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9,970
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma’s crew offloaded some 9,970 pounds of cocaine — worth $73.7 million — at Port Everglades on July 29. The seized contraband was the result of an interdiction on June 24, about 120 miles northwest of Ecuador by the crew of the Tahoma.
An estimated 300 people pack the intersection of Duval and Petronia streets on July 26 to rally for Key West’s rainbow crosswalk, which could be targeted for removal by a new state law. See page 16.
Murder trial for shooting death of Garrett Hughes scheduled for Oct. 6
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
An appeals court has denied Preston Brewer’s self-defense claim in the February 2023 shooting death of Garrett Hughes at the former Conch Town bar and liquor store in Key West.
The May 16 refusal by the Third District Court of Appeal to hear oral arguments pertaining to Brewer’s selfdefense claim means Brewer’s murder trial will proceed and is currently scheduled to begin Oct. 6 in Judge Mark Jones’ Key West courtroom. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 4 at 9 a.m.
Brewer’s attorney, Jerome Ballarotto, had sought in December 2024 to have Jones dismiss Brewer’s murder charge, based on Florida’s Stand Your Ground law that allows people to use deadly force in self-defense without retreating if they are in a place they have a right to be and are not engaged in criminal activity. The defense only applies if the person reasonably believes they are threatened with imminent death or great bodily harm, and it only applies to people who are not the aggressor.
Jones denied the self-defense claim in February 2025, having listened to arguments from Brewer’s attorney and state prosecutors. Jones determined that Brewer, now 59, was the aggressor, writing in his five-page order, “It is clear to the court that the defendant, Lloyd P. Brewer III, instigated his deadly confrontation with Garrett Hughes.”
In his order, Jones summarizes 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 had owned the building that housed the bar business and the parking lot where the shooting occurred, but did not own the tenant business.
The judge wrote that 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.
“Unfortunately, at the time, both men were intoxicated,” Jones wrote. “Without a doubt, their respective states of intoxication contributed greatly to the catastrophic decision-
making that ultimately brought about Mr. Hughes’ death and Mr. Brewer’s prosecution.”
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.”
Jones wrote that Hughes should have listened to Brewer and to his own friends and simply left the property to end the situation.
“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.
• Jones concludes his order by writing, “(S)ome points merit repetition and elaboration as follows:
• “The defendant was armed with a loaded handgun;
• “The defendant shot a half-naked, drunken, unarmed man;
• “The court found no persuasive evidence that Garrett Hughes used or threatened to use a broken beer bottle or anything else as a weapon;
continued on page 6
Key West native Garrett Hughes was 21 at the time of his death on Feb. 13, 2023. CONTRIBUTED
Preston Brewer. MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Contributed
• “The defendant had ample time to assess the situation and withdraw therefrom before Mr. Hughes, who the defendant had cornered, felt compelled to take desperate measures to defend himself;
• “Garrett Hughes only had his arms, legs, hands and feet to protect himself from the defendant;
• “The defendant emerged from the altercation virtually unscathed;
• “The defendant did not have a reasonable belief that he was facing imminent death, great bodily harm, or the commission of a forcible felony.”
Brewer remains in jail despite $3M bond
Preston Brewer, whose full name is Lloyd Preston Brewer III, has been in jail on Stock Island since the night of the shooting, despite Jones’ order in March granting him a $3 million bond that would allow him to await trial outside of jail.
As of July 29, Brewer had not posted the amount needed for the bond and remains in jail.
In addition to the $3 million monetary bond, Brewer would have to remain confined to his home on Key Haven and subject to constant GPS monitoring, according to Jones’ bond ruling.
“The defendant is allowed travel in and around Monroe County, Florida, for ‘life essential’ errands, not to exceed travel beyond the northeast boundary of mile marker 106,” the order states. “‘Life essential’ purposes may include visits with defense attorneys, legitimate work purposes, church, doctor appointments, and emergency medical needs, or other matters pre-approved by pre-trial services.”
Brewer must also relinquish his passport and all firearms, including spear guns, and is prohibited from using the boat he owns. He is prohibited from using drugs or alcohol and will submit to a minimum of three random urinalysis tests per month, the order states.
The judge also ruled that Brewer may have no contact with Hughes’ family, the witnesses in the case, the former owner of Conch Town, or three of his business and financial associates unless legal counsel is present.
‘JUST A FEW FRIENDS’ SALUTES JIMMY BUFFETT IN KEY WEST
Labor Day Weekend tribute features music & experiences
Fans of the late singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett can celebrate his legacy over Labor Day Weekend in Key West, his former home and the island that inspired his most enduring songs, during the Just a Few Friends festival. Set for Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, the gathering is part memorial, part music festival and a unique opportunity to experience the place where Buffett developed his famed “trop-rock” sound.
The gathering offers attendees a chance to walk the same streets Buffett sang about, visit the bars and marinas where his stories began, and hear the musicians who knew him best perform in intimate settings.
“This is about more than music,” said co-organizer Paul Menta. “We honor Jimmy’s memory by immersing people in the island he loved — the people, the history, the sunsets, the flavors. It’s a celebration of the way of life he enjoyed here and made his own.”
The heart of the weekend is Sunday’s Second Line Memorial Parade, a jubilant procession that winds down Key West’s Duval Street and ends at Truman Waterfront Park. There, the free “Party in the Park” concert will carry the tribute past sunset with Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band, vocalist Nadirah Shakoor from Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, and a stage full of his musical friends.
Concerts also are scheduled starring former Coral Reefer guitarist Roger Bartlett & the Nautical Wheelers on Saturday evening, and Buffett’s “Bubbles Up” co-writer Will Kimbrough Monday night. Both take place at the Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier overlooking Key West Harbor.
Beyond music, the festival weaves in experiences that could only happen in Key West. Among them: Scott Atwell will reveal the true story behind the colorful life of Phil Clark, the subject of Buffett’s classic song “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” in a panel discussion that debuts his book “Buffett Backstories: The Pirate Edition.”
Sailing adventures on schooners, catamarans and floating tiki boats offer a taste of the island from the water, while guided walking and trolley
Fans of the late Jimmy Buffett parade along Duval Street during the 2024 Just a Few Friends festival celebrating the famed singer-songwriter’s life. The 2025 festival is set for Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 29 through Sept. 1 in Key West, Buffett’s home during some of his most productive years and the subject of many of his enduring songs. JUST A FEW FRIENDS/Contributed
tours spotlight Buffett’s favorite places in Key West.
Festival attendees can also enjoy book signings, brunches, a 5k race, pool parties, a waterfront cleanup and even a mustache look-alike contest at the Chart Room Bar where Buffett hung out and Clark poured drinks. Two ticketed highlights round out the weekend. Friday’s Cheeseburger on the Beach Contest at Southernmost Beach Resort pairs delicious competition with live music from the Margaritas in Paradise tribute band. Saturday’s Milagro Margarita Bar Stroll is a lively tasting tour where 22 bars compete for the title of Key West’s Best Margarita.
While the festival typically draws visitors from across the country, its heart remains local. Proceeds from collectible Event Badges directly benefit three Key West organizations: Reef Relief, the Bahama Village Music Program, and the Key West High School Marching Band. Last year the badges raised more than $34,000, with every dollar going back into the community. For Buffett fans who want to do more than listen, Just a Few Friends offers the chance to become immersed in the island that gave birth to a state of mind. Details, badges and ticket information are at www.justafewfriendskeywest.com.
The events are not affiliated with or endorsed by Buffett’s estate or Margaritaville Enterprises.
— Contributed
RECALL EFFORT FOR CITY COMMISSIONER MOVES AHEAD
Elections office is reviewing signatures from 327 District 4 voters
mandy@keysweekly.com
More than 300 voters in Key West’s District IV signed a petition to recall their elected city commissioner, Lissette Carey, in light of a corruption investigation, indictments and arrests at city hall and a grand jury recommendation that Carey resign.
Carey has not been criminally charged with any wrongdoing, but the grand jury report states that “her testimony to investigators … revealed that she allowed former Key West city attorney Ron Ramsingh to intimidate and coerce her into removing a report from a city commission agenda that could have been damaging to her family so it would not be discussed publicly.
“Yet, she still failed to read the report to gain her own understanding of the impact to family, but more importantly, her constituents’, the grand jury report states. “Whether it is a lack of understanding the role, duties and responsibilities the position of a city commissioner entails, she has not demonstrated the wherewithal and convictions needed to serve in this capacity.”
Carey has declined to resign and has instead said she will wait for the democratic process of a potential recall election to play out.
The first step of that recall process is completed.
Community organizer and District IV resident Aaron “Jim” Strebeck on July 23 delivered 327 signed petitions in support of a recall election to the Key West city clerk’s office. The clerk delivered those petitions to the supervisor of elections office the next day.
The petition states: “Lissette Carey should be recalled from the office of District IV City Commissioner for committing misfeasance, malfeasance, incompetence
and neglect of duty as a commissioner. Lissette Carey’s persistent failures in judgment and responsibility, documented by the final report of the Monroe County Grand Jury, are clear grounds for recall. … We agree with the jurors that Carey’s actions and inactions evidence incompetence and neglect of her duties, poor decision-making, and inability to serve as Commissioner. We also agree Carey lacks the convictions needed to fulfill her official duties. … Carey has not challenged the Grand Jury’s findings, but has refused to resign. In her official capacity as Commissioner, Carey has distorted facts, misinformed the public, and insulted key community partners, damaging the City’s ability to serve its citizens. The public trust is further damaged with each day Carey remains in office. We, Carey’s constituents in District IV, find she wrongfully exercises the power of her office. These transgressions establish grounds for Carey to be RECALLED from office.”
Strebeck and others supporting the recall effort had 30 days to gather signatures of support from 10% of voters in District IV, or 273 signatures. They collected 327, “making sure to exceed that minimum so that even if the Supervisor of Elections does exclude some, we’ll still meet our 10% very comfortably,” Strebeck told the Keys Weekly this week.
After the elections supervisor has verified at least 273 petitions, it will be delivered to Carey, who will have five days to issue an official defense to the charges made in the petition, Strebeck said.
“After the five days are up, we go back out to collect petitions again, but this time we have 60 days to collect petitions from 15%, or approximately 420, registered District 4 voters. Then it goes back to the city clerk and supervisor of elections again for certification,” he said.
“When we reach our 15%, a judge sets a date for a recall election, which is a straight up or down vote on whether or not Commissioner Carey should be removed from office.
“So far the response has been very positive. Most people have been following the news out of city hall and the indictments and they are really ready to get the city past it all and start to restore some measure of trust in our city government,” he said, adding, “Technically, the law gives the supervisor of elections 30 days to certify the petitions, but obviously they could be done much sooner.”
Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies confirmed to the Keys Weekly on July 30 that she had received the 327 signed petitions.
“We are currently in the verification process of ensuring that the signed voters are in District 4, comparing their signatures to their voter registration records and checking the dates,” Hodies said.
Once the signatures are verified, she will submit a report to the city clerk and the second stage of signature gathering can begin.
In a letter to the state attorney’s office in response to the grand jury report, Carey wrote, “I respectfully disagree with the statement in the grand jury report. … I have a thorough understanding of the role of a city commissioner, having served the City of Key West as the assistant to the mayor and commissioners for five years, and subsequently as senior deputy clerk for three years. I take my responsibilities seriously and invest significant time in researching matters that come before the commission. … I believe it is unjust to characterize this single instance as reflective of my overall performance or commitment to my duties. … I remain committed to serving the people of District IV with integrity, dedication and transparency.”
Key West City Commissioner Lissette Carey represents District IV, where some voters are leading an effort to recall her. CONTRIBUTED
MANDY MILES
FRANK DERFLER
SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSES MORE SPENDING
Lunch prices to see increase
More spending is proposed for the Monroe County School District heading into the 2025-26 year.
Last year’s proposed local school tax levy for the county was $162,097,294. This year’s is $174,035,881. The spending difference is in capital projects. The capital outlay millage of .6 mils will generate $34,015,836 for new construction, ADA compliance, safety and security, renovation and repair, two new school buses and maintenance vehicles.
The total proposed local school board millage rate for 2025-26 is 2.9470. This is an increase of .1 mills over the 2024-2025 millage rate of 2.8470. One mill represents $1 in taxes for every $1,000 of assessed property value.
In rough terms, without accounting for exemptions, that means an increase of $36.50 for every $500,000 of assessed property value. The total 2025-26 bill would be $1,473.50 for every $500,000 of assessed property value without counting on exemptions.
Charlene White, school district finance director, asked the school board at its July 22 meeting to approve the placement of advertisements informing the public of the proposed millage rates for 2025-26. The Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices sent out by the property appraiser’s office every year show another line item for state schools. Only a small percentage of the state school tax money comes back to Monroe County.
A decision on the proposed tax increase and school budget was set for a July 29 public hearing at the Key West City Hall. Another budget workshop will be held at Coral Shores High School on Aug. 19. A final budget hearing is scheduled for the Sept. 9 meeting at Marathon High School.
In other matters, the board spent a good deal of time examining the conceptual design for the Reynolds School renovation project in Key West. This is part of a plan that allows the district to vacate the administrative headquarters at Trumbo Point so the site can become affordable workforce housing. Through a publicprivate partnership, the district will develop 150 affordable housing units at its Trumbo Road property at no cost to taxpayers.
During the review, board members commented on details including the size of offices and the location of facilities. There was a general concern about respecting the building architecture and maintaining an open building facade. Board member Sue Woltanski asked particularly about fencing in the front of the building. Reynolds school is included in the Key West historic registry and board members are cautious about respecting the integrity of the original 1927 architecture.
Pat Lefere, executive director of operations and planning for the school district, briefly reviewed the status of the planned upgrades to the ballfield at Founders Park in Islamorada for the use of the Coral Shores High School baseball program. Planning staff from the school board and the village are moving forward with proposals and statements of need.
School board chair Mindy Conn raised the idea of using a food concession truck instead of investing in a brick-and-mortar concession stand for Coral Shores. She suggested the truck would provide flexibility to serve other sports at the school. Lefere replied that planners at the village liked the idea of having a concession stand available for the other events at the park, but he will provide a report on the comparative costs.
Lefere also reported on the costs and fees for the paid school lunch program. In the coming school year, the price of lunch in primary school will go up by 55 cents to $3.30. Lunch in high school will rise by 40 cents to $3.50. Lunch for adults will rise by a dollar to reach $5. There will be similar increase in the 2026-27 school year with an annual rise of 10 cents in following years.
The school board members discussed the problem of students building up debt and owing the district for unpaid lunches. Board member John Dick noted that the lunch debt is a longstanding problem. Conn asked Lefere to provide more information on the size of the debt.
Students at CFK get hands-on training. CFK/Contributed
SCHOLARSHIPS GIVE MIDDLE AND UPPER KEYS STUDENTS
REAL-WORLD SKILLS
Workforce program makes career studies free
Recent high school graduates in the Middle and Upper Keys can attend college free through the new NextGen Opportunity Workforce (NOW) scholarship, which covers tuition, fees, books and more.
The NOW scholarship at the College of the Florida Keys removes financial barriers for students enrolled in career programs and who plan to build their careers in the Keys.
The NOW scholarship:
• Covers 100% of educational costs.
• Is open to students who may not qualify for other scholarships.
• Allows students to choose from dozens of career tracks.
• Requires that students commit to working in the Keys after graduation.
The scholarship supports programs that train students for in-demand local jobs, from nursing and marine technology to hospitality management and skilled trades like welding and electrical work.
To qualify, students must be a 2025 graduate of Marathon High School, Coral Shores High School, or homeschooled in the Middle or Upper Keys; enroll at CFK for the fall 2025 semester (deadline to ap-
ply for admission to CFK is Friday, Aug. 1); show a commitment to live and work in the Keys longterm.
“What’s especially great about the NOW scholarship is how many program options are available,” said Marissa Owens, CFK manager of recruitment. “There are dozens to choose from, ranging from twoyear degrees in nursing, criminal justice and renewable energy to certificates in diving, culinary arts and emergency medical services.”
The NOW scholarships, designed to invest in students dedicated to strengthening the future of Monroe County, are made possible through the generous support of Ed Hajim and Paul Ferri.
The scholarship application, due by Aug. 10, includes one essay question: “What are your career goals and how do you plan to make an impact in the Florida Keys?” Students have up to 500 words to share their thoughts and vision.
More information is at cfk. edu/discover/cfk-foundation/scholarship-info/.
Assistance with the CFK admissions application is available from Owens at recruiter@ cfk.edu. Information about the NOW scholarship is available from Shania Duarte-Vera, CFK coordinator, alumni and donor relations, at shania.duartevera@cfk.edu.
Contributed
JOE AND THE PEPPER PEOPLE
KEY WEST BACK IN THE DAY
More than 40 years ago, my father Joe and my then-boyfriend revolutionized the Key West dining scene. This was not a good thing; some locals still blame them for unfortunate culinary addictions and ongoing digestive distress.
That’s because Joe and my boyfriend (to protect the guilty, let’s call him Ed) introduced my unsuspecting island friends to the spiciest hot peppers they had ever tasted. Except for his passion for peppers, I adored my father. A retired advertising writer, he was quirky, unconventional, creative and deeply interested in what made people tick.
has lived in Key West for 40-plus years, witnessing and writing about the island’s renegade past, shipwreck salvage adventures and colorful presentday characters.
During his first visit to Key West in the early 1980s, when the island was still a haven for fishermen and hobbyist marijuana smugglers, he was enthralled by its endof-the-world atmosphere and eccentric characters.
The overall effect was too heady to resist. Almost immediately he and my mother sold their Arizona home and settled into a small Key West cottage. Within weeks, Joe knew the neighborhood dogs by name and was immersed in researching the Keys’ seafaring history.
Research on another topic inspired him to launch an organization whose name still strikes fear into the hearts of Key West gourmets: the Southernmost Pepper People Society.
My father had been an aficionado of spicy foods for most of his adult life. During a foray to St. Augustine, he discovered one of the spiciest — the datil pepper.
“I ate one and damn near died,” he later told me proudly, as though that was a positive recommendation.
His rampant curiosity led him to discover that datils were supposedly brought to the U.S. from Minorca and were virtually unknown outside the St. Augustine area. Before long, he had introduced them to Key West.
Joe earned a reputation for growing datils in the island’s hot climate. But it wasn’t until he became the “head pod” of the Southernmost Pepper People Society that he gained lasting infamy.
The society was a loose-knit organization of mostly male pepperheads who met periodically for dinner and copious quantities of alcohol. Each member prepared and brought one or more dishes to the gatherings — apparently with the goal of serving something too hot for fellow members to eat.
My boyfriend Ed was Joe’s enthusiastic accomplice in society matters, and most dinners were held at our shabby house in Old Town. Ed had his own pepper addiction: the terrifyingly hot pili-pili, an African variety whose name (in at least one language) can be loosely translated as “male organ.”
My mother and I were dragooned into chairing the Pepper People ladies’ auxiliary, known as the Hot Flashes. Other regular society members included songstress Vicki Roush, builder Terry Brown, radio personality Jerry Reed, and a guy known only as Tom the Bomb Maker — plus an ever-changing cast of visiting and local denizens drawn by the lurid tales that emerged about dinners and their after-effects.
Not for the faint of heart (or digestive system), this small, self-penned cookbook was the ‘head pod’s’ culinary bible. CONTRIBUTED
While I can’t attribute it to the society, spicy food had a huge spike in popularity around that time. Some years later, island residents Tom Luna and Michael Fatica even opened a shop called Peppers of Key West, featuring what may have been the world’s first hot-sauce tasting bar.
A paradise for pepperheads, the emporium offered hundreds of sauces that ranged from mild to shockingly spicy. A few were rated too dangerous for the tasting bar, but patrons who brought beer were sometimes allowed to sample secret blends or those in development.
Today the Southernmost Pepper People Society is (perhaps mercifully) no longer operational. Peppers of Key West closed its Key West store, and Joe and Ed are concocting hellishly hot dishes in a heavenly realm. But preserved in my keepsakes, I still have my father’s self-penned cookbook – filled with hot-to-the-max recipes that feature (what else?) his beloved datils.
CAROL SHAUGHNESSY
This smiling writer is still remembered in Key West as the ‘head pod’ of the Southernmost Pepper People Society. CONTRIBUTED
KEY WEST RALLIES FOR ITS RAINBOW CROSSWALK
Supporters show true colors while officials prepare to oppose state ban
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
Hundreds of Key West residents took to the streets on July 26 to show their support for the city’s rainbow crosswalk, which is being targeted by a new state transportation law banning “non-compliant” pavement markings.
Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez and Commissioners Sam Kaufman, Donie Lee and Monica Haskell joined the “Rainbow Rally” event and are seeking ways to protect the pride-striped crosswalk that has marked the intersection of Duval and Petronia streets since 2015. The city commission will discuss the topic at its Aug. 6 meeting.
The new state law, citing a need for “uniform signals and traffic devices” to ensure driver and pedestrian safety, went into effect June 30 and requires all signs and pavement markings to comply with the Florida Department of Transportation Design Manual.
“Examples of non-compliant surface pavement would include any pavement markings … associated with social, political or ideological messages or images and does not serve the purpose of traffic control,” states a June 30 memo from the FDOT.
While state officials claim safety concerns are the basis for the directive, others say it targets the LGBT community, restricts home rule and cities’ rights to govern themselves and improperly threatens to withhold state funding from any city that refuses to comply.
“This new law appears to use public safety as a way to target LGBTQ pride and I certainly don’t agree with that,” commissioner Donie Lee said on July 18.
“Failure to remove non-compliant … pavement markings shall be cause for withholding of state funds,” the memo states. “Permission to allow non-compliant traffic control devices or pavement markings to remain may be granted at the department’s discretion, if the public agency is able to demonstrate good cause for doing so.”
Mayor Henriquez points to the “permission” part of the memo as the potential savior for Key West’s crosswalk. She told the Keys Weekly on July 29 that she has met with the city attorney and other staff to gather evidence and information to present to the state if the crosswalk is targeted for removal. Henriquez has also asked city staff to calculate how much state
Commissioner Monica Haskell, resident Elle Taylor, Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez, commissioner Sam Kaufman and commissioner Donie Lee join the Rainbow Rally event on July 26 to support the pride-striped crosswalk. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
transportation funding could be at risk, and whether the city could afford to forfeit those funds and cover the loss with another source of funding.
“We’re compiling all the information we can, including the number of traffic accidents or incidents that have occurred at that intersection, compared to other intersections in town, and we’ll make the state aware of the intersection’s tourism marketing value as a photo spot,” Henriquez said.
At the Aug. 6 commission meeting, commissioner Sam Kaufman will introduce a resolution to protect the crosswalk.
“Whereas Key West has long been a proud destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, with an internationally recognized reputation for inclusion, celebration and community … generating millions in tourism revenue annually … and whereas, the removal of these crosswalks would send a damaging and misleading message to residents, visitors and businesses … and whereas the city commission affirms that local communities such as Key West must retain the right to express their identity, values and culture through reasonable and safe public design decisions, consistent with the principles of home rule and local self-governance under the Florida Constitution … the city commission seeks to explore all legal and administrative avenues to preserve the rainbow crosswalks.
“The city commission affirms its unwavering support for the continued presence of the rainbow crosswalks and directs staff to explore all reasonable options, legal or otherwise, for preserving them in their current location and form,” Kaufman’s resolution states.
Dr. Christina Smith DDS is now accepting new patients and is thrilled to be part of the 7-time Bubba Award-winning Doc Guzman’s o ce.
BUSTED WITH BUGS
Early harvests, undersized fish highlight pre-mini-season arrests
While the famed Florida lobster mini-season ran on July 30 and 31 this year, there were plenty of folks caught by Florida Keys law enforcement agencies in recent weeks getting a “head start” – and attempting to take undersized fish for good measure. All reports are allegations and individuals listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Florida’s lobster mini-season runs on July 30 and 31. After these dates, lobster harvest is CLOSED until the regular season begins on Wednesday, Aug. 6. For a full rundown of lobster rules, tips and tricks, scan the QR code to read the Keys Weekly’s OnBoard magazine
July 14
Islamorada Marine Deputy Jason Farr was on patrol on U.S. 1 near MM 78 around 9 a.m. when he issued mandatory notices to appear in court to Richard Allen Oberhaus, 51, and Jake Allan Sinkovic, 20, both of Saint Johns, Florida, for each possessing six outof-season lobster, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said.
July 24
Maria Eugenia Heiser, 49, of Naples, Florida, was given a mandatory notice to appear in court on July 24 for possessing a lobster out-of-season. Deputy Ross Hughes stopped a Dodge pickup truck in Key West for no taillights just after midnight. The lobster was subsequently found. Heiser stated she has been visiting Monroe County for 20 years to harvest lobster, authorities said.
The same day, Brian Rafael De La Torre Cartelle, 25, of St. Petersburg, Florida, was arrested for possessing seven undersized lobster, possession of five wrung tails on the water, possession of lobster during closed season, over-the-limit lobster and having no measuring device. Middle Keys Marine Deputy Willie Guerra was on patrol at the Long Key Bridge around 3:30 p.m. when he observed the suspect diving
with no dive flag. Eight lobsters total were found.
July 26
Juan Carlos Garcia-Martinez, 36, of Miami was arrested on Saturday for possessing nine out-of-season lobster (over the limit), including eight undersized lobster, nine wrung tails in the water and nine speared lobster, as well as a speared, undersized and out-ofseason snook. He was also charged for having no dive flag, measuring device, fishing license, lobster license or snook permit, and tampering with evidence. Middle Keys Marine Deputy Luis Guiardinu was on patrol near MM 60.5 just before 3 p.m. when he saw GarciaMartinez in the water without a dive flag and saw him spear a lobster. He was taken to jail.
July 27
Manuel Barral Panal, 36, and Pedro Sena, 36, both of Miami, were given citations on July 27 for possessing an undersized hogfish and mutton snapper. Islamorada Marine Deputy Nelson Sanchez was on patrol near MM 73 around 10 a.m. when he saw the men fishing and in possession of the illegal fish. Barral Panal stated he thought the fish were legal because they were “plate size — if they fit on a plate, then they should be good.”
In the Lower Keys, a 21-year-old Sebring, Florida man was arrested and charged with a litany of lobster-related violations off Cudjoe Key after he was found with 19 wrung tails. Ethan William Kline was charged with multiple counts of possession of out-of-season lobster, possession of over-the-limit lobster and possession of speared lobster, among other charges. The sheriff’s office was on patrol around 7 p.m. at the Bow Channel Bridge when Kline was observed with the wrung tails. He was taken to jail.
— Keys Weekly staff report
July
July
July
Water quality improvement projects, like this stormwater drainage system under construction in Marathon, have been funded for years by a $20 million annual allocation from the state. Local governments currently disagree over how future awards should be divided. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
STEWARDSHIP SQUABBLES
Unincorporated Monroe, Key West square off with smaller Keys cities over cash
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Since 2016, millions of state dollars from the Florida Keys Stewardship Act have funded crucial water quality improvement acts throughout the delicate island chain.
But as another $20 million is on the way from Florida’s 2025-26 state budget, Keys governments aren’t aligned on how to split it up.
In early years of the Stewardship Act, available funds were divided and distributed based on an interlocal agreement (ILA) among Keys governments, allowing each party access to greater proportions of funds at different times based on the progress of their individual wastewater projects.
From 2016 to 2024, funded initiatives ranged from canal backfilling and muck removal to upgrades of wastewater pumps and filters, stormwater injection wells, rehab of sewer lift stations and more.
But two years ago, as the original agreement expired, state officials directed Keys governments to apply for available funding through a portal managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), allowing for individual evaluation of the merits of each project.
That portal will continue for the $20 million in 2025-26 funds. But a new agreement proposed and approved in recent months by the cities of Marathon and Key Colony Beach, the Village of Islamorada, the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District proposes a different plan for the funding over the next five years – a dead-even split of 12.5% each among the signees, unincorporated Monroe County and the City of Key West.
The city of Layton, left out of the appropriations language for the 2025-26 funds, was also included in the draft agreement with an equal share.
“Each of the signatories to the ILA and this letter have multiple millions of water quality improvement projects. Each of us realizes that even a consistent annual $20 million in Stewardship funds won’t cover the costs of all our projects,” states a letter sent to the county and Key West by Key Colony Beach City Administrator John Bartus on July 23, along with the proposed agreement. “A fair and equitable distribution allows us all to come together and successfully lobby the Legislature to continue this amount of funding.”
But the county and Key West, the largest governments in the Keys, say they’re not on board with an even split.
In June, the six signees met to review a new agreement drafted by Marathon City Manager George Garrett, believing that a new ILA signed by all parties before June 30 would supplant the DEP portal process for the 2025-26 funds. Officials from the county and Key West did not take part in the meeting, with Monroe County Administrator Christine Hurley asking instead to delay the gathering until after the county’s budget process was finished in July.
Also in June, Hurley told the Weekly, a phone call with DEP deputy secretary Adam Blalock indicated the portal would be opened again for the 2025-26 funds in the absence of an approved ILA by June 30 – a conversation she relayed to Garrett as the new ILA was being reviewed in June.
With the state budget set to begin on July 1, Hurley said, approving a new agreement was an unnecessary rush – especially as the governing boards of some signees didn’t approve the new draft until their July meetings.
On June 29, an email sent by Hurley to all eight proposed stakeholders outlined two new propositions to distribute the funding, based on either each jurisdiction’s population or the cost of projects needed by each city, provided in meetings for the federally-backed Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program (FKWQIP).
The population-based plan would see Key West and unincorporated Monroe receive $6.4 million each, based on populations of 27,040 and 38,702, respectively. Awards for the other six entities would range from $2.4 million for Marathon – a population of 9,926 – down to $192,260 for Key Colony Beach and $48,124 for Layton.
Splits in the need-based model would be even greater, with the county to receive $11.5 million and Key West at $4.6 million – while Key Colony and Layton would receive $119,760 and $34,217, respectively.
“While Monroe obviously prefers the option based on need, we are willing to support … a distribution based on population as shown in Option 1,” Hurley wrote in the June 29 email.
Key West City Manager Brian Barroso agreed, replying that the Southernmost City would “remain consistent with a ‘fair share’ distribution and can not support the current ‘equal’ allocation at this time.”
In an email exchange between Bartus and Hurley, widely distributed to media outlets by Bartus, Hurley argued that a $2.5 million allocation each year would exceed the costs of projects anticipated by smaller cities such as Layton and Key Colony Beach. Bartus disputed this claim, stating that figures used for project costs in Key Colony were simply a one-year request figure.
“Participation in the ILA ensures that we all come to the table, discuss our needs, and work together,” Bartus wrote. “Every party to the ILA has its own best method for determining our needs, and not one of us needs an ‘oversight’ or ‘coordinating’ agency.”
Speaking with the Weekly on July 28, Garrett said Marathon still believes the ILA is “the way to go,” but that he believed there was “room to talk” about the exact division of funds. The city now plans to use the DEP portal for this year’s requests, he said.
“The whole premise is that we’ve always done best when we work together to get appropriations,” he said. “The ILA sets a standard in which none of us are arguing with each other, because we always know, if there is an appropriation, what percentage we’re going to get.”
“We all have way more than what the equal share would be in projects,” Bartus said via phone. “Since in Key Colony, we didn't get cut into those big pots of money years ago under FKWQIP, we’re due a bit of an equal share. (The new ILA) is a great way to have a nice collaborative approach to this money every year.”
Hurley told the Weekly that “at this point, none of us will lose with the portal.”
“If we are successful to get the $20 million, then we can all apply for our individual projects, and (the state) will select them based on the project merits,” she said.
Acrylic on Canvas
OUR BEST SHOTS FROM THE 2025 BUBBAS
2 photographers provide plenty of pics
A roundup of images from the 2025 Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards, which took place July 19 at Key West Theater. Photos by MARK HEDDEN and NICK DOLL
MARK HEDDEN
... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.
Up on Boca Chica Beach the other day, the sargassum was teeming with a diverse legion of shorebirds – sandpipers, dowitchers, willets, turnstones and plovers. Some were feeding, digging their bills down into the seaweed and coming up with gastronomical treasure. Some were loafing. Occasionally a bird would get annoyed with another member of its own species and run head down and head on at them, like a spatula after a pancake, to drive them off. Once or twice a white ibis walked through the scene, out-sizing the other birds, a kid too big to be on the playground.
One of the wonders of Boca Chica Beach is you can get relatively close to shorebirds without scaring them off.
It had been a long time since I’d had such a good look at so many shorebirds. Partly because summer birding can be a little slow in the Keys, and partly because I’d shipped my damaged 20-year-old Swarovski binoculars off to be repaired two months before, and had just gotten them back. The repair folks realigned the barrels, fixed the focusing mechanism, replaced the rubber eyecups, tested things like resolution and focus uniformity and, if I’m reading the packing slip right, refilled the nitrogen. All at no charge. Thanks Swarovski Optik North America Limited if you are reading this (which you probably are not).
Looking through my rejuvenated binoculars felt like being gifted with a super power. My eyes had so much reach.
Almost all of the species on the beach could be seen here year-round, but not in such big numbers. Most breed far north of here –some as far away as the Arctic Circle. But it was close enough to the end of nesting season that some of the birds had yet to lose their breeding finery.
Not the black-bellied plovers, who either hadn’t migrated and molted, or had molted enough by the time they returned that they did not have their nominate black bellies. Which was a bit of a disappointment. (Do better, black-bellied plovers.)
There were a good number of peeps, nearly all least sandpipers, though I did manage to pick out a trio of western sandpipers, with their ruddy scapulars and black legs.
The short-billed dowitchers were the most glam of the shorebirds. Predominantly, when we see them in the Keys, they have a white belly and dull brown everything else. But most of the birds in front of me were flashier, with deep mahogany patches on their wings and a strong infusion of ochre, tiger orange and burnt sienna in their belly and throats.
MURMURS AND SUCH
Driving home, I started to think about what to call the group of shorebirds I’d seen. A riot seemed too dramatic. A scrum seemed too violent, which didn’t seem right, considering there wasn’t much argy-bargy going on. A pageant seemed too insubstantial. A mixed flock would work, but it sounded too much like an accountancy term.
A couple weeks ago I’d been talking with someone about nouns of aggregation, which some people call collective nouns, nouns of multitude or if you want to be olde about it, terms of venery. They are the codified terms for groups of critters, usually birds. (We’re going to just sail right past the fact that there is no standardized term to describe the standardized terms used to describe groups of animals.)
The most well known collective noun is a murder of crows. I suppose the second-most well known, at least in our era, is a murmuration of starlings.
The whole murmuration thing has something of a pop culture/product of the zeitgeist feel to me. I’m pretty sure its modern popularity traces back to a video posted in 2011 of two women canoeing across an autumnal lake in Ireland, when suddenly a huge flock of Eurasian starlings flies overhead, a cloud of thousands of birds moving under a graphite sky, constantly changing and undulating, reforming, then reforming again.
It is really mesmerizing to watch, and it has had over 11 million views on YouTube, and more on Vimeo. But I don’t think I’d heard the term murmuration applied to starlings before that.
Here in the Keys we have a small population of Eurasian starlings, but not enough for a noticeable murmuration. We hardly have enough to form a boy band. If they get together and fly around in a small cloud at dusk I have never noticed it.
I have seen the phenomenon a few times, though, most notably in Rome, overlooking the Forum, where hundreds of thousands of starlings gathered at dusk to swirl around in giant, nebulous flocks, looking alien and unreal. (While I was writing this, a song from Wilco’s “Sky Blue Sky” came onto my Spotify playlist. I don’t think I’d noticed before that the album cover is a grainy photo of a Peregrine falcon speeding toward a flock of starlings.)
I remember after the video came out, as the term murmuration came into vogue to describe a flock of starlings in flight, a birder friend – a man far more erudite than me, and also a bit crankier – got kind of annoyed about it, offended by what he called the term’s “preciosity.”
I’ve always felt two ways about it. I mean, I get the fear of preciousness when applied to the natural world, because it tends to frame nature as a crystallized idyll, as a gauzy ideal, something sentimental.
But alternately I’m a big fan of the more poetic aspects of the English language. And also, to my mind, anything that makes people feel connected to nature is a good thing.
Reading up on it, it turns out that murmuration isn’t some kind of newfangled term as a collective noun. Its first known usage as such was in “The Boke of St. Albans,” first published in 1496. I’m not sure how often it has been used in the intervening centuries, but it does have a solid historic basis.
“The Boke of St. Albans” actually has a list of 146 terms of venery, amongst them a parliament of owls, an exultation of larks and rout of wolves.
As of yet, I still haven’t come up with a satisfactory collective noun for the shorebirds I was seeing. I want to avoid the whiff of the twee. But I do want to come up with something.
ELEGANCE MEETS ISLAND STYLE
OPEN DAILY, BOUTIQUE HOURS 10AM TO 5PM
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GO WITH THE FLOW
STOCK ISLAND MAN ARRESTED IN STABBING INCIDENT
Jorge Luis Soto Lopez. MCSO/Contributed
A25-year-old Stock Island man was arrested Wednesday following a reported stabbing that occurred on July 20.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said Jorge Luis Soto Lopez was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery. Deputies were called to a residence on Maloney Avenue twice the evening of July 20 regarding a reported battery. Deputies left the first call after no serious injuries were reported, and the adult male victim declined to press charges after being punched. Deputies say both men had been drinking.
Deputies returned about two hours later for the same reason, but this time both men had injured each other with knives. Soto Lopez suffered an injury to his arm and was later airlifted to a Miami hospital for treatment. The other male suffered a less serious injury to his hand.
The investigation showed Soto Lopez was the primary aggressor. Warrants were obtained for his arrest and he was booked into jail on Wednesday.
— Keys Weekly staff report
Water main install ahead of schedule; work will approach school by September
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
New drinking water pipes are going into the ground at a fast rate on Islamorada’s Plantation Key.
Work is moving so efficiently along U.S. 1 that contractors for the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority say the 6 miles of new water transmission main could be finished sooner than originally anticipated.
Aaron Cutler, project manager, told Islamorada council members at a recent meeting that crews successfully placed 15,208 feet of new, 36-inch drinking water pipe into the ground.
“That’s a really big number and we’ve only been at this since March,” Cutler said, adding they’re on track to finish around March 2026.
Installation of new pipe near MM 88.5 hit pause with a two-day lobster mini-season bringing more traffic onto the Overseas Highway the prior weekend. Cutler said trench cutting continued through July 29 before the lobster mini-season began the morning of July 30. The two-day lobster catching ends at midnight on July 31.
Water main installation won’t resume until Sunday, Aug. 3, Cutler said.
When the project is complete, some 32,000 linear feet of new water main will be installed from Snake Creek Bridge to Julep Road in Tavernier. Crews trench and coat the pipes during the day. At night, pipe installation and backfill gets underway.
Crews are moving so fast that they’re expected to reach Coral Shores High School around September. Cutler said they were originally anticipating work may begin mid-August, but it was pushed back to deal with some logistics with students back in the classroom and more activity in the area.
“We’ve done some minor changes to the design … looking at things
several different ways to try to ensure we have at least one northbound lane open, similar to what we did during the Tavernier Creek Bridge crossing,” he said.
Crews installed water transmission main underwater at Tavernier Creek Bridge earlier in the year. The work caused traffic congestion on the northbound side of U.S. 1 with one lane shut down from late March through mid-May. Replacing an aged, 30-inch pipe with a new 36-inch transmission main in the ground at Tavernier Creek Crossing took 60 days. The project was estimated to last three months.
FKAA says the current 30-inch water main, which carries drinking water from an underground aquifer in Florida City to Keys faucets, has reached its lifespan. FKAA delivers nearly 20 million gallons of water a day throughout the Keys.
Crews are working around the clock Monday through Friday, with exception of major holidays, events like lobster mini-season and inclement weather. Crews are moving north in 1,000-foot increments as the pipes get installed. Access to all businesses will be maintained, Cutler said. Businesses will also be notified in advance of work taking place in their area.
“If we’re in front of your business, the contractor is doing everything they can to maintain access,” Cutler said. “That’s a contract requirement to do so. If someone doesn’t have access, contact me and we’ll make sure that happens. We move through the area pretty quickly.”
Motorists are reminded that lefthand turns are not permitted in the work zone. Motorists should continue past the intended destination, make a U-turn when it’s safe and legal to do so, then turn right into the destination.
Workers install new 36-inch diameter water transmission main on Plantation Key during the nighttime. The work is nearly halfway complete. FKAA/Contributed
HEROES TAKE TO THE SKIES
Southernmost Honor Flight offers a D.C. trip for Keys veterans this September
ALLISON MORGAN
www.keysweekly.com
Some of Monroe County’s oldest and most revered World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War heroes will soon get the trip of a lifetime to Washington D.C. on the first dedicated “Southernmost Honor Flight.”
Sponsored by Honor Flight South Florida, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to honoring the most senior veterans in Broward, Dade and Monroe counties, the free flight is a “race against time” to give veterans the opportunity to visit the nation’s capital and reflect at the memorials built in their honor, while they are still physically able. Organizers have been mobilizing community support and spreading the word.
“No one has ever done this type of ‘homecoming’ for our Monroe County veterans, so it will be very special when it happens and we want the entire Keys community involved,” said Ryan Paton, co-founder and director of operations for Honor Flight South Florida.
A kickoff party at Dillon’s Pub on July 26 invited community members to learn how they can get involved in a variety of ways, from cheering on the veterans as they head out of town to helping fund the trip. Steve Caron, the pub owner and a veteran, kicked off the festivities that included a meetand-greet and introduction of 11 veterans already selected for the flight.
Korean War veteran Douglas Hurtubise, 91 years old at the time this photo was taken, greets admirers as he returns to Fort Lauderdale with Honor Flight South Florida. HONOR FLIGHT SOUTH FLORIDA/ Contributed
“This is to honor all the veterans who gave so much,” Caron said. “Many of my family members have served and I have also served, so it’s nice to give back.”
Caron has been working closely with other business owners and organizations in the area to pay it forward to South Florida’s most senior veterans. The Elks Lodge, Islamorada Moose Lodge and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, among others, have already committed to supporting the trip.
Caron said local volunteer Shy Martin has been instrumental in garnering support and connecting him with others.
The flight will take to the skies on Sept. 6. A Keys sendoff will take the place of the typical homecoming, since the group is flying into and out of Fort Lauderdale. The sendoff will take place at several locations in Monroe County, including Dillon’s Pub, on Sept. 5, where local schools, clubs, businesses, police, fire departments and more will come out to honor Keys veterans as they embark on their historic trip.
The group will stay overnight in Fort Lauderdale for free, thanks to a sponsorship from Aero Engine Solutions, and fly the next day on Spirit Airlines, which sponsors the airfare. Honor Flight South Florida has flown Monroe veterans since 2012, giving veterans police escorts and bus transportation around D.C. for the one-day mission.
More information on how to get involved with Honor Flight South Florida or to submit a veteran for consideration is at honorflightsouthflorida.org.
REEL RECS
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Stardust” (2007)
Why: Pure fantasy films are hard to come by nowadays, particularly mature ones. Sure, we can get our fill of it on television via “Game of Thrones” or “Outlander,” but even then, those tend to lean more heavily toward war (like the former) or romance (like the latter). The kind of fantasy that really has a sense of fairy tale magic about it is more of a rarity, and that’s where this film comes in. It’s got a cast filled with familiar faces from both then (Michelle Pfeifer, Robert DeNiro) and now (Charlie Cox, Henry Cavill), and its cheeky, witty screenplay makes it feel like a worthy successor to “The Princess Bride.”
Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.
How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy. com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/ contact-us
See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.
SHELF HELP
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “We Should All Be Birds: A Memoir” by Brian Buckbee
Why: In this fascinating memoir, the author details his mysterious illness, as well as his encounter with an injured pigeon that seems to be seeking his help.
Sadly, Buckbee does not get a clear diagnosis while dealing with terrible symptoms of the mystery illness. But he shows how coming to the aid, care and friendship of this pigeon he names Two-Step –and many other pigeons and birds continuing to this day – is what gets him through it all. This story can give much comfort and understanding to so many who have terrible mystery illnesses that go undiagnosed, and they have to still live and cope best they can.
Where: You can borrow this as an e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library.
How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, 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? info@keyslibraries. org
Recommended by: Eva Stafford, cataloging manager
See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/postshelf-help.
HEMINGWAY LOOK-ALIKE WINNER CHOSEN IN KEY WEST
Hemingway Look-Alike winner, Tim Stockwell of Key West, celebrates his victory with a group of past winners. The contest took place in Key West at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, a frequent hangout of Ernest Hemingway. MARK HEDDEN/Florida Keys News Bureau
Local Tim Stockwell wins title on his 6th attempt
Perseverance, a lucky sweater, and an uncanny resemblance to one of the world’s most iconic authors. That was the winning formula that helped a 69-year-old man from Key West, Florida, win the Hemingway LookAlike Contest title this weekend in the Southernmost City in the U.S.
A Key West local, Tim Stockwell, captured the coveted title, beating out more than a hundred contestants to make the top five. And it was in that final round that he offered a compelling story as to why he deserved to be “Papa 2025.”
His lucky charm? A thick wool sweater, like the one Hemingway wore, which he bravely donned in the sweltering July heat.
“This sweater has been worn by seven other previous winners and I’m very grateful and glad to be able to call it the eighth,” said Stockwell, who moved to the island from Michigan in 2019 and has participated in the event ever since.
This year’s contest took place over three nights, starting with 131 contestants, then 24 semi-finalists, and finally the top five. The location? Sloppy Joe’s Bar — a frequent hangout for Hemingway when he lived and wrote in Key West during the 1930s.
The contest featured three younger look-alikes, including 6-year-old Keefer Haynie from Baton Rouge. It is part of the annual Hemingway Days Festival that hon-
Part of winning the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest involves convincing a group of past winners why you should earn the title. That’s what 69-year-old Tim Stockwell of Key West managed to do on his sixth attempt. His compelling story about Hemingway helped him clinch the 2025 title at Sloppy Joe’s Bar.
ors the legacy and literary mastery of the author who wrote “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “To Have and Have Not” and other classics during his Key West years.
During his plea to judges, Stockwell recounted his favorite story that showcased the author’s softer side.
He said that Hemingway formed a baseball team of Cuban youngsters called “Gigi’s Stars” and provided a group of boys — including his own sons — with a field on his property. He also gave them new uniforms, bats, balls and gloves, pitched for both teams and never kept score.
“The way he taught those young men to become young men, how to play fair, how to be honest, how to be straightforward – he taught those kids how to live a life well-lived, and they benefited from his generosity and his kindness,” he said.
Stockwell is the latest ambassador for the bearded brotherhood known as the Hemingway LookAlike Society, an organization that combines camaraderie and scholarships to support Florida Keys college students.
“He broke all the barriers for those kids,” said Stockwell. “They had a great opportunity. I’d like to continue that. And that’s why I’m proud to call these guys my brothers.”
AMELIA ESQUINALDO CELEBRATES A CENTURY
Mayor issues proclamation for Conch’s 100th birthday
Key West native Amelia Fernandez Esquinaldo celebrated her 100th birthday with a party on July 26. Born Aug. 2, 1925, Esquinaldo is one of seven siblings whose family came to Key West from Spain. She’s a third-generation Conch and was married in 1941 at the age of 16 to Milton (Mingo) Esquinaldo. The pair were together for 73 years until his death, and have two sons, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and dozens of nieces and nephews. Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez joined the birthday party and presented Esquinaldo, who is known to many as ‘Abuela,’ with a proclamation marking Aug. 2, 2025 as Amelia Fernandez Esquinaldo Day in honor of her 100th birthday. CONTRIBUTED
Best Oceanfront Dining
Coaches needed! Our Fall Classic Season (Pickleball, Powerlifting, Flag Football) is starting in Aug and we need coaches in all areas of the keys. High need is for Pickleball in Key West.
Mentors needed for our athlete leadership program. Time commitment is one hour per month, with some face to face meetings to help mentee with goals. Athlete Leader Mentors assist our athletes to complete leadership training, attend monthly Town Hall Meetings and define their goals. We have a high need for an Athlete Leader Facilitator in the Upper Keys to help us expand our program to Coral Shores High School. Contact Ruth Coleman 305.923.0288
HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN
JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS
The July 25 cleanup was a wet one, as volunteers took on the task of cleaning Olivia Street from Duval to Whitehead, areas normally covered by parked cars and scooters. Despite the downpour, 42 volunteers showed up. In one hour they collected 393 pounds of trash and yard waste, 21 pounds of recycling and one gallon of very wet cigarette butts. Special thanks to Andrew Morawski of the Hemingway Home & Museum for hosting and providing hot coffee and breakfast for the volunteers to kick off the Hemingway Days festival. Contributed
One 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.
Aug. 1: Northside & Trinity Drives. Meet in the parking lot of Mount Sinai Medical Center, which is the host.
Aug. 8: Varela & United streets. Meet in front of the Montessori Children’s Montessori School, which is hosting, and park at City Hall.
Saturday, Aug. 9: Donald Ave., 16th Terrace & Buttonwood Court. Meet at Donald Ave & 16th Terrace. Hosted by We’ve Got The Keys, La Te Da & Buttonwood Court Homeowners Association.
Aug. 15: N. Roosevelt at The Capitana. Meet in the parking lot of the Capitana Hotel, which is hosting.
Aug. 22: North Roosevelt in New Town. Meet in front of the Laureate Key West Hotel. Hosted by the Laureate Key West
Aug. 29: Greene & Elizabeth streets. Meet in the parking lot by Conch Republic Seafood Co. Hosted by Just a Few Friends, Key West 2025, Reef Relief & Conch Republic Seafood Co.
TAKE ME HOME?
FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA
The 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 Chick Pea, a 4-year-old cat who’s as sweet as she is cute. She’s new to our Key West shelter, and we’ve quickly fallen for her charming personality. Chick Pea is looking for a loving home where she can share all her affection.
Mo is a 5-month-old male guinea
Waddles has been waiting for a home since 2021, which is longer than anyone else at our shelter. He’s 9 years old, set in his ways and knows exactly what he wants: a quiet home with no other animals and someone he can trust. He won’t love everyone right away. But if you’re patient and kind, he’ll decide you’re his person, and that love runs deep. Waddles doesn’t need much: just a soft spot, a steady routine and someone who sees him.
play and keeping an eye on them as they go about their mischief.
pig who’s ready to find his forever home. Mo is sweet, curious and full of personality. He’ll brighten up your day with his adorable little squeaks and his love for snacks.
When Chicklet first arrived, she didn’t want anything to do with people. She kept to herself, always watching from a distance. But little by little, she’s come out of her shell, and now this 4-yearold tabby is ready to find a home of her own. Chicklet still prefers a gentle approach, but she absolutely thrives around other cats.
This is Spots, an 8-year-old cow cat who’s as sweet and friendly as they come. She’s currently living in our kitten room, where she’s become a bit of a grandma to the little ones. Spots loves watching the kittens
BEYOND THE ISLAND CHAIN
The Keys were a small part of
old Monroe County
It is always interesting to see where a column goes. I start with an idea and then let the history unfold as it needs to.
Often, the story takes a turn I wasn’t expecting, as was the case with this foray onto the mainland. More about that later.
I started this column because Monroe County boasts a substantially larger footprint than just the string of islands connected like pearls on a string by the Overseas Highway. Of the county’s 983 square miles, the Keys account for about 13%. In terms of population, the island chain houses a smidge over 99 percent of it.
In 2020, Monroe County’s population was 82,874. Key West was home to 26,444 of those people — nearly a third. About another third were in Marathon (9,689), Islamorada (7,107), and Key Largo (13,878). The last third lived on the other islands throughout the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys. Fewer than 20 people lived on the mainland of Monroe County, which comprises 87% of its land mass.
The county’s population has always been concentrated in the Keys, even when it was a whole lot bigger than it is today. Monroe was established on July 3, 1823, and predates Florida’s statehood. It was the territory’s sixth county. Initially, it stretched from Key West, the county seat, north to the southern edge of Lake Okeechobee, and west to Charlotte Harbor.
It is easy to understand the winning argument behind the creation of Dade County on Feb. 4, 1836. Legislators agreed it was an undue inconvenience for those living on the mainland to report to Key West for jury duty. A line was drawn from Bahia Honda to the southern shore of Lake Okeechobee. East of the line was Dade County. West of the line remained Monroe County.
The Dade County line stood intact for 30 years. And then, on Dec. 8, 1866, not quite all of the Florida Keys were reestablished as Monroe County. The county line was moved up the island chain from Bahia Honda, past Key Largo and what is today the Ocean Reef community, to where Palo Alto Key, Linderman Key and Rose Key are separated from Swan Key by Broad Creek. The rest of the Northern Keys remained in Dade County and still do.
It was a different story on the west coast, where Monroe County continued to reach for decades until a second county splintered off. On May 2, 1887, Lee
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
County was formed. Fort Myers was named the county seat. Charlotte County and Collier County were carved out of Monroe on May 8, 1923. Three days later, Hendry County was formed on May 11. LaBelle was named the county seat.
Monroe still covers a lot of ground up on the mainland, with county lines reaching surprising places. Driving out of the Keys, the Monroe County line ends, along with the Overseas Highway, near MM 115. On the other side of the county line is Miami-Dade and the South Dixie Highway. Though Monroe ends on the 18-Mile Stretch, it picks back up again out in the Everglades.
Moving west, the islands of Florida Bay remain a part of Monroe, but the Miami-Dade line captures the mainland until about the midpoint of Snake Bight, where Monroe picks up again.
The county line travels in a generally north direction until it meets U.S. 41, where it makes a 90-degree turn west and runs toward the coast in what starts as a straight line, but snakes around the coastline, creeks and islands just below Chokoloskee and Ted Smallwood’s old store.
The big mainland Monroe attraction is Flamingo. Back in the late 1800s, it was home to a small community. The name was chosen in 1893 when a post office was assigned to the community. They decided to name their town after the tall, colorful birds that were once commonplace in South Florida. By 1900, 50 families called the community home. The people who lived there worked as farmers, fishermen and charcoal makers. The fruits of their labor, as well as the charcoal, were shipped to Key West.
The post office was short-lived and closed in 1909. The community lasted a little longer. In 1922, the Ingram Highway, connecting Florida City to Flamingo, opened with the hopes of reviving the outpost community. Instead of opening up Flamingo to new residents, it allowed those who already called the community home an easier access point by which to leave the harsh realities of living in the Everglades.
This detail of an 1827 map shows major rivers, lakes, coastal features, settlements and roads in the mainland of Monroe County. FLORIDA CENTER FOR INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY/University of South Florida
The isolation did benefit the community during Prohibition when Flamingo was used by bootleggers and those brewing their own alcohol. When plans were made to create a park in the Everglades, those who still called the outpost home were unsure if they would be allowed to remain. They were not. Everglades National Park opened in 1947. The last remaining residents of Flamingo were ordered to leave by June 1, 1951.
Today, the only permanent residents of Flamingo are those working for the park service, the Flamingo Lodge and the Guy Bradley Visitors Center. The lodge is the only hotel accommodation within park boundaries. The lodge, which opened in 1966, closed in 2005 after Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma damaged it. The lodge reopened in 2023 and offers camping and hotel rooms.
Flamingo is not the only former Monroe County outpost up on the mainland. There was also a community called Pinecrest, which, like Flamingo, was home to hunters, fishermen and the Gladesmen who made their living in the Everglades by doing whatever was necessary. It is rumored that the notorious Al Capone had a mansion in Pinecrest, as well as a brothel. However, hurricanes and the Great Depression took their toll on the outpost community. Once found on the old Loop Road, Pinecrest was home to about 200 people who lived without electricity, running water or telephone lines.
Pinecrest’s last big hurrah was a legendary bar called the Gator Hook Saloon. It opened in 1958 and closed in 1977. It was a Gladesmen’s bar and not for the faint of heart or outsiders. The sign out front said no guns or knives. Inside, everyone was packing. There are more stories to tell about mainland Monroe and the Gator Hook, but they will have to wait. Fortunately, it turns out that I know a family member who used to run the Gator Hook, and I’ve already begun picking his brain.
Pinecrest, circa 1930. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Contributed
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
TURTLEY OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Turtle-loving shoppers – both visiting and local – have a new spot for retail therapy as the Turtle Hospital opened its new store with a Christmas in July celebration on July 28. Purchased last summer, the site of the former Keys Cycles shop has been fully reimagined and stocked with merchandise ranging from souvenirs for travelers to housewares perfect for marine-ecology-minded locals. The building also serves as overflow parking for the bustling hospital’s educational programs. Photo ops with Tina the Turtle, staff dressed for the occasion and Turtle Tracks ice cream from Conch Custard completed the celebration on Monday before an official ribbon cutting ceremony with elected officials and the Marathon Chamber of Commerce. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
CELEBRATING IN BUSINESS
WHAT’S COOKING, KEY WEST?
Rum reigns supreme on seafaring island
In the original “Pirates of the Caribbean” film, there’s a classic scene where pirate Jack Sparrow, after a night of over-imbibing, wakes up to find that lovely Elizabeth Swann has disposed of all the remaining rum. Hungover and confused, Jack asks her plaintively, “But why is the rum gone?”
Luckily, that scenario is unlikely to play out in Key West. With thriving local rum distilleries and a history of pirates and rumrunners, it’s almost guaranteed that the island won’t ever run short of the popular spirit.
So many pirates prowled area waters when Key West was a brand-new seafaring settlement that, in 1822, the U.S. government sent Commodore David Porter to banish them from the region. With his “anti-piracy squadron” of small schooners and barges, appropriately called the Mosquito Fleet, Porter chased his prey relentlessly until the renegades were gone.
Even so, a sense of adventure and individuality continued to characterize the island — during the early wrecking or shipwreck salvage years, when mariners rescued passengers and cargo from sinking ships; the 1920-1933 Prohibition era, when liquor was banned nationwide and Key Westers smuggled it in from Cuba; and the present day, when modern seafarers still roam the streets.
Throughout the years, rum remained an island staple. It’s also a staple at Bar 1, the popular watering hole at the Key West Cooking School, whose décor and cocktail menu salute the Florida Keys’ rum-infused heri-
A display area in the richly atmospheric bar contains large handblown glass bottles called demijohns, which were used during Prohibition for transporting large quantities of illicit
The bar’s specialty libations are made from locally distilled rums and other quality brands. In addition, the seafarers’ favorite spirit shines during the regularly scheduled class titled “Rum Revelations: A Cocktail Journey.” As an expert mixologist and storyteller recounts tales about rum’s history and Keys connection, class attendees sample cocktails that include the luscious, fruity Rum Runner — an offering some say originated at an Islamorada tiki bar.
The name of the popular Rum Runner cocktail recalls the exploits of bold rumrunners who smuggled alcohol into the Keys during Prohibition. KEY WEST COOKING SCHOOL/Contributed
Participants in the hands-on experience also learn techniques and tips for crafting their own rum-based drinks, and savor their creations in a unique “happy hour” with classmates. “Rum Revelations” is offered Tuesday through Saturday at Bar 1, located at 291 Front St. at the Key West Cooking School. For reservations, call 305-2942665 (305-294-COOK).
August is a particularly appropriate time to enjoy the entertaining class, since Aug. 16 is celebrated around the United States as National Rum Day. And libation lovers in Key West can take part in a full week of festivities — because the lively Key West Rum Fest is scheduled Aug. 11-17.
LAST CALL
Drink of the month: Rum Runner. Its name recalls the Prohibition era’s daring alcohol smugglers, but its flavor is sweet and refreshing. The Rum Runner blends one or more varieties of rum, cherry syrup and fresh pineapple, orange and lime juices — all vigorously shaken and strained into a tall glass over ice.
Rum Revelry Saturday, Aug. 9. Key West Rum Fest founder Neil Lindsey will share rum and mixology secrets during the Key West Cooking School’s “Guest Chef Lobster Best” special event with chef Paul Menta. Tickets are available at bit.ly/LobsterBest for this fun-filled blend of lobster enchilado, rum-based libations and luscious rum cake.
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Tarec K. Elajami, MD Cardiology
Raymond Rodriguez, MD Medical Director, Mount Sinai Cardiology of the Keys
ISLAMORADA COUNCILMAN’S RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE ‘ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ’ FAILS TO GAIN SUPPORT
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Concerns over a migrant detention facility’s potential effect on the Everglades and Florida Bay led backcountry guide and councilman Steve Friedman to present a resolution opposing such development at a July 22 meeting.
His colleagues didn’t support the measure.
Led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, state emergency management officials constructed a migrant detention facility — referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz” — at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. On the 57-year-old airstrip is a facility consisting of white tents, RVs and portable buildings. There are also vehicles and thousands of people — migrants in federal custody, and their guards.
With capacity to house thousands, the facility is part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to remove migrants who are believed to have entered the country illegally. Recently, flights have transported migrants from the facility to other countries. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Garrett Ripa said at a July 25 press conference that 100 illegal migrants were removed.
Noting the Everglades’ fragile ecosystem and its importance to South Florida’s drinking water, Friedman’s resolution sought to inform state leaders, including DeSantis, state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez and state Rep. Jim Mooney of the village’s opposition to the facility. It also urged the state to identify and select an alternative location more environmentally suitable for a detention facility.
In his statements to the council, Friedman said his resolution solely focused on the environmental aspect of the facility, and not the specific type of development.
“I would be bringing forth this resolution should it be a school, a hospital or church that’s
going in there,” he said. “We don’t want any prisons, we don’t want any development and we don’t want any incinerators.
“That’s another thing happening with this development that’s going on,” Friedman said. “It’s invited others to think if this indeed is a temporary detention center as they allude to. … One Miami county commissioner suggested that it should be a site to consider for a garbage incinerator.”
Councilwoman Deb Gillis and Vice Mayor Don Horton acknowledged their preference to support the “good things” going on in the Everglades, such as the $4 billion Everglades Agricultural Area reservoir. Recently, DeSantis and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reached an agreement allowing the state to take the lead on the reservoir. Located south of Lake Okeechobee, it will store over 78 billion gallons of water and deliver up to 470 billion gallons of clean water annually to the Everglades and Florida Bay. It also supports the Biscayne Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for the Keys.
“We need to put faith in our governor if he’s going to put millions of dollars on an airstrip still existing out there that he’s not going to damage the Everglades by using this site that’s previously developed,” Horton said.
Councilwoman Anna Richards said Friedman’s resolution should be taken up by advocacy groups including Captains for Clean Water and Florida Bay Forever.
“Those are the people who should be dealing with this. This is not Islamorada business,” she said.
Mayor Sharon Mahoney applauded Friedman’s enthusiasm, but she said he was trying to equate the environment with the deportation of people.
“I really don’t think it’s in our jurisdiction to do that. Protect the Everglades one-hundredmillion percent, but by going against this we’re
1: Soils are the basis of the different habitats in the Everglades, from tree islands to sawgrass ridges to sloughs. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO. 2: Councilman Steve Friedman and councilwoman Anna Richards during a July 22 meeting inside the Founders Park Community Center. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
saying we’re going against what our governor is doing,” she said.
Friedman said anything happening in the Everglades affects Islamorada.
“This is about leaving the Everglades alone and that’s why we’re trying to protect our community, because of how we rely on that area and clean water coming south,” he said.
Friedman’s motion didn’t receive any second for a vote. As a result, the resolution failed.
Several groups are fighting the migrant detention camp in the Everglades. On June 27, Friends of the Everglades and Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Miami-Dade County for what they say is a “reckless plan for a massive detention center” in the heart of the Everglades. Per the lawsuit, the plan didn’t go through any environmental review as required under federal law, and the public had no opportunity to comment.
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BOOKS TO BROADWAY
THREE BRILLIANT NOVELS FIND A SECOND LIFE CENTER STAGE
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
By Sara Gruen
KAREN NEWFIELD
Jacob Jankowski hops on a train and accidentally enters the world of elephants, tightrope walkers and oddities of the strangest kind. As a veterinary student, he finds himself adrift and gladly follows the local circus across the depression-era country, offering to care for the animals. People await the circus passing through with bated breath as the bleak and impoverished times offer little hope or entertainment. He meets Marlena, an outstanding and beautiful performer – it’s love at first sight. She is married to August, a charming yet cruel superintendent of the circus animals. Jacob realizes he must find a way to save Rosie the elephant, Marlena and himself. Told in alternating time periods by Jacob, now 93 years old, as he reminisces about his life and unveils the magic and mystery behind the big top. In 2006 I had the good fortune of reading this incredible story and meeting author Sara Gruen. What a pleasure to watch this magical world come to life on the big screen (Reese Witherspoon, 2011) and stage. The Broadway musical begins touring across the U.S. in fall 2025. Check the schedule to catch a performance near you.
First and foremost a reader, she has reviewed hundreds of books on her blog www. readingandeating. com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing.
THE OUTSIDERS
By S.E. Hinton
Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1964, two rival gangs — the working-class Greasers and the affluent Socs — are locked in a longtime feud that erupts into violence and heartbreak. One night a fight turns deadly when Ponyboy’s friend Johnny kills a Soc named Bob in self-defense, forcing the two boys to hide out in an abandoned church. Their escape ends in heroism and tragedy when they rescue trapped children from a devastating fire, leaving Johnny fatally injured and Ponyboy forever changed. The gang rumble that follows settles nothing and emphasizes the senselessness of the ongoing feud and the shared emotions on both sides. Told in Ponyboy’s voice, “The Outsiders” is a coming-of-age tale about loyalty, identity and the deep desire to belong. S.E. Hinton wrote this book in 1967 – when she was only in high school! In 1983, Francis Ford Coppola produced an iconic movie adaptation, bringing the story to film. Not only was the movie incredible, but each cast member went on to become a household name. Today, the novel that defined a generation is a phenomenal musical on Broadway and the lights have never shone brighter. “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.”
#WorthWatching: A musical retelling of how green-skinned Elphaba and popular Glinda forge a friendship in Oz before destiny recasts them as the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good. Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, this is a modern spin on “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” (circa 1900). “Wicked” has been headlining on Broadway since 2003 – talk about timeless! Beginning July 25th, “Wicked, Part 1” can be seen on Prime Video for FREE.
By Christopher Isherwood
This novel is linked through a set of sketches chronicling Isherwood’s life as an English expatriate living in Berlin between 1929 and 1933. Through his detached observations, we meet a cast of eclectic characters — his lonely landlady Fräulein Schroeder, the hedonistic cabaret singer Sally Bowles, the down-on-their-luck Nowaks, and decadent socialites the Landauers. Their everyday dramas unfold against the backdrop of a city turning away from carefree Weimar excess into economic despair and the rise of Nazism. Published in 1939, the book portrays the glitter along with the darkening shadows of pre-war Berlin, ending with Isherwood’s departure as the terrifying political reality closes in. In 1966, “Cabaret” opened on Broadway as a musical, loosely based on “Goodbye to Berlin,” and later Bob Fosse created a film version starring Liza Minelli, cementing the story into pop culture history. In 2024, “Cabaret” returned to Broadway at the Kit Kat Club, a unique circular space with bars and tables mirroring an actual cabaret. The performance is outstanding, not a bad seat in the house. It is incredible that all these years later, the story still resonates with what is going on in our complicated world.
GOODBYE TO BERLIN
In The Bleachers
NEWS OF THE WEIRD
Carlos Abundez, 35, of San Ysidro, California, couldn’t really explain to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent on June 25 how 14 keel-billed toucans got into the dashboard of his Volkswagen Passat, The New York Times reported. Customs and Border Protection officers were alerted to the strange cargo when one of their dogs picked up a scent; the threatened birds appeared to be sedated, and some of them were injured. Abundez said he had left his temporary home in Tijuana, Mexico, to get McDonald’s in the U.S. He claimed his car had been parked and locked in his driveway overnight. On July 7, he was charged with smuggling and illegal importation and was released on $10,000 bond.
Adam Dailies
Brevity
Milton Friedman (1912-2006), economist; Primo Levi (1919-1987), chemist/author; Geoffrey Lewis (1935-2015), actor; Evonne Goolagong Cawley (1951- ), tennis player; Michael Biehn (1956- ), actor; Mark Cuban (1958- ), businessman/TV personality; Kevin Greene (19622020), football player; Wesley Snipes (1962- ), actor; J.K. Rowling (1965- ), author; Zac Brown (1978- ), musician; B.J. Novak (1979- ), actor; DeMarcus Ware (1982- ), football player; A.J. Green (1988- ), football player.
In 1964, the American space probe Ranger 7 transmitted the first close-up photographs of the moon.
The first U.S. patent was issued to inventor Samuel Hopkins on this day in 1790, for a process of making potash, an ingredient used in fertilizer.
“I live in my house as I live inside my skin: I know more beautiful, more ample, more sturdy and more picturesque skins: but it would seem to me unnatural to exchange them for mine.”
Brevity
— Primo Levi, “If This Is a Man”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announces a PUBLIC HEARING for the FWC Lead Managed Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area located in Monroe County, Florida.
6:30 P.M. Tuesday, August 12
Marathon Government Center 2nd Floor
2798 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL 33050
PURPOSE: To receive public comment regarding considerations for the FWC’s ten-year Management Plan for the FWC Lead Managed Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA).
This hearing is being held EXCLUSIVELY for discussion of the DRAFT Florida Keys WEA Management Plan, otherwise referred to as the Management Prospectus. This meeting will not address area hunting or fishing regulations. For more information on the process for FWC rule and regulation development visit our Proposed Rules Changes scan QR code.
A Management Prospectus for the Florida Keys WEA and a copy of the agenda is available upon request from Elizabeth Norregaard or Christina Omran by mail at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-160; by telephone at (850) 510-1823; or by email at Ann.Norregaard@MyFWC.com or Christina.Omran@MyFWC.com.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting should notify the agency at least five calendar days before the meeting by calling (850) 488-6411 or contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (Voice), if you are hearing or speech impaired. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more information, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at:
FWC, Office of Human Resources 620 S Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850) 488-6411
Or write to:
Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Civil Rights Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20240
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Notice of Seizure that in accordance with Florida Statues 83.805 / 83.506, Tavernier Mini Storage, 135 Hood Ave., Tavernier, Florida 33070 will sell or otherwise will dispose of the personal contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.
All Contents in:
Unit B-59 – Curtis Drinkard & Laura Herrick Sale of all goods will be 8/8/25 at 10:00 am at 135 Hood Ave., Tavernier, Florida 33070. Tavernier Mini Storage reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.
Publish:
July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the Zoom meetings or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com Board Meeting/Retreat & Advisor Orientation August 14, 2025, at 12:00 PM
Committee Meeting August 19, 2025, at 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/ 88337135232?pwd= 7QCZq93ug8KOjR Md4SayhD2RMEEkz9.1
Meeting ID: 883 3713 5232
Passcode: 657545
Publish: July 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-profit organizations for capital projects for a second round for only District II (from city limits of Key West to west end of Seven Mile Bridge) and District V (from Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any portions of mainland Monroe County).
The project/facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories:
Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary, or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions set forth in the Florida Statutes.
The deadline for receipt of applications is 5:00 p.m. on August 27, 2025, and applications must be downloaded from the County’s Bonfire platform. For more information, please email maxine@fla-keys.com.
July 31 and August 7, 14 & 21, 2025. The Weekly Newspapers
John Sheldon, O.D.
Island Vision Care 6400 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050
Dr. John Sheldon will be closing his optometry practice, Island Vision Care, located at 6400 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050, e ective August 8, 2025. Patients wishing to pick up their medical records may do so until August 7th, 2025. Please call 305-743-2020 before August 8th if there are any questions.
Patient’s medical records will remain with Dr. John Sheldon. He will be joining Key West Optical, located at 1444 Kennedy Dr, Key West, Florida 33040, beginning on September 2nd, 2025. Please call 305-294-9711 to schedule appointments, to request records or for any questions starting September 2nd.
Publish: July 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 9:00 A.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: FY 26 2nd Round Capital Project (Bricks and Mortar) Funding Application
DAC II and DAC V Monroe County, Florida
Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.
Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 5:00P.M. on August 27, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 9:00 A.M., on Thursday, August 28, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile:
+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)
+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location:
+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish:
July 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Back Up Emergency Management Logistics Services Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.
Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP
is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal.
The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.
The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom.
us/j/4509326156
Meeting ID: 4509326156
One tap mobile:
+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)
+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish:
July 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION
File No. 25-CP-000270-K
Division: Probate IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN BROWN EVANS, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of John Brown Evans, deceased, whose date of death was May 12, 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 on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of
this notice is July 31, 2025.
Personal Representative:
John Caleb Evans
504 SW South Carolina Dr Stuart, FL 34994
Attorney for Personal Representative:
Aliana M. Payret
Florida Bar No.104377
Robinson Pecaro & Mier, P.A. 201 N. Kentucky Ave., Suite 2 Lakeland, Florida 33801
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-250-K IN RE: ESTATE OF RICKY LEE SMITH
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Ricky Lee Smith, deceased, whose date of death was May 12, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: July 24, 2025.
Personal Representative: Brian Joe Smith 1800 Massachusetts Avenue St. Cloud, Florida 34769
Attorney for Personal Representative: Tracy Hensel, M.D., J.D.
Attorney for Petitioner
Florida Bar Number: 127358
HENSEL, BAILEY & HARRIS, PA
701 13th Street
Saint Cloud, FL 34769
Telephone: (407) 957-9686
Fax: (407) 386-7451
E-mail: tracy@hbhlawfl.com
Secondary E-Mail: heather@ hbhlawfl.com
Publish: July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, CASE NO.: 25-CP-37-P UPPER KEYS DIVISION
JUDGE: MORGAN IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BRUCE HORN, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The Administration of the Estate of BRUCE HORN, deceased, whose date of death was December 19, 2024 is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, FL, Upper Keys Division; Case Number: 25-CP-37-P; the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 1, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and his/her 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 WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this Notice is: July 24, 2025. Personal Representative: Lynda Munshower Attorney for Personal Representative: JORGE JAILE, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1020005 Los Cayos Law, P.A. 100410 Overseas Hwy, Suite 303 Key Largo, FL 33037 Tel.: (305) 204-8814 Email: jorge@loscayoslaw.com
Publish: July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-292-PK IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LEIF AUSTIN MOE Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Leif Austin Moe, deceased, whose date of death was April 27, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and
the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is July 24, 2025.
Personal Representative: Tiffany Irene Moe 101644 Overseas Highway, #25 Key Largo, Florida 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: Nicholas W. Mulick, Esq. E-mail Addresses: reception@ mulicklaw.com and Lisa@mulicklaw.com
Florida Bar No. 337757
Nicholas W. Mulick P.A. 91645 Overseas Highway Tavernier, Florida 33070 Telephone: (305) 852-9292
Publish: July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO: 25-CP-000134-M IN RE: ESTATE OF SUE FOLTZ DICKES a/k/a SUE F. DICKES
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The Administration of the Estate of Sue Foltz Dickes a/k/a Sue F. Dickes, deceased, whose date of death was September 6, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the Personal Representatives and the Personal Representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s Estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
The Personal Representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s Estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST
PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: July 24, 2025.
Personal Representatives: Kimberly D. Kenney 140 Southbrooke Court Decatur, Illinois 62521-3740
Frederic L. Kenney 140 Southbrooke Court Decatur, Illinois 62521-3740
Attorney for Personal Representatives: Cyrus Malhotra, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0022751 THE MALHOTRA LAW FIRM P.A. 3903 Northdale Blvd., Suite 100E Tampa, FL 33624
Telephone: (813) 902-2119
Fax Number: (727) 290-4044
Email: filings@ FLprobatesolutions.com
Secondary Email: cortney@ FLprobatesolutions.com
Publish:
July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCIIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO: 2025-CA-129-K
Premier Capital, LLC
Plaintiff, Vs Carolyn M. Delgado and William J. Delgado
Defendant, NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that pursuant to a Writ of Execution issued in the Circuit Court, of Monroe County, Florida, on the 21st day of May, 2025, in the cause wherein Premier Capital, LLC is Plaintiff and Carolyn M. Delgado and William J. Delgado was defendant, being Case No. 2025-CA-129-K in said court, I, Richard A. Ramsay, Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida have levied upon all right, title, and interest of the defendant, in and to the following described real property to wit: SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: From the warranty deed that states the following described land, situate, lying and being in Monroe County, Florida to-wit: Legal Description(s) –On the Island of Key West, Monroe County, Florida, and known on William A. Whitehead’s map delineated in February A.D. 1829, as part of Tract 11 but better known as part of Lot 3, Square 9, Tract 11 according to Charles W. Tift’s Map of said Island recorded in Deed Book “L” Page 564, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the Southwesterly right of way boundary line of Duval Street with the Northwesterly right of way boundary line of United Street and run in a Southwesterly direction along the said right of way boundary line of United Street a distance of 100 feet to the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land herein described, thence at right angles in the Northwesterly direction 84.17 feet to a point; thence at right angles in a Southwesterly direction 26.3 feet to a point; thence at right angles in a Southeasterly direction 84.17 feet to a point in the Northwesterly direction along the said right of way line of United
the point of Beginning.
SPECIFIC LOCATION OF REAL
PROPERTY:
421 United Street Key West, Florida 33040
All bidders must have a valid Driver’s License with them and must register with the clerk at location of sale prior to start time of sale. I shall offer this property for sale, at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building located at 5525 College Road Key West, Florida 33040 in the County of Monroe, State of Florida, on the 28th day of August, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as possible. I will offer for sale all of the said defendant’s right, title, and interest in the aforesaid real property at public auction and will sell the same subject to all taxes, prior liens, encumbrances and judgments, if any, to the highest and best bidder for CASH IN HAND. The proceeds to be applied as far as may be to the payment of costs and the satisfaction of the above described execution.
Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida this 9th day of June, 2025.
Richard A. Ramsay Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida
By: Donald Stullken
Deputy Sheriff
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Civil Division no later than seven says prior to the proceeding at (305)8093041.
Publish: July 17, 24 & 31 and August 7, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-677-K DIVISION: FAMILY BEKA MTCHEDLISHVILI, Petitioner, and ANTHONY D. HENDERSON, Respondent.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ANTHONY D. HENDERSON
RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: NEVADA
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 BEKA MTCHEDLISHVILI, whose address is 926 TRUMAN AVENUE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before August 11, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.
The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.
You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285,
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: July 2, 2025
Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida
By: Sheryl LaTorre Deputy Clerk
Publish: July 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS WANTED
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
AUTOS FOR SALE
2003 Ford Explorer. 174k miles, runs greathave svc. records from 89k miles, A/C works. REDUCED to $3000OBO Bring an offer! Located in Marathon. Call Evan 305-417-0169
19’x40’ slip in Marathon, could handle somewhat larger boat with approval from dockmaster. Desirable location in marina, easy in, easy out. Available thru Oct 25, possibly long term lease. $1,400/mo. Please contact Vern Rozier, 904 626 5279, or 904 626 8224 and leave call back info. Or email vrrozier@yahoo. com.
Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002
EMPLOYMENT
Boat rental company in Marathon needs workers – Boat drivers, Truck drivers, Boat cleaners & Boat detailing. Call 305-481-7006
Night Monitor –FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring for the following positions: Resident Care Supervisor with min. 3 yrs. experience of an LPN, Housing Manager-FTMarathon, CarpenterFT, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: wrightk@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 ext. 224. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha. org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.
Handyman needed for residence in Marathon. References needed. Call: 305-395-0478 bbrayman@proton.me
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.
HOBBIES/COLLECT.
PRIVATE
COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
HOUSING FOR RENT
$3,000 OBO. 174k miles, runs great, A/C works. Located in Marathon. Call Evan 305-417-0169
UNFURNISHED 2/2 HOUSE FOR RENT ON CANAL, MM27, Ramrod Key, recently refurbished and painted, w/d, utilities paid by owner, $3000/ month, security negotiable, fenced yard, available now. Pete 786-649-9833 or pprm1119@aol.com
2BR/1BA with outdoor patio for rent in Marathon. $2,100/month F/L/S Taking applications. 305-849-5793
3BR/3BA fully furnished home for rent in Marathon. Available now. REDUCED to $3,300/mo. 618-559-9143
2BR/1BA house for rent in Marathon. Competely remodeled. All appliances. No pets. $2700/mo incl. electric only. F/L/S Dock available for sep. fee. 305-610-8002
Furnished Studio Apt. for rent in Marathon. 1 person only. No smoking. No pets. $1,100/ month incl. water and electric. 305-743-9876 RENTED IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!!!
2BR/1BA for rent in Key Colony Beach. 800 sq. ft., fully furnished, across from park, one block from beach. 3 month min. REDUCED to $2750/month + sales & TDT taxes if less than 6 mos.. F/L/S 786-285-9476 fjvillegascpa@ gmail.com
PENDING!
PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
RV FOR SALE
2017 Fleetwood Discovery 39F Diesel Pusher For Sale. Only 35k miles. Located in Grassy Key. $135,000 757-477-2450
5th Wheel 27' Forest River Travel Trailer For Sale. Located in Key West. $13,000 OBO 305-848-7070
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 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
FACILITY MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR – FULL TIME WITH BENEFITS.
40 hours per week at the Keys Marine Laboratory (KML), Layton, Florida.
KML supports research and academic programs conducted by universities/colleges throughout Florida, the US, and internationally. Duties include all facility maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment (e.g. janitorial, preventive, repair).
To apply for this opening visit: Careers@USF and search for Job ID 41130.
MARINA CASHIER
Looking for a friendly, dependable team member who can handle a busy retail environment with a great a itude. Customer service experience and willingness to learn our sales system is ideal. Duties include assisting customers, restocking, placing orders, and keeping the store clean and organized.
This is an hourly position with pay based on experience. Flexible hours with a consistent weekly schedule. Morning and a ernoon shi s available.
Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.
OPERATOR/MAINTAINER
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $40.15/hr - $44.97/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. Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Generation Department:
is accepting applications for the following position in its Engineering Department:
ELECTRICAL PROJECT ENGINEER
Must have experience with Excel. We are willing to train the right candidate.
Send resume to admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call 305-852-3002 ACCOUNTING PERSON
NOW HIRING
GENERAL OFFICE HELP
Captain Pip’s & their sister properties are looking to hire for general of ce help.
Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come in the of ce to ll out application. 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $136,979/annually$140,815/annually
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.
We have the following opening available. Scan the QR code to visit the careers page on our website.
e Turtle Hospital in Marathon wants you to join their team! EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM GUIDES/GIFT SHOP SALES
Full and part-time. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $19/hour to start.
Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org NOW HIRING!
Permanent)
DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees by offering a competitive total package. DRC currently offers a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays, vacation, sick and an employee assistance program. DRC also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee.
COME JOIN THE FAMILY! Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida,
GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.
IS HIRING!
JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT 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
Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) KEY WEST
Case Manager (Children, Adult) (FT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult, PT) Prevention Specialist Advocate
MARATHON
Prevention Specialist Care Coordinator (PT) Driver (CDL not required) (PT)
RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (FT,PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (PT)
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT,PT)
*Night Monitor (Assisted Living - Free Housing)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.
Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP
EXCEPTIONAL
Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip
DUI FRONT DESK CLERK & EVALUATOR/INSTRUCTOR
The Advocate Program DUI school is hiring for part time positions.
Front desk: 3 days a week, high school diploma and computer data entry skills required. DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required.
Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.
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
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C)Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier
- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant, Upper Keys-Gastro, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant, LPN, EMT or Paramedic, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST
- Radiation Therapist, $12k Bonus
- Pool Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C), Medical Oncology, Per Diem
63. Movie “Saturday Night” subject matter, acr. 64. FedEx, verb
DOWN
1. Tom Jones’ “____ a Lady”
2. *Big Top
3. Gulf V.I.P.
4. Remodeled
5. Tests
6. Settle a debt
7. Biblical place of bliss
8. *”The Greatest Showman” protagonist
9. Equals length times width
10. Multicolored horse
11. Dashboard acronym
13. Type of heart pain
14. Moses’ mountain
19. Hollywood legend ____
Shearer
22. *Like circus audience’s experience, hopefully
23. Bow-like structure
24. Dodge
25. Trunks
26. *Three-____ circus
27. What phoenix did
28. Batu Khan’s people
29. JD Vance’s “Hillbilly ____”
32. Civil disorder
33. African grazer
36. *Sound of circus
38. Money under mattress, e.g. 40. *Aerialist’s bouncy safety device
41. Piled
44. Twisted cotton thread
46. Give it generously
48. *Funny one
49. James Dean’s famous role
50. It will
51. *Unwelcome reception, pl. 52. Cupid, to the Greeks
53. Sodium hydroxide
54. ____caca, South American lake
55. Trough stuff
56. Witness
In The Bleachers
NEWS OF THE WEIRD
Carlos Abundez, 35, of San Ysidro, California, couldn’t really explain to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent on June 25 how 14 keel-billed toucans got into the dashboard of his Volkswagen Passat, The New York Times reported. Customs and Border Protection officers were alerted to the strange cargo when one of their dogs picked up a scent; the threatened birds appeared to be sedated, and some of them were injured. Abundez said he had left his temporary home in Tijuana, Mexico, to get McDonald’s in the U.S. He claimed his car had been parked and locked in his driveway overnight. On July 7, he was charged with smuggling and illegal importation and was released on $10,000 bond.
Adam Dailies
Brevity
Milton Friedman (1912-2006), economist; Primo Levi (1919-1987), chemist/author; Geoffrey Lewis (1935-2015), actor; Evonne Goolagong Cawley (1951- ), tennis player; Michael Biehn (1956- ), actor; Mark Cuban (1958- ), businessman/TV personality; Kevin Greene (19622020), football player; Wesley Snipes (1962- ), actor; J.K. Rowling (1965- ), author; Zac Brown (1978- ), musician; B.J. Novak (1979- ), actor; DeMarcus Ware (1982- ), football player; A.J. Green (1988- ), football player.
In 1964, the American space probe Ranger 7 transmitted the first close-up photographs of the moon.
The first U.S. patent was issued to inventor Samuel Hopkins on this day in 1790, for a process of making potash, an ingredient used in fertilizer.
“I live in my house as I live inside my skin: I know more beautiful, more ample, more sturdy and more picturesque skins: but it would seem to me unnatural to exchange them for mine.”
Brevity
— Primo Levi, “If This Is a Man”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announces a PUBLIC HEARING for the FWC Lead Managed Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area located in Monroe County, Florida.
6:30 P.M. Tuesday, August 12
Marathon Government Center 2nd Floor
2798 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL 33050
PURPOSE: To receive public comment regarding considerations for the FWC’s ten-year Management Plan for the FWC Lead Managed Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA).
This hearing is being held EXCLUSIVELY for discussion of the DRAFT Florida Keys WEA Management Plan, otherwise referred to as the Management Prospectus. This meeting will not address area hunting or fishing regulations. For more information on the process for FWC rule and regulation development visit our Proposed Rules Changes scan QR code.
A Management Prospectus for the Florida Keys WEA and a copy of the agenda is available upon request from Elizabeth Norregaard or Christina Omran by mail at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-160; by telephone at (850) 510-1823; or by email at Ann.Norregaard@MyFWC.com or Christina.Omran@MyFWC.com.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting should notify the agency at least five calendar days before the meeting by calling (850) 488-6411 or contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (Voice), if you are hearing or speech impaired. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more information, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at:
FWC, Office of Human Resources 620 S Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850) 488-6411
Or write to:
Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Civil Rights Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20240
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Notice of Seizure that in accordance with Florida Statues 83.805 / 83.506, Tavernier Mini Storage, 135 Hood Ave., Tavernier, Florida 33070 will sell or otherwise will dispose of the personal contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.
All Contents in:
Unit B-59 – Curtis Drinkard & Laura Herrick Sale of all goods will be 8/8/25 at 10:00 am at 135 Hood Ave., Tavernier, Florida 33070. Tavernier Mini Storage reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.
Publish:
July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the Zoom meetings or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com Board Meeting/Retreat & Advisor Orientation August 14, 2025, at 12:00 PM
Committee Meeting August 19, 2025, at 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/ 88337135232?pwd= 7QCZq93ug8KOjR Md4SayhD2RMEEkz9.1
Meeting ID: 883 3713 5232
Passcode: 657545
Publish: July 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-profit organizations for capital projects for a second round for only District II (from city limits of Key West to west end of Seven Mile Bridge) and District V (from Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any portions of mainland Monroe County).
The project/facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories:
Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary, or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions set forth in the Florida Statutes.
The deadline for receipt of applications is 5:00 p.m. on August 27, 2025, and applications must be downloaded from the County’s Bonfire platform. For more information, please email maxine@fla-keys.com.
July 31 and August 7, 14 & 21, 2025. The Weekly Newspapers
John Sheldon, O.D.
Island Vision Care 6400 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050
Dr. John Sheldon will be closing his optometry practice, Island Vision Care, located at 6400 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050, e ective August 8, 2025. Patients wishing to pick up their medical records may do so until August 7th, 2025. Please call 305-743-2020 before August 8th if there are any questions.
Patient’s medical records will remain with Dr. John Sheldon. He will be joining Key West Optical, located at 1444 Kennedy Dr, Key West, Florida 33040, beginning on September 2nd, 2025. Please call 305-294-9711 to schedule appointments, to request records or for any questions starting September 2nd.
Publish: July 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 9:00 A.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: FY 26 2nd Round Capital Project (Bricks and Mortar) Funding Application
DAC II and DAC V Monroe County, Florida
Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.
Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 5:00P.M. on August 27, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 9:00 A.M., on Thursday, August 28, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile:
+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)
+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location:
+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish:
July 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Back Up Emergency Management Logistics Services Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.
Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP
is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal.
The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.
The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom.
us/j/4509326156
Meeting ID: 4509326156
One tap mobile:
+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)
+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish:
July 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION
File No. 25-CP-000270-K
Division: Probate IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN BROWN EVANS, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of John Brown Evans, deceased, whose date of death was May 12, 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 on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of
this notice is July 31, 2025.
Personal Representative:
John Caleb Evans
504 SW South Carolina Dr Stuart, FL 34994
Attorney for Personal Representative:
Aliana M. Payret
Florida Bar No.104377
Robinson Pecaro & Mier, P.A. 201 N. Kentucky Ave., Suite 2 Lakeland, Florida 33801
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-250-K IN RE: ESTATE OF RICKY LEE SMITH
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Ricky Lee Smith, deceased, whose date of death was May 12, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: July 24, 2025.
Personal Representative: Brian Joe Smith 1800 Massachusetts Avenue St. Cloud, Florida 34769
Attorney for Personal Representative: Tracy Hensel, M.D., J.D.
Attorney for Petitioner
Florida Bar Number: 127358
HENSEL, BAILEY & HARRIS, PA
701 13th Street
Saint Cloud, FL 34769
Telephone: (407) 957-9686
Fax: (407) 386-7451
E-mail: tracy@hbhlawfl.com
Secondary E-Mail: heather@ hbhlawfl.com
Publish: July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, CASE NO.: 25-CP-37-P UPPER KEYS DIVISION
JUDGE: MORGAN IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BRUCE HORN, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The Administration of the Estate of BRUCE HORN, deceased, whose date of death was December 19, 2024 is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, FL, Upper Keys Division; Case Number: 25-CP-37-P; the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 1, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and his/her 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 WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this Notice is: July 24, 2025. Personal Representative: Lynda Munshower Attorney for Personal Representative: JORGE JAILE, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1020005 Los Cayos Law, P.A. 100410 Overseas Hwy, Suite 303 Key Largo, FL 33037 Tel.: (305) 204-8814 Email: jorge@loscayoslaw.com
Publish: July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-292-PK IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LEIF AUSTIN MOE Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Leif Austin Moe, deceased, whose date of death was April 27, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and
the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is July 24, 2025.
Personal Representative: Tiffany Irene Moe 101644 Overseas Highway, #25 Key Largo, Florida 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: Nicholas W. Mulick, Esq. E-mail Addresses: reception@ mulicklaw.com and Lisa@mulicklaw.com
Florida Bar No. 337757
Nicholas W. Mulick P.A. 91645 Overseas Highway Tavernier, Florida 33070 Telephone: (305) 852-9292
Publish: July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO: 25-CP-000134-M IN RE: ESTATE OF SUE FOLTZ DICKES a/k/a SUE F. DICKES
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The Administration of the Estate of Sue Foltz Dickes a/k/a Sue F. Dickes, deceased, whose date of death was September 6, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the Personal Representatives and the Personal Representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s Estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
The Personal Representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s Estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST
PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: July 24, 2025.
Personal Representatives: Kimberly D. Kenney 140 Southbrooke Court Decatur, Illinois 62521-3740
Frederic L. Kenney 140 Southbrooke Court Decatur, Illinois 62521-3740
Attorney for Personal Representatives: Cyrus Malhotra, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0022751 THE MALHOTRA LAW FIRM P.A. 3903 Northdale Blvd., Suite 100E Tampa, FL 33624
Telephone: (813) 902-2119
Fax Number: (727) 290-4044
Email: filings@ FLprobatesolutions.com
Secondary Email: cortney@ FLprobatesolutions.com
Publish:
July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCIIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO: 2025-CA-129-K
Premier Capital, LLC
Plaintiff, Vs Carolyn M. Delgado and William J. Delgado
Defendant, NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that pursuant to a Writ of Execution issued in the Circuit Court, of Monroe County, Florida, on the 21st day of May, 2025, in the cause wherein Premier Capital, LLC is Plaintiff and Carolyn M. Delgado and William J. Delgado was defendant, being Case No. 2025-CA-129-K in said court, I, Richard A. Ramsay, Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida have levied upon all right, title, and interest of the defendant, in and to the following described real property to wit: SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: From the warranty deed that states the following described land, situate, lying and being in Monroe County, Florida to-wit: Legal Description(s) –On the Island of Key West, Monroe County, Florida, and known on William A. Whitehead’s map delineated in February A.D. 1829, as part of Tract 11 but better known as part of Lot 3, Square 9, Tract 11 according to Charles W. Tift’s Map of said Island recorded in Deed Book “L” Page 564, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the Southwesterly right of way boundary line of Duval Street with the Northwesterly right of way boundary line of United Street and run in a Southwesterly direction along the said right of way boundary line of United Street a distance of 100 feet to the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land herein described, thence at right angles in the Northwesterly direction 84.17 feet to a point; thence at right angles in a Southwesterly direction 26.3 feet to a point; thence at right angles in a Southeasterly direction 84.17 feet to a point in the Northwesterly direction along the said right of way line of United
the point of Beginning.
SPECIFIC LOCATION OF REAL
PROPERTY:
421 United Street Key West, Florida 33040
All bidders must have a valid Driver’s License with them and must register with the clerk at location of sale prior to start time of sale. I shall offer this property for sale, at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building located at 5525 College Road Key West, Florida 33040 in the County of Monroe, State of Florida, on the 28th day of August, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as possible. I will offer for sale all of the said defendant’s right, title, and interest in the aforesaid real property at public auction and will sell the same subject to all taxes, prior liens, encumbrances and judgments, if any, to the highest and best bidder for CASH IN HAND. The proceeds to be applied as far as may be to the payment of costs and the satisfaction of the above described execution.
Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida this 9th day of June, 2025.
Richard A. Ramsay Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida
By: Donald Stullken
Deputy Sheriff
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Civil Division no later than seven says prior to the proceeding at (305)8093041.
Publish: July 17, 24 & 31 and August 7, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-677-K DIVISION: FAMILY BEKA MTCHEDLISHVILI, Petitioner, and ANTHONY D. HENDERSON, Respondent.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ANTHONY D. HENDERSON
RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: NEVADA
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 BEKA MTCHEDLISHVILI, whose address is 926 TRUMAN AVENUE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before August 11, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.
The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.
You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285,
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: July 2, 2025
Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida
By: Sheryl LaTorre Deputy Clerk
Publish: July 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS WANTED
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
AUTOS FOR SALE
2003 Ford Explorer. 174k miles, runs greathave svc. records from 89k miles, A/C works. REDUCED to $3000OBO Bring an offer! Located in Marathon. Call Evan 305-417-0169
19’x40’ slip in Marathon, could handle somewhat larger boat with approval from dockmaster. Desirable location in marina, easy in, easy out. Available thru Oct 25, possibly long term lease. $1,400/mo. Please contact Vern Rozier, 904 626 5279, or 904 626 8224 and leave call back info. Or email vrrozier@yahoo. com.
Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002
EMPLOYMENT
Boat rental company in Marathon needs workers – Boat drivers, Truck drivers, Boat cleaners & Boat detailing. Call 305-481-7006
Night Monitor –FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring for the following positions: Resident Care Supervisor with min. 3 yrs. experience of an LPN, Housing Manager-FTMarathon, CarpenterFT, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: wrightk@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 ext. 224. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha. org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.
Handyman needed for residence in Marathon. References needed. Call: 305-395-0478 bbrayman@proton.me
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.
HOBBIES/COLLECT.
PRIVATE
COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
HOUSING FOR RENT
$3,000 OBO. 174k miles, runs great, A/C works. Located in Marathon. Call Evan 305-417-0169
UNFURNISHED 2/2 HOUSE FOR RENT ON CANAL, MM27, Ramrod Key, recently refurbished and painted, w/d, utilities paid by owner, $3000/ month, security negotiable, fenced yard, available now. Pete 786-649-9833 or pprm1119@aol.com
2BR/1BA with outdoor patio for rent in Marathon. $2,100/month F/L/S Taking applications. 305-849-5793
3BR/3BA fully furnished home for rent in Marathon. Available now. REDUCED to $3,300/mo. 618-559-9143
2BR/1BA house for rent in Marathon. Competely remodeled. All appliances. No pets. $2700/mo incl. electric only. F/L/S Dock available for sep. fee. 305-610-8002
Furnished Studio Apt. for rent in Marathon. 1 person only. No smoking. No pets. $1,100/ month incl. water and electric. 305-743-9876 RENTED IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!!!
2BR/1BA for rent in Key Colony Beach. 800 sq. ft., fully furnished, across from park, one block from beach. 3 month min. REDUCED to $2750/month + sales & TDT taxes if less than 6 mos.. F/L/S 786-285-9476 fjvillegascpa@ gmail.com
PENDING!
PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
RV FOR SALE
2017 Fleetwood Discovery 39F Diesel Pusher For Sale. Only 35k miles. Located in Grassy Key. $135,000 757-477-2450
5th Wheel 27' Forest River Travel Trailer For Sale. Located in Key West. $13,000 OBO 305-848-7070
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 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
FACILITY MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR – FULL TIME WITH BENEFITS.
40 hours per week at the Keys Marine Laboratory (KML), Layton, Florida.
KML supports research and academic programs conducted by universities/colleges throughout Florida, the US, and internationally. Duties include all facility maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment (e.g. janitorial, preventive, repair).
To apply for this opening visit: Careers@USF and search for Job ID 41130.
MARINA CASHIER
Looking for a friendly, dependable team member who can handle a busy retail environment with a great a itude. Customer service experience and willingness to learn our sales system is ideal. Duties include assisting customers, restocking, placing orders, and keeping the store clean and organized.
This is an hourly position with pay based on experience. Flexible hours with a consistent weekly schedule. Morning and a ernoon shi s available.
Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.
OPERATOR/MAINTAINER
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $40.15/hr - $44.97/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. Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Generation Department:
is accepting applications for the following position in its Engineering Department:
ELECTRICAL PROJECT ENGINEER
Must have experience with Excel. We are willing to train the right candidate.
Send resume to admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call 305-852-3002 ACCOUNTING PERSON
NOW HIRING
GENERAL OFFICE HELP
Captain Pip’s & their sister properties are looking to hire for general of ce help.
Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come in the of ce to ll out application. 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $136,979/annually$140,815/annually
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.
We have the following opening available. Scan the QR code to visit the careers page on our website.
e Turtle Hospital in Marathon wants you to join their team! EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM GUIDES/GIFT SHOP SALES
Full and part-time. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $19/hour to start.
Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org NOW HIRING!
Permanent)
DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees by offering a competitive total package. DRC currently offers a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays, vacation, sick and an employee assistance program. DRC also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee.
COME JOIN THE FAMILY! Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida,
GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.
IS HIRING!
JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT 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
Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) KEY WEST
Case Manager (Children, Adult) (FT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult, PT) Prevention Specialist Advocate
MARATHON
Prevention Specialist Care Coordinator (PT) Driver (CDL not required) (PT)
RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (FT,PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (PT)
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT,PT)
*Night Monitor (Assisted Living - Free Housing)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.
Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP
EXCEPTIONAL
Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip
DUI FRONT DESK CLERK & EVALUATOR/INSTRUCTOR
The Advocate Program DUI school is hiring for part time positions.
Front desk: 3 days a week, high school diploma and computer data entry skills required. DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required.
Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.
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
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C)Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier
- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant, Upper Keys-Gastro, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant, LPN, EMT or Paramedic, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST
- Radiation Therapist, $12k Bonus
- Pool Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C), Medical Oncology, Per Diem
