Key West Weekly 25-0828

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1075 Duval Street | Suite 15C | Key West

305.294.1117 | oceansir.com

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5

Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

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Members of

The U.S. Coast Guard achieved a milestone on Aug. 25, offloading 76,140 pounds of illicit narcotics — valued at $473 million — at Port Everglades. It’s the largest quantity of drugs offloaded in Coast Guard history. The result of 19 interdictions in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean, this prevented the flow of 23 million potential lethal doses from reaching the United States.

The Just a Few Friends festival over Labor Day Weekend will celebrate the life and music of the late singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett. See page 14.

ETHICS COMPLAINTS DISMISSED AGAINST 2 CITY COMMISSIONERS

State board finds no probable cause against Kaufman or Haskell

Astate ethics board recently dismissed separate and unrelated ethics complaints filed against two Key West city commissioners, finding no probable cause to believe that either commissioner had violated any ethics rules.

The Florida Commission on Ethics is the state’s constitutionally created independent agency tasked with interpreting and enforcing the state’s ethics laws. The commission met on July 25 and “took action on a myriad of matters involving governmental officials.”

Two of those officials were Key West city commissioners Monica Haskell and Sam Kaufman.

With regard to Haskell, the commission “found no probable cause to believe that Haskell had a voting conflict when she voted on a measure affecting dock usage that could impact her son’s business,” states a summary of the ethics commission’s July 25 hearing.

The complaint, which Haskell said had been filed by the Key West Chamber of Commerce, claimed that by voting on a dockage agreement for American Cruise Line, she had taken official action that could financially benefit her son, Arlo Haskell, who works for the nonprofit Key West Literary Seminar, which offers walking tours to Key West cruise ship visitors.

In speaking with the Keys Weekly on Aug. 26, Haskell called the complaint “malicious and scurrilous.”

“The investigation took five months and I had to hire an attorney for it,” she said, adding that before she had voted last year on the American Cruise Lines docking agreement at Mallory Square, she had consulted with then-city attorney Ron Ramsingh.

“I even asked our then-attorney whether I should recuse myself,” Haskell said. “He asked me whether I or my son stood to benefit financially and I said no, so he told me I didn’t have to recuse myself.”

Haskell’s son is an employee, not an owner, of the Key West Literary Seminar and its walking tours.

As such, his salary is not affected by the number of walking tour participants, the commissioner said.

Complaint against Kaufman dismissed

As for Kaufman, “the commission found no probable cause to believe Mr. Kaufman had a prohibited business relationship or a conflicting contractual relationship that created a continuing or frequently recurring conflict between his private interests and the performance of his public duties, or had a voting conflict when the City Commission allocated funds to 18 nonprofit service providers, including the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition where Mr. Kaufman serves as a board member.”

Kaufman told the Keys Weekly, “I am grateful the Florida Commission on Ethics dismissed this baseless complaint after the Attorney General’s Office found it had no merit. From the beginning, I acted in good faith, relied on legal advice and had no personal or financial interest in the matter. It is unfortunate that political motivations led to this complaint, but I’m pleased that the independent review process confirmed what I have maintained all along — that my actions were proper, lawful and in the best interests of the people of Key West.”

The complaint stemmed from Kaufman’s voting to support funding for housing at Poinciana Plaza on Duck Avenue while he was an unpaid board member of one of the nonprofit agencies that stood to receive public funding to increase affordable housing.

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Key West City Commissioner Sam Kaufman

Key West City Commissioner Monica Haskell

‘SURE, JIMMY’ … THE BIRTH OF THE ‘COCONUT TELEGRAPH’

KEY WEST BACK IN THE DAY

There should have been trumpets blaring. At least that’s what I thought years later, pondering the moment’s significance in the launch of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville empire. Or if not trumpets, there should have been dramatic background music — the kind that underscores a pivotal movie scene.

CAROL SHAUGHNESSY

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.

Instead, there was the chatter of happy-hour patrons, the soft wash of waves on tiny Dog Beach and the clink of cocktail glasses on the tray I carried toward a table of waiting customers.

It was 1984, a few months after Jimmy had hired me to transcribe his handwritten in-progress movie script. Key West was enjoying a relatively new tourism-based prosperity, but still had an outlaw vibe that drew well-known writers, celebrities and adventurers. At dusk there was still a tingle of electricity in the air, as though the coming night would bring something special and unforgettable.

That night, it did — because Jimmy and Sunshine Smith waylaid me on the oceanfront Afterdeck Bar at Louie’s Backyard restaurant, where I was a part-time waitress, with an announcement and a proposal.

Jimmy was going to open a place called the Margaritaville Store, he said, to sell T-shirts and memorabilia connected to his music and the lifestyle he sang about.

Sunshine was his business partner, and they wanted me to run the store’s planned mail-order division and write its monthly newsletter — to be named the “Coconut Telegraph” after Jimmy’s 1981 album.

Focused on delivering my tray of drinks, I was oblivious to the offer’s magnitude.

“Ummm … sure, Jimmy,” I said. “But I’m kind of busy now. Could we talk about it tomorrow?”

Several months later, after learning enough about mail-order to be vaguely competent, I sat on my apartment floor surrounded by children and 650 copies of the first issue of the “Coconut Telegraph.” We couldn’t afford a direct-mail service, so Sunshine’s young sons and their friends

had been bribed to stick printed address labels and stamps on each copy.

“Jimmy Buffett Opens Margaritaville Store,” read the newsletter headline. My carefully crafted lead story described the store as “a cheerfully shabby place, with its weathered front porch, well-used rocking chair, and lobster-trap display cases.”

Located in Key West’s waterfront Lands End Village, the store was hardly bigger than a large hotel room and filled with vivid Buffett-themed and island-style merchandise. Its opening on Jan. 28, 1985, was marked by festivities including the Margaritaville Film Festival — featuring screenings of Buffett videos, classic films shot in the Keys and lively commentary by Jimmy himself.

Behind the store was a closet-sized office with desks for intuitive leader Sunshine, store manager Lauri McLaughlin and me. We shared the office with huge boxes of T-shirts, a counter for folding and shipping them, a lovely woman named Cas and later the irreplaceable Sharon Lehmann. Together, they guided the store’s growth.

As for me, I wrote and edited the “Coconut Telegraph” for nearly three years. Story topics in-

cluded Jimmy’s environmental work to save manatees, his debut of “Last Mango in Paris” about Key West’s famed Captain Tony, and his 1985 visit to the Spanish galleon Atocha wreck site when the salvage crew discovered its priceless “mother lode” of treasure and artifacts.

There was even a periodic “Dirt from the Road” column, contributed by Jimmy’s Coral Reefer Band member Fingers Taylor, about exploits on tour.

It was all great fun. Eventually, though, I was offered an irresistible journalism gig and moved on.

The “Coconut Telegraph” and mail-order enterprise expanded significantly under the skilled leadership of Marty Lehmann. The Margaritaville Store relocated to Duval Street, where it still flourishes, and inspired the creation of today’s multifaceted business empire.

Yet those early days — days spent writing the first few “Coconut Telegraph” issues and watching Jimmy’s dream come to life — remain a magical memory. We were almost convinced, back then, that Margaritaville was the center of the universe.

There really should have been trumpets.

1. The first Margaritaville Store occupied a tiny space in Key West’s waterfront Lands End Village. 2. Sunshine Smith, Jimmy’s business partner, guided Margaritaville and its mail-order enterprise on the path to success. 3. The first issue of Jimmy Buffett’s ‘Coconut Telegraph’ newsletter announced the opening of his Margaritaville Store and launched the store’s mail-order business. CONTRIBUTED

Key West & Cuba’s Museum Quality Regional Art

Celebrating Cultural Resilience

CUBAN ART TOURS

November 10-14, 2025 & April 20-24, 2026

Kevin Foley

Jimmy Bu ett: Keep The Party Going, 14 x 14, Shells - Sailor’s Valentine Works

Kevin Foley, a legendary local schooner captain who has been plying the waters of the Caribbean and East Coast for half a century, has reinterpreted the traditional Victorian Sailor’s Valentine to create works with a modern, local, Key West avor. Sailor’s valentines were originally created by local women in the Barbados, selling them to passing sailors to take to their loved ones back home.

We are celebrating locals all summer long!

Present your Monroe County ID and receive 20% off all merchandise August 15th - September 30th.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

COMMUNITY URGED TO TAKE ACTION REGARDING PROPOSED CUTS TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FUNDING

In July, Monroe County’s Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB) learned that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) was poised to implement a 50% cut to HSAB funding. This funding represents essential support to more than two dozen local nonprofit agencies that deliver vital services throughout the Keys, including children’s dentistry, women’s health, prenatal care, chronic disease management, food pantries, child protective services, abuse and homeless shelters, and services for families in crisis, veterans, seniors and people with developmental disabilities.

At a recent BOCC meeting, commissioner David Rice proposed a smaller cut of 25%, but the motion was not seconded. The issue will return for a vote at the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Harvey Government Center in Key West.

HSAB-Funded Essential Services, a coalition of numerous Monroe County nonprofit agencies, is now urging the public to contact the BOCC and advocate on behalf of HSAB funding, with a reduction of no more than Rice’s proposed 25% cut, stressing that nonprofits should not be considered supplemental to Monroe County’s public health system, but recognized as integral to it.

“A 50% cut would mean the collapse of many of these vital nonprofits,” said Billy Davis, founder and executive director of A Positive Step of Monroe County, a nonprofit that has served at-risk youth and families since 1999. “Most agencies could adapt to a 25% cut, but 50% is unsustainable.”

According to coalition materials, the originally-proposed 50% reduction would result in significant dismantling of social services, layoffs and the loss of over $2 million in matching state and federal funds. Without these services, the county faces higher longterm costs in emergency care, homelessness and preventable crises.

The coalition underscores that during emergencies such as hurricanes and the COVID pandemic, nonprofits have been among the first to take action and the last to leave, coordinating food, shelter, mental health support and medical care for residents, often in partnership with city and county agencies. Without them, Monroe County’s disaster readiness and response capacity would be severely weakened.

The coalition also emphasizes that in geographically-isolated and resource-limited areas like the Florida

Keys, nonprofits and their services cannot be easily replaced by government systems, as local nonprofits fill critical gaps in care by leveraging federal and state dollars, private grants, philanthropic contributions and volunteer support. They often match or multiply local taxpayer investments, making them one of the most cost-effective tools for addressing public health and safety.

Organizations supported by HSAB funding play a crucial role in Monroe County’s health care infrastructure, especially for low- and moderate-income families, the uninsured and Medicaid recipients.

Some of the nonprofits whose programs are supported by HSAB funding include A.H. of Monroe, Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, Rural Health Network of Monroe County, Womankind, Domestic Abuse Shelter Florida Keys, Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens, Samuel’s House, Star of the Sea Foundation, Wesley House Family Services, Literacy Volunteers and Special Olympics of Florida.

One HSAB-funded nonprofit, the Florida Keys Area Health Education Centers (Keys AHEC), reported that in the 2024-2025 school year, it provided more than 10,000 visits and 45,000 medical and dental services to area children.

Residents are urged to voice their concerns and advocate for the preservation of HSAB funding by contacting their district commissioners and county administrators. A sample email letter and direct action link are available by scanning the QR code:

Or, email your district representatives:

District 1: Craig Cates –boccdis1@monroecounty-fl.gov

District 2: Michelle Lincoln –boccdis2@monroecounty-fl.gov

District 3: Jim Scholl – boccdis3@ monroecounty-fl.gov

District 4: David Rice – boccdis4@ monroecounty-fl.gov

District 5: Holly Merrill Raschein –boccdis5@monroecounty-fl.gov

County Administrator: Christine Hurley – Hurley-Christine@monroecounty-fl.gov

Assistant Administrator: Tina Boan – boan-tina@monroecounty-fl.gov

Sincerely,

The HSAB-Funded Essential Services of Monroe County

FLAG FOOTBALL GIRLS RAISE MONEY TO SPREAD THEIR SPORT

Young players are selling toilet paper as fundraiser

Members of Key West’s girls flag football teams are raising money to bring a young team of players from Nicaragua to Key West in January for the annual flag football tournament. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Since 1995, Stock Island resident Diane Beruldsen has championed female athletes by coaching flag football for girls and women, organizing the annual Key West Kelly McGillis Classic tournament and traveling the world to introduce the sport to developing countries, from Afghanistan and Pakistan to Nicaragua and El Salvador.

In April, Beruldsen spent three weeks in one of the poorest communities in Nicaragua, where families have no running water, no internet, no air-conditioning and sporadic electricity. But they have a church-run school that welcomed Beruldsen and a translator, who arrived with equipment and enthusiasm to spare.

“These girls were amazing to coach,” Beruldsen said. “They had never before played flag football and had never even seen NFL games on television or anything like that. But these young girls, ages 8 to 12, took to the sport immediately and were practically on autopilot, absolutely loving it.

“I would like our local girls who play flag football throughout the school year to meet these girls

from Nicaragua and understand what their lives are like, how different they are, but also how similar in many regards,” Beruldsen said. “And so many of our young players here in Key West come from Spanish-speaking or bilingual homes that there could be some real connections made. So we’re trying to raise money now to bring a team of girls from Nicaragua over for our tournament in January.”

In trying to think of a fundraiser, Beruldsen came up with the idea of going door to door to sell an essential item — toilet paper.

Local hotels have agreed to donate cases of individually wrapped rolls of toilet paper, which the girls (accompanied by Beruldsen) will sell for $2 apiece.

“Who doesn’t need toilet paper?” Beruldsen said, adding that she will make digital payments via Venmo possible to accommodate people who want to donate, but who rarely carry cash these days.

So if you see a group of gals on your porch in the coming weeks, with a wheelbarrow full of toilet paper, answer the door.

They’re there for a good cause. To learn more about women’s and girl flag football and the International Women’s Flag Football Association, visit iwffa.com.

SCHOOL BOARD HEARS UPDATE ON ATHLETIC FIELD PROJECTS

Lease

approved for

affordable housing in Key West

FRANK DERFLER

www.keysweekly.com

Several key athletic field projects, and one housing complex in Key West, took a step forward during a recent Monroe County School Board meeting at Coral Shores High School.

Patrick Lefere, school district executive director of operations, updated the board on the Rex Weech field project in Key West. The upgrade to the field’s facilities won’t exceed $4,992,577. The design process is complete, construction starts next month and completion is expected in May 2026.

Rex Weech, home to the Key West High School baseball team, will host a college baseball matchup between Florida International University and University of Central Florida in a night game on Oct. 11

Lefere also briefed the board on the baseball field upgrades proposed at Founders Park in Islamorada. This project is still in the design phase with an estimated cost of $6.1 million. The board saw new renderings of the design concept. Board member Sue Woltanski commented that the plans need to include Coral Shores baseball signs and logos.

Board chair Mindy Conn questioned the size of the proposed multipurpose building. Lefere said the building, of about 2,000 square feet, will include locker rooms, space for the umpires and rest rooms. Conn stressed the need for strong documentation describing the agreement between the school district and Islamorada.

Lefere responded that there was excellent cooperation in the planning process with the village. He expects to have a design development plan for the October board meeting and construction documents in February.

Despite the vigorous public comment on the baseball field project during a village meeting on Aug. 18, there was no public comment on the project at the school board meeting. The school board is fully funding the project.

In other matters, the board voted to formalize the lease for the Trumbo affordable workforce housing complex with TVC

A renovation at Key West’s Rex Weech field includes a new concession area with restrooms, a new entrance to the complex and a raised plaza area. The plan also includes a weight training area and a baseball museum. CONTRIBUTED

Development, intended for school district employees. Board member Yvette MiraTalbott asked the legal staff to ensure that sufficient homes would be available for new employees each year. The agreement states that a minimum of 10% of the units, 15 units, would be available for new renters each year.

Vice chair Darren Horan emphasized that this development is not meant to be permanent housing, but a way for employees to get quickly established. The rents for the units vary depending on the income of the employee, but can be as low as $1,200 a month or more than $2,000 a month for a one-bedroom unit. Woltanski said the district has no flexibility in the rental cost formula.

New Superintendent Ed Tierney praised the school bus drivers, cafeteria staff, principals, staff and teachers for what he called a “flawless” first day of school.

After Tierney’s comments, the board

opened public comments to Lisa Mongelia, executive director of the History of Diving Museum. She presented a report on what the museum does in cooperation with schools in the district. The Museum in Motion program provides interactive and hands-on educational experiences about diving, exploration and marine life in county schools. The museum staff coordinates school visits with particular curriculum modules. The school board members expressed their appreciation for the program.

State Rep. Jim Mooney addressed the board along with the district’s lobbyist, Kate DeLoach, to discuss state funding for education. DeLoach said that about $38 billion, or 33%, of the state’s annual expenditure goes to education.

Mooney and DeLoach both emphasized the hostile budget environment in Tallahassee. DeLoach said state money for advanced placement curriculum programs looked like it would be blocked, but it was released some time near the end of the 105-day legislative session.

“We don’t ask for anything we don’t need,” Mooney said. He did get $3.5 million into the budget for the Trumbo housing. DeLoach and Mooney both emphasized that the next legislative session is coming quickly. Some committee meetings start in early October and requests for appropriations in the 2026 session are due by Nov. 21 of this year.

Mooney said three Coral Shores High School graduates are serving in the Florida House. Mooney is joined in the House by Bill Conerly from district 72 in an area east of Sarasota and Richard Gentry representing district 27 north of Orlando.

A drawing depicting upgrades to the Founders Park ballfield. CONTRIBUTED

SEVERAL NOTABLE KEYS OFFICIALS FORM CONSERVATIVE PAC

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Acommunity of Florida Keys officials and residents are banding together behind their conservative ideals.

In March, paperwork for the Keys Common Sense Conservatives political action committee (PAC) was filed with the Florida Division of Elections. The new group is chaired by Jill Cranney-Black, an elected member of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District. Larry Zettwoch, Islamorada resident and retired Air Force colonel, serves as vice chair for the PAC.

Zettwoch said the PAC is made up of like-minded conservatives dedicated to promoting commonsense principles.

“We are not over the top. We’re moderate conservatives and we welcome everybody into the group if they have conservative views,” Zettwoch said.

An announcement posted to the group’s Facebook page states it will identify, encourage and support candidates who share their commitment to advance conservative values.

“Through open dialogue, grassroots action and local involvement, we aim to make a positive impact in our community and country,” the post states.

Monroe County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Kevin Madok serves as the PAC’s treasurer. The secretary is attorney Nick Mulick. He was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in June to serve on the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority. Mulick also serves as legal counsel for the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District.

Among the founding members are several elected officials in the Florida Keys. They include Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward, school board member John Dick and county commissioners Holly Raschein and Michelle Lincoln.

Kate DeLoach, Kathy Ovide, Mirna Hormachea and Sue Harrison are the other founding members.

So far, the PAC has received $2,000 in contributions ahead of a 2026 election season that will see several key offices up for grabs.

In July, the group held a “Fight! Fight! Fight!” rally to mark the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s survival from an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.

KEY WEST NATIVE PILOTS FIGHTER JET IN FOOTBALL FLYOVER

Lt. Caleb Hiller flew jet above NFL’s Hall of Fame game

Key West native Lt. Caleb Hiller pilots one of the two F/A 18 Super Hornets in a July 31 flyover above the Football Hall of Fame game in Ohio. CONTRIBUTED

Lt. Caleb ‘Scarebear’ Hiller, a Key West native and Navy fighter pilot, flew an F/A 18 Super Hornet in a flyover above the Football Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio on July 31.

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

AKey West native made quite an appearance at last month’s NFL Hall of Fame game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions in Canton, Ohio.

Lt. Caleb Hiller, a fighter pilot with the U.S. Navy, was one of two

U.S. Navy fighter pilots, including Key West native Lt. Caleb Hiller, were introduced on the field during halftime of the NFL Hall of Fame game after conducting a flyover at the start of the game.

aviators chosen to fly the Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornets in a flyover above the stadium on July 31.

The pilots were also introduced on the field during halftime.

“I’m so proud of all our service men and women in uniform who chose to serve our country to protect us all and our freedoms,” Hiller’s mother, Mercy, said of her son’s supersonic flyover.

Jill Cranney-Black

Nick Mulick

Kevin Madok

Larry Zettwoch

FLORIDA KEYS MAN SENTENCED FOR REVENGE PORN

Tyler Howell Nolan gets 18 months in state prison

Circuit Judge James Morgan recently sentenced Tyler Howell Nolan, 24, of Monroe County, to 18 months in state prison for violating the terms of his felony probation.

Nolan was previously convicted in Monroe County of one count of child abuse and eight counts of sexual cyberharassment. Those crimes involved the unlawful and nonconsensual creation and distribution of pornography — a form of digital image-based abuse commonly known as “revenge porn.” As part of his initial plea, Nolan served time in the Monroe County Jail in Key West and was placed on probation. Earlier this year, Nolan was arrested and convicted out-of-county for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, which violated his Monroe County probation.

On Aug. 19, Nolan admitted to violating his probation, which then was revoked; he then was sentenced to 18

Tyler Howell Nolan, 24, was sentenced to 18 months in state prison for charges related to revenge porn. MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Contributed

months in state prison. At his sentencing, the court noted the severity of his underlying crime and the permanent effect on Nolan’s victim.

“Let me be clear. Our office has zero tolerance for imagebased sexual abuse,” State Attorney Dennis Ward said. “Image-based abuse causes lasting harm to victims, and our office is committed to pursuing justice in every instance. Those who exploit others through nonconsensual pornography or harassment will be held accountable. Protecting victims and preventing further harm is our highest priority.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Trey Evans in the Upper Keys office.

— Contributed

DON’T FEED KEY WEST’S CHICKENS

It’s illegal and unsafe for the birds

Although Key West residents and visitors are welcome to photograph the island’s resident chickens, feeding them is illegal. CONTRIBUTED

The City of Key West is reminding residents and visitors that feeding chickens is illegal.

City law states, “It shall be unlawful for any person to feed, provide food, water or other forms of sustenance (feeding) to poultry within the city.”

Officials at the Key West Wildlife Center note that, this time of year, there is a large outbreak of botulism killing the birds and that feeding them can be lethal. These outbreaks occur every year at this time. Chickens ingest the naturally-occurring bacteria in the soil by drinking muddy water or eating food people put out for them, scattered on the ground.

The feeding also increases the population and can lead to a terrible death for the birds.

The City of Key West and the Key West Wildlife Center have been working together for over 15 years to reduce the number of feral chickens roaming the streets. Since 2009, well over 15,000 birds have been relocated to the mainland.

Feeding feral chickens can result not only in poisoning and overpopulation, it can result in fines for violating the ordinance.

— Contributed

SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY BREAKFAST: PULLED PORK BURRITOS $18.95

HAPPY HOUR AT PEPE’S HAPPY HOUR 1–6 PM (INSTEAD OF 4-6 PM)

‘JUST A FEW FRIENDS’ SALUTES JIMMY BUFFETT IN KEY WEST

Labor Day Weekend tribute features music & more

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 an opportunity to experience the place where Buffett developed his famed “trop-rock” sound.

Attendees can walk the 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, which 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 on Monday night. Both take

KEY WEST MAKES CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR RAINBOW CROSSWALKS

Community meeting Thursday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. seeks alternative ideas

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Splace at the Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier overlooking Key West Harbor. Beyond music, Scott Atwell will reveal the 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, luxury catamarans and floating tiki boats offer a taste of the island from the water, while guided walking and trolley 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 legendary 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. Proceeds from the sale of collectible event badges benefit three Key West organizations: Reef Relief, 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.

Details, badges and ticket information are at.justafewfriendskeywest. com.

The events are not affiliated with or endorsed by Buffett’s estate or Margaritaville Enterprises.

— Contributed

tate transportation officials have ordered the city of Key West to remove its rainbow crosswalks by Sept. 3, or the state will do it and charge the city for the cost of said removal. Refusal to comply could result in the city’s loss of state transportation funding, an Aug. 15 letter from the Florida Department of Transportation states.

Attorneys for Key West will seek an exemption from the ban at an administrative hearing in Orlando at 10 a.m. on Sept. 3, but the letter from FDOT left little room for hope that such an exemption will be granted.

With the rainbows’ erasure seemingly inevitable, Key West community members will discuss “contingency plans,” at a public meeting on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Frederick Douglass Community Center, 111 Olivia St. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

As cities throughout Florida cover their painted crosswalks to comply with a new state law banning painted pavement markings, Key West residents realize the clock is ticking on the pride crosswalks that have brightened Duval and Petronia streets since 2015.

State transportation officials last week waited until late at night to paint over a similar crosswalk in Orlando, where it had been installed in 2016 as a memorial to the 49 people killed in a mass shooting at Pulse nightclub. Residents promptly replaced the rainbow crosswalk with one made with chalk that was soon washed away by rain. Other cities have taken steps to remove colorful crosswalks on their own, despite public opposition and outcry.

The Key West Business Guild will host the community meeting on Aug. 28, bringing together “city leaders, advocates and community voices to provide updates on the legal status of the crosswalks, reflect on their history and significance, and explore contingency plans should removal move forward,” states a press release announcing the meeting.

Key West’s rainbow crosswalks were installed in 2015, then repainted in 2020 following road construction. The state of Florida has ordered the city to remove them by Sept. 3.

Weekly

Local historian Cori Convertito, who is also president of the business guild, will moderate the discussion that will also include city manager Brian L. Barroso, who will provide legal and procedural updates on the removal request.

“A key focus of the discussion will be exploring alternatives to preserve LGBTQ+ visibility and safety in the event the crosswalks are removed,” the press release states.

Joe Saunders of Equality Florida will offer advocacy insights and statewide context for LGBTQ+ visibility, and additional community historians and advocates will reflect on the original installation of the crosswalks and their significance to Key West and beyond.

“These crosswalks are not just symbols of LGBTQ+ pride; they are a reflection of the spirit of Key West, a community that values diversity, freedom and self-expression,” said Rob Dougherty, executive director of the Key West Business Guild. “Their removal, driven by outside political overreach and pressure, sends a troubling message: that decisions made by and for this community can be overridden without our input. This meeting will give our community a chance to hear the facts, provide input and work together on how we move forward.”

LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys

Fans of the late Jimmy Buffett parade along Duval Street during the 2024 Just a Few Friends festival. CONTRIBUTED

CREATE A CANVAS FOR BOOKMARK ART CONTEST

Books & Books @ The Studios hosts 9th annual community competition

Every summer, Books & Books @ The Studios welcomes local and visiting artists to take part in a highly anticipated tradition: the Summer Bookmark Art Contest. Now in its ninth year, the contest offers a platform for artists of all styles to share their work and for the community to celebrate the power of art.

“It’s exciting to see the submissions come in,” said Emily Berg, store manager at Books & Books, 533 Eaton St. “We’ve seen many local artists submit pieces each year, and watching their artistic growth has been wonderful. It’s also great getting to know the work of new contributors.”

This year, participants are once again challenged to reimagine a 4- by 12-inch canvas — whether with paint, pencil, collage or even 3D elements. While many submissions over the years have been inspired by beloved books, the contest is not limited to literary themes; artists are encouraged to let their imaginations roam.

All submissions will be displayed throughout October in the Zabar Project Gallery at

The Studios of Key West, which is attached to the bookstore on Eaton Street.

The show will officially open with a First Thursday reception on Oct. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The public will have the chance to select the winners. Voting will take place in-person and online during the exhibit, and winners will be revealed on Nov. 1. The grand prize winner will be spotlighted on a specialedition bookmark, have their original artwork displayed at the bookstore, and receive a $25 art supply gift card. Two additional winners will be honored for receiving the most online votes and the most in-person votes, with their designs also featured on limited-edition bookmarks distributed at Books & Books.

Registration for the contest is open now and includes a 4- by 12-inch canvas. Artists can sign up online or in person at Books & Books @ The Studios, 533 Eaton St., Key West.

The final deadline to register and submit artwork is 6 p.m. on Sept. 21. More information is at booksandbookskw.com.

LEADERSHIP MONROE COUNTY ANNOUNCES CLASS XXXIII

Community standouts enter eight-month program

Leadership Monroe County (LMC), the Florida Keys’ educational nonprofit community leadership organization, has announced the launch of its 33rd year of programming with the selection of Class XXXIII.

Designed for residents in leadership roles across the private and public sectors, government and community organizations, the LMC program spans eight months, from October 2025 to May 2026. Through a series of intensive single- and multi-day sessions held throughout Monroe County, participants explore key sectors affecting the region — including tourism, the environment, education, government, healthcare, the military, judiciary, law enforcement, the arts and media.

Sessions begin Oct. 3 and 4 in Key West and will continue monthly across the Keys. Each session is led by subject matter experts, policy makers and regional leaders, offering participants deep insights, dialogue on current challenges and unique networking opportunities.

Founded in 1992, LMC is a non-partisan, independent non-profit committed to building a network of informed, collaborative leaders to help guide the Keys toward a stronger future.

More information is at leadershipmonroecounty.org or via email to mshields@leadershipmonroecounty.org

— Contributed

Class XXXIII members are:

• Peter Amendola, director of engineering, Florida Keys Electric Co-Op

• David Burke, acting superintendent, NOAA/FKNMS

• Maureen Dunleavy, regional senior vice president, Guidance/ Care Center

• Fritzie Estimond, associate director, Key West Business Guild

• Kathleen Filiaggi, physician, Baptist Health-Mariners/Fishermen’s Hospitals

• Scott Goss, executive director, Habitat of Humanity, Upper Keys

• Tammy Harrow, tobacco prevention manager, Monroe County Dept. of Health

• Jeanne Quinn, senior vice president, Visit Florida Keys

• Houston Hoyle, United States Coast Guard Chief, Key West Sector

• Melissa Johnson, director, property & evidence, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

• Megan Jones, councilwoman, City of Layton

• Jordan Mannix-Lachner, executive director, Keys Last Stand

• Angela McChesney, broker associate, Realtor

• Michelle Nevel, development director, AHEC

• Tiffany Pellicier, vice president, United Way of Collier and the Keys

• Anna Reckwerdt, president, Robbie’s Marina

• Anna Richards, councilwoman, Islamorada

• Colin Thompson, commanding officer, NAS Key West

• Lynny Thompson, councilwoman, City of Marathon

• Melody Tuschel, recycling director, Monroe County

• Scott Williamson, director, Parks & Recreation, City of Marathon

• Trevor Wirth, captain & inspector general, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

2025–2026 LMC officers include:

• President: George Garrett

• Vice president: Cheryl Sullivan

• Secretary: Kathy McKinney

• Treasurer: Bruce Halle

• Program coordinator: Michael Shields

Books & Books @ The Studios is accepting entries for its ninth annual Summer Bookmark Art Contest through Sept. 21. CONTRIBUTED

Key West Cooking School

Monday: 11am-8:30pm

Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-10pm Happy Hour: 4pm-6pm Cocktail Classes

1 pm: Rum Revelations A Cocktail Adventure

5 pm: Key West History Through Craft Cocktails

Key West Cooking School was a fantastic experience and the most enjoyable thing I did while visiting the keys (and we did just about everything)! I am not a cook or “foodie” and absolutely loved it. The food was exceptional and the staff extremely customer service savvy. I strongly encourage anyone visiting Key West to partake in the Key West Cooking School, you will not be disappointed, and I believe you will find it’s a unique one of a kind experience!!

... 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.

Inever really thought about Pelican Shoal until three or so months ago.

I’m not sure I’d even heard of it. I’d certainly never been there.

What got me thinking about it was a conversation with Chris Bergh. He’d mentioned that terns had nested out there in the past, particularly roseate terns, and it’s possible they were nesting out there still.

Once that seed was planted, I couldn’t stop thinking about the place.

Pelican Shoal is about 8 miles southeast of Key West and, like any shoal, the only way to get there is by boat.

The proåblem was that ridiculous real-world responsibilities kept popping up – work, home repair, poker games, feeding and occasionally walking the dog. And on days I was finally clear to head out there, it was windy or rainy or both.

Bergh is the Florida field program director for the Nature Conservancy, where he has been working since 1999. He also grew up here and has the most broad, grounded and versatile knowledge of the Keys ecosystems of anyone I know. He’s also great company.

I texted him in late July, asking something about sand fleas. He was out of town, but answered in his usually low-key, learned way. I mentioned something about still wanting to get out to Pelican Shoal.

“I’ll be home a week from today. Love to visit Pelican Shoal with you!” he texted back.

Three weeks later we actually managed to leave the dock. Along with us was Jana Mott, who used to live in the Keys, but now works for TNC out of Tallahassee.

Roseate terns have an odd distribution map, preferring to breed on small, coastal islands, largely in the warmer climes of the world – in the Caribbean, as well as off the coasts of Africa and China. But they also have small breeding colonies on islands from Long Island to Nova Scotia, as well as climatically similar habitats off of England and France.

Roseate terns, like least terns, evolved to nest on places like the sand, rock and coral beaches of the Keys. And like least terns, they have largely been supplanted from those habitats by human activity, but have adapted to nest on the gravel rooftops of commercial, and sometimes military, buildings in the mainline Keys. (The most reliable place to see roseates is the Marathon Government Center, but I have also seen them splash diving off of Fort Zachary Taylor, meaning they are probably nesting somewhere over on the Navy part of Truman Annex.)

SHIFTING SEAS AND ISLANDS

One of the last places where they bred in their natural habitat was Pelican Shoal. And since they are a threatened species, Pelican Shoal has been a no-access zone since the creation of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in 1990.

The Florida Keys are a shifty place, though. Islands appear, disappear and reappear on a geologically regular basis.

While we were talking about the island on the boat, Chris gave a little of the shoal’s recent history.

“The birds pick these places because there are no predators. They like nice open, sandy, shelly, rocky places to nest with no trees around. So the predator birds can’t perch on them and prey on the young ones, or prey on the eggs. And so this was the spot. There were lots of roseate terns nesting here, fledging here, coming back year after year,” he said.

“The island was just sort of a low-lying sand and shell and coral rubble. Sediment could get washed away, but it could get washed in as well. And it built up big enough that a little bit of grassy, weedy vegetation grew on it. The birds were using it, and it was protected,” he said.

“People weren’t allowed to go on there, because it was the only place for the birds to nest. So you could come up close to it, but not go on it. There’s good diving right around it. So people are always around. But as long as they didn’t go on the island, the birds were fine,” he said.

“And then Hurricane Wilma in 2005 wiped the island off the map,” Bergh said.

Chris was on the Key West National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council at the time, and there was some discussion in the years after about whether the no-access zone should be removed since it was no longer serving its purpose.

“But as soon as that got close to being proposed formally, another hurricane, Hurricane Irma in 2017, happened. And the storm came in and scooped up a bunch of sediment from the bottom, and redeposited it on the old spot, creating nesting-type conditions again. And within a short time, the birds started nesting again,” he said. Chris had been out there about two years ago, but not since.

It was an amazingly nice day on the water, easy running the whole way out. As we ran, the water was so clear you thought it was shallower than it was.

After about a half-hour I eased up on the throttle. As we got close to the island, the only other boat around was someone fishing way on the south side.

The first thing we could see was a long, narrow strip of brown rocks. Then, among the rocks, a lot of white spots, which were terns.

While there were a lot of rocks, most of them were only a few inches out of the water. And there was no dry substrate below. It seemed unlikely that any tern would risk nesting in any spot so vulnerable to wind and tides.

It looked to be a great place to roost unharassed, though. I lifted my binoculars and began to scan. It took a while. I scanned around a few more times, then decided to count. I tallied 360 least terns, 21 royal terns, nine Sandwich terns, six common terns, one spotted sandpiper and a pair of female magnificent frigatebirds that came in and made a half-hearted swoop at the flock – kleptoparasitic schoolyard bullies, trying to make sure they still got it.

There were no roseate terns, though. Maybe if we’d gone out earlier in the season we might have seen some.

“If we got a hurricane again this year, it could rework the sediments and put them back up on top of the shoal again. And it could be a nesting site again,” Chris said.

A Sandwich tern landing on Pelican Shoal. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

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Stephan Pavlos, MD Cardiology

NEW RIDES SAVE LIVES

Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) took delivery of the first of three new Trauma Star air ambulances at the Marathon hangar on Aug. 25. The Trauma Star program is a partnership between the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and MCSO. Trauma Star provides flights to mainland hospitals for critical patients in need of specialized care.

On average, Trauma Star provides nearly 1,400 flights annually, with three to four flights per day. According to Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Trauma Star is one of the five busiest air ambulance programs in the United States. The three new Leonardo AW139 twin-engine helicopters will replace the three helicopters in the fleet that are more than 20 years old and are no longer in production, making it difficult to find parts when needed.

“This state-of-the-art aircraft will serve as the flagship of our life-saving fleet and represents our continued commitment to safety, rapid medical care and protecting lives,” said MCFR Chief R.L. Colina.

The new helicopter’s range also enables emergency rescues in the Dry Tortugas, allowing flights to Miami’s

down. MARY MOELLER/Monroe County Fire Rescue.

Above left: Monroe County Fire Rescue, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Colonel Chad Scibilia and the MCSO aviation department, along with the Trauma Star flight crew, were in attendance at the arrival.

Above right: Monroe County Fire Rescue personnel get an up-close look at the interior of the new Trauma Star Leonardo AW139 helicopter.

critical care centers without needing to refuel en route. Additionally, the capacity allows for two adult patients to be flown in one helicopter at a time, which cannot be achieved with the current aircraft.

The funding for the $52 million purchase comes from the infrastructure penny sales tax, approved by a referendum. The infrastructure sales tax is paid by Monroe County residents and visitors when buying items, not through property taxes.

The second and third helicopters are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. The pilots and crew are continuing training, and the new helicopters are expected to be in service starting in October.

Top: The first of three Leonardo Trauma Star air ambulances arrives on Monday in Marathon from Philadelphia. MCSO Trauma Star pilot Duke Nguyen accompanied helicopter representatives on the two-day flight

WELCOME TO THE GRIND

The first thing you notice when you walk into the place is the sharp strains of ’80s heavy metal music cutting through the sounds of people expressing the emotional upheaval that is sports fandom. You begin to search behind the bar for a friendly face, hoping the guitar strapped on your back is enough to warrant a smile and, having seen that, you approach in an effort to garner the information you need. Where do I play? You look over and see a space cleared on the floor in the corner complete with a stool and a fuzzy piece of carpet, with a 56-inch screen overhead of the “stage area” lighting the corner up rather well.

You begin to visually survey the terrain, hoping to ascertain the best path for the equipment sitting in the van, hoping you don’t have to ask too many people to move. Once you’ve figured that out, you look back at your performance space for an electrical outlet. Hopefully, one will not only be close, but will be more than simply an extension cord for the most loaded circuit in the place, or better yet, an outlet also powering the 30 neon beer lights that provide the main illumination for those passing the stage on their way to the restroom. The plug is about 10 feet away, but you are of course prepared with a properly grounded extension cord. Fortunately, one of the two plugs has all three openings free, and since you spent some decent money on a noise suppressor and have a quality surge protector, that should be all you need.

The ’80s rock has turned to ’90s grunge, and our favorite team is losing. Bringing in your gear, you balance not fumbling around – as if this was your first gig – with making as few trips as possible in order not to let in the heat, cold, light, noise or whatever it is the bar’s doors are keeping out. While setting up you look at the faces around you. Some seem to be watching you.

RAY WEST

... a professional musician, singer, actor and executive director of the Key West Music Awards, is known to sacrifice his comfort for that of his cat.

Maybe they’re wondering what you’re doing as they have never been that close to a performer. Most are engrossed in other things, while one or two are always interested in what you’re doing from a technical aspect as they consider their collection of similar equipment. Several people are reacting to the music, moving their heads, some singing during the chorus, a good sign. You begin to go through your arsenal of songs to pick a few that work with the music that is already happening. While you may not know a lot, fortunately you know some songs of the same era, or close enough. Even better news comes as a slower yet popular song comes on and even more people react with as much, or perhaps even a bit more, interest as with the last. Now you’re in. You have a full range of music for the night, and a crowd you know you can at least entertain and, on a good night, make friends asking about where you’re playing next and when you’ll be back in town.

This is my friend’s version of The Grind.

WHAT’S COOKING, KEY WEST?

Culinary hotspot celebrates Key West history

Tangible reminders of Key West’s colorful past can be spotted throughout the island city, making exploration a journey of discovery. Victorian homes line the narrow streets and lanes of Old Town, their gracious contours and wooden “gingerbread” trim recalling the wealthy merchants and sea captains who built them in the 1800s.

Tall ships and schooners still ply local waters, calling to mind the shipwreck-salvage industry that sparked Key West’s settlement — and later made it the richest city per capita in the United States.

Strolling the narrow streets, it’s possible to pass the one-time homes of legendary writers Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, the Little White House where President Harry Truman spent 11 working vacations, and small cottages that housed Cuban cigarmakers whose skill fueled the island’s cigar-industry eminence.

Aspects of Key West’s history, from literary and cultural to shipwreck and maritime, are compellingly represented in local museums. They’re also represented at the Key West Cooking School at 291 Front St., where people learn to prepare traditional dishes and hear tales of days long ago — in an atmosphere that’s filled with memorabilia showcasing the island’s culture and heritage.

Patrons entering the school’s lobby are greeted by two vivid salutes to the island’s past: the façade of a classic Key West cottage, with a wide front porch and a red door that (according to local lore) signified a paid-off mortgage; and a breathtaking wall mural of the longgone Convent of Mary Immaculate, an architectural gem that was completed in 1875 but was later lost to demolition.

The large dining room where classes are held offers attendees a visual feast, with virtually every element relating to Key West’s distinctive story. They include a large sculptural “portrait” of Frank the Fishmonger, who pedaled his bike around town selling fish, roasted peanuts and conch salad; and a painting of the shrimp fleet whose weathered boats harvested sweet pink shrimp, making Key West the regional shrimping capital for a time.

The buskers who launched the now-famous nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square are portrayed in a colorful painting, while a glowing dockside mural depicts 19th-century sailing vessels arriving at the port to

Class participants at the Key West Cooking School watch as chef-storytellers prepare traditional dishes — with close-up views shown on video screens within a replica marquee from the historic Strand Theater on Duval Street. KEY WEST COOKING SCHOOL/Contributed

Key West’s early importance as a thriving port is represented by a luminous dockside mural, shown here in part, that graces the Key West Cooking School’s dining room.

unload cargoes of tropical fruit. Positioned above the school’s 1950s-style kitchen, where cooking techniques are demonstrated and local tales are told, is a replica marquee from the historic Strand Theater on Duval Street. The marquee is fitted with video screens that provide a close-up view as chef-storytellers chop, blend and stir ingredients for favorite local dishes. Like the décor of the school itself, the dishes represent a vibrant celebration of Key West’s heritage.

LAST BITES

Dish of the week: Conch salad. Colorful and delicious, conch salad is a historic staple of Florida Keys and Caribbean cuisine. Its primary ingredient is the fresh meat of the sea mollusk conch — cleaned and diced, and blended with finely diced bell peppers, red onion and European cucumber. It’s dressed with a mixture that includes salt and lime and lemon juices, adding flavor and “cooking” the conch meat in traditional style.

Helpful kitchen hack: Once a jar of pickles is empty, don’t throw away the juice. Instead, use it to add a kick to salad dressings or as a uniquely flavored brine for chicken. (Drinking a small amount of pickle juice should also dispel leg cramps … really!)

Hungry for more? Visit keywestcookingschool.com or call 305-294COOK.

When the nights on the road get long and the days get longer, welcome to the grind. CONTRIBUTED

CHRIS McNULTY

is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com

It’s officially Virgo season, the time of year when we start to focus on the finer details of our lives to prepare for the long winter ahead. It’s time to clean house, literally and figuratively. Make sure you prioritize what you need to get through the approaching dark half of the year, and let the fun and frivolous parts of your life take second billing to survival. It’s the time of year when we all take stock in where we are, what we have, and who we’re with to ensure that we achieve our long term goals. In addition, the planet of love and relationships, Venus, is in a 180-degree opposition to the planet of intensity and shadow, Pluto. There is a dynamic tension in our relationships that can bring up the darker, more taboo parts of ourselves. Are you working through some of your struggles with the help of the people you love? Perhaps some important relationships in your life are making you realize that there are aspects of yourself that need to pass away so that the person you want to be can emerge. You cannot have the light without the dark, so pay attention to what is coming up in your partnerships and address those issues head on.

Here are your horoscopes for the beginning of Virgo season and Venus opposite Pluto. Read for your rising and sun signs.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Happy birthday Virgos! It is the time of year when you get to focus on yourself, and you have the support to shine your light. Are you showing up in your radiant authenticity? Spending quality time with those you love may help you realize that you need to recalibrate your routines and habits. Let your rela-

tionships help you recalibrate your daily routines to empower your life.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Spending time alone will help you to develop a personal meditative practice. We all need our solitude, but you have a special opportunity to clearly see how your alone time can benefit you. Spending time with the people in your support network may powerfully influence you to devote time to your own creative projects. Let your friends be your muses, but set aside time to make art.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

This is the time of year when you surround yourself with the people who want to see you succeed. Weed out the people who distract you from your purpose, and double down on those who are here to help. The love you have for your work may be causing some difficulty at home, but use this time to dive into the intensity arising with family rather than ignoring it.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

You may be paying more attention to your career right now, and that would be perfect timing. Do you need to make changes at work, or are things going exactly as you would like and just need some fine-tuning? A new relationship may be sparking some challenges in your familiar world, but address those challenges head-on. If you’re fighting with a sibling or neighbor, listen to what they’re saying.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

How will you expand your horizons? Will you plan a trip or embark on a new course of study? It is the time of year when the familiar becomes a bit unbearable and you need to embark on your next adventure. You are beginning to change your relationship to money, and a

person you love may be asking you to share your resources at the same time. How will you empower your value system in the process?

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

How do you participate in sharing your time, energy and money for a collective purpose? It is a great time to be answering that question. Perhaps you can find a new missionoriented club to be a part of. An important partner in your life, someone you love, is probably forcing you to look at your shadows. Don’t get broody; look at your struggles with an objective lens.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Do you have a partner in your life whodeserves more attention? Perhaps there is a new love that is becoming visible. Partnership is in the spotlight, and your relationship to an important “other” is center stage. Your daily routines, the love you have for your flow, may be sparking some darker thoughts to emerge when you’re on your own. Don’t look away. Get curious.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Pay attention to how your routines and habits make your life easier or harder. Do you need to make some changes to how you organize your daily schedule? Don’t be surprised if spending more time on your creative projects causes some frustration in your friend group. There is a balance between pursuing your goals and nourishing your social needs. Use your friends’ shadow sides as an artistic muse.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

What are you trying to give birth to? Is there a creative spark in you that needs to be fanned? Virgo season is the time of year when you dive into your artistic prowess, so go ahead and make something. The joy and love that you have for your

TRANSFORMATIVE LOVE

family is helping you realize that your career may be causing some struggles. Just pay attention and pivot when needed.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

Home and family are centerstage. Make sure that you are giving attention to the roots of your life right now, and also make sure that you are nourishing them. Give your home the time it deserves. Also, the appreciation that you have for your local neighborhood is probably sparking a powerful desire to travel. You can’t honor the familiar while pursuing the new, but you can find a happy compromise.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

Focus on the parts of your life that are very familiar to you. Your siblings, your neighborhood, your fundamental knowledge — these are all in the spotlight. Appreciate the simple things now. Your finances are probably doing pretty well at the moment, but that has you feeling like you should be doing more with your money. Yes, invest in the world around you, but don’t beat yourself up for not doing enough.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

Pay attention to your money right now. Perhaps you need to readjust your income streams or your spending habits. Take a look at your income and your outflow. Self-love is a fundamental need, but we also need other people. Loving yourself ought not hurt your partner, so try to find a way to honor both yourself and your loved one.

THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP: KEY VACA

Hotel transforms into hospital for turtle recovery and release

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

Key Vaca is the heart of Marathon, and Marathon bills itself as the heart of the Florida Keys.

As the highway crosses the island, its stories can be obscured by buildings and signs. As a history guy, longtime resident of the Keys, and bartender, when asked about Marathon, I have three go-to recommendations.

The first is a beach. People ask about beaches all the time. Believe it or not, the Florida Keys are not known for their beaches. They are few, far between, and do not generally live up to visitors’ expectations. Beaches here rarely look like those envisioned when people talk about tropical (even sub-tropical) islands.

However, Marathon has Sombrero Beach. If you are traveling with children, this is the ideal spot to let them dig their toes in the sand and frolic in the water — especially for little snorkelers. Convenient parking, picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, restrooms

and showers make Sombrero Beach an ideal place to spread a towel over the sand, soak up some warm Florida sun and cool off in those soothing Atlantic waters.

The second thing I recommend is Coast to Coast. Over the past two-plus decades living in the Keys, I’ve had a lot of pizza — and a lot of it is pretty mediocre. One of my favorites, outside of Key West, is Coast to Coast. On most trips to Marathon, whether driving down to Home Depot or a meeting of the Monroe County Historic Preservation Commission, I come back to Sioux Street with a pizza from Coast to Coast.

The third thing I recommend is the Turtle Hospital. Back when tourism was a burgeoning industry in the Keys, it was the Hidden Harbor Motel. Built in 1951, Hidden Harbor was just another place to spend a night or two for fishermen and visitors in sleepy Marathon. It was still in operation in the 1980s. The swimming pool was added in 1982. Today, it represents one of the most unusual roadside attractions in the world.

The big change came when Richie Moretti retired from his auto body shop in Orlando, packed up his life and moved to the Keys. He made two big purchases: a fishing boat and the Hidden Harbor Motel. One of the things Moretti did was introduce local sea life into the pool. It became an aquarium

his guests could peer into, one with a sawfish, goliath grouper, snook, eels, lobster, starfish and queen conch.

It wasn’t long before visiting school children were seeing a conch or starfish for the first time. The really good trouble started when Moretti wanted to introduce a sea turtle to the pool. A turtle was not allowed. Keeping a sea turtle required a permit. Moretti applied for the permit but decided to go one step further. Because there were no turtle rehabilitation facilities in the Keys, Moretti recruited a local veterinarian and began applying to have Hidden Harbor become a certified turtle rehabilitation facility.

In 1986, he received a permit not just to house sea turtles, but to treat the injured ones.

Things have changed a bit since the Hidden Harbor Motel transformed into a must-stop experience. Did you know that when an olive ridley or Kemp’s ridley turtle sees a cigarette butt floating in the water, it thinks it’s a shrimp and gobbles it down? When a plastic bag undulates in the open water, it is often mistaken for a jellyfish by the leatherback turtle, the largest turtle in the world, and eaten. Plastic bags and cigarette butts are not digested and just sit in the stomach, taking up space.

Most of the turtles find their way to the Moretti’s Turtle Hospital for three primary reasons: boat impacts, a herpes-like virus called Fibropapillomatosis and the entanglement or ingestion of discarded monofilament and garbage like cigarette butts and plastic bags that leaves them in a compromised state.

Today, the Hidden Harbor Marine Environmental Project is a nonprofit with a mission not only to educate the public but also to rehabilitate and release injured and sick turtles back into the open water. It was the first state-certified veterinary hospital for sea turtles in the world and one of the most worthwhile stops residents and visitors alike can make. After touring

the hospital and learning about the good work being done, there is a visit to the old swimming pool housing the turtles that cannot be released back into the wild.

As a history guy, what cannot be ignored is that after driving across Key Vaca, the heart of Marathon, there are still two islands to cross before the breathtaking Seven Mile Bridge appears. First, there is Hog Key. For anyone interested in railroad history, it is a fantastic stop. At Hog Key, you can board a little railcar tram that takes you out to Pigeon Key, a former railroad camp that houses some of the oldest buildings outside of Key West. Pigeon Key was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. Visit the island, explore the old railroad buildings, marvel at the period photographs and artifacts and soak in some bona fide Florida Keys atmosphere.

After passing Hog Key, Knights Key is largely occupied by the Isla Bella Resort. It is the last island before rolling onto the big, beautiful bridge. A long time ago, it was home to a community that sprang up about the same time the U.S. flag was planted on Key West in 1822 when Lt. Mathew Perry sailed up on the schooner USS Shark.

On Feb. 10, 1823, the following notice was placed in the Pensacola newspaper, the Floridian. The advertisement appeared in a section called “A Notice to Mariners,” and stated that Port Monroe “has the advantages of a large and spacious harbor and the proprietors are furnished with experienced pilots, good vessels, boats, and provisions of all kinds to relieve those who may be so unfortunate as to get on the Florida Reef. We are determined that nothing on our part (that attention and industry will ensure) will be neglected for the immediate relief of the unfortunate stranger. At present there are four families residing at this place; corn, potatoes, beans, onions, cotton, and all the West Indies fruit thrives rapidly and surpass our most sanguine expectations.”

The Turtle Hospital’s mission is not only to educate the public but also to rehabilitate and release injured and sick turtles back into the open water.

A news clipping shows Richie Moretti with a young green sea turtle as part of a research project at Hidden Harbor Environmental Project. CONTRIBUTED

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

VFW Post 3911 ALL ARE WELCOME!

We would like to take this chance to say thanks to everyone who patronizes us to help us to continue our mission to help veterans of Monroe County Florida.

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HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

The Aug. 15 cleanup was held in midtown, where 31 volunteers met at the Capitana Hotel. In one hour they gathered 89 pounds of trash, 15 pounds of recycling and 2.25 gallons of cigarette butts. Special thanks to the Capitana for hosting the volunteers with a breakfast buffet for their hard work. Thank you to everyone who works so hard each week to keep Key West beautiful.

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 305296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

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.

Meet Moe. You met his brother, Shemp, last week, but this week we’re all about Moe, another 6-month-old male guinea pig. Moe is a wise guy, and not afraid to embrace it. He can be heard muttering, ‘I’ll be giving you one right in the kisser!’ while thinking about being adopted. If you were to ask Moe if he would like to go to a new home where he would be loved each and every day, his answer is succinct and clear: ‘Soitenly!’

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. 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.

Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

Meet Louise, a 9-month-old caramelcolored guinea pig who hates her name, which means ‘renowned warrior’ or ‘famous in battle.’ She prefers to be called Lou, or even Weezy. What Lou would like the most is a place to call home. Could that be with you?

This is Athena, a 1.5-year-old female who has been with us since January. ‘Athena, all you’ll ever want to do is please her. Your life could be so settled and she’s the reason. Just one word from her and your troubles are long gone.’ We think you’ll get along.

This is Pepa. This 7-month-old kitten is a sheer delight and is looking for her Salt. You can hear her calling from the cattery as she tries to lure in an adopter: ‘Let’s talk about cats, baby / Let’s talk about you and me / Let’s talk about all the good things / And the bad things that may be / Let’s talk about cats.’

Meet Clover. A 2.5-year-old bunny, Clover has been waiting nearly six months for a new family and place to call home. While she enjoys eating her hay, hanging out with our staff and volunteers, and doing other rabbit-like things, she really wants a home — and soon. Why haven’t you adopted her yet? She says, ‘You’re late! You’re late! For a very important date! No time to say hello; goodbye, you’re late, you’re late, you’re late!’

Volleyball opens early-season action | P.4

Marathon Volleyball Silver Palms 8/18 L, 3-0

Marathon Volleyball NSU University School 8/20 L, 3-0

Coral Shores Volleyball Basilica School 8/21 W, 3-0

Coral Shores Football South Homestead 8/21 W, 20-12

Marathon Football Pompano Beach 8/22 L, 48-33

Key West Football Barbara Goleman 8/22 L, 62-21

Key West Volleyball Suncoast 8/22 L, 2-1

Key West Volleyball Park Vista 8/22 L, 2-1

Basilica Volleyball Mater Academy Brickell 8/23 L, 2-0

Key West Volleyball Spanish River 8/23 L, 3-1

Basilica Volleyball Cushman 8/23 W, 2-1

Basilica Volleyball Horeb Christian 8/23 W, 2-0

Basilica Volleyball Cristo Rey 8/23 W, 2-0

8/28

8/29 KW & CSHS Cross Country @ Race of the Thoroughbreds 4:45 p.m.

8/29

8/29 Basilica Volleyball Horeb Christian 5 p.m.

8/29 Coral Shores Football @ Palmer Trinity School 4 p.m.

8/30

p.m.

9/3 All Keys Schools Golf @ Ocean Reef 1 p.m.

9/3 Coral Shores Volleyball @ Keys Gate 5:30 p.m.

9/3 Basilica Volleyball @ Palmer Trinity School 6 p.m.

9/3 Key West Swimming @ Miami Springs 2

9/4 Coral Shores Swimming Cutler Bay

Photos by Maicey Malgrat, Doug Finger and Natalie Danko THE SCOREBOARD AUG. 17 - 23

With some preseason in-county rivalry matches over, Keys volleyball squads look forward to their regular-season competition. From left: Key West’s Audrey Smith, Coral Shores’ Celene Walker and Marathon’s Mackenzie Budi.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

MACHADO

Junior, Marathon Wingback/Outside Linebacker

Nobody wants success for the team more than Mathew. His work ethic, commitment and attitudepositive set the standard for others.”

— Sean McDonald, Fins’ head coach.

During Marathon’s game against Pompano Beach on Aug. 22, Mathew Machado started off the scoring for the Fins with a 22yard touchdown run. He added two more in the third quarter, one from 45 yards out and the other from 36. In quarter four, Machado broke for a 66-yard TD to make it four on the night. He ran for a total of 227 yards and kept the Fins in the game until the end. The hardrunning junior also added a sack to his stats, managing some fantastic defense between scoring drives. For his exciting four-TD game, commitment to putting in the work and onfield leadership, Marathon’s Mathew Machado is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Mathew

Photo by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

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

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

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

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Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

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CLEAN SWEEP

Lady ’Canes overpower Mariners, own the county in early-season action

Coral Shores started its regular volleyball season with a win against Basilica school on Aug. 21. The 3-0 victory made the ’Canes the team to beat this season as far as Monroe County rivalries go; Coral Shores was able to top Key West and Marathon in a preseason tournament, and coach Sam Ovalle knows he has the right recipe for a strong season.

“Our strength is playing together. They give 100 percent. This is why I coach,” he said. The team’s chemistry, coupled with a willingness to accept coaching and give their all, has made for some exceptional plays already, paving the way for a successful fall.

For their opener, the crowd got to see everything Coral Shores had to offer. “Everyone played,” said Ovalle. And despite a bit of a sluggish start, the Lady ’Canes found their rhythm.

“We were not playing to our potential,” Ovalle said. “Then we stepped it up.”

The Hurricanes won in three sets, but Basilica gave them a run for their money in set number three, scoring 21 points to the Hurricanes’ 25. “Basilica was very smart with the ball,” Ovalle said.

After losing to Coral Shores, Basilica School made the trip to Miami Cushman for an early-season tournament on Aug. 23. While there, the Mariners held their own against Mater Brickell Academy, ultimately losing 2-0 with set scores of 25-22, then 25-19.

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

The close matchup against the Bulls gave the Mariners the confidence they needed to pick up their first win of the season later that afternoon. Basilica School defeated the Cushman Cougars 2-1 to get their first W in the books, then quickly added two more to bring them to 3-2 this season.

The Mariners beat Cristo Rey School 2-0, allowing just 15 points in the two sets. Basilica’s defense got stingier against Horeb Christian, when they beat the Mustangs 25-0 and 254. Offensively, Kallisto Sims was credited for her remarkable serving, and the team’s record captured the tournament’s runner-up trophy.

Up next for Basilica School is a pair of home matches. On Friday, Aug. 29 they play Horeb Christian again, this time in front of a home crowd. The following day, they play Bartow, a 6A school with an enrollment of over 2,000 students. The Yellow Jackets will give the Mariners a different look than Horeb, but Basilica is not too concerned. The team, whose school has fewer than 100 students, tends to play up when faced with strong opponents, according to coach Robert Wright.

Also facing the Yellow Jackets of Bartow this week is Key West, but not before the Conchs host Coral Shores on Thursday, Aug. 28.

lins

the

1. Olivia Revoredo hits the ball.

2. Abby Leigh sets up the ball for a hit.

3. Makenzie Morris blocks for the Mariners.

4. Makenzie Morris soars for a block against Coral Shores’ Celene Walker.

5. Celene Walker winds up for a hit.

6. Bella Villalba handles a serve receive.

7. Nicole Tijerino serves for the Mariners.

8. The Coral Shores Hurricanes celebrate a set win.

MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

Last week, Key West played a trio of teams in tournament action, facing the Park Vista Cobras out of Fort Worth, Riviera Beach’s Suncoast Chargers and the Sharks of Spanish River.

The Conchs lost all three matches but were able to win sets against all of their opponents, showing they can hang with larger squads. The Cobras and Sharks are both 7A teams with well over twice Key West’s enrollment, proving that the Conch roster is full of talent. Coach Kim Butler’s scheduling of high-caliber teams is purposeful and gives Key West an advantage in the later stages of the season, including playoffs.

Also still in the hunt for their first win this season is Marathon. The Lady Fins lost 3-0 against Somerset Silver Palms and NSU University School last week. Against 4A Somerset, the 1A Rural Dolphins showed promise, battling to within a few points in the second set. Daysi Williams registered seven kills, Mackenzie Budi had three blocks and an ace and Addison Collins served up a trio of aces in the loss. The Dolphins won’t face another team in their classification until districts, where they stand a great chance to compete for a title against other schools of similar size.

is

team’s ace at the service line. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

STACKING GOLD

SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT

Coral Shores adds competitive cheerleading to athletic offerings

The FHSAA officially recognized competitive cheerleading as a sport in 2007, with the first state championships occurring early in 2008. Since then, the sport has grown and now offers a dozen divisions in two school size categories.

Athletes in both the 1A and 2A classifications can compete in various categories separated by size, whether the team is coed and whether the routine will include gymnastics or tumbling elements. This season, Coral Shores joins Key West High School in offering competitive cheerleading as a winter sport.

Last year, competitive cheerleading was an option for Coral Shores students at the club level. The popularity and success enjoyed by the team helped solidify the offering as an official sport this year.

The sport may be new for the Hurricanes, but the coach is definitely not. Samantha Rodriguez has been part of the Key Largo School cheerleading program and brought 16 athletes to the U.S. Open National Cheerleading Competition. The team took first place and won another award for having the best basket toss.

Rodriguez then transitioned from the Tornadoes of KLS to the Hurricanes of Coral Shores, where she took 10 cheerleaders to the United States Cheerleading Association Global Cheer and Dance Championships. The ’Canes won first place in their division and won the overall best perfor-

mance award, and the team is just warming up. This season, Rodriguez will put her experience to the test with an athletics-sanctioned competitive squad.

“Our primary goal is to maximize learning, enjoy the process and bring home more banners and trophies to Coral Shores,” said Rodriguez, who can’t wait to get started. “We have an incredible group of athletes on our seasonal cheer team, which has grown from 11 participants last year to 18 this year. We aim to expand our competitive team to a similar size, enabling us to execute exciting and dynamic stunts that our athletes truly enjoy.”

Lee completes undefeated AAU season with pair of state medals

Marathon’s Justice Lee is stacking up gold medals as well as iron plates as she heads into her final season of high school competition. The senior strongwoman opted to hit the AAU circuit instead of taking a break in her offseason, and the results speak for themselves. Lee, a two-time FHSAA state champion in girls weightlifting, added AAU state gold to her collection last fall. On Aug. 23, she added another pair of golds in the Olympic and traditional events at the AAU Florida State Championships in Auburndale. She captured double gold by hitting weights close to her personal bests in each category, despite the start to the FHSAA season being months away. While Lee is an athletic phenom, her relative mine of gold wasn’t earned the easy way; she estimates that out of the last 365 days, she was in the gym for 341. Lee also will be swinging irons this fall with the school’s golf team until the winter sports season begins.

Hurricanes cheer coach Samantha Rodriguez poses with the team mascot. Rodriguez will lead Coral Shores’ newest sports team for the upcoming winter season. CONTRIBUTED

Justice Lee stands atop the podium with a pair of gold medals at Florida’s AAU state championships. CONTRIBUTED

serving Key West to Islamorada as the ONLY locally owned and operated concrete company in the Florida Keys.

WEEK ONE IN THE BOOKS

Keys teams see mixed results on the gridiron

Coral Shores traveled to Harris Park in Homestead Aug. 21 to take on the “other” Hurricanes of Somerset South Homestead in a game originally scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Coach Ed Holly and the Keys ’Canes were forced to endure delay after delay, with the first coming during pregame warmups.

South Florida weather is often unreasonable in August, and a cross country meet scheduled to start just a few miles away from Harris Field never happened, nor did Key West’s swim meet the following day. However, the battle of the Hurricanes did finally get underway, and after a total of four interruptions due to lightning and foul weather, the teams were able to complete four quarters of football.

The delays put a damper on Coral Shores’ typical scoring onslaught, and the team found itself behind 12-7 at halftime. But the second half was all Hurricane season.

“I’m really pleased with the way the guys overcame the adversity,” said Holly, referencing the interruptions. Indeed, the team held on and kept the pressure on South Homestead, beating them 20-12. David Beltran scored on a 2-yard run while Andres Alvarado ran another in from 26 yards out. John Oughton was responsible for the third Coral Shores score with a 10-yard run.

Up next for the yet-undefeated Hurricanes is Palmer Trinity School. “Palmer’s always a good team,” Holly said. “They have a heck of a program and this game should be a lot of fun.” Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. Aug. 29 at Palmer, weather permitting.

Marathon traveled to Pompano Beach to take on the

Golden Tornadoes. The teams have enjoyed close matchups, with the result coming down to the wire for the past five years, and last week was no different. In a back-andforth battle during which both teams held the upper hand at times, it would be the Tornadoes who came out with an unblemished record.

Marathon, now 0-1, found quite a bit of offensive success against Pompano, despite the loss. Mathew Machado ran for four TDs, finding the end zone from as far as 66 yards away. Machado amassed 227 yards of Marathon’s 332 total. Jesus Gonzalez added a 5-yard touchdown run and 65 total yards to his stats in the loss.

Marathon’s next matchup will be Aug. 28 against IMG Academy State. The Ascenders will travel from Bradenton to the Keys with two teams and nearly 100 athletes. One will face Marathon Thursday evening and the other takes on Key West the following night. Unlike the geographically-isolated Keys, IMG scouts the most talented athletes from the state, and athletes without scholarships pay upwards of $90,000 in yearly tuition for the privilege of the team’s professionallevel facilities, coaching and training. IMG considers itself the world’s leading sports education brand and saw 215 D1 commitments in 2024 across all of its athletic offerings.

“They’re definitely well-coached and they have every advantage money can buy,” said Marathon coach Sean McDonald, “but what they don’t have is hometown pride. They come from all over. We come from here, every last one of us. That’s what we play for and that’s what Key West is playing for. Never take Dolphin or Conch pride lightly.”

Key West also suffered a loss in week one. The Conchs fell to the Gators of Goleman High, who boasted a roster with multiple D1 prospects. But Key West is not without highlevel talent.

“We made them look better than they were,” said Key West coach Johnny Hughes. “That was not who we were.”

A pair of fumbles and several miscues put the Conchs in jeopardy, then a pair of injuries exacerbated things, putting a win out of reach. Starting QB Roman Van Loon went down on the first play of the game, and his return this week is questionable. Then the Conchs’ top scoring threat, Walson Morin, had to leave the game with a shoulder injury in the first quarter. Morin is almost certain to return to action this week, but the series of unfortunate events left Key West without a win to start the season.

Prior to becoming sidelined, Morin made an appearance in the end zone for the Conchs after Chase Gaertner connected with him for a touchdown pass. Gaertner, filling in for Van Loon at quarterback, connected with Reef Guyet for a second passing touchdown and Jeff DeJean scored the final one on the ground.

In order to prevail in week two, Key West will need to play the way Hughes knows they can. Their next opponent, IMG Academy’s junior national team, is packed with talent, but the Conchs have proven they can match them talentwise. What Key West cannot match is IMG’s depth chart. Nor can they afford to lose the ball, which was their downfall last season against the Ascenders.

1. Coach Ed Holly gives his players a pregame talk.

2. Coral Shores players pose after their win. Back row, from left: Jacob Mueller, Mikel Castellano, Nick Calderon and Glade Harrelson. Front row: Casey Konrad and Fredy Flores.

3. The Hurricanes line up for kickoff.

4. Dolphin lineman Matthew Delgado (77) reaches up to bat down a Pompano pass.

5. Marathon’s Jesus Gonzalez drops back for a rare Dolphin pass.

6. Jesus Gonzalez (2) scrambles for a Pompano fumble.

7. Walson Morin runs for a 2-point conversion.

8. Emmy Jackson showcases Conch pride during a tough game.

9. Jeff DeJean runs for a Conchs touchdown.

10. Noah Mercer picks up a loose ball after a big hit by Josh Johnson forced a fumble.

11. Ed Tierney, center, walks out with Noah Mercer, Chris Barter, Walson Morin and Leandro Batista to serve as the team’s honorary captain.

Photos by Jackson Garcia, Tracy McDonald and Maicey Malgrat

TRIPLE THREAT

Florida colleges eye Keys standouts

Atrio of Monroe County athletes have caught the attention of top Florida universities – and the school year is still in its first weeks.

Coral Shores pitcher Donovan Thiery had multiple offers pile in and narrowed them down, putting the University of Miami and Florida State University on his short list. After touring both campuses and meeting the coaches, Thiery was equally impressed with the schools. Ultimately, he decided on FSU in order to experience something outside of South Florida. Thiery verbally committed to pitch for the Seminoles and can sign

his official letter of intent in November.

The Conchs have a pair of athletes with offers to play football in the Sunshine State, and one is not yet a senior.

Junior Josh Johnson already has an offer to play at Florida Atlantic University and will no doubt have more to entertain by the end of next year.

Teammate Noah Mercer, a senior, has verbally committed to play at University of South Florida next year. Mercer will join the Bulls on the gridiron in 2026 and could make his first appearance in a Bulls uniform as early as this spring. The Bulls are so eager for Mercer to start his collegiate career with them that they

offered to provide him with a spot on campus one semester early, meaning he could forgo his final semester of high school and head to Tampa after Christmas break.

All three athletes are multisport standouts. Thiery’s talent on the hardwood matches the intensity he brings to the diamond, but he made the decision to focus on playing baseball at the next level. Mercer and Johnson are exceptional track athletes. Both excel in the throwing events and each owns a school record. Mercer broke the school’s discus record last season while Johnson did the same in shot put.

DONOVAN THIERY JOSH JOHNSON NOAH MERCER

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The Weekly Newspapers

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MEETING NOTICE

right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows:

103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

Stutznan, Pam 1207

Valverde, Nathan 1550, 1341 Murgas, Alex 1580

Publish:

August 21 & 28, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 2013-CP-219-K IN RE: ESTATE OF DARREN GUTTMAN, Deceased.

Estrella Guttman, a personal representative of the Estate of Darren Guttman Plaintiff Vs. Karen Guttman

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 28th day of July, 2025, in the cause wherein IN RE: ESTATE OF DARREN GUTTMAN, Deceased. Estrella Guttman, a personal representative of the Estate of Darren Guttman is Plaintiff and Karen Guttman was defendant, being Case No. 2013-CP-219-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 personal property to wit:

Notice is hereby given that the Governing Board of the Monroe County Land Authority will hold virtual/hybrid public hearings on the adoption of a budget for scal year 2026. The hearings will be held using Communications Media Technology (CMT) in the form of a Zoom Webinar platform on September 3, 2025 at 5:05 PM and on September 10, 2025 at 5:05 PM. Members of the public may participate in the September 3 hearing online by typing https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/89204098700; or via telephone by dialing 1-646-518-9805 and entering Webinar DI 892 0409 8700; or in person at the Harvey Government Center located at 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, LF and the September 10 hearing by typing https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/89204098700; or via telephone by dialing 1-646-518-9805 and entering Webinar DI 892 0409 8700; or in person at the Nelson Government Center located a t 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL. The meeting agenda, the proposed budget, and additional details about accessing the hearings are available at www.monroecounty- .gov. For additional information or to submit written or other physical| evidence for consideration at the meeting, contact John Beyers via phone at (305)295-5180; via email at BeyersJohn@MonroeCounty-FL.gov; or via mail to Monroe County Land Authority, 1200 Truman Avenue, Suite 207, Key West, FL 33040.

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

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

Stock certificates representing the one hundred percent (100%) ownership interest of Karen Guttman in the following corporations:

Altruistic Endeavors, Inc.

Altruistic Endeavors, Inc.

Cabbies Cab, Inc.

County Cab Services, Inc.

Friendly Cabs of Key West, Inc.

Innovative Cab, Inc.

Key West Taxicabs, Inc.

Maintenance Investigations, Inc.

Mechanical investigations, Inc.

Monroe Cab, Inc.

Prestige Cab, Inc.

Prompt Cab, Inc.

Protector Cab, Inc.

Row Row Cab, Inc.

Safety Endeavors, Inc.

Service Cab, Inc.

Yellow Cab Company of Key West, Inc.

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 16th day of October 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 personal 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 22nd day of August, 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: August 28 and September 4, 11 & 18, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on September 10, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter

as the matter may be heard, at the Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (BOCC) OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 23-200 TOURIST DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE, TO REVISE PROVISIONS TO SPECIFICALLY INCLUDE LOCAL ADVERTISEMENTS THAT PROMOTE TOURISM BY ADVISING OF THE ECONOMIC AND OTHER BENEFITS OF TOURISM IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 125.0104, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the September 10, 2025, meeting, which will be posted beginning on August 12, 2025 at: http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/citizens/default. aspx. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the September 10, 2025, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voiceimpaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 23rd day of August, 2025.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and

Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: August 28, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Establishing and Maintaining Sales of Digital Advertising on the Florida Keys and Key West Website Monroe County, Florida

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 9, 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

The following is an upcoming GMX procurement opportunity:

For detailed information please visit the Procurement Department website at http://www.gmx-way.com/business/solicitations, or call the Procurement Department at 305-637-3277 for assistance. REQUEST

Publish: August 28, 2025. The Weekly Newspapers

between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, October 9, 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: August 28, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE COUNTY COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-SC-482-M

PLAINTIFF: Fazoli Brothers, Inc. 5409 Overseas Highway, # 310 Marathon, FL 33050 305-849-8063 kissick1@gmail.com VS. DEFENDANTS: Thomas Larson Tony Larson 1111 Sombrero Boulevard Marathon, FL 33050 262-903-8905 tommy@teronomy.com

STATEMENT OF CLAIM

The Plaintiff sues the Defendant for Money owed Plaintiff by Defendant for: Work done, and materials furnished by Plaintiff to Defendant: Additional information to support the cause of action: Work was 100% completed on March 17. 2025 as per the Work Order Agreement dated October 1, 2024. The customer has failed to render the final payment due for the completed contract. The lump-sum agreement included all Plumbing labor, wiring, and equipment necessary to relocate the pool system and bring it into full compliance with current electrical code. Upon performing the contractually-required and legally-mandated electrical upgrades, a latent defect in the customer's pre-existing pool pump was discovered. This defect, which was not the fault of the contractor, made the pump incompatible with the required GFCI safety breaker. Separate from the unpaid balance for the primary contract, additional work hours were then required to diagnose and make the customer's defective equipment operational, for which compensation is also due.

Invoice 1371 $5,000.00

Invoice 1363 $7,219.00

Whereof Plaintiff demands judgment against the Defendant for damages in the amount of $7,999.99, (must be less than $8,000.00) together with court costs, interest and attorney fees if applicable. The undersigned states that he/she is the Plaintiff, that the foregoing is a just and true statement of the amount owing by the above-named Defendant to said Plaintill,

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

exclusive of all setoffs and just grounds for defense. Plaintiff states that the suit initiated by the foregoing Statement of Claim is brought in good faith and with no intention to annoy the above Defendant, and further states that the Defendant is not in the military service of the United States.

Signed: John Kissick

Plaintiff’s Signature State of Florida County of Monroe Sworn to and subscribed before me by means of physical presence, this 25th of June, 2025.

BY: Vicmarie Gonzalez

Notary Public – State of Florida Commission # HH 360945 Expires Feb. 12, 2027

Publish:

August 21 & 28, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-344-K

DIVISION: KEY WEST IN RE: ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER ROSS ELWELL

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Christopher Ross Elwell, deceased, whose date of death was June 29, 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.

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. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. 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 August 28, 2025.

Personal Representative: Ryan David Elwell

857 Copa d Oro Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Meghan Miller

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1003898

Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: memiller@ floridakeyslaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com

Publish: August 28 and September 4, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000373-K IN RE: ESTATE OF ROGER NOURY AKA ROGER NOURRY AKA ROGER JOSEPH NOURY AKA ROGER J. NOURY AKA ROGER Y. NOURY

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ROGER NOURY AKA ROGER NOURRY AKA ROGER JOSEPH NOURY AKA ROGER J. NOURY AKA ROGER Y. NOURY, deceased, whose date of death was April 21st, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The file number for the estate is 25-CP-000373-K. 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 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, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211. The date of first publication of this notice is August 28, 2025.

Personal Representative: DENIS THIFFAULT 222 Chemin des Pionniers Saint-Elie-de-Caxton Quebec, Canada G0X 1N0

Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony N. Brimo, Esq.

Attorney for Petitioner Florida Bar Number: 0236489

Anthony N. Brimo, P.A. 2111 Dairy Road Melbourne, FL 32904

Telephone: (321) 723-8388

Primary Email: anthonynbrimo@yahoo.com

Secondary Email: sarita@ lemieuxjacoby.com

Publish: August 28 and September 4, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

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

UPPER KEYS PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-000365-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN W. GUASTAVINO, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JOHN W. GUASTAVINO, deceased, whose date of death was February 10, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. 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.

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.

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 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: August 28, 2025.

Personal Representatives: Rafael J. Guastavino, Jr. 22911 Bay Shore Rd. Chestertown, MD 21620 Helena Guastavino 200 Wrenn St. Unit 211 Tavernier, FL 33070

Attorney for Personal Representatives: Victoria Miranda, Esq. Florida Bar No. 1015363 Attorneys for Personal Representatives HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 852-8440 – Telephone (305) 852-8848 – Facsimile JLupino@hlylaw.com - Primary VMiranda@hlylaw.com –Primary kvilchez@hlylaw.comSecondary Publish: August 28 and September 4, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000327-M IN RE: ESTATE OF DIANNA B. HOWIE, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of DIANNA B. HOWIE, Deceased, whose date of

death was June 16, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE 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 THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: August 21, 2025.

Personal Representative: Donna P. Bailey 53 Conway Court Murrells Inlet, South Carolina 29576 Attorney for Personal Representative: R. Wesley Bradshaw BRADSHAW & MOUNTJOY, P.A. 209 Courthouse Square Inverness, Florida 34450 Telephone (352)726-1211 FBN: 977845

Publish: August 21 & 28, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2025-CA000024-A0-01-PK JOSE ROBERTO TRIANA, and MARILYN GONZALEZ PlaintiffS, v. MANGROVE MARINE HOLDINGS, LLC, d/b/a GILBERTS, and MANNY DORTA, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Manny Dorta Address Unknown

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you in the Circuit Court of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Monroe County, Florida, regarding the motor vehicle accident occurring on September 29, 2024, on 107900 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to Kendrick Almaguer, Esq., Attorney for the Plaintiff, The Hachar Law Group, whose address is 7900 Oak Lane, Suite 401, Miami Lakes, FL 33016, and file the original with the clerk of this court at Clerk of the Circuit Court, 5000 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040 on or before September 29, 2025. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the

LEGAL NOTICES

complaint. Dated this 18th day of August, 2025. KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk Publish: August 28 and September 4, 11 & 18, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-918-K EDWIN ANTONIO AMADOR MIRANDA, Petitioner, and AMELIA BEATRIZ AMADOR BELETA, Respondent. AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: AMELIA BEATRIZ AMADOR BELETA RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: COL. 14 DE SEPT DEL SUPEREXPRESS 4 C AL S ½ ABAJO, MANAGUA, NICARAGUA 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 EDWIN ANTONIO AMADOR MIRANDA, whose address is 5582 1ST AVE, APT 201, BOX 5, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before September 29, 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: N/A 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: August 22, 2025

Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: August 28 & September 4, 11 & 18, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-805-M RICARDO HERRERA TORRES, Petitioner, and ADIANES GOMEZ, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ADIANES GOMEZ RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: UNKNOWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Ricardo Herrera Torres, whose address is 240 Sombrero Beach Road, Apt. D8, Marathon, FL 33050 on or before September 7, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current 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 29, 2025 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Leslie Rodriguez

Deputy Clerk

Publish: August 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

17' Montauk Whaler, 90hp Yamaha-50 hours only, GPS, Depth Finder, Radio, Aluminum Trailer, excellent condition. Located in Marathon. $11,000 OBO 305-849-5793 SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!

PLACE YOUR BOAT FOR SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

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

PLACE YOUR BOAT SLIP FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

$25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

BOATS FOR SALE

FOR SALE: Charter Boat Business & Equipment for sale. Located in Marathon, Florida. CALL 305-240-3270

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/joinour-team/

Handyman needed for residence in Marathon. High Pay! Call:305-395-0478 bbrayman@proton.me

PAVER DAVE INC. is now hiring in the Lower Keys. Must have Driver’s License. Bobcat driver experience helpful. Pay depends on experience. Call 305-304-3966

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.

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

HOBBIES/COLLECT

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT

UNFURNISHED 2/2 HOUSE FOR RENT ON CANAL, MM27, Ramrod Key, recently refurbished and painted, w/d, utilities paid by owner, $2,750/ month, fenced yard, available now. Pete 786-649-9833 or pprm1119@aol.com

2BR/2BA Single Family Waterfront Home for rent in Marathon. Fully furnished. 70' dock. $4,500/month includes all utilities, internet & TV. Available for 4 months - JanApril. 727-278-1105

3 BR/2 BA home for rent in Key Colony Beach. 75' premium dock. $4,000/ month + utilities. F/L/S 786-229-0228

2BR/1BA house for rent in Marathon. Completely remodeled. All appliances. No pets. $2700/mo for 2+ ppl.$2,500/mo if less, incl. electric only. F/L/S Dock available for sep. fee. 305-610-8002

2BR/1BA with outdoor patio for rent in Marathon. $2,100/month F/L/S Taking applications. 305-849-5793

RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

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!!!

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

5th Wheel 27' Forest River Travel Trailer For Sale. Located in Key West. $9,500 OBO 305-848-7070

PLACE YOUR RV FOR SALE AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

VACATION RENTAL

Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/ night. Sweet CarolineSeaport.com

YARD SALES

PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

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 Engineering Department:

ELECTRICAL PROJECT ENGINEER

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.

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications

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.

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

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.

PART-TIME POSITION CODE

ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Part-Time Code Enforcement O cer is responsible for enforcing municipal codes and ordinances related to property maintenance, zoning, signage, public nuisances, rentals, and other related regulations. The O cer seeks to obtain compliance with City codes through citations or warning notices while assuring due process to violators. This position involves conducting eld inspections, responding to complaints, and ensuring compliance to maintain the health, safety, and appearance of the community.

Salary: Competitive Salary

Quali cations: High school diplomas or equivalent and a valid Florida drivers license. Prior experience in code enforcement, law enforcement, or a related regulatory eld is desirable but not required. Ability to interpret and apply city codes, ordinances, and regulations; strong communication and con ict resolution skills; ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement; experience using computer software and applications; active position including standing/walking/bending/kneeling/crouching throughout the day in varying climate conditions. Application forms can be found at www.keycolonybeach.net; see “I WANT TO” then “APPLY FOR A JOB.”

Equal Opportunity Employer

Submit resume and application by mail or in-person to:

City of Key Colony Beach

Attn.: City Clerk

P.O. Box 510141

Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 Or email Cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net

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!

DOCK HAND

We are looking for a Dock Hand with excellent customer service to join our team. You would assist with the daily operations of our marina. Responsibilities include assistance with the daily marina tasks including helping guests arrive and depart from their dock, guiding guests over the radio, navigation, marina amenity cleaning, pressure-washing, assisting guests with golf cart rides and requests, and maintaining the marina. 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!

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available.

Interior Designer

Apply knowledge & creative skills to projects at our high-end design center. Must possess history of achievement in quality projects and a strong sales background.

Warehouse Receiver

Responsible for receiving, inspecting, and processing incoming shipments in a timely and accurate manner. This role ensures that all materials and products are accounted for, properly labeled, and stored in the correct locations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment.

Project Foreman

For complete details and to apply, please visit: DAsignSource.com/careers

wants you to join their team! ONLINE STORE FULFILLMENT ASSOCIATE/SPECIALIST

Full or Part-time. $19/hour to start. EMAIL resume to: Bette@TurtleHospital.org APPLY in person: 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL

Join our team! Full and part-time Educational Program Guides/ Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $19/hour to start. Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org

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.

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE APPRENTICE (Full-Time, Permanent)

EDUCATION PROGRAM HOST (Full-Time, Permanent)

GUEST SERVICES (Part-Time, Weekend)

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

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS

HIRING!

JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NON-PROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS!

We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Therapist (CAT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)

KEY WEST

Case Manager (Children, Adult) (FT) Prevention Specialist Advocate

MARATHON

Advocate 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 COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!! 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

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (Mammo & X Ray), Radiology, $50k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

- ED Team Coordinator 1, Emergency Department

- AC Mechanic-Licensed

- Manager Imaging Services

- Pool Medical Technologist

- Pool Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab

- Patient Access Associate, $1k Bonus

- Patient Scheduler 2, Radiology, PT

- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT Scan, $50k Bonus

- Patient Financial Associate, Patient Access, $1k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, ICU, $15k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, ICU, PT

- Registered Nurse, PACU, Per Diem

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $50k Bonus

- Pool Pharmacy Tech 2

- Pool Occupational Therapist

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, PT, $12,500 Bonus

- Sr. Phlebotomist

- Security Officer, FT

- Patient Financial Associate, $1k Bonus

- ED Team Coordinator, Emergency Department

- Inventory Control Administrator, Keys/Marathon Supply Chain

- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (MRI & X Ray), Radiology, $50k Bonus

- Patient Care Nurse Supervisor, PT, Nights

- Registered Nurse, Oncology, PT

- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus

THEME: FOOTBALL

ACROSS

1. *The Coaches ___ or The AP Top

25 ____

5. *Super Bowl halftime performer Kendrick Lamar’s genre

8. 1/168th of a week

12. Purse to match a gown

13. Karl of politics

14. Model builder’s wood choice

15. *YDS, TD or INT

16. Black like certain tree

17. *Last season’s NFL MVP

18. *Worth 6 points

20. Way, way off 21. Owl cries

22. Come and ____ it

23. Ape

26. Stucco or aluminum on a house wall, pl.

30. “Wheel of Fortune” request

31. Bette Green’s “Summer of my ____ Soldier”

34. Stag, not doe

35. Like an uncomfortable mattress

37. European Economic Community

38. *NFL Hall of Famer Greene or comedian Hart

39. Seed coat

40. Cylindrical flower cluster

42. Stir or fuss

43. City in Illinois

45. #10 Down’s counterpart

47. Small dog’s bark

48. Adams of “Summer Of ‘69” fame

50. *Point value of a safety in football, pl.

52. *Worth 3 points in football (2 words)

56. Behind a stern

57. Raise the roof

58. Classroom parasites

59. Blooper

60. Actor and singer Kristofferson

61. Some are slippery

62. Scraps

63. Ballpark fig.

64. Dark loaves

DOWN

1. Bothersome one

2. *Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Graham

3. Molokai party

4. Leechee, alt. sp.

5. R2-D2, e.g.

6. Declares to be true

7. *College, home to football’s Nittany Lions

8. *Football intermission

9. Paella pot

10. Addict

11. *What the NFL’s Jim Brown famously did

13. Fixed up 14. Bleated

19. Hoagie, alt. sp. 22. Bathtub hooch

23. Green side

24. Accustom

25. Imitate

26. *Quarterback’s downfall

27. The N of U.S.N.A.

28. Move smoothly

29. Mister in Madrid

32. ____-view mirror

33. What Harry and Sally did

36. *Pre-championship games

38. Work the dough

40. High tea vessel

41. Bucolics

44. Gustatory sensation

46. Hook, line and sinker person

48. Coffin holders

49. Rekindled

50. Type of ski lift

51. Drift like aroma

52. Type of fish net

53. Like acne-prone skin

54. Climber’s destination

55. It’s more, to some

56. Don McLean: “A long, long time ____...”