Upper Keys Weekly 24-0314

$6,950,000

Nothing compares to endless possibilities

Nestled on a rare point lot along Snake Creek in the premier area of Venetian Shores, this gated estate offers unparalleled boating opportunities with water on two sides & easy access to the Atlantic Ocean via Snake Creek Bridge or venture to Florida Bay to experience the Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Boasting an expansive 155 ft along the canal w/125 ft directly on Snake Creek, this cul-de-sac location is a paradise for boating & sunset enthusiasts. This gated two-story all-concrete home features four bedrooms and three baths with a spacious open floor plan to take advantage of the water views in every direction. The living room, dining area, and gourmet kitchen all have front-row seats to Creek views along with the primary suite. Additionally, there are two guest bedrooms on the main level, plus a breakfast nook & bar. Entertainment abounds with an elevator leading to the ground-level theater room, with a wet bar and ample seating for game days. A guest bedroom, laundry/craft room, plus a two-car garage enhance the convenience of the ground-level enclosure. Outside, the in-ground pool, artificial grass, keystone patios, fire pit, seating/dining areas & covered BBQ grill create an inviting oasis among native palms. A rare private cut-in boat slip with a 15,000 lb lift on a 100 ft wide canal provides protected dockage while easily accommodating multiple boats/yachts. Experience the passing parade of manatees, dolphins, yachts, deep sea fishing boats, kayaks & jet skis while relishing the unique beauty of this one-of-kind estate.

3.14

89240 Overseas Hwy. Suite 2 Tavernier, FL 33070

Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

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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

March 14 marks the annual Pi Day celebration for the mathematical constant, π. Pi Day is observed on March 14 since 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant figures of π. It was first celebrated in the United States in 1988 by Larry Shaw, an employee of the San Francisco science museum, Exploratorium.

Decked in green, a young parade onlooker catches candy during the Upper Keys Irish Festival in Key Largo. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

STATE’S $117 BILLION BUDGET INCLUDES FUNDING FOR SOME KEYS PROJECTS

Governor has power to veto items

Florida legislators approved a $117.5 billion budget to conclude a 60-day session in Tallahassee on March 8.

Funds for a number of Florida Keys projects were included in the state spending plan, but not all requests were granted for the southernmost county.

For the fourth straight year, the state legislature’s spending plan allocated $20 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. Funds support water quality projects throughout the island chain, which include restoring Keys canals plagued by poor water quality. The Stewardship bill passed through the legislature in 2016 in an effort to protect the Keys’ nearshore waters and lands.

State legislators supported $5 million for Monroe County’s new artificial reef program. It’s the second consecutive year legislators included funding for the new program, which will establish a network of habitats, ranging from shallow to deeper depths, to support marine habitats and fish stocks. Last year, the legislature gave $10 million to the program. Recently, the county hired Hanna Koch as artificial reefs director. She previously worked at Mote Marine Laboratory as program manager for coral restoration.

The county is eyeing the use of 37 hollow power poles that are 50 feet high. They were acquired from the Florida Keys Electric Co-op’s Sea Oats Beach project in Islamorada.

Amid the recent fish deaths in the Florida Keys, the legislature said “yes” to inserting $2 million into the budget for the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to investigate in

working with local fishing guides. Mote Marine Laboratory will get $1 million for ongoing coral restoration in the Keys.

Funds to the tune of $5 million were included for the Florida Keys Aqueduct’s reverse osmosis facility in the Middle Keys. The plant aims to increase emergency water supply capacity by 4 million gallons, ensuring uninterrupted service to citizens during disasters. It also addresses a pressing need for more water supply between population growth and restrictions on withdrawals from the Keys main water source in the Biscayne Aquifer.

A total of $1.1 million was successfully placed in the state budget for Monroe County to purchase marine vessels for a new response program on the water. Islamorada and Key Largo fire rescues each received $300,000 for response vessels, while Marathon Fire Rescue secured $150,000 for marine emergency response vessels.

Funds for the Monroe County School District’s Bruce Hall renovation was axed from the budget. The school

district originally asked for $18 million for the project. At one point, the project request was included in the budget, but it was slashed to $9 million. Florida Keys State Rep. Jim Mooney said the funding went down to the wire, “and like a lot of other things, didn’t make it to the finish line.”

Superintendent Theresa Axford remains hopeful the district will get funding next session for a project, which has support from the state’s education commissioner, Manny Diaz.

“The final list was dramatically reduced and several other school districts had projects completely wiped out,” Axford told the Keys Weekly. “The third time’s a charm, and with full support from Senator (Ana Maria) Rodriguez and Representative Mooney, we are going back for the money next year.”

Axford added that U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez is helping the district request federal funds from Congress in the current budget cycle.

Crews work on a canal restoration project in Key Largo in August 2022. Canals like this one didn’t meet state standards in relation to available dissolved oxygen to support marine life. Restoration work included backfilling the canal. JOSH PTOMEY/Contributed

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

ISLAMORADA COUNCIL APPROVES MANAGER’S CONTRACT

Robert Cole began March 13

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Islamorada council members wasted no time in approving a contract for Robert Cole, the new village manager who was selected last month following a monthslong search. Following a 5-0 vote at the March 12 council meeting, Cole’s first day on the job began the next day on March 13.

Per the contract, Cole will receive an annual $200,000 salary with no increases for 18 months. His salary can be adjusted from time-to-time, however, to account for cost-of-living adjustments which are consistent with changes to other village employees.

As for housing, Cole will receive an allowance of $4,000 a month as part of the compensation package. He’ll also receive health insurance, retirement and three weeks vacation annually. Cole won’t get any relocation expenses, according to attorney Alison Smith.

Under the agreement, the council will evaluate the village manager’s performance every 60 days until his anniversary date. After that, the council will conduct an annual evaluation on Cole’s performance within 30 days of his anniversary. The human resources department will be responsible for notifying council members and the village attorney at least 60 days prior to the anniversary date.

Council members can evaluate Cole in written form, using a numerical rating system to assess attitude, judgment, ethics, attendance, execution of policy set by council, preparedness for meetings and communication with council, to name a few. Council members can choose to forgo the written evaluation and meet with Cole in person to discuss his performance.

Cole’s contract with the village goes through March 13, 2025. Cole, who was in attendance for the March 12 meeting, subsequently thanked

New Islamorada Village Manager Robert Cole addresses the council following contract approval at the March 12

SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATING AN ATTEMPTED ARSON AT A KEY LARGO RESTAURANT

the council for having faith in selecting him as Islamorada’s next village manager.

“I feel blessed to work in the gem of the Florida Keys, and I’m looking forward with great anticipation to seeing each of you and helping to advance the important goals and objectives we have to benefit the Islamorada community,” he said.

Council members also approved changes to an agreement between the village and Monroe County for the services of Kimberly Matthews, who served as interim manager since January. The county director of strategic planning and libraries, Matthews will now act as an advisor for the village as Cole takes the reins as village manager. Matthews will stay with the village through April 5.

Matthews was slotted as the third interim manager for the village after the council voted 3-2 to not renew the contract of former manager Ted Yates last July. The county stepped in to assist the village last August by loaning several department heads to guide the council as they began a national search for a new manager.

IJIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

nvestigators with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office descended upon the Pilot House Restaurant & Marina in the early morning of March 6 to find a shattered glass door. Inside, they found a carpet behind the door that was doused in gasoline.

Smells of propane also filled the air, which drew response from the Key Largo Fire Department. Investigators are working to figure out who damaged the restau-

rant, located at 13 Seagate Blvd. in Key Largo early morning on March 6. Sheriff Rick Ramsay said it’s believed to be a disgruntled ex-employee. A criminal investigation is ongoing.

A neighbor next to the restaurant reported hearing a loud banging around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday. By 7:40 a.m., the sheriff’s office arrived to conduct an investigation.

State and county fire marshals were also called to the scene. Pilot House & Marina was closed for the day due to the incident and ongoing investigation.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office vehicles parked outside Pilot House Restaurant & Marina in Key Largo on the morning of March 6. An investigation ensued into an early-morning attempted arson. CONTRIBUTED

meeting at Founders Park Community Center. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Nestled in a tranquil coastal community of the Upper Keys, this solid concrete home offers unparalleled views and serenity that will captivate you.

Step onto the concrete roof or relax in the screened-in porch, and you'll immediately understand why this home is truly special with bay views for days. The expansive view of the wide canal creates a sense of space and tranquility, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation and enjoyment.

The 50' concrete dock comes with a 15,000 # boat lift, strategically positioned maximizing space for your boat as well as additional water toys, or friends and family to conveniently use.

1.

2. Take

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Upstairs, you'll find two bedrooms and one bath, thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and functionality. The primary bedroom is a haven of relaxation, offering stunning canal views and pocket doors that invite the gentle bay breeze to flow effortlessly through the home.

One of the highlights of this home is its versatile layout. With a legal 1 bed, 1 bath unit downstairs featuring a convenient kitchenette, this space offers endless possibilities. Whether you're hosting guests or craving a private retreat, this separate unit provides flexibility.

As you unwind in the comfort of your living space or soaking in the beauty of the outdoors, every corner of this home is designed to enhance your lifestyle and elevate your experience here in the Florida Keys. Located near the heart of Key Largo and just 30 minutes from the mainland this location is truly the most convenient.

WATER CROSSING

FKAA installing pipe underwater at Whale Harbor

Installation of 1,750 feet of new water pipe began on March 13 at Whale Harbor Crossing in Islamorada.

As part of the Islamorada Transmission Main Replacement Project, the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) will install the pipe underwater via directional drill to ensure protection from high winds and storm surges.

“The work at Whale Harbor Crossing is a critical piece to the Islamorada Transmission Main Replacement Project,” said Greg Veliz, FKAA executive director. “The pipe at the north end of the crossing will serve as the future connection point to the new Windley Key main that we will begin installing later this spring. The Islamorada and Windley Key projects will remedy sections of the original main that are most vulnerable.”

Last year, FKAA battled a series of pipe breaks on Windley Key near Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina and in Tavernier. Residents in portions of the Upper and Middle Keys were left with low water pressure as crews worked around the clock to replace an aged pipe.

FL BUDGET

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

“We are not giving up on a project that would do so much good for so many people,” Axford said.

The Whale Harbor Crossing segment is expected to take three and six months to complete. Crews will work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and will pause work for major holidays and events. Rolling lane closures for the Whale Harbor Crossing segment are not expected, but shoulder barrels will be present. Motorists should proceed with caution and maintain a speed limit of 35 MPH through the work zone.

Meanwhile, the first water pipe replacement project between MM 79 to MM 84 is progressing ahead of schedule. Traffic impacts are expected to lessen after March 2024, and the project is expected to be completed in February 2025. In April 2024, the Windley Key Transmission Main Replacement Project will begin. Crews will replace about a mile and a half (8,250 linear feet) of the 30-inch transmission main with a new 36inch cathodically protected main.

Visit https://bit.ly/islamoradaproject for more information about FKAA and the upcoming Whale Harbor Crossing work.

— Keys Weekly staff report

Last year, funds were excluded in the state budget to help three Keys Habitat for Humanity offices build homes for the local workforce. This go around, legislators supported $950,000 to support the Habitats in their missions to construct affordable places for working families and individuals.

A county vessel pump out program received $650,000. San Carlos Institute in Key West received $1 million for structural repairs, while the Harry S. Truman Little White House will obtain $125,000 for exterior shutters.

A total of $1 million will support construction of a new domestic violence shelter in the Middle Keys. The shelter was wiped out following Hurricane Irma in 2017.

A $975,000 ask by Florida Keys Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) was reduced to $355,110 by time legislators approved the budget. Funds were requested to help AHEC provide medical and oral care to medically vulnerable children.

Before the budget was approved, State Rep. Tom Leek, the Volusia County Republican who served as appropriations chairman, responded to concerns surrounding the exclusion of certain projects brought forward by legislators for their respective districts.

“When you go back to your constituents and they have great cause, ask if this is something the government should fund … or should it be done outside of that,” he said. “I believe most of the things that come before us, regardless of how great they may be, should be funded outside of the government.”

More than $1 billion were included for teacher salary increases across Florida. State legislators also allocated $1.7 billion for Everglades restoration and other water quality projects.

The spending plan, which would take effect July 1, will now go to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has the power to approve and veto line items. The legislatively approved budget is less than the current fiscal year spending plan of $119.1 billion.

A new, 42-inch pipe was installed at Tea Table crossing in Islamorada last year. FKAA/Contributed

State legislators departed from the Florida Capitol on March 8 having approved a $117 billion spending plan. CONTRIBUTED

TOURIST, 27, KILLED IN JET SKI CRASH OFF KEY WEST

Two personal watercraft collided on March 9, FWC said

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

A27-year-old man originally from Telangana, India, was killed when two personal watercraft collided off Key West on March 9.

A PWC is a boat commonly referred to by their brand names of Jet Ski or Waverunner.

Venkataramana Pittala was driving a rented 11-foot Yamaha personal watercraft (PWC) that collided with another PWC operated by a 14-year-old boy from Boca Raton, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The teen was listed as “uninjured” in the FWC report, which lists arrests as “pending.” Keys Weekly isn’t naming the boy.

Both Pittala and the 14-year-old were driving solo with no passengers on a Sunset Waterboards trip, FWC Officer Liam Rodriguez told Keys Weekly.

“The ‘at fault’ is still under investigation,” Rodriguez said, when asked how the crash happened.

In Florida, 14 is the minimum age required to operate a PWC. The minor’s 15th birthday is listed in the report as Tues-

day, March 12.

The fatal crash happened north of Wisteria Island off Key West at about 12:30 p.m near a floating playground used by watersports companies during excursions, FWC said.

The FWC released an incident report on March 11 with the names of the two people involved but no details on what transpired. The report did not name the watersports company that owned the vessels and rented them to the riders.

“This is a two-vessel (PWC) accident resulting in one fatality,” the report states. “The vessels collided with each other.”

Pittala, originally from the city of Kazipet in the Indian state of Telangana, was a graduate student at Indiana University - Purdue University in Indianapolis set to graduate in May, according to the Indiabased website M9.news.

M9.news reported Pittala’s family is asking for help to cover expenses to have his body transported to India for his final rites. A friend of Pittala’s created a GoFundMe account that raised more than $54,000 of a $75,000 goal as of March 11.

COUNTY CAN SPEND TDC SURPLUS MILLIONS ON WORKFORCE HOUSING

Legislature approved the BOCC’s ‘one-time ask’

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

The Florida Legislature has agreed to let Monroe County leaders spend $25 million in surplus tax revenue to build workforce housing.

Lawmakers in Tallahassee on March 5 unanimously passed House Bill 1456 on a third reading. The bill, which allows specific tax revenue collected by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC), is now on the way to Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose signature is needed to make it law.

County leaders and staff celebrated the victory, after months of work on the proposed bill.

“Such a great team effort,” wrote Lisa Tennyson, BOCC director of legislative affairs, in an email to county leaders after the House vote. “So many steps and so much work.”

Tourism in the Keys boomed unexpectedly between 20202022, when Florida remained open to visitors while destinations in the U.S. and across the world stayed shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s where the extra millions came from.

The unprecedented number of visitors who descended on the Keys pumped up revenues from the 4-cent tax on hotels and other rentals that funds the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC).

Bed tax revenues fund the TDC’s work advertising the Keys as a destination, promoting events to tourists and paying for large construction projects meant to support tourism.

After the county had settled all budget obligations, the TDC surplus was left sitting on the table, County Mayor Holly Raschein said.

During the BOCC’s budget season, commissioner Craig Cates, of Key West, proposed using the TDC’s surplus millions to

build housing for Keys workers, as the housing market continues only to soar for renters.

“Workforce housing is our number one issue if you ask me,” Raschein told Keys Weekly on March 5.

A ‘one-time ask’

The bill was filed Jan. 5. County staff had to repeatedly craft the language as it went through House committees.

Monroe County’s legal team wrote provisions in the bill, often late at night to meet deadlines, while the five county commissioners worked to secure the support of each chamber of commerce in the Keys, Tennyson said.

“All of us went to our local chambers,” Raschein said. “I went to Key Largo and Islamorada and explained what we were doing. People were calling it a ‘money grab.’ That is absolutely false. This is a one-time ask.”

Commissioners also went to the Florida Keys Restaurant and Lodging Association to persuade them to not publicly oppose the plan, she said.

The BOCC has said it wants to reserve the new housing specifically for workers in the service and hospitality industry.

But they haven’t defined the requirements tenants would need to meet. Getting state approval has been the county’s priority since the idea was raised.

“We had to get permission from the state first,” Raschein said.

The bill was written to narrowly constrain distribution of the surplus to a one-time use in Monroe County alone, without larger effects on the other long-standing statutes governing the use of TDC money, commissioner Michelle Lincoln, of Marathon, told Keys Weekly in January.

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

Wisteria Island is an undeveloped island located off Key West. WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

David Lazcos

David Lazcos, a second-generation Realtor ®, is an integral part of The Lazcos Team at Real Estate Sales Force Island Properties, working alongside his experienced father, P. Frank Lazcos, who boasts over 30 years in the real estate business. A proud United States Navy veteran with three deployments between 2008-2014, David has seamlessly transitioned his military discipline, characteristics, and values into his newfound passion for real estate. His journey in the industry began as the top producer and sales manager at Palm Harbor Homes in South Texas, where he honed his negotiation, marketing, and transaction-closing skills. Bilingual and a licensed loan originator, David’s comprehensive understanding of both the real estate and finance sides of the business has proven invaluable. Over the last several years working in tandem with his father, they have facilitated transactions exceeding $60 million, helping numerous families buy and sell properties. David is an active member of the Florida Keys Board of Realtors as a Director, as well as serving on the MLS committee. His commitment to community extends beyond real estate, as he has been a longstanding member of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary. Actively participating in fundraisers and contributing time and effort for various causes, David is deeply rooted in community service.

Born in Miami and raised in the Keys, David’s upbringing allowed him to fulfill his dreams of living on the water. As a licensed boat navigator from a young age, he possesses an intimate knowledge of local waterways and a profound respect for the environment. He, alongside his family, is actively involved in environmental initiatives to keep their beloved “backyard” clean from debris. David has been married to his wife, Lindsey, for nearly a decade whom he met while serving on active duty. Together, they share two sons, Brody (5) and Jaxson (2). Raising his children in the Keys has been a cherished goal, allowing them to share in his love for boating, snorkeling, fishing, golfing, and travel. A multifaceted individual, David finds fulfillment in helping others, staying involved in community activities, and, above all, spending quality time with his family.

Claire Johnson, 2024 President

Karen Williams deCastro, President-Elect

Corie McGraw-Abel, Secretary/Treasurer

Kathe Kaile, Director

Erin Kiel, Director

Christine Garcia Castellanos, Director

Amy Bruggeman, Director

Lindsey Davis, Director

Michael Rojewski, Director

David Lazcos, Director

Michaela Walters, Director

Lynda Anthony, CEO

SWIM ON

Foundation donates water gear for local program

MAN REPORTEDLY BIT BY CROCODILE

Incident occurred at Everglades marina

Aman was transported to the hospital after he was reportedly bit by a crocodile in Everglades National Park on March 10.

Rangers responded to Flamingo Marina in the park to find a 68-yearold male with a laceration on his leg. The man reportedly capsized his recreational sailboat in the marina basin and attempted to swim to shore when he was observed going underwater. The man was treated by rangers and transported by Miami Dade Fire Rescue to a hospital in Miami.

Rangers and park biologists are continuing to investigate the incident and monitor the suspected crocodile, which is easily identifiable. The American crocodile is a federally-threatened species which closely resembles the American alligator.

The National Park Service is coordinating closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to evaluate the situation and follow the American Crocodile-Human Interaction Response Plan. This plan allows for the translocation of crocodiles under certain circumstances as a means to address human-crocodile conflict.

While the park is a safe place to visit, park rangers remind visitors to stay alert and exercise caution, especially around wildlife. Swimming or wading is prohibited in all canals, ponds, freshwater lakes, marked channels and boat basins in Everglades National Park.

— Keys Weekly staff report

The Celebration of the Sea Foundation announced it will donate hundreds of water sports, snorkel gear, swim aids, toys, shoes and other related items to community organizations and local schools in the Florida Keys.

The donations were distributed during a special event hosted by Monroe County Mayor Holly Raschein and Layton Mayor Bruce Halle, who also serves as Celebration of the Sea Foundation’s treasurer, at the Jacobs Aquatic Center in Key Largo, on Feb. 29. Collaborating organizations that will receive the donations include Monroe County Parks and Beaches, Key Largo School, Ocean Studies School, Coral Shores High School, Founders Park, Ron Levy Aquatic Center, Boy Scouts of America’s Florida National High Adventure Sea Base, Marine Lab, Jr. Scientists in the Sea, Marine Mammal Rescue, Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, Wesley House and Samuel’s House.

“We are so grateful to the Celebration of the Sea Foundation for providing all these amazing items for our community,” said Raschein. “It’s so wonderful to see their generous support for all of our incredible orga-

nizations that provide these critically important learn-to-swim programs and other social services for our children and families.”

Monroe County Parks and Beaches works closely with Keys Kids Swim, a water safety and swim lesson program providing free swimming lessons to Monroe County kindergartners.

“Our learn-to-swim programs are extremely important for our schools and families,” said Dr. Jim Boilini, one of the program’s founders and a Parks and Beaches Advisory council member.

Rita Case and Ron Cacciatore provided the funding for the donations. Celebration of the Sea founder and CEO Patxi Pastor said, “Teaching our children water safety and the joy of swimming is so near and dear to our foundation’s heart, and we appreciate their wonderful support from the donors who made this possible for the foundation.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is helping coordinate and transport all the donations.

More information about the foundation is at www.CelebrationoftheSea.org

— Contributed

A variety of swim gear recently donated by Celebration of the Sea Foundation for community organizations in schools in the Florida Keys. FRAZIER NIVENS/Contributed

Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee and American crocodile. TIFFANY DUONG/Contributed

Happy Long Term Care Administrators Week to Trevor Matchim

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MERMAID MAKEOVER

Local artist reinvigorates Lorelei roadside attraction

WILLIAM DePAULA www.keysweekly.com

The Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar opened in 1952.

The Lorelei features a large blonde mermaid done in a roadside attraction sort of way.

The Lorelei mermaid, like a true siren calling sailors, calls tourists to stop in.

The Lorelei mermaid witnesses the goings on in Islamorada much like the Eyes of TJ Eckleburg in the Great Gatsby. Over time, the Lorelei mermaid has become an icon of Islamorada. Every few years she is lovingly repainted by different artists. This time she was painted by homegrown artist Jul Jankowski. In front of a large crowd on March 9, Jankowski unveiled her version of the iconic mermaid.

“The Lindback family was looking for someone to touch up some of the parts that had been a bit weathered. Paint had begun peeling badly and sections of plywood were exposed from daily sun exposure,” Jankowski said. “I wanted to make sure whatever I did had a fighting chance to last a few years, so that required fresh wood, all primed and primed again, and painted along with some changes to Lorelei’s proportions.

“I was so thrilled by the possibility of this project that by the end of the first day I heard about it I had a sketch ready — one that is surprisingly accurate to what became of her months later,” Jankowski said.

The work that goes into making a successful mural is almost a balancing act, truly a science in art. Jankowski took up the challenge headstrong and ready with her vi-

sion. She created a new vision of the Lorelei mermaid. She spent countless hours creating her. She would post her progress to the world on social media. It felt like Islamorada was watching her at the same time. It is not easy to paint an icon. In her journey, Jankowski had the support of her family and friends. One of the best parts of going to the unveiling of Jankowski’s Lorelei mermaid was seeing all the locals showing up and supporting her.

Jankowski is an amazing artist who is brilliant with a paintbrush. Her paintings are complicated and have a lot of thought, but look so effortless.

“I was very inspired by (Alberto) Vargas pin-up illustrations and considered how striking that might look from the distance; most people would be viewing it while driving by. I wanted her to be warm, inviting, and joyful — while also alluring, drawing back to the legend of Lorelei whose beauty caused sailors to hit the rocks and wreck their ships,” Jankowski said.

The style is clean and easy on the eyes, but what most people don’t realize is the technical expertise that it takes to make her. This classic pinup style is fitting and feels like an old Florida postcard.

— Visit keysweekly.com for the full story.

A refreshed Lorelei mermaid is unveiled on March 9 outside Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana in Islamorada. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed

Jul Jankowski, middle, with parents Susan and Dave. WILLIAM DePAULA/Keys Weekly

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DESERT FACILITY RECREATES REEF CONDITIONS

Examining the world’s largest controlled environment

In the realm of research, Biosphere 2 stands as a pioneering experiment that captured imaginations with its ambitious attempt to replicate Earth’s ecosystems within a sealed environment. Conceived as a self-sustaining miniature world in the late 1980s, Biosphere 2 has evolved into a crucial platform for understanding the dynamics of our planet’s biosphere and the effects of climate change.

Situated in the Sonoran Desert, the massive structure comprises several biomes, including rainforest, savannah, desert and ocean. In 1991, eight individuals entered Biosphere 2 to embark on a two-year mission, living entirely within its confines and simulating life on a distant planet. This fascinating experiment failed to produce sufficient air quality and food to sustain the eight terranauts.

In recent years, Biosphere 2 has emerged as a critical University of Arizona research facility. Controlled experiments within its sealed environment allow scientists to manipulate environmental variables such as temperature, precipitation and atmospheric composition to simulate future climate scenarios. By observing how different ecosystems respond to these changes, researchers gain insights into the potential ecological consequences of climate change.

We depend on a healthy reef tract for jobs, tourism, commercial fishing and coastal protection. Biosphere 2 has unique capabilities for simulating marine environments and has emerged as a resource for coral reef research. Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Understanding their responses to environmental stressors is crucial for their conservation.

Biosphere 2’s Ocean Biome, comprising a million-gallon saltwater habitat with coral reefs, provides a controlled environment for study-

ing marine ecosystems. Equipped with advanced monitoring systems and maintained at precise temperature, salinity and nutrient levels, this biome allows researchers to recreate conditions in natural coral reef habitats. By subjecting corals to different environmental scenarios and monitoring their physiological and ecological responses, researchers can gain insights into the mechanisms of coral resilience and identify strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change on reefs.

Biosphere 2 also facilitates research on the broader ecological dynamics of coral reef ecosystems. Scientists can study complex environmental processes such as nutrient cycling, trophic interactions and community dynamics by examining interactions among corals, algae, fish and other reef organisms. These studies contribute to understanding the factors influencing coral reef health and resilience in the face of environmental change.

The insights from Biosphere 2 have practical implications for conservation and management in the Keys and across the globe. By identifying the most resilient coral species, understanding their physiological responses to stress and studying the factors promoting reef recovery, researchers can inform conservation strategies to preserve and restore coral reef ecosystems.

Future research directions include investigating the role of microbial communities in coral health, exploring the potential for coral adaptation and acclimatization to changing environmental conditions and developing innovative restoration techniques for degraded reefs.

THE KEYS GO IRISH

St. Patrick’s Day festivities begin this weekend

Corned beef and cabbage will be on the menu, while green beer will flow from the taps as the St. Patrick’s Day festivities begin this weekend in the Upper Keys.

24th Upper Keys Irish Festival in Key Largo

A signature St. Patrick’s Day event, the 24th Upper Keys Irish Festival brings a parade, famous corned beef and more to benefit local students. Set for Saturday, March 16, the parade will begin at noon. Vehicles and golf carts will begin on First Road in Largo Sound Village. The procession will continue on Avenue B, north on Sound Drive and up Avenue A before crossing the highway to the Caribbean Club. Parade grand marshal is Jim Doran, former teacher at Key Largo School. The annual festival brings live music and Irish dancers, raffles and a silent auction, green beer and corned beef and cabbage. Proceeds support Teen Intervention Prevention Services, or TIPS, which gives local kids opportunities to get involved in sports, youth activities and summer camps. The festivities will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m.

Festivities at San Pedro Church

On Sunday, March 17, the public is invited to enjoy some corned beef and cabbage, drinks, Irish coffee and more at San Pedro Church

on Plantation Key. There will also be live music, a 50/50 drawing, raffles, a dessert and baking contest and other entertainment. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for children. For more information and tickets, call Mike or Tracey Petrusha at 954-608-4901 or 305896-1080.

Green beer will flow at Florida Keys Brewing Co.

Enjoy live music by two bands playing traditional Irish music on Sunday, March 17 at Florida Keys Brewing Co. in Islamorada. The Moveable Feast will serve traditional Irish dishes, including corned beef and cabbage and shepherd’s pie. Enjoy aged Irish red ale and green sangria slushies, as well as 20 locally-crafted beers, seltzers, ciders and craft cocktails. Special treats will also be available for the pups.

is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension Director and Community Development Agent

ALICIA BETANCOURT

The Biosphere 2 is a science research facility in Arizona. PIXABAY

Parade participants arrive at Caribbean Club for the annual Upper Keys Irish Festival. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

PIXABAY

MONROE COUNTY FIREFIGHTER SPECIALIZES IN UNIQUE PORTRAITS

New Islamorada studio focuses on old-fashioned photography

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

In an age where photo editing and filters are the norm, there’s something refreshing about photography from a bygone era, where what you see is truly what you get.

“You get this raw image, it’s the real you,” said Jen Brack of the 1850s-era portrait photography she recently introduced to Islamorada. “Raw, unadulterated, unfiltered, no Photoshop and it is purely analog. I love that,” she added.

Tucked away in the back of the beer garden behind the Florida Keys Brewing Co. sits Brack’s newly opened business called Salt & Silver Studio Tintype Portrait Photography. Tintype is an old form of photography that creates an image on a thin piece of metal, in Brack’s case aluminum that is later baked and coated with enamel.

“It’s a chemical process so it is chemistry essentially,” said Brack of the process that combines salted collodion and silver nitrate to produce an image.

“The person sitting is able to watch every step of it. They see their image come to life. I think that’s really where the magic happens,” Brack said.

“I love what she’s doing because there’s nothing like it here,” said portrait client Courtney Smith. “I think we all crave something new and novel that is not being done.”

Smith is a registered dietitian nutritionist who owns The Keys to Nutrition in Key Largo. She recently sat for a portrait during a Thursday evening Morada Way Art Walk session and was thrilled with the results.

“It was a very cool process to see from start to finish. I didn’t realize the timing and how complicated the whole process is,” Smith said.

Brack has been into photography for as long as she can remember, shooting candid street scenes with her 35mm camera. She always enjoyed the darkroom developing process.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own studio and when this opportunity became available, I definitely wanted to take it,” she said.

1. When not taking care of a newborn or running her new photography business, Jen Brack is serving the community in her role as a lieutenant with Monroe County Fire Rescue. Here she is with her 4-year-old daughter, Elida. CONTRIBUTED 2. Jen Brack and her husband, Daniel, stand in front of Salt & Silver Studio Tintype Portrait Photography in Islamorada behind the Florida Keys Brewing Company. 3. Courtney Smith recently sat for a portrait session at Salt & Silver Studio. She loves her palm-inspired portrait and says it was a cool experience from start to finish. 4. This portrait of Courtney Smith was done using a tintype photography process, which dates to the 1850s.

But getting her new tintype portrait studio up and running was not an easy undertaking.

“This has been a labor of love; literally blood, sweat and tears,” Brack said.

Brack and her husband, Daniel, spent six months renovating a rickety old shack behind the brewing company. They sealed the windows, put in new floors, new walls and new track lighting. A new roof, paid for by the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District, was also added to the building.

The couple bought an Intrepid film camera from England and modified it for the wet-plate collodion process. A lens was sourced from Germany. Everything in the small studio is a snapshot back in time, right down to the music coming from an old vinyl record player.

“It’s very eclectic and her studio is a breath of fresh air, in my opinion, for the Keys,” Smith said.

Brack has a lot on her plate. On top of opening a new business, she recently gave birth to her second daughter. Baby Evelyn joins her big sister, 4-year old Elida.

When not taking care of her daughters or working in her photography studio, Brack is busy serving the community in her role as a lieutenant with the Monroe County Fire Rescue. She’s been with the fire department for 10 years.

“I’ve got my full-time job, two kids, a husband, I started a business, my husband is also a small business owner, a commercial fisherman. We’re doing it. We’re living the Islamorada dream,” said Brack with a laugh.

Although it’s only been open a few months, Brack says feedback from clients has been really positive.

“We have a lot of people that love the historical aspect of it, the chemistry aspect and the scientific approach, the photographic aspect. It really touches a wide spectrum of people from all ages,” Brack said.

Salt & Silver Studio Tintype Portrait Photography is open during most Morada Way Art Walks taking place on the third Thursday of every month. Brack also does pop-up sessions during events taking place in the arts district. Portrait sessions are also available by appointment. To book an appointment, email salt. silver.studio.islamorada@gmail.com or call 305-3941995. Sessions start at $75.

KEY LARGO PRINCIPAL BRINGS THE LUCK OF THE BURGER

SAMANTHA DELLILO

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

Darren Pais is a wellknown name around the Keys. Many know him as the Key Largo School principal. I may have met him as my elementary school teacher in fifth grade, but I know him nowadays as a great friend to Mark and me — and more importantly as a fellow foodie.

Darren and his wife, Myndie, single-handedly guided us via text throughout New England with some of the best food and beer recommendations, and every one was a 10 out of 10. What I didn’t know is that Darren could also cook.

In 2023, I was just minding my own business walking around the annual Upper Keys Irish Festival at the Caribbean Club. I was enjoying my usual Joey Bag O’ Donuts, drinking a green beer and wondering what the effects of this much green dye would have on me, when suddenly multiple people began running up to me, “Florida Keys Eats,” eagerly wondering if I tried the burger.

I waited in line and was tempted by their Irish offerings like corned beef and hash but remained focused. After I was handed this much talked about cheeseburger, I was impressed by a few things off the bat. It had soft, doughy bread, fully-melted cheese and all the fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato and onion. The one thing that caught my eye is the meat had a gleam but it wasn’t grease; it was literally a juicy burger.

I took a bite and lord was the hype real. Now let me just mention this, the Upper Keys Irish Fest, along with any other festival, to me, is about fun and community. They have amazing volunteers, entertainment, cocktails and just a good time. I do not go to these events looking to scrutinize the food or judge it in the least. I’m grateful for

the event as a whole. To get a plate of food and a beer for a reasonable price on a sunny day is not something I’ll ever complain about. But this burger, this burger was lost. The burger didn’t belong at a festival, it belonged on a pedestal somewhere. It tasted like nostalgia, no frills, no truffle this or that. It reminded me of childhood and having your mom call you out of the pool for lunch.

I walked up to the booth and said, “Um, excuse me, who is making the burgers?” Lo and behold who turns around other than Darren Pais himself. I felt almost mad at him. I’ve known him over 20 something years and this whole time he had this burger up his sleeve. I pried for more information so I could replicate this at home but he was tight lipped. All he would share is they are 1/3 pound burgers. Once they’re hot off the grill he lets them rest in a proprietary au jus recipe he makes from scratch.

Darren’s burgers were the talk of the festival and I’ve been drooling and dreaming about that burger for a year now. You will most definitely catch me at the 24th annual Upper Keys Irish Fest on Saturday, March 16 at the Caribbean Club. I would also like to add that the green dye had nothing but the good effects of beer so drink all the green, luckof-the-Irish beer from Islamorada Brewery & Distillery.

Eat, drink and be lucky, sláinte!

RECAREY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN REAL ESTATE

On March 14, the real estate community eagerly celebrates Susan Recarey’s remarkable milestone of 50 years as a realtor.

Throughout her illustrious career, Recarey has exemplified unparalleled dedication, integrity and passion, earning her a sterling reputation as a trusted advisor and leader in the industry.

Recarey’s journey in real estate began five decades ago, driven by a profound love for South Florida’s vibrant lifestyle. Over the years, she has become synonymous with excellence, guiding countless individuals and families in discovering their own slice of paradise in this picturesque region. From corporate executives to professionals across various fields, Recarey has catered to a diverse clientele with unwavering commitment and personalized service.

Her tenure at American Caribbean Realty has been marked by a steadfast dedication to customer satisfaction,embodying the firm’s ethos of integrity and professionalism. Susan’s exceptional track record speaks volumes about her expertise in navigating the Florida Keys home market.

Beyond her achievements in real estate, Recarey’s contributions to the community are equally commendable. As a past president of Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys and a devoted member of the Rotary Club of Key Largo, she has demonstrated a deep-rooted commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility.

Reflecting on her milestone, Recarey expressed gratitude for the enriching experiences and meaningful connections forged throughout her career.

“What an exciting adventure it’s been. I’ve had wonderful clients, high sales and the opportunity to travel, network and grow both personally and professionally,” she said.

Recarey attributes her enduring success to her collaborative

Susan Recarey is a real estate agent with American Caribbean Real Estate. March 14 marks her 50th year in the business. CONTRIBUTED

spirit and unwavering work ethic.

“Real estate is about more than transactions; it’s about building relationships and making genuine connections,” she said. “Embrace technology, but never underestimate the power of person-to-person contact.”

Joy Martin, broker/owner of American Caribbean Real Estate, expressed heartfelt appreciation for Recarey’s invaluable contributions to the company.

“Susan Recarey is not just a realtor; she is the epitome of excellence and professionalism,” Martin said. “Her wealth of knowledge and experience is a priceless asset to everyone in our office. Susan generously offers guidance and coaching to both new and seasoned agents, embodying our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth within our team.”

As Recarey embarks on the next chapter of her illustrious career, her enthusiasm remains undiminished, fueled by a deepseated passion for her work and a commitment to excellence. Her peers and customers alike commend her unparalleled dedication, integrity, and unwavering professionalism.

Above” A juicy burger made by Pais. CONTRIBUTED. Right: Key Largo Principal Darren Pais cooks burgers during the annual Upper Keys Irish Festival.

LECTURE DIVES INTO OCTOPUS BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

The History of Diving Museum’s “Immerse Yourself” lecture series will welcome Florida Atlantic University’s Chelsea Bennice for a discussion on octopus biology and behavior. The presentation is set for Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m. at the museum, located at MM 82.9, bayside, Islamorada.

Bennice is a marine biologist and science communicator whose research interests include animal behavior and ecology — with an expertise in octopus biology. She is a research fellow at Florida Atlantic University’s Marine Lab and serves as a lead scientific diver and board member for the Scientific Diving and Boating Safety Committee. She is an advocate for bridging scientists and the community.

Bennice studies octopuses to advance basic and applied sciences. Octopuses are an important group in many marine food webs and serve as bioinspiration for soft robotics. She uses innovative science tools such as a 24-hour camera, the octopus monitoring gadget (OMG) and a floating lab to aid in answering research questions. Reserve a seat by calling the museum at 305-664-9737 or emailing the community outreach team at

RESEARCHER TALKS SHARKS & GROUPERS

Lecture gives insight into ecosystem’s challenges

Ocean First Institute’s director of research Chris Malinowski approaches a grouper. SEAMORE PHOTOGRAPHY/Contributed

Cprograms@divingmuseum.org. For those unable to attend in-person, visit the website for a virtual Zoom link at DivingMuseum.org. This session will also be recorded and posted to the HDM YouTube channel. The History of Diving Museum would like to thank this month’s “Immerse Yourself” sponsor: the Misso Family.

— Contributed

hris Malinowski, director of research and conservation with Ocean First Institute, will give a “Sharks and Groupers of Florida” presentation on Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m. at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. This is the seventh lecture of the 33rd annual lecture series, “The Delicate Balance of Nature,” which is sponsored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.

In his presentation, Malinowski will discuss some of the most important conservation issues impacting coastal ecosystems in Florida and beyond, through the lens of his research on iconic species in Florida, including sharks, groupers, snook and sheepshead. Hear this engaging and passionate conservationist at the visitor center and aquarium building inside the park, located at MM 102.5, oceanside. Those attending the lecture can enter the park for free. The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m.

services specialist at 305-6763786. Visit www.FloridaStateParks. org for more information.

— Contributed

Chelsea Bennice is a marine biologist at Florida Atlantic University. CONTRIB-

Islamorada, Village of Islands REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PLANTATION TROPICAL PRESERVE GAZEBO

PROJECT RFP 24-08

Bid Submittal Deadline: 3:00 p.m. April 11, 2024

Islamorada, Village of Islands (the “Village”) is seeking formal proposals from qualified contractors to provide services for the construction of a community gazebo, associated concrete walkway and other site improvements in accordance with Design Plans and Specifications provided by the Village

The Plantation Tropical Preserve is located at 90600 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the Preserve during the hours the site is open to the public – sunrise to sunset. There is an approximately 1800 sq ft gravel parking lot with one ADA compliant handicap parking spot. An open area close to the parking lot is to be the location of the gazebo.

To be eligible for selection consideration, a submittal package must contain all documentation detailed in Section X 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=28 to view and download the bid documents including construction plans

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Key West | Marathon | Upper Keys

Black Tie Benefit supports Wesley House expansion

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Wesley House Family Services’ Black Tie Benefit brought a bit of glitz, glam and giving on March 1 at Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo. More than 100 guests enjoyed a night of socializing, dancing and paddle raising for unique items and trips — all to support Wesley House’s mission to help families in the community. All proceeds raised during the Key Largo Black Tie Benefit will support Wesley House’s expansion at the former Lions Club building, specifically for a new playground. “We were able to share our mission and introduce our new office building coming soon to the former Lions Club location,” said Grace Epperly, development coordinator with Wesley House. “We are pleased with the outcome and feel it was a success. Wesley House looks forward to more Upper Keys events to educate the community about programs and services.” Visit wesleyhouse.org/ to learn more.

Attendees danced, donated and dined the night away during the first Black Tie Benefit organized by Wesley House Family Services on March 1 at Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo. Photos by GINGER MONTELEONE PHOTOGRAPHY

MEET SLOPPY JOE

Reef chats with famous Hemingway Home cat

LEO

A2-year-old terrier mix, Leo plays well with children and dogs. Simply put, the 21.5-pound male loves to be with people. If you would like to meet this young boy, please complete an application at www.mprescues. org. MarrVelous Pet Rescues and Adoptions is a foster-based animal rescue and adoption organization serving the Florida Keys.

Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” This week I have a bit of a history lesson and interview all rolled into one.

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.

A few weeks ago I sat down with one of the worldfamous Hemingway Home cats, Sloppy Joe, named after (Sloppy) Joe Russell. Russell, a Conch born and raised in Key West, was a charter boat captain who ran a 32-foot cruiser called the “Anita.” Eventually he became Hemingway’s boat pilot and was the author’s fishing companion for more than 12 years. In his company, Hemingway once caught an astonishing 54 marlins in 115 days.

Today, visitors who flock to Key West often seek out Sloppy Joe’s Bar, which is a staple on Duval Street in the heart of Key West.

Hemingway’s love of cats began when Hemingway was given a white six-toed kitten by Capt. Stanley Dexter, after Hemingway had admired the captain’s own six-toed feline, Snowball, at a local bar in 1935. Hemingway’s sons named the kitten Snow White, and that started the theme of Hemingway naming all of his cats after famous people. The tradition continues today at Hemingway Home and Museum on Whitehead Street in Key West.

Reef: Should I call you “Sloppy,” “Joe” or “Mr. Russell?” Sloppy seems too informal, Joe is a mediocre name for a regal beast such as yourself and Mr. Russell sounds too formal. How about SJ?

SJ: SJ is perfect, Reef. I think I’ll have my caretakers at the museum start using it as well.

Reef: So SJ, I see that you have some extra

Thursday, March 14

• Florida Keys History & Discovery Center’s Cocktail & Conductors at 5:30 p.m. at the center, located at the Islander Resort, Islamorada.

Friday, March 15

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

• Cuban Missile Crisis talk by New York Times bestselling author Michael Tougias at 2:30 p.m. at Key Largo library.

Saturday, March 16

• 24th annual Upper Keys Irish Festival at 11 a.m. at Caribbean Club, Key Largo. Proceeds benefit Upper Keys kids through the Teen Intervention Prevention Services (TIPS).

Sunday, March 17

• Third annual Kids Fishing Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at Founders Park Beach pavilion. Admission is free. For boys and girls 13 and under.

• St. Patrick’s Day at Florida Keys Brewing Co. Event is free.

toes on your front feet? I think that is pretty cool. I’m missing a few toes on my front paw so I think we are kindred spirits somehow. Tell me about the extra toes.

SJ: Cats normally have five front toes and four back toes. About half of the cats at the museum have the physical polydactyl trait but they all carry the polydactyl gene in their DNA, which means that the ones that have four and five toes can still mother or father six-toed kittens. As you can see I have six toes on both front feet.

Reef: Woah, that’s pretty awesome. So I found you today hanging out by the back gate at the museum. Is this your favorite spot to be?

SJ: Why, yes. I like to monitor the comings and goings here at the back gate, watch the chickens walk by on the sidewalk and visit with the employees when they are on break back here. I am also an expert at playing fetch with my favorite glitter ball toy and the employees love watching a cat play fetch. I mean, who wouldn’t?

Reef: Fair enough! I like watching squirrels in the trees at my home so I totally get it. I noticed you have a sign here that says “Bring Back Snacks.” Can you elaborate on that?

SJ: Well, you see, Reef, a while back, cat treats were banned here at the museum after some of us started indulging but not exercising enough to keep our feline figures, so the humans took a vote to stop handing out snacks to the cats. So I have started a campaign to bring back snacks and was elected union president because of my initiative.

Reef: I have run a few successful campaigns myself and it seems that animals are always much better at it than humans, so I have no doubt you will get your snacks back.

* Special thanks to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum for allowing my mother, Nicole Navarro, exclusive access to Sloppy Joe.

Monday, March 18

• Read to Tucker the certified therapy dog from 10 a.m. to noon at Key Largo library. Bring your favorite book or pick one from the library. Call 305451-2396 to book a 20 minute session.

• Key Largo Federation of Homeowner Associations’ general membership meeting at 6 p.m. at the community room inside the Key Largo library. State Attorney Dennis Ward is guest speaker.

Wednesday, March 20

• 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.

• “Immerse Yourself” lecture series welcomes Chelsea Bennice, marine biologist, for a talk on octopus behavior and biology at 7 p.m at the History of Diving Museum, Islamorada.

• Nature Lecture series brings Chris Malinowski, director of research and conservation with Ocean First Institute, at 7 p.m. at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo.

Thursday, March 21

• Adult craft features coconut decorating from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Key Largo library.

Sloppy Joe, the famous Hemingway Home & Museum cat. CONTRIBUTED

SPANISH INFLUENCE IN THE KEYS

Coral rock wall on Lignumvitae Key brings historical intrigue

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH

BRAD BERTELLI

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

The Spanish have been influencing the Florida Keys since shortly after the New World was discovered — indeed, since Ponce de Leon sailed past in 1513.

It was a June day when Juan Ponce de Leon and the small fleet of ships he was sailing with arrived at the last bunch of the Florida Keys. He named them Las Tortugas – the Turtles.

He chose the name not just because of the loggerhead and green turtles he saw swimming in the clear waters but also because of the ones he saw crawling up onto the islands to lay their clutches of eggs. When the fleet anchored offshore, crews worked to capture a reported 160 turtles as well as “fourteen seals … many pelicans and other birds that amounted to five thousand” to restock their food stores.

The islands are identified as the Dry Tortugas on later charts and those still used today.

The name honored the original Spanish name but also served as a navigational aid by indicating that the islands were dry and lacking any source of freshwater.

The Matecumbe Keys, too, honor early Spanish names given to the islands. Both Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys have mostly retained the names given to them by explorers. Early Spanish charts identified the islands as Matecumbe la Viejo and Matecumbe Nuebo. However, if local legends are to be believed, those Spanish conquistadors really named the Matecumbe Keys Islamorada – the Purple Isles. (Matecumbe is one of the oldest place names in South Florida and dates back to 1573.)

It is not the only piece of lore that has stuck to one of the Florida Keys. There are excellent stories about a coral rock wall built by early Spanish inhabitants of Lignumvitae Key — which is found within the island of Islamorada.

In one story about the island that appeared in the Works Progress Administration Federal Writers’ Project (1939), the writer stated: “On

Lignumvitae Key … are stone fences, wells, pieces of carved wood and wrought iron, the ruins of what is believed by some to have been a Spanish Village.”

The story has persisted, with some claiming that the coral rock wall was positioned to be used as a navigational beacon. In a popular book called “Charlotte’s Story,” written by Charlotte Neidhauk, who lived on Lignumvitae Key from 1953 to 1974, it states: “The wall cuts across the western part of the island. One other wall, attached to this about midway, divides the land behind the wall roughly in half. Inside the most westerly portion, near the wall, the Spanish constructed a watch house from which they could view the western part of the bay and watch for vessels.”

Perhaps what is more interesting, should there have been, once upon a time, a Spanish presence on the island, is that other islands in the area were seemingly overlooked. Indian Key, for example, with its convenient harbor and access provided by a relatively deep channel leading out beyond the reef line, would have made significantly more sense. Also, unlike Lignumvitae Key, it was not plagued by great electric clouds of bloodthirsty mosquitoes.

It is also interesting that no archaeologists nor anyone else has uncovered artifacts or documentation linking a Spanish presence to the island. It is curious, too, for those supporting the idea that it was the Spanish who built the wall, that it did not show up on the official government survey of the island in 1873. The primary 902-foot-long coral rock wall, positioned north and south, would have been difficult to miss for the survey crew hiking around the island. The wall’s shorter extension, mentioned by Neidhauk in her story, appears to be unaccounted for in the survey conducted on the island, too.

My favorite story about the mysterious coral rock wall is not about the enslaved Calusa and the Spanish forced to build the 3-foot-tall wall to keep the 8-foot-tall Indians out. At roughly 6 feet tall, I can easily climb over the wall.

This seems like the perfect place to point out that Lignumvitae Key is also known as Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and is not one of the backcountry islands where people can wander and explore willy-nilly.

As it always has been, the island is only acces-

sible by boat. It is hard to imagine Spanish sailing ships attempting to navigate the area’s seagrass beds and narrow, shallow channels. For those without a boat who are looking to visit the island, ferry service is provided at Lower Matecumbe’s Robbie’s of Islamorada Friday through Sunday. Tours are provided by park rangers, who are the only ones authorized to show visitors the island’s nature trails and the wall.

When investigating the origin of the coral rock wall in 2016, Mike Wisenbaker, of the Florida Division of Historical Resources, suggested what seems like the most reasonable explanation in his 2017 report. He theorized that the coral rock wall was likely built during the island’s Matheson period (1919-1953).

It was 1919 when the Biscayne Chemical Company and president William John Matheson bought the island. After the island was purchased, Matheson authorized the construction of a two-story, four-bedroom coral-rock house. The Matheson house was not the only “improvement” done to the island.

Roads were cleared, trails made, and an airplane runway and coconut groves were created. Between 1928 and 1934, a bulldozer and rock crusher were transported to the island. Wizenbaker theorized it was during this time that the wall was built from the coral rock and cleared away during those construction projects. It is also during the Matheson period that the wall is first documented.

The coral rock wall at Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park. LARRY THUROW/Contributed

Saturday & Sunday 10 to 5 March 23 & 24

Saturday, March 23

Live performan ces all day long on the s tage on the beach

Toko Irie & The Newton Band – Reggae

I Land Vibe s – Beach Tunes

The Sunshine Band – Rock and Roll

Saturday Highlights: WHAT FLOATS YOUR BOAT

Homemade Boat Race Adults & Kids Divisions

“Ocean Wonders”

Sand Sculpting Contest on the Beach!

2024 poster signing by artist Carmen Sotolongo Kelley

Sunday, March 24

Live performances all day long on the Crooked Palm Distillery Stage on the beach

Cortadito – Cuban Folk

The Pit Bull of Blues Band – Blues while Pasta paints to the rhythm

Electric Mayhem - Southern Rock

Sunday Highlight: Taste of Islamorada!

Sample incredible food from some of the best restaurants in Islamorada (only on Sunday)!

Music, Art, Food & These Activities (both days):

Kite Flying

Sand Sculpting on the Beach

Paint the Dolphin: Art for Kids

Hula Hooping & Contests

Large Selection of Food & Drinks

8-ft. Sand Castle — Photo Op

Swim with a mermaid

Meet a mermaid

Mermaid photo ops

Sponsor: Florida Keys Brewing Co.

GOING, GOING, GONE

Niles blasts four homers | P.5

MARCH 14

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

THIS WEEK

3/19

3/21

3/21

THORNTON

Lately, her bat has come alive and is a significant contributor to our offense.”

– Lance Martin, Marathon softball head coach.

MARCH 14

CA) 3 p.m.

Marathon’s Madelyn Thornton may be only a freshman, but the Fins’ starting catcher is not new to varsity fast-pitch this season.

“Madelyn is only in ninth grade, and this is her third year as the varsity catcher,” explained Marathon’s head coach, Lance Martin. “She has done a great job working with her pitchers and gets compliments from umpires on how well she blocks the ball.”

But it is Thornton’s bat which has garnered the most attention this season. She leads the team with a .556 batting average and .636 on-base percentage. Boasting a .833 slugging percentage, Thornton’s extra bases have been crucial in multiple Fins victories this season. For her solid bat and dependable role at catcher, Madelyn Thornton is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

As Key West senior center fielder Scarlet Niles proved last weekend, her bat is not to be trifled with. In doubleheader action on March 9 against John Carroll Catholic, Niles blasted four home runs over the course of the day, with three coming in a single game. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

Madelyn

Freshman, Marathon Softball

Photo by: BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

.556

batting average

slugging percentage

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.

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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.

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Anthony Lariz and the Key West Conchs are off to a 5-2 start on the season. MARK

THE KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP PODCAST

On this week’s Keys Weekly Sports Wrap Podcast, Sean and Tracy break down all this week’s scores and events. You can hear all of the latest in prep sports in the Keys, plus some behind-the-scenes details you won’t catch anywhere else. This week, the duo goes in depth on Key West’s baseball season thus far, including highlights, key players and important upcoming matchups.

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NILES GOES YARD FOUR TIMES IN ONE DAY

Carrollton delivers first loss of the season to Marathon

The Lady Conchs split a pair of games against visiting John Carroll Catholic on March 9.

Key West won the first game of the double header, and while the Conchs brought in 7 runs to John Carroll’s 2, just one bat would have been enough.

Key West pulled away in the first inning and hung onto the lead the entire game, powered by three home runs by center fielder Scarlet Niles. Chloe Gilday struck out 5 over 7 innings on defense while the Conchs racked up 9 hits, including 2 from Monica Bueno, a double from Alexa Condela and singles from Shylo Sanchez, Tavyn Gage and Nina Manresa on top of Niles’ 3 bombs.

In game two, pitcher Brianna Brener got the start, lasting 6 innings

before Gilday came in for 1 inning of relief. The Conchs took an early lead again and held on until the fourth when it was all tied up at 3. John Carroll took advantage of a two-out rally in the sixth inning, scoring 3 runs. Key West put up 2 runs in their final at-bat, but could not quite pull off the comeback. Key West’s bats continued to be prolific with 7 hits. Niles homered again in game two with 1 of her 2 hits. Condela and Alexandra Rodriguez had 2 hits each and Vera Rodger claimed the remaining hit in the 6-5 loss.

Marathon played Carrollton on March 5 at home. The Cyclones pulled ahead in the first with a 1-0 lead, which Marathon tied up in the third inning. By inning 6, the Lady Fins were ahead by a run, but a sev-

enth inning 5-run rally from Carrollton was too much for Marathon to overcome, handing them a 7-3 loss. Maeve Merryman registered three hits, including one double. Ryleigh Garcia doubled and Sara Robinson, Madelyn Thornton and Allison Garcia each singled in the loss.

Two nights later, it was a completely different ball game. Playing at LaSalle, the Fins racked up a total of 17 hits to dominate the Royal Lions in a four-inning 18-1 romp. Allison Garcia struck out 7 on the mound, then delivered 4 hits of her own, including a triple and a pair of doubles. Elena Eubank added her own pair of doubles plus a single for 3 hits. Ryleigh Garcia and Shynell McGuire had 2 hits apiece, as did Thornton, with 1 being a home run. Eli Roque,

Daniela Gonzalez, Robinson and Merryman accounted for the other 4. The 5-1 Fins have two more games prior to spring break as they head into the final stretch prior to districts. Coral Shores fell to 0-3 after a loss against Colonial Christian School on March 7 in their home opener. The Patriots defeated the ’Canes 28-6.

Scarlet Niles arrives home to a welcoming committee of her teammates after blasting four home runs in one day.

BERT BUDDE/Keys

Clockwise from top left: Scarlet Niles’ face says it all as she rounds the bases after one of her four home runs.

Four powerful blasts from the bat of Key West center fielder Scarlet Niles cleared the fences on March 9.

ZIELS, LEAL COMBINE FOR NO-HITTER

Conchs split against John Carroll Catholic

The Marathon Dolphins had to settle for a single game last week after Everglades Prep forfeited their March 8 matchup. The Fins made the most of their playtime, defeating the Rays of Mater Academy Bay 3-0. Dylan Ziels started on the mound for Marathon, lasting 5 innings and striking out 6. Gabe Leal finished out the game with 3 strikeouts. The pair combined for a no-hitter against the Rays. Marathon’s Aiden Gonzalez, Mason Thornton, Tommy Norris and Gabe Leal each had one single in the win. Marathon is sitting on an impressive 7-1 record but faces its greatest test of the season Monday, March 25, hosting district and county rival Coral Shores in what will possibly be the only Battle of the Keys this season in baseball.

John Carroll Catholic School made the trip from Fort Pierce to the Southernmost City to take on the Conchs in a two-game series. The Rams took advantage of a rare trio of Conch errors in game number one on March 8, scoring 2 runs in the first inning, then 2 more in inning 7. The Conchs did their best to get things going with 6 hits, but the luck was not with the home team. Steel Mientkiewicz, Noah Burnham, Sam Holland, Roman Garcia, Anthony Lariz and Jose Perdigon each singled in the 4-1 loss.

In Saturday’s game, the Conchs struck first, scoring 1 in the first inning. The Rams were stingy, allowing only 2 hits, 1 from

Garcia and 1 from Noah Burnham, but the Conchs were back to their usual precision on defense. An error-free game helped make the difference in the outcome. Key West scored 1 more run in the fourth, but a powerful outing from Anthony Lariz on the mound shut out John Carroll entirely. Lariz pitched his second complete game in as many weeks, striking out 9, walking 1 and allowing only 2 hits in the 2-0 win.

Coral Shores suffered a pair of losses last week, with the first one coming at home on March 5 to ABF Academy Hialeah. The ’Canes struggled to get things going at the plate with just 3 hits. AJ Putetti and Keller Blackburn both doubled while Grady Temkin added a base hit in the 6-3 loss against the Cowboys. Campbell Lavoie, Riley O’Berry and Donovan Thiery combined for 6 strikeouts on the mound for the Hurricanes.

The bats came alive on March 8 when the ’Canes traveled to Hialeah to play the Thoroughbreds of Hialeah High School. Temkin and Maykol Bonito-Rodriguez had 3 base hits each while Blackburn and Ezekiel Myers each had 2. Putetti, Thiery and O’Berry each added 1 for a total of 13 Hurricane hits. Despite out-hitting Hialeah 13-11, the ’Canes were trailing in the fourth by 3 runs before a fifth-inning 6-run showing by the Thoroughbreds made a comeback unlikely. Still, Coral Shores rallied in the seventh, racking up 5 runs off 4 hits, but it would be short of what they needed. The 11-8 loss brings the ’Canes to a 2-4 record, but they remain unbeaten in district play.

Top left: Dylan Ziels. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weeky

Above: Tommy Norris. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

FINS, ’CANES OUTLIFT COMPETITION

Keys teams take top slots at Gulliver quad meet

Marathon and Coral Shores participated in a quad meet in boys weightlifting on March 6 at Gulliver Prep. The Fins and ’Canes were first and second in both events, respectively, outscoring Gulliver and Keys Gate in both traditional and Olympic lifting. The Hurricanes had one double winner in AJ Johnson, who not only won both events in the 219-lb. weight class, but was first overall in traditional and second in Olympic across all weight classes. Marathon’s Tanner Ross was a double winner at 199 and took first overall in Olympic and second in traditional. Chase Leird (119), Damian Staciewicz (154), Max Childress (183) and Braulio Garcia (238) were all double winners for Marathon, while Matthias Martinez-Velez won at 139 pounds in the traditional event. Both teams will compete at Doctors Charter for the FHSAA 1A District 16 Championships on March 28.

LACROSSE SEASON HITS MIDWAY POINT

With less than one month before Districts, Conchs’ boys look strong

With lacrosse district brackets set to begin the week of April 10, the Conchs are sitting on a 6-2 record. At the halfway point in the season, Key West has defeated two of the other four teams in the district, including an impressive 9-3 victory over a highly-ranked Ransom Everglades on March 9. But if the Conchs want to secure a district championship, they will have to get past Gulliver. On March 5, the Raiders beat the visiting Conchs 15-4. Key West picked up an additional win at home March 8 against Coral Reef for win number six this season.

The Lady Conchs played three district matchups last week. On March 5, they lost to Westminster 9-4. Deanna Mercier scored half of Key West’s goals, with the others coming from Eisley Whitehead and Maeve O’Hearn. Whitehead also secured 5 ground balls while goalkeeper Courtney Grabus had a dozen saves. In a March 8 win against Gulliver, Mercier netted 4 while O’Hearn, Colbie Turner and Kaitlyn Piloto scored 2 apiece. Turner was also credited with 3 caused turnovers for the Conchs. Taylor Gibson had 1 goal in the 11-3 win and Grabus saved 5 from scoring. In their final game of the week, Key West lost to Ransom 11-10 on March 9, putting them at 3-5 thus far this season. Like Coral Shores, Key West has the ability to beat its district opponents when things fall into place for the young team.

The Lady ’Canes remain 2-3 with no games scheduled last week, but their most recent stats just became available. In a narrow loss to Key West on March 1, goalkeeper Sidney Friedman helped keep the score close with a 76% save percentage. Nicole Gray and Leyla Ochoa each netted 3 goals in the 7-6 loss. Against Westminster Christian, the Lady ’Canes had better luck, winning 9-7. Ochoa scored 4 while Shay Stober and Iona Holmquist found the goal twice. Gray scored the final Hurricane goal. Ivy Tiedemann scooped up 7 ground balls while Makayla Hann had 2 interceptions and 8 ground balls in the win. The Hurricanes’ record does not accurately reflect their game play this season; Coral Shores has not lost by more than 3 goals all season and are capable of winning against any District 16 opponent on any given day.

Coral Shores’ boys are 1-6 after a pair of losses last week. The first came from Miami Country Day on March 5 and the second two days later against Coral Reef. The ’Canes have a chance to pick up a pair of district wins to improve their bracket standings with games against district opponents Key West and Westminster Christian coming up on their schedule.

Leyla Ochoa. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

’CANES BEAT OUT CONCHS ON THE COURTS

Key West shuts out Miami Killian in boys and girls tennis

Key West’s boys tennis team swept Miami Killian on March 4 in Miami. John Picco, Nicholas Burnett, Sharun MacAlearney, Nate Bergh and Martin Burnett all defeated their opponents in singles. Picco and Nicholas Burnette combined to win the first doubles match and MacAlearney and Bergh won the second. The Lady Conchs completed the clean sweep of the Cougars with singles wins from Eva Drozdetskaia, Gabriella Aguero, Amalia Strunk, Zoe Gehin and Claudia Steling. Drozdetskaia and Aguero, then Strunk and Steling, paired up for a set of doubles wins to blank Killian.

The tables would turn on March 7 when the Conchs traveled to Coral Shores. The Hurricanes swept the Conchs in boys action. Makani Burga, Aidan Althouse, Johann Smith, Erik Moerner and Corden Dean registered wins for the ’Canes, with the doubles duos of Burga/Althouse and Smith/ Moerner claiming wins as well. For the girls, it was much closer, with the Lady ‘’Canes edging the Lady Conchs 4-3 for the team victory. Drozdetskaia, Aguero and Strunk won their singles matches for the Conchs’ three points. For Coral Shores, Kai Redruello and Macy Cakans won their singles matches while Redruello and Kai Guth plus Olivia Hughes and Charlotte MacEachern combined to win both doubles matches for a Lady ’Canes win.

The Key West Conchs and Coral Shores Hurricanes meet up for an in-county rivalry match on March 7. The Hurricanes’ boys team swept the Conchs, while the Lady ’Canes narrowly defeated their southernmost neighbors 4-3. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly. See more match photos at keysweekly.com.

NEW LEAGUE ‘FLAGS’ SUCCESS

Inaugural Upper Keys youth football program saw 140 participants

Eager parents intently watched as their energized flag football players ran out from an inflatable tunnel to the gridiron at Coral Shores High School on Feb. 10. Championship bling in the form of a ring awaited the best team in each of the three divisions on this Super Bowl Saturday.

An inaugural Upper Keys Flag Football league, organized by local barber Randee Blanco just months before, brought 140 youth participants every Monday night during the winter months at Harry Harris fields in Tavernier. Players in kindergarten through second, third to fifth and sixth to eighth grades donned flags and eye paint as they ran routes, caught the ball and juked defenders as they steamed to the end zone. Parents sitting close to the field lines were tuned into the game, cheering on the team and rooting on their kids.

“It was amazing to come out on opening night and see all the people show up and all the smiles on kids' faces. I drove home that night and said, ‘OK, that went well,’” said Blanco, who came to the Keys from Orlando and opened a shop in Key Largo in 2021.

Months before the playoffs and championship games at Coral Shores, Blanco listened to parents from the community who wished a flag football league would come to fruition in the upper island chain. In just a short time, signups began around the fall. Before Blanco knew, player signups began to explode as the word spread around the community. With help from his wife, Krissandra; John Allen, county parks director; Ed Holly, Coral Shores athletics director; and the community, the league was off and running.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the community,” Blanco said. “The community put up money and helped facilitate and organize the league.”

1. Upper Keys Flag Football rings were presented to the champions in the K-2, 3-5 and 6-8 divisions. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

2. Upper Keys Flag Football organizer Randee Blanco, center, congratulates the K-2 champions during Super Bowl Saturday on Feb. 10 at Coral Shores High School.

3-6. Youth flag football participants compete for the championship during Super Bowl Saturday at Coral Shores High School football field on Feb. 10.

Blanco also overcame challenges recruiting coaches and referees. Some coaches took on two teams, while members of the community, including high school students, put on the black and white stripes to officiate games.

“We were a well-oiled machine by Christmas,” Blanco said, adding that the league was competitive and not “Sandlot style.” “We have no-run zones which force players to throw the ball. A lot of kids learned a new way to play football.”

Holly, who’s also the Hurricanes head football coach, said he was particularly impressed with the turnout and the high level of coaching. Flag football in the Upper Keys means kids can have a football in their hands from kindergarten all the way to their senior year.

“They can play in the flag football league and move their way to middle school and then J.V. and varsity. And that should lead them to playing for 80,000 (people),” Holly said.

With the inaugural flag football season complete, Blanco said the momentum will carry into year two with a new high school division and an earlier start to the season.

Blanco is aiming to make the league even more affordable for families, in a bid to bring more players out. And he’s hoping to play games at Founders Park in Islamorada. As he prepares for another season, Blanco also stays busy umpiring youth baseball and soccer games.

CONCHS AND FINS FACE STEEP COMPETITION

Louis Jeune sets school record, Williams and Merryman claim top prizes at Falcon Relays

Marathon opened their track and field season March 7 at the Falcon Relays held at Palmer Trinity School. With 19 schools represented at the meet, the Fins found success despite the strong competition. Daysi Williams was the big winner for Marathon, winning the high jump with a 4’ 8” leap. Williams brought home a medal from the state competition as a freshman and is right on track for a repeat this season.

Ava Merryman, also a sophomore and a state medal winner last season, tied for first place in pole vault, clearing 9’ 0.25”. Jay Marshall was second in the 100m race, finishing in 11.41s. Also second was Fab Louis Jeune, whose 40’ 7” triple jump earned him a school record. Other topfive finishers were Justice Lee, with a third in shot put and fifth in discus, Kayesha Christian with a fifth in the 100m, and Rilynn Richards, who took fifth in the 800m in 2:45. Marathon’s boys distance medley relay earned second place, finishing in 12:06, while the girls distance relay finished third in 16:20. The Lady Fins’ 4x100m relay also earned a solid finish, claiming fourth place in 55.69s.

Key West traveled to Fort Lauderdale for the invitational at Calvary Christian High School. Shane Lavallee won the javelin event with a toss of just over 154 feet. Jeff Dejean and Jean Louis placed second in triple and long jump, respectively. Audrey Smith took second in javelin while Anabel Portuondo was third in pole vault. Grace Andrew placed fourth in both the 100 and 400m hurdle events and Ian Newton was fourth in pole vault. Rounding out Key West’s top-five winners were Malachi Telisma, who was fifth in high jump, and Noah Mercer with a fifth-place finish in discus.

Audrey Smith. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

Marathon’s Daysi Williams. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

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

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HYUN

WBABN33402JW60768 2002

BMW Publish: March 7 & 14, 2024

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PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Florida Keys Council of the Arts

Notice of Upcoming Meetings & Workshops

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The Board of Directors meeting March 21st will be hybrid, with an in person meeting and Zoom option. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be:

JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@ keysarts.com

Art in Public Places Committee

meeting Time: Mar 19, 2024 12:00 PM

Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 856 1285 0059

Passcode: 594844

Board of Directors Meeting

Gato Building, 1100 Simonton

St, Key West, FL

Time: Mar 21, 2024 04:00 PM

Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 896 7562 7887

Passcode: 697621

Cultural Umbrella Committee

Meeting Time: Mar 27, 2024 11:00 AM

Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 894 0828 4456

Passcode: 158390

Cultural Umbrella Application

Workshop # 1

Time: Apr 15, 2024 04:00 PM

Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 858 5839 4299

Passcode: 397513

Cultural Umbrella Application

Workshop #2

Time: Apr 16, 2024 10:00 AM

Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 881 6600 0193

Passcode: 447013

Executive Committee Meeting

Time: Apr 18, 2024 02:00 PM

Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 836 2216 1691

Passcode: 693912

Publish: March 14, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District I Advisory Committee (DAC I) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be:

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/81824464313

Meeting ID: 818 2446 4313

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All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

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

Publish: March 14, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District II Advisory Committee (DAC II) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting

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All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

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

Publish: March 14, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District III Advisory Committee (DAC III) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/88657427157

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All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30

a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

Publish:

March 14, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District IV Advisory Committee (DAC IV) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting

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All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

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

Publish: March 14, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District V Advisory Committee (DAC V) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.

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US All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

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

Publish: March 14, 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

TO:

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 FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-000058-K

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF STEVEN DUNCAN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of STEVEN DUNCAN, deceased, whose date of death was October 12, 2023, and whose Social Security Number is ***-**0714, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 302 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 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 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 March 14, 2024.

Personal Representative: Michael Duncan 435 South Gulfstream Avenue, #808 Sarasota, FL 34236

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Steven K. Schwartz

Florida Bar No. 187976

Steven K. Schwartz, P.A. 7700 Congress Blvd.,#1104

LEGAL NOTICES

Boca Raton, FL 33487

Telephone: 305-563-2739 Ext.

101

E-mail: Steven@ stevenkschwartzpa.com

Publish:

March 14 & 21, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 22-CP-000323-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PAUL P. ROLLICK, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of PAUL P. ROLLICK, deceased, whose date of death was September 20, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 302 Fleming 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 14, 2024.

Personal Representative: MICHELE CAROL STAROBA 1614 Steven Avenue Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN A. TURNER E-mail Addresses: john.turner@saul.com linda.dunne@saul.com shar-ann.callahan@saul.com Florida Bar No. 000922 SAUL EWING LLP 515 W. Flagler Drive, Suite 1400 West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 Telephone: 561-833-9800

Publish: March 14 & 21, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000035-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MAKEPEACE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Robert Makepeace, deceased, whose date of death was December 4, 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 14, 2024.

Personal Representative: Arnold David Makepeace 83311 Old Highway Islamorada, Florida 33036

Attorney for Personal

Representative: Nicholas W. Mulick

E-mail Address: reception@ mulicklaw.com

Florida Bar No. 337757

Nicholas W. Mulick P.A. 91645 Overseas Highway Tavernier, Florida 33070

Telephone: (305) 852-9292

Publish:

March 14 & 21, 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

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

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; 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

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS!

Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks.

Runs or Not.

$CASH 305-332-0483

BICYCLE PARTS

Conversion Kit - Never used: for 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

2008 Precision 165

Sailboat for sale. Length: 16.5’ Beam 7’2” Draft 1’9”

Fiberglass w/ two 6’8” berths. Trailer and 1.5 hp Honda outboard. $6,500. Located on Summerland

Key. Call Kyle 928-231-0442

1986 SeaRay 268

Sundancer - Live aboard, furnished, on trailer at Grassy Key Marina, Marathon. REDUCED to $7,000. Call Ben at 712-790-1333

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!

EMPLOYMENT

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

Hiring: Lead Gutter

Installer - EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED – valid Driver’s License - must be comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier. To apply, please call or text Jay 305-587-1581.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time dishwasher. Private club, friendly atmosphere, flexible afternoon/evening hours available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID and social security card or passport. Call 305743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is now hiring for the following positions: Server, $10/hr + tips, 9:30am-7pm, Beach Shop Attendant, $18/hr, 9:30am-5pm, and Parttime Office Clerk, $18/hr, Thu/Fri/Sat, 9:30am-7pm. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions:

PT Receptionist, Housing Assistant-Key West, Housing Manager- Middle 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.

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. HIRED!!!

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 RENTAL -

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

Large One Bedroom

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

2BR/2BA Conch House

downtown Key West. Recently renovated kitchen and baths; original Dade Co pine on walls; incl. W/D, fridge; unfurnished. No smoking. No pets. $4,500/ mo + F/L/S. 305-842-1368

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

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

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

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

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIERS Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.

DOCKHANDS Duties include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking. Morning & a ernoon hours available.

Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.

able to work weekends, 3 to 4 days a week, hours til 7pm.

If you want to be part of a great team, please apply!

Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into the of ce at 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon to ll out an application.

CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM.

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

CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR

The ideal candidate will possess excellent phone skills and a passion for helping people. The role involves phone call follow-up, scheduling appointments, and utilizing strong computer skills. The hours are up to 30 per week, and the pay rate is $20 per hour. After successful training in Marathon, the role may permit working from home. Call 305-783-3395 to schedule an interview.

MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE IS NOW HIRING:

GENERAL / BUSINESS MANAGER

Full-Time, Permanent, Salary Commensurate with Experience

Oversees all business operations of Marathon Community Theatre including the Playhouse and Cinema. Ensures the theatre venue is ready for events by adhering to prescribed timelines and requirements and by coordinating with staff, production crews, volunteer committees, and outside vendors. Meet deadlines for grant submittals, compliance reporting, and production needs. Responsible for accounting processes including bank deposits, invoice payment, and budget adherence. Coordinate with the building committee chair to ensure the building is safe and maintenance needs are met.

A candidate should possess:

• Strong management skills with ability to delegate (supervise 4-6 employees and many volunteers)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Self-Motivation

• Strong working knowledge of common computer applications (Gmail, Google Sheets, GoDaddy, Canva, Excel, Word) and ability to learn unique industry applications (Audience View, Veezi etc.)

• Strong organizational skills

CUSTODIAL TECHNICIAN

Part-Time, Permanent, 30 hours per week

Reports to the General/Business Manager. Responsible for the day-today custodial maintenance and minor repairs/maintenance of the playhouse and cinema.

To apply for either position:

Email/mail a cover letter and resume to: gm@marathontheater.org Marathon Community Theatre, 5101 Overseas Highway, Marathon.

FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER

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

Experience

•

•

•

•

•

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.

DUI

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.

Competitive

Job

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, Marathon, Orthopedics, Part Time

- Ortho Support Tech, Tavernier, Orthopedics, Part Time

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, Per Diem

- Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem

- Medical Technologist, $15k Sign-on Bonus*

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $20k Sign-on Bonus*

- Nuclear Medicine Tech, Per Diem

- Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem

- Pool Yoga Instructor, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $25k Sign-on Bonus*

- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Sign-on Bonus*

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, Part Time

- Wellness Center Manager

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator

- Environment Tech, $5k Sign-on Bonus*

- First Cook, $5k Sign-on Bonus*

- Medical Technologist, $15k Sign-on Bonus*

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $20k Sign-on Bonus*

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Radiology Tech, $15k Sign-on Bonus*

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $25k Sign-on Bonus*

- Security Of cer

All

APPLY AND LEARN MORE

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

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist

Prevention Specialist (any location)

(PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Child) Case Manager

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