Upper Keys Weekly 24-0307

“You

5

KEYS NEWSPAPERS

89240 Overseas Hwy. Suite 2 Tavernier, FL 33070

Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Editor / Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Digital Editor / Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com

Account Executive

Oliver Allison oliver@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

305.743.0844

Se habla español THE UPPER KEYS 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

Monday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

@KeysWeekly

@theWeekly

Members of

3,667

Iowa Hawkeyes’ star guard Caitlin Clark sits atop the all-time scorer list in Division 1 basketball for men and women. Clark scored 35 points against the Ohio State Buckeyes on March 3 to break “Pistol” Pete Maravich’s 3,667 points. As of March 3, she had 3,685 points.

The major league Pirates run the bases during the Florida Keys Little League’s opening ceremonies at Key Largo Park on March 1. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

BALLFIELD IMPROVEMENTS ON DECK

Former coaches, community chimes in on upgrades at Founders

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Monroe County school officials want to put $5 million in upgrades to the Founders Park baseball field with new artificial turf, a multiuse building and new perimeter fencing. But they need the village of Islamorada to sign off on the plan before improvements begin on the field.

On March 4, the school district’s Pat Lefere, director of operations, and Ed Holly, Coral Shores athletic director, met with the community at the Founders Park Community Center to discuss proposed upgrades for the field, which serves as home to the Hurricanes baseball program.

“Our student athletes deserve the best. They come in and work hard. They’re student leaders and they carry that onto the ball field,” Holly said to kick off the meeting. “We have college baseball players in our midst. We need the ballpark to achieve their dreams.”

Located at the front of the park, the field was constructed under a 2001 agreement between the school district and village. Per the pact, the district pays for field improvements, which in the past has included resurfacing projects and new fencing.

Last November, the school board voted 4-1 to award design and construction of ballfield upgrades at the park to Chris-Tel Construction. The approval, however, is contingent on the village council’s approval.

Members of the local baseball community, from current high school players to former coaches, as well as council members and other residents listened to Lefere discuss the school district’s plans. Lefere said the process began in 2021 when the baseball program discussed the need for improvements. Talks ensued between the district, village staff and stakeholders with the baseball program.

A contract hasn’t been finalized yet, as the village must give its approval before moving forward. Lefere said there’s also no formal design of the project despite renditions from contractors seen by some in the public.

Pat Lefere, director of operations for the Monroe County School District, left, and Ed Holly, Coral Shores athletic director, discuss proposed improvements to the Founders Park baseball field, which is home to the Hurricanes program, during a community meeting on March 4. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Former Hurricanes baseball coaches Doug Mientkiewicz, right, and Joe Molinaro discuss issues with the field’s current state.

NEW AUDIT RAINS MORE CRITICISM ON TDC

Tinsely Advertising receives a good review

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

The Monroe County Clerk’s Office dropped a third audit of the Florida Keys’ multimilliondollar tourism marketing agency on Feb. 28, this time reviewing the advertising services outsourced to a Miami firm.

Clerk Kevin Madok’s office took a deep dive into Tinsley Advertising & Marketing’s financial dealings with Monroe County from Oct. 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2023, giving the firm a positive review. But yet again, auditors found problems with the Tourist Development Council’s management.

In reviewing its handling of advertising services, the clerk’s office found a lack of transparency by the TDC, which between fiscal year 2022 and 2023 increased its advertising budget by more than 60% – from $18.6 million to $30.2 million – without providing “any economic justification for such a material increase.”

The TDC’s 2024 advertising budget is even higher, at $36 million, the audit states. That’s a 19% increase from the previous year.

It’s possible there are valid reasons for the budget more than doubling within a year, auditors said, but the budget request prepared by TDC marketing director Stacey Mitchell “did not provide any economic justification for such a material increase,” they wrote, without naming Mitchell, as has been their practice in the audits.

“The TDC’s budget documents are not transparent and not easy to understand,” the audit says.

In 2023, the TDC’s overall budget rose by 45%, while the advertising budget for Tinsley increased nearly 88% between fiscal years 2019-2024.

The Tinsley audit is nothing like the initial scathing audit of the TDC,

released Oct. 31, 2023, which found repeated noncompliance with Monroe County’s purchasing policy and lack of management oversight, along with ethical concerns, and a follow-up audit of NewmanPR that used the term “fiscal arrogance,” and exposed that the company used a nonexistent company to seek reimbursement.

Madok’s office recommended the TDC work with the county Office of Management and Budget to develop an annual budget process and reports that clearly show how the TDC intends to spend its allotted budget during the fiscal year.

“Further, any material budget increases/decreases for key aspects of TDC’s operations (e.g., advertising, public relations, research, digital services, etc.) should be thoroughly discussed in TDC’s budget documents.”

Also, auditors reviewed the advertising bid process and said the TDC needs a reset.

While the TDC followed the required steps for issuing a request for proposals, auditors questioned whether the RFP document they used “impeded prospective vendors from submitting proposals.”

“Due to the severity of the deficiencies, we recommended that the TDC re-bid this contract,” the audit says, referring to the Tinsley contract.

Mitchell remains suspended with pay, while auditing continues at several levels. The county hired an outside firm to review the TDC’s books; meanwhile, State Attorney Dennis Ward hired a forensic accounting firm.

At a special meeting in Marathon on Feb. 20, the TDC’s board rejected a motion from County Commissioner Craig Cates to fire Mitchell, in a 7-2 vote.

SMALL PLANE CRASHES ON OCEAN REEF GOLF COURSE

Pilot airlifted to Miami hospital

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

One man was injured on March 1 when the singleengine plane he was flying crashed into the Ocean Reef golf course while landing at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo

The 66-year-old pilot was taken to Jackson South Hospital by a Miami-Dade County rescue helicopter, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. He was in stable condition, a source familiar with the crash told Keys Weekly.

Per the flight tracker FlightAware, the plane left Pompano Beach around noon on March 1. The plane, a Cirrus SR-20, arrived at Ocean Reef less than 40 minutes later. The plane belongs to Baker Consulting LLC out of North Dakota.

The Florida Highway Patrol and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. FHP said the investigation has been turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

A small plane crashed at Ocean Reef Club’s golf course on March 1 MCSO/ Contributed

Ocean Reef Club is an exclusive gated community in Key Largo with two 18-hole golf courses and a private airport. About a mile northeast of Key Largo, the airport’s runway is 4,456 feet long and 70 feet wide, according to the club.

— Jim McCarthy contributed to this report.

TANKER CATCHES FIRE IN KEY LARGO

Driver reported an explosion

Afuel tanker caught fire while traveling on U.S. 1 in Key Largo on March 3. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the driver reported hearing an explosion just before the blaze. The driver subsequently pulled into the Speedway gas station at MM 99. The tanker then moved to a parking lot next to the gas station. Deputies quickly responded and evacuated the area. The fire was reported to the sheriff’s communications officers at 7:40 a.m. By 8:05 a.m., firefighters had extinguished the fire. MCSO/Contributed

The Monroe County Clerk’s Office released the third audit related to the Tourist Development Council’s financial practices on Feb. 28. This audit reviewed advertising services. DAN EIDSMOE/Contributed

KEY WEST MOURNS BELOVED TEACHER AND COACH DEXTER BUTLER, 37

Cause of death still unconfirmed following fall into storm drain at KWHS

By Mandy Miles and Gwen Filosa

Beloved Key West teacher and basketball coach Dexter Butler died suddenly on March 2, when a freak accident shattered the community. Butler’s body was found in a storm drain outside Key West High School, police said. He was 37. No foul play is suspected.

Monroe County Schools Superintendent Theresa Axford said 37-yearold Dexter Butler, the son of Bill and Anita Butler, drowned after falling into a storm drain outside the high school gym.

“His keys fell down the drain,” Axford told Keys Weekly. “He was reaching for them, lost his balance and fell face first, then drowned in 18 inches of water in the drain. Really a tragedy on many levels.”

At midday, Key West police were at the high school at 2100 Flagler Ave. The driveway leading to the gym was blocked off with yellow crime scene tape. Small groups of students, teachers, other coaches and Butler relatives clustered on the campus in disbelief.

Police called it a death investigation, saying it doesn’t appear suspicious, but they said it was too early to release a cause of death or speculate on exactly what happened.

“I can’t release anything on an open death investigation until detectives get the autopsy report and the case is closed,” police spokeswoman Alyson Crean told Keys Weekly two days after Butler’s death.

On the morning of March 2, Key West police and fire departments were dispatched to the high school, responding to a report of an injured person.

“Upon arrival, units observed an adult male in a storm drain near the school gymnasium,” KWPD said in a statement. “The investigation is ongoing. The body has been recovered and identified as Dexter Butler, of Key West, who is a teacher at Horace O’Bryant School and the high school basketball coach.”

The death investigation was taking place on a Saturday when people were at the school. Teens were on campus for team sports.

School officials initially canceled all sports activities for the rest of the day. But the Butler family wanted the evening baseball game to happen as a tribute to the man many in Key West knew as “coach Dex,” coach Ralph Henriquez told Keys Weekly before the game started.

Conch baseball players, many of whom had Butler as a teacher at HOB, or as their JV baseball coach a few years ago before he started coaching basketball, also wanted to play in honor of Butler, who as a KWHS senior hit .475 with 28 RBIs, 22 runs, 3 home runs as 13 stolen bases, according to his records at the University of South Florida.

“I left it to the kids after the Butler family said they wanted us to play in honor of Dexter,” Henriquez said in the dugout before the game. “So we’re playing this game in his honor tonight.”

The Conchs defeated Spanish River 3-2 at Rex Weech Field that evening. A community mourns Dexter Butler followed in the footsteps of his local sports legend father Bill Butler in becoming a Key West basketball coach.

Butler grew up to coach KWHS basketball on the court named in honor of his dad.

The younger Butler often posted about his players on his Facebook page. The latest one was from Feb. 11:

“Our season came to an end last Thursday at the hands of Gulliver Prep,” Butler wrote. “I cannot be more proud of the strides these young men made from last off-season to this basketball season. Next season will be something special, but with great expectation comes great responsibility.”

Reports of Butler’s death stunned the tight-knit island community. Hundreds turned out the night after his death at Horace O’Bryant School for a candlelight vigil.

Key West Little Conch Baseball page posted their condolences to Butler’s family on Facebook: “He was an amazing asset to our Key West community and will be greatly missed.”

All students at Key West High School wore red on March 6 to honor Butler, deputy superintendent Amber Acevedo told the Keys Weekly.

1. Baseball players from Key West and Spanish River high schools kneel in prayer before the March 2 game at Rex Weech Field in Key West, in a tribute to Dexter Butler, who died in a tragic accident earlier that day. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly

2. Dexter Butler, 37, died March 2, 2024. CONTRIBUTED

3. Dexter Butler was a standout baseball player at both Key West High School and then the University of South Florida. USF/Contributed

4. Children participate in the March 3 candlelight vigil in memory of Dexter Butler. JONATHAN CRANE/Contributed

MEASLES OUTBREAK IN BROWARD A CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Local pediatrician urges vaccination

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

By late February, nine cases of the highly-infectious measles were reported in Broward County. The outbreak began at an elementary school in Weston on Feb. 16, bringing concern to many in the health and school communities over the possibility of more cases.

Health professionals like Florida Keys pediatrician Dr. Stan Zuba also took issue with the Florida surgeon general’s response to the recent outbreak.

As confirmed measles cases reached six on Feb. 20, State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo issued a letter to parents of Manatee Bay Elementary to offer guidance through the ongoing outbreak. His letter delved into the data, which stated that kids who received their full series of measles, mumps, rubella vaccine are 98% protected from contracting measles. Those who didn’t get the vaccine, however, have a 90% chance of contracting measles if exposed.

When measles is detected at school, unvaccinated kids are usually recommended to stay home for up to 21 days. Ladapo’s statements, however, deferred to parents and guardians on whether to send their kids to school. Ladapo’s statements alluded to a high immunity rate in the community and the burden on families of keeping healthy children out of school.

“Broward County School District is prepared to provide continuous learning to all children at Manatee Bay Elementary School whose parents/guardians choose to keep them

Dr. Stan Zuba.

at home,” Ladapo’s letter stated. “If someone in your household contracts measles, all members of the household should consider themselves exposed and monitor symptoms.”

Ladapo’s decision to give parents the ultimate say in sending their kids to school went against public health policy, Zuba said. The virus is one of the most infectious diseases known to mankind, Zuba said, and can live on surfaces for several hours.

“The American Academy of Pediatrics says if you’re not vaccinated or you’re at risk, you should stay out of that institution for 21 days until the risk of contagiousness is gone. And now he (Ladapo) is bucking that.”

In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. Outbreaks still occur in the states, however, since measles is commonly transmitted in many parts of the world. The majority of cases in the U.S. are among people who haven’t received the measles vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Common symptoms associated with measles include fever, rash, cough and watery eyes. Symptoms can worsen to brain infection or measles pneumonia, which can be fatal.

Per the Florida Department of

Health, measles can spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

Zuba said those who received the vaccination shouldn’t worry about contracting measles. Those who haven’t received the vaccine, however, are putting themselves at high risk. According to a report by NPR, 8% of kindergartners attending Broward County schools weren’t vaccinated.

“We need at least 93% of our population to be vaccinated against measles to prevent it from becoming widespread. And we’re just barely at that point now,” Zuba said. “I’m concerned about it spreading, especially if we’re not doing what we’re supposed to do based on the guidance of our supposed leader of public health.”

Per the health department, a second dose of measles, mumps, rubella vaccine is recommended on or after a child turns 4 and prior to entry into kindergarten. Florida allows for religious exemptions to school vaccination requirements, however. In that case, a request for religious exemption from vaccine requirements must be presented to the school. The form is issued by county health departments only for a child who is not immunized because of his/her family’s religious tenets or practices.

Zuba said the benefits of vaccinating against measles far outweigh the risks. He urged parents to listen to their health care providers and not “people’s opinions.”

“Nothing is 100% safe, but it’s more than 1-million-to-one chance that you’ll have any sort of serious reaction to measles vaccine. Whereas if you get measles there’s a much higher percentage chance you’ll get sick.”

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) stocks and offers the measles vaccine at three Keys clinics. People can call DOH-Monroe at 305-2937500 to schedule an appointment to get immunized against measles.

GOVERNOR VETOES SOCIAL MEDIA BAN BILL

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is urging the legislature produce a different, yet “superior” bill that proposes to keep minors off social media platforms which are viewed as harmful and addictive.

DeSantis vetoed legislation on March 1 that would bar those under the age of 16 from holding social media accounts. Legislators in the House and Senate face a decision to override the veto or address the governor’s concerns.

On Feb. 22, state legislators approved a bill that would prohibit minors from having any platforms which give them the ability to upload content or view activity from another user. Legislation doesn’t specifically name social media platforms like Tik Tok, Facebook or Instagram, but the bill states minors would be banned from platforms which track user activity and use addictive design features which cause “excessive and compulsive use.”

DeSantis shared his issues with the bill, specifically the lack of a parent’s decision to keep their minors off social media, as it worked its way through the House and Senate. Opponents to House Bill 1 shared similar concerns during debates on the floor.

“Protecting children from harms associated with social media is important, as is supporting parents’ rights and maintaining the ability of adults to engage in anonymous speech,” DeSantis wrote in his veto message to House Speaker Paul Renner.

Supporters like Florida Keys state Rep. Jim Mooney and Renner said legislation protects children who are vulnerable to cyberbullying and predators on social media. The bill passed the Senate via a 23-14 vote and the House with a resounding 108-7 vote of support.

Florida legislators can override the governor’s veto with a two-thirds vote or come back with a bill that addresses DeSantis’ concerns. The Florida legislature would need to act by Friday, March 8, which marks an end to a busy 60-day session.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses Legislature during the State of the State on Jan. 9. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE/Contributed

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

ADOBE STOCK

TINSLEY AUDIT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Only Cates and Key West Mayor Teri Johnston voted to let her go with four months’ severance pay.

TDC board chairwoman Rita Irwin suggested keeping Mitchell on staff in a sales position, saying she’s an expert in marketing but perhaps lacks the necessary management skills for the top job. The TDC has no chief financial officer and instead relies on the marketing director in overseeing the financials.

‘Fair and square’

Madok’s audit said it’s not questioning the quality of the work performed by Tinsley Advertising. The point is to conduct a competitive process “that is not biased and is fair to all prospective qualified vendors to ensure the county and the TDC secure the best contract at the best pricing for the taxpayers,” auditors wrote.

In a written response to Madok’s office, Tinsley CEO John Underwood said the audit recognizes that they’ve done “an exemplary job of handling the Florida Keys’ advertising budget and found no evidence of mismanagement of funds.”

Underwood asked that the county keep Tinsley Advertising on through 2026, noting the Keys is their only destination account since the county has an exclusivity clause that means they can’t represent other Florida destinations.

“We have turned down offers to pitch other destinations (including Visit FL and Ft. Lauderdale) because of our commitment to the Florida Keys,” Underwood said.

“We have complied with mandatory reviews since 1986 and we have never taken our role as Agency of Record for granted,” Underwood wrote. “We have never received any special treatment from the TDC or the selection committee nor are we in any way involved in the selection committee or RFP Process with the TDC other than our submission.”

Underwood said they found out the day after the submission deadline that they were the only

firm that applied.

“We won the account fair and square,” Underwood wrote. “In the 2021 review, we worked as if our lives depended on it and pulled out all stops to create a bulletproof response to the RFP. We did new advertising campaigns, media plans and long-range strategic planning.”

Madok told the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 21 his office has a fourth audit underway on Two Oceans Digital, which handles the TDC’s website.

Tinsley passed the audit

Overall, Tinsley complied with the county contract and had proper documentation on how they spent TDC funds for valid and legal public purposes, Madok’s auditors wrote in an 18-page report included in a 165-page document.

Auditors did find a few instances of reimbursed employee expenses – totaling $1,122 – that “were not in compliance” with county code and state statute.

In three cases, an employee submitted about $300-$400 in expenses for optional rental car insurance.

Other problems in these three instances included a 27-cent payment for gas that was due to a math error when adding up receipts and a $50 meal expensed by an employee who had already received a per diem. Tinsley also sought $48.46 for an employee’s purchase of personal items like a razor, candy, wine and over-thecounter medication.

Auditors circled back to TDC’s management on these expense errors, recommending the agency provide vendors with written guidelines on what’s allowed for reimbursement and keep them updated on any changes.

The TDC board’s next meeting is set for March 26 at 10 a.m. at the DoubleTree Resort in Key West. The board does not livestream its meetings or videotape them but audio recordings are available upon request.

COLLEGE HONORED FOR ITS MARITIME CAREER TRAINING

CFK named a 2024 Center of Excellence

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced that the College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is among 32 entities designated as Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE) in 2024. This is the second consecutive time CFK has received the designation, which it will hold for the next five years. The college was among the first recognized by MARAD in 2021, the last time the designations were bestowed. The CoE designation recognizes colleges and training institutions that are demonstrably successful at preparing students for careers in the maritime industry. These institutions are located in 17 states and one U.S. territory. CFK is one of two organizations and the only college in Florida to receive the designation.

“Our country depends on a highlyskilled mariner workforce to strengthen both our economy and our national security,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a press release from MARAD. “The 32 Centers of Excellence we’re designating today will promote training opportunities outside of traditional four-year degree programs and will bring more Americans into these great maritime careers.”

For over 50 years, CFK has supported local and regional maritime industries with education and training opportunities at its waterfront Key West campus. Programs include an associate in applied science in marine engineering, management, and seamanship, certificates in marine technology and welding, as well as non-credit courses. Through these opportunities and others, the college provides professional training for careers in many maritime sectors, including gasoline

and diesel engine repair and maintenance, welding, fiberglass boat building and repair, small boat handling and operations training, diving business and technology, marine environmental technology, and ecotourism and hospitality. Over the past year, the college has expanded its marine science programs, including marine engineering courses, to its Upper Keys Center in Key Largo.

With the CoE designation, CFK can work with MARAD to enhance programs and services for students and faculty, upgrade facilities, award credit for military service, and potentially receive assistance in the form of surplus equipment or temporary use of MARAD vessels.

“This honor is a testament to the caliber of CFK’s maritime education and career training programs. It speaks to our dedication and effectiveness as a premier workforce provider,” said Jonathan Gueverra, CFK president and CEO. “The CoE designation is an important stamp of approval that CFK’s reputation and relationships with industry partners is among the best. Our students and faculty can be proud of the programs’ quality, and our partners now have additional validation of our efforts.”

CFK has active partnerships with industry and workforce education providers such as Yamaha Motor Corporation, the National Maritime Workforce Alliance, and the Professional Association of Dive Instructors. The college is a member of the Marine Trades Accreditation Program with the American Boating and Yacht Council (ABYC), the American Welding Society, the American Academy of Underwater Science (AAUS), and Diver’s Alert Network (DAN).

Left: A CFK student drives a boat with marine engineering instructor Anthony Margiotta. Right: CFK marine engineering students Cat Olortegui and Luke DeFalco work on an outboard engine. CONTRIBUTED

COMMUNITY

PRESENTATION:

PASSION ON THE CANVAS

Tavernier artist’s paintings pay homage to the romantic Florida Keys of yesteryear CHARLOTTE TWINE

Tavernier artist Annmarie Anderson’s paintings are so unabashedly romantic, you almost want to give them a little privacy.

In one, a hidden path lined with lilies leads to a trickling fountain carved into a stone wall. In another, a boat rests at a dock on still, mirrorlike water. And in yet another, a long, balustraded porch frames a sandy white beach that is so perfect, it can only be found in dreams.

One can easily imagine a lovers’ tryst taking place in any of these locations.

But such idyllic images are to be expected. Annmarie and her husband, Jimmy, have been in Old Tavernier for so long that they got to experience a sleepy, dreamy Florida Keys — they live on a street called “Coconut Row”— that many fear no longer exists.

Luckily for us, we can still experience this old-school paradise ourselves by viewing Annmarie’s paintings, which are currently on display in a solo exhibit at Islamorada library.

Annmarie (her family and friends call her “Annie”) told Keys Weekly that she is naturally drawn to painting the island chain’s unique gardens, water scenes, boats and buildings. The exhibit displays artworks that were created from the 1980s to the present out of acrylics, watercolors and pastels.

“I just think I was meant to paint,” she said. “I’ve been painting and drawing since I was little. I love trying to capture a mood.”

She grew up just outside of Chicago along with nine siblings. The family moved to Key Largo in 1972 when her father bought Rock Reef Resort, and, she said with a laugh, “we all became the maids and gardeners.”

1: Anderson’s artworks portray a romantic and idyllic Florida Keys, such as this watercolor, called ‘Pierre’s.’ CONTRIBUTED. 2: The ‘Serenity’ watercolor uses dark colors to capture a dramatic mood.

Annmarie went back to the Midwest to study art and interior design at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, then returned to Florida to attend Miami-Dade Community College and Florida International University.

But her fate in the Keys was sealed when she met Jimmy Anderson.

“I knew she was a talented artist the day I met her,” he recalled. “She painted a conch shell on a piece of driftwood for my birthday.”

He was smitten.

“Forty-three years ago, I asked Annie to marry me under Snake Creek Bridge,” he said. “Thank god she said ‘yes.’”

The couple described days of hanging out at the Lagoon Saloon on the beach at Plantation Yacht Harbor, which was where Founders Park is now. They would waterski and windsurf, then go diving to grab a lobster for dinner.

“A few paintings from that time and area are in the show,” Annmarie said.

Among other jobs, she worked in retail and at an interior design firm in Ocean Reef; then she finally landed at the Monroe County public library system, from which she recently retired.

Library co-workers and patrons alike loved Annie. Key Largo library staff member Cary Reyes booked her for an exhibit in Key Largo this past fall.

“She’s an amazing artist and an amazing human being,” Reyes said.

Naomi Trevino, Islamorada library branch manager, was only too happy to book Annmarie for the current exhibit at her own library.

“Annie is a humble, loving indi-

vidual whose heart is bigger than she is,” Trevino said. “I had the pleasure of getting to know the artist as a person and a co-worker before ever viewing her art. When the opportunity arose to experience her art, I saw Annie. Her warmth, her zest for life, and all that daily passion I had grown to expect from Annie translated onto canvas.”

Over the years, Annmarie, who loves a challenge, has taken on many commissions. Subjects range from the predictable — such as beloved pets and prized catches of fish — to the unexpected. She was recently asked to paint a picture of a woman spelunking in a cave wearing bat earrings.

Local real estate agent Karan Moeller said she often commissions Annmarie to paint clients’ homes as closing gifts.

“She replicates everything beautifully and turns it into art,” said Moeller.

“Each picture holds a unique piece of her heart and the love for others that she shares daily with everyone she meets,” Trevino said. “Annie offers us the opportunity to slow down and take the time to peek at what we take for granted around us through her loving view.”

Annmarie’s exhibit is on display through March 21 at Islamorada library, located at 81830 Overseas Highway, gulfside; library hours are Monday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To inquire about commissions or sales, email the artist at annmarie@keysfineart. com. For more information, go to keysfineart.com.

3. ‘Barber’s Baby’ is a watercolor that was commissioned in honor of the smaller boat in the foreground. 4. Artist Annmarie Anderson loves to paint tropical foliage, such as in the acrylic ‘Secret Garden.’ 5. Anderson’s paintings are also on permanent display at Key West Art Center, seen here.

BOAT OVERTURNS OFF KEY LARGO

One airlifted with injuries

Avessel with four occupants overturned off Key Largo on March 2. One rider was airlifted with injuries, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred near MM 94, bayside, not far from Mike Forster Memorial Park. Around 4:30 p.m., the sheriff’s office received a call of a vessel that flipped. Good Samaritans were able to get the four riders from the vessel and transported them to the park. One patient was airlifted with a possible broken leg and other broken bones. Two other riders were reportedly transported via ambulance to the hospital with unknown injuries.

— Keys Weekly staff report

BALLFIELD

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

“We’re really at square zero on this project. There’s going to be an opportunity for the village council to engage throughout the process,” Lefere said.

Installation of artificial turf to replace natural grass is a larger component of the project proposal. Lefere said turf was installed at two other locations in the school district.

“From an athletics and facilities maintenance standpoint, it’s been highly successful,” Lefere said.

In addition to turf, the project proposes to construct a roughly 2,000-square-foot multi-use building with a concession stand, press box, locker rooms and restrooms. New bleachers and perimeter fencing are also proposed, as well as moving the backstop forward to prevent foul balls from reaching U.S. 1.

Tony Hammon recently took over as the Hurricanes head baseball coach. Once a firm believer in sod, Hammon said artificial turf is the only feasible option for other sports than baseball which use the field.

Hammon said he went to Key West to coach a junior varsity team on March 2. There, he interviewed coaches and got a firsthand look at the artificial grounds.

“I’m absolutely convinced that it’s the only way to go,” Hammon said in relation to artificial turf. “It’s the safest. I didn’t see a single hop that did anything other than do a pure roll on that field.”

Former Hurricanes baseball coaches Joe Molinaro and Doug Mientkiewicz also stressed the need for improvements to the field. Mientkiewicz, former MLB first baseman, said he had the opportunity to play on fields around the world. Mientkie-

AAA: Gas prices rise 3 cents

Florida gas prices averaged $3.34 per gallon on March 3. The state average was 3 cents more than a week ago, and 3 cents less than this year’s high of $3.37 per gallon.

“Florida gas prices inched higher last week and are likely to get even more expensive either this week or next,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. “Gasoline futures shot up 30 cents late last week. That’s an indicator that summer-blend gasoline has moved into the market. Drivers should expect a jump at the pump, but how much remains to be seen.”

League of Women Voters host recycling coordinator

wicz didn’t mince words when it came to the state of the Founders Park ballfield.

“This field is currently the worst I have ever stepped foot on,” he said. “Coaching over the last three years, we could not take ground balls because I was afraid for the kids’ safety.”

Mientkiewicz said the field’s condition led to players’ injuries last year, including his son, Steel, who tore his ACL. Steel is now playing for Key West High School.

“The facility was so bad I was afraid to put my own kid out there with a bad knee,” he said.

Molinaro, a 1991 Coral Shores graduate who played school baseball, said a resurfacing of the field at Founders lasted about three months before weeds took over.

“The school tried to help out the situation,” he said. “Grass is not feasible.”

Capt. Ed Davidson, a former school board member, has been critical of the process involving improvements to the baseball field. He also shared issues with artificial turf, which he said are full of PFAS (poly-fluoroalkyl substances).

“Those are not chemicals you should want your kids rolling around on the ground in. There’s serious environmental impacts of artificial turf and they should be dealt with,” Davidson said.

Josh Moreira, Upper Keys Little League president, said the safety and future of kids in baseball depends on a good field. He said he’s had discussions with other Little League districts that want to play tournaments in the Upper Keys. Moreira said a new field would be “amazing for them to play on.”

Small bromeliads are topic of talk

David Adamusko will be praising two dozen different small but versatile bromeliads on Tuesday, March 12 at 6 p.m. at the Key Largo Civic Club. The Florida Keys Orchid, Fern & Bromeliad Society welcomes everyone to the meeting with raffles, plant sales, refreshments and friendly people.

‘Cocktails & Conductors’ set for March 14

The Florida Keys History & Discovery Center presents the “Cocktails and Conductors” fundraiser on Thursday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. Immerse yourself in a themed atmosphere reminiscent of Henry Flagler’s era.

The Upper Keys League of Women Voters (UKLWV) will host Melody Tuschel, Monroe County recycling coordinator, on Monday, March 11 at 6 p.m. at Key Largo library. Attendees can bring in their most perplexing item to see if it is really recyclable. A short portion of the meeting will be dedicated to UKLWV business. Everyone is welcome. The league is a nonpartisan organization focused on voter education and services. In this important election year, UKLWV will continue to educate voters and get out the vote in Monroe County. Visit the Upper Keys League of Women Voters on Facebook or contact uklwvtreasurer@gmail.com.

Historical society holds presentation

The Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys will host a presentation on the historical milestones of the 1850s, including the Keys wrecking industry and early lighthouses, on Monday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at Coral Isles Church. The presentation will also include a look at the Panama Railroad’s opening, the newly-designed U.S. $20 gold coins and the side-wheeled steamers of the day. The presentation is free and open to the public. Coral Isles Church is located at MM 90 on Plantation Key.

Attendees can meet special guest George Matthews, Flagler’s grandson. Enjoy an open bar and craft cocktails sponsored by Islamorada Brewery & Distillery, hors d’oeuvres and raffles. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased by scanning the QR code here.

Training for nonprofit board members

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys will hold its board member training program in Islamorada. The 2024 Leadership Success Academy will be held at the Islander Resort on Tuesday, March 26 and Wednesday, March 27.

Registration is available at cffk. org/LSA. The cost of the two-day program is $149 and includes lunch on both days and a graduation reception. The sessions will focus on leadership styles, board member roles, nonprofit finance, fundraising, communications, and strategic planning. Individuals who participate on both days will receive a certificate of completion.

A special addition this year will be a presentation from AH Monroe’s executive director Scott Pridgen, whose organization merged with the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition effective Jan. 1. He will explain the process his board went through to make this happen, and how members weighed the pros and cons of their collaboration options.

ISLAMORADA

Have you ever wanted to own your own boutique?

Now's your chance to own one of the most well-known, iconic storefronts in all of South Florida with a loyal client base. All you have to do is make it your own, open the doors, turn the music up and have fun! $295,000. For more information, call 305-393-4445 today!

PLAY BALL

Opening Night kickstarts Little League season

Young baseball players zoomed around the bases, making their way to Billy the Marlin at home plate for the Upper Keys Little League’s Opening Night at Key Largo Park on March 1. Standing at third base and directing the hundreds of players, from tee ball to 50/70, was Josh Moreira, league president. Parents watched their kids run the bases as they held their phones to capture the moment.

1: Young players with the New York Yankees run the bases. 2: Young Pirates players get ready for the start of the season. 3: Upper Keys Little League president Josh Moreira leads teams around the bases. 4: Young Marlins players meet Billy the Marlin. 5: Baseball players gather at the home plate fence as Opening Night begins at Key Largo Park. 6: From left, Mikayla Franchini, 8, Ava Tipson, 7, Alexis Randin, 10, Alex Gonzalez, 12, Isla Mann, 10, and Edelle Attales, 10, sing the national anthem.

Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly Full gallery at keysweekly.com.

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Islamorada Village of Islands

Meeting Schedule March 2024

Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada

Monday, March 11, 5:30 p.m. Local Planning Agency

Tuesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 14, 5:30 p.m. Regular Village Council Meetings

Monday, March 18, 5 p.m. Workforce/Affordable Housing Citizens Advisory Committee Islamorada

Islamorada Administrative Center and Public Safety Headquarters, 86800 Overseas Highway, Third Floor Conference Room

Two or more members from the Village Council and members from various Village Committees may be present at meetings. These meetings are open to the public. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommodations to participate in this meeting because of that disability should contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA@Islamorada.fl.us or by phone at 305-664-6448 at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting.

To participate via Zoom, please scan code to the Village Calendar and refer to the Public Notice for specific meeting log-in information.

Islamorada, Village of Islands

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOUNDERS PARK BREAKWATER RESTORATION PROJECT RFP 24-07

Bid Submittal Deadline: 3:00 p.m. April 3, 2024

Islamorada, Village of Islands is seeking formal proposals from qualified proposers to provide services for the stabilization, elevation and reestablishment of the approximately 1,700 -footlong Breakwater surrounding the Founders Park Marina according to plans provided by the Village (the “Project”)

A site visit is highly recommended to view the current conditions of the breakwater. Site visits must be prescheduled and must occur no later than March 15, 2024. Please contact Environmental Resources Manager Peter Frezza by email to peter.frezza@islamorada.fl.us or by phone at 305-664-6427 to schedule a site visit.

To be eligible for selection consideration, a submittal package must contain all documentation detailed in Section IX of the RFP document. Submit sealed proposal packages by certified mail or in person to:

Islamorada, Village of Islands, Attn: Village Clerk 86800 Overseas Highway Islamorada, Florida 33036

Go to https://www.islamorada.fl.us/bids.aspx?bidID=27 to view and download the bid documents including construction plans.

ECOLOGICAL GARDENING

Lecture discusses enhancing biodiversity through landscaping

“Applying Ecological Principles

in the Garden Ecosystem” is the sixth lecture of the 33rd annual lecture series, “The Delicate Balance of Nature.” Set for Wednesday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m., the lecture is sponsored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.

Speaker Cynthia Nazario-Leary is the environmental horticulture agent with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in Alachua County. Nazario-Leary will provide a foundation for understanding how to find ecological context in a garden ecosystem by delving into the fundamental definitions of ecology, its various levels, and the concepts of ecological niches and succession.

Through thoughtful design and management, she’ll explore the practical applications of these principles, and reveal why incorporating ecological principles in your landscape can lead to thriving, sustainable, garden ecosystems that enhance biodiversity and protection of natural resources.

Find out how you can make a difference in your own backyard at the visitor center and aquarium building inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The park is located at MM 102.5, oceanside, and there is no cost to enter the park for the lecture series. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the lec-

ture begins at 7:30. Seating is limited, so it is recommended that visitors arrive on time to be assured of a seat in the auditorium, which is wheelchair accessible. Bring your own cushion for added seating comfort. Temperatures in the auditorium vary and a sweater or light jacket may be desired. Please help us to accommodate those who are chemically sensitive by not wearing fragrances and other scented products.

For more information or accessibility needs, contact Elena Muratori, park services specialist, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State park, (305) 676-3786. For more information on Florida’s State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org.

— Contributed

ANNUAL SCOUT SUNDAY AT SAN PEDRO

The annual Scout Sunday celebration was held last month at San Pedro Catholic Church. The Scouts participated in the Mass as greeters. Father Ferry Brutus called Scouts and leaders to the altar, blessing and thanking them for the good work in the community. Scouts then recited the Scout oath and Scout law and invited any former Scouts in the congregation to join in.

Cynthia Nazario-Leary is an environmental horticultural agent. CONTRIBUTED

PETER SCHINELLA

Peter A. Schinella, 80, of Vero Beach, Florida, formerly of Key Largo and Tavernier, died on Feb. 21, 2024, due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on Feb. 18, 1944, in Concord, New Hampshire, Peter was the son of the late Albert and Pauline Schinella. He is survived by his wife, Carol Crombie Schinella of Vero Beach, as well as eight of his nine children and their families: His eldest son, Anthony, and his wife, Christine, and their sons, Evan and Dominic, of Concord, New Hampshire; his eldest daughter, Anna Schinella, her husband, Asa Viklund, and their daughters, Evangeline and Eliora, of Princeton, Florida; sons Simon Schinella of Homestead, and John Schinella of Key Largo, and daughter, Maria Schinella of Landstuhl, Germany; son Michael Schinella and his wife, Elaine, and their daughters, Sarabeth and Luna, and a son who is on the way, of Homestead; son Benjamin Schinella of Greensboro, North Carolina; and his youngest daughter, Rebecca Schinella of Miami.

He is also survived by his sister, Carol Carlson of Concord, New Hampshire, and her five sons, and their

wives and children. His second son, Christian Schinella, predeceased Peter. Peter led a full and somewhat fantastical life. He graduated from Concord High School, Class of 1962. Peter was a jack of all trades, working as a pilot trainer in the U.S. Air Force, a pastor at the First Baptist Church of Goulds, a missionary to Haiti, a painter, and in the marine repair sector at several marinas, as well as other jobs. Sometimes, he lived as a vagabond, taking amazing trips with his children; other times, he resided on the ocean, preferring it to dry land. Peter had numerous hobbies, including building ultra-lights, tinkering with mechanical things, constructing models, performing as a musician in several bands, and playing open mic nights. He also built three sailboats by hand, including Tré Bon Nouvel, a 100-foot sailing cargo schooner he used to bring aid to Haiti. In later life, he traveled all around the country.

A celebration of life for Peter Schinella will be held in Jupiter, Florida, on March 23. Email tonyschinella@yahoo. com for details. A burial and memorial service will take place this summer with family in Concord, New Hampshire. Scan the QR code for a longer story about Peter’s amazing life.

ART GUILD OPENS ‘WILDLIFE OF THE KEYS’ SHOW T

he Art Guild of the Purple Isles presents the fifth annual art exhibit of the winter season, “Wildlife of the Keys.” All types of Florida Keys wildlife, birds, fish and mammals, are depicted in original paintings and sculptures by artist members from the guild. An opening reception was held on March 2 at Our Place in Paradise Art Gallery, located at MM 88.7 in Islamorada. The “Wildlife of the Keys” exhibit will be on display at the gallery through March 23, Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some of the art is available for purchase. Admission is free and attendees can also enjoy the art by local, national and international

artists on display throughout the gallery. Visit www.agpi.us to learn more. Pictured is a piece from last year’s show, “Woodrat in Paradise” by David Bader.

HOW ABOUT A BRIE BITE?

Appetizer is perfect for any holiday

is a Keys native who has a passion for all things food. She runs the local food blog, “Florida Keys Eats.”

It feels like yesterday I was exclaiming “Merry Christmas” and now somehow we are at a point where Easter is a few weeks away. Whatever the holiday, I have the perfect, easy, last-minute, small-in-size, bigin-flavor appetizer for you. In fact, these are so addicting and simple, I keep the ingredients stocked for whenever I have lastminute guests. They’re called brie bites. They’re nearly impossible to mess up and they’re the first hors d’oeuvre to disappear off the table. All the ingredients are very forgiving and interchangeable, so don’t be afraid to make this your own and give it a personal twist.

Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees, then take a can of crescent rolls or a thawed puff pastry sheet and unroll it onto a lightly floured surface. Take your rolling pin and roll out the dough so it’s slightly thinner. Cut it into roughly 20-24 even squares.

Off to the side, grab your brie wheel and slice into 24 cubes. Take a mini muffin tin and give it a coat of non-stick spray such as Pam. You can use a regular muffin tin as well; they

Ingredients

• 8-ounce brie wheel

• 8-ounce tube of crescent rolls dough or one puff pastry sheet

• 1/2 cup whole berry canned cranberry sauce or fig preserves in a jar

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans

• Fresh rosemary

• Spoonful of flour for rolling of the dough

To kick it up a notch

• Sea salt

• Truffle oil

• Honey or hot honey

just won’t have as much of a raised edge. Push a dough square into each mini muffin slot. Then place a brie cube on top.

Here is where you can get creative. For the holidays, I take a teaspoon of canned whole cranberry and place a dollop on top of each brie cube. If it’s not a holiday, I’ve used everything from fig preserves to orange marmalade or even peach jam and they all taste wonderful. Now for some texture and crunch I eyeball a pinch of rough chopped walnuts or pecans to put on top. Pop this in the oven for about eight to 12 minutes; the time varies with the dough choice and toppings, so I really just keep an eye out for that gorgeous hue of golden brown.

They should also be somewhat puffed up. After they’ve reached that point I remove them from the oven and give the tiniest little sprinkle of

kosher or sea salt on top while they’re piping hot. After letting them rest for three minutes, I plate them and give the most minuscule drizzle of honey to enhance the flavors but not make this overly sweet. If you feel frisky, use hot honey.

If you really want to impress your guests, put one single drop of truffle oil on each brie bite to bring in a umami flavor profile. I finally top each amuse-bouche with two or three needle-like leaves of rosemary. These are best served warm and can be

stored inside the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. You can reheat them in the oven to melt the cheese.

The ingredient list is included for a batch of 24, but feel free to make as many batches as you’d like. You can make a whole different savory version of this dish by using brie, cooked pork sausage, sage and a teaspoon of apple butter. Easter will be here before we know it and now you’ll be ready to celebrate with these fun brie bites. Cheers and bunny ears!

Houston, We have aRocket Air Problem.

SAMANTHA DELLILO

A PINDER ISLAND HOME

One of the Keys’ early pioneer families ran a farm & a schooner

FLORIDA

This Florida Keys story begins and ends in Key West. Like many told about the archipelago, it reaches well beyond a single island.

The story is mainly about John William Pinder and a little bit about his farm, his schooner and the Red Cross house where he lived before his death. The Pinder name denotes a Bahamian connection, as many of the early pioneer families who came to the Keys from that string of islands shared the names Pinder, Curry, Albury, Johnson and so many more. John William Pinder, like most Conchs, had a nickname.

He was Brush Pinder, and often remembered as John “Brush” Pinder, and not so much as William. He was born in Key West on Dec. 5, 1870. However, Brush is not known for his time in Key West, as his branch of the Pinder family made a name for themselves on Plantation Key in what is today the Islamorada area of the Upper Keys. The 1935 U.S. Census listed John W. Pinder, head of household, as a farmer.

By 1935, Pinder’s Plantation Key farmlands had been established for decades. His homestead stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Florida Bay. Brush Pinder farmed pineapples, Key limes and melons, among other crops. These days, when driving across Plantation Key, Pinder’s former fields are easy to spot as they are now home to Founders Park at MM 87.

Before the railroad rocked, steamed and rolled down the island chain, one of the challenges for island farmers was shipping the fruits of their labor to East Coast markets. By 1896, local farmers had two options. Produce could be shipped

via steamer from Key West or the railroad from Miami.

To help himself out, Brush Pinder decided to build a schooner. He hired a gentleman, a Bahamian described as part Black and part Indian, named “Old Whiskers” Wilkerson to work alongside Pinder and John Watkins, who traveled up from Key West to build the ship. The schooner was constructed on the Atlantic shore of Brush’s homestead, and according to the stories told about the ship, Wilkerson “eyeballed” the construction of the 60-foot, two-masted, flat-bottomed, centerboard schooner designed to navigate the shallows and shoals surrounding the island chain.

Sarah Albury, the oldest child of Brush Pinder, recalled the 1903 launch of the ship – christened the Island Home – in Nikki Beare’s “Pirates, Pineapples, and People.”

“It was a sight and event I’ll never forget. All of the children were so excited. None of us had ever seen so much excitement. Everyone was laughing and joking. Oh! We all had a happy time that night.”

One of the primary uses of the vessel was shipping Pinder’s pineapples and Key limes to Miami, where they could be loaded onto the East Coast Railway train cars and reliably ushered to market in a matter of days. The Island Home transported more than fruits and vegetables, including mail, daily staples like coffee and sugar and friends and family traveling between Miami and Key West. According to a history of the ship told in the book “Key Largo Island Home” (The Key Largo Foundation Inc., 1967), during the dry season, the schooner transported barrels of fresh water “from the springs on the west shore of Key Biscayne” to Key Largo communities.

For those unfamiliar with the schooner, you have heard the name Island Home in one form or another, even if you do not realize it. While many stories have been told about Islamorada being the Purple Isles, the name has nothing to do with what is one of my favorite colors. It was named for Pinder’s schooner. Islamorada was a railroad

The Schooner Island Home with crew Adolphus Sawyer, Joe Pinder, John Pinder, Ben Albury and Charlie Chabent.

GEORGE STEVENSON/Florida Keys History Center

town established by one of Henry Flagler’s engineers, William J. Krome, circa 1907. Krome named the new townsite Islamorada, a Spanish name that can be broken down to “isla” for island and “morada” for home.

Five years later, Flagler’s train linked Miami and the mainland to Knights Key, located at the foot of what is today the Seven Mile Bridge. When it did, produce from Upper and Middle Keys farms became easier and more reliably shipped to markets. According to Brush’s daughter, the Island Home was sold in 1923 to a Miami businessman. In a story printed in the April 5, 1926 edition of the Key West Citizen, the Island Home was captured by the U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Boat C.G. 299 with 1,800 cases of liquor and 600 cases of alcohol on board. The schooner, renamed Madan, and its crew were apprehended 22 miles west southwest of Egmont Key (offshore of St. Petersburg on Florida’s west coast) and towed to Mobile, Alabama.

Without his schooner, John “Brush” Pinder traveled between his farm on Plantation Key and his family at Key West aboard the Key West Extension of Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railway. That stopped when the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane devastated the Upper Keys and ended the run of Flagler’s train.

Brush Pinder’s Plantation Key home was destroyed in the storm. In the aftermath, 28 Red Cross or hurricane houses were built for those families who lost everything in the Category 5 storm – still considered the strongest hurricane to make a North American landfall. While most of the “storm-proof” homes were built on Upper Matecumbe Key, a few were built on Plantation Key and Key Largo.

One was built for Brush Pinder and his family. For anyone who has driven across Plantation Key over the course of the last 87 years, his house is the one built next to the Old Highway, across from Founders Park, at MM 87. It has since been painted yellow and blue (or green).

John William “Brush” Pinder died in 1946. He was buried at the Key West Cemetery.

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

KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Established as a not-for-profit organization in 2007, MarrVelous Pet Rescues and Adoptions (MPR) a 100% foster-based animal rescue and adoption organization serving the Florida Keys with a mission to provide immediate counsel, care, medical treatment, and shelter for animals in need until permanent adoption is achieved, as well as to promote education for responsible animal care, spay and neuter, microchipping, and training.

With a sta of two, one full time and one part time, Kathryn Spiegel and Lisa Layne, led by a volunteer board and assisted by a team of volunteers, they handle all rescues, fosters and matches. Animals live in foster care until they are adopted. "This provides a nurturing environment and allows us to expose the animals socially as well as introduce them to home life," Suzi said. "Sta , volunteers and fosters get to know the animals which helps expedite a strong match with the adopting parties." Through MarrVelous's social media presence and our website connected to national databases, animals needing foster care and adoption are widely promoted. O en, adoptive parents share stories, photos and updates. More than 130 dogs were rehomed in 2022 with 58 of those being puppies under six month old.

Monthly activities include free community dog training with an animal trainer/behaviorist and Yappy Hours at various outdoor local establishments. At the Rescue House, fundraising and social events are held, and the annual gala is every November at Snook's Bayside.

Rescue House is at 68 Silver Springs Drive, Key Largo. 305.453.1315 | info@mprescues.org

to read books as part of the Read-A-Thon going on through March. CONTRIBUTED

HITTING THE BOOKS

Students read for worthy cause

St. James Children’s Center is kicking off the third annual Read-A-Thon fundraiser to support the non-profit preschool and VPK.

During March, students will log their reading and collect pledges based on the number of books read. Donations to the Read-A-Thon will help the school provide instructional materials, books, arts and crafts supplies, playground toys and equipment, nutritious snacks and health and safety items used by students on a daily basis.

“The Read-A-Thon has become a wonderful tradition at St. James,” said Children’s Center director Michelle Lane. “The event nurtures a love for reading, empowering young minds through the magic of books, all while raising critical funds to support our school.”

YOU CATCH THE FISH WE TACKLE THE WEBSITE

Our local, expert team combines creativity and technology to create visually stunning websites that engage your audience.

Let us help you make an impact online.

Support the students’ efforts by visiting https://stjames.rallyup.com/ read. Sponsor an individual student by making a flat pledge or pledging a specific amount for each book the student reads. Donors can also select a class to support or make a general donation to the fundraiser.

Event sponsor Sandbar Books is providing an additional opportunity to support this fundraiser. Mention St. James when shopping at Sandbar Books during the month of March and they will donate 10% of your purchase to the school. Sandbar Books, the Upper Keys’ locallyowned, independent bookstore, is located in Islamorada at MM 81.6, oceanside.

More information is available from stjamespreschoolfundraising@ gmail.com or 305-852-2161.

— Contributed

“OMG made the process of designing my Ecommerce site stress free and seamless.” Robyn Still, The Tackle Box Owner The Tackle Box is a premier full service tackle shop in the Florida Keys and has been family owned and operated for over 25 years.

Students at St. James Children’s Center are ready

THE BIGGEST PARTY IN MARATHON IS BACK

48th Original Marathon Seafood Festival is this weekend

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

In just two more days, it’s time for a weekend of seafood, music and friends – plus a few beers – at the 48th Original Marathon Seafood Festival, set to pack the Marathon Community Park with locals and visitors alike this Saturday and Sunday.

Volunteers and sponsors, along with those who prepare the timetested recipes with the bounty from the sea, are the lifeblood of the festival each year. And just as important as the food on the plates is the “recipe” perfected by the Marathon Chamber of Commerce and Organized Fishermen of Florida for nearly

THE DETAILS:

Saturday, March 9

10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday, March 10

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

half a century: ice-cold drinks, some of the best live music from South Florida to Key West, a plethora of vendors as diverse as they are talented, and a chance to celebrate our community with an event that puts Marathon on the map for travelers far and wide.

As always, visitors should eat, drink and be merry guilt-free – it’s all for a good cause, as proceeds from the festival go to fund education programs and scholarships given to MHS seniors by the Chamber and O.F.F.

So pull up a chair, drink up, chow down. We can’t wait to see you at the festival.

@ Marathon Community Park $5 admission. Kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Admission is free on Sunday for those who present a military ID.

PARKING

Stanley Switlik Elementary, 3400 Overseas Hwy. and neighboring lots wherever you can find it!

Handicapped parking available inside the park. Free parking is also available at the old Kmart parking lot at 5561 Overseas Hwy., with transportation to the festival provided by Island Trolley Tours. $5 per person buys an all-day pass on the trolley.

THE FOOD

Florida lobster · stone crab · mahi-mahi · oysters · shrimp · conch fritters · crab cakes · smoked fish dip · conch salad · lobster cakes · burgers · hot dogs · sausages

THE MUSIC

Saturday: John Bartus & Adrienne Z, 11 a.m. · The Lady A Blues Band, 1 p.m. · I-Land Vibe, 3 p.m. · The Marshall Morlock Band, 5 p.m. · The Red Elvises, 7 p.m.

Sunday: Brian Roberts, 11 a.m. · AJ & Southern Stampede, 1 p.m. · Havoc 305, 3 p.m.

EYES TO THE SKY

Saturday patrons at the Fest will get an extra treat, as two U.S. Navy F-5N Tiger II jets from Fighter Squadron Composite VFC-111, known as the “Sun Downers,” are to perform a flyover at 1 p.m. VFC-111 is the Navy’s premier adversary squadron based at Naval Air Station Key West on Boca Chica Key.

REMEMBERING BENNETT

Around the time of the Sun Downers’ flyover on Saturday, festival organizers will pay tribute to Bennett Orr, local legend and one of the driving forces behind the inception of the Original Marathon Seafood Festival. Learn more about Orr and his impact on Marathon, in the words of those who knew him best, in this year’s official Seafood Festival guide.

GET THE GUIDE

Visit keysweekly.com and click on the magazines tab to browse the official Marathon Seafood Festival guide, with a full rundown of vendors, music, scholarship recipients, and, well … everything else you might want to know.

BIG-TIME INTERVIEWS

United Kingdom media outlets chat with Pawsitive Beginnings

REEF THE FOX

Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.

Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Well, I am an international superstar now, the “scream heard around the world” so to speak.

My mom, Nicole Navarro, did two big interviews recently, one with The Independent in the United Kingdom. Then, BBC reached out to her about being on their podcast, “The Happy Pod,” which features good news from around the globe. BBC chose to play a clip of yours truly screaming for the world to hear. We have been getting all of this attention because of our unique animal-assisted therapy program.

If you’ve somehow missed the exciting news, Pawsitive Beginnings officially launched an unprecedented animal-assisted therapy program last year, where we use our stories of survival, from fur farms to freedom, to connect humans with us foxes on a much deeper level. This is a program that was born out of an idea that sharing stories of survival from the fox’s perspective has the power to help heal those who may be struggling with trauma, PTSD or circumstances beyond one’s control that have placed

them in emotional imbalance.

All of us foxes have a story to tell and when we share those stories, they have the power to heal and inspire hope. This program is available free of charge to organizations in Monroe County that are committed to helping individuals on their recovery journey.

Currently we welcome kids from the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter once a week and women from Kinder in the Keys once a month or based on when the women graduate from their program. We are also traveling to Key West once a month to present at Project Lighthouse on Truman Avenue, and we have visited Samuel’s House on an as-needed basis.

We are definitely on a roll with raising awareness about what we are doing here in the Florida Keys and I, personally, could not be more excited. So, stay tuned. I am expecting many more opportunities to head our way in 2024.

A great event happening on Saturday, March 9, is a bird walk through John Pennekamp State Park hosted by the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center. Join a guided walk and learn the basics of identifying local bird species. Meet Saturday, March 9 in front of the visitor center and aquarium at 9:30 a.m. inside the state park.

Anywho, that’s all for this week. Stay up to date with all things fox by visiting our website at pawsitivebeginnings.org and following the links to our social media account.

Until next time, Reef, over and out!

SIREN

This lovely 4-month-old kitten is looking for her permanent Keys home. She’s extremely sweet and loves to play. She also enjoys being around other cats and curiously watches dogs. If you would like to make Siren a part of your family, or to learn more about other pets available for adoption, give UKHS a call at 305-451-3848. UKHS is a not-for-profit no-kill shelter that provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals.

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, March 7

• MarrVelous Pet Rescue’s Yappy Hour from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery. Dogs must be well-socialized, vaccinated and leashed.

Friday, March 8

• Beats on the Bay music series welcomes Majesty of Rock, sounds of Journey and Styx, at 6:30 p.m. at the amphitheater at Founders Park.

• Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys’ Kentucky-derby themed Cocktail Party at 6:30 p.m. at Cheeca Lodge and Spa, Islamorada.

Sunday, March 10

• Florida Keys Brewing Co.’s ninth Anniversary Festival & Iguana Races at noon. Visit floridakeysbrewingco.com to learn more.

Monday, March 11

• Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys presentation delves into historical milestones of the 1850s, including the Keys wrecking industry and early lighthouses, at 7 p.m. at Coral Isles Church, MM 90, Tavernier.

Tuesday, March 12

• REEF Fish & Friends lecture welcomes Jason Spadaro, of Mote Marine Laboratory, on the Caribbean king crab and restoring coral reefs at 6:15 p.m. at REEF Campus, 98300 Overseas Highway, Key Largo.

Wednesday, March 13

• JOY classes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, MM 87.5, bayside, Islamorada. Visit justolderyouthinc.org to view the full schedule of activities.

• Michael Crosby, CEO for Mote Marine Lab, presents the “Florida Keys Coral Stress Event of 2023,” at 6 p.m. at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, 82100 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. Lecture is free to museum members, $10 for nonmembers and $5 for those watching virtually.

Thursday, March 14

• Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation presents Cocktails & Conductors, honoring Henry Flagler’s legacy, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the center.

Friday, March 15

• Key Largo Rotary hosts a Cajun Night from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Doc’s Diner, 99696 Overseas Highway, Key Largo. $35 per person.

Sunday, March 17

• Third annual Kids Fishing Expo, presented by the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Founders Park beach pavilion. Admission is free. For boys and girls 13 and under (must be accompanied by an adult).

PIXABAY

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

Sam

305.295.5000

• All unpaid 2023 property tax must be paid by March 31 to avoid delinquent penalties on April 1.

• The fourth and final 2023 installment property tax bill is due by March 31.

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

• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our o ce. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted.

• A local business tax is required for ALL property rentals, regardless of how long they are being rented

• Save time with our ExpressLane by prepaying your vehicle and vessel registrations online and choosing an o ce location of your choice for pickup.

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

Follow us on for more important tax information

TACKLING INVASIVES

Bird Center & task force team up for a removal effort

On Feb. 27, the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center (FKWBC) teamed up with the Invasive Species Task Force to remove invasive plants along the highway corridor of the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary in Tavernier.

The Florida Keys Invasive Task Force is addressing invasive species management within the Keys. The alliance works to address prevention, early detection, rapid response, monitoring, management, education and awareness of invasive species across boundaries. The mission is to coordinate and increase efforts to eliminate non-native plants and invasive animals by combining programs and resources.

The task force is composed of biologists, planners and natural resource managers from local, state, federal, non-profits, public utilities and concerned citizens. Agency volunteers who participated were Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Monroe County Land Steward, Nature Conservancy, Florida State Parks, FKWBC staff/volunteers and Webber, the FDOT contracted company.

The prime targets for removal were the following invasive species: lead tree (Leucana leucocephala), fast growing and drought-tolerant and Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia), one of the most aggressive and widespread invasive plants in Florida. The plants were removed and remaining roots were treated with a targeted herbicide. Seed pods from the lead tree were removed from all trimmings and disposed of properly so that they do not spread. Webber picked up all the landscaping debris.

In a few months, FWC will check and treat any invasives that have re-sprouted and remove any invasives that were missed during the work day.

The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary is a prime location for invasive plant removal as it is sandwiched between two stateowned properties that FWC manages. FWC has planned efforts for a contracted company to remove invasive plants from their state lands. Therefore, this effort will create a considerable tract of land that will remain wild with native vegetation.

— Contributed

Members of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center and the Invasive Species Task Force recently removed a number of invasive plants along U.S. 1 near the Wild Bird Sanctuary in Tavernier. CONTRIBUTED

FOUR UP, FOUR DOWN

Lady Fins start 2024 with unbeaten streak, top ranking | P.10

MARCH 7

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK LARIZ

3/9

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

MARCH 7

Lacrosse Key West 6:30 p.m.

The Marathon Dolphins’ softball team has come charging out of the gates to open the 2024 season, earning a 4-0 start and the top ranking in Florida’s 2A classification while outscoring their opponents 48-4. See page 10. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

Anthony was a warrior last night, throwing a complete game. A super performance, the kind that wins championships for ball clubs.”

– Ralph Henriquez, Conchs head coach

10

3-3 strikeouts

at the plate

High school baseball players can be under enormous pressure even in regular circumstances. Add to that the high-stakes reality of every game for a perennial contender like Key West, and it can become next-level pressure.

When senior Anthony Lariz was handed the ball last Saturday night to pitch against Spanish River, a team the Conchs had lost to one night prior on March 1, the young man became a superhero. After the tragic loss of Conch baseball legend Dexter Butler earlier that morning, Key West made the difficult decision to play the game, knowing that it was what Dexter would have not just wanted, but expected. The big righty held the collective weight of the entire island’s hopes to win it for Dexter in his hands.

And win, he did. Lariz threw a complete game, striking out 10 batters for the Conchs. He was perfect at the plate, walking twice and driving one of Key West’s 5 hits. He was perfect in the field, delivering an error-free performance on an extraordinarily difficult night. Under unimaginable pressure, Lariz did not fold; he and his team somehow managed to deliver the impossible to the grief-stricken community and won it for one of their own. For his composure at the plate and on the mound, Anthony Lariz is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

THIS WEEK

Anthony

Senior, Key West Baseball

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 locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.

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.

KEY WEST’S GREATEST HITTER REMEMBERED

Conchs’ coach and teacher left behind legacy of positivity and selflessness

The Key West community suffered an enormous loss last week with the passing of teacher, coach and athletic legend Dexter Butler. Butler was not simply a coach or a former player or a record holder – he was a truly special individual whose broad smile and kind heart touched everyone fortunate enough to meet him.

Most recently, Butler was coaching the Conchs’ hoopsters in a rebuilding year. The good-natured coach had exactly the perfect balance of patience and discipline to push his young team in the right direction. Under Butler’s leadership, the Conchs gained momentum, and the coming seasons were truly exciting to anticipate. Now, it is difficult to imagine anyone filling Butler’s shoes.

Before Dexter Butler was a coach at his alma mater, he was a typical Key West kid, playing at the junior football field, Clayton Sterling Complex and the Police Athletic League gym. He was a standout athlete in any sport he tried and often enjoyed the coaching of his father, Conch legend Bill Butler. The pairing not only afforded extra father-son bonding time – it gave a ringer to each team the duo graced.

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844

www.keysweekly.com

When Dexter got to Key West High School, he was in the shadow of his father and his brother Devin. Devin owned a state championship with Conch baseball, and Bill had won a title in basketball. Even with such great expectations for a young athlete, Dexter did not remain in the shadows long. He started out at Key West playing football, basketball and baseball, quickly becoming a standout in all three.

Dexter gave up basketball early in his high school career, then stopped playing football after his junior season. He wanted to focus on his best sport: baseball. During his three years as a Key West Conch varsity player, Dexter won two district championships. Known for his strong bat, he once hit two home runs in a single game and hit a grand slam in another one. Butler owns the Key West record for the highest career batting average. During his three-year varsity stint, he averaged .460, a mark which will likely stand for a very long time.

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

PODCAST HOST

MARKET EDITORS

After high school, Butler played ball at the University of South Florida, where he started at shortstop as a freshman. The following year, he played third base. As a junior, he moved again, starting at second base. For his final season, he transferred to Nova Southeastern, where he split the season at shortstop and third base, proving his ability to roll with the changes and be undeniably great anywhere his team needed him.

Butler was similar in his role in the community, filling any role needed and doing so with grace and positivity. “Dexter always had a smile on his face and something positive to say,” said Judd Wise, who both taught and coached Butler. “He was a great athlete and a better person.”

Key West administrator and track coach Dave Perkins agreed. “Whenever I spoke to Coach Dexter about basketball, he always stayed positive,” he said. “Even though his team was rebuilding, he always kept everything focused and his team moving in a positive direction.”

Butler’s greatest moments arguably came after his own athletic career was complete. He coached various sports, including Little Conch baseball teams, middle school basketball at Horace O’Bryant School, where he taught, and varsity basketball at Key West High. Butler also spent his time giving hitting lessons to the children of Key West who looked up to him the way he had looked up to others growing up.

When Butler took over the Conchs’ basketball program in 2022, all the coaches up and down the Keys knew: Key West basketball was back – it was just a matter of time. Coach Butler immediately started to put in the time with his team, dedicating himself to them. In the offseason, tournaments and training became the norm. Butler believed that putting in the work was important, but he also held his team to a higher set of ex-

pectations. Butler served as a strong moral compass for his players, believing that making them responsible young men was as, if not more, important than sharpening their basketball skills.

It is not often a coach, player and human being such as Dexter Butler comes along, but it seems that when one does, we often take for granted that they will grow old and continue to give so generously of themselves.

Now, at a time when the community is hurting, we need to embrace the teachings coach Butler offered and be the best we can be in sports and in life. Dexter Butler now becomes an all-time legend in Key West, joining the ranks of such revered Conchs as Tommy Roberts and Glynn Archer. He is gone too soon, but his legacy will remain and continue to grow as those whose lives Dexter touched reach out and share their time and talents with others, just as he did.

1. In 2023, Dexter Butler became the Key West High School varsity basketball coach, a job he was born to do. He was respected and loved by his players, assistant coaches and the community.

2. Dexter (second row, left) played his youth baseball in the Little Conch baseball league. In this picture, Dexter was coached by his father Bill Butler and Big Dave Burgos.

3. Butler coaches tee ball in Key West.

4. Dexter Butler during his time at the University of South Florida, where he started at shortstop, third base and second base.

5. Butler, right, with teammate and friend Clinton Storr. Butler played baseball for Key West from 2001 to 2004.

6. Butler attends the Perfect Game baseball combine. During his time at Key West High School as a player, Key West won two district titles, with Butler holding the highest career batting average (.460) in school history.

Photos contributed

6

3 2

Listen to the Sports Wrap podcast honoring Dexter Butler

HURRICANE HUNTERS

Lady Conchs defeat Coral Shores at home; boys suffer first loss

Key West’s girls had split results in their two lacrosse games last week, starting with a Feb. 27 loss to Archbishop McCarthy. Colbie Turner scored 2 goals while Maeve O’Hearn, Eisley Whitehead, Ava Brock and Kaitlyn Piloto netted 1 goal each for the Conchs. Goalkeeper Courtney Grabus had 11 saves in the loss.

On March 1, Key West hosted cross-county rival Coral Shores in The Backyard. The Conchs pulled off a 7-6 victory over the ’Canes in an exciting showdown between the Keys’ only girls teams. Senior captain Brock led the Conchs with 3 goals. Taylor Gibson netted a pair and Piloto and Turner scored 1 each. Low defender Maeve O’Hearn came up with 4 ground balls to keep the Conchs on the offensive. Ella Bishop scooped up 4 ground balls as well, something head coach Marissa Giacopuzzi called, “game changers in a tight game.”

Giacopuzzi described the win as “much needed,” crediting it in part to some big plays and dominance in draw controls and adding that Turner and Bishop, with 3 draw controls each, helped seal the win. The team’s combined 5 caused turnovers kept the Conchs in control while Grabus had 6 saves and a pair of huge interceptions in the 7-6 win. A third game scheduled for Saturday afternoon against Miami Country Day was canceled. The Lady Conchs’ next home game is a district matchup against Gulliver Prep on Friday, March 8 at 4 p.m.

Key West’s gentlemen played one last week, facing the Mavericks of Archbishop McCarthy on Feb. 27. The Mavericks handed Key West their first loss of the season in a closelyfought 8-7 battle. Smith Switzer led the Conchs in scoring

with 4 goals. Switzer had 6 ground balls to his credit as well. Noah Collins netted 1 goal and assisted 2 more along with 5 ground balls and 4 takeaways added to his season stats. Joseph Garr scored 1 goal, scooped 7 ground balls, earned 3 takeaways and forced 7 turnovers. Max Louchheim scored the Conchs’ final goal and was credited with 4 ground balls. Reif Wallen assisted on 1 goal while Eddie Moline grabbed 5 ground balls and Ryan Kight had 3 takeaways. Goalkeeper Mateo Lopez helped keep things close, saving 7 shots on Key West’s goal.

Key West remains unbeaten in district play and has a chance to add three more district wins in the coming weeks against Ransom, Westminster and Coral Shores in a rematch Tuesday, March 12 in Tavernier.

The Key West Lady Conchs and Coral Shores Lady ’Canes renew their Keys rivalry with a showdown at The Backyard on March 1. Key West prevailed, 7-6. Photos by GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly. See full game gallery at keysweekly.com.

HURRICANES BLOW CONCHS OFF COURT Lady Conchs blank Fins at home

In Keys boys tennis action, Coral Shores swept Key West on Feb. 27, with wins coming from the entire ’Canes team. Makani Burga, Aidan Althouse, Johann Smith, Erik Moerner and Corden Dean all won their singles matches. Burga and Althouse, plus Smith and Moerner, teamed up in doubles action to add another two wins for Coral Shores.

The Conchs were the big winners the following day against the traveling Marathon Dolphins. Adrien Holdinga was the lone winner for the Fins, while Key West’s Martin Burnett and Devon Soni registered singles wins for the Conchs. John Picco and Burnett also won the only doubles match against a short-handed Marathon.

In girls tennis, Coral Shores defeated Key West on Feb. 27. Key West’s Gabriela Aguero won the No. 1 singles match and Leyla Atilla won the No. 5 match for a pair of Conch wins. Olivia Hughes, Kai Guth and Kai Redruello all registered ’Canes wins in singles while Charlotte MacEachern and Hughes, plus the duo of Guth and Redruello, teamed up for two wins in doubles for Coral Shores.

The following day, Key West hosted Marathon for a clean 7-0 sweep of the Fins. Eva Drozdetskaia, Gabriella Aguero, Leyla Atilla, Juliana Strunk and Violet Jangraw won in their singles matches. Drozdetskaia teamed up with Zoe Gehin to win the first doubles match while Aguero and Strunk won the second. All three teams will become more familiar with each other this week. Key West is at Coral Shores on Thursday, March 7. Key West will face Marathon on Monday, March 11, and Coral Shores is at Marathon on Thursday, March 14.

The Hurricanes’ Kai Guth, pictured, and Kai Redruello registered victories in singles and doubles matches.

Photo by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

CONCHS OVERCOME ODDS TO WIN IT FOR DEXTER

Dolphins go 3-3 in second week of baseball action

When the Key West community needed them most last weekend, the Conchs pulled through on the diamond.

Key West played three games last week, starting off with a road win over NSU University School on Feb. 27. The Conchs needed an extra inning to defeat the Sharks, but racked up 13 hits in the win. Roman Garcia earned some extra bases with 4 total. The freshman’s bat came alive with a pair each of singles and doubles. Nelson Ong had 3 hits and Sam Holland and Jose Perdigon each had 2. Xavier Perez and Steel Mientkiewicz accounted for the final 2 hits. Jacob Burnham got the start and struck out 4 over 3 innings. Anthony Lariz, Felix Ong and Christian Koppal all pitched in to finish off the Sharks in the 3-2 win.

On March 1, the Conchs were back at home, hosting Spanish River High School. A trio of errors cost the Conchs dearly in the 5-2 loss. Noah Burnham, Jacob Burnham, Nelson Ong, Perez and Perdigon each had a base hit. Jacob Burnham started on the mound, striking out 6 in 6 innings, and Christian Koppal finished the game.

The following morning, the Coconut Telegraph was abuzz with the tragic news that Key West had lost one of its own. The accident that took Dexter Butler’s life robbed his family and the entire community of one of the kindest, most dedicated souls the island has known. Butler’s legacy was larger than life and he shouldered it with unassuming ease. He owns a spot in the top 10 greatest hitters to ever stand at the plate in a Conchs uniform and owns the school record for career batting average.

While school officials debated whether to cancel the

Marathon and Ransom Everglades, frequent playoff foes throughout the last few years, duke it out in an early-season matchup on March 1. After trading leads for the first few innings, the Dolphins pulled away for an 8-4 win. Photos by BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly. See more game photos at keysweekly.com.

game, it wasn’t even a question for many of those who knew and loved Dexter and supported his family. The game was important, not for a team whose quest for a historic 12th state title was on the line, but for a grieving community with no idea what to do next. So they did what Conchs do: With the blessing of Butler’s family, who were consulted before the game, the island poured into the Rex Weech complex to watch the Conchs play for redemption against Spanish River, for a shot to stay alive in the title hunt and for a much-needed reprieve from the grief of the entire community.

Prior to the game, longtime Conchs radio announcer and Key West sports fixture Judd Wise was asked how he was going to be able to call the game. Wise, who, like so many other community members, is close to the Butler family, answered, “Very quietly.” During the game, Wise was, indeed, much quieter than usual.

Anthony Lariz started on the mound for Key West, tasked with the impossible. “Anthony Lariz pitched the game of his life,” Wise said. Lariz threw a total of 107 pitches, just three shy of the limit which would have retired him to the dugout and necessitated a reliever. He fanned 10 batters over 7 innings, walking 2 and allowing 6 hits. The team combined for a total of 5 hits, 2 from Garcia and 1 each from Lariz, Sam Holland and Perdigon, who doubled. Down by 2 in the first inning, the Conchs somehow held their composure and battled back one play at a time to win for Butler, his family and every proud Conch fan. The 3-2 score did not reflect the enormity of the night.

“The boys played their hearts out,” said Wise, “and we forgot about life for a while. For about two-and-a-half hours we cheered, roared and played. The win was for coach Butler. He was there cheering with us as you can feel it. We needed this.”

Marathon added three wins to its record last week, bringing the Fins to 5-1 on the season. The first game was Feb. 26 against district matchup Somerset South Homestead, in which Marathon racked up 10 runs with just 3 hits. Leo

Mendez, Tommy Norris and Gabe Leal all singled in the abbreviated five-inning game. Gabe Leal pitched all 5 innings, striking out 9 and allowing just 3 hits and no walks in the 10-0 mercyrule win.

On Leap Day, Marathon played Downtown Doral to another shortened game, winning 17-7 in 6 innings. Marathon’s bats were ablaze with 16 hits, including 4 from Mason Thornton. Dylan Ziels and Gabe Leal had 3 hits each, with Ziels reaching base 5 times for a perfect on-base percentage. Gavin Leal and Mendez had 2 hits each and Norris and Aidan Gonzalez added the final 2 hits for the Fins. Marathon was busy rounding the bases, with a dozen walks and 4 batters hit by pitches. Gavin Leal and Thornton paired up on the mound for 5 strikeouts.

The Fins’ final game of the week came on March 1 against Ransom Everglades. Marathon had just 4 hits, with 2 from Jack Chapman. Thornton added a double and Gavin Leal accounted for the final Dolphin hit. Three batters hit by pitches and 13 walks helped the Fins add points while Ziels effectively retired the other side inning by inning until he hit the top of his pitch count. Ziels fanned 9 in 6 innings and handed the ball to Gabe Leal, who closed out the game in three-up, three-down fashion.

Coral Shores split its games last week, losing to Dade Christian at home on Feb. 26, then beating Somerset Silver Palms in a home matchup on March 1. The Hurricanes registered 8 hits against Dade Christian, with 2 apiece from Campbell Lavoie, AJ Putetti and Eddie Holly. Maykol Bonito-Rodriguez was good for 1 base hit and Benjamin Friedman added an extra base with a double. The ’Canes worked through four pitchers in their loss against the Crusaders. Tate Brumbalow started on the mound and spanned 3 innings. When he retired to the dugout, the Hurricanes were ahead 3-0. Dade Christian broke things open in inning four and slowly pulled away in the next 3 innings to defeat Coral Shores 9-4.

Things were a little different on Friday night, when the visiting Somerset Academy Silver Palms team struggled against the pitching of Donovan Thiery and Lavoie, who combined on the mound for 13 strikeouts. The ’Canes’ bats were good for 8 hits, with 2 coming from Lavoie. Friedman had his second double of the week with the other base hits, all singles, coming from Thiery, Riley O’Berry, Michael Snyder and Grady Temkin. The ’Canes won the district game 3-2, evening their record to 2-2.

KEY WEST’S RALPH RICHE MEDALS AT STATES

Senior claims fifth place at Kissimmee

Four Conchs traveled to Kissimmee for the FHSAA 1A State Wrestling Championships. Sheyla Figueira, Abram Canet, Dostmukhammad Bakhtiyorov and Ralph Riche represented the Southernmost City at the event, each qualifying for a chance to win a state title by placing in the top four at regionals. One wrestler battled his way through the brackets to the medal round.

Riche entered the event seeded ninth. The 285-lb. senior was not new to the state championship arena, nor to the medal podium – Riche brought home a fifth-place medal last year competing in the 220-lb. category. Riche grappled his way into the history books, winning a second fifth-place medal, this time in the heavyweight category.

“After a tough first match at states, Ralph was able to fight back and take fifth place. His ability to win match after match after coming up short early in the tournament shows his determination and resilience,” said Key West athletic director Justin Martin. “He has grown into a strong leader and the embodiment of Conch Pride. We are beyond proud of him.”

Coach Chaz Jimenez echoed Martin’s sentiments. “Ralph is the type of kid that coaches love to coach,” he said. “His grit and determination sets him apart and is what will make him a success in life. I’m truly blessed to have coached such a great young man.”

Former Conch Ailee Briggs, who was part of Key West’s inaugural girls program last season, won silver in a crimsonand-gray singlet in 2023. This year, the sophomore wrestled for Lemon Bay and won the state championship in the 135-lb. category.

Conch senior Ralph Riche, left, shows off his fifth-place medal at the 2024 Florida state wrestling championships with coach Chaz Jimenez. CONTRIBUTED

LADY FINS RANKED #1 IN 2A

Marathon remains unbeaten in regular-season play

Marathon had no problems hanging on to its perfect record last week. The Fins improved to 4-0 after a pair of wins, starting with Lourdes Academy on Feb. 28. Allison Garcia struck out a dozen batters over 7 innings and managed to log 3 hits offensively, including a double. Sara Robinson earned 3 hits of her own, while Elena Eubank and Madelyn Thornton each had 2. Maeve Merryman, Shynell McGuire and Daniela Gonzalez accounted for the remainder of Marathon’s hits.

On March 1, Marathon sent the visiting Raiders of Ransom Everglades home early in a 15-0 mercy-rule stomping. Eubank added another 3 hits to her stats. Robinson had 2 hits with Thornton, McGuire and Ryleigh Garcia driving a hit apiece. Allison Garcia struck out 11 of 15 batters faced over 4 innings, allowing no hits and just 2 walks. Marathon’s success out of the gates this season allowed its ranking to rocket to No. 1 in 2A across Florida. The Fins are batting .396 as a team with a .508 on-base percentage to help boost their wins as well as their ranking.

The Hurricanes had no games on the schedule last week. Coral Shores will play its home opener Thursday, March 7 against Colonial Christian. The Lady Conchs did not see any game action last week, either. Their schedule included Mater Lakes Academy on March 2, which was canceled. Next up for Key West is a doubleheader against John Carroll Catholic, set to be played in The Backyard on Saturday, March 9 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Lady Fins complete a 15-0 thrashing of Ransom Everglades on March 1. Buoyed by an unbeaten record through the first four games of the season, Marathon softball is ranked as the top 2A team in the state at press time. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly. See more game photos at keysweekly.com.

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

WHEATON’S SERVICE CENTER

gives notice that on 3/29/2024 at 10:00 AM, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78. Wheaton’s Service Center reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1ZVBP8AMXD5259346 2013

FORD

3GNAXJEV9LS672069 2020

CHEV

3GNFK16308G173009 2008

CHEV

3N1BC13EX9L414547 2009 NISS

JN8AS5MV4BW673122 2011

NISS

JTLZE4FE3CJ028591 2012 TOYT

KM8R5DHE3LU036063 2020

HYUN

WBABN33402JW60768 2002

BMW Publish: March 7 & 14, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT II ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC II)

(From the City Limits of Key West to the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

has an opening for a TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE - Shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying.

Any person wishing to participate on the District II 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

The deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday April 5, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT III ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC III)

From the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge to the Long Key Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists)

Any person wishing to participate on the District III 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

The 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: March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH WILL BE HOLDING

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON:

DATE/TIME:

Planning & Zoning Hearing:

Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 9:30 A.M.

City Commission Public Hearing:

Thursday, April 18, 2024, 9:30 A.M.

LOCATION:

City of Key Colony Beach Temporary Meeting Place at the Key Colony Inn Banquet Room, 700 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, to hear a Request from China Beach USA, LLC, owners of the property located at 1000 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051. This meeting will be available virtually via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings. Applicant requests an architectural review in accordance with the City of Key Colony Beach Land Development Code Sections 101-28, 101-12(8) and the City of Key Colony Beach Code of Ordinances Ch. 6, Section 6-3(2) (b)2 to allow a new, two-story standalone single-family residence with a zero lot line setback to the neighboring property to the north. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested architectural review. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach with respect to any matter considered at the Architectural Review Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose 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.

If you are unable to attend the Hearings on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, or Thursday, April 18, 2024, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@ keycolonybeach.net and your comments will be entered into the record.

Published: On or before March 11th, 2024 City Clerk, City of Key Colony Beach Publish: March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on March 20, 2024, at 9:00 A.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Murray E. Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 18-27

OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES, ENTITLED “RULES OF CONDUCT AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN PARKS” TO INCLUDE PARK HOURS FOR HARRY HARRIS PARK, BLUE HERON PARK, AND PINE CHANNEL PARK AND MODIFICATION TO THE HOURS AT BAY POINT PARK, BIG COPPITT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT PARK, FRIENDSHIP PARK, KEY LARGO COMMUNITY PARK, BIG PINE KEY PARK, AND MURRAY E. NELSON GOVERNMENT CENTER PARK AND CODIFYING THE CREATION OF THE PINE CHANNEL NATURE PARK AND BLUE HERON PARK; BY AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE II, BY THE ADDITION OF SECTION 18-31 TO INCLUDE A SECTION ON CONDUCT SPECIFIC TO THE PINE CHANNEL NATURE PARK FOR PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND REGULATIONS AND PARK HOURS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the March 20, 2024 meeting, which will be posted beginning on March 8, 2024, at: http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/citizens/default. aspx. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the March 20, 2024 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx. 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 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voiceimpaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 1st day of March, 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida

Publish: March 7 , 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on March 20, 2024, at 9:00 A.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Murray E. Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 5-21 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE; AMENDING WHERE AIRCRAFT CAN BE LEGALLY

PARKED; REGULATING THE USE OF AIRPORT APRONS; REQUIRING UNATTENDED AIRCRAFT BE PROPERLY SECURED; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the March 20, 2024 meeting, which will be posted beginning on March 8, 2024, at: http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/citizens/default. aspx. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the March 20, 2024 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

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 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voiceimpaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 28th day of February, 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on March 20, 2024, at 9:00 A.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Murray E. Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 5-22 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE; AMENDING WHERE AIRCRAFT RUNUPS CAN BE CONDUCTED; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the March 20, 2024 meeting, which will be posted beginning on March 8, 2024, at: http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/citizens/default. aspx. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040.

The public can participate in the March 20, 2024 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

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 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voiceimpaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 28th day of February, 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish:

March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER

ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on March 20, 2024, at 9:00 A.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Murray E. Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING SECTION 4-82 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE; SETTING FORTH REGULATIONS FOR ANIMALS AT THE KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the March 20, 2024 meeting, which will be posted beginning on March 8, 2024, at: http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/citizens/default. aspx. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the March 20, 2024 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx. 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 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voiceimpaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/

Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 28th day of February, 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida

Publish: March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

The Pigeon Key Foundation is seeking bids on the ada ramp installation project. Interested parties should email pigeonkey@aol. com for details related to bids and the project with the subject line ADA RAMP INSTALLATION PROJECT.

Publish: March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

The Pigeon Key Foundation is seeking bids on the shed / paint foreman re roof project. Interested parties should email pigeonkey@aol. com for details related to bids and the project with the subject line SHED/ ASST. PAINT FOREMAN RE ROOF.

Publish: March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Key West Noise Insulation Program (NIP) Construction Project, Group 1, up to 14 Homes 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 April 18, 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

LEGAL NOTICES

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, April 18, 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: March 7, 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

615 Mazur Avenue Paramis, NJ 07652

227/07

$3,160.11

224/10

$3,160.11

227/08

$3,160.11

220/24

$3,160.11

224/09

$3,160.11

Forrest McGinley 204 East Cypress Avenue Howey In The Hills, FL 34737 222/32

$4,311.36

Gary Iverson 334 French Road Onalaska, WI 54650 204/46

$3,537.26

Jerald Torano 1105 Carraway Street Tallahassee, FL 32508

227/25

$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 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. 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 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 24-DR-194-K KALAMKAS AKHMETOVA

Wife, and, ANDRE WILLIAM WALTERS

Husband.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

TO: ANDRE WILLIAM WALTERS

2213 STAPLES AVENUE

KEY WEST, FL 33040

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Kalamkas Akhmetova, whose address is Law Office of Wayne Dapser, 300 Southard Street, Suite 208, Key West, FL 33040 on or before April 6, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Notice of Current Address, Florida Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: March 4, 2024

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Destiny Johnson

Deputy Clerk

Publish: March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO.: 23-CP-000145-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM SCOTT NORMAN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of WILLIAM SCOTT NORMAN, deceased, whose date of death was September 11, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: March 7, 2024.

Personal Representative: BRETT SCOTT NORMAN 80 Flicker St. Memphis, TN 38104

Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ.

Florida Bar No. 1015363

HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway

Tavernier, FL 33070

E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw.com

Publish: March 7 & 14, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2024-CP-000078-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF IRIS S. OSBORN

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of IRIS S. OSBORN, deceased, whose date of death was April 18, 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 Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: March 7, 2024.

Personal Representative:

Lawrance L. Osborn 69 Main Street, Wainscott East Hampton Town, New York 11975

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Laura Lavie, Esq. Attorney

Florida Bar Number: 534080

LAURA LAVIE, P.A. 20700 West Dixie Highway Aventura, FL 33180 (305) 407-1696

laura@lavielaw.com

Publish: March 7 & 14, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 22-CP-27-M

IN RE: ESTATE OF JONATHAN A. PAUL,

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Jonathan A. Paul, deceased, whose date of death was September 11, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER

THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the 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: March 7, 2024.

Personal Representative:

Gina Jensen 351 43rd Street

Marathon, FL 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative:

James J. Dorl, Esq.

Florida Bar No. 618403 JAMES J. DORL, P.A.

First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite

12 Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6565

Email: jjdorl@yahoo.com

Publish:

March 7 & 14, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-000084-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT G. THOMSON

Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of ROBERT G. THOMSON, deceased, whose date of death was November 17, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Ste. 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070.

The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s Estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s Estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN

THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH

IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: March 7, 2024.

Personal Representative: LYNNE P. THOMSON, Petitioner

15 West Snapper Point Drive Key Largo, FL 33037

Attorneys for Personal

Representative: ALEXANDER NOSTRO

Florida Bar Number: 115548

JOHN C. MORAN

Florida Bar Number: 505072

GUNSTER YOAKLEY & STEWART,

PA

Brickell World Plaza

600 Brickell Avenue, Ste. 3500

Miami, Florida 33131

Telephone: (305) 376-6074

Fax: (786) 425-4076

E-Mail: anostro@gunster.com jmoran@gunster.com;

Secondary E-Mail: mrichards@ gunster.com;

LEGAL NOTICES

eservice@gunster.com Publish:

March 7 & 14, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-62-M IN RE: ESTATE OF REBECCA BOOMGAARD, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Rebecca Boomgaard deceased, whose date of death was December 2, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the 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: March 7, 2024. Signed on 3-1-24.

Personal Representative: Dona Hoffman 428 80th Street Marathon, FL 33050

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403

JAMES J. DORL, P.A.

First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 12 Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6565

Email: jjdorl@yahoo.com

Publish: March 7 & 14, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 24-CP-101-P IN RE: ESTATE OF LUCINDA L. STAVELY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of LUCINDA L. STAVELY, deceased, whose date of death was January 24, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Ste. 2, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER

THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A

COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED 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: March 7, 2024.

Personal Representative: ROBERT STAVELY 96000 Overseas Hwy, APT E1

Key Largo, FL 33037

Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw.com

Publish: March 7 & 14, 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 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.

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 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

AUTOS

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. $8,000 Call Ben at 712-790-1333

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

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 Guardresponsibilities 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 (5:30pm-7am). DPMMR is a drug-free 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.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a parttime dishwasher. $15/ hr, Private Club & Friendly Atmosphere, Flexible Afternoon/ Evening Hours Tuesday – Saturday. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

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 Part-time 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

Fullers Insurance in Key West is looking for a customer service rep. or agent. Hours are 8-5 Mon-Fri. Paid holidays, vacation, and health insurance. Apply in person at 1432 Kennedy Drive, Key West, FL or email resumé to norman@ fullersinsurance.com.

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 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 RENTALKey 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

HOUSING FOR RENT

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.

Multi-Family Yard Sale - Sat. March 9 from 8am - 1pm. 144 Key Heights Drive on Plantation Key. Call 305-852-4773. Sales to benefit Key Largo Lutheran Church.

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

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 Certification as a police officer. 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

Preference in the selection of vacant positions will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans. The Key Colony Beach Police Department is an EEO employer, drug-free and nicotine-free workplace.

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.

KEYS AHEC COUNSELOR/EDUCATOR-KEY WEST

Key AHEC is seeking a Full Time Counselor to assist individuals in quitting tobacco through counseling, use of nicotine replacement therapies, and developing individual quit plans. Candidate must be comfortable with speaking to small groups, counseling patients and delivering health programs in a community setting.

Qualified candidate should have a counseling, health care, education and/or public health background as well as be comfortable with computer systems. Position o ers a highly competitive salary, health insurance, PTO and retirement plan. Bi-lingual is a plus.

KEYS AHEC DENTAL ASSISTANT/FRONT DESK-MARATHON

The Keys AHEC Health Center is looking for a Part-time dental assistant/front desk professional for its Children’s Dental Program. Candidates will work the front desk receiving/ scheduling/confirming patients as well as with patient care, based on experience.

Position is 2+ days per week (M & F) but may o er more days depending on program need and candidate’s availability to join the dental team on the Mobile Dental Unit. The Dental Unit visits schools Tues-Thurs on a rotating basis. Position will o ers a highly competitive salary. Bi-lingual is a plus.

Qualified applicants should email a resume and cover letter to Michael Cunningham, CEO at michael@keysahec.org

•

The Advocate DUI Program is hiring for part time positions. DUI instructors and evaluators - 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

FT

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

The

benefits and opportunities for advancement.

online at www. aa.com/212/opportunities

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, Marathon, Orthopedics, Part Time

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

- Ortho Support Tech, Tavernier, Orthopedics, Part Time All

APPLY AND LEARN MORE

careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist

Prevention Specialist (any location)

) EEOC/DFWP

Volunteer Resources

Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

Staff Photographer (Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal)

Media & Marketing Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Special Events Coordinator & Membership Liaison (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

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

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

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