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July 23, 2026

MEET KEY WEST’S WOMAN OF MYSTERY

ROBERTA ISLEIB AKA LUCY BURDETTE WRITES TASTY TALES | P. 14

COLLEGE BOARD FIRES PRESIDENT

DID LAST-MINUTE MEETING & AMBIGUOUS AGENDA BREAK LAWS? | P. 4

GOT BUTTER? HERE’S THE LOWDOWN ON LOBSTER MINI - SEASON | P. 30

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

KEYS

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5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5 Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com Publisher / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Publishing Partner / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Editor / Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com Account Executive Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Staff Writers Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com Design / Pre-Press Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com Controller Lauren Pope lauren@keysweekly.com Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844 Se habla español THE KEY WEST WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials. Postmaster SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON FL 33050 News Deadline Monday Noon Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m. @KeysWeekly @theWeekly

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ON THE COVER The latest research indicates consuming up to five cups of caffeinated coffee per day is safe for most adults and may be linked to cardiovascular health benefits in some individuals, according to the American Heart Association. It’s generally safe for most adults and appears to be linked to a lower risk of several cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure, heart disease and stroke in some individuals.

Better melt some butter. Lobster mini-season is set for July 29 and 30 in the Florida Keys. For the full lobster lowdown, including size and catch limits, see page 30.

COLLEGE PRESIDENT FIRED AT LAST-MINUTE BOARD MEETING Agenda didn’t mention potential termination of Jonathan ‘Dr. G’ Gueverra MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

iring the college president wasn’t on the agenda for Monday night’s hastily-called meeting, but the board that oversees College of the Florida Keys still voted unanimously to oust president Jonathan “Dr. G” Gueverra, and may have violated state statutes in the process. The unanimous vote for termination also prompted at least two philanthropic supporters to reconsider their relationship with the college. Last-minute meeting It was after 5 p.m. on Friday evening, July 17, when board chair Alexandria Suarez announced a special meeting would take place 72 hours later on Monday evening in the Upper Keys. The agenda for that meeting listed two items: “1. President’s Contracts; 2. Big Pine Key Property.” The word termination was not mentioned, nor was the board’s intent to take action against the school’s longtime president, which is required by state statute. The ambiguous agenda language and failure to include the president in the agenda setting formed the basis of Gueverra’s attorney’s objections to the July 20 meeting and all actions taken there. Attorney Wayne Larue Smith detailed the objections when the board allowed public comment, at the end of the meeting, after it voted to terminate Gueverra — despite a statutory requirement that state boards “provide the public a reasonable opportunity to be heard” before the board votes on an issue. “We reserve all of the president’s constitutional due process rights, statutory rights … and his right to seek a formal administrative hearing … to

The board of the College of the Florida Keys, led by chair Alexandria Suarez, right, fired President Jonathan ‘Dr. G’ Gueverra, left, and appointed Vice President Brittany Snyder as interim president. CONTRIBUTED

challenge any unlawful agency action, suspension or attempt at termination,” Smith said. He indicated that they will be requesting an administrative hearing before a state board that reviews and resolves disputes over the actions of a government agency, including terminations. Fast action The board wasted no time in terminating Gueverra, who has led the college since 2012. Almost immediately after the pledge of allegiance opened the meeting, board member Peter E. Batty made a motion to terminate Gueverra “effective immediately.” Batty’s motion also authorized chairwoman Suarez to engage the services of a law firm to draft and serve Gueverra with written notice of termination. Once notified, Gueverra will have 15 days to request a hearing with the Division of Administrative Hearings, which attorney Smith indicated they would do. The board of trustees did not have legal representation at the special meeting, where Suarez suggested they state on the record their reasons for the termination. She and board member Michael Downer listed alleged offenses by Gueverra, who was not at the meeting.

“I think that clearly Dr. G. has lost the confidence of this board,” Downer said. “One of the factors has been insubordination, among other things.” The insubordination charge stemmed from a discussion a few months ago about the prior board’s decision to renew Gueverra’s contract. “This board asked Dr. G about the very premature renewal of his contract, but we did not get an effective response. He effectively refused to address the concerns of this board,” Suarez said. “I think there’s a misunderstanding here. He thinks he’s in charge of the board.” Suarez added, “The lack of confidence goes to various things reflected in the evaluations that were submitted by this board of Dr. G.” No evaluations were attached to the July 20 agenda as backup material for the meeting, nor are any evaluations of the president posted with the online minutes of the board’s three most recent meetings. “There’s a myriad of things,” Downer said, as Suarez added, “Not being able to secure appropriations from the state.” The Keys Weekly has requested copies of the past five years of Gueverra’s evaluations. Now what? After the vote to terminate, Downer pointed out, “I think what was missing from the motion to terminate was how do we address the vacuum. I think we need to think about an interim leader and dealing with the aftermath of his departure. We need to avoid a vacuum and chaos.” Not knowing whether the college had a succession plan for the president, the board sought advice from Vice President Brittany Snyder, who has been at CFK for 23 years. They quickly, if awkwardly, appointed Snyder to take the place of her longtime boss. continued on page 10

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

MUSIC & MEMORIES LIVE FOREVER

Key West community celebrates life of ‘Caffeine Carl’ Wagoner

Key Westers celebrate the life of the late ‘Caffeine Carl’ Wagoner with a music-filled second line funeral march down Duval Street followed by a storytelling reception at Key West Theater. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

ey West isn’t so big on memorial events conducted in hushed tones and black attire. Neither was the late, local music man “Caffeine Carl” Wagoner, who died earlier this month after a valiant battle with cancer. Though devastated by the loss, Key West ensured Wagoner’s music and memories would never fade. More than 500 people joined a second line funeral march on July

15 that filled Duval Street with marching music and culminated in a reception that packed Key West Theater and gave friends and relatives a chance to share their favorite stories of the island native who taught himself to play guitar and never looked back. Tears mixed with laughter as a slide show on the giant screen at Key West Theater traced Wagoner’s life as a boy in Key West, as a father and as a husband to the love of his life, Erin Wagoner. Rest easy, Carl. Thanks for the memories.

KEY WEST RAISES $30K FOR COPS WHO LOST HOME & PETS IN FIRE

fire in May destroyed the Big Pine home of Key West Police Officer Mike Pettee and his now-wife, Sheriff’s Deputy Tiffany Pettee. Mike Pettee suffered severe smoke inhalation when he went back inside to try to save the couple’s pets. Sadly, the three dogs and rabbit perished. Pettee spent weeks in the hospital recovering. As the couple sifted, literally, through the ashes, a group of downtown business owners in Key West was thinking of ways to help. Mark Rossi, owner of Rick’s & Dirty Harry’s entertainment complex joined forces with Irish Kevin’s, Tiki House, Fogarty’s and the Bull & Whistle to organize a block party fundraiser known as Duval Donates. The group invited the Key West Police Department’s Love Fund to participate as the nonprofit charitable partner that could receive donated funds and pass them directly to Mike and Tiffany Pettee, said Daylin Sparks, general manager of Irish Kevin’s, who was instrumental in the event coordination. “Together everyone worked to create an event that would show Mike and Tiffany just how much this community cares. And with that, Duval Donates, a party with a purpose, was born,” Sparks said. “While we’ve all been good friends for years and regularly support and sponsor one another’s events, this was the first time these Duval Street businesses had ever come together to organize and host a single fundraising event, which is what made it so special. It was truly a team effort. The streets were packed, and the number of familiar local faces who came out to show their support was incredible.” On July 18, from 6 to 10 p.m., live music filled lower Duval Street. Vendors in tents lining the street sold drinks, food, games and raffle tickets throughout the evening. In addition to the organizing business, dozens donated food, booze, raffle prizes and money to help the couple. “One of the most heartwarming moments of the night was when Mike and Tiffany took the stage to thank everyone in attendance for their love and support,” Sparks said. “Almost everything that made the event possible was donated or volunteered. Our musicians donated their time and talent to keep the music going all night. The police officers who provided

The inaugural Duval Donates fundraiser on July 18 was the result of cooperation among local bars, restaurants and other businesses that joined forces to raise money to help a local couple. CONTRIBUTED

A July 18 fundraiser on Duval Street raised more than $30,000 to help sheriff’s deputy Tiffany Pettee and Key West police officer Mike Pettee, a local couple who lost their home and pets in a devastating fire in May.

security volunteered their time, and countless volunteers worked behind the scenes to make sure everything ran smoothly.” Though the final fundraising total is still being tallied, Duval Donates has already surpassed $30,000, which was raised in just four hours. “Seeing Mike and Tiffany surrounded by the love and support of an entire community was the most unforgettable part of the evening,” Sparks said. “Every raffle ticket purchased, every drink poured, every meal served, every donation made and every person who showed up was a reminder that they weren’t facing this journey alone. Watching an entire community wrap its arms around two people who have given so much to Key West is something none of us will ever forget. I’m never surprised by how people in Key West show up for one another, but every time it reminds me just how special this community truly is.” Donations to help the couple are still being accepted at kwpdlovefund. com and through Venmo @lovekwpd. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

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continued from page 4

COLLEGE PRESIDENT FIRED AT LAST-MINUTE BOARD MEETING

Seventeen Hemingway Look-Alikes attended the July 20 college board in the Upper Keys to emphasize their support for the ousted college president and threatened to reconsider the $1 million donation the group had pledged to the school under the leadership of the former president. MANDY MILESKeys Weekly.

Public response Reaction to Gueverra’s firing in the Key West community and in local social media circles overwhelmingly supported the outgoing president and criticized the governor-appointed board members. Support for Gueverra’s termination came in the form of an unsigned letter from union employees with the United Faculty of FloridaCollege of the Florida Keys. “The volume of public comment does not necessarily reflect the views of employees, who depend on CFK for their livelihoods,” states the letter sent to all board members. “UFF-CFK leadership knows that we send this letter at tremendous risk and we do not do so lightly. CFK employees work in an environment characterized by high turnover, instability, fear of retaliation, inconsistent management, favoritism and a glaring lack of accountability for those in senior positions. “CFK employees fall into either the ‘in crowd’ or the ‘out crowd’; this cliquishness is pervasive; employees talk openly about it. Those perceived as favored by senior administration receive protection, promotions, authority and latitude that others do not. When mistakes occur, accountability often falls on someone in the ‘out crowd’ who has the least institutional power rather than the person(s) responsible for the decisions.” It was unclear how many employees the union represents and how many were involved in drafting the letter. Donors denounce board’s decision The decision to fire Gueverra led Robert Stoky, a prominent fundraiser, to resign from the board of the college’s nonprofit foundation. “A board that discards 13

years of delivered results, over the objection of the community that funds this college, has forfeited the confidence on which my service depended,” Stoky writes in his resignation letter that lists Gueverra’s accomplishments. “The work of a foundation is to ask people to give, and I cannot ask this community to give in support of a governing board I do not trust.” The Hemingway Look-Alike Society, a philanthropic group of Ernest Hemingway enthusiasts, had similar misgivings. The group funds “the largest scholarship endowment at CFK at over $1 million,” and had pledged an additional $1 million contribution to support the proposed Workforce Training Center and trade school on Big Pine Key, based on their relationship and shared vision with Gueverra. “It is because of that commitment that we are deeply concerned by reports that the board may be considering terminating Dr. Gueverra’s contract. … We urge you to carefully consider your decision, and its potential ramifications – and choose a course that does not risk our $1 million dollar upcoming contribution and our continued collaboration,” society president Tim Stockwell told the board at the meeting, where he and others were not permitted to offer public input until after the board voted to terminate Gueverra. After the meeting, the society issued a statement criticizing the board’s decision and the way it conducted business. “Lack of public comment prior to motions and voting on both agenda items was egregious. The society … felt completely disrespected by this board in not being able to speak prior to the vote.”

POLITICAL FORUM ON JULY 23 FEATURES MOST KEY WEST CANDIDATES Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez unable to attend League of Women Voters’ event

he Lower Keys League of Women Voters will hold its candidate forum on Thursday, July 23 at 6 p.m. at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Ave., Key West. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Founded in 1920 by leaders of the women’s right-to-vote movement, the League of Women Voters “believes in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy,” says the organization’s national website. “That’s been our vision since 1920. For more than 100 years, we have been a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy.” The following candidates in the city of Key West races have submitted signed participation agreements and confirmed their attendance. Mayor Danise “DeeDee” Henriquez is not attending due to a scheduling conflict. Mayor • Sam Kaufman. City commissioner, District 2 • Bobi Lore. • Mark Rossi. City commissioner, District 4 • Sarah Compton. • Wayne Garcia. • Juan Llera. City commissioner, District 5 • Chris Massicotte. • Gregory Sullivan. The forum will air live on Monroe County Television (MCTV): • Comcast Channel 76 • AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 • Roku No flash photography is allowed during the forum. Non-flash photography and video recording are permitted from designated press positions. Live-streaming or broadcasting beyond MCTV requires prior written authorization from the league. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

CASH & CANALS

County commission tackles budget & neighborhood improvement programs ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

he Monroe County Board of County Commissioners kicked off work on a proposed $695.8 million budget and approved a new framework allowing neighborhoods to fund their own infrastructure improvements during meetings on July 14 and 15. Budget workshop sets stage for fall hearings On July 14, commissioners reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, presented by County Administrator Christine Hurley, Assistant Administrator Tina Boan and Management and Budget Director John Quinn. The proposed $695.8 million budget is about $23.7 million larger than the 2025-26 spending plan, an increase county officials attributed largely to TDC use of accumulated funds for capital projects, events and advertising. The countywide millage rate will remain at 2.6929 — again expected to be Florida’s lowest — but the aggregate millage rate would rise 1.5% to 3.4054, covering fire rescue and road patrol salary increases. Officials said holding the aggregate rate flat would require about $2.6 million in budget cuts. As approved, the owner of an average homesteaded property valued at $665,485 would pay about $50 more in county taxes next year, while a non-homesteaded property valued at $1.1 million would see roughly a $270 increase. (This is in addition to school and municipal taxes.) About 70% of the county’s annual ad valorem taxes cover first responders and public safety, while 21% funds the operational costs of constitutional officers – the sheriff, clerk of court, property appraiser, supervisor of elections and tax collector. Public hearings on the tentative and final budgets are scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 5:05 p.m. at the Nelson Government Center in Key Largo and Monday, Sept. 14 at 5:05 p.m. at the Harvey Government Center in Key West. Commissioners may lower — but not increase — the proposed millage rates during those hearings. Locals can fund neighborhood upgrades Following years of debate over

countywide taxpayers’ responsibility for neighborhood-specific projects, commissioners unanimously approved a Residential Neighborhood Improvements Program Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) ordinance. Under the new program, neighborhoods may use a majority vote of property owners to voluntarily request local infrastructure upgrades – funded by special assessments, not standard tax dollars, from homeowners in the affected areas. Eligible projects include weed gates, sidewalks, drainage improvements and recreational facilities, among others. Commissioners also approved a Financial Hardship Deferral Program for qualifying homeowners within assessment districts. Homesteaded residents earning no more than 80% of the county median income, with less than $60,000 in cash assets and annual assessments exceeding $1,500, may defer payment until the property is sold or transferred, with the county fronting the assessment dollars in the interim. Up first: plugged canals Commissioners immediately put the new neighborhood upgrade program to the test later in the meeting, when residents with “plugged” canals asked to pursue reopening their waterways. About 20 canals in some areas throughout Monroe County have been left plugged for decades, restricting the use and value of what would otherwise be considered waterfront homes. Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag said many canals were plugged after developers illegally dredged them 10 to 40 feet deep to create fill for building nearby houses. “The rules changed (with the Clean Water Act) mid-game on these developers,” said County Attorney Bob Shillinger. “Some proceeded without permits, and then they had enforcement actions.” Residents from the Upper Keys and Big Pine Key described stagnant water, dead fish, seaweed buildup and even crocodiles wandering into yards as they urged commissioners to let neighborhoods pursue locally-funded reopening projects. “The seaweed accumulation on the outside of the canal is tremendous,” said Jorge Prieto, representing the Upper Keys-based Blue Water Property Owners’ Association. “It’s

Initially closed off as a penalty for unpermitted dredging, ‘plugged’ canals throughout Monroe County, such as this system in Big Pine Key, have become a source of resident concern over water quality, seaweed inundation, wildlife die-offs and other issues. CONTRIBUTED

creating such a health hazard to the neighborhood. The smell, the fish that are being killed there – the marine life is totally gone.” But county staff repeatedly cautioned that beyond the layers of legal and regulatory paperwork to unwrap historical settlement agreements or administrative orders relating to the canals’ closure, efforts could ultimately fail. Reopening a plugged canal is treated as new dredging under state and county regulations, and no state agency has ever approved the permits needed for such a project, they said. Acknowledging the effort may prove futile, commissioners defended residents’ right to attempt the reopening – but cautioned that the change involves a multiyear timeline, and frustrations should not be directed at county staff for state or federal roadblocks. “It’s a really heavy lift, but I don’t know that it’s impossible,” said commissioner Holly Raschein. “I think we have an opportunity to write history if the communities are willing to pay to go the distance.” “There almost has to be a disclaimer that there’s no money-back guarantee here,” said Mayor Michelle Lincoln. “You all are going to be the Henry Flagler of unplugging canals, and do this fully understanding the risk involved.” Rather than formally requiring residents to front money for a project that regulators might ultimately deny, County Attorney Bob Shillinger proposed a middle path: letting neighborhood residents individually and voluntarily fund an independent legal and regulatory analysis first, before committing to a more formal assessment process.

In other news: • Commissioners opened the meeting by honoring assistant county administrator Kevin Wilson for 20 years of service to Monroe County. “While his accomplishments are many, Kevin’s greatest contribution has been his commitment to people,” said senior project manager Suzi Rubio. “He is a mentor, a trusted adviser, and a leader who genuinely values employees and goes out of his way to ensure they feel appreciated and supported.” • Aiming to reduce travel time and encourage local participation in jury service, the commission approved a redrawing of the county’s jury districts. Under the new divisions, Big Pine Key and No Name Key residents will report to the Marathon courthouse instead of Key West. Residents from Craig Key north through Windley Key will shift from the Marathon courthouse to the Plantation Key Courthouse. The revised boundaries take effect Jan. 1, 2027, once an administrative order is issued by the 16th Judicial Circuit’s chief judge. • The commission unanimously approved a resolution asking the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore funding for monitoring of the endangered Key deer, whose population data collection has lapsed since 2019 due to staffing shortages at the National Key Deer Refuge. “The Florida Key deer is an iconic symbol of the Lower Keys and an irreplaceable part of our natural heritage,” said Lincoln in a statement accompanying the resolution. • A pair of ordinances unanimously approved allow for changes to Monroe County’s comprehensive plan and land development code, raising the maximum height for residential structures from 35 to 42 feet.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

EXPLORE HEMINGWAY’S FISHING LEGACY — OVER COCKTAILS, FITTINGLY LETTER TO THE EDITOR

BEEKEEPER CREDITS LOCAL MOSQUITO CONTROL EFFORTS

Happy Hour with the Historian set for July 23 at 5 p.m. at Comedy Key West

Dear Editor, As a Florida Keys beekeeper, I pay close attention to mosquito control, its practices and policies. I pay even closer attention when Mosquito Control Board directors are up for election. My bees are an important part of my livelihood, and protecting them is one of my highest priorities. Because of that, I am always concerned when bees are used as a rallying cry during mosquito control campaigns. I believe these discussions should be based on science, facts and real-world experience. Several years ago, my property was selected as a test site for GMO mosquitoes. The release area was only yards away from one of my active bee hives. During that entire project, I experienced zero bee deaths related to the GMO mosquitoes. In fact, my wife and I noticed a significant reduction in mosquito bites around our pool during the evenings. As a beekeeper, I know firsthand that pesticides can be deadly to bees. Over the years, I have lost entire hives because of pesticide exposure. Because of those losses, I have spent considerable time talking with employees of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District about the adulticides and larvicides they use. I have been impressed by their knowledge and the care they take in applying these products responsibly. I have worked closely with Mosquito Control employees to better understand how these pesticides work and how I can better protect my hives. I have shared my experiences as a beekeeper, and when I believed there was a problem, I did not hesitate to voice my concerns. Those conversations have been productive. Today, thanks in part to the cooperation and assistance of Mosquito Control staff, I no longer lose entire hives from mosquito control spraying. My hive loss rate is now well below the state average. I continue to look forward to the day when GMO mosquito technology becomes more widely used. If it can reduce the need for pesticide applications while effectively controlling mosquitoes, I believe it has the potential to benefit both beekeepers and the community. The bottom line is simple: I have never lost a single hive because of GMO mosquitoes. I have lost hives because of pesticides. Sincerely, Greg Daniels Cudjoe Key

Ernest Hemingway’s adventures aboard his fishing boat, Pilar, in Florida and Cuba inspired some of the 20th century’s most celebrated literature. BRUCE FAMILY ARCHIVE/Contributed

he Key West Art & Historical Society offers a special installment of its popular lecture series, Happy Hour with the Historian, in conjunction with the annual Hemingway Days celebration. Historian Cori Convertito will present “Following the Fish: Hemingway in Key West” on Thursday, July 23, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Comedy Key West, 218 Whitehead St. The presentation explores Ernest Hemingway’s connection to the waters surrounding Key West and Cuba, where his passion for big-game fishing became as legendary as his literary career. While writing some of the 20th century’s most celebrated novels, Hemingway spent countless hours aboard his 38-foot fishing boat, Pilar, pursuing marlin, tuna and other prized sport fish. His experiences on the water inspired memorable scenes in works including “To Have and Have Not” and the Nobel Prize-winning “The Old Man and the Sea.” Beyond recounting Hemingway’s angling adventures, Convertito will examine the author’s lesserknown role as an advocate for marine conservation. The lecture

details how Hemingway balanced his enthusiasm for sport fishing with an evolving appreciation for protecting the marine environment, providing fresh insight into one of America’s most iconic writers. The author also helped pioneer much of the equipment used in sportfishing today. “Hemingway’s relationship with the sea shaped both his life and his writing,” said Convertito, curator and historian for the society. “His time on the water wasn’t simply recreation. It informed his storytelling, influenced his worldview and helped establish Key West as a world-renowned sport fishing destination. This lecture explores the intersection of literature, history and conservation while revealing a side of Hemingway that many people have never considered.” Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the lecture beginning promptly at 5 p.m. Seating is limited. Tickets are available at kwahs. org/whats-on. Admission is $13 for society members and $17 for non-members. Each ticket includes a complimentary beverage. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026 1. Roberta Isleib writes the best-selling Key West Food Critic mystery series, portraying the island with affection and authenticity. CONTRIBUTED

CAROL SHAUGHNESSY www.keysweekly.com

2. Roberta Isleib (left) chats with a fan during a booksigning party on Key West’s S/V Argo Navis, which features in one of her books. CONTRIBUTED

ROBERTA ISLEIB AUTHORS A DELICIOUS TASTE OF KEY WEST

3. A cake celebrates the recent debut of ‘A Delicious Deception,’ the 16th book in Roberta Isleib’s series written under the name of Lucy Burdette. CONTRIBUTED

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oberta Isleib gets it right. In her Key West Food Critic mysteries — written under the pen name Lucy Burdette and starring the irrepressible Hayley Snow — she depicts Key West’s end-of-the-road edginess, tight-knit community and unashamed eccentricity with a rare authenticity. That authenticity is born of Isleib’s deep affection for the island she calls home, and her dedicated immersion into everything from its festivals to its lesser-known eateries. Other writers have set books in Key West, but Isleib brings a refreshingly genuine perspective to her portrayal of its character (and characters!). Isleib and her husband John Brady, then Connecticut residents, made their “Key West connection” during an exploratory tour around Florida more than 15 years ago. “We came down for six days, and he fell madly in love with it and so did I,” said Isleib of the island. “That just seems to be the way — people either fall for it or they don’t get it.” A similar serendipity led Isleib, a clinical psychologist who had published several previous mystery books, to create her now-bestselling Key West Food Critic series. “I heard about an editor who wanted a food critic character in a tropical setting,” she said. “I love to eat and there we were in Key West, so I pitched it and she bought it. It was a little bit of dumb luck and being in the right place at the right time.” Beginning with “An Appetite for Murder,” released in January 2012, the series continued with such food-focused volumes as “Death on the Menu,” “The Key Lime Crime” and “The Mango Murders.” As well as a tasty mystery, they feature recipes that readers can prepare. The world of series protagonist Hayley Snow is a reflection of Isleib’s research and involvement in the Key West community. Hayley lives on a houseboat, writes food pieces for a local publication and has an octogenarian roommate named Miss Gloria who’s a favorite with readers. She gets around on a scooter, attends local festivals, endures romantic ups and downs, and is fiercely loyal to her friends. Except for her penchant for stumbling across murder and other crimes, she could be a real-life Key West woman.

Hayley’s authenticity, and that of other characters including the exuberant Miss Gloria, isn’t the only thing that makes Isleib’s books such a treat for Key West residents and visitors. Real-life island restaurants and other locations pepper the pages, as do events ranging from the nightly Sunset Celebration to the Fantasy Fest costuming and masking extravaganza. All are depicted with vivid accuracy. “That’s one of the things readers like — especially people who have visited Key West and don’t get to come back as often as they like,” said Isleib. “And I know there are readers who take the books and follow around to where Hayley goes, so that’s really fun.” It’s not just island locales that appear in the books; island locals tend to pop up too. Key West Police Department chaplain and former officer Steve Torrence, Sunset Celebration tarot card reader Ron Augustine (reinvented as Lorenzo) and chef Martha Hubbard are just a few island residents who populate Hayley’s world. They also populate Isleib’s world. Former president and longtime board member of the Friends of the Key West Library, she’s also a great fan of the local bookstores and a supporter of The Studios of Key West. An active member and volunteer for the Key West Woman’s Club, she edited the latest edition of the organization’s historic cookbook. All her experiences, and the people she encounters, help shape her perspective and her novels’ characters. She credits those characters with keeping her energized and inspired to continue the Key West Food Critic series, which includes 16 books following the mid-July debut of “A Delicious Deception.” “The characters are everything to me,” Isleib said. “The thing I love the most is watching the characters change and their relationships grow.”

3 Also important to her is the books’ depiction of family — whether biological, adoptive, step or the “found families” of close friends that are so common in Key West. Isleib said her next mystery is likely to have a slight “time jump” following a life change in Hayley’s family, and may feature the real-life Wisteria Island that lies just off Key West. She has also devised a plan, based on reader request, to include even more food content in future adventures — a plan likely to please not just readers, but her husband John and Key West restaurateurs as well. “We love food, and John says I’ve gotten to be a better cook since (creating) Hayley,” Isleib said. “But I told him that he and I will have to go out more this year, because people want more food in the books.”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

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HAVE YOU SEEN ALL SLOW DOWN, THE OLD FLORIDA KEYS DIVERS AROUND Mini-season safety message honors PHOTOS ONLINE? memory of late Jocelyn Brown History Center’s Flickr page has 24,000 images available for free viewing

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

L Capt. Tony Tarracino and family with a large catch of goliath grouper caught aboard the Greyhound II fishing boat in September 1958. The girl is holding a puppy. WIL-ART STUDIO/ Florida Keys History Center

ant to know what Mallory Square looked like in the 1970s? Curious about your house in the 1950s? Or about a hurricane, a steamship, a shop on Duval Street? Check out the Monroe County Public Library’s Flickr page at flickr. com/photos/keyslibraries/. All images are free to access and to download in multiple sizes. Captions and dates are provided when known, along with the photographer or source of the photo. Twenty years ago, the county library’s Florida Keys History Center, headquartered at the Key West branch, 700 Fleming St., began scanning and uploading historic photos from its collection onto Flickr, the online photo sharing site. Since then, the images have been viewed more than 50 million times. There are more than 24,000 photos on the site, with more being scanned and uploaded on a regular basis. “The collection of photographs is used for many purposes. Perhaps the most popular are by people wanting to see historic homes and buildings or to find photos of family members,” said Corey Malcom, lead historian of the history center. “Interestingly, the images of fish catches from decades ago have proved to be important to science as they are documentation of historic fish sizes that are available nowhere else. And we are regularly visited by artists who use the photos as a basis for their creativity.” Scanning the historic photos began in 2001 as a project funded by a federal grant, said Anne Rice, the library’s assistant director of systems

and projects. She and the late historian Tom Hambright scanned 800 photos in a partnership with Florida International University, which posted them on its website. “After the grant ended, we kept scanning. The process revealed fascinating details — faces, handwriting, interiors and other elements that could not be fully appreciated with the naked eye,” Rice said. The images are used to illustrate the History Center’s daily Today In Keys History column, which is posted on the Florida Keys History Center website at keyslibraries.org/keyshistory, along with the center’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. The site’s popularity illustrates “the vital role that accessible historical archives play in preserving and sharing the Keys’ story,” said Kimberly Matthews, senior director of libraries. “This collection has become an invaluable resource for residents, historians, educators, genealogists and visitors seeking to understand the people, places and events that have shaped the Florida Keys. The Monroe County Public Library is honored to steward this important piece of our cultural heritage and to ensure that these images remain freely available for all who wish to explore the Keys’ unique story.” The library does not claim copyright on any of the images. Responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright claims to the original images must be assumed by those wishing to reproduce the images. — Contributed

ove it or hate it, lobster miniseason is set for Wednesday and Thursday, July 29 and 30. The two-day event allows recreational divers to catch up to six lobsters per day before the regular season opens on Aug. 6. But mini-season comes with risks, as swarms of divers prowl the waters beneath boats piloted by people of varying experience and ability. A group of residents from Key West and the Lower Keys are using this year’s mini-season as a way to honor the memory of a popular resident who died in May, while freediving near Little Palm Island off Big Pine. Jocelyn Brown was 27 when she was fatally struck by a boat’s propeller despite properly displaying a diverdown flag from the highest point of her boat to warn nearby vessels of her presence in the water below. Per Florida law, vessels must stay at least 300 feet away from a displayed diver-down flag in open water, or 100 feet within channels or constrained water bodies. If passing the marker within the required radius, they must slow to the lowest speed necessary to maintain steering control. Brown’s death quickly generated a widespread show of support and grief across the diving and fishing communities in the Florida Keys. “Words are hard to find as our community grieves the loss of a beautiful soul, Jocelyn Brown,” wrote dive shop Freedive Key West in a Facebook post. “A devoted mama. A talented diver. A light in this community. Gone because a boat operator ignored a dive flag displayed less than 75 feet away. That is not an accident. That is negligence.” The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continues to investigate the matter and no arrests have been made. Meanwhile, as this year’s miniseason promises to pack Keys nearshore waters, a group of residents are honoring Brown’s memory by distributing more than 1,000 flyers reminding boaters to “slow down, look around” and be aware that divers are down below. “We’re starting a grassroots campaign to put these flyers all over at marinas, boat launches, restaurants, tackle shops, everywhere so people

Top: Flyers with important safety reminders for lobster mini-season will be distributed in memory of the late local freediver Jocelyn Brown, at marinas, boat ramps, tackle shops, restaurants and any other place frequented by people in town for lobster mini-season. Bottom: Jocelyn Brown, 27, pictured here with her young son Mikey, was fatally struck by a boat off Little Palm Island on May 8. CONTRIBUTED

can be aware, slow down, look around and make sure there’s not a diver,” said Key West business owner Paul Menta. ”Things like this that happened to Jocelyn happen more than anyone thinks, and there are so many close calls. We figured this is a good way to honor her memory and get people to pay attention. We want to show our locals and visitors that we as a community are doing something to try to keep everyone safe while reminding our visitors to be safe when they come down here to dive for lobsters.”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

COLLEGE & WILDLIFE EXPERTS ARE MOVING KEY DEER FROM BIG PINE SITE School is working with state & federal experts; deer are healthy & unharmed

he College of the Florida Keys, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission are working together to safely remove Key deer from the college’s Big Pine Key property. USFWS wildlife professionals continue to monitor the deer, which remain healthy while the agencies refine plans to safely remove them from the site. The agencies have been in communication about Key deer on the property since January, with planning for the removal beginning in March. Wildlife service professionals and cooperating veterinarians recommended that removal efforts be delayed until a resident fawn reached four months of age to ensure it could safely leave with the adult deer. Through continuous monitoring, wildlife experts and veterinarians have confirmed that the deer are in good health and have access to sufficient and appropriate food and water sources. “I’ve examined the deer intermittently throughout their confinement at the old prison site. On each occasion I noted that all the deer appeared to be in excellent health. There was ample food and fresh water available to them at all times,” said veterinarian Dr. Douglas Mader. “There is an older fawn present with four adults, and the fawn also is in excellent condition and eating well on its own.” Mader has over 40 years of experience caring for wildlife, including 29 years with Key deer, working directly with the USFWS on responding to and treating injured Key deer. “Removing the Key deer from the 10-acre property, which is covered in dense vegetation, is a unique and complex task,” said Kevin Kalasz, USFWS coordinator for joint USFWS/FWC Key Deer research and response program, USFWS Florida Ecological Services field office. “We are prioritizing tactics that are gentle and minimize stress on the deer.” Last week, USFWS-led teams, supported by trained volunteers, traversed the college’s property to guide the deer through a newly installed back gate into surrounding habitat. The operation was overseen by wildlife biologists and cooperating veterinarians. The property’s thick brush and vegetation — including poisonwood — combined with rain and the deer’s instinct to seek cover, complicated the effort. Although no deer left the property during the initial operation, USFWS and its partners gained valuable information and are refining their approach to overcome various complexities in a way that is safe and efficient before resuming efforts. “The staff and volunteers who came together for this first effort showed real dedication and care,” said Nikki Colangelo, an ecology specialist with the USFWS. “Guiding Key deer safely means reading their behavior moment to moment, and the thick brush and poisonwood on this property, along with the rain, added real complexity to that work. We’re grateful for everyone’s patience, and we remain focused on completing this

SHELF HELP

S A Key deer photographed on the college’s Big Pine Key property July 8. CONTRIBUTED

removal safely. The deer remain healthy, and we will continue to monitor them until they are removed.” The college has had a long-term lease with the state since 2021 to develop the site that previously housed the Big Pine Key Road Prison. The college plans to use the site to expand educational and training opportunities in the Lower Keys, in alignment with its mission, as required by the state. Located on Key Deer Boulevard, it is zoned as suburban commercial and is not within the boundary of the National Key Deer Refuge. The property includes 16 structures, which have deteriorated since the prison closed in 2017. “Due to the condition of the property and existing buildings, it is not safe to leave it open,” said Brittany Snyder, CFK executive vice president & CFO. “It is the college’s responsibility and obligation to secure the property and restrict access to prevent potential harm to humans.” Maintaining a secure perimeter has also presented challenges. The gate and lock were vandalized twice, and the back fence was damaged earlier this month. FWC and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. The college has repaired the gate, replaced the lock, installed security cameras and reinforced the fence line with rock. “The college is grateful to our local, state and federal partners for their continued collaboration and expertise,” said CFK President Jonathan Gueverra. “We will continue to work with these agencies and other stakeholders as we pursue opportunities that benefit individuals and the economy while respecting the environment and character of the Keys.” The college will share an update once the deer have been successfully removed. — Contributed

taff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection. What: “Operation Bounce House” by Matt Dinniman Why: Earth’s government has just turned a planetary eviction into the ultimate online shooter. When third-generation farmers on New Sonora are suddenly attacked, they discover their invaders are actually Earthbound gamers using a massive AI platform to wage remote war. A witty, fast-paced standalone about what happens when one side is fighting for survival and the other is just playing for high scores. Packed with dark humor, clever world-building and a hilariously cynical AI main character who drops top-tier one-liners, this is a must-read for fans of satirical sci-fi. Where: You can borrow this as a print book, e-book or e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library. How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/ contact-us. Recommended by: Tressie Waldo, library assistant, Big Pine Key library branch See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/post/ shelf-help.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

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FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

You can’t outsource your nutrition

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won't waste any of your sunshine or a rare flat day listing the countless meal delivery services I've tried over the years. Paleo, keto, low carb, high carb, high protein ... if it arrived in a refrigerated box with neatly portioned containers, there's a good chance it's shown up on my doorstep. After all that research, here's my hot take: Most of them miss the point. Before you fire off an angry email, hear me out. I'm not saying meal delivery services are bad. For someone recovering from surgery, learning to cook, juggling a demanding work schedule or simply trying to break the drive-through habit, they can absolutely serve a purpose. Sometimes convenience is exactly what someone needs to get pointed in the right direction. My problem isn't with the companies. It's with the promise people think they're buying. Somewhere along the way, we've started believing that someone else can permanently solve our nutrition problem. They can't. Any eating plan that completely eliminates an entire food group or leaves no room for real life is eventually going to run into trouble. Vacation happens. Birthday cake happens. Holidays happen. Date nights happen. The occasional pizza night with friends happens. If your plan falls apart the moment life gets interesting, it probably wasn't much of a plan to begin with. Every Sunday, I spend about two hours meal prepping. Is it exciting? Not even a little. There are plenty of weekends I'd rather spend on the water, in the yard or doing just about anything else. But I know myself well enough to know what happens if I don't. If I don't prepare my meals, I slowly start making decisions based on convenience instead of nutrition. Lunch turns into a handful of crackers, a protein bar or whatever happens to be in the pantry. One less-than-great choice becomes another, and before long I'm wondering why my energy is low and my workouts feel harder than they should. Meal prep isn't about having perfectly matching containers lined up in the refrigerator or creating Instagramworthy lunches. It's about making the healthy choice the easy choice. When my meals are already prepared, I don't have to rely on motivation, willpower

or whatever sounds good at three o'clock in the afternoon. The decision has already been made. People tell me all the time they don't have time to JENNIFER meal prep. Maybe HARVEY that's true for some. But I also ...is a Marathonbased ACSMknow we somehow certified perfind time to scroll sonal trainer and precision nutrition social media, watch another episode or coach who owns make a second trip and operates Highly Motivated to the grocery store Functionally because we never Caffeinated LLC. decided what was for dinner. Meal prep isn't really about having more time. It's about deciding what's important enough to make time for. If your goal is to eat food that's nutrient-dense, supports your health, fits your lifestyle and actually tastes good to you, eventually you have to become part of the process. No subscription service knows your schedule. No algorithm knows your family. No meal delivery company knows what foods make you feel your best or what your goals will be six months from now. Can meal delivery services be helpful? Absolutely. They can introduce new recipes, teach portion sizes, help you through a busy season or provide structure when you're first getting started. I just don't think they should become the destination. The goal isn't to become dependent on a box that arrives every Tuesday. The goal is to learn enough about your own nutrition that you could feed yourself well whether a delivery truck shows up or not. Because the healthiest meal you'll ever eat probably isn't the one that arrived on your doorstep. It's the one you learned to make yourself.

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t was a lovely boating day, a little windy, but not too choppy in Jewfish Basin because it never is. We pulled up next to one of the small mangrove islands, I put the engine in neutral and sat listening for a while for a mangrove cuckoo. Sadly, none MARK chose to either call or appear. HEDDEN But when I looked up, I caught sight of one of those great but ... is a photographer, writer, and occasional Florida wonders – semi-professional an American flamingo standing birdwatcher. He on a sandbar about a quarter has lived in Key mile away. West for more Damn, I’m a good naturalthan 25 years and may no longer ist, I thought, as I pointed it be employable in out to Tara and Matt, longthe real world. He time friends down visiting from is also executive the great state of South Jersey. director of the There are few greater wildlife Florida Keys Audubon Society. experiences in Florida than seeing a flamingo in the wild. And then I raised my binoculars and realized it wasn’t a flamingo, but a PVC bubba stick painted pinky-orange right next to a large trap buoy also painted pinky-orange, the two objects lining up from the angle we were looking at them to form the exact same shape as a distant flamingo. One of the more salient tricks I learned back when I was working as a birding guide is that if you make a mistake, you try to point out something else interesting as soon as possible as a distraction and, you hope, a memory eraser. And fortunately a lone dolphin making its way through about four feet of water swam slowly along our port side, crossed our bow, and kept going. In the Mud Keys we also failed to find a mangrove cuckoo, but we got to hear singing Caribbean yellow warblers, as well as singing gray kingbirds and singing red-bellied woodpeckers, at least if you can call the strident hyper-syllabic utterances of those last two species singing. We ran the boat up onto the beach of the westernmost island of the Mud Keys and dropped an anchor on the sand in case the tide was rising. Then we sat under the Bimini eating Pub subs and oranges. Another boat pulled up to us, picked up two pieces of trash and maybe a bucket of sand, then left. A foursome of boaters from the other beach on the island emerged from a path at the edge of our beach, flopped loudly into the water, and started to circumnavigate their way back by wading, disappearing behind the curve of the mangroves. We all swam around for quite a long while, experiencing the unpretentious thrall the backcountry always induces. We were back on the boat, drying off, when the raccoon approached. There has been a lot of raccoon coverage in the news this week, the vast bulk of it focused on one raccoon in Seattle dubbed Jimothy, who kind of looked like a chupacabra if a chupacabra was re-conceived as an adorable plush toy with a bandit mask. It is thought that Jimothy had something called short spine syndrome, which essentially truncated his torso by about a third, but gave him a look that has somehow warmed the hearts of millions of people online.

A Key raccoon seen recently in the Mud Keys. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

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The raccoon on the island wasn’t the polar opposite of that, but he was on a very different end of the heartstring-pulling spectrum. He was small, skinny, blond like our mutual friend Clark got when he worked summers as a lifeguard and swore he wasn’t putting lemon juice in his hair every day. He stared at us unabashedly with what we read as a certain type of longing. He really knew how to work a room. Or at least a beach. Matt wanted to feed him, possibly take him home with us, possibly buy him a matching suit of clothes for group photos. I read the book “Rascal” by the author Sterling North in my youth. It was about a boy and the young raccoon he trapped, then befriended, then lived with for about a year until the family realized that raccoons actually aren’t great pets, and they returned him to the wild. I’m not sure if Tara ever read the book, but we were both of the opinion that it’s a bad idea to feed wild animals, no matter what kind of soft feelings they can inspire with their open-eyed stare, no matter how much they present as a perfectly formed guilt machine. And taking him home and subjecting him to human haberdashery was certainly out of the question. The way he approached us, though, no doubt someone had been feeding him. It is a little unclear how many types of raccoons we have in the Keys, or at least how many subspecies. In the 1930s a paper was published identifying three subspecies of raccoons in the Florida Keys. (There was also a fourth one in the Everglades and 10,000 Islands.) The Inesperatus subspecies, with the Latin meaning “unexpected,” more commonly known as the Matecumbe Key Raccoon, had a range that stretched between Key Biscayne and Upper Matecumbe. The Auspicatus subspecies, with the Latin meaning “auspicious,” more commonly known

as the Key Vaca Raccoon, had a range that ran from Lower Matecumbe down to Key Vaca, in the heart of Marathon. And the Incautus subspecies, more commonly known as the Torch Key Raccoon or the Key West Raccoon, which two translation websites tell me the Latin means “incautious,” or “careless,” while two other translation websites tell me it means “unsuspecting,” had a range that stretched from Big Pine to Key West. By those definitions it was a Torch Key Raccoon that was attempting to befriend us. In 1989 Dr. James “Skip” Lazell, after much blood testing and skull measuring, published a book identifying three different types of raccoons in the Keys – the Florida Raccoon, a subspecies found in the uplands of the Everglades and some of the larger islands of Florida Bay; the Marine Raccoon, a species found in the sawgrass of the Everglades and the mangrove swamps of some of the smaller islands in Florida Bay; and the Key Raccoon, a subspecies found on the mainline Keys and out islands from Grassy Key south. So by those definitions it was a Key Raccoon that was attempting to befriend us. It is thought by some that the Torch Key/ Key West/Key Raccoon is paler than its mainland counterparts in order to not absorb the heat of the sun, and skinnier, because they don’t need the fat to stay warm in the winter. But I couldn’t find any research to document those notions. Regardless, the raccoon out in the Mud Keys retreated to the shadows, sat down and watched us as we backed the boat off that beach and headed out toward the Gulf. A few minutes later, having found the Gulf a little rough, we passed the beach again. Matt said something about how the raccoon was probably still sitting there, sad and disappointed that we hadn’t picked him up, or at least fed him. (It’s possible I made that bit up about him wanting to buy the raccoon a suit of clothes. But I know he would totally do it given the chance.)

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KEY WEST TSA OFFICERS HONORED AS TRAVEL HEROES

County recognizes airport workers’ commitment despite government shutdowns

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T From left, Kara Franker, president of Visit Florida Keys & Key West, and Richard Strickland, Monroe County’s executive director of airports, present TSA representatives Joshua Pedowitz, Daniel Shook and Leo Green with a U.S. Travel Association Travel Hero Award. The award recognizes officers who continued showing up for passengers despite federal funding stoppages, when the officers weren’t being paid, to help keep travelers moving safely to and from the Florida Keys. MARK FUNKHOUSER/Florida Keys News Bureau

espite missed paychecks creating uncertainty at home, Transportation Security Administration officers at Key West International Airport showed up to work. Those officers were recently recognized for their dedication when Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln gave them a replica of the U.S. Travel Association’s Travel Hero Award. The honor recognizes frontline aviation professionals who continued reporting for duty during the federal government shutdowns of 2025 and 2026, ensuring millions of Americans could travel safely despite the personal financial hardship the workers faced. While the nation debated budgets and funding in Washington, many TSA officers across the country continued screening passengers, protecting the traveling public and keeping the nation’s aviation system operating. “It is my privilege to present the U.S. Travel Association’s Travel Hero Award to the TSA officers of Key West International Airport,” Lincoln said during the presentation. “These men and women demonstrated remarkable dedication to public service by continuing to protect travelers and keep our airport operating during an incredibly challenging time. Their professionalism, resilience and selflessness deserve our gratitude and recognition.” The effect of that commitment was evident at Key West International Airport, where TSA officers continued protecting travelers and keeping

flights moving. “Over the course of the 76-day shutdown, our TSA officers were responsible for the screening and safety of more than 200,000 outgoing passengers and an untold number of airline personnel,” said Richard Strickland, the county’s executive director of airports. “Their dedication is a major part of Key West International Airport’s continued success, and this award is a token of our appreciation for all that they do.” “Tourism is the lifeblood of the Florida Keys, and TSA officers play an essential role in every visitor’s journey,” said Kara Franker, president & CEO of Visit Florida Keys & Key West. “During the federal government shutdowns, they ensured travelers could safely reach our Destination. Their commitment helped keep the Keys connected.” The federal shutdown occurred during a period of record travel at EYW. From January through May 2026, the airport welcomed 777,943 passengers, a 6.9% jump from the same period the previous year. In March, the airport recorded its busiest month in history, serving 175,779 passengers. The U.S. Travel Association first presented the national Travel Hero Award in April during its annual legislative event in Washington, D.C. The association subsequently invited destinations across the country to recognize their local TSA officers with replica awards. — Contributed

he global-inspired offerings of chef Yotam Ottolenghi and the roots of Chinese culinary tradition are on the Key West Cooking Show’s upcoming menu of exclusive Chef’s Encore dining adventures. The brainchild of chef Keith St. Peter, a respected leader in the Key West cuisine scene, the events take place on the first Friday of each month at the Key West Cooking Show’s 291 Front St. headquarters. Each Chef’s Encore dinner showcases the food styles of a region, country, era or chef that has had a lasting influence on the art of cuisine. The series began June 5 with “Keller on My Mind,” inspired by chef Thomas Keller of the renowned French Laundry eatery in California’s Napa Valley. An intimate evening for just 20 diners, the French-inspired four-course dinner featured perfectly seasoned dishes including duck confit — all served in just-right portions. On July 3, 20 diners gathered in the Cooking Show’s private dining room for “An Evening in Nippon,” a foray into Japanese cuisine. The evening featured pristine ingredients, Japanese beers and sake, and stylistic plating that reflected the culture. St. Peter, a food historian and storyteller as well as the Key West Cooking Show’s executive chef, created the Chef’s Encore series as a way to share his favorite culinary inspirations and influences with diners. Each event is limited to 20 diners to ensure a personal experience and ample opportunities to interact with the chef. Set for 6 to 8 p.m. on the “first Fridays,” each Chef’s Encore dinner features a themed multicourse menu, spiced with St. Peter’s insightful comments on the dishes served, as well as a handcrafted cocktail. Next in the series is “Musings on Ottolenghi,” on Friday, Aug. 7. The evening will spotlight the sun-drenched Levantine style of London-based chef and cookbook

Chef Keith St. Peter discusses the inspirations behind a Chef’s Encore menu with diners at the exclusive culinary evening. KEY WEST COOKING SHOW/ Contributed

author Yotam Ottolenghi. Attendees can anticipate a vibrant, vegetable-focused menu reflecting the boldness and depth that characterizes Ottolenghi’s cuisine. On Friday, Sept. 4, diners can explore the early roots of Chinese culinary tradition in “The Qin Dynasty.” The menu pays homage to the ancient dynasty that historians credit with establishing the first great Chinese empire — while also embracing a contemporary perspective and dishes distinguished by vibrant flavors and spices. Monthly themes for St. Peter’s entire 2026 Chef’s Encore series can be found at keywestcookingshow. com, so culinary fans can choose the events that interest them most. Because seating is strictly limited, early reservations are encouraged to guarantee a place at the table. LAST BITES Dish of the week: Shrimp fried rice. Give Key West pink shrimp an Asian flair by sautéing them with garlic and ginger. Then add cooked rice, peas, carrots and eggs and stirfry the mixture to create a multicultural flavor fusion. Seasoned with soy sauce, the resulting blend can be served as a side dish or light yet satisfying entrée. Helpful kitchen hack: When presenting a special meal, enhance dishes’ visual appeal by adopting some of the plating techniques used by noted chefs. For example, balance foods’ colors and textures, create eye-pleasing interest with subtle height variations, and garnish with colorful herbs or edible flowers. Hungry for more? Visit keywestcookingshow.com or call 305294-COOK.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

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

Reynerio Tamayo

Reynerio Tamayo (b. 1968, Niquero, Cuba) is the foremost contemporary painter exploring baseball as cultural mythology. His work blends technical mastery, satire, Caribbean folklore, and a Hemingway-inflected narrative sensibility. Tamayo’s Cuban Slugger series has positioned him as the world’s most important baseball artist, with major U.S. exhibitions at the Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, and Hall-of-Fame–adjacent venues.

Works Available on Approval & Concierge Services from Key West to Key Largo The Gallery on Greene | 606 Greene Street | Key West, Florida galleryongreene.com | 305-304-2323

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE STUDIOS ON VIEW THRU JULY 31

MANGO MADNESS MEMBERS’ EXHIBIT

c: JW Sherrington

Mango Madness has over 120 works of local art - come by and see what all the buzz is about. Or you can view, shop & vote for your favorite online at tskw.org/s/shop!

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 7PM

DUO KINETICA Eric Dyer’s hand-spun animations—created with Victorian-inspired optical devices—unfold live alongside Jiayin Shen’s virtuosic piano playing, creating a mesmerizing show of image and sound.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

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Beachside and Tavern n Town will be closing for renovation September 1. Thank you for your years of support and we will see you in early 2027.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

TAKE ME HOME?

HELP KEEP KEY WEST

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

he Keys Weekly family loves animals as much as our friends at the Florida Keys SPCA do, and we’re honored each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adoption at the organization’s Key West campus. From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

Meet Rex, an 11-year-old beagle with a heart as big as his ears. He’s the kind of dog who reminds you to slow down and enjoy life’s little moments. This gentle boy came to the shelter with his sister, Chloe. They’d love to find a home together if possible, but what matters most is that Rex finally gets the loving family he deserves.

Meet Chloe. At 7½ years old, she’s all about the simple life: A nice, slow walk, a long afternoon nap, a few treats and someone to spend it all with is Chloe’s idea of a perfect day. She’s an easygoing beagle who loves being around people. Chloe came to the shelter with her brother, Rex. They’ve spent their lives together and would love to find a home where they can keep enjoying the easy life side by side.

JULY CLEANUPS Join a one-hour Friday morning cleanup. All events are 8 to 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Friday, July 24: Whitehead and Olivia streets. Meet on Whitehead across from Hemingway Home & Museum, which is hosting. Friday, July 31: Key West Fire Station on Simonton Street, hosted by The Gardens Hotel.

The July 17 morning cleanup at the corner of Greene and Ann streets drew 46 volunteers. In one hour, they picked up 418 pounds of trash, 35 pounds of recycling and 3 gallons of cigarette butts. Special thanks to Irish Kevin's and the Key West Military Affairs Committee for hosting breakfast for all the volunteers. The July 24 cleanup will kickoff the Hemingway Days festival and will start on the Olivia Street side of the Hemingway Home & Museum. Thank you to everyone who helps Keep Key West Beautiful. CONTRIBUTED

It takes committed community involvement to keep Key West beautiful and we are making progress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted. Call Dorian Patton at 305-809-3868 to find out how your business, nonprofit or club can help.

NEVER BOUGHT. NEVER SOLD. ALWAYS LOCAL.

Bixby is a handsome 3-year-old brown rabbit with an adorably nerdy vibe. This sweet bunny is as endearing as they come, with a gentle peBenji is a 2‑year‑old rabbit with a gentle personality and a curious spirit. He loves exploring his space and stretching out in cozy spots.. Benji is still young, which means he brings a fun mix of playfulness and sweetness to every interaction. Rabbits like Benji make wonderful companions. rsonality and a love for quiet companionship.

CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF LOCAL MEDIA Meet Lorelai, a petite 4-year-old grey cat with a gentle spirit. She enjoys soft places to nap and a calm environment where she can feel safe. Lorelai’s small size and sweet nature make her an easy companion.

Meet William, a 2-month-old male kitten who’s ready to find a family of his own. Whether he’s chasing toys or curling up after a busy day of adventures, William brings fun wherever he goes.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY 89240 Overseas Hwy Ste 2, Tavernier 305.363.2957

MARATHON WEEKLY 9709 Overseas Hwy Marathon 305.743.0844

KEY WEST WEEKLY 5450 MacDonald Ave Ste 5, Key West 305.453.6928

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

Photos contributed

THE LOBSTER LOWDOWN Keys Weekly staff

Want an all-in-one primer as you get ready to hit the water for mini-season on July 29 and 30? We’ve got you covered. LET’S TALK LIMITS • The bag limit is six lobsters per active, licensed harvester per day in Monroe County, period. Making multiple trips to harvest the bag limit each time is ILLEGAL. • Possession limits apply both on and off the water. The possession limit, even when off the water, is six lobsters per licensed harvester on July 29, or 12 lobsters per licensed harvester on July 30 (six harvested per day of mini-season). • Gear that could puncture, penetrate or crush the shell of the lobster is prohibited. It is illegal to spearfish lobster. THE SEASONS • Sport season / “mini-season”: the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on day one and ending at midnight on day two (July 29-30 in 2026). • Regular season: Aug. 6 through March 31.

FINE PRINT MATTERS WHEN HUNTING • Recreational harvesters are required to possess a valid Florida saltwater fishing license with a current spiny lobster permit. They can be purchased online at gooutdoorsflorida.com or by calling 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356). • Spiny lobster must have a minimum carapace length greater than 3 inches, and the measurement must take place in the water. The carapace is measured beginning at the forward edge between the rostral horns, excluding soft tissue and proceeding along the middle to the rear edge of the carapace. If a lobster gauge can fit over the end of the carapace, even snugly, the lobster is TOO SHORT. All recreationally harvested lobster must remain in whole condition while at sea. • Egg-bearing (berried) spiny lobster must be released unharmed. Stripping egg-bearing females of eggs, and possession of spiny lobster tails from which eggs have been removed, is prohibited. Eggs are orange, yellow, brown or red masses found covering the underside of the lobster’s tail. • During mini-season, bully netting is the only legal way to harvest lobster at night, defined as one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. Night diving is permitted during the regular season, but NOT during mini-season. Possession of bully nets or hoop nets is prohibited in Everglades National Park. • It is a felony to molest, damage or take lobster from commercial traps. • A diver-down flag must be prominently displayed when divers and snorkelers are in the water. Other vessels must slow to idle speed when within 300 feet of a dive flag in open water, or 100 feet in canals. • It is illegal to create “artificial habitat” for lobsters using items like cement blocks, pipes and other debris. It’s also illegal to harvest lobster from artificial habitat in state waters. • Recreational trapping is prohibited.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

Bully netting is the only way to legally harvest lobster at night during mini-season. Photo by Alex Rickert

Ecological reserves Western Sambo, Tortugas Ecological Reserve. Special-use research only areas (No entry) Conch Reef, Tennessee Reef, Looe Key Patch Reef, Eastern Sambo. Other closed areas (year-round) Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne Bay Card Sound Spiny Lobster Sanctuary, Biscayne National Park Coral Reef Protection Areas, city of Layton, John Pennekamp State Park Lobster Exclusion Zones. DIVE FLAG DETAILS Divers and snorkelers in the water must display a diver-down flag. The flag must measure 12 inches by 12 inches if flown from a buoy or float, or 20 inches by 24 inches if flown from a vessel or other structure. Flags must be flown from a vessel’s highest point and must be visible from all directions. Divers should stay within 100 feet of their dive flags in channels, or within 300 feet of their flags in open water. Other vessels inside these distances must fully slow down to idle speed.

STAY AWAY Most Keys cities have invoked special rules to cut down on neighbor-on-neighbor – and especially residenton-visitor – “turf wars.” Essentially, local rules establish a “no-go” zone to keep lobster hunters away from private property. In the following areas, there is no diving or snorkeling within 300 feet of enhanced residential or commercial shoreline, any man-made or private canal, or any public or private marina. •

•

In Islamorada, Key West and unincorporated Monroe County, the rule applies during the three days prior to the sport season (July 26-28 in 2026), the entirety of the sport season (July 29-30) and the first five days of the regular season (Aug. 6-10). In Marathon, the rule only applies during sport season, and in Key Colony Beach, it applies from the four days preceding sport season through 10 days after the opening of regular season. The city of Layton has a prohibition on harvesting lobster any time from waters within city limits.

KILL LIONFISH, GET MORE LOBSTER Through successful completion of FWC’s annual Lionfish Challenge, recreational lobster hunters can up their bag limits during each of the sport season days by one lobster per challenge finisher per day. All information, including detailed instructions to submit proof of the minimum 25 harvested lionfish, is at reefrangers.myfwc. com/lionfish-challenge. Too late to get involved this year? Bookmark this for 2027. •

•

Increased bag limits ONLY apply to harvesters who complete the challenge, submit their tails, and receive a 2026 Challenge Coin. While the coin allowed two extra lobsters per day in 2024, for 2026, it has returned back to its original rule of one per day. The increased bag limit applies ONLY to the harvester who completes the challenge and possesses the challenge coin, NOT all divers aboard a vessel.

DON’T LOBSTER IN THESE AREAS: Sanctuary preservation areas (SPAs) Carysfort Reef, the Elbow, Key Largo Dry Rocks, Grecian Rocks, French Reef, Molasses Reef, Conch Reef, Davis Reef, Hen and Chickens, Cheeca Rocks, Alligator Reef, Coffins Patch, Sombrero Key, Newfound Harbor Key, Looe Key, Eastern Dry Rocks, Rock Key, Sand Key.

The lobster measured here is too short.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

We are officially in Leo season as the sun crossed the CHRIS threshold from Cancer into McNULTY Leo on July 22. When the sun is an astrologer, is in Leo, it is in the sign that wanderer, barit rules, which means it expetender and riences a welcome homecomadvocate for ing that allows it to naturally queer justice. He is a loquacious express its true nature. The Gemini with a sun sheds light and provides cozy Cancer rising. Find him at clarity. It directs movements. It is life-giving and inspiring. hearthandheraldWhen the sun is in Leo, we astrology.com all get to participate in the bounty of this time, standing a little taller in our own confidence and seeing our own position with clearer eyes. Leo season is a time for celebrating the self and taking charge. Be bold. As the sun crossed into Leo, the planet Jupiter was already there to greet the master of the house. Jupiter moved into Leo almost a month ago, and this week is perfecting a unique planetary formation with the three outer planets. This is a complex astrological formation that encourages us to choose joy in the face of oppressive powers beyond our control, to be inspired by our beliefs and our dreams that express greater realities and to remember that freedom is embedded in our ability to celebrate. Oh, and Mercury stationed direct this week, too. Go ahead and begin to move forward with those conversations you need to have. Here are your horoscopes for the sun’s entrance into Leo, Jupiter’s orientation to the outer planets and Mercury’s station direct. Read for your rising and sun signs. LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 Happy birthday season, Leo. You are the center of activity right now and you create orbits around your energy. You are the main character. Confront dark powers, learn new lessons and find a team that will unleash your new powers. Now is not the time to dim your shine, Leo. Rise up and show the world who you are. Your time of deep reflection is coming to an end. Move onward. VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 How can you make rest and reflection your central activity now? Joy and happiness do not always have to be big and showy, they can be soft and personal. You have so much to do, but now is the time to slow down. Don’t be controlled by the chore list. Invest in your spiritual health and find freedom in your work. You can start having those conversations with friends now.

LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 You are surrounded by people who want to see you succeed. It can be easy to unintentionally take support for granted, but now is the time to see your peeps with clear-eyed appreciation. Resist allowing your creativity to become an oppressive taskmaster, revel in dreamy romance and dive into the freedom of exploration. Work communications will begin to flow more naturally now. SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 What does it mean for you to be a “public figure?” I’m not talking celebrity necessarily, but someone who has an effect on society. Scorpio, your work in the world may feel stifled by heaviness at home, but allow yourself to enjoy your reputation despite that. Dig into a spiritual practice and move forward with making travel plans. SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 This is a time for expanding your horizons. Whether you travel across the globe or stay close to home, turn your attention to new details you haven’t noticed and new places you haven’t explored. The all-too-familiar probably feels somewhat oppressive, so see the world anew all around you. Your creativity is divine and your partners are liberators. Go ahead and talk about what you’re investing in. CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 Do you see how much of an effect your investments have? You share your time, energy, talent and money, and that input ripples outward into the world around you. You may feel compelled to turn your attention to amplifying your own resources instead, but resist the urge of selfishness. Romanticize home, find liberation in labor and go ahead and have that conversation with a loved one. AQUARIUS Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 Your partnership is a source of clarity and happiness, Aquarius. Fight the urge to be compulsive in the face of all the buoyancy and abundance your partner brings. Go ahead and use dreamy language and find freedom in your creative pursuits. If you’ve been struggling to wrap your head around your routines, that confusion is about to clear up. PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 Get your hands dirty and work up a sweat, Pisces. You may feel compelled or even shamed into retreating into solitude, but now is the time to use your elbow grease and build up sweat

THE JOYFUL LEADER

equity. Getting the job done and the chore list crossed off is a source of joy now. Find a spiritual value system that works for you and use your home as a place to feel free. ARIES March 21 - April 19 What are you going to do with all this creative energy? Identify an outlet or two and let it flow out of you. Your bliss is literally your mentor now. Listen to it. You may find that the social world is trying to powerfully beckon you, but your time is best used in creating. Dream your ideal version of self and find freedom in the familiar. You can clearly think about your home and family now. TAURUS April 20 - May 20 Home is where it’s at right now, Taurus. You are a leader and an anchor for those you love. Do not shy away from this role right now. Demands from public life might feel somewhat overwhelming, so lean into home and family all the more. Meditate on infinite expanses and acknowledge your financial freedoms. If you’ve been holding back, it’s time to express what’s on your mind. GEMINI May 21 - June 20 Your words are incredibly powerful right now. You may feel an unprecedented urge to appear overly eloquent or educated, but choosing simple expression over sounding like a thesaurus is the much better choice. Speak simply. Take time with your spiritual guides and be your liberated, authentic self. You can start having conversations about your own financial needs now. CANCER June 21 - July 22 How can you focus on your own financial and material needs right now, Cancer? There are powerful voices and messages compelling you to focus on the needs of others, but take joy knowing that now is the time to take leadership in your own well-being. Your source of freedom is solitude and your source of inspiration is being visible. You can finally start to think of yourself with clarity now.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

SCHOOL BOARD, COUNCIL MEET OVER BASEBALL FIELD PROJECT

Founders Park baseball field is home to the Coral Shores High School baseball program. JASON RAFTER/Keys Weekly

FRANK DERFLER www.keysweekly.com

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slamorada Village Council and Monroe County School Board members met together in Marathon on July 21 to resolve longstanding differences over upgrades and use of the Founders Park baseball field. The joint meeting lasted two hours and was moderated by former Marathon City Manager George Garrett. The board and council were gaveled into session separately and then jointly discussed the baseball field license agreement, which details the respective rights and obligations of the village and school district related to reconstruction and use of the baseball field. The sides, in working with their respective attorneys, the superintendent and village manager, have long had concerns over language within the agreement. Before discussing among the governing boards, comments from the public at the start of the session primarily focused on protecting the village taxpayers. The license agreement, as some believed, is a landlordtenant agreement. The village owns the property; the tenant — the school board — is paying some $3.8 million for substantial improvements to the property. The discussion simplified when the two bodies agreed to limit the initial project and the agreement to a turf field, fencing, dugouts and batting cages. The goal is to have everything ready for the start of the next baseball season.

As school board member Sue Woltanski said, adding bleachers complicates the effort because of building codes that specify bathrooms of specific capacity for bleachers of certain sizes. “This past year, the school put $20,000 worth of repairs into those bleachers,” she said. Bleachers, a concession stand and a press box that were part of the original $6 million plan are now set aside for future discussion. The village staff will not maintain the updated facilities. The estimated annual cost of maintenance for the school district is under $50,000 based on similar artificial turf fields in the district. This is in line with the cost of maintenance of just the current turf field. The issue of insurance was discussed, but with fencing, turf and dugouts, there was no physical property to insure. Arrangements were made to inspect the field for wear-and-tear after periods of use. The two groups discussed security and liability. Security will be improved with added cameras at the park, and the attorneys for both sides were instructed to examine liability coverages. Differences over amortization and other schedules resolved when the license agreement was given a 20-year life span. The plans and drawings for the field are on the village website. Final votes to consider and approve the agreement are scheduled for the village council during a July 27 special call meeting and during a July 28 regular school board meeting.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR HOPEFUL SITS DOWN WITH KEYS WEEKLY JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

epublican governor hopeful Paul Renner isn’t new to tackling the issues facing the Sunshine State. Having served in the Florida House from 2015 to 2024, Renner went through the ranks while he was in Tallahassee. He was House Speaker in his final term when Florida was economically booming post-COVID. He’s a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm and later in combat operation in Afghanistan. He had a legal career, which included time as assistant state attorney and business attorney. Amid a tense Republican primary, Renner has been making his rounds to meet voters and discuss his stance on the issues from property tax to data centers. He’s also highlighting how the first 100 days would look under his reign. Recently, Renner’s campaign reached out to the Keys Weekly for an interview to discuss the issues and priorities facing the Florida Keys and the rest of the state. He was in the middle of a trip to Marathon to meet voters that evening and a debate with candidates James Fishback and current Lt. Gov. Jay Collins in Fort Lauderdale the next day (U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds didn’t participate). “We’re very busy,” Renner said as he arrived at the Upper Keys office. “Everywhere we go we win.” Renner began by stating his track record of success during his time in the Florida Legislature, including his time as speaker when he helped advance the nation’s “most conservative state agenda” and becoming the “free state of Florida” as states shut down during the pandemic. “We have to continue to go forward,” Renner said. “We don’t want to fail. We have to tackle affordability.” Property taxes and data centers are among the notable topics being raised across the state. Renner said he is “not hot” on the Legislature’s approved ballot measure to phase out and eventually end property taxes on homesteaded properties — and leaving ad valorem funding alone for school districts.

Renner’s proposal, if governor, includes an immediate rollback of property taxes via legislative action, as well as capping future taxes to ensure the government cannot grow faster than Floridians’ annual incomes. His proposal also would protect seniors and first-time homebuyers through property tax abatements. As for large-scale data centers, Renner said he’s a “hard no.” “I’d impose a statewide moratorium to impose a halt on hyperscale data centers,” he said. “They’re not huge job creators. They suck up resources and threaten the Florida aquifer, land and the power grid.” As part of his plan, Renner wants to pass Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed artificial intelligence bill of rights, which was passed in the Senate but not the House last session, to insert controls over the technology. It would provide a variety of consumer protections, including prohibiting minors from accessing the platform or maintaining an account, unless a parent gives consent. The bill would require certain disclosures to an account holder informing them that the chatbot isn’t human. It would also place limits on government contracting with entities for artificial intelligence technology, software, or products if such entities have certain ties to a government of a foreign country of concern. As for the environment, Renner notes he was a supporter of the area of critical state concern designation for the Florida Keys and providing funding for water quality and land acquisition through Florida Keys Stewardship Act. Renner said the whole idea of the designation was to protect the precious environment and limit development. “The Keys are a one-of-a-kind place,” Renner said. “They no doubt play a big part in the state’s success.” Renner said he’s outlined a “contract with Florida” to implement many priorities in the first 100 days. They include making Florida affordable by eliminating property taxes on primary residences, reducing homeowners’ insurance premiums by 20% and lowering electric rates by bringing more transparency to the rate-setting process. In keeping Florida safe, Renner’s contract would recall elected officials who engage in insider trading, enforce illegal immigration laws and enact the death penalty for human trafficking of minors, while limiting death-penalty appeals to three years.

Paul Renner served as House Speaker from 2022 to 2024. Also pictured are Gov. Ron DeSantis and then-Lt. Gov. Jeannette Nuñez. CONTRIBUTED

Former Florida House Speaker is seeking election as Florida’s next governor.

His plan also seeks to strengthen medical freedom by ending mandates and protecting parental rights, while ending unlawful government surveillance and eliminating Flock cameras. Renner ended the conversation

by stating that he’s a proven leader who’s defended the country as a naval officer, prosecuted serious felony cases and delivered results in his time in the Florida House. “We’re going to deliver on our promises,” he said.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 23, 2026

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 23, 2026

In The Bleachers

Brevity

Adam Dailies

NEWS OF THE WEIRD A company in China is ready to take the next step in robotics: humanoid robots powered by A.I. On July 2, Oddity Central reported that UBTECH plans to massproduce the robots, complete with synthetic skin and humanlike facial expressions. The machines are about 5 feet, 6 inches to 6 feet tall, but weigh half as much as the average human adult. The company says it has received 10,000 orders and that each robot retails for up to $145,000, depending on its features. The humanoids will be delivered in September and are “designed to support a wide range of consumer and commercial applications, including daily companionship, emotional support, lifestyle enhancement, and social assistance, as well as reception and hospitality services, elder care, psychological support, tourism and exhibitions, research and education, and premium domestic service applications,” a UBTECH press release said.

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 23, 2026

Nancy Dailies

TODAY’S HISTORY

In 1962, the Telstar 1 satellite transmitted the first live, trans-Atlantic TV broadcast, featuring CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite. TODAY’S NUMBER

Brevity

1,400 — the distance between Earth (in light-years) and Kepler-452b, a potentially Earthlike exoplanet orbiting within the habitable zone of a star in the constellation Cygnus. NASA announced its discovery on this day in 2015. TODAY’S QUOTE

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

Emil Jannings (1884-1950), actor; Raymond Chandler (1888-1959), author; Anthony M. Kennedy (1936- ), Supreme Court justice; Woody Harrelson (1961- ), actor; Slash (1965- ), guitarist; Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014), actor; Alison Krauss (1971- ), singersongwriter; Marlon Wayans (1972- ), actor; Kathryn Hahn (1973- ), actress; Michelle Williams (1979- ), singer/actress; Daniel Radcliffe (1989- ), actor.

“Technique alone is never enough. You have to have passion. Technique alone is just an embroidered potholder.” — Raymond Chandler

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 23, 2026

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KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 23, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT FY 2027 COMMERCIAL RATES FOR COLLECTION, DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING IN MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, will conduct a Public Hearing to adopt the FY 2027 Commercial Rates for collection, disposal, and recycling in Monroe County, Florida. The Public Hearing will be held at 9:00 A.M. on August 19, 2026, at the Meeting of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida. The public can attend the Public Hearing in person, or via Zoom, for the purpose of contributing or receiving public comments on the proposed assessments. The Zoom link can be found in the electronic meeting agenda at the following address: https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/89204098700 All affected property owners and commercial customers have a right to appear, virtually, or in person, at the hearing and to file written objections with the County Commission within twenty (20) calendar days of the first publication of this Notice. Pursuant to section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the County Commission with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings, and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence

upon which the appeal is to be made. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the County Administrator’s Office at (305) 292-4441, at least 48 hours prior to the date of the Public Hearing. If hearing or voice-impaired, contact the Florida Relay Service Number, by dialing 711 for assistance. If you have any questions, please contact the County’s Solid Waste Department at (305) 295-4323 or (305) 292-4536, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. A person may submit written or other physical evidence on a particular agenda item for consideration at the August 19, 2026, Board of County Commissioners Meeting to: Krystal Gomez, via email at: GomezKrystal@monroecounty-fl.gov., or by mail to: Monroe County Administrator’s Office, 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 205, Key West FL 33040. The documents must be received by 3:00 P.M. on August 12, 2026, and must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number, email address, and the agenda item number to which the documents refer. The following schedules reflect the proposed monthly rates for Commercial Waste Generators for:

Franchise Area’s 1, 2, 3, 4 Waste Management, Marathon Garbage, Keys Sanitary, Ocean Reef 2026/27 a) CAN PICKUP RATE SCHEDULE

b) CONTAINERIZED PICKUP RATE SCHEDULE

No. of cans* Rate Element

Container Size Rate Element

Number of Pickups Per Week 3 4 5 6

COLLECTION DISPOSAL RECYCLING** TOTAL

$36.09 $53.93 $71.89 $89.96 $40.08 $59.99 $80.04 $100.12 $4.81 $7.20 $9.60 $12.01 $80.98 $121.12 $161.53 $202.09

$107.90 $120.12 $14.41 $242.43

COLLECTION DISPOSAL RECYCLING** TOTAL

$53.93 $80.77 $107.90 $134.78 $59.99 $90.01 $120.12 $150.16 $7.20 $10.80 $14.41 $18.02 $121.12 $181.58 $242.43 $302.96

$161.96 $180.18 $21.62 $363.76

COLLECTION DISPOSAL RECYCLING** TOTAL

$71.89 $107.90 $143.91 $179.89 $80.04 $120.12 $160.83 $201.04 $9.60 $14.41 $19.30 $24.12 $161.53 $242.43 $324.04 $405.05

$215.98 $241.22 $28.95 $486.15

COLLECTION DISPOSAL RECYCLING** TOTAL

$89.95 $134.78 $179.89 $224.74 $100.12 $150.16 $201.04 $250.20 $12.01 $18.02 $24.12 $30.02 $202.08 $302.96 $405.05 $504.96

$280.75 $300.24 $36.03 $617.02

COLLECTION DISPOSAL RECYCLING**

$107.90 $161.96 $215.98 $280.75 $120.12 $180.18 $241.22 $300.24 $14.41 $21.62 $28.95 $36.03

$364.99 $349.30 $41.93

* Based on 32 gallon cans. * Solid Waste service may be available in either 64-gallon or 96-gallon Carts provided by franchisee at an equivalent rate per cubic yard. Monthly cart rental is $5.00 for each 32-gal & 64-gal cart and $10.00 for each 96-gal cart. * Recycling must be in carts, not cans. ** Recycling is subject to a Processing Charge at a rate of 12% of what disposal cost would be, plus cart rental.

Number of Pickups Per Week 3 4 5

COLLECTION DISPOSAL RECYCLING**

$62.05 $61.74 $7.41

$124.10 $126.70 $15.20

$186.14 $190.05 $22.81

$248.19 $253.40 $30.41

$310.24 $316.77 $38.01

$372.29 $380.10 $45.61

$434.34 $443.47 $53.22

COLLECTION $124.10 DISPOSAL $126.70 RECYCLING** $15.20

$248.19 $253.40 $30.41

$372.29 $380.10 $45.61

$496.38 $506.78 $60.81

$620.48 $633.49 $76.02

$744.58 $760.24 $91.23

$868.67 $886.88 $106.43

COLLECTION $186.14 DISPOSAL $190.05 RECYCLING** $22.81

$372.29 $380.10 $45.61

$558.43 $570.14 $68.42

$744.58 $760.22 $91.23

$930.72 $1,116.86 $950.29 $1,140.33 $114.03 $136.84

$1,303.01 $1,330.38 $159.65

COLLECTION $248.19 DISPOSAL $253.40 RECYCLING** $30.41

$496.38 $506.78 $60.81

$744.58 $992.77 $1,240.96 $1,489.15 $760.22 $ 1,013.61 $1,267.03 $1,520.43 $91.23 $121.63 $152.04 $182.45

$1,737.34 $1,773.83 $212.86

COLLECTION $372.29 DISPOSAL $380.10 RECYCLING** $45.61

$744.58 $1,116.86 $1,489.15 $1,861.44 $2,233.73 $760.24 $1,140.33 $1,520.43 $1,900.52 $2,274.74 $91.23 $136.84 $182.45 $228.06 $272.97

$2,606.02 $2,660.77 $319.29

COLLECTION $496.38 $992.77 $1,489.15 $1,985.54 $2,481.92 $2,978.30 DISPOSAL $506.78 $1,013.61 $1,520.43 $2,027.26 $2,534.09 $3,040.89 RECYCLING** $60.81 $121.63 $182.45 $243.27 $304.09 $364.91

$3,474.69 $3,547.70 $425.72

COLLECTION $620.48 $1,240.96 $1,861.44 $2,481.92 $3,102.40 $3,722.88 DISPOSAL $633.47 $1,266.92 $1,900.39 $2,533.85 $3,167.31 $3,800.77 RECYCLING** $76.02 $152.03 $228.05 $304.06 $380.08 $456.09

$4,343.36 $4,434.24 $532.11

ONE TIME CHARGES Supplying (and retrofitting) locking Mechanism on Container** $ 126.67

Adding or changing lids on Containers No Charge

Lock: Supply lock for locking mechanism

Setup Fee: The Setup of New or Cancelled Accounts Return Fee: Charge to Return Container when removed for Non Payment $ 57.59

$ 33.04

Adding wheels to or changing wheels on 1, 2, and 3 yard Containers only No Charge Moving Container Locations (if feasible) Per Customer Request $ 110.14

Credit Card Convenience Fee Not to exceed fee charged by customer’s credit card company

Collection rates for Solid Waste and Recycling are $13.68 per cubic yard. Disposal fees as estimated above apply to Solid Waste and are subject to change by Monroe County. A Processing charge will apply to Recycling services. Compacted collection waste and recycling rates are 3X the amount shown in the rate available above. • Additional Garbage Carts/Totes are available from Franchisee for a rental fee of $120 per year, payable in advance, plus additional fees for service and disposal.

SPECIAL SERVICES Rolling Out Container (and returning it to original location) $ 29.03 $ 58.08 $ 87.11 $ 116.13

10/1/2026 10 CUBIC YARD J $ 1,861.44 SERVICE 10 CUBIC YARD D $ 1,899.15 DISPOSAL

10/1/2026 34 CUBIC YARD J $ 6,328.90 SERVICE 34 CUBIC YARD D $ 6,457.20 DISPOSAL

15 CUBIC YARD J $ 2,792.16 SERVICE 15 CUBIC YARD D $ 2,848.77 DISPOSAL

40 CUBIC YARD J $ 7,445.76 SERVICE 40 CUBIC YARD D $ 7,596.70 DISPOSAL

20 CUBIC YARD J $ 3,722.88 SERVICE 20 CUBIC YARD D $ 3,798.41 DISPOSAL

LEASE PER COMPACTOR $ 1,436.52 SERVICE

30 CUBIC YARD J $ 5,584.32 SERVICE 30 CUBIC YARD D $ 5,697.51 DISPOSAL Section 2. The collection service rates established herein are additional to the disposal rates levied as non-ad valorem assessments against commercial property pursuant to Sec. 21-96, et seq., Monroe County Code, and Section 197.3632, Fla. Stat.

$ 174.22

$ 203.24

$ 47.69

$ 57.23

$ 66.77

$ 65.21

$ 78.25

$ 91.29

Non Medical Back Door Service (Residential Curbside Only )* NEGOTIABLE Open and (and closing) Doors or Gates $ 9.54

** Determining of necessity of locking mechanisms is based on customer requirements

MONROE COUNTY OCTOBER 2026 ROLLOFF RATES

$ 145.19

$ 19.08

$ 28.62

$ 38.15

Locks and Containers Negotiable From $30.07 to $232.11 Unlocking Containers

$ 13.05

$ 26.08

$ 39.12

$ 52.16

* There will be no additional charge for those residents medically unable to bring solid waste or recyclables to curbside. Back door service to all other customers may be offered by WM at fees to be negotiated.

Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida, this 23rd day of July, 2026. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA KEVIN MADOK, CPA, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida

Publish: July 23, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 23, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO REIMPOSE AND PROVIDE FOR COLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE SERVICE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, (BOCC) will conduct a Public Hearing to consider reimposing solid waste service assessments for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2026, against certain improved residential properties located within Monroe County, the City of Marathon, the City of Layton, and the City of Key Colony Beach, to fund the cost of solid waste collection services, facilities and programs provided to such properties, and to authorize collection of such assessments on the tax bill. The Public Hearing will be held at 9:00 A.M., on August 19, 2026, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida. The public can attend the Public Hearing in person, or via Zoom, for the purpose of contributing or receiving public comments on the proposed assessments. The Zoom link can be found in the electronic meeting agenda at the following address: http://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx. All affected property owners have a right to appear at the hearing, in person or virtually, and to file written objections with the County Commission, within 20 calendar days of the first publication date of this notice. Pursuant to section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the County Commission with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the County Administrator’s Office at 305-292-4441, at least 48 hours prior to the date of the hearing. If hearing or voice-impaired, contact the Florida Relay Service Number, by dialing “711” for assistance. The total annual solid waste assessment revenue to be collected within Monroe County, the City of Marathon, the City of Layton, and the City of Key Colony Beach for the upcoming fiscal year is estimated to be $21,433,601.00. The rate of assessment for the upcoming fiscal year shall be $604.24 per residential dwelling unit. The maximum rate of assessment that can be imposed in the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 2026, and future fiscal years, shall be $604.24 per residential dwelling unit. Copies of the legal documentation for the assessment program will be made available upon request by contacting the County Administrator’s Office at 305-292-4441, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. If you have any questions, please call the County Solid Waste Management Department at 305-295-4323 or(305-292-4536, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. The assessments will be collected on the ad valorem tax bill to be mailed in November, 2026, as authorized by section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. Failure to pay the assessments will cause a tax certificate to be issued against the property, which may result in a loss of title. A person may submit written or other physical evidence on a particular agenda item for consideration at the August 19, 2026 BOCC meeting to: Krystal Gomez, via email at: Gomez-Krystal@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by mail to: County Administrator’s Office, 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 205, Key West, FL 33040. The documents must be received by 3:00 P.M., on August 11, 2026, and must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number, email address, and the agenda item number to which the documents refer. Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida, this 23rd day of July, 2026. Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: July 23, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is hereby given that on August 3rd, 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: Location: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Press, Brian 1116 Tabora, Nicholas 1025 Thoman, Catherine 1598 Gonzalez, Gerardo 1612 Publish: July 23 & 30, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

21, 2026, at which time the vessel shall be removed from the premises by buyer. This sale is pursuant to section §328.17, Florida Statutes. Publish: July 16 & 23, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, August 20, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: July 23, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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 July 23, 2026. Persons Giving Notice: Lee Simone Mullis 207 David Lane Marathon, FL 33050 Attorney for Persons Giving Notice: Christopher B. Waldera, P.A. Christopher B. Waldera Florida Bar No: 980810 Attorney for Personal Representative 5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 7 Marathon, Florida 33050 Telephone: (305) 289-2223 Facsimile: (305) 289-2249 Publish: July 23 & 30, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE “Non-Judicial Sale of Vessel” to take place on Friday August 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Safe Harbor Islamorada, 80461 Oversees Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036 on the following vessels: 1) "Villa Flamingo" 50' Destination Houseboat - HIN - IYD50213C819, last known owner Angler House SHM 2) “Villa Mahi” 50’ Destination Houseboat – HIN - IYD50212C819, last known owner Angler House SHM 3) “Villa Tarpon” 50’ Destination Houseboat – HIN – IYD50200E617, last known owner Angler House SHM Inspection may take place on Friday, August 21, 2026, between 9:00 and 10:00 AM at Safe Harbor Islamorada, 80461 Oversees Hwy. Islamorada, FL 33036. The vessel will be sold to the highest bidder. Ten percent deposit by cash or cashier's check is due at time of sale; balance by cash or cashier’s check is due by 12:00 PM on Friday August

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Sale of One (1) County-Owned Unimproved Parcel on Key Largo Monroe County, Florida Parcel Identification Number: 00087310-000100 Minimum Bid Required; $94,000.00 5% Bid Bond Required Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecountyfl.bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/ mailed/physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 20, 2026. There is no cost to the bidder to

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 26-CP-000033-M DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROY EDWARD MCADAMS Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ROY EDWARD MCADAMS, deceased, whose date of death was September 16, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for

CITY OF MARATHON CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City Council consisting of Mayor Del Gaizo, Vice Mayor Struyf, Councilmembers Landry, Matlock and Still, City Attorney Steve Williams, Planning Director Brian Shea, Land Steward McKenzie Fraley, Senior Planner Dan Gulizio and Special Counsel Hudson Gill will meet in an Attorney-Client Session, pursuant to Section 286.11(8), Florida Statutes to discuss the following case: Rodney Shands vs. City of Marathon, a Florida Municipality; Case No. 2007-CA-99-M pending in the Circuit Court for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit in and For Monroe County, Florida. The meeting will be held on August 11, 2026 at 5:00 pm at the Marathon City Hall, 9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida. Publish: July 23, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER: 26-CP-326-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CHESTER HARRY KALB II, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CHESTER HARRY KALB II, deceased, whose date of death was June 7, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. 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

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 23, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES 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 July 16, 2026. Personal Representatives: GERDA CHARLOTTE KALB PETRA COHEN GRAHAM COHEN c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representatives: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304 Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Email designation for service: Service.Probate@samkaufmanlaw. com Telephone: (305) 292-3926 Fax: (305) 295-7947 Publish: July 16 & 23, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 44-2025-CA-1181-P MARKEY MARINE SERVICE, INC., a Florida corporation, Plaintiff, vs. JOANNE FERNAN, her Estate, her successors-in-interest, and all others in possession or claiming an interest by, under or through her, Defendant. NOTICE OF ACTION (formal notice by publication) TO: JOANNE FERNAN, deceased, and all unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, and all other parties claiming by, through, under, or against JOANNE FERNAN, deceased, whose last known address, residence, and whereabouts are unknown: YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title to the following property in Monroe County, Florida, has been filed against you: A part of Lot 2, according to the Plat recorded in the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, in Plat Book 1, Page 59, and being more particularly described by metes and bounds, as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the Southeasterly right-ofway line of U.S. Highway No. 1, and the North line of Section 5, Township 62 South, Range 39 East, bear Southwesterly along the Southeasterly right-of-way line of U.S. Highway No. 1 for a distance of 556 feet to the Point of Beginning of the part of Lot 2 hereinafter described: from said Point of Beginning, continue bearing Southwesterly along the Southeasterly rightof-way line of U.S . Highway No. 1 for a distance of 22. 98 feet to a point; thence at right angles and Southeasterly for a distance of 150 feet to a point on the Northwesterly right-of-way line of Old State Highway No. 4A; thence at right angles and in a Northeasterly direction along the Northwesterly right-of-way line of Old State Highway No. 4A for a distance of 22. 98 feet to a point; thence at right angles and in a Northwesterly direction for a distance of 150 feet, back to the Point of Beginning. Containing approximately 3,447 sq. ft., more or less. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to this action on Plaintiff's attorney, Nicholas W. Mulick, P.A., whose address is 91645 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, Florida 33070, and file the original with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Monroe County, Florida, at 88770 Overseas Hwy, Suite 2, Tavernier, Florida 33070, on or before August 10th, 2026. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Signed on this 6th day of July

LEGAL NOTICES 2026. Kevin Madok, CPA as Clerk of the Court By: Destiny Johnson as Deputy Clerk Publish: July 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483 BOAT SLIP/RACK FOR RENT

Boat Slip &/or Rack For Rent in Marathon at The Boat House, Vaca Key. Call Tony 561-346-6400 PLACE YOUR BOAT SLIP AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com EMPLOYMENT

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 TBD - based on skill. Email: Natalie@cecflk. c o m The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Full-time Carpenter, Electrician, & Custodian (Marathon). 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. NOW HIRING Workers in Marathon & Lower Keys. Must be able to lift 50-70 lbs. Starting pay $20/hour. Pay rate will rise at intervals. 305-743-5555 catlabflkeys@gmail.com

305.743.0844

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

HANDYMAN NEEDED needed for small projects at residence in Grassy Key. Must have own tools & transportation. High Pay! Call Bob at 305-395-0478

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time maintenance person. 12- 15 hours a week. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub. com or call 305-7436739 to schedule an interview.

ANNUAL RENTAL Key Largo - 3BR/2BA new kitchen, Spacious Doublewide modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community $3500/ month 786-258-3127

LONG TERM RENTALS: HUGE EFFICIENCY, 650 SF, partially furnished $1,650/month AND 2 Bedroom unfurnished, all appliances, renovated, for rent in Marathon. On the water, gated property. Section 8 possible. $2,000 month. First/Security Call 305-610-8002

Studio Rental in Marathon, long-term, partially furnished, price includes internet, water, electric gas, garbage, pest, and lawn @ $2,200/mo all in. Call or text 305-433-0515

Specialty Hardware of Marathon - Looking for full time or part time person. Hardware knowledge an absolute must. Must have knowledge of hardware, plumbing and electrical. Apply in person at 10730 Overseas Hwy. Marathon 1-305-743-3382 Experienced FT 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 serviceoriented 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. Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. Full-Time Medical Assistant Pediatric experience preferred. Must multitask in fastpaced setting. Pay is commensurate with experience. Email resume to: flkeyspeds@gmail.com HIRED!!! Safety Staff- We are seeking a reliable, dedicated, and responsible Safety Staff member to join our team. Full-time & Part-time availability starting at $18/hr. To apply, call 305-6644860 Ext 1, e-mail: corrine@orlk.org or apply in person at Outdoor Resorts at Long Key, 65821 Overseas Hwy, Long Key HIRED!!!

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com

3BR / 3BA fully furnished home for rent in Marathon available Aug-Dec 2026. $3,500/ month. 2BR/2BA also available Aug-Dec 2026. Call 618-559-9143

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

WE’RE HIRING

PIZZA MAKERS, PREP & CASHIERS

FOR THE NEW KEY LARGO LOCATION, OPENING SOON. Pizza Maker experience is a must. For all positions, applicant must be selfmotivated, quick learner and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience. Please call Nicole at 305-433-0515 or email nicole@themoongroupfl.com

HANDYMAN WANTED Seeking a reliable handyman in Marathon for general home repairs, landscaping and misc. maintenance items. This is a part time position and hours may vary. Must be dependable, experienced, and have references. Call 305-289-5862

NOW HIRING

EXPERIENCED PIPE LAYER/LABORER SKILLED LABORERS LOADER/OPERATOR Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Rockland Key ask for Cheryl, 305-296-5606 ext 126

NOW HIRING

CONCRETE MIXER DRIVERS Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Rockland Key ask for Cheryl, 305-296-5606 ext 126

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

NOW HIRING

ADMIN ASSISTANT/ SCALE MASTER Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Rockland Key ask for Cheryl, 305-296-5606 ext 126

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 23, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 SERVICES OFFERED

WANTED TO BUY

YARD SALES

CAREGIVER available in Coral Gables or Key Largo area. Available Live-In 7 days a week. Call Dinorah 856-620-8717

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

PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email A n n e k e @ keysweekly.com

PLACE YOUR AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com

TURN YOUR CARDS INTO CASH! Marathon collector buying any and all Pokemon cards & collections. Call 401-256-0645.

NOW HIRING DOCK HAND

We are looking for a Dock Hand with excellent customer service to join our team. You would assist with the daily operations of our marina. Responsibilities include assistance with the daily marina tasks including helping guests arrive and depart from their dock, guiding guests over the radio, navigation, marina amenity cleaning, pressure-washing, assisting guests with golf cart rides and requests, and maintaining the marina. Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come in the office to fill out application. 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

BRANCH OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Edward Jones is a financial services firm focused on meeting the needs of individual investors. Our Marathon branch office has an opening for an entry-level administrative assistant. Excellent organization, communication skills, and the ability to work independently are required to perform Administrative, marketing, and client service responsibilities. We offer competitive benefits and a comprehensive on-line training program. To be considered for this position apply online at: careers.edwardjones.com Job #116417BR Marathon, FL Location. Edward Jones does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Work with the BEST

Voted BEST BANK 2014 - 2025

NOW HIRING! wants you to join their team!

RETAIL GIFT SHOP ASSOCIATE Full-time. $19/hour to start.

EMAIL resume to: TurtleHospital@TurtleHospital.org APPLY in person: 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL

SUNSET GRILLE NOW HIRING BARTENDERS WAIT STAFF - HOST/HOSTESS BUS PERSONS

Key West Full Time Teller

Apply in person at

Marathon Full Time Teller

SUNSET GRILLE & RAW BAR 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

Islamorada Assistant Branch Operations Manager

NOW HIRING • DIVE INSTRUCTOR

Apply Online @ KeysBank.com/Careers

FIRSr# srATE

MNK

KeysBank.com

Pay: $160.00 per day Guaranteed Pay + Tips + Commission. Affordable employee housing available.

• TOUCH TANK ATTENDANT • GUEST SERVICES Call 305-407-3262 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!

NOW HIRING!

GIFT SHOP (PT, Weekends) DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals. DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program, in addition to, life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. EOE

COME JOIN THE FAMILY!

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

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

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

Home Décor Sales Consultant Customer-focused sales professional with experience in retail or customer service. Creativity and interest in home décor a must. Help customers discover pieces that turn everyday spaces into something special.

Kitchen Design Specialist Individual who brings creativity, functionality, and style together in kitchen and bath design. Design kitchens that become the heart of the home. For complete details and to apply, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 23, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of “Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING!

JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 53 YEARS! We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor (CAT) Case Manager (Adult) Mental Health Technician

KEY WEST

Case Manager (Children) Crisis Counselor Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) (FT)

MARATHON

Driver (CDL NOT required) (FT, PT) Registered Nurse (PT) Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult, PT) *Support Worker (Assisted Living) (FT, PT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (FT, PT) *No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary. Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!! Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip

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.

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

OPENINGS AVAILABLE PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, Ortho-Tavernier, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Cardiology, Upper Keys, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Ortho, Key West, $5k Bonus - Radiology Technologist, Ortho Surgical, Key West, $25k Bonus

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST - Director Nursing Services, Operations Support Key West, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Outpatient Procedures, $5k Bonus - Patient Access Scheduler, Operations Support Key West, $5k Bonus - Pool Radiation Therapist

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Chaplain, Chaplaincy Spiritual Care, Per Diem - Clinical Partner, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, $3k Bonus - Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus - Customer Service & Membership Coordinator, Mariners Wellness Center - Exercise Assistant, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem - Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT Scan, $50k Bonus - Mechanic, FT, 7A-3:30P - Medical Staff Coordinator, Mariners Hospital, FT - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, (CT & X Ray), $25k Bonus - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (Echo & Vascular w/Ultrasound Preferred), $25k Bonus - Pharmacy Technician, Mariners Hospital, $4k Bonus - Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem - Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem - Pool Medical Technologist - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care, $25k Bonus - Registered Nurse, ICU, $15k Bonus - Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus - Supervisor Chef, Dietary

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary, PT - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $25k Bonus - Phlebotomist, Laboratory, Per Diem, 7A-3:30P - Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, Various Shifts & Statuses - Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus - Registered Respiratory Therapist, $25k Bonus - Registered Respiratory Therapist, PT, $12,500 Bonus - Security Officer, FT, 7A-7:30P - Security Officer, Per Diem All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. *Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net

THEME: CAMPING ACROSS 1. Soapy enemy 5. Architect’s software, acr. 8. Professional number cruncher, acr. 11. Through, to a poet 12. Z, NATO phonetic alphabet 13. Garden pest 15. Chinese monetary unit 16. Sportscaster Andrews 17. Certain water birds 18. *Luxury camping 20. Scratch’s target 21. Same as coho 22. DNA transmitter 23. Explanation backed by evidence 26. Gottfried ____, calculus cocreator 30. R in rpm 31. Er on Periodic table 34. Bowling ball path 35. Arabic VIPs 37. .0000001 joule 38. Financial woes 39. Cecum, pl. 40. “Et tu, Brute?” speaker 42. Food morsel 43. Siren, e.g. 45. *____ camping, or camping without shelter 47. Siesta 48. “There it is,” ‡ Paris 50. Gold or frankincense or myrrh, e.g. 52. *Fire starter 55. American chameleon 56. Antioxidant-rich berry 57. New Mexico art colony 59. Nymph chaser 60. Nonclerical 61. Poet Pound 62. High school parent org. 63. Be off base 64. Ready for picking

DOWN 1. Eye infection 2. College party chant 3. Russia’s ____ Mountains 4. Western European city-state 5. Collectible in a cabinet 6. Skirt shape 7. Animal waste 8. Chocolate candy, to a Brit 9. Essence 10. Marketing creations 12. Gentle breeze 13. Raspberry drupelets 14. *Like drinking water 19. Customs and conventions 22. “Losing My Religion” band 23. *Leave no ____ 24. Egyptian falcon god 25. Put out on a curb 26. Totes or tugs 27. Orient’s bigwig 28. Preface, e.g. 29. Piquant 32. *____ bag or ____ canister 33. Rage 36. *Waterproof cover (2 words) 38. Funny 40. Large edible mushroom 41. Of low pH 44. Serve food at events 46. Restaurant staff member 48. “The _____ of Wakefield” 49. On the radio (2 words) 50. *Annoying biting fly 51. Tiny quantity 52. Leafy green 53. Like Hitler’s Germany 54. *Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts 55. Venomous snake 58. Greek letters on campus