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The largest point deficit ever overcome in a Super Bowl game, achieved on Feb. 5, 2017 by the New England Patriots. The team went on to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in the first overtime game in Super Bowl history. This year’s Super Bowl sees the Patriots returning to face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 8.
Key West Gallery, 601 Duval St., welcomes painter Steven Quartly for a special showing of new works and meet-the-artist receptions scheduled for Feb. 6-9. See page 26. CONTRIBUTED
JUDGE LETS HAITIANS STAY FOR NOW
Federal immigration officials vow to appeal ruling, then deport Haitians
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
Key West’s Haitian community breathed a tentative sigh of relief on Feb. 2, when a federal judge in Washington, D.C. temporarily blocked the Trump administration and federal officials from canceling protection for Haitian immigrants and deporting them back to a country that the U.S. Department of State deems too dangerous to visit.
The reprieve leaves the estimated 330,000 Haitians in the United States under temporary protection status (TPS) living fear and legal limbo, as officials from the Department of Homeland Security have pledged to appeal the judge’s ruling and seek Supreme Court permission to deport them.
“Supreme Court, here we come. This is lawless activism that we will be vindicated on,” Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said. “Haiti’s TPS was granted following an earthquake that took place over 15 years ago, it was never intended to be a de facto amnesty program, yet that’s how previous administrations have used it for decades.”
Local Haitians affected
In Key West, anecdotal reports have indicated a high absentee rate among Haitian students in Key West schools for the past 10 days, as families feared immigration agents would follow their children or the school bus to their homes. Other parents worry they could be detained while their children are in school, and they wouldn’t have a way to reach them.
The Keys Weekly has requested absentee figures for January and February for the past three years to compare those numbers to the current immigration-related absenteeism.
Monroe County school officials said they are working on compiling those figures, and will issue an official statement in response to Haitians’ status in the coming day or so. Stay tuned to keysweeky.com for updates.
Local business owners also worry about their Haitian staff members, who are a crucial part of the Keys workforce, particularly in hotels, restaurants and health care. Some business owners have been contacting state and federal legislators to express support for an extension of TPS for Haitian immigrants.
Temporary protected status, or TPS, allows immigrants from designated countries to live and work lawfully, but temporarily, in the United States. It does not include a path to citizenship or a green card, and when TPS ends, immigrants from those countries are subject to deportation. The designation is granted to immigrants from countries facing civil war, natural disasters, political violence or other circumstances that would make it dangerous to return to the country.
In July 2025, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem “determined that there are no extraordinary and temporary conditions in Haiti that prevent Haitian nationals from returning in safety,” states an official notice filed in the Federal Register. “Moreover, even if the department found that there existed conditions that were extraordinary and temporary that prevented Haitian nationals from returning in safety, termination of Temporary Protected Status of Haiti is still required because it is contrary to the national interest of the United States to permit Haitian nationals to remain temporarily in the United States.”
Noem’s decision to end Haitian TPS occurred the same month that another federal agency issued a travel advisory for Haiti and warned Americans not to travel there.
“Do not travel to Haiti for any reason … due to kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest and limited health care. … Mob killings and public assaults are on the rise. … Violent crime is rampant in Haiti. … The expansion of gang, organized crime and terrorist activity has led to widespread violence, kidnappings and sexual assault. … There is a substantial risk of being struck by stray bullets. …
There is a risk of terrorist violence. … There are gangs that are designated as terrorist organizations present in Haiti,” said the U.S. Department of State in July 2025.
The same advisory urged Americans who must travel to Haiti: “Draft a will and put your financial affairs in order. Discuss a plan for care and custody of children and pets. Leave DNA samples with your doctor so your family can identify your remains. Establish a proof-of-life protocol with questions (and answers) to ask hostage takers.”
Judge grants reprieve
On Feb. 2, one day before TPS was set to end for Haitian immigrants, U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes indefinitely paused the planned termination. Her order bars the federal government from arresting and deporting Haitians with TPS designation. The judge also ruled that the federal government cannot revoke work permits of Haitian immigrants.
Reyes’ order calls Noem’s decision to end Haitian TPS “arbitrary and capricious,” and in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), as Noem and her department failed to consider “overwhelming evidence of present danger” in Haiti, which has been devastated by earthquakes, hurricanes, gang violence, political instability and widespread poverty.
Reyes also wrote that Noem’s decision was “in part” based on “racial animus.” Her order cites disparaging and discriminatory remarks that Noem and President Donald Trump have made about Haiti and immigrants.
“Kristi Noem has a First Amendment right to call immigrants killers, leeches, entitlement junkies, and any other inapt name she wants,” Reyes wrote. “Secretary Noem, however, is constrained by both our Constitution and the APA to apply faithfully the facts to the law in implementing the TPS program. The record to date shows she has yet to do that,” adding that it “seems substantially likely” that the decision to end TPS stemmed from “hostility to nonwhite immigrants.”
KEY WEST TEEN LEADS MARCH AGAINST ICE
Protesters faced harassment from some bar patrons
AKey West High School student, Connor Freeman, organized and led a peaceful march of about 100 people down Duval Street on Jan. 30 in response to the recent detention of his girlfriend and her father by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Keys Weekly photographer Larry Blackburn, who photographed the event, said some adult patrons at outdoor bars jeered in opposition at the 100 or so mostly young protesters, while others spit drinks through straws as they passed. Key West Police, who were closely monitoring the situation, did not report any arrests, injuries or significant incidents.
Freeman’s decision to organize and act, as a high school student personally affected by ongoing immigration enforcement tactics, prompted an outpouring of community support. Local adults made plans to be present on the periphery of the march in solidarity, support and — if necessary — to act as buffers to help ensure the safety and dignity of the young people leading the action, said resident Sarah Compton in a press release about the march.
“This is Connor’s moment, and he deserves full credit for the courage it took to speak up,” Compton said. “Our role as adults is not to lead or overshadow, but to stand with him, protect space for peaceful expression and show our kids they are not alone.”
Organizers emphasized ahead of time that the gathering was to remain peaceful and rooted in compassion, community care and the belief that families deserve dignity.
“This is what civic courage looks like,” Compton added, describing Freeman’s leadership as emblematic of a generation unwilling to remain silent in the face of fear or injustice.
— Contributed
Key West High School student Connor Freeman organizes a peaceful march down Duval Street on Jan. 30 to protest immigration enforcement operations that recently led to his girlfriend and her father being detained by federal immigration officials. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
More than a dozen protesters picket Feb. 3 in front of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building, 2000 N. Roosevelt Blvd. The sunrise-to-sunset protest was held to oppose that day’s scheduled ending of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants. A federal judge temporarily halted the cancellation of TPS, but the Haitian community remains in fear and legal limbo. MARILYN KELLNER/Contributed
Key West & Cuba’s Museum Quality Regional Art
Celebrating Cultural Resilience
CUBAN ART TOUR April 20-24, 2026
Artist’s Reception
Saturday, February 14th, 2026, 5-8 pm Works
A Bold New Voice in American Regionalism
With the muscular rhythm of Abstract Expressionism and the textured lyricism of thick palette strokes, Peter Vey carves his place among the greats of the American Scene. Echoing the legacy of Winslow Homer, Grant Wood, John Steuart Curry, Reginald Marsh, and Thomas Hart Benton, Vey reimagines Regionalism with a contemporary pulse—fresh, fearless, and unmistakably his own.
An island inspired treasure trove where fashion meets paradise. Nestled into the heart of Key West, we’re your go-to destination for splurge worthy finds and fashion forward essentials. Featuring the latest styles from Farm Rio, Alemais, Oliphant & many more.
Poinciana Porch, 40” x 50”, Oil on Linen
CAROL SHAUGHNESSY www.keysweekly.com
MISHA M c RAE: SUSTAINING A WILD WONDERLAND
SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW
He was a professional ballet dancer for more than 30 years, worked for a wellknown trucking company and launched a Key West lighting store with partners. It’s not the typical career path for a man destined to oversee a renowned botanical garden, but it proved perfect for Misha McRAE.
Since 2013, McRAE has been executive director of the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, a wilderness wonderland at the entrance to the island. He got involved with the garden after moving from Texas to Key West in 1996, joining its board of directors in 1997.
This year he’s spearheading 90th anniversary celebrations for the 15.2-acre site that’s acclaimed as the only frost-free tropical forest/botanical garden in the continental United States — the place that, through rare serendipity, has become the focus of McRAE’s considerable energy, passion and Key West life.
Not long ago, McRAE shared insights into his journey and his dedication to the garden with the Keys Weekly. (Learn more about the garden and its anniversary events at keywest.garden.)
When you left Texas, why did you choose Key West as your home? I fell in love with Bahia Honda, our blue waters, our blue skies, palm trees and sand. I loved the reef. I loved everything about the ocean. Plus I realized that the community was so strong and supportive and vibrant, and I really wanted to be part of it. We take care of our own, and I really admired that from the very beginning.
What drew you to the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden? I grew up as an Army brat and we lived on base. Wherever we lived — Kentucky, Georgia and even Germany — behind the living quarters would be hundreds of acres of forest that I used to run around in with my two brothers. With my ingrained love of the outdoors and the forest, the transition to a tropical forest was preordained. Moving over here and helping this little garden sustain itself was really an easy transition.
How did you get from being a top-level ballet dancer to overseeing a botanical garden? Well, let me set it straight: I was a mediocre ballet dancer, but I was a great ballet partner. I had injured
my Achilles tendon back in ’94, and the options were surgery or let it heal on its own. I went with “let it heal on its own,” but I turned out to be like a ship without a rudder — I didn’t have any balance on that side anymore. So I needed to make a transition, and my heart was here. It was as if this island was calling to me.
What does your work with the garden entail? I’ve done pretty much everything that’s ever needed to be done there. My major function now, as executive director, is to hold the ship together and raise money to keep the garden growing and going forward. I worked really hard over the last years to get the garden recognized both internationally and globally — for not only being a botanical garden, but for our conservation efforts.
What are the most notable things you want people know about the garden? We’re the only frost-free tropical forest in the continental United States and we have one of the last remaining hardwood hammocks. As a native garden, we’re fighting to protect and propagate the future of our native plant species and be stewards of the land and the plants, birds, butterflies, lizards, turtles and everything else that belongs here.
How do you envision the 90th anniversary celebration? It’s going to be big, organic, outdoors and show off the asset that is our historic tropical forest and botanical garden. It’s going to be a collaboration of all the people who’ve gotten us up to this milestone — a chance to get together, share stories and celebrate the efforts that have been put in by so many people over these 90 years.
1. Misha McRAE, executive director of the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden since 2013, dedicates his talents and energy to sustaining the extraordinary site.
2. Misha McRAE, center, shares smiles with PBS Art Loft crew members Kristin Paterakis and Marina Ziehe following a 2017 film shoot at the garden.
3. Misha McRAE and his ‘feathered daughter,’ Soli, entertain young visitors at the garden.
4. The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is a 15.2-acre wilderness wonderland at the entrance to Key West. KEY WEST TROPICAL FOREST & BOTANICAL GARDEN/Contributed 3
When you’re not working, what’s your life all about? I have a beautiful 30-year-old Moluccan cockatoo named Soli who rules the roost. I’ve had her since she was 10 days old and she’s a little bundle of sunshine, so I call her my feathered daughter. I love fish tanks and I’ve got aquariums. And I have a wonderful Key West family of friends — Kate Miano, Diane May — they’ve been with me since the very beginning, through all the ups and downs of my life in Key West, and I call them my tribe.
How do you want people to react when they explore the garden? I want them to feel wonder. As we get older, we lose that sense of exploration and wonder. I want people to come in and reinvigorate that childhood inspiration that nature gives you — that sense of exploration and discovery. Even though I’ve been with this organization for a long time now, every day when I go out in the garden, there’s something new.
located at MM15 open 7 days a week 6am - 5pm
BABY’S COFFEE
DETECTIVES RECOVER STOLEN JEWELRY IN FELONY ARREST
Christopher Eugene Valdez labeled ‘career felon’
KTHE SNAIL SETTLES IT
ey West Police detectives recently arrested 61-year-old resident Christopher Eugene Valdez after serving a search warrant at his home. The initial search warrant was specific for the recovery of a custom knife that was stolen from a transient rental unit just days before the arrest. While searching for the knife, detectives found a large amount of jewelry, including high-end watches and gemstones that had been stolen in recent burglaries. A second search warrant was obtained for the items identified from previous crime sprees, which linked
Valdez to a series of additional cases, with more charges likely to follow. The custom knife was subsequently recovered, along with evidence pertaining to potential additional crimes.
Valdez, a self-proclaimed jeweler, and career convicted felon for crimes stretching back to the ’80s and ’90s, has a long history of victimizing locals and visitors in Key West and the Florida Keys. According to the Florida Department of Corrections database, Valdez has been collectively sentenced to over 40 years of incarceration.
— Contributed Christopher Eugene Valdez.
He is currently being held at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Detention Center with a total bond of over $300,000. He is not to be confused with the former Key West High School principal Chris Valdez.
GroundConch Day at Aquarium Encounters predicts six more weeks of winter
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
With temperatures in the Florida Keys hitting their lowest points in nearly two decades, declaring the end of winter on Groundhog Day might have been irresponsible.
Thankfully, the “mollusk meteorologist” at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters concurred with his coworker up north, Punxsutawney Phil. The massive queen conch delighted early-morning guests at the aquarium as he emerged from his sideways shell, saw his shadow and flipped right back over – ordering another six weeks of winter in the island chain.
"When the conch sees his shadow, it means that we have six more weeks of winter," said Ben Daughtry, Aquarium Encounters president. "But here in the Florida Keys, we can live with that, because it's typically in the 70s."
Up in western Pennsylvania at the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, top-hat-wearing revelers helped Phil announce the same prediction – but in single-digit temps instead of the 40s. And down in Marathon, Aquarium Encounters staff – and even a few of the sea urchins in the GroundConch’s tank – wore the traditional festive top hats for the occasion.
An original song by John Bartus honoring the aquatic meteorologist opened the morning’s proceedings, followed by a breakfast buffet and warm beverages for more than 50 attendees at the free event. Local dignitaries in the audience included Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo and Vice Mayor Debbie Struyf, council members Lynn Landry and Robyn Still, Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln and Marathon City Manager George Garrett.
A queen conch extends its foot and begins to flip over during GroundConch Day at Aquarium Encounters in Marathon. The ‘mollusk meteorologist’ flipped after seeing its shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter as the Florida Keys’ substitute for Punxsutawney Phil. JOSE DAVILA/Florida Keys News Bureau
Wearing a miniature top hat, Claire Minahan spots a sea urchin during GroundConch Day. NATALIE DANKO/Florida Keys News Bureau
MAX MUNGALL NOW LEADS LODGING ASSOCIATION
Hospitality group honors longtime president Jodi Weinhofer
The Lodging Association of the Florida Keys & Key West recently welcomed Max Mungall as its new president. He succeeds Jodi Weinhofer, who had been the association’s president and CEO since 2005.
Mungall has called Key West home since 2009. As the son of a hotelier, he has both a personal connection to the industry and an appreciation for destination-driven hospitality. He brings a professional background rooted in local experiences both on the water and throughout the community. His career has focused on experiential tourism, strategic partnerships and community outreach. He has worked closely with lodging partners, attractions and local businesses to create experiences that reflect the character, culture and economic vitality of the Florida Keys.
As president, Mungall will focus on advocacy, member engagement and collaborative leadership by strengthening relationships with tourism, business and government partners while supporting policies and initiatives that promote a sustainable, resilient lodging industry throughout the Florida Keys.
“It is an honor to step into this role and to follow Jodi’s remarkable legacy,” said Mungall. “The Lodging Association plays a critical role in supporting not only our lodging partners, but the entire tourism ecosystem that makes the Florida Keys such a special place to live, work and visit. I am committed to building on the strong foundation that has been established, strengthening relationships across our community, and ensuring our industry remains collaborative, resilient, and forward-looking.”
Weinhofer will continue to support the association for a time, assisting with onboarding, key introductions and continuity of operations, states a press release from the association.
The association’s increased focus on education, workforce development and long-term investment in the future of hospitality in the Keys have been meaningful components of Weinhofer’s legacy. Under her leadership, the association strengthened its commitment to supporting hospitality professionals through scholarships and locally rooted endowments.
KEY WEST MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF SERVICE, UNITY & COMMUNITY
Feb. 3, 1966 - Feb. 3, 2026
Dear Editor:
The association established an endowment at the College of the Florida Keys, which has grown to more than $84,000, and an endowment at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, now valued at more than $52,000. Together, these endowments represent an investment in the people who will shape the future of hospitality in the Keys.
“As I step away from this role, one of the things I am most proud to leave in place is the association’s commitment to education and workforce development,” Weinhofer said. “Supporting hospitality professionals, both those just entering the industry and those continuing to grow within it, has been an important focus for our board and our association. The scholarships and endowments we have established locally are a tangible investment in the future of hospitality in the Keys, and I believe they reflect a shared belief in strengthening our industry from within.”
Weinhofer’s leadership strengthened relationships across tourism, government and community organizations and guided the association through periods of growth, challenge and change, the press release states.
The lodging association formally introduced its new leaders at its Jan. 30 installation lunch, where Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez swore in the new board members and then presented her annual State of the City address. — Contributed
Today we celebrate a truly extraordinary milestone: 60 years since the Key West Military Affairs Committee (MAC) first came together on Feb. 3, 1966. What began as a bold idea from 25 dedicated community leaders has grown into a remarkable legacy of service and support for the men and women who protect our nation. Their collective vision sparked a movement that has endured for six decades and shaped one of the strongest civilian/military partnerships in Florida.
For 60 years, MAC members have opened their arms and their island to new commands arriving in the Keys. They’ve supported military families through deployments, and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our armed forces through hurricanes, recoveries and times of uncertainty. We have upheld longstanding traditions — from monthly award recognitions and on-base visits, to support for entire families through Sigsbee Charter School, MWR initiatives and inspiring events, like the Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride.
Large and small, every act of service and kindness has strengthened the bond that defines our southernmost community.
As MAC enters its seventh decade, we honor not only our history, but the extraordinary people who built it. Business
owners, volunteers, commanders, community partners and countless champions of our mission have upheld the belief that those who serve deserve to feel supported, welcomed and valued. Their dedication has left a lasting imprint on Key West and on generations of service members who have called this community home.
Looking ahead, the road before us is filled with great opportunity. As the world continues to change, so too does the military landscape, but MAC’s purpose remains clear: Through awareness, engagement and connection, we will continue to be that trusted bridge for the Key West community — strengthening partnerships; connecting the civilian and military communities and ensuring every service member and their family feels the warmth, gratitude and support of our community.
To every member, partner and volunteer who has been part of this journey, thank you. Your dedication has shaped 60 years of impact and laid the foundation for an even brighter future.
Happy 60th anniversary, MAC. Here’s to honoring our past, celebrating our present and stepping boldly into a future built on shared purpose, teamwork and unshakable community spirit.
Sincerely,
John Picco
2026 MAC president
From left, Jodi Weinhofer, outgoing president of the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys & Key West; association chair Joy Michelle Boyd; incoming president Max Mungall; and Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez. CONTRIBUTED
RICE IS FIRST TO ENTER COUNTY DISTRICT 4 RACE
Commissioner cites ‘unfinished business’ with affordable housing builds, looming tax reform
alex@keysweekly.com
Monroe County’s longest-tenured county commissioner will look to continue his service to the Florida Keys.
District 4 commissioner and current Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem David Rice became the first to file for the 2026 race, vying to represent the majority of Marathon all the way up through Plantation Key and the west end of Tavernier.
First elected in 2002, Rice was re-elected in 2010, 2014 and 2018, most recently going unopposed in the 2022 election. He’s a 53-year resident of Monroe County and the founder of the Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys, serving as the organization’s executive director for more than 30 years until his retirement in 2006.
“It will be 20 years (on the commission) at the end of this term,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed it, and if the citizens of this county would like to have me one more time, I’m ready to do that.”
Rice currently serves on the board of the Historic Florida Keys Foundation and was a founding member of the Pigeon Key Foundation. He has previously served on the boards of the Monroe County Housing Authority, Rural Health Network, Marathon Economic Development Council, South Florida Resource, Conservation Development Council, and Florida Keys Hurricane Recovery Foundation.
He told the Weekly one of his proudest achievements in office was helping develop the Trauma Star air ambulance program as it exists today.
“We’d been operating an old Vietnam Huey, and it had finally died on us,” Rice said. “We were at a crossroads, and we’d demonstrated how important it could be. So I developed a business plan, and we discovered that it could essentially pay for itself.”
The program went on to purchase three Sikorsky S-76 helicop-
ters before a full fleet refresh at the close of 2025, replacing the aging birds with brand-new Leonardo AW-139 helicopters. Today, Trauma Star transports more than 1,300 patients per year.
Rice listed traffic and transportation issues as unsolved.
“For several years, that was the number one priority of folks who live here, and we really have not done a great deal with that,” he told the Weekly. “I’m not sure how much we can do, because it appeared the voters didn’t really have an appetite for another penny sales tax. … That’s about the only way I know to create a transportation system that would give us some relief on the highway.”
While noting an ever-present issue of affordable housing, Rice said the county has seen some vacancies in Upper Keys and Lower Keys projects, potentially correlated with heightened immigration enforcement activity throughout the county.
“We need to keep an eye on it until we can figure out what’s happening,” he said. “Maybe we’ve had a certain percentage of our workforce decide to live elsewhere for reasons that may have to do with ICE, but we just don’t know yet.”
Rice’s tenure has spanned some of the more tumultuous years in recent memory for Monroe County as it navigated widespread staff layoffs, changes to its fire department and protocols following a drug theft and coverup scandal and critical financial audits of county departments and the Tourist Development Council. He said that while the layoffs were difficult, they were a necessary step in complying with directives from the state Department of Government Efficiency and preparing for deep cuts to property tax revenues.
“We’re running a pretty lean operation, and it may not be over,” he said. “Depending on how they (cut taxes), we could be unable to deliver services to the county at the rates that people want things to happen. The time it takes to get permits, things like that – these matter to people, so hopefully we won’t be dealing with that, but with or without (the cuts), we had to make some big reductions.”
ALEX RICKERT
Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem
David Rice. CONTRIBUTED
CRACKDOWN ON E-BIKES?
New bill could add regulations, create task force
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Florida lawmakers could soon vote to put the brakes on an exploding –and controversial – mode of transportation. But even if approved, the crackdown may not be as severe as initially proposed.
Recent years have seen a boom in the popularity of electric bikes and scooters as a cost-efficient, eco-friendly mode of transportation. But in some cases, the concept of a high-powered bike hurtling down a sidewalk at speeds of nearly 30 mph is more of a hazard than help.
If passed during the 2026 Florida legislative session, House Bill 243 and its companion Senate Bill 382 would look to slow the bikes around pedestrians and create a task force responsible for recommending more regulations in the future.
As currently defined, e-bikes fall into one of three classes: Class 1 bikes, which provide assistance only while pedaling and stop helping when the bike reaches 20 miles per hour; Class 2, reaching speeds of up to 20 mph by using the throttle and electric motor alone; and Class 3, providing assistance while pedaling up to speeds of 28 mph. Vehicles exceeding these capabilities are classified as motorcycles – but modifying a lower-powered stock bike to boost its top speed is a simple matter for the mechanically inclined.
In its originally-filed form, the new bill would have created a statutory definition for an “electric motorcycle” (“e-moto”): an electric vehicle powered by a motor of 750 watts or more, with max speeds above 28 miles per hour. It would require all operators of the high-powered bikes to be 16 years old with a driver’s license, and the special designation would limit the faster models to ordinary vehicle lanes, not sidewalks or mixed-use pathways where other e-bikes are still permitted.
But a revised version of the bill from late January nixed the restrictions on higherpowered bikes, instead adding general safety precautions while proposing an electric bicycle safety task force to recommend further improvements to state e-bike laws. In its current form, the bill would re-
quire e-bikes on shared paths not adjacent to roads to yield to pedestrians, slowing to a top speed of 10 mph when within 50 feet of someone on foot. Breaking the rule would be punishable as a noncriminal nonmoving traffic violation.
Along with creating the task force, composed of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles employees and representatives from law enforcement, the electric bicycle industry, elected officials and medical professionals, the bill would require local law enforcement to maintain logs of all traffic crashes involving e-bikes. The results would form the basis of reports delivered to FLHSMV and in turn to Gov. Ron DeSantis, the House and Senate by October 2026.
Though spiking numbers of crashes are discussed anecdotally as municipalities across the U.S. look to adopt their own e-bike laws, crashes in Florida directly attributed to electric bicycles are difficult to track – a problem potentially addressed by the task force and new reporting requirements. State crash reports count e-bike fatalities like bicyclists, while others classify e-bike crashes as motorcycle accidents – an apt description in many cases for the high-speed wreckage. Even the definition of an e-bike varies according to separate laws and state agencies.
Nevertheless, the spike is clear nationwide. According to a July 2024 Forbes article, researchers in the medical journal JAMA Network Open found that the number of injuries from e-bikes doubled every year
from 2017 (751 injuries) to 2022 (23,493). Over the same span, electric scooter injuries rose by 45%, and a recent Tampa Bay Times report quoted emergency room physicians who called the bikes “the biggest emerging risk for traumatic injury.”
The bikes are cause for resident concern in local government meetings from Key Largo to Key West – and the court of social media. Several Keys municipalities have passed their own basic framework for e-bike laws, but questions of enforcement and education still exist.
Last month, a dashcam video of a driver slamming on the brakes as an e-bike-riding child swerved directly across her path on Sombrero Beach Road without so much as a warning glance made the rounds in local Facebook groups – and a few weeks later, the Marathon City Council’s workshop session found a local business owner and resident begging for clear signs and education to direct e-bike riders.
At press time, HB 243 was reported favorably by the House State Affairs Committee, Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee and Government Operations Subcommittee. It is waiting to go before legislators on the Senate and House floor.
The Keys Weekly submitted a request for recent records of e-bike crashes in the Keys from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, but was not able to obtain the data before press time.
While they may all look almost identical from the outside, e-bikes from manufacturers around the globe with high-wattage motors are capable of speeds in excess of 30 mph.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6
5PM Artist Talk with ransome
6PM Kick-Off Reception
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
OPENING AT 5PM
7PM Film Screening: Paradise Reflected
A locally rooted evening exploring identity, history, and community through visual art and a film set right here in Key West.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
3PM Curated Shorts by Roxbury Film Fest
An international selection of short films exploring migration, family, coming-of-age, belief, and resilience.
7PM Film Screening: Waiting for Superman
A closing night dedicated to education, equity, and the power of film to inspire change. A Weekend of Stories That
Screenings: $15 each Helmerich Theater, 533 Eaton St.
Presented in partnership with the Roxbury International Film Festival, the largest New England festival dedicated to films by, for, and about people of color around the world.
Contemporary art center, steps off Duval Street. Always free to visit! Open Tue-Sun, 10am-4pm
DinnertainmentTM - Menu Changes Daily
Tuesday - Saturday: 11 am • 1 pm • 4pm • 7pm
Sunday - Monday: 11 am Cocktail Classes A Rum Cocktail Adventure: 12 PM – 1 PM & 2 PM – 3 PM Key West History Through Craft Cocktails: 5 PM – 7 PM
Bar 1
Sunday 10AM-3PM • Monday: 10AM-9PM
Tuesday-Saturday: 10AM-10PM
Monday Night Trivia: 6:30PM-8:30PM
GOVERNOR APPOINTS 4 MEN TO COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS BOARD
Bob Broton, Peter E. Batty, Michael Downer and Edward Kertis join trustees
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Jan. 30 announced the appointment of Bob Broton, Peter E. Batty, Michael Downer and Edward “Eddie” Kertis to the College of the Florida Keys district board of trustees. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Bob Broton
Broton is retired and previously was the director of engineering at Northrop Grumman. He is a member of the Electric Warfare and Information Systems Association and the board of directors for the Moorings Condominium Association in the Upper Keys. Broton earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Peter E. Batty
Batty is the president and owner of United Atlantic Insurance Group and co-founder and chairman of the board of Gulf Atlantic Bank. He also is the president and owner of Southernmost Processing Services Inc. and ICAMCO Inc. Batty chairs the Key West Planning Board and is a member of the Florida Keys Community Foundation’s board of directors. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Florida
International University and a master’s degree in political science and government from Florida State University.
Michael Downer
Downer is the proprietor at Key West Fine Wines and previously was a senior lawyer and executive at Capital Group. He was the chairman of the Southwestern Law School board of directors and was a board member of the Alliance for Children’s Rights. Downer earned a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy from the University of California, Los Angeles and a juris doctor from Southwestern Law School.
Edward “Eddie” Kertis
Kertis is a consultant for the Hawaiian Native Corporation and a captain and divemaster for the College of the Florida Keys. He is a member of the Key West Military Affairs Committee and the Key West Art and Historical Society. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Kertis earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Stetson University, a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Florida, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Air Force War College.
— Contributed
FORGET FOOD FADS & MYTHS
College of the Florida Keys hosts nutritionist Leigh Pujado on Feb. 19
With endless conflicting diet and nutrition advice flooding social media, the College of the Florida Keys invites the community to its next VIP Series presentation – “The Best Diet and Other Myths About Nutrition” – on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. at CFK’s Key West campus.
Licensed dietitian and nutritionist Leigh Pujado’s presentation will trace the evolution of nutrition science, revealing where dietary guidance went off track and launched decades of fad diets that often did more harm than good. Pujado will include a bit of biochemistry to show how the body actually responds to different foods to help inform choices that support lasting health rather than chasing the latest trend.
“There’s so much noise online about what we should and shouldn’t eat,” said Pujado, who operates the clinical practice Hibiscus Nutrition in Key West. “My goal is to help people understand the science so they can filter out the myths and focus on what truly nourishes their bodies.”
Pujado’s approach is rooted in functional medicine and evidence-based medical nutrition therapy. Her practice focuses on personalized dietary planning, laboratory analysis,
The College of the Florida Keys’ February speaker series focuses on self-care and better health. On Feb. 19, Leigh Pujado, a licensed dietician, nutritionist and health educator, will debunk many nutrition myths. CONTRIBUTED lifestyle modification and how to cook foods that will help people thrive.
Now in its 12th season, the lecture series showcases the views, ideas and perspectives (VIP) of speakers with local, regional and national prominence.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the 50-minute lecture begins at 7 p.m. in CFK’s Tennessee Williams Theatre, followed by a 10-minute Q&A. Tickets are $5 at the door; admission is free for CFK and Monroe County students. The event will be streamed live on CFK’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys. More information is at 305-2969081 or cfk.edu/vip.
— Contributed
Valentine’s Dinner
SAT, FEB 14 | 5–9 PM
Love is in the air and on the water at Yellowfin. Specials for the evening include fresh-shucked Oysters, tender Beef Wellington, and a slew of decadent desserts.
SCAN TO BOOK YOUR TABLE
City officials congratulate first-time buyer at Lofts at Bahama Village
GRANT MAKES HOMEOWNERSHIP POSSIBLE THE STUDIOS HOSTS 2-DAY MOVIE EVENT
The City of Key West recently congratulated Rafi Islam and his family on becoming first-time homebuyers at the Lofts of Bahama Village.
“I never thought I’d own a home here in Key West,” said Islam.
“Although Rafi and his family were not the first to close on their unit at the Lofts,” said community development program manager Tina Burns, “they were the first family to close with the use of the City’s At Home Grant Program funds. Without the At Home this would not have been a reality for a lot of people.”
The grant program is paid for with tax funding drawn specifically from the neighborhood for community redevelopment.
“I thought it would be impossible to buy here,” said Islam. “Housing is crazy; rent is crazy.”
Originally from Bangladesh, Islam came to the United States in 2012. In 2022 he moved to Key West and rented through the Key West Housing Authority.
“I moved into Bahama Village and liked the neighborhood,” he said.
He notes that, when the lease for what was then referred to as the 3.2 acres came up for referendum, he voted yes.
The Lofts of Bahama Village is a joint effort of the city, AH Monroe and VestCor. The city gave 3.2 acres of land at Truman Waterfront to VestCor, which partnered with AH Monroe as a sponsor. The former Navy-owned land was originally transferred to city ownership from the federal government in the late ’90s. The Lofts at Bahama Village includes 98 rental and 28 homeownership affordable units.
Islam began working for the city of Key West in 2024, first as a parking enforcement officer and now as administrative assistant for the parking department.
Islam, his wife, and their 13-month-old child received the keys to their new home in midDecember.
“I am grateful to the city and the city commission for making the dream of ownership a reality,” he said.
Islam noted that his new family is happy to have a two-bedroom home instead of the single bedroom they were renting previously.
And they love the location.
“My little one goes to the park three or four times a day,” he said. “We’re looking to be settled for a long time.”
Black History Month brings Roxbury International Film Fest Feb. 6 & 7
The Roxbury International Film Festival comes to Key West for a two-day mini-festival at The Studios of Key West. As New England’s largest festival dedicated to films by, for and about people of color, Roxbury brings a powerful lineup of storytelling to the island community.
Introduced to The Studios by its friend and supporter Ed DeMore, this Key West edition features two feature-length films alongside a selection of shorts, plus a welcome reception, filmmaker talkbacks, meet-and-greets with directors and a closing reception honoring DeMore’s life, legacy and passion for film.
The weekend festival opens Friday, Feb. 6 by grounding RoxFilm’s global storytelling in the lived experience of Key West. The film “Paradise Reflected” examines Key West’s identity through many voices — asking what “One Human Family” truly means and how place, memory and belonging shape who we are.
Prior to the reception and film, visual artist ransome will offer a discussion exploring “Ghost in Bahama Village,” his artistic exhibit inspired by the cultural history, resilience and creativity of one of the island’s most significant neighborhoods. More information is at tskw.org.
— Contributed
Tina Burns, Key West’s community development program manager, left, congratulates Rafi Islam and his family as first-time homebuyers at the Lofts at Bahama Village. CONTRIBUTED
A screening of the film ‘Paradise Reflected,’ about the cultural history and resilience of Key West’s Bahama Village, kicks off the Key West version of the Roxbury International Film Festival at The Studios of Key West, Feb. 6 and 7. CONTRIBUTED
It is important, I believe, to allow yourself to be dumb about certain things, to permit yourself to wallow in the hazy comfort of not always knowing, and possibly not ever knowing, what is what.
... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.
I feel this way about complimentary color schemes, most professional sports, music notation, anything to do with the Real Housewives of anywhere, the albums of Steely Dan and, as I was reminded recently, sparrows.
I believe the dumbness is usually the result of a lack of interest, but not always.
I have actually made efforts to do things like understand color schemes and sheet music, to no significant result.
I’ve also tried really hard to be able to identify sparrows in the field. I think I have sparrow aphasia.
I was reminded of this a week or so ago when I was walking on Boca Chica Beach and a bird hopped up from the beach and landed on the barbed wire over the chain link fence. It did me the favor of not moving, of just sitting there, toes gripping the wire, looking around at the world. I was expecting a palm warbler, but it was bulkier, and wasn’t bopping its tail. It also had a broader, more wedge-shaped bill, built to crack seeds, and yeah, was a sparrow. The question then was, what kind of sparrow?
I would like to say my earliest concept of what a sparrow was came from one of the multiple times it is mentioned in the Bible, generally as an example of how God loves even the most insignificant of creatures. “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God,” Jesus is quoted as saying in Luke 12:6-7. Matthew reports him saying something similar, though the rate he quotes is two for a penny. (Maybe Luke knew to ask for the bulk discount.)
My earliest conception of the sparrow, though, came from the theme song for the TV detective show “Baretta,” which gives out such directives as “Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time,” and “Don’t do me dirt or you’re gonna get hurt,” all leading to the repeated chorus of “Keep your eye on the sparrow / When the going gets narrow.” It never elucidated what it means to keep your eye on the sparrow, but it is no doubt derived from one of those biblical references.
I remember the song being something of a banger, more interesting at the time than the show, which starred Robert Blake, who started his career as one of the characters on “The Little Rascals/Our Gang,” and who may or may not have murdered his wife. The song had killer rhythm and horns, and some severely up-
AN EYE ON THE SPARROW, WHEN THE GOING GETS NARROW
tempo, disco-era violins. But also, it turns out it was sung by Sammy Davis Jr. (It’s the third most popular song on his greatest hits album, after “Mr. Bojangles” and “The Candy Man.”)
The first sparrow I saw out in the world was most likely a house sparrow, a European species introduced to North America in the 1850s, either to help eradicate a moth that was damaging oak trees or to provide a familiar species in the landscape for European immigrants, or possibly both. And, of course, the population exploded across the continent due to the species’ preference for nesting in manmade spaces like houses, barns, shopping centers and airport terminals, over more natural spaces. I can’t remember exactly when I saw my first one, but they are rather hard to avoid.
In terms of North American sparrows, house sparrows don’t really count. Not so much because they are an invasive exotic species, but because European sparrows are not closely related to North American sparrow species. They share a name but not a taxonomic family.
Of the 44 species of New World sparrows, aka members of the passerellidae family – 30 of which have been recorded in Florida – I can comfortably identify about six species. The rest just cause me consternation.
I think I can explain why I am so bad at identifying sparrows. I didn’t take up this birding thing until after I’d lived in the Keys for a few years. And it’s possible we may get fewer sparrows here than other part of the country. None of those species breed here. Only about 16 have been recorded in the Keys and none of them are common.
As I get to see them so rarely, I’ve never been able to develop the visual grammar
to distinguish them. If I can’t wrap my brain around how to identify a species by either repetition and proximity, I generally need them to have some type of distinctive quality. And sparrow species can be awfully similar looking to the untrained eye, a symphony of earth tones. I mean, if someone writes a new book about New World sparrow species, they should call it “Fifty Shades of Brown.”
I’ve given serious consideration to going up to a place like Paine’s Prairie, which is said to have quite a few species of sparrows in the winter, and spend a week taking myself to sparrow boot camp. But it’s hard to rationalize that kind of time.
The colors on the bird on the barbed wire ran from a peachy beige to a dull copper to a raw sienna to a deep oak. There were some darker streaks in the bill, and a series of alternating light and dark bands across the face.
The general theory in birding is that you shouldn’t pull your field guide out right away. You should try to really look at the bird, form sharp impressions about its field marks. In olden times you’d take some notes, make some rough sketches. In the more modern digital camera era, we take some shots. Which is what I did.
I’d like to say I pulled out a field guide and figured it out there, but it wasn’t until I got home and blew the photo up on the screen, and spent a while flipping through a couple field guides thinking no, no, no, maybe, no, maybe, that I narrowed it down to three or four species, and from there, one.
Savanna sparrow. At least I’m pretty sure. I’m hoping I recognize it right off the bat next time I see one.
A sparrow seen recently at Boca Chica Beach. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly
MARK HEDDEN
BIG GAME BIG GAME WATCH PARTY WATCH PARTY
Sunday, February 8 | 6:30pm - Final Score
Experience the Big Game poolside with an outdoor watch party featuring stadium energy, great food, and drinks all night long $50 per adults | $20 per child (5-12)
LINE & WASH WATER COLOR BATIK ON KINWASHI RICE PAPER 2 DAY WORKSHOP WITH PETER STERLING TURNER
Wednesday March 11, 2026 10am-2pm Thursday, March 12, 2026 10am-12pm
$85 for Non-Member
$75 for KWAC Members
WATERCOLOR MONDAYS WITH KAREN BEAUPRIE
Four Mondays in March 10am-1pm March 9, 16, 23 & 30. All levels welcome
$40 Non-Members/$35 Members per class Discount available for class bundles
DISASTER TO MASTERREVIVING OLD PAINTINGS 2 DAY WORKSHOP WITH NANCY VAN NESS
Friday, March 20, 2026 10am - 4pm
Saturday, March 21, 2026 10am-4pm
$300 for Non-Member
$275 for KWAC Members
Dr. Christina Smith DDS is now accepting new patients and is thrilled to be part of the 8-time Bubba Award-winning Doc Guzman’s o ce.
ESCAPE INTO THE PAINTINGS OF STEVEN QUARTLY
Key West Gallery welcomes California artist Feb. 6-9
Key West Gallery welcomes returning artist Steven Quartly for a special showing Feb. 6-9. Collectors can view new works and select favorites while meeting the painter at the gallery, 601 Duval St.
From Italy’s Amalfi Coast to Augusta National golf course in Georgia, and from Mallory Square to the Mediterranean, Quartly’s paintings demonstrate the power and passion of a place. Whether it’s a familiar front porch or the patchwork pastels of Positano, Italy, Quartly takes us there — Italy, Spain, Hawaii, the French Riviera and, yes, Key West.
A resident of Southern California, Quartly regularly visits the Southernmost City.
“Steven is a young-man version of Monet; he paints like an
old master with a new vibrancy,”
Arthur Barron, the late president of Paramount Pictures, said of Quartly. “With his masterful use of a palette knife and brush, each stroke creates a symphony of color and dramatic perspective.”
Quartly began oil painting at age 13. Raised on the Northern California coast, he was inspired by both the natural scenery and the city.
Quartly’s design in composition and color is meaningful and skilled. The loose and whimsical brush strokes and palette knife work bring passion and emotion. His overall faith in God is his purpose and desire to express the beauty in life, states his online biography.
Quartly lives and works in Southern California, where he can be seen cruising in his vintage VW bus or on an early surf break before heading to the studio. He is married with four children.
More information is at keywestgallery.com.
— Contributed
BASILICA SENIOR COMMITS TO CEDAR CREST COLLEGE
Gloria Slavik becomes school’s first NCAA scholarship recipient
Gloria Slavik made history on Jan. 30 when she signed a letter of intent, formally accepting a college volleyball scholarship and committing to play for Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania next year.
With her signature, Slavik “became the first NCAA athlete in the history of Basilica High School — a milestone moment for our entire school community,” said principal Robert Wright, who also happens to be the volleyball coach. “Gloria embodies the mission of every Mariner. She is a student marked by academic curiosity, deep involvement in her faith community, and a competitive spirit that is unmistakable on the volleyball court. She is the definition of a well-rounded student.”
After completing eighth grade at Basilica, Gloria spent one year at Key West High School, but returned to the Basilica School the following year, when the Catholic high school launched its first-ever junior varsity volleyball program, defeating Key West High School three times before advancing to varsity competition the following year.
“From that point forward, Gloria has been a leader and a powerful force on our volleyball team for the past three years,” Wright said. “While she has primarily played the position of setter, Gloria has proven
After signing a letter of intent to play volleyball for Cedar Crest College next year and accept a scholarship,
invaluable across the court — as a defensive specialist, an outside hitter and wherever else her team needed her. For an athlete of her stature, her vertical leap is nothing short of remarkable. Beyond volleyball, Gloria has never missed an opportunity to participate, contribute and elevate our school — whether in athletics, or service to others. She leads by example in everything she does. And while Gloria will certainly be missed, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence and faith that we hope many students here today will strive to follow.”
‘Reaching Skies’ by Steven Quartly. CONTRIBUTED
‘A Walk by the Shore’.
‘Afternoon Escape’
Basilica High School senior Gloria Slavik’s signature makes it official as she commits to play college volleyball next year, becoming the school’s first NCAA athlete. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
Gloria Slavik dons a hat from her school of choice.
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
This week, the work of liberation gets a significant boost as the planet Uranus turns direct after a fivemonth retrograde period. While Uranus was in retrograde retreat, we were left to fend for our own freedom, and press and claw the resistance forward without divine guidance. Now that Uranus, known as the Great Awakener, is moving forward once again, our individual and collective paths to freedom become more clearly marked. We have roughly three more months of Uranus in Taurus before it enters Gemini for about seven years, so we have three months to soak up the final lessons of this planet of freedom and unpredictability in the sign of earthly beauty and material joys. Since 2018, Uranus has disrupted global markets and challenged our notions of stability while teaching us to ground our freedom in practicality and simplicity. These next few months, see if you can really dive into a simpler, grounded understanding of your own liberation so you can absorb the last vestiges of Uranus in Taurus.
Here are your horoscopes for Uranus stationing direct. Read for your rising and sun signs.
Aquarius
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
In the area of home and family, you have experienced a marked release from someone or something that held you back. How can you appreciate the freedom of movement afforded to you by this change at your roots? You do not need to leave anything behind; rather you get to let go of some part of your home or family that was weighing on you. Let yourself fly.
Pisces
Feb. 19 - March 20
Familiar aspects of your life can start to feel as if they are holding you back. Your local neighborhood, your siblings, your usual way of communicating — these familiarities can become stagnant and weighty. But you are being given the opportunity to find levity and freedom through your familiar world. Look for new, unexpected ways to appreciate your usual surroundings.
Aries
March 21 - April 19
So often, our values determine what we do with money. They shape our sources of income, our purchases and our overall financial orientation. It is important to check up on those values and shake them up from time to time. Now is
that time, Aries. Are you in proper alignment with your core values? If not, how can you make some out-of-left-field changes?
Taurus
April 20 - May 20
You are approaching the finale of a sevenyear process of self-liberation. Get it, Taurus. How have you challenged, transformed, experimented with and released yourself these past few years? Now is the time to integrate what you have learned about releasing the chains that bind you. Nothing holds you back except your own expectations, so be sure you expect the best.
Gemini
May 21 - June 20
How has freedom come with a sense of being solitary, Gemini? Have you learned to appreciate your self-reliance and solo joys? You need not be a solo wanderer or secluded from society to find your freedom; far from it. Rather, take notice of how you live your life when you have the time to yourself. Running away from loneliness could keep you from appreciating your greatest opportunities.
Cancer
June 21 - July 22
You have probably experienced some disruptions in your community of friends over the years. People come and people go. Disagreements take place and understandings are discovered. This flux shows you who your real comrades are. In what ways have you been released from folks who hold you back and who in your life allows you to be your true self? Love on the latter.
Leo
July 23 - Aug. 22
What is your work in the world? Yes, we all have to collect a paycheck to sustain ourselves, but what is your real work in the world? If the job helps you feel free, that’s your work. Don’t worry about what other people think. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses. You deserve to be liberated through your contributions in the workforce, so make changes if need be.
Virgo
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
We can go years and years believing one thing to be true, only for a quick, unexpected revelation to completely open our eyes to an underlying reality. I imagine you are experiencing something along these lines. What foundational beliefs are being challenged and changed for you, Virgo? Keep your eyes open and see how you can free yourself from an outdated worldview.
GROUNDED LIBERATION
Libra
Sept. 23 - Oct. 22
Sharing resources is a fundamentally human thing. We exchange money, share food, swap clothing and welcome others into our homes on a regular basis. It can be easy to feel like we are losing something when we share, but it can also be a source of liberation to realize that exchange is a way to enhance and grow what we have. What can you change about how you collaborate to feel more abundant?
Scorpio
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
Do you feel freedom or constraint in an important partnership? If it’s the latter, prepare for a bit of turmoil to shake up those bonds. Now is the time to ensure your most important partnerships serve your personal liberation. This isn’t a “freedom from” partnership, but rather a “freedom with” a partner. Your goal is to find yourself within the relationship, and now is the time to make the choice.
Sagittarius
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
There are things in life we just have to do. We have to clean the house, make the bed, cook the food, do the work. These toils can feel heavy at times simply because they are so monotonous and constant. But you are being challenged to find freedom within the routine. If you need to change things up, change things up. You are not a slave to your routines. You have agency.
Capricorn
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
You are here, in this lifetime, to leave your mark. There is something only you can bring to the world, and therein lies your creativity. You don’t even have to consciously identify your unique gift. You just have to do what you love. You are being given the opportunity to discover your own liberation through the actions that elicit joy. Tap in.
THE KEY WEST Art & Craf t Festival
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH @12PM HIGGS BEACH
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
AVAILABLE FOR THE 2026 SOUTHERNMOST POLAR PLUNGE!
BECOME A SPONSOR
Support a wonderful cause and showcase your business to a large audience! The mission of Samuel’s House, Inc. is to provide housing in a nurturing environment for homeless women, women and men with children, and intact families; and to provide them with care coordination bene cial to their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
You can increase your brand visibility as a business sponsor where your logo would be placed on event shirts, social media and on-site banner.
It’s already February, but let’s start with a wrap-up of a few notable events that occurred this past month.
The 43rd annual Key West Literary Seminar was timely, titled “Pay Attention: the Novel — the Long Form in a Time of Short Attention.” The seminar featured some of today’s best fiction writers, including Billy Collins, Richard Russo, Joy Williams and Gary Shteyngart.
Impromptu Classical Concerts, temporarily performing at Tennessee Williams Theater, offered two dynamic programs. And the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Key West’s own Sebrina Maria Alfonso, performed works by Ravel, Vaughan Williams and Sibelius.
February will be another exciting month for the arts.
• Three exhibits at The Studios of Key West galleries run through Feb. 26: “Ghost In Bahama Village” by New York-based artist Ransom celebrates the culture that once defined Bahama Village. Gunnar Baldwin’s “Reclaiming Florida’s Crown Jewel” highlights our endangered coral reefs. Mimi Hein’s “Twist” features intricate geometric designs. The Studios also offers a concert series, winter events, the Spotlight Cabaret curated by Randy Roberts, staged readings of new plays and musicals, and classes in landscape painting, figure drawing, soap sculpting, watercolor, haiku, musical theater and painting bootcamp. For a full listing, visit tskw.org.
... is a chronologically gifted tour guide, recovering innkeeper and grateful freshwater Conch. Join him here each month for a look at Key West’s cultural calendar. Email him at unclegkw@yahoo. com.
‘Ann’s Girl,’ is made from reclaimed Miami oolite stone by writer, composer and sculptor Bill Lorraine. The exhibit will be installed in the private gardens of Lorraine and his artist wife, Ann, at 1028 Catherine St. from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 28 to March 1. CONTRIBUTED
• We’re saddened by the closing of the Little Room Jazz Club, but delighted to welcome the jazz cabaret at the Key West Cultural Center & Veterans Museum, 803 Emma St. Saturday, Feb. 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. features Larry Smith, Skipper Kripitz and guests.
• The Key West Art and Historical Society’s four museums — the Custom House, The Tennessee Williams Museum, Fort East Martello and the Key West Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters — are must-see attractions. The current Custom House exhibit, “WPA: Artists In Key West,” highlights the cultural movement that began with the Depression-era Works Progress Administration.
• The South Florida Symphony returns to Tennessee Williams Theater Feb. 21, performing two works honoring Black American culture.
• Our local theaters offer provocative, insightful and entertaining works. The Waterfront Playhouse production of “Almost, Maine,” running through Feb. 14, is a series of vignettes about the joys and sorrows of life in a small, mythical town so far north in Maine that it’s “Almost” Canada. Red Barn Theatre’s “At the Wedding” offers a contemporary love mashup, also showing until Feb. 14. Red Barn will follow that with “And the World Goes ’Round: the Music of Kander & Ebb,” Feb. 24-March 21.
• The tunes by the duo responsible for hits such as “Chicago,” “Cabaret” and “Funny Lady” bring us “Letters From Max,” a moving portrait, based on a true story of friendship, love, art, mortality and the afterlife. The show will have a limited run — Feb. 18-20 — at Fringe Theater, 600 White St.
• Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St., showcases two island troubadours. Ben Harrison performs at the Backstage Listening Room Feb. 5 and 17. Scott Kirby takes the same stage Feb. 12, 13, 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. Everyone’s favorite Prairie Home Companion humorist, Garrison Keillor, and his niece Erica Rhodes will be at Key West Theater Feb. 22.
• Rounding out February will be a Jag Gallery-sponsored exhibit showcasing contemporary sculpture fashioned from reclaimed Miami oolite stone carved by writer, composer and sculptor Bill Lorraine, who bases his sculptures “on the human form through an abstract filter.” The exhibit will be installed in Lorraine’s private gardens, 1028 Catherine St. from noon to 5 p.m. from Feb. 28 to March 1.
All of the above is why, dear reader, Key West is known as the Island of the Arts. Any questions?
H e a l t h y L i f e
By Dr. Raymond Rodriguez
Priortizing Your Heart Health
1 Stay active with at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week
2 Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet, such as a Mediterranean-style approach
3. Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and heart rate regularly
4 Manage stress through healthy sleep habits, deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
5 Schedule routine check-ups with your physician
At Mount Sinai Key West, our cardiology specialists provide personalized, compassionate care to help you stay healthy at every stage of life
WHAT’S COOKING?
Key West memorabilia bolsters culinary experience
CAROL
From its earliest days as a fledgling seaport settlement, Key West has been a place of characters and contrasts.
Its landmarks range from the United States’ only known African refugee cemetery to a 72-square-foot spot dubbed the country’s smallest bar. Residents over the years have included everyone from inventor Thomas Edison, who lived at what is now Harry S. Truman’s Little White House Museum while working on World War I naval defense projects, to quirky author/ artist/songwriter Shel Silverstein, who penned “The Giving Tree” and other classic books.
Visitors can view memorabilia related to Key West’s people and places through diverse attractions: a literary walking tour of famed writerresidents’ homes and hangouts; the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, reflecting the lifestyle of a wealthy 19th-century Key West family; and the Sails to Rails Museum — chronicling centuries of island history from the age of sail to the advent of the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad.
Local landmarks and characters can also be discovered through the artwork and memorabilia at the Key West Cooking Show venue. Located in a historic former Navy building at 291 Front St., the venue is filled with décor saluting people and places whose influence has enriched the island city.
It contains so much artwork and memorabilia that a free guide is available in the Cooking Show lobby. By following the guide’s numbered points of interest, visitors who explore the Cooking Show’s Bar 1 and demonstration dining room can get a fascinating glimpse into Key West’s heritage, personalities and lifestyle.
For example, an atmospheric painting of the locally famed Sandy’s Café hangs in Bar 1, portraying late Key West residents Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Buffett and Captain Tony Tarracino. A canvas in the retro dining room depicts two Depression-era boys carrying bunches of the tiny Spanish limes that grow wild on the island, preparing to sell them on the streets for much-needed cash. Both evocative scenes were created by local artist Jessica Tookey. Nearby is a 1970s painting of some of the colorful performers who helped
found Key West’s Sunset Celebration, a waterfront street carnival that takes place nightly at Mallory Square and is one of the island’s “must-do” attractions for visitors.
Above the Cooking Show kitchen’s demonstration stage is a replica of the marquee that graced the Strand Theater, which opened in 1921 and originally showed silent films to an audience eager for “silver screen” entertainment.
The ornately designed marquee gives the featured learn-and-dine classes a vintage vibe — creating an ideal setting for the entertaining sessions’ celebration of traditional Key West foods and heritage.
LAST BITES
Dish of the week: Jerk chicken. How do you transform simple chicken into the centerpiece for an unforgettable meal? Add a bold Caribbean flair by rubbing the chicken with spicy, aromatic “jerk” sauce and then slowcooking it until tender. For a classic accompaniment, serve a hearty combination of pigeon peas and rice.
Helpful kitchen hack: When roasting chicken, ensure a crispy skin by thoroughly drying the skin and rubbing it with salt before beginning to cook the bird.
Hungry for more? Visit keywestcookingshow.com or call 305-294COOK.
SHAUGHNESSY www.keysweekly.com
A stylized replica of the Strand Theater marquee tops the Key West Cooking Show’s demonstration stage. KEY WEST COOKING SHOW/Contributed
RED ALERT FIGHTS HEART DISEASE AMONG WOMEN
Zonta Club kicks off awareness month
Members of the Zonta Club of Key West join Key West High School’s Z Club, Womankind women’s health center, Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez and commissioners Aaron Castillo, Lissette Carey and Sam Kaufman at city hall on Feb. 1 to mark the start of the American Heart Association’s Heart Health Month. Each year, the heart association sponsors the Go Red for Women movement to raise awareness of heart disease as the leading cause of death for women. DAMALI PHIPPS/Contributed
COOKING WITH LOVE — FOR 30 YEARS
Mount Sinai Medical Center sponsors longtime charity
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
Feed the hungry.
A Key West charity carries out that cornerstone of Christian compassion, quietly and without conceit, every Saturday.
For 30 years, Cooking with Love Key West — and its all-volunteer crew of shoppers, choppers, cooks, servers and drivers — has ensured that senior citizens and homebound residents receive a hot meal, hand-delivered to their home.
Founded in 1996 as a volunteer ministry of Metropolitan Community Church in Key West, Cooking with Love has delivered more than 250,000 meals to local residents facing hunger, illness, limited mobility or lost independence. The program is a vital source of support and sustenance for more than 200 residents, many of them seniors who often struggle to access healthy, consistent meals. The program is powered by volunteers, donors and community partners who believe in caring for one another with dignity and compassion, said Cooking with Love founder Joan Higgs.
REEL RECS
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
From left, Mount Sinai Medical Center cardiologist Dr. Stephen Pavlos, Cooking with Love founder Joan Higgs, Mount Sinai emergency medicine Dr. Kellee Reed and Rev. Gina Durbin of MCC Key West. CHELSEA MICHAEL PHOTOGRAPHY/Contributed
On Jan. 31, the program that has provided support accepted some for itself. Mount Sinai Medical Center joined Cooking with Love as a corporate sponsor, supporting its mission to provide freshly prepared meals to seniors and homebound residents throughout the Lower Keys.
The sponsorship will help sustain weekly meal preparation and delivery, support volunteers and ensure that Cooking with Love can continue to serve residents for another 30 years or more. Mount Sinai has served the Florida Keys’ in various medical capacities for years and operates three locations in the island chain.
“For 30 years, Cooking with Love has been a living expression of com-
passion in action,” said Joan Higgs, founder of Cooking with Love Key West. “We are deeply grateful to Mount Sinai Medical Center for taking the lead as our inaugural sponsor and for standing with us to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry or feels forgotten.”
Gino R. Santorio, president and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center, credited Cooking with Love for its community commitment, saying, “Access to nutritious food is foundational to health, especially for seniors and individuals managing chronic conditions. Cooking with Love has built an extraordinary community-based model in the Keys, and this sponsorship is one way we can support that work and extend care beyond our walls.”
Throughout 2026, Cooking with Love will conduct 30th anniversaryrelated outreach and fundraising efforts, including its “$30 for 30 Years” campaign, inviting community members to donate in honor of each year of service. Funds raised will directly support meal programs, volunteer coordination and operational needs as the organization looks ahead to its next chapter.
For more information, to donate, or volunteer, visit Metropolitan Community Church Key West at mcckeywest.com, email mcckeywest@gmail. com, call 305-294-8912 or stop by the church at 1215 Petronia St. Key West.
What: “Eighth Grade” (2018) Why: With so many films about the high school experience, it’s surprising that there aren’t as many about the arguably more traumatizing world of middle school. Most of those that exist tend to offer a heightened, comedic look at this era. This film, however, ironically written and directed by comedian and musician Bo Burnham, is honest and real to the point of discomfort. It shows the awkwardness of adolescence in all its anxious glory. That might make it seem like this is a horrific viewing experience, but rest assured, it does manage to glean hope and nostalgia from the cringe to make for a therapeutic journey
Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.
How: You can browse and request DVDs by logging in to your account at keyslibraries. org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries. org/contact-us.
Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, library associate, Key Largo library.
See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.
WALK ON WHITE BENEFITS KEYS AHEC HEALTH CENTERS
Feb. 19 art stroll helps nonprofit
some of her creations
Walk on White’s February art stroll is set for Thursday, Feb. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. The experience transforms White Street into a vibrant scene, where walkers can discover works by local painters, sculptors, artisan jewelry makers and ceramic and mixed media artists, along with exhibit openings and artistic demonstrations.
Each month, Walk on White (WOW) benefits an area nonprofit organization, blending art with community spirit. February’s beneficiary is the Keys AHEC Health Centers, which provide crucial medical and dental care for school-
aged children throughout the Keys. Members of the Leadership Monroe County Class XXXIII will host a raffle ticket station at Fausto’s Food Palace on White Street.
Held the third Thursday of each month through May, WOW radiates from its hub in the Fausto’s parking lot and extends to participating White Street locations between Southard and United streets. Walk on White is sponsored in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. More information is at walkonwhitekeywest.com.
Contributed
REEF RELIEF WELCOMES SPRING INTERNS
College students & recent grad help conservation efforts
Reef Relief has announced its 2026 spring interns: Rebekah Galvin, Malerie Scammey and Sage Hanley. They will be assisting with community volunteer events, fundraising, campaigns, educational programs and spring break coral camp.
Galvin grew up in Kissimmee, Florida and graduated in the fall from the University of Central Florida with a degree in biology, concentrating in ecology, evolutionary and conservation biology. She brings valuable experience working with children, having served as a substitute teacher and as an education ambassador.
Scammey comes to Reef Relief from Orlando, Florida, and is originally from Kansas. She is pursuing her associate in
arts degree at Santa Fe College, with plans to obtain a bachelor of science degree in wildlife ecology. Scamney has been an interpretive ranger and park guide at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. She also has experience leading kayak eco-tours.
Hanley was raised in Stuart, Florida and moved to Key West three years ago to pursue a degree in marine environmental technology at the College of the Florida Keys. She is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marine resource management. She is in her final semester, completing her capstone project with Reef Relief as an education intern.
— Contributed
People and pets gather at the “Creative Hive” on White Street during a previous Walk on White art stroll. CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed
Metalsmith and jewelry designer Heather MacKenzie displays
at a recent Walk on White art stroll.
From left, Rebekah Galvin, Malerie Scammey and Sage Hanley join Reef Relief as spring interns, committed to helping the coral reef conservation group. CONTRIBUTED
HELP KEEP KEY WEST BEAUTIFUL
JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS
The 63-degree weather didn’t keep 69 dedicated volunteers from doing their part to keep Key West beautiful around North Roosevelt Boulevard. In one hour, the volunteers picked up 310 pounds of trash, 48 pounds of recycling and 4 gallons of cigarette butts with an additional 2 gallons of cigarette butts brought in by a volunteer who picks them up all week in between cleanups. Special thanks to First State Bank for hosting the volunteers with hot coffee and breakfast. The Feb. 6 cleanup will take place on Eaton Street in front of Strunk Ace Hardware, hosted by Chris Sloan and Caleb and Calder Sloan’s Awesome Foundation. CONTRIBUTED
One hour a week makes a huge difference, and volunteers are welcome every Friday and some Saturday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., when the Key West Ploggers clean up a designated area of the island.
Gloves, pickers, buckets, vests, hand sanitizer and a parking pass are provided to all volunteers.
A troubling number of cigarette butts and plastic bags have been included in recent hauls. Please remember your reusable bags when shopping so we can keep the plastic off the streets, parking lots and, most importantly, out of the water. And dispose of cigarette butts in any receptacle rather than the street or sidewalk, as from there, they easily end up in the ocean.
The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.
Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds
RECYCLING TIP
Did you know many plastic films are recyclable at our local grocery stores? Acceptable items include clean and dry grocery bags, product overwrap, dry cleaning bags, plastic envelopes, bubble wrap and deflated air pillows. Never place plastic films or bags in your residential blue recycle cart as they become hazardous tanglers at the sorting facility.
and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.
It takes committed community involvement to keep Key West beautiful and we are making progress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted. Call Dorian Patton at 305-809-3782 to find out how your business, nonprofit or club can help.
— Contributed
Join a one-hour Friday morning cleanup. All events are 8 to 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted.
Feb. 6: White & Eaton streets. Meet in the front parking lot of Strunk Ace Hardware, 1101 Eaton St. Hosted by Chris Sloan and Caleb and Calder Sloan’s Awesome Foundation.
Feb. 13: Front & Caroline streets. Meet at Truman Little White House, which is hosting.
Feb. 20: Smathers Beach. Meet in the parking lot next to Margaritaville Hotel. Special fentanyl awareness event.
Feb. 27: Duval and South streets. Meet in the parking lot between Simonton and Duval on South Street, near Le Mar and Dewey Guesthouses. Hosted by the Southernmost Beach Resort.
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 Galaxy, a 2-year-old mixed-breed dog with a sweet face and a calm presence. She has a gentle personality and enjoys walks and hugging her human tight. She’s a quiet gal with a lot of love to give. She is ready for a home where she can settle in and be a steady companion.
Tiki, a 1-year-old female rat who is still waiting for her forever home. She has plenty of time ahead of her to bond with the right family. Rats are intelligent, social animals that form strong bonds with their people. Adopting a rat offers a unique and interactive pet experience.
Mama is a 2-year-old mixed-breed pup who may be small, but has a big heart. Mama enjoys close bonds, making her a great fit for someone looking for a loyal, one-on-one connection. Mama is affectionate and attentive.
Along with waived fees, his adoption comes with a senior bloodwork panel prior to adoption, complimentary wellness exam including vaccines at our Dogwood Clinic a year after adoption and 10% off future services at our Wellness Clinic.
Meet
Meet Spike. He’s a 9-month-old cat with beautiful grey and black coloring. He’s small, young and still learning about the world around him. Spike enjoys playing with the other cats he shares a home with. He also loves human attention.
Big Boy is a 7-year-old cat, and as his name suggests, he’s a big boy. This cat has a beautiful sleek black coat and is part of the Golden Paw program, so his adoption fees are waived.
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FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS
WHY THE FOOD PYRAMID UPDATES ARE A WIN
Igenuinely love many of the changes in the newly-updated food pyramid. Nutrition science is finally starting to reflect what many of us in the wellness world have been saying for years.
Let’s start with protein. For decades, the recommended intake hovered around 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, which was designed to prevent deficiency, not to optimize health. The updated guidelines now acknowledge that most adults benefit from significantly more, with many experts recommending 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram, especially as we age or stay active. I don’t want to say I told you so, but … I did, in my article named “The Power of Protein.” Just saying. If I could be so bold as to improve this even further, I would recommend that every meal contain a meaningful source of protein. Not just breakfast. Not just dinner. Every meal. Now, about that canned tuna. Tuna itself is a fine protein source. But once food is placed in a can, it is, by definition, processed. That doesn’t make it toxic — it simply means it should not be a primary, everyday protein source. Whole, minimally-processed proteins deserve the front-row seat.
...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC.
Vegetables finally receive equal importance, and I could not be happier about that.
Vegetables contain protein on their own. More importantly, the nutrients found in a wide variety of vegetables help transport and use amino acids from protein, making the entire system more efficient. In simple terms: Protein works better when vegetables and fruits are present.
And for the same reason we limit canned tuna, those canned green beans can also take a hike. We should not strip our food of nutrients just so we can admire how long it can survive on a shelf. Nothing truly nourishing should be able to live in your cupboard indefinitely. Moving on, let’s talk about fruit juice.
The takeaway is dilution and limitation. But I would take it a step further. If the juice comes from concentrate, it belongs in the no-fly zone. If it is made from the whole fruit, including pulp and fiber, then it can fit. Fiber is what blunts the glycemic response and makes fruit beneficial rather than problematic.
The guidelines recommend a minimum of three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day. I appreciate the direction, but I believe we can aim higher.
Research consistently shows that consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables — “eating the rainbow” — is strongly associated with longevity. Fruits and vegetables provide fiber, flavonoids, polyphenols and countless phytochemicals that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. The strongest outcomes appear closer to 10 total servings per day. Do not fear fruit in its natural form. The fiber and polyphenols work together to protect blood sugar balance.
The new pyramid also highlights something long overdue: carbohydrate quality matters.
Whole grains and complex carbohydrates are far more nutrient-dense than refined, processed versions. Fiber is not optional — it is essential. And no, we are not getting enough of it from white bread or crackers. Our digestive systems have been asking for more fiber for decades. If you want to improve regularity, gut health and metabolic function, this is your most powerful starting point.
Now, let’s talk sugar.
The new guidelines finally state that no amount of added sugar is recommended or considered part of a healthy diet. That alone is a monumental shift. They also recommend limiting low-calorie sweeteners, artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes and preservatives.
The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a.k.a. the ‘new food pyramid.’ USDA/Contributed
Sugar in its natural form is something the body understands. In excess, however, it provides no nutrition, increases insulin resistance and fuels obesity — a problem we are already struggling to manage nationwide.
Fat has also received a long-overdue upgrade. Saturated fat is no longer treated as a dietary criminal, but rather as a nutrient that requires context and moderation. I personally love this shift. Saturated fat isn’t a villain — it’s more like Wolverine. Best of intentions, generally a good guy … but let him go rogue and things can get messy.
The focus has shifted to fat quality and food source. Fats that come packaged inside whole foods, such as avocado, eggs, omega-3 rich seafood, nuts, seeds, olives and dairy, behave very differently in the body than fats that come stripped, refined and isolated.
The guidelines suggest three servings of dairy per day without added sugar. I support the quality conversation, but not the universal prescription. Nutrition is never one-size-fits-all. Two important nuances deserve attention here. First, not all saturated fats behave the same in the body. Second, the food matrix — how nutrients exist together in a whole food — dramatically changes how they are processed and used. If you want to explore that topic further, I am always happy to talk about it. Seriously, I’ll talk all day about food science.
As for now, the updated food pyramid is not perfect, but it is progress. It reflects a shift toward whole foods, quality sourcing and metabolic understanding. And that is a shift worth celebrating.
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MOM & BABY MANATEE GO HOME
Dolphin Research Center releases pair after entanglement rehab
On Jan. 28, Dolphin Research Center’s manatee rescue team, in partnership with SeaWorld Orlando and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, successfully released a rehabilitated mother manatee and her calf at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.
The mother manatee, named Stripes, and her calf, Argyle, were originally rescued by Dolphin Research Center after Stripes was found suffering from a severe fishing line entanglement around her pectoral flippers. At the time of rescue, DRC’s staff veterinarian determined that Stripes was in critical condition and required advanced medical care and long-term rehabilitation.
Following emergency treatment at DRC, FWC transported the pair to SeaWorld Orlando, where they received specialized care and rehabilitation services. After months of treatment, monitoring and recovery, both Stripes and Argyle were deemed healthy and strong enough for release back into their natural habitat.
“Successful release days are joyful days,” said Allie Proskovec, director of media and marketing at Dolphin Research Center. “They represent countless hours of dedication, collaboration and compassion from every organization involved. Seeing Stripes and Argyle return to the wild together is the best possible outcome. Manatees are a threatened species, facing ongoing risks from boat strikes, habitat loss and entanglement in fishing gear. Today’s release serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the continued need
SPANISH FLY KEEPS BOONDOCKS BUZZING
Eighth annual festival raises $20K for Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation
Crowds gather as wildlife rehabbers release mother manatee, Stripes, and her calf, Argyle, at John Pennekamp State Park on Jan. 28. JASON RAFTER PHOTOGRAPHY/ Contributed
for public awareness and conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants.”
Dolphin Research Center is the only licensed manatee rescue organization in the Florida Keys. This release highlights the importance of partnerships among local rescue teams, state agencies and accredited rehabilitation facilities.
The organization encourages anyone who spots a manatee that may be injured, entangled or in distress to call the FWC wildlife alert hotline at 1-888404-FWCC (3922). — Contributed
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Cold temps didn’t slow down the tunes at the 2026 Spanish Fly Music Festival, which drew hundreds despite the wintry temps at Boondocks Grille and Draft House on Feb. 1. Performances by students at Island Groove Dance Company kicked off an afternoon of music by Mike Stack, Gary Hempsey, Fried Newt, Snacks and Five and the Pierce August Band. Backed by local nonprofits and vendors with everything from woodburning art to bounce houses and face painting, the family-friendly day raised more than $20,000 for the
Guests play games, place their auction bids and take in the tunes at the eighth annual Spanish Fly Music Festival at Boondocks on Feb. 1. Photos by ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly
Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation through silent auctions, donations and raffles. Since 2012, the foundation has stayed true to its mission of making fishing dreams come true for individuals and families across the country facing difficulties including medical challenges, financial hardships and more. For more information, visit josewejebefoundation.org.
Mom and baby manatees Stripes, left, and Argyle prep for their final journey home to Key Largo waters. DRC/Contributed
Founded by Betty Debnam
COUNTING BIRDS
Twenty-nine years ago, when the internet was brand-new, bird experts at National Audubon Society and Cornell Lab of Ornithology had a question:
Would ordinary people count birds and contribute their results to an online survey?
WORD NERD
Ornithology is the study of birds.
Of course! In 1997, Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) found 13,000 people from North America entering checklists of birds.
The 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count will take place Feb. 13-16. Will you help count birds?
WHY COUNT BIRDS?
Texas.
Birds are always on the move. Many species migrate, or travel, to find warmer weather or better sources of food. It would be impossible for one scientist or even one team of scientists to study the movements of so many birds over a short time. With information collected from bird counts such as the GBBC over many years, scientists can answer questions they have about birds and their environments.
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
In 2025, the GBBC counted almost 8,100
species of birds from 217 countries or subregions. The Cornell Lab estimates that more than 830,000 people participated.
Past GBBCs have provided useful information not only about birds, but also about our environment.
Scientists look at a species’ range, or where it’s spotted, to learn about climate change and diseases, such as the West Nile virus.
HOW TO JOIN IN
You can get involved in the Great Backyard Bird Count on your own or with your family, either in your yard or away from home. You can also make the GBBC a project for your Scout troop, classroom or youth group.
1. Count birds anywhere you want for at least 15 minutes. Keep track of the kinds of birds you see and how long you watch.
MINI FACT: This Iceland gull was photographed in Cleveland Harbor, Ohio
THEY’RE COUNTING ON YOU!
Are you ready to count? The Mini Page provides some ideas to help you get started.
To watch birds, you might use:
• a guidebook to help you identify species
• a camera
• comfortable clothing
• binoculars
• a small notebook or checklist to record birds you’ve seen.
It’s important to use good birding manners, including:
• Be quiet! This will also help you listen for bird calls.
• Take extra care when you come upon nesting areas.
When setting up a feeder:
• Make sure there’s cover close by for the birds, such as a bush.
• Also provide water for birds.
• Use several different types of bird feed and different kinds of feeders if possible. This will help you attract different kinds of birds.
Good luck counting!
Include the type of count you did. Traveling means you walked a trail or drove around a wildlife refuge. Stationary means you stayed in one place (perhaps watching a feeder from your window). Incidental means you saw a bird while doing something else.
2. Make an estimate of how many birds you see of each species.
3. Create an online account at birdcount.org. Enter your data there.
RESOURCES
ON THE WEB
• bit.ly/4qlA0yI
AT THE LIBRARY
• “Kids’ Field Guide to Birds” by Daisy Yuhas
• “Bird Count” by Susan Edwards Richmond
ECO NOTE Words that remind us of counting birds are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: BACKYARD, BINOCULARS, BIRD, CAMERA, CLIMATE, COUNT, DISEASE, ENVIRONMENT, FEEDER, INCIDENTAL, MANNERS, NESTING, NOTEBOOK, ORNITHOLOGY, RANGE, SPECIES, TRACK.
Scientists say millions of migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa are carrying less energy for their journeys, raising concerns about their ability to survive long-distance migration. A study by Durham University and the British Trust for Ornithology, analyzing 40 years of data from 286 sites, found declining “migratory fuel loads,” or fat reserves, among 33 species of birds that fly between Europe and Africa during fall migration. The decline was not seen in spring, suggesting worsening European summer conditions are limiting birds’ ability to build energy stores. Researchers also found that birds in northern Europe are fattening earlier.
Photo by Victor W. Fazoio III
This Carolina chickadee was photographed in Houston,
These bird watchers headed into the woods to count birds.
Photo by Dan Pancamo
BENMONT TENCH
OF TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS
FEB. 13, KEY WEST THEATER
THE DAVE MATTHEWS TRIBUTE BAND
FEB. 25, KEY WEST THEATER
SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS
APRIL 2
KEY WEST THEATER
TO KEY WEST
GABRIEL RUTLEDGE
DON’T READ THE COMMENTS TOUR FEB. 15, KEY WEST THEATER
MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES
FEB. 19, KEY WEST THEATER
COLIN QUINN
FEBRUARY 27 KEY WEST THEATER
BODEANS
MARCH 29
KEY WEST THEATER
FOREIGNER
APR. 23, KEY WEST AMPHITHEATER
GRAHAM NASH
APR. 25 & 26
KEY WEST THEATER
FINISHING STRONG
Fins get revenge over Hurricanes | P.8
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Marathon Boys Basketball Palmer 1/28 L, 68-57
Coral Shores Boys Basketball St. Brendan 1/28 L, 70-40
Marathon Boys Basketball Coral Shores 1/29 W, 69-45
Marathon
2/5 Coral Shores Wrestling @ Clewiston
2/5 Coral Shores Tennis Cutler Ridge Christian 2 p.m.
2/5 Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse @ Coral Reef 4 p.m.
2/5 Key West Girls Soccer @ Somerset Academy 3:30 p.m.
2/6
2/7
2/9
2/9
2/10
2/10
2/11
2/12
2/12
2/12
2/12 Marathon Tennis Key West 2 p.m.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
ROBINSON
8th grade, Marathon Basketball
She plays hard, respects her teammates and opponents and represents her team with class.”
– Andra Garvey, Lady Fins head coach
Shores
Young teams like this year’s Lady Dolphins often see underclassmen shine on their rosters, but this season, the top scorer for the Fins is not yet in high school. Eighth-grader Shaina Robinson is a middle school student playing on varsity – and it’s not even her first season on the MHS roster. Robinson is averaging nearly 20 points per game for the Fins, and she is airtight on defense as well. Fearless in the paint and deadly from behind the 3-point line, there is nowhere on the court where opponents are safe from her sharpshooting. Coral Shores found out firsthand last week, when Robinson dropped 29 points on them in a narrow victory for the Dolphins over their county rivals to avenge an early-season loss. Head coach Andra Garvey praised Robinson for her composure and focus on the court, something rare in even the oldest athletes on a team’s bench. For consistently delivering strong performances and quiet yet unmistakable leadership, Shaina Robinson is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
Shaina
Photo by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly
fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.
sean mcdonald
grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.
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.
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.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
STILL KICKING
Lady Conchs soccer earns regional playoff berth
One Keys team remains alive in the FHSAA state soccer tournament. Despite losing in their district brackets, the Lady Conchs earned a bid to regionals with their strength of schedule and solid record, which stands at 10-5-4 as they prepare for their next match. Key West, ranked seventh in FHSAA’s 4A Region 4, is slated to play second-ranked Somerset Academy.
The teams both have 10 wins, but have not played one another or any common opponent. Somerset is ranked significantly higher than Key West, but the Conchs have outscored the Panthers this season, despite having fewer games overall. The match is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5 at Somerset, with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. If Key West can pull off an upset, they would enter the state’s Sweet 16 and face either Mourning High or a rematch with St. Brendan School, who knocked the Conchs from district contention in January.
tracy mcdonald
The Lady Conchs, pictured here prior to a Jan. 17 match against Lemon Bay, are the final Keys team in contention for a state title in prep soccer this season. JENNIFER SEARCY/ Contributed
“In the quiet before the storm, I discover my tempo. Dribbling, shooting, a ow state with the ball and the right tunes. is is where the focus intensi es.”
Alex Means, senior, Key West basketball
“Blast the music and hit that protein goal!”
– Karla Gutierrez, senior, Coral Shores weightlifting
“My precomp ritual is listening to hype music with my team on the bus ride.”
– Lily Smith, junior, Key West competitive cheerleading
LOCKED IN
“I listen to rain sounds on the bus ride or before games. During the national anthem I close my eyes, take deep breaths and pray for a good game and for my family to be safe as well as my team.”
Local athletes share pre-competition rituals that get them in the zone
In a place as small as the Florida Keys, standout athletes don’t stay undiscovered too long, and great performances are so commonplace they can seem almost normal. But for the student athletes behind these feats, nothing is ever assumed. We asked some of the Keys’ top winter athletes about their pregame habits and rituals to find out just how an extraordinary athlete goes about preparing for an important game or match. Their answers, ranging from goofy to methodical, show that despite our small community’s wealth of success, there’s no single pathway to get there.
“Before every match I pace with my headgear and sweats. When the time comes, I slap my coach’s hands, he slaps my headgear, I let out a battle cry, then go wrestle.”
“I go to Publix and get a strawberry kiwi Gatorlyte.”
– Stuart Godoy, junior, Marathon soccer
“Before a match, when I’m coming up in three or four matches, I start moving around and isolate myself from everyone else. I start my positive self-talk, (and) constantly remind myself as long as I win the positions I need to that the rest will work itself out. One to two matches before, I go down to my singlet and put my headgear on and keep my shirt on. I keep moving and start visualizing the attacks I plan to get to.”
– Jake Ferguson, senior, Key West wrestling
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Photos by Tracy McDonald, Maicey Malgrat and Cassandra Rivera
REGIONAL ROYALTY
Four local lifters earn gold
With the most prestigious event in Florida girls weightlifting just one week away, four area athletes punched their tickets to the big show by winning an FHSAA Region 8 title. Winning a region outright is the only sure way to earn a spot in the state championship lineup; other athletes must wait to see how the other regions finish to learn if they make the cut.
Marathon’s Justice Lee Isom did not just outlift her 183-pound class opponents on Jan. 31 at Keys Gate; she destroyed them. Lee Isom won her dual titles by nearly matching her personal best in the clean and jerk, the event which factors into both events’ totals. The 205-pound feat was the only one in any weight class to top 200 pounds and is just two pounds shy of Lee Isom’s own record. She did break one record last week, clearing a 175-pound snatch to help her win the Olympic event by 145 pounds and break her own personal and school record in the process. On bench, the senior strongwoman pressed up 185 pounds to beat her opponents in the traditional event by over 100 pounds and secure her spot at states, where she hopes to strike gold for a third consecutive year.
Coral Shores’ Vanessa Gabriel will make the trip to Lakeland after winning both the Olympic and traditional events in the 1A Region 8 Unlimited competition. Gabriel combined a 130-pound snatch and 195-pound clean and jerk to win the Olympic event by over 50 pounds, then added a 175-pound bench press to her clean and jerk lift to win the traditional event by triple digits. Gabriel will represent the Keys in her weight class in both events to double her hopes of state glory.
Securing automatic tickets to states along with Lee Isom and Gabriel are two more Dolphins. Ella Evans won the traditional event with a monster 155-pound bench, a Herculean feat given her 119-pound weight. Tiny but mighty, Evans added a 145-pound clean and jerk to win the title of top lifter in the traditional competition. Evans finished third in the Olympic event with a 95-pound snatch lift.
The final regional champ, Adelle Bainbridge, picked up her first regional gold medal in the 154-pound Olympic event. Bainbridge combined a 115-pound snatch and 160-pound clean and jerk for the win. Her 130-pound bench press helped seal a bronze medal in the traditional event.
Other medalists in the 1A competition include Marathon’s Nivi De La Torre (Unlimited) with a third-place finish in Olympic and fifth in traditional, her sister Alysa (183) with a fifth in Olympic and sixth in traditional, and Tinashay Cunningham (139), who finished sixth in the Olympic event.
Hurricane medalists include Mira Jones (129) with a bronze in Olympic and fifth in traditional; Lily Ooms (183), who was fourth in Olympic and fifth in traditional; Elaina Kerns (199) with fourth in Olympic and sixth in traditional; and Mallory Hughes, who finished fifth in traditional in the 110-pound class. Karla Guitierrez (154) and Caylyn Gwilliam (169) each finished sixth in their respective traditional competitions to round out the 1A medalists.
Key West, competing in the larger 2A region, picked up a bevy of medals in the regional championship meet. The top finisher for the Conchs was Caylee Moore, who won a pair of silver medals in the 129-pound class. Aaliyah McLeod won dual bronze medals at 199; at 101, Courtney Ward and Althea Olsen each picked up a sixth-place medal. Olsen was sixth in traditional, while Ward was sixth in the Olympic competition.
In past seasons, local lifters who placed as deep as sixth have earned a bid to states, but as the sport’s popularity grows, so does the competition. This year, the only athletes who will be representing the Keys at the state level are those who won regionals outright. Bainbridge and Evans, though each secured a regional title in one event and a third-place finish in the other, did make the cut to represent Marathon in both events, giving the Keys eight different ways to medal in Lakeland.
1. The 183-pound podium is well-represented with Keys athletes. Alyssa De La Torre, far left, and Justice Lee Isom, center, of Marathon, and Coral Shores’ Lily Ooms, far right, all medaled.
2. Marathon’s Justice Lee Isom gets under her personal record 170-pound snatch at regionals on Jan. 31.
3. Adelle Bainbridge stands in the first-place spot on the 154-pound Olympic podium on Jan. 31
4. Hurricane dual-medalist Vanessa Gabriel, fourth from left, stands atop the podium in the Unlimited class at the FHSAA’s 1A Region 8 finals. Marathon’s Nivi De La Torre is at far right.
5. Key West’s Caylee Moore is the 2A Region 8 runner-up in the 129-pound class.
Marathon and Coral Shores’ girls basketball squads each played just one contest last week, and it was against one another. The Hurricanes did the traveling on Jan. 26. The Hurricanes had the upper hand on paper, after defeating the Dolphins at home in December, but this time, both teams traded the lead in a game that went down to the wire.
Coral Shores’ Julia Miranda scored 14 while London Atkins added 13 and Niveah Howard 11. But the strong efforts from the Hurricane five could not overcome the longrange marksmanship of Marathon’s Shaina Robinson, who does not have a blind spot anywhere on the court. Robinson ended with 29 points in the Fins’ big win. Daysi Williams sank 15 and Sutton Sayer chipped in nine in the 56-54 win, which would be both teams’ final regular-season contest.
Marathon remains untested in 1A Rural’s District 8 and will not face another Rural opponent until this week in the semifinal game. First up for the No.3-ranked Fins would have been Frostproof, the sixth seed with just one win this season. Frostproof wanted no part of the Fins and promptly forfeited, giving Marathon a chance to rest prior to their semifinal game at Fort Meade on Feb. 4 (results not available at press time). A win there would place the Dolphins into the district championship contest two days later for a chance at a repeat of last season’s district title.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Fins boys and girls basketball prevail over ’Canes
Coral Shores, now 5-4, will head into districts with the third seed in FHSAA’S 3A District 16, sending them straight to the semifinals against Miami Killian. The four-team district will not hold quarterfinals this season, making Coral Shores just one game away from a championship matchup.
In the final week of regular-season action, the Lady Conchs played a pair of road games Jan. 30 and 31. Against Gulf Coast, Damarla Thompson registered a double-double with 11 points and boards, while Colleen Barter and Jordan Greene scored six apiece in the 44-32 loss. The following afternoon, Key West traveled to Barron Collier, where they fell to the Cougars 68-40. Lilee Gage had the team high with nine points while Anaiya Marius added seven and Thompson and Reagen Graham scored six each. The Conchs’ 4A District 16 class has just four teams, making quarterfinals unnecessary and giving Key West, the fourth seed, an automatic trip to the semis. They will face the top-seeded Miami Northwestern.
Boys
Marathon closed out their regular season 8-17 after three games in as many days. The Dolphins started at Palmer, where they lost to the Falcons 68-57. Drew Suarez scored 13 points and Josh Koler 12 in the loss. The following night, the Fins outmatched the Hurricanes of Coral Shores, 69-45. Jack Chapman had the hot hand, scoring 21 points, while Koler, Briggs Roberts and Giorvis Zamora each added 13. Koler added three blocks while Zamora grabbed eight rebounds and was credited with five steals in the rivalry win. In their final regular-season contest, Marathon hosted the Defenders of Lake Worth Christian. Chapman scored 15 and Roberts added 9 in the 46-39 loss.
1
The Dolphins’ record earned them the No. 4 seed in their 1A Rural District 8 bracket. Their first postseason game was a Feb. 3 home matchup with Pahokee (results not available at press time). If the Fins prevail, it will be off to Fort Meade on Thursday, Feb. 5 for the semifinals.
Coral Shores ended their regular season 9-7 after a pair of losses last week. On Jan. 28 the ’Canes fell to St. Brendan 70-40, then lost in Marathon the following night. The Hurricanes hope to pick up steam again in the 3A District 16 playoffs, where they first face Keys Gate in the quarterfinals. Keys Gate is ranked one notch higher than the Hurricanes, but despite the teams are well-matched. The winner of that game faces the top seed, Silver Palms, in the semis.
Key West’s boys did not play last week, enjoying some well-earned rest prior to their district matchup. The Conchs, seeded third, played the sixth seed, South Miami, on Feb. 3 in the 4A District 16 quarterfinals (results not available at press time). A win there would send the 12-10 team to the semis, most likely against St. Brendan School, a squad the Conchs dispatched 64-62 earlier in the season.
1. Julia Mirana (5) brings the ball upcourt.
2. The Dolphins celebrate their win against Coral Shores Jan. 29.
3. Sergio Alvear shoots for three.
4. Josh Koler (23) works for two.
5. Jordon Brown sinks a free throw.
6. Briggs Roberts takes a jumper while Austin Vogt (22) defends.
7. Jordon Brown receives a pass on the fly.
8. Jayden Meng works the ball around Briggs Roberts.
9. Josh Koler goes up for the block.
Photos by Tracy McDonald
GRIT AND GRIND
Wrestlers spend another weekend at high-caliber tournaments
Coral Shores and Marathon wrestlers spent last weekend at the Colby Singletary Memorial Invitational Tournament on Jan. 30 and 31. The annual event in Estero was jam-packed, with 45 teams of all sizes competing. The Hurricanes’ Gavin Matheis went 5-2, finishing in fourth place in the 132-pound division at the event.
Key West opted to compete at the 11th annual Tricounty Invitational at Olympic Heights High School in Boca Raton. There, 38 boys teams and 24 girls teams worked their way through the brackets. Yannesie Corrales finished third after going 3-1 over the tournament. Corrales, who competes in the 170-pound weight class, was the only Lady Conch to medal at the event. Michael Guzman (165) was 4-3 at the tournament, finishing in fourth place, and Allens Alexandre (285) went 4-2 to finish fifth.
The winter season’s longest-lasting sport is beginning to wind down. FHSAA’s 1A District 16 girls wrestling championships are Feb. 12 at Miami’s Coral Park Senior High School. Coral Shores’ Sabrina Demeritt and Marathon’s Autumn Wolfe join the Lady Conchs in the first district showdown in girls wrestling to feature three Keys teams. The boys will compete Feb. 20 at Key West High School.
Family owned and operated since 1958
Yannesie Corrales
Gavin Matheis
INVITATION TO BID
The City of Key Colony Beach cordially invites interested contractors to complete and submit sealed bids by February 20, 2026, no later than 2:00 PM, for the following project.
BASKETBALL HALF COURT PROJECT ITB 2026-03
THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF: Construct one half-court basketball court adjacent to and abutting the north side of the tennis courts at 7th and 8th Street Parks to be submitted by February 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM. No fencing is required for this bid. This project must include engineered drawings, all materials necessary for completion of the project, and installation of the Basketball Half Court at 7th & 8th Street Park located in the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida.
All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope to City Administrator John Bartus at 600 W. Ocean, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051 (mailing address PO Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051), no later than February 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM clearly marked ‘Sealed Bid for the City of Key Colony Beach ITB 2026-03’ along with the name of your rm. Each bid must have one original and ve (5) copies. The bid manual, requirements, and specifications are available on DemandStar at www.Demandstar.com.
All questions regarding the bid process should be directed to City Administrator John Bartus at cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net
DATE TIME ACTION
February 6 10:00 am Release Solicitation 2026
February 16 4:00 pm Last day for submission 2026 of written questions to the City
February 20 4:00 pm Last day for the City to 2026 post answers to questions
February 27 2:00 pm Bid Due & Opening 2026 Open to Public – City Administrator’s Of ce, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach, FL 33051-0141
March 12th 3:30 pm Recreation Committee Meeting 2026 Recommendation to Award (Can be posted on or before date) Open to Public – Marble Hall 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach FL 33051-0141)
March 19 3:30 pm City Commission Meeting – Final Award 2026 Open to Public – Marble Hall
600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach FL 33051-0141
LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
PURSUANT TO FLORIDA
STATUTE 328.17 PURSIANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE 679.610
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: that on February 16, 2026, at the following location:
Perry Marina
7005 Shrimp Road Key West, FL 33040
STOCK ISLAND OWNER LLC
/ PERRY MARINA (Secured Party) will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder for cash the below described collateral / vessel.:
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:
Name of Vessel: Even Keele
Manufacturer: Hunter Sailboat
Year: 1991
LOA: 38 feet
Hull No.: HUN3788F193
Owner: Patrick A. Wolfe, C/O
Paula A. Humphrey
TERMS OF SALE: The collateral; being sold "As Is - Where is" with no warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of title, possession or quiet enjoyment.
PAYMENT: Cash or Certified Funds required at time of Sale.
RIGHT TO BID: The Secured Party reserves the right to bid for and purchase the collateral and to credit the purchase price against the obligation.
PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE 328.17 PURSIANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE 679.610 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: that on February 16, 2026, at the following location:
Perry Marina
7005 Shrimp Road Key West, FL 33040
STOCK ISLAND OWNER LLC
/ PERRY MARINA (Secured Party) will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder for cash the below described collateral / vessel.: DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:
Name of Vessel: Sold Our Sole Manufacturer: Blue Water Year: 1992
LOA: 39 feet
Hull No.: BTL03916D888
Owner: Douglas James Wojton
TERMS OF SALE: The collateral; being sold "As Is - Where is" with no warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of title, possession or quiet enjoyment.
PAYMENT: Cash or Certified Funds required at time of Sale. RIGHT TO BID: The Secured Party reserves the right to bid for and purchase the collateral and to credit the purchase price against the obligation.
IV 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:
Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040
Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Friday March 13, 2026. A resume may be attached to the application.
Publish: February 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
DISTRICT V ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC V)
(From Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any Mainland portions of Monroe County) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a LODGING INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE – shall be owners or operating/general managers assistant general managers, director of sales and/or marketing, director of engineering, director of food and beverage, director of operations/rooms, comptroller as executive (exempt employee level) positions of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in the tax collection district for which they are applying)
Any person wishing to participate on the District V 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: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of applications at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Friday March 13, 2026. A resume may be attached to the application.
Publish: February 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
responses WILL NOT be accepted.
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.
The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156
Meeting ID: 4509326156
One tap mobile:
+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish: February 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-538-K
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ALTHEA L. MAUST, Deceased.
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Personal Representative: Brandie Jean Adamson c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304 Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040
Email designation for service: Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com
Telephone: (305) 292-3926
Fax: (305) 295-7947
Publish:
January 15, 22 & 29 and February 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-1129-M ANJA MANIKA NATASHA BOWERS SANCHEZ, Petitioner, and ANGEL SANCHEZ, Respondent.
City of Key Colony Beach PO Box 510141, 600 W Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL, 33051
Contact John Bartus, City Administrator cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net
Publish: February 5, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers
DISTRICT IV ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC IV) (Between the Long Key Bridge and mile marker 90.939) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE - shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying).
Any person wishing to participate on the District
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 3, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Lester Building Interior Renovations Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.
Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/
The administration of the Testate Estate of ALTHEA L. MAUST, deceased, July 22, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The file number for the estate is 25-CP-538-K. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent's will is July 21, 2025. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All interested persons, including JODY BARTLETT, are required to file with the court WITHIN THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE: (1) all claims against the estate and (2) any objections by an interested person on whom this notice was served that challenges the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue or jurisdiction of the court. ALL CLAIMS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: January 15, 2026.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ANGEL SANCHEZ RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 13370 SW 251ST TERRACE, APT. 1, HOMESTEAD, FL 33032 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on ANJA MANIKA NATASHA BOWERS SANCHEZ , whose address is 68500 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, LONG KEY, FL 33001 on or before FEBRUARY 14, 2026, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON, FL 33050 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: January 8, 2026 Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Leslie Rodriguez Deputy Clerk Publish: January 15, 22 & 29 and February 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI
Notice is hereby given that on February 16th, 2026, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Valverde, Nathan 1550 Barrios, Jorge 1164 Rawlick, Joshua 1110
Burdick, Brooks 1025
Publish: February 5 & 12, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO.: 26-CP-000006-PK IN RE: ESTATE OF JAY T. HOLMES
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of JAY T. HOLMES, deceased, whose date of death was November 28, 2025; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 26-CP-000006-PK; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070.
The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: FEBRUARY 5, 2026.
Personal Representative:
TERESA ANN HOLMES
37 Halfway Rd Key Largo, FL 33037
srateresa@aol.com
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 25-CP-000526-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DOUGLAS S. GIFFORD
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The estate of DOUGLAS S. GIFFORD, deceased, File Number 25-CP-000526-P, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 1, Tavernier, FL 33070. The name and address of the attorney for the estate and the Personal Representative are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
The date of first publication of this Notice is February 5, 2026.
Personal Representative: Hillary Whelan
DAVID A. SILVERSTONE, P.A.
Attorney for Personal Representative 2455 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 301 Hollywood, FL 33020 (954) 367-0770
David@dsilverstone.com
By: David A. Silverstone Fla. Bar No. 862096
Publish: February 5 & 12, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
DIVISION: PROBATE CASE NO.: 26-CP-009-M IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHAEL A. NEVIN
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of MICHAEL A. NEVIN, deceased, whose date of death was September 16, 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 February 5, 2026.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 26-CP-17-K IN RE: ESTATE OF DENISON C. A. TEMPEL Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Denison C. A. Tempel, deceased, whose date of death was December 5, 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 name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and
Visit Florida Keys has funding available for those interested in applying for Destination or Turnkey event funding for events to take place between October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027; or for pre-promotion funding for Destination events to take place between October 1, 2027 and December 31, 2027.
The deadline for receipt of applications is March 25, 2026, and applications must be downloaded from the County’s Bonfire platform.
For more information, please email grants@fla-keys.com.
Publish: February 5 & 19 and March 5 & 19, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
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 STATUTES 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 ss. 732-216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211.
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 February 5, 2026.
Personal Representative: Mabry Binnicker 613 Eaton Street Key West, FL 33040
Attorney for Personal Representative: Hugh J. Morgan, Esq. Florida Bar No. 112362 309 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040 Telephone: (305) 296 5676
Email: hughkw123@gmail.com
Publish: February 5 & 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CC-507-K
AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 23RD day of February 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5834, Week 23, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).
Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of January 2026 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Plaintiff vs. LINDA JAYNE GARZA; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST JOHN MARKOU GARZA, DECEASED; JOSHUA M. GARZA, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO JOHN MARKOU GARZA; ANTHONY
LEGAL NOTICES
GARZA, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO JOHN MARKOU GARZA;AND DANIEL ANGELO GARZA, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO JOHN MARKOU GARZA Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC-507-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 25TH day of January 2026
KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod
Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.
Publish: February 5 & 12, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-74-K AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 23RD day of February 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5124, Week 7, Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE as to Count(s) II entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of January 2026 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. DAVID LESZKOWITZ; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MARLY LESZKOWITZ, DECEASED; AND MARINA H. MOLITOR, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO MARLY LESZKOWITZ
Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-74-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 25TH day of January 2026
KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.
Publish: February 5 & 12, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 2024-CC-523-K AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 23RD
day of February 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5824, Week 12, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).
Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of January 2026 Style of which is:
WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ANDREW R. REILLY, DECEASED AND BRANDON REILLY, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO ANDREW R. REILLY Defendant
And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC-523-K
WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 25TH day of January 2026
KEVIN MADOK
Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.
Publish: February 5 & 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CC-715-K
AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 23RD day of February 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit E14, Week 9, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).
Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of January 2026 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ROBERT DUANE SHAPPEE, DECEASED;
AMY SERAFIN, AS POTENTIAL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT D. SHAPPEE; LAURA SIVLERMAN, AS POTENTIAL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT D. SHAPPEE; AND UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE ROBERT D. SHAPPEE
LIVING TRUST
Defendant
And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC-715-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 25TH day of January 2026 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida
By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk
Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: February 5 & 12, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-122-K AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 23RD day of February 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit C21, Week 9, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of January 2026 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST PAUL RICHARD SHERIDAN, DECEASED; KATHLEEN SHERIDAN, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO PAUL RICHARD SHERIDAN; CHRISTOPHER SHERIDAN, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO PAUL RICHARD SHERIDAN; AND TIMOTHY SHERIDAN, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO PAUL RICHARD SHERIDAN Defendant
And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-122-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 25TH day of January 2026
KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: February 5 & 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS ALL YEARS!
Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
BOATS FOR SALE
1983 20' Wellcraft V20 w/ 1994 Yamaha 2 stroke 200 hp engine. No trailer. High and dry at Marine Max on Coco Plum/Marathon. $6,000 727-487-3842
PLACE YOUR BOAT FOR SALE AD HERE.
$25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
BOAT SLIP FOR RENT
Boat Dockage/ Storage/Parking available in Marathon. Gated, private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002
Dockage up to 60’ Islamorada - Bayside, 50 amp service. Price flexible. Call 860-982-4517
Boat Slip For Rent in Key Largo - Oceanfront Marina - Up to 46’ x 11.5’ - $20/ft/month. No Liveaboards. 330-219-5313
RENTED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!
PLACE YOUR BOAT SLIP FOR RENT AD HERE.
$25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
EMPLOYMENT
Captain part-time position available in Key Largo. Ideal for retired person. Captain Sterling's Everglades Tours 305-395-0033
Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. Full-Time Medical Assistant/RN - Pediatric experience preferred. Must multitask in fast-paced setting. Also hiring Full-Time Front Desk Staff - Experience with insurance verification and EMR required. Strong multitasking skills. Pay is commensurate with experience. Email resume to: flkeyspeds@gmail.com
San Pedro Catholic Parish in Tavernier in need of a Part-time Parish Secretary. Knowledge of basic principles of the Roman Catholic Church. Minimum: High School Diploma and two
years administrative experience in a customer service environment. Post secondary College or Business School Education preferred. Proficiency with basic office software (Word, Excel, & Email). Confidentially and respect a must. Mon/ Tue/Wed & Fri from 9 am to 4 pm with a 30-minute break. Email resume to the Pastor at ferrybrutus@gmail.com
Marathon Moose Lodge hiring PT Kitchen Assistant to work with our Cook & to help with meal service, dishes & cleanup. Tues-Sat 1-7:30pm. Pay based on experience. Please apply in person @ 11601 1st Ave Gulf, Marathon, Fl 33050.
Boat rental company in Marathon looking for help with boat detailing & boat cleaning. Call 305-481-7006
Handyman needed for residence in Marathon. High Pay! Call: 305-395-0478
HIRING: Office Administrator in Marathon. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), experience with QuickBooks or other accounting software preferred and must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Full time – Mon-Fri. Pay TBDbased on skill. Email: Natalie@cecflk.com
Specialty Hardware of Marathon - Retired? Have hardware knowledge? Want to keep your brain stimulated? Come see us at Specialty - we are looking for a full or part time person. Hardware knowledge a must. Apply in person at 10730 Overseas Hwy. Marathon 1-305-743-3382.
Experienced Fulltime Line Cook needed at the Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club. 10AM - 5PM, Good Pay. Small friendly staff. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.
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.
KEY WEST - Customer Service Rep. or Agent. Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm. PAID Holidays AND Health Insurance. Apply in person at Fullers Insurance, 1432 Kennedy Dr. Key West or email resumé to norman@ fullersinsurance.com.
Now Hiring in Key West: Vacation Sales Coordinators. Up to $2,000 Sign-On Bonus. Please contact Brea.Rollins-Simms@ vacationclub.com for more information
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Grounds Caretaker, Full-time Carpenter, Electrician & Housing Assistant. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: greenel@kwha. org or 305-296-5621 ext. 225. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.
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
TURN YOUR CARDS INTO CASH! Marathon collector buying any and all Pokemon cards & collections. Call 401-256-0645.
HOUSING FOR RENT
3/2 Tavernier waterfront & bay views, furnished, 1500 sq.ft. $3,500/ month, no pets, no smoking. 954-728-4699
Key Largo- 6 months+ canal front rental on Blackwater Sound. 40' dockage, 1 BR/1 BA Trailer with 1,000 sq. ft. living area. $2,300/ mo. 904-237-9090 or 904-338-1207
3 BR/2 BA home for rent in Key Colony Beach. 75' premium dock. $5,000/ month + utilities. F/L/S 786-229-0228
1BR/1BA 1/2 duplex for rent in Key Colony Beach long term. No smoking. No pets. Good credit score needed. $2,200/ month. 910-382-7818
3BR/2.5BA unfurn. Townhouse (Sister's Creek) for rent in Marathon. $3,000/ mo. 618-559-9143
Furnished Studio AND 2 Bedroom unfurnished, all new for rent in Marathon. On the water, gated property. Section 8 possible. $1,300 - $2,000 month. Call 305-610-8002
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
BRANCH OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Edward Jones is a financial services firm focused on meeting the needs of individual investors. Our Marathon branch office has an opening for an entry-level administrative assistant. Excellent organization, communication skills, and the ability to work independently are required to perform Administrative, marketing, and client service responsibilities. We offer competitive benefits and a comprehensive on-line training program. To be considered for this position apply online at: careers.edwardjones.com Job #106443BR Marathon, FL Location.
Edward Jones does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA
NOW HIRING
Construction workers for Can Do Construction in Marathon, FL.
Starting pay $25 - $30 per hour depending on experience.
Must have driver’s license and speak English. Call 305-481-8353 or 305-481-8356.
MARINA CASHIERS
Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.
DOCKHANDS
Duties include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking. Morning & a ernoon hours available.
BOAT RENTAL STAFF
Flexible hours & competitive wages. Need to have experience driving boats and a working knowledge of the Islamorada area by water. Duties include taking reservations, giving captains lessons and routine boat maintenance.
Email Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com
Please include contact information and any relevant experience.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:
SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN
(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician)
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hr. - $51.94/hr.
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
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.
PERMIT CLERK
D'Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available.
Home Décor Sales Consultant
Seeking a passionate, customerfocused individual with sales and customer service experience. Creativity and interest in home décor a must. Join our team and help customers bring their spaces to life.
Junior Accountant
Seeking a detail-oriented Junior Accountant with basic accounting knowledge and strong organizational skills. Responsibilities include data entry, reconciliations, and assisting with financial reports. Accounting qualification or relevant experience preferred.
THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS
HIRING!
JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS!
We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.
KEY LARGO
Lead Certified Recovery Peer Support Specialist
Behavioral Health Counselor (CAT)
Prevention Specialist
Case Manager (Adult)
KEY WEST
Case Manager (Children)
Mental Health Technician (PT or FT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult, Children) Crisis Counselor
Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Prevention Specialist
MARATHON
Mental Health Technician
Peer Support Specialist Driver (CDL required)
HR Assistant/Recruiter
Registered Nurse (FT, PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (PT)
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 Shifts (PT)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.
DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program, in addition to, life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. EOE
COME JOIN THE FAMILY! Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER
58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Construction Project Manager, FT
- Driver, Keys Supply Chain, FT
- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST
- Pool Radiation Therapist
- Registered Nurse, Oncology, $15k Bonus
TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL
- Administrative Assistant
- Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus
- Cook, Dietary, $5k Bonus
- Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem
- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT Scan, $50k Bonus
- Mechanic, FT, 7A-3:30P
- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
*Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.
APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net
THEME: SUPER BOWL
ACROSS
1. Pakistani attire
5. Research location
8. Partridge’s fruit tree
12. *Grid follower
13. *____ Upshaw, multiple Super Bowl winner
14. Canada’s national tree
15. Like Homer Simpson’s head
16. Allege
17. Agenda entries
18. *Adding a rushing player
20. Aphrodite’s lover
21. Not host
22. Tire meas.
23. Composure under strain
26. More distant
30. Thompson of “Some Kind of Wonderful”
31. Ubiquitous deciduous tree
34. Genealogical plant
35. Poetic feet
37. Dream time, acr.
38. The Romanovs, e.g.
39. Song for solo voice
40. Dishevel, as in hair
42. Clever humor
43. *SoFi ____, Super Bowl LXI venue
45. *Last year’s Super Bowl winners
47. Web robot
48. Tesla Roadster with Starman location
50. a.k.a. podagra
52. *The only NFL team with perfect season
55. Plant-based laxative
56. Symphony member
57. “No ____ for you!”
59. No gains without them
60. Retired, abbr.
61. Field worker
62. Bohemian
63. Not Miss or Ms
64. Poker amount
DOWN
1. Bro to bro
2. Speedy steed
3. Chuck Berry’s “____ Over Beethoven”
4. Rainbow color
5. *Santa Clara’s ____ Stadium, Super Bowl LX venue
6. Beside, archaic
7. Titanic’s frozen enemy
8. *Team with most Super Bowl appearances
9. Fencing weapon
10. Charitable contributions
11. Hi-____
13. Garden shelter
14. Unhealthy atmosphere
19. Little hills
22. P in m.p.g.
23. Mark Twain to Samuel Clemens
24. Lively
25. Vampire of Greek mythology
26. *One of two teams to win while hosting Super Bowl
27. Long fishing line
28. Like haunted house
29. What the defense does?
32. High school dressy affair
33. Romanian money
36. *Super Bowl LX halftime show headliner (2 words)
38. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: “____ Your Children”
40. Egyptian boy king, for short
41. Long jump
44. I to Greeks, pl.
46. Rob Marshall’s 2005 movie “Memoirs of a ____”
48. On the wagon
49. Land parcels
50. *Shoulder pads and cleats
51. “Put a lid ____ ____!”
52. College dwelling
53. High part of day 54. Edible fat
55. Facial site
58. *Charlie Puth and Brandi Carlile, ____game stars
Canes,
Conch & Dolphin
Pride
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