Marathon Weekly 24-0208

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

1¢

Niners vs. Chiefs Swifties … who ya got?

Feb. 8, 2024 MORE TURNOVER IN KCB Beth Ramsay-Vickrey resigns | P.4

VEGAS, BABY BPW gears up for 2024 ‘Keysino’ | P.6

80 YEARS OF DRAMA ‘One Weekend Only’ returns to MCT | P.6

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 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

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

$7M

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

The average cost of a 30-second ad spot during the Super Bowl this weekend is $7 million, the same as in 2023, according to The New York Times.

Mallory Pinto, left, Stephanie Zajac, Tom Zajac, Travis Livengood, Franco D’Ascanio Jr. and Chase Grimes celebrate dealer bust at the 2023 ‘Keysino Royale.’

Marathon BPW’s hit fundraiser will return next weekend. See page 6. ALEX RICKERT/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

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Digital Editor / Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Digital Sales

Kiara Bush kiara@overseasmediagroup.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

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

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

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Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

@KeysWeekly @theWeekly

Members of

Former KCB commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickrey. CONTRIBUTED

KEY COLONY BEACH COMMISSIONER BETH RAMSAY-VICKREY RESIGNS City will face fourth commission appointment in less than two years ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

C

iting an impending move to Marathon that would make her ineligible to serve on the city commission, Key Colony Beach City Commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickrey announced her resignation in an email to eight city staff members early Wednesday morning.

“I bought my home in KCB to be closer to my family and to walk the beach each day, but it has become apparent that condo living is not the best fit for me or my dog,” Ramsay-Vickrey wrote. “Recently a home right by Sombrero Beach became available for sale and I couldn’t pass it up, so I am under purchase contract and will close on it soon.”

“I want to thank each and every one of you – it has been a pleasure to know and work with you,” she added.

“And although KCB is currently navigating rough waters and facing some hard issues ahead, you are the heart and backbone of the city and I know that your high standards, morals, and integrity will continue to serve the citizens well.”

Ramsay-Vickrey’s resignation comes amid significant political turmoil in Key Colony Beach, the majority of which centers around the years-long debate over the fate of City Hall. Ramsay-Vickrey was one of three commissioners who voted last July to award an $8.375 million contract to Hands On Builders LLC for construction of a new hall building in a split decision, and has since remained a staunch supporter of a full rebuild.

However, the commission has seen a significant shift in power following the resignation of then-Mayor Patti Trefry in October, the unanimous appointment of commissioner Tom

DiFransico in November and the subsequent termination of then-City Administrator Dave Turner in December.

The commission also pivoted on its July decision in recent months, electing in December to settle a lawsuit from resident Laurie Swanson by rescinding the HOB award.

Since then, discussions of the feasibility, practicality and legality of reopening, rebuilding or repairing the existing building have continued to dominate KCB’s commission meetings and newly-enacted monthly workshops.

“I hope I’ve added a new level of transparency in government to KCB through my initiatives in making agenda back-up materials available online prior to commission meetings, by having written activity reports prepared by each department head, and by making available all the structural engineering reports and the legal opinion on the old city hall building,” Ramsay-Vickrey wrote in a text message to the Weekly.

Asked in a follow-up call if the current shift in KCB’s political climate prompted her decision, she stated, “As much as I love living on the beach, it’s just not the right fit. It has nothing to do with Key Colony Beach politics and everything to do with how hard it has been without a fenced-in yard.”

She reiterated via phone that her stance on the hall had not changed, adding that “the current administration is going to have to come around and say that they looked at everything and there’s nothing that can be done.” She voiced continued concerns with KCB’s post office, saying that the office’s recent contract extension was predicated on a new building in the works.

Originally appointed to the commission in 2022, Ramsay-Vickrey was re-elected by KCB voters in the November general election that same year.

Her resignation, which closely follows Trefry’s October move to North Carolina, will leave the seated commission to fill a vacant seat by appointment or special election for the fourth time in less than two years. Trefry’s October vacancy, eventually filled by DiFransico, drew seven applicants to fill the seat.

Per the city’s code of ordinances, the remaining commissioners may fill Ramsay-Vickrey’s seat by appointing a new commissioner within 45 days. If continued on page 12

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

F

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

With lighting and tunes provided by DJ FIJI along with casino tables from Casino Party Nights Florida, the Marathon City Council chambers will once again be barely recognizable for Keysino night. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

VEGAS, BABY BPW’s ‘Keysino Night’ is back next weekend

or one night only, Marathon City Hall will do its best impression of the “City that Never Sleeps” as its council chambers welcome the 2024 Keysino Night, presented by Marathon’s Business and Professional Women’s Foundation (BPW), on Saturday, Feb. 17.

While the 2023 iteration of the always-enjoyable fundraiser took on a black-tie “Casino Royale” theme, event organizer Mallory Pinto said she’s aiming for a more straightforward Las Vegas motif for the new year. And what that means is up for interpretation.

“Come as you are,” said Pinto, laughing about the “backlash” from the 2023 dress code that saw numerous attendees show up in tuxedo shirts. Though the event usually sees guests arrive dressed to kill, she said all options are on the table. “If you’d wear pajamas to the casino, great!

Wear that. If you’d wear sequins, you can wear that too.”

A cocktail hour from 6 to 7 p.m. will serve as the prelude for three hours of games with the professional staff of Casino Party Nights Florida.

Attendees will indulge in food ca-

tered by Brutus Seafood, music and lighting by DJ FIJI, drinks and fun until 10 p.m. At the end of the night, participants will be able to cash in their hard-earned chips for raffle entries to win a plethora of prizes including vacation stays in the Keys and on the mainland.

Proceeds from the event will support the BPW’s Stacy Kidwell Memorial Scholarship, awarded each year to a Marathon High School senior, along with adult scholarships for women furthering their education.

Tickets are $100 and include heavy hors d'oeuvres and 2,500 gaming chips – with more always available for purchase in the case of a “bust.” To purchase tickets, scan the attached QR code.

80 YEARS IN THE MAKING MCT’s ‘One Weekend Only’ takes audiences on an anniversary journey through the decades

I

f the acts in Marathon Community Theatre’s “One Weekend Only” seem familiar, it’s for good reason.

The theater’s annual fundraising showcase and silent auction, set for Feb. 8-10, will bring more than just an array of dance, music, vocal performances and skits to the MCT stage. To honor the community theater’s 80th year of bringing live entertainment to the Middle Keys, director Marianne Benvenuti’s show features defined segments filled by acts with ties to a prior MCT production through the decades – several of which will see the original talents reprise their roles.

“Being a member for almost 30 years, pretty much since our current building was open, I’ve been witness to some incredible people who’ve been involved in the theater, and I wanted to do them justice,” said Benvenuti, who had planned to direct the anniversary production for nearly two years. “I had Riet (Steinmetz), Claudia (McEwen) and Judi

Gorman, who have been here since the ’70s, to really give me some insight into what happened before they had the theater and what they had gone through.”

Taking the audience on a journey from the 1940s to the present, acts in “One Weekend Only” pull from bigname musicals like “Godspell,” “Annie” and “The Sound of Music” all the way to original pieces and numbers written by current and former MCT members. Along the way, Benvenuti’s script honors dozens of pivotal figures in the organization’s history, many of whom passed away in recent years after leaving their mark on the historic playhouse.

“There were so many people that we lost recently that I wanted to honor or remember, but I also have people who may not always get remembered, and I wanted to bring them up too,” said Benvenuti. She praised the work of Karen Witte, who since the fall has pored through decades of documents in order to curate a comprehensive review of the theater’s history for display

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

Cheryl Wilcox, left, and Jimmy Zimmerman perform ‘The Old Folks’ skit from ‘The Carol Burnett Skits’ in honor of Arnie Steinmetz. LARRY BENVENUTI/Contributed

in the playhouse’s gallery throughout the run of the show.

“It’s my hope that when people walk in here, the eight decades are fully on display, whether that’s with posters, photos, costumes, or anything else,” Witte said.

“Karen sent out a letter to a lot of people who moved away, a lot of the people who were here in the ’90s, ’80s and ’70s, and they’re coming back to see the show. It’s going to be like a reunion, but it’s a family reunion,” Benvenuti added. “With Jaimie Roberts and Dion Watson, I

can’t have asked for better emcees to make people get excited about hearing a story.”

“One Weekend Only” begins at 7 p.m. this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Doors open at 5 p.m. for patrons to bid on dozens of silent auction items and gift certificates from throughout the island chain.

Tickets to the showcase are $45 and include a complimentary buffet and champagne toast following the show. Purchase tickets at marathontheater.org or by calling 305-7430994.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

MASSICOTTE ANNOUNCES RUN FOR BOCC Newcomer candidate will face Jim Scholl for District 3 seat The Florida Keys are facing exponential costs of repairing roads and bridges throughout the island chain. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed

OFFICIALS DROP CHARTER COUNTY IDEA — FOR NOW Proposal would have paved way for new tax for roads, bridges GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

Y

ou can forget about the Florida Keys switching to a charter county form of government – for now.

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 31 dropped its push to persuade voters to create a county constitution type of government for the island chain, citing other pressing business, plus the amount of time and effort needed to make the 2024 ballot deadline, as the proposal would have required voter approval through a referendum.

After checking in with County Attorney Bob Shillinger at their recent meeting in Marathon, the five-member commission agreed to pack it in, at least for 2024. There was no formal vote, but the consensus was clear.

“We hit the pause button,” said County Mayor Holly Raschein, who represents the Upper Keys.

“The other business before us, the hurricane evacuation model work, supersedes this. The timing is not right.”

Raschein said the BOCC and county staff have enough on their plate right now without the added work of making a Keyswide campaign for a charter county that is ultimately up to voters to approve.

Shillinger has spent the past few months making trips throughout the Keys to make presentations to municipal leaders, including the Marathon City Council and the Key

West City Commission, about the history and impacts of installing a charter form of government.

Raschein said in her opinion, the charter idea wasn’t a cure-all to raise the money to pay for the extensive repairs to Keys bridges and roads.

Given the weight of the charter county issue, commissioners had a relatively brief discussion before abandoning it, at least for now.

If voters were ever to approve a charter county measure, the BOCC would then have an opportunity to ask them to also approve an infrastructure tax to raise the money to pay the exponentially rising costs of repairing bridges and roads throughout the Keys.

A new tax was attached to the BOCC’s charter county campaign.

They couldn’t give their pitch without addressing the tax as the chief motive.

Raschein said in her opinion the charter idea isn’t the only way for the county to raise the money to pay for extensive repairs to Keys bridges and roads. County staff is gifted in landing grants for projects, she said.

“The more I learned about it, the more I feel like we’re trying to fix something that’s not broken,” said Raschein, who represents the Upper Keys and previously served eight years in the Florida State House.

“We haven’t taken the proper amount of time to educate our voters, whether they want it or don’t want it.”

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

T

here’s some new competition for a seat on the Monroe County Board of Commissioners (BOCC).

Chris Massicotte, a Democrat with a background in accounting and political campaign advertising, wants the District 3 BOCC seat, which is currently held by Commissioner Jim Scholl and covers the western part of Key West, including Old Town.

Massicotte filed paperwork on Feb. 1 to announce his candidacy, placing him against the incumbent Scholl, a Republican and former Key West city manager who was also commander of Naval Air Station Key West.

Scholl was appointed to the BOCC by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis after former commissioner Eddie Martinez resigned in 2021 amid a domestic-violence arrest and questions over his legal residency.

His campaign website and fundraising platform promise that Massicotte will act as a budget watchdog that he says BOCC sorely needs, with a current county budget that sits at $667 million.

“No other county in Florida spends as extravagantly,” Massicotte said.

He called out the five-member commission for spending less time holding public discussions than in years past.

“Over the past two years, as our budget has swelled, the monthly meetings have paradoxically shortened,” Massicotte says on his site. “There’s been a noticeable decline in discussion and engagement from commissioners.”

Massicotte moved to Key West in 2017 after a vacation to the island. He’s a co-founder of Duval Street Media, a marketing firm; has been involved in the Safer Cleaner Ships campaign that led to a reduction in the size and number of cruise ships coming

Chris Massicotte

to Key West; and is on the boards of Fair Insurance Rates Monroe, which fights Tallahassee for fair windstorm insurance rates, and the Key West AIDS Memorial.

In the Keys, rising property taxes hit renters the hardest, he said, because long-term rental properties lack homestead exemptions.

“I’m tired of watching my friends have to leave the Keys, not because they want to, but because they are left with no other choice,” Massicotte said. “The actions of the BOCC over the last two years have made the problem worse, not better.”

Although county commissioners each represent a certain segment of the Keys, they are elected by all voters in the Keys.

All five current commissioners are Republicans.

Two more BOCC races Also seeking reelection is County Mayor Holly Raschein, a Republican who served eight years in the Florida State House before being appointed to the BOCC by DeSantis.

Raschein, who holds the District 5 office in the Upper Keys, so far has one challenger on the ballot: perennial Republican candidate Jose Felix Peixoto.

Commissioner Craig Cates, of Key West, is running for another term without competition as of press time. Cates represents District 1, which is the eastern part of Key West, Stock Island and Key Haven.

10

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

HOUSING COULD STILL HAPPEN AT SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY Developer agrees to build 150 apartments on Trumbo Road MANDY MILES

B

mandy@keysweekly.com

y voting unanimously to extend Superintendent Theresa Axford’s contract by one year, the school board also gave itself another year to find the next superintendent whether through a national search, an internal promotion – or a national search, and then an internal promotion.

The board also heard about the district’s latest effort to build employee housing at its Trumbo Road headquarters, and nodded approvingly at photos of Key West High School’s new football stadium and improved baseball complex.

Superintendent stays Axford has worked with the school district for about 30 years, as principal of Sugarloaf School and Key West High School and as a top administrator at the district office before being appointed superintendent in December 2021, when her predecessor Mark Porter announced his departure.

Axford’s initial contract was set to end July 31 of this year. At its Jan. 30 meeting in Marathon, the school board extended that contract to July 31, 2025. Axford’s $175,000 annual salary will remain the same, according to the board’s meeting agenda.

In prior meetings, members of the public — some who have children in local schools and some who do not — have urged the board to conduct a national search for the next superintendent rather than promote from within.

Some of those speakers represented conservative political groups.

Christine Miller of Big Pine Key told the school board in January 2023 to hire a superintendent who “will bring prayer and God back to schools,” “post The 10 Commandments in every classroom,” “ban the LGBTQ agenda from all curricula” and still promote “the vision and values of our community.”

Others have voiced support for an in-house promotion for continuity reasons, as well as the practicality of hiring someone who already has housing here.

The board did not discuss the potential for a national search at the recent meeting.

Hoping for housing on Trumbo Road The school district has contracted with Integra, the development group that built Wreckers Cay affordable apartments on Stock Island and is slated to replace the city of Key West’s Lang Milian public housing complex, which is adjacent to the school district’s administrative headquarters on Trumbo Road.

Conch Baseball’s Rex Weech Field has a new press box and renewed bleachers, and is getting a new concession stand and other improvements. MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT/Contributed

The contract with Integra provides for 150 units of housing on the district’s 3.85 acres at Trumbo Road. The city of Key West has already allocated 150 early-evacuation building permit allocations for those units. But before they can be built, the school district has to move its headquarters to Bruce Hall, a historic property it owns at 1310 United St. in Key West.

The cost to renovate Bruce Hall will be significant, and the school district is seeking financial help from the state as well as federal historic preservation grants.

“Our state representative, Jim Mooney, said we’re in the House budget for $9 million for Bruce Hall and to clear the existing Trumbo Road buildings,” Axford told the board on Jan. 30.

A ground lease between Integra and the school district for the property should be ready in April, “and we’re looking at 2027 for completion of the housing,” attorney Gaelan Jones told the board.

The school district’s Bruce Hall, 1310 United St., Key West, shown here in 1913, eventually will house the district’s administrative headquarters, which is moving from Trumbo Road to make room for employee housing there. MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY/ Contributed

In other news • Key West High School’s new football stadium and improved baseball complex are proceeding as planned, said Pat Lefere, the district’s director of operations and planning.

Conch Baseball’s Rex Weech Field opened for practice and the new season on Feb. 2, “The players were out there as soon as we opened the gates,” Lefere said, adding that additional improvements to the complex are still in the works, but this season will proceed.

• Work continues across the outfield at the football team’s Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium, where new bleachers, new locker room buildings, new restrooms, a new elevated press box and a new coaches’ office and multipurpose building have been built.

• Meanwhile, in the Upper Keys, the board is working on an agreement with the Village of Islamorada to rebuild the baseball fields at Founders Park, which is owned by the village and used by the Coral Shores High School baseball team.

• Axford reported that the school district received high marks from the Florida Office of Safe Schools, which conducted four site visits at local schools “and found no deficiencies” with the security protocols. Axford commended Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg and the school resource officers in each school. “We’ve also done more than 340 mandatory emergency and active assailant drills,” Axford said.

12

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

THE KEYS WEEKLY SUPER BOWL PICKS ARE IN

from page 4

Sort of …

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

S

uper Bowl LVIII, set for Sunday, Feb. 11, offers plenty of clickbait-worthy storylines as the neardynastic Kansas City Chiefs (and a certain pop icon) prepare to take on the juggernaut San Francisco 49ers in a rematch of 2020’s Super Bowl LIV. With the big game just around the corner, we asked our staff to pick their winners and tell us why – and while our office is home to a few league gurus and fantasy football champs, let’s just say you wouldn’t want all of them as your phone-a-friend for NFL Jeopardy. And for the love of God, please don’t take ANY of these as official betting advice.

“I don’t know how anyone can pick against Patrick Mahomes in a game like this. Having said that, I’m ‘Purdy’ confident the Niners will take this one by a slim margin, 28-24.”

— Jim McCarthy, Upper Keys editor & twotime Clown Ethics League fantasy football champion “I’m one of those desperate Patriots fans who cried when Brady left. So I’ll go for the 49ers, just so we can hold off the dynasty and G.O.A.T. talks about K.C. and Mahomes for one more year. Final score 27-24.”

– Alex Rickert, Marathon editor & Deflategate truther “Kansas City. The Chiefs defense, Mahomes and millions of Swifties will not be denied.”

– Jason Koler, publisher “I'm going with the Niners because Taylor Swift makes me angry. I also get angered by puppies, children’s laughter and random acts of kindness.”

– Britt Myers, publisher “Of course the Chiefs are going to win the Super Bowl again. I’m a super Patrick Mahomes fan, as I follow the quarterbacks and love watching him play, especially in those crucial last minutes of the fourth quarter.

I followed Peyton Manning from the Colts to the Broncos, and I even named my sons after Joe Montana and Dan Marino.”

– Char Hruska, executive administrator “After double checking who is playing in the Super Bowl, I have to go for San Francisco, 49-12. Just because it makes me feel like 49 again!”

– Irene de Bruijn, graphic designer

“I don't really watch football but I am rooting for the Chiefs because my girlfriend is a Swiftie!”

– Oliver Allison, business account manager “Remind me, what sport is this for?

Yay sports!”

– Stephanie Mitchell, account executive & creative director “I’m torn. I used to live in Kansas City, so my loyalty lies with them.

But… I went to two proms with Christian McCaffrey’s uncle. But I’ll go with the Kansas City Chiefs — if only to watch the conspiracy theorists’ heads explode.”

— Mandy Miles, Key West editor “Chicago Bears 42, Miami Dolphins 0. This would make up for the lone blemish on the 1985 Bears’ record.”

– Mike Howie, copy editor Editor’s note: I’m so confused…

“I want the Kansas City Chiefs to win so that Taylor Swift can ‘Shake it Off,’ and so the influential media personalities can expound on their conspiracy that Taylor and the NFL are swaying the Democratic vote.”

– Anneke Patterson, production manager “Inter Miami 3, Columbus Crew 1 … wait, you guys are talking about American fútbol? I still say it should be called handball.”

– Javier Reyes, graphic designer “NINER NATION ALL DAY! I’m from the Bay (and I don’t mean Florida Bay) and will rep it any day. Plus, my 2-year-old nephew just learned to say ‘(Niner) Gang Gang,’ so we’re a shoo-in.”

– Tiffany Duong, environmental writer

SHELF HELP

S

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

What: “My Name Is Barbra”

by Barbra Streisand, audiobook read by the author Why: Papa, can you hear me? Of course, you’ve been talking for over 48 hours straight, which is the duration of Barbra Streisand’s new memoir in audiobook (also available in a dictionary-sized hardcover and in e-book from the library). Fans will be pleased, if not a little overwhelmed, by the minutia Streisand has documented with devoted precision. It can, of course, feel a little self-aggrandizing and even a little perplexing (as when Babs talks in some detail about her experiences playing the stock market). In the end, though, it’s unabashedly Streisand, whose career has spanned decades and earned her the rare distinction of being an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner. She’s inimitable and she knows it, and so will you after you finish “My Name is Barbra.” But if you’re short on time, maybe consider “Ulysses” at a mere 31 hours.

Where: This is available as a print book, e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library system.

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

KEY COLONY BEACH COMMISSIONER BETH RAMSAYVICKREY RESIGNS they are unable to agree on a replacement with a majority vote, a special election will be called to fill the vacancy. However, KCB’s code holds that “no special election shall be held within six months prior to a regularly scheduled municipal election,” meaning that the city’s timeline for such a move would presumably expire in early May. KCB’s code allows for City Clerk Silvia Gransee to act as KCB’s supervisor of elections, though Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin has previously handled KCB’s recent votes that aligned with larger municipal elections as a courtesy to the city.

Speaking with the Weekly by phone on Wednesday morning, Mayor Joey Raspe said he was in the process of drafting an official statement to address the resignation. He said he expected to officially announce the vacancy and call for candidates to fill the seat at the commission’s Feb. 15 meeting, with a possible appointment to come at the March 21 meeting.

13

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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FEBRUARY • In observance of Presidents’ Day, all our offices will be closed on Monday, February 19.

• Taxes paid in February will receive a 1% discount.

• 2023 real estate and personal property tax reminder bills for unpaid taxes will be mailed out.

• Reminder that mobile home registrations expired on December 31 and are required to be renewed.

• As of February 2, 2024, the tax roll is 85% collected, or $359,572,493.

• Any property that is being rented for six months or less must have a tourist development tax account.

• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)

DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our office.

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted.

• All rental properties must also have a local business tax regardless of how long they are being rented.

• Please visit our website and follow us on Facebook for helpful information, forms, applications, and important announcements

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14

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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

Tuesday, February 13, 2024 5:30 P.M.

JUST SOLD

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

City Council Items A. Approval of Minutes B. Charitable Donations Discussion (Mayor Still) C. MSTU Discussion D. KAIR Request to use Sombrero Beach on February 23rd from 5-6:30 pm and to hold the 17th Annual Sombrero Beach Run on February 24th and to waive permit and parking fees, allow parking in the ROW, from 4:00 pm Friday, February 23rd until noon on Saturday, February 24th .

E. Quay Property Discussion F. Workshop Discussion Item for February 27, 2024 City Attorney Item A. Authorization to initiate litigation against TOUBY PAINTING CORPORATION and their property, 1104 26th Street, Marathon, Florida 33050, to enforce the lien(s) arising from code compliance case number C2013-0222.

B. Authorization to initiate litigation against TU BALU GROUP LLC and their property, 1100 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050, to enforce the lien(s) arising from code compliance case number C2019-0087.

City Manager Report * A. Monroe County Sherriff Marathon Substation Report * B. Grants Update * C. Wastewater Utilities Report * D. Park and Recreation Report * E. Building Report * F. Marina Report * G. Public Works Report * H. Fire Rescue Report * I. Code Compliance Report Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings: A. Resolution 2024-15, Considering The Third Amended And Restated Development Agreement Between The City Of Marathon And Marlin Bay Yacht Club, LLC, For The Redevelopment Of Property, Which Is Legally Described As Block 6 Lots 1 Thru 5 & The N 100' Of The S 430' Of Lot 6 And Adjacent Filled Bay Bottom, Marathon Beach Sub Pb2-16 And Block 2 Lots 1 Thru 6 Amended Plat Of Yacht Basin Tracts Real Estate Number 00337010-000000, Providing For Conditions And Requirements Of Development, Including But Not Limited To, Buffers, Building Heights, Setbacks, And Other Requirements, More Specifically Allowing For The Marina To Be Public Use; And Providing For An Effective Date.

Ordinance for Second Public Hearing: A. Ordinance 2024-03, Amending Chapter 6-95, “Existing Buildings,” Concerning The Certification Of Existing Buildings Subject To The Standards Of The Chapter And Section; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code Of Ordinances, City Of Marathon, Florida; And Providing An Effective Date.

Resolutions For Adoption *A. Resolution 2024-16, Extending By An Additional Three Years The Contract For The Position Of City Manager Between The City Of Marathon, Florida And Mr. George Garrett, And Providing For An Effective Date *B. Resolution 2024-17, Authorizing A “Sole-Source” Purchase Pursuant To The City’s Purchasing Policies And Procedures And Approving The Purchase of upgraded PLC hardware, software, and required installation services from Integrated Controls, Inc., In An Amount Not To Exceed

Tracy & Karen Represented the Sellers of: 246 Guava Avenue, Marathon Sold for $405,000

$326,444.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date

Tracy Chacksfield 305-912-2177 Cell 305-743-7636 Office Tracy@keysrealestate.com

*C. Resolution 2024-18, Accepting The Responsible Bid And Approving A Contract Between The City And The King’s Enterprises. In An Amount Not To Exceed $42,000.00 For The Marina Building Improvement Project; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Appropriate Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date *D. Resolution 2024-19 Authorizing A “Piggy-Back” Purchase Pursuant To The City’s Purchasing Policies And Procedures And Approving The Purchase of one (1) 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Double Cab 2WD Under The Florida Sheriff’s Bid 2024091521-NAF From Alan Jay Fleet Sales, In An Amount Not To Exceed at total of $57,51.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date *E. Resolution 2024-20 Authorizing A “Sole-Source” Purchase Pursuant To The City’s Purchasing Policies And Procedures And Approving The Purchase from Airvac (now the Aqseptance Group) one vacuum collection system vacuum pump replacement spares, In An Amount Not To Exceed $64,852.90; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date

Karen Raspe, PA 305-393-9010 Cell 305-743-7636 Office Karenraspe@bellsouth.net A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

COMMERCE CORNEr

*F. Resolution 2024-21 Authorizing An Upgrade Of Twelve Electrical Disconnect Switches At Various City Facilities From Nearshore Electric, Inc., In An Amount Not To Exceed $36,735.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date *G. Resolution 2024-22, Approving A Change Order To Increase The Total Work Authorization Amounts Of $57,041.20 For Weiler Engineering Corporation; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Change Orders And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.

H. Resolution 2024-23, Authorizing The Purchase Of A New Engine Under The Florida Sheriff’s Contract Bid #16-VEF12.0 From TEN-8 Fire & Safety LLC. The Total Cost Of Proposed Engine Is $1,072,908.89. An Optional Pre-Pay Discount, With A 100% Performance Bond Included is $125,090.26.

Payment Would Have To Be Made In Full Within 30 Days of Purchase Order. Total Due If Utilizing The Pre-Pay Discount Would Be $947,818.63; Authorizing The City Manager To Appropriate and Expend Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing 2024-24For An Effective Date. *I. Resolution 2024-24, Approving Amendment 2 To The ENS (EssentialNet Solutions) Contract For The Provision Of Cyber Security Software In The Amount Of $39,600 Annually As A Continuing Obligation Under The Existing Contract With Ens As Was Approved Previously Pursuant To Resolution 2022-134; Authorizing The City Manager To Expend Budgeted Funds; And Providing An Effective Date

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

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16

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

QUAY BOAT RAMP CROWDS ARE A SYMPTOM OF RENTALS, ISLAMORADA CLOSURES

Fresh stone crab claws are just one part of the bounty from the sea offered at the Original Marathon Seafood Festival. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed

ORIGINAL MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL BLENDS FRESH BOUNTY, FAMILY FUN MARCH 9-10

F

resh seafood is on the menu at the Original Marathon Seafood Festival, scheduled Saturday and Sunday, March 9-10, and featuring local shrimp, lobster and stone crab alongside a variety of fresh “fishermen-to-fork” menu favorites.

The outdoor “feast fest” is a top draw for seafood lovers and Florida Keys families. Now in its 48th year, the festival is one of the Keys’ largest and takes place each March at the Marathon Community Park, MM 49 oceanside.

Marathon-area commercial fisheries and markets catch, clean and cook the nearly 15,000-pound spread of fresh Keys seafood and tasty smoked fish dip prepared according to safeguarded “only-inthe-Keys” recipes.

Fishermen-turned-chefs, their families and hundreds of volunteers serve up the tasty favorites with sides of baked beans, coleslaw, hush puppies or french fries.

Attendees also can chow down on other succulent items such as fish tacos, oysters, crab cakes, Cuban croquetas and more.

Although it’s not harvested in the Keys, conch is dished up as ceviche, chowder and golden-fried fritters. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available too, as will homemade Key lime pies and other baked goods as well as adult beverages including cold beer, frozen margaritas and daiquiris.

Over 200 merchant booths will span the park displaying locally

crafted spices, honey, salt scrubs and soaps, jewelry, artwork, nautical items, tropical apparel and accessories, plants, décor and information about Keys nonprofit, marine animal and rescue organizations. Other attractions include a boat show, children's games and raffle prizes.

Daily live music performances will include reggae, trop rock, blues, country and high-energy rock and roll. An appearance by the Red Elvises, with a “Siberian Surf Rock” vibe, is guaranteed to get everyone up and dancing. The entertainment lineup is at marathonseafoodfestival.com/category/ entertainment-lineup.

Sunday brings the festival’s annual military tribute at 1 p.m., with a color guard procession and the singing of the national anthem.

Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 per adult and free for children under age 12 when accompanied by a paying adult. Admission Sunday is free for retired and active military members with identification.

Proceeds benefit local continuing-education programs and scholarships presented by the Marathon chapter of the Organized Fishermen of Florida and the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce.

More information is at marathonseafoodfestival.com.

— Contributed

The primary issue at the Quay boat ramp – chronic overcrowding – is in fact just another symptom of the out-of-control short term rental situation. For example, in the last few years, seven residences along our short canal converted to short term rentals. It is common for each weekly renter to bring a boat or two, plus jet skis on trailers. All must be launched and retrieved at a local boat ramp. This occurs week after week after week.

Multiply these ramp uses by the number of short-term rental units on each canal in Marathon and Key Colony Beach. This genuine explosion in boat ramp use, and consequent overcrowding, is directly attributable to the comparable explosion in vacation rentals.

This extra use is on top of the ramp users diverted to Marathon

by Islamorada’s recent closure of virtually all of its public boat ramps.

The Quay ramp and parking lot now fills up early each weekend morning with day users from Miami-Dade who used to launch 30 miles up U.S. 1.

Trying to build our way out of this mess by adding new boat ramps is doomed to failure unless and until Marathon starts limiting short term rentals – plus associated boat traffic – and takes cues from Islamorada to further discourage out-of-town ramp users.

Whatever gets done at the Quay will be nothing but temporary window dressing unless these other matters are addressed quickly and firmly.

A note: I am a Marathon resident for 12 years, and a homeowner for 20, and we do not rent our home.

Sincerely, Bill Horn

COUNTY COMMISSION CAN & LIKELY WILL REVIVE CHARTER COUNTY ISSUE After 8 months of non-stop cheerleading, and $100,000 plus in taxpayer funds spent on outside attorneys and consultants, a majority of the Monroe County Commissioners had a most unlikely epiphany – work on the Charter Government proposal must stop immediately.

Monroe County Mayor Holly Raschein suggested to the other four commissioners that they “hit the pause button,” on promoting the charter government initiative at their Jan. 31 BOCC meeting.

Commissioner Michelle Lincoln proposed putting the charter initiative on the “back burner” for now, adding, “I think the community doesn’t understand it.” Commissioner David Rice argued there are “a lot of benefits” to a charter county, but, “I doubt the average voter understands all of the benefits.”

Commissioners offered no motion to formally table the measure. There was no vote to kill the proposal. The charter government proposal can be revived any time commissioners deem it advantageous to its passage. This delay, delay, delay is a common tactic Monroe County County commissioners use when dealing with issues they want passed but their constituents oppose.

Just look at the monster Publix supermarket proposed in Tavernier. The decision to approve or deny has been delayed, delayed, delayed. As soon as the citizen anger surrounding the issue cools, it will suddenly return to the agenda, and likely be approved. Vocal, vigorous and legitimate concerns of Keys residents are often ignored.

Monroe County residents must remain vigilant to ensure that efforts to expand county taxing and regulatory powers, like the charter government proposal — now lurking just out of sight — do not suddenly reappear.

Sincerely, Patrick Foley Keys Accountability Project keyskap.org

17

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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20

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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21

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

JUST SOLD Jody & Lynn Represented the Sellers & Buyers of: 370 E Ocean Dr, Key Colony Sold for $580,000 Jody Owen 305-923-1902 Cell 305-743-7636 Office Jodyowen@me.com Lynn Lucas 305-393-0559 Cell 305-743-7636 Office Lynn@keyshomehunter.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

Aquarium Encounters’ ‘mollusk meteorologist’ saw his shadow on Feb. 2 to predict six more weeks of winter in the Florida Keys. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/ Contributed

MOLLUSK METEOROLOGIST VS. PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL Who has it right? Aquarium Encounters conch predicts six more weeks of winter

G

roundhog Day went a bit differently in the Florida Keys, when a conch living underwater in the island chain “disagreed” with famed groundhog Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of an early spring.

The “mollusk meteorologist” emerged from its shell on the morning of Feb. 2 at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters and saw its shadow, according to Ben Daughtry, Aquarium Encounters’ president. Punxsutawney Phil, however, reportedly did not see his.

The folklore surrounding Punxsutawney Phil means that, if he sees his shadow, another six weeks of winter weather is on tap for the U.S. If he doesn’t, the outlook is for an early spring.

“Unlike Punxsutawney Phil, who didn’t see his shadow, our mollusk meteorologist did see its shadow, and that’s predicting six more weeks of winter,” Daughtry said.

“Of course, our winter in the Florida Keys … 75 degrees average high temperature,” Daughtry added. “I’m not so sure what it’s like up north.”

The conch resides in a shallow “touch tank” at Aquarium Encounters in Marathon.

Among guests observing the sea creature’s activities were members of the Marathon City Council and Monroe County Commission, who wore traditional “Groundhog Day” top hats. In addition, local musician John Bartus performed a self-penned song about “waiting for the mollusk meteorologist.”

“The queen conch is a very special animal to the Florida Keys,” said Daughtry. “If you’re born in the Florida Keys you’re considered a Conch, the Key West High School is the ‘Fighting Conchs,’ and we’re home to the Conch Republic.”

While the Keys conch predicted six more weeks of winter, that’s no problem in the island chain — since the Keys’ “winter” temps are typically among the warmest in the U.S. — Contributed

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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26

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

DOING THE ‘IMPOSSIBLE’

Pigeon Key blazes forward with history & accessibility ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

A second Pigeon Key Express, delivered in August by Gopo Trains owner Luc Goemaere, right, has increased the island’s tour capacity and ability to provide shuttle services for community events.

T

he Pigeon Key Express began bringing visitors out to one of the Middle Keys’ most historic islands in 2022. But ask the island’s head honcho, and Pigeon Key’s forward progress has been full steam ahead for years before that.

Kelly McKinnon is the executive director of the Pigeon Key Foundation, the nonprofit stewards of Monroe County’s 30-plus-year National Historic Landmark. On Dec. 13, McKinnon made his annual presentation to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners to outline the past year of work for the tiny island at the end of the Old Seven Mile Bridge, detailing projects powered by more than $1.8 million in grant and sponsorship funds in just 13 months.

Several of the island’s upgrades are plain to see for the growing crowds that have returned to the attraction, bolstered by the reopening of Old Seven and the running of the iconic blue-and-yellow train after 15 years of ferry service to the island. A $142,000 investment will soon repaint the exterior of every building on Pigeon Key, while more than $250,000 will cement the foundation’s commitment to greater accessibility with critical ADA ramps and replacement of nearly 7,000 square feet of sidewalks.

A $500,000 Florida Division of Historical Resources grant will fund vital repairs to six historic buildings, and even the island’s single dock, hailed by the admittedly-biased McKinnon as “the best in Monroe County,” will soon undergo structural repairs and see another ADA ramp for guests arriving by water.

Other enhancements, though tougher to catch with the untrained eye, are no less critical to preserving the island’s historic structures – including a recently-completed $1.3 million fire sprinkler system install and nearly $800,000 for an on-island wastewater treatment system.

In a phone interview with the Weekly, McKinnon credited the January 2022 reopening of Old Seven, closed to pedestrians in 2016, as the catalyst for the island’s two years of exponential progress. 2023 in particular saw a resurgence of local events returning to Pigeon Key, from its Movies by the Sea programs to support of other nonprofits’ fundraisers and gatherings – and its always-sold-out summer camps.

“There’s no question that the bridge has been a tremendous blessing, and the only way that we were going to maximize the potential of the is-

A $1.3 million sprinkler system, completed in June 2023, will protect the historic structures on Pigeon Key from fire damage.

land,” he said. “But the additional exposure that the train has, coming back and forth across that bridge and going into town, is kind of unprecedented.

The economic engine that that bridge creates for all the Keys, and the same for Pigeon Key, is solid for the community as a whole.”

McKinnon touted half a dozen event, educational and science-based partnerships for the island as a particular source of pride, highlighting a decade-long pairing with Valdosta State University to conduct medical experiments in Pigeon Key’s nearshore waters that contribute to development of pharmaceuticals for Alzheimer’s, HIV and various forms of cancer.

Commissioner Michelle Lincoln lauded McKinnon’s report as the “first good news” the commission heard in nearly three elapsed hours of its meeting, calling Pigeon Key a “true gem” in the Keys community.

“As I listen to this report, I can’t help but think back to the early ’90s when Pigeon Key Foundation was awarded a contract to try and rehabilitate all those old buildings out there that had been neglected for years,” said county commissioner David Rice. “The things you’re going over today would have seemed impossible then. Congratulations.”

Now more accessible than ever for locals and visitors, Pigeon Key has spent the last 13 months securing $1.8 million in grants and sponsorship funds to bolster island upgrades and ongoing historic preservation efforts. Photos by PIGEON KEY FOUNDATION/Contributed

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

TROPIC CINEMA ANNOUNCES

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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

27

28

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024 An Atala butterfly on a coontie leaf seen recently at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

T

he last time I’d seen Mark Whiteside this excited was several years ago when he diagnosed me as having a botfly in my ankle. For those unfamiliar with said creatures, they are subcutaneous parasites that make use MARK of mosquito bites to burrow HEDDEN under your skin and feed ... is a photograon your flesh for a couple pher, writer, and weeks before crawling back semi-professional out and going on to create birdwatcher. He more botflies. has lived in Key West for more Whiteside is a general than 25 years and practitioner but has always may no longer had a serious penchant for be employable in the real world. He tropical diseases. And while this wasn’t a disease, it was is also executive director of the a malady of sorts derived Florida Keys Audu- from a trip to the tropics. bon Society.

The gleam in his eyes was something. He had me in an office upstairs with my ankle on a surgeon’s table within 20 minutes.

I picked my botfly up in Panama. (Pro tip: don’t bird in the rainforest in flip flops.) The legless, nascent creepy crawly they cut out of my ankle was a wrinkled grayish thing about the size of a raisin. It writhed slowly and reminded me of the ceti eel that Ricardo Montalbán dropped into Commander Chekov’s ear to control his thoughts in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” Somewhere on one of my hard drives I have a video of the botfly wriggling like it was doing a sit-up or something.

The thing Whiteside was excited about more recently wasn’t a botfly, but a butterfly.

Particularly one called an Atala. It wasn’t that he hadn’t seen them before. He’d taken his family to a known spot to see a small colony of them several years ago when they were up at (if he recalls correctly) a soccer game in Fort Lauderdale. He just wasn’t ever expecting to see them here.

He’d first seen them here when he was doing the Christmas Bird Count at the end of last December with Amy Grimm, who has a similar level of butterfly enthusiasm. They were at the Key West Botanical Garden. It was pretty much all they wanted to talk about when we met for lunch that day.

I’m not anti-butterfly. I’m butterfly-curious.

How can you not be intrigued by a creature that lives the first part of its life as a caterpillar, seals itself up into a cocoon, turns itself into mush, and then comes out a couple weeks later as a fully formed flying butterfly? But I haven’t crossed over into butterfly mania the way Whiteside and Grimm have.

I blame my brain, which I generally view as ungovernable. Me telling it to remember or learn something rarely results in me remembering or learning something. Not that it doesn’t remember or learn. It just doesn’t take instruction. It remembers and learns what it damn well pleases.

FLIES, BOTH BOT AND BUTTER

People’s names? Directions announced by the GPS 20 seconds ago? The entire Spanish language (outside of my Sandy’s or El Siboney orders)? Can’t remember any of it. The fact that the getaway driver in the movie “Ronin” was played by an actor named Skip Sudduth?

That kangaroos have three vaginas? That Elvis Costello’s real name is Declan McManus? That info is right there, front and center.

I’ve tried to get methodical with butterflies, but methodical never works for me. They’ve never been as revelatory or vital for me as birds. I haven’t given up hope that the spark will light, I’ve just gotten somewhat zen about it.

“Que Sera, Sera,” as Sly Stone once sang.

But Whiteside kept texting me about the Atalas and finally, when I had a free Saturday, I met him at the botanical garden.

It’s unclear when Atalas were last seen in the Keys. Its host is coontie, one of the more ancient plants in the world, a low, green, fernlike plant with stiff, skinny leaves. It’s where they lay their eggs, what they feed on as caterpillars and where they attach their chrysalis.

Native Americans and early settlers would dig up the plants and ground their roots for use as a flour-like substance, though they had to do it carefully as the plants are full of toxins and poisonous if not prepared properly. There was more industrial production in the late 1800s and early 1900s, up until World War I. In more modern times, the hardy, drought-tolerant plant became a victim of its own popularity, as it was pulled out of native habitat to use in landscaping products.

As a result, for a while, it was thought that the Atala butterfly had gone extinct in the U.S. None were seen in Florida, the only state in their range, between 1937 and 1959. But then some small colonies were found in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. (The species is also found in Cuba, the Bahamas, the Caimans and Turks and Caicos.)

Wild coontie is now legally protected, and the coontie used for landscaping tends to come

from nurseries. But a lot of it has been replanted in the now more-urbanized Florida neighborhoods. The species is still rare, but it can be readily found in certain parts of south Florida.

While nobody knows when Atalas were last seen in the Keys, it seems unlikely they were seen by anybody living. So finding them at the botanical garden is a pretty big deal.

Whiteside isn’t sure how they got here, but he has theories. Some butterflies do migrate (see: monarchs) but Atalas are homebodies and rather slow fliers. They don’t tend to stray very far from where they were hatched, so it’s unlikely they came from Cuba or the Bahamas.

Most likely they came from Broward or MiamiDade with some nursery-raised coontie.

When I met him in the botanical garden parking lot, we only had to walk to the edge of the sidewalk before seeing the first one.

Perched, with its wings folded, it was a small, onyx black wedge, about the size and shape of a guitar pick, with three rows of irregularly shaped iridescent zircon blue spots on the outer edges of the wing, a large lava red oval on the low edge of the wing, and a matching lava red abdomen. When it flew, it was just kind of a blur.

We followed the row of coontie that dotted the edge of the path. As we walked we saw more and more of them – groups of three, groups of five. Whiteside stopped at one plant to pull back the leaves to show me a chrysalis.

He stopped at another to show me a caterpillar.

We passed the chapel and made our way into the grassy open area and to the shortleaf fig at its edge. We could see a couple Atalas flying, and then, dozens of them perched on the leaves and branches. Forty of them, 50 of them. The longer we stood there, the more we spotted.

“It’s an Atala wonderland,” Mark finally said.

“You couldn’t ask for a more successful introduction, however they got here.”

29

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

The Arts Council leadership team poses for a photo. From left: Jill Miranda Baker, Eric Anderson, Barbara Weikel, Joyce Burd, Elizabeth Young.

ATHENA 7-year-old female pit bull mix.

Looking for: I’d like to be the only pet and be given all the attention.

Turnoffs: Diets.

MAYBELLE 2.5-year-old female rabbit.

Looking for: A house to call my own with my brother Ohana.

Turnoffs: I’m pretty easy going – meet me and see for yourself.

BACKING THE ARTS Florida Keys Council of the Arts holds annual members meeting ALEX RICKERT

SWIPE RIGHT

alex@keysweekly.com

T

he Florida Keys Council of the Arts convened for its annual members meeting on Jan. 25 at one of Marathon’s meticulously refreshed historical sites, filling the Crane House at Crane Point Museum and Nature Center.

The annual lunch to gather the council’s board, staff and advisers featured special addresses from Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate leader Brian Schmitt on the unique history of the property, as well as Rams Head Key West vice president Kelly Norman and an original musical performance by Southernmost City songwriter Nick Norman.

Dedicated to advancing the creative development and promotion of the arts throughout the Florida Keys Community, the nonprofit agency awarded a total of $49,883 in grants in 2022-2023 to artists, teaching artists and arts organizations.

Funding from the council helped power events with 31 Keys organizations while continuing to support community art installations, school-based initiatives and three additional special projects.

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly

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

Brian Schmitt outlines the Crane Point’s historic property in Marathon.

Songwriter Nick Norman entertains with an original tune.

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.

TORINO 6-year-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: A quiet home and a place all to myself.

Turnoffs: All this change has been really hard on me.

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.

31

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

NONPROFITS HONOR THEIR VOLUNTEERS Community Foundation sponsors Unsung Heroes event

F

ebruary 2 was a day to honor the volunteers and nonprofit organizations that make the communities of the Florida Keys the special place they are.

Whether it’s animal welfare, insurance price protection, at-risk kids or environmental stewardship, there’s an organization dedicated to it in the island chain.

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys generously honors volunteers nominated by local

nonprofits with a lunch and award ceremony at the Key West Marriott Beachside Resort.

The packed event featured bloody Marys, mimosas and a cash bar, along with photo opportunities and plenty of networking.

More than 100 nonprofits throughout the Keys nominated one of their crucial volunteers for the title of Unsung Hero.

Visit keysweekly.com to see the program guide and each of the honored volunteers.

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, which promotes and administers philanthropic efforts throughout the Keys, held its annual Unsung Heroes lunch on Feb. 2 in Key West. RAHN CLAYTON/Contributed

32

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

BARTUS TO OPEN FOR GRAMMY-WINNING SONGWRITER RODNEY CROWELL IN KEY WEST Local singer-songwriter John Bartus will open for legendary singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell at the Studios of Key West on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 13 and 14. Crowell is known primarily for his work as a singer and songwriter in country music. He has had five No. 1 singles on Hot Country Songs, all from his 1988 album “Diamonds & Dirt.” He has also written songs and produced for other artists. He has won two Grammy Awards, one in 1990 for Best Country Song for "After All This Time" and one in 2014 for Best Americana Album for his album “Old Yellow Moon.”

Bartus is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his arrival in the Florida Keys this month. His "Perpetual Island Tour" stops at various local Keys establishments each month, and he has released several albums, the most recent being the mostly acoustic “After The Storm.” For tickets, visit tskw.org. Pictured are Crowell, left, and Bartus. CONTRIBUTED

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER THANKS KEYS AHEC FOR HEART SMART DONATION Grassy Key’s Dolphin Research Center recently received donations of two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to protect the center’s guests and staff in the case of a sudden cardiac arrest. While one device was provided by a private donor, the other was provided courtesy of Keys AHEC with CEO Michael Cunningham. “We were advised by our local fire department staff that at least two AEDs would be ideal for our facility,” said Shane Keween, DRC’s vice president of finance. “More schools and public places are getting them because they save lives … (and) we’d love to give Keys AHEC a pat on the back.” Pictured are Keween, left, with Cunningham and the donated AEDs along with Jax, a member of DRC’s dolphin pod. CONTRIBUTED

34

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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35

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024 OPINION

SUPER BOWL IDIOTS They really do walk among us…

C

onspiracy theorists have — for the most part — been ridiculed as gullible morons by people who possess actual intelligence. There are the Flat Earthers, the Obama Birthers, the Moon Landing Hoaxers, the 9/11 Truthers and the Crazy Chemtrailers. We can add to that now those who really believe that the National Football League is involved in a major psyop campaign, and the person who will execute this strategic mission is none other than … Taylor Swift.

I swear I am not making this up.

People on the radical fringe have been watching the NFL playoffs along with the rest of us. Instead of cheering the victors or lamenting that their team’s season has ended, their big takeaway is that Deep State forces are aligning to influence the outcome of the next presidential election.

Laura Loomer, an Islamophobic nutcase, posted this on the social media site formerly known as Twitter: “The Democrats’ Taylor Swift election interference psyop is happening in the open. … It’s not a coincidence that current and former Biden admin officials are propping up Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. They are going to use Taylor Swift as the poster child for their proabortion GOTV Campaign.”

Remember Vivek Ramaswamy, the former presidential candidate? He posted this: “I wonder who’s going to win the Super Bowl next month. And I wonder if there’s a major presidential endorsement coming from an artificially culturally propped-up couple this fall.”

Failed New Jersey Congressional candidate Mike Crispi posted this doozy: “The NFL is totally RIGGED for the Kansas City Chiefs, Taylor Swift, Mr. Pfizer (Travis Kelce). All to spread DEMOCRAT PROPAGANDA. Calling it now: KC wins, goes to Super Bowl, Swift comes out at the halftime show and ‘endorses’ Joe Biden with Kelce at midfield. It’s all been an op since day one.”

Radical right-wing influencer Rogan O’Handley suggested that the future of the universe currently hangs in the balance: “You MUST defeat the Chiefs. If you don’t, Mr. Pfizer and his girlfriend are going to tour the country as ‘world champions’ helping elect Joe Biden WW3 will likely follow in a 2nd Biden term and millions will die. The fate of the free world rests upon your shoulders.”

Jack Lombardi II, yet another failed Congressional candidate, posted this

theory: “(I have) never been more convinced that the Super Bowl is rigged. With all the unneeded and unwanted Taylor coverage at the games. KC’s journey JOHN to the Superbowl – BARTUS totally scripted… KC wins. And then later John Bartus is a singer-songwriter (they announce) their support for and the former mayor of MaraBiden. Coincidental? thon.

No. Bought and paid for couple.

SMH.” Lombardi continued: “Taylor Swift is nothing more than a controlled influencer who has been put to work by those who seek to destroy America.

She is a very talented operative working for the same group responsible for the timely and coincidental covid-19.”

And Georgia politician Kandiss Taylor wrote: “I tried to warn yall back in October that the influence of (Taylor Swift) on our youth with witchcraft was demonic, evil, and Luciferian. Of course, Satan wants to use her now to elect Joe back into the White House to destroy what’s left of America.”

Seriously — what is wrong with these people? Have they drunk so much radical Kool-Aid that they’re suffering from reality wet-brain? It used to be that people like this were laughed at as kooks and relegated to their homes under rocks and in dark caves.

Now, with social media echo chambers being what they are, these people have podcasts, are media figures, and even — most scary — elected office-holders.

In the meantime, it’s the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. In Las Vegas. Wait a minute… LV-III in Las Vegas? Mere coincidence? I think not! At least we know that there’s a chance that the most powerful person in the Free World will be in attendance — Taylor Swift.

— Catch John live Tuesday and Wednesday opening for Rodney Crowell at the Studios of Key West, Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, this Friday at Mangrove Mama’s, and Sundays at the Skipjack Resort Tiki Bar. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com • johnbartus.hearnow.com The views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Keys Weekly Newspapers or its staff.

While not always the best table fare, amberjacks, known to locals as ‘reef donkeys,’ can put up a heck of a fight – and make for a great photo. NICK BORRACCINO/Contributed

JUST THE TIPS

Winter weather & phone protocols

B

rrrr!!! It’s been pretty chilly for quite a while around here, relatively speaking.

Yeah, I know it’s not Michigan, Ohio or Wisconsin cold, but we rarely have temperatures that start with a 6 for more than a few days in a row in the Keys. But fear not – “cold” weather means hot fishing!

Despite water temperatures in the Gulf in the 60s, the action out there is steady. Wrecks 15 miles or as far as you want to go have been holding cobia – some nice ones too.

Don’t get impatient out there; they often wait till slack tide to pop up, and when they do, they’re usually enticed by a bucktail jig, chugger, live pinfish or the like. Bring a large landing net to measure close ones, and remember, the size limit is now 36 inches to the fork.

There’s also steady action out there with snappers, runners, jacks, pompano and mackerels. A small jig tipped with shrimp is tough to beat.

The oceanside has been active too. You can make a nice mixed bag day by trolling and fishing some shallow stuff in Hawk Channel and patch reefs, deeper yellowtail reefs and wrecks. There has been a pretty constant presence of marauding sharks on the deeper reefs and wrecks, so if you find yourself losing fish to sea monsters, move. Don’t just stay there and sacrifice fish.

The wahoo bite on the troll remains steady in 100 to 300 feet, taken with all sizes, shapes, colors and speeds of lures. Do try some different stuff and figure out what’s tickling their fancy that day.

As usual, the bite in the reef will depend greatly on the current.

When that’s gone, I’m gone. Get

hooked up with a local charter (i.e. yours truly) to get out in the meat.

I often get asked about running a rental boat or private CAPT. NICK boat, but I hardly BORRACCINO ever say yes, and the same is the owner and operator of will hold true Noreaster Sport with most other Fishing in Maracharter captains thon. A Massachuin the Keys. It’s setts native, Nick usually much fished for bluefin tuna and striped easier to jump bass before movon a charter ing to the Keys in boat than to try 2005. that, and when you consider all the costs involved, it's probably cheaper.

Also, remember to turn your phone off, or at least your location services, when you head out on a charter (yes, that’s a thing). If a captain catches you trying to pull a sneaky spot-stealing game, you’ll walk the plank! Just kidding – but, yes, it is extremely taboo to be using maps, GPS apps or other location services on someone else’s boat.

The word on the coconut telegraph is that there’s been a bit of that going around. It seems like common sense, but if you don't know, now you know.

Good luck out there, and be safe, respectful and courteous to your fellow anglers. Catch ’em up!

To book a trip with NorEaster Sportfishing, call Capt. Nick at (508) 769-4189.

36

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024 The post hole for a Navy tent at Indian Key from 1875. BRAD BERTELLI/Contributed

MOSQUITO MISERY

Blood-suckers inflicted their wrath via yellow fever during the 19th century

T

hese days, the small island in the Atlantic shallows off of the Matecumbe Keys is home to Indian Key Historic State Park. Bahamian sailors called it Kay Comfort and did so for four primary reasons.

First, it is about midway along the Florida Reef. Second, a reliable freshwater source was once located on nearby Lower Matecumbe Key. Third, the island had a relatively deep natural harbor. However, the island’s reputation for being relativePIXABAY ly mosquito-free was likely what put the comfort in Kay Comfort.

Except for maybe Kay Comfort, mosquitoes have been a part of life in the Florida Keys for as long as warm-blooded creatures have called these islands home. They are like hungry little vampires as they needle their hollow tooth into the skin to reach the blood they need to survive.

During the exchange, they sometimes leave behind a little present that used to be called yellow fever and is now identified as malaria.

The condition struck in two waves, with initial symptoms including fever, headaches and chills. What sometimes followed was a short remission. When the disease rebooted, symptoms included high fevers, intense headaches, hemorrhaging from the nose and gums, jaundice and bloody vomit. The disease was a killer, too.

There has been a long history of mosquito misery in the Florida Keys and the West Indies. How dangerous were they? During the Spanish-American War (1898), it has been suggested that 1,000 men died in combat, while another 5,000 succumbed to disease — predominantly yellow fever. The pest has certainly stirred its long, hollow tooth into local history.

A document titled “The Repression of Piracy in The West Indies,” published in the December 1911 edition of the U.S. Naval Institute’s Proceedings Magazine, reported: “the men who sailed with Commodore Porter had their full share of hazard and adventure. But the climate was so much more deadly than the fighting, the mortality from yellow fever so much greater than that due to malice of pirates, that a raid or a skirmish was a trivial matter compared with the hardships of a summer’s

cruise. At any rate, most of the reports are sober and modest, and even the journalists of the day failed to recap a sensational harvest.”

The infamous Dr. Samuel Mudd was pardoned because of mosquitoes. Mudd treated John Wilkes Booth after he shot President Lincoln behind the ear with his little gun, jumped from the balcony at Ford’s Theater and broke his leg. For lending aid and comfort to Booth, Mudd was sentenced to Fort Jefferson FLORIDA along with four other alleged co-conspirators convicted in Lincoln’s assassination.

KEYS Fort Jefferson is the largest masonry brick strucHISTORY ture in North America and was built on Garden Key WITH in the Dry Tortugas, some 70 miles southwest of Key BRAD West.

Samuel Arnold, one of the men sentenced to BERTELLI the isolated Civil War-era fortification, kept a diary of Brad is a local his time at the prison. historian, author, A copy of a diary excerpt can be found at the speaker and Islamorada branch of the Monroe County library.

Honorary Conch who loves sharing It reads: “Without exception, it was the most horthe history of the rible place the eye of man ever rested upon, where Florida Keys. day after day the miserable existence was being dragged out, intermixed with sickness, bodily suffering, want and pinching hunger, without the additional acts of torture and inhumanity that soon I became a witness of.”

Part of the misery at the fort and around the island was due to mosquitoes, and during Mudd’s incarceration, Fort Jefferson was hit hard with yellow fever. The fort doctor, Dr. Joseph Smith, succumbed to the disease. Mudd filled in, treating both soldiers and prisoners alike, and he, too, became inflicted with the disease. He fully recovered, is credited with saving lives and was ultimately pardoned by President Andrew Jackson. He was released from the prison fortress on March 8, 1869.

In those days, yellow fever was thought to be a viral infection spread through human contact or proximity. It was not until the 1880s that the Cuban doctor Carlos Finley theorized that mosquitoes transmitted the disease. His idea was not taken seriously, and it took some time before his hypothesis was accepted — because he was right.

Returning to the island once called Kay Comfort and now recognized as Indian Key, an outbreak of yellow fever occurred there in 1875.

During the outbreak, the Navy hospital Camp Bell was established at Indian Key. Dr. Joseph Otto was one of the doctors who traveled from Key West to attend to the sick. A third-generation doctor from a prominent Key West family, the Otto name is not remembered so much for its medical service to the Florida Keys but for a doll given to the doctor’s grandson, Robert Eugene Otto, in 1904, on his fourth birthday — but that is a story better told closer to Halloween.

If you visit Indian Key Historic State Park, one of the artifacts identified on the island from those days when the island still provided a convenient harbor is a post hole carved into the island where the hospital tent was allegedly erected in 1875. Indian Key and the Dry Tortugas, home to Garden Key and Fort Jefferson, require a little extra effort and time to visit than the other Keys islands linked by the cement and asphalt of the Overseas Highway, but both are worthwhile adventures.

One way to visit Indian Key from the comfort of your home is to download the free walking tour I developed with Florida Humanities for their Florida Stories app. Walk Indian Key is one of 36 tours available at FlStories.org.

37

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

CITY OF MARATHON

th ANNUAL OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Mon - Fri 11am to Close Sat & Sun 10am to Close

CONDUCTED BY SCOUT TROOP 901 ALONG WITH CUB SCOUTS The American Creed states…

We retire flags with dignity and respect when they become worn, torn, faded or badly soiled.

Please join the City of Marathon & Scout Troop 901 as we properly retire our flags on

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2024 6:00pm at Oceanfront Park behind Marathon City Hall

HAPPY HOUR 1-4PM

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$7 Menu

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• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!

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

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Please bring flags to:

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38

Well, folks, we CHRIS are at the end of one moon cycle McNULTY and at the threshis an astrologer, old of a new one. wanderer, barThe new moon tender and advocate for in Aquarius takes queer justice. He place at 5:59 p.m. is a loquacious on Friday, Feb. 9.

Gemini with a It is a time to clear cozy Cancer rising. Find him at out the weeds hearthandherald- and the detritus astrology.com so you can plant the seeds that will come to bloom at the full moon in two weeks. When the sun and the moon come together in the sign of Aquarius, we are particularly called to begin a new project that brings the margins to the forefront. We might start a new humanitarian project, begin an experimental art project, study fringe ideas, open a quirky fusion restaurant, or engage with wallflowers. This new moon also occurs in a 90-degree square to Uranus, the planet of surprises, liberation and individuality. Expect this new beginning to challenge an aspect of your freedom – which feels like we will be making commitments that require some sacrifice. So, welcome in the new and sacrifice a little liberty to achieve your goals.

Here are your horoscopes for the new moon in Aquarius. Read for your rising and sun signs.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 This new moon is the beginning of a new you. It is time to try out a different fashion style, an unexpected haircut, a fresh personality quirk or a novel self-image. Show us what you’ve got. This new self will challenge the freedom you have been building at home, however. Perhaps you will be called to more social events that keep you away from your sanctuary, or you will feel a bit less connected to family. Trust your transformation.

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 Are you channeling Greta Garbo?

Because it looks like you want to be alone. You are starting a new relationship to solitude under this new moon, perhaps taking a retreat to work on a very personal project. This separation from the rest of the world will challenge the social levity you’ve been discovering in your community. Manage your FOMO and lock yourself in.

ARIES March 21 - April 19 It looks like it is time to rub elbows with a new group of friends and supporters. This does not mean that you will break up with the friends that you currently have, but it is the perfect time to start talking to folks who will help you achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself. This might cost you a bit as this new social circle will challenge your financial freedom, but your own creative control is the goal.

TAURUS April 20 - May 20 New beginnings at work or career represent the theme of this new moon for you. Are you starting a new job? Leading a new project? Getting a promotion? Setting out on your own?

Use this new moon to step into this new role intentionally. Embrace the challenge you will experience when this new beginning confronts your freedom to be yourself. It’s OK to hold your cards close to your chest.

GEMINI May 21 - June 21 A grand adventure is starting for you, Gem. Think of when Gandalf gave Frodo the ring or when Alice crawled into the rabbit hole. You may literally embark on a journey to a faraway land or you may start a new journey of the mind. Open yourself to a new way of seeing the world. This new adventure may be sparked by a revealed secret and will challenge your peaceful solitude.

CANCER June 22 - July 22 A big investment is nigh, Cancer. You are making a commitment to a collective cause or investing your time or money into a group project – and the return on this investment will be coming at the full moon in two weeks. It appears that this commitment will keep you from your social freedom and cause some frustration, but you may also be surprised by the people who show up to support you. Trust your investment if it feels right.

LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 This new moon is offering you a fresh start in an important partnership, Leo. This could be the beginning of a new relationship or the start of a new era in a relationship. I venture to say that this will actually be a new business partnership that will require you to sacrifice yourself to your work, but you will discover that it will all be fruitful at the full moon in two weeks. At any rate, embrace the possibilities of this new partner.

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 Commit to your new routines now and practice awareness of how you use your energy. If you’ve been wanting to start a new exercise practice or a new daily chore, start incorporating that into your life now.

This will keep you in a particular lane and cut off your ability to have spontaneous adventures, but the consistency you develop will support you for a long time.

LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 23 You’ve had a creative project or a form of self-expression that has been lying beneath the surface. This new moon is the time to let that creativity out into the world. Make the thing, sing the song, bake the cake, write the book. Tap into your creative wellspring. Committing to this project will force you into

NEW MOON, NEW CHALLENGE independence and prevent you from being to invested in other people for a time.

SCORPIO Oct. 24 - Nov. 21 Your home life is being refreshed by this new moon. Perhaps you are committing to a new relationship with a family member or literally moving into a new space. This focus on home and family may require you to forego your romantic freedoms for a little bit. In other words, stay home and play games with your folks rather than going on that date.

That’s the energy this new moon is asking for.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 We have so many ways to communicate with one another now, Sag. Texting, e-mail, social media, bullhorns, side eye, carrier pigeon, billboards.

This new moon is an opportunity to commit to a different method of communication. This new communication project will cut into your regular routines, however, so be ready to feel a little off kilter as you try your new form of expression.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 What we value should not be set in stone, rather our values should change as we learn new information or discover new value systems.

Now is a time for you to consider a different prioritization scheme to organize your life. This process will challenge the people and places that bring you joy, however. Let yourself be surprised by different forms of happiness.

39

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024 82205 Overseas Hwy Islamorada, Fl 33036 305-664-0800 3 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Fl 33037

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

HAPPY HOUR Florida Keys Watercolor Society

4-6pm

SPECIALS Monday: Closed Tuesday: Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila LIVE MUSIC: ROGER JOKELA Wednesday: Wine Time Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles) LIVE MUSIC: ERICA SUNSHINE LEE Thursday: Prime Rib Night LIVE MUSIC: JOHN BARTUS Friday: Abstract Radio LIVE MUSIC: ABSTRACT RADIO Saturday: Brunch BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine COLLEGE FOOTBALL Sunday: Brunch BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine

Celebrates its 42nd Year

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

Welcomes NEW Members

cleaned &bring legal.

Offering two Workshops January & March Patricia Lappin & Charles Passarelli 42nd Annual Exhibit in main gallery of Marathon Community Theater March 14th - March 30th

LIVEIC MUS

Paint Outs at St Columba Episcipal Church Hall 451 52nd St, Gulf

We support Annual Scholarships for local High School Students!

Feb.20 and March.19

Visit www.FKWCS.com For all information!

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MM 53.5 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida Waterfront Location Adjacent To Fairfield Inn

40

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

BRIEFLY Blood drive scheduled at Dolphin Research Center Give the gift of life by donating blood when OneBlood holds a blood drive on Friday, Feb. 9 at Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key. The Big Red Bus will be stationed in DRC's parking lot from 12 to 4:30 p.m.

Anyone who donates blood during the day will receive free admission to Dolphin Research Center, a OneBlood shirt and a $20 e-gift card that can be used at Target, Walmart, Amazon and other retailers. Donors also receive a free wellness checkup, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening.

Appointments are encouraged. Please visit oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code 1828. All blood types are needed for emergencies and for people who have cancer, sickle cell, anemia, blood disorders and other illnesses. Identification is required.

Habitat for Humanity to hold miniature golf fundraiser On Saturday, Feb. 17, Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys and the Zonta Club of Marathon will host a fundraising tournament at Porky’s Bayside Miniature Golf. The tournament will begin at 1 p.m. with a shotgun start.

Teams of four players may register for $80 per team. Prizes will be given for the top three teams as well as the best team name and the top score on “Dizzy Hole” and “Opposite Hole.” To register, contact Chris at 305-797-5779 or admin@habitatmiddlekeys.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.

Community Foundation readies for fundraiser golf tournament On Saturday, Feb. 17, the Florida Keys Country Club will play host to a fundraising golf tournament benefiting the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. The four-person scramble format tournament with a $100 entry fee will begin at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start following a light breakfast and registration at 8 a.m. On-the-course fun will be hosted by “The Old Chickens” with a lunch and awards presentation after golfing concludes. The day will include prizes for winners, raffles

and food and beverages. For entry and details, text Roger at 305-766-9462, The tournament is presented by Vacation Rentals of the Florida Keys.

Marathon Elks to hold Casino Royale fundraiser The Marathon Elks Lodge will hold its annual charity fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. The casino night is open to the public, with $35 presale tickets available at the Elks lodge ($40 at the door). Tickets include $20 in playing chips for games including roulette, blackjack, Texas Hold ’em and poker as well as heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Additional playing chips are available for sale at the door (cash only). Grand prizes will be awarded for top winners, and the night will include a silent auction and 50/50 raffle as well as music

by John Bartus. All proceeds will go to the various local and national charities supported by the Elks Lodge. Tickets are available at the lodge from Monday through Friday after 4 p.m. starting Monday, Feb. 12.

Healthy Start Coalition holds diaper drive During February, the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition is conducting 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.

KEY WEST BOAT CAPTAIN FACES HOMICIDE CHARGE FOR FWC: Local woman died when operator hit a channel marker GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

A

53-year-old Key West boat captain and business owner was arrested Tuesday on a charge of vessel homicide after state wildlife police said his recklessness on the water killed a woman in October 2023.

Daniel Anthony Ross was the operator of a 22-foot center console on Oct. 6, 2023, with six people on board, when he crashed into a channel marker while running the boat at about 25-30 mph in Safe Harbor Channel, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The crash’s impact caused Misty Dawn Wildmon, 46, of Key West, to hit the channel marker, its steel pile and then the boat’s engine cover before she was thrown into the water, according to an FWC statement released Feb. 6.

The group was returning to a marina from a memorial service held on a sandbar near Jewfish Basin, when the boat struck the channel marker.

FWC officers on Feb. 5 arrested Ross, who was booked into the county jail on Stock Island.

While the other occupants helped another injured passenger, Ross navigated the boat back to the channel marker, where Wildmon was found unresponsive in the water, the report states.

Wildmon was pulled from the water and taken to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries, FWC said.

Daniel Anthony Ross, 53, was arrested on a charge of vessel homicide on Feb. 5, 2024. MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

“The reckless operation of Mr. Ross’s vessel caused the senseless death of Ms. Wildmon,” said South Bravo Regional Commander Major Alberto Maza in the release.

“Our thoughts remain with her family and friends during this difficult time.”

According to a GoFundMe page created for Wildmon’s family after the crash, she is survived by three children and a grandchild.

“Misty had this knack for making everyone feel like they mattered,” Christie May wrote on the page. “She’d light up any room with her laughter and always had a listening ear. She was that friend who remembered little details about your life, made you feel calm and welcomed always, and was there for you during the 2 a.m. kind of crises.”

Ross, whose occupation is listed as marine repair, was arrested at 7281 Shrimp Road, which is where his propeller repair business is located. He was released from jail on the same day after posting $100,000 bond, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office website.

41

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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February 8, 2024

FULL Lady lifters heading to states | P.6

3

FEBRUARY 8, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

FEB. 8

THE SCOREBOARD

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Marathon

Boys Soccer

Palmer Trinity

1/29

L, 4-0

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Silver Palms

1/29

L, 76-42

Marathon

Girls Basketball

Gulliver Prep

1/29

L, 58-11

Coral Shores

Girls Basketball

Scheck Hillel

1/29

W, 61-38

Key West

Girls Basketball

Mater Lakes Academy

1/30

L, 77-39

Marathon

Girls Basketball

Florida Christian

1/30

W, 48-36

Key West

Boys Basketball

Coral Shores

1/30

W, 60-49

Key West

Girls Soccer

St. Brendan

1/31

L, 4-0

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Downtown Doral

1/31

L, 49-48

Coral Shores

Boys Basketball

Silver Palms

1/31

L, 75-47

Key West

Boys Basketball

Coral Reef

2/1

L, 66-62

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Shelton Academy

2/1

W, 59-27

Marathon

Girls Basketball

Shelton Academy

2/1

W, 40-7

Coral Shores

Girls Basketball

Westminster Christian

2/2

L, 61-16

Key West

Boys Basketball

Boyd Anderson

2/2

L, 58-36

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

FEB. 8

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

2/8

Coral Shores

Tennis

@ Pace

1 p.m.

2/10

Key West

Girls Lacrosse

Preseason Tourney @ South Fork

All Day

2/10

Key West & Coral Shores

Wrestling

Falcon Invite @ Jensen Beach

9 a.m.

2/12

Coral Shores

Girls Lacrosse

@ Gulliver Prep

6 p.m.

2/12

Coral Shores

Baseball

Preseason TBD Tourney @ Hialeah

2/12

Coral Shores

Boys Lacrosse

@ Gulliver Prep

4:30 p.m.

2/12

Marathon

Tennis

Key West

2 p.m.

2/14

Marathon

Boys Weightlifting

@ Gulliver Prep

4 p.m.

2/15

Key West

Boys Lacrosse

Miami Country Day 6 p.m.

2/15

Key West

Tennis

Coral Shores

2:45 p.m.

2/15

Key West & Coral Shores

Wrestling

Districts @ Coral Shores

9:30 a.m.

THIS WEEK

DeMarcus

DEROCHE

Freshman, Key West Basketball

We believe he can be one of the greatest talents to ever come through our gym, and will push him to settle for nothing short of that.”

– Dexter Butler, Conchs head coach

166 137 points

rebounds

ON THE COVER Following an impressive showing at their regional meets, 11 Keys strongwomen – including Coral Shores’ Vanessa Gabriel, top, Marathon’s Justice Lee Isom, center, and Key West’s Dazmine Jenkins – will make the trip to the big dance for the FHSAA State Championships. Photos by Doug Finger, Barry Gaukel and Grace Andrew.

Conchs hoopster DeMarcus Deroche did not make the starting lineup for Key West until Dec. 16, but he has been making up for lost playing time since then. The freshman phenom has racked up at least five doubledoubles, scoring 166 points, grabbing 137 rebounds and denying his opponents with 39 blocks so far this season. He leads his team in field goal percentage, a testament to his accuracy, but it is his bullish style of play that sets him apart. When Deroche goes up in the paint, he wills himself into position, scoring many of his points on put-backs and averaging 8.1 rebounds per game.

Head coach Dexter Butler paid his young athlete perhaps the greatest compliment, comparing Deroche to some of the best to ever wear crimson and gray.

“He brings memories of Eric Brown to me and even the stories and legends I have been told of my dad, Bill Butler,” he said. For his explosive, dominating play, Key West’s DeMarcus Deroche is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Photo: TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

4

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / FEBRUARY 8, 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

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

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

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

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Eleven Keys lifters, including Marathon’s Mikkel Ross, left, Ella Dunn and Justice Lee Isom, will put their strength to the test at the FHSAA State Championships next weekend.

BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

THE KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP PODCAST Strongwomen head to states & postseason hoops On this week’s Keys Weekly Sports Wrap Podcast, tune in to hear about early district basketball results as well as an in-depth preview on all of our local girls weightlifters who are headed to states next week. Hear what is going on this spring at each high school, and as always, Sean and Tracy will fill you in on all the week’s regularly scheduled events and games.

EP 40 Listen to the Sports Wrap podcast

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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

5

FEBRUARY 8, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

CONCHS RANKED 7TH IN STATE Key West competitive cheer squad makes the final cut, secures a top-10 spot in Florida

K

ey West’s competitive cheer squad had an uphill battle at the FHSAA 1A State Championships in Lakeland last weekend. The Conchs scored high enough at regionals to earn a coveted at-large bid to states. But a spot on the mats was just the first step.

In total, 22 teams competed in the Small Non-Tumbling division.

Four of those teams, the champions from each of the four FHSAA regions, received an automatic place in the finals, leaving just six more places for the rest of the pack for a chance at state gold. Key West managed to secure one of those spots with a preliminary round score of 75.7.

Since regionals, coach Ariana Corsi and her squad worked on every detail to perfect their routine, add difficulty to their stunting and make the minute adjustments that add up over the course of a routine. That work paid off on the afternoon of Feb. 3, when the Conchs hit their stunts and wowed the crowd to an even higher 81.1 score in the final round of competition, securing 7th place for the team. The bid to states was a fantastic finish to their season which was cut short last year with a narrow miss to the big show.

Top row: Key West’s competitive cheer squad members put the finishing touches on their routine last week, just prior to leaving for the state championship competition in Lakeland.

TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly Bottom: The Key West competitive cheer squad pauses for a team photo at the FHSAA State Championships. CONTRIBUTED

6

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

1

11 KEYS LIFTERS ARE STATES BOUND

as a freshman and finished just outside of a medal. The experience motivated her to dedicate herself to her craft, and the dividends are clear – she’s ranked in a two-way tie for first in both events at the state level. Even a conservative set of lifts could secure a medal for the school record snatch champion.

The Fins will have plenty of Monroe County support in Lakeland, as six lifters from Coral Shores and one from Key West will also make the trip north.

Qualifying for Coral Shores were Julia and Rachel Rusch in the 101 lb. and 110 lb. classes, respectively. Julia will compete in both events at states after securing sixth place in traditional and seventh in Olympic lifts at regionals. Rachel will represent the ’Canes in traditional, for which she won bronze at regionals. She took sixth in Olympic, but a talented weight class edged her out for an at-large bid.

Kali Gomer earned a spot at states with her silver performance in the Olympic event in the 139 lb. weight class. At 169 lbs., Coral Shores has their best chance for a state medal in Jennille Arias, who won silver in traditional and bronze in Olympic at regionals. Her performances there rank her in the top five in both events in Florida. The final two qualifiers for the ’Canes both compete in the unlimited class. Vanessa Gabriel won bronze in Olympic, while teammate Sydney Eysenbach took fourth place. In traditional lifts, the athletes traded spots on the podium, with Eysenbach winning bronze

Marathon’s Dunn, Earnhardt and Lee bring home regional gold

T

he Marathon Dolphins may have had fewer regional qualifiers on their weightlifting squad than their Upper Keys and Key West neighbors, but they may have the best chance at striking state gold at the FHSAA State Championships on Feb. 16 and 17.

The Fins made the most of their time in Lemon Bay on Feb. 3, winning the runner-up trophy in traditional lifting and third place in Olympic. Contributing to their total points in both events were a trio of athletes who won the FHSAA Region 4 1A Championship gold medals in their weight classes.

Ella Dunn will make her second appearance at states to compete in both events after winning first place in traditional and second in Olympic for the 101 lb. weight class. The tiny-but-mighty junior did not medal last year, but hard work in the offseason has moved her up in the rankings, and she is sitting at the top of her weight class, tied for first in both events.

Senior Sierra Earnhardt will make her first appearance at the state meet in the 119 lb. class. Earnhardt won the regional gold medal in Olympic lifts and took silver in traditional, qualifying for a spot at both events at states. Earnhardt is ranked second in the Olympic event.

Mikkel Ross, the Keys’ only medalist last season, will return to Lakeland in the 129 lb. class. Ross won silver in traditional and third in Olympic lifting. She currently ranks in the top six in both events, putting her within reach of double medals this season.

Marathon’s top performer in Lemon Bay was sophomore Justice Lee Isom, who claimed double gold medals in the 183 lb. class. Lee Isom qualified for states last season

2 3

1. Coral Shores’ Jennille Arias.

2. Traditional event medalists in the 101 lb. category include first place winner Ella Dunn and Coral Shores’ Julia Rusch (far left) who claimed sixth place.

3. Dolphins’ strongwoman Mikkel Ross claims her silver medal in the 129 lb. traditional event at regionals.

At left: Coral Shores’ Julia Rusch Photos by AMANDA LEE & DOUG FINGER

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FEBRUARY 8, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

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4 and Gabriel taking fourth place. Both athletes qualified in both events.

The Conchs competed at Sebastian River High School on Feb. 3 for the 2A Regional Championships, with two athletes cracking the top 10. Dazmine Jenkins placed second in Olympic lifts in the 154 lb. class and seventh in traditional. Teammate Claire Boysen was sixth in traditional and ninth in Olympic. Jenkins’ Olympic lifts, a 135-pound snatch and 155-pound clean for a total of 290 pounds, were good enough to make it to the next round. She will be the lone qualifier from Key West for the FHSAA 2A State Championships. Jenkins’ performance at regionals has her ranked right around eighth place in the state, within reach of a medal should she lift her best next weekend.

Beyond the state qualifiers, both Coral Shores and Marathon had some notable regional performances. As explained

by Marathon coach Jessie Schubert, who started the first girls weightlifting program in Monroe County, only the winner in each event and weight class is guaranteed a spot at states.

Though most second-, third- and fourth-place finishes typically advance, a stacked weight class can mean high-performing athletes stay home. For Marathon, Sabrina Schofield won bronze in traditional lifting at 199 lbs. but did not make the cut. Her total weight lifted matched other athletes who qualified, but the state roster came down to scratches versus lifts made on a first attempt, bumping Schofield out of contention.

As the girls’ season heads toward states, the boys’ season is just beginning. On Jan. 31, two Keys teams officially opened their seasons with a tri-meet in Tavernier. The Fins and ’Canes competed against Gulliver Prep to kick off the boys weightlifting season. Marathon won first place in both events, edging out Coral Shores 35-26 in Olympic and 35-28 in traditional. Gulliver came in third for both events. In the 119 lb. category, Coral Shores’ Liam Bursa and Nick Brown traded first and second places in Olympic and traditional lifts, respectively, and Zane Rindom won the Olympic event at 219 lbs. Marathon’s Zachary Antonelli (129), Matthias Martinez Velez (139), Damian Staciewicz (154) and Tanner Ross (199) won both events in their weight classes. Rounding out the Fins’ wins was Max Childress, who won the Olympic event at 183 lbs.

4. Key West senior co-captain Dazmine Jenkins, second from left, qualified for the FHSAA state championships with her Olympic lifts.

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

1

2

CONCHS OUTLAST ’CANES IN HARD FOUGHT HARDWOOD MATCHUP 3

Regular season ends as teams head into district bracket action

O

n Jan. 30, Coral Shores made the trip to the Southernmost City to play a game which had been canceled earlier in the season. The county rivals were a surprisingly great matchup, with Tony Simons’ experienced ’Canes hoping to beat Dexter Butler’s young but hungry Conchs in their second matchup this season. On Dec. 21, Key West dug themselves out of a first-quarter deficit to beat the Hurricanes in Tavernier with a little help from a sea of crimson-clad fans who traveled to cheer on their Conchs.

Tuesday’s game would prove to be a battle of endurance for both teams. Key West pulled ahead with an early lead, catching Coral Shores off-guard with their fast-paced offense and forcing the ’Canes to regroup and dig themselves out of a 14-10 deficit in quarter one.

And that they did. The Hurricanes hustled and muscled their way back to cut the lead to just one at the half. By the end of quarter three, the ’Canes had claimed the lead by two.

With just under seven minutes left in the game, the score was knotted up and remained that way until just shy of the four-minute mark when the ’Canes ran out of wind.

Key West took the lead and then some, using the energy of a packed Bobby Menendez Gymnasium to help them cruise to a 60-49 victory. Two Conchs registered double-doubles – James Osborne had 23 points and a dozen rebounds while DeMarcus Deroche had 11 points and a dozen rebounds of his own. Deroche also denied the ’Canes multiple shots, adding 7 blocks to his stats. Kameron Roberts scored

60-49 KWHS vs. CSHS

1. Noah Myers (5) pulls down a rebound for the Hurricanes.

2. Kameron Roberts (1) brings the ball down court for Key West.

3. Key West’s DeMarcus Deroche (34) looks for an open man.

4. Ayden Lane (4) goes up for two.

14 with 3 steals, David Aviles scored 7 with 9 rebounds and Tramane Scott added 4 points and 10 rebounds. Coral Shores’ Donovan Thiery had a team-high 16 points with AJ Johnson adding 8, Isaac Holmes scoring 6 and Noah Myers and Keegan Fish adding 5 each.

Key West went on to play Coral Reef on Feb. 1, losing and evening their record to 10-10. Deroche proved to be a phenom, scoring 22 points and pulling down 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the week. Osborne put up 19 and Roberts added 11 more in the 66-62 loss. For their final game of the week, the Conchs took on the Cobras of Boyd Anderson the following night, losing 58-36. Deroche had the team high with 13 points while Leandro Batista added 9 and Osborne scored 6. The Conchs started their postseason journey Feb. 6 against Miami Sunset in the FHSAA 4A District 16 quarterfinals (results not available at press time). If Key West prevails in the quarters, they will face top-seeded Gulliver in the semis.

The Lady Conchs played just one game last week after Schoolhouse Prep canceled on them. They hit the road to play Mater Lakes Academy on Jan. 30 to a 77-39 loss. The Lady Conchs are still in the hunt for their first win, and a victory over the No. 2 seed in their district, Gulliver Prep, would make their season. The game tipped off at Gulliver on Feb. 5 in the quarterfinals, but the Raiders emerged with a 55-35 win.

Somerset Academy Silver Palms is proving to be a thorn in the side of two Keys teams. Marathon lost to the Stallions on Jan. 29, 76-42, then Coral Shores took the fall two nights later, 75-47. Both teams will need to find a way to conquer the Stallions in order to move ahead in their district brackets.

In the Jan. 29 loss, Marathon’s Daeshawn Holmes scored 15 points and registered an incredible 8 blocks. Adrian Cruz scored 14, 9 of which came on three-pointers, and Xavier Grant added 9 of his own.

On Jan. 31 the Fins lost at Downtown Doral, 49-48. Cruz had the hot hand for Marathon in that game, scoring 19

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FEBRUARY 8, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

1

points, but Holmes was focused on the Fins’ defense, pulling down 20 rebounds and blocking Doral three times while adding 8 points. Yaniel Garcia added 10, Josh Koler scored 8 and Grant put up 7 points in the loss.

The Fins prevailed in their final game of the week at home against Shelton Academy. Cruz scored 19, Jesus Gonzalez scored 13 and Holmes added 12 with 7 rebounds in the 59-27 win. Marathon began its postseason run with momentum, downing the Everglades Prep Panthers 60-43 on Feb. 5 and earning a chance to take on top-seeded Riviera Prep in the quarterfinals the following night (results not available at press time).

The Lady Fins lost on the road to Gulliver on Jan. 29, scoring just 11 points, 7 of which came from Kayesha Christian, in the loss. They turned it around the following night at Florida Christian, defeating the Patriots 48-36. Elena Eubank had 18 and Marti Kilbourne scored 17 in the victory. Their final game of the week was at home against Shelton Academy Feb. 1.

The Dolphins beat Shelton in a lopsided 40-7 matchup, with Eubank earning the team-high 13 points. Kilbourne added 7 to her stats and Daysi Williams and Christian scored 6 each.

Marathon played Westminster Christian on Feb. 5 in quarterfinal action, falling victim to a barrage of three-point shots by the Warriors in a 48-31 loss.

The Hurricanes suffered a pair of tough losses last week, first against Key West, then to a deep and talented Somerset Silver Palms on Jan. 31. Donovan Thiery scored 22 points, with Keegan Fish adding 13 and Noah Myers scoring 4. AJ Johnson, Alex Maladis and Jeremiah Burton each scored 2 in the 60-49 loss. The ’Canes needed to dig deep for their quarterfinal matchup on Feb. 6; they faced Silver Palms once again on the road (results not available at press time).

5

6

2

After losing two straight games for the first time this season, an injury- and illness-plagued Coral Shores girls basketball team got their groove back on the road against Scheck Hillel Academy on Jan. 29, destroying the Lions 61-38. Senior Brooke Mandozzi had a game-high 26 points while Grace Leffler added 15. Head coach Jarrod Mandozzi feels confident about his team coming together in the late season, explaining, “Offensively it was beautiful basketball all night. We got a great game from Grace Leffler, which can really be a key for us. We have a strong interior with this group that gives teams a lot of challenges, and with Grace playing more wing for us, she is such a difference maker when she is on.”

Mandozzi credited Leffler for “playing strong with the ball and not settling for low-percentage shots,” saying Leffler complemented Brooke Mandozzi with Niveah Howard and Gabby Thomas as additional offensive threats. “When we get 15 points out of Grace, we’re tough to beat,” he said.

The ’Canes looked good heading into districts, with Alex Burson pitching in 7 points and Mandozzi, Leffler, Caylee De Pauw and Thomas on rebound duty. Abby Vogt and Makayla Hahn had 7 assists each, proving that the Coral Shores bench is both deep and talented. The Lady ‘Canes began their postseason with a bang, obliterating Keys Gate 48-11 on Feb. 5. The win against the Knights will pit Coral Shores against Somerset South Homestead Feb. 7 in the semifinals (results not available at press time).

7

4

1. Marathon’s Elena Eubank (3) and Bryanna Jouvin (1) race back to play defense.

2. Marathon’s Elena Eubank (3) stretches to intercept a pass from Shelton Academy.

5. Key West’s James Osborne (24) gets air.

6. Coral Shores’ Ayden Lane (4) attempts to block a David Aviles shot.

7. Noah Myers (5) takes a shot for Coral Shores.

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

FIVE CONCHS PLACE AT GREEN COVE SPRINGS Conchs, ’Canes prep for districts just a week away

K

ey West wrestling made the long trip to Jacksonville to participate at the Green Cove Springs Rotary Invitational at Clay High School on Feb. 3 after a tough time at the Colby Singletary Invite one week prior.

Five Conchs made it to the podium, including a pair of Lady Conchs who have been dominating the mats as of late. Sheyla Figueira was the runner up in the 100 lb. class and Natalie Arguello took fourth at 135 lbs. For the boys, 157 lb. Alfredo Corrales came in third, Abram Canet was fourth at 132 lbs., and Dostmukhammad Bakhtiyorov was sixth at 144 lbs.

Both Key West and Coral Shores plan to travel to Jensen Beach High School for the Falcon Invitational on Feb. 10, just five days before the District 16 Championships on Feb. 15 at Coral Shores.

The Key West Conchs wrestlers put in a track workout on Jan. 30 in preparation for their meet at the Green Cove Springs Rotary tournament in Jacksonville. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

T

hough both Key West teams and Marathon’s boys advanced in their FHSAA district brackets to open the 2024 postseason, none of Monroe County’s prep soccer teams will participate in regional playoffs this year.

Marathon’s boys earned a semifinal match against Palmer Trinity, losing 4-0 to the Falcons on Jan. 29. The Fins’ defense held strong in the first half, shutting out Palmer for 40 minutes of play, but a fast-paced and talented Falcon offense scored four goals in the second half to knock Marathon out of contention. Marathon closed out the season with a 6-7-2 record under first-year head coach Shannon Wiley’s tutelage. With a majority of the squad returning, next season looks great for the Dolphins.

Key West’s boys made it through the quarterfinals to secure a semifinal game against MAST Academy on Jan. 26. The Conchs lost that match 4-0 but hoped for an at-large bid to regionals with their power ranking. Unfortunately for Key West, MAST claimed that spot after falling to Gulliver later in the week, ending the season for first-year head coach Nic Farrar and his Conchs. Farrar also boasts a bench full of underclassmen, giving Key West plenty of potential in the upcoming seasons. The Conchs ended with a 9-5-2 record, including a late-season run in which they won nine straight, with the exception of a tied match cut short for bad weather.

The Lady Conchs earned a quarterfinal bye, then knocked out top-seeded MAST Academy in a shootout on Jan. 31. The win sent them to the FHSAA District 16 4A Championship match against St. Brendan. Key West was forced to settle for the runner-up trophy after a 4-0 loss to the Sabres. South Florida’s talent-packed region offered no at-large chances for coach Scott Paul and the Lady Conchs to continue, ending their season with a 7-8-1 record.

END OF THE ROAD Prep soccer season closes for Keys teams

Maicee Gage, right, puts in one last practice prior to the Lady Conchs’ final game of the season. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

11

FEBRUARY 8, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

THE STADIUM TAKES SHAPE

K

ey West High School's new Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium is coming together on Kennedy Drive, as crews from Ajax Building Co. work in rain or shine to complete the new football complex.

The structurally unsound bleachers have been replaced, and new locker-room and visiting-team bunkhouse buildings are being built alongside and under the bleachers.

Meanwhile, across the field, the baseball complex, known as Rex Weech Field, is seeing upgrades as well, with a new concession stand, new press box and refurbished bleachers. Conch baseball celebrated the start of its 2024 season on Feb. 3, with the team's annual Dinner on the Diamond, which introduces this year's squad and brings back some noteworthy Conch baseball alumni.

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Photos by: MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

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Take your Conch Pride on the road with a Conch Pride FREE CASH BACK Checking Account!

You can help your kids learn to live on a budget while supporting KWHS by using their Conch Pride Debit Card!* *E-statements, e-receipts, a debit card, savings and S15 checking account required. Specific transactions required for each reward level. Restrictions may apply. See us for details. NCUA Insured. See us for details.

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: THE VEHICLE(S) LISTED BELOW WILL BE SOLD AT 9:00 AM AT A RESERVED PUBLIC SALE PERSUANT TO CHAPTER 713.585 OF THE F. S. 2014 DODG 2D 2C3CDYAG7EH100504 SALE DATE: FEB. 27,2024 AT 9:00AM LOCATION: G C MECHANICAL SERVICES 10791 6TH AVE GULF, MARATHON, FL 33050 PHONE: 813-410-3698 SUM TO REDEEM VEHICLE: $7,243.27 OWNER/LIENHOLDER MAY RECOVER VEHICLE WITHOUT INSTITUTING JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BY POSTING A BOND AS PER FLORIDA STATUTE 559.917. ANY PERSON(S) CLAIMING ANY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE VEHICLE SHOULD CONTACT: BEST LIEN SERVICES (1-866299-9391) AT LEAST 1 WEEK PRIOR TO THE LIEN SALE. Publish: February 8, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

representation or guarantee of mechanical condition.

All sales are, as is, no warranty.

All sales are final.

Vehicle List is subject to change.

Publish: February 8 & 15, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

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

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 5:00P.M. on Monday, April 22, 2024. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform.

Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071.

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

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 9:00 A.M., on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: February 8, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

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 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

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. 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

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

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Notice of Sale of Surplus Vehicles The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will be auctioning off a multiple surplus vehicles via sealed bids. All bids must be received by 10:00am on Wednesday February 28th, 2024. The bids will be opened publicly on Wednesday at 10:30am on February 28th, 2024.

A list of vehicles to be sold may be viewed on our website; www.keysso.net/ auction.

Vehicle list is subject to change.

Bidding instructions and required bid forms are available on the website or can be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building 1st floor reception, or by contacting: Michael Cabot, MCSO Fleet Manager Phone- (305) 293-7477 Cell- (305) 797-0115 Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 5525 College Road Key West, FL 33040 The Property to be sold is open to the public for inspection at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Headquarters building at 5525 College Road, Key West, FL 33040 on the following dates and times below: February 20th, 2024 9:00am – 11:00am February 22nd, 2024 2:00pm – 4:00pm The Sheriff’s Office makes no

DISTRICT V ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC V) (From Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any Mainland portions of Monroe County) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a LODGING INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE – shall be owners or operating/general managers of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in the tax collection district for which they are applying.

Any person wishing to participate on the District V Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@ fla-keys.com, or may be sent via U.S. Mail to the address below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of applications at the above address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: February 8, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 9:00 A.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: FY 2025 Capital Projects Funding Applications Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

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.

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,

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA 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

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 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 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.

13

FEBRUARY 8, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

CAMPING SITE

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

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 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

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 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

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

pigeonkey@aol.com for additional details.

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.

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

EMPLOYMENT

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

Call 305-743-0844 today!

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

Hiring: Lead Gutter Installer - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED – valid Driver’s License must be comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier.

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

Office Support 8-10 hours per week, Key Colony Beach, Sea Isle Condo, Hourly $23-$25 range, PC experience required.

734-476-0531 The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is now hiring for the following positions: Server, $10/hr + tips, 9:30am-7pm, Beach Shop Attendant, $18/hr, 9:30am-5pm, and Parttime Office Clerk, $18/hr, Thu/Fri/Sat, 9:30am-7pm.

Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

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

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Administrative Asst. Fire Department and Right of Way Technician. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us Marathon Auto Air looking for Shop Help - full or part-time. Pay based on experience. Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-289-9884 Insurance CSR needed: Fullers Insurance in Key West is looking for a customer service rep. or agent. Hours are 8-5 MonFri. Paid holidays, vacation, and health insurance. Apply in person at 1432 Kennedy Drive, Key West, FL or email resumé to norman@ fullersinsurance.com.

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

$$$ OFFICE ASSISTANT $$$

DYNASTY MARINE ASSOCIATES, MARATHON, FL Duties to include invoice and inventory entry, creating and filing paperwork for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments, customer communication and tracking, creating and maintaining customer accounts and some customer service.

Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.

This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask.

Competitive compensation plus benefits.

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

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

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

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

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT ANNUAL RENTAL 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 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.

RV LOT FOR RENT Large RV Waterfront Lot with Dockage for rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $1950/month plus utilities.

F/L/S 305-731-5042 Large RV Lot for Rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $1600/month plus utilities.

F/L/S 305-731-5042 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!

14

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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

Work with the BEST!

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

Voted Best Bank 2014 - 2023

• Fun, Fast-Paced Environment • Great Hours

Key West Customer Service Representative/ Online Banking Information Technology Technician II

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

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.

Islamorada Full Time Teller Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

EOE-M/F/V/D

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

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

Upper Keys Full Time Floating Teller

Member FDIC

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

Equal Housing Lender

WE ARE HIRING! EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARC is in Monroe County Florida, the Florida Keys and is a locally operated 501(c) 3 organization providing services to adults with intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, severe autism, spina bifida, Prader-Willi syndrome, Down syndrome, and Phelan-Mc Dermid syndrome.

The organization is looking for an experienced, dynamic nonprofit professional to serve as its next Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration of MARC including programs, facilities, and business operations. The position reports to the Board of Directors, provides direct supervision of the Management Team and is the visible leader of the organization with staff, volunteers, participants, families, other agencies and the community.

The Executive Director is guided by the mission of MARC and is responsible for planning, program and fund development and advocacy activities on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities. Excellent business and financial management skills are essential for the position.

COME JOIN OUR FAMILY! Apply online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32, Fax 305-292-0078 - EOE

IS HIRING IN THE UPPER KEYS

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

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

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

SUDOKU SOLUTION

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

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

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

15

FEBRUARY 8, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 OPENINGS AVAILABLE TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL - MC Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $20k Sign-on Bonus* - Medical Technologist, Part Time - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $20k Sign-on Bonus* - Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem - Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem - Pool Yoga Instructor, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $25k Sign-on Bonus* - Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit, $15k Sign-on Bonus*

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL - ED Team Coordinator - First Cook, $5k Sign-on Bonus* - MC Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $20k Sign-on Bonus* - Medical Technologist, $15k Sign-on Bonus* - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $20k Sign-on Bonus* - Patient Care/Nursing House Supervisor, $15k Sign-on Bonus* - Patient Experience Advocate - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, $25k 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

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

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

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) *No experience required for this position. Will train.

A caring heart & helpful hands required.

Background and drug screen req.

COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

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

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE We are now hiring for the following positions:

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

ACROSS 1. Desert bloomers 6. Request for tailor 9. Paul Bunyan’s companion 13. Delivered by plane 14. Boiling emotion 15. Match play result?

16. Like the North vs. the South war 17. Bag, ‡ Paris 18. Nymph of lakes and springs 19. *Team that never made it to Super Bowl 21. *Last year’s Super Bowl winner 23. *Safety value 24. Disfigure 25. *Birthplace of NFL 28. Roofed colonnade 30. Dr. Seuss’ Yertle 35. Auctioneer’s final word 37. Sea eagles 39. Popular winter boot brand 40. Largest ethnic group in Rwanda 41. User’s destination 43. Like Twiggy’s skirt 44. Former anesthetic 46. Not all 47. Death notice 48. Like r in American English 50. Luau souvenirs 52. Opposite of WSW 53. Vatican’s head 55. Cattle prod 57. *AFC’s top seed 60. *Host state of this year’s Super Bowl 63. Like allergy spray 64. Second person of be 66. Pleasant odor 68. Fervent 69. Grazing ground 70. “When pigs fly!”

71. Modeling material 72. *NFL Honors’ announcement 73. Trento’s Council of ____

DOWN 1. Chlorofluorocarbon, abbr.

2. Alight, past tense 3. Boat mooring spot, e.g.

4. Short for betwixt 5. Wife’s parents 6. Serpentarium noise 7. Time period 8. Hajj destination 9. Hillside, in Scotland 10. “Dream on!” (2 words) 11. Constricting snakes 12. *____ zone 15. Bad blood 20. Post-it user 22. Not miss 24. Street opening 25. *Half-time show entertainer 26. Compass point 27. In spite of the fact, arch.

29. Loads from lodes 31. *CBS announcer and former QB 32. Native American group 33. Famous Bolshevik 34. *Like the Super Bowl players 36. Sonny & Cher, e.g.

38. Ditto 42. Neutral shade 45. With mature appearance 49. Bamboozle 51. Learned one 54. Religious song 56. Defier 57. Not top-shelf 58. On the ocean 59. Deviate 60. Type of tide 61. Peace symbol 62. End of grace 63. *49ers’ conference 65. Short for one time around 67. Short for Arthur