Issuu

“The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all.” — JFK

August 13, 2026

AUG. 18 IS ELECTION DAY LACK OF LANDLINES WILL DELAY RESULTS | P. 6

KEYS KIDS ARE BACK IN CLASS SCHOOLS OPENED AUG. 12 | P. 16

HIT THE ROAD WITH JIMMY BUFFETT NEW DOCUMENTARY CELEBRATES SONGS & STORIES | P. 11

Look as young as you feel

Island Dental DR. LOUIS SPELIOS | DR. AMY MENESES | DR. JOHN VALLILEE

1721 Flagler Ave. | Key West | 305.294.6696

1¢

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

VOTE AUGUST

Public Safety Fiscal Responsibility Community First

MICHELLE LINCOLN Paid for by Michelle Lincoln, Republican for County Commissioner District 2

Learn about Michelle and her vision for Monroe County:

MichelleForMonroe.com

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

BIG PINE KEY | $4,650,000 | LISTING ID: 619696

A gulf front estate

Escape to “The Castle”, a luxurious gated estate spanning 1.14 acres on Big Pine Key. Boaters will delight in an unparalleled offering of 235 feet of dockage total: 140 feet of protected canal-front dockage featuring a 15,000 lb lift, cut-in slip, boat ramp, plus a 95-foot open water pier-style dock with an additional 15,000 lb lift and cut-in slip, set against a 130-foot concrete seawall for secure, convenient access. Crafted in 2014 with solid poured concrete, impact-rated windows and doors, a whole-home generator, and an elevator, the home is built for enduring elegance. With over 4,600 square feet of refined interior space, this home is an architect's masterpiece with its stately presence, curved openings, and striking double staircase. Step inside to a breathtaking panorama of endless open Gulf waters and nightly sunset performances. The chef's kitchen is a dream for entertaining, featuring 10.5-foot island with seating for 8, dual sinks, refrigerators, and ovens, plus Jenn-Air 6-burner gas cooktop with pot filler, and rich wood cabinetry. Enjoy the grand family room with Gulf views, host movie nights in the private theater, or dine al-fresco under the stars. Outside, the resort-style pool beckons with a spa, water features, LED lighting, plus heater and chiller. A rooftop deck with 180-degree views and unrivaled sunsets awaits.

1075 Duval Street | Suite 15C | Key West 305.294.1117 | oceansir.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

KEYS

NEWSPAPERS

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5 Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

280

The 2026 Florida Python Challenge recently ended with 907 participants removing 280 Burmese pythons from South Florida. The event by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission raises awareness about invasive species while engaging the public in Everglades conservation through removal of invasive pythons. Winner Tom Rahill removed 96 Burmese pythons during the competition — all from Everglades National Park.

Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 18, when all but one political race will be decided. Early voting is available through Saturday, Aug. 15 at the three county elections offices. Visit votemonroeflkeys.gov and cityofkeywest-fl.gov for more information.

Publisher / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Publishing Partner / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Editor / Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com Account Executive Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Staff Writers Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com Design / Pre-Press Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com Controller Lauren Pope lauren@keysweekly.com Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844 Se habla español THE KEY WEST WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials. Postmaster SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON FL 33050 News Deadline Monday Noon Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

@KeysWeekly @theWeekly

Members of

CITY COMMISSION TWEAKS PUBLIC COMMENT RULES Changes designed to eliminate back-and-forth dialogue from podium MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

t his last meeting as the city commissioner appointed to fulfill the term of the late Mary Lou Hoover, who died in November 2025 while still in office, Greg Veliz proposed two changes to city policy that both passed, with one of the proposals receiving rare unanimous approval. The Aug. 6 city commission meeting included a longer-thananticipated discussion about the process by which members of the public may address the commissioners or get answers to questions during a public meeting. In an effort to head off backand-forth exchanges between a community member and a commissioner, the mayor or a city staff member, Veliz had proposed limits to the questions that a public speaker could ask and expect to have answered during the meeting. Veliz’s resolution changes the city’s rules of procedure by specifying, “Public comment is an opportunity to be heard and is not a question-and-answer session. Questions raised during public comment will be noted by staff, and a complete response will be provided directly to the speaker after the meeting, with a copy retained as a public record. The city manager or city staff may respond during a meeting only when recognized by the presiding officer or at the direction or consensus of the city commission. Any opportunity for a response shall be administered uniformly to all

speakers, regardless of identity or viewpoint. “No city employee or person acting on behalf of the city shall be required to answer a question immediately during a commission meeting.” The measure ultimately passed 4-2. Commissioners Sam Kaufman and Monica Haskell opposed. Commissioner Aaron Castillo was absent from the Aug. 6 meeting. Two public speakers, Sarah Compton and Leon Moyer, had urged the commissioners to move toward greater public participation instead of limiting it by restricting city staff from answering simple questions during the meeting. Kaufman and Haskell agreed. “I agree with the intent and it’s acceptable for city staff to say they need time to research a question, but to make it a new norm saying there will be no response from staff unless authorized by the mayor, I think, is overly burdensome and is not in the spirit of us trying to restore public trust and increase transparency,” Kaufman said. “We need to be responsive to the public and if someone has a simple question, it’s much more efficient for staff to be able to just answer it.” City Clerk Keri O’Brien emphasized that the intent was not to limit public participation, which she said is a crucial component of government. Commissioner Lissette Carey, who is not seeking reelection to her District 4 seat, said, “I think the goal here is to restore respect and decorum in these chambers. We’ve all witnessed terrible behavior. It’s time

to remind the public how business should be conducted in these chambers. If someone from the public brings up a question, we as commissioners have the opportunity to ask staff for an answer. But the agenda is published far in advance, and I encourage the public to contact their commissioners ahead of time to ask their questions.” Ultimately, Kaufman and Haskell dissented, with Haskell saying she still was not comfortable with the wording and specifics. The resolution passed, and public speakers will be reminded that their three minutes of comment time will not be a back-and-forth dialogue, In other commission activity, Veliz proposed a policy for the naming of public facilities. Veliz had previously been critical of what he called “political pandering” at the May commission meeting, when Henriquez and Kaufman both seemed eager to get credit for proposing to name the new fire station, which is neither fully funded nor built yet, in honor of the late longtime Fire Chief Eddie Castro. “The city has not previously adopted uniform written criteria or procedures governing the naming and renaming of such facilities, with the result that naming decisions have been made without consistent standards, notice or public participation,” states Veliz’s resolution, which passed unanimously and prohibits city facilities from being named for living persons. It also specifies that the naming of a facility will be initiated by the city, not through an application process.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

WHERE NORTHERN & SOUTHERN SEAFOOD MEET e hous This KED C is PA thing is ery & ev LOUS!! FABU

SINCE 1997

THE LARGEST & MOST TRUSTED PROFESSIONALLY CONDUCTED ESTATE & MOVING SALES IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

FRI AUG 14 & SAT AUG 15 9AM - NOON 1009 WATSON STREET | KEY WEST Wonderful tropical & contemporary furniture & decor for indoor & outdoor, large outdoor pottery, stand alone Koi pond & fountain, electric stair lift for stairs, electronics, general household items, flamingos & more!

N FOOD NE DO E R

AT U

ORK’S TW

AS FEA TU

SusiesKeyWestEstateSales.net

Pull up, dig in, and taste what everyone’s talking about. RIN G G U Y F

629 Duval Street 305.294.0102 djsclamshack.com

SERVING SEAFOOD & SATISFACTION

3 great locations in Florida KEY WEST | INDIAN SHORES | ST. AUGUSTINE

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

ETHICS BOARD DISMISSES COMPLAINTS ABOUT KEY WEST MAYOR & CITY MANAGER

State commission says allegations of misuse of office lacked legal sufficiency

LACK OF LANDLINES WILL DELAY AUG. 18 ELECTION RESULTS Phone lines & fax machines ensure secure transmission of tallies

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

statewide ethics board last week dismissed complaints against Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez and City Manager Brian Barroso. The complaints alleged the two had used or failed to prevent the use of city resources, namely its social media accounts, “in a manner that benefited the mayor’s reelection campaign,” according to the dismissal orders issued July 29 by the Florida Commission on Ethics. Commissioner Sam Kaufman, who is running against Henriquez in a vitriolic mayoral campaign, filed the ethics complaints in late May after a social media post on the city’s accounts promoted a Memorial Day event that was specifically sponsored by Henriquez’s political campaign. The commission’s dismissal order states that Kaufman’s allegations “do not provide a legally sufficient basis for investigation.” In addition, the commission ruled that the accusations did not rise to the level of ethics violations, as there was no evidence that Henriquez or Barroso had created or initiated the social media post, or benefited from it. Kaufman’s complaint also alleged that although he had been reprimanded and threatened with enforcement action by Barroso for using city resources for his own campaign by filming a commercial in the commission chambers on a day city hall was closed, the mayor had not received any comparable warnings or enforcement actions from Barroso for her own campaign activities using city resources. The dismissal orders put the complaints and allegations to rest, as the ethics commission declined to open an investigation. It’s the latest episode in a contentious mayoral campaign that has divided the island community. Supporters of both candidates have

Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez

Early voting at local elections offices is available through Saturday, Aug. 15. Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 18. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All but one race in the Florida Keys this year will be decided on Aug. 18, so everyone may vote, regardless of party affiliation. For information about voting and polling locations, visit votemonroeflkeys.gov.

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

F Commissioner Sam Kaufman

launched online attacks on the opposition, although both candidates emphasize those are coming from supporters, not from the campaigns or candidates themselves. Supporters of Henriquez registered a political committee with the state of Florida that has funded several direct mail materials and television attack ads targeting Kaufman. The mayor’s race, along with two of three city commission races, will be decided on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The race for the District 4 commission seat features three candidates and will head to a November runoff if none of the three candidates receives more than 50% of the vote. For more information about the Key West city commission and mayoral races, visit cityofkeywestfl.gov. For information about all countywide races, including county commission, school board, mosquito control and utility board, visit votemonroeflkeys.gov.

lorida Keys residents will have to wait longer than usual to learn the results of the upcoming election on Aug. 18. Why? Fax machines, or lack thereof. It’s true. Fax machines — and the telephone landlines that connect them — are essential to elections in the Florida Keys. Removal of those landlines from some polling places throughout the island chain will delay the results of the Aug. 18 election, Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies told the Keys Weekly late Tuesday night, on Aug. 11. “Outdated and unreliable copper communication lines that serviced some of our precincts were recently removed. These lines were the fax lines previously used to transmit election results,” Hodies said before emphasizing, “No internet connection is used to transmit election results, including the new fiber-optic options. “As a result, for this election, every precinct will be required to securely lock and seal its voting results and maintain a documented chain of custody. The results will then be transported by secure couriers to the appropriate Supervisor of Elections office for processing. “There is no change to early voting or vote-by-mail timing.

Those results will be available by 7:30 p.m. on election night. “We understand that voters want election results as quickly as possible. However, it is more important that every step of the process prioritizes the accuracy, security and integrity of our elections,” Hodies said. Though long obsolete for many businesses, fax machines remain crucial to industries that demand secure transmission of information, including health care, justice, finance and government, including election security. A fax transmission is a point-topoint connection between sender and receiver that uses telephone infrastructure rather than internet connectivity, meaning its contents do not pass through third-party relay servers and the machine does not create copies in email caches or search results. Voting machines in Monroe County, and the rest of Florida, are never connected to the internet. The Keys Weekly submitted a series of follow-up questions to Hodies late Tuesday, asking about the couriers, the chain of custody and oversight of all results white en route from a polling place to one of the three elections offices in the island chain. The Weekly did not receive the replies before presstime on Aug. 12, but will update this story at keysweekly.com

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

Political advertisement paid for and approved by the Republican Party of Monroe County Po Box 500711, Marathon FL 33050

MONROE COUNTY

Election Day AUGUST 18TH • 7 AM–7 PM Early Voting Thru August 15th 8:30am - 5:00pm

Stand Up, Speak Out, Vote! May God Bless America and Our Troops

Chairman Rhonda Rebman-Lopez and your entire Monroe County Republic Executive Committee

KEYSGOP.COM

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

UTILITY BOARD MEMBER SEAT D POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR BY JAVIER GARRIDO FOR UTILITY BOARD MEMBER SEAT D

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

220 Margaret St. | Key West | 11am-10pm

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

STILL DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR HAPPY HOUR? WE GOT YOU! 4PM-6:30PM

Best Oceanfront Dining

in Key West

Reservations: 305.293.6250 or OpenTable Located at The Reach Key West 1435 Simonton St. Reserve Now

@fourmarlinskeywest

Open Daily at The Reach Key West Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Weekend Brunch Friday–Sunday Happy Hour Daily • Live Music Private Beach Dining Locals Exclusive Discount Complimentary Valet Parking

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

NEW JIMMY BUFFETT DOCUMENTARY TO BE SHOWN IN KEY WEST

See ‘Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers’ Sept. 7

“O

ccupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers” is a feature documentary that takes audiences back to the 1970s and early ’80s to tell the story of Jimmy Buffett’s original Coral Reefer Band. The film will be shown Monday, Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. at Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St. It will be followed by a Q&A with the director, producer and Key West resident John H. Cunningham; producer Ted Haynes; and cast members / first Coral Reefers, including Roger Bartlett and Josh Leo, and local Chris Robinson. A musical performance by Bartlett, Leo, Robinson and maybe surprise participants will follow. Set against the creative backdrop of Key West, the film explores the musicians, friendships, touring years and studio sessions that helped shape Buffett’s legendary sound. Through never-before-seen archival footage and personal interviews with founding members, tour managers, producers and music legends, “Occupational Hazard” captures the camaraderie, chaos and magic of an era that thrived on freedom and lived without a rulebook. The film is a tribute to Buffett and the original Coral Reefers, the places and people that shaped them, the beauty of a musical moment that couldn’t last but changed everything, and their candid sentiment toward Buffett. The film premiered this year at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and has gone across the country on the festival circuit. It features interviews with Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally, songwriter Keith Sykes and the Coral Reefer Band, and is narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges. A trailer is on YouTube by searching “Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers.” More information is at occupationalhazardfilm.com and on Facebook and Instagram. — Contributed

‘Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers’ is a 90-minute documentary about the early days of Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers Band in Key West and on tour. Key West Theater will host a showing on Sept. 7. Photos by MICHAEL OCHS, CHRIS LAUBER, LIZ LEAR, MIAMI HERALD and GREENE STREET ENTERTAINMENT

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

TRAPPED KEY DEER GO FREE

Animals were sedated on CFK’s Big Pine Key property, evaluated by vet

SHELF HELP

S A fawn leaves a temporary holding pen after evaluation by veterinarian Dr. Douglas Mader. Right: A doe and fawn settle in a nearby habitat together after being safely relocated from CFK’s Big Pine Key Property. ANNA MARLOW/National Key Deer Refuge

ocal, state and federal agencies collaborated to safely remove Key deer from the Big Pine Key property of the College of the Florida Keys on Aug. 4, following a months-long planning process. The deer were relocated to a nearby open habitat without incident. The college and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will monitor the property to ensure that no other deer remain. Wildlife professionals individually sedated each deer using a widely-accepted, standard method for capture and relocation. Each deer was then moved to a holding area, where veterinary staff closely monitored their condition and confirmed they were stable and alert before releasing them into the neighboring habitat together. “I assisted with the transfer of the Key deer from the prison site,” said veterinarian Dr. Douglas Mader. “The animals received a thorough physical examination before release. All the deer, including a 3- to 4-month-old fawn, were in excellent physical health. Each animal was also administered a medication to treat internal parasites and lice, common problems in all deer.” Mader has over 40 years of experience caring for wildlife, including 29 years with Key deer, and has partnered directly with federal officials on the treatment of injured Key deer throughout that time.

The planning involved CFK, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, veterinarians and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The fish and wildlife service led the development of the plan for the property, which is covered in dense brush and 16 deteriorating structures. “People have asked why we didn’t just open the gate and let the deer walk out on their own,” said Nikki Colangelo USFWS’ Florida Ecological Services field office. “In practice, deer that have grown used to an enclosed area with reliable food and water often won’t leave, even when there’s a clear way out — and an open gate also risks more deer wandering in. During our previous attempt to remove the deer, the thick brush, poisonwood and debris on this property made it more complex to reach the deer and guide them out of the gates than people might expect. … We determined that sedation and relocation by trained and authorized veterinarians and USFWS staff were the best options to safely remove the deer given the challenges of the site and the deer’s instinct to seek cover when people approach or are nearby.” The agencies have been coordinating since January, with formal removal planning beginning in March. The timing was based on recommendations from wildlife professionals. Throughout that period,

wildlife experts and veterinarians monitored the deer, confirming their health and access to adequate food and water. The college has had a longterm lease with the state since 2021 to develop the site that previously housed the Big Pine Key Road Prison to expand educational and workforce training opportunities in the Lower Keys. Located on Key Deer Boulevard, the property is zoned as suburban commercial and is not within the boundary of any refuge, including the National Key Deer Refuge. Since the prison closed in 2017, the buildings and structures have deteriorated significantly, creating safety hazards. The college bears the responsibility of securing the site to prevent humans from encountering the myriad dangers on the property. However, securing the perimeter has presented challenges. The gate and lock were vandalized twice, and the back fence and side fences were damaged within the past month. The college has repaired the gate and fences, replaced the lock, installed security cameras and reinforced the fence line. To help prevent future deer entry, the college is installing deer grates along the gates. More information is at cfk.edu/ bpk/. — Contributed

taff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection. What: “The Collaborators” by Michael Idov Why: I don’t read a whole lot of espionage — but this book was described in its cover copy as “Slow Horses” meets “Red Sparrow.” I adore the first and enjoyed the second. “The Collaborators” exceeded my expectations. It has an entertaining and twisty plot, characters who are much more than cutouts, and a cynically realistic, if deeply disheartening, take on international relations. I’ll just say this: Even if events didn’t unfold exactly as portrayed here, the book makes a decent case that we weren’t actually the winners of the Cold War. Even better: the sequel, “The Cormorant Hunt,” is already out and in the library collection. Where: You can borrow this as a large print book, e-book or e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library. How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/ contact-us. Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/post/ shelf-help.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

SCHOOL BACK IN SESSION

Sheriff’s office offers safety reminders

he Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was out in force this week with safety in mind as children returned to school beginning Aug. 12. Deputies will be patrolling school zones in marked and unmarked cars to make sure drivers realize school is back in session. They will also be concentrating on areas surrounding schools and school bus stops, writing tickets to anyone not obeying the speed limits or to those illegally passing school buses. “I have a no-tolerance policy for people who choose to speed in school zones, and for those who illegally pass school buses,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. Florida law states: On a twoway street or highway, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a stopped school bus that is picking up or dropping off children. You must remain stopped until all children are clear of the road and the bus signal has been withdrawn. If the highway is divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide, you do not have to stop if you are moving in the opposite direction of the bus. Painted lines or pavement markings are not considered to be barriers. If you are moving in the same direction as the bus, you must always stop — and not go forward until the bus signal has been withdrawn. Anyone driving should make an extra effort to watch out for students, who may not be paying attention to traffic. Be especially careful in neighborhoods, areas with bus stops and near schools themselves. Whether you have kids in school or not, be ready to adjust your schedule to accommodate the traffic slowdowns that occur. It is worth allowing a little more time to get around to be sure that all kids are safe on their way to and from school. It is up to all motorists to ensure our schoolchildren are safe. Please do your part and be aware.

KEY WEST POLICE & SHERIFF’S OFFICE EARN STATEWIDE HONORS

Key West Police Officer Jesse Young accepts the department’s first-place award for this year’s statewide traffic safety challenge. CONTRIBUTED

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

K9 Mako sits outside Stanley Switlik Elementary School. The school year returned Aug. 12, and the sheriff’s office will be ensuring drivers adhere to school speed zones. FILE PHOTO

Children and parents should also remember: If a child rides a bicycle to school, Florida law requires anyone under the age of 16 to wear a helmet. A violation of this requirement can result in a $25 fine. Here are some child safety tips for parents to keep in mind: • If your child is walking to or from school, walk the route with them beforehand. Choose the most direct way. Be sure the route has sufficient sidewalks, lighting and crossing guards. If a crossing guard is absent, be sure your child knows when it is safe to cross the street. • Make sure your child walks to and from school with other trusted schoolmates and follows the tried and true axiom, “Never talk to strangers.” • Teach your kids to obey all traffic signals when walking or biking to school. • When waiting for the school bus, always stand on the sidewalk, away from the road. • Be sure your child knows how to reach you in case of an emergency. — Contributed

Agencies’ traffic safety efforts lead to first-place rankings

he Key West Police Department’s and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office’s Motor Unit and traffic patrol teams earned first place in the statewide Law Enforcement Liaison Traffic Safety Challenge. Key West Police were tops in their category of agencies with 101-200 officers, while MCSO led its category of agencies with 201-400 officers. Before anyone starts envisioning a bunch of patrol cars and motorcycles maneuvering through a high-speed and hair-raising obstacle course, this isn’t that kind of challenge. This was more about spreadsheets than spike strips — but more beneficial for the community’s safety. The traffic safety challenge “recognizes agencies for the effectiveness of their traffic safety efforts,” states the challenge’s website. “The challenge is conducted annually to increase traffic safety education and enforcement to reduce crashes, serious injuries and fatalities on Florida’s roadways. Awards honor agencies with outstanding traffic safety programs, innovative practices and the ‘best of the best’ in traffic safety across Florida.”

Key West Police Officer Randall Hartle accepts the Exemplary Officer recognition for the third straight year for his commitment to safety and the statewide ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign. OFC. MIKE ANDRUZZI/ Contributed

Still, Key West Police Department’s traffic safety efforts ranked first among police departments its size. That doesn’t mean they wrote the most speeding tickets, far from it. The recognition means the department is taking its commitment to “protect and serve” seriously, and is reducing traffic injuries and deaths with a combination of efforts, including education and community involvement. “I want to congratulate Officers Alex Gaufillet, Randall Hartle, Derek Wallis, Jesse Young, Mike Pettee and Mike Andruzzi,” Chief Sean Brandenburg said following the July 31 win. “Our Motors Team consistently demonstrates excellence, professionalism and dedication, not only in their daily law enforcement responsibilities, but also through their specialized assignments and unwavering commitment to serving our community. Their hard work, discipline and passion for public safety continue to set the standard.” Hartle was individually recognized with the Exemplary Officer award for his commitment to safety and the statewide Click It or Ticket campaign. “This recognition reflects Hartle’s enforcement efforts as well as his genuine commitment to the community and its safety,” Brandenburg said.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

KEY WEST BUSINESS GUILD PROMOTES FRITZIE ESTIMOND Executive director announcement gets standing ovation from members

6 KEY WEST SERVICEMEMBERS CHOSEN AS CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS Prestigious promotion to be honored at Sept. 16 ceremony

ix Navy first class petty officers representing various Key West-based commands were officially announced as chief petty officer selectees on Aug. 4. This milestone marks the beginning of an intensive, multiweek leadership and training phase

that will culminate with a formal pinning ceremony on Sept.16. Selection to the rank of CPO marks the transition from junior enlisted to a member of the “Chiefs Mess.” The six Key West area sailors selected are:

Aviation Machinist’s Mate Matthew Burciaga

Air Traffic Controller Adam Guerra

Logistics Specialist Denise Herndon

Aviation Machinist’s Mate Joshua Jones

Operations Specialist Siada Tisdale

Aviation Ordnanceman Jamie Tovar Estrada

The Key West Business Guild recently announced the promotion of Fritzie Estimond to executive director. A longtime member of the guild’s staff and a dedicated community leader, Estimond will build on the organization’s nearly 50-year legacy of promoting Key West as a welcoming destination for visitors from around the world. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

he Key West Business Guild, the nation’s first LGBTQ+ destination marketing organization, last week appointed Fritzie Estimond to the executive director position. Since its founding in 1978, the Key West Business Guild has promoted Key West as one of the world’s most welcoming LGBTQ+ destinations while supporting the island’s diverse business community. Today, the guild represents more than 475 member businesses, welcomes some 250,000 LGBTQ+ visitors each year, operates the Gay Key West Visitor Center on Duval Street and produces nationally recognized events including Key West Pride, Tropical Heat, Womenfest and the Headdress Ball. These efforts generate economic impact while celebrating the inclusive spirit that makes Key West a destination for everyone. Having spent the past nine years helping shape the guild’s growth as deputy director, Estimond understands its mission and effect while embracing new opportunities to strengthen the organization for its members, visitors and the community. “I am incredibly honored to serve as the next executive director of the Key West Business Guild,” Es-

timond said. “This organization has meant so much to me throughout my career, and I believe wholeheartedly in its mission and the role it plays in our community. Together with our board, members, volunteers and partners, I look forward to building on the guild’s extraordinary legacy while creating new opportunities for our members and welcoming visitors from around the world.” “Fritzie is the right leader at the right time for the Key West Business Guild,” said Cori Convertito, president of the guild’s board of directors. “She has earned the trust of our members, built strong relationships throughout our community and demonstrated her ability to think creatively and build partnerships.” An advocate for Key West and the Florida Keys, Estimond’s commitment to collaboration, volunteerism and civic engagement has made her a respected leader both within and beyond the guild. As executive director, she will aim to ensure the organization continues to evolve while remaining true to its mission of promoting Key West as a premier LGBTQ+ destination that welcomes all. — Contributed

Chiefs are known as the backbone of the Navy, bridging the gap between junior sailors and commanding officers. The promotion to chief petty officer is viewed as a total transformation in role, trust and accountability rather than just a standard pay grade bump, according to the Naval Education and Training Command. “Being selected as a chief petty officer is a testament to these sailors’ exceptional leadership, professionalism and dedication to the Navy’s mission,” said Capt. Colin Thompson, commanding officer at Naval Air Station Key West. “They have earned this opportunity to begin their transition into the Chiefs Mess, and we look forward to seeing them continue to develop, mentor and lead.” The selectees have entered a training period designed to challenge them physically and mentally, instilling the trust, responsibility and historical heritage required of a Navy chief.

“Over the next six weeks, these selectees will become stronger leaders,” said Command Master Chief John Beekman, NAS Key West. “They are joining a legacy of leadership that has anchored our Navy for over 130 years. We are ready to guide them through this demanding and rewarding process.” At the Sept. 16 pinning ceremony at NAS Key West, family members, friends and military mentors will pin a gold anchor onto the selectees’ collars. The new chiefs will also don their traditional hats for the first time, symbolizing their formal acceptance of their new authority and responsibilities. NAS Key West is a state-ofthe-art facility for combat fighter aircraft of all military services, provides pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels, and is the premier training center for surface and subsurface military operations. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

GREG

SULLIVAN FOR KEY WEST COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 5

uld o w We ciate re app vote. r you

island inspired An island inspired treasure trove where fashion

For decades, Greg Sullivan has been serving Key West through leadership, volunteerism, and a commitment to getting things done. As a Senior District Manager, three-time Chamber President, Sunrise Rotary leader, and longtime community advocate, Greg has dedicated his life to strengthening our island community and supporting local families.

Leadership. Community. Results. Paid for and approved by Greg Sullivan, Candidate for Key West City Commission District 5

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. OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM 624 Whitehead Street | Key West 305.735.4674 | Instagram @floatkeywest

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026 MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

IT’S THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IN THE FLORIDA KEYS From kindergartners to the class of 2027, some things never change MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

rishna Lowe’s kindergarten class at Horace O’Bryant School was a colorful hive of backpacks, water bottles and bathroom breaks on Aug. 12, the first day of school for Florida Keys kids. The youngest students practiced hanging their backpacks, raising their hands and sitting properly on the classroom’s giant carpet — “Criss cross applesauce, hands in your lap.” Meanwhile, in the middle school wing of the Key West school, sixth, seventh and eighth graders slipped in and out of already-bored looks and first-day enthusiasm, reconnecting with friends and organizing their new lockers. Fourteen kindergartners found their way to Krishna Lowe’s kindergarten class at Horace O’Bryant School on Aug. 13, the first day of ‘real school’ for the 5-year-olds. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Giant touch screens have replaced chalkboards in all classrooms, and the old TVs and VCRs that used to roll through the hallways on a tall A/V cart would be laughed at today. But from new shoes and nervous laughter to parents in the parking lot marveling at how big their baby boy is, some things never change on the first day of school.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

I would like to thank the

Key West Firefighters Local 1424 for their endorsement Political advertisement paid for and approved by Mona C. Clark for Utility Board Seat A campaign fund.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

EE F F O C TOWN ABY’S

L O O T S TURN

TE ING DA N E P O OUR E.COM

ED FOR | BABYSCOFFE N U T Y STA ING ST M

518 FLE

FISHWIFEKEYWEST.COM

KEY WEST’S NEW FAVORITE SPOT!

OPEN DAILY FROM 11AM - 10PM LUNCH | DINNER | COCKTAILS

HAPPY HOUR 3-5PM

THAN YOU K T O AL LW VOTE HO D!

ife! shw

s h !efiw

Get Hooked at

R AW BAR & COCKTAIL HOUSE

223 PETRONIA STREET

BAHAMA VILLAGE | KEY WEST

MAKING THE BEST ICE CREAM IS OUR MISSION EVERY SINGLE DAY SCOOPING FROM 11AM TO 11PM DAILY 1105 DUVAL STREET

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

PAT LEFERE RETIRES FROM SCHOOL DISTRICT

RUM FEST RETURNS & BENEFITS MARC

Grand Tasting event set for Aug. 15 at Key West Theater

Former Navy base commander oversaw MCSD operations for 13 years

he Monroe County School District on Aug. 10 announced the retirement of Patrick Lefere, whose 13 years as executive director of operations left a lasting effect on students, staff and schools throughout the Keys. Following a Pat Lefere military career that included a stint as commander of Naval Air Station Key West, Lefere stayed in the Keys and brought his leadership, dedication and operational expertise to the school district. He oversaw a range of district services, including transportation, food services, maintenance, construction, technology and safety and security. Under his leadership, the district completed numerous major projects, including the rebuilding of Plantation Key and Gerald Adams Elementary schools, as well as the development of the Backyard athletic facilities at Key West High School and the renewal of the Tommy Roberts Stadium football and baseball complex. He also guided advancements in safety and security, as well as in student services and technology, including the expansion of the district’s bus fleet with onboard Wi-Fi. “Mr. Lefere’s ability to successfully manage multiple departments while keeping students’ needs at the center of every decision is a testament to his dedication, professionalism and extraordinary work ethic,” Superintendent Ed Tierney said. — Contributed

REEL RECS

Key West Rum Fest continues through Aug. 16, with its signature event, the Grand Tasting, set for Saturday, Aug. 15 at Key West Theater, where all proceeds will help the nonprofit MARC continue serving developmentally and intellectually challenged adults. CONTRIBUTED

ey West Rum Fest is underway in Key West, through Aug. 16, assembling rum enthusiasts, distillers, master ambassadors, musicians, food lovers and community supporters to celebrate the “spirit” that’s synonymous with the islands. The annual festival features tastings, educational experiences, live entertainment, culinary events and unique Key West experiences. The festival helps MARC, the nonprofit Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens. MARC is a Monroe County organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services and opportunities for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. MARC’s programs help clients develop independence, life skills, job skills, social connections and greater participation in their communities.

The biggest boost for the organization takes place Saturday, Aug. 15, when Key West Theater hosts a Grand Tasting event from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Hosted by Neil Lindley and the Key West Rum Fest team, the Grand Tasting is the centerpiece of Rum Fest. The 2024 and 2025 events raised more than $50,000 for MARC. All of the proceeds from the Grand Tasting go to MARC for the organization’s programs and services. Guests at the Grand Tasting will be able to sample rums from more than 40 vendors, while meeting the makers, storytellers and ambassadors behind some of the world’s finest rums. More information is at rumfestkeywest.com. — Contributed

taff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection. What: “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” (1982) Why: There have been, so far, 13 movies in the Star Trek franchise and this is my favorite by several light years. It’s miraculous it was even made after the snore-fest of “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” – and what a relief it was at the time. In this installment, the old Enterprise crew is pulled back together and encounters one of the greatest villains from the original series, Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalban). On the TV episode (“Space Seed”), the Enterprise crew left Khan and his shipmates on an uninhabited planet. In the movie, Khan is out for revenge, specifically against Capt. Kirk. Montalban and William Shatner are perfect antagonists, competing to see who can chew the most scenery. Kirk is also coping with advancing age and unexpected family – but mostly this is good old-fashioned swashbuckling, entertaining Star Trek, with some light literary dressing from “A Tale of Two Cities” and “Moby-Dick.” Where: This film is available on DVD and Kanopy, the library’s streaming app. How: You can browse and request DVDs by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/contact-us Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager. See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

TOWN HALL MEETING

Beachside and Tavern n Town will be closing in October for renovations. See you again in early 2027!

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

EX-MARATHON PASTOR SENTENCED IN SEX ABUSE CASE Monte Chitty earns six years behind bars, lifetime sex offender designation

n July 30, former Marathon pastor Monte Chitty, 64, entered a plea of no contest before County Judge Derek Lewis to one count of sexual battery and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Lewis sentenced Chitty to six years in the Florida Department of Monte Chitty was arCorrections, followed by 10 years of rested in Texas after skipping his arraignsexual offender probation. The court also designated Chitty ment for sexual battery charges and fleeing as a sex offender for life, requiring Florida in April 2024. him to comply with Florida’s lifetime KEYS WEEKLY FILE sex offender registration and exten- PHOTO sive reporting requirements. Chitty was further ordered to pay a total of $1,300.00 in fines and court costs, in addition to $2,374.75 in prisoner transportation costs. According to the investigation, deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded on March 3, 2024, after receiving information that a 15-year-old victim said she had been sexually assaulted. Detectives determined the victim had been at a local church where Chitty provided her with alcohol before the assault. During the investigation, detectives obtained and reviewed text messages exchanged between Chitty and the victim that corroborated the victim’s account. Chitty admitted sending the text messages and acknowledged providing the victim with alcohol. Based on the investigation, he was arrested. While the state sought a more significant prison sentence, the negotiated plea resolved the case without requiring the victim to return to Monroe County or testify at trial, consistent with her expressed wishes. “Holding offenders accountable is always our priority, but when justice can be achieved without forcing a victim to relive a traumatic experience in a courtroom, that is a significant consideration,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield. “This resolution accomplishes both by securing a state prison sentence, long-term supervision through sexual offender probation, and lifetime sex offender registration.” Chitty skipped his arraignment after his original arrest and fled the county, but was arrested four days later after approaching a church group in Texas. Additional charges from fleeing the state were dismissed as part of the resolution of the case. — Keys Weekly staff report

FORMER BOOKKEEPER SENTENCED FOR GRAND THEFT

Lori Ann Kerbel pleads no contest to stealing $11K from Montessori Children’s School

ounty Judge Mark Wilson this week accepted Lori Ann Kerbel’s plea of no contest to grand theft and sentenced her to five years of probation, 270 days in the Monroe County Jail, restitution and other sanctions stemming from the theft of more than $11,000 from Montessori Children’s School in Key West. As part of the sentence, Kerbel, 60, was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service, have no contact with the victims, report to probation within 24 hours of sentencing, make equal monthly restitution payments and reimburse the state $1,485 for the cost of extradition and transportation. The court also charged her $813 in court costs and fines and ordered restitution in the amount of $11,493. According to the Key West Police Department investigation, Kerbel was the business manager and bookkeeper for Montessori Children’s School from October 2012 through August 2014, where she was responsible for the school’s financial management, payroll and employee health insurance administration. During an internal review, school officials discovered unauthorized personal purchases made using school funds and credit cards. The investigation determined that Kerbel used school funds to purchase numerous personal items, including home furnishings, electronics, jewelry, clothing and other merchandise. Investigators also found that she made unauthorized ATM cash withdrawals from school accounts and improperly caused the school

Lori Ann Kerbel

to pay the full cost of her upgraded health insurance coverage rather than deducting the employee portion from her paycheck. Although some purchased merchandise was later returned, investigators determined the total financial loss to the school exceeded $11,493. Although charges were filed against Kerbel shortly after the theft was investigated, she had left the state and could not be found for a time while those charges were pending. “While the law sets a statute of limitations for bringing criminal charges, it does not require justice to be rushed or abandoned once those charges are filed,” Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield said. “Nearly 12 years after these crimes were committed, today’s sentence demonstrates our commitment to seeing cases through until accountability is achieved. We appreciate the diligent work of the Key West Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners whose persistence made today’s outcome possible.” The prosecutor was Assistant State Attorney Madeline Thompson. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

THE LAST MANGO CRUISE: WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

KEY WEST BACK IN THE DAY

arl Hiaasen is best known as a superb satirical writer, but he also makes great paella. I discovered that in 1985 on Ballast Key, a private island owned by Key West’s beloved “gentleman developer” David Wolkowsky, during a Jimmy Buffett extravaganza called the Last Mango Cruise. The cruise concept was simple … theoretically. Conceived as a contest to promote the 1985 release of Jimmy’s “Last Mango in Paris” album, it promised a three-day vacation, sailing cruise and beach party with Jimmy for five lucky winners and their guests — in Key West, where his first MargariCAROL SHAUGHNESSY taville Store had opened nearly 11 months earlier. has lived in Key At the time, I was part of West for 40-plus the small initial Margaritaville years, witnessing crew assembled by Jimmy and and writing about the island’s his far-seeing business partner, renegade past, Sunshine Smith. I oversaw the shipwreck salvage store’s fledgling mail-order adventures and department, wrote the “Cococolorful presentnut Telegraph” newsletter and day characters. helped coordinate fan relations. Nothing in my job description mentioned serving Hiaasen’s paella or hijacking a trolley. The contest was scheduled Oct. 25-27, coinciding with the highlight weekend of the island’s over-the-top Fantasy Fest costuming and masking celebration. Jimmy and his good friend, legendary bar owner Captain Tony Tarracino — subject of the brilliant “Last Mango” story-song — would be grand marshals of the festival’s lavish Saturday night parade down Duval Street, leading it on a custom-designed float with the contest winners. With plans like that, we thought, what could go wrong? Then, at the Margaritaville Store’s tiny office, we got a phone call saying the contest winners were missing in the Miami airport. Eventually they were located and made it to Key West. We took them to dinner at Louie’s Backyard, the gourmet oceanfront eatery that Jimmy loved. The next morning, the Margaritaville crew and I joined Jimmy and the winners aboard a gorgeous sailboat owned by Ted Irwin, founder of Irwin Yachts. With Ted and Jimmy telling stories,

2 3

1. Key West bar owner Capt. Tony Tarracino inspired Jimmy Buffett’s unforgettable, ‘Last Mango’ story-song about an aging adventurer. CONTRIBUTED 2. The Last Mango Cruise was created to promote the 1985 release of Jimmy Buffett’s ‘Last Mango in Paris’ album. Album cover photo by Louis Sahuc. 3. A private beach party and concert on remote Ballast Key was the highlight of the Last Mango Cruise contest prize. DALE McDONALD COLLECTION/Florida Keys History Center

we cruised across clear blue-green water to Ballast Key — which, thanks to Jimmy’s friendship with David Wolkowsky, was the site of a private all-day party and Buffett concert. Arriving at the remote island, whose major structure was Wolkowsky’s rustic beach house, we were met by Jimmy’s buddy, Hiaasen. That day Hiaasen wasn’t a leading Florida journalist/author; he was a chef engrossed in creating the perfect paella, simmering rice and seafood and spices in a circular pan more than five feet wide. The winners settled on comfortable lounge chairs in the shade. While we served them cocktails and paella, Jimmy smilingly played their requests and some new songs. It was sheer magic — hot sun and sand, the mingled scents of salt air and paella, waves lapping the shore and the strains of Jimmy’s guitar. After we sailed back to Key West, however, the magic evaporated and chaos took over. The boat returned late. The Fantasy Fest parade began before the winners could join Jimmy and

Tony on the grand marshals’ float. Our Margaritaville team got them to Duval Street on foot, but the float was so far ahead that we couldn’t catch it. That’s when I hijacked the trolley. It wasn’t just any trolley. It was part of the parade — carrying Key West’s favorite traditional band, the Junkanoos — and band members graciously welcomed the contest winners as they clambered aboard. The Junkanoos serenaded them with Caribbean melodies throughout the parade route, saving the evening with the improvisational serendipity that still characterizes Key West. Both Jimmy and Captain Tony are gone now, but their memories remain … in oft-repeated Buffett lore, local tales and the minds of contest winners. They also remain in the lyrics of “Last Mango,” the song that forever connects the two old friends — where one unforgettable line states, “Our lives change like the weather, but a legend never dies.”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

SUMMER SPECIALS BREAKFAST $19.95

s vation Reser ended m recom eakfast r for b epe’s at P Fri Mon-

CHOOSE YOUR MEAL - 2 eggs any style, bacon and toast, - Ham and cheese omelette, or - Pancakes

DINNER $19.95

CHOOSE A DRINK - Mimosa, coffee or soda

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

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 house wine DESSERT: Key lime pie

CHOOSE A DRINK - Margarita, 16oz draft Yuengling or soda

D EXTEN OUR H Y P HAP EPE’S AT P PM 16

DESSERT: Key lime pie

BREAKFAST $19.95

LUNCH & DINNER $19.95

CHOOSE YOUR MEAL - Pancakes, - Ham and cheese omelette with side of potatoes, or - 2 eggs any style, bacon, toast and potatoes

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 - Mimosa, juice or coffee

CHOOSE A DRINK - Pina Colada, domestic beer bottle, or house wine

DESSERT: Key lime pie

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

GOD MADE THE FISH, WE JUST COOK IT RIGHT!

French Cuisine • Specializing in Seafood INDOOR & GARDEN DINING • OPEN DAILY 5-9PM

20% OFF 5-7

SUMMER SCHEDULE: CLOSED MONDAYS JUNE THROUGH OCTOBER 1ST CLOSED FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

1029 SOUTHARD (CORNER OF FRANCES) | WWW.CAFESOLE.COM RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED • 305.294.0230

Henry fuller paulie walterson Kerry cressman

803

Emma Street

Parking Avenue Parking at at 201 201 Truman Truman Avenue Dinner from Dinner Available Available from Olive’s Olive’s Mediterranean Mediterranean

clayton lopez andrew riddles tommy conger

Fundraiser Proceeds Benefit William Weech American Legion Post 168 and the Key West Cultural Center & Veterans Museum (501.c.3)

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

TAVERN N TOWN PRESENTS

Ladies Night Hosted by Executive Chef Keith St. Peter

1 Chef + 20 Guests = 1 Incredible Culinary Experience

Every Monday & Wednesday Bar Area Only | 5PM - 7PM

FRIDAY, SEPT 4 • 6PM TO 8PM Get ready for a culinary takeover where high-end gastronomy meets high-energy execution! Inspired by the ancient Qin Dynasty and the early roots of Chinese culinary tradition, this supper club experience explores bold flavors, aromatic spices, and time-honored technique through a contemporary perspective. The Qin Dynasty is rich, layered, and thoughtfully composed an evening that feels both grounded in history and alive at the modern table. It’s sophisticated, it’s adventurous, and it is absolutely a menu you won’t want to miss!

KEY WEST, FLORIDA

Complimentary select Wine by the glass, Beer & Cocktails

Wine by the Glass SAU V I G N O N B L A N C , M AT UA P I N OT G R I G I O, CO R A CABERNET, SOUVERAIN

SCAN FOR RESERVATIONS

291 Front Street, Upstairs • 305-294-2665 KEYWESTCOOKINGSHOW.COM

Beer BUD LIGHT CO R O N A HIGH NOON

live

locals WELCOME

MUSIC DAILY 5-7P

daily

WINE & POOL BAR 12-LAST CALL

jazz

LIVE ON SUNDAYS

M I C H U LT R A SPEARFISH AMBER ALE J A I A L A I I PA

Cocktails CO S M O P O L I TA N c i t ro n vo d ka , c i t ro n l i q u e u r, c ra n b e r r y j u i c e PICK ME UP e s p re s s o L i q u e u r, e s p re s s o vo d ka , ka h l u a , e s p re s s o M A N G O M A I TA I m a n g o r u m , a m a re t t o , o ra n g e J u i c e , p i n e a p p l e j u i c e , g re n a d i n e K E Y W E ST L E M O N A D E c i t r u s vo d ka , ra s p b e r r y vo d ka , o ra n g e vo d ka , c ra n b e r r y, s o u r C L A S S I C M A R GA R I TA tequila, triple sec, sour mix, lime juice, a g a ve , l i m e

5-7:30P

Girl Dinner C A E SA R SA L A D c ro u t o n s , g ra t e d p a r m e s a n c h e e s e , h o u s e c a e s a r d re s s i n g a n d h e r b ro a s t e d s t e a k f r i e s $20

gardenshotel.com 526 Angela St | 305.294.2661

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

MOVE-IN READY

New Gulfside artificial reefs give Keys marine life more places to call home ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

ew homes for marine life are waiting in the Gulf. And the door’s wide open. As the rest of the Florida Keys led a mad dash for lobster on Aug. 6, Monroe County Artificial Reefs Director Hanna Koch, Marathon diver Rachel Bowman and Finz Dive Center owner and captain Robert Trosset were combating winds, waves and current offshore from the Lower Keys to deploy the island chain’s next habitat support structures. Using thrusters to precisely position a carrying barge, and a crane with a GPS beacon at its tip for pinpoint accuracy, crews dropped a

series of 12 15-foot-tall windowed concrete pyramids and six smaller 8-foot pyramids, arranged in four division-sign-like formations around 40 feet deep. Then came the next challenge: diving in near-zero visibility to survey and confirm the placement of each individual structure. The surfaces of the pyramids are studded with Florida limestone rock for texture, allowing for easy settlement of sponges, corals and other marine life. The pyramids feature wide-open tops, allowing an escape for larger visitors including turtles. And inside the majority of the larger pyramids are stacks of staggered concrete plates to provide yet another diverse structure for different species to call home.

They’re a product of Reefmaker, an Alabama-based company that builds, loads, transports and deploys the structures in a one-stop-shop operation. “Reefmaker is a long-time player in this field, so we’re happy to be working with such a professional experienced vendor,” Koch told the Weekly. “This is going to be teeming with life, and I’ll be back out there in the next couple months to report back.” If the county’s previous installations are any indication, that life could find its way to the new reef sooner rather than later. The first project installed under Koch’s direction, a reef made of stacked decommissioned power poles, saw visitors like cobia within three days of deployment. And in a flat, largely lifeless area that was home to just a handful of species before the reef, Koch’s team has documented more than 100 species, including fish, corals, seagrasses, turtles and sharks on the new reef since its deployment in November 2024. That includes pings from acoustic tags in fish and sharks – and some preliminary data suggests visits from critically endangered smalltooth sawfish. “Once we have permits, we’re going to put out acoustic devices at all the Gulfside network sites, so we can see how these tagged fish are moving among the different artificial reef sites and natural sites,” Koch said. So far, the reefs appear to be living up to their purpose: using man-made structures to mitigate habitat loss and provide a network of nearshore-to-offshore sites to support the movement of maturing and migrating fish. “One of the points of doing the different designs is to actually see if certain species have an affinity for

4 certain designs,” said Koch. “Are some promoting greater levels of biodiversity? Are some more amenable for certain resident species versus migratory? We’ll be able to answer those questions.” The installations are backed by $15 million in state funding, awarded to the county in 2023 and 2024. The first power pole reef (Gulfside 10 Mile Reef) cost $440,000, Koch said, while the three deployments in summer 2026 – known as the Gulfside 5, 8 and 9 Mile Reefs – totaled just under $1 million. Taken collectively, the projects represent the first major artificial reef deployments in the Keys since the sinking of the Vandenberg shipwreck in 2009. The three new sites now include 156 specialized concrete structures to create 12 patch reefs across the three areas, with two more deployments set to go to bid later this year for deployment in summer 2027. Koch said she’s also hopeful for a smaller installation in nearshore waters off Marathon and Layton. She’s working on final permit conditions for what would be her first installation within the boundaries of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. More information, including coordinates for all the newly-installed reefs, is available at monroecountyfl.gov/1325/artificial-reefs-program.

1. A Reefmaker barge works to deploy 15-foot pyramid structures for the Keys’ newest artificial reef, using a GPS beacon installed on the crane to ensure precision placement. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly 2. Florida limestone rocks embedded in concrete create a rough surface, perfect for the settlement of sponges, corals and more on the Keys’ artificial reefs. HANNA KOCH/ Contributed 3. Sonar imagery confirms the placement of the pyramids in the Gulfside Network. HANNA KOCH/Contributed 4. Hanna Koch, Monroe County Artificial Reefs director, sneaks in a selfie with one of her newest placements. HANNA KOCH/Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AVAILABLE IN KEY WEST

AVOID THE LONG DRIVE TO MIAMI AND HAVE ALL YOUR CHILDREN’S NEEDS MET RIGHT HERE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS. Dr. Christina Smith DDS is now accepting new patients and is thrilled to be part of the 9-time Bubba Award-winning Doc Guzman’s office.

2758 N. Roosevelt Blvd. (in the Overseas Market) • Key West 305.294.9914 • doc@docguzman.com • www.docguzman.com

DON’T TRUST JUST ANYONE WITH YOUR NUTS CALL US FOR YOUR VASECTOMY CONSULTATION $1,000 CASH FOR CONSULTATION & PROCEDURE NO SCALPEL VASECTOMIES | IN OFFICE | 20 MINUTES SAFE & EFFECTIVE

305.296.0000 BRUCE L. FARISS, M.D.

• We’re happy to offer Male Testosterone Pellets (covered by many insurances) • Provides reliable, sustained testosterone levels without the daily peaks and dips associated with gels or shots. •Diplomate-Board Helps relieve lowof testosterone (Low T) symptoms like Urology Urology lowUrologic sex drive, fatigue and loss of lean muscle mass and Surgery

Lower Keys Urology

3714 N. Roosevelt Bvld. | Key West | 305.296.0000

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

SPLISH SPLASH

The Big Splash will bring water slides and fun for kids and families on Saturday, Aug. 22 at Wesley House Family Services’ Key Largo office. Generated photo

Event brings big water slides and family fun

esley House Family Services is holding the Big Splash, a familyfriendly event on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wesley House Key Largo office, located at 5 Homestead Ave. The Big Splash promises an unforgettable day of fun featuring five giant waterslides, a foam pit and a variety of bounce attractions, as well as opportunities to cool off and make memories. Each event wristband includes a complimentary lunch consisting of hot dogs or hamburgers provided by Centennial Bank, plus a sameday voucher for entry to the nearby Jacobs Aquatic Center pool, so families can continue the fun into the afternoon.

Unlimited waterslide tickets are $20 per child (ages 4-16), or $70 for a four-pack. Children ages 3 and under are free and have access to the toddler zone. Tickets can be purchased at www.wesleyhouse.org/thebigsplash. Those who can’t attend but still want to make a difference may buy a “Pass It On” ticket for $20, giving the full Big Splash experience to a child in need. Wesley House will ensure your generosity reaches a local family. Proceeds from the Big Splash will support Wesley House Family Services’ programs that strengthen children and families throughout the Keys. — Contributed

PHILANTHROPY MATTERS

Involved board members matter, but nonprofit governance should be built to outlast them

This summer, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys (CFFK) experiELIZABETH enced a passing of the BROWN baton. After years of dedicated service in ... is president a variety of leaderand CEO of the Community ship roles, longtime Foundation board member Jodi of the Florida Weinhofer completed Keys. her term. Thankfully, “terming off” doesn’t mean saying goodbye. Jodi will always be part of our foundation family. We also welcomed three new board members: Tim Ervin, William Monroe and Kevin Trapani. We’re excited about the knowledge and energy they’ll bring, but it’s difficult to let go of the good ones. Jodi was one of the very best. She embodied what it means to serve. She didn’t just attend meetings, she participated. She offered thoughtful counsel, opened doors, made introductions and invested personally in our mission. If you’ve spent much time around nonprofits, you know how rare that combination is and how hard it is to let go of people like that. But that’s exactly what good governance is all about. The truth is, organizations don’t grow because of any one person. They grow because good people build good systems that outlast them. Sometimes governance asks us to follow the bylaws when our hearts would rather make an exception. Sometimes it means term limits for someone we’d happily keep forever. Sometimes it means slowing down to make sure decisions are made the right way instead of the easy way. That can be frustrating, but it’s what makes organizations healthy. Transitions are a test. They tell us whether we’ve built something sustainable. If we’ve done our jobs well, the mission continues, new leaders step in and the organization keeps moving forward. There’s another lesson in all of this: None of us is permanent. Regardless of our role, we are all simply stewards for a season, and our hope should be to leave them a little stronger than we found them. Thankfully, strong and transparent governance has been, and will remain, one of the cornerstones of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. We’re grateful to every board member,

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys recognizes Jodi Weinhofer, who recently finished her term on the foundation’s board, which just welcomed three new members: Tim Ervin, William Monroe and Kevin Trapani. CONTRIBUTED

regional council member, volunteer and staff member who helped bring us to where we are today and continue to shape where we’re going next. If you’d like to learn more about nonprofit governance, please join us on Sept. 16 in Marathon for our fifth annual Florida Keys Nonprofit Day, presented by the Florida Keys Funders Alliance. This year’s program will feature an overview of new legislation that’s affecting nonprofits across Florida by the Florida Nonprofits Alliance. Then in October, join us for Leadership Success Academy, our signature two-day program on nonprofit leadership and board governance. Speaking of stewardship, August is National Make-A-Will Month. One of the greatest gifts we can leave isn’t just to our families, but to the causes that have shaped our lives and will continue shaping our community. If you’d like to learn more about including a charitable gift in your estate plans, we’d be happy to help. To Jodi, and to every board member serving organizations throughout the Keys, whether you’re just beginning your service, continuing it or finishing your final term, thank you. It’s that everyday, often unsung leadership that keeps our organizations moving forward and our communities stronger. Good governance isn’t always exciting. In fact, when it’s working well, you hardly notice it at all. But it’s one of the reasons our missions continue long after each of us hands off the baton. The mission of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys is to connect people with resources to fill needs in the local community. More information is at cffk.org.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

THANK YOU

FOR YOUR VOTES! WE LOVE YOU ALL!

Batten down the hatches and CHRIS heighten your McNULTY senses. We have is an astrologer, entered the wanderer, barwondrous and tender and disarming time advocate for queer justice. He of eclipse season. is a loquacious On Aug. 12, we Gemini with a had a total solar cozy Cancer rising. Find him at eclipse in Leo, and a partial hearthandheraldastrology.com lunar eclipse will happen at the end of the month on Aug. 27-28. Eclipse seasons represent times when monumental changes occur in ways that we might not be able to clearly understand right away. The two luminaries, the sun and the moon, come together in such a way that their light becomes obscured, which also obscures our immediate knowledge of the events taking place. Under this eclipse, it is quite possible that we will experience the downfall of a leader, an ego death or an impactful lack of recognition. We are being reminded that we shouldn’t idolize our heroes because we risk deep disappointment, but rather we should learn how to personally embody the characteristics of our heroes that we find particularly worthy of respect and admiration. What we desire is not something to be found outside of ourselves, but something to be nurtured within ourselves. At the same time, we cannot wait for what we need to come to us; we must learn how to care for ourselves. The state or the government will not save us. We must create our own communities to meet our needs and the needs of those around us. This eclipse season, ask yourself what you have been willfully ignoring because that is the seed to lifechanging awareness. Here are your horoscopes for the solar eclipse in Leo. Read for your rising and sun signs. LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 What definition of yourself is no longer serving your needs or representing the growth that you’ve experienced? This eclipse is about releasing a version of your-

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

self that is outdated. Do not be beholden to your old patterns or hold yourself to the expectations of others. This may ultimately require really feeling some vulnerabilities in groups that have known you one way. Discomfort can be growth. VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 When you’re alone, do you actually spend time with yourself or do you reach for every possible distraction? We are surrounded by so much digital distraction that we do not even know how it feels to be in our own company. Take time in the quiet to see if you can parse out your own voice from all the competing noises. What is it asking of you? You may find that on the other side is an unexpected life partner. LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 During this eclipse season, you may find that people aren’t always what they seem. Your biggest cheerleaders may have ulterior motives. This doesn’t mean that there needs to be accusations thrown around or dramatic unveilings, but it is up to you to maintain boundaries with people who may not have the capacity to show up. You may need to learn to do things differently and put in more work, but at least you’ll know where you stand. SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 This eclipse season is about a change of leadership at work. Your boss may resign, you may be given a new supervisor, or you may see your leadership in a new light. Your lesson is to find your footing even when the structures around you are changing. You are your own leader, and you have your own reputation to maintain. When things get chaotic, how do your ground yourself in creativity? SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 New isn’t always better. We live in a society that is constantly trying to innovate and grow, but there is always fallout in growth

for growth’s sake. Perhaps the real innovation is to seek maintenance and sustainability. In what ways has growth become the wool over your eyes, and how can you reconnect to your roots and home life? As the ground shifts, can you strengthen your foundation? CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 Trust is something that takes time to earn and seconds to destroy. This eclipse portends a situation or revelation that will have you questioning whom you trust. While this can certainly be unsettling, treat it as an awakening. People are trustworthy; it just might mean that more emphasis needs to be placed on communication and clarity. If bonds need to be broken, forge new ones. AQUARIUS Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 Partnership is a continuous process of uncovering. We grow and change with the partners in our lives, whether they are romantic or platonic. In this eclipse season, you may learn something about a partner that feels like a major revelation, or your image of them may tarnish a bit. Can you treat this news with curiosity rather than defensiveness? What does it teach you about your personal values? PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 Habits form because of repeated action, and eventually they become automatic. We don’t even realize we are performing habits until something breaks the flow, like dropping a dish while washing it. This eclipse season will bring awareness to your unconscious habits and have you questioning whether they are serving you or not. Do your actions reflect who you are? ARIES March 21 - April 19 The creative act is a conversation between you and the mysterious spirit of creativity. Ancient Greeks referred to a daimon, a personal inner voice that comes

GRIEVE YOUR HEROES

from elsewhere. That’s why the things we create are never really fully our own, and they can turn out in unexpected ways. This eclipse season may have you questioning what you’ve created and push you into retreat, but it is an opportunity to practice humility and get to know your personal daimon. TAURUS April 20 - May 20 Home is a place and certain people, yes, but home is also an idea, and ideas can change. This eclipse season, you may find yourself questioning exactly what home is. You may look around and realize that home just doesn’t feel like home anymore. It’s perfectly fine to wander for a time. You will find the people and the places that let your soul rest. GEMINI May 21 - June 20 Communication is central to living. How you communicate and how it is received are core to identity because we are social beings. This eclipse season may be a revelation that you haven’t been received the way you thought you were. Misunderstandings happen. How will you address them? You may find that you need to make some changes for your reputation’s sake. CANCER June 21 - July 22 In our society, our values are typically tied to money in some way. We show our values in how we make money, how we spend money, and how we think of money. This eclipse season, you may realize that your values aren’t what they once were. Drastic change is sometimes necessary, so pay attention to the opportunities that present themselves. This can open up a whole new pattern of growth.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

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

William Nelson Copley 1919 NYC – 1996 Key West American

We love our locals

Enjoy 30% off our full menu and $15 bottles of house wine with the purchase of an entrée. All day, every day. All food. All drinks. (Yes, even wine.) Available to local residents with valid ID July 31–September 30, 2026.

Hilton Key West Resort & Marina 5950 Peninsular Ave, Key West, FL hiltonkeywestresortandmarina.com 786 862 6305

17” x 14”, Collage

Copley was a self-taught American painter whose post WWII career carved out a defiantly surrealistic personal lane along with friends; Max Ernst, Dorothea Tanning, Mann Ray, Magritte and Duchamp—one built on humor, eroticism, Dadaism, Surrealism, and social critique. His work blended curvilinear, often faceless figures with bold outlines, radiant color, and a flat, dreamlike pictorial space. He signed his work CPLY, a vowelless reinvention of his adoptive family name that became a lifelong artistic persona. Solo exhibits at the Pompidou in Paris, Staalich in Amsterdam, Prada Foundation Milan and the Bern Kunsthalle, Switzerland, inclusion in MOMA & Whitney, New York and 37 catalogs rounded out his career. Works Available on Approval & Concierge Services from Key West to Key Largo The Gallery on Greene | 606 Greene Street | Key West, Florida galleryongreene.com | 305-304-2323

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026 An adult short-tailed hawk seen recently over the Key West Cemetery. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

ids scream, and by kids I mean fledgling hawks trying to get their parents to feed them. And by scream I mean make a noise that sounds a lot like stepping, full-footed, in the dark, on a dog’s squeaky toy, during a late-night, MARK bleary-eyed trip to the bathroom. HEDDEN A high-pitched “eeeeeee” that drops a register down to a slightly ... is a photogralower- pitched “eeeeeee.” pher, writer, and semi-professional There has been a lot of that birdwatcher. He in recent weeks over Passover has lived in Key Lane and the Key West cemetery. West for more The screamer was a shortthan 25 years and tailed hawk, one of the rarest may no longer be employable in birds in North America, with an the real world. He estimated population of about is also executive 500, nearly all in Florida. They director of the are pretty common in Central Florida Keys Audubon Society. and South America, and they will occasionally cross the Mexican border into Texas (hence the “almost” all in Florida), but there is thought to be no crossover between the two populations. And while the North American population is small, it seems to have been holding steady for at least a century. The thing about the Keys is, historically, excepting ospreys, the occasional bald eagle, and the occasional red-shouldered hawk, all the raptors vacate the area in the summer. It’s usually a little bit of a ghost town, birds of prey-wise. But in recent years something seems to have changed. Short-tailed hawks bred in Central Florida in the summer, then migrated down to South Florida and the Keys in the winter. This was not always the understanding. The first reports I can find of short-tails comes from the 1880s. Short-tailed hawks come in two color morphs – light and dark. In Florida there are thought to be more light morph birds than dark morph, though in Central and South America, it’s thought the white morph is more prevalent. There is no intergradation as far as plumage goes. Birds are either one or the other. And you can’t identify their sex by looking at them. For a long time it was believed that the two color phases were separate species. It wasn’t until March 1889, when W.E.D. Scott, curator of the museum of biology at Princeton University, found a nest near Tarpon Springs with both a light morph and a dark morph adult; collected (shot) them, and measured them, that it was understood they were the same species. For a while after that ornithologists only knew that short-tails were in South Florida and the Keys in the winter. It was believed that they migrated out of the state, possibly even out of the country. No one knew where. But it turns out, they’d just slid on up to the middle of the state. With only about 200 breeding pairs spread out over that much land, it was easy to miss them. It didn’t help that they tended to build their nests high and on the edges of lakes or deep in cypress swamps. Short-tailed hawks were never known to nest in the Keys. But over the last decade or so, I’ve had my suspicions, largely due to the fact I’ve seen them

VERY LOUD RARE BIRDS

in every month of the year, including the ones they weren’t supposed to be here. Some time in the summer of 2022 someone told me about a couple of hawks making a racket over on Passover Lane, where I only found an empty nest. In the summer of 2023, a juvenile short-tail was hanging around the cemetery, making a racket. I went over and managed to catch sight of it once. Unfortunately it was electrocuted, probably on a power line. Key West Wildlife Rescue managed to capture the bird, but it eventually succumbed to its injuries. In 2024 we documented the first short-tail nest in a Norfolk pine in the Meadows neighborhood of Key West, as well as a juvenile light morph bird, and both a light morph and a dark morph adult birds. In late May of this year I was walking the dog around the cemetery when I briefly caught sight of a light morph short-tail from the corner of Frances and Olivia. A little while later on Angela Street, just past Catholic Lane, I caught sight of a dark morph bird. The dog was pretty happily sniffing some grass so I watched it for a while, hoping to see where it landed. But it caught a thermal and kept rising higher and higher. I watched it climb until my neck started to ache and the dog decided she would like to sniff something else now please. Pretty much any time I’ve walked or ridden by there since, I’ve seen or heard at least one short-tail. The volume, though, has apparently been increasing. A couple weeks ago my friend Dave texted from Galveston Lane asking, “Mark, there’s a hawk flying around my neighborhood and screeching constantly. What’s all the ruckus about?” My friend Wendy said she heard them in the morning while walking her dog on Olivia. She also sent a poindexter emoji for me knowing what it was. Arlo Haskell texted me a photo of a white morphed short-tail bathing in the new fountain at the Elizabeth Bishop House on White Street with the question, “What do we have here?” Last week I ran into Rob, who I knew from my brief career as a pub quiz host. He was telling me about birds he thought were maybe broad-winged

hawks breeding near his house. I asked if he lived near the cemetery. He said he did. I told him they were short-tails. I’ve been buried in a long-term project and didn’t manage to give the birds any serious attention until this week, when I decided to go spend some time seeing how it was working out. I set up just behind the USS Maine plot. Passover Lane and the trees above looked a little like a stage set. The life history of short-tailed hawks is not all that well known. It’s known the male collects most of the sticks for the nest and the female does most of the construction; that the female does all the brooding while the male brings her food; that it takes 34 to 39 days for eggs to hatch. It’s unclear how long it takes for the young to fledge. It’s known that the short-tailed hawk’s diet consists mostly of small birds (though I did see one take a very young and small iguana once on Frances Street). It is unknown how long their parents continue to feed them after they fledge, or how long before the young are capable of hunting on their own. The bird I saw most recently was a young dark morph, speckled in the breast and underwing, flying low over the treetops and calling every few minutes. It would disappear for a while, then come back, occasionally landing in the same tree as the nest, but not on the nest. Mostly he would just fly over, as if he was checking in. I’m guessing it was five or six weeks old. I caught sight of both of the adults, the light morph doing a flyover, then heading down to the Frances Street end of the cemetery, and the male flying over, but from way high up. The scenario in my mind was that the parents were keeping an eye on their offspring, but also giving it some tough love, pushing it to fend for itself, and the juvenile was throwing a teenage temper tantrum about it. But honestly, that is just a guess. Even when they are this close, the lives of shorttails are still mostly a mystery.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

A Promise of Health Care for Our Kids!

Summer SpeciAls 804 WhiteheAd St. | (305) 440-3196 rAmshEAdsOUthernmOst.com

VE MUSIC DAILY! MondAy Industry Night 4PM - CLOSE

Extended Happy Hour Drinks

SundAy 5PM-CLOSE

½ price burgers, $4 drafts

tACO TuesdAy 5PM-CLOSE

$3 Off Tacos and $5 Margaritas

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

Your Health. Your Community. Your Neurosurgeons. Anirudh Penumaka, MD, MSc Neurosurgeon

For appointments at one of our locations in Key West: 305.674.CARE

www.msmc.com *Physician and location subject to availability.

Our insurance is backed by experience. Serving the Florida Keys since 2012. As your independent insurance advocate, we compare our carrier network to tailor coverage for both your personal and business needs. You can trust us to handle your risk, so you can focus on your dreams.

Protecting Your Dreams

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

THE GANG’S ALL HERE

Capone and the cronies’ ties to the Florida Keys

t was the late 1920s when an open-air roadster rambled away from Miami, through Homestead and over the Card Sound Bridge. Two men occupied the vehicle. After the bridge, the car rolled over State Road 4A, the original path of the Overseas Highway, and down Key Largo. While still traveling across North Key Largo, the roadster came to a stop at a roadside motel and restaurant called the Key Inn. In those days, traffic was light and the establishment’s proprietors, Ed and Fern Butters, heard the car before it pulled into their place. Fern watched her husband approach the roadster as the driver stepped out and stood up. He said to her husband, “This is Al Capone. We are going to pull into your dock with our loads, and we will give you $25 a load.” Ed declined the offer. The associate replied, “But this is Al Capone, and he is pulling into your dock.” “I don’t care if he is the Lord himself,” Ed said. “No one is pulling into my dock, and that’s final.” Ed turned and walked away. Fern watched, thinking she was about to watch her husband be shot in the back. Instead, Mr. Capone’s associate sat down in the car, closed the door and continued driving down the dusty, bumpy road. The Key Largo excursion was not Capone’s only Monroe County dalliance. It is rumored that he maintained a mansion on the mainland, in an Everglades outpost community called Pinecrest, that was used as a brothel. Once found on the old Loop Road, Pinecrest was home to about 200 people who lived without electricity, running water or telephone lines. Hurricanes and the Great Depression took their toll on Pinecrest. Capone’s move to South Florida seems to be the beginning of his end. For all his bad deeds, it was tax evasion that put Capone in jail. He

was incarcerated, for the last time, for seven years, six months and 15 days. Al was not in good shape and was suffering from diminished control of his voluntary motor skills as a result of contracting syphilis. His mental faculties deteriorated during his imprisonment, too. His state of mind was likened to that of a 12-yearold boy. Released from prison on Nov. 16, 1939, he spent the FLORIDA remainder of KEYS his life in relaHISTORY tive seclusion at WITH his Palm Island BRAD home in Miami. BERTELLI After a stroke Brad is a local and a bout of historian, author, pneumonia, Al speaker and Capone died of Honorary Conch who loves sharing heart failure in the history of the his home on Jan. Florida Keys. 25, 1947. Organized crime in South Florida did not pass with his death. People, including members of his former group combined with a new guard, became recognized as the New Capone Gang. Angelo Labriola was regarded as the head of the new guard, though Capone’s people were still involved and might have disagreed. The New Capone Gang was linked to the Florida Keys, if not before, then for certain on or about Feb. 20, 1948, when the attempted robbery of a café in South Miami went bad. Police shot one of the gang members, Bruno Tassione, in the stomach several times. What happened next brought the crime to the Keys. The following events were recorded in several newspapers, including the Miami Herald on Feb. 21, 1948. At about 3 a.m., Sigmund Stocki, manager

of Key Largo’s Caribbean Club, received a phone call informing him that “a good friend had a beef with the fuzz.” Stocki told the caller to find a doctor in Key West who would “forget reporting the wounded man.” Stocki and an unidentified associate proceeded to steal a blue 1947 Lincoln four-door sedan and drive it to 3090 N.W. 77th St., where they found Tassione bleeding from his wounds on a couch in the property’s guest house. They helped him into the sedan and drove him to Key West, where they were unable to find a doctor to treat Tassione. Frustrated and fearing for Tassione’s life, they decided to leave him on a section of the old Overseas Highway on Stock Island. He was dressed only in shorts, but they covered him with a blanket, anonymously phoned the hospital and informed them of his whereabouts and condition. He arrived in critical condition. After police investigated the shooting, three people connected to it were arrested. Among them was Stocki, 37, of 2226 Monroe Ave., Hollywood, Florida. He was identified as the driver of the stolen sedan. It was not his last run-in with the law. In 1951, he was charged with running a gaming house at 1749 Cleveland Ave., Hollywood, Florida. There were other arrests, but that is not why the man is remembered. Stocki was born on Oct. 20, 1910, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was there that he met Tom Hanley, who eventually brought him to the Florida Keys. He worked for Hanley, managing the Caribbean Club and was there when John Huston and his writer, Richard Brooks, stayed at

Hanley’s in Marathon in 1955. Copyright Edwin O. Swift Jr. from the archives of Edwin O. Swift III. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Monroe County Library Poker chip from Hanley’s Place circa 1968. CASSANDRA KIRBY CONAHAY/ Contributed

the club to work on the script for the Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall movie, “Key Largo.” The Ziggie in the film is said to have been named after Stocki. Ziggie is the name people in the Florida Keys remember, still. When Hanley moved to Marathon, Ziggie went with him and managed Hanley’s Place and the Sombrero Beach Club. Both establishments were known for gaming. Stocki parted ways with Hanley, moved to Islamorada, and opened a small restaurant at the Olney Inn. When Hurricane Donna struck in 1960, the Category 4 storm left a wake of damage behind, including the Olney Inn. The property has since become home to Cheeca Lodge. After the storm, he left his biggest footprint. In 1962, Stocki bought a small restaurant on Upper Matecumbe Key and opened Ziggie’s Conch. The building is still there, his name is still attached to the restaurant and the old neon sign that used to hang in the original Ziggie’s is still glowing. Did gambling once occur on the property? Maybe. Ziggie was certainly affiliated with the New Capone Gang and was practiced in running gaming operations. Sigmund Bernard Stocki – Ziggie – died on Nov. 8, 1977.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

2026 THEME EMPHASIZES CREATIVITY & CONNECTION

KEY WEST WELCOMES WOMENFEST K

ey West Womenfest, a celebration for women in paradise, returns Wednesday, Sept. 2 through Sunday, Sept. 6, with the theme “Lost Women in the Arts” — a festival that invites women to reclaim and celebrate their creative power, individuality and sense of belonging in the island’s “One Human Family” spirit. Throughout the festival, attendees can explore new paths to reconnect with their artistry, their stories, and one another in a place where generations of artists, dreamers, and kindred spirits have found inspiration. Here’s a look at what’s rolling out: WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2 Official Womenfest 2026 Welcome Party: Lost Women in the Arts: Kick off Womenfest at American Legion Post 168, 803 Emma St., with local artists, live music, raffles, live portraits and plenty of opportunities to connect with new and longtime friends.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3 • Sixth annual Cornhole Tournament and Indoor Games: The American Legion Post 168, once a venue for musical icons such as B.B. King, Etta James and Otis Redding, is the place to be for an afternoon of friendly competition, games and camaraderie. • Drag King Boot Camp: BruceKey leads this interactive workshop at Bourbon St. Pub, exploring persona creation, stage presence, and performance style. Later, participants can join professional drag kings onstage at the Greeen Goddess & Kings Party. • Womenfest Sunset Sail aboard Argo Navis: Hosted in partnership with the Key West Business Guild, this all-inclusive two-hour sail offers tropical breezes, sunset views, craft beverages, cocktails and passed appetizers • Greeen Goddess & Kings Party: Sponsored by the Greeen House and hosted by BruceKey, this celebration of drag king artistry at American Legion Post 168 features performances by drag kings

Key West Womenfest 2026 is set to run Sept. 2-6. KARRIE PORTER BOND/Womenfest

Justin Case and Joey Night, plus the debut of three Womenfest Drag King Bootcamp participants.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 4 • Plogging the Keys Waterfront Cleanup with Reef Relief at the Key West Historic Seaport from 8 to 9 a.m. • Clothing Optional Sandbar Snorkel Trip aboard Blu Q: Experience an exhilarating sandbar adventure where guests can enjoy sun, sea and the company of like-minded travelers in a comfortable, inclusive setting. • All-Welcome Pool Party: Cool off, soak up the sun and mingle with fellow Womenfest attendees at this annual celebration at the Bourbon St. Pub. • The Lost Women Throwdown — Jell-O Wrestling: This festival favorite brings outrageous fun, fierce competition, music, drinks and an abundance of messy excitement. Private event for Womenfest participants. • Official Womenfest Concert: See website for details. • The Hush Hush Theater presents “Babes For Days” at Viva Argentinian Steakhouse: A femme focused cabaret show featuring burlesque, comedy, drag, song and cirque. SATURDAY, SEPT. 5 • Lost Women, Found Art Gallery Trolley Tour: Celebrate the creativity and impact of women in the arts while visiting five women-owned and women-managed galleries throughout Key West. Meet artists and gallery owners and discover the stories behind the island’s vibrant arts community. • Making Waves: Official Womenfest Pool Party hosted by BAM with DJ Erik: Dance, swim, and soak up the island vibe at the Lighthouse Hotel during an afternoon of music, sunshine, and connection. • Annual Womenfest ’80s, ’90s and Today’s Prom: “Lost Women in Music” is the theme for a sparkling tribute to groundbreaking female artists. Don your favorite ’80s, ’90s, or theme attire, take prom-worthy photos, and dance the night away at the historic American Legion Post 168.

Key West Womenfest, Sept. 2-6, invites attendees to reconnect with their artistry, their stories and one another. CONTRIBUTED

Key West Womenfest 2026 events take place indoors and outdoors at numerous venues. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

SUNDAY, SEPT. 6 • Womenfest Community Worship Service: Rev. Gina Durbin hosts a Sunday service at Metropolitan Community Church centered on hope, love and community. • “You CAN Sit With Us” Drag Brunch: Enjoy spectacular drag performances, delicious food, and nonstop laughter as some of Key West’s most talented entertainers take the stage throughout the afternoon at The Key West Cooking Show. • Hot Dog Church: Hot dogs and games offer chill Sunday fun at American Legion Post 168. • The Original Tea Dance, a Key West tradition at La Te Da: Wrap up Womenfest 2026 with a final dance at La Te Da featuring DJ Rude Girl. More information is at gaykeywestfl.com/ womenfest/. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

Monroe County district is first on East Coast to get NOAA recognition

CELEBRATING IN BUSINESS

YEARS

IM#26 - MC450645 | DOT966624

KEYS SCHOOLS EARN ‘OCEAN GUARDIAN’ DESIGNATION

PROUDLY SERVING THE FLORIDA KEYS AND BEYOND!

305.295.6683

305.295.6683 | 1.877.344.6683 | WWW.DRNMOVING.COM

STOP BEING BUGGED TOUGH ON BUGS - SAFE FOR PETS!

OVER 10 YEARS OF LOCAL EXPERIENCE & TRUST RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL LICENSED & INSURED

United Way of Collier and the Keys, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and Monroe County School District on Aug. 8 host a day of recognition for the school district at the Eco-Discovery Center in Key West. Monroe County became the first school district on the East Coast recognized by NOAA as an Ocean Guardian School District. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

onroe County School District was recognized on Aug. 8 as the first NOAA Ocean Guardian school district on the East Coast during a community celebration hosted by United Way of Collier and the Keys, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the district at the Eco-Discovery Center in Key West. The day of recognition started with a free family-friendly community event at the NOAA Eco-Discovery Center in Key West, where local kids participated in hands-on activities designed to foster ocean appreciation. An evening event included the proclamation of the district as an Ocean Guardian. The designation recognizes the district’s commitment to environmental stewardship through hands-on student projects that promote watershed protection, marine conservation and community engagement throughout the Keys. Through the NOAA Ocean Guardian School initiative, students across Monroe County have participated in projects that connect classroom learning with real-world environmental action, helping protect the ecosystems that define the Keys and foster a culture of conservation among future generations. “NOAA Ocean Guardian Schools empower the next generation to re-

spect and care for our ocean through programs that protect and improve the health of the local watershed, our ocean, and special areas like national marine sanctuaries,” said John Armor, director of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “This collaboration demonstrates the power of public and private partnership and has engaged the Florida Keys community in projects that build a culture of marine conservation of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.” The designation reflects the efforts of students, educators, community organizations and local leaders. “This recognition celebrates the incredible work happening in our schools and throughout our community,” said Tiffani Mensch, president and CEO of United Way of Collier and the Keys. “Students across the Florida Keys are learning that they have the power to make a difference. Through hands-on stewardship projects, they are developing a deeper connection to our local environment while helping protect the waters and ecosystems that are so important to our way of life.” More information about the NOAA Ocean Guardian School initiative in Monroe County is at uwcollierkeys.org/ogs. More about the NOAA Ocean Guardian Schools program is at sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/ ocean_guardian/. — Contributed

CALL TODAY TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT AND PUT THOSE BUGS ON THE MARCH! PAULA BARRY • 305.304.1119 • paulaspestcontrol1@gmail.com

HELP KEEP KEY WEST

AUGUST CLEANUPS Join a one-hour Friday morning cleanup. All events are 8 to 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Aug. 14: Northside and Trinity Drive. Meet in the parking lot of Mt. Sinai medical center, which is hosting. Aug. 21: North Roosevelt Boulevard. Meet in front of The Laureate Hotel, which is hosting. Aug. 28: North Roosevelt Boulevard at The Capitana Hotel, which is hosting.

The Aug. 7 cleanup was held at the corner of Duck Avenue and Glynn Archer Drive. In one hour, 71 volunteers collected 485 pounds of trash, 41 pounds of recycling and 1 gallon of cigarette butts. Special thanks to the Key West Junior Football League for hosting the cleanup and providing breakfast for the volunteers. The Friday, Aug. 14 cleanup will take place on Northside Drive at Trinity Drive, and is hosted by Mount Sinai Medical Center. CONTRIBUTED

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

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

WHAT’S COOKING, KEY WEST? The pineapple principle

CAROL SHAUGHNESSY

www.keysweekly.com

n historic Key West, symbols played an important role. When a new baby was born, for example, parents placed a conch shell on a stick in their front yard to announce the arrival. When a home’s door was painted red, it signified the mortgage was paid off so the owner was “out of the red.” Equally symbolic were shapes carved into the wooden scrollwork trim called gingerbread, which adorned the porches and balcony railings of many 19th-century houses. Shapes ranged from nautical motifs to bottles and card suits — the latter used during Prohibition to signal that illegal liquor or gambling could be found on the premises. Among the most notable gingerbread designs, however, were stylistic representations of the pineapple. From the island’s early days to the present, the Caribbean fruit has been a sign of hospitality, warmth and welcome. The “pineapple principle” is particularly apparent at the Key West Cooking Show, where people can expect a warm welcome from staffers like Chrissie Ashworth. Ashworth is one of the culinary attraction’s most visible ambassadors, greeting people who arrive for the popular Key Lime Pie Experience and tasting, cocktail classes that unfold Key West’s history through libations, and evening learn-and-dine adventures showcasing traditional regional menus. She’s also a familiar face at the cooking show’s trivia nights each Monday, held in the facility’s colorful demonstration dining room. Assisting host Amy Lubchansky, she welcomes regular participants, scores answer sheets and encourages moments of fun during the trivia competition. In addition, Ashworth is happy to share her knowledge of Key West with non-locals visiting the Cooking Show’s 291 Front St. venue. A 15-year resident who particularly enjoys the live music scene, she smilingly answers their questions about attractions and offerings — further embodying the “pineapple principle.” That principle is apparent too at the Cooking Show’s Bar 1, where patrons can expect both a warm welcome and an array of pineapplecentric craft cocktails and mocktails.

‘UNSPOKEN BOND’ SEES SOLD-OUT CROWD AT KEY WEST THEATER Documentary explores connections between humans and animals

Chrissie Ashworth is a popular presence at the Key West Cooking Show venue, where she welcomes guests and helps guide weekly trivia nights. KEY WEST COOKING SHOW/Contributed

For example, the smooth and creamy Pain Killer blends fresh pineapple juice with rum, orange juice and cream of coconut to create a drink that communicates the sun-drenched essence of the tropics. Finished with a dusting of nutmeg, it’s typically garnished with a pineapple wedge and small green leaves pulled from the crown of the fruit. Fans of non-alcoholic pineapplebased selections can enjoy offerings such as the intriguingly named Placebo. Its recipe combines pineapple and orange juices, coconut cream and a zero-proof cane spirit that replicates the taste of fine rum — creating, in essence, a mocktail version of the Pain Killer that’s a welcoming libation indeed. LAST BITES Dish of the month: Burrata salad. Often featured on the Key West Cooking Show’s trivia night menu, this refreshing salad is an ideal summertime treat. Rich and creamy burrata cheese is served with marinated tomato wedges, arugula and a mint-and-basil pesto. Helpful kitchen hack: To cut a whole pineapple with ease, first slice off the crown and base. Then stand it firmly on a cutting board, and cut it in half lengthwise and then in vertical quarters. Finally, carve away each quarter’s core and rind before slicing the fruit into wedges. Hungry for more? Visit keywestcookingshow.com or call 305-294COOK.

At left, Pawsitive Beginnings founder Nicole Navarro speaks during a screening of ‘Unspoken Bond.’ NICK DOLL PHOTOGRAPHY/Contributed

“U

nspoken Bond,” a feature documentary exploring the connection between humans and animals, screened at a packed crowd in Key West on July 31, and then to a soldout audience at Tavernier Towne Cinema on Aug. 1. The screening brought together members of the Florida Keys community for an evening centered on stories of healing, resilience and the ways animals can affect human lives. “The response in Key West and Key Largo was everything we could have asked for,” said “Unspoken Bond” creator and executive producer Jackie Ducci. “A sold-out theater is always wonderful, but what meant even more was seeing people connect with the film — and with others in the room — through their shared experiences with the human-animal bond.” The documentary features several personal stories illustrating the many forms the human-animal bond can take, including that of Pawsitive Beginnings founder Nicole Navarro and the rescued foxes that have become part of her own journey. For Navarro, sharing such a personal story with the community

she calls home made the Tavernier screening particularly meaningful. “I was humbled to be surrounded by the community that I care so deeply about, and to receive such support was truly amazing,” Navarro said. The Tavernier event followed the film’s Florida Keys premiere on July 31, when “Unspoken Bond” filled the Key West Theater for its first local screening. The back-to-back audiences offered a homecoming for a film with strong connections to the Keys and several people whose work with animals has touched the local community. Directed by Don Hardy and produced by KTF Films, “Unspoken Bond” examines the science, emotion and real-world effect behind relationships between people and animals. Through personal stories and expert perspectives, the documentary explores how animals can provide connection, purpose, comfort and healing during some of life’s most difficult moments. “Unspoken Bond” will continue its journey through additional screenings and film festivals across the country. More information is at unspokenbondfilm.com. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

MIND ALTERING LUBRICANTS FOR SOCIAL INTERCOURSE

CHEERS TO WINNING

BEST MARTINI AGAIN IN 2025!!

Enjoy waterfront dining and our new menu! Locals join us daily for 20% off dinner.

Recycle Right Every Day. Remember these three simple rules each time you recycle:

*Must present local ID for discount.

Recycle clean bottles, cans, paper, cardboard and glass

Keep food and liquid out of your recycling

No loose plastic bags and no bagged recyclables

To learn more, visit wm.com/recycleright

Need A BAGSTER®? BUY. FILL. GONE. • Bagster® bags are available at home improvement stores and online. • Bagster® bags are easy to use dumpsters in a bag that are strong enough to hold up to 3,300 pounds of debris or waste.

Open Daily 5pm - 9pm. Book your table on Opentable or call 305.295.3255

• Schedule your collection online or by phone. SELECT AWARDS REFLECTING OUR LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY World’s Most Ethical Companies 2024

100 Most Sustainable Companies 2024

S&P Global CSA Score 2023

Ethisphere

Barron’s

Top 15% of Industry

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

YOUNG SAILORS TRADE BOATS FOR BOOKS

LIC# CCC1329991

LIC# CGC032862

Center hosts end-of-summer party for its campers

BEST CONTRACTOR NOMINATIONS

VOTED BEST CONTRACTOR 5 YEARS IN A ROW

Second Annual

MIKE GARCIA 305.304.4188 CONCHROOFING@GMAIL.COM WWW.CONCHCONSTRUCTIONANDROOFING.COM

Young sailors John Demchyk and Harbour Guidroz show off the skills they acquired during the Key West Community Sailing Center’s summer camp at the center’s Aug. 8 end-of-summer celebration. CONTRIBUTED

he Key West Community Sailing Center wrapped up another summer of sailing with its end-of-summer party on Aug. 8. More than 250 young sailors, ages 5-17, participated in the summer sailing camp this year, learning sailing skills, building confidence and making memories on the water. More than 20% of the campers were able to attend through scholarships that support low-income and underserved families. Throughout the summer, each camper signed a sail that was hoisted at the end-of-summer event. Campers brought their families to Saturday’s celebration, where they were able to take them out on the water and show off the skills they developed. — Contributed

WANT TO HELP OUR KEYS COMMUNITY? FIND OUT HOW AT

CFFK.ORG

VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK A sail signed by each summer camp sailor was hoisted on Aug. 8 during the camp’s end-of-summer event.

BRANDI HORTON

UNITED WAY OF COLLIER AND THE KEYS-MONROE COUNTY

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

SCOOP UP A

SWEET

CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS IN KEY WEST

SAVINGS RATE! 3.75% APY*

for 6 Months OR

Don’t let this deal melt away; lock it in today!

APY*

BOTH LOCATIONS NOW OPEN

for 12 Months

7 DAYS A WEEK!

OLD TOWN 524 DUVAL ST | 305.296.1075 OCEANSIDE 3593 S ROOSEVELT BLVD | 305.295.6789

*Annual percentage yield. Rates subject to change and vary. Minimum certificate amount is $500 per member. Maximum certificate amount is $500,000 per member. Offer may be cancelled at any time. Restrictions may apply. Penalty for early withdrawal. Dividends compounded daily. NCUA insured.

Regular $899 Sale $599

Regular $1299 Sale $899

$400 Off

$300 Off

Full Grain Leather

e l a S d a o Truckl

! G I B T H G U WE BO IG! B E V A S U YO

Local delivery & Family Owned & Operated Setup Since 1984

**Select styles and colors while supplies last

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026 1. Over nine nights in late July and early August, mature elkhorn and staghorn corals in the Reef Renewal USA Tavernier nursery spawned. MOTE MARINE LABORATORY/ Contributed 2. Reef Renewal USA volunteer Denise Nedimyer helps move two mature staghorn corals to the spawning stations. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 3. After successful fertilization, coral larvae are cared for until they settle and recruit onto a permanent surface. MOTE MARINE LABORATORY/Contributed

SPAWNING SUCCESS Corals ‘get it on’ during annual event TIFFANY DUONG tiffany@keysweekly.com

or coral, sex is a numbers game. Every summer, days after the July full moon, elkhorn and staghorn corals release eggs and sperm into the water in a carefully timed event called mass spawning. When enough mature colonies spawn together, their gametes can meet and mix in the waves, fertilize each other and hopefully settle back onto reefs to grow into new colonies. In the Keys, that ancient biological process has become surprisingly difficult. Elkhorn and staghorn corals, species which used to dominate Florida and Caribbean reefs, have declined so dramatically that they are now considered “functionally extinct” across much of Florida’s coral reef. Remaining colonies which are large enough and healthy enough to spawn are often too few and far apart for their eggs and sperm to reliably find each other. It’s a little like having all the eligible singles in neighboring towns hoping to meet – but nobody having a car, phone or internet to help them connect. Rather than bet on poor odds for this summer’s spawn, Florida’s coral restoration community is coming together to play matchmaker. “The temperature is rising so fast, and the population is functionally extinct — it’s basically gone — so there’s no chance it can recover naturally through natural selection,” said Reef Renewal USA’s technical director Ken Nedimyer, who will host the spawning event. The timing couldn’t be more important. The deadly 2023 marine heat wave devastated Florida reefs. Anticipating this summer’s ocean temperatures again running dangerously high, scientists are racing to beat the heat and preserve genetic material from some of Florida’s hardiest remaining corals. One way to do that is in living coral biobanks. The other, which is what this year’s big spawning event focused on, endeavors to create new genetic mixes from remaining coral genotypes that will hopefully be more resilient to ocean conditions in the future. These offspring could, in best cases, be replanted on degraded reefs in a few years.

Reef Renewal’s offshore nursery in Tavernier is home to an unusually large collection of mature elkhorn and staghorn corals that were used for the spawning effort. These were not chosen at random. During the 2023 heat wave, Reef Renewal left many of its mature corals in its Tavernier nursery rather than evacuating them all to land-based tanks. The heatwave effectively created a massive, uncontrolled experiment for those remaining corals. Some colonies bleached badly; others barely did. “We scored every coral during that summer, and we took photo records,” Nedimyer said. “Now we know which ones bleach and which ones don’t, and we focus most effort on the ones that don’t.” The scientific and restoration goal now is to see whether those traits can be passed to the next generation — and potentially strengthened through selective breeding. Scientists will use some of those 2023 survivors for this year’s spawning efforts, capitalizing on the valuable opportunity to identify and propagate corals that demonstrated unusual heat tolerance. And so, the matchmaking began as researchers endeavored to help the corals “get it on.” Before the big event, Nedimyer set aside 100 large elkhorn colonies representing 48 unique genotypes for spawning, including 22 genotypes identified as having exceptional or good heat resistance. Another 200-plus large and extra-large elkhorns in the Reef Renewal nursery represent 68 additional unique genotypes that could potentially spawn, he said. Finally, hundreds of mature staghorn colonies representing 18 unique genotypes were also selected for the effort. Nedimyer’s decades of experience paid off: “The corals are spawning like gangbusters,” he told the Weekly on Aug. 1. On Aug. 4, Nedimyer sent another update: “The corals went wild last night. Best night ever.” Over nine nights of spawning, dive teams collected coral eggs and sperm from the Reef Renewal nursery and raced them back to a temporary laboratory at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Scientists took over, working around the clock to separate the gametes, create genetic crosses and begin rearing the resulting larvae. Some sperm will also be cryopreserved to create a genetic bank for future restoration efforts.

2 3

The 2026 effort brings together 11 leading coral conservation and restoration organizations, funded through NOAA’s Re5 initiative. Reef Renewal has mature corals and nursery infrastructure, while partners including Mote Marine Laboratory, the Florida Aquarium, the University of Miami, SECORE International, the Reef Institute and others bring expertise in fertilization, larval development, cryopreservation and growing young corals. “It’s the perfect storm.” Nedimyer said. “We’ve all come together at the right time. Best of the best working together.” For Nedimyer and his colleagues, the summer matchmaking may be coming to a close, but the real work is just beginning. The baby corals produced through the effort will be distributed to partner facilities for growout and, hopefully, eventual restoration back on the reef. These tiny recruits represent something Florida’s reefs have been missing for years now: new genetic combinations, more corals and renewed hope.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

is your home for Florida Keys Football

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

Life is too short

to wear boring clothes!

LIFE IS SHORT WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? FREE LOCAL PICK UP WITH PARKING! LOCAL SHOWROOM - FITTINGS AVAILABLE BY APPT!

Online! We’re

New live drops weekly

Bett e r s kin M o re co nf id e n ce Hig h e r s ex d r ive M u s cle g a in M o re h a ir W hit e r s m ile L e ss pa in

GOOD NEWS? YOUR LOCAL SOLUTION BEGINS TODAY!

@kirbysclosetkw

Shop kirbyscloset.com

Locally owned and operated, Rebecca Baur (PA-C, RN) has become the go-to option for personalized care in Key West and the Florida Keys, including services like medical grade facials, non laser hair reduction techniques, pain free hair restoration, prp treatments and much more. Feeling and looking better is a choice and we want to be a part of you journey and goals today.

3140 Northside Drive | Key West | 314.566.9374 | destinationwellnessspa.com

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

TAKE ME HOME? FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

Meet Peegrum, a small terrier mix with a big personality. At 11 years old, Peegrum is a jolly old soul with much love to give. He is always ready to make new friends. Through no fault of his own, Peegrum came to the Florida Keys SPCA after his family experienced housing challenges. He does have Addison’s Disease, which is managed with a monthly injection, and he continues to enjoy life to the fullest.

Meet Persephone, a sweet 1-year-old cat who is looking for her furever home. This petite girl has white-and-orange coloring and a sweet personality. Persephone loves being close to her people and is happiest when she can curl up and lie right next to you.

LEADERS SENTENCED IN FLORIDA KEYS COCAINE RING Strama, Lugo and Ruiz earn years behind bars

Radain is a 3-year-old American bulldog mix with a small body and a big heart. He can be a little shy at first, but with patience and kindness, he quickly shows his heart. Radain has been around dogs before, but he is selective. He would do best with a family willing to take things slowly and give him the time he needs to build trust.

This is Tangerine, a sweet 3-month-old kitten who is ready to find his furever home. This handsome little guy has a white-and-black coat and a big personality. Tangerine is a sweet kitty who loves attention and is ready to fill his new home with love and companionship.

Meet Viola, an American rabbit with the best ears. This medium-sized girl has a brown and apricot coat and an adorable look that makes her stand out from the crowd.

hree members of a large-scale cocaine trafficking organization operating in the Florida Keys have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a years-long conspiracy to distribute cocaine throughout Monroe County. U.S. District Judge Rodolfo A. Ruiz II sentenced John Robert Strama Jr., 44, Pedro Luis Lugo Jr., 38, and Elvis Lazaro Ruiz, 34, all of Marathon, to 120 months, 85 months and 65 months in prison, respectively. Strama and Ruiz previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or Marathon’s John more of coStrama Jr. received caine. Lugo the most significant pleaded sentence in a coguilty to caine ring investigaconspiracy tion that yielded 27 to distribarrests throughout ute 500 the Florida Keys. grams or Strama pleaded more of guilty to distributing cocaine and cocaine. was sentenced to “Fish10 years in prison. ing for KEYS WEEKLY FILE ‘square PHOTO groupers’ in the waters off the Florida Keys is not a harmless pastime; it is drug trafficking and it carries serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “These defendants recovered kilogram quantities of cocaine from the sea and distributed them throughout the Florida Keys for years. Their sentences send a clear message: Whether drugs arrive by land, air or

sea, we will work with our law enforcement partners to find the traffickers, dismantle their networks and bring them to justice.” The three were among 27 defendants charged in a federal indictment stemming from a cocaine distribution network that operated from at least 2020 through 2023. According to court records, Strama, identified as a leader of the organization, obtained much of the cocaine he distributed by finding and recovering “floaters” — waterproof wrapped kilogram packages of cocaine — at sea. A professional boat operator, Strama used his knowledge of local waterways, tides and currents to recover dozens of kilograms of cocaine over the course of the conspiracy. He then distributed the cocaine to co-conspirators and other buyers throughout the Keys. Strama, Ruiz and Lugo were held responsible for distributing between 15 and 50 kilograms of cocaine during the conspiracy. So far, 25 defendants have been sentenced. Kizmet Yatz Qualls and Daniel Fernando Ramirez are scheduled to be sentenced later. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and special agent in charge Brett Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. FBI Miami is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean McLaughlin and Frank Tamen prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information are on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts. gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-20386. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

CGC1523838 LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.453.6928 Licensed & Insured #SP33799

CGC1523838

SPALLING

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

30 5 -7 4 3 - 7 80 0

Authorized Dealer

Sales & Installation • Tub & Shower Enclosures Safety & Tempered Glass • Mirror & Mirror Walls Plexi-Glass & Lexan

EXPERTS

2728 North Roosevelt Blvd. Overseas Market Key West

y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com d n A Sliding Glass Door Repair Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

- Full Hooks Ups - Waterfront Camping - Marina & Boat Slips

Insured • Professional • Reliable

REPAIR INSTITUTE

Dale Coburn, Attorney 305.743.9858 Coburn@marathonlaw.com 5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 3, Marathon

www.boydscampground.com info@boydscampground.com Instagram: @boydscampground

305-998-8953

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE

- RV & Tent Camping - Pool & Tiki Hut - Kayak Rentals

Mile Marker 5, US Hwy1 6401 Maloney Ave, Key West 305-294-1465

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

Proud member of:

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Liz Samess CELL: (954) 801-7883

Sales - Service - Installation

1706 N. Roosevelt Blvd, Key West 305-294-0090 • www.kolhages.com

Interior Designer

Email: interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

Marathon, FL 33050

KITCHEN & BATH

Manufacturing & Installation

Danny Ocampo

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

305-339-8092

1708 N. Roosevelt Blvd Key West, FL 33040 Dannygandarakitchen@gmail.com

305.849.4259

southernmostpainting@gmail.com

William Reighard MBA Tax Advisor & Preparer 570-560-1661 | wreighard@gmail.com S CORP FILING SPECIALIST In person & tele-interviews available

MAINE COON KITTENS, DOLLFACE PERSIAN & SIAMESE thecatterync.com | 704.278.3320

305.743.7454

Remodeling | Spalling | Paver Installation Custom Build & More TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM FLORIDA KEYS Airports: EYW, MIA & FLL PARTY BUS • VAN • SUV | fkes2011@gmail.com

305.731.4563 CGC1512656 • CFC1428414

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

MESSAGE FROM THE SHERIFF I couldn’t be prouder of the men and women at the Sheriff’s Office and I want to share two recent achievements! First off, the Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections received its reaccreditation from the American Correctional Association. Achieving ACA status is a highly respected recognition of professional law enforcement excellence, the standards of which pertain to everything related to jail facilities. Accreditation is part of my commitment to providing residents with the best service possible. Second, a shout out to our Traffic Enforcement Unit for winning first place in its category as part of the Florida Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Challenge! The Sheriff’s Office was ranked against similar agencies regarding traffic safety/enforcement in the last year. The Sheriff’s Office saw a 37 percent reduction in crashes. The Traffic Enforcement Unit continues to work hard and they are very deserving of this award. Thank you to all the hard-working men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and to our residents who make this such a great community to live, work, and play!

Monroe County Sheriff, Rick Ramsay

Download the MCSO App Today!

KEY WEST WEEKLY / AUGUST 13, 2026

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 13, 2026

In The Bleachers

Brevity

Adam Dailies

NEWS OF THE WEIRD Facing the loss of federal grants for a program that studies marmots, a group of researchers from the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory has turned to an unusual source for financial support: an OnlyFans page called OnlyMarms, UPI reported on July 28. Professor Daniel Blumstein, the head of the program, says they will also continue to seek traditional funding sources. “[The OnlyMarms page is] going to be G-rated, and we’re not going to sexualize this,” Blumstein said. “We’re just going to have fun with sharing.” Masters student Emily Renkey runs the page. “Sometimes I’m just posting the videos I think will get the most ‘awws,’” she said. “But my favorite is when I find footage of a particular behavior and I can use that to educate people.” Fans of the page can leave tips to support the group’s research.

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 13, 2026

Nancy Dailies

TODAY’S SPORTS

In 1948, Baseball Hall of Famer Satchel Paige pitched his first complete game at age 42. TODAY’S NUMBER

Brevity

305 - women who enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (women were allowed to enlist for office, clerical and secretarial duties) in 1918. TODAY’S FACT

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

Annie Oakley (1860-1926), sharpshooter; Alfred Hitchcock (18991980), film director; Ben Hogan (1912-1997), golfer; Fidel Castro (1926-2016), Cuban president; Don Ho (1930-2007), singer; Philippe Petit (1949- ), tightrope walker; Dan Fogelberg (1951-2007), singersongwriter; Paul Greengrass (1955- ), film director; John Slattery (1962- ), actor; Valerie Plame (1963- ), CIA agent/author; Shani Davis (1982- ), Olympic speedskater; Sebastian Stan (1982- ), actor; Devin and Jason McCourty (1987- ), football players.

Alfred Hitchcock never won an Academy Award for directing. When he was honored with the AcademyÕs Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1968, his speech was five words long: “Thank you, very much indeed.”

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 13, 2026

Join us for

2-4-1 HAPPY HOUR TAPAS MENU AVAILABLE

DAILY 5-7 PM

IN OUR BAR AREA ONLY PLUS A FREE ENTRÉE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

3841 N Roosevelt Blvd | Key West | 305.296.8100 | www.tavernntown.com

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 13, 2026

TODAY’S HISTORY

• 2 teaspoons cumin • 1 teaspoon chili powder • 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained • 3/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped • salt to taste

What to do: 1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan. Add onion, peppers and garlic; cook until onions are soft and translucent. 2. Stir in cumin and chili powder. Add beans and chopped cilantro. Season with salt as desired. 3. Heat through and serve. Serves 6 to 8.

7 Little Words for Kids Use the letters in the boxes to make a word with the same meaning as the clue. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in the solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.

1. vegetable on a cob (4) 2. allowed by law (5) 3. stomach area (7) 4. U.S. capital city (10) 5. dog with curly fur (6) 6. what you put on before shoes (5) 7. awe-inspiring (9)

HING

ABD

SOC OMEN WON

FUL

DER ODLE GAL

TON

WAS

In 1521, Hernando Cortes captured the capital of the Aztec empire, Tenochtitlan (later Mexico City), after a three-month siege.

You’ll need: • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1/2 onion, chopped • 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped • 1 large jalapeño pepper, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, minced

* You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.

Mexican Pinto Beans

Answers: corn, legal, abdomen, Washington, poodle, socks, wonderful.

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

David Cifaldi, 32, was hiking Granite Mountain in Montana on July 20 when he tripped over a rock and impaled himself with one of his hiking poles -- and managed to hike the 10 miles back with the pole through his side, the New York Times reported. Cifaldi, an ER nurse, assessed his wounds and determined that because there was no blood and that he could take deep breaths, he was in good enough shape to get himself to safety. One friend radioed ahead for help and walked ahead to warn other hikers -- especially those with children -- about the “gnarly” sight. The other friend walked behind him to watch for further signs of injury. The trek took about six and a half hours, and Cifaldi was in good enough spirits to joke around with his friends. They “starated making shish kebab jokes,” Cifaldi said. “By the end, they were calling me ‘Bob’ on the way out.” He was cared for in Billings, at the very hospital where he works. Doctors there successfully removed the pole, but additional surgery could still be in Cifaldi’s future. “I’m not an amateur hiker,” he said, adding that this was “just a freak accident.”

In 1918, Opha May Johnson became the first woman to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps.

TODAY’S NUMBER

“Embrace your differences and the qualities about you that you think are weird. Eventually, they’re going to be the only things separating you from everyone else.” — Sebastian Stan

In 1961, East German soldiers began constructing a barbedwire barrier between the eastern and western parts of Berlin.

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 13, 2026

Founded by Betty Debnam

Give Them Shelter

Mini Fact: Animal shelters take in many kinds of animals, including guinea pigs, lizards, ferrets and snakes.

What is a shelter? Most shelters are places that care for animals for a short while. Few can care for animals for the rest of their natural lives. Shelters care for the animals while workers search for good homes for them. They find homes for millions of animals every year. Dogs and cats are the main animals in shelters. However, they also care for many other animals people have as pets. Sometimes wild animals end up in shelters, too. What do shelters do? Shelters take in abandoned or injured animals. Often they care for lost or stray dogs and cats until their owners claim them. Animal control officers also rescue animals from situations where the animals are being treated cruelly. Animals that have been pets don’t do well on their own. Shelters look after these animals. Shelters provide food, water, housing and medical care. Workers pet and play with the animals. Spaying and neutering Experts say the most important thing

This mother cat and her three kittens are feral (FAIR-uhl), or wild. They live by hunting.

photo by Chriss Haight Pagani

f you have a pet at home, there’s a good chance it came from an animal shelter. Animal shelters care for millions of abandoned or injured dogs and cats each year. There are about 5,000 animal shelters in the United States.

people can do to help their pets is to get them spayed or neutered. This means the animals get an operation to be sure they can’t have kittens or puppies. They are asleep during the operation, so they aren’t scared or in pain. Spaying and neutering are important because there are so many animals needing care and not enough homes or shelters for them. One cat or dog can have many litters in its life. Its kittens or puppies can have many litters, too. This can end up creating thousands of new cats and dogs. Good homes needed! Unfortunately, shelters cannot care for all the hurt or abandoned animals that come through their doors. Experts say that from 6 to 8 million dogs and cats are brought into shelters in America each year. About half of those are euthanized (YOU-thuh-NIZD), or painlessly killed.

How to help If you see an animal you think is being mistreated, tell an adult you trust. Never approach a strange animal. Do not go onto someone else’s property. Tell a parent, a teacher or a police officer. Animal cruelty is illegal everywhere in America. You can volunteer at a local shelter. You can volunteer in person or do other things to help out the shelter workers. You could: • Stuff envelopes for the shelter’s mailings. • Collect and deliver items shelters need*, such as:

pet food and treats kitty litter washable toys ﬁrst-aid supplies soft towels and blankets * Call your local shelter first to see which supplies they most need.

RESOURCES On the Web: • bit.ly/MPshelters At the library: • “Give Me Shelter: Turning Shelter Dogs and Cats Into Family Pets” by Yellow Duck Press • “Milton Makes a Move” by Jonathan Graziano

FIND IT

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

ADOPT, ANIMAL, BLANKETS, CARE, CAT, DOG, FERAL, FOOD, HOME, LITTER, LOST, NEUTER, PET, SHELTER, SPAY, STRAY, TOWELS, TOYS, TREATS, VOLUNTEER, WATER.

L H C Z Z V A S U F

O A D O P T I G R S

S R L A R E F L E P

T S T E K N A L B Z Y Y Y A R T S N B W S R Z Z E L O L I F Q H S E L G S T I M P Q E L H E W O T A A T O L E O P T D D A L L W T W M V E N O K E M L E O E Z A T U O T R R R T O K R F O L F A T U E N X L H J Y O U C A Y L C A R E M S V C C

ECO NOTE Nearly a mile beneath the waters surrounding the Galápagos Islands, scientists encountered a tiny flash of blue unlike anything they had seen before. Barely the size of a golf ball, the newly discovered octopus emerged from one of the least explored environments on Earth — the dark, cold seafloor of the tropical Pacific Ocean. Researchers described a sense of wonder as cameras captured the little creature moving across the ocean floor, its vivid blue body glowing against the darkness.

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 13, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

FICTITIOUS NAME 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

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 13, 2026. Personal Representatives: JEFFRY A. BLUMENFELD 290 Laramie Blvd. Boulder, CO 80304 jeff@blumenfeldpr.com ROBERT M. BLUMENFELD 12 Robin Hill Road Mount Kisco, NY 10549 bobby@blumenfeldgroup.com Attorney for Personal Representatives: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, P.A. JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com Publish: August 13 & 20, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE#: 44-2026-CA-000780-KW JUDGE: TIMOTHY J. KOENIG PINEAPPLE HOUSE LLC A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, DAVID RICHARD STACK AND TREVA STACK, Plaintiff, Vs. ROBERT H. GIVENS, deceased, his unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, and all other parties claiming by, through, under or against the aforesaid parties; and all unknown natural persons, if alive, and if dead or not known be dead or alive, their several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming by, through or under those unknown natural persons; and the several and respective unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees or any other person claiming by, through, under or against any named defendant; and all claimants, persons or parties, natural or corporate, or whose exact legal status is unknown, claiming under any of the abovenamed or described defendants or parties or claiming to have any right, title or interest in and to the lands hereinafter described, Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION TO: ROBERT H. GIVENS, deceased, his unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, and all other parties claiming by, through, under and against the aforesaid parties; and all unknown natural persons, if alive, and if dead or not known to be dead or alive, his several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming by, through, or under those unknown natural persons; and the several and respective unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees or any other person claiming by, through, under or against any named defendant; and all claimants, persons or parties, natural or corporate, or whose exact legal status is unknown, claiming under any of the abovenamed or described defendants or parties or claiming to have any right, title or interest in and to the lands hereinafter described, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Complaint has been filed against you by the Plaintiff in the above-style court for the purpose of quieting title to the following described property situate and being in Monroe County, Florida: Parcel 1: The Northeasterly one-half (1/2) of the following described parcel of land: A parcel of land on the Island of Key West, being a part of Tract 5 according to William A. Whitehead's map delineated in February, A.D. 1829, said land being more particularly described as a part of Lot 7 of Block 2 of W.C. Maloney's Estate Subdivision according to Plat Book 1, Page 2 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: COMMENCE at the intersection of the Northeasterly Right-ofWay line of Elizabeth Street and the Southeasterly Right-of-Way line of Olivia Street and thence N76°09'56"E along the said Southeasterly Right-of-Way line of Olivia Street for a distance of 71.00 feet to the Northeasterly corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 3157, at Page 2228 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, said point being the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land hereinafter described; thence continue N76°09'56"E along the said Southeasterly Right-of-Way line of Olivia Street for a distance of 3.00 feet to the Northwesterly corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 3179, at Page 968 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence S13°50'04"E along the Southwesterly boundary line of the said lands described in Official Records Book 3179, at Page 968 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, for a distance of 100.26 feet to the Southwesterly

corner of the said lands described in Official Records Book 3179, at Page 968 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence S76°21'50"W for a distance of 3.00 feet to the Southeasterly corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 3157, at Page 2228 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence N13°50'04"W along the Northeasterly boundary line of the said lands described in Official Records Book 3157, at Page 2228 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, for a distance of 100.25 feet back to the Point of Beginning ("Parcel 1"). Parcel 2: The Southwesterly one-half (1/2) of the following described parcel of land: A parcel of land on the Island of Key West, being a part of Tract 5 according to William A. Whitehead's map delineated in February, A.D. 1829, said land being more particularly described as a part of Lot 7 of Block 2 of W.C. Maloney's Estate Subdivision according to Plat Book 1, Page 2 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: COMMENCE at the intersection of the Northeasterly Right-ofWay line of Elizabeth Street and the Southeasterly Right-of-Way line of Olivia Street and thence N76°09'56"E along the said Southeasterly Right-of-Way line of Olivia Street for a distance of 71.00 feet to the Northeasterly corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 3157, at Page 2228 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, said point being the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land hereinafter described; thence continue N76°09'56"E along the said Southeasterly Right-of-Way line of Olivia Street for a distance of 3.00 feet to the Northwesterly corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 3179, at Page 968 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence S13°50'04"E along the Southwesterly boundary line of the said lands described in Official Records Book 3179, at Page 968 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, for a distance of 100.26 feet to the Southwesterly corner of the said lands described in Official Records Book 3179, at Page 968 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence S76°21'50"W for a distance of 3.00 feet to the Southeasterly corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 3157, at Page 2228 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence N13°50'04"W along the Northeasterly boundary line of the said lands described in Official Records Book 3157, at Page 2228 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, for a distance of 100.25 feet back to the Point of Beginning YOU ARE REQUIRED to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Richard J. McChesney, Esq., Spottswood, Spottswood, Spottswood, & Sterling, PLLC, Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is 500 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040, on or before the following date: September 14th, 2026, and to file the original with the Clerk of the Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter, otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court on 7TH day of August, 2026. Kevin Madok, CPA as Clerk of the Court By: Britney Bethel as Deputy Clerk Publish: August 13, 20 & 27 and September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

and NAJEE D. STITH, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: NAJEE D. STITH RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: UNKNOWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on KASSANDRA MAE MANGUBAT, whose address is 3333 DUCK AVE, APT. G101, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before SEPTEMBER 10, 2026, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated: August 4, 2026 Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Britney Bethel Deputy Clerk Publish: August 13, 20 & 27 and September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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.com

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. 305743-5555 catlabflkeys@gmail.com HIRED!!!

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 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the vessel below will be sold at public sale on the date listed below at 10AM for monies owed for storage pursuant to Florida Statutes 328.17. SALE DATE: August 28, 2026 at 10AM LOCATION: Caloosa Cove Marina, 73501 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036 VESSEL: 1986 Catalina Sailboat, HIN: CTN3361G586, Registration: FL5492GX BALANCE DUE: $9,257.04 OWNER: Michael Zutevez Caloosa Cove Marina reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids. Publish: August 13 & 20, 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 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-000404-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MARVIN A. BLUMENFELD Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MARVIN A. BLUMENFELD, deceased, whose date of death was June 19, 2026; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 26-CP-000404-P; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. 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, 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

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. Personal Representative: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN 7 Barracuda Ln Key Largo, FL 33037 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com Publish: August 6 & 13, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 26-DR-790-K KASSANDRA MAE MANGUBAT, Petitioner,

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

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

HANDYMAN WANTED- Seeking 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 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 305-296-5621 ext. 225. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha. org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968. Marathon 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 o f f i c e @ m a r a t h o n y a c h t c l u b. 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 404-219-3359 and ask for Dave.

Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. Full-Time Medical Assistant - Pediatric experience preferred. Must multitask in fastpaced setting. Pay is commensurate with experience. Email resume to: flkeyspeds@gmail.com HIRED!!! PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweek ly.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 LONG TERM RENTALS: EFFICIENCY, $1,400/month, 1 Bedroom $1,950/mo, 2 Bedroom $2,200 limited elect. included. Located in Marathon. On the water, gated property. Section 8 possible. First/Security Call 305-610-8002 3BR / 3BA fully furnished home for rent in Marathon available Aug-Dec 2026. $3,500/month. Call 618-559-9143 RENTED!!! 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 RENTED!!! PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE! $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweek ly.com

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

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 404-219-3359 and ask for Dave.

EMPLOYMENT

NOW HIRING: EXPANDED FUNCTIONS DENTAL ASSISTANT WHO IS DEDICATED TO CHILDREN'S CARE! Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children? Our Dental Center is looking for a Chairside Dental Assistant to join our dedicated team delivering Dental Care in the Florida Keys across multiple sites. Candidate must have dental experience and being bi-lingual is a plus. This isn’t just a job—it’s a promise to our Kids. You’ll work hands-on with children who may otherwise go without essential dental treatment. Services are delivered at multiple school and office sites countywide. This program brings high-quality, accessible care directly to patients who need it most. • Position is in the Florida Keys, full Time (4 days per week) • Competitive hourly wage + health insurance + travel pay • Work with compassionate professionals in a supportive team Send your resume to michael@keysahec.org

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 13, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 LOT FOR SALE

WANTED TO BUY

Lot with active permits. Stilts in place. Save money, time, hassles with this private (Hammocks behind, no rear neighbors, ocean beyond) lot cleared, electric, walk to Harry Harris, boat ramp, beach. 186 Dove Creek Drive, Tavernier. $350,000 OBO Owner/Agent 305-933-9594 Contigius lot avail.

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

MISC. FOR SALE Scooter For Sale - excellent condition, 7,541 miles, all service records, individually owned. $800 OBO. Located in Key West. Call Denny 305-294-5568

PUPPIES FOR SALE

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

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

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 Matt at eliteboatrentalsmatt@gmail.com. Please include contact information and any relevant experience.

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

WE’RE HIRING

PIZZA MAKERS, PREP & CASHIERS NEW KEY LARGO LOCATION – OPENING SOON: PIZZA MAKERS* PREP & CASHIERS MARATHON: PIZZA MAKERS* *Pizza maker experience is a must. For all positions, applicant must be self-motivated, quick learner and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience. Please call Nicole at 305-433-0515 or email nicole@themoongroupfl.com

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

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 (Matt at islamarinamatt@gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.

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)

A Great Place to Bank, is a Great Place to WORK!

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.

Key West Full Time Teller

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.

Islamorada Assistant Branch Operations Manager

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

Apply Online @

We are now hiring for the following positions:

KeysBank.com/Careers

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

NOW HIRING CDL DRIVER WITH HAZMAT ENDORSEMENT

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

NOW HIRING! wants you to join their team!

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

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

SUNSET GRILLE NOW HIRING BARTENDERS WAIT STAFF - HOST/HOSTESS BUS PERSONS Apply in person at

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

NOW HIRING • DIVE INSTRUCTOR Pay: $160.00 per day Guaranteed Pay + Tips + Commission. Affordable employee housing available.

• TOUCH TANK ATTENDANT • GUEST SERVICES Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

EOE-M/F/V/D

Call 305-407-3262 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 13, 2026

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

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

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of “Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING!

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

KEY LARGO

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

KEY WEST

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

MARATHON

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

OPENINGS AVAILABLE PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

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

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

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

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

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

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

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net

THEME: BACK TO SCHOOL ACROSS 1. Eye affliction 5. Mowgli to Raksha in “The Jungle Book” 8. Cured pork product, pl. 12. *Every lap you run in gym class completes one 13. Ripped 14. Throw up 15. Mythological ship 16. Agitate 17. Like worthless promise 18. *”Go to the ____’s office” 20. Hatchling’s home 21. Wasted on the young? 22. “Amazing!” 23. *____ Core, academic standards 26. *”Rock N’Roll High School” band 30. Be obliged 31. Orange ____ tea, pl. 34. Of low density 35. Earthenware pots 37. Farm layer 38. Bagpipes sound, in Scotland 39. Vessel’s “spine” 40. “Mary, Mary quite contrary” place 42. Radio knob, abbr. 43. Blended family family member 45. Trotters 47. Owned 48. San Diego baseballer 50. Castle defense 52. *a.k.a. lunch room 56. “____ little cubby all stuffed with fluff” 57. Knight’s breastplate 58. Bit of smoke 59. Willow twig 60. Pub arrow 61. Popular street-lining trees 62. Post-deductions amount 63. Opposite of WSW 64. Somebody ____

DOWN 1. Dueler’s blow 2. Unit of pressure 3. Jellystone Park denizen 4. Amerigo to America 5. *Plagiarize, technically speaking 6. Heep of “David Copperfield” 7. *School signaling device 8. *Unwelcome load 9. Current unit, pl. 10. Catcher’s catcher 11. Chester White’s home 13. Three in one 14. Animal toxin 19. Poultry houses 22. “It ____ a dark and stormy night...” 23. Too many in the kitchen? 24. Baby owl 25. Free-for-all 26. Tear 27. Lacking guile 28. Baseball fielding mistake 29. “She ____ sea shells...” 32. *____ Academy, online study aid 33. “____ the land of the free...” 36. *Reading building blocks 38. Stall call 40. *Character in Greek Mythology reading assignment 41. Firstborn 44. Nymph chaser 46. Diminutive 48. Like nature worshipping, e.g. 49. Flamb 50. Dante’s Beatrice, e.g. 51. Passing mention 52. Relinquish 53. Small brook 54. Doctrines 55. Part of church 56. *Unit in measurement and weight math lessons