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An annual report released by the Alzheimer’s Association states an estimated 7.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s. The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated to total $384 billion in 2025. Learn more at alz.org/facts.
A diver collects monofilament during the inaugural I.CARE Trash Derby in 2024. Monofilament from fishing lines is a big problem in the Florida Keys, as it can wind around coral and wildlife. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly File Photo
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR TAVERNIER PUBLIX PROJECT
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Asupermarket and workforce housing project in Tavernier took another step forward on April 28, as county commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a development agreement during a special meeting in Marathon.
A pact between the developers, Blackstone Group Tavernier 925 LLC and VC Tavernier LLC, and the county includes specific details and commitments regarding the development. Plans are in place to construct a 47,240-square-foot Publix supermarket and a 2,100-square-foot liquor store at the front of the property at MM 92.5, oceanside. Developers can’t build a nonresidental structure beyond 49,900 square feet, per the Tavernier Commercial Overlay District that was formed via the commission’s approval in February 2024.
Devin Tolpin, senior director of planning and environmental resources, told commissioners the developers are using 99.6% of the maximum development potential on the site.
Behind the Publix, the Jacksonville-based Vestcor Companies is planning to build 86 housing units, from one-bed/one-bathroom to three-bed/ two-bathroom apartments, intended for the local workforce.
Per the development agreement, a certificate of occupancy for the commercial structure, the supermarket and liquor store, won’t be issued until half of the 86 workforce housing units obtain a temporary certificate of occupancy.
Once constructed, the workforce dwelling units must be made available to essential Monroe County workers — law enforcement, health care personnel, firefighters and teachers — 30 days before they’re available for lease by the general public. Commissioner Holly Raschein, who voted in favor of
A rendition shows a Publix supermarket on property located at MM 92.5, oceanside, in Tavernier. VESTCOR/Contributed
the agreement, requested employees of the judicial court system also be added in as essential workers.
Bart Smith, attorney representing the applicants, said they’re implementing recommendations by the Monroe County Planning Commission for a vegetative buffer between the back of the supermarket and a nearby apartment building. Smith said pigeon plums and buttonwoods will be planted between the buildings. Two pocket parks were also added for those living in the apartments.
A traffic study revealed more than 5,300 daily vehicle trips entering and leaving the property, including customers frequenting Publix and residents coming and going from their apartments. An outside traffic consultant who produced a report on behalf of the Tavernier Community Association told planning commission members on April 17 that the proposed development and traffic generated from it would create “hazardous conditions and create accidents.” Miles Moss, a professional engineer, said a traffic light would be needed at the location. The Florida Department of Transportation has the authority to determine whether one will be warranted as a result of the development.
Discussion by the planning com-
mission also heard concerns over how trucks traveling south and bringing goods into the Publix supermarket would enter the property from the northbound lanes of U.S. 1. There were concerns as to how vehicles leaving the development would navigate two lanes of northbound traffic, a bike lane and vehicles using a turn lane to enter the property.
County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln, who voted “yes,” said workforce housing is one of her major priorities.
“I have to say we approve more than we go to ribbon-cuttings on. We approve them, then they need an extension because it’s expensive and there’s a lot of red tape to get through,” Lincoln said. “This is a project that we’re going to see through to a ribbon-cutting and getting people into some apartments.”
Lincoln and Mayor Jim Scholl also noted how the supermarket size was reduced from the original 64,000-square-foot structure in April 2022.
“There’s been a lot of adjustments to the plan,” Scholl said.
Raschein said the project will keep essential workers and their families in the local community. She also expressed her excitement about Publix in Tavernier.
The lone dissenting vote was cast by Commissioner Craig Cates.
“I think at the end of the day, we’re going to get the best we can out of this situation for the community. But I’m still concerned about the traffic,” he said. “The study says there are too many trips, and I’m not sure if the mitigation is going to be successful.”
Developers will need to secure a major conditional use permit approval from the planning commission before proceeding with construction.
POWER & WATER
New exhibit explores history of local utilities
The Florida Keys History & Discovery Center recently opened a new interactive exhibit, “Currents & Flows: Power and Water in the Florida Keys.”
This immersive display traces how access to fresh water and electricity has shaped life in the Keys — from early rainwater cisterns and household generators to the modern systems that power and supply the community.
Sponsored by the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative and the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, the exhibit highlights the origins of the region’s utility services and the decades of innovation it has taken to provide reliable water and electricity to a growing population. It also looks to the future, showcasing how these agencies are responding to new challenges and increasing demand.
Designed for all ages, the exhibit features a “build your own aqueduct” station, a simulated fishing area and touchscreen dis-
Oplays where visitors can test their electrical safety knowledge or learn about Florida’s aquifers.
“This exhibit is about more than infrastructure. It’s about how people came together to build and sustain life in a place that wasn’t always easy to live in,” said Heather Gonyeau, the exhibit’s curator. “It’s a tribute to the sheer determination and resilience of Keys residents.”
The Florida Keys History & Discovery Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This project was made possible with financial support from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
— Contributed
UPPER KEYS ROTARY CLUB ADDS TWO NEW MEMBERS CORAL SHORES STUDENT TAKES TO THE STATE CAPITAL
n April 29, past president Terry Abel and club member Tony Hammon welcomed two new members to the Upper Keys Rotary Club — Greg Dully and Ron Saunders. Dully is in commercial real estate, a member of the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce and a deacon at First Baptist Church of Islamorada. Saunders, a former state representative, is the new manager for the Village of Islamorada. He previously was a member of the Upper Keys club and was a member of the Key West and Lower Keys clubs. Upper Keys Rotary, established in 1967, meets Tuesdays at 11:45 a.m. at Captain Craig’s restaurant, MM 90 on Plantation Key. For more information about the club, go to upperkeysrotary.com or call club president Anna Richards at 305-522-0351. CONTRIBUTED
Charlotte MacEachern, a sophomore at Coral Shores High School, stands outside the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee in late March. MacEachern returned to the capital to participate in the Florida House of Representatives’ page and messenger program. The program aims to give Florida’s middle and high school students the chance to observe and participate in the passage of laws. Pages and messengers engage in activities that model the legislative process, such as bill drafting, mock committees and a mock session. This is MacEachern’s third consecutive visit to participate in the program. WHITNEY MACEACHERN/Contributed
Top: Kids check out the ‘build your own aqueduct’ station. Above: The display traces how access to fresh water and electricity has shaped life in the Keys. KHDC/Contributed
Florida Keys History & Discovery Center officials and Islamorada Chamber of Commerce members celebrate the new ‘Currents & Flows: Power and Water in the Florida Keys’ exhibit with a ribbon-cutting on April 17.
BILLS TARGETING TOURISM DOLLARS FOR PROPERTY RELIEF CLEAR FLORIDA HOUSE
Negotiations with Senate could alter the proposal
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Apair of bills aiming to provide Floridians property tax relief by diverting tourism dollars were approved by the House on April 25.
Both House Bills 1221 and 7033 were sent to the Senate, where negotiations could produce some changes. Many within the tourism and lodging sectors are hoping the funds, which are used for promotion, capital facilities improvements for tourist-based facilities and festivals and events, remain safeguarded. But House bill sponsors believe Floridians need some relief from increasing property tax bills and wind insurance costs.
Both House bills address the use and distribution of various tax revenues in the Sunshine State, including tourist development taxes. Under the proposals, 75% of the tourist development tax, which is paid by visitors booking overnight lodging, would go toward reducing a county’s ad valorem tax levy beginning in 2026. As for the remaining 25%, county commissioners would decide where to use that money.
“We have a local current affordability crisis. We want to provide as much as possible toward local government property tax relief,” said Rep. Wyman Dugggan, a Republican from Jacksonville who sponsored House Bill 7033. “Other structural property tax relief has to be done through the ballot in November 2026, which would not take effect until tax bill 2027. That’s a long way off. This is what we can do today.”
An amendment by Democratic Rep. Fentrice Driskell, of Tampa sought to give counties more flexibility to use TDTs for other purposes beyond reducing the property tax levy. The amendment failed to garner enough support.
Not only do the bills alter the use of the tourist tax dollars, but they also seek to dissolve all county tourist development councils beginning July 1.
Both bills are facing opposition from Florida’s tourism and lodging industries. Kara Franker, Visit Florida Keys CEO, said the House bills have a dire impact on the local tourism economy. In 2023 and 2024, the county collected roughly $61 million annually in tourist development taxes. Those funds were used to support 140 events throughout the island chain last year, as well as improvements to tourism facilities from Key Largo to Key West. A portion of the tourism dollars support tourism marketing and promotion of the island chain to other states.
“TDT is not paid by Florida residents. It’s paid by visitors — and reinvested locally to support small businesses and create jobs,” Franker told Keys Weekly. “With over 2 million jobs and $124 billion in annual visitor spending on the line in Florida, this is an existential threat — not just to the tourism industry, but to the communities like ours that depend on it.”
State Rep. Jim Mooney voted against House Bill 1221 and for House Bill 7033. He said House Bill 7033 also proposes a reduction in Florida’s state sales tax rates by .75%, repeals the aviation fuel tax, delays the effective date of natural gas fuel taxes and extends a local rate freeze for communications services taxes.
Mooney, however, has grave concerns regarding the proposed diversion of tourist development taxes.
“The reality is Colorado tried this in the 1990s. They went from the No. 1 tourist destination in this country to dead last. And it took 15 years to recover,” he said.
State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez told Keys Weekly on April 30 that the House and Senate are in negotiations. She said she has serious concerns over the elimination of tourist development tax revenue as it relates to Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
ROGO BILLS HIT ROADBLOCKS IN TALLAHASSEE
As of Wednesday morning, Keys may not receive additional building rights
By Alex Rickert and Jim McCarthy
As of the Keys Weekly’s press time on Wednesday morning, four bills that could have provided hundreds or thousands of new building rights to the Florida Keys at the conclusion of the 2025 Florida legislative session were in a wild push to the finish.
Sponsored by state Rep. Jim Mooney, House Bill 995, which would award up to 825 new building allocations over a 10-year period, passed unanimously in the House on April 23. In line with requests laid out by municipalities and the Monroe County Commission, the bill would direct governments receiving additional rights to use them on vacant lots and to support workforce housing for owners and tenants earning most of their income in the Keys.
Mooney’s bill would make a slight modification to statutes governing the Keys as an Area of Critical State Concern, pushing the island chain’s mandatory hurricane evacuation time for permanent residents from 24 to 24.5 hours as determined by models from the Florida Department of Commerce.
However, HB 995’s Senate companion, Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez’s SB 1326, had not been heard by the Senate as of press time on Wednesday after passing through the Environment and Natural Resources Committee in late March and the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government in early April. SB 1326 originally sought to provide up to 3,550 building allocations over a minimum of 40 years, but was later amended to align with HB 995.
“I am working diligently with my colleagues to re-insert my original (building rights) language (24.5 hours) onto another bill,” Rodriguez told the Weekly via text on Wednesday morning. “Everything is very fluid at this point – (I’m) hoping we can get this over the finish line, which will equate to approximately 820 additional permits for Monroe County.”
Senate Bills 1730 and 180, originally approved by the Senate with unanimous votes on April 16 and 9, respectively, passed the House with near-unanimous approval on April 29. While SB 180 lays out provisions for emergency preparedness and response, SB 1730 deals specifically with affordable housing. Previous versions of both bills would have called for an increase in the mandatory hurricane evacuation time within the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern for permanent residents from 24 to 26 hours –but those amendments were struck from the final versions approved in the House this week.
Although the bills made no mention of a specific number of additional units given to the Keys, SB 180 listed the “intent of the Legislature… (to) accommodate the building of additional developments within the Florida Keys to ameliorate the acute affordable housing and building permit allocation shortage.” The bill also stated that local governments should allow additional building “with a heightened focus on long-term stability and affordable housing for the local workforce.”
The four bills are a final verdict of sorts following a year of debate among island residents and governments over how to manage the future of development in the Keys, featuring an extensive series of workshops and surveys, along with expert presentations on infrastructure capabilities and evacuation logistics.
Property rights proponents and those stressing the need to ease the islands’ workforce housing crisis have repeatedly gone toe-to-toe with environmental groups and others challenging the reported reality of takings lawsuits if owners of buildable lots are denied the necessary permits to do so.
But city attorneys tasked with defending local governments have repeatedly framed the lawsuits as a binary choice: write a permit, or write a check.
MEMBERS IN
KEY WEST CODE DIRECTOR RETIRES
FOLLOWING CITY ATTORNEY’S TERMINATION
Vote to terminate city attorney without cause prompts $221K payout
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
Key West elected officials on April 24 terminated the employment contract of twiceindicted city attorney Ron Ramsingh without cause.
The city commission’s April 24 without-cause termination vote, meaning no specific examples of wrongdoing were cited, entitles Ramsingh to a $221,000 payout — roughly equivalent to a year’s salary.
By refusing to terminate Ramsingh’s contract with cause, by specifying city policies Ramsingh violated, the attorney is entitled to 20 weeks pay, plus all accrued leave and benefits.
Termination without cause was the outcome Ron Ramsingh requested of the commissioners in a handwritten letter he submitted to them through attorneys 90 minutes before the termination meeting.
“I write to you humbly requesting that you consider and approve a termination of my employment contract without cause. I am hopeful that if it is the will of the commission, this can be accomplished with as little vitriol as possible. Sadly, there has been a shift in our town and gone are the days of thoughtful, learned, peaceful, but spirited debate. It has been replaced with shouting, keyboard warriors and people who love to use our beloved motto, ‘One Human Family,’ as a sword and a shield. People who think that if they have the bumper sticker and a Conch Republic license plate, then they are a true local. … Should you decide to terminate me without cause, please do so quickly to spare further hurt in my family to hear and read these comments, and frankly, death threats.”
Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez and commissioner Sam Kaufman were steadfast in voting repeatedly to terminate Ramsingh for cause, emphasizing that he had violated two specific city regulations.
“From my perspective, termina-
From left, former Key West city attorney Ron Ramsingh, building official Raj Ramsingh and Code Compliance director Jim Young were indicted April 15. CONTRIBUTED
Key West city attorney Ron Ramsingh submitted a handwritten letter to the city commission asking that they terminate his employment without cause 90 minutes before the commissioners voted to do so.
tion for cause is more than justified,” Kaufman said at the April 24 meeting.
“It’s the right thing to do. These are very serious violations involving breach of public trust, conflicts of interest, destroying evidence and withholding information from some commissioners.”
The two offenses listed in the city’s employee policies manual, which Kaufman and Henriquez both cited in their reasons for voting to terminate with cause, are offense numbers 9 and 12.
Offense 9 is: “Unlawful or improper conduct or indecency either on or off the job which would affect the employee’s relationship to the job, their coworkers, or the employee’s or city’s reputation or good will in the community.”
story.
MORE FELONY CHARGES FILED AGAINST KEY WEST ATTORNEY & BUILDING OFFICIAL
Raj Ramsingh: 7 counts of official misconduct; Ron Ramsingh: 1 count of official misconduct
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
Key West’s chief building official, Raj Ramsingh, and his brother, Ron Ramsingh, the city attorney whose employment was terminated without cause on April 24, were re-indicted the evening before, on April 23, on additional felony charges of official misconduct.
The latest indictments follow their April 15 indictments on charges of evidence tampering related to the deletion and alteration of text messages. Raj Ramsingh was placed on paid administrative leave last week and was expected to have an employment pre-determination hearing at city hall this week.
Raj Ramsingh faces seven counts of official misconduct for allegedly falsifying building permits, while his brother, attorney Ron Ramsingh, faces one count of official misconduct for allegedly “interfering with the reporting of a felony committed by his brother,” the new indictment states.
If convicted on the new charges the brothers could face up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000 on each. The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office emphasized that an indictment is a formal accusation, and all individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
City Attorney Ron Ramsingh
The grand jury on April 23, found that “Ron Ramsingh is alleged to have knowingly and intentionally interfered with the reporting of a felony committed by his brother, Rajindhar ‘Raj’ Ramsingh.
“The conduct is alleged to have occurred between June 1 and June 26, 2024, while Ronald Ramsingh was actively serving in his public role as city attorney,” the indictment reads in part, according to the state attorney’s office. “Ronald Ramsingh, a public servant, did knowingly and intentionally obtain a benefit for another, Rajindhar Ramsingh, by obstructing, delaying or preventing the communication of information related to the commission of a felony … that directly involved or affected the government entity served by Ronald Ramsingh contrary to Florida law,” the grand jury found.
“This additional indictment reflects the deep seriousness of what we believe to be deliberate efforts to shield criminal conduct from scrutiny,” said State Attorney Dennis Ward.
Building Official Raj Ramsingh
Raj Ramsingh faces seven felony counts of official misconduct for allegedly falsifying or altering building permits while working as the city’s chief building official.
According to the indictment, “Ramsingh, identified as a public servant, knowingly and intentionally falsified, concealed, covered up, or altered multiple official building permit records across a range of properties in the City of Key West. The offenses, committed between 2021 and 2024, are alleged to have benefited Ramsingh personally; Strykker-Avery Homes LLC, a company registered to Raj Ramsingh, and several property owners, including himself. The allegations include conduct that caused unlawful harm to the City of Key West and/or resulted in personal or financial gain.”
The allegedly falsified or improperly issued building permits pertain to seven properties, one of which is owned by Raj Ramsingh at 2827 Harris Ave. The Keys Weekly has not included the other six addresses in this report, as the owners have not been implicated or accused of any wrongdoing.
•
40 YEARS OF SERVING THE KEYS
After decades with MCSO, Lt. Col. Don Hiller heads for retirement
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
For most, the “good old days” involve some variation of late nights in a bar with good friends, beers in hand. For Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Colonel Don Hiller, the glory days with good buddies involved on-water shootouts, international investigations, stacking bales of cocaine and millions of dollars in seized cash.
The turn of the calendar to May marks the end of four decades of service to the Keys for Hiller, who by this point has firsthand experience in just about every division of MCSO.
Looking up to his older brother in law enforcement since the age of 8, Hiller said he and his friends at Marathon High School – including current Sheriff Rick Ramsay – knew their paths were clear after graduation, beginning in 1985 as the agency’s youngest deputy.
“For my first 11 years as a cop, I was a volunteer firefighter too,” he said. “We’d work all day, be on call all night, and it was just the best time. We were adrenaline junkies.”
“It was a sergeant and two deputies working the Marathon zone, and it wasn’t uncommon for me to be working midnights by myself, doing traffic stops with a shotgun,” he said. “But Rick and the other deputies that were off had scanners – so if somebody was like ‘there’s a bar fight at the Monkey,’ and Don’s working by himself, they’d all come out.”
By his own admission, Hiller thought there was “zero chance” he’d live past 40 – or at least that’s what he told his wife, Teri, as his rise through MCSO took him through some of the most rewarding, but dangerous, sides of the agency.
“I was a pilot, I had a Harley, I’m diving, I’m on the SWAT team, I’m doing (drug) raids. There was just no way – something was going to happen,” he said. “I told her I was going out in a blaze. I made 40, and she said, ‘OK. Let’s see if you can make 41.’”
Over the course of an hour-long interview with the Weekly, Hiller’s stories always returned to his days of tracking down “cocaine cowboys” and the money that funded them during his first two decades with MCSO – and it was clear we’d barely scratched the surface of the stories he had to tell.
“Don is like family to me, and this Sheriff’s Office is a second family to him,” Ramsay said. “He was one of the best undercover narcotics agents I’ve ever seen. You would never think he’s a police officer – he has the gift of gab, and he’s calm, cool and collected. … Between all the stuff we’ve done together, I know every move he’s going to make, what his mind is thinking and vice versa.”
“We did a tough job, and I’d like to think we did it respectfully – it was just business, nothing personal,” Hiller said. “I think that’s how we’ve been able to coexist down here.”
Hiller logged extensive undercover work, and his time with the South Florida High Intensity Drug
Trafficking Area took him around the globe, from mainland Florida to England and Monaco.
“That was on my birthday in ’96,” he said, handing over a photo of a camper van stacked to the ceiling with bales of cocaine. That seizure, he said, was an accidental discovery, and wasn’t even his largest; he’ll point to a single 2,800-kilo snag or a $50 million seizure in Costa Rica in the late ’90s as his hallmark grabs.
“We were shooting cowlings out, shooting engines out – it was just crazy days in a different world back then,” he said, recalling the days of doing his job with a six-shooter revolver. “It wasn’t so much violent, it was just ‘catch me if you can.’”
He recalled a night assisting a shorthanded customs and border protection with a marine patrol:
“We were sitting off Sombrero in a 39-foot boat. We got a call, and they said ‘You’re the closest unit. A Blackhawk helicopter just went down, and it’s 17 miles off the coast of Cuba.’ We looked at each other, put the hammer down, and got there at two o’clock in the morning.”
Today, Hiller has the pleasure of driving past “monuments,” of sorts, to his team’s success every day. Since the seized money couldn’t be used to pay MCSO salaries, then-Sheriff Rick Roth instead used the funds to buy equipment and buildings that would go on in service to the public – Trauma Star and its hangar, to name just two.
And while his days are, thankfully, a bit calmer than his stories from the ’80s and ’90s, he said he’s relished the chance to become a mentor and a wellrounded source of knowledge over the back nine of his career – and to see monumental transformations in training, equipment and collaboration in the process.
“I’ve worked with every captain, every lieutenant here – they all worked for me at one time because I’ve been here for so long,” he said. “Some of these kids coming up now, I worked with their dads, and I knew them when they came home from the hospital. Now they’re the future of the agency, so I hope they’re all going to take the reins and go to the next level.”
Hiller’s mark on Marathon isn’t limited to law enforcement. He’s also been a steady hand in leading the Pigeon Key Foundation as its board chairman, preserving and improving one of his family’s absolute favorite islands.
“There’s an ongoing joke that any time I need anything, I can call Don, and he’s always ‘got a guy,’” said the island’s executive director, Kelly McKinnon. “The thing is, Don’s always the guy. He doesn’t care about notoriety or getting credit – he just always tries to help everybody. You’d never know what his history is or his past is if you just had a standard interaction with him.”
“We don’t have a Hall of Fame at MCSO. But if we did, he would be in there,” said Ramsay. “It’s a loss for me, personally and professionally, the agency, and the community. The stable thing I’ve known in my entire career has been Don Hiller.”
“I’m going out as happy as the day I went in,” Hiller said.
The Keys Weekly staff wishes Lt. Col. Hiller a restful, well-deserved retirement. Enjoy the grill, the boat – and no more midnight text messages.
Hiller and Sheriff Rick Ramsay work the finish line of the 7 Mile Bridge Run. CONTRIBUTED
Hiller will enjoy retirement with his wife Teri, left, and son Ben.
Sheriff Rick Ramsay, right, and Col. Chad Scibilia, left, congratulate the newly-promoted Lt. Col. Don Hiller.
Ask anyone close to him, and Hiller’s sense of humor is central to who he is.
Boston Whaler 380 Outrage Aquila 47 “Molokai” Scout 530 LXF
WHO PAYS FOR RAISED ROADS?
County commission weighs $25,000 assessment for homeowners in improved areas
ALEX
RICKERT
alex@keysweekly.com
Discussion over how to “split the bill” for looming road adaptations in the Keys earned center stage at the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting on April 16.
From 2021 to 2023, a Roads Vulnerability Sea Level Rise Adaptation Study completed by the county identified and ranked 97 road areas for improvement by the year 2045, at a projected cost of $1.6 billion, to mitigate flooding due to rising sea levels. Of those 97 areas, 49 were recommended for completion by 2025 at a projected cost of $888 million – before accounting for rising costs since the original 2020 estimate.
Prior discussion of how to raise the monumental sum – including a public bond, sales tax increases, grants and loans – continued with a preliminary proposal for discussion: a uniform $25,000 assessment per “billing unit” in areas identified for improvement to defray a portion of capital costs, plus established localized taxing districts to fund 100% of the operations and maintenance of each area’s road project.
The assessments drew heavy criticism from public commenters, most of whom were residents in areas with improvement projects already underway. Several took issue with what they felt was a lack of communication from county officials as rising costs, layers of environmental regulations and shifting funding sources changed the financial landscape of each project. Others said potential assessments would hurt property values and raise rents, potentially driving more of the Keys’ workforce out of the island chain with the significant tax increases.
Steve Miller, executive director of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, told the commission that such an assessment in the Sands subdivision on Big Pine Key could be a tipping point for the Keys’ workforce.
“They’re the ones that are just getting by, a lot of them,” he said. “This is just going to be one more thing that’s going to be landing on top of them (and) pushing them away. And we’re losing more of this workforce all the time.”
County Administrator Christine Hurley told the commission that existing projects in Conch Key and the Sands and Twin Lakes subdivisions have “pretty much tapped out” the
county’s capacity for funding available through its one cent infrastructure surtax. Hurley and multiple county commissioners reminded the audience that grant funding for projects requires a matching portion, and that recent deep cuts to state and federal grant funding could place future projects in even greater jeopardy without local financial backing. Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag said that while grant funding is partially secured for a total of seven projects, there will still be a likely shortfall that Monroe County taxpayers will need to cover.
“What that means, and I want to be very clear about this … is unless we raise ad valorem taxes to pay for portions of these other projects, we cannot do the projects,” Hurley said. “None of us are happy about the discussions we’re having.”
“I’m afraid that we’re looking at changing issues in our country, with less willingness to provide money than there is willingness to take and cut funding,” said commissioner David Rice. “It’s okay to say we don’t want to have this $25,000 per building unit collected, but that money still has to be paid. We don’t have the money, and maybe you (taxpayers) don’t have the money either. That leaves us one option (to abandon roads), and I think we’re going to be facing that issue.”
“We’re now at that philosophical question: Who is going to pay for this?” said Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Lincoln, who pledged to host a town hall meeting for Sands subdivision residents to discuss the impacts of the improvement projects. “It’s coming out of ad valorem taxes; is it going to come from one specific neighborhood that’s receiving a benefit, or is the entire county going to pay for these projects that may only benefit a few?”
“I don’t know if we’re quite there on making a decision on how we move forward,” said commissioner Holly Raschein. “I do appreciate that we do need to have a community process and a consistent process.”
“Sea level rise is continuing,” said Mayor Jim Scholl. “We don’t want to be just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Somewhere there’s got to be a balance of what the investment is going to be, what the return on the investment is going to be, and whether there are alternatives when we’re done with pilot projects.”
No formal action was taken on the proposal, with discussions set to continue at future commission meetings.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
FLORIDA MUST KEEP ITS SEAT AT THE FISHERIES TABLE
As a lifelong commercial fisherman from the Florida Keys, I know that fishing isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life that binds our families, shapes our communities and strengthens Florida’s economy.
Commercial fishing and seafood production contribute more than $18 billion annually to Florida’s economy and support over 100,000 jobs across our state (NOAA Fisheries Economics of the U.S., 2022).
From the docks of Destin to the waters off Key West, hardworking men and women are the backbone of a seafood industry that feeds America and sustains coastal communities.
Nowhere is this more true than in the Keys, where fishing has been a way of life for generations. Our waters provide the nation with iconic catches like stone crab, spiny lobster, reef fish and mackerel — species that not only grace dinner tables across the country but also support countless small businesses, from fishing vessels to local restaurants.
The Gulf Council manages three of our biggest fisheries — spiny lobster, reef fish and mackerel (they share the lobster work with the South Atlantic Council) — and they’re supposed to keep a fair balance between protecting the fish and making sure fishermen can still make a living. Sound, science-based management is essential, but so is ensuring that the people who live and work on these waters have a seat at the table.
Today, that seat is at risk.
The Gulf Council has 17 “seats,” but not all of them are locked to a state — some can move. Florida’s kept one of those “at-large” seats for more than two decades, making sure we’ve had a strong voice in the process. This year, Louisiana is trying to take it.
That would be a serious mistake. Florida’s commercial, charter and recreational fishing industries are larger than those of any other Gulf state, leading the region in landings, fishing trips and economic impact. Moving this seat away from Florida would weaken the voice of the very state most critical to the Gulf’s seafood economy.
With President Trump leading the charge to make federal agencies work better for the American people, now is the time to strengthen the Gulf Council with steady leadership that understands the needs of fishermen and coastal communities. Fortunately, President Trump recently reaffirmed his commitment to America’s fishermen through the April 2025 Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, recognizing the need to bolster domestic seafood production, cut unnecessary regulatory burdens and ensure commercial fishermen can compete on a level playing field. Keeping this Gulf Council seat in Florida would bring that vision into action.
President Trump has long championed the working men and women who feed our country. By ensuring that Florida maintains its scientific leadership role on the Gulf Council, he would ensure that good science strengthens the resilience of our seafood economy, protects thousands of fishing families and safeguards the sustainable management of our fisheries for future generations.
Florida’s fishermen — and the communities that depend on them — are counting on it.
Jeff
Cramer Conch Key, Florida
‘SCARED SAFE’
www.keysweekly.com
“Scary,” “moving” and “stressful” were the words Coral Shores High School sophomore Natalie Goodwin used as she left the school’s performing arts center. Goodwin and classmates witnessed a realistic death notification onstage by a Monroe County deputy.
On April 23, law enforcement and emergency response agencies enacted a mock crash at Coral Shores. Students saw real law enforcement officers at work. Emergency response vehicles surrounded the school using lights and sirens. Students witnessed real back boards, handcuffs and body bags. The tears, blood and victims weren’t real, but the emotions were.
The student body filled the auditorium. Some had heard they were going to see a crash of some kind, but had no idea what they were about to see. In preparation, they were told they could exit to the lobby and that school counseling staff members were in the lobby for anyone needing support.
The stage opened with a high school drinking party. There were calls to parents. Students left the party to drive home. Then a dark auditorium was filled with the sounds of sirens from emergency vehicles parked outside.
The next scene was a death notification realistically conducted by Monroe County Sheriff’s Sgt. Patty O’Keefe. Then the curtain opened to show a crash scene involving vehicles on the stage. Islamorada Fire Rescue personnel in full gear used cutting tools to remove victims from vehicles.
The scenes moved on to a field sobriety test conducted by Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Leird and handcuffs placed on the teen driver played by student Miranda Anderson. Then, on stage, the body of a victim was transferred from the wreck to the gurney of a funeral home and wheeled out through the aisle of the auditorium.
“The idea is ‘scared safe,’” said Islamorada Fire Rescue Chief Terry Abel. “It’s a Coral Shores High School and Islamorada Fire Rescue production. We’ve done it several times over the years, but not since before COVID. It’s a lot of work to bring everyone together, but if one student makes the right decision because of what we did, it’s worth it.”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officer Liam Rodriguez followed with statistics and graphic photos of boating accidents right off the Upper Keys. He said the FWC has a policy of zero tolerance of alcohol for anyone under the age of 21 in charge of the operation of a boat. Rodriguez also clarified that there is no such thing as a “doctor’s excuse.” If a prescription drug diminishes your capability, you are impaired and should not be operating a vehicle of any kind.
Then, retired Islamorada Fire Capt. Walter Mason took the podium to describe his own personal tragedy caused by addiction.
The last speaker, Melissa Simmons, a prosecutor with the State’s Attorney Office, went from the message of “scared safe” to “scared straight.” She said the state blood-alcohol level for DUI for anyone under 21 operating a vehicle of any kind is .02. That’s a couple of sips. She emphasized that car accidents are the number one cause of death for teens and offered courses of action, from naming a designated driver to calling a parent.
The State Attorney’s Office in Monroe County prosecutes about 3,000 DUI cases a year. DUI offenders under 21 go through the adult prosecution process. A DUI on a driver’s record affects everything from insurance rates to the ability to get certain jobs.
“The mock crash scene and community speakers are a realistic way to share the dangers of driving impaired with our students,” said Laura Lietaert, Coral Shores principal, adding that the school’s priority is safety. “We are grateful to our community partners for their support and involvement in this event.”
Among the participants and supporters of the mock crash were Wheaton’s Service Center and Towing, Allen-Beyer Funeral Home, Florida Highway Patrol, Islamorada Fire Department, Monroe County State Attorney’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, FWC, Islamorada Fire Rescue, Coral Shores Drama, Coral Shores Leadership, Coral Shores Cosmetology, Coral Shores Video Productions, Guidance Care Center, and Wood Campbell, the performing arts center manager.
1: The stage of the Coral Shores High School performing arts center was set with real accident vehicles. 2: Members of the Islamorada Fire Rescue put a student actor onto a gurney. 3-4: Prosecutor Melissa Simmons from the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office details legal consequences of a DUI as well as past local DUI cases and the penalties for driving under the influence of any sort of substance.
RACHEL RUSCH/Contributed
Coral Shores holds mock DUI crash ahead of prom
FRANK DERFLER
BAIT STRENGTH
Keys Feeds helps anglers on the water
MELINDA VAN FLEET
www.keysweekly.com
Any serious angler knows the importance of bait — especially live bait. But have you ever thought about the quality of the bait, and how that affects the ease and experience of your fishing trip and the fish you catch?
Enter Keys Feeds, whose mission is to “provide premium nutritional solutions that enhance the strength, health and endurance of baitfish, ultimately maximizing fishing success for our customers.”
Rick Barrows, who has a doctorate in fish nutrition, is the founder of Keys Feeds and created a product that has now become a local familyrun business.
“For a living, I used to develop feed for a variety of different species,” Barrows said. “I came down here fishing and was with a guy and he was telling me how they harden baits. … It was with a trout feed and not even a good one, so I started making some for my friends and captains.”
Prior to moving to Islamorada in 2015 with his wife, Sue, Barrows was a research scientist for 15 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, developing feeds for endangered and threatened species as well as sportfish and food fish. Then he spent another 15 years with USDA but focused more on food fish. He has 40 years overall in fish farming research and experience. His wife’s background is in veterinary medicine. She, too, is part of the Keys Feeds team.
The Barrows’ son, Bill, moved to the Keys in 2020. He designed a website and they started selling the product to local retailers in 2021. The early Keys adapters were West Marine (all five Keys locations), Marine Max at Ocean Reef and the Tackle Center in Islamorada.
Fast forward to October 2024, about a yearand-a-half after Bill met his now-fiancé Rebekah Dunaj; they decided to put Dunaj’s sales and social media experience and strengths to use and expand the brand.
“There’s something incredibly special about growing a business together,” said Dunaj. “And along the way, I have had the incredible opportunity to meet Rick. I am truly fortunate to learn from someone with such extensive knowledge and passion for marine health.”
Both Bill Barrows and Dunaj are using that knowledge to educate about Keys Feeds with word of mouth in the past six months, leading to a plethora of new business, from Key West to Riviera Beach. Their primary market has turned out to be tournament anglers and people who go out and feed the fish on their canal dock — making Keys Feeds a perfect product for any angler and all ages.
“A lot of guys have been doing what they have been doing,” Bill said. “But there is no product like this on the market of comparable quality and once they get their hands on it, it’s an easy conversion.”
Another important aspect is the local bait and tackle shops that sell bait and can use the feed to enhance the quality of the bait. Chris’s Bait & Tackle Shop at Tavernier Creek Marina is one example. Carson Rutz, owner of Butter Baits Islamorada, has a lot of experience and uses Keys Feeds regularly for the bait he sells.
“In my opinion, live bait is the most important ingredient for a successful day of fishing, and with the amount of time and money spent on fishing, quality feed is a no-brainer,” Rutz said. “I love how the pellets sink at variable rates, which gives the baits more opportunity to consume 100% of the pellets, and very little goes to waste.”
The Yellow Bait House in Key Largo is another Upper Keys retailer and bait supplier stocking Keys Feeds for its bait. It can also be purchased at Lobster Walk in Islamorada.
The product is made in the U.S. and distributed out of the Lower Keys.
“What we’ve really done is rather than looking at it from a bait standpoint, we’ve looked at it from a fish farming and nutrition standpoint and we’ve brought information from the fish farming world to the bait fish world,” Rick Barrows said. “That’s what makes it different from other feeds.
“Sixty percent of our seafood worldwide is produced on farms,” Rick continued. “A lot of research, development and innovation is going on in fish farming that we can apply to the bait fish feed.”
Is it possible to overfeed the bait? Rick said once a day is okay, “but I like to feed twice a day. Dribble it in versus shovel a whole bunch. You can tell if you are feeding too much because if it’s a wire cage you’ll have a lot of snapper or parrotfish.”
For the person who wants to just have fun feeding the snapper or parrotfish at the dock, this is a testament that it works for those fish too.
“The best aha moments for me are when a customer appreciates and notices the differences that Keys Feeds makes with their bait in regards to survival and performance,” Bill said.
Keys Feeds’ website contains tips about bait and feed. Keys Feeds works for pilchards, pinfish, goggle-eyes, threadfin, grunts — everything they have looked at so far. More information is at www.keysfeeds.com, @keysfeeds on Instagram and Facebook and @keys.feeds on TikTok.
Rebekah Dunaj’s son, Hawk, with Keys Feeds. CONTRIBUTED
Keys Feeds provide premium nutritional solutions that enhance the strength, health and endurance of baitfish.
The Keys Feeds team of Rebekah Dunaj, left, and Bill, Rick and Sue Barrows.
NAUTICAL FUN IN THE SUN!
COMMUNITY FESTIVAL FOR ALL! SATURDAY, MAY 3, 11 A.M.-6 P.M. MARATHON COMMUNITY PARK
GUESTS: KEY WEST MOUNTED PATROL
JOIN US FOR A FAMILY FUN DAY & ENJOY OUR ISLAND COMMUNITY! FOR KIDS: BOUNCE HOUSE, WATER SLIDE, FACE PAINTING, & PONY RIDES!
CELEBRATING CLASS XXXII GRADUATION! MORE THAN 35 NON-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL BOOTHS! FREE ADMISSION | DONATIONS WELCOME FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 305-394-3804 EMAIL INFO@LEADERSHIPMONROECOUNTY.ORG
PHOTO BY ANDY NEWMAN
INVASIVE TO EATEN
Derby takes a bite out of lionfish
Fewer lionfish are roaming the coral reefs off the Florida Keys, thanks to teams of divers who hunted the invasive fish during Reef Environmental Education Foundation’s 16th annual Lionfish Derby.
Two days of hunting on April 25-26 culminated with a free, familyfriendly festival on April 27 at the REEF campus in Key Largo. Patrons were able to get a glimpse of the filleting process while tasting some Cajun lionfish dip, ceviche and other dishes made using the invasive fish. A longstanding showstopper in home aquariums, the lionfish is a flourishing invasive species in the U.S. Southeast and Caribbean coastal waters. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this invasive species has the potential to harm reef ecosystems because it is a top predator that competes for food and space.
— Keys Weekly staff report
Cortney Benson of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation operates a lift bag with Key Dives during last year’s I.CARE Trash Derby. TIFFANY DUONG/ Keys Weekly file photo
TAKING OUT THE TRASH
I.CARE’s
third derby seeks to net more debris
One of the Florida Keys’ largest debris cleanup events returns for the third straight year.
Held Thursday to Sunday, May 1-4, I.CARE’s annual Trash Derby aims to clear tens of thousands of pounds of debris — beneath the water and on land throughout the Keys — by teams competing for $3,000-plus in prizes.
All dive boats heading out for the trash derby on May 2 and 3 are full, but there’s still an opportunity to participate in the all-day cleanup competition on land.
The inaugural trash derby collected 12,759 pounds of trash, and last year’s event netted nearly 14,000 pounds of debris from coastlines, mangroves and waterways. Organizers are seeking to surpass last year’s total.
A team leader meeting will be held on Thursday, May 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. in Islamorada. At least one team member must be present; there’s also a Zoom link for those who can’t attend in person. The competitive debris collection is Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3.
Key Largo’s
the
as part of a Surfrider Florida Keys
last year’s I.CARE Trash Derby.
The debris derby will culminate with a festival on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at Islamorada’s Founders Park. This free, familyfriendly event will feature vendors, live music, prizes, raffles and more. Volunteers are needed to help with marine debris weigh-ins and collection, team sign-ins and gear distribution and festival setup. More information is at icaretrashderby.com.
— Keys Weekly staff report
Joshua Farmer cleans up
mangroves around Harry Harris Park in Tavernier
sunset cleanup during
The lionfish derby festival also saw filleting demonstrations.
REEF’s Key Largo volunteer coordinator Nancy Perez dishes up some lionfish ceviche.
Chef Allen Susser gives a cooking demonstration. His cookbook ‘Green Fig and Lionfish’ promotes protecting the coral reefs through lionfish consumption. KYLE PEEL/Keys Weekly
THE NEW SARGASSO SEA
Could be the Keys be in for more floating sargassum?
Sargassum on Smathers Beach. BRIAN LAPOINTE/Contributed
There are hundreds of species of seaweeds in the genus Sargassum, which is a brown macroalgae found all over the globe. In the Florida Keys, we have at least two local species that grow from holdfasts attached to the bottom in shallow waters, Sargassum pteropleuron and Sargassum filipendula
KRUEGER
is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent. Shelly is a marine biologist and provides sciencebased education about coastal environments.
Unlike plants, seaweeds have blades instead of leaves and stipes instead of stems, and many have a distinctive berrylike float, which is a gas-filled air bladder called a pneumatocyst that keeps these macroalgae upright and swaying in the currents.
Most people are familiar with the pelagic species of seaweed: these unique free-floating species are called Sargassum natans and Sargassum fluitans and live on the surface of the ocean far out at sea. Offshore fishers are familiar with these vast mats of floating sargassum they call the weedline because when they find it, it usually means “fish-on.” This is undoubtedly a fabulous place to sportfish for mahi, wahoo and tripletail.
Historically, these two species of floating sargassum were only found within the Sargasso Sea, which is an area of open ocean between the eastern U.S. and western Africa above the Tropic of Cancer. The Sargasso Sea is not a true sea, but an
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/Via Internet
area within the Atlantic Ocean gyre constrained by the Gulf Stream, Canary Current, North Atlantic Current and the Northern Equatorial Current. Often eddies break off these gyres and easterly winds, currents and the tides bring these two species of sargassum ashore. The Sargasso Sea is an incredibly important ecosystem and essential habitat for more than 100 species of fish. It provides habitat and forage for invertebrates, birds and sea turtles.
Recently, scientists have documented a “Sargasso Sea” called the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, a brand-new area below the equator in the Atlantic Ocean between western Africa and South America. It is hypothesized the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt was created during an extreme North Atlantic oscillation event between 2009-2010, wherein rafts of sargassum were ultimately driven south and found the warm currents, ample sunshine and nutrients a very hospitable environment to grow exponentially.
Since 2011, huge influxes of these two pelagic sargassum species growing south of the equator started inundating Florida’s coast. Whether or not the sargassum is pushed ashore depends upon prevailing south to southeastern winds, and it’s usually seen between June through August (it does not happen in the Florida Keys every year). The last big influx in the Florida Keys was in 2019 when we experienced record accumulations during the summer months. Unfortunately, when these seaweeds are driven ashore, they can create massive environmental and economic costs. These inundations are in excess of historical amounts and many Caribbean islands and Mexico have been plagued by tons
Benthic species Sargassum pteropleuron. SHELLY KRUEGER/Contributed
and tons washing ashore, which has wreaked havoc on fishing and tourism. This has been called the largest macroalgae bloom in the world, over 5,500 miles across with 20 million tons of algae biomass.
Historically, washed-up sargassum is one of the ways beaches were created in the Florida Keys, as the accumulation of seaweed along the shoreline helps to keep the sand from eroding and provides nutrients to help enrich the soil. But when the sargassum encounters a seawall or a canal, it decays, sinks and stinks. Piles of sargassum on the beach can discourage nesting female birds and smother sea turtle nests.
Massive rafts of floating sargassum can block sunlight to seagrass beds and decomposition decreases dissolved oxygen levels, which has caused localized fish kills. In moderation, pelagic sargassum serves as a vital ecosystem component, but in excessive amounts, it can disrupt local marine ecosystems, diminish water quality and degrade habitat.
The Monroe County Extension Service has been working with the University of South Florida Optical Oceanography Lab at the College of Marine Science on a new tool that uses satellites to track sargassum on a finer scale than was previously available. Just recently USF has upgraded its ability to detect sargassum and forecast to an area the size of a football field for the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys.
In the coming months, scientists will be expanding their ability to predict sargassum inundations and expanding out to the Dry Tortugas. We plan to use this tool to be proactive in managing the effects when we know large aggregations of sargassum are en route to the Florida Keys.
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection. What: “Moonstruck” (1987) Why: This is a near-perfect romantic comedy worth watching again and again for the performances, the writing and the views of New York City from nearly 40 years ago. Widow Loretta Castorini (Cher) is getting ready to marry again for practical reasons – but loses her heart to her fiance’s estranged brother (Nicolas Cage) even as her parents’ marriage is hitting a crisis point. Cher and Cage are great, but the surrounding cast is even better: Olympia Dukakis, Vincent Gardenia, Danny Aiello and John Mahoney all have memorable turns, perfect in their roles. It’s funny and heartfelt. And what a pleasure to see mature adults looking for love and demanding respect. The grandfather with all the dogs is also memorable – you may start exclaiming “la bella luna!” every time you see a full moon after watching this movie. And it probably won’t be the only line that sticks in your head.
Where: This film is available on DVD and on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app. How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/ keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries. org.
Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager. See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.
SHELLY
WYATT ELLIS CADWELL
It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved Wyatt Ellis Cadwell on Feb. 6, 2025 in Tavernier. Wyatt was born in Key West June 11,1997 and was a graduate of Coral Shores High School.
Wyatt’s love for parasailing, adventure and nature will always be remembered. He was outgoing, loving and his enthusiastic energy unfailingly brought joy to those around him.
Wyatt was an exceptional
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
parasailing captain and will be forever remembered in the industry.
He is deeply mourned by his mother, Kirsten Szumada; father, Evan Cadwell; sister, Chloe Cadwell; and stepfather, Jonathan Szumada. There are many more among us mourning his passing.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of sorrow. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
MUSICAL MASTERY
RICHARD ZECKWER HOLT
It is with great sadness the family of Richard Zeckwer Holt announces his passing on April 2, 2025. Richard unexpectedly passed away peacefully in his sleep. This occurred the day before his son Matthew Holt graduated from Navy Boot Camp in Chicago. Richard passed with knowledge of and pride in his sons.
Richard was born on Jan. 8, 1961, in St. Louis, Missouri to John and Susan Holt. Richard graduated from Old Dominion College in
LVirginia with a major in electrical engineering. He moved to the Florida Keys in 1988, where he resided until his passing.
He is survived by his sons, Timothy Holt, Matthew Holt, Patrick Holt; his former wife, Kathy Holt, proud parents of their three sons; his brothers and sisters, Jay Holt, Thomas Holt, Susan Holt, d’Arcy Harder, Matthew Holt and Mimi Holt; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Richard was preceded by his parents John and Susan, and his brothers Robert Stephens Holt and Michael Holt.
Richard was very well known in the community for coaching kids in baseball and soccer. His many hours of service were greatly needed and appreciated by the community.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made on behalf of Richard Holt to the Navy-Marine Relief Society, support.nmcrs.org. A celebration of life will be held in Key Largo on a date to be determined. Both Matthew and Patrick are beginning new careers and we are waiting for them to have the opportunity to attend the celebration; it should be in the very near future.
Young musicians join band members to conclude concert series
ocal student musicians from Plantation Key School, Key Largo School and Coral Shores High School joined the Keys Community Band on April 19 for the final Pops in the Park concert of the season at Islamorada’s Founders Park.
The concert was attended by an enthusiastic audience. At one point, conductor Robert Sax asked the audience, “Would you please come to all our concerts?”
The students each received a musical scholarship to buy “anything musical,” thanks to funding from the Ocean Reef Community Foundation.
Five students who performed with the band throughout the season received an honorable mention. As busy teenagers, their dedicated attendance at Monday night rehearsals, as well as the monthly concerts at Islamorada Founders Park and Key Largo Murray Nelson Center, were
appreciated by all the band members. Their parents also deserve thanks for their encouragement and chauffeur services to and from rehearsals and concerts.
Thanks as well to all the amateur and professional members of the band, who mentored by example and encouragement to the student musicians.
Last, but not least, a big thank you to the two people who bring the fun to the whole season: concert master Susan Bazin and the concert emcee, Kathy Miller, who has cornered the market on silly costumes. Rehearsals start in October for the first concert of the new season the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Anyone who is interested in joining the band or just has questions about it, please call Bazin at 305-394-1123.
— Florida Keys Community Concert Band
Musicians from Plantation Key School, Key Largo School and Coral Shores High School join the Keys Community Concert Band on April 19 for a performance at Islamorada’s Founders Park. CONTRIBUTED
CERTIFIED BLUE STAR
LADY ANGLERS TAKE TO THE SEAS
Tournament builds fishing skills
MarineLab obtains designation from Keys Marine Sanctuary
MarineLab Environmental Education Center recently joined the network of Blue Star operators organized by NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Blue Star operators are committed to responsible tourism and educate their customers about the South Florida ecosystem, the sanctuary and responsible diving and fishing etiquette.
MarineLab was designed with ecology in mind. Its facility, located at 51 Shoreland Dr. in Key Largo, is a place where teachers and students learn about and experience first-hand the marine world through day trips and weekly camps. A core curriculum focuses on seagrass, mangrove and coral reef ecology.
“MarineLab is excited to be recognized as a Blue Star operator,” said Sarah Egner, senior vice president of programs at MarineLab.
“We are unique in that we cater to student groups but with education and conservation being at the forefront of our programs, we are proud to offer snorkel excursions that align with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.”
Overnight field programs are designed for teacher-led student groups in fifth grade through college, while summer day camps are for local kids in fourth to 10th grade.
More information about MarineLab is at marinelab.org, and about Blue Star at floridakeys.noaa. gov/onthewater/bluestar. — Contributed
Casual anglers and fishing enthusiasts are invited to fish the non-intimidating LLGF Screamin’ Reels Tournament, held May 16-18 in Islamorada.
Hosted by the nonprofit Ladies Let’s Go Fishing Foundation, this tournament welcomes anglers to compete for inshore or offshore species while learning fishing skills along the way. The weekend kicks off on Friday, May 16 with a presentation on fishing rules and conservation, plus a meet-andgreet with fundraisers from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Tavernier Elks Club.
On Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, participants will take to the water in a friendly competition aboard private boats or guided charter boats, departing from Whale Harbor Marina and other locations. Individual angler prizes include Penn combos, art prints, shirts and more, presented on Sunday at Whale Harbor Marina upon the return of boats. Awards include Top Offshore and Inshore
Fish, Releases, Wild Card prizes and more.
LLGF Screamin’ Reels offers casual rules. For those without a boat, charter boat slots fill quickly — early registration is recommended. Registration is $95 for early entry, $115 regular per adult angler and $55 for teens; registration includes $20 in gifts and a chance to win tournament prizes.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for women to build their fishing skills while enjoying time on the water,” said LLGF founder Betty Bauman. “It’s also a perfect Mother’s Day gift for moms and daughters to share an unforgettable experience the following weekend.”
LLGF is also hosting another Keys event on Oct.17-19, featuring a full-day fishing seminar, two days of fishing, and the Fishing Fever Tournament with prizes. It also hosts the Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2026.
— Contributed
Based in Key Largo, MarineLab recently became a Blue Star operator. CONTRIBUTED
Lady anglers aboard the Sea Horse Sun show off their catches during last year’s LLGF Screamin’ Reels Tournament. CONTRIBUTED
NEW ADDITION COMES TO THE FAMILY
Pawsitive Beginnings set to welcome ‘Isla’
REEF
THE FOX
Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.
Hi friends, Reef the Fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report,” and let me tell you, this one is coming to you straight from a place of deep personal anguish. I can now officially confirm what the rumor mill has been buzzing about for weeks: my mother is adopting another fox. A baby. A literal infant. The betrayal? Immeasurable. The audacity? Beyond anything the Keys have ever seen. The personal offense? Legendary.
This tiny creature will arrive on May 21. It is a girl. And my mother has named her Isla.
Imagine living your entire life as the undisputed center of the universe, only to find yourself demoted to “older sibling” status (again) like this is some kind of low-budget Disney sequel. Have I not given enough? Have I not entertained, educated and emotionally supported my mother through every season, storm and spontaneous Amazon delivery?
Apparently not. Apparently, we’re just opening the sanctuary gates to anyone under the age of 6 months
PENNY
The little fox, Isla, at 2 weeks old. SAVE A FOX CORPORATION/ Contributed
who needs a warm bed and a lifetime of snacks. Don’t get me wrong, I will survive this injustice. But it won’t be quiet. It won’t be dignified. And it certainly won’t be without dramatic screaming, sulking and a fake limp whenever visitors come by.
Over the coming weeks, I will be documenting my journey through grief, resentment and reluctant brotherhood right here in the Reef Report. Expect full coverage: exclusive behindthe-scenes looks at my betrayal recovery plan, live updates from tantrum headquarters, and perhaps even some hard-hitting op-eds on the dangers of unsolicited sibling adoption.
They say being a big brother builds character. I say my character was just fine without a sidekick. Nevertheless, here we are, facing a future where the toy pile is no longer mine alone, where treat distribution will be shared, and where my personal fan club will now have divided loyalties.
Stay tuned, friends. I will need your emotional support (and possibly a care package of snacks) as I navigate these treacherous waters with no grace and minimal patience.
Anywho, as with every new fox, there will be costs associated with this baby’s arrival. If you would like to donate, checks can be mailed to Pawsitive Beginnings, P.O. Box 1165, Tavernier, FL 33070.
Until next time, Reef, over and out.
Penny, 4 years old, is a parson terrier mix. Penny is pure sunshine and is her happiest when she has a ball to chase. She lights up every yard she goes in with her gentle and sweet personality. She is great with other dogs and people, easy to love and ready for a family of her own. Call MarrVelous Pet Rescues at 305-453-1315.
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, May 1
• Great Decisions: International Cooperation on Climate Change talk at 2 p.m. at Key Largo library.
• MarrVelous Pet Rescues’ Yappy Hour from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bayside Grill, Key Largo. Pets must be vaccinated, leashed and well-socialized.
Friday, May 2
• Sizzling Summer Fashion Show at 6:30 p.m. at Village Square, Islamorada. Show begins at 7:30 p.m. Scan the QR code for more information.
Saturday, May 3
• Islamorada Firefighters Benevolent Association’s Givin’ It Back Barbecue from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Founders Park beach. Free for Islamorada residents; $15 for nonresidents.
• Kentucky Derby party from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, Islamorada. Tickets are $100; VIP theater seating is $150. Visit keysdiscovery. com for more information.
Monday, May 5
• Chess club from 4 to 6 p.m. for players ages 6-11 at Key Largo library.
May 6-7
• JOY Center activities from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Monroe
County Plantation Key Community Center, 53 High Point Road, Islamorada.
Tuesday, May 6
• LEGO club at 4 p.m. at Key Largo library. For kids ages 6-11.
Wednesday, May 7
• Plant clinic from 9 a.m. to noon at Key Largo library.
• FIU Small Business Development Center offers no-cost consulting from 2 to 5 p.m. at Key Largo library. Email bbarnes@fiu.edu to make a reservation.
Friday, May 9
• Free cancer screening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 100280 Overseas Highway, Key Largo. Call 305-2431120 or visit SylvesterGameChanger. com.
• Rolling into Robotics with Sphero Lab from 3 to 5 p.m. at Key Largo library. For ages 8-16.
Saturday, May 10
• Special Olympics Monroe County swim coach training from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ron Levy Aquatics Center, Islamorada.
• Hula for Hope, a benefit for Bluewater Surrender for Guatemalan children, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, Islamorada.
KAYLEE GREER/Dog Breath Foundation
THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP: UPPER MATECUMBE KEY
Area home to the Russell family saw a train town and a devastating hurricane
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.
When Islamorada developed, it was a railroad town. People like to say otherwise.
They tell stories about Spanish conquistadors sailing past and declaring Islamorada the Purple Isles. How the color purple was chosen depends on who is telling the story. Sometimes, the inspirational hue comes from the water, bougainvillea bracts, or Janthina janthina, commonly called the violet sea snail.
There are other variations of the colorful story. According to the man who created the name, none is true. He was William Krome. Henry Flagler hired him to survey the right-of-way down which the train would rock and roll from the mainland to Key West. The work introduced Krome to Upper Matecumbe Key, and apparently, he liked what he saw. Krome purchased 15 acres of the island from John H. and James W. Russell for $735.
The Russell family arrived in the 1850s. They were the first to make a homestead claim on the island. When the 1870 U.S. Census was taken, four houses and 13 people were documented on Upper Matecumbe. Joseph and Mary Saunders lived in one house. The extended Russell family lived in the other three. James W. Russell was 26, and John H. was 12.
Krome surveyed his newly acquired property and subdivided it into 22 lots. He built a house for himself and one for his father. Krome also registered the land and named the new town site Isla Morada. According to an interview with Isabelle Krome, his wife, she said, “I was not a member of the family at that time and had no part in the selecting of the name, but Mr. Krome told me that it was derived from the Spanish isla and morada, meaning home.”
A newspaper clipping dated May 7, 1907, announced: “On the north end of Upper Matecumbe Key, a new town known as Isla Morada has sprung
into existence. … It is believed that Isla Morada will become an important tourist stopping place in winter as the location is beautiful and the fishing convenient and excellent.”
Decades later, the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce chose “Sport Fishing Capital of the World” as the community’s official motto. Also, Islamorada remains “an important tourist stopping place.” However, the town has grown a little since Krome brought it into existence. Islamorada no longer represents a small town on Upper Matecumbe Key but a village of islands that includes Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower Matecumbe Key.
Driving across the heart of Islamorada, Upper Matecumbe Key, expect history, art and cold, locally brewed beer.
One of the seminal events in Florida Keys history is the Category 5 hurricane of Labor Day 1935. This is especially true of Islamorada. The storm remains the most powerful hurricane ever to make a North American landfall. It also marked the end of Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad.
After heading west past the green and white MM 83 sign, the Islamorada Post Office will appear on the left. It sits at the corner of the Overseas Highway and De Leon Avenue. In terms of local history, this is a much bigger dot on the map than it might first appear. When the train was still running, this was the general area where the Islamorada Station once stood. On the other side of the tracks was Krome’s original 15-acre Islamorada town site.
On the day of the hurricane, the train made its last run from the mainland and stopped at the Islamorada Station minutes before 18 feet of storm surge washed over the island and pushed the train’s cars off the tracks and onto their sides. The devastation to the community was unimaginable. Just a little bit down the road is the Florida Keys Memorial, locally known as the Hurricane Monument. It stands near MM 81.7 and honors the hundreds of people lost in the killer storm. The monument’s obelisk stands 18 feet tall, about the height of the storm surge that washed across the Matecumbe Keys. The crypt at the base of the obelisk is topped with a mosaic of the island chain and shows the islands most affected by the hurricane. Inside the crypt are ashes from the storm’s victims.
The monument also marks the general location of the original Upper Matecumbe community called, simply, Matecumbe. The “heart” of Matecumbe beat at what is today the Cheeca Lodge. The property housing the resort was home to Matecumbe’s pioneer church, school and cemetery. While the hurricane destroyed the church and the grammar school, the cemetery remains.
Like Tavernier, Upper Matecumbe Key is home to a concentration of historic buildings.
There is not a single structure on the island predating the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. However, many of the structures built after the storm still stand.
On Jan. 2, 1936, a Key West newspaper published a story discussing a series of proposed storm structures to be built, “hurricane-proof community houses along the lower east coast and in the Lake Okeechobee and the keys region. The building will be of sufficient size to house the entire population in the area served by each. They will be used for school, church and general civic purposes and during the hurricane season will be used as houses of refuge in which people of the area may escape the dangers of high wind and water.”
What is now the Islamorada library was one of these buildings. Originally the Matecumbe Grammar School, found on the other side of the highway from the monument, it was built with 12-inch concrete walls reinforced with rebar to withstand the force of a major hurricane. The elevated foundation helped to mitigate flooding. Additionally, the structure included a cistern to hold fresh water. Single-family houses, 28 of them, were also constructed in this fashion and are known as Red Cross or Hurricane Houses.
The houses were donated, with the only stipulation being that the family had to own the property on which the house was built. Many were constructed for surviving members of the Matecumbe community. One of these historic buildings is currently home to the Islamorada Art Gallery. The local artist known as Pasta displays his marine fine art in the old Red Cross house. Step inside to see some great local art and step back in time. Afterward, stop by the Florida Keys Brewing Company for some fresh and tasty local beer before strolling through the Morada Way Art District.
The wrecked church and cemetery at Islamorada after the 1935 hurricane. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Monroe County Library
MEETING FOR MAH-JONGG
E.G. MERKEL www.keysweekly.com
The popularity of mah-jongg is growing across the country, and the Keys are no exception.
Weekly games at the JOY (Just Older Youth) Center on Plantation Key take place on Wednesdays. There is an active group of players at the AARP Center in Big Pine Key. It was just a matter of time before the two groups decided to have a get-together.
A tournament-style event took place on March 25 at the JOY Center. Due to space constraints, the event was open to 20 participants from each mah-jongg group. Event day participation brought 19 from the JOY Center and six from the AARP Center. Participants brought lunch dishes to share and the Trading Post donated sandwiches.
The event tested participants’ skills. Most players had not played under time constraints or very specific contest rules. Nervous tension was obvious when the first timer got the games going.
By lunch break, new and old friends kicked back to chat and rave about the food. The afternoon brought a few more rounds, with door prizes donated by community members, individual awards and a trophy for the center with the highest score.
The top three winners were Ann Mauchan in first place, Ushy Knauer in second place, and Kelly Messier in third place. The trophy for the highest overall score was awarded to the Plantation Key Community Center’s JOY Center.
So much more than just a fun event, the few short hours fostered fun and friendship.
“It was inspiring to witness the collaboration between the two communities,” said John Allen, director of Monroe County Parks and Beaches. “This event truly ex-
Members of JOY Center and AARP Center in Big Pine Key participate in a tournament-style game of mah-jongg on March 25 on Plantation Key.
top three winners from mahjongg are, from left, Ushy Knauer, Ann Mauchan and Kelly Messier.
emplifies Monroe County Park and Beaches mission to bring communities together beyond their usual local areas.”
The event could not have taken place without the flexibility of JOY members who had an adjustment to that Tuesday’s schedule. Special thanks go out to event coordinators and facilitators Elaine Schulberg, Marge Grossman, Kathlynn Lear, Marianne Sheppard, Naomi Pagidas and Maria Uribe. Items were donated by the Trading Post and BPK/ AARP and PKCC/JOY enhanced the event.
Both groups were excited about another event in the future. JOY Center is looking forward to coordinating new events to make more meetings across Monroe County miles possible.
Public can chime in on bus stop improvements
Monroe County Planning & Environmental Resources Department needs the public’s help to develop a Bus Stop Improvement Plan. People can find information on the plan, a short survey, and an interactive bus stop map at monroecountybsip.com.
The data collected will be used to determine the feasibility of adding, relocating, removing or consolidating bus stops along U.S. 1 in the areas mentioned in the Transportation Master Plan, and improving existing stops with amenities that will enhance the safety and experience for transit riders, such as shelters, seating, lighting, bike racks and/or driver notification push buttons.
The county is collecting data on the website through May 9.
Keys Orchid Society welcomes Larry Cox
The Florida Keys Orchid Society will welcome Larry Cox at the Key Largo Civic Club on Tuesday, May 13. Growing orchids for 50 years, his favorite is the unusual Paphiopedilums that are suitable for South Florida. He will offer plants for sale. There will be Raffles and refreshments. Everyone is welcome.
Suspected cocaine found on beach
Becerra had several lighters in his possession and admitted to the incident. He was taken to jail.
Long Key transfer station to close
Monroe County Solid Waste will temporarily close the Long Key Transfer Station tipping floor from May 3-18 for essential safety repairs due to a structural issue requiring immediate attention.
During this period, no garbage disposal activity will be allowed on the tipping floor. However, the Long Key Transfer Station will continue to accept vegetation and yard waste, which is handled at a separate onsite location that does not use the tipping floor.
Signage has been posted at the Long Key Transfer Station, and local businesses who regularly utilize the site have been notified to use the Key Largo or Cudjoe Key transfer stations while the repairs are being made.
“While this temporary disruption poses challenges, the safety of staff and those who use the facility remains the top priority,” said Director of Solid Waste Cheryl Sullivan.
Could smartphone feature save lives?
A passerby found and reported a suspected brick/kilogram of cocaine on April 26 at about 4:30 p.m. near the Tea Table Bridge in Islamorada. The package was turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.
Man arrested for attempted arson
A 38-year-old Marathon man was arrested on April 23 after he reportedly attempted to light multiple vehicles on fire during an argument. There were no serious injuries reported.
Rainel Arbolay Becerra was charged with attempted arson.
The sheriff’s office was called to Lindahl Street in Marathon at about 10:50 p.m. regarding an argument that arose during a game of dominoes. Arbolay Becerra pushed two vehicles close together and shoved a piece of a T-shirt into one of the gas tanks while threatening to light them on fire.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving contributes to about 9% of fatal crashes, although researchers believe that number is higher. Despite texting bans in almost all 50 states, distraction remains a prevalent problem among drivers, especially younger generations. And yet smartphones themselves — a common form of distraction — may hold the key to curbing this risky behavior.
Today, most devices offer a “Do Not Disturb” feature, designed to minimize distractions by silencing calls, messages and notifications. Research from AAA indicates that when activated, this tool can effectively reduce smartphone interactions while driving.
“Although smartphones provide features to help curb distractions, many drivers simply do not use them,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Our goal was to understand why drivers hesitate to embrace these tools and explore ways to encourage their adoption. Doing so would contribute to better focus on the road and enhance overall traffic safety.”
Participants of the tournament-style mah-jongg on March 25. JOY/Contributed
The
Larry Cox
Founded by Betty Debnam
Black Hole Week
Mini Fact: The Sagittarius A* (A-star) black hole is at the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way. This is an artist’s view of it.
May 5-9 is Black Hole Week at NASA. The special week was started in 2019 to celebrate these mysterious cosmic objects. Let’s learn more about black holes!
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
A basic black hole isn’t really a hole. Instead, it is a sphere with a lot of mass, or matter that is contained within it. It spins, and everything inside a boundary called the event horizon falls inward because of its very strong gravity. This is sometimes called the “point of no return.”
The singularity is the center portion of a black hole, where all the mass is concentrated.
There are also fancy black holes. Gas, dust and other objects, such as stars, can get too close to black holes and start to spin around the black hole. This region is called an accretion disk. Sometimes these objects get too close and heat up to form light. These brilliant jets of light can sometimes be seen from Earth.
Black holes can even merge with other black holes to make a new, bigger black hole.
These are called supermassive black holes. The biggest black hole that scientists have observed is
TON 618, with about 66 million times the mass of our sun. The largest black holes are at the centers of galaxies. The black hole at the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way, is called Sagittarius A*. It is 4 million times the mass of our sun.
HOW BLACK HOLES ARE FOUND
BLACK HOLE FACT-A-ROONIES
• The first black hole to be detected by scientists was Cygnus X-1, discovered in 1971, but astronomers were predicting the existence of black holes as far back as the late 18th century.
• Black holes don’t really die, but scientists believe they slowly evaporate over very long spans of time.
• You may have read books or seen movies in which a black hole is a wormhole, or a shortcut to another dimension. In reality, if you were to enter a black hole, you could not leave it.
Even light can’t escape the gravity of black holes, so scientists observe them by noting their effects on the objects around them. They might be surrounded by rings of gas and dust, or stars may orbit around them in a particular way. Black holes also bend light from other distant objects. Gravity in an accretion disk heats up debris to millions of degrees and compresses it, producing high levels of radiation — so high, it would be deadly to human beings.
Black holes also affect time in a weird way. If you were near one, time would seem to pass much faster.
When objects get close to the event horizon, they start to stretch out and also be compressed. Think of a spaghetti noodle.
Fortunately, the closest black hole is 3,000 light-years away, so your chances of becoming spaghettified are very slim!
• The gravitational effect of black holes is only strong within the event horizon. From far away, they have the same gravity as other objects in space.
• If you replaced our sun with a black hole, the only difference you’d notice would be a much colder climate. The planets would remain in the same orbit around the black hole.
RESOURCES
On the Web:
• bit.ly/MPMichigan
At the library:
• “The Legend of Michigan” by Trinka Hakes Noble
• “Building the Bridge School” by Laura A. Stewart
Words that remind us of black holes are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Invasive Asian hornets are rapidly spreading across Europe, preying on hundreds of native insect species that include some key pollinators. Researchers analyzed the gut contents of more than 1,500 hornet larvae from nests in the U.K., France, Spain and the island of Jersey, finding that 43 of the 50 most commonly eaten species were flower-visiting insects. While honeybees are the hornets’ primary prey, they also target bumblebees, butterflies, moths, flies and other wasps. This poses an additional threat to alreadydeclining insect populations across the continent.
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TRACKING DOWN WINS
Medals abound at districts | P.8
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
RICK MACKENZIE/Contributed
LEE ISOM
Justice leads not just with strength, but also with integrity, humility and the kind of focus that inspires everyone around her. At Marathon High School, she doesn’t just break records, she sets the standard. In every throw, every practice.”
– Helena Bursa, Fins throwing coach
38’5.5” Shot put
111’7” Discus
107’9” Javelin
Marathon’s Justice Lee Isom has been setting and re-breaking her own records in track and field throwing events for the past two seasons. Never to be outworked, the juggernaut junior does not just lift barbells; Lee lifts those around her with a tremendous show of positivity. She takes as much pride in her teammates’ wins as her own and her work ethic and drive are contagious. Described by her throwing coach as “built by discipline, driven by fire,” Lee has parlayed her strength and attention to detail into multiple district, regional and state medals, the latest of which came on April 23 at the FHSAA 1A District 16 Championships. There, Lee outshined the rest of the field, winning all three throwing events by a sizable margin. For her continued athletic success and exuberance for that of her teammates as well, Marathon’s Justice Lee is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
WEEK Justice
Junior, Marathon Track & Field Thrower
Keys athletes will need to show up with their best efforts at regionals after tearing up the track and field at districts. First row, from left: Caylaa Maxima, Ali Wheatley, Molly Joly. Second row: Shane Lavallee, Alaric Rodriguez, Adrik Myer. Third row: Jay Marshall, Ava Merryman. Fourth row: Justice Lee, Evan Osipov, Vance Bursa. Photos by Barry Gaukel, Doug Finger, Maicey Malgrat and Rick Mackenzie.
Justice Lee, left, poses with coach Helena Bursa after her district win in the javelin event. CONTRIBUTED
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.
sean mcdonald
grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.
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.
Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
SWEET 16 FOR FINS & CONCHS
Coral Shores can’t overcome
powerful Cardinal Newman
As this paper rolls off the press, the Key West Conchs and Marathon Dolphins baseball squads are battling for trips to the state Elite Eight.
The Conchs matched up with the Scorpions of Satellite Beach for their 4A Region 4 quarterfinals. Key West got stung in game one on April 21 after putting just two runs on the board, one each in innings one and seven. The team’s three hits came off the bats of Auggy Davila, Caden Pichardo and Nelson Ong, with Kade Maltz and Pichardo getting credit for the RBIs. Jon Carlos Lampas-Gormley threw six innings, striking out six, walking two and surrendering nine hits and five earned runs.
After some back-and-forth scheduling, the teams faced off again the following afternoon, April 22. This time, it was the Conchs’ turn to do the stinging. Key West pulled ahead with three runs in the first frame and never looked back. The bats were ringing, with a team total of nine hits. Ong, Roman Garcia and Darreld Tremino were responsible for two hits each. Garcia homered in inning six to center field, and Ong tripled.
Vinny Moline started for the Conchs, giving up two hits and a pair of earned runs over three innings. Moline struck out four batters before handing the ball off to Davila for three frames. Kasey Kasper closed out the 11-5 win for Key West, sending both teams to Satellite Beach for game three on April 24.
Kasper picked up where he left off two nights prior, shutting down the Scorpions in a full seven innings on the mound. The senior hurler fanned two and gave up seven hits with no walks and no runs scored for a shutout playoff win. Davila had a single and a double while Pichardo, Maltz, Sam
tracy mcdonald
Holland, Ong, Garcia and Xavier Perez each contributed to Key West’s eight hits.
The 3-0 win moved the Conchs forward in the brackets to the regional semifinals. The No. 5 seed Conchs drew top-seeded American Heritage as their rivals for a new three-game series on April 28 and 29 at Heritage.
Night one proved to be tough sledding for the Conchs after the Patriots piled on four runs in the fourth inning en route to a 6-1 final score. Should the teams split the wins in games one and two (game two results not available at press time), Heritage will travel to Key West May 1 to face the Conchs at Rex Weech Field at 7 p.m.
CORAL SHORES
Coral Shores finished 19-5-1 this season, earning its first-ever district championship. The Hurricanes were dealt a challenging hand in their path toward states, earning the lowest seed in 2A’s Region 4 and taking the field against top-seeded Cardinal Newman in the regional quarterfinals. The series, played at Cardinal Newman for games one and two, began April 21.
The ’Canes kept it close for innings one and two until the Crusaders opened the floodgates, scoring 14 runs in the third off a 10-hit rally to end the game early. Coral Shores managed just two hits, both off the bat of Campbell Lavoie. Lavoie started on the mound for the ’Canes, who threw an arsenal of pitching staff at the Crusaders.
The following night, Coral Shores hoped to avenge the 20-0 loss and stay alive in the postseason. The Hurricanes put two runners on base in the top of the first, when AJ Putetti singled and Maykol Bonito was struck by a pitch, but both found themselves stranded. The Crusaders managed a single run in the first frame and the score remained 1-0 until inning four, when Newman added one more.
In the top of the fifth, Eddie Holly hit a hard double into right field and Maykol Bonito drove him home. But the Hurricane bats stalled there and the Crusaders went on to score three more runs to win 5-1, sending Cardinal Newman to the semis and Coral Shores home.
Donovan Thiery had a fantastic night on the mound, striking out 10 batters, walking four and giving up just two hits. Thiery spanned the first four frames before Riley O’Berry took over. Before handing the ball to O’Berry, Thiery registered 100 strikeouts for the season, then fanned one more for good measure. Three Hurricanes – Thiery, Putetti and Holly – ended the season batting above .400. Thiery drove in 37 runs while Putetti stole 21 bases and scored 42 times this season, and both currently stand in second in all of 2A with those numbers.
MARATHON
FHSAA’s smaller Rural classification, which includes Marathon, did not require a quarterfinal series, sending the Fins directly to the semifinals where they matched up with the Miners of Fort Meade – the same team they upset for their district championship. Marathon’s district win tipped the rankings scales just enough to give them a guaranteed two home games in the three-game series beginning on April 28 and 29.
Despite a hearty home crowd at their backs and a 1-0 lead through the first five frames of error-free baseball, a three-run sixth inning proved to be the killer for the Fins in game one, ending the night with a 4-1 loss (game two results not available at press time). With a win on April 29, the Fins would take a road trip to Fort Meade on May 1 to determine which team will earn Elite Eight status.
Andres Alvarado
Maykol Bonito
Donovan Thiery
Riley O’Berry
Grady Temkin
Some of the talented juniors who will return next season for the Coral Shores Hurricanes. JOY SMITH/Keys Weekly
The Dolphins and Conchs will need to dig deep to overcome 1-0 series deficits and advance to the Elite Eight.
Photos by Sean Westerband and Maicey Malgrat
Dani Perdomo, left, accounted for three of Marathon’s six stolen bases against South Homestead last week.
Seventh-grader Shaina Robinson, right, is already making an impact for the Fins this season. Robinson batted in two runs off one hit last week.
BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly
SOFTBALL ENTERS POSTSEASON
MDolphins play late game prior to district matchups
arathon traveled to Somerset South Homestead on April 22, just one day prior to the official close of the regular season, to sneak in one last matchup against the Hurricanes. Somerset pulled ahead early, besting the Fins 14-4. Marathon looked to be making a comeback in the fifth frame, but let in a disastrous eight runs in the sixth inning, invoking the mercy rule to end the game.
The Lady Fins registered five hits with one each from Maeve Merryman, Elena Eubank, Shaina Robinson, Elianys Roque and Shynell McGuire. Robinson drove in two of the Fins’ four runs in the loss. Dani Perdomo reached base three times, once on a walk and twice as a hit batter, and stole three of the team's total six bases. Sara Robinson started in the circle, pitching one inning, and Madelyn Thornton finished the final frames, delivering eight strikeouts, 13 walks and giving up three hits.
Marathon finished out their regular season 9-6 and earned the third seed in FHSAA’s Rural District 8 grouping. They faced the No. 2 seed Terriers of Moore Haven on April 29 on the road in the semifinals (results not available at press time). A win there would place Marathon in the district championship game the following day.
Key West earned the top seed in FHSAA’s 4A District 16 and received a bye in the quarterfinals. The Lady Conchs faced Lourdes Academy on April 29 (results not available at press time). A win in the semis would place them in their district championship May 1.
Coral Shores plays as an independent and does not participate in the FHSAA postseason.
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Three Fins take their talents to the college ranks
Three Marathon Dolphins, including two football stars and a track and field standout, will continue their athletic careers in college after two signing ceremonies this month.
Fabbianho Louis Jeune and Carlos Lezcano have committed to continue their athletic and academic careers at the University of Olivet in Olivet, Michigan. Lezcano and Louis Jeune signed their letters of intent on April 24 in the presence of their on-field brothers at a team celebration. Both athletes have been instrumental in the success of the Marathon Dolphins football program and will now trade their royal blue jerseys for the red and white of the Comets..
My son, daughter and I have lived in the Upper Florida Keys for 31 years and my mother’s family had property behind the Green Turtle many, many years ago. I enjoy the beautiful waters, sunshine and the salt air, as well as the small town feel.
Louis Jeune had an outstanding senior season with the Fins, rushing for 1,189 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 8.5 yards per carry. His offensive onslaught was a triple threat for Marathon, with 111 passing yards and 40 receiving yards as well. Louis Jeune’s special teams contributions added 29 extra points and four field goals to place him at number 23 in the state of Florida and second in the rural classification for total points scored. His versatility earned him an Honorable Mention All-State selection.
Lezcano was dynamic over his career with the Dolphins. Last season, he amassed 842 rushing yards on 98 carries to average 8.6 yards per carry. Lezcano scored seven rushing touchdowns and, defensively, he made significant contributions including an interception and countless tackles. His versatility and dedication made Lezcano one of Marathon’s top athletes in recent memory.
Earlier last week, a third Fin made her choice official. Track and field standout Caylie Globe signed a letter of intent to participate at the collegiate level. Globe specialized in the long jump and high jump and plans to continue her endeavors at Barry University in Miami. Globe was also a member of Marathon’s 2025 district championship basketball team.
Carlos Lezcano, left, and Fabbianho Louis Jeune will take the field for the University of Olivet Comets in Michigan next season. CONTRIBUTED
Caylie Globe stands between Marathon head track and field coach Darby Sheehan, left, and jumping coach Helena Bursa at her signing ceremony. CONTRIBUTED
LUCKY 13
Baker’s dozen Keys athletes win individual district titles
Coral Shores and Key West ran, jumped and threw at Tropical Park on April 22 for the FHSAA 2A District 16 championships. When the final event was complete, Key West’s boys and girls landed in the runner-up position in the district behind Gulliver Prep.
The Conchs earned the lion’s share of their points in throwing events with four individual wins. Josh Johnson tossed the shot 46’10” to seal a district championship and move into the No. 2 spot in the school record books. Johnson will represent the Southernmost City in shot put and discus, where he placed third. Noah Mercer was first in discus, claiming a championship and bid to regionals with his 152'4" toss. Mercer was third in shot and will also be a two-event participant at regionals. In the girls throwing events, Audrey Smith was the big winner. Smith claimed a pair of district titles, in the discus (106’4”) and javelin (112'2”) events, and was second in the shot put.
Other regional qualifiers in the throwing events were Shane Lavallee, Peyton Zubieta and Jeremiah Harvey, who all made the cut in boys javelin. Audrina McClellan and Monica Bueno did the same for the girls and McClellan also qualified in discus. Anthony Jenner qualified in boys shot put and Christopher Barter in boys discus.
Rounding out Key West’s field champions were siblings Ian and Ariel Newton, who each brought home district gold. Ian won the boys pole vault, clearing the bar at 13’9.5”. His younger sister Ariel won the girls event at a height of 10’4”.
On the track, Kelly Cardona-Quiche won the 100-meter hurdles race in 19.82 seconds and qualified in the 400 hurdles event as well. Caylaa Makimaa finished first in the 1,600, completing four laps in 5:41, and qualified in the 3,200. The Lady Conchs’ 4x800 team of Naima Thomas, Emerson Jackson, Violet Jangraw and Makimaa plus the 4x400 team of Thomas, Lilia Mook, Colleen Barter and Aly Camargo both finished first and will represent the team at regionals.
Other Conch regional field event qualifiers include pole vaulters Jorge Sanchez, Ian Torreaba Lopez, Maya Gray and Lilly Good. Malachi Telisma was second in boys high jump. Colleen Barter was second in girls high jump and Lilia Mook and Maicey Malgrat tied for third. Jordan Greene was third in girls triple jump and Jeff Dejean was second in boys long jump.
On the track, Mirakle Humphrey qualified for regionals with a third-place finish in the 100-meter dash. Ariel Newton was second in the 200 for the girls and Walson Morin was third for the boys. Jordan Greene qualified in triple jump and the 200-meter dash. Alyssandra Camargo placed third in the 400 while Naima Thomas qualified in the 800. Additionally,
1. Justice Lee.
2. Malachi Telisma.
3. Caylaa Makimaa running the 3,200 with Ali Wheatley on her tail.
4. Jordan Greene.
5. Key West’s Coleen Barter, Alyssandra Camargo, Lilia Mook and Naima Thomas with second-place trophy at districts last week.
6. Shane Lavallee.
7. Hurricanes lead in the 100-meter dash with Uriel Gutierrez and Sean Harm.
8. Molly Joly.
9. Daysi Williams. 10. Tinashay Cunningham. 11. Jay Marshall.
Photos by Maicey Malgrat and Rick Mackenzie.
the girls 4x100, both 4x400 teams, and boys 4x800 meter relay teams qualified for regionals.
CORAL SHORES
Coral Shores has two new district champs this season. Xavier Johnson’s 16.81-second 110 hurdles time not only earned him a district title; he now owns the Hurricane record in that event and will have a chance to set an even faster pace at regionals. Freshman Ali Wheatley ran a 12:04 3,200-meter race for a first-place medal at districts, a race she won by six full seconds.
Johnson and Wheatley won’t be alone at regionals. Julieanna Oddo placed second in the 110 hurdles, qualifying for the next round of competition. Alaric Rodriguez was third in the boys 800 while Sammy Bates was third in the girls race. Niveah Howard, Tess Hill, Olive Welch and Kate King qualified in the 4x100 relay while Bates, Hill, Welch and King qualified in the 4x400 relay. In field events, Evan Osipov placed second in the discus and will represent Coral Shores at regionals in that event.
MARATHON
Marathon participated in the 1A District 16 Championships the following day at Palmer Trinity School. The Fins boys came in third overall and the girls fourth. Four Fins brought home district titles, including Jay Marshall, who sprinted to an 11.06-second first place in the 100-meter dash. On the other end of the spectrum was Vance Bursa, who completed the longest race of the day, the 3,200, in 10:06. Daysi Williams cleared the bar at 4’7” in the high jump for a district title and Justice Lee hauled in three golds in the throwing events. Lee won the shot put (38’5.5”), discus (111' 7”) and javelin (107’9”) to make it six wins for the Fins. In addition to the district champs, a crew of Dolphins will be participating at regionals. Vance Bursa also qualified for the 1,600 after capturing second place. Lucian Burns and Tony Bursa will join Vance in both the distance events. The boys 4x400 team of Fabbianho Louis Jeune, Bradley Ourada, Israel Gonzalez and Caleb Shelar finished second. Louis Jeune was also the runner-up in high jump and qualified in the long jump as well, making for a busy day at regionals. Eian Batzer made the list in long jump and high jump while Cullen Coleman-Sayer and Maverick McDonald were second and third in pole vault, respectively, earning them both a trip to regionals.
Jesus Gonzalez is a regional qualifier in triple jump while his twin, Israel Gonzalez, will compete in the javelin throw along with Matthew Machado. The Lady Fins’ Molly Joly was second in the 3,200-meter run and qualified in the 1,600 as well. Ava Merryman vaulted 9’10” for a new school record and district silver. Joining Merryman in the girls pole vault are Samantha Batzer and Isabelle Wiseman. Tinashay Cunningham will represent the Dolphins in the open 400 race and the girls 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams will join the regional qualifiers for Marathon on May 3 at Calvary Christian School. Key West and Coral Shores compete at the same location one day prior.
TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1991, Rickey Henderson of the Oakland Athletics stole his 939th base, setting a new major-league record. Later that evening, Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan threw his seventh career nohitter, breaking his own record.
NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY
CASE NO: 24-CA-000594-K Darreth Dellagnese Plaintiff, Vs William H. Foster
Defendant,
NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that pursuant to a Writ of Execution issued in the Circuit Court, of Monroe County, Florida, on the 16th day of July, 2024, in the cause wherein Darreth Dellagnese is Plaintiff and William H. Foster was defendant, being Case No. 24-CA-000594-K in said court, I, Richard A. Ramsay, Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida have levied upon all right, title, and interest of the defendant, in and to the following described real property to wit: SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:
From the warranty deed that states the following described land, situate, lying and being in Monroe County, Florida towit (With certain exceptions): Legal Description(s) –
The southerly 15 feet of Lot 30, WHISPERING PINES PLAT NO. 3, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 59 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida.
PARCEL B – “LESS AND EXCEPT” – (AUTHORED BY THE UNDERSIGNED PLAINTIFF
ATTORNEY TONY ANDRE)
A portion of Lot 30, WHISPERING PINES PLAT NO. 3, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 59 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and being more particularly described
as follows:
Commencing at the Southeasterly corner of the said Lot 30 and run thence S89°53'00"W along the Southerly boundary line of the said Lot 30 for a distance of 99.00 feet to the Easterly face of an existing pool coping, said point also being the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land hereinafter described; thence N0°01'48"E along the said Easterly face of an existing pool coping for a distance of 0.78 feet to the Northeasterly corner of the said existing pool coping; thence N89°58'12"W along the Northerly face the said existing pool coping for a distance of 21.77 feet to the Northwesterly corner of the said existing pool coping; thence S0°01'48"W along the Westerly face of the said existing pool coping for a distance of 0.83 feet to a point on the said Southerly boundary line of the said Lot 30; thence N89°53'00"E along the said Southerly boundary line of the said Lot 30 for a distance of 21.77 feet back to the Point of Beginning. (Containing 45.15 Sq. Ft +/-) Copy of Exhibit A available upon request from the Sheriff’s Office and on the date of sale.
SPECIFIC LOCATION OF REAL PROPERTY:
Vacant Sands Road, Big Pine Key, FL 33040
All bidders must have a valid Driver’s License with them and must register with clerk at location of sale prior to start time of sale.
I shall offer this property for sale, at Monroe County Court House located at 500 Whitehead Street Key West, Florida 33040 in the County of Monroe, State of Florida, on the 29th day of May, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as
possible. I will offer for sale all of the said defendant’s right, title, and interest in the aforesaid real property at public auction and will sell the same subject to all taxes, prior liens, encumbrances and judgments, if any, to the highest and best bidder for CASH IN HAND. The proceeds to be applied as far as may be to the payment of costs and the satisfaction of the above described execution.
Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida this 10th day of April, 2025.
Richard A. Ramsay Sheriff of Monroe County, By: Donald Stullken Deputy Sheriff In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Civil Division no later than seven says prior to the proceeding at (305)8093041.
Publish:
April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Lien Sale
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described as blow to enforce a lien imposed on said property under the Florida Self Storage Facilities Act Statues (section 83.801-83.809) The undersigned will sell online by competitive bidding on May 16th, 2025, at 9am. #250 Patrick Carlin - Personal Property
#452 Danny LivernoisPersonal Property # 302 David Morris-Personal Property
Will be auctioned online by Storage Treasures via website
Effective April 17, 2025, Francis Fraboni, M.D., is no longer practicing with Baptist Health Primary Care at the following location: 3303 Overseas Highway, Suite 100, Marathon, FL 33050.
Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may log into our patient portal at myBaptistHealth.net, call 305-434-1400 or fax 305-743-0962 to request a records release.
Publish:
May 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
at storagetreasures.com. All purchased items are sold as is. Items are located at Big Pine Storage at 30677 Overseas Highway Big Pine Key, Florida 33043 and must be collected within 72 hours of auction.
Publish: May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on May 21, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (BOCC) OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 23-199 MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (TDC) OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE, TO REVISE PROVISIONS TO MODIFY THE SUBMISSION DATE OF THE TDC ANNUAL REPORT TO BE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE COMPLETION OF THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS WHICH OCCURS ON OR ABOUT MARCH 31; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the May 21, 2025, meeting, which will be posted beginning on May 16, 2025 http://monroecountyfl.iqm2.at: com/citizens/default.aspx. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040.
The public can participate in the May 21, 2025, meeting of the Board of CommissionersCounty of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice- impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 3rd day of May, 2025.
KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: May 1, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Emergency Management Logistics Services Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive
solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.
Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 29, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.
The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, May 29, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:
+16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish: May 1, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000401 IN RE: ESTATE OF RACHEL JANE SIEGEL Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the Estate of RACHEL JANE SIEGEL, deceased, whose date of death was June 6, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the physical address of which is 500 Whitehead 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 the 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 DATE 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 SO FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of the first publication of this notice is May 1, 2025.
Personal Representative: Naomi T. Siegel 1514 Cameron Court Tampa, FL 33629
Attorney for Personal Representative: Stephen D. Hayman, Esq. 6605 Gunn Highway Tampa, FL 33625
FBN: 0113514
Ph: (813) 968-9846
Fax: (813) 963-0864
Primary E-Mail: Stephen@ sdhayman.com
Secondary E-Mail: info@ sdhayman.com
Publish: May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT
COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000151-P IN RE: ESTATE OF BRUCE W. CHIARELLO Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Bruce W. Chiarello, deceased, whose date of death was January 25, 2025, 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 name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. 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 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 the first publication of this notice is April 24, 2025.
Personal Representative: B. Jason Chiarello
3 Charles Way Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Attorney for Personal Representative:
William M. Bromley, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 123502 FOX ROTHSCHILD LLP 777 S. Flagler Dr., Suite 1700 West Tower West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Telephone: (561) 835-9600 E-Mail: wbromley@ foxrothschild.com
Secondary E-Mail: bjosaphouitch@foxrothschild. com
Publish: April 24 and May 1, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2022-CP-358-K IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN L. CLAYTON, JR., Decedent.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of JOHN L. CLAYTON, JR., deceased, whose date of death was May 26, 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: April 24, 2025.
Personal Representative: Dara Marie Clayton 701 Spanish Main Drive Unit 467 Cudjoe
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA KEY WEST DIVISION
“IN ADMIRALTY” CASE NUMBER: 4:25-cv-10021JEM
IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPLAINT OF:
WILLIAM MILNER & PAULA
MILNER, as owners of the S/V Sara Lou, a 1992 34’ Pacific Seacraft Monohull Sail, bearing Hull Identification No.: PCS34227G192, its Engines, Tackle, Appurtenances, Equipment, Etc., In a cause for Exoneration from or Limitation of Liability. Petitioner.
___________________/
NOTICE TO ALL POTENTIAL
CLAIMANTS OF COMPLAINT FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
As the owner of the S/V Sara Lou, a 1992 34’ Pacific Seacraft Monohull Sail bearing Hull Identification No.: PCS34227G192, (the “Vessel”)—and pursuant to 46 U.S.C § 30501, et seq., and Supplemental Rule F of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure—William Milner and Paula Milner filed a Complaint on March 4, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida seeking exoneration from, or limitation of, any liability concerning any and all personal injury, property damage, destruction, or other losses arising out of or related to an incident on or about December 27, 2024, on the navigable waters of the United States in Buttonwood Sound, Key Largo, in Monroe County, Florida, as more fully described in the complaint. The Court has accepted a letter of undertaking as interim security for all claims against Petitioners and the Vessel. Pursuant to 46 U.S.C. § 30511(c), “all claims and proceedings against the owner related to the matter in question shall cease.” By June 9, 2025, all persons or entities claiming damage for any and all loss, destruction, injuries, and/or death allegedly as a result of the occurrences and happenings recited in the complaint must file their respective claims with the clerk of this court and serve copies thereof on Petitioners’ counsel. By the same date, all persons or entities presenting claims and desiring to contest the allegations of the complaint must file an answer to the complaint in this court and must serve copies thereof on Petitioners’ counsel or be defaulted. Service on Petitioners’ counsel may be made by delivery or mail to Richard J. McAlpin, or Lourdes M. Cardelle of MCALPIN FLOREZ MARCOTTE, P.A., 80 SW 8th Street, Suite 2805, Miami, Florida 33130, telephone number (305) 810-5400.
Dated: March 13, 2025. Angela E. Noble United States District Court Southern District Court of Florida
By: Nadhege Augustin Deputy Clerk Publish: April 10, 17, 24 and May 1, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 25-DR-410-K JOSE PAULINO SANTOS MEJIA, Petitioner, and ESTELA JUDITH DIONISION
GOMEZ, Respondent.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL
SUPPORT) TO: ESTELA JUDITH DIONISION
GOMEZ
RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: UNKNOWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on JOSE PAULINO SANTOS MEJIA, whose address is 2828 FOGARTY AVE., KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before May 19, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: April 14, 2025 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Sheryl LaTorre Deputy Clerk Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-414-K PAOLA MELISSA ZEPEDA LAZO, Petitioner, and HECTOR MANUEL CABAN GONZALEZ, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: HECTOR MANUEL CABAN GONZALEZ RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 1213 14TH STREET, LOT W, KEY WEST, FL 33040 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on PAOLA MELISSA ZEPEDA LAZO, whose address is 3328 EAGLE AVENUE, KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040 on or before May 17, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 302 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified
of your current address.
(You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: April 11, 2025
Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson
Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-02
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/117
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1036145
Parcel ID: 00035290-000000
Description of Property: KW MOFFATS SUB PB1-12 ALL LOT 6 AND PT LOT 8 SQR 3 TR 14 OR106-113/114 OR395891/92 OR1292-464D/C
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-03
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2022/764
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1376221
Parcel ID: 00304180-000000
Description of Property: BK 32 LTS 1-2 SANDS SUB 1-65 BIG PINE KEY OR622-272
OR2791-796/802 OR29081900/01 OR2952-2223 ALONG WITH MOBILE HOME: TITLE
NUMBER: 4754739 VEHICLE ID
NR:FT168FL2250 YEAR:1971
MAKE: IN-HOUSE PKWA
BODY:HS
Names in which assessed: FIGUEROA LUIS
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-04
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy
Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-05
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/151 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1056456
Parcel ID: 00055910-000000
Description of Property: BK 2 LT 3 KW PB5-19 PEARLMAN ESTATES SECOND ADDITION OR300-332/33 OR503-201 OR1487-626/27 OR2750-742LET/ADM OR2762-196ORD OR27861389/90
Names in which assessed: NESIUS THEODORE II
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
LEGAL NOTICES
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-06
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2022/992
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 9085848
Parcel ID: 00355430-000149
Description of Property: UNIT B-38 SOMBRERO MARINA A CONDOMINIUM OR3120-1942
Names in which assessed: BROWN GARY
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 4th 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-07
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/531 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 9090619
Parcel ID: 00104180-002310
Description of Property: BOAT DOCK SPACE SW 31 INDIGO REEF MARINA HOMES OR2180-626/684DEC OR23151697 OR2687-915AMD OR2736-1492C/T OR32630841
Names in which assessed: MFRA TRUST 2014-2 C/O FAY SERVICING LLC
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 4th 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-08
Notice is hereby given that, MARCIO AUGUSTO DE LA CRUZ GOMEZ, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2020/1327
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2020
Account Number: 1451681
Parcel ID: 00368500-000000
Description of Property: NW'LY 4 FT LOT 1 BLK 19 CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 OR39-216-217 Names in which assessed: DOROTHY LEE JARO, JARO JACK
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-09
Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC - 7022, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2022/124 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Description of Property: KW TROPICAL BLDG AND INVESTMENT CO SUB LOT 17 AND PT LOTS 10 AND 18 SQR 2 TR 19 PB1-34 G49-309/10 J2-121 OR122-236/37 OR491599 OR491-600 OR491602(PROB-81-357-CP-12) OR845-2195/2197-WILL OR1051-2301/02 OR1464-723 OR1607-1970/71 OR178258/59 OR1782-60 OR22401359 OR2279-1491/92T/C OR2421-2421/29F/J OR26461539/40C/T OR2701-2199/201
Names in which assessed: DGK KEY WEST LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 4th 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8,
2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-10
Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC - 7022, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/542
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1210064
Parcel ID: 00164560-000000
Description of Property: LT 64 SUGARLOAF SHORES SEC D SUGARLOAF KEY PB488 OR414-663 OR446-605/06 OR937-183 OR937-184D/C OR1207-584 OR2692-1570/72
Names in which assessed: HOME ON KINGFISHER LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 4th 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-11
Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/315 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022 Account Number: 910454 Parcel ID: 00097680-000100
Description of Property: 20 64 36 LOWER MATECUMBE KEY PT GOVT LOT 2 OR30401431
Names in which assessed: KEYS STEVEN L All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-12
Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which
it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2022/711
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1337960
Parcel ID: 00266320-000000
Description of Property:
BK 6 LT 9 EDEN PINES COLONY
PB4-158 BIG PINE KEY OR404157E OR460-781 OR1167998DC
Names in which assessed:
HELLIESEN FRANCYS M
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale
Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By:
Aneta Jodkowska,
Deputy
Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-13
Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/864 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Names in which assessed: ANTHONY D'AIUTO, JOSEPH D'AIUTO
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-14
Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2022/334
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 9088412
Parcel ID: 00100371-018700
Description of Property:
UNIT 55C BOAT HOUSE
CONDOMINIUM OR2738-1752
OR2822-2314/15
Names in which assessed: SHELLFISH ENTERPRISES LLC
All of said property being in
the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-15
Notice is hereby given that, DAY INVESTMENT AND CONSULTING LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2021/1161
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2021
Account Number: 1451690
Parcel ID: 00368510-000000
Description of Property:
BK 19 LT 2 CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E
OR39-218/219 CASE #86-47CP-23 OR972-1185/1190WILL OR996-1715/1716P/R OR1006-38/42 OR1011-500 OR1018-205Q/C OR2094408/09
Names in which assessed:
ARLENE KAISER, ROBERT KAISER
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-16
Notice is hereby given that, CHARLES WEITZEL, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2019/924
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2019
Account Number: 1406414
Parcel ID: 00331061-011301
Description of Property:
SEA-AIR ESTATES KEY VACA
PB6-91 W1/2 LOT 17 BLK 5 & ADJ PT OF ANA COURT
OR1550-2356-62RES
Names in which assessed:
SEA-AIR ESTATES INC C/O GOSS RICHARD
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-17
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC
ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1561
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1670022
Parcel ID: 00546530-000000
Description of Property:
BK 3 LT 8 AMD PLAT OF WINSTON WATERWAYS PB4144 OR297-77 OR725-787/88
OR858-221/22 OR1063-1340
OR1874-999 OR2366-681/82
OR2797-1106/07
Names in which assessed: LEGNA INVESTMENTS LLC
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-18
Notice is hereby given that,
ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC
ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Names in which assessed: KARIM-URROZA DAVID, LARYSA KULISH SMITH
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE
COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy
Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-19
Notice is hereby given that, TLOA OF FLORIDA, LLC FOR SECURED PARTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1191 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1512907
Parcel ID: 00416730-000000
Description of Property: BK 8 S 1/2 LT 13 KEY HEIGHTS SECTION 2 PB3-159 PLANTATION KEY OR392266/67 OR824-2483 OR908908 OR1362-392 OR1362393/94PR OR1433-1787/88 OR1433-1789/93 OR1478555/56EST/ORD OR1479-1738 OR1479-1739DC OR14791740DC
Names in which assessed: NEZBED MELBA E JR
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-20
Notice is hereby given that, TLOA OF FLORIDA, LLC FOR SECURED PARTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1260 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1551864 1512907
Parcel ID: 00452230-000000 00416730-000000
Description of Property: LT 92 PORT LARGO PB5-3 KEY LARGO OR647-575 OR696-121 OR3062-1391
Names in which assessed: DERRIEN JEANNINE
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-22
Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1473 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 9104464
Parcel ID: 00513300-001600
Description of Property: BK 3 LOT 16 PARADISE POINT PB3-16 KEY LARGO G72302/03 OR187-483/84 OR269553/554 OR274-113/114 OR369-350 OR414-363/64 OR460-485/492Q/C OR502923 OR506-756 OR609-430 OR722-687 D/C OR744734/737 OR869-650/55 OR890-1650/51PR OR8921002 OR950-563P/R OR11081408/1409 OR1216-2072/73 OR1341-2326 OR1341 2330 OR1531-135/36 OR1552-1557 OR1971-2251/52 OR259238/39 OR2975-982 OR2977997C
Names in which assessed: COBIA LLC
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 7th 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-23
Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1499 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1642843
Parcel ID: 00523590-000000
Description of Property: BK 2 LT 5 AMD PLAT OF PB3-62 KEY LARGO PARK KEY LARGO OR381-151 OR1249-144 OR1240-1459/62 OR1786-7 OR2177-1751C OR2196-1574 OR3109-2275
Names in which assessed: ARIAS CARLOS LUIS All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-24
Notice is hereby given that, JPL INVESTMENTS CORP, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2022/1059
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1457043
Parcel ID: 00373970-000000
Description of Property: CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E LOT 6 SQR 54
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-25
Notice is hereby given that, TLGFY, LLC CAPITAL ONE, N.A., AS COLLATERAL ASSIGNEE OF TLGFY, LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1070
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 8918194
Parcel ID: 00378381-000101
Description of Property: UNIT B-001A & B-001A EXPANSION VILLAGE AT HAWK'S CAY DUCK KEY OR1488-190/265DEC OR14882199/02 OR1910-1972/1973A OR1967-1550/52 OR27972198/200 OR3044-165 OR3127-0667
Names in which assessed: PATRICIA D PYTLESKI, PYTLESKI VICTOR D All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or
certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 14th 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS WANTED
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
MGB Convertible White w/tan, 4-speed Turnkey survivor. Garage kept. Located in Homestead. $14,000 305-972-4055
Or email vrrozier@yahoo.com.
SUDOKU SOLUTION
Night Monitor – FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring for the following positions: Resident Care Supervisor with min. 3 yrs. experience of an LPN, Housing Manager- FT- Marathon, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: wrightk@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 ext. 224. 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.
Fantastic part-time Housekeeper position available in Key Colony Beach! Immediate start date. Primarily on weekends, with excellent pay for the right candidate. Reach out to Continental Inn Beachside at Vivian 952-208-2850 or Cheryl 305-505-8747
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time bookkeeper. QuickBooks experience required. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com to schedule an interview.
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere. Flexible lunch/ dinner shifts available Tuesday – Saturday, some Sundays. English proficiency required. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com to schedule an interview.
Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.
Full time office position with strong computer skills, KCB Condominium, $78K per yr., apply by e-mail to HardingThomasL@aol.com, text or call 734-476-0531. HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!
PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Pease call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
HOBBIES/COLLECT.
WE ARE HIRING!
CLIENT MEDICAL SERVICES ASSISTANT, CNA (FT)
PRIVATE COLLECTOR
WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
HOUSING FOR RENT
3BR/3BA fully furnished home for rent in Marathon. Avail June-Jan. $5,500/mo. 618-559-9143
Studio rental in Marathon, long-term, fully furnished, price includes water, electric, internet, gas, pest, and lawn @ $2200 all in. Call or text 3054330515.
1BR/1BA fully furnished Apt. for rent in Marathon. Ideally one person. On canal w/boat lift, W/D, Wifi. $1,950/mo. 850-376-7137 RENTED IN THREE WEEKS!
Available Now, Stock Island near CVS. Traveling nurses/Working professionals only. No pets, smokers or drugs. Gated, safe, quiet, has parking and a pool. Fully furnished room w/private bath, smart TV, washer/dryer. House and kitchen privileges always, w/fridge and cabinet space. Monthly rent REDUCED to $1,400.00 All Included. First and Last due at move in time. Call 305-797-5600 RENTED IN THREE WEEKS!
YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@KeysWeekly.com
Assisting our clients with dental, medical and transportation appts. Act as liaison between clients, families and support staff. Requires some on-call responsibility. Min. requirement - Florida certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant.*
SUPPORTED LIVING COACH (FT)
Responsibilities include management of developmentally disabled clients in independent living environments, management of office and in-home support staff. Must be available for some evenings and weekends. Bachelor’s degree in related field or experience working with developmentally disabled clients in lieu of degree. Must have a valid FL driver’s license. Salary commensurate with experience.*
DIRECT CARE STAFF – NIGHTS/WEEKENDS – GROUP HOMES 24/7 (FT)
These positions are available at our Windsor and Von Phister Group Homes. Providing direct-care services and support to our clients in their home. Must be willing to work flexible shifts including overnights. This position requires a minimum of high school completion or GED and 1 year of experience with care giving or 30 hours of college coursework.*
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 CarolineSeaport.com
YARD SALES
YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@KeysWeekly.com
YARD SALE: Multi-family Fri & Sat, May 2 & 3, from 8A-Noon. 110 5th Strret, Key Colony Beach. Something for everyone!
MOVING SALE: Saturday May 10 from 9 am - Noon. Artificial plants, tools, diving equip, fishing equip, boating equip, household goods, some furniture, freezer. Lots of stuff! 160 1st Street, Key Colony Beach.
DUI FRONT DESK CLERK & EVALUATOR/INSTRUCTOR
The Advocate Program DUI school is hiring for part time positions.
Front desk: 3 days a week, high school diploma and computer data entry skills required. DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required.
Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.
NOW HIRING
HVAC TECH WANTED
Upper Keys position, reporting in Tavernier. Full time job with benefits, vacation time, and holidays.
Apply at keysschools.com or call 305-293-1400 ext. 53398
e Turtle Hospital in Marathon wants you to join their team!
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM GUIDES/GIFT SHOP SALES
Full and part-time. Public speaking and & retail sales experience helpful. $19/hour to start.
Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org
*ALSO REQUIRED FOR ALL POSITIONS: Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license. EOE
at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32
Call 305-407-3262 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $131,081/annually$134,751/annually
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled. Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Engineering Department:
TECHNICIAN MARINE REPAIR
Specializing in Yamaha outboard engines. RETAIL PARTS/COUNTER HELP Marine outboard knowledge and QuickBooks experience a plus. Hours M-F 8a-5p for both positions. Apply in person at: All Keys Yamaha 2001 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-743-3530
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.
KEY LARGO
Advocate (FT)
Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)
KEY WEST
Case Manager (Children, Adult, Forensic)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)
Prevention Specialist
Front Desk Specialist
Advocate
MARATHON
Care Coordinator (PT)
Driver (CDL not required) (PT)
RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (FT,PT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult)
Maintenance Specialist
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT,PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (FT,PT)
*Night Monitor (Assisted Living - Free Housing)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary. JOIN A HIGHLY
screen req. EEOC/DFWP
COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!
Apply at guidancecarecenter.org
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PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C)Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier
