour stops this Wednesday at Dockside, Thursday at Sparky’s Landing, Saturday at the Fish for Jose Event, and Sunday afternoon at Skipjack Tiki Bar. Check out John’s music anywhere you stream or download your music. Or point your browser to: johnbartus.hearnow.com

KEYS SCHOOL OFFICIALS SEEK STATE FUNDS Superintendent & board member head to Tallahassee for housing initiative

M

onroe County Schools Superintendent Theresa Axford and school board member Andy Griffiths joined the Monroe delegation to celebrate Florida Keys Day in Tallahassee last week. In addition to the festivities surrounding Florida Keys Day the school officials had a request that would enable the development of 140 units of affordable housing for teachers.

In order for Integra, the company that won the bid to develop housing at the district’s Trumbo Road headquarters, to move ahead, the administration building there has to be demolished. The 52 workers in the building can be relocated to the district-owned Bruce Hall on United Street. But that historic structure, built in 1925 as an Ecclesiastical Seminary for the Episcopal Church, needs serious renovations. The renovation will cost $20 million, according to estimates. The building would be a community treasure when renovated. It would not only house school district offices, but also have meeting rooms and other amenities for the community.

Axford was in Tallahassee last

year, too, pushing for assistance with the renovation.

Florida Keys State Rep. Jim Mooney and State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriquez were able to get $2 million allocated to the project, but that’s not enough.

Mooney and Rodriguez are supporting the effort this year also. Axford is again working with them to get the rest of the money. She has been working on this project since she became superintendent and has enlisted the help of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, whose support and advice have been instrumental in moving the project forward. He can articulate what is needed at Trumbo Point clearly and has been speaking to legislators in Tallahassee to gain their support.

Diaz knows affordable housing is a real need in Monroe County to attract and keep good teachers. Axford plans to meet with Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez in the near future to gain her support as well. The allocation would be a one-time request for Monroe County schools.

— Contributed

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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Brain scans of participants in a University of Illinois study show heightened attention and information processing after just 20 minutes of walking. CHUCK HILLMAN/University of Illinois

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

THOSE MALL WALKERS WERE ON TO SOMETHING…

W

ho remembers mall walkers? Those dedicated women and men in their aerobic wear, high-top socks, (usually) all-white sneakers with deadly elbows on a mission? I know I do.

I think as a teenager, as I was bouncing back and forth between Hot Topic and Abercrombie & Fitch (I was just as confused then as you are now) I remember thinking, why do these mall walkers take it so seriously, and how good can walking actually be for you?! I mean … it's *yawn* walking.

Fast forward 25 years, I get it, and I dig it, and here’s why: In the fast-paced world we live in, finding the time and motivation to exercise can be a challenge. However, there is a simple and accessible solution right at our feet. Beyond being a mode of transportation, walking has emerged as a powerful form of exercise, offering a plethora of physical and mental health benefits.

Physical benefits: Walking is a low-impact exercise that provides numerous physical advantages. It improves cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease. A brisk walk can also aid in weight management by burning calories and boosting metabolism. Regular walking strengthens muscles, improves joint flexibility and enhances overall endurance. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, individuals who engage in walking regularly experience a lower incidence of chronic diseases.

Mental & cognitive health benefits: In addition to the physical advantages, walking is a mood enhancer. It releases endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, reducing stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that a daily walk can contribute to bet-

ter cognitive function and a lowered risk of developing mental health disorders. The rhythmic nature of walking provides a meditative effect, promoting relaxation and JENNIFER mental clarity. A BOLTZ HARVEY recent study at the University of Illinois ...is a Marathonfound that moderbased ACSMate aerobic exercertified personal trainer and cises like walking precision nutrition can help enhance coach who owns your cognitive skills and operates (attention, reasonHighly Motivated ing, memory and Functionally Caffeinated LLC. such), making it an jenniferlynneasy and enjoyable boltz@gmail.com way to boost brain health.

Ease and accessibility: One of the most appealing aspects of walking as an exercise is its simplicity and accessibility. No special equipment or gym memberships are required. All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes – no they don’t have to be all white – and you're ready to hit the pavement , a trail or a mall – that is, if you can find one.

Frequency and recommendations: The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, and walking easily fits into this guideline. Aim for a brisk walk of 30 minutes most days of the week. Break it down into shorter sessions if needed – a 10-minute walk three times a day can be just as effective.

So, whether you are in snowy Buffalo (so sorry Bills) or in the balmy Florida Keys, you can get your walk on any time and anywhere. Just make sure to keep your elbows in check.

37

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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Local Keys Kid turned Licensed Mortgage Loan officer; Claire Montang services every county in Florida and has been originating loans locally and statewide since 2020. If you are a first time home buyer, seasoned investor, or self employed applicant - you name it she can do it. Offering hundreds of products to help fit every applicant's needs, Claire strives to deliver top tier customer service, competitive rates, and speedy approvals. From all your traditional financing products to creative solutions - Claire is YOUR "go-to" Florida Mortgage Lender. Claire states her key to success is "Honesty, Integrity, and Upfront Due Diligence on every file allows for confident approvals and no fall out loans".

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38

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

CHRIS McNULTY

If you’re noticing a liberis an astrologer, ating shift in the wanderer, barvibes surroundtender and advocate for ing you, you’re queer justice. He not alone. On is a loquacious Jan. 27, the reGemini with a bellious and illucozy Cancer rising. Find him at minating planet, hearthandherald- Uranus, turned astrology.com direct. Uranus had been retrograde since the end of August – a whole five months. During this time we were all offered the opportunity to reflect upon our position in the constant dance of conformity and authenticity, of oppression and liberation, and of a closed past and an open future. In a nutshell, we were all internally processing our own freedom and all that entails.

Now that Uranus is moving direct, however, that activity taking place within our psyches is ready to move outward into the world. The time to start making moves to free yourself from oppressive constraints is now.

Put your mind at ease this weekend and let your thoughts roll with the tides.

Here are your horoscopes.

Read for your rising and sun signs.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 You’ve been having some secretive or private thoughts for the past three weeks, and right now those ideas are blossoming into what appears to be either feelings of charity or creative streams of personal income. Whether the money is flowing out or in, if you can keep that news to yourself you will see how much more effective the impact is.

Keeping mum will help to keep your values selfless.

PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 Listen to your friends right now, Pisces, because their words are a balm to what ails you. There are people who truly want to see you

TIDAL THOUGHTS succeed, and they appear to be communicating to you a new selfimage. What do they see that you don’t? Drop the self-deprecation and take to heart the vocal or written support from your friends to see how you dream a new you into existence.

ARIES March 21 - April 19 As you are contemplating your public reputation and your effectiveness in the public square, you are also tapping into the deep, dreamy waters of the unconscious. In other words, the clearer you think and articulate the version of you that shows up at work or out in public, the more creative your imagination will be. These two parts of life go hand in hand right now. Know thy public self and unleash thy private self.

TAURUS April 20 - May 20 Thinking of faraway places unlocks the ideal support system for you under this sky. If you can identify what your next big adventure is, really see it in your mind’s eye and get detailed, you will dream into existence the people who will help you start your journey. No one gets anywhere without people propping them up, and right now you can think the destination and imagine the helpers.

GEMINI May 21 - June 21 Turn your mind to collaboration now, Gemini, and think through how you might share resources with people who have similar goals.

What are your cooperative endeavors? If you focus your mind on the projects you are working on with others, your dream job will emerge in the process. There is an opportunity here to turn your passion project into a career, so see where your reverie flows.

CANCER June 22 - July 22 It is high time to have conversations with your partner about all the places you will travel and the new experiences you wish to have.

Dream big in your discussions and see what novel adventures you two can imagine. You don’t have to book the tickets now, but setting the stage for worlds that you can explore with one another will set the wheels in motion. What’s out there?

LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 Logically analyze your habits and routines and unlock new empathic pathways. What the heck does that mean? Under this sky, it is the perfect time to think about the routines that keep your life from devolving into chaos - exercise, chores, errands, etc. As you do this, you will simultaneously open yourself up to greater levels of compassion for others in some way. Dissolve some of those emotional boundaries.

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 What brings you great joy? Whatever comes to mind, take some more time to let it bounce around your mental landscape. Thinking and talking about your joys and creative expressions will help you form a spiritual connection with an important partner in your life. The conversations are sure to flow if you keep the focus on topics that spark your bliss.

LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 23 With your mind on your home and family, now is the time to spiritualize your usual routines. Think about the home that you want to create for yourself and the type of foundation that will keep you grounded and see how maintaining that focus turns your chores into meditations.

Now is the time to Mary Poppins

the heck out of your world – chores don’t have to be chore-like.

SCORPIO Oct. 24 - Nov. 21 So much of the time we communicate naturally without too much thought, which is totally fine.

It keeps us present. Right now, however, it is an ideal time to take a step back and think about how you communicate, what words you choose, and what impact they have.

This practice will actually help you express yourself in more dreamy and creative ways, despite the dry analytical path to get there.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 Put your mind on your money and your money on your mind, Sag. Thinking about your income stream and how you spend your hard-earned cash will support some healing at home. Your home is your sanctuary, so consider how you might better surround yourself with items that reflect your spiritual needs. Do you need to make any changes?

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 Who are you and how do you immerse yourself in your community?

We all mirror the people and places that we interact with every day, yet we are more than our surroundings all the same. Community is so important, and getting really clear about who you are will help you connect to community with greater and greater depth. Think about your uniqueness and see the connections you make.

39

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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Stunning Sugarloaf Retreat with private sandy beach, sparkling pool, and sprawling dockage! Enjoy elevated seaside living with a resort feel and jaw-dropping views of the Gulf of Mexico. Dine al fresco and take in the endless sea breezes from the screened-in patio or relax in the back yard oasis, complete with in-ground pool, private beach, and lush tropical landscaping. This is truly quintessential Key’s living!

Newly updated private oasis in desirable Cudjoe Gardens! Exquisite finishes in the expertly remodeled kitchen and bathrooms and ample space for entertaining. A sprawling corner canal front lot features excellent deep-draft boating and a generous entertainment area with a large pool, spa and a Tiki hut. The attached garage affords storage and parking out of the elements, all just minutes to delectable dining in Cudjoe Key.

Build your dream home prestigious Sugarloaf Shores, just 20 minutes outside of Key West! Oversized 17,625 sq. ft. on a crystal-clear canal with approximately 578 sq. ft dock in place offering excellent boating.

Active building permit through December 2025 for an 1,800 sq. ft 3BR/2BA home with a 312 sq. ft porch and a 284 sq. ft storage enclosure. Permit, water and sewer fees have been paid for!

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Stunning canal front home with a massive 15,600 sq.ft lot and deep-water ocean access! 125' of concrete seawall with 15K boat lift, davits, and turning basin!

Huge 2,772 sq.ft floorplan boasts an open-concept living space and custom Chef’s kitchen. Spacious screened-in lanai, Solar system, security system and coveted 2 car garage are just a few of the endless features at this prime Cudjoe Gardens retreat!

Fantastic retreat on an oversized lot with direct access to enviable fishing and diving within minutes!

Open-concept floorplan with high ceilings, large windows, and lovely kitchen. Expansive screened-in lanai connecting to wrap-around porch offers partial open water views and breathtaking sunsets! Downstairs features a bonus storage space and covered carport on over a quarter acre private lot adorned with lush tropical landscaping.

Sizable canal front lot in coveted Sugarloaf Shores neighborhood, with active permit for a new construction home! This nearly 1/2 acre lot is one of the last remaining buildable waterfront properties in the Lower Keys! Excellent location for boating, the property boasts direct, no-bridge access to worldrenowned fishing and diving. Enjoy backcountry beaches such as Marvin Key and Snipes, or snorkel crystal clear waters and coral reefs at Looe Key.

THE LISA FERRINGO GROUP COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT Office: 305.872.5261 Cell: 305.797.1221 lisaferringo@gmail.com LisaFerringo.com

40

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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41

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

BRIEFLY Healthy Start Coalition holds diaper drive During February, the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition is kicking off a community diaper drive to collect 10,000 diapers and $10,000 in donations to fund diapers. These diapers will help local working families who struggle to make ends meet and often must choose between paying utility bills or purchasing diapers. One in two families lack enough diapers to keep their baby clean, dry and healthy, and three in five parents miss work because they can’t afford the diapers required to leave their baby in daycare. Babies without clean diapers are more vulnerable to painful rashes and exposure to potential health risks. A $50 donation will provide a local family and the littlest members of our community with two weeks of diapers and wipes. While FKHSC doesn’t provide all the diapers that a family needs each month, diaper assistance can mean the difference between a parent being able to earn money at work or missing days on the job. Without diapers and wipes, parents are unable to access care. To find more information and donate, visit keyshealthystart.org.

Valentine’s pet photos event to benefit Florida Keys SPCA On Saturday, Feb. 10, the Florida Keys SPCA will partner with Photo Design by Natalie and Blue Waters Bar & Grill at Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort for a Valentine’s weekend pet photos event. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees can take a professional photo with their pet by the water, with suggested donations of $20 going to benefit the FKSPCA. Guests can enjoy lunch or a drink at the Blue Waters Bar and Grill following their photoshoot.

Marathon man with knife arrested for assault, battery A 58-year-old Marathon man was arrested Jan. 27 after allegedly hitting another man on 20th Street with the butt of a knife and threatening a woman with the same knife. There were no serious injuries reported.

Joseph Allen Morgan was charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and battery. The sheriff’s office was called around 10 p.m. regarding a fight. A male victim was bleeding due to injuries to his head. The victim and witnesses said Morgan punched him several times and hit him on the head with the butt of a knife. Morgan also threatened a woman who was attempting to break up the fight with the same knife, deputies said.

OBITUARY Key Largo man arrested for boat trailer theft A 56-year-old Key Largo, Florida man was arrested Jan. 26 after he admitted to stealing a boat trailer that belongs to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Jonathan Scott Sharkey was charged with grand theft. The boat trailer was reported missing from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on Jan. 21. It was returned to its original location at the park on Jan. 25, with evidence that it had been used, detectives said. Witness statements and security video footage was collected, leading detectives to a Key Largo residence where they found Sharkey, who allegedly promptly admitted he took the trailer and had been using it without permission, but returned it when he learned it belonged to the sheriff’s office and the agency was investigating the theft.

Singers wanted for community choir The Lower Keys Community Choir, in partnership with the Keys Chamber Orchestra, is seeking singers to join the group. The community choir’s Easter concerts are on the evenings of March 18, 19 and 21 from Cudjoe Key to Marathon. Rehearsals are on Sunday evenings at the Big Pine Methodist Church from 4:30 to 6 p.m. beginning Feb. 4. All experience levels are welcome. For information or to join, please email keyschamberorchestra@ gmail.com.

MCSD to host career fairs for students The Monroe County School District is hosting career fairs at Keys high schools. The fairs will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 27, 28 and 29 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Coral Shores, Marathon and Key West high schools, respectively.

The fairs aim to provide high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to see what jobs and careers are available in local communities. The school district has opted to include juniors who may be interested in exploring a career or a possible summer job before starting their senior year.

Come take a class at the Marathon library The Marathon library has a wide variety of class offerings, ranging from photography to book clubs, robots, virtual reality and more. Scan the QR code here to see the schedule and get involved.

GARY W. BURATTI 1967-2024 Gary W. Buratti was born in New Britain, Connecticut on Jan. 4, 1967, and died peacefully at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida on Jan. 17 with his longtime girlfriend, Christine Watt, by his side.

He was predeceased by his mother, Carol (Wotkoevich) Buratti, grandmother Mabel (Tanganelli) Buratti, and beloved Aunt Denise (Buratti) Opozda. He is survived by his father, William Buratti, sister Nicole (Buratti) Reyes and Jay Reyes, nieces Isabella and Lena Reyes, cousins Laurie (Opozda) and David Tubman and their children David, Greg and Adam Tubman. He is also survived by Christine’s sons Alex and Austin Watt and their families. He also leaves his beloved dogs, Copper and Skylure.

Throughout the years, Gary was an auto body repairman and later transitioned to fiberglass repair of boats. As a young man, he loved fishing at the beach.

He also loved car racing, dirt biking and NASCAR. He enjoyed spending time on his ORV riding through Ocala trails and Big Cypress preserve.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society or Dachshund Rescue of South Florida.

A celebration of life for Marathon friends will be held Saturday, Feb. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 154 in Marathon. A celebration on March 23, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. will be for family and close friends at Lake Oklawaha Resort/KOA Club House, 15991 NE 243rd Place Rd. Ft. McCoy, Florida.

42

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

HYPERSALINITY & HEAT

Steve Davis takes stock of the massive seagrass dieoff of 2017 following a hypersalinity event.

EVERGLADES FOUNDATION/Contributed

Toxic red tide on the west coast of Florida in 2018 resulted in massive fish kills.

Green algae discharges from Lake Okeechobee show an ecosystem in decline.

TIFFANY DUONG

I

tiffany@keysweekly.com

n Florida Bay, the flow of fresh water from Lake Okeechobee in the north through the Everglades nourishes the Keys ecosystems and economies. Anything disrupting this natural process poses a serious threat.

Enter salt – and a lot of it.

“Salinity refers to the salt content in a coastal water body,” said Steve Davis, the chief science officer at the Everglades Foundation. “Ocean salinity is roughly 35 parts per thousand (ppt). If you’ve ever swam in the ocean and tasted it, you know what that is. When salt content gets higher than that of the ocean, we call it hypersalinity.”

Basically, Florida Bay is becoming hypersaline more often and in greater severity than ever before. We’re to blame.

Davis said, “It’s all driven by water balance.

If you don’t have fresh water coming in from the Everglades, it leads to hypersalinity and events like the 2015 mass die off of seagrass.”

Lake Okeechobee is made up of fresh water, with a salinity of zero. The water in Florida Bay is naturally both fresh and salty because it’s composed of the outflow from the lake mixed with ocean water from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. However, “there have been recent increases in salt concentration because of no fresh water coming in from the Everglades to flush the system.”

On top of that, the water in Florida Bay gets trapped. As the sun evaporates it, salt is left behind. So, the salinity of the bay begins to increase and becomes greater than the salinity of the surrounding ocean. In years with less than average rainfall such as drought years, effects are exacerbated.

Everglades Foundation Discusses the Biggest Threats to Florida Bay In numbers, if the ocean has a salinity index of 35 ppt, a historically healthy Florida Bay might be 40, Davis said. However, since stopping freshwater flow from Lake Okeechobee, with drought years or successive drought years, the salinity in Florida Bay can reach up to 70 to 80 ppt – more than double that of the ocean. He stressed: we’re at the point now where years of average rainfall still result in salinity higher than the ocean.

“This is devastating to the ecology and fisheries of Florida Bay,” Davis said. Seagrass can die off while algae blooms increase. “It’s the downward spiral of the entire ecosystem. It goes from clear water to something that looks like pea soup.”

Add heat, and we have a disaster waiting to happen. Davis said, “The combo of heat and hypersalinity is what is most devastating to the bay. Hot, salty water doesn’t hold much oxygen, and oxygen is essential to the health of the bay and to large fish species that are highly coveted by anglers.”

All that affects our Florida Keys economy.

Luckily, due to good rainfall and more freshwater flow through the restoration of the Tamiami Trail, we didn’t experience this despite recordbreaking heat this summer. Still, the cumulative effects of years of restricted freshwater flow have now resulted in areas that were historically freshwater transitioning to saltwater environments because there isn’t enough fresh water moving in.

“What Everglades restoration does is to push back against all that and keep those areas functioning as brackish areas, rather than hypersaline areas,” Davis said.

Years ago, the Everglades Foundation was formed to develop a plan for necessary Everglades restoration, including both Florida Bay and the Keys. Their mandate is to “replumb South Florida” and get water from Lake Okeechobee flowing south again, Davis said.

The key restoration project is an Everglades agricultural reservoir to be built south of Lake Okeechobee. “That’s the one that really does heavy lifting to get water south,” Davis said. That store of fresh water would be like “drought insurance for the ecosystem,” he added. “It’d be stores of large volumes of water that we can send south – like a rain barrel that we’d connect to gutters. When it’s dry, we could use it to water plants and send it down to Florida Bay.” The Everglades Agricultural Area A-2 Reservoir is a multibillion-dollar project, but the economic benefits measure well beyond that, the aquatic ecologist said. “We commissioned a study in 2010 that showed, conservatively, that Everglades Restoration delivers a 4-to-1 return on investment. That’s enormous.”

Experts estimate that today’s Everglades restoration plans will result in a benefit of $20 billion.

The main opponents of the reservoir are industrial sugar companies that stand to lose access to water they currently lay claim to. In 2021, U.S. Sugar Corp., Okeelanta Corp. (Florida Crystals) and the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative filed a lawsuit against the Army Corps. to stop construction of the EAA Reservoir because “they think that water belongs to them,” Davis said. The trial court rejected all claims, and the sugar industry plaintiffs each appealed that judgment. The appeal is still pending.

“If Sugar wins their appeal on this, they will hold hostage significant volumes of water that should be sent south to Florida Bay. They don’t even use all the water they are already allocated, and they’re asking for more,” added Kelly Cox, Audubon Florida’s director of Everglades policy.

In 2023, the village of Islamorada signed onto an amicus brief filed with the Court of Appeals in support of the reservoir – and, therefore, of a healthier Florida Bay. “I’d like the council to get a pat on the back for that. Their constituents need to hear about this,” Cox said.

While the fight for the flow continues, organizations like Audubon and the Everglades Foundation continue to push for critical restoration measures that will help bring Florida Bay back to life.

Green algae discharges from Lake Okeechobee show an ecosystem in decline.

43

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

THE BEACH BAR Big Game Party Feb. 11 LIVE MUSIC 7PM - 1OPM DAILY

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MAHINA Join us at Mahina, where the Pacific Rim meets Florida Keys seafood, or pull up a stool and catch the ocean breeze at The Beach Bar.

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Sushi Cabana - an outdoor, intimate oceanside haven serving fresh sashimi, sushi and sake.

DINE WITH US JOIN US FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER ON VALENTINES DAY. SPECIALITY MENU AVAILABLE FOR $219++ PER COUPLE

islabellabeachresort.com 1 Knights Key Boulevard, MM 47 Marathon, FL 33050

THE BIG GAME SPECIALS FEB. 11 TEQUENOS $14 Rocoto Guava Sauce SPINACH CRAB DIP $15 Tortilla Chips LOADED FRIES $16 Bacon, Cheddar Jack Shreded Cheese, Scallions,Sour Cream GARLIC PARMESAN WINGS $19 Celery, Carrots, Blue Cheese *CRISPY PARMESAN CHEESE BURGER $24 Caramelized Onion, Crispy Parmesan Cheese, Mayonnaise, Lettuce, French fries

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

45

46

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743-0844 I come to you!

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

February 1, 2024

AGAINST THE ODDS Fins stun county rivals | P.8

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3

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

FEB. 1

THE SCOREBOARD Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Key West

Boys Basketball

iMater Academy

1/22

W, 61-52

Marathon

Girls Basketball

Posnack

1/22

W, 40-37

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Posnack

1/22

L, 73-45

Coral Shores

Girls Basketball

Florida Christian

1/22

W, 54-25

Coral Shores

Girls Basketball

LaSalle

1/23

L, 47-26

Key West

Boys Basketball

Marathon

1/24

W, 61-49

Marathon

Girls Basketball

Key West

1/24

W, 43-33

Key West

Boys Basketball

MAST Academy

1/25

W, 71-42

Coral Shores

Girls Soccer

Marathon

1/25

W, 3-2

Key West

Girls Soccer

MAST Academy

1/25

W, 4-2

Marathon

Boys Soccer

South Homestead

1/25

W, 4-3

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

Silver Palms

1/25

L, 3-1

Key West

Boys Soccer

South Miami

1/25

W, 9-1

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Coral Shores

1/26

W, 52-43

Coral Shores

Girls Basketball

Marathon

1/26

L, 43-33

Key West

Boys Basketball

Palmer

1/26

L, 74-46

Key West

Boys Soccer

MAST Academy

1/26

L, 4-0

Coral Shores

Girls Soccer

Palmer Trinity

1/26

L, 8-1

Key West

Girls Basketball

Archbishop McCarthy

1/27

L, 62-45

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

FEB. 1

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

2/1

Marathon

Girls & Boys Basketball

Shelton Academy

3 & 4:30 p.m.

2/1

Key West

Boys Basketball

@ Coral Reef

6:30 p.m.

2/2

Key West

Girls Basketball

@ Schoolhouse Prep

6 p.m.

2/2

Coral Shores

Girls Basketball

@ Westminster Christian

7 p.m.

2/2

Coral Shores

Wrestling

@ Green Cove Springs

2 p.m.

2/2

Key West

Boys Basketball

Boyd Anderson

6:30 p.m.

2/3

Coral Shores

Wrestling

@ Green Cove Springs

10 a.m.

2/3

Key West

Competitive Cheer

States @ Lakeland

9 a.m.

2/3

Key West

Girls Weightlifting

Regionals @ Sebastian River

10 a.m.

2/3

MHS & CSHS

Girls Weightlifting

Regionals @ Lemon Bay

10:30 a.m.

2/6

Coral Shores

Tennis

LaSalle

1 p.m.

2/7

Marathon

Boys Weightlifting

Coral Shores

4 p.m.

2/8

Coral Shores

Tennis

@ PACE

1 p.m.

ON THE COVER The smallest of the three Keys high schools, led by hoopsters like Elena Eubank, top left, Adrian Cruz, top right, Yaniel Garcia, center, and Kayesha Christian, last week showed that when county rivals visit their gym, all bets are off. See page 8. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

THIS WEEK

Natalie

ARGUELLO

Senior, Key West Wrestling

She holds high expectations of herself and continues to work towards meeting those expectations.”

– Justin Martin, Key West athletic director

GOLD at Lady Bear and Lady Indian invitationals

Key West’s Natalie Arguello is dominating in what is both her and her school’s second season of varsity girls wrestling.The 2023 regional qualifier is quickly proving she has what it takes to make it to the next round this year and is putting in the work to earn a spot in the FHSAA state brackets.

Arguello won her weight class in the last two meets she attended, bringing home gold at the Lady Bear Invitational Jan. 6 and the Lady Indian Invitational in Immokalee Jan. 20.

Key West head coach Chaz Jimenez has been impressed with her dedication this season, and Conchs athletic director Justin Martin agreed.

“She’s constantly working on her craft and has really pushed herself to reach her full potential,” Martin said.

For her unwavering commitment to her sport and internal drive to be her absolute best, Key West’s Natalie Arguello is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Photo CONTRIBUTED

4

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / FEBRUARY 1, 2024 SPORTS WRITER

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

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

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

PODCAST HOST

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development

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

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

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

MARKET EDITORS

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

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

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

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CONCHS MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE PITCH Boys set net ablaze; girls take out top seed for shot at district title

K

ey West’s boys picked up win number nine on Jan. 24 when they hosted South Miami in the FHSAA District 16 4A quarterfinals match in The Backyard. The Conchs sent the Cobras home early in a 9-1 mercy rule victory to secure a spot in the semifinals. Wyatt Gibson scored a hat trick and Damir Karimov, Niko Sulak, Jose Sene Reyes, Owen Linley, Emmanuel Innocent and Kieran Smith scored 1 apiece in the resounding win. On Jan. 26, the No. 3-seeded Conchs headed to Gulliver to take on the second-seeded Makos of MAST Academy on neutral ground. Key West lost the semifinal match 4-0, but their late-season run and difficult schedule may give them a coveted at-large spot to regionals.

The Lady Conchs advanced directly to the semifinals due to a small district pool. Fourth-ranked Key West took their talents on the road, taking down top-seeded MAST Academy in a shootout victory.

Goalkeeper Teagan Lavin and the Conchs’ defense managed to keep the Makos off the scoreboard in regulation play. Unlike the regular season, playoffs require a winner, sending the teams into penalty kicks in a shootout dominated by Key West. Grace Andrew, Kaitlyn Franco, Molly McKnight and Maddie Kilduff found the net with their shots, and some spectacular saves by Lavin spelled victory for the Conchs, who played for the FHSAA District 16 4A title against second-seeded St. Brendan on Jan. 31 (results not available at press time).

Marathon’s boys pulled off an upset of their own on Jan. 29, defeating higher-seeded Somerset South Homestead in a 4-3 road win. Oscar Cardona struck first, followed by Jay Marshall and Giordani Prieto with a nice header. Stuart Godoy scored the go-ahead goal from a ricochet off the upright with just about a minute remaining in regula-

5

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

2 1 tion play, sealing the quarterfinal win for the Fins. Tiago Rivero and Aiden Judd combined in goal for what head coach Shannon Wiley described as “countless saves,” giving the keeper duo praise for their “stellar teamwork.” Next up for Marathon’s boys was a Jan. 29 semifinal match against the number one seed in District 16 3A, Palmer Trinity. Though the Fins put forth a valiant effort, they fell to the Falcons 4-0.

The Lady Fins hoped to pull off an upset at Coral Shores, a team they had improved against recently. In their last matchup, the teams tied, making their third game this season something both teams felt was winnable. On Jan. 25 in the FHSAA District 16 3A quarterfinals, Coral Shores would be the victor, effectively ending Marathon’s season at 2-10-2, but not before the Fins gave the ’Canes some cause for worry. The match came down to the final whistle in a 3-2 victory for Coral Shores. Lady Fin midfielder Jordan MacDonald scored one of Marathon’s goals off of a penalty kick and Mackenzie Budi redirected a corner kick for the Fins’ two scores. Scoring for Coral Shores were Kai Redruello, Izzy Malloggi and Ali Beth Wilson.

The Lady ’Canes earned a spot in the semifinals with their win over Marathon. They hit the road on Jan. 26 to play at Palmer Trinity against the perennial powerhouse Falcons, who ended the seasons of both Marathon and Coral Shores last year. Palmer defeated Coral Shores 8-1 in the semifinal match, with Grace Goodwin spoiling a Falcon shutout with a nice goal off of a Jenna Mandozzi corner kick. The loss ended Coral Shores’ chance to move on, and they completed their season with a 3-10-1 record.

Coral Shores’ boys played Somerset Silver Palms in their quarterfinal match Jan. 25. The ’Canes lost the match 3-1. Junior Preston Carroll scored the lone goal for the Hurricanes, whose season came to a close with the loss. The ’Canes ended with a record of 2-8-3.

1.The Conchs put on an offensive master class against the South Miami Cobras, notching a 9-1 mercy rule victory on Jan. 24. Photos

by GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly. 2-3. Marathon and Coral Shores’ girls soccer squads tangle in a district quarterfinal matchup on Jan. 25. Coral Shores earned a 3-2 win. Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly. 4. Regulation wasn’t enough to decide the Lady Conchs’ contest against MAST Academy on Jan. 26. The Conchs advanced to the district title game in a penalty kick shootout. Photos by SARAH BAXTER/Contributed. See more game photos at keysweekly.com.

3

4

6

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

LADY FINS CLAIM DISTRICT TITLE Keys weightlifters bring home 11 district championship gold medals

2

1

A

fter a long season of competition, Keys lifters headed to district meets last week in hopes of bringing home the gold.

As a relatively new sport, scoring and moving on in competitive weightlifting can be confusing.

Marathon coach Jessie Schubert clarified exactly what to expect in the postseason.

“There are four districts that compete to go to regionals.

The top eight lifters in each weight class, with a maximum of two per team per weight class, compete at districts,” he said.

“Regional competitions take the top 20 from districts. So, to advance to regionals, an athlete must be in the top 20 of those 32.”

The only athlete to move on automatically, both from districts to regionals and regionals to the state meet, is the first-place winner in each weight class. Because of this, there are 19 at-large bids in each weight class, but according to Schubert, “it’s almost a given that anyone placing second or third at district and regional competitions will move on.”

Key West was first to attend its district meet, participating in the FHSAA District 16 2A championships on Jan. 25 at Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School in Lake Worth. The Conchs took third place in Olympic lifts as a team and fifth in traditional out of seven teams. Claire Boysen was Key West’s biggest winner, securing the district runner-up medal in both lifting events. Dazmine Jenkins (154 lbs.) and Youma Midy (unlimited) took second-place medals in Olympic lifts with Jenkins coming in fourth and Midy winning third in traditional lifting. Shylo Sanchez (139 lbs.) and Adelaide Sir (183 lbs.)

1. Marathon’s double district champion Justice Lee Isom, second from left, poses with her team’s first- and secondplace trophies with coaches Sean Roussin, left, Michelle James and Jessie Schubert.

CONTRIBUTED 2. Olympic unlimited weight class medalists including Coral Shores’ Sydney Eysenbach (1st) and Vanessa Gabriel (3rd) and Marathon’s Elizabeth Piper (5th).

3. Marathon’s girls weightlifting team celebrates their district championship win in the traditional lifting event at FHSAA’s District 16 1A meet.

4. 110 lb. traditional lifting medalists including Coral Shores’ Rachel Rusch (first place) and Elizabeth Giordano (fourth) plus Marathon’s Rilynn Richards (second).

Photos by AMANDA LEE/Contributed

7

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

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both scored fourth in both events. Other top-four finishers were Neslo Atilla (129 lbs.) and Alexandra Konecna (119 lbs.), who were fourth in Olympic lifts.

Marathon and Coral Shores compete in the 1A classification, which took place on Jan. 27 at Doctors Charter High School in Miami. Both teams fared extremely well, with Marathon winning the district championship in traditional lifts. Coral Shores was the runner-up. In Olympic lifting, the Fins and ’Canes placed second and third, respectively.

Coral Shores had a pair of double district champs in Jennille Arias (169 lbs.) and Sydney Eysenbach (unlimited). The pair automatically qualifies for regionals and a chance for a spot at the state championships in February.

Rachel Rusch (110 lbs.) won the district gold in traditional and a spot in the regional lineup. Other top performers in traditional were runners-up Kali Gomer (139 lbs.), Madison Tillman (169 lbs.) and Vanessa Gabriel (unlimited).

Julia Rusch (101 lbs.) and Leticia Lima (119 lbs.) placed third and Elizabeth Giordano (110 lbs.) came in fourth. The ’Canes also had high performers in Olympic lifts. Rachel Rusch and Gomer took home silver medals. Tillman and Gabriel struck bronze and Melanie Moc (139 lbs.) was fourth.

Marathon can now claim four district champions this season. Justice Lee (183 lbs.) won both events and a pair of regional spots. At 119 lbs., Sierra Earnhardt won the gold in traditional plus a silver in Olympic. Ava Merryman (139 lbs.), Marquisha Abraham (154 lbs.) and Sabrina Schofield (199 lbs.) are the reigning district champs in traditional lifts. Schofield won silver in Olympic and Abraham won bronze. Ella Dunn (101 lbs.) had a pair of second-place performances. Rilynn Richards (110 lbs.) came in second in traditional and fourth in Olympic. Mikkel Ross (129 lbs.) was second in traditional and third in Olympic. Elise Dolton (154 lbs.) and Harlie Daniels (119 lbs.) both won silver in traditional and fourth in Olympic. Cami Wrinn (139 lbs.) won bronze in Olympic and fourth place in traditional. Samantha Schofield (183 lbs.) brought home a pair of fourth place medals while Ella Evans (129 lbs.) claimed a third place medal in traditional. Elizabeth Piper (unlimited) came in fourth in traditional lifts.

Key West’s regional qualifiers will chalk up on Feb. 3 at Sebastian River High School while Coral Shores and Marathon participate at Lemon Bay on the same day. Anyone qualifying for the big show will travel to Lakeland Feb. 16 and 17 for the FHSAA State Championships.

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8

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

FINS STUN ’CANES

Marathon celebrates senior night with double dose of victory

1 2

C

oral Shores swept into Marathon’s Kay Gradick Gymnasium on Jan. 26 with the odds in their favor. The Fins were arguably the underdogs in both the boys and girls games set for tipoff on Friday night. The Hurricane boys had already beaten Marathon twice this season by 9 and 18 points, and the Lady ’Canes had previously topped the Fins by 2 while boasting a better record.

As the teams showed, when it’s a rivalry game, all bets are off.

The Lady Fins started off the night celebrating their lone senior, Kayesha Christian, just prior to tipoff. The teams traded leads early in the game, and it wasn’t until the final quarter that the Lady Fins pulled away for the 43-33 win.

Elena Eubank single-handedly poured on 25 of those points.

The rest would come from Marti Kilbourne (10), Daysi Williams (6) and Payton Junker (2).

Coral Shores’ Brooke Mandozzi led the charge for the ’Canes, scoring 19 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Makayla Hahn scored 8 and registered 4 steals. Abby Vogt was credited with 7 assists while Grace Leffler and Gabby Thomas did a majority of the rebounding with 11 and 8, respectively. With their season head-to-head score all tied up, a third matchup is a possibility in the postseason; Marathon and Coral Shores both participate in the FHSAA District 16 3A division. District brackets will begin to be populated as early as this week, with games beginning Feb. 5.

The boys game started in similar fashion. Marathon honored seniors Jesus Gonzalez, Adrian Cruz, Jaynel Rojas, Xavier Grant and Yaniel Garcia, but it would mainly be the underclassmen who dominated for the Fins. Marathon pulled out with an early lead and had all the momentum going into quarter two when the ’Canes came alive. Coral Shores’ Isaac Holmes and AJ Johnson did an exceptional job locking down

9

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

3

5

4

1. Marathon’s Lady Fins welcome their northern neighbors for a rivalry match with Coral Shores on Jan. 26. The Dolphins beat the ’Canes 43-33.

the Fins in the second quarter, using a physical style of play to pull down rebounds and box out Marathon.

The Hurricanes managed to pick up steam heading into halftime and were up by 2. But the aggressive defense which broke Marathon’s momentum in quarter two proved to be the ’Canes’ downfall in the final quarter of the game, when both Holmes and Johnson fouled out.

Marathon could not miss in quarter four, and a reenergized home team regained the momentum, though it would come down to the final moments before the Fins could seal the deal. Sophomore Daeshawn Holmes erupted for 23 points for Marathon, pulling down 14 rebounds for a double-double, while his nine blocks nearly qualified for a triple-double. Yaniel Garcia scored 9 in his final home game for Marathon, grabbing 5 rebounds of his own, and freshman Josh Koler owned the paint, sinking 8 points, pulling 7 rebounds and registering 2 blocks. For Coral Shores, Isaac Holmes and Aydan Lane scored 13 each and Donovan Thiery added 7 points in the 52-43 loss.

Fins head coach Jim Murphy was more than satisfied with the win. “Since 2018, we have not beaten either of our in-county rivals in football, basketball or baseball,” he said.

“We showed this week we can compete with the two much bigger county rivals and are looking forward to our future matchups. This was a great win on senior night.”

Key West’s boys had a full schedule last week, playing a

2. The Lady Fins and Lady Conchs battle it out in Marathon on Jan. 24. The Fins came away with a 43-33 win in the rivalry matchup.

3. Marathon’s boys take on the Coral Shores Hurricanes on Jan. 26, stunning their county rivals with a 52-43 win.

4-5. The Conchs and Fins meet up on the hardwood Jan. 24. Key West brought home a 61-49 road win.

Photos by BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly.

See more game photos at keysweekly.com.

series of four road games in five days. Despite the exhausting schedule, the Conchs picked up three wins to tack on to their now even 9-9 record. They started it off Jan. 22 at iMater Charter, where they defeated the Knights 61-52. James Osborne had the top score with 26. DeMarcus Deroche scored 13, Kameron Roberts added 7 and Walson Morin and Tramane Scott put in 6 apiece.

The following night they made the short trip to Marathon, downing the Fins 61-49. Osborne led the charge again with 23. Deroche scored 10, Roberts had 9 and David Aviles and Scott had 8 each. Marathon’s Daeshawn Holmes had the top score for the Fins with 16 while Josh Koler earned 8 and Xavier Grant added 7.

Key West earned their third victory Jan. 25 at MAST Academy, winning 71-42. Osborne and Roberts each scored 19 and Deroche put in 11 in the big win. The following night the Conchs suffered their first loss of the week at Palmer Trinity, falling to the Falcons 74-46. Roberts and Osborne shared the team high again with 13 points each. The Conchs play on the road on Thursday, Feb. 1, then take on Boyd Anderson at home Friday, Feb. 2 for their final regular-season game.

The Lady Conchs lost a pair of games last week, falling to Marathon 43-33 on Jan. 24 then to Archbishop McCarthy 62-43 on Jan. 27 in a pair of road trips. They play their final regular-season game at Schoolhouse Prep in Miami on Friday, Feb. 2.

10

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Veteran coach, alumnus, athlete returns for Coral Shores “We are highly blessed to have Tony leading our baseball program. I can’t think of anyone who can match his experience and leadership. Moreover, he’s an icon in our community and he is revered by all who know him.” – Rich Russell, Coral Shores administrator

“We are very happy to have coach Hammon as our head baseball coach at Coral Shores. He will do an amazing job leading our young men on and off the field.” – Ed Holly, Hurricanes athletic director

C

oral Shores recently announced its newest hire in head baseball coach Tony Hammon. Hammon is a Coral Shores graduate who has filled the roles of classroom teacher, school administrator and coach and has been a member of the Upper Keys community for the past five decades. He started his career at Coral Shores as a science teacher after playing baseball at FKCC in the late ’60s while earning his associate’s degree. He then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology education from the University of Miami and a master’s degree in educational administration from Tennessee Temple University.

Marathon’s Xavier Grant (11) soars in for a layup against Coral Shores in the teams’ rivalry showdown last week.

BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

THE KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP PODCAST Basketball rivalries renewed, weightlifting gold and soccer postseason recap On this week’s Keys Weekly Sports Wrap Podcast, Sean and Tracy will go in-depth on a week full of rivalry basketball games, cover the prep soccer playoffs and dive into the details on girls weightlifting district meets as hardware-winning athletes move on to regional competition.

EP 39 Listen to the Sports Wrap podcast

TONY HAMMON TAKES THE HELM FOR ’CANES BASEBALL The 2024 season will not be Hammon’s first stint as head coach with the ’Canes. Hammon was the second baseball coach in Coral Shores history following the iconic Roger Allen, who had been his coach and mentor all through high school.

He then helped to found the Island Christian School, starting a varsity baseball program there in 1975 and coaching there for the next 40 years. In addition to teaching, coaching and serving as a school administrator, Hammon is pastor emeritus of Island Community Church, where he served as senior pastor from 1989 to 2019, has authored three books and continues his educational training by traveling to underserved populations throughout the world.

Despite his insanely busy schedule, Hammon did not hesitate to find time to return to his alma mater to serve his community yet again.

“My kids all played ball here in this community, both in little league and then varsity,” he said. “I have been an umpire, coach, teacher, principal and parent, so I guess I’ve just about covered all the bases.”

“I’m excited to be coaching at Coral Shores again. These are great kids and I have an exceptional coaching staff working with these young men,” he added. “I am looking forward to a great season.”

Hammon has been married to his wife Colleen, his high school sweetheart, for 52 years, and has four children and 11 grandchildren.

11

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

MANDOZZI SINKS 1,000 Coral Shores senior battled injuries, adversity to join four other quadruple-digit ’Canes

O

n Jan. 23, Coral Shores senior basketball star Brooke Mandozzi joined an elite group of just four other female athletes to score 1,000 career points. The unassuming hoopster has been a staple on the Hurricane hardwood for four seasons, and scored her 1,000th point in typical Mandozzi style – she was completely unaware it had occurred until it was announced at halftime during the team’s final regular-season home game against LaSalle. The Hurricanes would lose the game, but Mandozzi still managed to score half of the team’s total points and grab 10 rebounds for a double-double on the same night as her historic achievement.

“Brooke and the team had no idea she was close,” said head coach Jarrod Mandozzi. “She's pretty no-nonsense and isn't big about individual goals and would never want to have it be about her, which I love as a coach.”

Another reason for the ’Canes’ coach to love his superstar scorer is the fact that he is her father.

“I'm obviously happy for her and so proud of her for all of her accomplishments,” he said. “I know it was hard on her in her freshman year particularly, and even a little into her sophomore year, because she felt like she was looked at as ‘Coach Mandozzi's daugh-

ter.’ I know it bothered her, and in some ways probably pushed her.

“I told her midway through her sophomore season that she needed to forget that, because she was showing who she was as an athlete. … She was turning the table and making people say that I was Brooke Mandozzi's father.”

A tenacious player, Brooke has endured more than her share of bumps and bruises on the court in her tenure with the ’Canes. “I've said before she's certainly among the toughest kids I've coached, girls or boys,” said coach Mandozzi. “As her coach, I love and appreciate that. As her dad, I often wish she'd take it a little easier on herself, and I tell her that all the time.”

Leading up to her junior campaign, Brooke suffered a cut above her eye which required eight stitches to close. She managed to get cleared by her doctor and worked to convince her coach to let her play despite the risk of opening the cut again and making it far worse. Going into her final home game, she was under the weather for several weeks, yet played through it to break the historic barrier.

The Hurricanes finish out their regular season Feb. 2 in Miami before doing everything in their power to make a run at the FHSAA 3A postseason.

DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

12

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Cayo Hueso Brewing located at 5635 1st Avenue, Key West, Florida 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Jorge Quintana, Managing Member on behalf of Cayo Hueso Brewing, LLC Publish: February 1, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS ANNUAL RETURN The annual return of the private foundation THE FRANCES LOUISE WOLFSON FAMILY FOUNDATION, INC required to be filed under section 6033 Internal Revenue Code, is available for public inspection at its principal office 56283 Ocean Drive, Marathon, FL 33050 305743-5060 for inspection during regular business hours by any citizen upon request, within 180 days after the date of this publication.

Cheryl Wilcox Principal Manager Dated: January 23, 2024 Publish: February 1, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: February 1, 2024.

Persons Giving Notice: Robert J. Smith 40733 Manor House Road Leesburg, Virginia 20175 Attorney for Persons Giving Notice: Christopher B. Waldera, P.A. Christopher B. Waldera, Esq. Florida Bar No: 980810 Attorney for Personal Representative 5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 7 Marathon, Florida 33050 Telephone: (305) 289-2223 Facsimile: (305) 289-2249 email: cwaldera@aol.com Publish: February 1 & 8, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

DEEB ELDER LAW, P.A. 6675 13th Ave. N., Suite 2C St. Petersburg, FL 33710 E-Mail: servicekat@ deebelderlaw.com FL Bar No. 997791 Publish: February 1 & 8, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 23-CP-000106-P IN RE: ESTATE OF STEPHEN HARVEY LAWRENCE, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Stephen Harvey Lawrence, deceased, whose date of death was April 6, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is February 1, 2024.

Personal Representative: Toby Burk Lawrence 2 Valley View Dr. Athens, Ohio 45701 Attorney for Personal Representative: Andrew Ponnock, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 195420 Ponnock Law, PLC 10100 West Sample Road, 3rd Floor Coral Springs, FL 33065 Telephone: (954) 340-4051 Fax: (954) 340-3411 E-Mail: andy@ponnocklaw. com Publish: February 1 & 8, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 25, 2024.

Personal Representative: Diane S. Brown 126 Fontaine Drive Tavernier, Florida 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: January 25 & February 1, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

North Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida 33128, and serve a copy on counsel of record for Petitioner, Victor J. Pelaez, Esq., Fowler White Burnett, PA, 1395 Brickell Ave., 14th Floor, Miami, Florida 33131, on or before March 15, 2024, or be defaulted.

If any Claimant desires to contest either the right to exoneration from or the right to limitation of liability, he or she shall file and serve on counsel for Petitioner an answer to the Petition on or before the aforesaid date, unless his or her claim has included an answer so designated, or else be defaulted.

DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers at Miami, Florida, this 17th day of January, 2024.

DARRIN P. GAYLES UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE Publish: February 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is here by given that on February 12th, 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 William Murray –1186 $420.70 Joseph Miller – 1751 $590.28 Taylor Adkins – 1561 $503.90 Alex Murgas – 1580 $519.80 Brian Long – 1504-51 $708.00 James WilsonJr –1171 $314.20 Alex Peacock – 1673 $688.62 Curtis Williams – 1536 $717.85 Sheila Chamberlain –1167 $430.75 Publish: January 25 & February 1, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings & Workshops The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The Advisor Gatherings are in person.

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

Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com Art in Public Places Committee Meeting Feb 20, 2024 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 818 5416 5871 Passcode: 743867 Executive Committee Meeting Feb 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 867 4725 3505 Passcode: 351297 Advisor Gathering – Marathon Feb. 29, 2024 – Noon Irie Island Eats Advisor Gathering – Key West March 4, 2024 – Noon Advisor Gathering – Islamorada March 6, 2024 – 1:30 pm Call for address: 305-295-4369 Publish: February 1, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC NOTICE OF HEALTHCARE FACILITY CLOSURE On March 5, 2024, DispatchHealth Florida, Inc. will cease operations at 1200 NW Avenue, Suite 101, Doral, FL 33126, affecting certain zip codes in Monroe County. Patients can access their medical records through the patient portal at www.dispatchhealth. com/patientportal, app. chartrequest.com, or by contacting Jodra Lambert at 5223 Northwest 33rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-6302, or calling (786) 900-1979. For current DispatchHealth services in FL, visit www.dispatchhealth. com/locations.

Publish: February 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 22-CP-80-M DIVISION: MARATHON FLORIDA BAR #980810 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM P. SMITH, JR. Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of WILLIAM P. SMITH, JR., deceased, whose date of death was May 17, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050.

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

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION REF NO. 23-000310-K IN RE: ESTATE OF ALBERT R. LAATSCH, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is MONROE County Courthouse, 500 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040. The name and address of the ancillary personal representative and the ancillary personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT'S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is July 31, 2023.

The date of first publication of this notice is February 1, 2024.

Ancillary Personal Representative: ERIC W. LAATSCH 2395 State Hwy. 47 S. Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin 54538 Attorney for Ancillary Personal Representative: TERRY J. DEEB, ESQ.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2024-CP-0008-P DIVISION: GARCIA IN RE: ESTATE OF CANDACE K. SUTFIN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of CANDACE K. SUTFIN, deceased, whose date of death was November 2, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070.

The name and address of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorneys are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's Estate on whom a copy of this Notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's Estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is February 1, 2024.

Personal Representative: THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY 600 Brickell Avenue Suite 2400 Miami, Florida 33131 Attn: Michelle A. McClaskey, Vice President Attorneys for Personal Representative: DUNWODY WHITE & LANDON, P.A. John J. Grundhauser, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0705373 Candice J. Palte, Esq. Florida Bar No. 118840 550 Biltmore Way, Suite 810 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Telephone: (305) 529-1500 Fax: (305) 529-8855 E-Mail: jgrundhauser@dwllaw.com cpalte@dwl-law.com Secondary e-mail: ralvarez@ dwl-law.com karmas@dwl-law.com Publish: February 1 & 8, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-15-P DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD PAUL BROWN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Richard Paul Brown, deceased, whose date of death was December 17, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA CASE NO.: 4:23-cv-10009-DPG IN ADMIRALTY IN THE MATTER OF THE: Petition Of TWO CONCHS CHARTERS, INC., as Owner of the 2011 Mako 28-foot Center Console Vessel bearing Hull Identification No. BUJ61192F111, Petitioner, ______________________/ NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS OF COMPLAINT FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY Notice is hereby given that Petitioner Two Conchs Charters, Inc., as Owner of the 2011 Mako 28-foot Center Console Vessel bearing Hull Identification No. BUJ61192F111 (“Vessel”) has filed a Petition pursuant to Title 46 U.S.C. §§ 30501 et seq., as amended, for exoneration from or limitation of liability of all claims for any injuries, loss, destruction, or damage arising out of an alleged incident that occurred in Monroe County, Florida, on or about August 8, 2022, as more fully described in the Petition.

All persons having such claims must file their respective claims, as provided in Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, with the Clerk for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Key West Division, Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. U.S. Courthouse, 400

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FOURTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR DUVAL COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 16-2023-DR-6415 DIVISION: FM-B IN RE: ADOPTION OF HAYDEN MARIE GOLD, Adoptee.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS AND STEPPARENT ADOPTION TO: Brandon T. Saye 978 Gibraltar Road Key Largo, Florida 33037 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Joint Petition to Terminate Parental Rights and Adoption

by Stepparent has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Stephanie GarciaBaker, of Owenby Law, P.A., Petitioner’s attorney whose address is 2301 Park Avenue, Suite 404, Orange Park, Florida 32073, on or before MARCH 8, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 before service on Petitioner’s Attorney or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The minor child(ren) is identified as follows: Date of Birth: November 26, 2019 Place of Birth: Fernandina Beach, Florida Physical Description of Respondent: Age: 38 Race: Caucasian Hair Color: brown hair Eye Color: hazel Approximate Height: 5’10 Approximate Weight: Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address, (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the addresses on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of

13

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

RV LOT FOR RENT

Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information.

Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: this 23RD day of January, 2024.

Jody Phillips CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: Margaret Martin Deputy Clerk Publish: February 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information.

Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: January 25, 2024 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jaquelyn Fonseca Deputy Clerk Publish: February 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information.

Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: January 5, 2024 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson Deputy Clerk Publish: January 11, 18 & 25 and February 1, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier.

To apply, please call or text Jay 305-587-1581.

Insurance CSR needed: Fullers Insurance in Key West is looking for a customer service rep. or agent. Hours are 8-5 Mon-Fri. Paid holidays, vacation, and health insurance.

Apply in person at 1432 Kennedy Drive, Key West, FL or email resumé to norman@ fullersinsurance.com.

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

Large RV Waterfront Lot with Dockage for rent in Marathon.

Full hook up. $1950/ month plus utilities.

F/L/S 305-731-5042

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 20-DR-722-K DIVISION: FAMILY PAULINA ANDREA JARA GALLEGUILLOS Petitioner, and, MAYKEL RAMOS GARCIA Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR MODIFICATION OF PARENTLY PLAN TO: MAYKEL RAMOS GARCIA RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 6639 PENINSULAR AVENUE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for modification of parently plan has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Paulina Andrea Jara Galleguillos, whose address is 616 Peary Court, Apt. B, Key West, FL 33040 on or before March 1, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 530 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter.

If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: N/A Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-7-K DIVISION: FAMILY SHANIN OURADA Petitioner, and, ROBERT OURADA, JR. Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: ROBERT OURADA, JR. RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 19442 CANAL DRIVE, SUGARLOAF KEY, FL 33042 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Shanin Ourada, whose address is 50 Sands Road, Big Pine Key, FL 33043 on or before February 10, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter.

If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of

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

Runs or Not. $CASH 305-332-0483

BOATS FOR SALE 18' Mako 2003 center console T-top with 2020 Suzuki 140 hp only 30 hrs. 2021 Rocket Trailer Located in Marathon. $27,500 call Mark 305.731.5588

Office Support 8-10 hours per week, Key Colony Beach, Sea Isle Condo, Hourly $23-$25 range, PC experience required. 734-476-0531 Pigeon Key in Marathon is seeking a Customer Service Rep/ Ramp Attendant. to join our island team. Position includes greeting customers, giving information and taking admissions.

Outgoing professionals can contact pigeonkey@aol.com for additional details.

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

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Dockage for rent in Marathon behind residence.

Call for particulars. 305-619-5282 Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002 Place your BOAT SLIP FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

CAMPING SITE Camping site at marina available in Marathon. 305-610-8002

EMPLOYMENT Hiring: Lead Gutter Installer - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED – valid Driver’s License - must be

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: PT Receptionist, Assistant to Director of Housing, Housing Assistant-Key West, Protective Service Aide, Housing ManagerMiddle Keys, HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, and Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker). To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

Place your EMPLOYMENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844.

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 2 Bedroom 1 Bath house in Marathon.

Tile & carpet floors, new appliances, gated property.

No pets.

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

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

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.

Sweet Caroline Seaport.com

YARD SALES Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy.

Call 305-743-0844 today!

RV LOT FOR RENT

NOW HIRING

Must have managerial experience and excellent organizational skills to manage the condominium and work with the Board. Needs to be proficient in QuickBooks or a similar program to do billing and handle other financial information; supervise maintenance projects; CAM license or plan to pursue required; be familiar with State Statute 718 for condominiums; be able to maintain a pleasant but professional attitude in dealing with owners, renters, vendors and Board members and have good writing skills. Handyman skills are a plus.

Housing may be available onsite.

Full-time Private Captain in Islamorada.

Interested parties should submit resume to casaclarateam@yahoo.com

Experience with at least a 61' vessel is required.

Great pay and benefits!

Please email resume to Apply4APREI@gmail.com

SUDOKU SOLUTION

DYNASTY MARINE ASSOCIATES, MARATHON, FL

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

LONG TERM Key Largo - 2BR/2BA Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community. $3,500/ month 786-258-3127

Large RV Lot for Rent in Marathon.

Full hook up. $1600/ month plus utilities.

F/L/S 305-731-5042

SEEKING A MANAGEMENT COUPLE OR INDIVIDUAL MANAGER FOR A LARGE CONDOMINIUM IN KEY COLONY BEACH

$$$ OFFICE ASSISTANT $$$ 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.

HOUSING FOR RENT

The Moorings Village is seeking friendly, self motivated, team players for the position:

MULTI-TASKED OFFICE POSITION Competitive salary and great benefits.

Weekends are a must.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Please email your resume to Lindsey@MooringsVillage.com or call the reception office at 305.664.4708

14

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / FEBRUARY 1, 2024

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER HAS A FT/PERMANENT OPENING FOR A FACILITIES MAINTENANCE APPRENTICE Must work well with animals, in order to support Medical & Animal Care & Training departments & participate on Manatee Rescue Team. Must be physically fit, able to lift 75 lbs., possess general “handy-man” skills, have a clean driving record & be diver certified or willing to become certified – knowledge of dive equipment maintenance is a plus. Successful candidate will be responsible, organized, & motivated with excellent team player skills.

Benefits include medical insurance, 401(k), vacation & paid holidays.

Job description available at www.dolphins.org. Email resume & DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE 58901 O/S HWY - GRASSY KEY, FL TEACHING... LEARNING... CARING

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon

Join our team! Full and part-time Educational Program Guides/ Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $18/hour to start. Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATORS

applicants. Requires a High School, Diploma or GED and valid Florida Driver’s License. Salary: $50,376.48. Excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement.

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for a Construction Worker D. to perform semi-skilled work, involving the installation, repair, and maintenance of FKAA water distribution systems.

We provide on-the-job training for qualified applicants. Previous experience as a laborer with a utility or construction company preferred. Requires a High School diploma or GED and valid Florida Driver’s License. Salary: $50,376.48. Excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement.

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

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

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.

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 trans-

LOCATION: KEY WEST

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

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

LOCATION: MARATHON

CONSTRUCTION WORKER D

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

IS HIRING IN THE UPPER KEYS

FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER BOOKKEEPER Send resume to: admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call: 305-852-3002

WE ARE HIRING! Client Medical Services Manager Looking for an LPN/RN with solid experience, to work with our clients and staff to meet medical needs. Assist the clients in areas of dental, medical, transportation, liaison between clients, families and support staff. Florida LPN or RN certification. Level II background screening required. Fluent in English, valid Florida drivers’ license w/good driving record, references. Pre-hire on-line training required. Some on call responsibilities. Strong computer skills.

Direct Care Staff /Driver at Adult Day Training Program (FT/PT) – Key West Office. This position is available at our Adult Day program. Provid direct care service and support to our clients in the day program. Requires the minimum of high school completion or GED. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. FL Driver’s license w/clean driving record, also a must. Pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references. Come join our family! EOE Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org.

For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org. Phone: 305-294-9526 *32

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE 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 hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

15

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 OPENINGS AVAILABLE TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

PAPA JOE’S WATERFRONT in Islamorada is in final stages of construction and looking forward to opening soon!

- 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

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, Forensic)

MARATHON

Housekeeper Prevention Specialist 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)

Work with the BEST!

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

Voted Best Bank 2014 - 2023

• Great Hours

Key West Now accepting applications via email for the following positions: Restaurant/Floor Manager(s) Beverage/Bar Manager Sous Chef(s) Kitchen Manager/Supervisor(s) 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.

Customer Service Representative/ Online Banking Information Technology Technician II

Key Largo Full Time Upper Keys Float Teller

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

Member FDIC

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)

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

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

*No experience required for this position. Will train.

A caring heart & helpful hands required.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

Background and drug screen req.

COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

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

Teaching... Learning... Caring

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL

EOE-M/F/V/D

Equal Housing Lender