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Members of
4,604
As of 9:30 a.m on Aug. 5, the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections reported a total of 4,604 ballots cast in the primary election, with 3,880 mail-in ballots and 724 early voting ballots. There are 54,625 registered voters in the county.
Key West kids and families enjoy the free National Night Out event on Aug. 4, when law enforcement, military and first responders connect with their communities in an effort to make them safer. See page 18. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
KEY WEST MAYOR’S RACE ENTERS UNCHARTED WATERS
Chamber of Commerce draws criticism with unprecedented endorsements
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
The mayoral race in Key West saw a new wrinkle this week when the Key West Chamber of Commerce announced it was endorsing city candidates for the first time in the chamber’s 100-plus year history.
On August 4, Chamber President Amber Shaffer emailed the organization’s 550 or so members announcing its unprecedented endorsement of incumbent Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez over current city commissioner Sam Kaufman. The endorsement also included commission candidates Greg Sullivan, Juan LLera and Mark Rossi.
“This election has become extremely divisive and social media has played a large part in creating a polarizing hostile narrative,” the chamber endorsement announcement states.
“The Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce has never before taken a position on any individual candidate.
Traditionally we hold a Candidates Forum to help inform our members and our citizens of issues that matter most to the business community.
“After our forum, our Board of Directors discussed whether we should take a stand in this election. The stakes are high and it was decided that we would be doing our membership a disservice not to publicly take a position on who we feel will move Key West forward while supporting a healthy business climate and a strong quality of life for everyone who calls our island home.
“It is with that in mind that the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce proudly endorses
Danise ‘Dee Dee’ Henriquez for mayor, Mark Rossi for District II, Juan Llera for District IV and Greg Sullivan for District V.”
The chamber’s announcement became immediate fodder on local social media accounts with criticism, cries of bias and questions about what made the stakes so high in this race, compared to prior years.
The Keys Weekly presented Shaffer and chamber executive director Kerry Baker with written questions including what unprecedented issues the city faces that warranted the chamber’s first-ever endorsement, what specific qualifications the candidates demonstrated to earn the endorsements among other questions presented on Keys Weekly’s social media post.
In a emailed response, Baker wrote, “The Chamber’s board of directors is elected by its membership and is entrusted with making decisions on behalf of the organization… Like any elected governing body, the board is sometimes required to make difficult decisions that may not reflect the views of every individual member. Its responsibility is to exercise its best judgment in the interest of the ... business community it represents.”
One lingering question remaining is whether candidates were told of the board’s decision to endorse at any time during the campaigns and specifics around “the high stakes.”
“Given the highly contentious nature of this election, the board began discussing the issue early this year, particularly after concerns arose over repeated derogatory comments and references directed at the Chamber, our board and many of our members, who are also residents of this community,” Baker wrote.
Sam Kaufman, who was not endorsed by the chamber for mayor, told the Keys Weekly after the endorsements were announced, “From the beginning of this campaign, I have made it clear that I will not run a negative campaign. I have repeatedly asked my supporters to focus on the issues and to treat everyone with respect because the people of Key West deserve a campaign about solutions, not personal attacks. That has not changed.”
Early voting is open through August 15. The mayor’s race will be decided on election day on Tuesday, August 18. This is considered a “universal primary” meaning any party affiliation will vote on both the municipal race as well as the mosquito control, utility board, county commission and school board.
The temperature of the Key West mayor’s race continues to heat up. Early voting is open through Aug. 15. The mayor’s race will be decided on election day on Tuesday, Aug. 18. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
GREG SULLIVAN
Compassionate Care
COMMUNITY
IMPACT
Did you know? Our Keys locations offer follow-up care for many procedures done in Miami so patients can recover closer to home.
PROVEN LEADERSHIP IS NEEDED TO CONTROL THE WORLD’S DEADLIEST ANIMAL.
Paid by Phil Goodman, Republican, for Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board District 2
CAROL SHAUGHNESSY www.keysweekly.com
ALEX VEGA: KEEPER OF THE
FLAME
SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW
During his 30-year career as a secondgeneration Key West firefighter, Alex Vega battled blazes at spots including Key West’s Cuban Club, the Marine barracks, the Copa nightclub and even a shrimp boat where a below-deck explosion could have been fatal.
But the one that sticks in his mind most vividly is a small fire at the Green Parrot Bar in the early 1990s. With no apparent origin, it was burning under the wooden floor in the bar’s bathroom hallway. What made it so memorable, he said, was the attitude of the Parrot’s clientele.
“We go in, and I noticed that people weren’t excited — they were sitting at the bar drinking, or dancing, and the place was full of smoke,” he recalled. “We come through the crowd dragging our hose line saying, ‘Excuse me, we’ve got a fire going on here. We’ve got to move.’
“The people were at the bar still drinking like nothing was happening,” he marveled. “They didn’t skip a beat.”
Well before that, during a Key West childhood surrounded by family, Vega experienced other unforgettable moments — even some that made history. When he was 3, Fidel Castro appeared at his house during a door-to-door campaign seeking support for his overthrow of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista. Several years later, he watched President John F. Kennedy travel down Duval Street in an open convertible.
His grandparents, descended from early Cuban emigres, instilled in him the passion for history that eventually shaped much of his life.
“My grandfather told me stories from the turn of the century when he was growing up in Key West, and my grandmother told me how she worked in the cigar factories,” Vega said. “These stories drew my interest and love of history.”
After graduating from Key West High School, Vega explored several jobs and married in 1974 before joining the fire department in late 1975. Despite then-low pay that required a part-time job to supplement his income, he committed himself to the work — while tales from retired firefighters fed his enthusiasm for history.
“A lot of the old-timers used to come in and tell their stories about firefighting in the 1920s and
’30s, and some of them even before that when they had horses, and I would listen,” said Vega, who eventually achieved the rank of captain.
Driven to preserve those tales, he became the fire department’s historian. In the 1990s, he began spearheading efforts to save the thenthreatened firehouse at 1024 Grinnell St., where he had been stationed early in his career, and turn it into a firefighting museum.
After 15 years of fundraising and restoration, with support from a dedicated team, that goal was achieved. Today Vega is president of the nonprofit Old Firehouse Preservation Inc., operating entity for the museum that showcases local firefighting history. The 1907 building — one of the oldest firehouses in Florida and the southernmost in the continental United States — contains some of the country’s rarest firefighting artifacts.
Notable items include a 1929 American La France fire engine, a bell dating back to 1906, an early alarm system that communicated a fire’s location, and one of the only remaining coal pits in America — a relic of the days when fire engines were horse-drawn steamers.
1. Visitors to the Key West Firehouse Museum can discover a 1929 American La France fire engine, among other historic items.
2. Alex Vega, founder of the Key West Firehouse Museum, demonstrates a vintage alarm system that communicated a fire’s location.
3. Alex Vega displays artist Ann Lorraine’s painting of the 1995 fire that devastated the Copa nightclub and other Duval Street businesses. CAROL SHAUGHNESSY/Keys Weekly
There’s also an area devoted to flamboyant former Key West fire chief Joseph “Bum” Farto, a now-legendary character who disappeared in 1976 after being convicted of drug dealing.
Historic photographs, vintage fire gear and helmets, century-old badges and items belonging to men once stationed at the firehouse are displayed as well. An archive room contains logbooks, handwritten reports, scores of historic photos and records from former fire chiefs that Vega hopes to organize and digitize.
He also intends to write a book on the Key West Fire Department’s 150-year history — a comprehensive companion piece to his 2011 volume on the history of the firehouse.
“I owe it to a lot of the guys who put many, many years in the fire department and really didn’t get recognition,” Vega said. “I figured I would do that for them and have them acknowledged for what they did.”
Finding time to write isn’t easy for him. Despite much-appreciated assistance from volunteers, he stays busy handling the daily demands of the museum that now bears his name — from a broken air conditioner to an alarm shrilling unexpectedly.
In addition, he often greets and chats with museum visitors. Some are firefighters from other U.S. or international locales, and he’s eager to share his deep interest in history.
“When people come to the museum, I want them to experience something they’ve never experienced before,” explained Vega. “I want to give them that feeling of history, that we should all preserve our history, and inspire them to do something similar.”
An island inspired treasure trove where fashion meets paradise. Nestled into the heart of Key West, we’re your go-to destination for splurge worthy finds and fashion forward essentials. Featuring the latest styles from Farm Rio, Alemais, Oliphant & many more.
Giovanni Mercatelli
The First Boat (Through The Mangroves), 39.5” x 39.5”, Mixed Media on Canvas
Giovanni Mercatelli (b. 1996, Bologna) is an Italian artist working in oils, acrylics, and collage. After spending the pandemic in Key West he returned to study Industrial Design in Eindhoven and completing a master’s in Industrial Ecology in Leiden, he shifted his focus fully to painting.
His textured, layered canvases blend spatula-built backgrounds with vivid gurative imagery drawn from vintage photo transfers, literature, cinema, and memory. Irony and emotional depth intertwine in his work, exploring vulnerability, frustration, desire, and nostalgia.
IRAN-LINKED HACKERS
ATTACK LOCAL WATER UTILITIES
Florida Keys are unaffected; aqueduct authority is aware & prepared
Florida Keys drinking water stops at a water treatment plant in Florida City before being pumped through a 130-mile transmission main to serve the island chain. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
What could Iran possibly have to do with the Florida Keys’ drinking water?
Turns out, plenty.
Cybercriminals affiliated with Iran are hacking into local water utilities and hijacking their control systems, according to repeated and urgent warnings issued by federal agencies since April.
The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority has not been hacked and the Keys’ drinking water has not been affected in any way, FKAA executive director Greg Veliz told the Keys Weekly.
“We’re prepared. We’re aware of the threats and the warnings,” said Veliz, who was the city manager of Key West when city hall computers were hit with a ransomware attack. “I’m sensitive about cybersecurity after that, so we implemented security upgrades when I came to FKAA.
“Our IT department believes our risk is low, but they are being vigilant,” said Veliz.
The cyberattacks have occurred in seven states, including Georgia, Michigan and Minnesota, where 30 smalltown water facilities were digitally invaded. Federal officials have not said which other states have experienced attacks.
So far, there have been no reports of contamination. The attacks have caused low-pressure flow, boil-water advisories and reported flooding.
Officials and staff at the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and its water treatment plant in Florida City are aware of and prepared for attempted cyberattacks by Iran-linked hackers. FKAA/Contributed
The online intruders gain access to a utility by hacking into system controls that are connected directly to the internet. Once in the system, “they have modified passwords and changed IP addresses” to lock out the legitimate operators and take control, states the July 30 advisory from CISA.
The agency has advised all water utilities to disconnect all systems from the internet and switch to manual controls.
“All we do is manual operations,” Veliz said. “We’re prepared. And if everything works as planned, we’re good.”
He reiterated that the aqueduct authority has not been targeted, attacked or hacked, and there have been no effects to the Keys’ water supply.
DRIVER’S LICENSE OFFICE IN SEARSTOWN TO CLOSE AUG. 7
Tax collector consolidates services at Truman Avenue government center
Don’t go to Searstown to renew your driver’s license after Friday, Aug, 7.
Monroe County Tax Collector Sam Steele announced on Aug. 3 that efforts to consolidate Key West services into one location at the main office in the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Ave., are nearing completion.
The Key West driver license office at Searstown will remain open through Friday, Aug. 7. Services are expected to resume at the Truman Avenue office at noon on Thursday, Aug. 13, once state officials install new driver license equipment and complete the transition.
The consolidation will bring Key West services together at the main office, 1200 Truman Ave.
“This project is about better service and responsible use of public resources,” Steele said. “By consolidating our Key West operations into one location, we can make services more convenient for the public, improve efficiency, reduce wait times and eliminate approximately $136,000 in annual recurring costs. We appreciate the public’s patience during construction and look forward to welcoming customers to the renovated main office.”
The Key West main office will feature an expanded lobby counter with additional customer service and supervisor workstations, increasing the office’s ability to serve the public. The same driver license services currently provided at Searstown will be available at the main office, along with the other services offered by the Monroe County Tax Collector’s Office.
The state has approved a new driving test route designed to minimize effects on nearby residential streets while still meeting Florida requirements.
Consolidating the two Key West locations will allow employees to be positioned based on customer demand rather than dividing limited personnel between separate offices.
A review by the tax collector found that customers at the Searstown location generally experienced longer waits than those at the main office. While wait times varied depending on customer volume and staffing, peak waits at Searstown sometimes reached as high as two hours, which Steele said was not an acceptable level of service for Monroe County residents.
Tax collector employees are being cross-trained on all services, allowing supervisors to shift staff in real time to the transactions and service areas experiencing the greatest demand.
Closing the leased Searstown office will eliminate approximately $136,000 per year in expenses associated with rent, maintaining a separate facility, utilities, communications and duplicating operations at two locations.
The Monroe County Tax Collector’s Office will share reminders and updates through its website and social media channels. Follow the Monroe County Tax Collector’s Office on Facebook or check monroetaxcollector.com for additional updates.
FREE CAMPAIGN SIGN RECYCLING STARTS AUG. 19
5 drop-off locations offered from Key West to Key Largo
Nearly all political races in the Florida Keys will be decided in the Aug. 18 election. Campaign signs can be recycled for free at five locations between Aug. 19 and Dec. 15. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
Monroe County, the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections, the City of Key West and Waste Management are partnering to provide free recycling for election signs and campaign materials during the 2026 fall election season.
Residents and campaign sign collectors may recycle corrugated plastic election signs, metal sign stands and paper campaign materials Aug. 19 through Dec. 15 at five dropoff locations throughout the Keys. Metal stands should be removed from the signs and placed in the appropriate marked container.
Participants should look for marked collection bins at each location. Election signs require special handling and should not be placed in curbside recycling bins.
DROPOFF LOCATIONS
• Key Largo Transfer Station, 11180 County Road 905.
• Long Key Transfer Station, Mile Marker 68.
• Cudjoe Transfer Station, Mile Marker 21.5 at Blimp Road.
• Key West Lions Club parking lot, 2405 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West.
For questions, email tuschel-melody@monroecounty-fl. gov or keely.kessler@cityofkeywest-fl.gov.
— Contributed
THEATER NONPROFIT TAKES OVER TROPIC CINEMA
Tennessee Williams Performing Arts Centers also operates college venue
Tropic Cinema’s board announced on Aug. 4 that it will turn over all operations and responsibilities of the nonprofit cinema to Tennessee Williams Performance Arts Centers of Key West (PACKW) effective that day.
PACKW committed to honoring the mission, membership commitments and programming of the Tropic Cinema. As PACKW’s Matthew Rawls stated, “we are committed to preserving everything that makes Tropic Cinema special.”
The handover represents a positive development after an extended period of financial pressure brought about by multiple factors. The Tropic’s board believed PACKW would have a better opportunity to be successful in the space.
The outgoing cinema board acknowledged the contributions of the many people who have shepherded the Tropic Cinema since it opened 22 years ago, and the five years before that as the Key West Film Society. It thanks the members, supporters, volunteers and staff who have
committed so much to bring independent film to Key West, in particular former executive directors Matthew Helmerich and Carla Turner, the past and current board, and the support and leadership of co-founder George Cooper.
Performing Arts Centers of Key West is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the performing arts in Monroe County. Through its stewardship of the Tennessee Williams Theatre and operation of KeysTix, the organization works to connect audiences with arts experiences across the Florida Keys.
The Key West Film Society is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999. It owned and operated Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St., the Florida Keys’ only nonprofit art-house cinema. The organization’s mission is to exhibit, promote and celebrate independent, foreign, documentary, classic and culturally significant films while fostering a deeper appreciation of cinema as an art form.
— Contributed
SCHOOL BOARD SETS TENTATIVE BUDGET AND TAX RATE
Monroe County School Board members began the 2026-27 budget process by setting a tentative millage rate that, despite being the lowest in more than a decade, would bring more property tax dollars into the district from last year.
At the July 28 meeting in Key West, Charlene White, executive director of finance, presented a draft budget and proposed millage rate. She emphasized that a budget committee started meeting in January and considered factors including declining enrollment, cost of living and uncertainty about property taxes.
The 2026-27 budget proposes $178,920,680 for the general fund, which supports the district’s daily operations. This is $6.5 million or 3.8% more than 2025-26.
The proposed total millage rate to balance this budget would be 2.817, or .13 less than last year. Rounding it up, that comes out to $2.82 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. While it’s the lowest rate set by the school board in at least the last 12 years, the school district would collect a little more than $2 million in property tax revenue compared to last year. The total assessed tax roll in the district went up about half a percent year to year.
White said the staff would not place newspaper ads informing the public of a proposed tax increase because there is no rate increase. However, individual property owners may see an increase in their tax dollars due to an increase in the value of their property.
The school board will hold a budget workshop at Coral Shores High School on Aug. 25 and TRIM notices will go out to taxpayers on Aug. 24. A final budget hear-
ing will be held at Marathon High School on Sept. 8.
Under Florida’s Truth in Millage (TRIM) Act, every school board’s millage rate in the state has two parts: the required local effort and the discretionary millage. The state Legislature sets the required local effort, the state collects those funds, and then they are redistributed to local school boards in order to provide some standard level of funding for schools.
The local school boards control the discretionary millage rate. They use information from the county property appraiser showing the taxable property values within the school district and compare the revenue raised against the superintendent’s proposed budget in order to develop a balanced budget. Under Florida’s “Save Our Homes” amendment, the annual increase is capped at 3% or the increase in the prior year’s Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. This year, the appraisal value of homesteaded property cannot go up by more than 2.7%.
The 2026-27 budget has mandated increases for teacher salary raises, school safety/security, mental health and retirement, among others. About $4.18 million is for
safety and security, to include the salaries of school security officers and costs incurred by the sheriff’s office and Key West police.
Health insurance has been a trouble spot in the budget. Costs exceeded the fees charged. White credited the staff with actions that significantly reduced the amount required to subsidize the district’s health insurance program.
The budget includes a $10 million reserve in a hurricane disaster fund.
Before the budget review session, Superintendent Ed Tierney invited school board members to meet new teachers during workshops beginning Aug. 5. All students report to school on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Harry Russell, executive director of personnel and instructional leadership, said the district hired 264 new employees and only had one unfilled academic teacher position. The district was successful in converting substitute teachers to full-time teaching positions, but the major shortfall is a need for 10 athletic coaches.
SHELF HELP
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Something We Said: Richard Pryor, a Notorious Word, And Me” by Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor
Why: This book is a captivating memoir and cultural history inexorably intertwined. The author’s father, the legendary Richard Pryor, reclaimed the n-word in his comedy but eventually disavowed the word after a trip to Kenya gave him perspective. His daughter, a college history professor who teaches the etymology of the word, shows the impact it had on her father both publicly and privately. There’s so much to admire about the book, but it’s the intimate passages about Pryor as a father — and all its complications — that really linger.
Where: You can borrow this as an e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library.
How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/ contact-us.
Recommended by: Michael Nelson, assistant director of public services
See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/post/ shelf-help.
FRANK DERFLER www.keysweekly.com
Keys Weekly file photo
KEY WEST FORWARD Moving
The Key West Chamber of Commerce proudly endorses these candidates because they have demonstrated a commitment to strengthening our local economy, supporting businesses, and being vested in Key West’s past and investing in its future.
DANISE “DEE DEE” HENRIQUEZ
Key West MAYOR
Brings 31 years of public service to Monroe County and Key West highlighting clean financial management, strong oversight, and a commitment to efficient government operations
Supported the completion of The Lofts at Bahama Village, creating 126 workforce housing units, and continues to make workforce housing a top priority
A lifelong Key West resident, business owner, and long-time public official who cares about the citizens of Key West, not just during an election
During her time as Tax Collector she received 20 consecutive excellent audits. She was able to return more than $80 million dollars in unused fees to taxpayers and local governments through Monroe County
Understands that leadership is not about grandstanding. It is about showing up, listening, and making hard decisions on issues that effect everyone.
Has continued to focus on moving long delayed city projects from planning to action
Mayor Henriquez understands that many of Key West’s biggest challenges can’t be solved by the City alone She has worked to build strong relationships with state and federal leaders, recognizing that issues like infrastructure, housing, insurance, transportation, and public safety often require collaboration beyond City Hall By advocating for Key West at every level of government, she has already brought in millions of dollars to the city and is helping ensure our community has a stronger voice and a better chance of securing the support and resources it needs
45+ years as a local business owner and 10 years of experience serving on the City Commission
Decorated Navy combat veteran and retired law enforcement officer
MARK ROSSI
COMMISSIONER CANDIDATE DISTRICT II
Has developed and owns workforce housing and is committed to helping the working-class residents remain in Key West
Understands the challenges facing small businesses
JUAN LLERA
Practical common-sense leadership with priorities being a balanced budget, efficient spending and maintaining city infrastructures
Fights for a business friendly Key West
COMMISSIONER CANDIDATE DISTRICT IV
Brings expertise in safety and risk management while supporting policies that reduce burdens on local businesses Strong advocate for public safety and city services Reliable,
Supports local businesses by championing smart growth and pro-business policies that help small businesses thrive and create jobs
Experience in leading teams and making decisions under pressure
GREG SULLIVAN
Committed to restoring trust in city government through accountability, and responsive leadership
COMMISSIONER CANDIDATE DISTRICT V
Deep understanding of
Known for hands-on leadership, a proven record of solving complex problems, and delivering results with extensive knowledge of recovery after storms
30 years of showing up for the Greater Key West business community An active Chamber member and board member since 2010
Passionate about making Key West stronger and more connected. Currently raising a family here and understands workforce challenges
Active member of Key West Chamber of Commerce for over 30 years, served 3 terms as Chamber President, long-term board member, executive team member, and Chair of the annual Golf Tournament. Working board member of many other local organizations including A Positive Step, Rotary, Sigsbee Charter School, Military Affairs Committee, Mel Fisher ’s Maritime Museum, and Vice Chair of Keys Federal Credit Union.
National Night Out is a hit in Key West, where the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Key West Police, Fire and Rescue department, local military service members and more hosted a free evening for kids and families to connect with law enforcement, explore their vehicles and gear and make connections for safer communities. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
KIDS SHOW UP FOR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Cops, military, firefighters and SWAT teams connect with community
Once again, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Key West Police, firefighters, paramedics, military personnel and community partners hosted a free National Night Out event at Truman Waterfront Park.
The goal of National Night Out is to bring the community together to discuss how we can all make our neighborhoods cleaner, safe and more secure. Community members also received guidance on heightening their crime prevention awareness.
UPDATED JURY DISTRICTS AIM TO REDUCE TRAVELING FOR KEYS RESIDENTS
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved revisions to the county’s three jury districts on Wednesday to better align jury service locations with where residents live, making travel more convenient for many prospective jurors while maintaining compliance with Florida law.
Monroe County is divided into three jury districts, Lower Keys, Middle Keys, and Upper Keys, served by the Freeman Justice Center in Key West, the Marathon Courthouse, and the Plantation Key Courthouse, respectively. State law requires each jury district to include at least 6,000 registered voters and allows counties with multiple courthouse locations to establish separate jury districts.
The approved revisions shift:
• Big Pine Key and No Name Key (Precincts 16 and 17) from the Lower Keys Jury District to the Middle Keys Jury District, allowing residents to report for jury service in Marathon instead of Key West.
• Craig Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, and Windley Key (Precinct 24) from the Middle Keys Jury District to the Upper Keys Jury District, allowing residents to report to the Plantation Key Courthouse instead of Marathon.
The change will now allow many Big Pine Key residents to travel approximately 19 miles to the
BUSINESS GUILD REINVENTS HEADDRESS BALL
Fantasy Fest event to feature more awards in more categories
Marathon Courthouse rather than about 30 miles to Key West. Similarly, residents from Craig Key northward will report to the Plantation Key Courthouse, significantly shortening their drive for jury service.
“These updates simply make more sense for our residents,” said Monroe County Attorney Bob Shillinger. “By adjusting the jury district boundaries to better match where people live, we’re reducing travel time and making jury service more convenient while continuing to meet all legal requirements.”
The board’s resolution supports updated jury districts for each courthouse location. Under the approved resolution:
• Lower Keys Jury District: ZIP codes 33040, 33041, 33042, and 33045 report to the Freeman Justice Center in Key West.
• Middle Keys Jury District: ZIP codes 33001, 33050, 33051, 33052, and 33043 report to the Marathon Courthouse.
• Upper Keys Jury District: ZIP codes 33037, 33070, and 33036 report to the Plantation Key Courthouse.
The revised jury districts will take effect beginning Jan. 1, 2027, following issuance of a new administrative order by the Chief Judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit.
The Key West Business Guild is launching a new chapter for one of Fantasy Fest’s traditions. The 43rd annual Headdress Ball, taking place Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, will feature an expanded awards program designed to recognize more artists, celebrate a wider range of creative expression and encourage even more participation.
For more than four decades, the Headdress Ball has showcased the imagination and artistry that have become synonymous with Fantasy Fest. While contestants will continue competing for the grand prize, this year’s competition introduces several new specialty awards.
“The Headdress Ball has always been about celebrating artistic expression and pushing creative boundaries,” said Fritzie Estimond, executive director of the Key West Business Guild. “We wanted to create more opportunities to recognize the talent that takes the stage each year. These new awards celebrate different styles of creativity while encouraging returning artists and first-time contestants to be part of one of Fantasy Fest’s most iconic events.”
NEW AWARD CATEGORIES & PRIZE AMOUNTS
• Glow Getter Award ($500): Recognizing the headdress that makes the biggest impact through creative illumination featuring LEDs, neon or other lighting effects.
• Size Doesn’t Matter Award ($500): Honoring the artist who proves that spectacular creativity isn’t measured in size by making a bold impression with a more compact design.
• Pretenders in Paradise Award ($750): A tribute to the beloved former Fantasy Fest costume competition, recognizing the contestant whose costume and headdress come together as one cohesive work of art.
• Dream Team Award ($500): Celebrating two or more artists who combine their talents to create a unified and visually stunning presentation.
• Spirit of Fantasy Fest Award ($1,000): Presented to the creation that best captures the official Fantasy Fest theme.
• Head above the Rest Award ($2,500): The competition’s highest honor, recognizing the contestant whose creation best combines artistic vision, originality, craftsmanship, creativity, presentation, and overall impact.
The event will also feature performances by some of Key West’s most celebrated local entertainers, along with full bar service, specialty wines and the convenience of pre-ordered food delivered to guests’ tables. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
More information is at gaykeywestfl.com/headdress-ball or 305-2944603.
Courtroom A at the Plantation Key Courthouse. Keys Weekly file photo
Three contestants showcase a wearable work of art during a previous Key West Business Guild Headdress Ball. The 43rd annual Headdress Ball is set for Thursday, Oct. 22. LARRY BLACKBURN/Contributed
BYE, BYE, BUBBAS — A FEW FINAL PHOTOS
Key West People’s Choice Awards will return next summer
The 2026 Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards are in the books. All that’s left is deciding where to hang this year’s plaques. Thanks for everyone’s nominations, participation and enthusiasm. The Bubbas will be back next summer. Photos by MARK HEDDEN and NICK DOLL.
TOURISM AGENCY
HIGHLIGHTS ‘KEYS SEASON’ FOR SUMMER SAVINGS
VISIT FLORIDA KEYS LAUNCHES ‘ONE ROAD. MILES OF SAVINGS’ CAMPAIGN
What if the best time to experience the Florida Keys & Key West wasn’t during peak season?
Late summer and early fall offer travelers a more relaxed side of the island chain. Life slows down. Sunsets linger. And there’s more time to discover the local restaurants, waterfront hideaways and memorable experiences that give each island its own personality.
That’s the inspiration behind Keys Season, a new promotion from Visit Florida Keys & Key West featuring offers from Key Largo to Key West. Through Oct. 31, travelers — and locals enjoying a “staycation” — can take advantage of special values on accommodations, attractions, fishing charters, dive trips, eco-tours, restaurants and cultural experiences.
“Our first Keys Season celebrates one of the most rewarding times to visit the Florida Keys,” said Kara Franker, president and CEO of Visit Florida Keys & Key West. “This is when visitors can truly settle into the island lifestyle – whether that’s watching the sunset from a waterfront tiki bar, diving North America’s only living coral barrier reef, casting a line offshore or discovering the personality of each island community.”
From Key Largo to Key West, every stop along the iconic Overseas Highway offers something to discover, and during Keys Season, savings.
Many participating lodging partners are also offering a flexibility promise, providing free cancellation and rebooking options should travel plans change. And some offers extend beyond the Keys Season timeframe, giving visitors even more flexibility.
Travelers can shape their experience however they choose. Spend a morning on the water. Wander through an art district in the afternoon. Settle in for fresh local seafood as the sun slips below the horizon.
As summer transitions into fall, the Florida Keys’ event calendar shifts into high gear, giving visitors even more reasons to plan an escape. Celebrate the life and music of Jimmy Buffett during Just a Few Friends, then return a few weeks later for the legendary Fantasy Fest, where costumes, parades and creativity transform Key West.
More information is at visitfloridakeys.com/keysseason.
— Contributed
Deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office report plenty of compliant bugcatchers throughout the island chain during lobster mini-season on July 29 and 30.
Whether you had a fruitful haul from the sea or tough sledding, the legal side of the Keys’ lobster mini-season was business as usual, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Across all four MCSO districts from Key Largo to Key West, officers reported about 560 total resource checks across the two-day season. There were no physical arrests, no reported deaths, and 22 citations issued, the sheriff’s office said.
On July 29, Lower Keys deputies responded to reports of an injured turtle near the Shark Key boat ramp. Rescue personnel from the Turtle
Hospital in Marathon responded and brought the turtle in for treatment alive.
The same day, FWC, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy collaborated to find three missing divers who became separated from their boat off Duck Key.
“Overall, the 2026 lobster mini season was typical for the sheriff’s office,” officials with MCSO said in a press release. “Most people were in compliance and the number of resource checks, notice-to-appear in court citations, and arrest figures were normal/typical compared to recent years.”
— Keys Weekly staff report
Keys Season gives visitors more ways to spend time on the water, from paddling and family-friendly adventures to attractions, dining, lodging and cultural experiences.
VISIT FLORIDA KEYS/Contributed
FROM LEARNING TO TEACHING
College of the Florida Keys students earn dive instructor certifications
College of the Florida Keys dive students celebrate their certifications as PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors at the college’s dive training lagoon on the Key West campus. From left are Lana Gaspari, CFK vice president of advancement; Lucja Rice, CFK’s diving business and technology faculty and a PADI master instructor; CFK student Courtney Woods; PADI examiner John Land; and CFK students Eric Lahti, Robert Frink and Eddie Bryant (kneeling). CONTRIBUTED
Four diving students at the College of the Florida Keys have advanced from the role of student to instructor. Each successfully completed the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) instructor development course at CFK and passed the PADI instructor examination, certifying them as open water scuba instructors.
The two-day evaluative program is conducted by a visiting PADI employee who tests an instructor candidate’s teach-
ing ability, dive theory knowledge, skill level, understanding of the PADI system, and attitude and professionalism. With PADI certification, these instructors will be qualified for professional jobs teaching individuals how to scuba dive anywhere in the world.
CFK is the only place in the Middle or Lower Keys that offers the PADI instructor development course. More information is at cfk.edu/cfkdiving.
— Contributed
‘PAPA’ HEMINGWAYS HELP PAY FOR COLLEGE
18 students get scholarships for College of the Florida Keys
The Hemingway Look-Alike Society (HLAS) awards $40,000 in scholarships to College of the Florida Keys students during the group’s recent Hemingway Days festival in Key West. CONTRIBUTED
Eighteen students from the College of the Florida Keys were awarded scholarships during the annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest. For 27 years, the “Papas” of the Hemingway Look-Alike Society (HLAS) have supported hundreds of CFK students.
The festivities kicked off at Sloppy Joe’s with the Papas awarding $40,000 in scholarships. “Papa” Stephen Terry, who won the lookalike contest in 2013 and is the society’s scholarship chair, congratulated the students, who each received $2,500 to apply toward tuition and fees.
The scholarship is open to degree-seeking students who demonstrate literary talent, are veterans and/or are pursuing credentials in the fields of nursing, marine science, paramedic services, emergency medicine, law enforcement or corrections. One scholarship bears the name of Kermit “Shine” Forbes, Hemingway’s sparring partner in boxing, and has historically been presented to a CFK-bound graduate of Key West High School. This year, the group presented another Kermit “Shine” Forbes scholarship to a graduate of CFK Academy, the charter high school on the college’s Key West campus.
In addition to awarding scholarships totaling over $275,000,
the look-alike society has built the largest endowment with the CFK Foundation, solidifying its legacy at CFK and the ability to fund future scholarships for many years to come.
HERE ARE THE RECIPIENTS:
• Richard Gordon.
• Lucas Thogode.
• Luis Lopez Quinones.
• Marie Christela Brevil.
• Leandro Macias Montes de Oca.
• Dardell Morin.
• Anadailin Dominguez.
• Sara Semran.
• Rachel Goodwin.
• Allana Hayden.
• Shathi Islam.
• Minouche Benoit.
• Samantha Lorenzo.
• Oumaima Juttie.
• Marie Annulysse.
• Heather Reinhardt.
THE KERMIT “SHINE” FORBES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ARE:
• Marco Maliberan, Key West High School.
• Jarrett Miller, CFK Academy.
More information about CFK and its scholarship opportunities is at cfk.edu/paying-for-college; about donating, from Lana Gaspari at foundation@cfk.edu or 305-8093214.
— Contributed
LET’S FIND ROCKY A HOME!
ROCKY IS AN 8-YEAR-OLD BULLDOG MIX WITH A HEART FULL OF LOVE. THIS SWEET, AFFECTIONATE BOY LIVES FOR CUDDLES AND QUALITY TIME WITH HIS PEOPLE.
Rocky has mild skin allergies that are being treated and a heart murmur. Thanks to the Grey Muzzle Organization, a full cardiac evaluation with a veterinary cardiologist was given and he doesn't need medication, just a yearly checkup. Most importantly, he's feeling great and ready for his forever home.
If you're looking for a gentle, loving companion, come meet Rocky at the Florida Keys SPCA Key West Campus.
Adopt today at fkspca.org/adopt
POCKET-SIZED HONOR
Monroe County leaders share the history and heart behind challenge coins
JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com
When Cory Schwisow leaves the house, he rarely walks out the door without a small but meaningful item in his pocket: a military challenge coin. After 23 years in the U.S. Navy, those coins still serve as a quiet reminder of service, sacrifice and the people he’s served alongside.
“Even after I retired, it is very rare that I leave my house without having a challenge coin of some shape or form in my pocket,” said Schwisow, Monroe County’s director of emergency management. “Every coin has a story behind it, and it really should.”
Challenge coins are an enduring tradition across the armed forces. Historically presented as tokens of appreciation, recognition and pride for service members who go above and beyond, the exchange is deeply personal. Traditionally, a senior leader presses a coin into the palm of someone junior in rank during a handshake, symbolizing an informal “thank you” that often means more than an official medal.
“Chief petty officers always have a Navy chief coin in our pockets,” said Schwisow. “It’s a token of respect.” When a sailor went beyond their normal duties, he used that coin to send a clear message of “I see you, I recognize your hard work, and here’s a token of my appreciation.”
The challenge coin tradition stretches back far in history. Some historians trace the roots to ancient Rome, when soldiers received specially minted coins to reward bravery. Centuries later, during World War I, a wealthy American lieutenant had solid bronze medallions made for his flying squadron.
When one pilot was shot down behind enemy lines and escaped to a French outpost without his ID, he was nearly executed as a German saboteur. He produced his squadron medallion, and a French officer recognized the insignia, delayed the execution and gave him a bottle of wine instead.
As the tradition evolved, so did a lively culture around it. By the 1960s, commanders used coins widely to boost morale, creating unique designs for specific ships, units or deployments. It also sparked the famous, unofficial “coin check” tradition still alive in military bars today.
“When you’re at a bar and tap your challenge coin on the counter,” Schwisow explained, “anyone who can’t tap theirs in return has to buy the drinks.” Today, challenge coins mark everything from promotions and reenlistments to visits from highranking officials. But for Schwisow, the meaning behind the metal is what matters most.
One of his most cherished pieces dates back to his time as a young sailor aboard the USS Enterprise, when his daily tasks included making coffee for a high-ranking captain throughout a six-month deployment. At the end of that long stretch at sea, the captain approached him, shook his hand and quietly passed him a challenge coin.
“I still have this coin,” Schwisow said. “I would rather take a challenge coin over any military award I’ve ever gotten.”
Over more than two decades of service, including a combat deployment to Yemen, Schwisow accumulated coins that tell the story of his career. Some commemorate commands he’s served with; others honor people he’s lost, including a tribute coin created for a close friend who died of cancer. Another rare coin from the USS Enterprise’s final deployment is especially meaningful, as it was given only to the last crew before the historic ship was decommissioned.
The tradition has followed him into civilian life. On a vacation in Michigan, he met a group of sea cadets and quietly pressed a coin into the hand of a standout young man.
“I said, ‘Hey, I really appreciate what you do, and keep up the great work,’” Schwisow recalled. “It’s just something that continues on.”
Even in his role protecting the Florida Keys, Schwisow carries the tradition forward. While serving as the director of emergency management, he designed a custom coin featuring his office’s logo on one side and the county logo on the other, using it much the way he did as a Navy chief; a tangible, personal thank-you to local heroes.
It’s a practice shared by other local officials, including Monroe County Commissioner Jim Scholl, who carries the tradition, and the physical coins, with him wherever he goes.
“Challenge coins are small, but each one carries a story,” Scholl said. “They represent a person, a unit, a mission or a moment that meant something. The military has a long tradition of using challenge coins to recognize service and show appreciation. Every coin in my collection reminds me of the people behind it.”
For Scholl, the custom bridges the gap between military history and civic pride, offering a unique way for local government to mark historic milestones and thank those who step up during crises.
“The county has created several over the years, including some given after Hurricane Irma and on the county’s 200th anniversary,” Scholl noted. “Most recently, we made a 250-year commemorative coin for the nation’s anniversary.”
This coin is from the USS Enterprise CVN-65 and was given to the last crew to sail on the ship.
Much like Schwisow, Scholl finds that the simple act of carrying a coin keeps that spirit of connection alive in daily life.
“I usually always carry one with me,” Scholl said. “They often spark conversations among those unfamiliar with them.”
From ancient legions to modern veterans in local government, challenge coins remain a powerful symbol. They may fit in the palm of a hand, but they represent a lifelong connection to service.
Monroe County Director of Emergency Management Cory Schwisow sits by his extensive collection of challenge coins. CONTRIBUTED
Monroe County Commissioner Jim Scholl keeps an office display of challenge coins, placed within a glass tabletop.
The special America 250 Florida Keys anniversary coin.
CELEBRATING IN BUSINESS
KEY WEST NURSE RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
Jody Houser works at Lower Keys Medical Center
Jody Houser, a registered nurse at Lower Keys Medical Center, has received a national Nursing Excellence Award.
Houser was surprised with a reception that included her colleagues, hospital leaders and Key West Mayor Danise Henriquez, where she received a crystal plaque and symbolic check for the cash award she received.
Houser joined Lower Keys Medical Center in 2021 and has served in the medical surgical unit, nursing leadership and the intensive care unit. In March 2026, she received the annual LKMC Frank Houtman Award, named after a longserving hospital volunteer, for representing the true essence of volunteerism. When a local family faced a personal and medical crisis, she provided specialized care for a community member on her personal time. She arranged her schedule to provide nighttime support and helped educate family members so they could feel confident and empowered in caring for their loved one. She is regularly recognized by
colleagues for her passion, integrity, servant leadership and community service.
“It’s an honor to present this award to Jody,” said registered nurse Angelina Ashler, director of the intensive care unit and dialysis and patient experience champion at Lower Keys Medical Center.
“She is known for her clinical competence, leadership and her willingness to mentor new nurses. In the intensive care unit, she cares for some of our most vulnerable patients with attentiveness and heart, always ensuring that patients and families feel informed, supported and comforted.”
Houser is one of 10 national winners selected across all hospitals affiliated with Community Health Systems, which runs the Key West hospital and 59 others nationwide.
The Nursing Excellence Award program was created in 2020 with the celebration of the “Year of the Nurse” to recognize the effort and sacrifice made by nurses during the COVID pandemic.
Drew Bigby, chief executive officer at Lower Keys Medical Center, left, and Michael Hales, chief nursing officer, congratulate registered nurse Jody Houser on her Nursing Excellence Award. CONTRIBUTED
TAKE ME HOME?
FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA
The Keys Weekly family loves animals as much as our friends at the Florida Keys SPCA do, and we’re honored each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adoption at the organization’s Key West campus.
From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.
The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.
Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.
Gerri is a nearly 3-year-old with an adorable face and an even sweeter persona lity. He may be a little shy at first, but with his brother Dante by his side, he has the confidence to become someone’s best friend.
Looking for a new best friend? Brooke is a 2-month-old black and brown kitten at the perfect age to learn and make herself right at home. Whether she’s batting at a toy, climbing to the highest spot she can find, or asking for attention, she’s sure to keep you smiling.
Meet Dante, an almost 3-year-old sweetheart with a gentle soul. Once Dante feels comfortable and with some encouragement from his brother Gerri, he loves being close to his people. He’s looking for a family that will give him the time he needs to build confidence and settle into his new home. Dante would do best with a patient adopter who understands that some dogs just need a little extra time to trust.
Meet Pomelo. At just over 3 months old, this tiny girl is ready for a family of her own. Like most kittens, she’s curious about everything. One minute she’s chasing a toy, and the next she’s curled up for a nap. She’s looking for a home where she can grow up surrounded by love, playtime, and plenty of cozy spots to relax.
• Thank you for the honor of receiving the 2026 Bubba Award for Best Elected O cial! It is a privilege to serve you!
• The Key West Driver License O ce at Searstown will permanently close after August 7 as services are consolidated into the Key West Main O ce at 1200 Truman Avenue.
• Beginning August 13, all Key West driver license, motor vehicle and vessel services will be available at the expanded Main O ce.
• The Key West Main O ce will be closed August 10 through August 13 at noon while the State installs equipment and services are consolidated. The o ce is expected to reopen August 13 at 12:00 p.m.
• During this closure, the Big Pine Key O ce will be open all week from 8:00am to 4:45pm.
• CFX toll violations can now be cleared directly through our o ce using our integrated system with the Central Florida Expressway Authority.
Follow us on for more imortant tax information.
Meet Ms. Pepper! This sweet 1-year-old girl is looking for a home to call her own. She’s curious, fun to watch, and always busy exploring her space or enjoying a tasty snack. If you’re looking for a small pet with a big personality, she could be the perfect match.
RALLIES PLANNED TO DEFEND MARINE LIFE & ENDANGERED SPECIES
Offshore drilling protests set for Aug. 29 in Key West & Islamorada
The Endangered Species Coalition, Oceana and the Surfrider Foundation will assemble elected officials, concerned residents, business leaders, fishing families, dive operators and other Florida Keys stakeholders for a Lunch & Learn focused on protecting marine wildlife, the Endangered Species Act and the economy that depends on clean water and healthy reefs.
The event will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at noon at the History of Diving Museum, 82990 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada. It will address the consequences of the current administration’s March 31 decision to exempt Gulf of Mexico offshore oil and gas operations from Endangered Species Act safeguards. The exemption was the first of its kind in more than 30 years, eliminating protections for imperiled Gulf wildlife, including sea turtles, manatees, Rice’s whales, sperm whales, corals and birds.
“The Florida Keys are not simply a vacation destination. They are a living marine ecosystem, a fishing community and a tourism economy,” said Susan Holmes, executive director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “Weakening wildlife protections for offshore drilling puts sea turtles, manatees, corals and other marine life at risk. It also threatens the local businesses and working families whose livelihoods depend on clean water and healthy reefs.”
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects some 4,539 square miles of waters surrounding the island chain. The waters surrounding the Florida Keys contain some of the highest densities of sea turtles in the Gulf region and provide important nesting and foraging habitat for green, loggerhead and hawksbill sea turtles. Manatees depend on the Keys’ quiet, shallow waters and healthy seagrass beds, while threatened coral species are already confronting warming waters, disease, ocean acidification and declining water quality.
Fishing captain Stan Miles of Key West rescues an endangered sea turtle that was tangled in trap line. He brought the turtle to shore, where the Turtle Hospital staff took it in for treatment and recovery before releasing it in 2023. Keys Weekly file photo
“Strong, science-based protections help sustain fisheries, tourism, recreation and the natural heritage we have a responsibility to pass on to future generations,” Holmes said.
Two weekend rallies, in Key West and Islamorada, will take place Saturday, Aug. 29 from 9 to 11 a.m. “to defend marine life, protect the Endangered Species Act and oppose offshore drilling.”
The Islamorada rally will take place along U.S. 1 at MM 86 bayside. The Key West rally and march will start at Mallory Square and end at the other end of Duval Street at the temporary Southernmost Point.
The Endangered Species Coalition is composed of 475 member organizations and 525,000 activists working to protect at-risk, threatened and endangered species, and to defend the Endangered Species Act and other wildlife laws and policies.
— Contributed
LEARN THE MYSTERIES OF THE USS MAINE EXPLOSION
The USS Maine’s catastrophic explosion in Havana Harbor on Feb. 15, 1898, became one of the defining events leading to the Spanish-American War. LIBRARY OF
Happy Hour with the Historian set for Aug. 13
The Key West Art & Historical Society will present the next installment of its lecture series, Happy Hour with the Historian, on Thursday, Aug. 13 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Comedy Key West, 218 Whitehead St. Historian Cori Convertito will present “Remember the Maine: Explosion, Mystery and the Road to War” in a presentation that explores the history of the USS Maine and its significant ties to Key West during a pivotal moment in American history. In 1898, the powerful U.S. battleship was a familiar presence in Key West, patrolling regional waters amid rising tensions in the Caribbean. When the Maine sailed to Havana Harbor in January as a show of American strength and protection, few could have imagined the tragedy that would soon unfold.
Just three weeks later, on the night of Feb. 15, a catastrophic explosion ripped through the vessel, claiming the lives of more than 260 sailors and sending shockwaves across the nation. The sinking of the Maine became one of the most
controversial events in U.S. history, fueling public outrage and helping propel the nation into the SpanishAmerican War.
Convertito will discuss the Maine’s connections to Key West, the competing theories surrounding the ship’s destruction and how a single mysterious event reshaped American foreign policy and marked the nation’s emergence as a global power.
“Few events have had such an immediate and lasting impact on the course of American history as the explosion of the Maine,” said Convertito, curator and historian for the historical society. “Its story is one of mystery, politics, media influence and international conflict. By examining the evidence and placing the event in its historical context, we gain a deeper understanding of how one tragedy helped change the trajectory of the United States.”
Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the lecture beginning promptly at 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance at kwahs.org/whats-on. Admission is $13 for society members and $17 for non-members; each ticket includes a complimentary beverage. Seating is limited.
— Contributed
CONGRESS/Contributed
H e a l t h y L i f e
By Dr. Kellee Reed
After a summer filled with vacations, gatherings, and busy schedules, getting back into a routine doesn’t require drastic changes but rather small, consistent steps to rebuild healthy habits and support your overall well-being
Consider these simple ways to reset your routine:
Rebuild your fitness regimen by gradually increasing activity (walking, swimming, biking) to improve strength, endurance, and heart health while helping prevent injury
Refocus your nutrition with balanced meals consisting of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats
Prioritize sleep by getting 7-9 hours each night and maintaining a consistent schedule to help your body recharge.
Address lingering health concerns such as ongoing pain, discomfort, or injuries that may have developed during summer activities.
Schedule a wellness visit to stay on top of recommended screenings and vaccinations
A healthy reset is about making sustainable choices that help you feel your best throughout the year
Schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai Medical Center Key West PCP at 305 433 9660 today!
Enjoy waterfront dining and our new menu
Loc als join us daily for 20% of f dinner.
*Must present local ID for discount. THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES! WE APPRECIATE YOU ALL!
Open Daily 5pm - 9pm.
Book your table on Opentable or call 305 295 3255
NATIVE ORCHID PROJECT GROWS AT ELIZABETH BISHOP HOUSE
Poet’s historic home and garden joins protection
In early July, a team of gardeners from the Key West Orchid Society and the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden introduced two rare species of Florida Keys-native orchids into the Elizabeth Bishop Garden. The newly planted orchids, eight specimens in all, are part of a pilot program that aims to extend Fairchild Botanical Garden’s Million Orchid Project into Key West. They add to the more than 50 native plant species already established in the Bishop Garden.
Orchids were once abundant in the natural habitats of the Keys. The pioneering South Florida botanist John Loomis Blodgett (1809-1853) identified two species growing wild on the island of Key West between 1838 and 1853. Later, botanist John Kunkel Small (1869-1938) noted eight more throughout the Keys between 1913 and 1916. Unfortunately, the early 20th century saw many native habitats destroyed by development and a booming consumer interest in “exotic” plants. Orchids were among hundreds of delicate species removed from the wild and sold as potted plants in northern markets.
Orchids continue to face pressures in the Keys from poaching and loss of habitat. Four of the species Blodgett and Small documented no longer exist in the wild. Seven more are on the Florida’s endangered species list. Statewide, over 50 members of the orchid family are considered endan-
WHAT’S COOKING, KEY WEST? ‘Mocktails’ offer spirited flavor without the buzz
CAROL SHAUGHNESSY www.keysweekly.com
Until recent years, relatively few beverage choices were available to bar patrons who didn’t want alcoholic refreshment. Whether embracing a sober lifestyle or just not in the mood for a buzz, they were limited to soda or juice, the “kids’ choice” Shirley Temple, maybe a virgin Mary, or an uninspiring soda water with lime.
Of course, non-alcoholic drinks achieved a fleeting popularity during Prohibition, the U.S. government’s nationwide ban on alcohol that lasted from 1920 to 1933. But it’s only in the 21st century that “mocktails” — a name derived from “mock cocktails”— have become a requested offering at high-profile establishments.
gered, making orchids by far the most endangered plant family in Florida.
The Million Orchid Project, started in Miami by Fairchild Botanical Garden, aims to preserve these endangered orchids through an effort to propagate them from seed on a wide scale and introduce viable orchids into South Florida’s urban landscapes. The project has enlisted hundreds of local schools as propagation labs, where students have helped raise more than 700,000 Florida-native orchids.
The Key West Orchid Society’s involvement in the project began in 2023 when members harvested seeds from a Florida butterfly orchid growing in Key West and transferred them to Fairchild’s Coral Gables greenhouse, where more than 1,000 seedlings were raised. In May of this year, the society installed the first 20 of these seedlings at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden. The three-year-old orchids bloomed for the first time this summer. Organizers hope that the planting at the Bishop House will be the first of many installations throughout the island city.
The Elizabeth Bishop Garden is a public space for quiet reading and reflection, open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Inspired by Elizabeth Bishop’s experiences in Florida during the 1930s and 1940s, the garden is home to more than 80 species of plants, including rare and endangered Florida Keys natives and Key West heritage plants like mango, soursop, and the Key West rock rose. Weekly guided tours will resume in the fall.
In part driven by the wellness movement, this popularity has inspired the creation of non-alcoholic spirits and drinks whose taste and flavor complexity rival their intoxicating counterparts.
The widest and most satisfying selection of mocktails is generally found where skilled mixologists take pride in composing distinctive craft cocktails — whether or not they contain alcohol.
At the Key West Cooking Show’s Bar 1, for example, Brad Rouge and his team are renowned for creating offerings that are both unique and memorable.
“The shift toward zero-proof drinks isn’t a passing trend — it’s a fundamental evolution in how people celebrate and socialize,” said Rouge. “That means crafting complex, thoughtful and delicious beverages for everyone at the table, whether there’s alcohol in the glass or not.”
Many of the mocktails on Bar 1’s menu reference local places or elements. They include the Bahama Village, a foamy concoction of pineapple juice and ginger demerara that communicates the essence of Key West’s historic Bahamian neighborhood.
The Poinciana, named for the island’s brilliant-hued royal poinciana trees, features non-alcoholic smoked agave, house-made rosé syrup, lime juice and sweet blackberry syrup to provide depth and berry notes.
“Our mocktail lineup delivers the full artistry of craft mixology without the proof,” Rouge explained. “We serve complex, elevated mocktails using premium non-alcoholic spirits, house-made syrups, fresh citrus and rich botanicals.”
Whether they contain alcohol or not, Bar 1’s offerings are crafted to highlight their taste and flavor complexity. KEY WEST COOKING SHOW/Contributed
He ensures that the bar, located upstairs at 291 Front St., carries a selection of zero-proof spirits that can be used in blending everything from straightforward selections to special offerings requested by customers. Featuring natural flavors and low-sugar profiles, they reproduce the taste of their alcoholic counterparts. Among them are cane spirits that recall classic rums, agave selections that are a tequila alternative, a bold juniper-rich faux gin and a robust Kentucky bourbon replacement.
“A world-class drink menu shouldn’t require a proof,” said Rouge. “We believe every drink should be an experience, whether you’re drinking alcohol or not.”
LAST CALL
Drink of the month: The Strand. This intriguing mocktail salutes Key West’s historic theater, whose colorful Duval Street marquee is replicated above the Key West Cooking Show’s vintage demonstration kitchen. The refreshing drink features non-alcoholic gin, passion fruit syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice and a splash of tonic water.
Explore a non-cocktail sensation. Learn to prepare the perfect Key lime pie, the Florida Keys’ fabled signature dessert — and enjoy a slice. For more information about the luscious lime treat, and a schedule of pie-making demonstration classes, visit keywestcookingshow.com or call 305-294COOK.
Key West Orchid Society volunteer Hunter Boxall installs a Florida butterfly orchid on the trunk of a Puerto Rico silver palm at the Bishop Garden; and an endangered wormvine orchid on the trunk of a South Florida slash pine. CONTRIBUTED
Brad Rouge and his team serve mocktails and zero-proof spirits at the Key West Cooking Show’s Bar 1.
CHRIS McNULTY
is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com
The astrology for this week is relatively calm compared to last week’s unusually powerful full moon and next week’s solar eclipse. In some ways it feels like we’re in an astrological eddy or mild lull that is allowing us to gather ourselves, take a breath and rest for a moment before we enter the drastic and groundshifting energies of eclipse season. So, use this week to rest and recover. This week, we are encouraged to appreciate the beauty in our scars and to switch gears in how we heal. The sun in Leo is forming a 120-degree trine to Saturn in Aries, helping us to assert healthy boundaries, develop consistency in our identities and support necessary checks and balances on power. It represents a helpful container and a clear perspective on how we live. Is there some excess you’ve been meaning to cut out? This is the week to do it. Here are your horoscopes for Chiron’s station and the sun trine Saturn. Read for your rising and sun signs.
LEO
July 23 - Aug. 22
Your belief system is potent only insofar as you put it into practice. This week, you have an opportunity to put your ethics to work and to give your morality some teeth. Say yes to what you think is right and no to what feels wrong. You will be the better person for it. Embrace your imperfections at work or the imperfections of the job itself. You are not a cog in a machine.
VIRGO
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
There is a societal demand to keep growing, keep learning, keep innovating. We are made to feel insignificant if we are stagnant. And yet this week, you are encouraged to see that constant expansion isn’t really possible. You can take breaks and stop pushing so hard. You are also learning that your agreements and obligations create a limit on your solitude. Someone’s got to make the donuts.
LIBRA
Sept. 23 - Oct. 22
This week marks a month of self-love. Really dig in and pay attention to the things you love the most about yourself and relish in your splendor. You are a person with ties to others, and you rely on shared resources. You can lean on others when needed and support others when you have capacity. There is no such thing as a fully independent person. Deep, meaning-
ful relationships can hamper your social life, and that is a good thing.
SCORPIO
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
Your reputation at work is requiring some sweat equity right now. Hunker down and slather up that elbow grease. Your consistent hard work is helping you get noticed, but don’t lose sight of the laborious necessities because of the recognition. Your persistence is key. True and meaningful relationships require you to be imperfect and vulnerable, which means you don’t have to try so hard.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
If you want to live a creative life or pursue the things that you love, you have to rein in your novelty seeking. You can’t constantly be learning and exploring because there is a moment when you have to stop and make something. This is that moment. Embrace the limits to growth. Your daily habits and routines may be far from perfect, but they are yours. Appreciate your imperfect consistency.
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
Your home and family are your roots, and this week your roots create the container for what you can invest your time and money in. If you are prioritizing the needs of your private life, what investments should you choose and which should you scale back? You are a creator, but your perfectionism might prevent you from making your art. Just make without attachment to the outcome.
AQUARIUS
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
Your important relationships require some boundaries in communication. Say what you mean to say without feeling the need to over-explain or manage everyone’s reaction. Being frugal in your words can actually open up stronger connections. You are healing your relationship to home and family by accepting that they are imperfect. Don’t romanticize the past.
PISCES
Feb. 19 - March 20
Bringing discipline into your financial habits supports your daily sense of health and well-being. You do not have to spend a lot to be happy and healthy. Being frugal can lead directly to healthy habits. Taking a walk costs nothing. At the same time, embrace the mistakes you make when you communicate. Authentic expression comes with imperfections. Just share your story however it comes out.
BEAUTIFUL SCARS
ARIES
March 21 - April 19
Self-discipline is a direct source of creativity for you, Aries. If you can contain and restrain your immense energy, you can direct it into the creative projects that you’ve always wanted to do. Heat can be productive when directed and destructive when wild. Your focus should bring you bliss. Your security is derived from your present circumstance, not your bank account or what you own. Find calm in the moment.
TAURUS
April 20 - May 20
There is a sense in which living is a process of healing. You are becoming whole by remembering who you are as you explore this world that is rich in experiences. You are not the ideal image of yourself that you constantly strive for. You are organic and imperfect. And that’s perfect. Using quiet and solitude as a container for appreciating your home is on the menu this week. Retreat.
GEMINI
May 21 - June 20
Talk it out with your friends and support network, Gemini. The people in your life that want to see you succeed are helping you to craft your message. Accept any constructive criticism to help you hone your expression. You self-sabotage. We all do. The only way to inhibit the negative effects is to accept the fact that you are the only thing standing in your way.
CANCER
June 21 - July 22
Creating healthy boundaries with work will directly help you solidify your finances and experience positive self-worth. You do not need to identify with your job. In fact, you’ll be better all around if you acknowledge that a job is a job, and you are not a job. You may feel a struggle with a seeming lack of community or the feeling of not fitting in. Accept that you have a unique position in the community and don’t perform in order to belong.
BREAKFAST $19.95
CHOOSE YOUR MEAL
- 2 eggs any style, bacon and toast,
- Ham and cheese omelette, or
- Pancakes
CHOOSE A DRINK
- Mimosa, coffee or soda
LUNCH $19.95
CHOOSE YOUR MEAL
- Pulled pork sandwich with side of German fries,
- Cheeseburger with side of German fries, or
- Blackened mahi mahi sandwich with side of German fries
CHOOSE A DRINK
- Margarita, 16oz draft Yuengling or soda
DESSERT: Key lime pie
BREAKFAST $19.95
CHOOSE YOUR MEAL
- Pancakes,
- Ham and cheese omelette with side of potatoes, or
- 2 eggs any style, bacon, toast and potatoes
CHOOSE A DRINK
- Mimosa, juice or coffee
DESSERT: Key lime pie
Reservations recommended for breakfast at Pepe’s Mon-Fri
DINNER $19.95
CHOOSE YOUR MEAL
- 8oz New York strip with choice of one side,
- Single pork chop with choice of one side, or
- Blackened mahi mahi sandwich with choice of one side
CHOOSE A DRINK
- Margarita, 16oz draft Yuengling, or house wine
DESSERT: Key lime pie
EXTEND HAPPY HOUR AT PEPE’S 16PM
LUNCH & DINNER $19.95
CHOOSE YOUR MEAL
- Bacon cheddar burger with fries,
- Chicken/shrimp caesar salad,
- Fried mahi mahi with side of fries,
- Churasco steak, or
- Cajun shrimp pasta
CHOOSE A DRINK
- Pina Colada, domestic beer bottle, or house wine
DESSERT: Key lime pie
PARENTS FIRST
Let's support and defend parents as the primary educators and decision-makers for their children.
SCHOOL CHOICE
Let's protect families' educational freedom to choose options that best t their children.
TRANSPARENCY & COMMUNICATION
Let's restore two-way communication and a seat at the table for parents, teachers & taxpayers.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Let's request a state audit to protect educational dollars and end waste & overspending.
TEACHER SUPPORT
Let's ght for great teachers to receive merit based pay & strong administrative support.
ACADEMICS & ACHIEVEMENT
Let's focus on achieving at grade level or above reading, math, history, civics, & workforce education with less screen time for more real learning.
CONSERVATIVE
JUDEO-CHRISTIAN VALUES
Let's return to the faith, family, & freedom values that our forefathers founded this nation upon.
“HIGHLY QUALIFIED”
FLORIDA
ANTI-SCHOOL CHOICE
Opposes many school choice options and makes it harder for families.
ANTI-COMMUNICATION
Limits parent input and transparency. Keeps important decisions behind closed doors.
POOR FISCAL STEWARDSHIP
Supports spending schemes and special projects instead of classroom priorities.
PRO-UNION AGENDA
Puts union politics ahead of students, parents and merit-based teachers.
WOKE SOCIAL AGENDAS
Pushes ideology, DEI, gender ideaology, and divisive programs ahead of academic excellence.
LIBERAL ACTIVISM AGENDA
Supports DEI, gender ideology, anti-ICE rhetoric, and policies that do not re ect our values.
ENDORSED BY EQUALITY FLORIDA ACTION PAC
"In 2026, we need to swing the pendulum, and we have a plan to do exactly that." "We're going to build the bench of LGBTQ elects.... and deliver pro-equality majorities in our local and school board races. Champions who ght for us are going to get the support they need to win..."
John Saunders, Florida Action PAC, Florida's largest LGBTQ political party.
In Wilmington, Illinois, a man was rescued after being stuck in a gas station sign for several hours on July 21. The man, a maintenance worker, used a special lift to get up to the 130-foot-tall sign to do some work on it. The lift, however, would not come down, leaving the man stranded until emergency personnel were able to procure a crane from nearby Joliet. ABC7 reported that the man appeared to be in good spirits and refused medical treatment.
Adam Dailies
In The Bleachers
Brevity
Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892), poet; Alexander Fleming (18811955), biologist/pharmacologist; Lucille Ball (1911-1989), actress/ comedian; Robert Mitchum (1917-1997), actor; Andy Warhol (19281987), artist/filmmaker; Michelle Yeoh (1962- ), actress; David Robinson (1965- ), basketball player; Mike Greenberg (1967- ), sportscaster; M. Night Shyamalan (1970- ), filmmaker; Vera Farmiga (1973- ), actress; Leslie Odom Jr. (1981- ), actor/singer.
In 1991, CERN computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee published the first website, which offered information about the World Wide Web project.
In 2012, NASA’s Curiosity rover landed on Mars.
In 1963, Philadelphia’s NBA team changed its name from the Nationals to the 76ers.
Brevity
Nancy Dailies
Pizza Biscuits
You’ll need:
• 1 (10-count) package refrigerated biscuits
• 5 tablespoons tomato sauce
What to do:
• 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
1. Place biscuits in pockets of a greased muffin tin (larger size). Press biscuits flat.
2. Mix Italian seasoning into tomato sauce.
3. Spoon 1/2 tablespoon of mixture on top of each pressed-down biscuit.
4. Sprinkle cheese evenly over all biscuits.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until done. Serves 4.
* You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD
In his quest to retrieve a bottle of Mountain Dew, a Kansas City, Missouri, man fell into a portable restroom toilet tank and was stuck there for eight hours -- with the lid closed! -- before being rescued. According to Fox 4 News, on July 14, a driver with Patriot Portable Restrooms was trying to collect the structures that had been set up for a World Cup watch party when he encountered the trapped occupant. The driver flagged down a nearby police officer, who helped him unlock the door. “When we opened the door and didn’t see anybody, we honestly thought we were talking to a ghost, and then his head popped up out of the tank like a game of whack-a-mole, or Oscar the Grouch coming out of his can,” a company representative said. KCFD had to cut the man out of the toilet and then blasted him with the fire hose to rinse him off. “In the portable restroom business, you kind of expect the unexpected,” the representative said. “But in six years, I never thought I’d find someone alive inside one of our units.”
TODAY’S NUMBER
4,862 -- ring count of Prometheus, a bristlecone pine tree cut down for research purposes on this day in 1964 by U.S. Forest Service personnel in eastern Nevada. Scientists believe the tree may have been more than 5,000 years old, making it the oldest nonclonal organism ever discovered.
In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act, which outlawed voting qualifications historically used to disenfranchise Black voters.
In 1926, Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim across the English Channel.
In 1945, the U.S. B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the “Little Boy” atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.
Founded by Betty Debnam
Keeping in Touch
Mini Fact: About 330 million adults in the U.S., or 98% of us, own a cellphone. In 1995, about 12% had cellphone service.
Today, we take it for granted that we can call across the country or around the world easily. But just 110 years ago, making a transcontinental phone call was the next big communications challenge.
On Jan. 25, 1915, two telephone calls between the East Coast and the West Coast of the United States were celebrated.
This week in The Mini Page, we find out more about how our phones work and the evolution of the device.
Before phones
Before the telephone was invented in 1876, people could speak to each other in person or write letters. But the mail was slow, and it was expensive to send a letter.
Urgent messages could be sent by telegraph in the U.S. by the mid-1800s. This system used Morse code, or dots and dashes that were tapped onto a machine. The receiving machine would tap the coded message onto paper, and an operator would translate it.
But people had to go to a telegraph office to send a message. Only one message could be sent at a time, and the system didn’t always work well.
Talking telephones
Telephone operators in the early 1900s connect callers at a switchboard.
Telephones became popular quickly. By 1915, more than 10 million telephones had been installed in the United States.
Early telephones were connected through an exchange, or central office. Operators sat at a switchboard. A caller talked to the operator first, asking to be connected to another person. When machines took over the switching of calls, customers got unique phone numbers and used a dial to contact each other. Operators were used only for long-distance or other special calls.
How does it work?
A landline telephone changes your voice into electrical signals. The signals are sent over a wire to another telephone, which changes the signals back into your voice for the person on the other end.
In cordless telephones, the handset sends radio waves to the base unit, which sends the signals over a wire.
Cellphone signals are sent by radio waves to a cell tower. The radio waves are transferred from tower to tower, then to the receiver’s phone.
Words that remind us of telephones are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
The first transcontinental phone call, from New York to San Francisco, took place in 1915. A three-minute call between New York and San Francisco would have cost $20.70 at that time. That would be $664 today!
In January 1927, calls between New York and London became possible.
Fun with Morse code
You can use Morse code to send secret messages to friends! People also use Morse code to send messages with mirrors, flashlights or radio signals, especially in an emergency.
RESOURCES
On the Web:
• bit.ly/48i46g9
• youtu.be/cRrtIildKDM
At the library:
• “Ringing in Innovation: American Inventions That Transformed Communication” by Margaret J. Goldstein
ECO NOTE
Australian scientists have discovered a new bee species with tiny hornlike projections and named it Megachile lucifer for its devilish appearance. Found in Western Australia’s Goldfields region, the female bee’s horns measure about 1 millimeter long and are unique to the species. The solitary bee species was found as scientists surveyed a critically endangered wildflower that grows only in the same area as the horned bee, where mining and climate change threaten both the pollinator and the plant.
This “straight key” Morse code device is from the World War II era. Today, operators use automatic machines or computers to tap out the code.
photo courtesy Library of Congress
FICTITIOUS NAME
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Bali Bar located at 325 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
By: The Key West Hotel LLC
Publish:
August 6 & 13, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
FICTITIOUS NAME
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Kar Bar located at 325 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
By: The Key West Hotel LLC
Publish:
August 6 & 13, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
EASY STORAGE
NOTICE OF SEIZURE
Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Florida Statutes
83.805/83.506, Easy Storage, 82990 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036 will sell or otherwise dispose of the personal contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.
ALL CONTENTS IN:
UNIT # 15C - Estate of Stephen Buzzell
SALE: Thursday, August 25, 2026 at 10:00 A.M.
LOCATION: EASY STORAGE
82990 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036
Terms of the sale will be cash only.
Easy Storage reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.
Publish: August 6 & 13, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Notice is hereby given that Big Pine Storage, pursuant to the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Florida Statutes (Section 83.801–83.809), will sell at public sale by competitive online bidding to satisfy the owner’s lien for unpaid rent, fees, and other charges. Sale to be held online at 11:00 AM on August 10, 2026, at storagetreasures.com. Contents of the following unit(s) will be sold: OP11 – James Reynolds, 825 Wright Drive, Lake Worth, FL 33461 – Personal items Property is stored at Big Pine Storage, 30677 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043. All items are sold as is, where is, and must be removed within 48 hours of purchase.
Publish:
July 30 and August 6, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Florida Keys Council of the Arts
Notice of Upcoming Meetings
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the Zoom meetings or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts. com Board Meeting/Retreat & Advisor Orientation
August 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM
Monroe County Public Library Community Room 3490 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 Or Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86794 546096?pwd=AalFVbKl2sdYVEJsm MiYoFbvvc11hj.1 Meeting ID: 867 9454 6096 Passcode: 584991
Membership & Development Committee Meeting August 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85479
Aug 26, 2026, at 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81495 227125?pwd=p8R5Euk1NaLPw2M 6ngGdxnj0bAjKdI.1
Meeting ID: 814 9522 7125
Passcode: 843471
Publish:
August 6, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT HEARING
“SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2026-514” NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 20, 2026, 10:00 AM
LOCATION: Temporary Meeting Place for the City of Key Colony Beach at The Key Colony Inn, Back Patio, 700 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach.
The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2026-514], entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER SIX OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, ENTITLED BUILDINGS; ARTICLE II. DANGEROUS STRUCTURES; AMENDING SECTION 6-37 CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION OF EXISTING AND FUTURE MULTI-STORY STRUCTURES; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; REPEALING ANY INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.”
The Business Impact Statement is available for review on the City of Key Colony Beach’s website at www.keycolonybeach.net and at City Hall at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, August 20, 2026, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to the City Clerk, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record.
To be published: On or before August 6, 2026
City Clerk - City of Key Colony Beach, Florida
Publish: August 6, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO.: 26-CP-000260-P
IN RE: ESTATE OF DIANNE E. PARIDY
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of DIANNE E. PARIDY, deceased,
whose date of death was April 18, 2026; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 26-CP-000260-P; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070.
The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: AUGUST 6, 2026.
The administration of the estate of Helmut Friedrich Roth a/k/a Frederich H. Roth, deceased, whose date of death was October 8, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS
AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is July 30, 2026.
Personal Representative: Fred M. Roth
13333 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050
Attorney for Personal Representative: Meghan E. Miller
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1003898
Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938
Marathon, FL 33050
Telephone: (305) 743-9428
Fax: (305) 743-8800
E-Mail: memiller@floridakeyslaw. com
Secondary E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw.com
kobrien@floridakeyslaw.com
Publish:
July 30 and August 6, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-000140-K IN RE: ESTATE OF MAURICE LEWIS
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of MAURICE LEWIS, deceased, whose date of death was January 28, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal 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 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 30, 2026.
Personal Representatives:
Paige Martin
Address: 908 N. Wayne Street North Manchester, IN 46962
Abby Tomcsi
Address: 11520 Rossburn Drive Fishers, IN 46037
Attorneys for Personal Representatives: Aaron P. Snellenbarger, Esq. Florida Bar No. 113125
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 1 Indiana Square, Suite 3500 Indianapolis, IN 46204
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-000141-K IN RE: ESTATE OF BARBARA LEWIS Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of BARBARA LEWIS, deceased, whose date of death was January 28, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is July 30, 2026.
Personal Representative: Jason Grube
Address: 952 West Shore Dr. Culver, IN 46511
Attorneys for Personal Representative:
Aaron P. Snellenbarger, Esq. Florida Bar No. 113125
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 1 Indiana Square, Suite 3500 Indianapolis, IN 46204
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
BOATFORSLIP/RACK RENT
Boat Slip &/or Rack For Rent in Marathon at The Boat House, Vaca Key. Call Tony 561-346-6400
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
HANDYMAN WANTEDSeeking a reliable handyman in Marathon for general home repairs & misc. maintenance items. This is a part time position and hours may vary. Must be dependable, expierenced, and have references. Call 305-395-0478
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
NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA
BOAT RENTAL STAFF
FLEXIBLE HOURS & COMPETITIVE WAGES
Need to have experience driving boats and a working knowledge of the Islamorada area by water. Duties include taking reservations, giving captains lessons and routine boat maintenance.
Email Ma at eliteboatrentalsma @gmail.com.
Please include contact information and any relevant experience.
MARINA CASHIER
Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.
Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Full-time Carpenter, Journeyman Electrician, Protective Service Aide, Grounds Caretaker, Custodian (Marathon). To apply, please contact Human Resources at: greenel@kwha.org or 305-2965621 ext. 225. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time dishwasher. Private club, evening shifts Tues-Saturday, 4-8 pm. Pay raise negotiable if you can also help with prep work. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@marathonyachtclub. com or call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview
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, 9:30am-7pm 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.
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.
LOOKING FOR EXTRA CASH?
Part-time help needed in Marathon & Lower Keys. Must be able to lift 50-70 lbs. Starting pay $22.25/hour. Pay rate will rise at intervals. 305-7435555 catlabflkeys@gmail.com HIRED!!!
Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. Full-Time Medical Assistant - Pediatric experience preferred. Must multitask in fast-paced 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 305-664-4860 Ext 1, e-mail: corrine@orlk.org or apply in person at Outdoor Resorts at Long Key, 65821 Overseas Hwy, Long Key HIRED!!!
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 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview HIRED!!!
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: $48.47/hr. - $54.28/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.
PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com
HOUSING FOR RENT
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
2 BR / 1 BA for rent in Key Colony Beach. 800 Sq Ft, fully furnished, public beach access and tennis/pickleball courts nearby. 6 month min. $2,975/ month F/L/S 786-285-9476
3BR / 3BA fully furnished home for rent in Marathon available Aug-Dec 2026. $3,500/ month. Call 618-559-9143
Studio Rental in Marathon, long-term, partially furnished, price includes internet, water, electric gas, garbage, pest, and lawn @ $1,800/mo + utilities. Call or text 305-433-0515
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
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
PUPPIES FOR SALE
MOM & DAD HAD BABIES! German Shepards For Sale. Avail. in September w/health certificate. Duck Key resident. Call Glenn at 305-481-1316 or Email glenn.3232@yahoo.com
VACATION RENTAL
3BR/2BA
Contemporary Home for rent on Big Pine Key. Pool, 40' dock w/davits, screened-in porch. Sleeps 6 ppl. Avail. month of Sept. 2026. $7,000/mo. Call Brian at 267-374-7063
WANTED TO BUY
PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
TURN YOUR CARDS INTO CASH! Marathon collector buying any and all Pokemon cards & collections. Call 401-256-0645.
YARD SALES
SAT. 8/8 & SUN 8/9 from11am - 4pm, 217 Coral Road, Islamorada. MM86.8 Ocean on Coral Rd. (off old road). Patio Set, Office Chair, Office Supplies, new 500 sheet color paper, 2 Towers, 2 stereo cabinets, weatherproof Couch, cat stuff, 100% Oak desk, 4 piece wrought iron antique settee, & lots more, NO EARLY BIRDS!!
PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke @keysweekly.com
We are now hiring for the following positions:
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
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
NOW HIRING: ADVENTURE AWAITS AT AMERICA’S FIRST UNDERSEA PARK!
The Coral Reef Park Company Inc, operating within the world-famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, is seeking enthusiastic, ocean-loving individuals to join our team. If you have a passion for the marine environment and enjoy working in a fast-paced, tropical setting, we want to hear from you!
BOAT CAPTAINS (Full-Time & Part-Time)
Take the helm of our Glass Bottom, Snorkel, or Dive boats. Responsible for safe navigation, crew management, and ensuring an unforgettable guest experience on the water. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/ Monday, and USCG License required.
FIRST MATE / DIVE MASTERS
The backbone of our maritime operations. Duties include assisting with vessel docking, passenger boarding, equipment maintenance, and ensuring boat cleanliness. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday required. For snorkel boat, PADI certification (or other recognized agency), insurance and membership current required
MARINE TOUR NARRATORS
Be the voice of the reef! We are looking for engaging public speakers to provide educational and safety-focused commentary for our guests. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday required, Must have a basic knowledge of coral reefs and marine life and experience speaking in front of audiences.
ADMIN/ACCOUNTS
PAYABLE
We are hiring for an Admin/Accounts Payable position. Duties include accounts payable and general of ce duties. Must be pro cient in QuickBooks & Excel.
SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Looking for a summer job? We have seasonal openings for Kayak/ Paddlesports Attendants, Snack Bar Attendants, Gift Shop Clerks, and Reservation Counter Attendants. Perfect for those looking to spend a season in the Florida Keys! Customer service experience required for all roles, experience on the water with customers and safety required for kayak/paddlesports role.
WHY
JOIN OUR TEAM?
Competitive Pay: Rates starting from $17–$30/hr+ (depending on position and experience).
Benefits: Health, Dental, and Vision, and Life insurance available for full-time employees.
Perks: Employee discounts and the best "of ce view" in the world. Community: Work with a team dedicated to conservation and outdoor recreation.
HOW
TO APPLY
Ready to dive in? Send your resume and detail on the role that you are applying for to coralreefhr2025@gmail.com. You will be contacted if you are selected to move forward with next steps.
The Coral Reef Park Company Inc, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Visit us at: www.pennekamppark.com
