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Members of
Team USA’s hockey teams returned home from the winter Olympics in Milan Cortina with gold medals around their necks. The men’s and women’s hockey teams swept the top podium for the first time, both beating Canada 2-1. For the men’s team, it was the first gold medal in 46 years. The women’s team has won three golds, four silvers and one bronze in the eight Olympics they’ve entered since 1998.
Saturday, Feb. 28 from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. See page 18.
KEY WEST IMMIGRANTS PLAN 2-DAY STRIKE
City commissioner seeks immigration enforcement info
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
In eight months, Key West has lost nearly 500 immigrants to federal authorities. Most of the people who have been removed, detained in a federal facility and/or deported “are Latino individuals with pending immigration cases, Social Security numbers, and valid work permits,” states a press release from the Key West Immigrant Support Network.
“Families have been separated, workplaces disrupted and entire households left in uncertainty,” states the release, announcing a peaceful two-day work stoppage planned by the local Latin immigrant community in an effort to show how vital they are to the workforce. The stoppage is slated to occur Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27 and 28.
Kerry Baker, executive director of the Key West Chamber of Commerce, which counts more than 400 businesses as members, declined to comment on the planned strike.
Lucy Hawk, co-founder of the immigrant support network, emphasized to the Keys Weekly that the network is not organizing the work stoppage. The Latino community conceived of the idea and is carrying it out, Hawk said.
The network is helping to publicize the two-day stoppage on its Facebook and Instagram pages in English and Spanish.
“The two-day strike is designed to show the real economic and social impact of continued immigration enforcement actions. To highlight that impact, Latino community leaders are encouraging the following: No school.
No work. No restaurants. No deliveries. No shopping. It is intended to provide a visible, undeniable snapshot of what the island would look like without the immigrant workforce that sustains its economy,” the press release states.
Alongside the work strike, the Key West Immigrant Support Network is organizing a mass solidarity protest both mornings from 8 a.m. to noon outside the Homeland Security building at 2000 N. Roosevelt Blvd.
“No one should live in constant fear of being taken from their family while contributing to their community,” strike and protest organizers said.
“Due process, stability and the right to work and support one’s children are fundamental values — and our neighbors deserve those protections.
“Organizers emphasize that this action is entirely peaceful and lawful. It is intended to provide a visible, undeniable snapshot of what the island would look like without the immigrant workforce that sustains its economy.
“Business owners, employers, faith leaders and residents across the island are being urged to stand in solidarity and recognize the essential role immigrant families play in the strength and identity of the community,” the press release states.
Police chief on protests, enforcement
Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg told the Keys Weekly on Wednesday, Feb. 25 that prior immigration protests have been peaceful and organizers have always kept the police department informed.
“They’ve done multiple protests and every time they’ve communicated with KWPD about their intentions and we do everything possible to ensure everyone’s safety on both sides,” Brandenburg said, adding that there have been incidents of two sides yelling at each other, but no violence.
When asked about a Feb. 17 incident in which a U.S. Border Patrol agent stopped a driver at a North Roosevelt Boulevard shopping center for alleged traffic violations, Brandenburg said, “I don’t know under what authority they’re doing traffic stops. They can hear our radios, but we can’t hear theirs.”
During the Feb. 17 incident, Key West Police Officer William Howell wrote in a report that he had “selfinitiated backup for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. A traffic stop was
continued on page 9
U.S. Border Patrol agent Bruno Cabral handcuffs a teen immigrant on Feb. 14. CONTRIBUTED
Jean Carper is one of the local artists who will open her home studio to tours by art lovers. The Studios of Key West will present its annual self-guided Artist Studio Tours on
MARK HEDDEN/Contributed
‘MY’ TRUCK VS. THE OLD SEVEN MILE BRIDGE
KEY WEST BACK IN THE DAY
During Key West’s “bad old days,” the scariest thing I ever did was drive a malfunctioning Toyota truck across the old Seven Mile Bridge from the Lower Keys to Marathon.
It might not sound scary, but at that time the two-lane bridge was the width of a two-car garage, and my truck’s “malfunction” was an uncontrollable side-to-side shimmy.
CAROL SHAUGHNESSY
has lived in Key West for 40-plus years, witnessing and writing about the island’s renegade past, shipwreck salvage adventures and colorful presentday characters.
The truck had no business developing a shimmy. It was almost brand new, bought by my fiancé Phil from a local dealership — a spot where scammers felt safe plunking down cash for cars.
He purchased the truck, his surprise gift to me after a lucrative “business deal,” one day while I was waitressing at the Top of the La Concha.
The Top, with its worn carpet and super-sized picture windows, stood on the seventh floor of the then-shut-down La Concha Hotel on Key West’s Duval Street. It was a favorite hangout for high-rollers and local notables, offering a breathtaking panorama of the island.
Its parking lot, seven stories below, was easily visible from the picture windows. When Phil strolled into the bar that day, he directed me to the parking-lot view.
“Look down there,” he said proudly, pointing at the vehicles. “See the blue truck? That’s yours.”
It was really his, of course, though he insisted it was mine. Occasionally I even took the wheel to navigate the island’s streets.
Navigating across the terrifyingly narrow old Seven Mile Bridge, however, was something else entirely.
Actually, it was simply known as the Seven Mile Bridge then — because this was before 1982, when a wide modern bridge replaced the dangerously weather-worn older one.
The original span had carried traffic since 1938, as part of the Overseas Highway that stretched from the mainland to Key West. Adapted from a former railroad track, its northbound and southbound lanes were each just 11 feet wide — with no shoulders.
2. This shot of cars stopped on the Old Seven Mile Bridge illustrates the bridge’s frighteningly narrow traffic lanes. RAYMOND BLAZEVIC/Florida Keys History Center
The journey across the bridge was gorgeous, offering sweeping vistas of blue-green water on both sides, but drivers rarely noticed. They were too busy dodging oncoming traffic, gripping their steering wheels with white-knuckled intensity, and praying.
That’s what I wound up doing one afternoon in 1980. Phil was waiting at a marina in Marathon, 50 miles north of Key West, after a brief cruise to Bimini — and I agreed to pick him up.
Most of the drive went fine. “My” truck rolled easily over small bridges and through island hamlets, passing roadside eateries and tropical vegetation.
As I reached the Seven Mile Bridge and started across it, however, my hands tightened on the wheel. It was a daunting drive, and everybody in the Keys knew that.
A couple of oncoming cars whizzed by, followed by a large van that seemed frighteningly close but passed safely.
Just as I told myself I could handle this, the truck began to shimmy.
Initially the shimmy felt minor. Seconds later, it escalated until the truck was bouncing from side to side like a ping-pong ball on steroids.
The seven-mile length of that bridge felt like 70. I fought the wheel all the way, attempting unsuccessfully to control the shimmy. I pounded on the horn, trying to warn oncoming cars each time the truck bounced into their lane, and muttered prayers when it bounced back to graze the bridge rail.
After what seemed like hours, I shimmied off the bridge into Marathon — miraculously alive, without serious damage to the truck or any other vehicle — and pulled into the marina where Phil stood.
“Your truck seems to have a little shimmy,” he commented, opening the driver’s side door as I slid over into the passenger seat.
“It sure does,” I said, limp and exhausted. “But it’s YOUR truck.”
1. The extent of the truck’s shimmy proved quite startling to Phil. CONTRIBUTED
Lea Moeller Former Board Member
I’m so grateful for the work that Womankind does to bridge the gap in our local healthcare ser vices. This organization has been a beacon of support for our community for the last 25 years.”
Chase Hurst Finance Director
After 15 years, the word “vagina” doesn’t make me blush anymore.”
KEY WEST IMMIGRANTS PLAN 2-DAY STRIKE
initiated by CBP, in reference to several traffic infractions including at least one failure to signal and one illegal lane change,” Howell wrote. His report said that the driver, who was not in the country illegally, tried to flee. The passenger was handcuffed temporarily during the incident, but was immediately released when it was revealed that he is a U.S. citizen. The driver was detained by federal officials and taken to Krome Detention Center, Howell wrote.
Commissioner seeks immigration info
City Commissioner Sam Kaufman, who is running for mayor, on Wednesday, Feb. 25, emailed city manager Brian L. Barroso requesting “reports, data or updates … regarding the 287(g) agreement entered into with our federal partners last year.”
Kaufman tells Barroso, “I would like to make sure that commissioners have clear and accurate information as we respond to community concerns in a thoughtful and informed way. Specifically, I would appreciate clarification on:
“• Whether there have been any documented instances of Key West Police Department involvement related to immigration enforcement activities under the agreement.
“• Any costs incurred by the city or KWPD associated with the 287(g) agreement, including whether reimbursement requests have been submitted or received consistent with the terms of the program.
“• Any internal reports, summaries, or updates provided by KWPD to city management that could be circulated so commissioners can better understand how the agreement has been operating in practice.”
Finally, Kaufman asks Barroso to advise: “Whether any KWPD personnel have completed the required ICE training and certification process; and whether there is any information that can be shared with the commission regarding participation levels or training status under the agreement.”
“My goal is simply to ensure that commissioners have accurate, transparent information regarding implementation, fiscal impacts and operational outcomes, while being mindful of operational sensitivities and personnel considerations,” Kaufman writes.
Kaufman told the Keys Weekly on Feb. 25, “Some folks are very nervous and upset and I see that some of this anxiety is directly related to the lack of information.” continued from page 4
PRESTON BREWER SEEKS NEW TRIAL
After 1st-degree murder conviction, sentencing scheduled for Feb. 26
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
Convicted murderer Preston Brewer wants a new trial. His defense attorneys claim the jury’s guilty verdict for first-degree murder was “contrary to the law” and “contrary to the weight of the evidence.”
The attorneys filed a motion for a new trial — a common, but usually unsuccessful, protocol following a guilty verdict — on Jan. 31, 10 days after a jury convicted Brewer, 60, of first-degree murder for the fatal 2023 shooting of the unarmed Garrett Hughes, 21, in the parking lot of a New Town bar hours after that year’s Super Bowl.
A motion for a new trial differs from the much longer and more complex appeal, which begins after a defendant is sentenced. In Florida, a first-degree murder conviction is punishable by either death or a mandatory sentence of life
without parole. Prosecutors in Brewer’s case did not seek the death penalty.
Brewer’s sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26 at 1:30 p.m., although this week’s blizzard in the Northeast prompted Jerome Ballarotto, one of Brewer’s two defense attorneys, to ask that it be postponed until Monday, March 2 so his co-counsel, Mark Catanzaro, can reschedule canceled flights from New Jersey and attend the sentencing in person.
Prosecutors Colleen Dunne and Joe Mansfield opposed the postponement, suggesting that Catanzaro can appear via Zoom, while Ballarotto attends in person.
Circuit Judge Mark Jones hadn’t ruled on the postponement as of 11:30 p.m. Feb. 24, and the legal teams were preparing for the sentencing hearing to proceed as scheduled on Thursday, Feb. 26.
First, though, Jones will have to address Brewer’s motion for a new trial.
In the 29-page filing, defense attorney Catanzaro blames the jury’s guilty verdict on the wording of the instructions the judge gave them before they began deliberations. Catanzaro reiterates multiple prior arguments, including Brewer’s self-defense claim, which was denied by both Jones and by a three-judge panel on appeal. Catanzaro argues that the jury was not sufficiently informed of the law as it pertains to self-defense and the definition of nonlethal force.
Lloyd Preston Brewer III, who’s known locally by his middle name, sits at the defense table on Jan. 12, the first day of his murder trial in Key West. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
FLORIDA HOUSE PASSES PROPERTY TAX ELIMINATION PROPOSAL
Senate’s ideas loom as governor pushes for a November ballot initiative
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
On Feb. 19, 80 Florida House members said “yes” to an initiative that would ask voters whether they support abolishing all property taxes, besides those collected for school districts, on homestead properties.
Filed by Republican Rep. Monique Miller, of Palm Bay, House Joint Resolution 203 proposes a state constitutional amendment that would gradually eliminate non-school ad valorem taxes on homesteads over a 10-year period; it would be achieved through annually increasing the homestead exemption by $100,000.
“Floridians are clamoring for relief in the form of property tax,” Miller said on the House floor. “The House is working hard to answer the call.”
With House approval, HJR 203 awaits consideration among members in the Senate, who haven’t released a property tax proposal as of Feb. 25. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently said he’s working closely with Senate members on a ballot initiative as it relates to property tax.
Joint resolutions such as Miller’s HJR 203 need approval among three-fifths of the state legislature. If that’s achieved, state voters would
be asked if they support erasing all property taxes, besides ad valorem dollars for schools, at the November 2026 election. House joint resolutions do not need the governor’s approval to reach the ballot.
The measure would need at least 60% of Florida voters to say “yes.” If the voter threshold is met, the phaseout would begin Jan. 1, 2027. State legislators would need to approve a bill to implement the phaseout and eventual property tax elimination.
HJR 203 also prohibits local governments from reducing services provided by first responders below the dollar amount of the current fiscal year. Thirty opponents to the measure, all Democrats, voiced concerns during the House session on how the funding cuts could affect essential services among Florida’s 400-plus municipalities.
“You are freezing budgets for local governments for public safety while decreasing — eliminating — a huge chunk of their revenue. How are they supposed to do that?” said Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani, of Orlando.
Democratic Rep. Robin Bartleman, who represents Broward County, introduced an amendment to ensure long-term public safety funding by requiring the state to backfill public safety costs for municipalities. She said Miller’s proposal creates a
“floor and ceiling” for public safety. She said the bill doesn’t keep track of future needs as cities grow, staffing grows and equipment costs.
“We know new fire trucks have gone up 140%,” Bartleman said.
Bartleman’s amendment was rejected by the Republican majority. Concerns were also shared among Democratic members over the property tax burden possibly shifting to commercial properties and renters.
Before the discussion and debate on the floor, Florida House Speaker Danny Perez told members that they arrived at a “turning point of session” with a proposal that may be the most “aggressive legislation ever passed by a legislative chamber on property taxes in the U.S.” Talks over eliminating property taxes were heard a year ago by Gov. Ron DeSantis, but he’s yet to release any specific proposal.
When session ended last May, Perez convened a 37-member House Select Committee on Property Taxes. Out of the committee came several proposals either to reduce the property tax burden on certain groups, such as property owners over 65, or eliminate them altogether.
Perez said the House is open to the Senate’s ideas, provided they ever materialize.
“This chamber has collapsed the space between what we say and what we do,” he said.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Ed Hooper said last week that the chamber will be careful with what they do. He said the chamber’s plan will not be as generous as the plan in the House to eliminate all nonschool property taxes on homesteads.
State Rep. Jim Mooney, who represents the Keys and a portion of
‘This may be the most aggressive legislation ever passed by a legislative chamber on property taxes in the U.S.’
— Florida House Speaker Danny Perez
south Miami-Dade, voted in favor of HJR 203. In an interview in January with the Keys Weekly, Mooney said he voted “yes” on House joint resolutions, like 203, in committee to give voters the ultimate say.
“It doesn’t mean I like it, but it would be unfair for me to vote ‘no.’ I can’t make the call for the voter,” he said.
Charles Chapman, legislative consultant for the Florida League of Cities, said proposals like Miller’s would end up becoming a tax shift.
“The burden will shift to businesses, the renters, because fees, assessments, higher non-homestead millage rates could replace the homestead tax break,” he said.
Miller acknowledged local government budgets rose exponentially over the years. For instance, she said Orange County saw a 90% increase in its budget in the last five years. She said municipalities will need to have hard discussions about spending.
Some governments already had those talks. Monroe County slashed 45 full-time positions and discontinued Freebee rideshare service in the Lower Keys during the last budget cycle. And 50%, or $1.1 million, in county funding was cut for human services nonprofits.
Florida State Capitol complex. FILE PHOTO
WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS ‘ONCE’
Talented cast acts & plays instruments
The Waterfront Playhouse continues its 2025-2026 season with the musical “Once,” opening March 5, with a preview performance on March 4, and running through March 21. The theater’s artistic director, Patrick New, directs the production.
Featuring Jillian Todd and Brendan Daugherty, alongside an ensemble of actor-musicians from Key West and Chicago, “Once” combines music and storytelling.
With a book by Enda Walsh and music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, “Once” is based on the film of the same name and tells the story of a chance meeting between two artists that sparks a collaboration — and a connection — that transforms their lives. Set to a rich score,
the musical celebrates creativity, resilience and the power of music to bridge distance, language and circumstance.
This production emphasizes the communal nature of music-making, with performers shifting between roles as actors and musicians. The result feels at once spontaneous and finely crafted
Performances take place at the Waterfront Playhouse, 407 Wall St. Tickets and additional information are available at waterfrontplayhouse.org.
The Waterfront Playhouse is Key West’s longest-running professional theatre, dedicated to producing work that is inclusive, artistically ambitious, and rooted in the power of live performance to bring people together.
— Contributed
BUFFETT’S MUSICAL LEGACY TO CONTINUE
Board approves proposal for former recording studio
Jimmy Buffett’s former recording studio at the Historic Seaport (officially named the Key West Bight) will continue as a recording studio, and will be enhanced with a museum, tours, private recording sessions and photo opportunities, along with an outdoor margarita bar.
Long known as Shrimp Boat Sound, the boxy little windowless building that’s covered with stickers sits along Key West’s Harbor Walk, between Schooner Wharf Bar and the Conch Republic Seafood Co.
That building, which Buffett’s company had leased from the city and used as a recording studio, is now empty and in need of repairs.
In the wake of Buffett’s September 2023 death, his estate canceled its lease this past June and emptied the building of all recording equipment.
The city of Key West owns all the buildings and property surrounding the seaport and leases them to restaurants, bars, boats and watersports businesses, providing significant revenue to the city.
The Bight Board approves proposals for those leases and oversees the bight’s management.
That board earlier this month approved a joint proposal from Robert Spottswood Jr. and David Bernsen, and directed the city manager to negotiate a lease with the partners, who have pledged to donate all profits from the recording studio (not the bar) to Key West charities.
The partners’ proposal states: “Our joint vision combines a work-
ing recording studio and museum honoring Jimmy Buffett’s legacy with a bar featuring margaritas and tropical drinks along with a memorabilia retail and ticketing center. The integrated concept includes:
“1. Working Recording Studio: Restore the historic studio to operational status with modernized update (that was planned after Jimmy’s last recording session) to carry the studio forward. We have secured commitments from renowned artists including Mac McAnally, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, and the Coral Reefer Band.
“2. Museum and Tours: Offer affordable tours showcasing the studio restored to Jimmy Buffett’s era with today’s technology, featuring his actual equipment, instruments, and memorabilia, with private and experiential recording opportunities available.
“3. Margarita and Tropical Drink Bar: A bar operation showcasing Key West’s music, arts, and fishing history with limited indoor seating and outdoor seating for up to 20 persons.
“4. Retail and Memorabilia Sales: Unique merchandise, Jimmy Buffett lifestylethemed art, and Coral Reefer Band memorabilia.
“5. Live Entertainment: Live broadcasts, streaming, podcasts, and musical performances featuring participating artists (with proper permits).
“6. Venue for Hire and Charitable Events: Utilize the space for private events, weddings, functions, and approved charitable and fundraising events.
“We note that this concept has been initially approved and supported by Margaritaville Enterprises to ensure proper and legal use of the Buffett name at the Studio on Lazy Way Lane.”
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
The boxy little building that long housed Jimmy Buffett’s recording studio will continue as a recording studio, museum and outdoor margarita bar. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
Key West & Cuba’s Museum Quality Regional Art
Celebrating Cultural Resilience
CUBAN ART TOUR
April 20-24, 2026
Priscilla Coote RETURN TO TROPIC WATERS
Artist’s Reception
Saturday, February 28th, 2026
5:00-8:00 pm
Serenity, 30” x 40”, Oil on Linen
Gallery on Greene presents Priscilla Coote’s annual solo exhibition, opening Saturday, February 28th, 5-8 p.m. The show features new works in Coote’s signature blues and greens, inspired by decades of studying the waters of the Florida Keys.
Coote was recently selected for the Art in Embassies program by Ambassador Waltz and named an Ambassador for the Florida’s Forgotten Coast plein air festival. A Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists, her work has appeared in major publications, on Net ix and HGTV, and is represented in galleries in Nantucket, Maine, and Nantes, France.
Works Available on Approval & Concierge Services from Key West to Key Largo The Gallery on Greene |
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.
BABY’S COFFEE
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AVAILABLE IN KEY WEST
AVOID THE LONG DRIVE TO MIAMI AND HAVE ALL YOUR CHILDREN’S NEEDS MET RIGHT HERE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS.
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.
SOUL SOULCITY CITY dysfunkshunals
Mina Lopez , Bobi Lore, Henry Fuller,
Dave Arndt
OLD TOWN NEW FOLK CONCERTS AT THE STUDIOS OF KEY
WEST
JON LANGFORD
TUE MARCH 3, 7PM
Helmerich Theater
WED MARCH 4, 7PM
Hugh’s View
Founding member of the legendary punk band The Mekons, Langford helped redefine what folk and country could be when filtered through the raw edge of rebellion.
JAKE SHIMABKURO
TUE MARCH 10, 7PM
Helmerich Theater
WED MARCH 11, 7PM
Hugh’s View
Ukulele virtuoso Shimabukuro pushes musical boundaries with dazzling skill, heart, and fearless creativity.
RICKY SKAGGS
& SHARON WHITE
TUE MARCH 24, 7PM
Helmerich Theater
WED MARCH 25, 7PM
Hugh’s View
Bluegrass legends Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White unite for an unforgettable night of harmony, heart, and timeless tradition.
Contemporary art center, steps off Duval Street. Always free to visit! Open Tue-Sun, 10am-4pm
WANT TO SEE WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS?
The Studios of Key West hosts artist studio tours Feb. 28
On Saturday, Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Studios of Key West’s annual Artist Studio Tour comes to the Midtown West section of the island, inviting art lovers to explore a collection of working studios set beneath sweeping banyan canopies, inside airy Conch houses, and within thoughtfully designed live/work spaces. This self-guided experience offers a rare opportunity to step beyond gallery walls and into the environments where art is created.
“This tour has become one of our most anticipated events each year. It gives people the rare opportunity to step inside working studios, speak directly with artists, and experience the creative energy of a neighborhood they may not have explored before,” said Elena Devers, deputy director.
All studios are located within an easy-to-navigate Midtown stretch of just over a mile. Guests may move at their own pace, linger where something catches their eye and experience the diversity of Key West’s creative community firsthand.
The tour begins at the studio of Tom Pope at Stop #1 – 1610 Von Phister St., where visitors may purchase day-of tickets and pick up maps. Pope moved to Key West in 1974 and built a 50-year career here as an architect before turning his creative focus to watercolor painting. He now brings that practiced eye to his watercolors, capturing light, structure and atmosphere in his backyard studio.
Photographer Jill Benado will welcome guests at the former
CITY BOARD MAKES CASE FOR PAINTED FENCE POSTS
Proposed change would allow for 6 colored pickets in historic district
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
The city’s historic preservation commission may have made history at its Feb. 24 meeting. The commission that a decade ago was notorious for telling property owners in the historic district what they’re not allowed to do actually prompted enthusiastic applause from a larger-than-usual audience.
studio of her late husband, Bill Hartman, where his work — reflecting a deep connection to life on the water and the natural world — remains on view.
At the home and studio of Jean Carper — New York Times bestselling author, visual artist and art collector — visitors will encounter not only her vibrant artwork but also an impressive private collection featuring pieces by John Martini, Jack Baron, Anja Marais and others. Her stop offers an intimate glimpse into both the creative process and the art of collecting.
Sculptor Sally Wernicoff works from an outdoor studio where clay, stone and plaster take shape. Senegal-born painter Michel Delgado presents richly layered canvases blending memory, legend and everyday life. Mixed media artist Dan Bar rounds out the tour with bold, pop-inspired compositions, including a series of deconstructed bird paintings influenced by Audubon.
Tickets are $35 in advance at tskw.org and $40 the day of the tours, available at Stop 1, 1610 Von Phister St.
— Contributed
The topic? Painted fence posts. Again.
Yes, once again, the city’s Historic Architectural Review Commission (HARC) tackled the topic of fence pickets. The commission was seeking to allow homeowners to paint a few wooden fence posts in colors that are not specifically permitted under the historic preservation guidelines, which recommend wooden fence pickets be unpainted or white in the historic district.
Because Key West’s Old Town area is a designated historic district, boasting one of the largest collections of historic wooden buildings in the country, homeowners there are bound by preservation guidelines.
The HARC board, whose members are each appointed by a city commissioner, has been trying since November to amend the regulations so homeowners in the historic district can paint six or seven of their fence pickets the colors of the rainbow. But so far, the HARC commissioners have been getting pushback from the city’s legal staff, which continued at the Feb. 24 meeting.
Assistant city attorney Ryan Goodman told the HARC commissioners that city staff “strongly recommends” against making any changes to the guidelines.
“Any amendment carries a degree of legal risk,” Goodman told the commission. “This may be the beginning of a slippery slope, so we strongly recommend taking no action.”
That wasn’t the line that drew applause from the audience. It’s what HARC commissioner Bryan Green said next, and the direction the full commission gave to the lawyer that was met with enthusiastic support.
Green proposed a change to the guidelines, stating, “In an effort to allow for freedom of expression, six 4-foot-tall pickets of different colors may be permitted in the historic district.”
An Old Town home sports a rainbow-painted fence. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
The change would not be “content specific,” meaning it would not pertain solely to the rainbow colors, but would allow six pickets painted in any solid colors.
“I do not believe the world would end if we were to do this,” said Green, who is gay. “I do believe my community would be terrifically pleased that the city has accepted the gay community as a fundamental and integral part of the community, the same way Bahama Village is.” He had pointed to earlier exceptions made to the historic guidelines that allow buildings in Bahama Village to be painted in brighter Caribbean colors to reflect the cultural heritage of the neighborhood.
The rest of the HARC board informally supported Green’s proposed amendment and asked city staff to draft an amendment for next month’s meeting.
The rainbow fence trend began last summer, after state officials forced Key West and other cities to remove rainbow-painted and other colored crosswalks, or lose state transportation funding.
After the city commission voted not to stand up to the state’s crosswalk removal mandate, several homeowners began painting seven or so pickets of their fences in rainbow colors. The rainbow renaissance appeared on fences from Bahama Village to Flagler Avenue.
Then the complaints started — and the lawyers grew concerned, as the rainbow colors are not specifically allowed under the historic guidelines.
“I’m all for preservation, but it’s not about freezing a city in time. Key West’s history of inclusion is worth preserving as much as the architecture,” resident Nicole Sohn said at the December HARC meeting.
Artist, writer and art collector Jean Carper welcomes visitors to her eyecatching home and studio. MARK HEDDEN/Contributed
Sculptor Sally Wernicoff welcomes guests into her outdoor studio during The Studios of Key West’s Artist Studio Tour. JOHNNY WHITE/Contributed
803 803
Emma Street! Emma Street!
american legion post 168 key west cultural center/veterans’ museum
Live Music Every... Live Music Every...
- Monday - - Monday -
6 – 8 pm, Live Piano Music
Suggested Donation $5
Dinner available for purchase from Olive’s Mediterranean Grill
8:30 pm - 11:30 pm, Larry Smith’s Jazz Jams Featuring: Larry Smith-Piano, Skipper Kripitz-Drums, Joe Dallas-Bass, & many more Musicians welcome! Creative! High Energy!! Join the Jam!!!
- Wednesday - - Wednesday -
7 – 10 pm, Ladies Night with Larry Smith
Featuring the best local lady vocalists in Key West.
- Thursday - - Thursday -
6:30 – 9:30 pm, Terri White, Larry Baeder, and Friends! Jazz , Blues, Soul & a Little Broadway Special guests each week .
- Saturday - - Saturday -
Live Music! For Event Details: Follow us on Facebook www.facebook .com/legionpost168
Raymond Rodriguez,
SATURDAY, MARCH 7,
MARK HEDDEN
... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.
The sky was a giant blue bowl, inverted and empty. I couldn’t even find a turkey vulture. Where could they all possibly have gone? Maybe they needed an afternoon up the Keys, as we all do from time to time.
I pulled into the park behind the dog park at Higgs Beach and stopped by the pond, which, when it has water in it, usually holds a few surprises. But this late into the dry season it was a micro-desert, parched and empty except for, for reasons unclear, a dozen rocks and a dozen roosters. Which I guess was also a surprise.
Nearby was the quarteracre of land where the FAA tower used to stand, which can be a great place to see birds after recent rain. I’ve seen a dozen or so species there, usually wading birds like great egrets, great white herons, snowy egrets, and roseate spoonbills. It’s a great habitat largely because it is surrounded by an octagon of chainlink fencing and nobody spends much time grooming it.
There are rumors the county or city wants to turn it into pickleball courts, which seems a waste. There are quite a few pickleball courts a few yards away. (Besides, pickleball mania is relatively new. Wouldn’t it be wise to wait a couple years and make sure pickleball isn’t the roller disco or hacky sack of racket sports?)
The only bird I could see on the other side of the green chainlink fence was a lone white ibis plunging its long decurved bill down into the ground. Only a white ibis tends to poke its bill up and down into the ground with the speed of a hepped-up oil derrick, and this one hadn’t yet lifted its head. When it did, its long decurved bill was missing, replaced with a modest wedge. It wasn’t a white ibis; it was a cattle egret.
The bird began to range around the dried grass of the octagon, bobbing its head most of the time, but occasionally speed waddling in a more upright, duck-like posture. Periodically it shoved its face down into the stubble of grass, no doubt trying to snatch up food.
Herons and egrets tend to catch things with the tips of their bills, then throw their heads backwards to fling whatever they caught toward their throats. Sometimes it happens in one go, sometimes they have to fling their head back multiple times to make it work.
The most dramatic version I ever saw was out near the bridge over Riviera Canal, when a great blue heron caught a small snake. The bird had the tail end of the snake down its throat, but the snake kept wrapping itself around its bill. The heron would shake it loose, manage to swallow another inch or two of the snake before it wrapped itself around the bird’s bill again. This happened over and over again. It took a long time to reach the inevitable conclusion.
A CATTLE EGRET IN THE LAND OF NO CATTLE
It was hard to see in detail, but the cattle egret behind the green chainlink didn’t look to be doing a lot of head flinging. There was a lot of head stabbing, but no flinging. I hoped it was getting some kind of return on its efforts. Maybe some small bugs were tossed back so easily that we hardly noticed.
I decided to watch the bird for a while, largely because I never pay much attention to cattle egret, and because I wanted to see it catch something. I have photos of them with worms and bugs in their mouths, but I wanted to see what this bird might pull off. Also, while they are very common in most of the U.S., you don’t often see them in the Keys.
I pulled the car up near the fence to work as sort of a blind, and tried to get my camera to focus through the open diamonds of chainlink, which it did about a third of the time, leaving a soft crosshatching in the foreground.
I did see the bird throw its head back a few times, but not when I was holding up either binoculars or camera.
I think part of my neglect of cattle egrets is that they are the least dramatic members of the Ardea family, home of egrets and herons. Though in some ways they are outliers among their kind.
Like most herons and egrets, they are monomorphic, the sexes virtually indistinguishable, at least to the human eye. They are generally white, but during breeding season pick up some brown patches the color of weak tea. (This one had brown on the crown of its head.) Compared to their other family members, their bodies are a little thicker, their necks a little shorter, their legs a little stubbier.
While most Ardea tend to nest near bays or creeks or lakes, cattle egrets seem to be take it or leave it when it comes to water, sometimes nesting near it, sometimes choosing more upland habitats. As their name suggests, they are often associated with cattle, finding their prey in bovine footprints.
As of 85 years ago, no one had seen a cattle egret in North America, as they are an Old World species. They were first spotted in the Americas in Guyana in 1930. It was thought that some of the farm laborers who had emigrated from India, where they are common, had brought them as pets, but that theory was dismissed when it became known that the ones in Guyana were a different species than those from India.
The general belief is they got to South America on their own volition and spread from there.
The first cattle egrets in North America were seen near Lake Okeechobee by a biologist named Willard E. Dilley, who recalled seeing the birds sometime between January 1941, when he first moved to Clewiston, and the summer of 1943, when he joined the Navy during World War II. They were spotted on the shores of the lake again around 1946.
From there they spread out across the lower half of the U.S., appearing in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maine and Long Island, New York throughout the ’50s.
All this comes from a 1954 paper written by Sandy Sprunt Jr., who was head of the Audubon Tavernier Science Center for decades.
The report also has a fun note about the first time a group of cattle egrets was spotted in Key West. Four were reportedly seen on Nov. 8, 1953 by the late, great Frances Hames, who from the 1940s until the late 1970s was the go-to birdwatcher here. (There is a famous story about her once getting arrested while birding on Boca Chica because the MPs thought she was a spy.)
“I had not expected to see the cattle egret here because he is supposed to be a bird of ‘open cultivated country’ and not of the mangroves and mudflats along the coast,” she wrote.
The little patch of land where the FAA tower used to be is not open cultivated country, but it’s probably the closest we’ll get in Key West.
In
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Experience the captivating charm of Key West through this stunning Conch home, a genuine gem steeped in history. Dating back to the late 1800s, this property has undergone meticulous restoration, blending the historical allure of Old Town Key West with modern comforts. Recognized for its outstanding restoration efforts, the home has proudly won the Historic Florida Keys Preservation Award, showcasing the artistry of master craftsmanship and custom woodworking, which re ect the unique character of the Dade County Pine. Step inside to discover a haven of elegance, where high ceilings and stainless-steel appliances harmonize with sophisticated design. The heart of the home, the kitchen, effortlessly combines functionality with style, making it a delightful space for culinary adventures. Adjacent to the kitchen, expansive living areas invite relaxation and connection, seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor living. The spacious bedrooms offer serene retreats, each with its own unique charm and island air. An additional bonus room presents endless possibilities, whether as a guest suite, of ce, or serene reading nook. An exquisite feature of this property is the inviting poolside guest cottage, a perfect sanctuary for visitors or a private escape for family. This charming cottage enhances the home's versatility, ensuring guests enjoy their own serene space while being just steps away from the main house. The layout thoughtfully caters to both privacy and togetherness, ensuring a cozy atmosphere for family and friends. Outside, the property boasts a charming garden oasis, perfect for hosting gatherings or enjoying quiet moments in the sun. The lush tropical landscape embodies the vibrant spirit of Key West, creating a serene backdrop for outdoor living. This Conch home is more than just a residence; it represents a lifestyle steeped in warmth, community, and the essence of island living. In Key West, every day feels like a vacation.
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
If everything in your world feels louder and more amplified, welcome to eclipse season. Between the annular solar eclipse on Feb. 17 and the total lunar eclipse on March 3, nothing is exactly what it seems, major tectonic shifts are taking place below the surface of awareness and the energetic frequency of the world is amped up. During this time, it is best to tread lightly and pay attention to what is happening around you. Engage when you feel called to get involved in the events and spectacles taking place, but keep your wits about you. Be vigilant, protect your peace and absorb the lessons available in the cacophony. Amid the heightened energy of eclipse season, the planet of communication and travel, Mercury, is turning retrograde in the sign of Pisces and will appear to travel backward for three weeks. While Mercury is retrograde in Pisces, communication is likely to be very murky and misunderstandings can run rampant. Mercury in Pisces communicates through feelings, tones and vibes rather than through succinct and clear words, and the vibes will probably not be crystal clear. Try to get communication in writing during this time rather than assuming that you understand the emotional cues. Under a retrograde Mercury in Pisces, it is a great time to revisit old creative projects, to reimagine possibilities for your life and to reflect on how you are living out your dreams.
Here are your horoscopes for Mercury retrograde in Pisces during eclipse season. Read for your rising and sun signs.
PISCES
Feb. 19 - March 20
This eclipse season is amplifying your awareness of solitude and partnership. Perhaps you find that you need more of both but finding the bridge between them proves elusive. Perhaps learning to sit in silence with someone you love is the clear fix. Over the next three weeks, you have the opportunity to reimagine who you are in this quickly changing world. Dream big.
Aries
March 21 - April 19
Under this sky, you are given the opportunity to really dive deep into your own unconscious, exploring the nooks and crannies of your psyche. These next three weeks, reflect on the ways that you unconsciously both support and sabotage yourself. Take the wheel. Eclipse season is amplifying your friends and your routines. Lean in to the people and habits that work best for you.
TAURUS
April 20 - May 20
Trust your intuition when it comes to the vibe check of the people in your circle. We all have friends who are genuinely supportive and friends who stick around for transactional reasons. Pay attention and reconsider some folks in your field. Your work and your creative projects are particularly loud in your life right now. See if you can merge them in some way.
GEMINI
May 21 - June 20
Can you build your home while fulfilling your need for exploration? This eclipse season is about watering your roots and extending your branches. There is a balance to be struck between nesting and travel, and you have the means to figure it out. If your work life starts to seem a bit confusing, trust your intuition and reconsider some of your work choices.
CANCER
June 21 - July 22
Your collaborative efforts and your local environment are probably pretty amplified right now. Perhaps you have a number of projects in the works with other folks in your community, and your attention is needed in many places. Dive in and the fruits of your labor will be spectacular. Over the next three weeks, revisit or reflect on plans you have to expand your horizons. Let your thoughts simmer for a bit.
LEO
July 23 - Aug. 22
Throughout this eclipse season, you are probably hearing an important partner and your finances making lots of noise. Are the needs for both at cross-purposes? How can you make these two important facets of life sing together? It is time to start rethinking the ways that you have been sharing resources with others. Perhaps it is time to find a new venture.
VIRGO
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
In some ways, you are what you do. You are in the process of redefining yourself through your actions, finding schedules that work better for you and amplify your identity. Ride the wave and find sustainable ways to keep the progress going. You may need to revisit a conversation with a partner in your life. The words might be a bit clumsy, but trust the vibes you feel.
LIBRA
Sept. 23 - Oct. 22
There are times in life when taking space from other people is just what the doctor or-
dered, and now is the time for you to do that. Your creativity needs incubation, so close out the rest of the world and set yourself to making something. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be you. Over the next three weeks, reconfigure your routines to better fit your emotional needs.
SCORPIO
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
Home and friends don’t always blend. They can occupy two distinct spheres of life. Right now, those two spheres are particularly loud, Scorpio. How can you give both your place of respite and your support network the heightened attention they need? Revisit some old creative projects now and see if you can breathe new life into them.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
Your work and your local neighborhood/ familiar surroundings are vying for your attention, Sag. How can you make some significant changes in these areas of your life that honor your needs? Perhaps some new work in a new locale or bringing what you already do into your neighborhood would suffice. Reimagine your home and family these next few weeks and see what arises.
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
Communication comes in many forms, and many times it is the nonverbal cues that speak the loudest. Pay attention to what you are communicating with your body language and your emotional expressions. Perhaps you aren’t getting your desired message across. Traveling and spending go hand-in-hand, but maybe there is a way to expand your horizons without breaking the bank.
AQUARIUS
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
It is not uncommon to define oneself by the company and the causes we keep. During this eclipse season, you are supported in transforming yourself and your invested energy into a version that suits you the best. Over the coming weeks, take some time to reflect on your personal values to ensure your purchasing and spending are in alignment.
n 1822, when Key West was a brand-new seafaring settlement, the U.S. government sent Commodore David Porter to banish pirates from area waters. With his anti-piracy squadron of small boats and barges, Porter pursued his prey into mangrove coves and inlets, persisting until the pirates were essentially gone.
Since then, vessels of virtually all types have plied the waters surrounding Key West — salvagers and sponge harvesters’ schooners and skiffs, commercial fishing boats, Navy and Coast Guard ships, and majestic sailing craft are among those that have docked at the busy port city.
The waters surrounding Key West have nurtured its economy and supported its people for more than two centuries. Today, they provide unequaled recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors.
Key West’s past and present seafaring spirit is alive in museums and attractions, shipwreck and treasure tales, dive and snorkel trips and sailing cruises aboard historic tall ships. It’s also honored in the memorabilia at the Key West Cooking Show’s 291 Front St. headquarters — a venerable building that served both the United States Navy and Coast Guard during its storied history.
For example, the second-floor reception area features a depiction of the USS Maine, a naval battleship that departed Key West for Havana Harbor in January 1898 to protect American interests during a time of unrest. Its mysterious explosion and sinking in Havana Harbor, killing 268 sailors, helped ignite the Spanish-American War.
Beyond the reception area is Bar 1, themed to recall Key West’s adventurous and literary heritage. Both elements are represented in an expertly crafted model of Ernest Hemingway’s beloved fishing boat Pilar. The author and sportsman lived in Key West in the 1930s, having countless angling adventures on the Pilar after acquiring it in 1934.
Also displayed at Bar 1 is a detailed model of the U.S. revenue cutter Bear, known as the most famous Coast Guard ship of all time. Beginning
RED BARN CAST SING THEIR HEARTS OUT
‘And The World Goes Round – The Music of Kander and Ebb’ runs through March 21
its service career in 1885, the Bear became one of the earliest revenue cutters and later played a role in Arctic rescue missions. Its prominent display is a fitting reminder of Key West’s strong Coast Guard presence.
As well as vessel representations, the Cooking Show venue holds significant maritime artifacts. Among them is a collection of ship chronometers — instruments invented in England and used in both navigation and weather prediction.
Participants in the facility’s daily learn-and-dine cuisine experiences and craft cocktail classes — designed to provide culinary and libation-based insights into Key West’s vibrant heritage — can stop by the lobby for a free guide to the items of interest, artwork and memorabilia on display.
LAST CALL
Drink of the month: Key West Sunset. Key West’s contemporary vessels include tall ships and catamarans offering sunset cruises. To experience the celebrated island spectacle in liquid form, try the rum-based cocktail at Bar 1 — whose layered colors resemble vivid sunset hues.
Helpful bar hack: Pineapple wedges are an ideal garnish for the Key West Sunset. To maximize a fresh pineapple’s sweetness, store it upside down for a day or two before slicing to distribute the sugars throughout the fruit.
Thirsty for more? Visit keywestcookingshow.com or call 305-294COOK.
Key West’s Red Barn Theatre presents an evening of Broadway’s most enduring songs by two of its musical wizards in “And The World Goes Round – The Music of Kander and Ebb.” The show runs through March 21. All curtains are at 7:30 p.m.
Composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb were one of Broadway’s most creative, versatile and dynamic musical theater writing teams. Over their 40-year partnership, they created more than a dozen Broadway classics, including “Cabaret,” “Chicago,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Woman of the Year,” “Zorba” and “New York, New York.” Many of their shows found their way to the silver screen as well.
“And The World Goes Round” is a celebration of the duo’s work –a collage of love songs, torch songs and witty numbers from their top shows. The songs serve as a lens into the lives of the characters on stage, exploring love, heartbreak, hope and the resilience of the human spirit.
The show stars four Key West voices -- Lauren Thompson, Claire Caplan, Arthur Crocker and Jeremy Zoma. The musical direction is by New York’s Michael Fauss, a Broadway orchestrator and musical director for shows including
“Oliver!” Red Barn artistic director Joy Hawkins and Thompson are codirectors, with Thompson also handling most of the choreography.
“I love that we get to celebrate these men who are icons of Broadway,” said Hawkins. “They wrote such celebrated Broadway musicals, with intricate harmonies and fancy footwork. This is a terrific night of music, and a celebration of these men who served musical theatre so brilliantly. This will be one of our best musical offerings ever.”
Tickets are available at redbarntheatre.com or from the box office at 305-296-9911.
CAROL SHAUGHNESSY
The Key West Cooking Show and Bar 1 salute Key West’s seafaring spirit through memorabilia and maritime items. KEY WEST COOKING SHOW/Contributed
The cast of ‘And the World Goes ‘Round’ at Red Barn Theatre features, from left, Arthur Crocker, Lauren Thompson, Joy Hawkins, Michael Fauss, Jeremy Zoma and Claire Caplan. PETE ARNOW/Contributed
Claire Caplan and Lauren Thompson co-star in ‘And The World Goes Round – The Music of Kander and Ebb’ now showing at Red Barn Theatre through March 21.
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.
Rigby, a 1-year-old male Chihuahua mix bursting with puppy energy and personality. This little guy is eager to learn, always ready for fun and happiest when he’s in your lap, soaking up attention. Rigby will be a playful companion who also loves close snuggles.
Meet Lonnie, a 2-year-old female domestic shorthair mix with aqua eyes as blue as Keys waters. Lonnie is a calm cat who loves napping in a warm sunny spot. She brings a soothing presence to any home and is the perfect match for someone who appreciates a relaxed, affectionate companion.
GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE ...
Anne McKee Artists Fund art auction takes place Feb. 27
Tand outdoor adventure.
Meet Nance, a 1-year-old female domestic shorthair mix with a calm, easygoing personality. She’s happiest when curled up in a warm, sunny spot, quietly observing the world or drifting off into a cozy nap. Nance is a gentle, low-maintenance and sweet, relaxed feline friend.
Meet Baby Rae, a 10-month-old rabbit who’s young, curious and ready to hop her way into someone’s heart. Whether she’s exploring her space or settling in for a quiet moment, Baby Rae brings a gentle, calming presence to any home.
ickets for the 31st Anne McKee Artists Fund auction are going fast, but there’s still time to buy them. Offering music, art, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and champagne, the evening raises money to support local artists.
This year’s art auction and fundraiser boasts a vintage Key West theme and features entertainment by Bobby Nesbitt. Phil Amsterdam is the celebrity auctioneer.
Doors open and entertainment begins at 4:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. The bidding begins at 5 p.m.
Tickets include hors d’oeuvres and champagne at
$30 per person; a VIP ticket for $65 includes up-front seating and personal food service.
See an art piece you just love but can’t attend the auction? All auction artwork is available for purchase at The Studios of Key West at Buy It Now prices through Feb. 26. The final purchase price of each piece is divided evenly between the artist and the nonprofit Anne McKee Artists Fund, which provides grants to local artists in various fields to help them complete specific projects.
More information is at mckeefund.org.
— Contributed
Meet Captain, a 3-year-old male Siberian Husky/German Shepherd mix who’s as handsome as he is easygoing. Captain has a laid-back attitude and an affectionate personality that makes him instantly lovable. He’s the perfect blend of calm companionship
Meet
‘Marielitos,’ a painting by Michael Palmer, is one of 40 pieces available at the Anne McKee Artists Fund Auction on Feb. 27 at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. CONTRIBUTED
HELP KEEP KEY WEST BEAUTIFUL
JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS
The Feb. 20 cleanup was the third annual Fentanyl Awareness Cleanup by Mona’s Light, which Stacey Croston created in memory of her daughter, Mona, who died from fentanyl poisoning in 2020. In one hour, 128 volunteers collected 787 pounds of trash, 61 pounds of recycling and 3 gallons of cigarette butts from Smathers Beach. Special thank-you to Croston and local businesses that donated prizes, and to Irish Kevin’s for providing breakfast. The Friday, Feb. 27 cleanup is at Southernmost Beach Resort, 506 South St. Look for the Green Machine on the street or in the parking lot between the Le Mer and Dewey guesthouses. CONTRIBUTED
One hour a week makes a huge difference, and volunteers are welcome every Friday and some Saturday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., when the Key West Ploggers clean up a designated area of the island.
Gloves, pickers, buckets, vests, hand sanitizer and a parking pass are provided to all volunteers.
A troubling number of cigarette butts and plastic bags have been included in recent hauls. Please remember your reusable bags when shopping so we can keep the plastic off the streets, parking lots and, most importantly, out of the water. And dispose of cigarette butts in any receptacle rather than the street or sidewalk, as from there, they easily end up in the ocean.
The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.
Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.
It takes committed community involvement to keep Key West beautiful and we are making progress with
A BIT ON RECYCLING
Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez, Dorian Patton and two workers from the city’s utilities department attended the grand opening of Waste Management’s new recycling facility in Pembroke Pines, where all our community’s recyclables are processed. This $90 million facility features state-of-the-art sorting technology, incorporating AI systems and advanced scanners to produce cleaner, higher-quality recovered materials. Material truly is being recycled.
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. 27: Southernmost Beach Resort, 506 South St.
March 6: Whitehead and Eaton streets. Meet in the front parking lot of First Horizon Bank, which is hosting.
March 13: United and Varela streets. Meet at the Montessori Children’s School. Park in the City Hall parking lot.
March 20: Kennedy Drive and N. Roosevelt Boulevard. Meet in the parking lot next to H&R Block, which is hosting.
March 27: Cozumel Park, 19th Terrace and Donald Avenue. Hosted by the Key West Aquarium.
HOMETOWN HOSTS CALL FOR CANDIDATES MARCH 9
Voter education group invites those running or considering it
Hometown! Key West is calling on all incumbents, declared candidates, prospective candidates and anyone simply exploring a run for office to participate in its Call for Candidates on Monday, March 9 at 5 p.m. at Salute! restaurant on Higgs Beach.
The event is free and open to the public. Community members can hear directly from those considering leadership roles in the year ahead.
“Local elections matter,” said Hometown! chair Todd German. “In this unusual political climate, voters are engaged and campaigns are already underway. Before long, qualifying will close and the primary ballot will be set for federal, state, county and local races.”
The 2026 election cycle in Monroe County will include races for state senate, state and U.S. representatives, two county commission seats, three circuit judge seats and one county judge seat. Voters in Key West will also elect a mayor and three city commission members. Additional contests include two seats on the Monroe County School Board, two seats on the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District and three board seats for Keys Energy Services — two representing Key West and one representing the Lower Keys.
More information is at hometownkeywest.com or via email to hometownkeywest@gmail.com.
— Contributed
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AFTERSHOCKS OF CHILDHOOD
KEY WEST AUTHOR HAYS BLINCKMANN DELIVERS A COMING - OF - AGE STORY THAT KEEPS RUMBLING LONG AFTER THE LAST PAGE WITH ‘TINY LITTLE EARTHQUAKES’
Growing up in the 1980s on a remote horse farm in North Carolina was not easy for 9-year-old Elliot Hase. After her parents’ divorce, she rarely saw her father and was forever chasing her mother’s attention. Smart and shy, Elliot idolized her big sister Poppy, even when she kept making the same mistakes. Together, they navigated their mother’s alcoholism until Poppy began to follow the same destructive path. Elliot felt alone. Television was her constant companion throughout childhood.
We follow Elliot through Connecticut and Martha’s Vineyard as her mother chases fresh starts and flees her troubles. Elliot reinvents herself at boarding school and later at Tufts University, as she continues searching for a way to help her sister and mother, whom she loves with all her heart. This tender story told through a child’s eyes is heartbreaking — and it’s simply impossible not to root for Elliot every step of the way.
Key West author Hays Blinckmann perfectly captures the perspective of a child through an adult voice in a style that’s devastating, funny and nostalgic for a time gone by. She was featured on Good Morning America on Feb. 18 and will sign copies at Books & Books at The Studios of Key West on Wednesday, March 4.
Let’s meet Hays:
The title ‘Tiny Little Earthquakes’ is so memorable. How did you choose it? When I’m writing, there’s always a phrase that lingers. Elliot, the main character, says her life is built on “tiny little earthquakes.” All of her trauma was based on a multitude of smaller events, not one big catastrophe. And every time Elliot got her footing, another calamity would happen – usually caused by an outside force like her mother and sister.
Elliot’s voice is incredibly authentic; she’s observant, funny and wise beyond her years. Was it difficult to write from the perspective of a child navigating adult chaos? The story is largely based on my childhood. So, really, TLE was about going back in time and connecting with my younger self. I did not want to write a young adult novel, so I let Elliot be more mature in her word choices and humor. And basically, I was the same smartass back then as I am now.
The 1980s setting feels so vivid, from TV reruns to music and clothes. How much of this came from memory versus research? Memory. I binged TV before binging was a thing. Also, much of Gen X was timestamped by our favorite shows, music
and movies. Most of my memories were connected to one of those things. Just a little factchecking to make sure I got the years right.
In your epilogue, you hint that this story draws from your own life. How did you decide what was safe to fictionalize and what stayed true? At first, I put everything on the page. Then, I am a firm believer in editing. Content editing took months; we stripped out unnecessary anecdotes that didn’t advance the story arc. Fictionalizing allows a bit of flair and a sense of separation between me and the characters, so I had more license with the dialogue.
One of the most striking things about this book is how it balances sensitive subject matter, addiction, grief and family secrets with humor. Was that intentional or did Elliot’s wit surprise you? In life, I have always had to balance how much I share and how I share it, especially when I was a child. I will pepper in a joke at the most somber of events. In the book, when adults pitied Elliot for her home life, humor was her tool for deflecting attention.
Elliot’s relationships are complicated and deeply loving. What do you hope readers take away about family dynamics, especially imperfect ones? Exactly that. Relationships, especially with parents, are imperfect. The message is yes, it’s okay to be angry, but it won’t serve you in the long run. Finding compassion and understanding for those who hurt is more beneficial. You don’t necessarily have to forgive them, but understanding why they are the way they are goes a long way.
You used to work for the Keys Weekly. How did your time as a journalist shape you as a fiction writer? BEST THING EVER. It was like CrossFit for writing; I learned a tremendous amount. Sara Matthis, retired editor of the Weekly, was an amazing teacher/boss/coach. She taught me the value of getting to the point without boring people – and to cut another 100 words, lol.
The Keys have such a rich literary history. Where do you see yourself in that? After 25 years of living here, raising my kids and surviving multiple hurricanes, it’s not always a vacation, but it’s home. I am a Key West writer, not a writer who came to Key West. I want people to know Key West isn’t the end of the road; for some of us, it’s where everything begins.
HOMETOWN THROWDOWN
Wrestlers pin down district titles | P.5
Marathon Baseball NSU University 2/16 L, 5-1
Marathon Softball Immaculata-LaSalle 2/17 W, 17-2
Key West Boys Lacrosse Coral Reef 2/17 W, 10-7
Coral Shores Baseball Dade Christian 2/17 L, 9-4
Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Westminster Christian 2/18 W, 9-3
Coral Shores Girls Lacrosse Palmetto 2/18 L, 16-3
Marathon Baseball Dade Christian 2/18 L, 7-3
Key West Girls Lacrosse Lourdes Academy 2/18 L, 11-5
Key West Softball Western 2/19 L, 12-6
Coral Shores Softball South Somerset Academy 2/19 W, 19-16
Coral Shores Baseball ABF Academy Homestead 2/19 W, 5-4
Key West Boys Lacrosse Cardinal Gibbons 2/26 W, 9-4
Marathon Baseball Berean Christian 2/20 W, 11-1
Key West Baseball Pace 2/20 W, 10-3
Key West Baseball St. Brendan 2/21 W, 8-4
Key West Softball Westminster Christian 2/21 W, 7-2
Key West Softball Westminster Christian 2/21 L, 10-5
Key West Girls Lacrosse St. Cloud 2/21 W, 16-3
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
2/27 Key West Softball Marathon 7
2/27
2/27
2/27
2/28
3/3
3/5
HOLUSHKO
Sophomore, Key West Wrestling
Maria just continues to get andbetter is proving that she’s one of the best wrestlers in the state of Florida.”
— Conchs head wrestling coach Chaz Jimenez
Key West’s Maria Holushko is doing big things this season through relentless dedication and a work ethic that refuses to waver. The Lady Conch wrestler embraces a grueling training schedule and does whatever it takes to chase championship standards. Competing in one of the toughest districts in the state, Holushko finished as district runner-up before following it a week later with a regional runner-up finish to punch her ticket to the state tournament in March. With a dominant 25-4 record this season, she continues to prove that hard work shows up on the mat. For her phenomenal gains and commitment to the sport of wrestling, Key West’s Maria Holushko is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
25-4 place at regionals record this season ON THE COVER FEBRUARY 26
Coral Shores’ Jack Brown has his opponent on the ropes in the 165-pound weight class at the FHSAA District 16 championships in Key West. See page 5. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly
Maria
Maria Holushko shows off her FHSAA 1A Region 4 silver medal Feb. 21. CONTRIBUTED
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.
POWER AT THE PLATE
Marathon softball starts with a W; Key West blasts three homers
Catcher Madelyn Thornton leads the Dolphins in just about every hitting stat available after a big three-hit game last week.
NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly
I9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050
Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com
t’s been a hot start to spring for the Florida Keys’ three softball squads.
Marathon started the season with a win over Immaculata-LaSalle on Feb. 17. The Lady Fins dispatched the Royal Lions in just five innings via mercy rule. Anastasia Boose went the distance in the circle, striking out nine batters, walking one and giving up five hits over five innings. The Fins racked up seven stolen bases and six hits with three – a triple and two singles – off the bat of junior Madelyn Thornton. Elianys Roque tripled and Sara Robinson and Shaina Robinson each singled in the 17-2 victory.
Four days later in Key West, Arianna Garcia’s three-run homer in the second inning broke things open as the Lady Conchs picked up steam and rolled over the Warriors of Westminster Christian, 7-2. Maicee Gage added a solo shot in the same inning to stretch the lead beyond the Warriors’ reach. Garcia added a second hit, a single, in the sixth inning. Lucy Katz had a pair of hits and Shylo Sanchez, Kaleya Cervantes and Kaleaya Dickerson added one apiece. Brianna Brenner struck out eight in seven innings, walking one and giving up eight hits in Key West’s first win of the season.
Later that afternoon, the teams squared off again, this time with a different result. The Warriors came out swinging, pulling ahead with a three-run lead after the first inning. Westminster kept the pressure on until the end, winning 10-5 over the Conchs.
Chloe Kongos and Cervantes had three hits each and Williams, Sanchez, Dickerson and Maicee Gage added one hit each. Lilee Gage had a solo homer in the sixth, but 11 Conch hits would not be enough to overcome a determined Warriors team. Ryleigh Harnish handled the pitching in game two, striking out five, walking five and surrendering a dozen hits over seven innings.
Coral Shores won their season opener against Somerset South Homestead in a clash of the ’Canes. Coral Shores won 19-16 against the other Hurricanes in the Feb. 19 contest.
tracy mcdonald
DYNASTY ROLLS ON
Conch wrestling streak stretches to 17 district championships; Holushko punches ticket to states
On Feb. 20, South Florida’s best 1A wrestlers converged on the Southernmost City for the District 16 championships. When the final bout was complete, Key West’s trophy case was a bit more crowded, with their 17th consecutive first-place finish.
In addition to the team title, the Conchs saw a pair of individuals crowned with district titles. Michael Guzman (165 pounds) defeated two opponents via technical fall, piling on the points on his way to the podium. Allens Alexandre made short work of his final opponent, pinning him in under 30 seconds for district gold.
In second place were Kyle Condella (138), Jacob Ferguson (126), and Donald Kirkpatrick (113). Angel Morales (175) and Aristerne Richardson (106) brought home bronze and Jaylyn Annylus (144), Kascper Kowalik (215) and Prometheus Delacerda (132) finished in fourth. All 10 will advance to regionals at Cardinal Gibbons this week.
Coral Shores finished fifth overall, but took more titles home to Tavernier. Three Hurricanes stood in the top spot on the podium and nine wrestlers advanced to regionals with top-four finishes.
David Beltran won the 175-pound division. Beltran, a state qualifier last season, looks primed for a return to Kissimmee this year. Joining him as a district champ are Gavin Matheis (132) and Sebastian McCoy (120). Both athletes pinned all their opponents at districts and have what it takes to make it all the way to the big show this season.
Sterling Keefe (157) and Nathaniel Tristram (150) were district runners-up and will have a shot in the next round, as will third-place finishers Jeramiah Ortiz (144), Jack Brown (165) and Ethan Struhs (138). The final Keys regional qualifier is Ricardo Mack, a freshman who finished fourth in the 190-pound competition.
Marathon, in its first year of varsity wrestling, brought three athletes to the event, two of whom were middle school students. Despite the obstacles, the Fins finished in eighth place, picking up 18 points in the final meet of their inaugural season.
The following afternoon, two Keys athletes represented Monroe County in the girls wrestling Region 4 1A championships. Maria Holushko of Key West and Marathon’s Autumn Wolfe earned their spots in the brackets with outstanding
district performances earlier this month.
Holushko punched her ticket to states after amassing a 3-1 record at regionals, defeating two opponents by fall and claiming the runnerup spot in what is easily the toughest region in Florida. Holushko did not lose until the title match, to the same athlete who defeated her at districts. The sophomore sensation will represent the Southernmost City in early March at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee at the state championships.
Wolfe’s first-round loss gave her a tougher path at regionals, but the resilient sophomore won her next two matches to keep her hopes of a state berth alive. A second loss at the tournament, however, meant Wolfe’s first year of varsity wrestling ended at regionals.
top: Kyle Condella of Key West works the arm of his opponent in a 138-pound bout Feb. 20.
The referee raises George Eggers’ hand in victory in a 157-pound match.
Coral Shores’ Jeremiah Ortiz picks up some back points against Marathon’s Charlie Buttner in their 144-pound bout.
Nathaniel Tristram works to free himself.
TRACY McDONALD/Keys
From
STRONG START Upper and Middle Keys lifters begin the long road to states.
With the girls weightlifting season officially complete, the gentlemen are picking up the pace on the long road to their own state championships in early May. Last week, the Hurricanes blew into Marathon on Feb. 18, picking up dual wins against the Dolphins. The ’Canes outscored the Fins 52-30 in the Olympic competition, then 54-28 in traditional lifts.
Coral Shores’ Nick Brown (119 pounds), Kyle Derobertis (129), Tyler Bettner (139), Jake Companioni (169), Aaron Lykins (183), Fredy Flores (219) and Mason Aussubel (238) were dual winners at the event. The athletes won both the Olympic and traditional competitions.
Coral Shores’ Jacob Franks won the traditional event in the Unlimited category, splitting with Marathon’s Trevor Wofsey, who won the Olympic event. In the 154-pound class, Marathon’s Matthias Martinez-Velez won the Olympic event while Coral Shores’ Kevin Gonzalez had the upper hand in traditional.
Marathon’s lone dual winner was Max Childress, in the 199-pound category. Childress and Martinez-Velez were state qualifiers in 2025, and Lykins, Bettner and Roberts were close after strong regional finishes last season.
Top row, from left:
Caden Powell gets a 135-pound clean and jerk over his head. Matthias Martinez-Velez is good on his 155-pound clean.
Aaron Lykins’ 175-pound snatch lift gets the all-clear from the judges.
Kevin Gonzalez performs his opening 145-pound clean and jerk lift.
Middle row, from left: Xavier Johnson attempts a 205-pound clean and jerk.
Max Childress gets low on his 165-pound snatch lift.
Bottom row, from left: Chris Paul cleans his opening 140-pound lift.
Connor Malone pauses during his 105-pound clean and jerk.
JUSTICE LEE ISOM/Keys Weekly
STORMING THE COURTS
Lady ’Canes improve to 3-1 after pair of wins last week
On Feb. 17, the Lady Hurricanes swept Keys Gate in a resounding 7-0 win on their home tennis courts. Emma Sogegian, Allyson Rosendale, Kaiyenna De Ron, Harlee Beler and Jillian Thiery won in No. 1 through 5 singles. Sogegian and Rosendale added a win in No. 1 doubles, then de Ron and Beeler won in No. 2 doubles for the clean sweep.
Two days later, Coral Shores headed south for a matchup against Marathon. In girls action, Emily Alvear of Marathon started things off with a win in No. 1 singles. After that, it was a storm surge, with the remainder of the wins coming from Hurricanes.
De Ron, Beeler, Thiery and Parker Kelly won in No. 2 through 5 singles. Thiery and Kelly then won in No. 1 doubles while Vanessa Gabriel and Emily Rosu took the W in No. 2 doubles for a 6-1 win for Coral Shores.
Marathon’s boys dominated Coral Shores in the matchup, winning 7-0. Tanner Snowden, Matt Delgado, Graham Murphy, Kase Daughtry and Eduardo Garcia all picked up singles wins. Snowden and Delgado teamed up for another win in No. 1 doubles while Murphy and Daughtry did the same in No. 2 doubles.
The Royal Lions of Immaculata-La Salle were a royal pain for Key West in a Feb. 17 contest in Miami. La Salle defeated the Conchs 7-0. The boys fared better, with a pair of wins from Andrei Lehene and John Picco in No. 1 and 2 singles.
Coral Shores takes a break in the tennis match against Marathon Feb. 19.
MICHELLE THIERY/Contributed
Marathon’s Matt Delgado, left, Eduardo Garcia and Graham Murphy aim for a win. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly
BATTLE TESTED
Keys lacrosse teams prove themselves on the turf
The Lady Conchs hit the road on Feb. 18 to play a talented Lourdes Academy lacrosse team, which came out with a vengeance. Key West knocked Lourdes out of contention at districts last season, giving the Bobcats the fuel they needed to overcome the Conchs.
Mavis Bishop scored three goals and Colbie Turner netted two. Adriana Dall was credited with an assist and the team collectively picked up 19 ground balls and caused five turnovers, but it was not enough to overcome Lourdes, which ultimately won 11-5.
On Feb. 21, a visiting St. Cloud High School was overwhelmed early with a flurry of Conch scoring. The 16-3 win was truly a team effort in which even the newest members played a role. In all, Key West won 29 ground balls and caused a dozen turnovers. Turner won 10 draw controls, caused two turnovers and snagged an interception. The senior captain also scored five goals. Bishop scored six and was responsible for six of the team’s ground balls, five draw controls, three caused turnovers and an interception.
“It was a beautiful game on our part, great transitions, lots of hustle to get the ball back. Everyone got to play and everyone contributed in one way or another,” said Conchs coach Marissa Giacopuzzi, whose team stands at 2-1.
The Lady ’Canes also stand at 2-1 after a win and a loss last week. Coral Shores lost to Palmetto 16-3 on Feb. 18 on the road, but won against Keys Gate at home in an impressive 13-0 shutout.
Boys
The boys of Coral Shores improved to 5-1 after a pair of wins at home last week. Both wins were against district opponents, a testament to the strength of this year’s Hurricane squad. On Feb. 18, Coral Shores defeated Westminster Christian 9-3 in a contest that was closer than the score indicated for much of the game. Five unanswered fourth-quarter goals spelled disaster for the Warriors, though, and a fantastic display in goal by Brock Bynum for the ’Canes gave Coral Shores the win. Bynum had 18 saves for the Hurricanes to anchor the defense.
Offensively, James Mitchell led the scoring with five goals. Finn McDonough netted two and Christian Gonzalez scored one with two assists. Zane Martinez added one goal and three assists to the team total. Feb. 10 was a much more lopsided matchup, as the
Hurricanes delivered a 20-2 loss to Keys Gate. Mitchell, Gonzalez and Martinez all racked up multiple goals, while Theo Shugarman, Andres Alvarado and Bynum scored their first varsity goals. Jace Jackson netted one goal and was crucial in the faceoff circle along with Connor Daniels.
“We were happy to pick up a couple district wins last week,” said Hurricane head coach Chris Carrow. “The boys played a very gritty game against (Westminster).” He added that the team has two big games this week, including Coral Reef and Belen Jesuit.
Key West’s boys kept their perfect record intact with a pair of wins last week. The Conchs won 10-7 at Coral Reef on Feb. 17 despite a limited roster. The goal-scoring was spread around, with Raffael Rice and Kieran Smith leading the charge with two each.
Mateo Lopez was outstanding in goal, saving 17 and keeping the Conchs in the game. “Mateo was key in keeping us ahead with countless saves when we needed them most,” said coach Alberto Piceno.
Piceno was also pleased with Smith’s play on both sides of the field, praising his athleticism, grit and strong understanding of the game. The game ball, however, went to Rice, whose faceoff wins helped tip the odds in favor of Key West.
The Conchs then defeated Cardinal Gibbons 9-4 on Feb. 20 to move to 3-0 this season. Carlo Vernieri led the charge with six goals, while Sawyer Hill added two and Max Louchheim accounted for the final goal against Gibbons. Owen Dougherty was credited with two assists while Lopez added 15 saves.
Vernieri received the game ball in the home opener, despite feeling under the weather. “Carlo, who is always looking to involve everyone and create for others, took it upon himself to give us six much-needed goals,” Piceno said. “He wasn’t feeling 100%, yet he did what was necessary to help us get the win.”
FAST OUT OF THE GATE Hurricanes track stars make a statement in season opener
Just one week into the season, Coral Shores’ track and field team set the tone at the 2026 Southridge Spartan Invitational. This year’s event included hundreds of athletes from 38 South Florida high schools, making for some stiff competition. Three Hurricanes were up to the challenge, placing in the top 10 at the meet.
Sophomore Ali Wheatley wasted no time hitting her stride. Wheatley raced to a third-place finish in the 3,200-meter run, finishing in 11:32. That beat her prior personal best by more than a second. Wheatley was a state qualifier in the event as a freshman, and if her performance last week is any indication, she is on her way to medal this season.
Alaric Rodriguez finished ninth in the boys 800-meter race. The senior distance specialist crossed the line in 2:04. Julieanna Oddo started her junior season off with a personal best. Oddo finished 10th in the 100-meter high hurdles, completing the race in 18.26 seconds.
Coral Shores’ Ali Wheatley CONTRIBUTED
1. Owen Dougherty (1) and Carlo Vernieri (4) scramble for a loose ball. 2. Owen Dougherty (1) takes a shot on goal. 3. Raffael Rice (21) wins a faceoff against Cardinal Gibbons Feb. 21. 4. Reif Wallen (3) reads the field for his next move. TRACY
Prep baseball bats heat up for big wins across Keys BARRELS BLAZING
Tested by South Florida rivals, Monroe County baseball squads continued their winning ways last week.
Key West’s Kade Maltz and Xavier Perez both went 3-for-4 at the plate against Monsignor Pace on Feb. 20, fueling a frenzy of 11 hits to defeat their longstanding rivals with conviction. The Conchs outhit the Spartans 11-4 to help avenge a midseason loss to Pace last year.
Donovan Thiery put in five innings of work, striking out nine, walking two and surrendering just two hits. The Spartans were unable to pencil in a single run against the FSU commit.
The win ended a 17-year drought for Key West against the Spartans, in a rivalry which has spanned more than half a century. The Conchs last defeated Pace in 2009 in a playoff game at home after losing to them twice in the regular season.
On Feb. 22, a visiting St. Brendan School held their own against the Conchs until late in the game. Maltz started on the mound and did not surrender a single run, effectively shutting down the St. Brendan School offense.
The bats were sleepy for both sides, however, until the sixth inning, when the Sabres strung together four hits and a pair of walks to take a 4-0 lead over the Conchs. But Key West had a clear answer for St. Brendan. In their half of the sixth, the Conch bats were wide awake, and six hits and some strategic sacrifices helped the Conchs pile on eight runs. Key West held down the fort in the seventh inning to preserve the win. Perez and Thiery each added a pair of hits, including one double apiece. Nelson Ong smacked a pair of singles and Maltz, Kristian Masters and Jackie Niles accounted for the rest. Key West was perfect in the field and the win preserved their perfect 4-0 record.
Marathon traveled to Fort Lauderdale on Feb. 16 to take on the Sharks of NSU University School. The Sharks took an early lead and never let up, ultimately winning 5-1. Roco Piscetello, Dylan Williams and Massimo Quargnali had the only hits against the Sharks, and Gabriele Cirina had an RBI off a fielder’s choice. Cirina and Piscetello shared the pitching duties, putting in three innings of work each.
Two nights later, the Fins were at home against the Warriors of Dade Christian. The Dol-
phins took an early lead after Cirina homered over the right-field fence for a 1-0 lead. That would keep the Fins in the lead until the fifth inning, when both teams managed two runs. Dade Christian took over in the sixth inning, adding a pair of runs, then added three more in the seventh to end the game 7-4 in favor of the Warriors. In addition to Cirina's bomb, Quargnali, Andrew Suarez and Piscetello each logged a single. Williams started on the mound, spanning five innings and striking out seven, walking three and surrendering four hits. Piscetello and Jack Chapman put in an inning of relief each in the loss.
The Fins returned to their winning ways Feb. 20 in a display of patience against the visiting Berean Christian Bulldogs. The game was scoreless until the bottom of the fifth, when the Fins scored three runs, then piled on eight more in the sixth to apply the mercy rule to the Bulldogs.
Chapman had three hits, including a triple, while Suarez and Buigas added two hits each. The Fins’ bats were hot, amassing 11 hits to the Bulldogs’ one. Miscues did not help Berean; the team piled up seven errors to compound the effects of Marathon’s heavy hitters.
Cirina struck out eight, walked four and surrendered no hits and just one run in five innings of work. Chapman closed out the final inning for the 3-2-1 Fins.
Coral Shores kept an even record last week, with one win and one loss. The loss came at the hands of Dade Christian, which bested the Hurricanes 9-4 on Feb. 17. In their home opener, Emileano Barrios logged a pair of hits while Riley O’Berry, Maykol Bonito, Mason Clark, Keller Blackburn and Andy Cone added one apiece to the team’s total of seven hits. O’Berry pitched three innings while Barrios, Cone and Jack O’Keefe chipped in for relief.
On Feb. 19, a road trip proved more fruitful for the Hurricanes. Glade Harrelson started on the mound for Coral Shores, giving up two hits and no runs over 3-1/3 innings of work. Harrelson struck out three and walked five. O’Berry was 2-for-4 while Bonito, Clark, Barros, Cone and Mailon Aguilla had one hit each. The 5-4 win put the Hurricanes at 2-2 on the season.
Marathon’s Gabriele Cirina currently stands in third place in Florida in RBIs with 13. He is 16th nationally and is first in 1A Rural as well as FHSAA’s Rural District 8. JUSTICE LEE ISOM/Keys Weekly
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI
Notice is hereby given that on March 9th, 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:
Neuzill, Bill 1557 Johnson, Rachel 1763 McGuirre, Cindy 1625 Pena, Steven 1403 Slate, Spencer 1409 Publish:
February 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on March 11, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, 33037, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING ARTICLE III
SECTIONS 5-26 THROUGH 5-31 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE; CODIFYING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AD-HOC COMMITTEE ON NOISE FOR THE KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RETROACTIVE TO MAY 16, 1995;
SETTING FORTH THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE; ESTABLISHING THE COMPOSITION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE; SETTING FORTH THE TERMS OF OFFICE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE; SETTING FORTH THE PROCEDURE FOR THE FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE COMMITTEE; SETTING FORTH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NUMBER OF MEETINGS TO BE HELD BY THE COMMITTEE; SETTING FORTH THE POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE; SETTING FORTH THE ADVISORY NATURE OF THE COMMITTEE; SETTING FORTH THE PROVISIONS FOR AID BY COUNTY STAFF; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the March 11, 2026, meeting, which will be posted beginning on March 3, 2026 at: https://www. monroecounty-fl.gov/695/BOCCMeetings-Agendas. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s Office at 1111 12th Street, Suite 408, Key West, FL 33040.
The public can participate in the March 11, 2026, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at: https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/89204098700, or Live Closed Captioning is available via the MCTV portal at https:// cloud.castus.tv/vod/ monroe/ video/60832 c9dcf67bb7ac 0c21791?page= HOME&type=live. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the
County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.
Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board of County Commissioners with respect to any matter considered at such meetings or hearings, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, that person will need to ensure that a verbatim record is made of the proceedings, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
Dated at Key West, Florida, this 21st day of February, 2026.
KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida
Publish: February 26, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO.: 2017-CP-000046-M
IN RE: GUARDIANSHIP OF JAY HUGO HOSEK, a Ward.
NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF GUARDIANSHIP ON CHANGE OF DOMICILE OF RESIDENT WARD
The guardianship of JIRINA HOSEK, the Ward, file number 20 l 7-CP000046-M, is pending in the Circuit Com1 for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the guardian and the guardian's attorney are set forth below.
Attorney for Guardian
Effective March 1, 2026, Kristie Santana, APRN, PMHNP-BC, will no longer be practicing at the office of Keys Medical Group - Psychiatry.
Patients may continue to contact the office for an appointment with Angela Halbrook, APRN, PMHNP-BC. Request an appointment via the patient portal, online at KeysMedicalGroup.com or at (305)293-1299.
Patients may also request a copy of their medical records by contacting Keys Medical Group Psychiatry, 1200 Kennedy Drive, Suite 1041, Key West, FL 33040. Phone: 305-293-1299.
Publish:
February 12, 19, 26 & March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
BRIAN C. TAYLOR, ESQ.
Taylor Trust Law
733 East Baseline Road, Ste. 117 Mesa, AZ 85209
Guardian
JINIRINA HOSEK
125 N. Val Vista Avenue
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
A Petition to Terminate Guardianship Upon Change of Ward's Domicile has been filed upon the grounds of change of domicile of the Ward. The guardian will apply for discharge on February 28, 2026. The jurisdiction of the Ward has been transferred to Arizona.
Any objection shall be in writing and shall state with particularity each item to which the objection is directed and the grounds on which the objection is based. Any objections to the final report or Petition to Terminate Guardianship Upon Chang of Ward's Domicile shall be filed WITHIN THE LATER OF 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THE PETITION TO TERMINATE GUARDIANSHIP UPON CHANGE OF THE WARD'S DOMICILE OR THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
A notice of hearing thereon shall be served within 90 days after filing the objection or the objection is abandoned. The date of the first publication of this notice is February 19, 2023.
RODOLFO SUAREZ, JR., ESQ.
Florida Bar Number: 013201
9100 South Dadeland Blvd., Ste. 1620 Miami, FL 33156
Telephone: (305) 448-4244
Facsimile: (305) 448-4211
Publish:
February 19 & 26, 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-28-M IN RE: ESTATE OF PAMELA BURROUGHS CRUTCHFIELD
Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of PAMELA BURROUGHS CRUTCHFIELD, deceased, whose date of death was September 26, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF
THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is February 5, 2026.
Personal Representative: CATHERINE SIDWELL 1120 Pauline Ave
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-59-M
DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF CONNIE ANN MELIN
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of CONNIE ANN MELIN, deceased, whose date of death was January 20, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at
Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: February 26, 2026.
Personal Representative: Jason J. Hardy 5901 Ruth Drive Edina, Minnesota 55424
Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134
RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050
Telephone: (305) 743-6022
Fax: (305) 743-6216
E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com
Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com
Publish: February 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-32-M
DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF PETER M. TYSON Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Peter M. Tyson, deceased, whose date of death was December 22, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050.
The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving
The following is an upcoming GMX procurement opportunity:
spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: February 19, 2026.
Personal Representative: Frances M. Latham 673 Linden Ave. Ridgefield, New Jersey 07657
Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner
Attorney
Florida Bar Number: 283134
RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050
Telephone: (305) 743-6022
Fax: (305) 743-6216
E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com
Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com
Publish:
February 19 & 26, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO: 2025-CA-129-K Premier Capital, LLC Plaintiff, Vs Carolyn M. Delgado and William J. Delgado
Defendant,
NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that pursuant to a Pluries Writ of Execution issued in the Circuit Court, of Monroe County, Florida, on the 29th day of January, 2026, in the cause wherein Premier Capital, LLC is Plaintiff and Carolyn M. Delgado and William J. Delgado was defendant, being Case No. 2025-CA-129-K in said court, I, Richard A. Ramsay, Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida have levied upon all right, title, and interest of the defendant, in and to the following described real property to wit:
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:
From the warranty deed that states the following described land, situate, lying and being in Monroe County, Florida to-wit: Legal Description(s) –On the Island of Key West, Monroe County, Florida, and known on William A. Whitehead’s map delineated in February A.D. 1829, as part of Tract 11 but better known as part of Lot 3, Square 9, Tract 11 according to Charles W. Tift’s Map of said Island recorded in Deed Book “L” Page 564, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the Southwesterly right of way boundary line of Duval Street with the Northwesterly right of way boundary line of United Street and run in a Southwesterly direction along the said
For detailed information please visit the Procurement Department website at http://www.gmx-way.com/business/solicitations, or call the Procurement Department at 305-637-3277 for assistance.
Publish: February 26, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers
33040
All bidders must have a valid
Driver’s License with them and must register with the clerk at location of sale prior to start time of sale. I shall offer this property for sale, at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building located at 5525 College Road, Key West, Florida 33040 in the County of Monroe, State of Florida, on the 2nd day of April, 2026, at the hour of 10:00
A.M. or as soon thereafter as possible. I will offer for sale all of the said defendant’s right, title, and interest in the aforesaid real property at public auction and will sell the same subject to all taxes, prior liens, encumbrances and judgments, if any, to the highest and best bidder for cash or cashiers check in hand. The proceeds to be applied as far as may be to the payment of costs and the satisfaction of the above described execution.
Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida this 10th day of February, 2026.
Richard A. Ramsay Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida
By: Donald Stullken
Deputy Sheriff In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Civil Division no later than seven says prior to the proceeding at (305)809-3041.
Publish: February 19 & 26 and March 5 & 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-51
Notice is hereby given that, PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/621
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1237973
Parcel ID: 00185990-000000
Description of Property: BK 14 LT 14 CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 OR388-888 OR493-445 OR764-1870 OR832-443 OR858340 OR954-701/02 OR2200-719 OR2200-720 OR2200-740 OR2221816/17
Names in which assessed:
JENNIFER L RICHMOND, ZELEZNIK
ROBERT J
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale
Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 4th, 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-52
Notice is hereby given that, PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC
PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/901
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1410985
Parcel ID: 00333641-012800
DOCK LOT D-23 STIRRUP KEY SUBDIVISION PB7-4 STIRRUP KEY (DOCK AREA A) OR817-2119
Names in which assessed: BROWN GARY D LIVING TRUST
05/04/2018
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this February 6th, 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-53
Notice is hereby given that, PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/622
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1237981
Parcel ID: 00186000-000000
Description of Property: BK 14 LT 15 CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY
PB5-60 OR385-601 OR769-1672
Names in which assessed:
BERNADINE D BRYKOWSKY, BRYKOWSKY FRANK L
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 4th, 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-54
Notice is hereby given that, PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/284
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1101311
Parcel ID: 00089430-000000
Description of Property:
27 62 38 ISLAND OF KEY LARGO PB 1-64 PT LOT 1 OR180-528/530 OR1047-1982/1985C OR3035-72
Names in which assessed:
U S HOME CORPORATION SOUTH FLORIDA LAND DIVISION
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this February 4th, 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-55
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/624
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1238074
Parcel ID: 00186090-000000
Description of Property: BK 15 LT 6 CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 OR477-583 OR729-436 OR1295-1982 OR1456-1353
Names in which assessed:
RICE SYLVIA L, SHARON RICE
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 6th, 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-56
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following
Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/626
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1238121
Parcel ID: 00186140-000000
Description of Property: BK 15 LT 11 CUTTHROAT HARBOR
ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 CUDJOE KEY OR593-348 OR1378-2014/18
Names in which assessed: PHILLIPS AND TRICE INC
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 4th, 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-57
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following
the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/623
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1238066
Parcel ID: 00186080-000000
Description of Property: BK 15 LT 5 CUTTHROAT HARBOR
ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 OR477-583 OR729-436 OR1295-1982 OR1456-1353
Names in which assessed: RICE SYLVIA L, SHARON RICE
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 6th, 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy
Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-58
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2023/628
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1238147
Parcel ID: 00186160-000000
Description of Property: BK 15 LT 13 CUTTHROAT HARBOR
ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 OR477-583 OR702-550 Names in which assessed: BEAUPERTHUY LUIS B All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 4th, 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy
Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-59
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/625
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1238082
Parcel ID: 00186100-000000
Description of Property: BK 15 LT 7 CUTTHROAT HARBOR
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy
Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-60
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/627
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1238139
Parcel ID: 00186150-000000
Description of Property: BK 15 LT 12 CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 CUDJOE KEY OR593-348 OR1378-2014/18
Names in which assessed: PHILLIPS AND TRICE INC
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this February 4th, 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-61
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Description of Property: UNIT 169 KEY LARGO KAMPGROUND AND MARINA A CONDOMINIUM OR966-1005
OR1020-126/27 OR1583-1109 OR1583-1110 OR2674-243 OR3060-1531 OR3193-1544 OR3325-1883 OR3329-1211 Along with: Mobile Home: VEHlCLE ID NUMBER: 1TC2B467353064011 TITLE NUMBER:91865923 YEAR 2005
Names in which assessed: FIGUEROA OVEREAS 101551 LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-63
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/137
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1055107
Parcel ID: 00054500-000000
Description of Property: KW PEARLMAN ESTATES PB3-100 LOT 10 BLK 1 OR53-296/97 OR488-705 OR596-29 OR767-255 OR795-1163 OR796-2319/20 OR884-500 OR2244-1571/72L/E OR2979-699D/C
Names in which assessed: COLLIE NITA
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 4th, 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-65
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/780
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 9104797
Parcel ID: 00286280-000200
Description of Property: S 15 FT OF LT 30 WHISPERING PINES PLAT 3 PB4-59 BIG PINE KEY OR446-31 OR448-205 OR778-1838 OR780-12 OR781-1432 OR7821540 OR784-1991 OR785-789 OR785-1540 OR790-1182 OR791324 OR911-2396 OR1225-2053
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 4th, 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/1411
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 9101739
Parcel ID: 00483401-019800
Description of Property: UNIT 198 KEY LARGO OCEAN RESORT CONDOMINIUM OR2611977 OR2924-70
Names in which assessed: IRIARTE PEDRO E, MARIA T IRIARTE
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this February 6th 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-67
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/1419
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1594181
Parcel ID: 00484570-000000
Description of Property: BK 4 LT 5 REVISED PLAT OF SUNRISE POINT KEY LARGO PB3-11 G62-338/39 OR743-262 OR1589862/63 OR1594-1594 OR15941595 OR2795-666 OR2915-641/42 OR2977-1108
Names in which assessed: PHOENIX HOLDINGS MONROE INC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this February 4th 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-68
Description of Property:
Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance,
Names in which assessed: RICE SYLVIA L, SHARON RICE All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this February 6th, 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-66
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance,
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2023/1123 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023 Account Number: 1476846 Parcel ID: 00388530-000000
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or
BLEKE JAMES H
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 4th 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-70
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following
Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/1719
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1700975
Parcel ID: 00569511-003424
Description of Property: PRIVATE DWELLING AC 77-B
ANGELFISH CAY CONDOMINIUM CHALETS NO 6 OR540-237 OR8121244/45 OR833-2109 OR833-2110 OR964-1655/57 OR989-763/64 OR2714-458/61 OR2717-1023/26C Names in which assessed:
PAYING IT FORWARD GMBB LLC
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale
Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 5th 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-71
Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC-5023, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2023/1644
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1669377
Parcel ID: 00545870-000000
Description of Property:
BK 3 LT 3 AND 4 WINSTON PARK SUB PB4-104 KEY LARGO OR159265/266 OR161-490 OR407-199200 OR448-224Q OR707-398D/C OR783-1500 OR786-1768
DREW LAWRENCE V All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 5th 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-73
Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC-5023, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/215
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 8879016
Parcel ID: 00072081-000265
Description of Property: TOWNHOME UNIT 165 KEY WEST GOLF CLUB DEVELOPMENT
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 5th 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-74
Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC-6023, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2023/1413 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 9101808
Parcel ID: 00483401-025000
Description of Property:
UNIT 250 KEY LARGO OCEAN RESORT CONDOMINIUM OR26111059
Names in which assessed:
GONZALEZ NORMA, GONZALEZ SANDRA, GONZALEZ VICTOR, GONZALEZ VICTOR JR
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 5th 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-75
Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC-6023, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/295
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1104582
Parcel ID: 00090966-000300
Description of Property: APT NO 4 ROCK HARBOR CONDOMINIUM NO 6 OR778-247
Names in which assessed:
TIELEN GISELA B All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 5th 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-77
Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC-2023, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2023/1546
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 9105033
Parcel ID: 00512020-000100
Description of Property: BK 6 LOT 3 BOWENS ADDN TO RIVIERA VILLAGE KEY LARGO
Names in which assessed: 4 EL HOLDINGS LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this February 5th 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-79
Notice is hereby given that, JPL INVESTMENTS CORP , holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/299
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1106402
Parcel ID: 00092240-000306
Description of Property: UNIT 206 SEA GULLS A CONDOMINIUM OR800-643
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 5th 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy
Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-86
Notice is hereby given that, KC ENTERPRISE INT LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2018/1017
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2018 Account Number: 1419656
Parcel ID: 00342000-000000
Description of Property: PUERTA DEL SOL PB3-117 KEY VACA 10 FT RESERVED FOR FLORAL PARK LYING WEST OF EL PASAJE ST OR156-78-80
Names in which assessed: B A R INC
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this February 5th 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy
Clerk
Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-87
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following
Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/737
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1290726
Parcel ID: 00223520-000000
Description of Property: BK 4 LT 22 THE LADIES ACRE 1ST ADDN LITTLE TORCH KEY PB5-102 OR604-43 OR806-1004 OR9721589 OR3033-1890 OR3060-1546
Names in which assessed: HUGO FREDERICK
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 5th 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy
Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-88
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/770
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1347795
Parcel ID: 00275790-000000
Description of Property: BK 1 LT 14 KINERCHA PB1-74 BIG PINE KEY OR72-304 OR470-241E OR796-1415Q/C OR838-590 OR1072-1451/OR1107-976 OR1107-977 OR1348-1594Q/C OR1351-1933/45FJ OR13481594Q/C OR2148-1218/19Q/C OR3136-1236 OR3170-549 OR3170-0551
Names in which assessed: SEVEN EIGHT INVESTMENTS LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 5th 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy
Clerk
Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-89
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2023/1508
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 9104848
Parcel ID: 00499821-000300
Description of Property: BOAT SLIP #3 LTS 15-17 BK 9 KEY LARGO OCEAN SHORES ADD PB4-124 OR985-1195 OR1021-965 OR1134-1079 OR1406-2434 OR1573-105 OR2810-249
Names in which assessed: BAILEY JENNIFER LEE
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 10th 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS WANTED
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
BOATS FOR SALE
PLACE YOUR BOAT FOR SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
BOAT SLIP FOR RENT
Dockage up to 60’ Islamorada - Bayside, 50 amp service. Price flexible. Call 860-982-4517
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
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
Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. Full-Time Medical Assistant/RN - Pediatric experience preferred. Must multitask in fastpaced 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
PART-TIME USCG CAPTAIN – MARATHON. Local captain needed to run owner’s 55’ twin engine trawler while owner fishes. Sunrise–2/3 PM typical. Good opportunity for newer captain to log hours on a larger boat. Pay DOE. Call/Text 970-901-1138
Boat rental company in Marathon looking for help with boat detailing & boat cleaning. Call 305-481-7006
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.
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time Bartender/Server. Private club, evening shifts available TuesSaturday, bartending experience required. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com or call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time Maintenance Person. Up to 20 hours a week. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com or call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.
PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
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.
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.
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. HIRED IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS!!!
PLACE YOUR HELP WANTED AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
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.
PLACE YOUR HOBBIES/ COLLECTIBLE AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
HOUSING FOR RENT
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. 904-2379090 or 904-338-1207
3 BR/2 BA home for rent in Key Colony Beach. 75' premium dock. $4,000/month + utilities. F/L/S 786-229-0228
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
LOTS FOR SALE
Oceanside 2 Lots for Sale in Tavernier. 1 w/ active permit, pilings already in place, walk to Harry Harris Park w/boat ramp, etc. 186 Dove Creek Drive, Tavernier. $425,000 OBO Marcia, Realtor 305-303-0238
YARD SALES
SARA’S ESTATE SALE on lux TINGLER ISLAND in Marathon @ 78 Tingler Lane, THIS Fri. Feb 27 & Sat, Feb 28 from 9a-1p both days. Emptying this fantastic waterfront estate in the Middle Keys: four poster queen, day (trundle) bed, white sectional couch & big coffee table, modern barrister glass fronted bookcases, recliners, big TV, standing lamps, side chairs, glass topped cane dining table & chairs. Mid mod: folding desk cabinet, console table & filing cabinet. 2 craft/ sewing tables & rolling craft cabinets & closet shelving/wire basket system. Exceptional cache of gear for Boot Key harbor blowboaters (life sling, inflatable dinghy, charts, etc.) + vntg john boat. Cook’n love: sm kitch appliances, pots & pans, fish & shell plates, oversized bubble wine glasses, table linen & napkin rings. Also: plants, pot feet, outdoor furniture, umbrellas, cushions. Photos at estatesales.net. (Turn off US1 at MM50 on to Sombrero Beach Road, and turn L at Tingler. Follow the signs; we got a guy on the gate!)
YARD SALE: NEXT Sat & Sun, March 7 & 8 from 9A-2P. Outdoor furniture, Tools, Fishing equip, Small boat w/elect. motor, Misc. household items. 167 Lorelane Place, Key Largo.
PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
OUTSIDE SALE REPRESENTATIVE
Company car & cell phone provided, salary $50k-$90k. Must be bilingual.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Customer service, full-time, we will train.
Apply by e-mail: keylargo@jms .com Apply in person: 94775 Overseas Highway, Key Largo
MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE
We are now hiring for the following positions:
Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers
Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
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.
Working Project Construction Foreman
For complete details and to apply, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers
To apply: text contact information to 305-431-1109
5101 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050
NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA
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.
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.
pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience:
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Working Project Construction Foreman
For complete details and to apply, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers
- Pool Medical Technologist
- Pool Pharmacy Tech
- Pool Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab
- Registered Nurse, ICU, $15k Bonus
- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, $25k Bonus
- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus
MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
- ED Team Coordinator, PT & FT
- Lead Phlebotomist, Laboratory, $10k Bonus
- Manager Environmental Services, FT
- Medical Technologist, $20k Bonus
- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (MRI & X Ray), Radiology, $25k Bonus
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: THE OSCARS
ACROSS
1. Traction aid
6. Freddy’s street 9. Reach a high 13. Italian bowling 14. Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk’s alias, Gary ____ 15. Jolly good one 16. Parallel grooves 17. Many, many moons 18. “Take it back!” 19. *”Song Sung Blue” Best Actress nominee 21. *Movie with most 2026 Oscar nominations 23. Make a seam 24. Vampire’s tooth 25. Tai’s partner 28. South American monkey 30. Naphthenic acid + palmitic acid
35. Pilot’s stunt
37. Forbidden, to a baby 39. Vampire of Greek mythology 40. Italian wine region
41. Not Astroturf 43. Alpine lift 44. Sports figures, e.g. 46. Cantina pot 47. Email folder 48. Not vivid and bright 50. Nessie’s abode 52. *Jamie Foxx won for his role in this 2004 biopic 53. Eagle’s nest 55. Unreliable newspaper
57. *2026 nominated film with Stone and Plemons 61. *ChloÈ Zhao’s nominee 64. Newton or Stern
65. Romanian money
67. Star-crossed one
69. To the point
70. a.k.a sodium hydroxide
71. Novelist Zola
72. Formerly, formerly 73. Aye-aye 74. “He ____ it like it is”
DOWN
1. Not NBC or ABC
2. Reluctant
3. Pantyhose hue
4. DNA and RNA, e.g.
5. Cups and saucers
6. 20-20, e.g.
7. *”One Battle After Another” Best Actor nominee
8. High IQ society
9. *#7’s nominated co-star
10. “Anything ____?”
11. Wing-shaped
12. K to Romans, pl.
15. Like athlete’s foot
20. Behind on rent, e.g.
22. Night spot
24. At last
25. Necklace fastener
26. Popular garden perennial
27. I to Greeks, pl.
29. *2026 nominated Benicio del
31. Benatar and Morita
32. Fly in ____, or a reminder of the past
33. Tarzan’s swing rope
34. *Fictional table tennis champ
36. *Nominated “F1” star
38. Nobel Peace Prize capital
42. Sacrum, pl.
45. Communicating with spirits event
49. Hawaiian flower garland
51. *Inspiration for #61 Across
54. Pep gathering
56. Lawn ornament
57. Angler’s hope
58. ____-friendly
59. Needlefish, pl.
60. Brewer’s kiln
61. Color wheel elements
62. Like fairytale stepmothers?
63. Be a snitch
66. Payment for an eye
68. Hi-____ graphics
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Whether you’re building a large commercial building, FDOT bridge, or a customdesigned home, we have concrete mix designs for every project. Thanks to decades of experience, our team can create custom mixes with high-quality additives for specific project needs. We offer the largest variety of materials and operate the only FDOT-certified ready-mix plants in the Florida Keys. Call us for all ready-mix concrete, block, aggregate, rebar and bagged good needs.
