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1st Place: Second Place

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3rd Place: Look At Me

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Join us at the Key West Cooking School for a unique class led by etiquette instructor Natasha Lane, where young ladies and gentlemen will learn the importance of dining etiquette while discovering how to bring the best version of themselves to the table. Includes guided instructions, full menu, and a printed etiquette guide

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

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That’s the amount of rainfall, in inches, that Key West has received so far this month. Key West typically averages between 6 and 7.24 inches of rain during September, which is the island’s wettest month.

The USCGC Ingham, the most-decorated ship in Coast Guard, was recently included on Florida’s ‘11 to Save’ list of historic preservation priorities. See page 6. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly 4.79

RAJ RAMSINGH FACES 7 MORE OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT CHARGES

Grand jury hands down third indictment for allegedly falsified building permits

AMonroe County Grand Jury on Sept. 15 returned an additional seven-count indictment charging former Key West chief building official Raj Ramsingh with multiple acts of official misconduct, states a press release from the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office.

The indictment alleges that between October 2021 and March 2024, while working for the city of Key West, Ramsingh “knowingly and intentionally falsified, concealed, altered or covered up official records related to building permits issued by the City of Key West. These actions allegedly caused unlawful harm to the City of Key West and/or provided unlawful benefits to property owners,” states the indictment.

The new charges involve permits connected to the following properties in Key West:

• 511 Caroline Street – Permit Nos. BLD2019-3580 and BLD20201439.

• 1209 Virginia Street – Permit Nos. BLD2019-1747 and BLD20202026.

• 510 Fleming Street – Permit No. BLD2022-0779.

• 1114 Olivia Street – Permit Nos. BLD2021-2534 and BLD20221504.

• 1800 Atlantic Boulevard, Apt. 128C – Permit No. BLD2023-1801.

• 1504 18th Street – Permit No. BLD2023-2038.

• 1550 4th Street – Permit Nos. BLD2022-1629 and BLD2022-1772.

The owners of the above properties have not been charged with any wrongdoing, and in some cases may have been unaware that anything was handled improperly with their building permits.

If Ramsingh is convicted, each count of official misconduct is classified as a third-degree felony under Florida law, punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.

The Keys Weekly contacted Raj Ramsingh’s attorney via email on Sept. 16, but did not receive a reply.

The case against Raj Ramsingh began with his initial indictment and arrest on April 15. The investigation has continued and includes charges being filed against the former Key West city attorney Ron Ramsingh, the brother of the chief building official. The two were working at city hall at the same time, and Ron Ramsingh is accused of helping his brother commit or cover up felony activity.

Raj Ramsingh was also indicted in May on a first-degree felony charge of “organized fraud,” which carries a maximum prison sentence of 30 years if convicted. He also faces eight initial felony counts of fraud stemming from the alleged alteration or falsification of city building permits — bringing the current total to 15 allegedly fraudulent permits following this week’s new charges — and one count of obstructing justice by allegedly deleting text messages that were requested as part of a criminal investigation.

Discovery documents released by the state attorney’s office during the investigation show that

Ramsingh allegedly owned and operated his own construction company, Strykker-Avery Homes, while also working as the city’s chief building official. In addition, prosecutors allege that Ramsingh used his city position to bypass the city’s permitting and review processes for his own gain and for that of his friends, clients and other influential people in town, approving building permits for projects that had not been reviewed, or that had been denied, by the city’s planning department.

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29 in front of Judge Mark Jones.

Raj Ramsingh’s attorneys have requested copies of all communications between and among dozens of current and former city officials, according to court records.

In a motion filed on Sept. 9, Ramsingh’s attorneys gave the city of Key West 15 days to compile and turn over “all communications between former city manager Albert Childress and former planning director Katie Halloran, as well as all communications between Halloran and planning staff members, between Childress and former mayor Teri Johnston; between former city manager Patti McLauchlin and assistant city manager Todd Stoughton and between Halloran and commissioner Sam Kaufman.

State prosecutors have objected to that motion and asked Judge Jones to hold a hearing on the matter. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29, but it is unclear, according to the court docket, whether that hearing will consider Ramsingh’s request for communication records.

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

REMEMBERING THE RAINBOWS

Key Westers replace crosswalks with colorful attire at lighthearted ‘memorial’

The state may have removed the rainbows from Key West’s roads, but the island’s resilient residents replaced them with a spectrum of smiles and a riot of color during an informal Second Line March in honor of the lost crosswalks on Sept. 15.

KEY WEST’S INGHAM: A SHIP WORTH SAVING

Legendary vessel makes statewide ‘11 to Save’ list of historic priorities

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Nearly 90 years old, the historic U.S. Coast Guard cutter Ingham, now a floating maritime museum at Truman Waterfront, is the most decorated ship in Coast Guard history and was recently included on a statewide list of historic preservation priorities.

MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Secured along the seawall at Truman Waterfront, the ship commands attention, the searing white of its hull stretches out like a 100-meter dash (327 feet), punctuated by the unmistakable orange stripe and thick, block letters — U.S. Coast Guard — near the bow.

Impressive as it is, the ship could be, and often is, mistaken for one of its Coast Guard counterparts docked across the harbor at Sector Key West. Don’t let the matching paint jobs fool you. This ship is special.

The cutter Ingham, nearly 90 years old, is a war hero, the most decorated ship in Coast Guard history — and she’s worth saving, according to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.

The trust last month added the Ingham to its annual “11 to Save” list, which prioritizes 11 historical preservation projects around the state each year.

The Ingham operates as a historic maritime museum at Truman Waterfront, headed by Bill Verge, a former Coast Guardsman and Key West city commissioner. The ship is open for tours and hosts a sunset happy hour every Friday and Saturday, which will resume on Sept. 29 after the slow and hot summer months. More than 16,000 schoolchildren have explored the Ingham since it arrived in Key West in 2009. Veterans who served aboard the ship have a reunion in Key West every two years.

“Those guys come on board, and they remember every inch of this place,” Verge said. “They go to their work stations, their old bunk spots. They love it.”

During World War II, Ingham criss-crossed the Atlantic in convoys protecting U.S. and allied ships. It was during one of these crossings that the Ingham sank a German U-boat (submarine) and earned the first of its two presidential unit citations “for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy.”

After World War II, Ingham spent about 20 years performing her primary peacetime tasks of maintaining ocean weather stations in the Atlantic between Virginia and Newfoundland.

Then came the Vietnam War, and the Ingham headed to Southeast Asia.

“While patrolling off Vietnam, Ingham’s task was to prevent the infiltration of arms and supplies to communist forces in South Vietnam by stopping, boarding and searching vessels,” states the ship’s website at uscgcingham.org.

After Vietnam, Ingham returned to weather station duties until the ship’s final tour of duty, which brought her to Key West — the Mariel Boatlift.

“Ingham’s largest search and rescue mission came in 1980 after Cuban dictator Fidel Castro opened the port of Mariel, Cuba, letting thousands flee the Communist island. While patrolling the waters between Cuba and Florida in late April 1980, Ingham towed five vessels and rescued 14 survivors from swamped boats as a storm battered refugee boats sailing from Cuba. On July 11, 1980, Ingham rescued six Cuban men from a 15-foot wood and rubber raft 70 miles northeast of Havana. The next day Ingham escorted two Cuban refugee vessels — and 102 people — to safety in Key West.

Ingham’s inclusion on the 11 to Save list enables it to receive assistance from the Florida Trust about available grant funding.

“It doesn’t come with grant money, but the trust is supposed to help us find grants and preservation funding,” Verge said on Sept. 16.

And funding is crucial in the coming year. In preparation for the ship’s 90th birthday, and the 250th birthday of the United States, Verge and the Ingham’s nonprofit board members and supporters plan to repaint the boat, but not the Coast Guard’s usual white and orange.

“We want to paint it in the same gray camouflage design it had during World War II,” Verge said, pointing to a photograph of the Ingham in 1942.

The paint job, necessary maintenance and towing the Ingham to a boatyard in Jacksonville will cost about $3 million, Verge said.

In a lighthearted Second Line Memorial Celebration, Key West residents remember with delight the rainbow crosswalks, which state workers erased last week. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Key West & Cuba’s Museum Quality Regional Art Celebrating Cultural Resilience

CUBAN ART TOURS

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

Sir Manuel Mendive

Cuban Master of Myth, Movement & Medium

Born 1944 | Chevalier des Arts et Lettres, France

Internationally acclaimed and spiritually rooted, Manuel Mendive is Cuba’s most revered living artist. Honored by the French Ministry of Culture during his solo exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris (1994), Mendive’s work now graces institutions worldwide—including the Kennedy Center.

We are celebrating locals all

Multidisciplinary Visionary

From painting and sculpture to live performance, Mendive’s art de es boundaries. His creations pulse with rhythm, ritual, and reverence—each piece a bridge between ancestral memory and contemporary form.

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

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVE $672 MILLION SPENDING PLAN

Monroe County commissioners finalized a $672.2 million spending plan with staffing and program cuts, as well as slashes in funding to nonprofits serving vulnerable populations.

A Sept. 10 final budget hearing ended with commissioner Holly Raschein proposing a reduction in the tax rate to 2.6929, or $269 per $100,000 of property’s assessed value.

Commissioners originally considered an increase in the millage rate to 2.7327 to raise an additional $2 million for hurricane recovery and cleanup reserves. Commissioners aimed to bolster funds for storm cleanup amid the uncertainty surrounding federal reimbursements and grant funding through FEMA.

“We have a year before we have to be concerned with FEMA, but we have to keep it on radar,” Raschein said.

Lisa Tennyson, county legislative affairs director, said no changes are official, but there have been memos and statements from FEMA representatives suggesting policy shifts. Changes could mean shifting the costs of natural disasters, including hurricanes, to state and local governments, as well as fewer reimbursable projects for public facilities including parks, beach access, boat ramps and nature trails damaged in a storm.

A millage rate reduction was unanimously approved by commissioners. A budget for the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year was then approved via 5-0 vote.

Overall, the budget is $43.6 million less than last year’s approved $714 million spending plan. John Quinn, county assistant director of management and budget, said the completion of Key West International Airport’s Concourse A and the completed purchase of three Trauma Star helicopters are the primary drivers behind the spending reductions.

On the personnel side, county officials eliminated 45 full-time positions. Employees who work for constitutional officers will receive a 2.9% cost of living adjustment, a decrease from an original ask of 4% to 5%.

County officials also discontinued Freebee rideshare service in the Lower Keys while axing a proposed expansion in the Upper Keys. Quinn said these cuts offset the unavoidable cost increases, such as Consumer Price Index increases for solid waste collection and contractually-obligated 14.5% pay increases for county firefighters and EMS.

And 50%, or $1.1 million, was cut from funding for human services nonprofits. Each year, the county’s Human Services Advisory Board recommends funding for essential human services nonprofits. The requests are ultimately voted on by commissioners.

Sherrie Schwab, CEO for the Domestic Abuse Shelter, said the cut to her organization means the end of outreach services from Key Largo to Key West. The Domestic Abuse Shelter was recommended to receive $98,895 from the county’s Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB), but will receive half that amount.

“The only domestic violence survivors in this county that will receive services from us — the only certified domestic violence center — will be the emergency shelter. There will be no outreach services, which HSAB funds at that moment,” Schwab said.

Cuts by county officials were made amid forecasts of decreases in sales and bed taxes and state-shared revenues. In addition, the state’s Department of Government Efficiency is zeroing in on government spending across the Sunshine State. Specifically, the state’s DOGE is targeting unnecessary use of taxpayer funds to support nongovernmental organizations. A report from the state department is expected to come out in January 2026. County officials are hoping to receive more clarity on policies as to what the state deems unnecessary funding.

“We have kept the DOGE priorities that were given to us from that department at the state level in mind,” said County Administrator Christine Hurley.

Key Largo resident Isabella McClain asked commissioners to reconvene in early 2026 to re-evaluate the budget and consider ways to reinstate — and sustain — nonprofit funding.

“These organizations are often first responders when our most vulnerable neighbors, family and friends have no other option but to stay through a major storm,” McClain said. “The care and capacity they provide cannot be quantified in this budget.”

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

By Mandy Miles, Alex Rickert & Jim McCarthy

COURT RULING ALLOWS OPEN - CARRY OF GUNS; KEYS SHERIFF HAS CONCERNS

Editors’ note: Legal interpretations and implications of the Sept. 10 court ruling are changing hourly. The Keys Weekly will continue to update this story as more information becomes available from official sources.

AFlorida appeals court ruled last week that adults in Florida can carry a gun in public as casually as they carry a grocery bag, a cell phone or a beach chair.

On Sept. 10, while the online world seethed over the shooting death of rightwing political activist Charlie Kirk, a threejudge panel from the 1st District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee ruled that Florida’s law prohibiting guns from being openly carried and publicly visible violated the Second Amendment and was therefore unconstitutional, due to recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

The 20-page court decision paves the way for Florida to become an “open-carry” state, meaning handguns, rifles, shotguns and AR-15s can be carried in plain view on streets, beaches, sidewalks, parks and other public places.

Private businesses and places of worship can impose their own gun prohibitions, and the federal Gun Free School Zones Act prohibits unauthorized people from possessing a gun on the property of a K-12 school or within 1,000 feet of such a school. But states can pass laws further regulating guns at schools, and some states now designate teachers and other staff members as those who are authorized to possess guns on school property.

Guns remain illegal in all federal courthouses and their parking lots as well as post offices, according to federal law. But the laws governing gun possession in state and local courthouses vary by state.

As of Sept. 12, Florida law continued to state that guns are prohibited in bars and in

the bar areas of restaurants. Florida Statute 790.06 states that guns are prohibited in all courthouses, courtrooms, schools and school events, polling places, government meetings and any place where guns are prohibited by federal law.

But as the recent court ruling pertains to constitutional rights, the full implications remain unknown, and could prompt changes to the state statutes

Judge Stephanie Ray, who authored the decision, wrote that the judges “conclude that the state has failed to carry its burden to show that Florida’s open carry ban is consistent with this nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

“History confirms that the right to bear arms in public necessarily includes the right to do so openly,” the ruling states. “That is not to say that open carry is absolute or immune from reasonable regulation. But what the state may not do is extinguish the right altogether for ordinary, law-abiding, adult citizens.”

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Governor, attorney general celebrate ruling

The Sept. 10 ruling will go into effect following a requisite 15-day window during which the state attorney general could appeal the ruling. But Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier celebrated the court’s decision in a post on X, writing, “Our office fully supports the court’s decision. This is a big win for the Second Amendment rights of Floridians.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis similarly applauded the court, writing on X, “This decision aligns state policy with my long-held position and with the vast majority of states throughout the union. Ultimately, the court correctly ruled that the text of the Second Amendment — ‘to keep and bear arms’ — says what it means and means what it says.”

DeSantis said at a recent press conference that he’s open to signing a bill for open carry in the Sunshine State, if legislators pass it during the upcoming session.

But state Senate President Ben Albritton has previously opposed open-carry legislation, stating his support for law enforcement and acknowledging their concerns. House Speaker Danny Perez has previously acknowledged no need for open carry legislation when Florida allows permitless carry.

In most other states with open-carry permissions, the policy was voted in by a majority of state legislators, who could draft guardrails and restrictions.

In the case of Florida, the open-carry designation came from a court ruling that was prompted by the arrest of a Florida man for carrying a gun in public. He was convicted and sentenced to probation, but appealed his conviction, claiming Florida’s open-carry ban was unconstitutional. This week, the appeals court judges in Tallahassee agreed.

Keys law enforcement leaders respond

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay on Friday posted a video on his agency’s Facebook page, advising people that they’re much more likely to see people carrying guns in public, and that’s it’s no longer illegal if they do see a gun, “whether it’s a handgun, a rifle or an AR-15 slung over someone’s shoulder.”

Ramsay acknowledged that some people support the open-carry ruling and others oppose it, but he emphasized that sheriff’s offices and police departments can’t

do anything to stop the public display of firearms in places where they’re allowed.

Speaking with Keys Weekly’s Alex Rickert on Sept. 12, Ramsay went into greater detail about questions that remain.

“We’re trying to clarify, where does this apply?” Ramsay told the Keys Weekly. “Does this mean you can carry a weapon anywhere? Can you go to parks? … Government meetings? There are more questions than answers right now, and a lot of these answers won’t be clarified until someone takes action, and then someone sues.”

The sheriff pointed out, “the day before yesterday, it was suspicious to law enforcement” if someone was seen carrying a gun in plain view while walking down the street. “Today, it’s not suspicious because it doesn’t violate a law.”

Sheriffs throughout Florida are continuing to encourage residents in their counties to call the sheriff’s office if they are concerned about how someone with a gun is acting, as officers should still respond and seek a consensual encounter with the individual to learn more. But unless a crime is being or has been committed, there is little the officers can do, Ramsay said.

“It’s not a matter of if, but when people see someone who’s open carrying, that they don’t freak out,” Ramsay told the Keys Weekly. “We’re concerned because we don’t have the answers either. We’re likely to see 911 calls to dispatch, but unless someone’s committing a crime, there’s nothing we can do.”

He added that while public areas may be the places of greatest concern, even private businesses that attempt to establish no-gun policies and trespass violators could face a gray area under the new ruling. And as Florida’s open-carry right came via a court decision, not a voter referendum, the limits and exceptions will likely be decided in future legal challenges to individual incidents.

“On one hand, you’d think, absolutely. But then, the person (with the gun) could say that business violated their constitutional rights because they’re being excluded for exercising their Second Amendment rights,” the sheriff added.

On Sept. 15, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issue a “guidance memorandum” to all Florida law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in which he confirmed private business owners’ continuing right to prohibit firearms.

“The decision does not ... prevent law enforcement from continuing to police those who ‘exhibit [firearms] in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner” in public. And nothing in the decision permits individuals to menace others with firearms in public, nor does it undermine the state’s authority to prohibit felons from possessing firearms.

“Additionally,” Uthmeier wrote, “the court’s decision neither considered nor implicated Florida’s law listing certain locations where the carrying of a firearm — open or concealed — may be unauthorized.

“The same holds true for private property owners, who maintain the long-standing legal prerogative to compel individuals carrying firearms to leave their premises. Any person carrying a firearm who violates the private property owner’s warning to depart will be committing armed trespass, a thirddegree felony,” the memo states.

In Key West, police chief Sean Brandenburg is also closely monitoring the ruling and its potential implications in a town known for laid-back style and affinity for adult beverages.

“The Key West Police Department is monitoring this decision closely,” Brandenburg told the Keys Weekly on Sept. 12. “According to the Florida Police Chiefs Association general counsel, nothing in this opinion invalidates any other Florida statute, such as the prohibition of firearms in certain places like bars and government buildings. As with concealed carry, the decision also allows private property owners to ask someone carrying a firearm to leave that private property. We will continue to monitor and to heed any advice from the FPCA’s general counsel and from the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office.”

Whatever the long-term impacts, guns are going to be more visible.

“Citizens at some point are going to see somebody walking with an open-carry weapon and it could be in close proximity to a church or school – high-impact, vulnerable areas,” Ramsay said. “They need to be cool, calm and collected and make decisions based on logic, not emotion. This appears to be the new way of life in Florida, and we all have to see how this is going to pan out.”

NAVY HOUSING COMPANY FACES 80 MORE ACCUSERS IN LAWSUIT

Balfour Beatty Construction accused of ‘concealing horrific conditions’ from military residents

www.keysweekly.com

An additional 80 people have joined a lawsuit that accused military housing giant Balfour Beatty of “concealing horrific (housing) conditions from unsuspecting service men and women and their families.” The company manages large tracts of military housing on posts and bases across the United States, including the Key West neighborhoods of Sigsbee Park, Trumbo Point and Truman Annex.

Just Well Law filed an amended suit against the U.K.-based Balfour Beatty on Sept. 9 – upping the original number of plaintiffs from 192 to 272.

The original suit, filed in March, includes a long list of counts against Balfour Beatty, including breach of contract, negligence, gross negligence, nuisance, negligent infliction of emotional distress, intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of warranty of habitability, third-party beneficiary contract, medical monitoring, violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Practices Act, negligent misrepresentation concerning housing conditions, negligent misrepresentation concerning remediation of unsafe conditions, fraudulent inducement, fraudulent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment of housing conditions, fraudulent concealment leading to decisions to remain in homes and fraudulent concealment.

The suit cites testimonials from 75 families. Some report serious health problems and economic losses — including loss of personal property, repair costs and current and future medical expenses. Others describe symptoms such as sore throats, congestion, fatigue, brain fog, irritability and chronic coughing.

Even with the addition of 80 individuals, Balfour Beatty’s position has not changed. A company representative said:

“We are aware of the amended claim and intend to defend ourselves vigorously. The well-being of residents will always remain our number one priority.”

This is not the first time Balfour Beatty has faced legal trouble. In 2021, the company paid more than $65 million in fines and restitution for a fraud scheme involving U.S. military housing repairs.

While the Navy does not comment on pending litigation, it has budgeted $67 million in the 2026 fiscal year for a long-term strategy to modernize military housing in the Southeast.

In the meantime, many units in the Sigsbee and Trumbo neighborhoods remain unoccupied and under renovation. As a result, military members and families are relying on their Basic Housing Allowance to rent in the local community. This creates added strain on civilian residents, who are now forced to compete with military members for the limited supply of long-term rental properties in Key West and the Lower Keys.

Jackie Telarico, who has been at the forefront of this issue since she lived in Key West military housing, said the lawsuit represents a turning point.

“While the lawsuit is still at its beginning stages, I believe it has been an awakening force, not only for those in Key West past and present – but all the service members and their families across the country who have been impacted by the systemic life, health and safety issues in our privatized military provided homes,” she told the Keys Weekly. “Key West so far is the largest military housing lawsuit to date. While there have been many shouting for help for decades due to the deplorable conditions, I believe it has empowered many across the nation this past year to speak up and say ‘no more,’ by either starting their own legal pursuit for justice and accountability or to push for policy change in Washington, D.C. to help protect others. This has been the fuel our people across the nation needed to know they’re not alone.”

MAN ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER WITH CROSSBOW

A61-year-old Key Largo man was arrested Sept. 16 after attempting to shoot his roommate in the head with a crossbow.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said George Henry Balboni was charged with attempted murder.

“Violence is never the answer to a roommate dispute,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “It’s much easier to separate yourself from the situation, but this person did the total opposite and now faces very serious criminal charges.”

The sheriff’s office was called to a residence on the 700 block of Largo Road at about 6 a.m. regarding a disturbance. The 69-year-old male victim led deputies to Balboni who was lying in the front yard of the home and bleeding from the face. There were several arrows on and near Balboni where he was found. The victim said Balboni lured him to a vehicle on the property and tried to kill him by shooting him with an arrow. The victim suffered a minor cut to his ear from the arrow. A fight ensued. The victim took the crossbow from Balboni and hit him with it, knocking him to the ground.

Balboni admitted to shooting the crossbow at the victim. Balboni said he tried to kill the victim, whom he described as a “parasite.” Balboni also said he has no remorse.

Balboni was taken to Mariners Hospital in Tavernier for injuries to his head. The victim was not taken to the hospital.

Statements from both men to deputies revealed the two roommates had a history of arguments and have lived together for several years. Balboni stated the victim went through his trash on Monday and found vodka, which angered Balboni. Balboni stated he decided to kill the victim at that point. Balboni was taken to jail.

WYATT SAMUELSON

Former residents of Sigsbee Park’s military housing were forced to discard furniture after mold was discovered in their homes. CONTRIBUTED

George Henry Balboni. MCSO/Contributed

KEY WEST REMEMBERS

THE DAY OUR WORLD CHANGED

Historic firehouse museum hosts annual 9/11 ceremony

MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Where were you when the world stopped turnin’ that September day?

— Alan Jackson

Anyone old enough to remember the first iPods and the last “Friends” episode damn sure remembers the Tuesday that changed the world in 2001 — where they were, what they were doing and who told them to turn on the TV because our country had been attacked.

The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 killed nearly 3,000 people at the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and a field in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania, where airplane passengers thwarted hijackers’ plans to crash into the White House, instead ambushing the cockpit and crashing the plane, killing all 44 people on board — including the terrorists.

Thousands more — mostly firefighters, police officers and EMTs

KEY WEST ROYAL HOPEFULS RAISING MONEY

Fantasy Fest king & queen to be crowned Oct. 17

In Key West, royalty isn’t inherited, it’s earned. And four royal hopefuls are vying to be crowned the 2025 king and queen of Fantasy Fest by raising the most money for the Florida Keys SPCA between now and the Royal Coronation on Oct. 17 at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater.

Throughout a six-week fundraising blitz, the candidates hold everything from car washes to culinary adventures, body painting parties to bloody mary breakfasts.

Be the Change. Jenkins has cycled 165 miles for the SMART Ride, sashayed across the Real Men Do Drag stage, and dazzled Aqua Idol audiences — all to raise money for organizations like AH Monroe, Sister Season, MARC House, Queer Keys, the Florida Keys SPCA and the Waterfront Playhouse. For Jenkins, running for King of Fantasy Fest isn’t about a title; it’s a celebration of everything he loves: lifting others up, creating laughter and championing causes that matter.

— have since succumbed to cancer and other illnesses caused by the toxic dust and chemicals they inhaled while working to rescue survivors and recover bodies from the devastation at Ground Zero.

Each year on Sept. 11, the Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum, 1024 Grinnell St., and the city of Key West honor the first responders and all victims of 9/11 at a memorial ceremony.

The museum houses two memorial pieces of the World Trade Center that collapsed when two hijacked planes slammed into the skyscrapers that Tuesday morning.

Key West’s historic fire bell, which once rang in the cemetery to alert island residents of a fire, is struck twice on 9/11 at the precise times the hijacked planes hit the Twin Towers — 8:46 a.m for the North Tower and 9:03 a.m. for the South Tower.

Local firefighters, law enforcement officers and city leaders spoke at the remembrance, including Sheriff’s Capt. David Smith and city commissioners Donie Lee, Aaron Castillo and Lissette Carey.

Candidates schedule their own events and band together at a few all-candidate fundraisers to pool resources. The next all-candidate event will take place Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St.

Now, let’s meet the candidates — Cindy Bensen, Floyd Jenkins aka Pepa Mahogany, Mina Valdez and Joe Wooten.

Cindy Bensen comes from a family that raised labrador retrievers and boarded animals, which gave her tremendous respect and love for all animals and their welfare at an early age.

While living in South Carolina, Bensen was known affectionately as the “Turtle Lady” for rescuing local turtles in perilous situations, with many saves to her credit. As a Key West resident, she is an active member of Save a Turtle, where she walks the beaches at dawn in search of new sea turtle nests. Bensen is an avid supporter of FKSPCA and is honored to be running for Fantasy Fest Queen 2025.

Floyd Jenkins aka Pepa Mahogany has lived in Key West since 2007. By day, he works as the executive administrative assistant to Key West police chief Sean Brandenburg.

But Jenkins’ impact only begins at work. As the founder of Pepa’s Books for Tots, he has delivered free books to thousands of Keys children.

He champions youth empowerment as a board member for Keys to

Mina Valdez was born and raised in Key West and is still proud to call the island her forever home. Over the years, Valdez has been committed to grassroots fundraisers, community cleanups, hurricane relief and local charities like the Florida Keys SPCA. She’s always been more comfortable working behind the scenes. Her motto has always been: “Do it for the cause, not the applause.”

But this year as she turns 40, Valdez decided to step outside her comfort zone and run for Fantasy Fest Queen 2025.

Her campaign theme, “Every Furry Tail Deserves a Happy Ending,” reflects her love for animals and her commitment to the Florida Keys SPCA. She believes every paw print tells a story — and every pet deserves to live in a safe, loving home.

Joe Wooten came to Key West by way of Texas and Illinois, but has called the island home for more than a decade. Wooten enjoys spending his days with his fiancée, Keenan, and their Siberian husky, Koda. His dedication to community has been a lifelong quality. Wooten proudly served in the US Marine Corps for 10 years in the infantry, serving in Asia and the Middle East, including Iraq. Once settled in his new Key West home, he attended Florida Keys Community College, obtaining his certification and becoming a dive instructor. He then worked at Captain’s Corner Dive Center for many years.

Wooten’s passion for animals and his Key West community made his entry into the campaign an easy “yes.”

MANDY

The Alex Vega Key West Fire House Museum hosts the annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony in honor of the first responders and all victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

The 2025 candidates for king and queen of Fantasy Fest are, from left, Floyd Jenkins, Joe Wooten, Cindy Bensen and Mina Valdez. PETE ARNOW/Contributed

LEWIS IS THE KEYS’ NEWEST JUDGE

Key West attorney fills county court space left by James Morgan

On Sept. 10, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of attorney Derek Lewis, of Key West, to serve as Monroe County’s newest judge. Lewis has worked as the managing attorney for Derek A. Lewis P.A. since 2001. Previously, he served as an assistant state attorney in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and his law degree from Nova Southeastern University. Lewis fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge James Morgan to the circuit court.

— Contributed

COUNTY REJECTS GIVING FDOT OK TO WIDEN U.S. 1

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Monroe County commissioners unanimously rejected a draft proposal to give the Florida Department of Transportation authority to potentially enlarge segments of U.S. 1 to four lanes of traffic.

Commissioners made their positions known before members of the public took to the microphone to voice their opposition to the proposed policy change during a Sept. 10 meeting in Key Largo.

The proposal would have removed language stating Monroe County “shall coordinate with FDOT on these portions of U.S. 1 that are shown as two lanes on the future traffic circulation map to maintain them as two lanes for the planning horizon.”

The proposal strictly involved unincorporated areas of Monroe County. Talks surrounding more traffic lanes date back to November 2024, when commissioners directed staff to draft a proposed amendment to allow for up to four lanes of traffic on any new bridges FDOT constructs in unincorporated Monroe County.

In addition, commissioners directed staff to meet with FDOT to determine if adding more lanes of traffic to the non-bridge segments of U.S. 1 in unincorporated areas would improve the day-to-day traffic congestion.

Emily Schemper, growth management director, said FDOT was initially seeking to replace the Seven Mile and Long Key bridges. With the planning came a study of potentially more lanes.

FDOT, however, is no longer pursuing new bridge construction. Instead, it is seeking to conduct only rehabilitation projects.

Schemper said county and FDOT officials met in January to discuss whether adding lanes in unincorporated Monroe County would help traffic flow. FDOT replied that language within the county comprehensive plan would have to be removed, giving full authority to the state without the county having a final say.

The county’s planning commission recommended commissioners deny the proposed amendment due to its inconsistency with the principles for guiding development in Monroe County. The proposal, which dealt solely with unincorporated areas, still caught the attention of Islamorada officials, several of whom attended the meeting.

Speaking on behalf of the village council, Vice Mayor Don Horton re-

quested county officials never consider four lanes through Islamorada.

“The four-laning of Islamorada would just be devastating to our businesses and our way of life,” he said.

The planning commission’s recommendation, as well as opposition from residents via phone calls and emails to commissioners and public comment, shut down the idea. Commissioner Holly Raschein requested discussion among the commission to give residents an idea of their decision before a public comment period began.

“I feel like we’ve got a handle individually on where we’re leaning,” she said.

Commissioner Michelle Coldiron said they should stick to adding more turn lanes, not additional traffic lanes, where feasible on U.S. 1. She also noted FDOT is examining a potential ferry system that could transport people from various parts of the Keys, as well as the mainland, in a bid to reduce traffic on the highway.

“I would appreciate us putting pressure on FDOT to do the things that we know can help,” she said.

Lincoln also recommended county staff and County Administrator Christine Hurley come up with a better transit system for those commuting from areas like Big Pine and Big Coppitt Keys to work in Key West.

Before the discussion on the proposal, county commissioners received a report on the 2025 U.S. 1 arterial travel time and delay study. The study is done every two years by the county’s traffic consultant, AECOM, to monitor the level of service (LOS) on U.S. 1. The report cost the county $131,864.99.

The study report gave the overall LOS a “C” grade, with a median speed of 45.6 mph. All segments within unincorporated Monroe County currently operate at grade C or better.

Three segments in Islamorada, MM 84 to MM 86 on Windley Key, MM 79.5 to MM 84 on Upper Matecumbe Key and MM 73 to MM 77.5 on Lower Matecumbe Key, were found to be underperforming and received “D” grades.

County land development code states U.S. 1 must have sufficient capacity in unincorporated areas to be rated at least a “C” for the length of the highway. Development may be approved as long as it doesn’t worsen traffic by more than 5% below C.

County commissioners ultimately approved the study following more than two hours of discussion, questions and public comment.

Derek Lewis. CONTRIBUTED

For some reason I had Supertramp stuck in my head the other morning, specifically their 1979 hit “The Logical Song”: I said, now, watch what you say They’ll be calling you a radical

A liberal, oh, fanatical, criminal

... 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.

A few hours later I saw that Rick Davies, one of the two founders of Supertramp, had just died at 81. I don’t think I knew that. I can’t remember reading it or hearing it anywhere, though maybe I heard something when my wife had NPR on and I wasn’t really listening. Or maybe it was just the lattice of coincidence of the cosmic unconsciousness – what fans of the 1984 movie “Repo Man” would call a plateof-shrimp moment.

Similarly, I’m partway through a rather lengthy biography of the singer/songwriter Warren Zevon. After the Supertramp faded I had several days of Zevon’s classic “Desperados Under the Eaves” playing over and over in my head, which I preferred, particularly the point midway through the song where he sings:

I was sitting at the Hollywood Hawaiian Hotel I was listening to the air conditioner hum

It went hmm, hmm, hm-hm, hm-hm-hmm

It’s a sly joke that morphs into a slow-building, strangely moving, two-minute crescendo of choral humming, saloon piano, guitar riffs and violins.

Later that day I was up on the roof of The Studios of Key West and realized I was listening to actual actual air conditioners hum. They were far less melodic – more of a monotonous hmmmmmmm –but I decided to take it as another example of the lattice of coincidence of the cosmic unconsciousness.

Why was I on the roof? Because late that afternoon the folks up at the Florida Keys Hawkwatch had counted close to 3,000 common nighthawks passing over their site – so far – and I was hoping a few of those flocks might drift the 52 miles to Key West before crossing over to Cuba and parts south.

There were clumps of clouds dispersed around various horizons, but the sky above was pretty clear. And also pretty empty. The only real traffic, other than the occasional distant magnificent frigatebird, were the doves and pigeons. Primarily it was whitecrowned pigeons, small sorties of three or four darkshaped birds at a time, darting among mahogany trees and ficuses. But there were also a good number of white-winged doves, usually flying somewhere below, showing the big, sporty white stripes on their wings, reminiscent of tennis shoes or old-school race cars.

The thing I could hear above the air conditioners, though, was the referee whistle-like calls of gray kingbirds. (Note: I have a hard time describing the gray kingbird’s call as anything other than sounding like a referee whistle, but in the interest of trying to do better, I dug around a few websites dedicated to different types of whistles and their histories. And in

HUMMING AIR CONDITIONERS & PEACEABLE KINGDOMS

a technical sense, a referee whistle is properly called a pea whistle, due to the little floating object in the hollow part of the whistle, which spins around when you blow on it, giving it that serrated/syllabic/staccato sound. Modern pea whistles have a little cork ball in them, and I spent a lot of time trying to figure out if the early pea whistles of the late 1800s had actual peas in them. But it turns out the early ones had dried seeds in them or small, carved chunks of wood. (Yes, I know a pea is a seed, though it wasn’t, apparently, one of the seeds they used.) But I’m just going to stick with referee whistle because, for one, the term pea whistle could be confusing on a phonetic level if you just heard it, and for two, everyone knows what a referee whistle sounds like.)

Whether you’ve noticed it or not, if you live in Key West or the Lower Keys you’ve been hearing gray kingbirds call since May. So hearing the calls didn’t surprise me greatly, other than the fact that it is getting late in the season, and the gray kingbirds should be migrating soon, and I’m not totally sure why they’ve been calling so much.

Gray kingbirds are primarily Caribbean species, with a range that stretches up to North Florida.

There were a bunch of them in the top of the ficus tree that looms over the Methodist Church, across from the Studios. Or at least I thought there were until I lifted my binoculars and realized they weren’t gray kingbirds but rather eastern kingbirds.

Eastern kingbirds are only in the Keys during migration. Often they migrate in flocks, outpacing the number of gray kingbirds we have. There was some debate about whether they are diurnal migrants or nocturnal migrants, but flocks are often seen migrating during the day, and because dead eastern kingbirds are rarely found dead at the base of tall radio towers on migratory pathways, is it is believed that, unlike most songbirds, they don’t migrate at night.

Gray kingbirds are also thought to be diurnal migrants.

Except for their white bellies, gray kingbirds are as their name describes. Eastern kingbirds, with a range that skips Arizona and California, but covers all the rest of the lower 48 states, as well as most of

the Canadian provinces, are not. Plumage-wise, they look something like hipster gray kingbirds, all black or very dark gray, except for their white bellies, and white terminal band on their tail.

Compared to the gray kingbird, the eastern’s call sounds more like a hopped-up tweety bird than any kind of whistle.

Both species are in the tyrant kingbird family. The gray kingbird is Tyrannus dominicensis, a tyrant of the Dominican Republic, which is where the first described specimen of the species was taken. The eastern kingbird is Tyrannus tyrannus. The double nomenclature means they are extra tyrannical, but that they are the type species, the species that contains the archetypical characteristics of the genus.

The tyrant designation is warranted, though. Both gray kingbirds and eastern kingbirds are some of the most aggressive species out there, especially if you consider them on a pound-to aggression ratio. (Both species weigh about an ounce-and-a-half.) Their mating rituals generally start with the female showing up in the male’s territory, getting chased off, then returning repeatedly, until he generally accepts her presence. The pair then teams up to tag-team anything they consider a threat in their territory – other kingbirds, songbirds, hawks, owls, crows, eagles, squirrels, some bald men and low flying aircraft, among others. My old pointer was so traumatized by getting bit in the butt by one in Bayview Park that she shrank any time one called too close to her.

What was odd about all the kingbirds in the tree was that while it was primarily easterns, gray kingbirds occasionally came in and swapped perches with them. And nobody was showing the slightest bit of aggression toward anyone. Which means the aggression isn’t a permanent state, but probably driven by ramped-up hormones during the breeding season. And now that everyone had fledged their chicks, there was no reason to pick fights or protect territories. A brief bit of peace.

The desired flocks of common nighthawks never showed, but it was nice to spend time with the eastern kingbirds while they were in town.

Alan M. Nieder, MD

Leonardo D. Borregales, MD

FANTASY FEST KING CANDIDATES 2025

EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT through October 14th

ROYAL AQUA IDOL

@Aqua Bar and Nightclub 711 Duval Street

The King and Queen candidates whose singers receive the most "votes" wins $2500 each towards their campaigns! SEPTEMBER 23RD IS CELEBRATING COUNTRY NIGHT!

WEDNESDAY 10/8/25

ALL CANDIDATE FUNDRAISER, 5-7PM

@The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela Street

The King and Queen Candidates that raise the most money will win $2500 each towards their campaign thanks to Sponsor Queen Kate Miano!

Sunday 10/12/25

DRAG QUEEN BINGO WITH QMITCH

5pm @22&Co. 504 Angela Street

FRIDAY 10/17/25

ROYAL CORONATION: THE CROWNING OF THE KING & QUEEN OF FANTASY FEST

6pm @ Coffee Butler Amphitheater 21 Quay Road

Tickets available until 10/13/25 at www.etix.com/ticket/p/79296633/2025happily-furever-after-royal-coronationkey-west-coffee-butler-amphitheater

FLOYD JENKINS

SAVE THE DATE: WEDNESDAY 9/24

LIQUID GOLD SALOON @ SALOON ONE 7-10:00pm @ 504 Petronia Street $20 includes 1 draft beer; $35 includes 1 whiskey tasting + 1 draft beer; $60/couple includes 2 whiskey tastings + 2 draft beers

SAVE THE DATE: THURSDAY 9/25

VIBRATOR RACES @ MARYELLEN'S 6pm @ 420 Appelrouth Lane

JOE WOOTEN

WEDNESDAY 9/17

PITCH, PLEASE! AIR GUITAR/LIVE KARAOKE @ General Horseplay, 8pm-11am @ 423 Caroline Street Free to Public

SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY 9/26

WE'RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER POOL...PARTY @ Dantes, 12-5pm @ 955 Caroline Street Free to Public

FANTASY FEST QUEEN CANDIDATES 2025

MINA VALDEZ

SUNDAY 9/21

DRAG QUEEN BINGO WITH QMITCH @ 22&Co, 5pm @ 504 Angela Street

SAVE THE DATE: THURSDAY 9/25

ASERE! @ KEY WEST COOKING SCHOOL

7-10pm @ 291 Front Street Suite 207 $25 to enter Domino Tournament

CINDY BENSEN

THURSDAY 9/18

VIBRATOR RACES @ MARYELLEN'S 6pm @ 420 Appelrouth Lane

SATURDAY 9/20

GAME ON! @ CAYO HUESO BREWERY, 3-10PM @ 5635 1st Ave, Stock Island

$15 per ticket (includes 1 free beer)

WEEK 3 FUNDRAISER EVENTS

‘ZOMBIELAND’ NEEDS VENDORS FOR OCT. 19 BIKE RIDE

Book your booth by Oct. 15

MAGICAL MISCHIEF AWAITS

Key West Fantasy Fest 2025 conjures bedtime stories and magical monsters

Dreamers, night creatures and storybook stars are invited to adorn themselves in their most inspired themed attire and immerse in 10 days and nights of stellar revelry for Key West Fantasy Fest 2025, set to run Oct. 17-26.

This year’s theme, “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters,” celebrates the full spectrum of imagination – those tales that tucked us in at night and the monsters that lurked in the dark. A sampling of highlight events is below. Morr information is at fantasyfest.com:

• Oct. 17: The royal coronation event to crown Fantasy Fest’s 2025 King and Queen is a two-hour stage show at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater that features performances by the competitors along with local celebrities. Proceeds benefit the Florida Keys SPCA.

• Oct. 17 and 18: The Bahama Village Goombay Festival is a two-day, family-friendly celebration of island arts and crafts, culture, music and food held throughout Key West’s historic Bahama Village neighborhood.

• Oct. 19: The Zombie Bike Ride invites “undead” of all ages to immerse in ghoulish revelry. Zombies descend on Fort East Martello in the afternoon for fun and entertainment including body painting, refreshment vendors and a kids’ zone. Come evening, thousands of zombies on wheels take to the streets of Key West.

Tjewelers and nonprofits. NICK DOLL/Contributed

he Key West Art & Historical Society is accepting vendor applications for ZombieLand, the family-friendly pre-party to the annual Zombie Bike Ride, one of the events of Fantasy Fest. This year’s ZombieLand will take place on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 2 to 6 p.m., on the parade grounds of Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.

Each year, thousands of costumed revelers gather at Fort East Martello to kick off the Zombie Bike Ride. The event offers activities for all ages, including a dedicated kids’ zone with bounce houses and games, live entertainment and face and body painters ready to perfect every zombie look. Guests can also browse local art and handmade goods, enjoy food trucks and unwind with beverages from a full bar featuring beer, wine and specialty drinks.

The society is seeking a wide range of vendors – food vendors, face and body artists, jewelers, craftspeople, performers and local nonprofits – to join this year’s festivities.

“ZombieLand brings together everything people love about Key West – our art, our sense of fun, our community spirit and, of course, our love of the unusual,” said Bonnie McInnis, events manager at the Key West Art & Historical Society. “It’s an incredible event that supports a great cause, and we’re thrilled to welcome both new and returning vendors to be part of it.”

Vendor spaces are limited. Interested parties must apply by Wednesday, Oct. 15 to ensure placement. More information is at kwahs.org/zombie.

Contributed

• Oct. 20: Sloppy Joe’s Comic Book Cape-ers Party: Suit up as your favorite caped superhero or villain, dance to live music, and compete in a costume contest with prizes.

• Oct. 20: Mrs. Roper’s Romp: Break out your colorful caftan and signature curly red wig for a “Three’s Company”inspired party at Sunset Pier with music, photo ops, dancing, games and prizes.

• Oct. 21: Florida Keys Council of the Arts Fantasy Fest poster-signing party at the La Concha Hotel: Meet the artist, get your poster signed and stock up on other Fantasy Fest 2025 T-shirts and swag.

• Oct. 21: Tutu Tuesday with its dance party featuring a plethora of DJs happens across multiple Caroline Street district area venues.

• Oct. 22: Pet Masquerade, presented by Florida Keys Media at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. Costume up with your favorite critter friends at this over-the-top competition or cheer them on from the audience. Prizes in multiple categories; registration fees benefit the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm.

• Oct. 23: The 42nd annual Key West Headdress Ball, presented by the Key West Business Guild at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, reveals a dreamscape of out-of-this-world headdresses modeled by their creators, along with high-energy entertainment by some of the island’s best talent.

• Oct. 24: Paparazzi Row is the place to get warmed up and strut your stuff for the cameras ahead of the Captain Morgan Masquerade March. Dance music will play and local paparazzi, photo booths and selfie stations will be set up to record costumed crews.

• Oct. 24: The Captain Morgan Masquerade March (aka “Locals Parade”) brings all creative hands on deck as costumed revelers parade through Old Town Key West, stopping along the route for adult beverage samples provided by selected guest houses.

• Oct. 24 and 25: The Fantasy Fest Street Fair and Costume Promenade returns to Duval Street, offering a mile-long party of arts, eats and island beats. Friday brings arts, crafts and food; Saturday is all about the food — served up late into the night. Arts and crafts from noon to 10 p.m.; food, from noon to 1 a.m.

• Oct. 25: The Deep Eddy Vodka Fantasy Fest Parade in Old Town Key West presents floats, marching groups and kinetic contraptions to bring this year’s “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters” theme to life.

• Oct. 26: Children’s Day at Bayview Park offers a daytime fest from noon to 5 p.m. with games, food, rides, entertainment, arts & crafts and a costume contest for the kids.

• Oct. 26: Don your fabulous feathers for “The Fat Lady Sings” Tea Dance at La Te Da on Duval Street — the final official Fantasy Fest celebration.

Fantasy Fest 2025 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys.

The Key West Art & Historical Society is seeking vendors for ZombieLand – a familyfriendly event outside Fort East Martello Museum prior to the annual Zombie Bike Ride on Oct. 19. Vendors may include face and body painters, food trucks, artisans, costumers,

The annual Headdress Ball, considered Fantasy Fest’s premier LGBTQ+ event, is set for Thursday, Oct 23, at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. CAROL TEDESCO/FantasyFest.com

CAROL SHAUGHNESSY www.keysweekly.com

KRISTIANN MILLS: A MERMAID OF MANY TAILS

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD MEET

Vaughn Scribner, who wrote the acclaimed 2020 book “Merpeople: A Human History,” once stated that Key West has the largest number of mermaids he has ever seen. The primary reason for that is one woman: Kristiann Mills.

A Key West native known as Mermaid Kristi Ann, Mills is a professional mermaid who has always been comfortable in the water. In 2013 she opened the Captain’s Mermaid, the island’s first boutique to sell colorful mermaid tails for water nymphs, and in 2015 began teaching aspiring “merpeople” to swim in tails.

Mills grew up in a family of wedding, festival and event people — a background that served her well when she launched the Key West Mermaid Festival in 2019. Taking place annually in July, the festival has been lauded on national television as one of the largest mermaid meetups in the world.

Mills is no stranger to the television scene. To help ring in 2025, she appeared live on CNN from Key West’s Duval Street, explaining the mermaid mystique to correspondent Randi Kaye during Anderson Cooper’s internationally viewed “New Year’s Eve Live” program. She and Kaye, and a “merman” who joined them on camera, wore dazzling mermaid tails and sea-themed bling.

Host of a radio talk show on Party 105.7 FM, Mills also is the executive marketing director of The Greeen House in Key West.

She loves to travel and recently spent several months exploring, ironically, the southwestern desert.

Yet no matter what other activities she might pursue, her principal focus is living and sharing the mermaid lifestyle. She recently discussed that lifestyle with the Keys Weekly.

What advice would you give someone who wants to embrace the mermaid lifestyle? The mermaid lifestyle is not just one thing; it’s full of endless possibilities. The most important thing is to pick your “mersona,” and swim with it. In other words, make it what you want it to be. Be a hobbyist who just likes to dress up, or swim in a mermaid tail, create your own pod, be a mermaid instructor, or be a landlocked mermaid that just sits at the edge of the water because you don’t swim. The oceans are the limit.

1. Kristiann Mills, shown here at Key West’s new Blue Flamingo Resort, broadcasts live from the property each Sunday on radio station Party 105.7 FM.

2. Key Wester Kristiann Mills loves the accepting atmosphere and sense of magic she finds in her island home.

3. Kristiann Mills, also known as Mermaid Kristi Ann, is the founder of the annual Key West Mermaid Festival and a well-known professional mermaid. GRACE EPPERLY/Contributed

As a little girl, did you ever imagine that you would grow up to be a professional mermaid? No, I did not. My mermaid career developed organically. When I was a little girl, playing mermaid with my sister was a very natural thing. The element of the ocean always seemed right — something about being far away from it for too long pulls at my heart strings.

How would you describe the Key West Mermaid Festival? The festival is full of meet-and-greets with mermaids and our very own King Neptune. For the last three years, we’ve been educating the public at one of our favorite events at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. Every year we add more fun activities like face painting and crown decorating. We also enjoy our annual July 4 Beach Party at Lagerheads Beach — our Red, White, Blue and Mermaids Too event.

What do you like best about Key West? What qualities or quirks make it the perfect home for you? I love the magic of the island most. I feel it’s a portal that has drawn people here for many moons. It’s a place where you can just be yourself,

because all are accepted and treated as human beings. People here are youthful in spirit, and are not afraid of letting their inner light shine as bright as our sun.

What do you like to do when you’re not working? I always say I’m a mermaid of many tails. I’m excited to have the flexibility to be creative in my work — I feel like all of my jobs are all rolling into one, and all my upbringing and life experiences have led me to where I am today. But when I’m not working, on a day the weather is nice, I love to go to the beach to enjoy the ocean, write poems and read or research the masters and ancient history. And I like to dabble in all things esoteric.

What message do you want your work as a mermaid to communicate to people? Always keep swimming toward your dreams, no matter your age or how out of the ordinary it might seem to the masses. Everyone’s passions are different and unique to the individual. At first people might not understand what you’re trying to do — but sooner or later, if you just focus on swimming in your own lane, your work will speak for itself.

WHAT’S COOKING, KEY WEST?

Newly renamed Cooking Show has tasty star power

In William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” a passionate Juliet insists a rose would smell as sweet even if it had a different name. When it comes to cuisine and cocktails, however, “different” names aren’t uncommon — and the reasons for them are often intriguing.

For example, Cuba’s savory shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce is called ropa vieja, translated as “old clothes.” According to culinary lore, the classic dish earned its strange moniker because the shredded beef resembles torn rags.

Some old-time Key Westers recall a libation dubbed Harry’s Heart Starter. Why is it called that? Composed of Old Grand-Dad bourbon whiskey and orange juice, it was apparently a preferred morning “wake-up call” for then-president Harry Truman, who spent about six months of his presidency at Key West’s Little White House.

Species of food fish can have unusual names too — like grunts, the finned centerpiece of a traditional Key West dish that also features grits. They’re called grunts because of the sound they make when reeled in.

Avocados, another popular ingredient in local recipes, were once known as alligator pears. The designation seemingly came from their pear-like shape and bumpy green skin that looks a bit like an alligator’s hide. Although widely used in the past, the term “alligator pear” is virtually forgotten today after the name of the flavorful fruit (yes, it really is a fruit) evolved into “avocado.”

A similar naming evolution has occurred at the Key West Cooking School, which opened last spring at 291 Front St. It’s now known as the Key West Cooking Show to better communicate the entertaining, experiential nature of the learnand-dine classes.

“We’re not a training center for culinary professionals — instead, we’re an attraction for enthusiastic home chefs,” said Kelly Marshall, a Key West restaurant veteran who oversees the facility’s operation and offerings.

“Guests tell me our classes are like being in the studio audience for a TV cooking program

Members of the Key West Cooking Show’s ‘studio audience’ are served generous portions of the popular avocado salad. KEY WEST COOKING SHOW/ Contributed

with a celebrity chef, but you get to eat too,” Marshall said. “So we changed the name to reflect that sense of energy and enjoyment.”

During each demonstrationstyle class, chef-storytellers provide a glimpse of Key West’s history through cuisine, and showcase the steps for preparing a four-course meal of island favorites.

While they watch the culinary action unfold, guests savor the satisfying courses with fellow enthusiasts. As with a televised cooking show, applause and laughter are frequent — and “audience members” learn all the preparation techniques, tips and shortcuts needed to recreate the featured dishes at home for family or friends.

Both lunch and dinner “shows” are presented Tuesday through Saturday. Each offers a unique experience, as well as varying dishes and menus that spotlight different aspects of Key West’s colorful culture. Reservations are required to be part of the “studio audience” (call 305-294-COOK).

LAST BITES

Dish of the week: Avocado salad. Diced avocados, English cucumbers, finely chopped red onion and grape tomatoes are the stars of this refreshing salad. The freshas-fresh mixture is topped with a dressing that features lime juice, garlic, herbs and a hint of honey. Hungry for more? Visit keywestcookingschool.com.

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.

The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

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

Meet Missy. This 5-year-old bulldog/ Frenchie mix has a classic snout — and snort to match. Missy is game for anything and everything, as long as you are by her side.

This is Adrien. This sweet boy is almost 2 years old and has been at our shelter since March of 2024. He’s not from Philadelphia, but he’s so lovely you’ll find yourself shouting, “Yo, Adrien!” all over the cattery.

Munchkin is quiet and easy to be around — perfect for someone looking for a gentle companion. He enjoys calm spaces, soft pets and tasty snacks. Munchkin isn’t demanding, and he’ll happily keep you company while you read, relax or watch TV.

Say hello to Picasso. He’s 2 months old and still figuring out who he is going to be when he grows up. In this case, a picture paints a thousand words. Just look at him! Need we say more?

Meet Sabrina. This tiny kitten is only 2 months old. We’re just going to stop here and let her cuteness speak for itself.

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

Eclipse season is well underway, and the tectonic shifts that are the hallmark of the time between eclipses are present all around us. During eclipse season, major changes take place, but we feel as though we cannot find our footing or we cannot see where the path is heading. Since the sun and moon become obscured by shadow, our ability to clearly see what is happening to us also becomes murky. Continue to tread lightly, avoid jumping to conclusions, slow down to speed up and let dust settle before choosing your way forward. On Sunday, Sept. 21, our second and final eclipse of this season takes place, and it is a big one. We have a partial solar eclipse in the sign of Virgo directly opposite Saturn and Neptune. We are being asked to let go of something huge in our lives. In essence, we need to unlearn some things so we can start to rebuild a new worldview or narrative structure. What narrative do you hold on to that does not fit the actual evidence right in front of you? How can we reformulate our picture of the world with the introduction of new evidence? Don’t be afraid to try out a different story, but make sure it fits the words on the page. Here are your horoscopes for the solar eclipse opposite Saturn and Neptune. Read for your rising and sun signs.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

How do you see yourself in the greater scheme of your life? Are you a main character or part of a supporting cast? This eclipse on Sunday invites you to fundamentally change your role in your own story. Let an important partner in your life help you set some new boundaries and edit your new script. Also, trust your intuition about where to invest your time, talent and treasure.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Orson Welles said, “We’re born alone, we live alone, we die alone.” While he was a bit of a pessimist, his point is relevant to your eclipse experience. You are changing your relationship to solitude, which is really a reorienting of your relationship to the universe or the great everything. When you’re alone, how do you reflect and meditate? Who do you talk to? Change your personal meditation by cutting out superfluous habits.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

As you change, the people who surround you change. This eclipse is a major shift in who you decide to associate with, particularly the people who support you in the way you need. Hone in on what your creative work is and that will help you determine which friends are really in your corner. You don’t have to cut people off, but keep some folks close and let some slack out with the others.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

You get to decide what your reputation in the world is, especially when it comes to the work you do in the public sphere. You are probably rethinking how to turn your passion into a paycheck, and that means you are right on time. In order to change your career, you will need to create some new boundaries at home, and trust that your creative inspiration is a good leader.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

We all have guiding belief systems, whether they’re religious, spiritual, philosophical or political. These systems generally go through changes in our lives, and right now you are mucking through such a change. Don’t be afraid to see the world as a foreigner sees a new country. Explore. Pack up the parts of your familiar world that you want to bring with you, and search for new vistas.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Collective karma comes for all of us. Not in a menacing way, but there are times when we realize that we are participants in the joys and sorrows of the world at large. This eclipse is eliciting that for you. How can you invest your time, passion or money into a project that benefits the collective? Find your why. You may need to tighten your own budget and personal time, and that is a good lesson for you now.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Partnership isn’t always easy, whether it is in business, romance, politics or friendship. In fact, this eclipse invites you to consider your partnership to partnership itself. What do you seek in a comrade? How do you define your counterbalance with another person? It is healthy to know your personal limits and to be your own authority, but let that create the space for a partner to naturally fill.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

We are all at the mercy of many things, including our health, the weather, our finances and physics. We actually have only a modicum of control over anything. However, it is in that little bit of control that we find our strength and our influence. This eclipse is about reorienting yourself to what you can control and where you are most effective. Hone in.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

We are all here to give birth. Some of us are here to give birth to many children, and some of us are here to give birth to just one. And by children, I don’t necessarily mean babies. We are here to create, and this eclipse is all about discovering what you are here to leave behind. Get messy and see what new passions emerge. You may need to cut off some socializing to go into labor.

A NEW STORY

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

The roots of life, those things which ground us and keep us connected to the Earth, tend to be home and family. This eclipse on Sunday is a big change in that department. Perhaps you’re ready to move, perhaps you’re ready to have that hard conversation, perhaps it’s time to reconnect. At any rate, you need to water your roots so you can dig deeper. It’s all about your own steady footing.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

Communication is something that we do a lot, and most of the time it is done unthinkingly. However, this eclipse encourages you to focus on your methods of communication rather than the message. You have important messages to share, but it doesn’t matter if they don’t actually get to the intended recipient. Get strategic. Try a different tack. Try a different medium. Simplify.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

While we tend to think of money as the end goal for our toil, money is really meant to be a tool for bringing our own values into the world around us. Money is an arbiter of value. This eclipse on Sunday invites you to reflect on your values and how you are materializing them in the world. Are you giving up your core values to make a buck, or are you financing your values and investing in what you believe in? It’s OK to divest in some things to invest in yourself.

SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES BUDGET WITH INCREASED MILLAGE AND SPENDING

www.keysweekly.com

Monroe County School Board members approved a $320.65 million budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year during a Sept. 9 meeting in Marathon.

The total combined millage rate for the school district’s upcoming fiscal year is 2.9470, or $294.70 per $100,000 of assessed property value. The approved millage rate is a 2.9% increase from last year.

Overall, the spending plan approved unanimously is an increase of $13.28 million from the previous fiscal year. The general fund, which supports the district’s daily operations, totals $172.39 million. Capital projects make up $86.90 million, or 27.1% of the budget. Remaining funds go to internal services, debt service, special revenue, food service and trust and agency.

A final spending plan presentation by Charlene White, executive director of finance, was part of a multistep budget process that allows for analysis by board members and communication with the public.

The district’s reserve, which totals $9.6 million, is intended to help recover from a hurricane or other disaster.

There is a separate line item in the budget labeled “Public Schools by State Law.” Most of that money goes to other counties to equalize educational opportunities around the state. Under a $3.77 million budget line item labeled safety and security, board member John Dick objected to payment for sheriff’s deputies working after-school events being rolled into the budgets of individual schools. He made the point that when the voters were asked to approve a separate millage for safety and security it was to be separate and transparent. He argued that safety and security funds should

be rigorously separated from the district general funds.

The staff argued that deputies for extracurricular activities are in a different non-instructional category.

The board also reviewed the 202526 student progression plan. This is being revised to include legislative mandates like the restricted use of wireless devices. The revised plan also tries to boost academic integrity while dealing with plagiarism. There is clarification about the release of high school students from school and certain requirements for graduation to include taking a personal finance course.

Board member Sue Woltanski asked about standardized testing and pointed out that students would have a small reduction in the instructional time dedicated to standardized testing.

The public comment session brought out two speakers asking for improvements at the Marathon High baseball diamond. Former Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez, representing the Middle Keys Booster Club, detailed how a 2024 district playoff game had to be called for flooding on the field. He stated that a committee developed a plan for the field that hasn’t had any improvements in eight years. The committee presented the board with a brochure and access to a slide show describing the suggested plan. Items include improved seating for fans, a usable press box and much improved drainage with artificial turf. Five baseball and softball teams use the same field. James Simcic, a little league coach, followed Gonzalez to echo his request.

Improvements like these would be part of a capital outlay budget plan that will be approved later this year.

‘PAPAS’ PITCH IN THOUSANDS FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Hemingway Look-Alike Society’s endowment reaches $750K

Members of the Hemingway Look-Alike Society present a $53,000 check to the CFK Foundation. From left, ‘Papa’ Dan Adams; Lana Gaspari, CFK vice president and foundation director; 2025 Look-Alike winner ‘Papa’ Tim Stockwell; CFK president Jonathan Gueverra, ‘Papa’ Chris Morris and ‘Papa’ Fred Zenzen. CONTRIBUTED

The Hemingway Look-Alike Society recently presented a $53,000 check to the College of the Florida Keys Foundation, completing a three-year, $174,000 pledge that expanded its scholarship endowment to $750,000. The society has built the largest endowment with the foundation, solidifying a legacy at the college and the ability to fund future scholarships for years to come.

For 26 years, the “Papas” of the Hemingway Look-Alike Society have supported the educational dreams of over 300 CFK students with over $250,000 in scholarships while celebrating the literary legacy of Ernest Hemingway. Their 2023 pledge allowed the organization to increase individual scholarship awards from $1,500 to $2,500.

“Philanthropy’s importance cannot be overstated as state and federal resources shrink while the need for the most technologically advanced workforce increases,” said CFK president Jonathan Gueverra. “The Hemingway LookAlike Society and its membership have recognized the importance

of both trends and continue to financially support and strengthen the development of a workforce that serves our local and regional economies.”

In July, the society awarded $35,000 in scholarships to 14 students attending CFK, each receiving $2,500 to apply toward tuition and fees.

The scholarship is open to degree-seeking students who demonstrate literary talent, are veterans and/or are pursuing credentials in the fields of nursing, marine science, paramedic services, emergency medicine, law enforcement or corrections. One scholarship bears the name of Kermit “Shine” Forbes, Hemingway’s sparring partner, and is presented to a CFKbound graduate of Key West High School.

More information about CFK and scholarship opportunities is at cfk.edu/paying-for-college.

More information about the foundation is available from Lana Gaspari at foundation@cfk.edu or 305-809-3214.

FRANK DERFLER

WEATHERING STORM SEASON

FLORIDA

KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

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

Some people say Florida doesn’t have seasons. They are wrong. They might not be traditional seasons, but they come around as surely as spring and fall every year.

Among the list, Florida has stone crab season, mini-lobster season, tourist season and off-season. There are others, including the big one, hurricane season.

It is my least favorite and one of the low-key things I don’t like about living in the Keys. Growing up in Southern California, it barely rains there, much less has hurricanes. There are earthquakes, but earthquakes don’t pop up on the radar for days and days with every gust and squall broadcast on national television. There is zero notice. All of a sudden, the earth rumbles, shifts and shakes. While I experienced many tremors and a few minor earthquakes, nothing devastated the ground on which I stood.

Officially, hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30. It is not unheard of to have tropical development in May. While it is uncommon for it to occur in November, tropical events have been recorded then, too. Though not the lone example, in 2020, Hur-

ricane Eta reached Category 4 status as it meandered through the Caribbean. On Nov. 9, registering as a tropical storm, Eta made landfall near Lower Matecumbe Key in the Upper Keys. The late summer months, when the water is at its warmest and the conditions ripe for tropical development, are a different story. Statistically speaking, Sept. 10 is considered the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. This year, not a single named storm has affected Florida or the Keys – so far. Since 1950, this has only happened eight times: 1962, 1966, 1975, 1976, 2000, 2014, 2016 and 2025.

While I hate to jinx things by taking a closer look at the state of the tropics, the first half of hurricane season has not seemed like business as usual. Dry air and Saharan dust have been blowing in the wind, but those influences are forecast to dissipate. The important thing to keep in mind is that this is not the time to be lulled into a false sense of nothing’s going to happen this year. The history books are filled with hurricanes that hit the Keys in the latter half of the season.

October has had some doozies. A 1906 storm spawned in the Caribbean, crossed the Keys and reached the southern tip of Florida in a northeasterly direction. The eye of the hurricane passed over Long Key on Oct. 17. The Key West Extension of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway was under construction, and Long Key was home to a work camp.

Two houseboats used for workers had been moored on the Gulf side of the island; each, secured with six mooring lines and an anchor, housed

150 men. According to Mr. W.P. Dusenbury, it was 5 a.m. when the furies of the storm snapped the anchor chain and the two Long Key houseboats broke free. One washed out into the Gulf, only for the wind and waves to push it back to shore.

House Boat No. 4, on the other hand, was driven around the tip of the island, blown out into the Gulf Stream, and pounded in the storm-driven swells until it splintered. Only 83 men from House Boat No. 4 survived. One of them was Dusenbury, who recounted his tale when he was discovered out in the Atlantic, clinging to a piece of wood, and rescued.

The 1906 hurricane resulted in the deaths of at least 193 people.

Three years later, nearly to the day, another October hurricane struck the Florida Keys. On Oct. 11, 1909, the storm traveled up the Keys like it was following the right of way of Henry Flagler’s train. It was responsible for some 15 deaths in the Keys. In Key West, over 300 boats were destroyed in the harbor, and as many as 400 buildings were destroyed by tidal surge or hurricane-force winds.

The following year, on Oct. 17, 1910, a storm that was initially expected to pass south of Key West proved to be unpredictable, making a threequarters turn and essentially doubling back to strike the Keys. The eye of the hurricane passed near Key West. At Sand Key, a Weather Bureau observer reported, “The force of the wind drew large nails from the door. The sand was all washed from sight by this time, and monster waves broke over the whole island.”

The French steamer Louisanne ran aground near the Sombrero Key Lighthouse. Because of ample warning, none of the 1,500 railroad workers employed at the time were lost. It helped that in September, a set of protocols was put in place to prevent the loss of life, special precautions in case of emergency. Substantial damages were attributed to railroad construction facilities.

On Oct. 2, 1966, Hurricane Inez approached the Keys. It had already devastated the Caribbean, killing 27 people before it reached the Dominican Republic, where it took an additional 75 to 100 lives. Inez was responsible for another 750 deaths in Haiti. It was a tricky storm to track. After pummeling the Caribbean, it crossed Cuba and emerged in the Straits of Florida as a tropical storm.

Inez moved northeast before making a sharp left, hooking around and taking aim at the Keys. The storm moved down the island chain. At Plantation Key, sustained winds reached 98 mph. Observers at Big Pine Key estimated sustained winds to be about 150 mph. While no deaths were reported in the Keys, 45 Cubans seeking refuge drowned offshore of Miami. When the storm tracked down the island chain and re-entered the Straits of Florida, it was not done and struck Cuba again because, if nothing else, hurricanes are unpredictable. It is why the meteorologists repeat the importance of not just looking at the cone. The cone represents a good guess, but not a guaranteed path. Deviations in the projected path happen all the time.

Hurricane Wilma, too, was an October hurricane. Wilma arrived on Oct. 24, 2005. While it did not land in the Keys, its impacts were felt from Key West to Key Largo. The storm surge associated with the hurricane was the highest since Hurricane Betsy in 1965. Nearly all of Key West was underwater, with 4 to 8 feet of tidal surge washing over the island chain between Key West and the Upper Keys.

So, yes, it has been a quiet season so far, but history is filled with lateseason hurricanes. Let’s hope this quiet trend continues.

The wreckage of Sparks Chapel on Fleming Street after the hurricane of 1909. Photo by R. W. Harrison. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Monroe County Library

REEL RECS

Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.

What: “Star Trek” (2009)

Why: Rebooting a beloved franchise is risky and the Star Trek universe had already been expanded from TV to movies and back to TV shows with sequels and prequels when J.J. Abrams took on the challenge. He pulled it off in style with a reimagined timeline in which the future Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) is literally born under fire as a rogue Romulan is destroying his father’s starship. All the gang reassembles in unexpected ways, portrayed by appealing actors, including Spock (Zachary Quinto), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), McCoy (Karl Urban), Sulu (John Cho), Scotty (Simon Pegg) and Chekov (Anton Yelchin). On their first mission together, they face that rogue Romulan (Eric Bana) again in a time-twisting tale that honors and expands the future that we’ve been happily inhabiting for almost 60 years.

Where: This film is available as a DVD and on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.

How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/contact-us. Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager.

See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.

SHELF HELP

Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.

What: “I See You’ve Called in Dead” by John Kenney

Why: I started this book thinking it would be funny – an obituary writer posts his own obit, kinda sorta accidentally – and it is. I also thought, from the first chapter, that it was that familiar set-up of the middle-aged white dude, divorced and depressed, but still living in a pretty cool New York City apartment. And it kind of is. But it’s also much more nuanced: a comic novel about grief. After the disastrous drunk-post of his own obit, Bud Stanley starts attending memorial services for strangers while figuring himself out with the help of his best friend and landlord (see: cool New York City apartment) and others. Coping with the loss of a loved one is individual to each of us but the experience is sadly universal. This novel is that rare combination that makes you laugh, think and perhaps even cry. In a good way.

Where: You can borrow this as a print book, e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library.

How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org

Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager

See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/post/ shelf-help.

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

One hour a week makes a huge difference, and volunteers are welcome every Friday and some Saturday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., when the Key West Ploggers clean up a designated area of the island.

Gloves, pickers, buckets, vests, hand sanitizer and a parking pass are provided to all volunteers.

A troubling number of cigarette butts and plastic bags have been included in recent hauls. Please remember your reusable bags when shopping so we can keep the plastic off the streets, parking lots and, most importantly, out of the water. And dispose of cigarette butts in any receptacle rather than the street or sidewalk, as from there, they easily end up in the ocean.

The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

The Sept. 12 cleanup was held in the Casa Marina neighborhood. In one hour, 42 volunteers collected 154 pounds of trash, 221 pounds of recycling and 1 gallon of cigarette butts. Special thanks to the Reach Resort for hosting this week with breakfast by the pool for all the volunteers. Next week’s cleanup meets at Mount Sinai primary care center, 2505 Flagler Ave. CONTRIBUTED

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. Sept. 19: Flagler Avenue at 7th Street. Meet along 7th Street near Flagler Avenue.

Sept. 26: Duval and South streets. Meet in parking lot between Simonton and Duval on South Street, next to La Mer and Dewey guest houses.

BOUTIQUE HOURS

MONDAY - WEDNESDAY 11- 4

THURSDAY - SATURDAY 11- 6

SUNDAY CLOSED Voted BEST LOCAL RETAILER by the Key West People’s Choice Awards 2023, 2024 & 2025. And mentioned in Forbes magazine!

Abigail (left) is wearing a dress from our exclusive retail line

Celia B and Keely is wearing a dress from our pre-loved collection.

Founded by Betty Debnam

Take Good Care!

Is a visit to the doctor or dentist part of your back-to-school routine? You’ve probably been to doctor for a checkup and had your teeth cleaned at the dentist. Let’s meet the people who help us take care of our health and find out about the tools they use.

CHECKING IN

The first person you’ll probably see in a doctor’s or dentist’s office is a receptionist. He or she is responsible for setting appointments, checking patients in, taking payments and filing reports about patients.

MEET A NURSE

The next person you may meet is a nurse. He or she might:

• weigh you on a scale

• measure your height

• take your blood pressure

• listen to your heart

• ask you how you’ve been doing.

Careful records will be kept for your file. Nurses in pediatrician (pee-dee-uh-TRISH-an) offices also take a lot of calls from parents about kids who are sick or injured. (A pediatrician is a doctor who treats children.)

If you need a shot, a nurse will probably be the one to give it. Shots contain vaccines (vak-SEENZ), or medicines to prevent disease, or antibiotics to help you get better when you are sick.

Time for a checkup

If you’re visiting for a checkup, the doctor looks you over to see if you’re growing as you should be. Babies see the doctor many times during their first year or two. After that, kids usually have a checkup once a year.

The doctor may use special tools to look into your eyes, ears, nose and mouth. He or she may feel around your stomach and look at your back to make sure your spine is straight.

Your doctor may also talk to you about the foods you eat, how much exercise you get and what activities you participate in at school. You can always talk with the doctor and your mom or dad about any problems you’re having.

TAKE YOUR MEDICINE

If needed, the doctor may order medicine. Some medicines are given in a liquid that you take with a spoon. Older kids can swallow pills. A doctor may prescribe, or order, a an injection, which is medicine given through a needle. Shots usually pinch just for a second, and then the pain is over.

Words that remind us of doctor and dentist visits are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:

CHECKUP, DENTIST, DOCTOR, EARS, EYES, HYGIENIST, MEASURE, MEDICINE, MOUTH, NOSE, NURSE, PEDIATRICIAN, PRESCRIBE, RECEPTIONIST, SHOT, VACCINE, VISIT, WEIGH, X-RAY.

The dentist will use tools to explore around your teeth, looking for weak places or cavities. Sometimes a small mirror is used to help look into hard-to-see places.

AT THE DENTIST

A dentist is a doctor who takes care of teeth, and a dentist’s office can be similar to a doctor’s office. You’ll probably check in with a receptionist.

At a dental checkup, the dentist wants to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy. But before the dentist examines you, a dental hygienist (high-JEE-nist) may clean your teeth using a scraper, an electric tool and flavored toothpaste. He or she may also floss between your teeth and take X-rays of your teeth and jawbones.

You’ll sit in a special chair that leans back and wear a paper bib to protect your clothes from spatters.

RESOURCES

On the Web:

• bit.ly/1FoDZiE and bit.ly/1cOXas3

At the library:

• “Getting Ready for My Doctor’s Visit” by Fei Zheng-Ward

ECO NOTE

A surge of locusts is devastating crops in southern Ukraine as Russia’s war on the country disrupts pest control efforts. Officials say extreme heat, abandoned farmland near the front and the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, which created a vast soggy area, have resulted in perfect breeding conditions. Swarms have overtaken roads and fields in Zaporizhzhia, where farmers report losing up to 33% of sunflower crops. Ukraine, the world’s leading sunflower oil exporter, depends on these southern regions for grain and oilseed production.

Mini Fact: The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

A nurse might take your temperature.

The doctor listens to your heart and lungs using a stethoscope.

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Sept. 8 - 13

Team Sport Opponent Date Result

Coral Shores Volleyball Marathon 9/9 W, 3-0

Coral Shores Volleyball Westwood Christian 9/11 L, 3-2

Key West Volleyball Walnut Grove Christian 9/12 W, 2-0

Key West Volleyball St. Petersburg Catholic 9/12 W, 2-0

Key West Volleyball Tampa Bay Heat 9/12 L, 2-1

Basilica Volleyball @ St. John Paul II Academy 9/12 L, 3-0

Marathon Volleyball Westwood Christian 9/12 L, 3-1

Marathon Football Zephyrhills Christian 9/12 L, 42-6

Key West Football Belen Jesuit 9/12 W, 22-15

Coral Shores Football SmartEn Sports Academy 9/12 L, 24-13

Key West Girls Swimming Westminster Christian 9/13 W, 10166

Key West Boys Swimming Westminster Christian 9/13 W, 10552

Key West Volleyball Durant High School 9/13 W, 2-0

Key West Volleyball Alonso High School 9/13 W, 2-1

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS Sept. 18 - 25

9/18

9/18 Coral Shores Football @ Glades Day 7 p.m.

9/19 All Keys Teams Cross Country @ Spanish River 6:30 p.m.

9/19 Marathon Football @ Palmer Trinity 4 p.m.

9/19 Key West Football @ Gulliver Prep 4 p.m. 9/19 Marathon Volleyball Archimedean 5 p.m.

9/20 Key West Swimming Archbishop McCarthy 11:30 a.m.

9/22

9/22 Coral Shores Volleyball @ Basilica 5:30 p.m. 9/22 Marathon Volleyball @ Franklin Academy 5:30 p.m.

9/22 Coral Shores Football @ Palmer Trinity 3 p.m.

9/24 All Keys Teams Cross Country @ Marathon 3:30 p.m.

9/24 All Keys Teams Golf @ Key West 2 p.m.

9/24 Marathon Volleyball Basilica 4:30 p.m.

9/25 Coral Shores Volleyball Key West 5:30 p.m.

9/25 Marathon Volleyball Archimedean 5 p.m.

9/25 Coral Shores Swimming Westminster Christian 4 p.m.

ON THE COVER

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

BURNS

His commitment motivates others and inspires coaches.the I am excited to see how far his dedication will take him.”

– Helena Bursa, Dolphins cross country coach

17:06

Burns’ first time clocked this season

2

place at Miami Country Day

After a long-awaited start to the season, Marathon’s Lucian Burns, left, and Molly Joly came out of the gates as the Dolphins’ top runners. See page 10. NATALIE DANKO/ Keys Weekly

When Marathon’s Lucian Burns took the line at the Miami Country Day cross country meet last week, he had big shoes to fill. With the Fins’ long-standing success streak on the line, Burns took off and never looked back. Just a freshman, he finished the six-team meet in second place, a blink behind the frontrunner, a junior who placed in the top 30 in the state last season.

“Lucian stands out because of his incredible drive. Even as a freshman, he takes full ownership of his training, doing every run, adding extra work and always giving 100%,” said Fins coach Helena Bursa. For his commitment to the sport, dedication to his team and willingness to do whatever it takes to improve, Marathon’s Lucian Burns is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Lucian

Freshman, Marathon Cross Country

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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Emmett Merryman is a big part of Marathon’s winning combination this season.

NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly and Keys Weekly File Photos

SWINGING THROUGH THE STORMS

Keys golfers dodge the rain to fit in nine holes

Soggy greens did not stop Keys golfers from their match on Sept. 8 at Marathon’s Florida Keys Country Club. Two days later, another scheduled match at Key West was postponed for lightning and the athletes ran out of daylight. Fortunately, teams made the most out of their single match, finishing with some of the best scores of the season.

Key West’s Geo Twyman had the low score, finishing one above par with a 37. Teammate Mason Titensor was within striking distance with a 39. The next three finishers were Dolphins, with Emmett Merryman and Roco Piscetello tying for third place at six over and Jackson Millard of Marathon tied with Key West’s Canyon Miller for sixth with 47 strokes apiece. Luca Picariello, Max Childress, Aiden Richard and Jack Dunn, all of Marathon, rounded out the top 10. Coral Shores’ top finisher was Fischer Daly, who finished 14th.

Taking the top spots helped Key West’s team score, but the Dolphins’ consistency throughout the lineup secured the overall team victory.

The Lady Conchs won by default as the only full team present, but the smaller numbers did not diminish the golfers’ scores. Key West’s Lexi Finigan topped the scoreboard again last week, shooting a 43, with teammate Claudia Steling in second at 51. Marathon’s Makenna Haines finished third at 55 with Lady Conch Mary Alice Davila in fourth and Justice Lee of Marathon in fifth. Key West’s Berkeley Tripp was sixth, with Coral Shores’ Valerie Gabriel and Melanie Estevez finishing seventh and eighth.

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Golfers have many chances to hone their skills this season, even with the weather challenges. Coaches have scheduled two and sometimes three matches per week until the teams enter the postseason. Last fall, Key West sent one athlete to regionals, a relatively rare feat for Keys golfers. This season, the level of competition could produce multiple athletes representing Monroe County with the ultimate goal being a trip to Howey-in-the-Hills for the state championships in November.

Geo Twyman, top & Lexi Finigan, left, are the golfers to beat this season.

Twyman shot a 37 and Finigan scored a 43 at Marathon last week.

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

MARKET EDITORS

SILVER LINING

Conchs net Silver Division championship at GEM tourney

Key West traveled to Wesley Chapel for the Florida GEM High School volleyball tournament on Sept. 12 and 13. The tournament hosted over 70 varsity teams for some of the best competition anywhere in the state. The Conchs captured first place in the Silver Division, losing just one match. Key West beat teams from as far away as South Carolina to bring home the trophy. The Conchs now turn their attention closer to home, with a series of in-county matches in the com-

ing weeks. They’ll leave Monroe County just one more time prior to districts.

At the other end of the Keys, Coral Shores blanked the Dolphins of Marathon 3-0 on Sept. 9 for win number seven on the season. Aces were wild, with Celene Walker picking up four, Shelby Lynn and Jillian Thiery with three and Coralyn Frimpter, Ivy Tiedemann and Abby Leigh with one each. Lynn, Maddie Jordan and Alexandria Burson all had 100% service percentage, making it difficult for the Dolphins to get their own offense started.

Meanwhile, the Hurricane hitters were strong, with Walker leading the way with seven kills, Frimpter with five and Violet Matthews with four. Two nights later, the Lady ’Canes fell to Westwood Christian, but the Warriors had to work for the win. Coral Shores lost the first set, then battled back, winning sets two and three. The Warriors then swept the final two to make it 3-2 and give the Hurricanes a 7-4 record as they head into the final three weeks of the regular season.

Key West’s Adriana Heinrichs, Tess Wright, Gabrielle Garcia, Audrey Smith, Savannah Ventimiglia, Molly McKnight and Catherine Van

Hurricane hitters Coralyn Frimpter and Jillian Thiery are making an impact this season as freshmen. Frimpter had five kills, three digs, an ace and a block while Thiery registered three aces, three kills, two blocks, an assist and a dig against the Marathon Dolphins last week. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

DELAYED GRATIFICATION

After more than two weeks of delays due to uncooperative weather, the Conchs were finally able to kick off their 2025 season in the pool against Westminster Christian on Sept. 13. Key West won over the Warriors 101-66 in girls competition and 105-52 in boys action.

The Conchs’ relay teams dominated in the pool, shutting out Westminster from any firsts in those events. Mary Searcy, Amelia Korzen, Molly Martinez and Christina Rice won the girls 200-yard medley race while Jacob Perez, Hugo Blinckmann, Andres Aguero and Sebastian Camargo were first in the boys race. Aly Camargo teamed up with Korzen, Martinez and Rice for the 200 freestyle team for a first, while Santiago Gonzalez and Jack Reyn-

olds joined forces with Hugo and Max Blinckmann for a boys first-place finish in the same event. In the 400 freestyle relay, Taylor Thomason, Kennedy Morgan, Tessa Hughes and Martinez cruised in for a first and Camargo, Max Blinckmann, Gonzalez and Perez won for the boys.

Christina Rice was the big winner for the Lady Conchs in meet number one. Rice had a pair of individual wins to add to her relay events. She touched the wall well ahead of her competitors in both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle races.

Santiago Gonzalez added two individual wins to his relay races as well. Gonzalez took first in the 100- and 200-yard freestyle races to make him the most prolific winner for the boys team against Westminster.

Other individual winners were Colbie Turner, who won the girls 100-yard butterfly event. Andres Aguero finished first in the boys event. Hugo Blinckmann finished just ahead of brother Max in the 50 freestyle sprint and Amelia Korzen swam to a first-place finish in the girls 100-yard breaststroke event.

Coral Shores has yet to dive into the competitive season this year. Several meets have been postponed or canceled due to inclement weather. With any luck, the Hurricanes will start things off at Founders Park on Tuesday, Sept. 23 against Doral Academy and again on the 25th in a tri-meet with Westminster Christian and Cutler Bay. Key West hosts Archbishop McCarthy on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the College of the Florida Keys pool.

1. The Warriors of Westminster join the Conchs in one of Monroe County’s greatest sports traditions, the singing of the national anthem at each home meet. 2. Amelia Korzen comes up for air in the 200-yard medley relay. Tessa Hughes makes her way to the finish two lanes away. 3. Santiago Gonzalez dives into his junior season against Westminster on Sept. 13. 4. Key West freestyle specialist Christina Rice loses her goggles but wins the race. JENNIFER SEARCY/Contributed

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CONCHS WEATHER

Key West washes out Belen in Week Four gridiron action

Key West was the lone Keys winner on the gridiron last week, with a victory over Belen Jesuit on Sept. 12. The Conchs outscored the Wolverines 22-15 to even their record and keep their hopes of a playoff game alive.

Walson Morin ran for over 250 yards against the Wolverines, scoring two of Key West’s touchdowns. Jeff Dejean scored the third and amassed over 100 yards. All three TDs came in the first half. In the second, the Conchs only had three drives in total and were not able to capitalize on them.

Defensively, Key West was able to get in a lot of practice against a high-caliber passing game. The Wolverines threw 25 times against the Conchs, setting up Noah Mercer for three sacks in a single game.

Now 2-2, Key West will head to Gulliver Prep on Friday, Sept. 19 for a 4 p.m. kickoff, but if anything has been made apparent over the last month, it is that an afternoon game in

Miami will be fraught with delays.

Ninety miles away from the Southernmost City, the Goats of SmartEn Sports Academy were sure-footed through the sloppy field and weather conditions last week. The Goats defeated the Hurricanes of Coral Shores 24-13 in a wet, muddy meetup in Tavernier.

The Goats led 6-0 at the half after some excellent displays of defense from Coral Shores. Coach Ed Holly praised SG Paul, Marco Gudino, Nick Calderon and Glade Harrelson for their performance on defense and in keeping the game close through all four quarters.

Sterling Keefe called the plays, running for nearly 50 yards in addition to running the offense for the ’Canes. Keefe and the rest of the Hurricane offense got within a point of the Goats early in the second half, but sloppy weather and some feats of athleticism from SmartEn sealed the deal for a Goats win. Ekon Edwards and David Beltran had some big gains

THE STORM

running the ball for the Hurricanes. Beltran walked into the end zone once after a three-yard run. The other TD was off a 17-yard run by John Oughton.

Marathon came out of the gates against Zephyrhills Christian Academy with an intensity head coach Sean McDonald has been looking for all season, and the Dolphins were able to string together some explosive plays on both sides of the ball. The first half of their Sept. 12 game was a defensive battle, with Zephyrhills leading 6-0 with just over a minute to go before the half. The Warriors punched one in to lead 12-0 when the second-quarter buzzer sounded.

Westminster added enough points early in the second half to put a win out of reach for the Fins, but the increased intensity and some big plays give the Dolphins hope heading into week 5. Mathew Machado scored the Fins’ lone TD and defensively, Marathon had some bright spots, including a goal-line stand early and a Charlie Buttner interception.

Marathon will look for win number one against a formidable Palmer Trinity on Sept. 19. Palmer will then play Coral Shores three days later to complete the second half of their game, postponed earlier in the season due to weather conditions. Palmer will start the game against the Hurricanes with a 16-point advantage, scored in their earlier engagement.

Before the Hurricanes finish their business with Palmer, they will play a full game at Glades Day Thursday, Sept. 18, then Florida Christian on Friday, Sept. 26, giving them three opponents in nine days’ time.

If anything has been made apparent over the last month, it is that an afternoon game in Miami will be fraught with delays.

1. Josh Johnson boots a kickoff.

2. Walson Morin gets into the end zone to score the two-point conversion for the Conchs.

3. Kaine Dickerson launches a kickoff for the Conchs.

4. Walson Morin dodges tackles on a run for Key West.

5. Key West’s Jeff DeJean runs the ball.

6. Coral Shores quarterback Sterling Keefe (#16) runs upfield on a keeper against SmartEn Sports Academy at CSHS.

7. Hurricane Andres Alvarado locks down a SmartEn receiver.

8. Coral Shores sophomore John Oughton (#19) scores a touchdown against SmartEn Sports Academy.

9. Coral Shores running back Ekon Edwards (#25) runs upfield.

10. Coral Shores sophomore John Oughton (#19) runs upfield against SmartEn Sports Academy.

11.Marathon players congratulate Garrett Ruddy after their successful goal-line stand.

12. Mathew Machado finds a hole and takes off.

13. Colton Huff (11) and Danger Moya (6) race to recover an onside kick.

14. Garrett Ruddy fights for extra yards, dragging some Warriors with him.

Photos by Doug Finger, Maicey Malgrat and Tracy McDonald

Nearly a month after the FHSAA’s official start date for competition, the Dolphins of Marathon were able to complete their first cross country race of the season at Miami Country Day. In the weeks since the Aug. 18 season opening, multiple events were canceled, all due to inclement weather, giving local teams some concern over whether they would be race-ready.

On Sept. 9, the Fins made it clear that they have not missed a beat.

Freshman Lucian Burns led the team to second-place finishes for both the Fins and himself. Burns finished in 17:06, good enough for a big PR and just a tenth of a second behind the first-place finisher. Right behind Burns was sophomore Tony Bursa, whose 17:32 put him in third overall. Allan Taylor and Caleb Shelar were next, each breaking the 20-minute mark and Taylor clocking a fraction of a second ahead of Shelar. Landon Anderson completed his first-ever cross country race in 21:24 and Anthony Vargas, a seventh grader, finished in 21:26, giving Marathon a solid sixth man to serve as tie-breaker should the team ever require one.

FAST OUT OF THE GATES

Marathon runners clock solid times in first race of the season

Key West and Sugarloaf School cross country runners pose for a quick photo at the jumping bridge. The athletes made the most of their weather-addled meet schedules and had some fun between workouts last weekend. CONTRIBUTED

The sixth runner has been a deciding factor in the past for the Fins, and ensuring the team had someone in that role was one of the coaching staff’s biggest concerns heading into this season. The team captured second place out of a pack of six teams entered in the race.

The girls team had just two returners clocking times last week. Molly Joly was first for Marathon and seventh overall with a 22:56. Though just a seventh grader, Joly is now in her second year of varsity running with the Fins. The team’s other seasoned runner, Mylana Loza, was second for Marathon, running a 27:58. Transfer student Kayla Skaarup was third and broke the 30-minute mark along with newcomer Ariella Dworniczak. Stephanie Rodriguez rounded out the Fins’ top five.

Marathon and Coral Shores now each have one race completed this season, while Key West has not had any luck with dodging foul weather. The Conchs have used the lack of meets as a reset to get some extra work in as well as to bond as a new team. All three teams are scheduled to compete at the Spanish River Invitational Sept. 19 and the following week, a Marathon meet is scheduled for Sept. 24.

CONCRETE MADE TO LAST

Marathon’s cross country teams pose for a quick photo after their Sept. 9 meet. CONTRIBUTED

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Artiful Ann located at 2095 San Remo Drive, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL.

By: Ann Schlabach

Publish: September 18, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of International Cool located at General Delivery, Marathon, FL 33050, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL.

By:

Frank Pauly

Publish: September 18, 2025

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI

Notice is hereby given that on October 6th, 2025, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the 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: Location: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037. Molina, Emilio 1569 Adams, Melinda 1302 Stutznan, Pam 1207 Valverde, Nathan 1550 Pinero, Jesse 1298 Fellhauer, Amy M 1185 Pena, Steven 1403

Publish: September 18 & 25, 2025

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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: 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

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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH WILL BE HOLDING PUBLIC HEARINGS ON:

DATE/TIME: Planning & Zoning Hearing: Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, 9:30 A.M. City Commission Public Hearing: Thursday, October 16th, 2025, 9:30 A.M. LOCATION: City of Key Colony Beach City Hall Auditorium ‘Marble Hall’ 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, To hear a Variance Request from Gizelle Andrade Sarmento and Ian Michael Morgan, owners of the property located at 491 10th Street, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051. This meeting will be available via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email the City Clerk at keycolonybeach.netcityclerk@ or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings. The applicant requests a variance to the City of Key Colony Beach Land Development Regulations, Article IV, Sec. 101-26, for the construction of a residential swimming pool that would encroach in the setback by five (5) on the side. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance.

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such

purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

If you are unable to attend the Hearings on Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, or Thursday, October 16th, 2025, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or via email at keycolonybeach.net,cityclerk@and your comments will be entered into the record.

Published: On or before September 18th, 2025

City Clerk, City of Key Colony Beach Publish: September 18, 2025

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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH WILL BE HOLDING PUBLIC HEARINGS ON:

DATE/TIME:

Planning & Zoning Hearing: Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, 9:30 A.M.

City Commission Public Hearing: Thursday, October 16th, 2025, 9:30 A.M.

LOCATION:

City of Key Colony Beach City Hall Auditorium ‘Marble Hall’ 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, To hear an After-the-Fact Variance Request from Capi Group Holdings, LLC, owner of the property located at 1250 Coury Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051. This meeting will be available via Zoom Meetings. Members of the public who wish to attend virtually may email the City Clerk at keycolonybeach.netcityclerk@ or call 305-289-1212, Ext. 2 for further instructions on attending via Zoom Meetings. The Applicant requests an After-the-Fact Variance from the City of Key Colony Beach Land Development Regulations, Chapter 101, Section 10 (8), for the construction of an approved residential project that has reached its top level as per the permitted plans. A variance is sought for additional height to provide access to the observation deck, which was previously approved as part of the original project design, and the requested height increase is necessary to ensure safe and functional access. Interested parties may attend the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance.

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

If you are unable to attend the Hearings on Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, or Thursday, October 16th, 2025, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or via email at keycolonybeach.net,cityclerk@and your comments will be entered into the record.

Published: On or before September 18th, 2025

City Clerk, City of Key Colony Beach

Publish: September 18, 2025

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

PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO.: 2025-CP-370-P

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BONNIE RAE LUIKAART, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of Bonnie Rae Luikaart, deceased, whose date of death was April 27, 2025 and the last four digits of whose social security number are 5251, 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 representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN §733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of the first publication of this notice is the 18th day of September, 2025.

Personal Representative: James Henry Luikaart c/o Law Office of Jack Bridges, P.A. P.O. Box 1714

Tavernier, FL 33070-1714 (305) 664-9690

Attorney for Personal Representative: Jack Bridges Fla. Bar No. 175950 P.O. Box 1714 Tavernier, FL 33070-1714 (305) 664-9690 jack@jackbridges.us linda@jackbridges.us Publish: September 18 & 25, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA UPPER KEYS PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-000341-P IN RE: ESTATE OF KATHERINE T. EBERT, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of KATHERINE T. EBERT, deceased, whose date of death was February 3, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS

AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. 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: September 11, 2025.

Signed on September 4, 2025

Personal Representative: MARY M. EBERT

224 Columbine Ave., Unit A Whiting, NJ 08759

Attorney for Personal Representative: Victoria Miranda, Esq. Fl Bar No. 1015363 Attorneys for Personal Representative Hershoff, Lupino & Yagel, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 852-8440 – Telephone (305) 852-8848 – Facsimile VMiranda@HLYlaw.com –Primary kvilchez@HLYlaw.comSecondary bmiller@HLYlaw.comSecondary Publish: September 11 & 18, 2025

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

PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2025-CP-357-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT T. ROYALL, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ROBERT T. ROYALL, deceased, whose date of death was May 2, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of 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 PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: September 11, 2025.

E. Cheryl Culberson

Personal Representative 161 Leoni Drive

Islamorada, Florida 33036

Rayme L. Suarez, Esq.

Attorney for Personal Representative

Florida Bar No. 0086622

Law Office of Rayme L. Suarez 92400 Overseas Highway, Suite 7

Tavernier, Florida 33070

Email: raymelaw@gmail.com

Secondary email: danrayme@ aol.com

Publish:

September 11 & 18, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA KEY WEST DIVISION IN ADMIRALTY CASE NO.: 4:25-cv-10067-DSL IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPLAINT OF KEY WEST JETSKI, INC. AS OWNER OR A 2025 11’8” YAMAHA WATERJET POWERCRAFT, HIN NO. YAMA1040G425, AND APPURTENANCES, Petitioner, NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS OF PETITION FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Notice is given that the above named Petitioner, Key West Jetski, Inc. ("Limitation Petitioner") has filed a Petition/Complaint for Exoneration from or Limitation of Liability, pursuant to 46 U.S.C. § 30501 et seq., ("Limitation Petition") for all claims for any damages or injuries, arising out of, or occurring as a result of an incident on the navigable waters of the United States on or about May 9, 2025, allegedly involving a 2025 11’8” Yamaha Waterjet Powercraft, HIN No. YAMA1040G425 and Appurtenances ("Limitation Vessel"), as more fully described in the Limitation Petition.

All persons having such claims must file their respective claims, as provided by Supplemental Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, with the Clerk of Court in writing and must serve a copy thereof on attorneys for Limitation Petitioner on or before October 30, 2025 or be defaulted. Personal attendance is not required. Any claimant who desires to contest either the right to exoneration from or the right to limitation of liability shall file and serve on attorneys for Limitation Petitioner an answer to the Complaint, on or before the aforesaid date, unless the claim includes an answer, so designated, or be defaulted.

DONE AND ORDERED this 10th day of September, 2025. Angela E. Noble UNITED STATE DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OT FLORIDA By: Lisa T. Streets Deputy Clerk Publish: September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 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 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-1011-K ELENA VISSER, Petitioner, and KEITH RAYMOND VISSER, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: KEITH RAYMOND VISSER RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 912 POHALSKI ST. APT. D, KEY WEST, FL 33040 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on ELENA VISSER, whose address is 1621 JOSEPHINE ST. APT. 2, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before October 18, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: September 15, 2025 Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

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

CASE NO.: 24-DR-1320-K

DIVISION: FAMILY

STACY ANNE PAULWELL Petitioner, and TAVERES DENARD WATLEY Respondent, NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

TO: TAVERES DENARD WATLEY

2821 Windsor Forrest Ct, College Park, GA, 30340

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 STACEY ANNE PAULWELL, whose address is C/O Law Office of Wayne Dapser, 300 Southard St, Suite 208, Key West, FL 33040 on or before October 11, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: September 5, 2025

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson Deputy Clerk Publish: September 11, 18 & 25 and October 2, 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

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-26

Notice is hereby given that, BLUE LOCKER HOLDINGS LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2019/1493 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2019 Account Number: 8557965

Parcel ID: 00489050-000200

Description of Property:

26 62 38 PT LOT 8 BLK 3 BLUEWATER TRAILER VILLAGE SEC 2 PB5-124 OR807-1744

Name in which assessed: VINCENTE G SANCHEZ, GLADYS M SANCHEZ

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 12th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish: September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-28

Notice is hereby given that, BEAMIF A LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of

property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2022/290

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1103357

Parcel ID: 00090500-000100

Description of Property: 5 62 39 ISLAND OF KEY LARGO PT GOV LOTS 1 & 3 (4 AC PER SURVEY) OR795-1307-1309

OR806-2183E OR806-2187Q OR8611511/1513Q/C OR8611514/1516 OR861-1517/1519 OR863-1946/1948Q/C OR879882/884Q/C OR1363171/75MER OR1516-1060/62

Name in which assessed: KAWAMA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.

com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 11th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-29

Notice is hereby given that, SCOTT V MORTON, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2019/920 Date of Issuance: June 01,

2019

Account Number: 1406171

Parcel ID: 00331061-009100

Description of Property:

BK 4 LT 31 & PT OF SANDY AVE

SEA-AIR ESTATES VACA KEY PB6-91 (AKA BAYBTM) OR847768 RES NO 373-1981

Name in which assessed:

SEA-AIR ESTATES INC C/O GOSS RICHARD All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.

com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this 11th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-30

Notice is hereby given that, SCOTT V MORTON, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2019/919 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2019

Account Number: 1406163

Parcel ID: 00331061-009000

Description of Property: BK 4 LT 30 & PT OF SANDY AVE

SEA-AIR ESTATES VACA KEY PB6-91 (AKA BAYBTM) OR847768 RES NO

373-1981

Name in which assessed: SEA-AIR ESTATES INC C/O GOSS RICHARD

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 11th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-31

Notice is hereby given that, SCOTT V MORTON, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2019/922

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2019

Account Number: 1406198

Parcel ID: 00331061-009300

Description of Property:

BK 4 LT 33 & PT OF SANDY AVE

SEA-AIR ESTATES VACA KEY PB6-91 (AKA BAYBTM) OR847768 RES NO 373-1981

Name in which assessed: SEA-AIR ESTATES INC C/O GOSS RICHARD

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.

com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 11th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-32

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/664

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1288730

Parcel ID: 00221510-000000

Description of Property: BK 2 LT 23 WINDWARD BEACH

ESTATES LITTLE TORCH KEY

PB4-131 OR455-280-281 OR592-807 OR732-749

OR2525-1126D/C OR25251127/28

Name in which assessed: OCONNOR LESLIE JACK REV TR 8/30/2010

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 12th day of August, 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-33

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2022/666

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1288896

Parcel ID: 00221670-000000

Description of Property: BK 2 LT 39 WINDWARD BEACH ESTATES LITTLE TORCH KEY PB4-131 OR455-280/281 OR592-807 OR7891809 OR1041-1844QC Name in which assessed: F N A S BUILDERS

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this 12th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-34

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2022/667

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1288926

Parcel ID: 00221700-000000

Description of Property: BK 2 LT 42 WINDWARD BEACH ESTATES LITTLE TORCH KEY PB4-131 OR532-713 Name in which assessed: ELTON T NAYLON, MERLE A NAYLON

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will

be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.

com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-35

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2022/668

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1288985

Parcel ID: 00221760-000000

Description of Property: BK 3 LT 6 WINDWARD BEACH ESTATES LITTLE TORCH KEY PB4-131 OR560-584

Name in which assessed: MARGARET TORRES

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.

com Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish: September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-36

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/702

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1328103

Parcel ID: 00256360-000000

Description of Property: LT 13 LINDA-LOMA SUB PB419 BIG PINE KEY OR123-282283 OR429-276 OR16981812/13EST/ORD

Name in which assessed: RHODES BETTY

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.

com Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-37

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/669

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1289086

Parcel ID: 00221860-000000

Description of Property: BK 3 LT 16 WINDWARD BEACH ESTATES LITTLE TORCH KEY PB4-131 OR427-983

Name in which assessed: CHARLES L HORSTKAMP,LORRAINE HORSTKAMP

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-38

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/660

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1289141

Parcel ID: 00221920-000000

Description of Property: BK 3 LT 22 WINDWARD BCH EST LITTLE TORCH KEY PB4131 OR534-998 OR758-453 OR1296-191

Name in which assessed: YIU WEI MAK All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-39

Notice is hereby given that,

MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK,

holder of the following

Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2022/673

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1289302

Parcel ID: 00222080-000000

Description of Property:

BK 3 LT 38 WINDWARD BEACH

ESTATES LITTLE TORCH KEY

PB4-131 OR339-127 897-2394

Name in which assessed: CALLENDER JANET

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.

com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-40

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1056 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1457019

Parcel ID: 00373940-000000

Description of Property: CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E LOT 3 SQR 54 G30-189/190 OR900-2496 OR1331-184 Name in which assessed: GORMAN JOSEPH E All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.

com Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk Publish: September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-41

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1055 Date of Issuance: June 01,

2022 Account Number: 1457001

Parcel ID: 00373930-000000

Description of Property: CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY

KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26

TWP 65S R 33E LOT 2 SQR 54

G30-189/190 OR900-2496 OR1331-184

Name in which assessed: GORMAN JOSEPH E

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.

com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-42

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1054

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1456993

Parcel ID: 00373920-000000

Description of Property: CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY

KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26

TWP 65S R 33E LOT 1 SQR 54

G30-189/190 OR900-2496 OR1331-184

Name in which assessed: GORMAN JOSEPH E All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish: September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-43

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2022/1058

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1457035

Parcel ID: 00373960-000000

Description of Property:

LEGAL NOTICES

GORMAN JOSEPH E

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.

com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish: September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-44

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2022/1057

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1457027

Parcel ID: 00373950-000000

Description of Property:

CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY

KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E LOT 4 SQR 54 G30-189/190 OR900-2496 OR1331-184

Name in which assessed:

GORMAN JOSEPH E

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.

com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-46

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2022/1062

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1457108

Parcel ID: 00374030-000000

Description of Property:

CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY

KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26

TWP 65S R 33E LOT 12 SQR 54

G30-189/190 OR900-2496 OR1331-184

Name in which assessed: GORMAN JOSEPH E All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder

on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-47

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2022/1063

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1457116

Parcel ID: 00374040-000000

Description of Property: CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E LOT 13 SQR 54 G30-189/190 OR900-2496 OR1331-184

Name in which assessed: GORMAN JOSEPH E All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.

com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-48

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2022/1064

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1457124

Parcel ID: 00374050-000000

Description of Property:

CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E LOT 14 SQR 54 G30-189/190 OR900-2496 OR1331-184

Name in which assessed: GORMAN JOSEPH E

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY,

FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-49

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2022/1065

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1457132

Parcel ID: 00374060-000000

Description of Property: CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E LOT 15 SQR 54 G30-189/190 OR900-2496 OR1331-184

Name in which assessed: GORMAN JOSEPH E All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.

com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this 13th day of August, 2025

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-50

Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1066 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022

Account Number: 1457141

Parcel ID: 00374070-000000

Description of Property: CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E LOT 16 SQR 54 G30-189/190 OR900-2496 OR1331-184

Name in which assessed: GORMAN JOSEPH E All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com

Sale Date: October 29, 2025

Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this 13th day of August, 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: September 18 & 25 and October 2 & 9, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

2003 Ford Explorer. 174k miles, runs greathave svc. records from 89k miles, A/C works. REDUCED to $3000 - OBO Bring an offer! Located in Marathon. Call Evan 305-417-0169 SOLD!!!

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

BOATS FOR SALE

GREAT DEAL: Key Largo 21' Deep V Center Console w/trailer. New 150hp motor & electronics. $15,000 Located in Marathon. 201-696-8906

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 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Dockage up to 60’ Islamorada - Bayside, 50 amp service. Call 860-982-4517

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

EMPLOYMENT

Night Monitor – FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/

The SS Wreck & Galley Grill (mile marker 59) is looking for a fulltime prep and dishwasher person. Self-motivated, will train, experience very helpful, quick learner, and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6%. Please call Nicole at 305433-0515 or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.

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, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

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

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

HOUSING FOR RENT

Luxury rental - vacation or long term. 2BR/2BA at 1800 Atlantic, Key West. Pool, beach, zacuzzi. $4,000/mo. 773-421-0332

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

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!!!

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

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 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@KeysWeekly.com

IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR SIGN TECHNICIAN

Experience preferred. CDL required. Applicant must apply in person at:

MARATHON ELECTRIC SIGN & LIGHT 10690 Aviation Boulevard Marathon, Florida 33050

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.

Marathon Boat Yard is looking for a Part-Time Administrative Assistant to perform the following duties: Answering the phone, basic bookkeeping, basic data entry and some customer service. Basic computer and email skills are required. QuickBooks experience is a plus. Bilingual is also a plus. Pay will be based on experience.

MARATHON BOAT YARD 2059 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON, FL 33050, 305-735-4594

MARATHONBOATYARDLLC@GMAIL.COM

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

APPRENTICE SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $33.25/hr - $37.24/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.

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!

wants you to join their team!

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

DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program, in addition to, life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. EOE

ARE 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

- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C) Medical Oncology, Per Diem

- Pool Radiation Therapist

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus

- Cook, Dietary, $5k Bonus

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

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem

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

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, MRI, $50k Bonus

- Medical Technologist, Laboratory, $20k Bonus

- Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem

- Pool Medical Technologist

- Pool Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, PT

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Inventory Control Administrator, Keys/Marathon Supply Chain

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

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

- Patient Care Nurse Supervisor, PT, Nights

- Patient Scheduler 3, Surgery, PT

- Pool Occupational Therapist

- Pool Pharmacy Tech 2

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $15k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, PACU, $15k Bonus

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

- RRT 2, Respiratory Therapy, Per Diem

- Security Officer, Per Diem

THEME: AUTUMN VIBES

ACROSS

1. *Maze plant

5. Wharton degree, acr.

8. Special effects in “Avatar,” acr.

11. Dwarf buffalo

12. “On Golden Pond” bird 13. Isolated 15. Atomizer output 16. Enthusiasm

17. Pueblo people, pl. 18. *Pre-game party (2 words)

20. Doomsayer’s sign 21. Perfume bottles

22. Tombstone acronym 23. Construction binder

26. “____: The Movie,” 2002 slapstick comedy

30. Genetic info carrier, acr.

31. Dorsa, sing.

34. “He’s Just Not That ____ You”

35. *Like some sweaters

37. Earth Day mo.

38. Opposite of cation

39. “Que Sera ____”

40. Approved

42. Denotes middle

43. Assess pro rata

45. Lorraine’s neighbor

47. Doctor Dolittle, e.g.

48. Temporary stay

50. Chicago’s Navy ____, tourist destination

52. *Popular fall spectator sport

55. Hutu’s opponents, 1994

56. Quinceanera or bat mitzvah

57. Biblical captain

59. Rocky ridge

60. Having wings

61. Russian parliament

62. Diamond or ruby

63. An affirmative

64. Dog command

DOWN

1. Cameron, to friends

2. The Fonz: “Sit ____ ____!”

3. Civil rights icon Parks

4. Richard Wright’s “____ Son”

5. Relating to mole

6. Whatever rocks them!

7. “Green Gables” protagonist

8. Walking helper

9. Smiley face

10. “____ Now or Never”

12. Smooth, in music

13. Before appearance of life, geology

14. *Patch purchase

19. ____ Hop dance

22. Ewe’s mate

23. *Like air in fall

24. Keyboard key

25. Introduction to economics

26. Twelve angry men, e.g.

27. Carl Jung’s inner self

28. Indifferent to emotions

29. Type of probe

32. *Leaf collector

33. R&R stop

36. *Bushels of apples, e.g.

38. Impromptu

40. Over the top, in text

41. Time for an egg hunt

44. Falcon’s home

46. Uses two feet

48. Bridal veil fabric

49. Smidgins

50. Unadulterated

51. Individual unit

52. Brawl

53. Clod

54. Tibetan priest

55. Chasing game

58. *Cushion on a fall ride