Marathon Weekly 24-0229

Nothing compares to what’s next.

With meticulous attention to detail, durable construction, and a wealth of premium features, this home is an absolute masterpiece. The spacious living room boasts custom-made furniture in vibrant, matching tropical Florida Keys colors. The heart of this home is the Poggenpohl 'push to open' kitchen, known for its impeccable German craftsmanship and modern elegance. Only the finest Miele appliances grace this space, including a wine conditioning unit, combi steam oven, speed oven, induction cooktop, ventilation hood, dishwasher, and fridge/freezer. Step outside to your plush, upholstered low lounge seating area, and teak dining set. Your paradise awaits in the pool area, with a concrete swimming pool and spa illuminated by underwater lights. With two High-Tide boat lifts, including a massive 40k lbs lift and a 6k lbs lift. Complete with four bedrooms and three and one half bathrooms with spa-like luxury in the bathrooms, with glass doors, Porcelanosa tiles, white Dornbracht faucets, rain, and hand showers, and hanging toilets and vanities with integrated sinks. The one-of-a-kind concrete roof standing 35 feet in the air offers an unprecedented view of the horizon - bask in the beauty of vivid sunrises and sunsets. The air-conditioned garage provides ample space for your car and additional floor for all your water sports gear.

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Digital Editor / Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Diana Striker

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

POSTMASTER:

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050

News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

@KeysWeekly

@theWeekly

Members of

$13,000

A proof copy of the first Harry Potter novel — once bought for a few pennies at a shop south of London — recently sold at an auction for a whopping 11,000 pounds, or $13,000. According to The Associated Press, the seller, who was unidentified, picked up the book in 1997 as a “throw-in” with other books she bought.

MARATHON CITY COUNCIL SCALES BACK HOTEL/MOTEL ORDINANCE

Larger-scale redevelopment language axed following resident concerns

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Afull house of public commenters with a nearly-unanimous voice against expanded resort development saw their efforts rewarded at the Marathon City Council’s Feb. 27 workshop, as the council made preliminary moves to scale back its proposed hotel/motel redevelopment ordinance.

Ordinance 2023-15, which would modify the parameters for redeveloping single-bedroom transient units in hotels and motels as multi-bedroom units, has been under a microscope since its original review by the council in August 2023. The version presented at the start of Tuesday night contained provisions for increased affordable housing requirements and guidelines

for redeveloping single-bedroom units as units up to 2,000 square feet with up to four bedrooms.

The version of the proposed ordinance attached to Tuesday’s agenda, however, made no mention of a former proposed revision that would have allowed for redevelopment of units with five or six bedrooms, but only on land zoned for parks and recreation.

That provision came under heavy fire in January and early February from councilman Kenny Matlock, who levied accusations against City Manager George Garrett and said he believed the changes were made explicitly to aid the development of the upcoming Florida Keys Resort on Sombrero Boulevard – the only privately-owned property in Marathon with transient unit rights on parks and recreationzoned land.

With 17 critically endangered smalltooth sawfish found dead since last November, scientists are scrambling to explain the unprecedented die-offs and unusual fish behavior. See page

The former proposed revision was the elephant in the room on Tuesday night, as public commenters spoke overwhelmingly in favor of restoring the eastern nine holes of the Florida Keys Country Club golf course and protecting the course against resort expansion.

As ordinance language affecting only that property was removed from the version considered Tuesday night, public commenters were repeatedly asked by Mayor Robyn Still to constrain their remarks to the current ordinance, prompting pushback from Matlock and several speakers.

Several commenters cautioned more generally against revisions that would allow for increased development in Marathon as one-bedroom units change to multi-bedroom suites with a limited reduction in the overall number of units.

“The way this ordinance is structured, it seems to be just a way to get around the growth ordinances from the state due to overcrowding and hurricane evacuation,” said resident Phil Desfosses, whose comments were met with applause from the public. “When you expand the number of (bedrooms) and the number of people by three or four times, but only reduce the number of units by 20%, it shouldn’t be a way around that growth.”

With some speakers requesting that the golf course be added to a future council agenda for formal discussion, councilmen Jeff Smith and Luis Gonzalez, along with City Attorney Steve Williams, reminded those in attendance that the course is privately owned, not managed by the city. The development agreement for the Florida Keys Resort, in place since 2014, includes plans to complete the property’s 18-hole golf course along with 15 three-bedroom units, and any modifications to that plan would require multiple public meetings and council approval as well as approval at the state level, they said.

Smith supported the potential for the larger multi-bedroom resort units to draw guests away from vacation rental units in residential neigh-

continued on page 28

Marathon Planning Director Brian Shea works through a line-by-line review of the city’s proposed hotel/motel ordinance revisions at the Marathon City Council’s Feb. 27 workshop. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

DEAD SAWFISH, ABNORMAL FISH BEHAVIOR REPORTED IN LOWER KEYS

Feds offer $20K reward after sawfish was found missing its rostrum

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

Unexplained deaths of the already endangered sawfish. Various fish species swimming upside down in circles. A dead sawfish found missing its rostrum, more commonly known as its namesake saw.

The Florida Keys, famous for world-class fishing and breathtaking water views, now have unusually troubled waters and a mystery to solve.

Since November 2023, 17 smalltooth sawfish have turned up dead in the Lower Keys, with seven or so found in the last two months, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

About 100 reports of abnormal behavior in fish species, from sawfish to mutton snapper, have been logged, FWC Officer Liam Rodriguez told Keys Weekly on Feb. 27.

“All the marine institutes are working together to see if they can figure it out,” Rodriguez said. “Right now, there’s no cause of death.”

No virus, parasites or organ abnormalities were found in fish samples that were examined, according to the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT). No red tide was found in water samples, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection did not detect common contaminants.

The toxin behind ciguatera has been found in some water samples taken from where the abnormal behavior occurred, Rodriguez said.

But that’s the most common marine toxin disease worldwide, particularly in Florida and the Caribbean. Ciguatera causes fish poisoning in humans and is why people are warned against eating certain fish, like barracuda.

Researchers continue to collect clues about this problematic Keys fish case.

FWC has a special sawfish hotline for people to report sawfish problems: 1-844-472-9374, and also the email address sawfish@myfwc.com.

People have posted videos on social media showing sawfish struggling in the water. Some have called FWC for help. That’s all they can do when it comes to endangered sawfish, Rodriguez said.

“The best thing they can do is call the hotline and let us know,” Rodriguez said. “We’ll come over and we’ll contact our biologists, our researchers and let them know what the behavior is.”

FWC asks people not to interact with sawfish.

“Sometimes if you try to do good, you’ll probably do harm,” Rodriguez said.

“Even those of us in law enforcement, we

don’t come in and grab the fish. First thing we do is contact the biologist and tell them, ‘This is what we have.’ They tell us what to do and what not to do.”

‘Spinning’ fish reported

While sawfish have been found in peril, fishing guides have also reported seeing a host of other species swimming upside down in repeated circles, a behavior commonly called “the spins.”

Since Nov. 7, 2023, 57 reports of fish in distress have come into the BTT and the Lower Keys Guides Association (LKGA).

The spinning behavior happens when fish lose equilibrium, many times after a stressful incident, according to a statement BTT posted online on Feb. 23.

From November 2023 to now, fish stuck in the spins have been consistently spotted, more often at night. The behavior has appeared in 25 species, including tarpon, permit, snook, pinfish, ballyhoo, yellow jack, blue runner, mutton snapper and mangrove snapper.

About 77% of the reports happened between Bogie Channel and Bow Channel in the Lower Keys. Recently, spinning fish reports are coming from west of Bow Channel and Key West. Three reports of the same behavior were reported off Miami, north of Biscayne National Park.

A team of researchers from Florida International University, the University of South Alabama, Florida Gulf Coast University, DEP and FWC began a study in January to find out what’s behind the sawfish deaths and the spinning fish.

Having ruled out red tide and parasites, the study so far hasn’t determined a cause for the deaths or abnormal fish behavior.

But they have discussed findings of a microalgae called gambierdiscus, which produces the toxin that results in ciguatera poisoning in humans.

“At this time, it is unknown whether the co-occurrence of symptomatic fish and elevated concentrations of gambierdiscus are resulting in these fish exhibiting symptoms,” BTT said.

“It is also unknown if this variant of gambierdiscus is producing cytotoxin that moves up the food web, produces any toxin, or produces a toxin that only affects fish through gill absorption.”

Feds investigate mutilated sawfish

On Jan. 31, federal wildlife officers responded to reports of an unhealthy-looking sawfish that was struggling to swim and then beached itself on a sandbar.

When officers found the sawfish, on a shallow flat oceanside of Geiger Key, the fish was missing its saw-shaped snout, or rostrum.

“We’re not sure if the rostrum was removed before or after the sawfish died, but since it’s an endangered species it’s illegal regardless,” NOAA Fisheries said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

In a statement posted Feb. 22, NOAA Fisheries officials said they believe the rostrum was removed between the evening of Jan. 30 and the following morning.

NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement said on Feb. 22 it’s offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to a criminal conviction or a civil penalty of whoever injured or mutilated the sawfish.

The NOAA hotline is 1-800-853-1964. People may remain anonymous but to be eligible for a reward, you must leave your name and contact information.

Smalltooth sawfish are protected under the Endangered Species Act, so it’s illegal to catch, harm, harass or kill one. It’s also illegal to possess, sell or carry sawfish or parts of them – such as the rostrum.

The Florida Keys are home to the endangered smalltooth sawfish, which can grow to 18 feet in length. NOAA FISHERIES/Contributed

OPEN HOUSE SAT. MARCH 2 10AM-12PM OPEN HOUSE

MARCH 2 10AM-12PM

AVENUE EAST

CUDJOE KEY | $1,699,000

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

OPEN HOUSE SAT. MARCH 2 10AM-12PM

Stunning canal front home with a massive 15,600 Sq. Ft. lot, and deep-water ocean access! 125' of concrete seawall with 15K boat lift, davits, and turning basin! Huge 2,772 Sq. Ft. floorplan boasts an open-concept living space and custom Chef’s kitchen. Spacious screened-in lanai, Solar system, security system and coveted 2 car garage are just a few of the endless features at this prime Cudjoe Gardens retreat!

Fantastic retreat on an oversized lot with direct access to enviable fishing and diving within minutes! Open-concept floorplan with high ceilings, large windows, and lovely kitchen. Expansive screened-in lanai connecting to wrap-around porch o ers partial open water views, and breathtaking sunsets! Downstairs features a bonus storage space and covered carport on over a quarter acre private lot adorned with lush tropical landscaping.

OPEN HOUSE SAT. MARCH 2 10AM-12PM

NEW LISTING! 146 SUGARLOAF DRIVE SUGARLOAF KEY | $1,499,900

Iconic Key West character at this sprawling 1,859 Sq. Ft. canal front home in desirable Sugarloaf Shores! Generous 55' dock with 10K boat lift provides for excellent boating. An open and airy interior with soaring cathedral ceilings and wood-burning fireplace gives way to five sets of pocket sliding doors opening onto an expansive veranda. An additional, sizable downstairs storage room and a generous serene lawn and mature tropical flora.

THE LISA FERRINGO GROUP COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT

O ce: 305.872.5261

Cell: 305.797.1221

lisaferringo@gmail.com

LisaFerringo.com

NEW LISTING!

1507 B SOMBRERO BOULEVARD MARATHON | $3,850,000

Brand new 2024 CBS Construction with gorgeous Boot Key Harbor views and excellent boating! Every detail has been considered in this turnkey pool home! Open-concept great room is bright and spacious and a wall of impact-resistant glass doors leading out to a full-length covered veranda boasting stunning open water views! An opulent primary suite o ers sweeping views of Boot Key Harbor and overlooks sparkling pool and generous T-dock.

NEW LISTING!

304 PISCES LANE

GEIGER KEY | $719,000

Tranquil, waterfront home boasting a spacious 1620 Sq. Ft. floor plan with open water views! Ideal for entertaining, the interior features an open concept main living space and large kitchen. Retire to a generous primary suite complete with en suite bathroom and two walk-in closets. A full-length screened-in porch featuring canal and partial open water views! 60' concrete seawall provides shallow-draft ocean and bay access!

17055 KINGFISH LANE WEST SUGARLOAF KEY | $1,199,900

20942 6TH AVENUE WEST CUDJOE KEY | $2,249,000

21076 3RD

SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR MINORS GOES TO GOVERNOR’S DESK

Bill has faced backlash for lacking parental choice

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Florida lawmakers sent a bill to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk last week that, if signed, would ban minors from having certain social media accounts.

On Feb. 22, the Florida Senate voted 23-14 to prohibit kids under 16 from accessing any social media platforms which allow them to upload content or view the activity from others. Members of the Florida House followed the Senate by voting 108-7 on House Bill 1. Legislation now goes before DeSantis to sign or veto — that decision will be made before the end of legislative session on Friday, March 8.

Uncertainty remains whether the governor will sign legislation after publicly acknowledging concerns over the proposal, specifically the lack of parental involvement in the decision to keep their minors off platforms. The proposal could also face legal challenges, DeSantis said.

“I don’t think it’s there yet, but I hope we can get there in a way that answers parents’ concerns,” DeSantis said at an Orlando news conference before the bill passed through the legislature.

The legislation doesn’t identify specific social media platforms, like Snapchat, Facebook or Instagram, which minors would be barred from accessing from their phones, tablets or other devices. Language within the bill, however, bans minors from platforms that track user activity and utilize addictive and deceptive design features which “cause excessive and compulsive use.”

Minors would still be able to access websites and applications mostly used for e-mailing, direct messaging, streaming shows, reading news, sports and entertainment and interactive gaming, to name a few.

Legislation would force social media platforms to use age verification methods to ensure users are 16 and older when they create new accounts. Any account held by a minor must be terminated by the social media platform — fines are in place for noncompliance. A social media platform would also be forced to delete an account if a person fails to verify their ages. Verification of a person’s age would be conducted by a nongovernmental, independent third party that’s not affiliated with the social media platform.

House Speaker Paul Renner and other supporters point to the harmful effects of social media platforms on a youth’s well-being as the impetus behind the bill. They’ve also highlighted rising suicide rates among children, cyberbullying and predators on social media.

Renner said he believes DeSantis will sign the legislation after addressing issues with user anonymity.

Florida lawmakers passed a bill on Feb. 22 that would ban minors from accessing social media platforms. PIXABAY

“We made changes throughout the process that I believe make this bill not only the strongest in the nation but also one that will pass constitutional muster,” Renner said following the bill’s passage on Feb. 22.

Opponents, however, believe parents should have the ultimate decision in keeping their children off social media. Sen. Jason Pizzo, a Democrat from Sunny Isles Beach, said he believes there’s a “bundle and basket” of rights for kids that should be abridged by parents or guardians, not the state.

“You know what parents need to do if we are going to sit here and tell parents what they should and shouldn’t do with their families? Put your phones down. Have a conservation with your kid,” he said.

Representatives for the Florida Keys, state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez and state Rep. Jim Mooney, voted in favor of House Bill 1. Mooney, a Republican who represents the Keys, was one of 26 bill co-sponsors, which included Republicans and Democrats. Mooney alluded to Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner’s stories of kids committing suicide due to cyberbullying as one of the reasons strong action needs to be taken. Rayner was also a bill co-sponsor.

“The number of kids committing suicide because of cyberbullying … it’s truly frightening,” Mooney previously told Keys Weekly.

Sen. Erin Grall, Republican from Vero Beach, said social media platforms have been deliberately designed to hold users’ attention for as long as possible and take advantage of vulnerabilities, such as a child’s desire for validation or fear of rejection.

“In fact, the power of the industry is so strong that they can work around parents, regardless of any boundaries that parents personally place on their children’s use of social media,” she said.

If signed by the governor, the bill would take effect July 1.

Florida voters could have the chance on Nov. 5 to protect a woman’s right to have an abortion by approving a change, or amendment, to the state constitution.

A statewide campaign led by Floridians Protecting Freedom spent nearly a year gathering the required number of valid signatures, which is the first step to changing the Florida Constitution. If enough signatures are collected to show support for a proposed change, then it can be added to an upcoming state election ballot.

Floridians Protecting Freedom collected 996,512 signatures — more than 100,000 above the 891,523 that were needed by Feb. 1.

Now what?

Now, the Florida Supreme Court, which has gotten increasingly more conservative since Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed most of the justices, must determine whether the proposed wording of the ballot language “describes the chief purpose of the amendment or revision in clear and unambiguous language” and addresses a single subject, according to the Florida Constitution.

The justices are not supposed to consider the merits of the case or the proposal, just the proposed ballot wording.

The state Supreme Court on Feb. 7 heard arguments from both sides of the issue — Floridians Protecting Freedom and Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody, who opposes abortion.

The court’s ruling on the Amendment 4 ballot initiative is due by April 1.

If approved, then all Florida voters will be asked whether they support the following amendment to the state constitution: “No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.”

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Key Colony Beach is continuing its five-month period of heavy turnover among city leadership and staff, adding former Code Enforcement Officer Barry Goldman and Building Official Lenny Leggett to its list of resignations over the past two weeks.

Borysiewicz replaces Leggett as building official

Leggett’s resignation, sent via email to KCB Mayor Joey Raspe on Feb. 22 to take effect March 1, comes less than one week after the city commission’s vote to accept contractor quotes to repair, and eventually re-enter, portions of KCB’s existing city hall building. At the Feb. 15 commission meeting, Raspe outlined the results of a recent inspection by structural engineers that he said showed the existing building’s Marble Hall area, post office and building department areas are “structurally safe and sound.”

BUILDING OFFICIAL, CODE OFFICER RESIGN IN KCB

Borysiewicz to serve in temporary post as Key Colony moves to reopen city hall

In previous email and verbal exchanges with commissioners throughout January and February, Leggett had addressed re-entry to the building with caution, arguing that a 2018 letter from then-Building Official Ed Borysiewicz had effectively revoked the building’s certificate of occupancy and that one portion of the structure was ineligible to reopen while another retained its unsafe designation.

Email exchanges obtained by the Weekly via a records request state that Borysiewicz, who in January challenged the results of his 2018 letter and said that he “believe(d) the city hall building was not substantially damaged due to Hurricane Irma, period,” will serve as the city’s interim building official. The hire is made possible via use of Raspe’s discretionary spending account until the city’s next commission meeting, at which time Borysiewicz may either be hired as the permanent building official or extended as a temporary employee, with salary to be determined.

Speaking with the Weekly by phone on Feb. 27, Vice Mayor Freddie Foster confirmed that although Leggett’s resignation listed a final day of March 1, Borysiewicz had already begun work as the city’s building official.

The final timeline and status of Leggett’s resignation is unclear; in an email exchange with City Clerk Silvia Gransee on Feb. 26, Raspe stated that Leggett “did not leave in good standing,” while Gransee confirmed Leggett’s last day working as Feb. 23 in a reply to Raspe. However, an email sent to Leggett the following day by Gransee stated that Leggett would be compensated through March 1 as an employee “in good standing.”

A phone call and text message to Raspe by the Weekly had not been returned at press time.

Permitting timelines

Since the publication of the Marathon Weekly’s Feb. 22 issue, which contained an image of ongoing repair work in the existing city hall building taken on Feb. 21, multiple KCB residents contacted the Weekly by phone to express concerns regarding the timelines of permits submitted for repair work.

As of Feb. 28, Key Colony Beach’s online permitting system shows five permits issued for the property in 2024: an asbestos abatement permit, issued Feb. 15; a permit to inspect the building’s electrical system for water damage and safety violations, issued Feb. 22; a permit for plumbing work, issued Feb. 27; and two HVAC equipment replacement permits, both issued Feb. 27.

Asked about the seemingly conflicting timelines, Foster attributed the permits’ approval dates to “a lag” as the city undergoes changes in its building department.

Code enforcement officer Goldman resigns

Goldman’s resignation, tendered verbally to Raspe on Feb. 14, confirmed in a Feb. 21 email to Raspe and Gransee, and effective Feb. 28, comes on the heels of extensive resident debate regarding the city’s code enforcement efforts. Dissent came to a head in the city commission’s workshop meeting two days before Goldman’s resignation, when multiple KCB citizens spoke both for and against Goldman’s enforcement efforts in a workshop segment prompted by Foster.

“I’m in for compliance. I’m not in for punishment, I’m not in for fines, and I don’t think we should budget for (them),” said Foster, stressing the importance of prompt notification of violations to prevent accrual of fines. “I think we should be facilitative and work with the citizens, not work as an enforcement agency.”

Public commenters in the Monday workshop and prior commission meetings who were critical of Goldman’s efforts zeroed in on what some called a crackdown in enforcement of specific ordinances over the past year, including a 2023 focus on egress window requirements. Some went as far as to suggest the city should return oversight of code enforcement efforts to KCB’s police and building official, forgoing the code enforcement officer position entirely.

But others were quick to state that significant violations stemming from construction without permits and vacation rental infractions made up a large portion of KCB’s fines, saying that “a violation is a violation,” and praising Goldman’s work as necessary to maintain compliance throughout the city.

Secretary/Treasurer Tom Harding, who served on KCB’s commission when the code enforcement post was created, said the city’s shift in approach came following resident concerns that code enforcement efforts had grown “too casual,” with those responsible for enforcement “looking the other way.” Police Chief Kris DiGiovanni called increasing code enforcement efforts by officers “a road we don’t want to go down.”

Though some areas of Key Colony Beach’s existing city hall, including an administrative area with a cracked floor, will remain closed, contractors and city staff have begun preparations to open the remainder of the hall for immediate use. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Established in 2023, Yoga Keys Life provides Yoga Brunch, Yoga Classes, Sound Healing, Meditation, Breath Work, Events, and Ceremonies. All of our holistic services are available for beginners, intermediate and advanced skill levels. At Yoga Keys Life, we offer private sessions, group classes, hotel visits & events from Key Largo to Key West. Our Holistic Health Coaches are licensed yoga teachers, certified sound healers and ayurveda counselors. Custom classes available upon request. Owner Ena Soul Genoun says "Yoga Keys Life is better than a spa!". Relax & Rejuvenate with Yoga Keys Life! You owe it to yourself!

954-988-1771

yogakeyslife.com

info@yogakeyslife.com

You

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KCB!

67th Key Colony Beach Day returns this weekend

Key Colony Beach’s 67th birthday is slated to be one of its biggest ever.

Sunday, March 3 will mark the return of Key Colony Beach Day, the annual celebration of the tiny Middle Keys city’s incorporation. Festival celebrations are on deck from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the north end of 7th Street in KCB, including a day full of live music with Johnny Live and Four Sheets to the Wind, food, drinks and more than 60 vendors.

After a successful start in 2023, the “Pooch Promenade” of costumed dogs will open the day’s festivities – registration is from 9 to 9:15 a.m. at the 7th Street dog park, with the costume contest set for 9:30 a.m. A KCB Day parade will kick off at 11 a.m. from 1st Street, continuing to 7th and 8th Streets.

The Key Colony Inn will offer a $15

breakfast buffet to fill festival goers' bellies for the morning, while food trucks throughout the festival grounds will take care of the afternoon. And as always, the celebration will include a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and the “World Famous Barracuda Races” for those who think they can pick the fastest pilchard – no, really, you’ve got to check it out.

Admission and parking for the Key Colony Beach Day are always free, and the day is open to the general public. For the first time ever, the 2024 event will partner with Island Trolley Tours to provide transportation throughout the city for festival guests. The trolley will run from after the 11 a.m. parade until 4 p.m., making stops at the East Ocean Drive and 3rd Street intersection, Key Colony Beach Realty, Key Colony Inn, the festival grounds and Sunset Park. Just $1 per adult buys an all-day pass. Key Colony Beach Day is presented by the Key Colony Beach Community Association, a volunteer group dedicated to organizing activities for the beautification, security, safety and recreational enjoyment of the KCB community.

ALEX RICKERT

Key Colony Beach Day’s ‘Barracuda Races’ always draw a lively crowd as gamblers bet on the speediest pilchard in the field. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

WELCOME HOME

TCheck out four amazing spots with Marathon Garden Club’s House and Garden Tour

he Marathon Garden Club will host its annual House and Garden Tour on Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring four luxury oceanfront homes on Key Colony Beach and Stirrup Key. Also included will be the club’s unique garden and orchid wall at its clubhouse.

Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at the Garden Club at 5270 Overseas Hwy., Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from the Marathon Chamber of Commerce, at DK’s Beach Boutique on Key Colony Beach or online at Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.com). Call the garden club at 305-743-4971 for more information or visit www.marathongardenclub.org. Pictured here are the four homes that will open their doors to guests this weekend.

“Kaleidoscope”

Jennifer and Greg Garner

285 14th St., Key Colony Beach

This is an exquisite oceanfront estate with over 5,600 square feet, five bedrooms and five baths, as well as more than 300 feet of waterfront. There are outstanding views from every room. The home allows a truly private lifestyle, including a cabana wing. No detail has been missed, including handpainted murals on the walls and columns, a grand staircase and a well-appointed master suite and dressing room. The outdoor entertaining area provides a tropical paradise. The pool is surrounded by lush mature landscaping and is adjacent to an outdoor kitchen, a cabana and lounge area. There is a 70-foot concrete dock with a 22,000-pound boat lift and deep-water Atlantic Ocean access. The entire property is lushly landscaped – even the climbing ivy covering the front of the house is unique.

“Glass House”

Toni and Randall Wheeler

255 15th St., Key Colony Beach

This oceanfront, 5,000-square-foot, six-bedroom/ six-bath single-family home was built in 2007 by John Grill. Toni, whose background is in social work and nursing, designed the home to accommodate her large family. Her husband owns an overseas shipping container depot. They are from Indiana. The home boasts a modern decor. The kitchen was done by a designer from Chicago. The highgloss cabinetry reflects palm fronds, bringing the outdoors inside. The color scheme includes blues and aquamarine. There is beautiful glass decor everywhere, creating an endless palate of ocean colors. Floral designs would best be viewed on the coffee table in the living room or on the round dining table.

“The Rock”

Rick and Maria Wesslund

1255 Coury Dr., Key Colony Beach

– Article and photos contributed

This is an oceanfront 5,000-square-foot home built in 2020 by D’Asign Source. It is Key West Bahamian in style. It is a two-story house with a casita above

the garage. As currently configured it is a threebedroom, four-bath and two-half-bath home with a two-bedroom one-bath casita. The office on the second floor of the home could be used as a bedroom. The second level is configured with a master suite, an exercise room, an office and a guest room and bath. The casita has a kitchenette, bath, living area and bedroom combination and a bunk room.

Lisa and Troy Lotane

125 Pirates Cove Dr., Stirrup Key

This modern coastal home had its interior completely renovated in 2020. The main level of the house has four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms as well as an updated kitchen and living room. The master suite is upstairs and is complete with a kitchenette, wet room, TV room and two rooftop decks. The outside of the home has a tropical garden featuring many native Florida plants. A pool with hot tub, pickleball court and tiki hut were added to enhance the fun Florida Keys lifestyle. Lisa worked closely with her builder, Design Center, and worked her own decorating magic.

Lisa and Troy Lotane

“Glass House”

“Kaleidoscope”

“The Rock”

Jody L. Owen, P.A. 305-923-1902 jodyowen@me.com

10 Clara Blvd., Key Colony Beach

1 bed / 1 bath, 660 SF, Updated Kitchen, New Flooring, New Roof, Laundry, Shaded Patio, Off Street Parking, Walking Distance to Many Amenities Offered at $397,500

111 Stirrup Key Woods Rd. #2A1, Marathon

2 bed / 1 1/2 bath, 1,176 SF, Spacious Floor Plan, Impact Windows and Doors, Laundry, Covered Parking, Wood Flooring, Walk -in Closet, Storage, Balcony Offered at $410,000

601 W. Ocean Dr. #301A, KCB

The Cay Condos OPEN HOUSE 3/3 11:00-2:00

2 bed / 2 bath, 1,234 SF, Spacious Open Floor Plan, NO STAIRS, Private Beach, Pool, Off Street Parking, Covered Patio Offered at $610,000

Lynn B. Lucas, P.A.

305-393-0559

lynn@keyshomehunter.com

12555 Overseas Hwy #G, Marathon

4 bed / 3 bath, 1,740 SF, Open Water Views, 35’+ Dockage, Open Floor Plan, Impact Windows, Laundry, Walk-in Closets, Balcony, Covered Parking, Pool, Hot Tub Offered at $1,330,000

100 1st St., Key Colony Beach

3 bed / 2 1/2 bath, 1,977 SF, Ocean Views from Every Room, 80’ Dock, Open Floor Plan, Impact Windows, Fully Updated, Covered Parking, Storage, & More Offered at $2,500,000

MARK HEDDEN

... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.

My friend Clark called me a little while back and I missed it. When I returned the call half an hour later, he said, “Never mind. I don’t need you. I was trying to figure out what this duck-like bird was on my lake, but I figured it out without you.”

“It was a merganser,” I said.

“How the (heck) did you know that?” he asked, exasperation in his voice. Which made me happy. There’s nothing better than acting like a know-it-all jerk to someone you’ve been friends with since you were 14.

Figuring it out wasn’t that Sherlockian. Clark lives on a freshwater lake in South Jersey. Mergansers are weird-looking ducks that have these long, narrow bills, with little hooks on the end. So people tend to reject the idea that they are ducks and often refer to them as duck-like, even though they are actually ducks. I was playing the odds of what might land on a freshwater lake in South Jersey in late winter, and they were in my favor.

“It was a hooded merganser,” he said. Which actually got me a little jealous, as I’ve only seen them a handful of times, and only once in the Keys. The males have these cool, round, black and white crests on the back of their head that make them seem about three times bigger than they are, and look kind of like a warped yin and yang symbol, or an alien from low budget 1970s sci-fi movie, or the headdress worn by a chorus girl in a long-forgotten Busby Berkley number.

There are three species of mergansers in North America. Besides hooded, we also get common and red-breasted mergansers. We regularly get the red-breasted ones in the Keys, at least in the winter.

Red-breasted mergansers also have crests on their heads, just not as otherworldly as the hooded’s. In most field guides the red-breasteds’ crests look well-organized and controlled, like a greaser’s coif from the ’50s. But in most photos I’ve seen the crests look more chaotic and spikey, like the hair of an aging punker trying to pretend he’s still got it.

The red-breasted part of their name seems a bit of a stretch. There’s a slight hue of ruddiness there, but it’s more pinkish brown or dark peach, and only on the breast of the males during breeding season. But the questionable accuracy of the name is more than made up for by breeding males’ silky, Baltic-green head, lava red eye, and finely barred black-and-white feathers on their flanks. The male red-breasted merganser is a dead sexy duck.

We never see them when they look like that here, though, as red-breasted mergansers breed in the cold water places – along the edges of lakes and rivers, estuaries and coastal bays in the boreal forests and tundra of the continent. (They also breed in the northerly parts of Northern Europe, Greenland and Iceland.)

When we see them in the Keys they are in non-breeding plumage, their bodies mostly gray and their head, while still crested and spiky, is more a peanut butter brown. In winter, the males and females, young and old, are largely indistinguishable.

You could be forgiven for not knowing a merganser was a duck by its name, which derives, as so many names do, from the Latin – the “merg” coming from “mergus,” which means diving, and the “anser” coming from “anser,” which means goose.

Some of the older, retired common names for the species were red-breasted goosander, sea robin, Long Island sheldrake and sawbill. It’s sawbill that I like the most out of the old names, because it is so descriptive of their defining part, their bill, which is long and serrated, allowing them to grab onto fish four to six inches long underwater, and not lose them.

While red-breasted mergansers are fairly common, there’s a lot that isn’t known about them, largely because they often breed in distant and hard-to-reach places. Most of the early research on them was trying to understand how much they affected the breeding success of certain types of valuable salmon. Population estimates for them are difficult because they often intermingle with common mergansers and it can be difficult to differentiate them in large flocks.

Between breeding season and migration the males molt, losing all of their feathers at once and essentially becoming flightless while they grow new ones – but no one knows where, exactly, they do this.

SAW- BILLED DUCKS AND LONG -TERM FRIENDSHIPS

One of the intriguing things about them is their small array of feeding strategies. In the Keys, more often than not, you see them in the deeper salt ponds – maybe a foot or two deep – where they practice shallow diving, disappearing under the water for about 16 seconds, popping up for about eight seconds, then diving again. In the open water they tend to practice deep diving, submerging for about 48 seconds per dive, staying on the surface for about 24 seconds. In clear water sometimes they will do a thing called snorkeling, where they swim on the surface with their face in the water before diving for fish. They will also hunt, on occasion, communally, much the way white pelicans will, forming a line and pushing the fish from shallow water into even shallower water, making the fish much easier to catch.

I’ve seen red-breasted mergansers pretty consistently over the years. But lately I’ve been wondering if this incident with Clark has cursed me a bit, if being a smarty pants for the sake of being a smarty pants has affected my merganser-seeing karma. Because over the last several months I’ve gone out several times to places that have been reliable spots in the past and not seen them.

This is not because of some decline in their population. Mergansers are officially classified as a species of least concern, the opposite end of the population spectrum from endangered. And I’ve been seeing pictures of them posted from other Keys wildlife photographers all winter long. They’ve just evaded me and my lens.

I did finally see one a few weeks ago when, oddly enough, I was out on the boat with some other friends from high school. But it was on the far side of a sandbar, at least 200 yards away, not even worth lifting the camera for.

Maybe I’m paying for my sins. But this is the thing – if Clark calls me again any time soon, and the opportunity for some cheap oneupmanship presents itself, I will not hesitate. I will take the low road every time. The mergansers will be fine without me seeing them.

LADIES RUN THE BEACH

Women dominate distance races at 2024 Sombrero Beach Run

Ashort supply of sunshine didn’t deter racers at the 2024 Sombrero Beach Run, as hundreds of athletes took on the challenge of their choice with the morning’s 10K race, 5K walk/run and 15K challenge.

The ladies showed the gentlemen how distance racing is done to open the morning’s 10K, with women from all age groups, led by Helena Bursa’s 44:23 performance, capturing the top six overall places. The men answered back in the 5K, led by Anthony Kelhower (17:47) and Kyle Leaming (18:16) ahead of a pack of five Marathon High School distance runners. The 15K challenge, which tasks runners with starting a 5K race just minutes after finishing their 10K, saw the women put on a master class yet again. Bursa (1:05:53) led a pack of five females with the lowest combined race times.

Now in its 17th year, the annual weekend of runs, sun and fun is sponsored by Key West Southernmost Runners. Proceeds benefit Keys Area Interdenominational Resources, a Marathon-based nonprofit organization that provides food pantry, housing assistance, emergency and relocation support among other services.

THE WINNERS’ CIRCLE

5K RUN

1. Anthony Kelhower - 17:47

2. Kyle Leaming - 18:16

3. Mason Buxton - 18:28

4. Tony Bursa - 18:49

5. Jakub Bursa - 18:49

10K RUN

1. Helena Bursa - 44:23

4. Alfonsina Riquelme - 47:00

3. Kayla Dexter - 47:29

4. Kylie Morgan - 47:31

5. Mikkel Ross - 48:10

15K CHALLENGE

1. Helena Bursa - 1:05:53

2. Alfonsina Riquelme - 1:10:59

3. Mikkel Ross

- 1:11:34

4. Kylie Morgan - 1:12:04

5. Kimberly Labrada - 1:13:05

1. Racers take a short moment for smiles and laughs before the start of the 5K race.

2. Beach run volunteers have registration and awards down to a science. From left: Debbie Maggio, Chuck Maggio, Jackie Sparber, Suzy Curry, Vicki Stead.

3. Chuck, left, and Paula Kellenberger take a post-race victory photo.

4. Young ones burst out of the starting corral for the annual

Kids Fun Run to close the day’s races.

5. Dad Dale, left, and mom Courtney Coburn make the Kids Fun Run a family affair with 2-year-old daughter Kaylynn.

6. Bill Bejin crosses the line as the top male finisher for the 10K in 49:03.

7.Kimberly Labrada closes out a group of six women to take top honors in the 10K race, finishing in 48:44.

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Photos by Alex Rickert and Chris Pankow

2024 FLORIDA KEYS DAY SPONSORS AND PARTICIPANTS!

FLORIDA KEYS DAY 2024 SPONSORS

BLUE LIGHTS ON THE WATER

Whether you’re pulled over by FWC, the Coast Guard, MCSO or another agency, maintaining courtesy and professionalism goes a long way in any encounter on the water – after all, these folks have an incredibly important job to do.

Ana Banana Fishing Company is on the water 300 days a year or more. Sometimes we go a couple years in a row without getting pulled over by any law enforcement officials on the water and sometimes we get pulled over three times a week for three weeks in a row. My personal record is being pulled over three times in one day, once each by FWC, the Coast Guard and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Last week I tied my record by getting pulled over three times in one day by FWC, the Coast Guard and NOAA. Yes, it’s a hassle, yes it’s a time-killer, especially on a charter, but thank God for these law en-

forcement officers and all they do for us and the environment. You can complain about them all you want, but have a vessel emergency offshore – taking on water or a fire, just to name a few – and see how quickly they are on scene to save you and your crew’s lives.

I’ve fished in a lot of third-world countries that don’t have the luxury and security we have if you get in trouble on the water. We sometimes take these luxuries and securities for granted. One time I was stranded 30 miles off the coast of Salinas Ecuador in eight-foot waves with humpback whales all around the boat and pirate warnings in the area – and there was nobody available to save us. That’s when I was missing home and wanted to tap my heels together like Dorothy from Wizard of Oz.

Different agencies typically look for different things, but they all can and do look for many of the same things. For example, the Coast Guard is normally all about safety equipment whereas FWC is normally about environmental protection, but they will both check for flares and fish at the same time.

I recommend every boater call and make an appointment with the Coast Guard Auxiliary to do a free voluntary inspection. They will inspect your vessel for all required safety equipment and features. Once you pass inspection you’ll get a sticker that goes on the side of your windshield letting everyone know that your vessel passed inspection, and you’ll also get an inspection letter/certificate that shows you passed. The sticker and certificate

CAPT. JOEL BRANDEN -

…is a fifth-generation Floridian and second-generation fishing captain who owns and operates Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon. His passions include fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.

are good until the end of the year. Best of all, with this type of inspection, you will receive a report of how to correct any issues before heading out on the water – and you will not be issued a warning or citation at that time.

I think fishing captains get pulled over more than recreational fisherman and boaters. Maybe it’s because we’re on the water more or because we charter tourists and Florida’s tourist industries are under strict inspection. Charter captains also have to have many more licenses, permits and safety equipment than the general public. Being pulled over on the water is just like being pulled over on the road. If you’re polite and helpful to the officer, typically they will be too. If you’re a jerk to them, they could be a jerk to you too. It’s important to keep in mind that they have a duty to do and ultimately their job is to protect us and the environment. It can get rather dangerous, and it’s a job many of us couldn’t or wouldn’t do, but like I mentioned earlier, thank God for all of our law enforcement officers. Please thank them for their often-thankless service every time you get a chance.

from page 4

MARATHON CITY COUNCIL

borhoods, concentrating them in commercially-zoned areas.

“My concern is how to limit vacation rentals,” Smith said. “This is another opportunity to perhaps help stem the conversion of our residential housing stock. … Allowing (this) in a commercially-zoned area of a hotel/motel, where they have more flexibility with their capital, may actually disincentivize the use of a residential property for a commercial purpose.”

“I feel like we’re supporting essentially a 24-hour turnaround house,” said Matlock. “There is nothing I have heard that’s positive for this community to increase that square footage and bedroom count.

“My question goes back to, what do we gain in doing this? … Given the current situation in town with overdevelopment, I think we should reduce it.”

Though the council could not make any formal vote at its workshop meeting, city staff were instructed by general consensus to make the following changes to the ordinance for review and potential approval at a future council meeting:

• Hotels and motels must provide on- or off-site employee housing living space in an amount equal to 25% of the approved floor area in guest units. The previous requirement was 20%.

• All hotels and motels must provide a lobby for guests to check in and out.

• Redeveloped units may not exceed 1,500 total square feet with three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and one additional living area. Prior proposed versions of the ordinance included a 2,000-squarefoot cap or removal of a square foot limitation, as well as provisions for four- to six-bedroom redeveloped units.

• A one-bedroom unit may redevelop as a two-bedroom unit in exchange for a 10% reduction in the overall number of units, or as a three-bedroom unit in exchange for a 20% reduction.

The four council members in attendance, with Vice Mayor Lynn Landry absent, universally praised the resident turnout at the meeting in their council comments, hailing the session as one of the best-attended workshops to date and urging attendees to continue submitting topics of interest for future sessions.

SCHOOL SPIRIT CENTRAL

The night of Feb. 23 was an evening of celebration at MHS for Marathon’s middle and high school cheerleaders, as nearly two dozen athletes gathered for a season-ending banquet and recognition ceremony under first-year head coach Michelle Macoskey. Cheerleaders and their families enjoyed food donations from Sweet Savannah’s and Brutus Seafood while playing a game of ‘Guess That Cheerleader’ with students’ baby photos before Macoskey handed out participation medals, varsity letters and teamvoted superlative awards.

ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

ZIELS INKS DEAL WITH PALM BEACH STATE

The deadliest arm in Dolphin Country will take his talents to Palm Beach State College next spring. On Feb. 23, Marathon ace Dylan Ziels officially signed his letter of intent to play as a Panther for coach Kyle Forbes in the 2025 season and beyond on a full athletic scholarship. “Palm Beach is extremely lucky to be receiving such a passionate leader, a young man who has embodied what it means to be a Dolphin, a young man who believed in us from day 1 and a young man who believed that this could happen here in Dolphin Country,” Marathon head coach Joey Gonzalez told fans gathered before the Fins’ matchup against Miami Country Day. Ziels followed up the signing with a 12-strikeout no-hitter on the mound, also leading the Fins offensively with a 3-3 performance at the plate en route to a 15-0 win. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

MISSION FISHIN’ STEPS UP FOR SWITLIK KIDS

Stanley Switlik Elementary School will soon add an accessible playground installation for kids to enjoy at recess, thanks to the generosity of the nonprofit Mission Fishin’. Created in 2014 under founder Tony Davis, the organization is dedicated to providing memorable fishing trips and other marine adventures for special needs children, foster children and their families who would not otherwise be afforded these opportunities. For the past two years, the nonprofit has been the official beneficiary of the Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament under founder Katie Lewis, dedicated to raising charitable funds through a tournament each April.

And on Feb. 26, both organizations’ ties to the Marathon community came full circle as Davis presented a check for $27,275 to Stanley Switlik principal Linda Diaz to fund the purchase of the fivepanel playground feature.

Registration for the third annual sailfish tournament, which will again benefit Mission Fishin’ on April 19 and 20, will open Wednesday, March 6. Find more information at marathonsailfish.com and missionfishin.org.

Pictured in the back row, from left, are tournament advisory board member Mark Busch, Lewis, daughter Natalie, Diaz and Davis with members of the Stanley Switlik Fishing Club. MIKEY FINIGUERRA/MFin Media

alex@keysweekly.com

EVERYONE’S A WINNER

Marathon Elks Lodge hosts Casino Royale fundraiser

Asecond Marathon venue in as many weeks welcomed the vibes of Vegas, as the Marathon Elks Lodge played host to its annual Casino Royale charity fundraiser on Feb. 24. With heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and a musical backdrop by John Bartus, gamblers tried their luck all night at Sin City’s most popular table games en route to raising nearly $8,000 for local scholarships, youth camps and youth services.

From roulette to blackjack and Texas Hold ’Em, Elks Lodge gamblers stacked chips all night in the hopes of claiming one of the evening’s grand prizes.

Island comes through

Hello Keys Weekly,

I often use the phrase "it takes an island" when discussing our donors, our mission and promoting our fundraising events. Once again, it has been proven to be true. On Feb. 17, Habitat Middle Keys and Zonta held our first "Putt Putt for a Cause" event at the new Porky's Bayside Mini Golf. It was such a wonderful turnout and overall a fantastic day of fundraising.

We will certainly do this again and hope that even more putters will join us. We truly live on the most amazing island – I would not want to be anywhere else.

I want to personally thank the Zonta Club of Marathon for their partnership in this event. I don't believe many organizations on the mainland join hands to raise funds for each other like the nonprofits in the Keys do. We are so very blessed.

Thank you again to our wonderful sponsors who were vital to the success of this event: Superior Electric, Bishop Rosasco & Co., Key Colony Beach Realty, First Horizon Bank, Wright Barrows PLLC, US1 Graphics, Lynn Goodwin & Aimee Kornetti, KCB Realty and Castaway Restaurant.

It takes an island.

Chris Todd Young Director, Habitat Middle Keys

ALEX RICKERT

GATORS IN THE KEYS

Early studies depict reptile’s existence before the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key

RAYMOND L. BLAZEVIC/ Contributed

FLORIDA

KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.

One of my favorite things about driving across Florida’s peninsula, traveling between the Keys and the west coast (preferably to Sanibel or Captiva islands), is spotting alligators.

Whether crossing via Alligator Alley or Highway 41, both conduits provide ample opportunities to see the reptiles sunning on a bank or swimming slowly through the roadside water. Those two roads are not the only places I look for alligators. There is another asphalt artery from which the toothy reptiles can be occasionally observed that is much closer to home. While making the drive between the Last Chance Saloon and the Jewfish Creek Bridge, once in a while, I spot a familiar, knobby blackish back in the wetlands.

Remember, just last summer, a 10-foot alligator made national headlines after it wandered onto the 18-Mile Stretch of the highway like a roadblock. Traffic was stalled for over an hour while the reptile was captured and relocated. While the presence of crocodiles has become more pervasive along the island chain, did you know that alligators are native to the Florida Keys, too?

Jacobsen’s study was conducted between May 1979 and November 1981.

Published in 1983, it appeared in the Florida Field Naturalist. Among the other notes included in the report was this: “The indigenous range of Alligator mississippiensis is from coastal N. Carolina south to Southern Florida and the Keys, and westward through the Deep South to central Texas and extreme southeastern Oklahoma (Martof, 1956).”

One of the best things that alligators do is create alligator holes. They use their snouts and feet to clear the leaf litter and other debris from depressions and sinkholes in an effort to make small, shallow watering holes bigger and deeper. The intent is to create a freshwater hole deep enough for them to call home. It also attracts birds, reptiles and mammals looking for a drink.

Ambush predators, these thirsty creatures serve as a food source for the sneaky reptiles.

According to Jacobsen’s fieldwork, evidence of this behavior was noted on more than one occasion in the Florida Keys. Sometimes, these alligator holes grow large enough to become a habitat for fish, amphibians and other reptiles, like terrapins. Sometimes, too, gator holes create reliable sources of freshwater during the dry season.

It is no big secret that alligators are routinely seen at the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key. The Blue Hole was created in the 1920s during the building of State Road 4A, the earliest version of the Overseas Highway. Limestone was quarried from that location for construction projects, and what was left in the wake of those efforts was an open quarry that breached the underlying aquifer, filled with water, and is now known as the Blue Hole. Today, there is a wildlife observation platform at the water’s edge from which an alligator or two can usually be seen.

There has been debate about how the alligators that call the Blue Hole home arrived. Some say that they were dumped there years ago. After all, while crocodiles live in brackish and saltwater environments, alligators require freshwater, and there is not enough of it to support a natural alligator population in the Florida Keys — except at the Blue Hole, right?

The people making that argument are mistaken. As it turns out, alligators were in the Florida Keys long before the Blue Hole was carved into existence. According to a study by Terri Jacobsen, not only does the historical record reveal alligators living in the Keys, but they were also found well beyond the Blue Hole.

Just last summer, a 10-foot alligator made national headlines after it wandered onto the 18-Mile Stretch of the highway like a roadblock. Traffic was stalled for over an hour while the reptile was captured and relocated.

During her study, 133 alligators were identified in the Lower Keys — 46 of those reptiles were juveniles or hatchlings. Jacobsen said, “… man-made inland canals, vestiges of abandoned development, and borrow pits used for fill construction provide year-round deep-water habitats of low salinity. The severity of the season conditions is partially alleviated by a system of ditches, constructed in 1965 as part of the Anti-mosquito Control Program. These inland freshwater mosquito ditches are used frequently by small alligators, although I observed alligators of various sizes in ditched areas.”

In her study, Jacobsen also noted a 1937 sighting on Key West where three alligators were captured “in salt water.”

And then there is this story printed in the June 13, 1928 edition of the Key West Citizen.

“An alligator measuring six feet and one inch in length was killed yesterday on Big Pine Key by Everett Rivas, highway traffic officer. Five more were seen but got away. Leo Bowers and Richard Russell witnessed the slaughter of the big amphibian. Mr. Rivas is having the hide dressed to be made into gun holsters. A large number of gators are being reported as seen on Big Pine and No Name, many of them said to be found in salt water, which is claimed by authorities to be contrary to their nature.”

While alligators prefer freshwater pools to call home, it appears there is enough of it in the Keys beyond the Blue Hole to support a small population of alligators, still. One of the things that makes the presence of alligators and crocodiles in South Florida and the Keys special is that it is the only place in the world where the two creatures co-exist.

An alligator at the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key.

TRUSTS • WILLS

POWERS OF ATTORNEY LADYBIRD DEEDS

Whether you are a resident or a snowbird, it is important to have your assets properly titled in a way that will avoid those assets going through probate.

KATHLEEN HENDRICKSON

ATTORNEY AT LAW

MASTERS OF LAW, ESTATE PLANNING 5701 Overseas Hwy • 305 393 2598

MARATHON COMES OUT FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED KIDS

Covering All The Keys From Key Largo To Key West

Upper Keys Weekly

91760 O/S Hwy, Ste 3 Tavernier, FL 33070 305.363.2957

Marathon Weekly 9709 O/S Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 305.743.0844

Key West Weekly 5450 MacDonald Ave, Ste 5 Key West, FL 33040 305.453.6928

City Council

Robyn Still, Mayor

Lynn Landry, Vice Mayor

Luis Gonzalez, Councilmember

Jeff Smith, Councilmember

Kenny Matlock, Councilmember

City Manager

George Garrett

City Attorney

Steve Williams

City Clerk

Diane Clavier

SUBJECT

City Council Meeting

3/12/24 5:30pm Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Planning Commission Meeting

3/18/24 5:30pm Council Chambers, 99805 Overseas Hwy.

City Council Workshop

3/26/24 5:30pm Council Chambers, 99805 Overseas Hwy.

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

On behalf of the Marathon Shrine Club, we would like to thank the citizens, visitors and Shriners of the Middle Keys for their continuing support of our charity drive held on Feb. 16. We are the guys you saw out on U.S. 1 with the funny hats asking for donations from passers-by at the stoplights on the corner of 107th and 109th streets. We also received donations, labor and consideration from the following companies and organizations: Marathon City Council, Marathon Chamber of Commerce, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Bealls Outlet, Driftwood Pizza, Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys, Keys Weekly Newspapers, Mahi Shrine Masonic Lodge 323 and the Widows Sons.

Every penny we collected goes to the support of Shriners Hospitals and especially the Transportation Fund at Mahi Temple. These funds are used exclusively to transport Keys and South Florida children to the Shrine Hospital in Tampa or to one of the other Shrine Hospitals scattered around the country. At these hospitals, children are given completely free state-of-the art orthopedic care and burn treatment. The Transportation Fund ensures that the children are able to get to the hospitals for their care and follow-up treatment without any cost to them or their families.

Our local support, through generous donations, helps us continue to make sure that this perfect charity serves our children today and in the coming years. A special thanks to all who helped us raise over $9,000 that day in the street and an additional $34,000 in private donations. If you know any child under the age of 18 who could benefit from orthopedic, spinal cord or burn treatment, call a Shriner at 800-237-5055 and get the ball rolling.

Sincerely,

Robert Britz, president Vincenzo Massaro, chairman Darrel Walraven, co-chair Joseph Stickney, chairman of private donations

QUAY BOAT RAMP EXPANSION IGNORES PROMISES TO RESIDENTS

Once again the citizens of Marathon are thrown under the bus in regards to the expansion of the boat ramp on the Quay property. We were promised an open space park to enjoy as the reason to buy the property, and now we are getting a double boat ramp with expanded parking for trailers that will limit whatever is left of the park to enjoy – and only if you are able to find a place to park.

The reasoning for this expansion was for additional revenue, which the city does not need, and now all residents could possibly have to pay to launch their boats. All of this, on top of an extra $1 million in construction costs from the original plan. This should be put to a binding referendum this fall so the citizens of Marathon have a final say. Cheers to the two council members who voted no, and jeers to the three council members who voted yes. I hope this vote will be remembered at the next council elections. For the record, I do not have a boat that is trailered.

Sincerely,

Jerry Bessemer Marathon

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

NOTICE OF DRAFT PERMIT AND REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) gives notice of a draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) generic permit (File No FLR04E132-004) for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) for FDOT District 6, 1000 NW 111th Ave, Miami, FL 33172.

The Department has determined the Notice of Intent submitted by the applicant for generic permit coverage, including any responses to request for additional information if applicable, is consistent with the requirements of Rule 62-621.300(7), Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), and the proposed Stormwater Management Program (SWMP), as described in Appendix A, meets the criteria for coverage under the generic permit. The applicant’s SWMP includes best management practices, control techniques, system design and engineering methods to reduce the discharge of pollutants in stormwater discharges from the Phase II MS4 to surface waters of the State to the maximum extent practicable.

Pursuant to Rule 62-620.555, F.A.C., any interested person may submit written comments on the applicant’s proposed SWMP and/or may submit a written request for a public meeting to the Department through the DEP Business Portal at www.fldepportal.com/DepPortal/go/submit-publiccomment, by email at NPDES-MS4@floridadep.gov or by mail at NPDES Stormwater Program 2600 Blair Stone Rd, M.S. 3585, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400. The comments must be received by the above-mentioned Department office within 30 days of publication of this notice. Failure to submit comments or request a public meeting within this time period shall constitute a waiver of any right such person may have to submit comments or request a public meeting pursuant to Rule 62-620.555, F.A.C.

The comments or request for a public meeting must contain the following information:

A. The commenting party name, address and telephone number;

B. FDOT District 6, File FLR04E132-004;

C. A description of any changes the commenter proposes for the draft permit;

D. A full explanation of the factual and legal reasons for each proposed change to the draft permit by the commenter; and

E. If applicable, a request that a public meeting be scheduled including a statement of the nature of the issues proposed to be raised at the meeting. However, the Department may not always grant a request for a public meeting. Therefore, written comments should be submitted within 30 days of publication of this notice, even if a public meeting is requested.

If a public meeting is scheduled, the public comment period is extended until the close of the public meeting. If a public meeting is held, any person may submit oral or written statements and data at the meeting on the Department’s proposed action. As a result of significant public comment, the Department’s final action may be different from the position taken by it in the draft permit.

The permit application file and supporting data are available online at: https://prodenv.dep.state.fl.us/DepNexus/public/searchPortal or for public inspection during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, by contacting the NPDES Stormwater Program by email, NPDES-MS4@floridadep.gov, by mail at 2600 Blair Stone Rd, M.S. 3585, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, or by phone number 850-245-7561.

TOWMATER

4-year-old male terrier mix.

Looking for: I love people, other dogs and even cats.

Turnoffs: Being left alone. Not. A. Fan.

SWIPE RIGHT

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

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

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

See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit at 10550 Aviation Blvd.

SCOTT

5-year-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: I’m one easy dude looking for a place to chill.

Turnoffs: I may grumble at the other cats, but I really don’t mind them.

DADDY PEANUT

1.5-year-old male rabbit. Looking for: My wife. Also, I like cats, dogs, kids, anything really.

Turnoffs: None.

On Wednesday, March 6, Blue Waters Bar and Grill will host a “Tides and Tails Happy Hour” from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests can relax poolside and enjoy food and drink specials from the restaurant, with 20% of proceeds benefiting the Florida Keys SPCA.

EXTRA DAY, EXTRA READING. TAKE A LOOK AT THREE NEW CLASSIC TWISTS.

THE FAIRYTALE LIFE OF DOROTHY GALE

By Virginia Kantra

Dee Gale appears at Trinity College in Dublin ready for a new beginning. Upon arrival, she discovers her department counselor died in a tragic accident when a house being transported on the road fell on her. Dee (Dorothy) is from Kansas, where Aunt Em and Uncle Henry lovingly raised her and her sister on their farm. Having completed her undergraduate degree at KU, Dee wandered off the academic brick road and fell in love with Grayson Kettering, a professor in the English department where she was supposed to be working on her dissertation. With two years wasted while she mistakenly focused on Grayson, she was lucky to snag a spot at Trinity, a world away from her troubles. Now Dee must get to work, not only on her degree but figuring out what kind of writer she is meant to be. While doing her best to impress a wicked new graduate advisor, Dee finds fabulous new friends and a completely unexpected romance. This contemporary adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” is an enchanting, refreshingly unique and magical read. Each clever reference seamlessly intertwines with the classic tale we have loved for decades.

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

MEET THE BENEDETTOS

By Katie Cotugno

After a hit reality show made them famous for being famous, the beautiful Benedetto sisters find themselves at a crossroads. Years past their heyday, their parents are now falling into debt at lightning speed while the five sisters’ spending habits far exceed any trickling residual income. Their McMansion is slowly crumbling and dinner consists of overpriced take-out. Lilly, the pluckiest and second eldest, appears to be the only sister facing this new reality. Lilly never recovered from her fiancé’s death, and as their family’s reputation precedes her, she struggles fruitlessly with her dream of becoming a professional writer. When the handsome, well-known action hero Charlie Bingley moves into the ritzy neighborhood with his agent sister and thespian best friend, the Benedetto girls cannot resist the opportunity to rub shoulders with a little bit of A-list luck. Charlie falls for June and Lilly begins a cantankerous friendship with Will. In this imaginative reinterpretation of “Pride and Prejudice,” we witness the Benedetto family grappling with their waning fame, refusing to accept its fleeting nature. As the world around them forms judgments based on their past misbehavior, the bonds of sisterhood stand strong.

ONCE PERSUADED, TWICE SHY

By Melodie Edwards

Anne grew up in Niagara-on-theLake, a quaint town in Ontario, Canada – known mostly as a tourist destination.

Anne never expected to return after college, but when her mother passes away, she takes over her position as executive director at the local theater company. Her indolent father and spoiled sister take advantage of her generosity and happily allow Anne to care for the family as her mother had. In college, Anne dated Ben Wentworth. Handsome, kind and happy-golucky, he was her first true love. When she broke up with him for his lack of ambition, she never dreamed their paths would cross again. Anne’s world is turned upside down when Ben appears in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Now a successful businessman, the curlyhaired free spirit is long gone. Her heart can barely contain itself after greeting this handsome version of Ben, who is in town to manage his aunt and uncle’s new winery. Anne is haunted by her past decisions and must take bold steps to create a new path forward. As someone who appreciates second chance romance, this charming classic retelling of the beloved “Persuasion,” Jane Austen’s last novel, is an absolute delight.

#WORTHWATCHING: “Wonka” (2023) can be seen on Amazon Prime. The new musical fantasy tells the origin story of a chocolatier named Willy Wonka, the main character from the classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (1964). This movie is surprisingly entertaining. “Candy doesn’t have to have a point. That’s why it’s candy.”

KAREN NEWFIELD

VENDORS, BOATS & SCHOLARSHIPS

Rotary’s Gigantic Nautical Market sees thousands of visitors

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Visitors and local residents wandered through the 300-plus vendor tents at Founders Park, all while enjoying a cold beverage or bloody mary and some food truck fare at the 29th annual Gigantic Nautical Market at Founders Park in Islamorada on Feb. 24-25. Organized by the Upper Keys Rotary Club, the two-day shopping event raises more than $200,000 in scholarships for Coral Shores graduates, college students and those in technical school. Patrons bought everything from fishing rods and anchors to fishing apparel and local art at the shopping extravaganza. Attendees also viewed some of the top boats on the market. An army of volunteers, from local Rotarians to high school students, welcomed and helped thousands of visitors during the two days.

1. Holding bags, Coral Shores High School students await event patrons at the entrance. 2. Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and Islamorada resident Jimmy Johnson walks through the vendor aisle inside Founders Park. 3. Young employees with Lobster Slapper. 4. Captain, a blind golden retriever, attends the Gigantic Nautical Market with his owner. 5. Upper Keys Rotarian Richard Engel guides motorists to handicapped parking. 6. The massive shopping event couldn’t go on without the many people working behind the scenes — these two especially. Pictured are Frank Derfler, Upper Keys Rotary Club president, and Maria Jones, Upper Keys Rotarian and vendor organizer. 7. Keys Weekly’s Jill Miranda Baker, an Upper Keys Rotarian, transports student volunteers. 8. Visitors stroll between vendor tents and a line of boats from local shops.

Photos by JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly Full gallery at keysweekly.com.

Monroe County School System has received a donation from the Coldwell Banker Schmitt Foundation for the Lunch Box Project.

The money raised from the Lunch Box Project will go to unpaid lunch balances for less fortunate students in the Monroe County School System.

Many thanks to Brian Schmitt and his foundation

STILL ACCEPTING DONATIONS!

CONTENT CREATORS

Are you a storyteller with a passion for digital marketing?

Do you thrive on creating engaging and shareable content?

If so, Overseas Media Group is looking for someone like you to join our Digital Strategist team as a CONTENT CREATOR.

We’re searching for individuals who are passionate about digital marketing, have a strong work ethic, and are committed to excellence. If you have a drive to succeed and a desire to contribute to a company that values innovation, teamwork and growth, we want to hear from you!

Apply at omg@overseasmediagroup.com

overseasmediagroup.com

Key West | Marathon | Upper Keys

Man arrested for aggravated battery on 20th Street

A Key West man was arrested Feb. 26 in Marathon and charged with battery on one man and aggravated battery on another, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Marathon deputies responded to a homeless encampment on 20th Street at 5:30 a.m. after someone called to report a fight inside a tent. After speaking with witnesses and the 32-yearold male victim, they arrested 30-year-old Alexander Garcia for allegedly hitting the victim in the face after the two men had a disagreement over a dog. During the investigation of the battery, deputies said they also found the suspect had been involved in another altercation on 20th Street at 1 a.m. During that incident, Garcia allegedly hit a 43-year-old man in the back with a metal rake. The man still had an injury on his back from the rake and witnesses confirmed the victim’s account of the incident, deputies said. Garcia was arrested and charged with battery and aggravated battery.

Marathon Elks Club plans live music, special menu

The Marathon Elks Club invites the community to a special evening of live music on Wednesday, March 6. Entertainment will be provided by Rick and Dayna Lieder, and a special menu will offer a pulled pork dinner cooked by the club’s “celebrity chef” Jim Knukson. A $15 dinner ticket includes pulled pork, coleslaw and a baked potato with fixings. The bar opens at 5 p.m.

UF/IFAS Extension offers

CPR and first aid courses

UF/IFAS Extension Monroe County will be offering American Heart Association CPR and first aid certification courses. There will be several courses offered throughout the Florida Keys. The CPR course costs $31 per person and the CPR/First Aid course costs $41. Students will receive an American Heart Association certification after the course. Courses will be offered at the following places and times: March 7 at 2 p.m. at the Monroe County Community Center on Big Pine Key (251 Key Deer Blvd./ CPR only); March 14 and 19 at 9

a.m. at the Gato Building in Key West (1100 Simonton St./CPR and First Aid); and March 28 at 2 p.m. at the Monroe County Community Center on Big Pine Key (CPR only). Please call Monroe County Extension with questions or to register for any of these courses at 305-292-4501.

Come take a class at the Marathon library

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

MLKAR to offer scholarships for high school seniors

The Marathon and Lower Keys Association of Realtors is once again offering four $1,500 college scholarships for graduating seniors. These scholarships are open to any graduating senior who lives between Layton and Saddlebunch Key, regardless of where they attend school or if they are home schooled. An application essay of no more than 500 words must be typed, double-spaced and answer the prompt: “How do you perceive Realtors as being an asset to the economy and our community?” Students should check their high school websites or call or email MLKAR at 305-743-2485 or CEO@ MLKAR.com for important essay guidelines. The deadline for submission is April 15.

Marathon Garden Club invites scholarship applicants

Marathon High School college-bound seniors are invited to apply for the Nancy Miller Garden Club Scholarship. The scholarship is for a student with an interest in the environment, horticulture and science who intends to major in the areas of STEM. The application is on the Marathon High School website under the “CCAPS Scholarship Opportunities” tab, with additional hard copies available at the high school. Applications are due Friday, April 12, and the award will be presented on Class Night.

40 YEARS ON…

Some of the biggest things that happened in the Middle Keys

This month (February) marks the 40th anniversary of my arrival – and leaving the road behind – to play music and live in the Florida Keys. Over the course of the past four decades, I’ve seen quite a bit. I’d like to share some of the most consequential things that happened to our Middle Keys community.

U.S. 1 four-lane construction. When I first moved here, the only four-lane stretch of U.S. 1 in Marathon began at the Overseas Lounge and ended at 15th Street. All the rest of U.S. 1 from the Overseas east to Coco Plum Drive was two-lane. The Vaca Cut Bridge, however, was a four-lane bridge even back then. The Florida Department of Transportation (motto: “We Take As Long As We Want”) came in to rectify our lack of highway capacity and basically took over our town for a couple of years. Along the way, there were lawsuits about not enough landscaping and myriad other reasons the project took as long as it did.

Try and imagine the sheer unadulterated hell that U.S. 1 was during the project. Combine local traffic and seasonal visitor traffic with heavy machinery and construction delays on (sometimes) two whole lanes. For many of us locals back then, Aviation Boulevard became the Marathon Construction Bypass, especially when construction was going on in front of the airport.

Locals got used to it after a while (not really). One of my favorite stories from those construction days involved a local guy who rode his bike through town, and as such, beat all the stopped automobile traffic. Visitors would see him riding by, and they’d stop him and ask him what the delay was. “Big train wreck,” was all he would say, and off he went. I don’t know how many people believed him, but he sure loved telling the story.

Closing of the Idle Hour. A long, long time ago, there used to be a signature Marathon watering hole known as the Idle Hour Bar. Way back then, what’s currently the Beall’s Outlet Shopping Center was the WinnDixie Shopping Center. Beall’s is now where Winn-Dixie used to be. Just to the right of Beall’s was the Idle Hour. This four-star dive featured pool tables, live music with Freddie Bye (pre-Brass Monkey), and a “sunken” bar where the floor behind the bar was a couple of feet lower that the floor of the rest of the establishment. The bartenders always seemed short until they climbed out from behind the bar.

Eventually, Walgreen’s got an option on the space and out went the Idle Hour. Before Walgreen’s built their own building on 107th Street, they operated out of the Winn-Dixie Shopping Center. I remember the first time I walked into the new Walgreen’s, incredibly impressed that they had somehow managed to rid the space of the smell that permeated every airspace and surface inside the Idle Hour. I had visions of cleaners in hazmat suits ripping out walls and carpets, trying to eliminate the olfactory abomination.

Other bars that existed then were the Reef Bar, now the Seven Mile Fly Shop; a strip club called Fanny’s, now the Turtle Hospital; the Rum Keg Pub at the old Howard Johnson’s; the Compass Lounge at the old Holiday Inn; and the Driftwood Lounge, now Driftwood Pizza and the Curvy Conch. In those days, bars could stay open 24 hours — and they did. We had more 24-hour watering holes than we did 24-hour convenience stores. Captains would often collect crew members still sitting at the bar at sunrise, as most bar windows were painted to hide morning sunlight from drinking patrons.

I have many more stories from the past 40 years, but I’m already out of room in this week’s column. There will be future installments. It’s fun to take these trips back in time to the Middle Keys of yesterday, and my time machine is still functional! Until the next time…

- Catch John live this Wednesday at Dockside, Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, Saturday at the Fish for Jose Event, and Sundays at the Skipjack Resort Tiki Bar. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus. com • johnbartus.hearnow.com

John Bartus is a singer-songwriter and the former mayor of Marathon.

JOHN BARTUS

BRIEFLY

SIZZLING STARTS

Diamond squads kick off season with dominant performances

THE SCOREBOARD

FEB. 29

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK ZIELS

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

FEB. 29

Tennis PACE 1 p.m.

3/5 Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Miami Country Day 4 p.m.

3/5 Coral Shores Baseball ABF Hialeah 6:30 p.m.

3/7 Coral Shores Tennis Key West 2 p.m.

3/7 Coral Shores Track & Field Marathon & Barbara Goleman 3 p.m.

Dylan was electric from the very first pitch. Positive emotions were flowing all around Dolphin Country after a great signing ceremony to start

off the night.”

– Joey Gonzalez, Marathon head coach

Marathon’s Dylan Ziels is well known as a lights-out pitcher with maturity and composure to boot. But on Feb. 23, Ziels was downright extraordinary. The big righty inked his letter of intent to play collegiate baseball at Palm Beach State that afternoon, but his heart and soul were with his hometown high school team and his full focus was on winning. He dialed in everything he had and went 3-3 at the plate as he pitched a no-hit shutout, making his four-inning run perfect for the Fins. Coach Joey Gonzalez described his ace as “locked in and laser-focused,” adding, “his fastball was in the 88-90 range and he got stronger as the night progressed. It was a special evening capped off by a shutout, no-hit, 12-strikeout performance.” For his Herculean performance and on-field leadership, Dylan Ziels is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

THIS WEEK

Dylan

Senior, Marathon Baseball

Photo by BARRY GAUKEL

Coral Shores pitcher Donovan Thiery throws against Keys Gate Feb. 22 at Founder’s Park in Islamorada. The

went on to

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.

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.

The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locallyowned 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.

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

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.

CONCH BOYS LACROSSE STARTS UNDEFEATED

Key West outscores opponents 49-19 in first four games of the season

Key West’s boys lacrosse team is on fire in the early season, winning four straight games. The undefeated Conchs played two last week, including one against their closest neighbor. On Feb. 21, the Hurricanes of Coral Shores traveled to Key West to take on the Conchs in The Backyard.

The game would be significantly different than the teams’ last matchup, with Key West defeating the ’Canes 19-3. Zack Payne, Mack Hill and Smith Switzer netted 4 goals apiece for Key West. Hill was also credited with a pair of assists while Switzer caused 3 turnovers. Reif Wallen scored 2, as did Noah Collins, who also assisted on another goal. Dreyden Telfer and Max Louchheim had 1 goal and 1 assist each. Joseph Garr scored a goal and Roman Van Loon and Raffael Rice each assisted one time. Kieran Smith led the team in ground balls with 6 while Louchheim scooped up 5. In goal, Mateo Lopez was credited with 9 saves.

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy

Key West - Mandy Miles

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

On Feb. 24, it was another onslaught of scoring for Key West. Payne scored 3 and assisted 3 more to lead the charge for the Conchs. Hill scored 2 and assisted on 4 others while Collins scored 2 and assisted on 3. Wallen had a pair of each and Louchheim had 1 goal and 1 assist. Switzer added 1 more goal to his stats in the home win. The next home game for Key West’s unbeaten boys will be March 2 against Westminster.

Coral Shores’ boys stand at 1-3 this season after dropping a pair of games last week. On Feb. 19, they took on Coral Reef in a close game which culminated in a 7-6 loss in overtime. Yandel Chaguaseda picked up 7 ground balls to help keep it close, while Noah Myers, James Mitchell and Chase Caputo registered 4 ground balls each. Caputo also stole away the ball twice in the game. Brock Bynum saved 11 shots in goal to keep the ’Canes within striking distance throughout the game.

TRACY MCDONALD

SEAN MCDONALD

jim@keysweekly.com

mandy@keysweekly.com

SPORTS

PODCAST HOST

MARKET EDITORS

Key West accounted for the ’Canes’ second loss. Junior Lucas Carballo scored all 3 goals for the ’Canes and was credited with a pair of takeaways, as well. Chaguaseda picked up 8 ground balls for Coral Shores while Bynum saved 19 in goal. The Hurricanes likely would be sitting on win number two, but a game against Westminster Christian was postponed. The ’Canes are back at home on Friday, March 1 against Ransom Everglades.

The Lady Conchs picked up their first win of the season against the Paladins of South Plantation. Key West outscored South Plantation 9-7 in the win. Junior Deanna Mercier scored 3 goals and scooped up 4 ground balls while fellow junior Kaitlyn Piloto scored 3 with a pair of assists. Senior captain Ava Brock netted 1, assisted on 4 and earned 3 ground balls for the Conchs. Colbie Turner and Taylor Gibson, both sophomores, found the net one time each to round out the scoring.

“Our offense was patient and diligent, waiting for the perfect opportunity to score, while the defense did an excellent job collapsing on the ball to shut down South Plantation’s drive to the cage,” said assistant coach Kristen Baumer. She went on to praise junior captain Courtney Grabus for locking down the Paladins on defense with multiple interceptions.

The defending district champs are actively rebuilding, but head coach Marisa Giacopuzzi is not concerned, saying, “We have a small roster with a lot of new talent still learning the game. It will take us a few games to work out the kinks and find our groove, but we’re getting there.”

The young team is home again Friday, March 1 against in-county rivals Coral Shores in a district matchup in The Backyard at 5 p.m.

The Lady ’Canes evened up their record to 1-1 after a 9-8 win against Coral Reef High School on Feb. 21. Shay Stober scored 3 goals while Leyla Ochoa had 2 plus 3 assists. Iona Holmquist also netted a pair of goals and Allegra Fucaraccio and Addison McNew accounted for the other 2 of the ’Canes’ 9. Makayla Hahn was fantastic in the field with 5 ground balls and 2 interceptions, while Sidney Friedman kept Coral Shores in the game, saving 12 would-be goals as keeper.

1. Ray Scuderi, left, works the ball upfield. GRACE ANDREW/ Keys Weekly

2. The Conchs and ‘Canes prep for a faceoff. GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly

3. Coral Shores’ attackers push through the Key West

defense in the in-county rivalry showdown on Feb. 21. GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly

4. The Hurricanes’ Lucas Carballo, left, pictured in an earlier game this season, led the scoring charge for Coral Shores last week. CONTRIBUTED

5. Coral Shores’ Makayla Hahn racked up 5 ground balls and 2 interceptions against Coral Reef High School. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

MARATHON’S GARCIA TOSSES NO-HITTER

Marathon’s roster is finally full of high school athletes, and the hard work the team, which is still young by most standards, put in as a middle school crew is paying off.

The Fins are 2-0 to start the season after a pair of wins last week.

Marathon headed to Homestead to take on Colonial Christian on Feb. 20, pounding the Patriots in a 17-0 win. Senior Allison Garcia needed only 3 innings on the mound to end the game in a mercy-rule victory.

Garcia struck out 7 and walked just 2 in a nohitter to start her senior campaign in style. Garcia also registered a base hit in the game. Catcher Madelyn Thornton was 3-3 at the plate with a double, 2 singles and 3 RBIs. Sara Robinson and Shynell McGuire had a double and single each while Elena Eubank and Allison Helms each hit a double. Ryleigh Garcia and Maeve Merryman both singled to account for the remainder of Marathon’s hits.

Two days later, Marathon faced LaSalle at home. The Fins won 8-2 against the Royal Lions, racking up 9 hits with 2 from Robinson. Robinson was elusive on the bases, stealing 4 in the game. Eubank, Helms, Thornton, McGuire, both Garcias and Summer Haines all had singles. Allison Garcia went 6 innings on the mound, then handed the ball to her sister Ryleigh, who finished out the game for Marathon. The Lady Fins will return home for a Friday, March 1 game against Ransom Everglades.

Lady Fins last undefeated Keys softball team

With little time to regroup, Key West made some adjustments and made it onto the scoreboard in game two, but the 9-1 loss was not the result they were hoping for. Brenner lasted 7 innings for the Conchs, striking out 5, walking 4 and allowing 9 hits. The Warriors held Key West to 2 hits – a single from Niles and a double from Rodger.

The Lady Conchs started the season with an unusual pair of losses in double-header action Feb. 23 at home. Westminster Christian stunned the reigning regional champs 14-0 in game number one. Vera Rodger singled and doubled while Scarlet Niles and Shylo Sanchez added a base hit each for Key West. Nevaeh Arnold lasted just over 3 innings and Brianna Brenner finished out the game, both fanning 4 batters in the loss.

On Feb. 24, the Lady Conchs found their groove against visiting Keys Gate, winning 3-0 against the Knights. Brenner pitched 7 innings, striking out 8 with no walks and giving up a pair of hits in Key West’s first win of the season. Julene Vega had a pair of base hits in the game. Rodger added another single to her stats, as did Skye Sterling and Alexa Condella. Next up for the Conchs is Mater Lakes Academy at home on Saturday, March 2. Coral Shores started its season with a pair of losses last week, but head coach Lesa Bonee is not deterred. The team is without an upperclassman and is working on the fundamentals in a rebuilding year. The Lady ’Canes lost 19-1 against Somerset South Homestead on Feb. 20, then suffered a 20-5 setback against Colonial Christian two days later. The Hurricanes will have an opportunity at redemption in their next game when they have a rematch against Colonial Christian, this time on home turf, Thursday, March 7 at 4 p.m.

1. Elena Eubank, left, holds a LaSalle runner on second. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

2. Shynell McGuire is safe at second base. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

3. Allison Garcia began her senior season with a 7-strikeout no-hitter against Colonial Christian. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

FINS LIFTERS EDGE ’CANES

Marathon boys secure wins by narrow margin

With just about a month to go before district competition, Marathon traveled to Coral Shores for a boys weightlifting meet to see how both teams have improved since their last meetup one week earlier. In Olympic lifts, the Fins won by a single point, edging out the ’Canes 34-33. In traditional, Marathon pulled away with a 38-29 win. The low scores were due to neither team fielding a 129-lb. or unlimited competitor for either event.

At 119 pounds, Marathon’s Chase Leird won both events. Jordan Henderson and Matthias Martinez-Velez split the wins at 139, with Henderson winning Olympic and Martinez-Velez taking first in the traditional event. Marathon’s Damian Staciewicz (154) won both events as did fellow Dolphins Max Childress (183), Tanner Ross (199) and Braulio Garcia (238). Coral Shores had double wins from Keryn Barrios (169) and AJ Johnson. Using the Sinclair algorithm to rank the athletes by their performances in each event and factoring in their body weight, Johnson was the top lifter in the Olympic event while Ross was number one in traditional. Johnson, Ross and Childress were all ranked in the top three of both styles of lifting, giving them a good idea of where they stand as the district meets, which begin March 29, inch closer.

Junior Chase Leird notched wins in both traditional and Olympic lifts for the 119-lb. weight class last week. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

ZIELS PERFECT AGAINST SPARTANS

Conchs remain undefeated in early season schedule

Key West hosted North Fort Myers in its season opener, defeating the 5A Red Knights 5-0 on Feb. 23 and 7-2 the following night. In game one of the two-game series, Jacob Burnham got the start on the mound, lasting 4 innings. Burnham struck out 8, walked 2 and allowed a pair of hits before Anthony Lariz took over. Lariz finished out the final 3 innings, striking out 5 with no hits and no walks. Lariz had a hit as well, singling for one of the Conchs’ 5 hits on the night. Roman Garcia, Noah Burnham, Sam Holland and Nelson Ong had the remaining 4.

The next night, Key West chalked up 6 hits, with 2 each from Garcia and Jacob Burnham. Burnham’s hits included a double and a triple. Lariz and Nelson Ong both singled. The Conchs were perfect on defense without a single error over the course of 7 innings. Felix Ong got the start on the mound and dominated for 3-1/3 innings, striking out 6 of the dozen batters he faced, walking 2 and allowing no hits. Christian Koppal and Vinny Moline teamed up to finish out the game, which put the Conchs at a solid 2-0 start on the season as they head into a rare road game.

A clash against NSU University School on Feb. 27 should serve as a litmus test for the Conchs this year. They will be back at Rex Weech Friday and Saturday, March 1-2 against Boca Raton’s Spanish River High School.

Marathon started the regular season the right way by winning its first two games, beginning with Everglades Prep on Feb. 20. Gavin Leal and Mason Thornton teamed up on the mound for a 20-0 no-hitter against the Panthers, walking 3 and striking out 7 between them. Thornton also registered a pair of hits and 2 RBIs to lead the Fins at bat. Leal also had a base hit, as did Bryan Broche, Dylan Ziels and Dylan Williams. Gabe Leal tripled and Jack Chapman doubled in the lopsided victory.

It was more of the same for Marathon on Feb. 23 against Miami Country Day. The Fins won in 3-1/3 innings in a 15-0 mercy rule victory against the Spartans. Ziels, Marathon’s go-to pitcher, was perfect over 4 innings for the Fins. The senior righty faced 14 batters, fanning 12 of them with no walks, no hits, no errors and no question that he is ready to make his senior campaign count. Ziels was also 3-3 at the plate with a pair of singles and a double. Broche, Gabe Leal and Leo Mendez each singled in the Fins’ win.

Their Feb. 24 game did not have the result the Fins were searching for, though. The night started off in the right direction, with visiting Keys Gate and Marathon locked up in a defensive battle. In inning 4, Keys Gate’s bats came alive, and a trio of hits put the Knights on the scoreboard first. Marathon promptly took advantage of

1. Coral Shores’ Grady Temkin slides back to first base.

2. Coral Shores’ Campbell Lavoie (6) slides into home plate against Keys Gate.

3. Coral Shores’ Temkin (4) steals second base.

4. Coral Shores’ Riley O’Berry commands the defense.

5. Marathon’s Gavin Leal at the plate.

Photos by Doug Finger and Tracy McDonald

FOUR CONCHS HEADED FOR STATES

Ia 5-walk inning, which included a hit and a dropped third strike, to pull ahead 5-1, holding onto the lead until inning 6 when things began to fall apart. Mason Thornton started on the mound, striking out 5 over his 4 innings. Thornton also added a single and a double in a solid effort both offensively and defensively. Gabe Leal, Dylan Williams and Jack Chapman all had base hits in the 15-8 loss. The Fins’ next home game is scheduled for Friday, March 1 against Ransom Everglades.

The Hurricanes split the week, with a loss on Feb. 20 to ABF Homestead. Junior Campbell Lavioe was 3-3 at the plate and Donovan Thiery, AJ Putetti, Keller Blackburn and Benjamin Friedman had one hit each in the 8-3 loss. Two nights later, the ’Canes turned things around against Keys Gate, defeating last year’s district champs 10-1. Thiery dominated the Knights, striking out 11 over 5 innings, allowing just 2 hits and walking 1 batter. Riley O’Berry held things down for the final 2 innings to secure the win. Lavoie racked up another hit, this time a double. O’Berry had a single and Grady Temkin added a pair of base hits in Coral Shores’ first win of the season.

t will be a quick turnaround for a talented trio of Conch wrestlers and their coaching staff, as three athletes placed in the top four at the FHSAA 1A Region 4 Championships at Cardinal Gibbons High School on Feb. 24. The grappling Conchs will join Sheyla Figueira, who qualified for a spot at states last week at the girls regional event, on a trip to Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee for the state championships this week.

Abram Canet placed fourth in the 132-lb. class, earning a spot in the state brackets. He will join Dostmukhammad Bakhtiyorov, who also claimed fourth place at 144 pounds, and Ralph Riche, who was the runner-up at 285. The Conchs placed fifth overall in a pool of 26 teams spanning from the Southernmost City to Clewiston. The state championships begin on Thursday, Feb. 29 with weigh-ins and the first round of action, culminating on Mar. 3 with finals.

Key West’s three state-qualifying wrestlers Abram Canet, left, Ralph Riche and Dostmukhammad Bakhtiyorov with coach Chaz Jimenez. CONTRIBUTED

CONCHS TAKE THIRD AT CALVARY INVITE

Conchs and ’Canes look strong at season start

Key West’s track team made the trip to Calvary Christian High School to participate in a invitational open to a dozen of South Florida’s best teams on Feb. 23. The Conchs won third place in both the boys and girls competitions, with several individual winners already showing prowess.

Cross country champ Caylaa Makimaa showed her speed on the track, winning the 3200 in 12:01, more than a minute in front of her closest competitor, and claiming second place in the 800. Grace Andrew cleared the 110 hurdles in 18.54 seconds for a first-place finish in the event. She went on to claim third place in the 400 hurdles and eighth in javelin.

Key West showed its typical prowess in the pole vault. Anabel Portuondo (second), Kaylee Matas Cabezuelo (third), Riley Richard (fourth) and Ariel Newton (seventh) all claimed top-10 spots. On the track, Naima Thomas was eighth in the 1600 and ninth in the 800 event, while Laira Anaya (fifth) and Ava Gonzalez (sixth) won points in the distance events. Other notable Lady Conch performers in field events were Abigail Cowan, who was second in long jump and fourth in triple jump. Audrey Smith was seventh in both discus and javelin.

The boys team also fielded a pair of winners at the event. Suharevskis Niks-Davis vaulted 14’ 3.25”, matching his previous personal best in his quest to beat the school record and upgrade his silver medal from states last season. Peyton Zubieta was the first-place winner in javelin with a 169’ 3” toss. The Conchs fared well in that event, claiming four of the top 10 spots with Te’Von Watson (second), Jeremiah Harvey (fourth) and Anthony Jenner (seventh). Jenner also claimed eighth place in shot put while Jean Louis edged him out by two spots for sixth in the event. Louis claimed a fourth place spot in discus and Noah Mercer was sixth to round out the throwing events.

The jumpers looked strong with Bronson Etienne (fourth) and Malachi Telisma (fifth) clearing the bar in the high jump. Jeff DeJean took a pair of fourth-place finishes in long and triple jump. Clerff Alexandre came in third in triple jump and eighth in long jump. Teammate Shane LaVallee was sixth in the 100 and took seventh in the 200. Jeremiah Harvey was third in the 110 high hurdles.

Distance runners Andrew Fedor, Colbin Hill and Daniel Roy proved they haven’t lost their mojo from cross country season. Fedor was fifth in both the 1600 and 3200 while Hill (fourth) and Roy (eighth) finished the 3200 in the top 10. Key West will return home on Tuesday, March 12 to host Marathon and Coral Shores in a Monroe County tri-meet.

Coral Shores traveled to Miami on Feb. 23 to start their track and field season at the Spartan Invitational against more than 20 schools. Despite competing against a slew of larger schools and private school teams, the 2A Hurricanes had two athletes finish in the top 20. Alaric Rodriguez ran the 1600 in 4:54 for 14th place, and Xavier Johnson secured 11th place in the 110 hurdles, clearing them in 18.41s. On March 7, the ’Canes will host Marathon in Tavernier for the Fins’ first competition of the season.

THE KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP PODCAST

Getting on ‘track’ with the 2024 spring sport season

Join us as we dive into the thrilling world of high school sports, delivering insights, analysis and updates on all the key matchups, standout performances and the latest news from the field, track and mat. Whether you’re a dedicated fan, an athlete, or just looking to stay informed about the local sports scene, we’ve got you covered.

In our upcoming episode, we’ll take a closer look at the standout moments in Florida Keys prep sports action this week.

But that’s not all - we’ll also be diving headfirst into the world of prep track and field. We’ll be running through the fastest times, furthest throws and highest jumps from the latest track and field events. From sprinting to hurdling, javelin throws to high jumps, we’ll keep you up to speed on the incredible performances and recordbreaking moments from the field and track events in the Florida Keys.

Marathon’s Fab Louis Jeune (and his Pringles socks) are ready for the 2024 track season. BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Public Meeting

Announcement – Monroe County Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB)/ Monroe County Board of County Commissioners

The Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB) will meet

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

at 2:00 PM in the Harvey Government Center, BOCC Meeting Room on the 2nd floor, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West. 2798 Overseas Highway. The Board will discuss County Fiscal Year 2025 funding. The meeting will be a hybrid format with the HSAB meeting live at the Harvey Government Center. The public will be able to participate in-person or via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom Webinar platform.

The HSAB meeting will begin at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. The webinar will begin at 01:30 P.M., a ½ hour before the meeting, to allow time for people to join and test connections. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/83021084065

Or iPhone one-tap : US: +16465189805,, 83021084065# or +16699006833,, 83021084065#

Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 646 518 9805  or +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 830 2108 4065 International numbers available: https://mcbocc. zoom.us/u/keq86qnmGQ

For a copy of the agenda or other information, contact Oksana Christow, Grants Coordinator, in writing at 1100 Simonton St., Room 2-213, Key West, FL 33040; by phone at 305-292-4474; or by email at ChristowOksana@monroecounty-fl.

gov. If members of the public wish to submit written documentation, the documentation must be submitted to Oksana Christow prior to the meeting and no later than March 6th, 2024, by 5:00 P.M. The public is advised that some or all the members of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners may attend the meeting and discuss items that may come before the Commission.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

Publish: February 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT IV ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC IV) (Between the Long Key Bridge and mile marker 90.939) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a 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 IV 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 application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: February 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 9:00A.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

FY 2025 Destination/Turnkey Events 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. 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/ proposals/responses/ applications be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https:// monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub. com, no later than 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 30, 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 bids/proposals/responses/ applications will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days after the competitive solicitation opening, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071.

If your bid/proposal/response/ application 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 Wednesday, May

1, 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 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that

on Thursday, March 28, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Outside Legal Counsel for Monroe County Planning Commission,

Monroe County Contractors

Examining Board/ Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals

Monroe County, Florida

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.

floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00P.M. on March 28, 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 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, March 28, 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 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF ACTION RE: THE CALOOSA COVE RESORT OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC MONROE County, Florida Non-Judicial Timeshare foreclosure process

TO:

Unit Owner(s) Last Known Address

Unit/Week(s):

Amount due:

Baron Fry 2595 Edenville Path

The Villages, FL 32162

204/42

$4,450.88

Brenda Bashaw 3089 Newburgh Street Port Charlotte, FL 33952 126/35

$2,562.11

126/36

$2,562.11

Charles McClure 5087 Raintree Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15236 215/42

$3,537.26

Edward Lutz

The Estate of Edward Lutz

All heirs and devisees of the Estate of Edward Lutz

Mary Lutz

The Estate of Mary Lutz

All heirs and devisees of the Estate of Mary Lutz

units on the Claim of Lien on the following described real property, located in MONROE County, Florida, to-wit: Those certain Unit Numbers and Weeks as set forth above in CALOOSA COVE RESORT, a Condominium, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 827, Page 2050, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and all amendments and exhibits thereto, together with an undivided share in the common elements appurtenant thereto. has been filed against you. If you fail to cure the default as set forth in this notice or take other appropriate action with regard to this foreclosure matter, you risk losing ownership of your timeshare interest through the trustee foreclosure procedure established in Section 721.855, Florida Statutes. You may choose to sign and send to the trustee an objection form, exercising your right to object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure.

If you would like an Objection form, you should contact the undersigned Trustee, Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire, in writing. Upon the trustee’s receipt of you signed objection form, the foreclosure of the lien with respect to the default specified in this notice shall be subject to the judicial foreclosure procedure only. You have the right to cure your default in the manner set forth in this notice at any time before the trustee’s sale of your timeshare interest.

Objections must be made in writing to:

Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire TRUSTEE FOR THE CALOOSA COVE RESORT OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

Forrest

$4,311.36

Gary Iverson

$3,537.26

Jerald

$4,139.64

Judith Hagopian 7420 Cedar Avenue

Tacoma Park, MD 20912

124/50

$2,562.11

Kathy Gates-Mason 17360 Warrior Drive

Howard City, MI 49329

218/49

$3,537.26

Linda Asta 2 Loon Lane

Placida, FL 33946

210/18

$3,161.11

Moody Manor, Inc

7150 Holatee Trail Ft Lauderdale, FL 33330

206/20

$3,160.11

Sherry Taylor 4701 NW 45th Court Tamarac, FL 33319-3669

227/40

$3,537.26

Steven Sebby 201 Leisure Street Yorkville, IL 60560

215/50

$2,562.11

William Distaso

553 Tennant Road

Manalapan, NJ 07726

224/18

$3,160.11

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED of an action for non-judicial foreclosure of timeshare

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 29, 2024.

The date of the second publication of this notice is March 7, 2024.

Personal Representative:

Jerry A. Myers 4284 Calkins Road Flint, MI 48532

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Anthony J. Barrows

Attorney for Jerry A. Myers

Florida Bar Number: 662569

WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC

9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-8118

Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Tony@keysclosings.

201 Fletcher Avenue, Second Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 within 30 days of the first date of publication of this Notice.

If you do not object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure, you will not be subject to a deficiency judgment even if the proceeds from the sale of your timeshare interest are insufficient to offset the amounts secured by the lien.

DATED this 20th day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire, TRUSTEE TRUSTEE for THE CALOOSA COVE RESORT OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC

Publish: February 29 & March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

DIVISION: PROBATE

FILE NO.: 2024-CP-69-M

IN RE: ESTATE OF SUSAN SARI MYERS

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Susan Sari Myers, deceased, whose date of death was May 20, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent

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 29, 2024.

Personal Representative:

Matthew L. Campton

604 Riverview Flagler Beach, Florida 32136

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Richard E. Warner

Attorney

Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish:

February 29 & March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

DIVISION: PROBATE

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-293-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF MARGARETE COFFMAN

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

com Publish: February 29 & March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-79-K

DIVISION: LOWER KEYS

IN RE: ESTATE OF DONNA L. KING AKA

DONNA VIERLING KING Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Donna L. King aka Donna Vierling King, deceased, whose date of death was February 4, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. 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

The administration of the estate of Margarete Coffman, deceased, whose date of death was November 3, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ 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 22, 2024.

The date of the second publication of this notice is February 29, 2024.

Personal Representatives:

James Coffman

16618 Willoughby Drive

Williamsport, MD 21795

Scott Coffman

16618 Willoughby Drive Williamsport, MD 21795

Attorney for Personal

Representatives:

Anthony J. Barrows

Attorney for James Coffman & Scott Coffman

Florida Bar Number: 662569

WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC

9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-8118

Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Tony@keysclosings.

com

Publish:

February 22 & 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-000009-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM C. MORRIS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of William C. Morris, deceased, whose date of death was February 25, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, FL 33070. The name and address 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 PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: February 22, 2024.

Dated as of the 14th day of February, 2024.

Personal Representative: Susan F. Morris 33 East 69th Street New York, NY 10021

Attorney for Personal

Representative: Paul Rampell, Esq. Florida Bar No. 305901

400 Royal Palm Way, Suite 410 Palm Beach, FL 33480

Email: paul@rampell-law.com

Telephone: 561-833-1116

Publish: February 22 & 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER

The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for a FULL-TIME Police Officer.

Applicants must posses a current Florida Certi cation as a police of cer. Applicants will undergo a thorough background investigation, including drug screening, medical, polygraph and a psychological exam.

Salary: $60,000.

Full Health & Dental Insurance, 457 (b) Participation.

Email resume to:

Chief of Police at: chief@keycolonybeach.net

Or call for additional information: 305-289-1212 ext. 1

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

CODE ENFORCEMENT & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Reports: to City Clerk

The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for Code Enforcement & Administrative Assistant. Position includes but is not limited to data entry, preparing letters, filing and organizational skills, front desk, answering multi-line phones, processing mail, administrative support to all Staff, ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with Commission, staff, and public, providing exceptional customer service.

Minimum High School graduate with two years of work experience in customer service and administrative support. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Applicants must possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

$49,000.00 - $52,000.00 Competitive Salary based on experience. Full benefits provided. Contact City Hall for an application at 305-289-1212, opt. 2. Applications are also available at www.keycolonybeach.net; see “City Government” then “Forms”.

Submit applications in person, via email, or by mail to: cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net, or

City of Key Colony Beach City Hall 600 West Ocean Drive PO Box 510141

Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

Attn: City Administrator Equal Opportunity Employer. Open until filled.

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS!

Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not. $CASH 305-332-0483

BIKES FOR SALE

Never used: 26" bike Hilltopper Horizon 36 volt conversion kit, thus 20 m.p.h. ++ Compare @ 899 + tax, offered @ $450 obo. Call Peter @ 305 741 7422.

BOATS FOR SALE

1986 SeaRay 268 Sundancer - Live aboard, furnished, on trailer at Grassy Key Marina, Marathon. $9,000 Call Ben at 712-790-1333

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

Fly N Fish Sailboat, 1981, 36' diesel, low mileage, one owner. Located in Marathon. $18,000 OBO. 305-709-7234

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

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

CAMPING SITE

Camping site at marina available in Marathon. $30/day + misc. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. 305-610-8002

EMPLOYMENT

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder is hiring an overnight Security Guard- responsibilities include but are not limited to observing marine mammals to ensure quality care, the ability to follow written instructions, and follow protocol and procedures as directed. Candidates must be able to lift 50 lbs and must be able to stay awake and alert for a 13.5 hour shift (5:30pm7am). DPMMR is a drugfree workplace. To apply, please send your resume to andreaw@dpmmr.org.

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.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

SUDOKU SOLUTION

Immediate job opening for part-time Housekeeper in Key Colony Beach. Mostly weekends. Will offer top pay for right person. Call Continental Inn Beachside: Michelle 952-208-2850; Cheryl 305-505-8747

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 pigeonkey@aol.com for additional details.

City of Marathon

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

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 or 305-296-5621

Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

Place your

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

HOBBIES/COLLECT. YARD SALES

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

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

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

2BR/2BA Furnished Apartment in Key Largo. Top floor of conch house, full kitchen with new appliances, living room, covered deck, W/D on site, pets ok, NO SMOKING in unit. $2750/mo. incl. utilities. Background check and references required. Call Tim for more info 516.526.4820

Large One Bedroom Suite, Conch House, carpet, tile, appliances, available for rent in Marathon. $2,000/month furnished, $1600/ month unfurnished includes electric, water, sewer, cable & internet. No Pets. 305-610-8002

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

RV LOT FOR RENT

Large RV Lots for Rent in Marathon. Full hook up. Dry & Waterfront lots. $1300$1700/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

VACATION RENTAL

WANTED

Senior Canadian couple, excellent tenants, seeks Keys vacation rental January to March 2025. Must have reliable internet, 3 bdrms, 2 bath, on or close to beach. Contact elaine@newmanarb.com or 416 618 4413

YARD SALES

Community-wide Yard Sale - Sat. March 9 from 8a-3p. Community of Port Antigua, MM 74.5 Individual yard sales throughout neighborhood.

Cudjoe Gardens

Community-wide Yard Sales, Saturday, March 2nd. 8AM-2PM. (MM 21) Drost, Sawyer, and Colson Drives - Follow the signs. Fishing supplies, Tools, Furniture, Lamps, Housewares, Plants, Costume Jewelry, Clothes, & Various Treasures.

Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305743-0844 today!

Now Hiring Per Diem CNA

Schedule

The per diem CNA - hospice aide performs personal care, homemaker assistance and defined nursing procedures in the homes of patients and their families. For more information, including job duties, qualifications and application, please visit:

chaptershealth.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/jobs

Chapters Health Hospice is your community-based, not-for-profit hospice in the Florida Keys.

Chapters Health Hospice is a dba for Good Shepherd Hospice, an affiliate of Chapters Health System, initially licensed in 1984.

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

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

O/S

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

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.

Come join our family! EOE

Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org.

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

Workshop Manager (Key West)

FT administrative, salaried position. The Workshop manager will be responsible for all phases of the operation of the Adult Day Training Program in accordance with The Agency for Persons with Disabilities and Medicaid Waiver minimum standards. This includes the worksites and contracts, personnel, and training programs. The Workshop Manager will maintain a close liaison with the Group Home Managers and Medical Staff in order to maintain program consistency. Bachelor’s degree required and 2 years’ experience in field required. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. FL driver’s license with clean driving record. Pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references.

Come join our family! EOE

Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org. Phone: 305-294-9526 *32

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

LOCATION:

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for Distribution System Operators to perform semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transapplicants. Requires a High School, Diploma or GED and valid Florida Driver’s License. Salary: $50,376.48. Excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement.

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE

- Medical Assistant, Marathon, Orthopedics, Part Time

- Ortho Support

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 Of cer

Behavioral Health Counselor (Child) Case Manager (Adult, Forensic)

MARATHON

Prevention Specialist (any location)

Admission Specialist

Coordinator (PT) Driver (CDL)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

RNs/LPNs - 3 shifts (PT/Per Diem)

Peer Support Specialist

*Support Worker – Assisted Living (PT)

*Behavioral Health Technicians 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

*No

THEME: THE OSCARS

ACROSS

1. Anti-seniors sentiment

6. ____ PÈrignon, Champagne

9. Big Bang’s original matter

13. Prefix for earliest

14. Call to Maria

15. Bob and ____

16. “Peter, Peter Pumpkin ____”

17. “Le ____ des cygnes”

18. Like yesteryear

19. *Greta Gerwig’s Oscar nominated movie

21. *He’s nominated for playing Leonard Bernstein

23. Nothing

24. White ____ shopping event

25. Federal food safety agency, acr.

28. It ran away with the spoon

30. ROTC happenings

35. Figure skating jump

37. Grad

39. Arrogant one

40. Archaic preposition

41. PassÈ

43. Scrubbed

44. Sugarcoating

46. Money in Mexico City

47. What DJs do

48. Trickery

50. Swerves

52. Sigma Alpha Epsilon

53. *Typical number of nominations in one Oscar category

55. Emergency responder, acr.

57. *”Nyad” nominee

60. *What kind of moon?

63. “Finnegan’s Wake” author

64. Mother load offering

66. Java cotton tree

68. Artemis’ companion

69. Fat of olives

70. *What actors do

71. Spinner’s product

72. Wisecrack

73. Like Phoenix

DOWN

1. Cornelius of the movies

2. Snap up

3. ‘I’ in Greek alphabet

4. Howard of radio fame

5. Death-related

6. One of the Earnhardts

7. Spermatozoa counterparts

8. Muhammad’s birthplace

9. Review service, with .com

10. Use a ladle

11. At any time

12. *”No Country for Old ____” multi Oscar winner

15. Suitors

20. Trojan War story

22. “Just an ____-fashioned love song”

24. Slumber

25. Fl., as in fl. oz.

26. “A Confederacy of ____,” sing.

27. Place above a ceiling

29. Dueler’s strike

31. Overnight lodgings

32. Shoelace bunny ears

33. Divine saying

34. *Producer and star of “Poor Things”

36. *”The ____ of Interest”

38. Table hill

42. Wooden pin

45. *Like nominated ones

49. Love-love, e.g.

51. Meat-cooking contraption

54. Roaring of an engine

56. Hindu religious teacher

57. Forum, pl.

58. Deed hearing

59. Medical diagnostic test

60. Abe Lincoln’s hat material

61. #20 Down, e.g.

62. Traditional learning method

63. *Da’Vine ____ Randolph

65. Orinoco or Grande

67. *Ryan Gosling’s character