Key West Weekly 25-1113

What’s Cooking at the Key West Cooking Show

MONDAYS

TUESDAY - SATURDAY

Dinnertainment - Menu Changes Daily 11 am • 1 pm • 4pm • 7pm Cocktail Classes

Rum Cocktail Adventure: 12 – 1 PM & 2 – 3 PM Key West History Through Craft Cocktails: 5 – 7 PM

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

Time to Talk Turkey

November 15th & 22nd - 7pm

Join us for two special sessions where we bring holiday traditions to life - Island Style! Learn hands on techniques that will elevate your holiday table...turkeys, sides and desert.

Thanksgiving at the Key West Cooking

November 27th - Seatings at 11 am & 3pm

Show

Gather your crew and leave the cooking to us with a delicious Thanksgiving spread with all the fixings. You wont leave hungry and no dishes! Tickets at Keystix.com

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5

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

Publisher / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Editor / Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Account Executive

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

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Executive Administrator

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com

Finance Director

Carolyn Campbell carolyn@keysweeky.com

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@KeysWeekly

Members of

11,009

The number of Broadway performances of Disney’s “The Lion King” since its debut on Nov. 13, 1997, making the musical the thirdlongest-running show in Broadway history (as of late October 2025).

The Key West Film Festival is screening dozens of films at venues all over town, and hosting related special events through Nov. 16. See page 19 and visit keywestff.com for a full schedule.

2 KEY WEST BUSINESS OWNERS WANT DISTRICT 2 COMMISSION SEAT

Bobi Lore & Mark Rossi run to replace mayoral candidate Sam Kaufman

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Sam Kaufman’s nascent mayoral campaign means his current District 2 city commission seat will be up for grabs in the 2026 election. And two longtime Key West business owners have announced their candidacy.

Bobi Lore, owner of the male-only Island House guest house, filed his candidate paperwork this week. Mark Rossi, a former city commissioner who has owned Rick’s/Durty Harry’s entertainment complex on Duval Street for 42 years, told the Keys Weekly he’s “not really in a rush” to file his paperwork, but “is definitely running.”

Bobi Lore

On his campaign website, Lori describes himself as “a Key West business owner and local activist” who will “stand for the working people of this community, who bear the weight of keeping our island functioning at its best, with integrity and genuine care for their well being.

“I will meet with my constituents regularly and listen to their concerns, learning how I can best serve them. On the commission I will be an advocate for studying, debating and expressing the pros and cons of any decision we vote on. I will not stand for backroom

CONTRIBUTED

deals or other actions that are not given the transparency of open debate. My inner compass always points toward the common good.”

More information about Lore is at bobi4keywest.com.

Mark Rossi

Mark Rossi summed up his campaign in two words to the Keys Weekly on Tuesday evening. “Proven leadership,” he said, pointing to his prior service as the District 2 commissioner, from 2005 to 2015, when Rossi stepped down and Kaufman won an election for the commission seat, which he still holds today.

“I’m gonna stick up for the residents,” Rossi told the Keys Weekly. “This town needs someone to come back and help clean

things up. I’ve never taken a salary or insurance from the city, and I won’t this time around. I’m gonna fix the streets. I’m gonna work on the hospital contract for our residents and I’m gonna support the military.”

Rossi currently serves on a fact-finding committee formed to solicit proposals from health care companies that want to run Lower Keys Hospital, as the current operator’s 30-year lease ends in 2029 and the committee members want to see what other entities are interested and what they could provide. He also is a longtime member of the Key West Military Affairs Committee.

“My phone will always be on and my door will always be open,” Rossi said.

Bobi Lore, left, and Mark Rossi are vying for Key West’s District 2 city commission seat, which will be vacated by Sam Kaufman, who is running for mayor.

FOOD PANTRIES SEE SURGE AS PEOPLE STRUGGLE

SOS Foundation sees triple the volume of families in need

mandy@keysweekly.com

One of the busiest spots on Stock Island these days is a place no one wants to be.

A surge in new customers signals success for most businesses, but for a food pantry, it’s a sign of deepening struggle. And the Star of the Sea (SOS) Foundation’s food pantries on Stock Island and Key Largo have seen triple its usual volume of visitors over the past few weeks, an increase that CEO Morgan Tracey attributes to the federal government’s cancellation of SNAP benefits, which used to be called food stamps.

“We usually register one or two new clients every day,” said Tracey. “Last week we had 28 new registrations in four days.”

The Stock Island food pantry typically receives an average of 100 to 120 visits per day, but that average has spiked in recent weeks to 200 or more.

“Last Thursday, 225 people came through,” said employee John Hubbard. “And none of them want to be here. They’re all saying, ‘I never expected to need a food pantry. I don’t want to be here. I’m usually the one donating food to other people.’”

But times get tough for everyone, and the SOS Food Pantry, 5640 Maloney Ave., Stock Island, is here to help — no matter how many people need it.

But they can’t do it alone. And fortunately, in a community like Key West, they don’t have to. Tracey said she has been astounded in recent weeks by the number of unsolicited donations they’ve been receiving from people who watch the news and understand the struggle and uncertainty facing thousands of Keys families that depend on the SNAP benefits. The assistance comes in the form of a debit card that gets refilled monthly with an amount that’s dependent on the size of the family and their income. But as of Nov. 1, those cards either didn’t get refilled or the amount was reduced by 35% in response to the federal government shutdown, which started on Oct.

1 and could end soon if Congress approves a proposed agreement this week.

“In my opinion, food pantries are often the ‘canary in the coalmine’ and when we see an increase in clients, it is an indicator of larger affordability and stressful situations for our residents,” said Leah Stockton, director of development at AH Monroe, which operates the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, which has seen an approximate 30% increase in clients over the past few weeks, most of whom are new clients.

“Clients include teachers, foster parents, military and others, and we typically serve about 250 people per month,” Stockton said. “But again, this has increased significantly in recent weeks. Given this increased need, food pantry operations currently cost about $5,000 per month, so any support for FKOC Loaves and Fish would have a tremendous impact in keeping our community fed.”

Farther up the Keys in Marathon, Marj Roberts serves as the director of Keys Area Interdenominational Resources (KAIR), which currently serves meals to roughly 80 people a day while providing more than $500,000 in rent and utility assistance to families in crisis in 2025 alone.

She told the Keys Weekly the new challenges compound a squeeze that started during the pandemic, when supermarkets improved their inventory system improvements to adjust to changing demand in real time to prevent waste and boost profits. Much of that “waste,” as in unsold food, used to go to local food pantries.

“Where we used to get hundreds of pounds of meat, for example, from Publix and Winn-Dixie, now we get very little, because those inventory systems are getting so good and the stores can plan on a dime.”

In Monroe County, 7.4% of the county’s 34,630 households received SNAP in 2023. That’s 2,562 households, many of which include three or more people, many of them children and senior citizens. The majority of the households receiving SNAP benefits include at least one working adult.

“A lot of people don’t want to admit to us that they receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, because they’re afraid if they get those benefits, then they won’t be eligible to receive food from us.

MANDY MILES

Morgan Tracey, CEO of the SOS Foundation, points out the frozen chicken, ground beef and heat-andserve meals that are available at the Stock Island food pantry. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

SOS Foundation prides itself on offering 50% produce to its food pantry clients rather than all processed foods.

Rice, beans and pasta are an essential staple at the Stock Island food pantry.

SOS food pantry employee John Hubbard adds a donation of Thanksgiving items to the warehouse, in preparation for the holiday.

continued from the previous page

“But that’s not the case at all,” Tracey said, emphasizing that the food pantry turns no one away. They also don’t ask about citizenship or immigration status, she said, adding that an ID and proof of residency in Monroe County are the only requirements.

“Even just a piece of mail addressed to them at a Monroe County address is fine,” she said, while walking through the pantry that is set up like a very small grocery store, with a produce section, a large freezer for meats, a rack of bread products and aisles of dry goods, meaning nonperishable items like cereal, rice, beans, canned vegetables and soups and pasta. The peanut butter and jelly section is essential for families with children, Tracey pointed out.

“We set this up as a selfservice pantry, so our clients can actually select their own items as they would in a grocery store,” she said. “One of our volunteers goes through with them, as there are limits to the number of items in each category that a client can take, according to the size of their household.

In the middle aisle, volunteers were restocking shelves with boxes of macaroni and cheese that had just been donated.

“The donations have surged as much as the demand,” Tracey said. “I’ve never experienced such generosity in any community. People are coming in with the backs of their cars loaded and they’ll say, ‘I got all the BOGOs at Publix, so there was one for me and one for you of each item.’

Other people that couldn’t leave their job to go shopping and drop off a bag of groceries have sent us Instacart orders. And people are now starting to drop off items for Thanksgiving meals. It’s just been amazing.”

But the need never stops, and SOS Food Pantry is always grateful for donations of money, food and volunteer hours.

“A lot of people assume we don’t accept dairy products like milk and eggs because they’ll expire, but no way. Those things are gone the same day they arrive. So we’d love to get more milk and egg donations, as well as loaves of bread, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and pasta sauce and cereal.”

Alex Rickert contributed to this report

SUPPORT SOS FOUNDATION’S FOOD PANTRIES

10th annual Casino Night

Friday, Nov. 14 at Beachside Resort, 6:30 to 11 p.m.

Tickets are $150 at the door and include food, drinks and casino games.

SOS FOUNDATION FOOD PANTRY HOURS

Stock Island, 5640 Maloney Ave.

Monday & Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Key Largo at St. Justin the Martyr Church

105500 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo

Monday: 1:30 to 5 p.m.

Loaves and Fishes food pantry

2221 Patterson Ave., Key West

Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

KAIR

3010 Overseas Hwy., Marathon 305-743-4582

OFFICIAL WANTS CITY TO HELP FOOD PANTRIES WITH $40K

Commissioner Sam Kaufman will propose resolution on Dec. 2

AKey West commissioner wants the city to allocate $40,000 to Key West food pantries “in response to the ongoing government shutdown and the sharp increase in food insecurity in our community,” Kaufman wrote in an email to the city clerk’s office asking that a resolution be placed on the Dec. 2 commission agenda.

“I would like to request assistance in placing a resolution on the agenda for the Dec. 2 city commission meeting to direct $40,000 in city funds to support local food pantry programs,” Kaufman wrote on Nov. 11.

“Recent updates from our local nonprofit partners underscore the urgency. The Loaves and Fish Food Pantry has reported a 30% increase in clients, with many being new families seeking assistance for the first time. Their operating costs have risen approximately $5,000 per month, meaning that even modest city support could make a tremendous difference through the holidays and beyond.

“In addition to the Loaves and Fish Pantry, other local partners such as Cooking with Love (Joan Higgs), Star of the Sea Foundation (Morgan Tracey), and the Bahama Village Little Food Pantry (Kevin Price) are also facing growing demand.

“The proposed resolution would allocate emergency relief funds to bolster these organizations’ efforts and ensure that our residents have consistent access to food during this challenging time.

“I think that the city should ask the county to match these funds as well.

“Please let me know the next steps for drafting and placing this item on the agenda, and if the city attorney’s office can assist with preparing the resolution language. I am happy to provide background materials or meet to discuss.

“Thank you for your consideration and your continued commitment to serving our community.”

— Contributed

CAROL SHAUGHNESSY www.keysweekly.com

‘BOUNCY’ JOHN LEWIS: FINDING TREASURE IN DAILY LIFE

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

When John Lewis worked for treasure hunter Mel Fisher in the 1970s, living at sea on a bare-bones salvage boat for weeks while seeking the shipwrecked 1622 Spanish galleon Atocha, he learned to make do with the resources at hand — even if that meant bartering lobster for a much humbler commodity.

“We’d spear our food or catch lobster, so we’d always have something to eat,” said Lewis, a man of self-effacing dignity who lives on Stock Island with his cherished soulmate Mary.

“I remember people coming by in a sailboat, and we had a boatload of lobsters, but we didn’t have any toilet paper — so we’d trade lobster for toilet paper,” he said. “They thought we were fools, and we were like, ‘Yeah, stay out here for a month and see how YOU feel about toilet paper.’”

Lewis, who came from Michigan, arrived in Key West around Christmas 1972. After a series of misadventures, he wound up in a Stock Island boatyard where one of Fisher’s salvage boats was getting outfitted.

Within days Lewis was the night watchman on the replica galleon Golden Doubloon, which became the early headquarters for Fisher’s Treasure Salvors enterprise. He lived in a shed at the vessel’s Key West dock, but didn’t view his spartan existence as a hardship.

“At that time the bakery was open at 4 a.m. and a quarter would get you a loaf of Cuban bread,” recalled Lewis. “And you could wander the streets and find sapodilla and avocado — fruit falling off the trees, so you could get fed.”

Eventually he got his dive certification and joined the crew that manned Fisher’s ragtag fleet of salvage boats, diving to investigate clues to the shipwrecked Atocha’s elusive resting place. The group nicknamed him “Bouncy John” or “BJ” after a colleague noticed a “bounce” in his walk. Lewis’s experiences in those days were the stuff of adventure films: discovering pottery shards, musket balls and other 17th-century artifacts on the ocean floor; escaping a sinking salvage vessel moments before it went under; enduring lean times with fellow crew members by sharing whatever resources they could scrounge; surviving the countless dangers faced by treasure divers at sea.

“We had good times, and we had bad times, but the biggest lesson I learned working for Mel was how to make do with whatever you have because it could save your life,” Lewis observed. “We used to call it ‘cheating death’ — just living another day out there.”

He was searching for a targeted area underwater when he made the discovery of a lifetime: a priceless gold and red coral rosary that had been lost with its owner in the 1622 hurricane that sank the Atocha.

“You couldn’t pay me money for that experience,” he recalled, his voice still carrying remembered wonder. “The joy of finding something was really all the reward that I wanted.”

Yet in spite of those magical moments, in 1977 Lewis realized it was time to leave the Fisher crew. He took with him unparalleled memories, close friendships that still remain strong and the “make do” attitude that proved invaluable in his next career.

For nearly 50 years, Lewis has worked with Key West’s Southernmost Resorts as a “go-to”

1. John’s artwork, both representational and abstract, adorns the Stock Island home he shares with soulmate Mary.

2. John Lewis points out one of the hidden faces to be found in his abstracts.

3. John Lewis displays one of his detailed, colorful abstracts whose flowing lines suggest vibrant motion. CAROL SHAUGHNESSY/Keys Weekly

engineer and maintenance man, fixing whatever needs fixing and devising inventive solutions for construction challenges and other property issues. His loyalty to his employers is immense and reciprocated; when he and Mary got married, the resort owners hosted accommodations for his entire visiting family.

Despite his straightforward nature, Lewis has a hidden side. Unbeknownst to most people, he’s an extraordinary artist whose vibrant, evocative paintings fill the Stock Island home he shares with Mary.

His abstracts are rich in color and flowing motion, usually featuring small hidden faces that add an otherworldly appeal. He calls many of them fire paintings, because the technique involves pouring paint, lighting up the canvases with a lighter, and then embellishing them.

“If I’m doing a painting, I feel it,” Lewis explained. “It starts off with color — sometimes you get its color and its texture, and then it’s accentuated with outlining — and that’s how a painting comes together.”

Some are double, with images on both sides of a canvas, and each can take 100 or even 200 hours to complete, depending on the detail. Lewis also handcrafts unique frames to complement his pieces, often using reclaimed wood in keeping with his “make do” spirit.

Though he began painting as a young child, the unassuming artist has never exhibited or marketed his work. Instead, he gives canvases away.

“To me, paintings are visceral — a piece of me,” said the man who found treasure undersea and in his art, his resilience and his life. “If you’re a special friend, then you get a piece.”

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NEWMAN PLEADS NO-CONTEST IN CASE RELATED TO PAYMENTS TO UNREGISTERED COMPANY

Former Keys PR chief gets probation, community service

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Former Florida Keys public relations director Andy Newman pleaded no contest in a Key West courtroom on Nov. 3 to a series of charges alleging he made false statements under oath regarding payments for tourism promotion work to a business entity of his that reportedly didn’t exist.

Newman was charged on Aug. 6, 2024 with 14 counts of perjury and 14 counts of false official statements — all first- and second-degree misdemeanors — by the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office. It all stemmed from a county clerk and comptroller’s audit last year of the county Tourist Development Council and its public relations contract with Newman’s company, NewmanPR.

Ultimately, the hearing concluded with County Judge Albert Kelley sentencing Newman to 42 months probation and 140 community service hours on 14 of the 28 charges, seven for perjury and seven for false official statements. Newman was also ordered to pay some fines and court fees totaling a little more than $1,000. He also received a suspended sentence of 70 days in jail, which means he’ll only serve the time if he violates probation.

Newman told the Keys Weekly he changed his not-guilty plea to no contest during the hearing, giving up his right to a jury trial in a bid to avoid continued litigation fees and mental anguish from a matter that could have dragged on.

Prosecutors, however, were seeking jail time for Newman.

“There has to be some level of transparency, and he thumbed his nose at it,” chief prosecutor Joe Mansfield told Keys Weekly.

The county clerk and comptroller’s audit last year reviewed NewmanPR’s requests for reimbursement on work performed by Graphics 71, an independent third-party vendor NewmanPR regularly conducted business with on behalf of the TDC. The audit revealed Graphics 71, which provided production, production supervision, distribution supervision and photography services, wasn’t a legal business entity in Florida.

Newman said Graphics 71 was initiated as a separate entity within Stuart Newman Associates to properly document work done outside the scope of work detailed in client contracts with Monroe County and others.

Andy

Newman. FILE PHOTO

Specifically, it focused on photography, print production and an occasional video production project that would otherwise be done by an outside vendor.

An independent, forensic audit by the state attorney’s office led to charges pertaining to “making false official statements,” each categorized as a second-degree misdemeanor. Prosecutors alleged Newman submitted false written certifications to the clerk of court’s office, falsely claiming that payments were made to Graphics 71 to mislead public officials.

Newman turned himself in and was booked Aug. 7, 2024.

“I sat there in the holding cell with my face in my hand thinking, ‘Is this really happening?’” Newman said.

Newman told Keys Weekly he’s satisfied with Kelley’s ruling, given the circumstances and political atmosphere that surrounded the Monroe County Tourist Development Council in previous years. He admits he made a mistake, but said neither he nor the company ever tried to do anything maliciously to deceive the county.

Launched by Andy Newman’s father, Stuart Newman, as Stuart Newman Associates, NewmanPR handled public relations for the Florida Keys’ tourism interests for more than 40 years. The job of marketing the Florida Keys to national and international media outlets by providing video and still news photography of noteworthy events, as well as bringing media to the island chain for such

events, included CNN’s annual presence in Key West for New Year’s Eve, worldwide Fantasy Fest coverage and celebrity-studded fishing tournaments.

The audit prompted significant changes at the TDC. Board members terminated marketing director Stacey Mitchell and hired Kara Franker as president and CEO of the TDC and Visit Florida Keys. By September 2024, Franker recommended that the TDC board and county commission give NewmanPR a few months’ notice before terminating its contract with the longtime PR firm.

Newman said his late father erred when he did not register Graphics 71, a division of NewmanPR, with the state.

“I should have paid closer attention to internal business aspects, especially after he died in 2019. But regretfully I didn’t and apologized for that,” Newman said.

The state attorney’s office said the acts committed by Newman were a huge breach of trust to the public and TDC. Prosecutors were asking the judge for 180 days in jail for the 14 counts.

“The fact he was certifying every month under oath and submitting invoices to the fraudulent company was egregious in our minds,” Mansfield said. “And he swore by the submissions month after month.”

Kelley announced the sentence after five witnesses took the stand to vouch for Newman. They included Lou Caputo, former Monroe County Sheriff’s Office colonel; Shannon Weiner, former Monroe County Emergency Management director; David Dipre, retired Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission captain; Bob Eadie, retired Monroe County Health Department director; and Max Mayfield, former National Hurricane Center director.

“I always say that public relations is what others say about you, not about what you say about yourself,” Newman said. “They know who I am and they know who I am not. The accusations made by the state attorneys’ office was not me. I’m not a criminal.”

Newman, who turns 70 on Nov. 28, said he’s looking forward to doing his community service and getting the whole matter behind him. He’s still a Florida Keys resident and he said he’ll continue to volunteer with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. And he said he’ll enjoy time with his new granddaughter.

DEVELOPER BUYS BACK AFFORDABLE CONDOS TO USE AS RENTALS

Railway Condo Association opposes acts that threaten neighborhood stability

Key West officials and residents last month celebrated the opening of a new neighborhood at Truman Waterfront. The long-awaited and often-delayed Lofts at Bahama Village feature 98 affordable rental apartments and 28 affordable homeownership condominiums. The development has been a joint effort among the city, AH Monroe and the for-profit VestCor development company.

A similar affordable condominium development, The Railway Condominiums, preceded the Lofts by about 17 years. Its owners have spoken recently with some city commissioners about what they view as a loophole in their condominium governing documents that they warn could also exist for the Lofts. (The Keys Weekly is requesting and reviewing those documents.)

The Railway Condominiums at Caroline and Grinnell streets were built in 2007. The first owners, many of whom still live there, moved in in 2008. The complex consists of 38 mostly two-bedroom units. The Railway has made home ownership possible for working residents who could not otherwise afford to buy property in Key West’s real estate market.

A paperwork package known to Railway owners as the “condominium documents” details their rights and responsibilities as members of the Railway Condominium Association. The documents also outline the rights of Old Town Key West Development LLC, which built the complex and retains the right of first refusal when one is for sale, meaning the developers have the first shot at buying back a Railway condominium. The company was created in 2004 by local businessman Ed Swift with business partners Chris Belland and the late Moe Mosher, who also founded Historic Tours of America, which operates tours and attractions in Key West and six other U.S. cities.

Railway unit owners are prohibited from renting out the unit they own, an arrangement that has contributed to the close sense of community the owners have cultivated over the past 17 years, said founding owner Julie Brown, who is president of the Railway Condominium Association. But the development company is not bound by the same rules, and when it exercises its right of first refusal to buy a Railway unit, it can then rent it out. That’s what has happened in recent months, prompting the Railway Condominium Association in September to send a letter to the company expressing “surprise and deep disappointment regarding recent actions taken by the developer that negatively impact our community.”

The Railway Condominiums, built in 2007, offer 38 affordable workforce units for home ownership to qualified, working residents of Key West. CONTRIBUTED

The development company, up until the past year or so, had not exercised its right of first refusal, and Railway units were typically sold via word-of-mouth to another qualified, working resident, Brown said.

More recently, though, the developer has bought two units and is renting them out to employees who work for Historic Tours of America.

“While technically permitted under the condo documents, these recent actions violate the spirit and intent upon which our community was founded,” states the Railway association’s Sept. 11 letter to the development company. “We feel strongly that these actions are neither ethical nor the original intent of this association. … Specifically, the purchase of a unit for the purpose of converting it into a rental is deeply troubling, as it directly opposes the spirit and intent upon which our community was established.

“Since its inception, Railway Condominium Association has prioritized an owner-occupied model, as outlined in the original purchase agreements and community guidelines. Residents purchased their homes with the understanding and assurance that this would be a place where neighbors invest long-term, build relationships, and take pride in shared stewardship. …

“The use of the developer’s right of first refusal to acquire units for rental conversion undermines this foundation. Our greatest concern is that such a trend will accelerate, causing more owners to sell, therefore eroding our sense of this community. …

“These acquisitions reduce scarce ownership opportunities for our local workforce. … Your organization has the resources to secure marketrate housing for your employees elsewhere, and we see no justifiable reason to diminish workforce homeownership within our small, close-knit asso-

ciation or on this island. In light of these concerns, we respectfully call for an immediate halt to the practice of acquiring additional units for conversion to rentals. We urge the Developer to honor the owner-occupancy requirements set forth in our governing documents and to support the continued growth of an owner-based neighborhood,” the letter states.

Swift told the Keys Weekly that he was aware of the letter from the condo association, but emphasized that, as the letter itself states, the development company has the right to rent out the units it owns.

“But I do intend for the people who are currenting renting those units to someday buy them,” Swift said last month. “It may take them a few years, but I want nothing more than for my employees to be able to own a home here and stay in Key West, so it is my intent that they eventually buy and own the unit. Granted, it may take five years or so.”

Key West City Commissioner Monica Haskell, whose district includes the Railway Condominiums, has spoken with Brown and other condo association members about the situation.

“It seems like someone was asleep at the wheel with those agreements,” Haskell said. “The developer buying the units back and renting them out changes the dynamic and characteristics of the neighborhood. Certainly, the intent was for it to be homeownership opportunities.”

Haskell said she hopes the Lofts agreement doesn’t give those developers the same privilege, and wants the city to be aware of the potential implications such as this when signing long-term agreements. “I don’t understand why the city would agree to anything ‘in perpetuity,’” Haskell said.

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

VIRGINIA MAN SENDS POLICE ON INTENSE HIGH-SPEED CHASE

Pursuit went into Founders Park as kids were practicing

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

AGreat Falls, Virginia man is facing numerous charges after police say he led them on a high-speed chase through the Upper Keys, including into Founders Park as kids were at sports practice.

Monroe County sheriff’s deputies were on patrol near MM 102 in Key Largo during the early evening when they spotted a black Range Rover SUV driving recklessly in the southbound lanes — almost sideswiping the side of a patrol car. The driver, later identified as Christopher Brinkley Smithers, momentarily swerved back into the lane but then aggressively cut off another vehicle behind the patrol car, leaving little room for the car to maneuver. The Range Rover almost clipped the patrol car’s rear end.

Deputies made a traffic stop near Tarpon Basin. A deputy approached the vehicle and explained the reason for the stop. The deputy said the driver appeared restless and struggled

to form coherent sentences and seemed agitated. The deputy asked if he needed medical attention and proceeded to request assistance for a standardized field sobriety test while she gathered Smithers’ license.

Just as more deputies were arriving at the traffic stop, Smithers drove away, south through Tavernier and Islamorada. Florida Highway Patrol troopers joined in the pursuit near MM 90, chasing the driver into Founders Park, where kids were at soccer and baseball practice.

Troopers stayed close to the SUV as Smithers drove across U.S. 1 to the Old Highway before crossing back onto U.S. 1.

The chase ended in front of Founders Park after Smithers struck a center console boat trailered by a pickup truck. FHP patrol vehicles pinned his SUV from the other side to prevent him from driving any further.

No major injuries were reported, although several motorists on U.S. 1 during the chase say the SUV came close to crashing head-on with other vehicles.

Smithers is facing felony charges for fleeing and eluding police and drug possession. He’s also charged with misdemeanors for DUI, moving traffic violations, hit and run, resisting an officer and public order crimes. He’s expected to appear in court for the fleeing and eluding charges on Nov. 19.

• The 2025 property tax roll is open for collection, and property taxes are due by March 31, 2026. A 4% discount is provided if paid within November.

• If you have not received your tax bill yet, please contact us at 305-295-5044.

• Please visit our website at monroetaxcollector.com for information on our partial payment options and installment plans.

• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our o ce. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the correct tax has been remitted.

• All rental properties must also have a local business tax, regardless of how long they are being rented.

• In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, our o ces will be closed on November 27 and November 28. We hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family!

• Due to fiscally responsible operations, the Tax Collector distributed a record $7.5 million in unused FY25 operating funds to the local taxing authorities. Florida law requires these funds to be distributed proportionally to the taxing authorities, which supports the funding of essential services for our community.

Follow us on for more imortant tax information.

Christopher Smithers.

PROSECUTORS

SEEK PRISON FOR FORMER DEPUTY

Jennifer Ketcham pleads no contest to misusing her position, police computers to help her boyfriend

mandy@keysweekly.com

Monroe County prosecutors will seek prison time at the upcoming sentencing of a former sheriff’s deputy who pleaded no contest to 40 felony counts for misusing her public office, misusing law enforcement computers and databases and unlawful use of a cell phone. Jennifer Ketcham, 41, was a deputy with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office when she was arrested in July 2024, having been hired in June 2021. She has since been terminated.

Ketcham pleaded no contest to the charges on Nov. 5, but was not guaranteed or offered any reduced sentence by prosecutors in doing so. Her sentence, based on the charges, could range from about three years in prison to five years per each of the 40 counts.

Ketcham’s attorney has filed a request for “downward departure” with the court, which, if granted, would give Judge Sharon Hamilton leeway to impose whatever sentence she deems appropriate regardless of state sentencing guidelines. In his request, attorney Dustin Hunter states that Ketcham has been evaluated by two mental health professionals in New York, one of whom is still meeting weekly with her, according to the court filing. Both professionals stated that Ketcham meets the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, Hunter writes in his motion.

“The defense believes that (the doctors’) written reports will serve to qualify Ms. Ketcham for a downward departure under Florida Statute,” Hunter’s motion states.

Ketcham’s sentencing hearing is set for 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, when prosecutors are expected to seek prison time for her and present witnesses to testify on behalf of the request.

In discovery documents pertaining to the case, prosecutors presented several pages of text messages between Ketcham and her then-boyfriend, Ryan Hernandez, who was 18 at the time of her arrest.

In the text exchanges, Ketcham tells Hernandez where narcotics officers are patrolling on Stock Island and Big Coppitt Key. She also texted him a photo of one of the narcotics deputies so Hernandez would recognize her, the court documents state. Further, Ketcham texted Hernandez about an arrest she had made that night, and revealed the name of the arrestee, who had agreed to become a confidential informant for the sheriff’s office. Such information is considered sensitive material for law enforcement. Ketcham routinely ran license plate numbers through law enforcement databases at Hernandez’s request and then sent him the vehicle registration information, court records state.

There is no mention in the case records of Hernandez being involved in drug sales aided by Ketcham’s text messages about narcotics officers, and Hernandez is not charged with any wrongdoing in this case. But in a text message to a female friend and fellow deputy, Ketcham says, “(Hernandez) is dealing dope and I can’t be tied into that,’ her arrest report states. The report also alleges that Ketcham advised Hernandez of areas to avoid on Stock Island in 2023 while she was an acting supervisor, who dictated the zones to which patrol deputies were assigned.

More than 11,000 pages of text messages allegedly sent between Ketcham and Hernandez, obtained via a search warrant for Hernandez’s phone, show that a contact named “J” warned Hernandez to “stay out of Big Coppitt Key, letting him know that ‘narcs’ are getting ready for a raid” on Sept. 6, 2023. Two days later, text messages from the same contact allegedly warned that a “narc is on Stock Island for a couple of hours.”

RUDOLPH 5K RUN OFFERS MORE THAN A RACE

Pool party & Christmas pageant book end Dec. 13 event

Holiday cheer meets island energy Dec. 12-13 as two days of activities surround this year’s Rudolph Red Nose Run, one of Key West’s holiday 5Ks.

Presented by A Positive Step of Monroe County (APSMC) and the Key West Southernmost Runners Club, the family-friendly 5K, now in its 17th year, welcomes participants of all ages and abilities.

The Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St., will serve as the 5K hub, while the Southernmost Beach Resort, 1319 Duval St., will host the run’s surrounding pool parties and special events.

“For 17 years the Rudolph Red Nose Run has been a joyful way for people to come together in support of local kids and families — and our new, surrounding events promise to make it an even more memorable weekend for residents and visitors,” said APSMC founder and executive director Billy Davis.

Rudolph Run registration includes a complimentary event T-shirt. Proceeds benefit the APSMC Idle Hands Summer Youth Employment Program, which serves some of Monroe County’s highest risk youth and their families. Donations are tax deductible.

A Positive Step of Monroe County, a nonprofit organization,

has served high-risk youth and families since 1999, providing support, mentorship and opportunities for success. More information is at apsmc.org/annual-5k.

FRIDAY, DEC. 12

• 1 to 4 p.m. Welcome Racers Pool Party at Southernmost Beach Resort Pineapple Pool.

• 4 p.m. Conch shell blowing lessons & contest (Run participants only) at Pineapple Pool

• 5-7 p.m. Rudolph Run packet pickup at Southernmost Beach Café.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13

• 7 a.m. Race-day checkin at Southernmost Beach Café.

• 8 a.m. Rudolph Red Nose Run start

• 1 to 4 p.m. Recovery pool party at Southernmost Beach Resort Pineapple Pool

• 5 p.m. Merry Market opens at the South Beach area featuring local artisan wares and farmer’s market offerings.

• 6 to 8p.m. Meet the Mermaids & Swim Night at Shores Pool

• 7 p.m. Christmas Queen Pageant at the Shores Pool. Rudolph runners are encouraged to continue the revelry and compete in the pageant. — Contributed

Jennifer Ketcham.

MANDY MILES

Two days of lively activities surround this year’s Rudolph Red Nose Run, one of Key West’s whimsical 5Ks. CAROL TEDESCO/APSMC.org

FORMER TOURISM DIRECTOR’S LAWSUIT AGAINST COUNTY CONTINUES

Stacey Mitchell claims her firing and the audit that prompted it were retaliatory

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

The former marketing director of the Keys’ tourism agency is suing the county, the county commission and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council for violating the Whistleblower Protection Act by firing her in March 2024.

Stacey Mitchell’s lawyer last month filed an amended complaint that also names county clerk Kevin Madok for alleged negligence and one of his employees, Luanne Verner, for alleged defamation.

The lawsuit claims Mitchell was fired for speaking out against an unorthodox funding request and subsequent demands from County Commissioner Craig Cates that the TDC contribute $150,000 to the county’s bicentennial celebration, even though county staff had missed the deadline to submit funding applications to the TDC for special events.

Mitchell was fired in March 2024, four months after the county clerk’s office released a critical audit of the Tourist Development Council, where Mitchell had been marketing director since 2017. The audit revealed “repeated noncompliance with Monroe County’s purchasing policy,” and “a lack of controls and management oversight,” among other findings.

Mitchell’s lawsuit, filed by attorney Zachary Zermay, claims the audit and Mitchell’s subsequent termination were done in retaliation for her refusing to support Cates’ demand for $150,000 of TDC funding and for insisting that funding protocols be followed despite “backroom dealings conducted out of the public view,” the lawsuit states.

The suit details the county’s missed deadline to apply for event funding from the TDC. It describes a July 2022 county budget meeting, where Commissioner Craig Cates reportedly told Mitchell that a drone show and concert would take place for the county’s bicentennial, and asked her for TDC funding for the event.

“(Mitchell) reminded commissioner Cates that the deadline to apply for funding was missed, yet commissioner Cates insisted on finding a way to support the event,” the lawsuit

states. “Subsequently, following backroom dealings, meetings and other informal communications hidden from the public, the Board of County Commissioners redirected $150,000 to fund the concert, circumventing the standard approval processes. In violation of (the county’s) own guidelines, rules and regulations, over $150,000 was withdrawn from the TDC’s budget … without the correct transparency processes and public meetings.

“…After the disclosures were made, the drone show occurred, and the checks had been cashed, a campaign of retaliation began against (Mitchell) in the form of audits to serve as a pretextual reason to terminate (her),” the lawsuit alleges.

Verner is named as a defendant in the amended complaint, which alleges defamation on her part, following a social media post she made the day the clerk’s audit was released to the public in which Verner wrote that (Mitchell) “has been stealing for all these years and finally got caught,” and included a link to the clerk’s website.

Verner’s statement was “false, defamatory and libelous, because it accused (Mitchell) of criminal misconduct and professional dishonesty. (Mitchell’s) reputation was trashed, causing loss of employment opportunities, pain, suffering and emotional distress,” her complaint states.

Madok is accused in the lawsuit of negligence for improperly supervising his employee, who made the social media post.

In its response to the amended complaint, the county’s and TDC’s lawyers have asked the judge to dismiss the case against the county and TDC, claiming Mitchell failed to prove any whistleblower claims because Mitchell “never authored any written and signed complaint in compliance with Florida’s Whistleblower Act that could form the basis for a valid whistleblower retaliation claim.”

The motion to dismiss states that Mitchell’s attendance at county and TDC meetings, where she spoke against the improper funding request, are not protected disclosures.

“Plaintiff’s simple participation at various meetings does not transform her attendance into participation ‘in an investigation, hearing or other inquiry conducted by any agency or federal government entity’ as enumerated by Florida Statute,’” the motion to dismiss states.

A hearing via Zoom is scheduled in front of Judge Mark Jones on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.

COUNTY MONITORING BIG PROPERTY TAX DISCUSSION COMING IN TALLAHASSEE

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recently approved the county’s 2026 state legislative agenda. Lisa Tennyson, the county’s legislative affairs director, outlined priorities for the upcoming legislative session, which will start Jan. 13.

The county said the priorities reflect its ongoing dedication to preserving the unique environment, economy and quality of life in the Keys, while also addressing challenges related to insurance affordability, property tax stability and flood resilience.

Highlights include:

• Property tax monitoring: Monitor any state or executive proposals that could reduce or eliminate property taxes, which serve as the county’s most reliable funding source for essential services like law enforcement, emergency response, and public health.

• Water quality protection: Advocate for a $20 million appropriation under the Florida Keys Stewardship Act and continued funding for Monroe County’s vessel pump-out program and other water quality projects that protect coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and canal systems vital to the Florida Keys’ tourism and fisheries economy.

• Land acquisition (Florida Forever): Support the continuation of the $5 million Florida Forever set-aside through 2036 for land acquisition to retire development rights and protect environmentally sensitive areas. The county is also requesting $2.5 million in appropriations for targeted land acquisition to mitigate military encroachment and support affordable housing initiatives.

• Affordable and workforce housing: Pursue state legislation to exempt Habitat for Humanity from construction performance bond requirements on countyleased land and seek authorization for property tax relief

for long-term workforce rental properties.

• Wind and hurricane insurance affordability: Advocate for the restoration of the 10 percent annual rate cap on Citizens Property Insurance, an increase in coverage limits to $1.5 million, and the rollback of flood insurance mandates for properties outside designated flood zones.

• Resilience and flooding: Continue to secure Resilient Florida grant funding for county road elevation and flood mitigation projects that address tidal and storm-related flooding, which threatens homes, infrastructure and public safety.

• School readiness program eligibility: Support legislation to raise the income eligibility threshold for Monroe County families, allowing more working parents to access early education opportunities that prepare children for school success.

• Area of Critical State Concern and ROGO protection: Advocate for exemptions to state land-use preemptions that could override Monroe County’s Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO), comprehensive plan, or environmental protections that safeguard the Keys’ fragile ecosystem.

“Monroe County has benefited greatly from the leadership of our delegation members, Senator (Ana Maria) Rodriguez and Representative (James) Mooney, and the ongoing support from the Legislature and the governor’s office,” said Tennyson. “Our successful collaboration with state leaders enables us to continue preserving the uniqueness of the Florida Keys and our unmatched environment. This year’s agenda continues that partnership, addressing emerging issues and reinforcing our commitment to the sustainable future of the Florida Keys.”

More information is at www. monroecounty-fl.gov/legislativeaffairs.

IT’S SHOWTIME FOR KEY WEST FILM FESTIVAL

Dozens of movies featured at various venues through Nov. 16

Florida’s best filmmakers, industry panelists, student award winners and major names from Hollywood are gathered through Nov. 16 in the Southernmost City for the Key West Film Festival.

Legendary comedian and performer Billy Connolly will receive the festival’s Golden Key Award for Artistic Excellence. Connolly will be in attendance to coincide with a screening to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “The Aristocrats,” the groundbreaking film about the dirtiest joke ever told, in which Connolly is featured.

The festival will also celebrate its 10th annual Golden Key Award for Excellence in Costume Design, honoring Academy Award-winning costume designer Deborah L. Scott, who will participate in a discussion of her work moderated by Addie Morfoot of Variety.

A new section of programming is included in the festival this year called “Floridocs.” Culled from hundreds of submissions, these three films show the incredible stories being told by Florida filmmakers. Making its world premiere at the festival is Rob Hoovis’ “Outlaws of the Everglades.” Featuring interviews from both Carl Hiaasen and Tim Chapman, the film tells the story of fishermen who turned to a life of crime after areas of the Everglades were barred for them.

Also making its world premiere is Miami-based Gaspar Gonzales’ “Summer of 83,” about arguably the greatest College World Series ever, featuring players including Roger Clemens, Dave Magadan, Barry Larkin and more. And what’s Florida without a little snake hunt?

Xander Robin’s SXSW-premiering documentary “The Python Hunt” follows the annual state-sponsored python hunt across Florida that attracts visitors from around the world. But is it more spectacle than an actual effort to eliminate this dangerous predator?

Also featured at the festival will be a special work-in-progress screening of “Eric Anfinson: A Portrait Part 1,” directed by three-time KWFF “alumni” Cassidy Rast and Odin Wadleigh. The documentary explores Anfinson’s formative years and young adulthood in the Midwest and highlights the life-changing event that led him to finding his artistic calling in Key West.

Per annual tradition, the festival’s final screening will be an outdoor music-themed film, this time celebrating the 50th anniversary of the release of outlaw country documentary “Heartworn Highways,” featuring the music of Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle and more.

More information is at keywestff.com

Contributed

TROPIC CINEMA SCREENS ‘JAWS’ DOCUMENTARY

‘Jaws@50’ shows Nov. 14-16

Tropic Cinema is featuring the documentary “Jaws@50” on Nov. 14-16. The documentary, donated for this event by National Geographic, dives into the cultural legacy of the iconic movie, its behind-the-scenes history and its surprising role in launching global ocean conservation conversations.

After the film screening there will be a Q&A with Wendy Benchley, widow of author Peter Benchley, “Jaws” icon and tireless ocean advocate, reflecting on her extraordinary 50-year journey with the film and its impact. There will also be special guests from

marine conservation agencies and educators.

“The Tropic is proud to host Wendy Benchley along with local and visiting marine conservationists and shark experts to present this intriguing documentary,” said Tropic Cinema executive director Carla Turner. “This is a great opportunity to come hear the back story to the film and the challenges they faced along with the surprising results for marine conservancy.”

More information is at tropiccinema.com.

— Contributed

‘The Python Hunt’ is one of the Key West Film Festival’s three featured Florida documentaries. CONTRIBUTED

The Tropic Cinema will show the documentary ‘Jaws@50’ Nov. 14-16. The film tells the backstory of the iconic shark movie and explores its surprising impact on marine conservation. CONTRIBUTED

FRINGE THEATER ANNOUNCES UPCOMING SEASON

Schedule includes comedy, drama, music

Fringe Theatre Key West’s 2025–26 season features productions that celebrate the power of live performance. The new season offers laughter, reflection and connection at the historic Armory, 600 White St. “Fringe is a place where artists and audiences come face to face with stories that move, challenge and connect us,” said Jim Argoudelis, Fringe’s board president. The new season is filled with bold voices and inventive storytelling — from deeply personal dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies and musicals that include reimagined classics and fresh new works. “It’s theater that reflects the island’s heart and humanity.”

Mainstage season includes:

• “Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous,” written by Pearl Cleage, and presented as a reading Nov. 19 and 20. Anna agrees to an encore performance of her controversial one-woman show, Naked Wilson, only to find a much younger actor will be performing her role.

• “Personal Effects,” by local playwright Chris Moore, gets its world premiere Dec. 9-13. The adult children of a popular island icon are introduced to Key West as they sort through the personal effects of their recently deceased father – a man who abandoned them 30 years ago.

• “70 Girls 70,” a Kander & Ebb musical, will have a concert-style presentation Jan. 21-31. This musical is about a rogue group of senior citizens who take on a life of crime to raise the money needed to save their homes.

• “Letters from Max,” written by Sarah Ruhl, will be staged Feb. 18-20. This play explores art, mentorship and the grace of friendship in the face of mortality.

• “Crimes of the Heart,” written by Beth Henley, runs March 11-21. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play follows the eccentric Magrath

Fringe Theater’s shows take place in the historic Armory, 600 White St., depicted here in a painting by Andy Thurber. CONTRIBUTED

sisters as they reunite in their Mississippi hometown.

• “And Tell Sad Stories of the Death of Queens & Other Short Plays by Tennessee Williams” is presented March 29 at Williams Hall in conjunction with the Tennessee Williams Festival produced by KWAHS. These little-known short plays by Tennessee Williams explore sexuality, identity and longing.

• “The Shark Is Broken,” written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, runs April 15-25. This behind-thescenes play looks at the emotional mayhem of actors waiting on a small boat to shoot scenes for the movie “Jaws” and is based on the “drinking diary” of Robert Shaw, who portrays the shark hunter Quint in the movie.

Fringe performances begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at 305295-7676 or keystix.com.

The Fringe Theater season also includes fundraisers like the popular Holiday Train ride and Backyard Music programs. Fringe’s outreach and education program includes its Summer Fringe (a program to develop emerging talent and new work), Field Trip to Fringe (a collaboration with local schools to bring students to the theater), and its ongoing support of Bravo Theater (as host to its fall youth productions.

More information is at fringetheater.org. — Contributed

WHAT’S COOKING, KEY WEST?

The humble cranberry and Thanksgiving options

When people discuss their Thanksgiving dinner favorites, they typically rave about a perfectly browned turkey, stuffing seasoned with aromatic sage, or a generous wedge of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream. Yet they often overlook a staple that has one of the most historic “backstories” on the entire holiday menu: the humble cranberry.

The cranberry is one of only three fruits native to North America — and was originally called “crane berry” by early Dutch and German settlers, who thought the flowers blooming on cranberry vines looked like the head of a crane.

Centuries ago, native people incorporated dried cranberries into their foods, used the berries as medicine for wounds, and dyed woven goods with the colorful juice. They introduced the versatile fruit to the Pilgrims in the 1600s.

Today cranberries are used in soups, breads and fritters, muffins, pies, salads and even puddings. For Thanksgiving, of course, they’re prepared as a sauce or jelly whose deliciously tart flavor enhances each bite of golden roast turkey.

In Key West, both traditional and tropical options abound for celebrating the day of gratitude — with or without cranberries on the menu.

Island-inspired holidays might center around a picnic for family and friends at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, or a backyard potluck whose entrée is stuffed fish instead of stuffed turkey. Those who prefer not to cook can enjoy special offerings at scores of local restaurants.

This year, there’s a new option for people who want a traditional meal while celebrating the unique heritage and culture of Key West: a Thanksgiving feast served Thursday, Nov. 27, in the historic 291 Front St. home of the Key West Cooking Show.

Surrounded by décor and memorabilia that pay tribute to the gratitude-inducing Key West

Thanksgiving Day guests can opt for a cocktail and a casual holiday meal at Bar 1. KEY WEST COOKING SHOW/ Contributed

lifestyle, diners can enjoy a holiday buffet created by chef Keith St. Peter and his team. Perfectly seasoned slow-roasted turkey, savory sage-infused stuffing, butternut squash soup, mashed potatoes and homemade gravy, green bean casserole, honey-glazed carrots and pecan pie await guests on Thanksgiving Day. Of course, the buffet will also include cranberry sauce — prepared with an innovative twist. Guests can choose from the 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. seating. Reservations are required; visit keystix.com. In addition, a holiday experience that blends both casual and classic elements is on tap at Bar 1 at the Key West Cooking Show venue. The bar is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving, and patrons can order a plated meal of items featured on the buffet menu.

LAST BITES

Dish of the week: Cran-cherry Marsala sauce. Surprise and delight guests this Thanksgiving by giving the time-honored cranberry sauce a sophisticated boost. This unique version features the addition of Marsala wine, dried cherries, sweet dark cherries and fresh zested oranges to create a fusion of sweet, tart and subtly spiced flavors.

Event of the season: Chef Norman Van Aken, father of New World Cuisine, presents an exclusive demo-and-dining experience Friday, Dec. 5, at the Key West Cooking Show venue. Don’t miss this chance to dine with and learn from a culinary legend. Reservations are required; visit keystix. com.

Hungry for more? Visit keywestcookingshow.com or call 305294-COOK.

CAROL SHAUGHNESSY www.keysweekly.com

DECEMBER 5TH • 6pm

SCAN FOR TICKETS

The Key West Cooking Show is pleased to host an Evening with Chef Norman Van Aken. A James Beard Award winner, Van Aken is a legend in the Key West culinary scene. Enjoy great conversation and food with one of America’s most acclaimed chefs.

THANKSGIVING MENU

Serves 8-10 people

10-12 lb Oven Roasted

Plainville All-Natural Turkey

1/2 Mashed Potatoes

1 qt Turkey Gravy

1/2 pan Green Beans with Almonds

1/2 pan Sweet Potato Casserole (contains nuts)

1 pint Cranberry Relish

1/2 pan Traditional Bread Stuffing

$ 179.99 + tax

Turkey (only) $ 89.99

Whole Spiral Ham $ 7.99 per pound

Please place your order at the deli counter. Orders must be placed by 7pm November 22. Orders must be picked up by 5pm November 26.

Fausto’s will be closed Thanksgiving Day.

FEAST ON AUTO LOAN SAVINGS

Don’t let a high-rate loan gobble up your budget. Refinance with Keys FCU and carve away those extra costs! Lower Rates. Local Service. Real savings to be thankful for.

*Restrictions may apply. Subject to credit approval. NCUA Insured. Membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Key West’s annual parade salutes veterans

Key West’s annual Veterans Day Parade down Duval Street features all branches of the U.S. military, as well as the high school marching band, scout groups and community organizations. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

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

We’ve got some retrograde action happening this week — astro-weather that’s ripe for slowing down and reflecting. Retrograde Mercury is conjoining Mars, the planet of action and willpower. This combination is a call to think critically about how we get things done and why we do what we do. Are you in alignment with your purpose? Are you in charge of the movements you make or are you following the herd? As you take time to assess what drives you, ask yourself if you are moving in the right direction and make decisive pivots if needed. While the Mercury-Mars aspect addresses how you act, the focus simultaneously shifts to what you believe, as the planet of faith and joy, Jupiter, is also turning retrograde. Jupiter is retrograde for roughly four months every year, so this is not a major revelation, but it is a soft coercion to consider how you’ve been showing up in your generosity, your optimism or your faith in future possibilities. Use this period to prune the branches of hope that no longer bear fruit. All in all, this week is a time to hold counsel with yourself to make sure your actions are in alignment and that you are firm in your beliefs.

Here are your horoscopes for retrograde Mercury conjunct Mars and Jupiter stationing retrograde. Read for your rising and sun signs.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

You may have been a bit active with your money lately, either spending a lot or furiously saving. This week, consider whether your use of funds is in proper alignment with your values. Ask for refunds if necessary. As you’ve been enjoying a period of great adventure and

an expansion in your learning, now you can take time to encode your memories and reflect on the joys you’ve experienced.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

This has been a very active season for you, putting yourself out there and really expressing your true nature. Take some time to consider how you’ve been using your energy and your personality to advance your cause. Have you overextended or have you been in balance? Consider whether you have been sharing your resources in a way that feeds your soul.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

How have you been finding joy in your relationships? Are you letting your partners in life fill your cup or have you been giving out too much of yourself? See if you can take a step back to consider how abundance shows up in the right relation. Find stillness to listen to your subconscious and let your innermost knowing drive your actions. Intuition is an honest guide now.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

How do you spar with your friends? Do you share disagreements in cordial enjoyment or do you find yourself feeling uncomfortable anger? Think deeply about how you manage conflict with others to ensure it is constructive rather than deflating. Exercise and physical activity are ways to expand and grow your energy. See if you can find enjoyable ways to do just that.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

You have probably been expressing yourself in creative ways these past few months, finding joy in making art or using your voice. Take stock of how that has been working for you and whether you can make some fine adjustments to share your vision more clearly.

Some very important conversations about your career are probably taking place. Be strategic.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Don’t be afraid to share your beliefs right now. In fact, you may have to revisit a testy conversation or two to clarify exactly what you meant when you spoke from the heart. Stand firm in your truth even if others disagree. Your emotional stability is incredibly important. Ask yourself if you’ve been leaning into the expansive rest and comfort that your home and family can provide.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

You have probably been feeling great confidence and joy in your voice lately, but now is a time to think before you speak. In order to get your message across, slowing down is the best way to speed up right now. If the conversation doesn’t spark joy, let it go. Revisit some investments you’ve made and make sure they are working for you. If they’re not, realign how you share your resources.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

You may have to have some difficult conversations with a loved one or a business partner, but go into it with the desire to move forward rather than sitting in the conflict. Don’t be afraid to share your needs, but focus on actions rather than personal grievances. Check in with your financial health and make sure that you are taking the appropriate steps to maintain the basics.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

In recent months, you may have been the life of the party as you express what has been seemingly boundless energy and joy. Now, take time to pull it in a bit to make sure that you don’t overexert yourself. Find your joy in quieter appreciations because you will be

SIT IN COUNSEL WITH YOURSELF

needing your energy down the road. Think about how you can make some changes to actively support your health and well-being.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

Rest is very important, and you are entering a period when you can grow into your meditative and reflective practices. Abundance can flow more easily when you are a balanced vessel. Think about how you play and express yourself creatively. Lean into actions that bring this happiness into your life, and make strategic plans to make room for more levity.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

This week is a perfect time to take a step back and resolve any conflicts at home so you can get everything in the open. Have some raw conversations and move through them. Take some time, also, to pull in your social energy and find joy in quality over quantity. Less can be more when it comes to the use of your social battery, and your inner circle would love to see more of you.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

You’ve been finding success in the workplace these past few months, and it is now time to sit back and enjoy what you’ve built. Appreciate the work you’ve already put in and find smaller ways to find joy in your public-facing position. Review your routine commute or local communication habits (emails, texts) to ensure you are moving efficiently and being an effective neighbor.

THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST

UPCOMING CLASSES + EVENTS

Put Your Creativity First JAMI ATTENBERG

TUE NOV 18, 1PM–3PM

$60

Bestselling author shares personal insights, lessons from the #1000wordsofsummer movement, and tools to help you stay inspired.

Botanical Embroidery NATALI HOPKINS

FRI NOV 21, 11AM–2PM

$85

Learn essential embroidery stitches, creating your own botanical-inspired mini masterpiece.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET

Small Business Saturday

SAT NOV 29, 10AM–3PM Free and open to the public Wander through every floor of our building and discover treasures from local artists and artisans, plus DIY ornament making, live music on the roof, and more!

Under the Skin

MEGGI SIEGERT

ON VIEW THRU NOV 27

With a background in psychology and a painter’s eye for intimacy, Siegert captures quiet mysteries that live just beneath the surface. sponsored by Luna

Contemporary art center, steps off Duval Street.

Always free to visit! Open Tue-Sat, 10am-4pm

GREAT EVENTS CATERING

DINNER FOR 4 ($160)

Each additional person (+ $40)

Rotisserie style oven roasted carved turkey

Traditional giblet gravy

Roasted green bean casserole with wild mushroom “gravy” & crispy onions

Homemade cranberry orange chutney

Garlic mashed potatoes

Cornbread roasted apple sage stuffing

Homemade potato rolls

ADDITIONAL SIDES

1/2 pan | 6-8 servings ($40 each)

Fuji Apple Salad, butter lettuce, pecan praline, smoked blue cheese, dried cranberries, cider vinaigrette

Garlic herb roasted vegetables with maitre d’butter

Roasted brussel sprouts with bacon, honey and balsamic

Sweet potato hash with chorizo, grilled corn and caramelized onions

White cheddar mac and cheese, parmesan buttered breadcrumbs

PRE DINNER COCKTAIL PARTY

Charcuterie board | 10 people ($175)

assorted meats, cheese and antipasti , traditional accoutrements, crackers, and crostini

Order by Monday, November 24th at 5:00pm

Pick up on Thanksgiving Day | 10am-3pm at 925 Truman Ave (side entrance on Packer Street)

305.294.2252 www.greateventscatering.com info@greateventscatering.com

DON’T REMOVE HISTORIC STRANGLER FIGS FROM CEMETERY

Dear Editor and Friends of the Key West Cemetery,

I am writing to let you know a request has been made by the cemetery sexton to remove two very large strangler fig trees in the cemetery. The Tree Commission will vote on this request at its meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at city hall.

The vote was initially scheduled to take place on Nov. 10, but the meeting was postponed until Dec. 9.

The agenda item is still available on the city’s website from the Nov. 10 meeting and is available at cityofkeywest-fl.gov, as is a link should you want to make an e-comment. I will be speaking at the meeting in opposition. If you feel as I do about the history, shade and aesthetics of our outdoor museum, I might suggest you attend the meeting or make a comment.

A simple “click” to oppose is easy. It would be a shame to see these beautiful trees destroyed, not to mention the collateral damage to the many historic graves shaded by them.

Save these trees; they hold our history.

Beneath their shade, generations have gathered to mourn, remember and honor lives well lived. These trees are not mere greenery — they are sentinels of memory, standing watch over the historic Key West Cemetery, our island’s Central Park of remembrance.

They cleanse the air we breathe. They shelter our grief. They root us to our past.

To lose them would be to sever a living link to our heritage.

Let us protect what protects us. Let us preserve the canopy of Key West’s soul.

Sincerely,

Nance Frank

Old Island Restoration Foundation

START THANKSGIVING DAY WITH THE TURKEY TROT 5K

3rd annual race draws more than 1,500 runners

With a sword in hand, VFW Post 10211 quartermaster Mark Birk cut the cake to celebrate 250 years of the U.S. Marines on Nov. 10 at the Armory Speakeasy at the Post in Key Largo. Birk was joined by Dennis Ward, retired Marine and post commander, and surrounded by fellow Marines and community members. Post 10211’s youngest Marine, Jimmy Cosgrove, was among those honored. The

The third annual Southernmost Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 27 in Key West. With over 1,500 participants, the 5K run/walk and 1-mile Rooster Romp kick off at 8 a.m. from the Southernmost Point Buoy, and finish in the same spot.

Each runner will receive a soft race T-shirt (adult and youth sizes available), a finisher medal, and, for those 21 and older, a free mimosa at the post-race mimosa bar. Participants can snap a photo with the event’s mascot, “Dash,” and celebrate their finish at the Southernmost Point Bar.

The event is open to all ages, with children 4 and under participating for free. Military members can use code HERO for a 10% discount on registration.

The Southernmost Turkey Trot isn’t just about fun and fitness; it’s about giving back. A portion of proceeds will benefit Reef Relief, supporting coral reef conservation efforts in the Florida Keys.

For those who are hungry for more, there is the Double Trot, featuring two 5K races in two days. Registration for this race and Hog’s Breaths Hog Trot will earn participants a free pint glass.

More information is at southernmostturkeytrot.com. — Contributed

evening included drink specials and tunes from the Keys Community Concert Band.

As stated in the president’s proclamation, the Marine Corps was born when the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines by resolution on Nov. 10, 1775. From the first combat action at Nassau in 1776, Marines have proven to be the guardians of liberty and justice.

The third annual Southernmost Turkey Trot takes place Thanksgiving morning. CONTRIBUTED

1: Mark Birk, VFW Post 10211 quartermaster, cuts the cake to celebrate 250 years of the Marines, as Dennis Ward, post commander, and community members gather. 2: Marine Jimmy Cosgrove is honored as he receives a piece of cake. 3: Members of the Keys Community Concert Band play patriotic tunes. 4:

decorative cake celebrates the Marines’ 250th birthday. DOUG FINGER/ Keys Weekly.

COLLEGE PRESIDENT SALUTES VETERANS

Gueverra’s annual address honors

Maj. Ed Coy and Sgt. Terrence Varney

College of the Florida Keys president Jonathan Gueverra delivered his annual salute to veterans this month, honoring Maj. Edward Coy and Sgt. Terrence Varney, both U.S. Army veterans who graduated from CFK and are now college employees.

“This Veterans Day, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that our service members bear for all Americans and for the principles of democracy,” he said. “I salute all veterans as well as current service members, including my son Julius, who is serving in the Navy. I express my sincerest thanks to them and their families for their dedication and commitment, and for their continued service to protecting our freedom wherever they are deployed.

“Our heroes continue to serve in a variety of ways that benefit our communities. The Florida Keys and the college have indeed benefitted from the contributions of many veterans over the years. Each one deserves special recognition. Today, I salute two veterans in the CFK family: U.S. Army Major Edward Coy and U.S. Army Sergeant Terrence Varney — both CFK employees and alumni, each with distinct stories of service.”

Guevara’s tributes follow:

Maj. Edward Coy

Ed enlisted in the Army right out of high school in 1973 — seeking military service as a path to develop character and to provide for the family he intended to start with his high school sweetheart and new bride Denise. Shortly after basic training, he joined the 175th Ranger Regiment and moved to the 24th Infantry Division in Fort Steward, Georgia while starting a family.

In a pivotal moment, young Ed found himself in legal trouble after accidentally driving through a roadblock. Fortunately, a Catholic priest and base chaplain came to his defense, convincing law enforcement to drop charges. Ed developed a friendship with the priest, which inspired a new purpose in his military career. Ed added the role of chaplain to his other soldier duties, providing spiritual counseling, emotional support, and moral guidance to countless service members and their families struggling with challenges ranging from depression and marital problems to PTSD and suicide. He worked stateside and throughout the world on multiple tours including Korea, Egypt, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala.

Initially retiring in 1992 as a sergeant first class, he was called back in 2006 to serve as the chaplain major deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, along with assignments to support soldiers and their families in Kentucky, Washington, D.C. and surrounding regions.

Ed retired in 2016 as a major following 30 years of service, receiving distinctions including the armed forces medal, Iraq campaign medal with two stars, meritorious medal, army commendation and achievement medals, Army defense service medal, combat action badge, and airborne badge.

Upon his second retirement in 2016, he and Denise moved to the Keys, their favorite vacation destination. With boating as a retirement priority, Ed enrolled in CFK and earned an associate degree in marine engineering, management and seamanship. He was recruited back to the classroom after graduation, this time as an adjunct instructor. Today, he is a full-time faculty member in the marine engineering program, which serves many veteran students developing new skillsets and goals.

Sgt. Terrence Varney

Like Ed, Terry enlisted in the Army right out of high school, setting forth on a career that would provide opportunities to develop skills and character, support a family, and serve our nation. Terry started as an aviation mechanic in Bangor, Maine. Noticing his talent and potential, his superiors promoted him to flight crew.

Terry served as a dual status technician in the Army National Guard as well as a fulltime soldier — participating in missions from both divisions, as duty called. His service included multiple deployments to Germany and Iraq.

The first half of his aviation career was dedicated to air combat duties. After 12 years, his career shifted to 14 years of medevac work, serving as the crew chief responsible for maintenance and security of the Black Hawk aircraft. Terry also enrolled in combat lifesaver school, acquiring essential trauma care skills that were put to use in critical rescue missions.

In between medevac deployments, Terry’s family grew quickly upon marrying wife Kelly, becoming stepfather to a son and a daughter in 2004, and welcoming another daughter in 2006.

In 2018, Terry retired as Staff Sergeant E6. He earned two air medals as well as master aviator wings during his 26 years of service. The family moved to Key West for retirement. Kelly encouraged him to enroll in diving classes. He ultimately earned two associate degrees at CFK — in diving business technology and marine engineering, management, and seamanship. After graduation, Terry stayed with the college, working as a lab technician before becoming the dive facilities manager. In his role, he interacts with many students in CFK’s various marine programs, making special connections with veteran students who lean on him for extra support and guidance.

It is with great honor that on this Veterans Day 2025, the College of the Florida Keys and I salute U.S. Army Major Edward Coy and U.S. Army Sergeant Terrence Varney. They exemplify the vast bravery, talent, and selflessness of the U.S. military. Thank you for your continuous service to our country, state, and community. May your achievements, sacrifice, and generosity serve as an inspiration for all.” — Contributed

From left, Monroe County Mayor and Navy veteran Jim Scholl, CFK marine engineering instructor and Army veteran Ed Coy, CFK President Jonathan Gueverra, CFK dive facilities manager and Army veteran Terry Varney, VFW Post 3911 representatives Marine Corps veteran and CFK alumnus Mark Tobin and Army veteran Rod Delostrinos at CFK’s Community Day on Nov. 1. CFK/Contributed

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TIP OF THE ISLAND

Not far from Fowey Rocks Lighthouse is the first key

Fowey Rocks Lighthouse with a lighthouse tender circa 1937. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/ Monroe County Libraries

Roughly 1,700 islands that make up the Florida Keys archipelago. Key Biscayne is not one of them. However, historically, it is a significant piece of Monroe County real estate. The county is much smaller than it used to be. When Monroe County was established in 1823, it stretched from Key West north to Lake Okeechobee and west to Charlotte Harbor.

Key Biscayne is a 5-milelong barrier island located just off the South Florida mainland, just minutes away from Miami. The island’s name is one of the oldest in South Florida. In 1675, it was charted as Caio de Biscainos. The Father Alana chart identified it as Biscaino in 1743. Bernard Romans called it Key Biscay on his 1773 chart. In John Williams’ 1837 work “The Territory of Florida,” he called it Kay Biscanyo.

The island is home to Cape Florida, and Cape Florida is home to the Cape Florida Lighthouse. The brick and coral-rock lighthouse stood 65 feet tall when it was first lit in 1825. On July 23, 1836, the lighthouse was destroyed in an attack during the second escalation of the Seminole War. Due to the continued Indian threat, it was not rebuilt until 1846. Less than

a decade later, the conical tower was raised an additional 30 feet to a height of 95 feet.

The Cape Florida Lighthouse remains standing and is the oldest structure in MiamiDade County. The warning beam of light was extinguished when the better-situated Fowey Rock Light was established in 1878. Congress allocated $100,000 for its construction, as it was better situated to mark the navigational hazard that is the Florida Reef. It was enough money to get the project started, but not enough to complete the project, which required an additional $75,000.

Fowey Light was the second to last in a string of six iron lighthouses built to mark the Florida Reef. Carysfort Reef Lighthouse was the first (1852); the others were Sand Key Light (1853), Sombrero Key Light (1858), and Alligator Reef Light (1873). American Shoal Light was the last to be built and first cast its warning light across the water on July 15, 1880.

During the building of the Fowey Rocks Light, Soldier Key was used as a base of operations. Once the iron beams were driven down into the reef and the light’s skeleton was in place, the lighthouse’s platform was constructed. When the platform was finished, workers lived in a makeshift camp atop it to ensure that adverse conditions and rough water would not deter them from reaching the light during the construction period.

Twice, ships ran aground on the coral reef dangerously close to where workers were sleeping. One night, the men were startled from their sleep when the steamer Arakanapka hit the reef, ground through the limestone,

and the bow of the ship came to a halt mere feet from the platform. The men undoubtedly watched with wide-open eyes as they considered their mortality. It was not the only time workers were nearly struck by a ship crashing on the reef. The Carondelet also wrecked on the reef, startling the workers building the light that would warn sailors of the imminent danger. Fortunately, the crew of the Carondelet was able to float free from their predicament when the incoming tide pushed enough water over the reef to set them free.

The Fowey Rocks Light was first lit on June 15, 1878. The light is 3 miles east of Soldier Key. It is a small island, about two football fields long and 100 yards wide, and is considered the archipelago’s first true key. The Florida Keys are composed of two types of limestone: Miami limestone and Key Largo limestone. The Upper and Middle keys are built atop a coralline foundation called Key Largo limestone. The islands of Florida Bay (and the Gulf of Mexico) and the Lower Keys are built on a Miami limestone foundation, built of oolite and bryozoans –colonizing invertebrates that build limestone exoskeletons.

Soldier Key is located about 5 miles south of Key Biscayne’s Cape Florida and 3 miles north of the Ragged Keys. On modern charts, it is identified as the singular Soldier Key. It has not always been the case, as the number, as well as the name, has varied over the years. Early Spanish charts identified the island as Parida. Interesting word, parida. In Spanish, it can refer to someone who has said something nonsensical or stupid. It can also refer to a mother who has recently given birth.

It is this second interpretation that is interesting. Juan de Liguera and Father Alana also identified the island as Parida on their 1742 and 1743 charts. In 1770, a chart created by O-Carrol named it La Parida y Su Hijo, a name that refers to a mother and her newborn son. In 1774, Captain Barton, in his Observations, identified the islands as the Soldier Keys. John Lee Williams, who wrote the 1837 work, Territory of Florida, identified two islands: “Soldier Keys are the small islands, in a row, six miles south of Biscayo.”

A Coast Survey chart from 1855 identified the islands as Soldier Key and Little Soldier Key. If there is one thing that mangrove islands like the Florida Keys do, it is grow. Over the last 150 years, Soldier Key and Little Soldier Key have merged and become the single island appearing on nautical charts today.

Soldier Key is the northernmost of the islands called the Northern Keys. It is one of nearly 50 islands before the largest of the islands in the archipelago, Key Largo, appears. For those driving down from the mainland, Key Largo serves as the gateway to the Florida Keys, connected to the mainland by both the Card Sound Bridge and the Jewfish Creek Bridge. It is easy to see why people assume it is the first island in the chain.

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

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

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 Captain Black Sparrow, a 5-yearold Australian Kelpie/terrier mix with a heart as bold as his name. This large, black-coated pup arrived at our shelter after facing neglect, but he didn’t let that dim his spirit. With one good seeing eye and a whole lot of love to give, Captain Black Sparrow is ready to chart a new course, straight into your heart.

Louise. This beautiful 7-year-old

Meet Belle, our sweet Siberian husky. Her owner became ill when in Key West and we were no longer able to contact him once he was moved to different facilities. What we do know is that Belle has a microchip implanted from the SPCA in Hong Kong, so the poor girl has definitely been a world traveler. Belle is one of the sweetest pups we know. If you think you can give this sweet pup a home and the affection she deserves (trust us, it will be reciprocated!), come visit Belle today at the Key West campus.

Meet Crepe, a sweet and gentle 4-yearold domestic shorthair mix with a soft brown and black coat, currently waiting for her forever home at the Key West campus. This small lady is a quiet soul who prefers to let you make the first move, but once you do her affectionate side shines through. Crepe melts for pets and will lovingly cry for more once she knows you’re there to shower her with attention.

KEY WEST AQUARIUM HONORS DR. DOUG MADER

Popular attraction celebrates sea turtle heroes

The Key West Aquarium staff celebrate the end of a successful sea turtle nesting season by honoring veterinarian Dr. Doug Mader, right, who has taken care of the aquarium’s resident turtles for decades. CONTRIBUTED

The Key West Aquarium hosted an evening celebration on Nov. 7 to honor Florida Keys sea turtle heroes and mark the close of another successful sea turtle nesting season. Members of Save-a-Turtle of the Florida Keys, Florida State Parks sea turtle patrol, and world-renowned veterinarian Dr. Doug Mader were in attendance.

Guests gathered at the aquarium on Whitehead Street, which presented a donation check to Save-a-Turtle of the Florida Keys to support its ongoing efforts to monitor and rescue sea turtles. Additionally, Mader was recognized for his decades-long service as the veterinarian to the aquarium, as well as for his commitment to animal welfare and public education.

“Dr. Mader’s dedication to caring for the animals of the Key West Aquarium is greatly appreciated, and we cannot thank him enough for his service and friendship,” said Sarah Dunlop, outreach coordinator at the aquarium. “For the past 28 years he has served as the veterinarian for the aquarium’s resident sea turtles, as well as all the other animals at the aquarium. His tireless service extends to other facilities and wildlife in the Florida Keys and makes him an invaluable part of our conservation community. We are honored to celebrate both his achievements and the ongoing success of sea turtle conservation here in the Keys.”

author of three best-selling medical textbooks, and a respected voice in the scientific and public arenas. His career includes regular columns in Reptiles Magazine, the Long Beach Press Telegram and local news outlets. Among his many honors are the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Award, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Achievement Award, and the Fred L. Frye Lifetime Achievement Award for Veterinary Medicine.

Save-a-Turtle of the Florida Keys is a volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of sea turtles. Formed in 1985, members work to conserve the sea turtles of the Keys by patrolling and monitoring beaches during the nesting season, along with education, outreach, beach clean-ups, rescue and advocacy all year.

As the nesting season concludes, the aquarium shared positive outcomes from local monitoring efforts by volunteers and staff from Save-a-Turtle in the Florida Keys and Florida State Parks, highlighting the importance of continued community support for marine conservation programs.

Opened in 1935, the Key West Aquarium is the first in Florida. Through presentations, exhibits and public outreach, it works to educate visitors about the diverse marine life of the Keys ecosystems and to inspire environmental stewardship.

a lot of love, her true personality blossoms into something truly special.

Meet Blossom, a two-month-old hamster. Have you been looking for an adorable companion? Look no further. From running around her wheel to hiding in all the best spots, this baby hamster will provide endless entertainment.

Mader, a triple board-certified veterinary specialist, has been a practicing veterinarian for more than three decades. He is an internationally recognized speaker,

More information is available from Dunlop at 305-922-8223 or at keywestaquarium.com.

Meet

domestic shorthair mix is a gentle soul with beautiful golden eyes. She’s a shy and sensitive lady who thrives in a calm, patient environment. With a little time and

SLOPPY JOE’S LAUNCHES TOP CAT CONTEST

Submit feline photos through December; voting is Dec. 1-31

Your cat could win fame and a $500 swag prize for you. Sloppy Joe’s Foundation is putting out the call to all cat lovers and their photogenic felines. The foundation has launched its first-ever Top Cat Contest to find the next furry face of “Caturdays 2026,” the popular year-round fundraising program that blends Key West fun with community giving.

Cat owners are invited to submit up to three of their favorite photos of each of their cats to enter the contest. The winning feline will become the official “Face of Caturdays 2026,” and will be featured in promotional materials, social media and events celebrating the foundation’s charitable work.

“Caturdays are all about joy, generosity and the quirky spirit that makes Key West special,” said Jeff Allen, chairman of the Sloppy Joe’s Foundation. “We wanted to

create a contest that celebrates our island’s love of cats and the people who support our community each week through this fun tradition.”

The foundation raises money to support the people, animals and causes that make the Keys a thriving and compassionate community.

Each Saturday, Caturdays participants who make a donation to Sloppy Joe’s Foundation receive the signature cat ear headbands, a lighthearted symbol of giving that helps fund programs supporting the people who live and work in Key West.

The Top Cat Contest gives everyone a chance to share their favorite feline and join the fun. Voting will be open to the public Dec. 1-31, and the winner will be announced by Jan. 6, 2026. The winning cat gets the fame of being the face of Caturdays and the owner takes home a $500 swag bundle.

An entry form and more information are at sloppyjoesfoundation.org or @SloppyJoesFoundation on Facebook.

— Contributed

Georgia’s a Key West kitty. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Key West World Championships draw 97 boats, including 7 international entries

POWERBOAT RACES BREAK RECORDS FOR PARTICIPATION

Arazor-thin, 2-point margin separated champion from runner-up as DeFalco Racing claimed the Pro Class 1 world title in the closest finish of the 44th annual Race World Offshore Key West World Championships. The three-day battle came down to the final laps on Nov. 9, with DeFalco edging Monster Energy/M CON 391-389 in overall points.

The championship attracted a record-breaking field of 97 boats including seven international entries, the largest turnout in more than two decades. Unlike most offshore powerboat races held miles from shore, Key West’s unique 4.4-mile harbor course brought world-class racing directly to spectators. Fans packed waterfront locations throughout the harbor as boats exceeded 100 miles per hour through tight turns just yards from shore.

2025 Key West World Championship winners

Pro Class 1: DeFalco, 62:02.7 (391 points)

Super Cat: Dirty Money Racing, 60:13.6 (418 points)

Extreme: Spirit of Qatar, 60:12.0 (403 points)

Super Stock: Team Nautical Ventures, 364 points

Factory Stock: Say Less MF, 60:49.8 (392 points)

Super V: Knucklehead Racing, 48:32.7 (404 points)

Modified V: Boatfloater.com, 50:04.2 (390 points)

Bracket Class 2: OC Racing, 53:00.9 (406 points)

Bracket Class 3: Team Woody Racing, 56:04.9 (395 points)

Bracket Class 4: Saris Racing Engines, 49:36.4 (397 points)

Bracket Class 5: Rum Runners, 53:50.0 (421 points)

Bracket Class 6: MDG Offshore Racing, 47:58.0 (427 points)

Bracket Class 7: Dirt Legal Velocity Factory Race Team, 55:59.4 (424 points)

Cat 300: Jackhammer, 200 points — Contributed

The 44th annual Race World Offshore Key West World Championships took place Nov. 5-9 in Key West Harbor, where the unique course location allows plenty of on-shore spectators to experience the thrill. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

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and

SHERIFF’S OFFICE PRAISES MEMBERS

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office held its quarterly Member Awards ceremony in Marathon on Nov. 7. Members were recognized for exemplary service to the agency and to the citizens of Monroe County. Members were also recognized for their years of service to the agency. From left are Misley Quintero, Support Member of the Quarter; Andrew Paskiewicz, Detention Deputy of the Quarter; Sonya Morgan, Deputy Sheriff of the Quarter; and Sheriff Rick Ramsay. MCSO/Contributed

SMART TRAVEL: PROTECT YOUR DEVICES ON THE GO

As travelers prepare to head out for fall getaways, cybersecurity experts are warning that hackers may be tagging along — virtually. From airports to hotel lobbies, digital threats like public Wi-Fi scams, Bluetooth attacks and “juice jacking” are targeting travelers’ personal devices more than ever.

Stay protected by turning off Bluetooth when not in use. Also, ignore unfamiliar pairing requests. Set your device to “non-discoverable” mode so it doesn’t appear to nearby users.

Juice jacking: Don’t get plugged in Security agencies, including the FBI, have warned travelers about “juice jacking,” a scheme where public USB charging ports are used to install malware or steal data.

To stay safe, carry your own wall charger or portable power bank. Use a USB data blocker or chargeonly cable. If you must use a public station, power off your device first.

Offload, update before departure

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATD

WELLNESS

TECH NECK: THE MODERN PROBLEM YOUR SPINE NEVER SIGNED UP FOR

JENNIFER HARVEY

...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC. Hello@highlymotivatedfc.com

If you remember anything from the late ’90s, you might remember a little blond boy telling Jerry Maguire that “the human head weighs 8 pounds.”

If you’re too young to remember that, you especially need to read this.

It is true that the average human head weighs around 8 to 12 pounds. What most people don’t know is that if that head shifts just millimeters forward, it exponentially increases the amount of weight your cervical spine has to support.

Here’s the actual science:

• At 15 degrees of forward head tilt, the effective weight of your head is about 27 pounds.

• At 30 degrees, your neck holds 40 pounds.

As the head leans forward, the effective force on the spine increases drastically. JENNIFER HARVEY/Contributed

arms, early arthritic changes, reduced lung capacity, fatigue and decreased concentration

Yes, you read that right: reduced lung capacity. One study in Applied Ergonomics found that forwardhead posture can decrease respiratory efficiency by up to 30% because it restricts rib cage mobility. Another study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science noted that people with chronic tech neck experience significantly more tension headaches due to overload on the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull.

“Any time you connect to a public network or plug into a shared charger, you’re opening a door to your private data,” said cybersecurity analyst Mark Daniels. “A few small precautions can make all the difference.”

Public Wi-Fi: Convenient but risky

Free Wi-Fi at airports, hotels and coffee shops is a common amenity — and a common target for cybercriminals. Hackers can easily monitor unsecured connections or create fake “free Wi-Fi” networks designed to steal login credentials and personal data.

Experts recommend avoiding logging into banking or sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your connection. Turn off file sharing and make sure your firewall is enabled. When possible, rely on your mobile data or personal hotspot instead.

Hidden threats in plain sight

Bluetooth connections are another easy access point for hackers, particularly in crowded spaces like airports and conference centers.

Before heading out, take time to review your device’s security settings and apps. Unused apps can collect data or expose you to privacy risks.

Offload or delete apps you don’t plan to use. Install the latest software updates and enable a screen lock or encryption. Back up important files to the cloud or an external drive.

Travel light — digitally

Minimizing the number of devices and sensitive accounts you bring reduces your exposure. Log out of apps that store personal or financial information and avoid saving passwords directly to your device.

While cybersecurity might not be the first thing travelers think about when planning a trip, experts say it should be part of every packing checklist.

“Just like you pack sunscreen to protect your skin, you need digital protection to safeguard your data,” Daniels said. “The goal is to travel smart and stay safe — both offline and online.”

• At 45 degrees, that load jumps to 49 to 50 pounds.

• At 60 degrees, your neck feels like it’s supporting 60 to 70 pounds.

Those numbers come from research published in Surgical Technology International, and once you see them, you’ll never look down at your phone the same way again.

There have been several MRIbased studies showing that chronic forward-head posture — whether from your phone, tablet, driving position or working at a computer — literally changes the structure of the cervical spine over time. Some scans show up to a 1- to 1.5-centimeter reduction in cervical disc height, while others show early degenerative changes in people as young as their teens and 20s.

When I see these images, I immediately think of the cervical spine yelling out “Timber!” and then envision the head just collapsing forward. I have a vivid imagination.

But humor aside, tech neck is more than an annoying ache. It can contribute to headaches, shoulder tightness, jaw tension and TMJ, numbness or tingling down the

So when your neck feels tight by mid-afternoon, when your shoulders feel permanently raised, or when you can’t figure out why you feel “off,” it’s not just aging. It’s posture. And it’s extremely common.

The good news? You can fix this without giving up your phone, job or screen time.

Raise your screens. Bring devices up toward eye level instead of dropping your head toward them.

Follow the 90/10 rule. Every 90 minutes of tech use requires 10 minutes of movement or posture resetting.

Use chin tucks and proper alignment. That will strengthen your deep neck flexors, the tiny stabilizers that support upright posture.

Stretch what’s tight Open the chest, lengthen the front of the neck and reset shoulder mechanics.

Fix your driving posture. The forward-leaning “turtle head” position is one of the biggest offenders.

We live in paradise, but even paradise cannot counteract hours a day of forward-head posture. The sooner you recognize and correct tech neck, the better your spine — and your head — will feel.

Small changes make a massive difference. Your cervical spine does a lot for you. The least you can do is meet it halfway.

is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension Director and Community Development Agent.

ALICIA BETANCOURT

Contributed

Founded by Betty Debnam

The First Settlers

When we think about Thanksgiving, we usually think of the Pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth in 1620. But earlier explorers also arrived on American shores. After several months on a small ship, many passengers probably fell to their knees and gave thanks for their safe arrival.

Jamestown, Virginia

After a voyage of almost four months, three ships anchored at Jamestown Island on May 14, 1607. A total of 104 men and boys came ashore. This was 13 years before the Pilgrims landed in New England.

While the Pilgrims were seeking the right to worship as they wished, the Virginia settlers might have called their voyage a “business trip.”

They had been sent from England by the Virginia Company of London. The company planned to make money for its investors by sending back gold and silver. The settlers didn’t

find either. But they did send back iron, wood and wood products such as tar.

The settlers named the river and landing site after King James I of England. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.

Powhatan Indians

CLAPBOARD, COLONY, CROPS, ENGLAND, FORT, GLASS, IRON, ISLAND, JAMESTOWN, POCAHONTAS, POWHATAN, ROLFE, SETTLERS, SHIPS, SICKNESS, VIRGINIA, VOYAGE, WOOD.

MINI FACT: Buildings inside James Fort included homes, a church, a guardhouse and a storehouse.

Pocahontas

A popular story tells that Chief Powhatan’s daughter, Pocahontas, saved John Smith from being killed by the chief. However, historians aren’t sure if this story is true.

Pocahontas would have been about 11 years old when the settlers arrived in 1607.

She brought them food and sometimes played with the English children.

During the wars between the Powhatan and the settlers, Pocahontas was captured and held for ransom. While living with the English, she changed her name to Rebecca, and in 1614 she declared she’d rather stay with the English.

The area around Jamestown was inhabited by Powhatan tribes, and the settlers quickly built a fort to defend themselves. They harvested wood for clapboard (KLABerd) (flat pieces of wood used as siding for houses) and made glass objects to be taken back to England and sold.

In 1609, the settlers began to die of sickness caused by the local drinking water, starvation and violent conflicts with Native Americans. Chief Powhatan sent food to help the English, but by 1610, most of the original settlers had died.

More ships brought food, women and children from England to Jamestown, as well as livestock such as cattle and pigs.

The settlers who had survived the worst of the time in Jamestown began planting crops, sometimes on Powhatan lands. Tobacco became a big moneymaking crop.

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

That year, she married John Rolfe, a settler and tobacco grower who had lost his wife and child. For several years after the marriage, the settlers and the Native Americans got along well.

The Rolfes went to England to promote the new colony, but Pocahontas fell ill while they were there, and she died in 1617 in Gravesend, England.

RESOURCES

ON THE WEB

• nps.gov/jame/index.htm

• bit.ly/MPJamestowne

AT THE LIBRARY

• “Pocahontas: A Life in Two Worlds” by Victoria Garrett Jones

ECO NOTE

A new study confirms that a bright orange nurse shark hooked by fishermen in Costa Rica last year represents the first of its kind. Researchers say the shark’s striking pigmentation likely stems from both albinism and xanthism, two rare genetic conditions that stripped some pigment while amplifying yellow tones. Such anomalies are rarely seen in the wild, where bright colors usually make animals easy prey. But the murky coastal waters off Costa Rica may have helped conceal the animal.

Image courtesy Office of Coast Survey, NOAA

Images courtesy National Park Service

This painting by Sidney King shows the English arriving at Jamestown Island, Virginia.

An interpreter at Historic Jamestowne places glass in a kiln.

A statue of Pocahontas at Historic Jamestowne.

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EYES ON THE GOAL

Soccer takes the field | P.4

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Team Sport Opponent Date Result

Key West Boys Soccer Gulliver 11/4 L, 7-1

Marathon Boys Soccer Miami Country Day 11/4 L, 6-0

Marathon Girls Soccer Keys Gate 11/5 T, 4-4

Key West Girls Soccer Coral Shores 11/5 T, 1-1

Key West Girls Soccer Mater Academy 11/6 W, 8-0

Marathon Girls Soccer SLAM 11/6 L, 6-2

Marathon Boys Soccer SLAM 11/6 L, 5-0

Key West Girls Soccer Olympic Heights 11/7 T, 1-1

Coral Shores Boys Soccer Ransom 11/7 L, 3-0

Key West Boys Soccer SLAM 11/7 L, 6-4

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

11/13 Coral Shores Girls Soccer @ South Dade 3:30 p.m.

11/13 Key West Girls & Boys Soccer @ Silver Palms 4 p.m.

11/14 Marathon Girls & Boys Soccer Westwood Christian 3:30 p.m.

11/14 Key West Football @ Cypress Lake 7 p.m.

11/15 Key West Girls Soccer Mitchell 7 p.m.

11/17 Marathon Boys Basketball Palm Glades Prep 7 p.m.

11/17 Coral Shores Boys Soccer @ Pace 4 p.m.

11/18 Key West Boys Basketball @ Coral Park 5 p.m.

11/18 Key West Boys Soccer @ Boca Raton 6 p.m.

11/18 Key West Girls Soccer @ St. Brendan 5 p.m.

11/18 Key West Girls Basketball @ Westminster Christian 3:30 p.m.

11/19 All Keys Schools Girls Weightlifting @ Coral Shores 4 p.m.

11/19 Coral Shores Boys Soccer Oak Cliff 6 p.m. 11/19 Coral Shores Girls Soccer Waxahachie Faith Academy 4 p.m.

11/19 Marathon Boys Basketball Miami Sunset 7 p.m.

11/20 Key West Boys Soccer Marathon 5 p.m.

11/20 Marathon Girls Soccer Coral Shores 4 p.m.

11/20 Marathon Girls & Boys Basketball Everglades City 5:30 p.m.

11/20 Coral Shores Boys Basketball @ MAST Academy 5:30 p.m.

11/20 Basilica Boys Basketball @ Colonial Christian 4 p.m.

11/20 Key West Girls Basketball @ SLAM 5 p.m.

Key West’s Sonny Bowden and his SLAM Academy opponent fight for a header in the Southernmost City. Prep soccer action kicked off across the Keys in the first week of November. See page 4. ROCKY J GONET/Contributed

DELACERDA

He has big goals and has no problem putting in the work to get there.”

– Keara McGraw, Key West cross

country coach

West’s Prometheus Delacerda wanted his final season with the cross country team to be a positive one, so instead of waiting to hear his marching orders, he took matters into his own hands. Delacerda quietly set about putting his team in position to be the best this season, and head coach Keara McGraw could not be more grateful.

“He’s a gem. Outside of being one of the hardest workers I’ve coached, he’s a great student-athlete who has stepped up as the leader on the team this year to help guide the younger athletes,” she said. “The best part about Prometheus is that he is unapologetically his own person at all times.”

Delacerda’s talents, according to his coach, are diverse. Described as the team’s lead motivator, workhorse, photographer, designer and inspiration, the senior has made a lasting impact in a year which began as a rebuild and ended with success. On the course, his times dropped all season long, and off the course, his leadership helped steer the team in the right direction. For his positive contributions to the team, unwavering support and dedication and impact during the season, Prometheus Delacerda is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Prometheus

Senior, Key West Cross Country

Key

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.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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

PREP SOCCER KICKS

Monroe

County teams hit the pitch for the start of the season

Key West and Coral Shores’ girls soccer teams wasted little time getting in their first match of the regular season, facing one another in the Upper Keys on Nov. 5. Just four minutes into the game, senior Madison Kilduff sent the ball sailing into the back of the net to put the Conchs ahead 1-0.

Holding onto the lead until the final moments of the game, Key West put up a strong defensive front. But with nine minutes to go, the Hurricanes were awarded a penalty kick off a flagrant foul. Coral Shores senior Kai Redruello capitalized to tie it up at 1-all. The score held until the final whistle and both teams remained undefeated with the 1-1 tie.

“Coral Shores always comes ready to play and the match was, as usual, very physical,” said Conchs head coach Scott Paul.

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

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1. Sebastian Camargo goes up for a header.

2. Sonny Bowden fakes out a SLAM defender.

3. Sebastian Camargo heads to the goal.

4. Evens Louis fights for possession.

5. Hurricane Lela Goodrich (12) takes on Key West’s Keirsten Tate (12).

6. The Coral Shores Hurricanes and Key West Conchs fight for possession in their first in-county matchup of the girls soccer season.

7. Coral Shores Hurricanes goal keeper Nevyn Walsh (00) defends the net against Key West’s Alondra Montilla.

8. Coral Shores Hurricane Jenna Mandozzi (2) takes on Key West’s Keira Feitz (8).

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

Photos by Rocky J Gonet and Doug Finger

KICKS OFF KEYSWIDE

It would be the only match of the week for the Hurricanes, but Key West went on to play two more, first at Mater Academy Charter the following afternoon, then at Olympic Heights in Boca Raton on Nov. 7. Key West dominated Mater Academy in a mercy-rule victory, picking up the first win of the season for a Keys team with their 8-0 score.

Maicee Gage struck first off a free kick by Kilduff, who also assisted Aly Camargo in the second goal of the game. Kilduff finished the match with two goals of her own to complement the assists. Freshman Gabriella Rodriguez and sophomore Suena Marcily added a pair of goals apiece to account for the Conchs’ scoring. Kiersten Tate was credited with two assists; Beyza Atilla, with one. Both are freshmen.

“We wanted to get the younger players more time on the field here early in the season, so we were able to play them throughout much of the first half,” said Paul.

Against Olympic Heights, the Conchs battled to another 1-1 tie to remain undefeated. The Lions struck first, then the Conchs answered when Kilduff set up center midfielder Alondra Montilla for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Montilla scored, but the Lady Conchs could not get the go-ahead goal before time ran out.

Paul praised his defense, led by goalkeeper Mary Searcy, with excellent play. Molly McKnight, Colbie Turner, JaeLynn Morgan and Marcily locked down the Conchs’ opponents in a defensive system that allowed for rotations including Lily Andrew, Keira Feitz, Lily Baxter, Kenli Rosado, Luna Godreau and Atilla.

“The Olympic Heights match was one that we scheduled to get us some good solid competition coming off the starting line, and they did not disappoint,” said Paul. “We took a little time getting warmed up on the field, but once we clicked, we played some really good soccer.”

Marathon’s ladies did not secure a win last week, but the team showed a lot of promise in a pair of matches. On Nov. 5, the Fins traveled to Keys Gate, where they started the season off in a 4-4 tie. Sarah Picariello started things off with an unassisted goal, then Mackenzie Budi assisted Kayla Skaarup on the next. Skaarup then assisted Allison Helms on goal number three and Addison Collins found the back of the net off a strong corner kick. The next day, the Lady Fins fell to SLAM Academy 6-2. Collins scored one goal on a penalty kick while Picariello netted the second, assisted by Fantine Mendez.

In boys action, Key West started the season off at Gulliver Prep on Nov. 4. The Conchs faced the No. 5 team in the state in any class for their opening match, and despite a 7-1 loss, the squad showed resolve, getting on the board with a Loubins Fleuridor goal against a team that managed 13 shoutouts last season. On Nov. 7, Fleuridor struck again with an unassisted goal against SLAM Academy. Sebastian Camargo netted a pair of goals and SLAM lent a hand with an own-goal, but the Conchs’ foe found the right net another six times to make it a 6-4 loss for Key West.

Marathon faced Miami Country Day Nov. 4 for its season opener. The Fins lost 6-0, then made a second trip to Miami in week one to face SLAM Academy. Marathon lost that one 5-0, with senior goalkeeper Tiago Rivero credited with a myriad of exceptional saves.

Coral Shores played one match last week, facing Ransom Everglades on Nov. 7. The Hurricanes, who are without several key players still running for cross country, lost 3-0.

“Coral Shores always comes ready to play and the match was, as usual, very physical.”

— Conchs head coach Scott Paul

CONCHS CRUSH IT

Key West outlifts county in girls meet

Keys lifters met in the middle last week, competing at Marathon High School on Nov. 5 for a ladies’ trimeet. Key West won both the Olympic and traditional events, with Coral Shores finishing second and Marathon third.

Key West’s Althea Olsen and Courtney Ward finished first and second, respectively, in both events in the 101-pound weight class. In the 110-pound competition, Coral Shores’ Emily Hurt was first in both events. In second place was Riley Grogan of Key West. 2024 state medalist Ella Evans of Marathon claimed a pair of firsts at 129 pounds, and teammate Rilynn Richards was second in both events.

Marathon senior Tinashay Cunningham was first in both categories at 139 pounds. In second was Key West’s Kai Lamontagne. Adelle Bainbridge of Marathon and Meredith Barton of Key West were first and second at 154 pounds, respectively, then Camila Linares of Key West and Karla Gutierrez of Coral Shores traded wins at 169. Linares was first in the Olympic event while Gutierrez won in traditional.

Justice Lee Isom stands in front of her banners in Marathon’s weight room. The senior strongwoman finished in first place overall last week.

Marathon’s Tinashay Cunningham, left, Rilynn Richards and Adelle Bainbridge.

Key West lifters Riley Grogan, left, Kai Lamontagne and Isabel Marsh.

TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

Justice Lee won in both categories at 183 for Marathon. Jazlyn Lyons of Key West was second. At 199, Aaliyah McLeod was first in traditional lifts while Elaina Kerns of Coral Shores was second. In the Olympic event, Kerns was first, with Key West’s Brianna Brenner in second. Coral Shores’ Vanessa Gabriel won the unlimited category events while Key West’s Isabel Marsh was second.

The top lifter at last week’s meet was Lee, the three-time state champ who is looking to add to her collection of gold. Lee combined a trio of strong lifts to top the Sinclair Coefficient for the competition. Her 180-pound clean and jerk, 155-pound bench press and 150-pound snatch crushed all challengers and are far from her bests in the events. Evans was second with a 95-pound snatch, 135-pound clean and jerk and 135-pound bench press. Third place overall went to Moore with a 125-pound clean and jerk, 110-pound bench and 80-pound snatch. The Sinclair Coefficient calculates an athlete’s performance by factoring in each lifter’s body weight to even the playing field.

Clockwise from top left:

Camila Linares lifted to firstand second-place finishes in her weight class last week.

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Afamiliar name raced to district gold last week when the Dolphins of Marathon started off the postseason for Monroe County runners.

The 1A Dolphins kicked things off Nov. 4 at the District 8 Championships at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton. This year, sophomore Antonin “Tony” Bursa did what older brother Vance did in 2024 when he broke the ribbon and captured the district championship. Bursa cruised to a 17:19 personal record to win the title. Behind Bursa was another sophomore, Allan Taylor, whose 18:01 was also a PR and good for an overall seventhplace finish. Senior Caleb Shelar kept the PR theme going, finishing strong in 11th in 18:40. Then it was freshman Lucian Burns, who traded his walking boot in for a racing flat. Burns finished in 19:10 – quite a bit off his own personal best, but still in the top 20 overall at 18th, and more than respectable considering it was his first race back after a stress fracture. Seventh-grader Anthony Vargas PRed with a 19:31. Completing Marathon’s top seven were junior Landon Anderson and sophomore Thomas Torres. Both ran personal

MEDAL MANIA

Marathon’s Bursa strikes gold, Wheatley silver as five local teams make the cut to regionals

bests, with Anderson finishing in 19:55 and Torres in 25:37. Marathon’s boys finished second overall, easily qualifying for regionals with their strong performance.

The Lady Fins will join the gentlemen at regionals after finishing seventh overall. Seventh-grader Molly Joly was first for the Dolphins, finishing in 23:23. Joly was 18th overall. Behind Joly were junior Mylana Loza (24:23) and sophomore Danaica Bessy (26:30). Both runners broke their personal records. Next were junior Kayla Skaarup (28:21) and freshman Ariella Dworniczak (28:45). Sophomores Sofia Konyk (30:34) and Natalia Perez Franco (34:32) each ran a new personal best and earned a spot at regionals by finishing in the team’s top seven.

Two days later, the ’Canes and Conchs traveled to Larry & Penny Thompson Park in Miami for the FHSAA 2A District 8 Championships. Sophomore Ali Wheatley blazed to a second-place 20:22 finish. Wheatley led the Hurricanes to a fifth-place finish overall, advancing the team to regionals for the first time in over a decade. Also helping were Kate King (23:17), Olive Welch (25:13), Aria Boonton (25:39) and

1. Marathon’s boys and girls are headed to regionals after their performance at districts last week.

2. The Lady Fins pause for a district photo.

3. Caleb Shelar, left, Tony Bursa and Allan Taylor test their hardware after securing the runner-up trophy at districts. All three won top-20 medals.

4. Key West’s boys cross country team poses with coach Keara McGraw.

5. Hurricane Jamie Cary kicks it out at the end of the race.

6. Kate King of Coral Shores looks strong mid-race.

Isabelle Jacobs (26:18). The Lady Hurricanes’ performance set the tempo for the boys, who pooled their talents to join the girls at regionals.

The senior-heavy boys team captured fourth place overall, advancing the entire team to regionals. Leading the charge was Jamie Cary, who finished 16th overall in 18:36. Alaric Rodriguez was next (19:35), followed by Tristian Rios (19:47), Nathaniel Shugarman (20:18) and Tristian Sanchez (19:50), the lone junior in the group.

Key West headed into districts ranked 12th, well out of a shot at regionals, but somebody forgot to tell the Conchs they were out of the running. Sophomore Sawyer Hill and senior Prometheus Delacerda paced one another to finish 27th and 28th, respectively. Hill completed the course in 19:11, outpacing Delacerda by two seconds. Alejandro Caridad (19:39) crushed his previous personal record by 18 seconds, starting a trend that gradually boosted Key West’s standing in the race. Colin Palmino (22:04) dropped 44 seconds and Charlie Delashmit (24:38) shaved 27 seconds from his personal best to steal the eighth overall team win and the final spot at regionals. The Lady Conchs entered just three runners in the race, two short of eligibility for a team. The individual runners represented the Southernmost City well, with Emma Bradshaw (24:09) crossing first, followed by fellow freshman Ryah Bushey (25:45), who ran a personal best. Junior Violet Jangraw (25:51) finished strong to round out Key West’s finishers. Bradshaw was one place out of an individual spot at regionals, setting the stage for a strong 2026 season.

Key West’s boys plus both Marathon and Coral Shores teams will put it all on the line this week at regionals in hopes of securing a coveted spot at the start of the state meet in Tallahassee later this month. For regionals, Keys runners will converge on South County Regional Park in Boca Raton on Nov. 14 for a series of races with staggered start times.

7. Lady Conch Emma Bradshaw turns the corner at districts.

8. Conch senior Prometheus Delacerda, right, gives his all at the end of the course.

9. Sawyer Hill cruises to the end of the district 2A course.

10. The Hurricanes and Conchs take off at the start of the FHSAA 2A District 8 Championships last week.

11. Ali Wheatley leads a pack of runners at the halfway point of her district race.

12. Coral Shores’ Alaric Rodriguez pushes his pace at the end of the course.

Key West senior Claudia Steling sinks a putt at regionals.

Emmett Merryman, pictured here in a match earlier this season, ended strong at the regional competition. CONTRIBUTED

FINAL HOLE

Prep golf season ends at regionals

Coral Shores’ Scout Oliver finished his season last week in West Palm after qualifying for regionals as an individual athlete.

Three Keys golfers earned a place at their respective regional competitions last week.

Key West’s Claudia Steling, Marathon’s Emmett Merryman and Coral Shores’ Scout Oliver each won an at-large bid by playing exceptionally well at districts the week prior.

Merryman and Oliver played their rounds at the FHSAA 1A Region 4 championships on Nov. 3 at the prestigious Park West Palm course. Oliver finished at 85 for the day, besting Merryman by 10 strokes and beating out nearly 20 other golfers. Though neither advanced to the next round, both athletes are freshmen, making for an exciting competition for years to come.

Steling teed off on Nov. 5 at Pompano Beach Golf Course for the 2A Region 4 championships. She became just the second girl in Conch history to break 100, accomplishing the feat at districts. Last week the senior did it again, shooting a 93 at regionals to cap off a phenomenal four years with Key West’s golf team.

TOP 20 IN THE WATER

Smith, Lykins end season on high note at states

On Nov. 8, two Coral Shores athletes represented the Hurricanes at the FHSAA 1A State Championships, held at the Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) Center in Ocala. After earning their spots at regionals the previous week, senior distance specialist Layne Smith competed in the girls 500-yard freestyle, finishing with a time of 5:15. Smith capped off a fantastic four years with the team by finishing in the top 20 statewide in her best event.

Classmate Aaron Lykins dove to an 11th-place finish in the boys 1-meter diving competition. Lykins, who picked up diving just last season, earned 303.75 points to secure his top-20 finish.

The meet marked a proud finish to both athletes’ Coral Shores careers, as they capped off their time as Hurricanes by competing among Florida’s best.

Aaron Lykins and Layne Smith. JIM MCCARTHY/Keys Weekly

In The Bleachers

Brevity

Adam Dailies

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

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Publish: November 13, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT I ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC I)

(Encompasses the City Limits of Key West) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists)

Any person wishing to participate on the District I Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@ fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:

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Publish: November 13, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

IN RE: ESTATE OF CARMA JEAN YELL, DECEASED.

DATE OF DEATH: JUNE 24, 2025

RESIDED: 23A NORTH OCEAN DRIVE, KEY LARGO, FLORIDA 33037

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, acting as representative of the Estate of Carma Jean Yell, hereby gives notice pursuant to Sections 733.2121 and 733.702, Florida Statutes, to all persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the estate, whether or not their claims are contingent or unliquidated, are notified that they must file their claims in writing with the undersigned within three (3) months after the date of the first publication of this notice. All claims not filed within the time periods set forth in Section 733.702, Florida Statutes, 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 name and address of the estate representative are:

Mark. A. Hutchings / Representative 216 Hibiscus Avenue

Key Largo, Florida 33037

Date of first publication: November 13, 2025

Publish: November 13 & 20, 2025

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IN AND FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO: 2025-000092-CP-02 SECTION: PMH05

IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN D. DANNELLY, JR

Deceased.

__________________/

FORMAL NOTICE

TO: PATRICK MICHAEL DANNELLY 555 OCEAN WAY KEY LARGO, FL 33037

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a PETITION FOR SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION and a PETITION TO DETERMINE HOMESTEAD STATUS OF REAL PROPERTY have been filed IN THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MIAMIDADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION. You are required to serve written defenses on the undersigned within 20 days after service of this notice, exclusive of the day of service, and to file the original of the written defenses with the clerk of the above court either before service or immediately thereafter. Failure to serve and file written defenses as required may result in a judgment or order for the relief demanded in the pleading or motion, without further notice.

Dated: October 28, 2025. Respectfully, Carlos Linares, Esq. Florida Bar No. 1051061 Sylvana Rosende, Esq. Florida Bar No. 1025248

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 24-CP000608-M DIVISION: MARATHON FLORIDA BAR #980810 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY M. BITZER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of DOROTHY M. BITZER, deceased, whose date of death was October 6, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal 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 SECTION 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 first publication of this notice is November 13, 2025.

Persons Giving Notice: Cindy L. Casey 15 Ibis Lane Marathon, FL 33050

Attorney for Persons Giving Notice: Christopher B. Waldera, P.A. Christopher B. Waldera Florida Bar No: 980810

Attorney for Personal Representative 5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 7 Marathon, Florida 33050 Telephone: (305) 289-2223 Facsimile: (305) 289-2249 email: chris@cbwpa.com Publish: November 13 & 20, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 25-CP-000473-P Division: Probate IN RE: ESTATE OF DAVID M. FINDLAY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of David M. Findlay, deceased, File Number 25-CP-000473-P, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070.

The names and addresses of the Personal Representatives are set forth below. The name and address of the Personal Representatives’ attorney are set forth below. Pursuant to Florida Statutes section 733.702(1), if not barred by Florida Statutes section 733.710, no claim or demand against the decedent’s estate that arose before the death of the decedent, including claims of the state and any of its political subdivisions, even if the claims are unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated; no claim for funeral or burial expenses; no claim for personal property in the possession of the personal representative; and no claim for damages, including, but not limited to, an action founded on fraud or another wrongful act or omission of the decedent, is binding on the estate, on the personal representative, or on any beneficiary unless the claim is filed in the probate proceeding on or before the later of the date that is 3 months after the time of the first publication of the notice to creditors or, as to any creditor required to be served with a copy of the notice to creditors, 30 days after the date of service on the creditor, even though the personal representative has recognized the claim or demand by paying a part of it or interest on it or otherwise. ALL CLAIMS NO SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

In addition to the above described limitations period, Florida Statutes section 733.710 provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of the Florida Probate Code, 2 years after the death of a person, neither the decedent’s estate, the personal representative, if any, nor the beneficiaries shall be liable for any claim or cause of action against the decedent, whether or not letters of administration have been issued, except for a creditor who has filed a claim pursuant to Florida Statues section 733.702 within 2 years after the person’s death, or as otherwise provided in Florida Statutes section 733.710.

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 Florida Statutes Sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under Florida Statutes Section 732.2211. The written demand must be filed with the clerk of the court. Date of first publication of the Notice to Creditors was November 13, 2025, and the Decedent’s date of death was August 28, 2025.

Co-Personal Representative: James Findlay 121 Nassau Street, Apt. #25A New York, NY 10038

Co-Personal Representative: Alexandra Young 53 Hunt Terrace Greenwich, CT 06831

Attorneys for Personal Representatives: Benjamin D. Babcock, Esquire

Florida Bar No. 93181

GREENBERG TRAURIG, P.A. 401 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 2000 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Telephone: 954-765-0500

Facsimile: 954-765-1477

Primary Email: babcockb@ gtlaw.com

Secondary Emails: heventhala@gtlaw.com geistc@gtlaw.com

Publish: November 13 & 20, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000488-K IN RE: ESTATE OF GREGORY LOGAN GARDINER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of GREGORY LOGAN GARDINER, deceased, whose date of death was October 3, 2025, File Number 25-CP000488-K, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, the address of which is Mounroe County Courthouse, Probate Division, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. The fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in Section 90.5021 applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative. 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 DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in Florida Statutes 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by

a creditor as specified under Florida Statutes 732.2211. 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: November 13, 2025.

Personal Representative: WILLIAM L. GARDINER, III 936 Intracoastal Drive, #17B Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306

Attorney for Personal Representative: DOUGLAS F. HOFFMAN FL BAR ATTY #964980

RUDOLF & HOFFMAN, P.A. 615 Northeast Third Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Telephone: 954-462-2270

Facsimile: 954-462-2274

dhoffman@estateandtrust.net

Publish:

November 13 & 20, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-000479-K IN RE: ESTATE OF STEPHEN D. PEET, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of Stephen D. Peet, deceased, whose date of death was September 6, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: November 6, 2025.

Personal Representative: Bridget P. Conger 4836 Flower Valley Drive Rockville, MD 20853 Attorney for Personal Representative: Ashton C. Malkin, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 1030776 ELLIS LAW GROUP, P.L. 4755 Technology Way, Suite 205 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Telephone: (561) 910-7500

Fax: (561) 910-7501

E-Mail: Ashton@ellis-law.com

Secondary: Service@ellis-law. com

Publish: November 6 & 13, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2025-CP-465-K IN RE: ESTATE OF PATRICIA ANN HOCKENJOS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Patricia Ann Hockenjos, deceased, whose date of death was August 26th, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 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 first publication of this notice is: November 6, 2025. Signed on 10/27/2025. Personal Representative: Nancy Frielinghaus 2105 Parkside Drive Forked River, NJ 08731

Attorney for Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esquire Florida Bar No. 618403

JAMES J. DORL, P.A. 5701 Overseas Hwy, Suite 12 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6565 Fax: (305) 743-4143

Email: jjdorl@yahoo.com

Publish: November 6 & 13, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000439-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DOYLE GLENDON BAILEY AKA DOYLE G. BAILEY Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Doyle Glendon Bailey aka Doyle G. Bailey, deceased, whose date of death was July 15, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, 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 ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: November 6, 2025.

Personal Representative: Barbara Bailey 99 Barberton Road Lake Worth, FL 33467

Attorney for Personal Representative: Karen Levin Alexander, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 372587 KAREN LEVIN ALEXANDER, P.A. 4400 PGA Boulevard, Suite 402 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 Telephone: (561) 629-9929 Fax: (561) 629-9930 E-mail: Karen@klalawfl.com

Secondary E-Mail: Cathy@ klalawfl.com

Publish:

November 6 & 13, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-000309-M IN RE: ESTATE OF WARREN YOUNG RUSSELL, JR., Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of WARREN YOUNG RUSSELL, JR., deceased, whose date of death was May 4, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA

STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of Decedent's death by Decedent or Decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.

The date of first publication of this notice is: November 6, 2025.

Personal Representative:

JOSEPH NEWELL ADKINS 556 NW Savannah Circ. Lake City, Florida 32055

Attorney for Personal Representative: MORGAN & GETZAN, PLLC

Roberta O. Getzan, Esq.

Florida Bar No. 0577200 234 East Duval Street Lake City, Florida 32055 386/755-1977 (office) 386-755-8781 (facsimile) info@morgangetzan.com

Publish: November 6 & 13, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 25-CP-468-K

DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF ANGELA A. BLANCHARD

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Angela A. Blanchard, deceased, whose date of death was September 28, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL 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: November 6, 2025.

Personal Representative:

The Coral Gables Trust Company

Ivan Shegota, Managing Director of The Coral Gables Trust Company 255 Alhambra Circle, Suite 333 Coral Gables, FL 33134

Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish:

November 6 & 13, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

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

DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 2025-CP-355-M IN RE: ESTATE OF CHARLES C. CURRIER

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of CHARLES C. CURRIER, deceased, whose date of death was February 9, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal 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 SECTION 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 first publication of this notice is November 6, 2025.

Personal Representative: KRISTEN BRENNER

359 E. Seaview Drive Duck Key, FL 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony J. Barrows

Attorney for Personal Representative

Florida Bar Number: 662569 WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC 9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-8118

Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Tony@keysclosings. com Publish: November 6 & 13, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

LEGAL NOTICES

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER: 25-CP-285

DIVISION: KEY WEST IN RE: ESTATE OF JULIE QUARLES

Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of JULIE QUARLES, deceased, whose date of death was April 30, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.

ALL 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: November 6, 2025.

Personal Representative: BLAINE COOK 414 Angela Street Key West, FL 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: PAUNECE SCULL

Attorney Florida Bar No. 729477 SCULL & SCULL PA 302 Southard Street Suite 105 Key West, FL 33040 Telephone: (305) 407-6897

E-Mail: paunece@scullpa.com

Secondary E-Mail: kader@ scullpa.com

Publish: November 6 & 13, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

2013 Cadillac ATS, 125k miles, needs tires & A/C, 2 owners, serviced at dealership. Located in Marathon. $4,000 Contact: yogaforpeacellc@yahoo.com

2019 P&S 425XTO Yams for sale. 1,100 hours. Off the "Let Her Ride". Located in Marathon. $35,000 305-747-4227

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

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

EMPLOYMENT

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

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Full-time Carpenter, Electrician & Housing Assistant. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: wrightk@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 ext. 224. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

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

Coast To Coast Pizza Company is looking for pizza makers. Selfmotivated, experience very helpful, quick learner, and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience. Please call Nicole at 305433-0515 or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.

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.

SUDOKU SOLUTION

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 305-743-0844 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

Key Largo - like new fully furnished private ground floor studio. Includes utilities, cable TV, internet. rental application required. $1,800/mo - 786 258 3127

FOR RENT

Available now, modern 2 bdrm 2 bath in Tavernier. 10' ceilings, porcelain tile thru out. No pets, no smokers. $2800/ month (included elec & water) Ph 715-573-6546

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

2-3BR/2BA Beautiful home for year-round rental on Duck Key. Furnished, full size W/D, stainless steel appliances & granite countertops. Gorgeous pool with built-in bar stools, waterfall & Jacuzzi, 1 car garage, and covered porch for outdoor dining w/ views of the canal. $3,800/ month. Avail. Dec. 1st. Address: 243 W. Seaview Dr, Duck Key, MM 61. Text/ call 774-263-8759 Email: dongamache@comast.net

Studio House with Queen size bed available in Marathon. Bedroom/ living room/kitchen all separate rooms. Furnished & appliances, newly renovated. No pets. 305-610-8002

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

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hr. - $51.94/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

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

OPERATOR/MAINTAINER

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

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

HOUSING FOR RENT

2BR/1BA house for rent in Marathon. Completely remodeled. All appliances. No pets. Dock available for separate fee. 305-610-8002

2BR/2BA 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 305-743-0844 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 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com

SERVICES STAFF (Full-Time, Permanent)

SERVICES STAFF (Part-Time, Weekend)

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.

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

COME JOIN THE FAMILY!

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

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

FAIR INSURANCE RATES FOR MONROE EMPOWERING CONSUMERS THROUGH EDUCATION, PROTECTION, AND REFORM

NOW HIRING: General Manager – Full Time

Key West , Florida with possible occasional travel in the county and outside Salary Range: Commensurate with experience, plus comprehensive benefits including health insurance

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As General Manager, you will serve as the operational backbone of FIRM, reporting directly to the Board of Directors and collaborating closely with our President on strategic vision.

Strategic Leadership & Operations: Oversee day-to-day operations, including program development, delivery, and evaluation, with a focus on insurance policy research, consumer complaint resolution, and advocacy campaigns.

Financial & Resource Management: Lead budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation, including grant procurement and management, fundraising initiatives, and donor stewardship.

Team & Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate relationships with board members, regulators, industry partners, and community stakeholders to amplify advocacy efforts, such as lobbying for consumer-friendly insurance reforms.

Advocacy & Impact Measurement: Spearhead public awareness campaigns on insurance issues (e.g., rate transparency, claim denials), leveraging data-driven insights to influence legislation and corporate practices. Website and Social Media management.

Risk & Compliance Oversight: Ensure organizational adherence to legal, ethical, and regulatory standards, including data privacy in consumer interactions and risk management for advocacy activities. Serve as a key spokesperson, representing FIRM in media, hearings, and coalitions.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Non-Profit Management, or a related field; Master's or MBA preferred. 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in non-profit management, with at least 3 years in advocacy, consumer protection, or insurance-related roles.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews starting in late November. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your vision for leading FIRM’s next phase, and three professional references as a single PDF. Use the subject line: "General Manager Application - [Your Last Name]." E-Mail address: Mel.Montagne@ioausa.com

FIRM is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates with lived experience in underserved communities, as well as those from varied backgrounds in insurance, policy, or non-profit sectors. www.FirmKeys.org

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CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

Old Wooden Bridge Resort & Marina

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Person Apply in person at: Treasure Harbor Marina 200 Treasure Harbor Drive Islamorada Email: info@keysboatrental.com Call for more information: 305-664-9943

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1 yr or more experience required. EXPERIENCED CONSTRUCTION LABORERS

2 yrs or more experience required.

All positions Monday-Friday with overtime possible.

Please apply in person at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc. 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Key West. Or contact Cheryl at 305-296-5606 ext. 126 or cheryl@charleytoppino.com

at:

ELECTRIC SIGN & LIGHT 10690

We are hiring a Heavy Diesel Mechanic with experience working on John Deere, Caterpillar, Kubota, Detroit Diesel, etc. MondayFriday with some overtime available.

Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Key West, ask for Cheryl. 305-296-5606 ext 126

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

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*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.

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.

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All

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