Issuu

“Imagine all the people living life in peace...” — John Lennon

January 15, 2026

KEY WEST MURDER TRIAL BEGINS JURY BEING CHOSEN IN GARRETT HUGHES SHOOTING | P. 4

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE HOSPITAL? LOCAL BOARD MOVES AHEAD CONSIDERING NEW MANAGERS | P. 14

RED BARN WILL SEE YOU ‘AT THE WEDDING’ COMMITMENT COMES WITH BAGGAGE — AND HUMOR | P. 22

Better teeth, better health.

Island Dental DR. LOUIS SPELIOS | DR. MELVIN EATON | DR. AMY MENESES | DR. JOHN VALLILEE

1721 Flagler Ave. | Key West | 305.294.6696

1¢

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

• Heaters when it’s cold • Daily specials with our local favorite: A pulled-pork breakfast burrito every Friday morning • Fresh cut steaks to pair with great wine selection • Premium Happy Hour Liquor • Reservations for lunch and dinner on Open Table • Cook Your Own Catch • Pet Friendly (very) • Daily freshly baked key lime pie and bread of the day • Try and buy special made Pepe’s Hot Sauces • TripAdvisor Top 10% Restaurant Worldwide.

• Two Friends tin cups: $31.99 with a drink & $6 Refills as long as you own the cup • Patio heaters when it’s cold • Free Parking for Customers (up to 3 hours) • - 1-4 pm Early Bird Specials • Stone Crab Special • Happy hour 4-6pm Special: 1lb of steam shrimp only for $11.95 • Live music all day • TripAdvisor Top 10% restaurants worldwide • Call us for take out orders •

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

CUDJOE KEY | $3,750,000 | LISTING ID: 617183

The one in prestigious Cudjoe Gardens

This fully renovated Keys retreat feels more like a private sanctuary than a house. The main oceanfront lot is wrapped in lush, mature landscaping — buttonwoods in the back, banyan trees along the side, orchids everywhere, irrigation, and low-voltage lighting that makes the property glow at night. Inside, the home has been thoughtfully updated with custom kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, new appliances, new electrical and propane, all-PVC plumbing (no cast iron), a renovated bath, a custom closet, impactresistant doors and windows, and split A/Cs. A whole-house generator adds peace of mind. Set along a quiet street, this property also includes a beautifully landscaped 8,000 sq. ft. canal front lot directly across the road, offering protected deep-water access just three houses from open water. Featuring a new 80-foot concrete dock, a 12K hydraulic lift, two 5K davits, and a jet ski dock. With a 4-foot control depth, it's ideal for large vessels and avid boaters seeking effortless ocean access. The professional landscaping mirrors the elegance of the main residence, creating a cohesive tropical aesthetic on both sides. With big-boat capability and endless possibilities — including the potential to build — this rare combination of oceanfront living and deep-water convenience defines the ultimate Keys lifestyle. A move-in-ready, renovated home in Cudjoe Gardens with its own separate boating compound is almost never available.

1075 Duval Street | Suite 15C | Key West 305.294.1117 | oceansir.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

KEYS

The final U.S. roster for the Winter Olympics is expected to have around 200 athletes. The qualified Olympians include alpine skiers Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn, cross-country skier Jesse Diggins, snowboarder Chloe Kim and figure skater Alysa Liu. The winter Olympics in Milan, Italy begin Feb. 6.

NEWSPAPERS

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5 Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com Publisher / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Publishing Partner / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Editor / Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com Account Executive Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Staff Writers Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com Design / Pre-Press Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com Finance Director Carolyn Campbell carolyn@keysweeky.com Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844 Se habla español THE KEY WEST WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials. Postmaster SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON FL 33050 News Deadline Monday Noon Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

@KeysWeekly @theWeekly

Members of

Jess Polak stars in Red Barn Theatre’s production of ‘At the Wedding,” Jan. 20 to Feb. 14. See page 22. ROBERTA DePIERO/Contributed

PRESTON BREWER MURDER TRIAL BEGINS Jury selection starts over fatal shooting of Garrett Hughes MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

reston Brewer’s murder trial for the February 2023 shooting death of Garrett Hughes, who was 21, began this week with jury selection. Prosecutors agreed to drop all but the first-degree homicide charge against Brewer, 60, who was initially also charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and gun-related charges. Opening arguments could begin on Thursday, Jan. 15 if prosecutors and defense attorneys can empanel a jury for the trial in Judge Mark Jones’s Key West courtroom. Llyod Preston Prosecutors were Brewer III. MCSO/ ready for the trial Contributed to begin on Oct. 6 as originally scheduled. They opposed a request for postponement that Brewer’s defense attorney, Jerome Ballarotto, filed on Sept. 22, citing the sudden death of Key West attorney Cara Higgins on Sept. 20. “I am moving to postpone Mr. Brewer’s trial for a reasonable time based upon the recent death of my close personal and professional friend, more like a sister to me, of more than 25 years, Cara Higgins,” Ballarotto wrote in his motion. “I have been speaking to Ms. Higgins’ family virtually nonstop since being told she had passed. I had plans to remain in New Jersey and work with my co-counsel, Mark W. Catanzaro, on the Brewer case this week. Instead, I have flown down to Key West to assist the family with her untimely passing.” Ballarotto wrote that Higgins was divorced with two young children and no family in Key West. He said she had

no will, and that he was tasked with meeting with the funeral director, handling her law clients, arranging for a private autopsy and organizing her personal financial affairs. “The grief has incapacitated me and I have not slept for more than a couple of hours each night since I received the news. … Because of her untimely death I have been unable to prepare for the Brewer trial. I believe I am suffering from emotional trauma such that I am now seeking professional help to get back on track.” His motion also states that Higgins had been Brewer’s personal attorney since his arrest in February 2023. “Ms. Higgins also tended to all his mail and banking functions,” Ballarotto wrote. “I am sure Mr. Brewer is completely lost by her passing. I have yet to speak with him but will be doing so as quickly as I can. Mr. Brewer was extremely close to Ms. Higgins and, I am sure, grieving in his own way.” Brewer has remained in jail on Stock Island since his 2023 arrest despite Judge Jones offering him a $3 million bond that would have allowed him to remain on house arrest while awaiting trial. Ballarotto had sought in December 2024 to have Jones dismiss Brewer’s murder charge, based on Florida’s Stand Your Ground self-defense law. Judge Jones denied the self-defense claim in February 2025, having determined that Brewer was the aggressor. Ballarotto appealed Jones’ selfdefense denial, and in May 2025, the Third District Court of Appeal refused to hear oral arguments pertaining to Brewer’s self-defense claim, meaning the case would proceed to trial. In his order denying the selfdefense claim, Jones summarized the situation that unfolded that night of Feb. 13, 2023 at Conch Town Liquor & Lounge on North Roosevelt Boulevard, which is now closed. At the time of the shooting, following the 2023 Super Bowl, Brewer’s family owned the building that housed the bar business

Key West native Garrett Hughes was shot following the Super Bowl in February 2023. CONTRIBUTED

and the parking lot where the shooting occurred, but did not own the tenant business. The incident started when Brewer exited the bar and saw a drunk Hughes, who had been drinking in the bar moments earlier, in the parking lot, urinating against the wall of a neighboring building. Security video footage shows that Hughes was shirtless and wearing shorts and flip flops at the time of the shooting. The judge acknowledged that Hughes, a Key West native who was 21 at the time of his death, should not have been urinating on the wall and that Brewer, the property owner, had the right to admonish Hughes “and use lawful measures to curtail his inappropriate conduct.” “Things should have ended with the verbal exchange between the two men,” the judge’s order states. “Unfortunately, Mr. Brewer took it upon himself to drastically escalate the situation by physically confronting and cornering Mr. Hughes. Specifically, Mr. Brewer advanced across the parking lot while simultaneously lifting his shirt sufficiently to display and grasp his holstered and loaded handgun. When Mr. Brewer stopped about 10 feet from Garrett Hughes, Mr. Hughes found himself trapped between the wall and the parked vehicles on either side of him with a gun-packing, angry man blocking his only obvious means of escape. “The court finds that stand your ground immunity was not enacted to protect someone like Lloyd Brewer under these circumstances, which he created,” the order states.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

WHERE NORTHERN & SOUTHERN SEAFOOD MEET SINCE 1997

THE LARGEST & MOST TRUSTED PROFESSIONALLY CONDUCTED ESTATE & MOVING SALES IN THE FLORIDA KEYS We are excited to offer a private estate collection of ORIGINAL paintings by Jack Baron, Robert Franke, John Kiraly, Jim Salem, Belante and others. These RARE paintings from the 1970’s and 80’s are not available in any gallery.

N FOOD NE DO E R

AT U

ORK’S TW

AS FEA TU

Please check out our online Art Gallery at SusiesKeyWestEstateSales.net

Pull up, dig in, and taste what everyone’s talking about. RIN G G U Y F

629 Duval Street 305.294.0102 djsclamshack.com

SERVING SEAFOOD & SATISFACTION

3 great locations in Florida KEY WEST | INDIAN SHORES | ST. AUGUSTINE

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

MEET SCOTT LOWELL & JIM ORTLIEB, BRINGING BELOVED BOOK TO LIFE Waterfront Playhouse presents ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ Jan. 15-18

LOCAL MILITARY MATTERS

The latest from Key West’s Military Affairs Committee

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

urns out the world of live theater, especially in Chicago, is a small world indeed. And Key West’s Waterfront Playhouse is reaping the benefits of the connections that its artistic director, Patrick New, has cultivated in the Windy City. Waterfront Playhouse will present “Tuesdays with Morrie,” a moving adaptation of Mitch Albom’s bestselling memoir. The play follows the poignant reunion of Albom, a busy journalist, and his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is facing ALS with heart, humor and wisdom. “It’s an unforgettable drama that celebrates what truly matters,” states the theater’s website. “Tuesdays with Morrie” runs Jan. 15-18 as part of Waterfront Playhouse’s Spotlight Series, which presents more intimate shows with smaller casts and shorter runs. Using his Chicago connections, New recruited two theater, film and television stars — who also happen to be his friends — for “Tuesdays with Morrie.” Scott Lowell, who played Ted in Showtime’s hit TV series “Queer as Folk” from 2000-2005, arrived in Key West last week to begin rehearsals as Mitch Albom, joining his longtime friend and frequent stage costar Jim Ortlieb, who plays Morrie Schwartz. Ortlieb has worked on TV shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “West Wing” and the “CSI” franchise. Both actors also have serious Broadway and live theater credits. “I got a call from Pat (New) last year, and he said he was thinking of doing ‘Tuesdays with Morrie,’ and wondered if I could do it,” Ortlieb said last week. Shortly after arriving in Key West, he and Lowell joined the Keys Weekly on a Zoom interview to

Left: Actor Scott Lowell has Broadway credits and is perhaps best known for playing Ted on the hit Showtime series ‘Queer as Folk.’ He plays Mitch Albom in Waterfront Playhouse production of ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ Jan. 15-18. Right: Actor Jim Ortlieb is known for his roles in the films ‘Contagion’ and ‘Flatliners’ and TV credits include ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘CSI.’ He returns to Key West’s Waterfront Playhouse this month to co-star in ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ running Jan. 15-18. CONTRIBUTED

discuss their history together; their friendship with New and their enthusiasm for “Tuesdays with Morrie” at Waterfront Playhouse. “Chicago in the 1980s and ‘90s was a magnet for theater artists,” Ortlieb said. “Stephen Colbert was actually my roommate for a while in Chicago,” Lowell said. “And when it comes to Jim (Ortlieb) and myself, there’s an ease with us that translates well to this play. Our generation of Chicago actors, we all got imbued with this sense of ensemble theater, so no one person is seeking to be the star. There’s a common vocabulary and a common sensibility with us.” Once live rehearsals began last week at Waterfront Playhouse, both Lowell and Ortlieb fell further in love with the play, and the bestselling book that prompted it. “I was actually surprised by how stage-worthy this book is,” Ortlieb said. “There are some really huge moments on stage. It’s a really ethereal play, set and production.” Visit waterfrontplayhouse.org for tickets.

5 2

1. The 2026 MAC board includes, from left, Andrew Morawski, Jacqueline Luhta, James Brownlee, Kerry Baker, Bill Lay, Abe Conn, Juan Llera, Justin Tejeda and Sam Bertling. 2. MAC president John Picco presents past president Abe Conn with a commemorative gavel and plaque in appreciation of his service to MAC.

he Key West Military Affairs Committee meets monthly to honor the service and achievements of local servicemembers. The following awards were presented during MAC’s Jan. 8 meeting at the Doubletree Grand Key Resort. — Contributed

3. Commander Clapper of the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit/ Naval Branch Health Clinic (NMRTU/ NBHC Key West) presented HM3(AW) Daniel Castano Piedrahita with the Navy Medicine Readiness and Junior Sailor award. 4. USCG Sector Key West’s CDR Harlow presented HS1 Eli C. Housley with the Enlisted Person of the Quarter award. 5. VFC-111 CDR Reed presented AO1 Jamie Tovestrada with the Service Member of the Quarter award. CONTRIBUTED

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

Expert Cancer Care. Right here in Key West. Baptist Health Cancer Care is now welcoming patients at its newly renovated facility at 3426 North Roosevelt Boulevard, bringing advanced treatment, expert providers and compassionate support to the Lower Keys. The new center offers chemotherapy, radiation therapy with a state-of-the-art linear accelerator, CT simulation for precise planning, and on-site physicians, all in one convenient, patient-centered location.

Scan the QR code to learn more.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

HIGH SCHOOL PLAYWRIGHT DIRECTS HER OWN SHOW

Theater students perform Lillian Andrew’s ‘Out of the Blue’ MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

t’s 1987 at a diner in Seattle, when the curtain rises on the play, “Out of the Blue.” The movie “Back to the Future” had captivated audiences two years earlier, and Tom Cruise as a fighter pilot in “Top Gun” had made leather bomber jackets ubiquitous across the country. After a frantically busy night at the diner, an anxious waitress and her friend find a love note from a secret admirer and set about to discover its author. That could well be describing the latest performance on a stage at Key West’s Red Barn Theatre or Waterfront Playhouse — or Broadway. But it’s not. Key West High School senior Lillian Andrew wrote “Out of the Blue.” She’s also the director and stage manager for the high school theater class’ performance, which takes place Friday and Saturday, Jan. 16 and 17 at the KWHS auditorium. The cast includes 13 students but involves dozens more who worked on set design, sound, lighting, music, props and wardrobe. Yes, a bunch of kids born between 2007 and 2011 were tasked with recreating ’80s fashion choices. Fortunately, high school theater teacher Rebecca Bertucci could evaluate the authenticity of wardrobe choices. When speaking with Andrew, it’s easy to forget she hasn’t yet finished high school. A

Key West High School’s theater class will perform ‘Out of the Blue,’ a play written and directed by senior Lillian Andrew, on Jan. 16 and 17. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

soccer player since she was little, she initially dismissed extracurricular clubs and activities. “I was into soccer and dance, not any of the clubs, like drama, or anything,” she recalled, acknowledging her own misguided indifference. “But then I tried the drama club my freshman year, and I took theater class my sophomore year and was hooked.” Something clearly clicked, as Andrew was accepted by and will attend the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, England next year to study stage management — a role that clearly suited her during a recent Monday afternoon rehearsal that found her wearing a headset, overseeing mic checks with the student sound techs and adjusting the stage crew’s placement of set pieces that include a diner booth, counter seats and a hostess stand. She was also head of casting.

The high school stage crew designed and built a diner set that includes a booth, counter seating and hostess stand.

But she is quick to share credit with her classmates, including set designer Charlie Kenna; costume designer Tina Rodriguez; audio master Jax Thurston; prop master Alex Buscemi; and stage managers Finn Ross, Rocky Harris, Amelia Korzen and Jadelyn Thurston. “I started writing the play in December 2024 with just a synopsis in a notebook,” she said. “Then the next night I actually started developing the characters.” Having grown up in Oregon, Andrew moved to Key West when she was 12, but still had relatives in Seattle, a city she adored. “I knew I wanted it set in Seattle in the ’80s.” When faced with a fast-approaching opening night, her confidence gave way to a bit of nerves. “I’m afraid I may have set expectations too high,” she said. “It’s still a high school theater production.” But then again, “If it’s truly good, then I’d love to get it to a point where the rights to ‘Out of the Blue’ can be sold and it can be performed by other high schools and theaters everywhere.” For tickets and more information, find “Out of the Blue High School Play” on Facebook.

The cast and crew of Key West High School’s presentation of ‘Out of the Blue,’ during a recent rehearsal and sound check.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

Key West & Cuba’s Museum Quality Regional Art Celebrating Cultural Resilience CUBAN ART TOUR April 20-24, 2026

Kenneth W. Davis

THERE’S A STRANGER IN OUR MIDST – Artist’s Reception – Saturday, January 17th, 2026, 5:00-8:00 pm

There’s a Stranger in Our Midst, 16.5” x 19.5” Kenneth W. Davis began his creative life in Baton Rouge, studying Photography at LSU before moving to New York to attend Parsons and launch a career in graphic design. He founded Devious Design in 1992, working with clients such as MTV, Greenpeace, DKNY, CBS, and ESPN, and later served as Senior Graphic Artist for The Late Show with David Letterman. After getting sober in 2006, he became an Art Therapist and co-founded Sweet Emotions Counseling with his wife, Mandy. Now retired in Key West, There’s a Stranger in Our Midst marks his first photography exhibition in 35 years. Works Available on Approval & Concierge Services from Key West to Key Largo The Gallery on Greene | 606 Greene Street | Key West, Florida galleryongreene.com | 305-304-2323

An island inspired treasure trove where fashion meets paradise. Nestled into the heart of Key West, we’re your go-to destination for splurge worthy finds and fashion forward essentials. Featuring the latest styles from Farm Rio, Alemais, Oliphant & many more. OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM 624 Whitehead Street | Key West 305.735.4674 | Instagram @floatkeywest

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

BABY’S fee!

cof t s e b ed

vot

located at MM15 open 7 days a week 6am - 5pm

Also serving: hot chocolate smoothies lotus energy chai & matcha

COFFEE roasted

on-site

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

ICE AGENT ARRESTED FOR DUI ASKS JUDGE TO END PROBATION EARLY Scott Deiseroth, 42, completed 2½ months of 12-month probation MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

n ICE agent who was arrested in August for drunk driving on the Bahia Honda Bridge while his two young children were in the car pleaded no contest to a driving under the influence charge and on Oct. 30 was sentenced to a year of probation as well as the loss of his driver’s license for a year. The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute Scott Deiseroth for child neglect and resisting arrest.

Scott Deiseroth. MCSO/Contributed

On Jan. 8, Deiseroth, 42, through his attorney, asked the court to end his probation early. In the motion to terminate probation early, Deiseroth’s attorney writes, “The defendant has finished about 4 months of probation with no violations of the probation,” although the calendar shows he completed about two months and one week of probation between Oct. 30 and Jan. 8. “The defendant is a federal agent and is currently suspended from his job as a result of this case. We cannot say for sure that they will take him back but, we know that they cannot resolve their internal issues until this case is closed and probation is terminated. The defendant would like to get back to work. He has two children to support,” states the motion to end probation early.

The motion also states that Deiseroth has voluntarily used a breath-testing device, attended alcohol treatment through the VA and attended 12-step meetings, which were not required as conditions of his probation. Judge Derek Lewis of Marathon had not ruled on the request to end probation early as of Jan. 13, according to court records. Deiseroth’s Aug. 13 arrest occurred after a motorist called 911 to report a southbound pickup truck driving erratically on the Seven Mile Bridge and then going south in the northbound lanes after the bridge. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Col. Chad Scibilia and Deputy J. Lane stopped Deiseroth on the Bahia Honda Bridge at MM 36.5. Once the vehicle was stopped, authorities reported an “overwhelming” odor of alcohol, a driver with glassy eyes, who stumbled when he got out of the vehicle, and whose two sons, ages 7 and 9, were in the truck. Deputies asked Deiseroth where he was coming from, and he said he had driven from Miami to Islamorada and was now on his way back to Miami, the report states. “I informed Scott he was driving the wrong direction and he informed me that I was wrong,” Lane wrote. “I asked (Deiseroth) where he thinks he is and he began looking around (while sitting on top of the Bahia Honda Bridge) and said, ‘I’m on the stretch,’ referring to the (18-Mile Stretch) between Key Largo and Florida City. “I informed Scott he was approximately 70 miles or so away from there and he again informed me that I was wrong,” the report states. When asked what he had been drinking, Deiseroth reportedly became defensive and said that “he is a federal HSI agent with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and that he had four drinks,” the report states. He couldn’t tell the officers what he had consumed, only saying that the bartender had made the drinks.

Deiseroth stumbled when exiting his pickup truck, then failed all roadside sobriety tests after asking the deputies for “professional courtesy” and asking them, “Really? Are we really doing this?” the report states. He repeatedly resisted arrest and had to be forcibly placed in handcuffs and the backseat of a patrol car, where he began slamming his head on the Plexiglass partition and screaming Lane’s name. The children in the pickup truck gave the officers their mother’s number and arrangements were made for deputies to take the kids to Islamorada, where they were handed over to her custody. Deiseroth’s ICE supervisor was notified of his arrest when he arrived at the jail on Stock Island, where breathalyzer tests revealed blood-alcohol levels of .170 and .174 — more than twice the legal limit of .08 in Florida. “Due to (Deiseroth’s) level of impairment, he almost crashed multiple times and was unable to care for even himself,” the report states. “He willfully failed to provide both of his children with the care, supervision and services necessary to maintain their physical and mental health. He must have known or reasonably should have known that his culpable negligence was likely to cause great bodily harm or death to both of his children. The Department of Children and Families was contacted and Deiseroth’s supervisor with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement was also notified of his arrest.”

SHELF HELP

taff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection. What: “Graceling” by Kristin Cashore Why: Fantasy is my favorite genre, and this is one of the books that made me fall in love with it. With masterful world-building that doesn’t slow the story down for a second, Cashore immerses you in a magical domain that you never really want to leave — and it never really leaves you. On this adventure —at times heart-pounding and always exciting — Katsa, the protagonist, learns so much about herself and grows immensely by its end. It’s a fantastic coming-of-age story set against a magical background, and by the time you’re finished reading, you’ll wish you were a Graceling, too. Plus, in addition to its traditional novel form, it’s been made into a graphic novel. Where: You can borrow this as a print book, e-book, or e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library. The library also has the graphic novel adaptation. How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/contact-us. Recommended by: Keeley Catarineau, senior library assistant, Marathon library branch. See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/post/ shelf-help.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

STILL GOING TO THE DOGS

KEY WEST BACK IN THE DAY

ey West is a great place to be a dog. Still true today, that statement was particularly accurate in the 1970s and early ’80s. Back then, when bicycles were the primary form of transportation for most of us, it was perfectly normal to spot dogs riding in bike baskets as their owners pedaled around Old Town. Ears flapping in the breeze, the furry-faced passengers typically wore wide canine grins, as if to say, “Look at me! I’m somebody special!” We dubbed them “basket hounds,” and made up a tongue-in-cheek backstory CAROL SHAUGHNESSY that identified them as a breed found only in Key West. has lived in Key Around cocktail hour each West for 40-plus day, it wasn’t unusual to see years, witnessing people pedaling their basket and writing hounds toward a tiny stretch of about the island’s renegade past, sand beside Louie’s Backyard. shipwreck salvage The restaurant and bar, a beadventures and loved hangout on the Atlantic colorful presentOcean, drew a clientele that day characters. ranged from sunburned fishing guides and local rogues to nationally acclaimed writers. The “sandlot” next door was known as Dog Beach. That’s where dogs met their tail-wagging pals for shallow-water games of coconut chase, while their people sipped strong drinks and watched them frolic from Louie’s bar. Louie’s first opened for business in the early 1970s, and one of its prominent patrons was a local mutt named Ten Speed. According to Key West lore, his favorite cocktail was Kahlua and cream — but he wouldn’t start lapping it unless there was a napkin under the glass. Although I never met Ten Speed (unfortunately), I had many other canine friends in those days. There was the white-furred Zeke, who seemingly believed he was the doorman at the infamous Full Moon Saloon. Owned by Full Moon staffer Deborah Ann Marshall, he lounged outside the bar’s door during her shifts and greeted each arriving customer with engaging friendliness. Vic Latham, a partner in the Moon, also had a dog: a large black lab named Hooker, who shared a devil-may-care attitude (and an ability to get

2 3

1. Acclaimed for his diving talents, Jefe also enjoyed chasing coconuts. 2. After emerging from the pool, Jefe considers the best angle of attack for his next dive. 3. Golden retriever Jefe was one of Key West’s well-known canine characters many years ago. JOANNE DENNING/Contributed

away with outrageous behavior) with his owner. An experienced escape artist, Hooker eventually disappeared, leaving behind lurid tales of his antics. One of the Moon’s waitresses was my sister, Joanne Munroe Denning, “mom” to a gorgeous golden retriever called Jefe. Apparently Jefe was a MENSA-level genius in the dog world. Many times I marveled as he performed his favorite trick: calculating the proper angle of attack, diving into one end of Joanne’s pool, swimming underwater to the other end, grabbing a submerged toy in his mouth and surfacing — all in one fluid arc of motion. Jefe had other claims to fame besides his diving prowess. He could carry three tennis balls in his mouth simultaneously, until he lost a tooth defending his honor after being jumped by a black lab (not Hooker). Equally important, he was the proud father of Cheeseburger, a golden retriever adopted by Jimmy Buffett during the musical

legend’s life-changing Key West era. Also among the island’s principal pooches was Sam, who starred in the early years of the annual Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade. Despite his small size, Sam loomed large in the critter-centric costume competition, adorned in lavish ensembles alongside his human cohort Frank Cicalese. Sam, Zeke, Jefe and their buddies certainly weren’t the last dogs to earn local fame. Today’s Key West is home to canine celebrities including Kate Miano’s pint-sized Tiny, the constant companion of the the vibrant hotelier; Mark Hedden and Nan Klingener’s June, frequent subject of the two writers’ Facebook posts; and Sergio, Gwen Filosa’s sidekick, who seems to know (and like) everyone. Occasionally, I even spot a basket hound. They’re not as prevalent as they once were, but the sight of a furry representative of the “breed” always makes me smile.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

FACTS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR

Sam Steele

monroetaxcollector.com 305.295.5000

2026 Season

JANUARY • Save 2% on your property tax by paying in January. • As of January 7, 2026, the tax roll is 80% collected, or $386,274,346.36.

• All rental properties must also have a local business tax regardless of how long they are being rented. • All our offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

• Any property that is being rented for six months or less must have a tourist development tax account. • As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our office. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted.

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

January 18 - Yevgeny Kutik Beethoven • Debussy • Achron • Grieg • Ravel

Tennessee Williams Theater• 4pm $20 at door • all students FREE keywestimpromptu.org

Empty Promises that only benefit Putin. On Election Day, Nov. 4, 2024: Candidate Trump vowed as soon as he’s inaugurated, he will end Russia’s war on Ukraine “within 24 hours.”* During a full year of endless excuses, Trump continued to allow Putin to escalate his bombing of our Ally, killing thousands more civilians. Hoping we’ve forgetten about Ukraine, Trump changes the news cycle by bullying other sovereign countries, including NATO Allies. After failing on Ukraine, Trump now decides he’ll dictate policies for Venezuela, Colombia, Iran, Greenland, Canada, Syria and Mexico; saying he’ll force compliance “the easy way... or the hard way.”

Remember when America’s promises meant something? Remember America’s full force defense of our Allies when they were attacked? Apparently Trump doesn’t remember. Or care. *The Wall Street Journal, 11/04/2024 • Paid for by a concerned American Citizen.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

PHOTOGRAPHS CAPTURE HOSPITAL BOARD MOVES AHEAD IN FINDING CUBA AT GALLERY NEW OPERATOR ON GREENE Commissioners to seek proposals once Kenneth Davis’ ‘There’s a Stranger in Our Midst’ opens Jan. 17

consultants assess current facility MANDY MILES

allery on Greene, 606 Greene St., will feature the photography of Kenneth W. Davis at a show entitled, “There’s a Stranger in Our Midst,” which opens with an artist’s reception on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. After a high-profile career in New York as a graphic designer for “The Late Show with David Letterman,” MTV, and ESPN, Davis transitioned to a second chapter in counseling and art therapy. Now retired in Key West, he has returned to his original creative roots after a 35-year hiatus. This exhibit marks his first photography show in 35 years, featuring work created after retirement. Davis grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and earned a liberal arts degree with a photography minor from Louisiana State University. After backpacking in Europe, he moved to New York to attend Parsons, shifting from photography to graphic design while freelancing by day and studying with working Manhattan designers at night. His first major break came when substitute teacher Bill Kobasz of Reliable Design offered him part‑time work after graduation, soon becoming full‑time. Working alongside Kobasz — who handled clients like Alexander Julian, the International Center of Photography, Lifetime, MTV, Showtime, Sony Music and the Whitney Museum — gave Davis an intimate, hands‑on education in entertainment design. “Bill remains the most talented designer and photographer I’ve ever known, and I owe him a great deal for the discipline and detail he instilled in me,” Davis said. In the pre‑computer era, every layout was built by hand, often late into the night. In 1992, he founded Devious Design, attracting clients such as Greenpeace USA, Atlantic Records, Speedvision, Donna Karan New York, CBS and ESPN, where he helped shape the original ESPN the Magazine and X Games design. His work led to a two‑year role as senior graphic artist for “The Late Show with David Letterman” before returning full‑time to Devious.

mandy@keysweekly.com

Gallery on Greene, 606 Greene St., will feature the photography of Kenneth W. Davis at a show that opens with a reception on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. KENNETH W. DAVIS/Contributed

During the Dot‑Com boom, Davis moved to Moss Beach near Half Moon Bay, continuing work with ESPN and Speedvision while enjoying life with his dog, Caleb. After 9/11 slowed New York work, he began developing High Tides Magazine, building it from scratch with his own photography and securing early support from the Ritz‑Carlton and the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce. High Tides Magazine became an award‑winning success, but after two years Kenneth stepped away, facing burnout and long‑standing addiction issues. He entered treatment in 2006 and has remained sober since. Early sobriety led him to work with adolescents in recovery, then to graduate studies at Hazelden Betty Ford and later Adler Graduate School, where he combined counseling with art therapy. Davis went on to serve in dual‑diagnosis treatment, married Mandy Margol, and together they founded Sweet Emotions Counseling in Arkansas, running the practice for 13 years. In 2021 they returned to Key West, where they now enjoy a quieter life with their dog, Shiloh. — Contributed

hings are happening with the Key West hospital, which could be under new management in the next few years. Or the same company could still be running the hospital, but under a revised lease that’s more suited to the community’s medical needs. The year 2029 brings the end of a 30-year lease under which the Tennessee-based Community Health Systems (CHS) has operated Lower Keys Medical Center on College Road, its affiliated doctors’ offices as well as its mental health and substance abuse treatment facility at the former dePoo Hospital on Kennedy Drive. A group of concerned residents known as Our Hospital Key West, as well as a citizens committee, have persuaded the local hospital district board, whose members are appointed by the governor, to seek proposals from different potential hospital operators who want to run Lower Keys Medical Center rather than simply renew the lease with CHS and be tethered to that company for another 30 years. The Lower Florida Keys Hospital District Board, now chaired by local attorney Erica Sterling, has hired consultants and lawyers to draft a request for proposals (RFP) that will solicit offers from health care companies and nonprofits interested in running Lower Keys Medical Center and its affiliated practices. Once finalized, the RFP will specify what services and investments the community expects from its hospital manager in exchange for the opportunity to run a profitable community hospital. But before the RFP is issued, the hospital district board voted on Jan. 6 to commission an independent assessment of the aging hospital facility on College Road, which many people have said is in dire need of significant upgrades or replacement.

“Such an assessment will be beneficial for companies that are interested in pursuing an operating agreement to run Lower Keys Medical Center,” said community activist Spencer Krenke of the nonprofit group Our Hospital Key West (ohkw.org). At the Jan. 6 meeting, commissioners decided it would be practical to delay the issuance of an RFP until the facility condition assessment is complete. That assessment is expected to take about 60 days. “Our Hospital Key West is incredibly pleased with the progress of the Jan. 6 meeting … to advance an objective RFP process for consideration of our next hospital operator,” Krenke said after the meeting. “In particular, new board leadership Erica Sterling as chairwoman, as well as a unanimous consensus from all commissioners on the engagement of RFP consulting and facility assessment firms, is incredibly positive towards the necessary efforts to meet what’s in the best interest of our community.” The current and working draft of the RFP is available at ohkw.org and includes draft criteria for suitors, and language addressing the aging facility, which was built around 1960. “The opportunity exists to develop a new, purpose-built health facility,” the draft RFP states. “This presents a chance to optimize design and operations for the hospital. The board may explore grant funding or other sources to support a potential contribution toward the new facility’s development.” Once the facility assessment is complete, its results will be incorporated into the RFP. Potential operators will then have a specific amount of time to submit their proposals before the hospital district board members evaluate and rank each before beginning negotiations with whichever company they prefer.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

ELEGANCE MEETS ISLAND STYLE

MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF

HERE'S TO BEING THE BEST DRESSED IN THE ROOM. EFFORTLESS STYLES. ONLY AVAILABLE AT THE ISLAND MERCANTILE Open daily 10am to 5pm | 804 Caroline Street | Key West | 305.517.6641 Instagram @theislandmercantilekw

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

MEET OUR

3 AMAZING DENTAL HYGIENISTS

WHO SPECIALIZE IN MAKING YOUR SMILE HEALTHY & BRIGHT. Cassandra Cassidy RDH

Jayme Thomas RDH

Maria Montilva RDH

2758 N. Roosevelt Blvd. (in the Overseas Market) • Key West 305.294.9914 • doc@docguzman.com • www.docguzman.com

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

Wounded Warriors complete annual Soldier Ride down Overseas Highway

HEALING WHEELS

hey’ve faced some of life’s toughest battles. And now, they’ve ridden together through one of America’s most iconic landscapes. More than 40 wounded veterans cycled through the Florida Keys this weekend. On Jan. 9, they crossed the legendary Seven Mile Bridge and rode the scenic Overseas Highway from Key Largo through portions of Islamorada and Marathon. The following day, they rolled to a finish in the Southernmost City, where a welcome ceremony from the Military Affairs Committee awaited them at Bayview Park. The journey was part of the Wounded Warrior Project’s annual Soldier Ride, with some cyclists using specially-adapted bicycles to accommodate combat injuries, including missing limbs. The ride builds connection and community among the warriors while supporting healing from physical and mental service-related challenges. And it gives the Florida Keys a chance to honor those who have sacrificed so much, according to local officials. Honoring a yearly tradition, the veterans cooled off after 53 miles of sweat with a swim at Dolphin Research Center on Sunday, sharing playful flipper shakes and dorsal fin pulls with the nonprofit’s gray-faced pod. "They pulled me around this lagoon and it's a mental and spiritual release," said Bill Hansen, a former Marine and Army National Guardsman. "A lot of guys and a lot of girls have come back from combat. They need that." Mandy Rodriguez, CEO and cofounder of Dolphin Research Center and a combat veteran himself, said the marine mammals provide unique therapeutic benefits. "A lot of times we come back from theater with some anger, maybe some demons, and they're hard to shake," Rodriguez said. "The dolphins do make a big difference on a day like today. We come back with a lot of baggage, and these dolphins seem to unpack that baggage." – Keys Weekly staff report

Vietnam veterans line the entrance to Key West and salute the Wounded Warriors. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

8 9

1. Wounded veterans and their supporters ride adaptive and regular bicycles near the top of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway’s iconic Seven Mile Bridge. 2. A Soldier Ride participant acknowledges honking drivers as he rides across the Seven Mile Bridge. 3. Wounded warriors get a streetside welcome from Stanley Switlik Elementary School students and their teachers.

2 5

4. A wounded warrior enjoys a dip in the Atlantic Ocean off Little Duck Key after completing a ride from Marathon across the Seven Mile Bridge. 5. U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Jerry Wayne Padgett II enjoys a smooch with a dolphin at Dolphin Research Center. 6. A dolphin imitates U.S. army veteran Sarah Harrison swimming on her back.

7. Logan Wilson, a Walter Reed Medical Center patient on active duty with the U.S. Army, is towed by two dolphins. 8. Wounded Warriors cross Cow Key Bridge on their way into Key West. 9. Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez welcomes the Wounded Warriors during a ceremony at Bayview Park.

Photos by ANDY NEWMAN/City of Marathon and Dolphin Research Center and LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

TUESDAY - SATURDAY

Dinnertainment - Menu Changes Daily TM

11 am • 1 pm • 4pm • 7pm

Cocktail Classes A Rum Cocktail Adventure: 12 PM – 1 PM & 2 PM – 3 PM Key West History Through Craft Cocktails: 5 PM – 7 PM SCAN FOR MENU & RESERVATIONS

Bar 1

Monday: 10AM-9PM Tuesday-Saturday: 10AM-10PM Monday Night Trivia: 6:30PM-8:30PM

291 Front Street, Upstairs • 305-294-2665 • KEYWESTCOOKINGSHOW.COM

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

LEGISLATORS HEAR COLLEGE WORKING FROM DESANTIS ON TO PUT BIG PINE KEY TO USE FIRST DAY OF SESSION SITE Long-vacant prison camp could offer JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

egislators in the Florida House and Senate heard Gov. Ron DeSantis praise past accomplishments under his reign while acknowledging more work to do as the legislative session in Tallahassee began Jan. 13. In his remarks during a joint session of the House and Senate, the governor outlined his desire for the Legislature to approve and send a ballot initiative to voters related to Governor Ron property tax relief. In DeSantis. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE/ his remarks, DeSantis said Floridians should Contributed be able to own their home without “paying rent to the government.” Several resolutions are progressing through the House on certain types of property tax relief, such as those with property insurance or people over 65. No specific measures are moving in the Senate yet. All proposals in the House safeguard school and law enforcement funding, but property tax dollars could be axed for local municipalities, fire departments and special districts. “Let’s all work together and get something done and let these people have a say,” DeSantis said. He also wants legislators to institute measures related to artificial intelligence. DeSantis said while the technology is touted as a way to cure cancer and expand the U.S. military’s edge, there’s concern that artificial intelligence could upend the economy by putting people out of work. He also acknowledged how chat bots are linked to teen suicide, and he shared concerns how power-intensive data centers could harm the environment. “Some say this could displace human beings,” he said. “We can never relieve ourselves of our responsibility to think for ourselves, as Floridians, Americans and human beings made in the image of God.” DeSantis also lauded recent efforts by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to reduce premiums. A day before his address, the governor announced that when policy renewals begin this spring, 330,000 Citizens policyholders statewide will see an average decrease

in their premiums of 8.7%. In the Florida Keys, roughly 1,000 policyholders will see a reduction of 11.3%. Additionally, wind-only policies in the Florida Keys will see a reduction or no increase in their premiums. “It is welcome news for some of our community members in Monroe County,” said Mel Montagne, president for Fair Insurance Rates of Monroe. For more than 18 years, FIRM has fought for fair, equitable and affordable property insurance coverage for homeowners, residents and business owners in the Florida Keys. Before outlining his priorities for the 2026 session, DeSantis noted how the state has the lowest amount of spending per capita and one of the lowest number of state employees in the nation. He also noted how restoration projects in the Everglades are sending more water south. “Salinity levels are the healthiest in decades,” DeSantis said. “Even the flamingos have returned inside the Glades.” With promising sights of flamingos in the Florida Keys’ backyard, state Rep. Jim Mooney is hopeful his bill to designate the American flamingo as Florida’s official bird clears the legislature and gets signed by the governor. The bill moved out of the Natural Resources and Disasters Committee via 14-1 vote. The bill, which now sits in the State Affairs Committee, also would designate the Florida scrub-jay as the official state songbird. A similar bill sponsored by state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, who represents the Keys and portions of Miami-Dade County, was voted out of the Senate Environmental and Natural Resources Committee by a 6-0 tally. American flamingos historically lived in Florida, but overhunting around the turn of the 20th century resulted in their disappearance from the state. By 1925, captive breeding in South Florida had reintroduced them, and there is evidence that some flamingos migrated to Florida on their own throughout the 1900s. In recent times, American flamingos have been observed along the Florida coast, although they are most commonly seen in the Everglades, Biscayne Bay and occasionally in the Keys. Following DeSantis’ address, the joint session was adjourned. Committee meetings started as another 60-day session began at the state Capitol.

job training & educational programs

onroe County officials recently cleared the way for the College of the Florida Keys to pursue an expansion to Big Pine Key, where the county’s environmental review found the project would have “no significant impact on the human environment.” The college leases the former Big Pine Prison Camp site from the state of Florida and wants to offer workforce programs such as commercial driver license (CDL) and law enforcement training on the property. More specifically, college officials released a statement saying, “The potential programs and uses for the site may include a marine aquaculture facility, shared community spaces, construction apprenticeships, commercial driver’s license (CDL) training and motor vehicle training for law enforcement. These programs advance CFK’s mission to deliver student-centric academic programs and services, workforce development, continuing education and to engage with diverse partners.” The college originally shared its ideas in 2019 at a county commission meeting. In 2021, after leasing the property from the state, the college held two community meetings in Big Pine Key. Since then, CFK has pursued funding opportunities to support expansion of programs and services in the Lower Keys. “CFK is dedicated to partnering with our Florida Keys community. Our programs are geared to benefit our residents,” said Jonathan Gueverra, CFK president. “This includes both economic prosperity and respecting what makes the Keys special.” In 2023, the college applied for and was awarded a $2 million Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant. Prior to the college accessing the funds, a “responsible entity” had to complete an environmental review. HUD identified Monroe County as the entity tasked with completing the environmental review. The county published a notice on Dec. 18, 2025, stating, “the project will have no significant impact on the human environment.” The Big Pine site is not located within the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge, and the college has replaced the perimeter fence to secure the property and keep wildlife out.

The College of the Florida Keys is leasing the long-vacant Big Pine Prison Camp site and working to use it for workforce and educational opportunities for the college. CONTRIBUTED

Per Florida Statute, the college is exempt from obtaining building permits for development on the site. But any development must be consistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. The county will work with the college to review the proposed project to ensure it meets these requirements. Two of the potential programs, law enforcement vehicle and CDL training, would increase accessibility to high-demand career opportunities allowing Keys residents to prepare for and become certified close to home instead of going to the mainland. Many local organizations and businesses, from utilities and public works to tourism and schools, require employees to have CDLs. And the safety of every community hinges on the quality of its law enforcement. The size and variety of the college’s fleet of vehicles for CDL training will reflect the demand from the community and may include passenger buses, garbage trucks, school buses, construction trucks and tractor trailers. Most of the training will take place in classrooms and in vehicles on the site. On-the-road training will primarily use routes similar to those used by commercial vehicles currently serving the community. Workforce demand and funding availability will determine the future program opportunities. More information is available from communications@cfk.edu. While no timelines have been announced, stay tuned to keysweekly.com for a more detailed follow-up. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

RED BARN THEATRE WILL SEE YOU ‘AT THE WEDDING’ Lifelong commitment comes with baggage — and so much humor

KEY WEST CELEBRATES LIFE OF MARY LOU HOOVER

Jess Polak plays the lead role in ‘At the Wedding,’ showing at Red Barn Theatre Jan. 20 through Feb. 14. ROBERTA DePIERO/Contributed

h, weddings. Those wonderful celebrations of love and the commitment of two hearts to the sharing of a life together. We expect an evening of joy, laughter, too much good food and drink, and endless toasts to the happy couple. And then there is the somewhat sideways reception for the nuptials depicted in Bryna Turner’s “At The Wedding,” the next mainstage presentation in the Red Barn Theatre’s 46th season, running Jan. 20 through Feb. 14 at the theater, 319 Duval St. Turner’s play has all the trappings of a typical joy-filled wedding – they’re in there somewhere. But she has reimagined the classic wedding-genre story by lampooning the tropes of such stories and adding just enough off-the-wall spice to elevate the play to comedy with a message. The story centers around a gregarious wiseacre woman named Carlo who has crashed the wedding of her ex-girlfriend, Eva, a vivacious young woman who has left their gay relationship to marry a straight man. Carlo has several goals in attending: not to get drunk, not to make little kids cry and to try to win back Eva. The play is fastpaced, sharp, funny and emotional, with reflections on love, loneliness and heartbreak. Along the way, we meet a cornucopia of great characters:

Carly, the bridesmaid and “frenemy” of Carlo; Eli, a high school English teacher who thinks all of life can be explained by “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”; Leigh, an alluring guest who flirts with Carlo and tries to get her to ditch the wedding with her; Victor, a charming waiter; and Maria, the classic mother of the bride. Turner uses the interactions of these characters to examine how societal institutions often fail to accommodate diverse human experiences. The play features Jess Polak, Martha Hooten-Hattingh, Jody Orrigo, Rita Troxel, Susannah Wells, Jessica Miano-Kruel and Jack McDonald. It is directed by Joy Hawkins. “I loved the play instantly,” said Hawkins, who is also the Red Barn’s artistic director. “She’s a totally fresh voice. The play has a nuance and poignancy, and a very special sweetness. It’s very today. We get to take this journey with this woman who is so adorably lost, and we get a great romantic look at life and how hard it can be sometimes. It’s simply an adorable play.” Tickets for “At The Wedding” can be purchased at redbarntheatre.com or 305-296-9911. Curtains for all shows are at 7:30 p.m. There is no parking at the Red Barn Theatre. — Contributed

The late city commissioner passed away in November

he Key West community paused for a bit on Saturday, Jan. 10 to celebrate the life of the late City Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover, who passed away in November after a long illness.

Hoover’s daughter, Ashley Hoover Bowmer; her brother, Bill Pohrer, and her husband, Charlie Waite, spoke at the Key West Amphitheater event, which was attended by local dignitaries, commissioners, candidates and constituents as well as a trio of female friends known as the Ya Yas, composed of Sherrie Downie, Susan Jorgensen and Cindy Thompson.

4 1. City commissioners, candidates, dignitaries and constituents of Mary Lou Hoover celebrate her life at a memorial on Jan. 10. 2. Mary Lou Hoover’s daughter, Ashley Hoover Bowmer, and the late commissioner’s husband, Charlie Waite, on stage at the Key West Amphitheater during the celebration of life for Hoover.

3. The Rev. Steve Torrence leads the celebration of life for Mary Lou Hoover on Jan. 10. 4. The late city commissioner Mary Lou Hoover is remembered by her brother, Bill Pohrer, during a Jan. 10 celebration of life at the Key West Amphitheater. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

FROM COZY HOME DECOR TO QUIRKY FINDS WE’VE GOT SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Birthday presents, just because gifts, or those special anniversary presents, Fast Buck’s is where you will find the MOST UNIQUE GIFTS ON THE ISLAND. One-of-a-kind, hard-to-find gifts: unusual, thoughtful items that will impress even the hardest-to-shop-for people on your list.

island living at its best Fast Buck’s at Home 726 Caroline Street | Key West | 305.294.1304 Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS IN KEY WEST

BOTH LOCATIONS NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

OLD TOWN 524 DUVAL ST | 305.296.1075 OCEANSIDE 3593 S ROOSEVELT BLVD | 305.295.6789

live

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE A CENTURY OF SERVING THE KEY WEST COMMUNITY

locals WELCOME

MUSIC DAILY 5-7P

daily

WINE & POOL BAR 12-LAST CALL

PLE’S CHOICE AWAR PEO DS ST

SI MIL Y- O W N E D B U

KEY WE

BES

522 FLEMING STREET 1105 WHITE STREET WWW.FAUSTOS.COM

KEY WE

DELIVERY & GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

jazz

LIVE ON SUNDAYS

5-7:30P

PLE’S CHOICE AWAR PEO DS ST

G R O C E RY S T O R

gardenshotel.com 526 Angela St | 305.294.2661

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

BURN FAT, BUILD MUSCLE, TIGHTEN SKIN Free Consultation Call or text us today! (305) 872-3321 flkeyswellness.com (Previously Big Pine Medical) Same owners - new name!

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

The New Year is underway, and it’s already a is an astrologer, wanderer, bardoozy. With tender and the constant advocate for whiplash of queer justice. He news and world is a loquacious events, you may Gemini with a cozy Cancer have noticed rising. Find him at your relationhearthandheraldships are going astrology.com through a shift as we all try to negotiate the changing terrain. Last week, Venus met up with the sun and started a brand new 19-month cycle. We can think of this as Venus shedding her skin and being reborn as a freshfaced goddess. For us, it means our relationships and values went through a correlated transformation, and we may be reconsidering how we want to show up in our relationships and who we want to keep close. Our values and priorities are also getting reworked as we orient ourselves to the changes taking place. This week, we are due for a pleasant surprise as Venus, fresh off her conjunction with the sun, forms a supportive 120-degree trine to Uranus, which is retrograde in Taurus. Uranus is the planet of liberation and the unexpected. This planetary aspect portends an out-of-the-blue phone call or visit from an old friend, or a flash of insight concerning a personal investment, or a romcom style whirlwind romance with a beautiful stranger. Expect the unexpected when it comes to friendship, love or money. As this is a supportive trine being formed by these two planets, go with the flow to receive the benefits. Here are your horoscopes for Venus in Capricorn trine retrograde Uranus in Taurus. Read for your rising and sun signs.

CHRIS McNULTY

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 You are at the beginning of a fresh new relationship with yourself, so treat yourself as you would a valued friend. Speak kindly about yourself and be generous. You will have the opportunity to try a new creative outlet this week,

so pick up a new instrument or give a new hobby a try. Don’t shy away from being a beginner. For some of you Capricorns, there is a surprise love affair in the mix. Have fun. AQUARIUS Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 You are still relishing in your quiet retreat, Aquarius. Keep it up. Your solitude is serving you well by allowing you to get reacquainted with who you are and to fall in love with yourself anew. Be prepared for a surprise at home, whether it is a visitor, an unexpected project, or a whole new set of furniture. Whatever changes on the home front, go with it to release an old family pattern or stagnant energy. PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 There are folks out there who love you, Pisces. They want to see you succeed and they want to help you achieve your goals. Pay attention to the people who are showing up for you. An unexpected connection with someone in your neighborhood or a surprise call from a sibling may be the key that unlocks the door to a torrent of supportive energy. Let what is familiar to you be the catalyst for something new. ARIES March 21 - April 19 Work and money are looking really good this week. You are probably feeling valued for the work you do, or you are particularly keen on appreciating your workplace. Soak it in. The more you imbibe gratitude at work, the more you open yourself up to an unexpected windfall in income. There is money to be had, and it might as well be had by you. Now, money isn’t everything, so also pay attention to other forms of value coming your way. TAURUS April 20 - May 20 Now is the time to try something new. You know what you like, Taurus, and it can be easy to

fall into relating to familiar and habitual people and places. Now is the time to find new vistas and worlds to explore and love. As you allow yourself to be allured by novelty, you free yourself with a different self-image. No matter how old you are, you get to reinvent yourself, and now is your time. GEMINI May 21 - June 20 What you value is showing up in the ways you share your time, talent and treasure with other people. How are you investing what is yours within a group or collective? Your return will likely come in the quiet, solitary times that you spend alone. When you contribute to a whole that is greater than yourself, the benefit is a quiet liberation. That is available to you now. CANCER June 21 - July 22 Love hard, Cancer. An important partner in your life is showing up in a meaningful way, and your job is simply to receive and reflect. When you love for love’s sake, you will find that a whole network of support opens up for you out of the blue. Your freedom this week is built on deep appreciation for your closest relations. Avoid being transactional. LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 It is the perfect time to start some fresh habits or routines that bring joy into your life. Something like a daily walk around the block or learning to cook a new dish would be ideal. By opening up space for simple joys in your daily schedule, you are inviting a big, hopeful surprise at work, whether or not you can see the correlation. VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 There is a new creative outlet for you to fall in love with, Virgo. Whether it is an art form or a romantic endeavor, dive head first into a creative project you haven’t tried before. Pick up the paints,

SPONTANEOUS RELATIONS

borrow an instrument, open the dating app. When you do, you will be opening yourself to a whole new worldview beyond just the immediate creative act. LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 Your home is your loved one right now, Libra. Look on your living space as you would on a romantic love. Spruce it up. Give it what it needs. Hold up your end of the relationship. When you take care of your home space, you are allowing unexpected investments into your life. Folks will be excited to offer you support or resources in ways you didn’t see coming. SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 How have you been relating to your familiar surroundings? It is so easy to fall into regular routines by putting blinders on to what you interact with on a day-to-day basis. However, if you take the time to look around and look upon your usual world with love and appreciation, you will be opening yourself up to a big surprise from an important partner in your life. SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 There is a direct correlation between how you manage your money and the freedom you feel in your day-to-day life. Take stock of your values and ensure that your money flows reflect your ethical foundation. When you get this right, you will be shocked by how much free energy you create in your daily schedule.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

MIND ALTERING LUBRICANTS FOR SOCIAL INTERCOURSE

CHEERS TO WINNING

BEST MARTINI AGAIN IN 2025!!

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE Say goodbye to erectile dysfunction with a safe and proven drug free solution. Enjoy long term results and improve your overall sexual performance. Unlike other male enhancement procedures, penile lithotripsy therapy is drug and surgery free, completely non-invasive and has no side effects.

AN EASY SOLUTION AWAITS

BRUCE L. FARISS, M.D. | PHONE 305.296.0000 Diplomate-Board of Urology | Urology and Urologic Surgery Lower Keys Urology, PLLC | 3714 N. Roosevelt Bvld. | Key West www.floridakeysurology.com

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026 An osprey seen recently in the Keys backcountry. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

ou didn’t notice the nest immediately, but you could feel the yellow-eyed stare. It seemed best to throw the anchor first, and get a good MARK look at whoever was doing the HEDDEN staring afterward. We were at Destroyer Key, ... is a photograsometimes called Split Rock pher, writer, and semi-professional Key, on the far side of the birdwatcher. He Northwest Channel from Key has lived in Key West. West for more The lore is that a U.S. Navy than 25 years and destroyer once lost control and may no longer be employable in plowed into the tiny island, the real world. He cleaving it, and that the deep is also executive water pool with the slow rip director of the of current flowing through it, Florida Keys Audubon Society. as well as the two 15-foot-high spoil piles on each side of the now bifurcated island, were created when the Navy dug the destroyer out. Which always seemed like bushwa hooey to me. The waters surrounding the island are notoriously shallow. And the island is two miles from the near side of the Northwest Channel, the closest route a destroyer might have sailed. The idea that a 2,200-ton, 370-foot ship with a 15- to 18-foot draft would somehow have been able to wash up there, even at full steam in the highest of tides, just seemed unlikely. And if, by some defiance of nautical competence and gravity, it did happen, the surrounding very shallow subaquatic topography would absolutely still be scarred and screwed up. Which it isn’t. Also, cameras existed before destroyer class warships. Wouldn’t there be pictures? There were no images of such a mishap on the Monroe County Public Library’s Florida Keys History Center Flickr page, which has a pretty comprehensive collection of photos from most of the important and dramatic events in the Keys. To be sure about this, I spoke with Corey Malcom, the lead historian at the Florida Keys History Center. Could it possibly be true that a destroyer accidentally plowed into Destroyer Key, and then was subsequently removed? “I’ve never seen anything that indicates that in any way whatsoever. No news articles, no documentation,” Malcom said. What do you think happened out there? “I have no good answers. My guess is someone with a drag line or dredge was trying to dig a channel and it didn’t work,” Malcom said. That conversation happened when we got back to civilization. While we were out there, once the anchor line went taut, I grabbed the binoculars and scanned around until I saw the nest high up on one of the plant-covered spoil piles. There was an adult osprey in there, most likely sitting on eggs, waiting for their partner to return and either spell her or feed her. (Females do about 70% of the incubating.) I handed the binoculars to my friend Mad, who was on her first trip into the backcountry. She looked at the bird and seemed dutifully impressed. Osprey are fierce looking. Possibly because they can be very fierce.

OSPREY CAN YOU SEE

While osprey are found on every continent but Antarctica, their cosmopolitan ubiquity does not take away from the fact that they are such singular creatures, so unlike any other bird they are the sole occupant of their taxonomic family. They are purpose-built to catch fish. They have long, lanky wings that, when they flap, often look rubbery to me, though they are not. They give the osprey the ability to circle around out over the water without expending a great deal of energy while they try to find food. They also allow them to hover in place when they do spot something. When they dive, they do it from 30 to 120 feet up, feet first, wings up in a triangle, taking on an arrow shape that points the opposite direction of their motion. They are the only raptor that can swing their feet up in front of their face so they can keep their eyes on the prize when they hit. They will sink as much as a foot into the water before bobbing back up, and prefer hunting in shallower waters. Their talons are incredibly sharp, their feet big with zygodactyl toes, meaning two facing forward and two facing backward, all the better to pierce and grip their slippery, writhing prey. The fish they catch are usually between 10% and 30% of their 3-1/2-pound body weight, though occasionally they catch fish up to half their body weight. It takes an incredible strength of wing to get themselves out of the water and airborne again, something they must do quickly. In some places, up to 95% of osprey nests are built on artificial habitats. Osprey platforms yes, but also channel markers, radio towers, rooftops and such. Which seems about right for what you see in the mainline Keys. But in the backcountry, they tend to nest on more natural structures. And in a place without any mammalian predators, even on the ground, like this one. Which gets me to the fierce part. They will defend their nest if you get too close. You hear stories. For instance, Tom Wilmers, a wildlife biologist who used to work in the Keys, had one come after him while he was in a bucket truck, banding

some osprey chicks in the nest. The bird got close enough to him to steal his hat. After that he always brought someone else along with a trashcan lid to use as a shield. Mad and I had both spent a good chunk of the last week at the San Carlos Institute for the Key West Literary Seminar, Mad working as assistant technical director, me mostly just listening to novelists like Jane Smiley, Rachel Kushner, Colm Tóibín, Richard Russo and Marlon James talk about their work. (Full disclosure: My wife is on the seminar board.) After all that erudition and all that time indoors, it was nice to be out on the water, under all that sky, staring at a creature that holds its mysteries no matter how often you see one of its kind. The one counterpoint to all that narrative prose was the poet Billy Collins, who comes to the seminar nearly every year. Is there such a thing as a visiting house poet? There aren’t many people who can hold a room the way Billy does when he reads – deadpan, wry, wily, able to flip your worldview on its side and make you laugh about it at the same time. (Good Lord, if you’ve never heard him read, Google him. Start with “The Lanyard.”) He read a lot of poems over the weekend, some about not being a novelist, many of them about dogs, because he just published a book of poems about dogs called “Dog Show.” One of the poems he did not read was about being on a rowboat on a lake and seeing an unfamiliar bird. He starts, “Oh, large, brown, thickly feathered creature / with a distinctive white head,” then goes on to describe landing his boat after seeing the bird, and all the things he did immediately afterward, including contemplating what he wanted for his post-boating drink: I’m thinking a vodka soda with lemon — I will look you up in my illustrated guide to North American birds and I promise I will learn what you are called. But you already knew. Because he titled the poem “Osprey.”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

OLD TOWN NEW FOLK CONCERT SERIES

YOUR WAKE DEFINES YOU

ast year I motored by a private dock on which was posted a neatly lettered sign reading: “Your Wake Defines You.” This surprisingly thoughtful approach to curbing wakes was a departure from the standard “Slow, no wake” signs seen elsewhere. I pondered the message seen on that dock. Was this a metaphor for boaters and others’ behavior, the effect that our actions have along the voyage of life? Or just a polite ask to slow down? Ducks and boats create wakes. Powerboats create great wakes, and at speed can set in motion steep, fast and dangerous waves. The U.S. Coast Guard and state of Florida recognize this and enforce no-wake and minimum-wake zones. But what about wakes in unregulated waters? I have a buddy who enjoys fishing at anchor in the narrow mangrove channels found along the Keys. Recently my friend joined the rock and roll sprawl of shame set in motion by a big boat plowing by. His “slow-down” hand signal triggered the sea-lawyer skipper of the high-speed vessel to yell “This isn’t a no-wake zone!” Correct, the passage was not posted, and most of the earth’s oceans are not governed for speed. What about some courtesy and concern for the welfare of others at sea? What happens to perfectly pleasant people on the plane that deters deceleration in narrow channels and congested waters? Rules are long established and clear about boat wakes: Vessel operators are responsible for their wakes. Wakes

must never create a hazard to other vessels, cause damage or personal injury. BoatUS Magazine published a sobering narrative about boat wake liability, noting that “the courts interpret the word ‘collision’ to include both collision with a vessel’s hull and collision with its wake.” I admit to being chastised on occasion for my boat’s wake via radio, fist and finger, furious bouts of signals and shouts. Complaints like these are embarrassing and usually justified by the outcomes our wakes have inflicted on shores, waterfronts and other boats. The burden of the wake belongs solely to the maker. The thrill of throttle up, bow down, headlong speed and expediency are alluring joys. Few captains enjoy idling around on open waters when you want to get someplace. We need to make wakes. But, in their making, we might look around to gauge their effect, to imagine how our wake defines us upon the waters we share with others. — Randy Woods U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 13-04. (Five flotillas – Upper Keys, Ocean Reef, Marathon, Big Pine Key and Key West – support the Coast Guard in all its missions except law enforcement and direct military action. The auxiliary also promotes recreational boating safety through public education and outreach, vessel inspections, training and community support. For more information, scan the QR code.)

SUSAN WERNER

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 7PM - HELMERICH THEATER $85 front row, $50 general Sorry, Wednesday’s Hugh’s View show sold out! Multi-instrumentalist with classical vocal training, Werner has built a reputation over more than 25 years as one of the most innovative songwriters working today.

JOHN MCCUTCHEON

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 7PM - HELMERICH THEATER $75 front row, $50 general WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 6PM - HUGH’S VIEW $100 front row, $70 general Folk icon and gifted multiinstrumentalist—guitar, fiddle, banjo, and the rare hammer dulcimer—with more than 30 recordings and seven Grammy nominations to his name.

RACHAEL SAGE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 7PM - HELMERICH THEATER $100 front row, $50 general WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 6PM - HUGH’S VIEW $125 front row, $70 general Folk-pop blending wit and warmth. Sage is a six-time Independent Music Award winner and John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize recipient. Old Town New Folk is underwritten by Nick and Lorie Howley, with additional support from Doug and Sherri Montgomery, John and Marilyn Rintamaki, Nell Smets, and Michael Blades and Kathy Kilroy. Sponsored by Blue Heaven.

Contemporary art center, steps off Duval Street. Always free to visit! Open Tue-Sun, 10am-4pm

533 EATON STREET, KEY WEST | 305-296-0458 | TSKW.ORG

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

FLORIDA KEYS WATERS SEE RECORD REMOVAL OF DERELICT VESSELS IN 2025

N SO R! A SE ENE OP

Sibelius | Ravel Vaughan Williams

The notorious yellow submarine was taken out of the water in Marathon last year. BRITTANY BURTNER/Monroe County

More dilapidated boats will be pulled this year

onroe County has wrapped up a major cleanup effort that tackled a long backlog of derelict vessels across the Keys. Thanks to a $3 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)funded project with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partnership with Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, 237 vessels have been removed since August 2024, cutting active derelict vessel cases from more than 300 down to just 44 in the Florida Keys. Specialized vessel salvage contractors worked from Key Largo to Key West. They removed 74 vessels in the Upper Keys, including Tarpon Basin, Buttonwood Sound and Barley Basin, 46 in the Middle Keys and 116 in the Lower Keys, with many coming out of Boca Chica Basin, Man of War Harbor, and Seaplane Basin. Some removal projects were especially challenging, like lifting a 65-foot cabin cruiser out of Sisters Creek in Marathon, a 53-foot vessel aground in Bahia Honda State Park, a 66-foot shrimp boat off Upper Matecumbe Key and even a 96-foot yellow submarine on Boot Key in Marathon. “FWC officers searched the water from one end of the Keys

The Dena Marie, a 66-foot shrimp boat, was removed from the waters off Islamorada in 2025.

A 53-foot vessel aground in Bahia Honda State Park was removed last year.

to the other, while our removal contractors worked nonstop over the past year,” said marine resources senior administrator Brittany Burtner. “At one point, through collaboration, 44 boats were removed in under five weeks. It made a huge difference for the safety of other boaters and the environment.” With new funding secured through November 2026, Monroe County and its partners will continue to keep local waterways safer and cleaner for everyone to enjoy.

Key West’s Original Orchestra Returns! Rhythmic drive meets lyrical beauty in Sibelius’ sweeping Symphony No. 2 — a magical journey of transcendent wonder dancing in the glow of swirling light. Plus, enjoy Ravel’s sparkling, jazz-tinged Piano Concerto in G major — featuring pianist Svetlana Smolina — and Vaughan Williams’ ethereal Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis.

SAT., JAN. 24 | 7:30 PM

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS THEATRE AT THE COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

TICKETS FROM $35* ON SALE NOW! southfloridasymphony.org Keys Tix | 305.295.7676 The Maval Foundation

— Contributed

*Plus Fees

Photo: Nick Donner

John D. Evans Foundation

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

NEW LOCATION IN KEY WEST

For primary care, walk-ins, diagnostics, and well-women visits Kellee Reed, DO, FACOEP, FACEP

305.674.CARE 2506 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN KEY WEST! EST. 1995

20% OFF FROM 5 TO 6:30 DAILY No other discounts apply

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING

BOOK AT OPENTABLE & YELP OR CALL 305.294.0230

1029 SOUTHARD (CORNER OF FRANCES) | WWW.CAFESOLE.COM

Best Oceanfront Dining

t s e W y e in K

SCAN FOR MENU

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Weekend Brunch Happy Hour • Live Music

Reservations: 305 293 6250 or OpenTable.com Locals Discount & Free Valet Located at The Reach Key West 1435 Simonton St.

CALLING ALL PLUNGERS! SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH @12PM HIGGS BEACH

The easy route to great auto rates Ruben Sanchez 305-826-2300 ruben@rubensanchezinsurance.com

A BENEFIT FOR SAMUEL’S HOUSE, INC. MC’D BY DJ TOP JIMMY!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR THE 2026 SOUTHERNMOST POLAR BEAR PLUNGE! BECOME A SPONSOR Support a wonderful cause and showcase your business to a large audience! The mission of Samuel’s House, Inc. is to provide housing in a nurturing environment for homeless women, women and men with children, and intact families; and to provide them with care coordination beneficial to their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. All sponsorship levels you can increase brand visibility with logo placement on event-shirts, social media, and on-site banners.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS Blizzard Sponsor ($1,500), Snow Flurry Sponsor( ($500) & Snowflake Sponsor ($250).

WANT TO PLUNGE? $35 PER PLUNGER

(includes official event T-shirt)

Don't miss this chance to dive into giving with the southernmost Polar Bear! Contact Jaylin Morawski to secure your sponsorship spot today or purchase online by scanning the QR code.

samuelshouse.org

@samuelshousekw

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LOCAL WOMEN’S CLUBS Key West & Lower Keys groups host upcoming events

NONPROFIT HOSTS FIRST COMMUNITY FIELD DAY ON BIG PINE

Event supports youth sports on Jan. 24; kids compete for free The Key West Woman’s Club, 319 Duval St., will host an afternoon tea on Saturday, Jan. 17 to benefit Take Stock in Children scholarship program, and a tropical lunch and garden party on Sunday, Feb. 8. CONTRIBUTED

Afternoon tea helps Take Stock The Key West Woman’s Club will host a Bougie Afternoon Tea on Saturday, Jan.17 from 3 to 6 p.m. to benefit Take Stock in Children Monroe, providing scholarships and mentorship to deserving local students. The afternoon will include teas, pastries and conversations with friends and neighbors. Camille Toler will entertain, with James King on piano. Drinks will be available from a boutique bar. The Woman’s Club is located at 319 Duval St. Tickets are available at KeysTix.com. Turn back time at the tropical lunch & garden party Celebrate the flavors, stories and spirit of the Keys at the Tropical Luncheon & Garden Party, a revival of a 1950s tradition hosted by the Key West Woman’s Club from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8. The event includes a buffet lunch prepared by chef Martha Hubbard, featuring the tropical fruits of South Florida, fresh local seafood and select dishes inspired by the 1949 Key West Woman’s Club

cookbook, a nod to the event’s roots. Elevated garden-party attire is encouraged: refined island elegance, breezy dresses, linen suits and a fabulous hat. The Key West Woman’s Club is located at 319 Duval St. Tickets are available at KeysTix.com. Lower Keys Women’s Club workshop gets creative The Lower Keys Women’s Club on Big Pine Key will host SoulCollage, a creative workshop, on Saturday, Feb. 7, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Big Pine Key Community Center in the Winn-Dixie Plaza. The hands-on experience blends art, intuition and community to help participants explore self-discovery, personal empowerment and inner wisdom through collage, creating personal collage cards using images and symbols. No art experience is needed — just curiosity and an open mind. The $50 cost includes a starter kit, snacks and drinks; bring scissors and image clippings. To register, email lkwcinfo@gamil.com or call Joy at 772-475-9045. — Contributed

he nonprofit JustDunn Fitness will host its firstever community field day on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Big Pine Community Park. The intent is to bring local families together for a day of games, movement and connection while supporting youth athletics. “Community and movement are at the heart of what we do,” said Jason O’Donohoe, founder of JustDunn Fitness. “This event is about creating a positive, active day for families while giving back to the programs that support kids right here in Big Pine.” The event welcomes registered participants and community members, with advance registration required for those wishing to play. Activities are organized across multiple age groups. Designed to blend classic field day games with a fun fitness twist, the day will feature team-based activities,

live music from musician Irish Kevin, raffles, local vendors and family-friendly attractions such as a bubble truck, snow cones and ice cream. Kids participate for free, while adult participation supports youth sports programs through the Big Pine Athletic Association, a local nonprofit. All adult registration proceeds and raffle support directly benefit youth athletics in Big Pine Key. Participation slots are limited by age group, and advance registration is required for those wishing to play. Community members are welcome to attend throughout the day to enjoy the activities, music, and atmosphere. More information is at justdunnfitness.com, from jason@ justdunnfitness.com or 631804-8980 or @JustDunnFieldDay on social media. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

WHAT’S COOKING?

Architecture, food and spirits define Key West

rchitectural treasures in Key West’s Old Town historic district range from charming 19th-century cottages to ornate period mansions decorated with the intricate wooden lacework known as “gingerbread.” Believed to be the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the country, it contains almost 3,000 structures and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With its restorations, it has drawn attention and honors from prestigious organizations including the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Many of the district’s structures were constructed by shipbuildercarpenters and cigar manufacturing barons in the 1800s, so Key West’s architecture reflects the building styles and cultures of its early inhabitants. Visitors can explore houses exemplifying that architectural tradition, as well as fine island-style design, during home tours set for January, February and March 2026. The annual tours are hosted by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, established in 1960 to promote the preservation of Key West’s historically significant buildings and cultural heritage. The historic district also contains former shipwreck salvage warehouses and properties constructed by the U.S. Navy — including Building One, which earned its name because it was the first permanent brick structure the U.S. Navy built in the island city. Begun in 1856 and completed in 1861, it’s renowned as the second-oldest masonry structure in Key West. Overlooking the harbor at 291 Front St., Building One originally housed a naval coaling depot on its first floor and a Navy sailmakers’ loft on the second. It also served as the Naval Administration headquarters and eventually became the U.S. Coast Guard’s Key West Station headquarters. Today much of the structure’s large-scale second level is home to the Key West Cooking Show and the associated Bar 1. Its soaring wood-beamed ceilings, arched windows and beautifully restored original wood flooring are the backdrop for explorations of local history and culture — presented through demonstration-style cuisine and cocktail showcases. Cuisine-based learn-and-dine sessions touch on everything from

EXPLORE THE PACIFIC & PITCAIRN ISLAND AT TONIGHT’S LECTURE College hosts ‘The Life & Adventures of a 20th Century Naturalist’

Key lime pie, anyone? At Bar 1, the indulgent treat is available as either a dessert or a cocktail — complete with whipped cream. KEY WEST COOKING SHOW/Contributed

Key West’s earliest settlement as a shipwreck salvagers’ outpost, and the foods enjoyed by pioneer Bahamian salvagers and fishermen, to the Cuban dishes imported by cigarmakers who helped propel Key West to 19th-century wealth. Sip-and-savor cocktail classes explore elements ranging from Key West’s rum-fueled seafaring days to the drinks honoring former residents like literary legend Ernest Hemingway. During each session, surrounded by island art and memorabilia, attendees are taught to prepare signature dishes or libations while discovering each one’s role in the colorful tapestry of Key West’s past. The bar and restaurant feature so many Key West artifacts that a free guide is available at the hostess stand to identify them. Classes are held Tuesday through Saturday, with several scheduled each day, and reservations can be made by calling 305-294-COOK. Bar 1, whose atmosphere salutes Key West’s adventurous and literary heritage, is open to the public every day except Sunday. LAST CALL Drink of the month: Key Lime Martini. Key lime pie, created in Key West and closely identified with the island, can be enjoyed in cocktail form at Bar 1. The luscious libation’s ingredients include vanilla vodka, Key Lime Pie liqueur and fresh lime juice — finished with graham cracker crumbs and whipped cream. Helpful bar hack: Running out of whipped cream to top that Key lime martini? Put heavy cream in a chilled cocktail shaker and shake it vigorously for up to two minutes to create a homemade version. Thirsty for more? Visit keywestcookingshow.com.

Jack Stein Grove, right, is pictured with Andy Christian, a descendant of Fletcher Christian, who led the infamous mutiny aboard the HMS Bounty, near the Pitcairn Island boathouse. CONTRIBUTED

he College of the Florida Keys will open its 2026 VIP Series with a presentation on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West campus. Marine scientist, author and CFK alum Jack Stein Grove will present “Anchors & Atolls: The Life & Adventures of a 20th Century Naturalist in the Tropical Pacific.” Grove will share his adventures traversing the tropical Pacific over a dozen times from South America to New Guinea. He will share his journey from a country boy to a renowned naturalist with a focus on highlights from his first-hand experience discovering a shipwreck at Ducie Atoll in the Pitcairn Islands and raising a two-ton anchor from 150 feet of water, surrounded by tiger sharks, in a three-knot current in one of the most remote, uninhabited islands in the world. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the presentation begins at 7 p.m. It will be a 50-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute questionand-answer session.

The M/S World Discoverer is an expedition vessel.

Now in its 12th season, the VIP Series features the views, ideas and perspectives – VIP – of speakers of local, regional and national prominence. The 2026 series is sponsored by David and Annette Curry, Essential Net Solutions and First Horizon Bank. Tickets are $5 at the door. Admission is free for students at CFK and Monroe County schools. The event will be streamed live on CFK’s Facebook page. More information is available at 305-296-9081 or cfk. edu/vip. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

ROBIN BEEDE

CELEBRATING

UNITY OF THE KEYS SPIRITUAL CENTER

IN BUSINESS

IM#26 - MC450645 | DOT966624

VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK

YEARS

PROUDLY SERVING THE FLORIDA KEYS AND BEYOND!

305.295.6683

305.295.6683 | 1.877.344.6683 | WWW.DRNMOVING.COM

WANT TO HELP OUR KEYS COMMUNITY? FIND OUT HOW AT CFFK.ORG/UNSUNG

Academic discussion class for teens

ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY HISTORY & BELIEF An educational introduction to the history and development of Orthodox Christianity, one of the world’s oldest Christian traditions. Focus on history, theology and cultural context.

MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 5 PM

Poinciana Elementary Library (Kennedy Drive, Key West) Info: admin@OrthodoxKeys.org, 305-767-3981

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

HELP KEEP KEY WEST BEAUTIFUL JOIN A 1-HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

TAKE ME HOME? FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

he Keys Weekly family loves animals as much as our friends at the Florida Keys SPCA do, and we’re honored each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adoption at the organization’s Key West campus. From cats and dogs to Guinea

pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

Meet Taz, an 8‑year‑old small mixed‑ breed pup who was surrendered to us, through no fault of his own. He’s a gentle companion with a calm presence and a big heart. Taz also plays an important role in his best friend Pooka’s life. Pooka, who is blind and deaf, is also available for adoption. Taz acts as Pooka’s guide, helping him navigate the world with confidence. Taz and Pooka have been together for years and rely on one another, so they are looking for a home where they can stay side by side.

Pooka is an 11‑year‑old small mixed‑breed dog. He is blind and nearly completely deaf, but he doesn’t let that stop him from enjoying life, especially with his loyal companion Taz by his side. Pooka depends on Taz for guidance and comfort. The two share a bond that can’t be broken. Because of this, they must be adopted together.

Good golly, meet Ms. Dolly. This 8‑year‑old cat is as sweet as her name suggests. Dolly is a gentle, easygoing cat who enjoys quiet company. Her favorite activity is to nap in a sunny spot. She’s past the kitten chaos and fully into her relaxing era, making her a wonderful match for anyone looking for a mellow companion.

Paco is a 7‑year‑old green parakeet with plenty of personality. Parakeets may be small, about 7 to 8 inches long, but their vibrant personality makes up for their small size. They’re active, social birds who enjoy company and staying busy. Paco likes watching the world from his perch and exploring toys that keep him engaged.

The graphic shows a steady increase over the past four years in the amount of trash collected by a growing number of volunteers, who spend an hour every Friday morning keeping Key West beautiful. CONTRIBUTED

ne hour a week makes a huge difference, and volunteers are welcome every Friday and some Saturday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., when the Key West Ploggers clean up a designated area of the island. Gloves, pickers, buckets, vests, hand sanitizer and a parking pass are provided to all volunteers. A troubling number of cigarette butts and plastic bags have been included in recent hauls. Please remember your reusable bags when shopping so we can keep the plastic off the streets, parking lots and, most importantly, out of the water. And dispose of cigarette butts in any receptacle rather than the street or sidewalk, as from there, they easily end up in the ocean. The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way. Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less

that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference. It takes committed community involvement to keep Key West beautiful and we are making progress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted. Call Dorian Patton at 305-809-3782 to find out how your business, nonprofit or club can help. — Contributed

Join a one-hour Friday morning cleanup. All events are 8 to 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Jan. 16: Catherine & Emma streets. Meet in the parking lot of Nelson English Park. Hosted by Tune Hamlen. Jan. 23: Petronia Street between White and Georgia. Meet in front of MCC Church, 1215 Petronia St., which is hosting. Jan. 30: N. Roosevelt & Toppino Drive. Meet behind First State Bank, 3406 N. Roosevelt Blvd., which is hosting.

Meet Lorelai, a petite 4‑year‑old grey cat with a gentle spirit and a curious heart. She’s the kind of cat who enjoys soft places to nap and a calm environment where she can feel safe and loved. Lorelai’s small size and sweet nature make her an easy companion. She’ll be content to observe the world from a cozy perch or settle next to someone she trusts.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

Enjoy waterfront dining and our new menu! Locals join us daily for 20% off dinner. *Must present local ID for discount.

Open Daily 5pm - 9pm. Book your table on Opentable or call 305.295.3255

STOP BEING BUGGED TOUGH ON BUGS - SAFE FOR PETS!

OVER 10 YEARS OF LOCAL EXPERIENCE & TRUST RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL LICENSED & INSURED

CALL TODAY TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT AND PUT THOSE BUGS ON THE MARCH! PAULA BARRY • 305.304.1119 • paulaspestcontrol1@gmail.com

LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISE WITH LOCAL FACES CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF LOCAL MEDIA

Key West Weekly STEPHANIE MITCHELL 305.304.5778

Marathon Weekly PATTI CHILDRESS 305.731.9628

Upper Keys Weekly MANUELA MOBLEY 305.967.9222

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

KEY WEST’S ‘ICE OUT FOR GOOD’ EVENT DRAWS HUNDREDS More than 1,000 events were planned nationwide in wake of Minnesota shooting

early 300 people lined Truman Avenue along Bayview Park on Jan. 11 as Key West joined a series of nationwide “ICE Out for Good” protests in the wake of the Jan. 7 shooting of Minneapolis mother Renee Good by an ICE agent. The peaceful Key West event came together in fewer than 48 hours and featured signs, chants and speakers at the park. — Keys Weekly staff report

An estimated 300 or so people line Truman Avenue at Bayview Park on Jan. 11 for Key West’s ‘ICE Out for Good’ demonstration opposing the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 7. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

WE LOVE OUR LOCALS

20% Locals Discount at Yellowfin Bar & Kitchen All day, every day. All food. All drinks. (even wine, beer and cocktails)

5950 Peninsular Avenue, Key West, Florida 33040 786.862.6321 | oceansedgekeywest.com

Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Assoc. presents the 20th Annual

Florida Keys Seafood Festival #FKSF

2026

SATURDAY, FEB. 14TH 11AM-8PM SUNDAY, FEB. 15TH 11AM-5PM TRUMAN WATERFRONT PARK, KEY WEST

Amazing Seafood, Vendors Live Music All Day, Beer & Wine Fundraiser, Kids Activities FloridaKeysSeafoodFestival.com

ood n is g issio days m d A oth for b

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

Carrying multiple exclusive retail lines. Plus a selection of unique & carefully curated pre-loved items.

BOUTIQUE HOURS MONDAY - WEDNESDAY 11- 4 THURSDAY - SATURDAY 11- 6 SUNDAY CLOSED Voted BEST LOCAL RETAILER by the Key West People’s Choice Awards 2023, 2024 & 2025. And mentioned in Forbes magazine! Private shopping parties and styling services available kirbyscloset.com @kirbysclosetkw

218 WHITEHEAD STREET #4 | KEY WEST | 305.847.9977 | PAID PARKING GARAGE NEXT TO OPAL KEY RESORT & MARINA

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

Recycle Right Every Day. Remember these three simple rules each time you recycle:

Keep food and liquid out of your recycling

Recycle clean bottles, cans, paper, cardboard and glass

No loose plastic bags and no bagged recyclables

To learn more, visit wm.com/recycleright

Need A BAGSTER®? BUY. FILL. GONE. • Bagster® bags are available at home improvement stores and online. • Bagster® bags are easy to use dumpsters in a bag that are strong enough to hold up to 3,300 pounds of debris or waste. • Schedule your collection online or by phone. SELECT AWARDS REFLECTING OUR LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY World’s Most Ethical Companies 2024

100 Most Sustainable Companies 2024

S&P Global CSA Score 2023

Ethisphere

Barron’s

Top 15% of Industry

A debt consolidation loan will help you turn multiple balances into one manageable payment, resulting in a quicker debt free life!

Apply today at KeysFCU.org or any of our branches from Key West to Tavernier!

*Subject to credit approval. Restrictions may apply. NCUA Insured.

LIC# CCC1329991

LIC# CGC032862

BEST CONTRACTOR NOMINATIONS

VOTED BEST CONTRACTOR 5 YEARS IN A ROW

Second Annual

MIKE GARCIA 305.304.4188 CONCHROOFING@GMAIL.COM WWW.CONCHCONSTRUCTIONANDROOFING.COM

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

Join us for

2-4-1 HAPPY HOUR TAPAS MENU AVAILABLE

DAILY 5-7 PM

IN OUR BAR AREA ONLY PLUS A FREE ENTRÉE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

3841 N Roosevelt Blvd | Key West | 305.296.8100 | www.tavernntown.com

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

Founded by Betty Debnam MINI FACT: The 1998 Winter Olympics featured snowboarding for the first time.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

PICTOGRAM QUIZ-A-ROONIE A pictogram (PIC-toe-gram) is a symbol that represents something. For example, in ancient times, people drew pictograms (or pictographs) on rock walls to tell stories about their lives. With each Olympics, pictograms are used to identify the events. The Mini Page challenges you to a matching game! Try to match these 2026 pictograms to Winter Olympic events.

Italy welcomes the world to the XXV Winter Olympic Games starting on Feb. 6. Last week, The Images courtesy Milano Cortina 2026. Mini Page explored the European country shaped like a boot. This week, let’s dive into the Games themselves.

A. Snowboard B. Ice hockey

MASCOTS time Olympic champion Each host of the in luge from Italy, holds Olympics creates masthe 2026 Olympic torch in Olympia, Greece. cots to represent their city, their nation and the Olympic spirit. This spirit, or feeling, is that the Olympic athletes come together to compete in peace, friendship and fairness. The mascots for the 2026 Italy Games are Tina and Milo, two cheerful stoats. (A stoat is

C. Ski jumping D. Ski mountaineering E. Curling

a small mammal whose fur turns pure white in the winter.) Tina represents the Olympic Games, while Milo is the face of the Paralympic Games, which will begin on March 6. Tina and Milo are accompanied by six little snowdrops called “The Flo.”

F. Luge G. Speed skating

H. Nordic combined I. F igure skating

VENUES While most of the Games will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, there are six other venues, or sites, for the competiSan Siro Olympic Stadium tions. The opening in Milan. ceremony will take place in Milan at the San Siro Olympic Stadium. The closing ceremony on Feb. 22 will be held in the Verona Olympic Arena, a stadium built in 30 A.D. for gladiator battles. In addition, the opening ceremony for the Paralympic Games will take place there.

J. Biathlon 5. Photo by Prelvini

Photo courtesy International Luge Federation

Armin Zöggeler, two-

10.

Answers: 1-D, 2-G, 3-E, 4-F, 5-J, 6-I, 7-A, 8-C, 9-B, 10-H.

THE TORCH The Olympic flame began its journey from Ancient Olympia in Greece toward Milan, Italy, on Nov. 26. Along the way, 10,000 torchbearers will visit 300 towns throughout Italy. The torch itself was designed by an Italian architect, Carlo Ratti, to highlight the flame itself.

RESOURCES ON THE WEB • bit.ly/4oq6PZT AT THE LIBRARY • “Bella Goes to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy” by Suzanne Fronefield

ATHLETES, EVENTS, FLAME, GAMES, ITALY, MASCOTS, MILAN, MILO, OLYMPICS, PICTOGRAM, SPIRIT, SPORTS, STADIUM, STOAT, TINA, TORCH, VENUES, WINTER.

Words that remind us of the Winter Olympics are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:

H M X Z F E V E N T O D T I N A T W F L P Y B U D M E V M I A T H L E T E S T A Z Y O L Y M P I C S C O G A M E S R C J P I C T O G R A M S O T M A S C O T S V I Z I B W I N T E R M I L O V E N U E S

S X H P N A M E Q L L A N O R D I U M Q P O R T S I T A L Y T O A T S T O R C H U N L V C P I R I T

ECO NOTE A new study finds that tropical house crickets readily consume polyethylene microplastics when the particles are small enough to fit in their mouths, suggesting the insects cannot distinguish plastic from food. Researchers say that crickets ate more plastic-contaminated food over time even when uncontaminated food was available, and their growth was not stunted by what they ate. As the crickets in the study grew larger, their expanding mouthparts let them consume even bigger fragments, grinding those plastics into tiny nanoplastics that can remain much longer in soil and water.

Adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

FIND IT

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

CGC1523838 LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.453.6928 Licensed & Insured #SP33799

CGC1523838

SPALLING

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

30 5 -7 4 3 - 7 80 0

Authorized Dealer

Sales & Installation • Tub & Shower Enclosures Safety & Tempered Glass • Mirror & Mirror Walls Plexi-Glass & Lexan

EXPERTS

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd. Overseas Market Key West

y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com d n A Sliding Glass Door Repair Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

- Full Hooks Ups - Waterfront Camping - Marina & Boat Slips

Insured • Professional • Reliable

REPAIR INSTITUTE

Dale Coburn, Attorney 305.743.9858 Coburn@marathonlaw.com 5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 3, Marathon

www.boydscampground.com info@boydscampground.com Instagram: @boydscampground

305-998-8953

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE

- RV & Tent Camping - Pool & Tiki Hut - Kayak Rentals

Mile Marker 5, US Hwy1 6401 Maloney Ave, Key West 305-294-1465

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

Proud member of:

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Liz Samess CELL: (954) 801-7883

Sales - Service - Installation

1706 N. Roosevelt Blvd, Key West 305-294-0090 • www.kolhages.com

KITCHEN & BATH

Manufacturing & Installation

Danny Ocampo

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

305-339-8092

1708 N. Roosevelt Blvd Key West, FL 33040 Dannygandarakitchen@gmail.com

305.849.4259

southernmostpainting@gmail.com

William Reighard MBA

Jenny Lorenz, CEO overseasmediagroup.com jenny@overseasmediagroup.com 414.426.0884

Tax Advisor & Preparer 570-560-1661 | wreighard@gmail.com S CORP FILING SPECIALIST In person & tele-interviews available

$60 ONLY

305.743.0844

PUTS YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

305.743.7454

TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM FLORIDA KEYS Airports: EYW, MIA & FLL PARTY BUS • VAN • SUV | fkes2011@gmail.com

Interior Designer

Email: interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

Marathon, FL 33050

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

COMING SOON TO KEY WEST For a full lineup scan the QR code

BENMONT TENCH

YACHTLY CREW

GABRIEL RUTLEDGE

FEB. 3, KEY WEST THEATER

FEB. 8, KEY WEST THEATER

DON’T READ THE COMMENTS TOUR FEB. 15, KEY WEST THEATER

GARRISON KEILLOR & ERICA RHODES

TOMMY EMMANUEL

MAR. 22, KEY WEST THEATER

BODEANS

MAR. 29, KEY WEST THEATER

SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS

FOREIGNER

GRAHAM NASH

FEB. 22, KEY WEST THEATER

APR. 2, KEY WEST THEATER

APR. 23, KEY WEST AMPHITHEATER

APR. 25 & 26 KEY WEST THEATER

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THEKEYWESTTHEATER.COM

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 15, 2026

January 15, 2026

SETTLED ON THE COURT

Key West, Coral Shores face off at the rim | P.8

Canes, Conch & Dolphin Pride FREE CASH BACK Checking Accounts are perfect for wherever life takes you! • Earn CASH BACK for you and your school. • Get FREE nationwide ATM transactions. • Learn about money with FREE online and mobile financial education programs. • Access and manage your account from anywhere in the world with mobile banking. *E-statements, e-receipts, a debit card, savings and S15 checking account required. Specific transactions required for each reward level. Restrictions may apply. See us for details. NCUA Insured.

JANUARY 15, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

THE SCOREBOARD

JAN. 5 - 10

Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Coral Shores

Boys Basketball

South Homestead

1/6

W, 83-56

Key West

Boys Basketball

Reagan

1/6

W, 66-60

Key West

Boys Soccer

American Heritage

1/6

T, 1-1

Marathon

Girls Basketball

Basilica

1/6

W, 58-7

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Basilica

1/6

W, 74-39

Key West

Girls Soccer

South Dade

1/6

T, 2-2

Coral Shores

Boys Basketball

MAST Academy

1/7

W, 49-34

Coral Shores

Girls Soccer

Marathon

1/7

W, 5-0

Key West

Girls Basketball

Coral Shores

1/8

W, 52-33

Key West

Boys Soccer

Marathon

1/8

W, 7-0

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

Riviera Prep

1/8

L, 3-0

Key West

Boys Basketball

Miami Beach

1/9

L, 74-61

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

Pace

1/9

W, 5-1

Key West

Girls Soccer

Ransom

1/10

L, 7-0

Key West

Boys Soccer

Bolles

1/10

L, 3-2

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

JAN. 15 - 20

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

1/15

Marathon

Girls Basketball

@ Silver Palms

6 p.m.

1/15

Marathon

Boys Basketball

@ Boca Raton

7:30 p.m.

1/15

Marathon

Boys Soccer

@ Silver Palms

4 p.m.

1/15

Key West

Girls Basketball

North Miami Beach

5:30 p.m.

1/15

Coral Shores

Girls Soccer

@ Keys Gate

3:30 p.m.

1/15

Key West

Boys Basketball

North Miami Beach

7 p.m.

1/15

Marathon

Girls Soccer

Key West

4 p.m.

1/16

Basilica

Boys Basketball

Horeb Christian

5 p.m.

1/16

Marathon

Boys Basketball

@ FAU

7:30 p.m.

1/16

Coral Shores

Girls Basketball

Colonial Christian

3:30 p.m.

1/16

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

Key West

4 p.m.

1/16

Key West

Girls & Boys Basketball

Westminster Christian

5:30 p.m.

1/17

Marathon

Girls Basketball

St. Brendan

12 p.m.

1/17

All Keys Schools

Wrestling

Coral Shores

5 p.m.

1/17

Key West

Girls Basketball

@ Archbishop McCarthy

3 p.m.

1/17

Key West

Girls Soccer

Lemon Bay

11 a.m.

1/17

Key West

Boys Basketball

IMG Academy Black

7 p.m.

1/19

Coral Shores

Boys Basketball

Palm Glades Prep

7 p.m.

1/20

Key West

Girls Basketball

@ St. Brendan

5 p.m.

1/20

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Sunset

6 p.m.

1/20

Basilica

Girls Basketball

@ First Baptist Academy

3 p.m.

1/20

Basilica

Boys Basketball

First Baptist Academy

6 p.m.

1/20

All Keys Schools

Girls Weightlifting

Districts @ Coral Shores

4 p.m.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Loubins

FLEURIDOR

Senior, Key West Soccer Forward

Loubins brings a smile, drive and work ethic that helps push the team forward. The level has never dropped in the four years he has been on varsity.” – Nic Farrar, Conchs head coach

13 goals this season

in 4A District 16 scoring

Senior forward Loubins Fleuridor has been a fixture on the Conchs’ soccer roster for the past four seasons. Fleuridor is the engine that drives Key West’s attack with lightningfast forward speed and deadly accuracy, which combine to make him a dangerous finisher against any opponent. He is a constant threat for opposing defenses, which he solidified last week when he scored five goals in three games, including a hat trick. Fleuridor has 13 goals this season, leading FHSAA’s 4A District 16, and he isn’t about to slow down. His endless energy and confidence keep the team’s hopes alive time and again. For his relentless drive and ability to find the back of the net at will, Key West’s Loubins Fleuridor is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week. Photo by MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

ON THE COVER

JANUARY 15

Coral Shores’ London Atkins (23) soars for a layup against Key West’s Colleen Barter in a showdown between Monroe County rivals on Jan. 8. Coral Shores came out on top, 52-33. See page 8. JACKSON GARCIA/Keys Weekly

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JANUARY 15, 2026 SPORTS WRITER

tracy mcdonald fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.

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

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert

britt@keysweekly.com

alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com Manuela C. Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

sean mcdonald grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.

MARKET EDITORS

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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

THE END IS NEAR Prep soccer’s regular season closes this week

he Lady Conchs’ soccer squad started the week off at South Dade, home of the 7A Buccaneers, for their first of two road games last week. The team had a pause in their schedule during the holiday break, and coach Scott Paul said it was apparent. “We came out a bit asleep and rusty in a few positions,” he said. “Taking two weeks off can be a killer, especially if you have been playing with some momentum as we have been.” The tempo was not the only thing going against the Conchs, as Paul noted that the team will have to soldier on without a pair of key players: Suena Marcily, who moved away, and senior captain Colbie Turner, who is out for the season. South Dade struck first in the opening moments of the game, but Key West found its rhythm when Maddie Kilduff took a one-touch shot off a Kenli Rosado throw-in to tie things up. Alondra Montilla then took charge and put the Conchs ahead 2-1. “Alo played the best game that she has played for us so far as a Lady Conch,” said Paul. “She was determined and very physical in the central mid position.” A defensive miscue allowed the Buccaneers to score a final goal, knotting the game again, and Key West had to settle for a 2-2 tie. “Nobody likes a tie, but I will take it over a loss coming off the break,” said Paul. He added praise for Rosado, Kiersten Tate, Lily Baxter and Maicee Gage, who stepped up to fill the gaps of the lost starters.

JANUARY 15, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

On Jan. 10, the team traveled to Ransom Everglades to play a very talented Raiders team, who sent Key West home with a 7-0 loss. Paul and the Lady Conchs are hoping the travel and lessons learned last week will help fuel a district run in the coming weeks. On Jan. 7, Marathon made the quick trip to Coral Shores to take on the Lady ’Canes, who were celebrating Senior Night. Two of those seniors netted goals for the Hurricanes, who prevailed with a 5-0 victory over the Dolphins. Kai Redruello scored a hat trick in her final regular season home match, while Jenna Mandozzi added one to cap off a great senior campaign. Freshman Avea Jackson accounted for the fifth goal in the big win.

8 9

BOYS Key West battled it out with a very strong American Heritage team on Jan. 6. The Conchs came home with a 1-1 tie against the typically high-scoring Patriots. Fausto Paz kept it close in goal and Loubins Fleuridor scored the Conchs’ lone goal. Two nights later, the Conchs spoiled Marathon’s Senior Night, defeating the Fins 7-0. Fleuridor came away with a hat trick and added an assist while Nico Sulak netted two goals and one assist. Lorvensky Lyncy and Owen Lindley accounted for the other two goals and each assisted on one more, while Nathan Godlewski and Sony Bowden both assisted in the win. In their final game last week, Key West hosted the Bolles School, traveling from Jacksonville. Fleuridor found the back of the net once off an Evens Louis assist and Nico Sulak assisted Chase Hoffman, but Bolles scored three to pick up the win. Coral Shores added a pair of wins last week after a tiring series of road matches. The Hurricanes defeated Everglades Prep 6-1 on Jan. 6, then traveled back to the mainland Jan. 8 to take on Riviera Prep. Against Everglades Prep, Armando Picado scored two while Joel Suazo, Marco Gudino, Jack Massey and Jamie Cary scored one apiece. An Everglades Prep own-goal accounted for the final score of the match. The Bulldogs beat the Hurricanes 3-0, but the ’Canes didn’t let it break their stride. They headed back to Miami the following day to defeat Pace 5-1. Juniel Lopez Suazo netted a pair of goals and Armando Picado, Jackson Keller and Ekon Edwards added one each to the score. The regular season for prep soccer ends this week, with district tournaments beginning Jan. 20. The Keys have a chance for three separate District 16 champs, with Marathon competing in 2A, Coral Shores in 3A and Key West in 4A. 1. Evans Louis works through the defense. 2. Nico Sulak dribbles the ball. 3. Nico Sulak and Loubins Fleuridor celebrate a goal. 4. Sonny Bowden passes the ball. 5. Loubins Fleuridor aims for a goal. 6. Martin Peralta goes for a steal. 7. Chase Hoffman works to settle a bouncing ball. 8. Marathon celebrates seniors at the Jan. 8 match against Key West. 9. Key West’s Jose Sente-Reyes and Marathon’s Kristel Morales battle for control. 10. Marathon’s Stuart Godoy works to get the ball away from Key West’s Nico Sulak. 11. Sonny Bowden dribbles toward the Marathon goal.

12. Marathon keeper Tiago Rivero leaps to make a save against Key West on Jan. 8. 13. Hurricane Kimberly Dubon (10) heads the ball toward the goal. Marathon keeper Adriana Castro made the save in the 5-0 loss.

Photos by Maicey Malgrat and Justice Lee Isom

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JANUARY 15, 2026

The Conchs pose for a photo after their runner-up performance at district duals. The team qualified for state duals later this month. CONTRIBUTED

WEEKEND WARRIORS Wrestling programs ﬂex muscle in duals and tournament competition

or the first time in history, the Keys were represented by three wrestling teams at the FHSAA 1A District 16 Duals. Key West drew Marathon as their first competitor and defeated them in round one. Coral Shores defeated Miami Killian, then the Conchs and ’Canes were pitted against one another. Key West came away with a narrow victory, bolstered by a larger squad. The Hurricanes did not have athletes in four of the weight classes, which put them at a disadvantage to the already-formidable Conchs. Key West then lost to True North in the final round, making them the district dual runner-up and eligible to move on to regionals. Coral Shores’ loss to Key West sent them in the other direction in the brackets, giving them a tougher road, but the Hurricanes beat Florida Christian and Westminster Christian to take third place in the district. Coral Shores’ Sebastian McCoy (120 pounds) went 4-0, pinning all four of his opponents. Gavin Matheis (132), Nathaniel Tristram, Sterling Keefe and David Beltran also finished undefeated for the Hurricanes. Key West’s Donald Kirkpatrick (113), Jacob Ferguson (126) and Allens Alexandre finished with unblemished records for Conchs. Marathon’s Hayden Starling (132) picked up a win by fall to put the Fins on the board against Miami Killian, but with just four athletes on their sheet, the Dolphins were fighting an

uphill battle from the start. All three teams then headed north the following day for the Margate Madness Tournament, where 26 teams and multiple unaffiliated wrestlers competed. Key West finished third overall and three Conchs came home with championships. Allens Alexandre won the 185-pound competition and Jacob Ferguson was first at 126. Maria Holushko won the bracket for the girls’ 140-pound division. Not to be outdone, a pair of Hurricanes beat out the pack for titles. David Beltran (175) and Gavin Matheis (132) were the champs in their weight classes. Both teams had outstanding performances and sent numerous athletes to the podium. Coral Shores’ Sterling Keefe (157) and Sebastian McCoy (120) were the runners-up in the boys competition and Ricardo Mack (190) finished fifth. Nathaniel Tristram (150) and Jack Brown (165) were sixth and the Hurricanes’ lone female wrestler, Sabrina Demerritt (115) captured sixth in the girls division. The Lady Conchs fared well, with Yannesie Corrales (170) claiming second for the

Coral Shores’ Gavin Matheis went 4-0 at district duals and followed up with a Margate Madness championship. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

girls. Other outstanding performances came from Wenxin Yu (115) in fourth place, Emily Nolasco (110) and Samantha Pierre Louis (155) in fifth, and Fortuna David (155) in sixth. Michael Guzman was second at 165 pounds and Joseph Cosme (175) was third. Kyle Condella (144) and Zander Font (120) captured fifth place and Kascper Kowalik (215) finished sixth. Marathon had one wrestler take to the podium. Autumn Wolfe (115) finished in fifth place to put the Lady Fins on the scoreboard. The teams are set to meet again Saturday at Coral Shores, but not before Key West participates in the regional duals, tentatively scheduled for Jan. 15 at SLAM Academy. Should the Conchs prevail at regionals, they could repeat their feat from last season, in which they earned a spot at the state duals at the end of January.

JANUARY 15, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

THE REGAN ROTH TEAM IS HERE TO PROTECT YOU... YOUR FAMILY, YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR HOME!

Capt. Skip and Lisa Bradeen "We have been loyal customers of the agency for more than six decades. We love the personal touch we get when coming into the office with questions about our policies. Holly Redding and Jennifer Paul are always so helpful, nice and there to help if we have a problem or just a question. You always keep us up to date on the new laws and changes that come up. It is our pleasure to be your customers."

Family owned and operated since 1958

Home, wind and flood. All lines of commercial/business insurance. Boats, autos, golf carts and recreational vehicles

REST ASSURED, WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP YOU WEATHER ANY STORM! 305.852.3234 90144 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier

305.743.3414 8065 Overseas Hwy. Marathon

www.ReganRoth.com | Response@ReganRoth.com

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JANUARY 15, 2026

LOCAL RIVALS CLASH ON THE HARDWOOD

Teams test their grit in the ﬁnal weeks of regular season As postseason play approaches, in-county rivalries are raising the temperature on the basketball court.

GIRLS The Lady Fins hosted Basilica school on Jan. 6 for what would be both teams’ only basketball game of the week. Marathon bested the Mariners 58-7, led by eighth grader Shaina Robinson’s team-high 22 points. Senior Daysi Williams added 20 and Sutton Sayer, also an eighth grader, scored 10 in the team’s second win of the season. The Lady ’Canes improved to 4-2 on Jan. 8 with a win over Key West. Melanie Estevez set the hoop ablaze with 33 points. Julia Miranda added eight while Niveah Howard and London Atkins each pulled down eight rebounds. Howard recorded four blocks and Atkins had three steals in the 5233 win. Key West did not go down without a fight, though. Lilee Gage registered a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Damarla Thompson added 11 points and Jasmina Ibodilloeva had four in the matchup.

BOYS Key West kept its record even, moving to 8-8 after one win and one loss last week. A Jan. 6 matchup against Reagan High resulted in a 66-60 victory for the Conchs. Judson Snider scored 15 and Alex Means added 13 to the team total. Jakub Krytinar had 10 points and seven rebounds. On Jan. 9, the team headed to Miami Beach, but the Hi-Tides washed away the Conchs’ hopes to secure a winning record. Snider scored 21 and pulled down eight rebounds while Zach Levering and Leo Batista each had double-doubles. Levering scored 16 with a dozen rebounds and Batista had 14 points and 10 boards in the 74-61 loss. Marathon made the most of its lone game last week, defeating Basilica School 74-39. Josh Koler had the hot hand, sinking 18 points with six rebounds, three steals and a block. Jack Chapman added 16 and Taylor Huff scored 12. Briggs Roberts dropped eight points on the Mariners and added 13 rebounds and four steals. The loss ended Basilica’s five-game winning streak, but not without strong performances from the Mariners. Alex Bouttier scored 13 and Noah Wright 11 in the loss.

JANUARY 15, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

Coral Shores finished the week with a winning record, fueled by a pair of victories beginning Jan. 6. The Hurricanes hosted Somerset South Homestead, beating the other Hurricanes 83-56. Jordan Brown had a teamhigh 20 points, and Brock Stoky had 19. Jayden Meng and Sergio Alvear added a dozen apiece in the Jan. 6 win. The following night, Brown had the hot hand again, scoring 14 against MAST Academy. Jack O’Keefe added 12 and Meng scored eight in the team effort. The season is winding down for Florida high school hoops. Jan. 31 marks the final day for regular games and district brackets open for business Feb. 3.

4 6

5 7

1. Briggs Roberts shoots under pressure. 2. Marathon’s Briggs Roberts and Basilica’s Noah Wright compete for the jump ball. 3. Giorvis Zamora gets some air. 4. Melanie Estevez (24) goes up for a layup after beating her defender. 5. Alyvia Prince unleashes a three. 6. Coral Shores captain Melanie Estevez works her way around a defender. 7. Presley Bagwell (32) ducks past Jasminabonu Ibodilloeva to go for three. 8. Key West’s Lilee Gage gets air to lock down Niveah Howard. 9. Marathon’s Daysi Williams and Basilica’s Olivia Revoredo fight for possession. 10. Basilica’s Logly Chavez looks for an open teammate. Photos by Tracy McDonald and Jackson Garcia.

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JANUARY 15, 2026

Hurricane coach Erin Hamilton gives some advice to lifters at the Marathon meet Jan. 7. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

COUNTDOWN TO DISTRICTS

Lifters perfect their form to prep for postseason

Above left: Key West’s Victoria Gray prepares for her final snatch lift. Above: Coral Shores’ Elaina Kerns clears her lift with ease. Left: Key West’s Sofia Nafrere gets the all-clear for a successful lift.

an. 17 marks the end of the regular season for girls weightlifting in Florida, and Monroe County’s teams are ready for the next level. In a tri-meet held at Marathon Jan. 7, Key West and Coral Shores traded wins, while Marathon celebrated three seniors in their final home contest of the season. The Lady Conchs took first place in the Olympic event, led by Courtney Ward (101 pounds), Caylee Moore (119) and Aaliyah McLeod (199). Their first-place wins added five points each to the team’s total of 37 to overtake the Hurricanes by just three points and the Dolphins by nine. Hurricane hoisters Mallory Hughes (110), Grace Patterson (169) and Vanessa Gabriel (Unlimited) claimed firsts in their weight classes in the Olympic event. Marathon’s Rilynn Richards (129), Sofia Konyk (139), Adelle Bainbridge (154) and Justice Lee Isom (183) each won their classes. Despite fielding one more champ than Key West or Coral Shores, Marathon came in third due to their limited roster, which gave the ’Canes and Conchs room to grow their leads by picking up points for second and third place in each weight class. In the traditional event. Coral Shores’ strong performance in the bench press event boosted them to first overall, picking up 38 points to Key West’s 31 and Marathon’s 28. Key West’s Althea Olsen (101) and Coral Shores’ Caylyn Gwilliam (169) picked up wins in the event. Hughes, Moore, Richards, Konyk, Bainbridge, Lee Isom, McLeod and Gabriel were all double winners for their respective teams. Coral Shores and Marathon are both feeling strong about their chances this postseason. “Our girls have been working hard this season, and are ready to show off their talent,” said Erin Hamilton, the Hurricanes’ head coach. The ’Canes have fielded their most talented team thus far and are several athletes deep in many weight classes. Marathon’s team is smaller this season, but a pair of state medalists grace their roster, and the Keys’ most seasoned coach has confidence in his crew. “It's been a great season so far, and all the girls are where they want to be heading into districts,” said coach Jessie Schubert. “We've been very happy with the progress of the girls who just came out and we’re impressed with the veterans. I'm excited to see what they can all do in postseason meets.” Both teams compete in FHSAA’s 1A District 16, whose championship meet will occur at Coral Shores this year. The competition is set for Jan. 20 at 4 p.m., and each of the teams should claim some individual champions. Key West will have a bit of extra time to prep their muscles; the 2A District 16 championships are Jan. 24 at Archbishop McCarthy.

JANUARY 15, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

STRAIGHT TO STATES

Key West’s competition cheer squad poses after their regional championship win Jan. 10. CONTRIBUTED

Key West clinches regional championship

pair of competitive cheerleading squads from Key West and Coral Shores made the trip to South Fork High School Jan. 9 to compete in the FHSAA Region 4 Championships. Competitive cheerleading in Florida offers a dozen divisions for teams to compete in, but both teams ended up in the small, non-tumbling division, making dual regional champs an impossibility but allowing for familiar faces in the crowd. When the final tabulations were in, Key West’s solid 78.1 score put them in first place in a field of 12 teams entered in their grouping. Many factors contribute to a team’s success, including stunt difficulty and execution, a pyramid, dance, transitions, props and the overall crowd appeal. Key West excelled in all, and the new regional champs earned a trip to Lakeland for the state championships later this month. By winning the regional championship outright, Key West is guaranteed a spot on the mat for the finals. Teams earning high scores but not finishing in first or second place must compete first in a semifinal round. “This team has worked so hard all season long,” said head coach Madison Garcia. “They show great determination to hit their routine practice after practice, competition after competition. They come to practice every day ready to put the time in to be successful, and that was evident at our regional competition.” Coral Shores put on a solid performance as well. The Hurricanes did not make the cut to the next round, but hit their stunts and scored well in several areas to lay the groundwork for next year. They will build on those elements while boosting their technical difficulty and improving their pyramid and stunting to be contenders in the future. For Key West, the road continues, and so does the work. The Conchs are not complacent with their routine, by any means. “We will continue to practice every day up until we leave for the state championship,” said Garcia. “We are going to make the adjustments necessary to make our routine even sharper and harder than it was previously to ensure our greatest chances of bringing back a state title.” The Conchs take to the mat again Jan. 23 at Lakeland’s RP Funding Center for the FHSAA State Championships in a quest to bring home the gold.

CONCRETE MADE TO LAST Proudly serving Key West to Islamorada as the ONLY locally owned and operated concrete company in the Florida Keys. KEY WEST 305-296-9934 | MARATHON 305-743-5800

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JANUARY 15, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Island Premier Paint Co. located at 88005 Overseas Highway, #218, Islamorada, Florida 33036 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Professional Painting and Home Renovations LLC Publish: January 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Notice of Sale of Surplus Vehicles The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will be auctioning off a multiple surplus vehicles and equipment via sealed bids. All bids must be received by 10:00am on Wednesday January 28th, 2026. The bids will be opened publicly on Wednesday at 10:30am on January 28th, 2026. A list of vehicles to be sold may be viewed on our website; www.keysso.net/ auction. Vehicle list is subject to change. Bidding instructions and required bid forms are available on the website or can be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building 1st floor reception, or by contacting: Michael Cabot, MCSO Fleet Manager Phone- (305) 293-7477 Cell- (305) 797-0115 Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 5525 College Road Key West, FL 33040 The Property to be sold is open to the public for inspection at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Headquarters building at 5525 College Road, Key West, FL 33040 on the following dates and times below: January 20th, 2026 8:00am – 10:00am January 22nd, 2026 2:00pm – 4:00pm The Sheriff’s Office makes no representation or guarantee of mechanical condition. All sales are, as is, no warranty. All sales are final. Vehicle List is subject to change. Publish: January 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voiceimpaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 9th day of January, 2026. KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: January 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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”. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board of County Commissioners with respect to any matter considered at such meetings or hearings, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, that person will need to ensure that a verbatim record is made of the proceedings, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 9th day of January, 2026. KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: January 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000518-K IN RE: ESTATE OF OLGA KATHERINE HROSSO Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Olga Katherine Hrosso, deceased, File Number 25-CP-000518-K; by the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 302 Fleming St., Key West, FL 33040; that the decedent’s date of death was September 9, 2025; and that the total value of the estate is $1,660,634.00 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Name/Address Michael T. Hrosso 464 E. Caribbean Dr. Summerland Key, FL 330424813 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, 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 January 15th, 2026. Attorney for Person Giving Notice: Charles H Sanford Attorney Florida Bar Number 702821 3003 Cardinal Dr., Ste B Vero Beach, FL 32963 Telephone: (772) 492-1695 Fax: (772) 492-1697 E-Mail: charleshsanfordlaw@ comcast.net Secondary E-Mail: captcharlz@ aol.com Person Giving Notice: Michael T. Hrosso 464 E. Caribbean Dr. Summerland Key, FL 330424813 Publish: January 15 & 22, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME 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 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 15, 2026. Personal Representative: KATHLEEN K. BAKER 725 North Jade Drive Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOE A. CATARINEAU Florida Bar Number: 0517291 91750 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Telephone: (305) 852-4833 Publish: January 15 & 22, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000481-K IN RE: ESTATE OF KEVIN KUSHNER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Kevin Kushner, deceased, whose date of death was June 28, 2025, is pending in the circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the 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 decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is 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. A 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 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. 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 OF MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is January 8, 2026. Personal Representative: Jack Ryan Kushner 380 Marshland Road, Apr E25 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29926 Attorney for Personal Representative: Andrew Ponnock Attorney Florida Bar Number: 195420 10100 West Sample Road, 3rd Fl Coral Springs, FL 33065 Telephone: (954) 340-4051 Fax: (954) 340-3411 E-Mail: andy@ponnocklaw. com Secondary E-Mail: eservice@ ponnocklaw.com Publish: January 8 & 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS ANNUAL RETURN The annual return of the private foundation THE FRANCES LOUISE WOLFSON FAMILY FOUNDATION, INC required to be filed under section 6033 Internal Revenue Code, is available for public inspection at its principal office 56283 Ocean Drive, Marathon, FL 33050 305743-5060 for inspection during regular business hours by any citizen upon request, within 180 days after the date of this publication. Cheryl Wilcox Principal Manager Dated: January 8, 2026 Publish: January 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF NON-JUDICIAL SALE “Non-Judicial Sale of Vessel” to take place on Friday February 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Safe Harbor Islamorada, 80461 Oversees Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036 on the following vessel: 1993 18’ Bayliner – HIN# USCA39FFF293-- FL# FL5686HJ, last known owner Ted Goldstein. Inspection may take place on Friday February 13, 2026, between 9:00 and 10:00 AM, at Safe Harbor Islamorada, 80461 Oversees Hwy. Islamorada, FL 33036. The vessel will be sold to the highest bidder. Ten percent deposit by cash or cashier's check is due at time of sale; balance by cash or cashier’s check is due by 12:00 PM on Friday February 13, 2026, at which time the vessel shall be removed from the premises by buyer. This sale is pursuant to section §328.17, Florida Statutes. Publish: January 15 & 22, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF NON-JUDICIAL SALE "Non-Judicial Sale of Vessel” to take place on Friday February 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Safe Harbor Angler House, 80500 Oversees Hwy. Islamorada, FL 33036 on the following vessel: “SNEAKY SALT” 2009 24’ Triton 220 HIN# SXSH0824A909 FL# FL4238PK, last known owner Erik Velazquez. Inspection may take place on Friday February 13, 2026, between 9:00 and 10:00 AM at Safe Harbor Angler House, 80500 Oversees Hwy. Islamorada, FL 33036. The vessel will be sold to the highest bidder. Ten percent deposit by cash or cashier's check is due at time of sale; balance by cash or cashier's check is due by 12:00 PM on Friday February 13, 2026, at which time the vessel shall be removed from the premises by buyer. This sale is pursuant to section §328.17, Florida Statutes. Publish: January 15 & 22, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on January 28, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, 2nd Floor, Marathon, Florida, 33050, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE COUNTY’S CODE OF ORDINANCES, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 2, “ADMINISTRATION,” ARTICLE V, “FINANCE,” DIVISION 2, “AUTHORIZATION FOR SPECIFIC APPROPRIATIONS OR EXPENDITURES,” BY REPEALING SECTION 2-262, “VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE SERVICES;” AND BY AMENDING CHAPTER 11, “EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES,” BY REPEALING IN ITS ENTIRETY ARTICLE II, “REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES TO FIRE/RESCUE/ AMBULANCES DISTRICTS AND ORGANIZATIONS;” AND BY AMENDING CHAPTER 22, “SPECIAL DISTRICTS,” ARTICLE VI, “OTHER MUNICIPAL SERVICE TAXING UNITS,” BY AMENDING SECTION 22-129, “FIRE AND AMBULANCE DISTRICT 1 CREATED,” TO REPEAL OUTDATED LANGUAGE REGARDING VOLUNTEER FIRE AND AMBULANCE DEPARTMENTS THAT NO LONGER PROVIDE SERVICES TO MONROE COUNTY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the January 28, 2026, meeting, which will be posted beginning on January 22, 2026 at: https://www. monroecounty-fl.gov/695/ BOCC-Meetings-Agendas. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s Office at 1111 12th Street, Suite 408, Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the January 28, 2026, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at: https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/89204098700, or Live Closed Captioning is available via the MCTV portal at https://cloud.castus. tv/ vod/monroe/video/ 60832c9dcf67bb 7ac0c21791? page=HOME&type=live. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-538-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ALTHEA L. MAUST, Deceased. NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION The administration of the Testate Estate of ALTHEA L. MAUST, deceased, July 22, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The file number for the estate is 25-CP-538-K. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent's will is July 21, 2025. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All interested persons, including JODY BARTLETT, are required to file with the court WITHIN THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE: (1) all claims against the estate and (2) any objections by an interested person on whom this notice was served that challenges the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue or jurisdiction of the court. ALL CLAIMS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: January 15, 2026. Personal Representative: Brandie Jean Adamson c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304 Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Email designation for service: Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com Telephone: (305) 292-3926 Fax: (305) 295-7947 Publish: January 15, 22 & 29 and February 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-563-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JEROME L. BAKER, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JEROME L. BAKER, deceased, whose date of death was June 27, 2025, File Number 25-CP-563-P is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice has been served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000167-K IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY ANN CAUSLEY Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of MARY ANN CAUSLEY, deceased, File Number 25-CP-000167-K; by the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040; that the decedent’s date of death was October 22, 2024; and that the total value of the estate is $16,928.36, and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Name/Address ANNETTE RIECK, Trustee of the SECOND RESTATEMENT OF THE MARY ANN CAUSLEY LIVING TRUST u/t/d April 26, 2022 4251 Manke Rd, Fairgrove, MI 48733 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, 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 January 8, 2026. Attorney for Person Giving Notice: KATALINA PENARANDA, ESQ. Attorney for Petitioner Florida Bar No. 29396 BOHATCH & PENARANDA, P.L.L.C. 7301 SW 57th Court, Suite 560 South Miami, FL 33143 Tel: (305) 666-1040 Person Giving Notice: ANNETTE RIECK 4251 Manke Rd Fairgrove, MI 48733 Publish: January 8 & 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000524-K DIVISION: KEY WEST IN RE: ESTATE OF STEVEN EBERSOHN Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of STEVEN EBERSOHN, deceased, whose date of death was October 8, 2025, is pending in the circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 302 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and

JANUARY 15, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is 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. A 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 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. 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 OF MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is January 8, 2026. Personal Representative: BELINDA MURRAY 1911 Harbour Inlet Dr. Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33316 Attorney for Personal Representative: MICHAEL D. WILD Florida Bar Number: 28643 10360 West State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324 Telephone: (954) 944-2855 Fax: (954) 653-2917 E-Mail: mwild@wfplaw.com Secondary E-Mail: msegall@ wfplaw.com Publish: Jannuary 8 & 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative or curator 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. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor or a beneficiary as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 8, 2026. Personal Representative: James H. Nygren 30 Pine Ledge Drive Scarborough, ME 04074 Attorneys for Personal Representative: Jeffrey S. Goethe Florida Bar No. 0861420 Email: jgoethe@barneswalker. com Secondary Email: amonroe@ barneswalker.com Caroline M. Tschida Florida Bar No. 1064556 Email: ctschida@barneswalker. com BARNES WALKER, GOETHE, PERRON, SHEA @JOHNSON, PLLC 3119 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 Telephone: (941) 741-8224 Publish: January 8 & 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated: January 8, 2026 Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Leslie Rodriguez Deputy Clerk Publish: January 15, 22 & 29 and February 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

Administration Rule 2.540 Notices to Persons With Disabilities If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, ADA Coordinator, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. SPANISH: Si usted es una persona discapacitada que necesita alguna adaptación para poder participar de este procedimiento o evento; usted tiene derecho, sin costo alguno a que se le provea cierta ayuda. Favor de comunicarse con Cheryl Alfonso, Coordinadora de A.D.A Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 por lo menos 7 días antes de que tenga que comparecer en corte o inmediatamente después de haber recibido ésta notificación si es que falta menos de 7 días para su comparecencia. Si tiene una discapacidad auditiva ó de habla, llame al 711. KREYOL: Si ou se yon moun ki kokobé ki bezwen asistans ou aparêy pou ou ka patisipé nan prosedu sa-a, ou gen dwa san ou pa bezwen péyé anyen pou ou jwen on seri de èd. Tanpri kontakté Cheryl Alfonso, Co-ordinator ADA, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652O'mwen 7 jou avan ke ou gen pou-ou parèt nan tribunal, ou imediatman ke ou resevwa avis sa-a ou si lè ke ou gen pou-ou alé nan tribunal-la mwens ke 7 jou; Si ou pa ka tandé ou palé byen, rélé 711. Kevin Madok, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk of Court Publish: January 15 & 22, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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

Boat rental company in Marathon looking for help with boat detailing & boat cleaning. Call 305-481-7006

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, 9:30am-7pm 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.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2025-CP-000404-K IN RE: ESTATE OF MARGARET A. NYGREN Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MARGARET A. NYGREN, deceased, whose date of death was May 10, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the street 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-1129-M ANJA MANIKA NATASHA BOWERS SANCHEZ, Petitioner, and ANGEL SANCHEZ, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ANGEL SANCHEZ RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 13370 SW 251ST TERRACE, APT. 1, HOMESTEAD, FL 33032 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 ANJA MANIKA NATASHA BOWERS SANCHEZ , whose address is 68500 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, LONG KEY, FL 33001 on or before FEBRUARY 14, 2026, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON, FL 33050 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION Case#: 2012-CA-000363-K Federal National Mortgage Association Plaintiff, -vs.Joseph Patrick Clements a/k/a Joseph P. Clements and Debra Lynn Clements a/k/a Debra L. Clements a/k/a Debbie L. Clements; Branch Banking and Trust Company, Successor by Merger to Republic Bank; Iberiabank; Unknown Parties in Possession #1, If living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as Spouse, Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, or Other Claimants; Unknown Parties in Possession #2, If living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as Spouse, Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, or Other Claimants Defendant(s). NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to order rescheduling foreclosure sale or Final Judgment, entered in Civil Case No. 2012-CA000363-K of the Circuit Court of the 16th Judicial Circuit in and for Monroe County, Florida, wherein Federal National Mortgage Association, Plaintiff and Joseph Patrick Clements a/k/a Joseph P. Clements and Debra Lynn Clements a/k/a Debra L. Clements a/k/a Debbie L. Clements are defendant(s), I, Clerk of Court, Kevin Madok,CPA, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash AT THE MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, AT 11:00 A.M. on January 29, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to-wit: LOT 23, BLOCK 2, AMENDED PLAT OF COPPITT SUBDIVISION, (A RESUBDIVISION OF PLAT BOOK 3, AT PAGE 116) LOCATED IN GOVERNMENT LOT 5, SECTION 27, TOWNSHIP 67 S., RANGE 26 E., BIG COPPITT KEY, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 4, AT PAGE 50, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA. ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS UNCLAIMED. Florida Rules of Judicial

BOATS FOR SALE

24' Deep V Wellcraft, newer Yamaha 150hp, T-top, Garmin GPS, SS prop, extra prop, windless anchor & trailer. Located in Marathon. $15,5000 Call 850-376-7137 PLACE YOUR BOAT FOR SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweek ly.com BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Boat Dockage/ Storage/Parking available in Marathon. Gated, private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002 Dockage up to 60’ Islamorada - Bayside, 50 amp service. Call 860-982-4517 Boat Slip For Rent in Key Largo - Oceanfront Marina - Up to 46’ x 11.5’ - $20/ft/month. No Liveaboards. 330-219-5313 RENTED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!! PLACE YOUR BOAT SLIP FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweek ly.com EMPLOYMENT

Fullers Insurance is looking for a Customer Service Rep. or Agent. Hours are 8-5 MonFri. Paid holidays and health insurance. Apply in person at 1432 Kennedy Dr. Key West or email resumé to norman@ fullersinsurance.com.

Now Hiring in Key West: Vacation Sales Coordinators. Up to $2,000 Sign-On Bonus. Please contact Brea.Rollins-Simms@ vacationclub.com for more information! The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Grounds Caretaker, Full-time Carpenter, Electrician & Housing Assistant. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: greenel@kwha. org or 305-296-5621 ext. 225. 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. Experienced Fulltime Line Cook needed at the Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club. 10AM - 5PM, Good Pay. Small friendly staff. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweek ly.com HOBBIES/COLLECT.

P R I V A T E C O L L E C T O R WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578 HOUSING FOR RENT

Key Largo6 months+ canal front rental on Blackwater Sound. 40' dockage, 1 BR/1 BA Trailer with 1,000 sq. ft. living area. $2,300/mo. 904-2379090 or 904-338-1207 3BR/2.5BA unfurn. Townhouse (Sister's Creek) for rent in Marathon. $3,000/ mo. 618-559-9143

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JANUARY 15, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 HOUSING FOR RENT

VACATION RENTAL

YARD SALES

Furnished Studio AND 2 Bedroom unfurnished, all new for rent in Marathon. On the water, gated property. Section 8 possible. $1,300 $2,000 month. Call 305-610-8002

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

PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweek ly.com

PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweek ly.com

NOW HIRING IN KEY WEST

VACATION SALES COORDINATORS UP TO $2,000 SIGN-ON BONUS! Please contact Brea.Rollins-Simms@vacationclub.com for more information!

BRANCH OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

WE ARE HIRING Skilled Cake Decorator Cashier/Barista/Server Apply in person at: Vicky Bakery 97630 Overseas Highway (mm 97) Key Largo, FL 33037 KeyLargo@VickyBakery.com

Burton Memorial United Methodist Church

Edward Jones is a financial services firm focused on meeting the needs of individual investors. Our Marathon branch office has an opening for an entry-level administrative assistant. Excellent organization, communication skills, and the ability to work independently are required to perform Administrative, marketing, and client service responsibilities. We offer competitive benefits and a comprehensive on-line training program. To be considered for this position apply online at: careers.edwardjones.com Job #106443BR Marathon, FL Location. Edward Jones does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Work with the BEST

Voted BEST BANK 2014 - 2025

Key West Customer Service Representative

Big Pine

HIRING CHURCH SECRETARY This position is ideal for someone who enjoys serving others, maintains strong attention to detail, and can manage a variety of administrative tasks with professionalism and grace. - Strong communication & interpersonal skills - Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks independently - Proficiency with basic office software (Word, Excel, Email) - Prior office or administrative experience preferred - Handling confidential information with integrity Part-time, 3-4 days per week, $20 per hour If you feel called to serve in this role, please contact burtonchurchpersonnel@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you!

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician) Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hr. - $51.94/hr. 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.

OPERATOR/MAINTAINER

Apply Online @ KeysBank.com/Careers

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $40.15/hr - $44.97/hr

FIRSr# srATE

MNK

KeysBank.com

IN THE UPPER KEYS

PERMIT CLERK Must have experience with Excel. We are willing to train the right candidates.

Send resume to admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call 305-852-3002

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Generation Department:

Full Time Teller

IS HIRING

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.

SUNSET GRILLE NOW HIRING BARTENDERS WAIT STAFF - HOST/HOSTESS BUS PERSONS Apply in person at

SUNSET GRILLE & RAW BAR 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

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

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

JANUARY 15, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of “Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING!

JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS! We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.

KEY LARGO

Lead Certified Recovery Peer Support Specialist Behavioral Health Counselor (CAT) Prevention Specialist Case Manager (Adult)

KEY WEST

Case Manager (Children) Mental Health Technician (PT or FT) Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult, Children) Crisis Counselor Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Prevention Specialist

MARATHON

Mental Health Technician Peer Support Specialist Driver (CDL required) HR Assistant/Recruiter Registered Nurse (FT, PT) *Support Worker (Assisted Living) (PT) *Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 Shifts (PT) *No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary. Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!! Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip

SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!

NOW HIRING! GUEST SERVICES STAFF (Full-Time, Permanent) GUEST SERVICES STAFF (Part-Time, Weekend) FACILITIES MAINTENANCE APPRENTICE (Full-Time, Permanent) DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals. DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program, in addition to, life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. EOE

COME JOIN THE FAMILY!

Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL

OPENINGS AVAILABLE PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant Ortho, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus - Patient Access Associates, $5k Bonus

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST - Pool Radiation Therapist - Registered Nurse, Oncology, $15k Bonus

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Administrative Assistant - Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus - Cook, Dietary, $5k Bonus - Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT Scan, $50k Bonus - Mechanic, FT, 7A-3:30P - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (Mammo & X Ray), Radiology, $50k Bonus - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, MRI, $50k Bonus - Physical Therapist, $25k Bonus - Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem - Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem - Pool Medical Technologist - Pool Pharmacy Tech - Pool Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, PT - Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator, 7P-7A - Inventory Control Administrator, Keys/Marathon Supply Chain - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (MRI & X Ray), Radiology, $50k Bonus - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $50K Bonus - Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care, Per Diem, 7P-7:30A - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care, Part Time, 7P-7:30A - Registered Respiratory Therapist, PT, $12,500 Bonus - RRT 2, Respiratory Therapy, Per Diem - Security Officer, FT, 7A-7:30P - Security Officer, Per Diem All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. *Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net

THEME: THE GRAMMYS ACROSS 1. Inundated 6. Word before humbug 9. Jim Carrey’s 1994 disguise 13. Rough, as in voice 14. Kimono sash 15. Misrepresent 16. Do like ivy 17. Go for the bronze? 18. Poem of lament 19. *Grammy nominee Bad Bunny’s first language 21. *KPop Demon Hunters’ nominated song 23. Sought at crime scene 24. Lord’s worker 25. Rob Manfred’s org. 28. Jab, in speech 30. *____.com Arena 35. Rowboat engine, pl. 37. ____ gum, ingredient 39. Cowboy’s cry of joy 40. Big attraction 41. Spring holiday honoree 43. Live bait 44. Daytime moth 46. Puerto follower 47. Finger move 48. Colonnade 50. Invitation letters 52. “Zip it!” 53. Trash bag brand 55. Polar helper 57. *Lady Gaga’s nominated album 60. *Tyler of CHROMAKOPIA, with The 64. Prejudiced one 65. Busy one 67. Do penance 68. Approves 69. Make a mistake 70. Sans-____ font 71. “I, Claudius” role 72. Jack and Jill did this 73. Changes to a manuscript

DOWN 1. Parentheses, e.g. 2. “Star Trek” speed 3. Away from port 4. Not be frugal 5. What TikTokers are often doing 6. This and that 7. Legal grp. 8. Door holder 9. Mix together 10. Away from wind 11. Leo or Libra, e.g. 12. *Wonder’s “Songs in the ____ of Life,” Album of Year (1977) 15. Where bats are? 20. Eurasian goat-like antelope 22. Middle-earth dweller 24. Pelican or albatross, e.g. 25. Person in an ad 26. One of Florida Keys 27. Health food pioneer of liquid aminos fame 29. *Nominated “Drop Dead Years” comedian Bill ____ 31. Swerves 32. Sound units 33. Synagogue scroll 34. Zing or pizzazz 36. *Justin Bieber’s nominated song 38. Fabled fliers 42. Red one, send somebody over! 45. Unalienable ones are in the Declaration of Independence 49. Draft pick 51. Give satisfaction 54. Spot for prehistoric fly 56. Doomed 57. *MCA, Ad-Rock and ____ D, Grammy-winning Beastie Boys 58. Culture-growing turf 59. Walk-the-dog toy 60. What concerning and discernable have in common 61. *Nine-time Grammy-nominated Amos 62. Fonzie’s comeback: “Sit ____ ____” 63. Whistle blowers 64. *____ Iver of SABLE, fABLE fame 66. Historical period