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October 8, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

WEEK 6 FUND RA ISE R EVEN TS BECOME A ROYAL SPONSOR, DONATE TO THE CANDIDATES DIRECTLY, AND PURCHASE CORONATION TICKETS AT OUR ROYAL KING & QUEEN WEBSITE: WWW.FKSPCA.ORG/DONATE/ROYAL-CAMPAIGN

ALL CANDIDATE FUNDRAISERS EVERY TUESDAY THROUGH 10/13

Royal Aqua Idol

at the American Legion, 6-8pm 803 Emma Street Enjoy the evening as your candidates and Key West's greatest talents all come together for a competitive evening of singing! Cash bar! Event is FREE. WEDNESDAY, 10/14 5-7PM @The Gardens Hotel 526 Angela Street The King and Queen Candidates that raise the most money will win $2500 each towards their campaign. Thanks to sponsor Queen Kate Miano!

FANTASY FEST QUEEN CANDIDATES 2026 Donations & Events

Donations & Events

MARLENE KOLODZIEJ

CARRIE GRAVES

STUDIO 54 MILLION B.C. TEA DANCE@LA TE DA SUNDAY, 10/11, 4:30-6:30PM, 1125 DUVAL ST. Dance like it’s the last era. Join us for an afternoon of dancing, raffles, auction items, community fun, and plenty of Tiny Arms. Huge Heart.

PUZZLE & GUZZLE WITH CONNECT 4 @DIVE BAR MON, 10/12, 6-6:45PM & 7:15-8PM, 320 GRINNELL ST. Group 1 will puzzle from 6:00-6:45 and Group 2 will puzzle from 7:15 -8:00! $25/table.

ORCHIDS IN THE GARDEN: TINY ARMS. HUGE BLOOMS. AUCTION @THE GARDENS HOTEL. SATURDAY, 10/10, 5PM-8PM 526 ANGELA ST. King Paul Murphy and Marlene Kolodziej will serve as MCs for this elegant evening of orchids, art, bubbly and giving. Paddles: $30 in advance, $40 at the event.

CONCH TRAIN @SOUTHERNMOST BEACH RESORT THURSDAY, 10/8, 7PM-8PM, 1319 DUVAL ST. Climb aboard the Conch Train for a special Haunted Tales Tour through the shadowy, storied streets of Key West. Master storyteller Amy Andrade will be your emcee. Space is extremely limited, so reserve your seat before this ghostly journey disappears into the night. $40/ticket.

FANTASY FEST KING CANDIDATES 2026

FRIDAY 10/16

ROYAL CORONATION @The Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 6-9PM 21 Quay Road

Donations & Events

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ANDREW FORESTELL

CARL J. RIECKE

FLAMBOYANCE OF FLAMINGOS ORCHID AUCTION MON, 10/12, 5-7PM @GARDENS HOTEL, 526 ANGELA ST. Bid on stunning orchid vignettes curated by Jane Gardner, featuring beautiful orchid pots hand-painted by talented Key West artists. Free Aadmission / cash bar.

THE ROOST BOOZY CUBE PARTY @THE ROOST SUNDAY, 10/11, 12-5PM , 508 FLEMING ST. For every Syltbar Prosecco with a Boozy Cube sold, The Roost will donate five dollars to Carl for King. $25 gift certificate raffle every hour. FREE to attend.

THE WINE GAME @GRAND VIN THURSDAY, 10/8, 6-8PM , 1107 DUVAL ST. Want to learn more about wine? Test your wine knowledge, compete for fabulous wine prizes, and enjoy plenty of fun photo opportunities along the way. $40 admission

Royal King & Queen Fundraisers are all benefitting the Florida Keys SPCA

www.fkspca.org

BRUSHES, BEER & BOURBON @BOURBON STREET PUB WEDNESDAY, 10/7, 6-8PM, 724 DUVAL ST. Join us inside the Dance Bar as we paint as instructed by Bubba Award Winning Artist Lance Berry! Silent auction items will be available as well! $40 / cash bar

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

KEYS

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According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, 26-year-old Malachi Keasler of Clearwater was arrested and charged for stealing more than $2,400 in goods and services from an Islamorada resort. The report states a guest found her room was charged some $900 for drinks, food and apparel without knowledge or consent. Resort security soon learned more illegal charges were made in which the resort issued reimbursements of $2,419.

Brothers Alton Weekley, left, and Jimmy Weekley, grew up, literally, in the aisles of Fausto’s Food Palace, the grocery store their grandfather opened a century ago. See page 8. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

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.

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HOSPITAL COMPANIES PLEDGE TO INVEST $250M+ IN KEY WEST HEALTH CARE Six entities submit proposals to run Lower Keys Medical Center; now come the negotiations MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

uesday was a huge day for health care in Key West and the Lower Keys. For the first time in nearly 30 years, the Lower Florida Keys Hospital District board is calling the shots when it comes to the community’s only hospital. On Oct. 6, the district board, whose members are appointed by the governor, learned that six companies are interested in operating Lower Keys Medical Center when the current operating agreement ends in April 2029 — and some are willing to invest hundreds of millions of dollars for the business opportunity. Thirty years ago the district board settled for the first suitor who showed an interest in its hospital and ceded control of Lower Keys Medical Center for a $20 million lump sum payment. Those days are over and the Key West board is now calling the shots, having hired consultants and attorneys who specialize in hospitals and health care to help find the next hospital operator that will serve the needs of the Lower Keys and Key West.

Six entities submitted proposals to operate Lower Keys Medical Center and its associated medical practices and services — Baptist Health; Community Health Systems (CHS), which is the current operator whose lease ends in April 2029; Health Care Associates (HCA); Larkin Health System; Mount Sinai Medical Center and Sana Healthcare. Representatives from Baptist, CHS, Larkin and Mount Sinai presented brief proposals on Oct. 6 to the district board and more than 150 local residents eager to hear what’s possible for Key West’s hospital. “Whatever anyone thought before, our value, what we deserve, that’s all out the window,” said Spencer Krenke, a Key West resident and health care advocate who was instrumental in urging the district board to consider other options and potential operators before simply renewing a 30-year agreement with CHS. “Gone are the days of, ‘Oh, we don’t have a bad operator, just a bad agreement,’ and, ‘Do we really even need to do an RFP, are we required to?’ Today is a validation of what our community deserves. And it’s not just ‘better,’ it’s a brand new hospital, and hundreds of millions in investments into specific care.

“I’m, of course, over the moon with the level of financial commitments from hospital suitors today to secure the next lease for LKMC, but I’m not even remotely surprised,” Krenke said. “I’ve always emphasized that our hospital’s strong net income potential must translate into best-of-class healthcare for our community. Today, the market has validated just how much we deserve, as stakeholders.” Hospital district board members and local residents left the Oct. 6 meeting with optimism, but also an awareness that now the real work begins. For the next two years, consultants with Akerman will guide the local board as it ranks and selects its next health care partner. Then a contract will be negotiated. But Tuesday was a huge win for health care in Key West and the Lower Keys. The six proposals will be made public on Oct. 28. Until then, visit ohkw.org for updates and a complete history of Key West’s complex hospital agreements. And see keysweekly.com for some of the financial specifics pledged by companies at the Oct. 6 meeting.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

NEW PARTNERSHIP TAKES CARE OF KEYS KIDS Mount Sinai Medical Center & AHEC ensure access to children’s health care

eys Kids Health Centers and Keys AHEC recently announced a new partnership with Mount Sinai Medical Center that’s designed to help ensure that kids have access to essential medical care throughout the Florida Keys. Mount Sinai is supporting Keys AHEC’s efforts to retain the clinicians who provide care through Keys Kids Health Centers’ network of school-based clinics. In a county where recruiting and retaining medical professionals is a persistent challenge, a stable clinical workforce means children across Monroe County can keep getting care close to where they live and learn. Keys Kids Health Centers provides medical and dental care to children throughout the Florida Keys at school-based clinics, removing transportation and other barriers that keep families from care. The clinics see children regardless of a family’s ability to pay, whether they have private insurance, Medicaid or no insurance at all. “Having qualified medical professionals in our clinics is essential to keeping children healthy and keeping care accessible for families throughout the Keys,” said Michael Cunningham, president and CEO of Keys AHEC. “We are incredibly grateful to Mount Sinai Medical Center for recognizing the importance of this work and partnering with us to help keep our clinics staffed and available to the children who depend on them.” The partnership builds on Mount Sinai’s growing presence in the Florida Keys, where it operates five locations — four in Key West and one in Marathon. “Our priority in the Keys is investing in this community, not competing with it,” said Gino

HOMES & BUSINESSES GUSSY UP FOR FANTASY FACADE CONTEST Competition features prizes of $100 to 1,000; judging is Oct. 19

R. Santorio, president and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center, which is one of the six entities that submitted a proposal to operate Lower Keys Medical Center starting in 2029. “Keys AHEC has kept these clinics open for more than three decades, and our role is to strengthen the care that already works. For a lot of families here, the clinic down the hall at school is the most reliable place for their child to see a medical professional.We want to make sure that door stays open,” Santoria said. About Keys AHEC and Keys Kids Health Centers Established in 1990, Keys AHEC (Area Health Education Council) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing health and educational services through community-based partnerships. Keys Kids Health Centers, a program of Keys AHEC, provides accessible, affordable medical and dental care to children throughout Monroe County through school-based and community clinics. For more information, visit keysahec.org. About Mount Sinai Medical Center Founded in 1949, Mount Sinai Medical Center is the largest independent, private, not-forprofit teaching hospital in South Florida. Mount Sinai’s mission is to provide quality health care to a diverse community enhanced through teaching, research, charity care and financial responsibility. Mount Sinai currently operates 10 locations in Miami-Dade County, including three emergency centers, and four specialty care offices in Monroe County. — Contributed

The Key West Woman’s Club, 319 Duval St., was a winner in the 2025 Fantasy Facade Contest. CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed

he annual Fantasy Façade Contest invites Key West and Stock Island creative superstars to trick out their home or business façades and enter for a chance to win creative rock star status, along with cash prizes ranging from $100 to $1000. This year, contestants are encouraged to riff on the 2026 “Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals” theme, channel traditional Halloween ghoulishness, or concoct a show-stopping combination of both! Deadline to enter Oct. 12; judging Oct. 19; winners will be announced Oct. 27. This year’s categories are: Spooktacular Showstopper (Best Overall Façade): The allaround champion of creativity and craftsmanship - $1,000. Home Takes Center Stage (Best Residential Interpretation of Fantasy Fest Theme): The home that best turns this year’s theme into a memorable visual performance $500. Business Takes Center Stage (Best Commercial Interpretation of Fantasy Fest Theme): The business façade that most brilliantly brings this year’s “Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals” theme to life - $250.

The Great Pumpkin (Best Traditional Halloween Theme): The façade that celebrates classic Halloween charm and nostalgia - $250. Stagecraft (Most Creative Design): The façade with the most unique and imaginative concept $200. Monster Mash (Scariest Display): for the façade that truly sends shivers down your spine $100. In the Spotlight (Best Use of Lighting): The most effective illumination - $100. Encore (Most Entertaining – Sound/Movement): The façade that draws the crowd in with interactive fun - $100. Presented in partnership with Sloan’s Haunted Key West, all participating entries will be featured on the official Fantasy Fest app map, so everyone can join in the sightseeing at their own pace and take in the neighborhood’s best façades. Entry form sand information available at fantasyfest.com. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

FAUSTO’S FOOD PALACE — A CENTURY-OLD FAMILY BUSINESS

Birthday celebrations are set for Oct. 8-10 at both locations MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

austo’s has always felt familiar, a reassuring constant in a town where businesses tend to vanish like ice cubes in August. But Fausto’s Food Palace has staying power, having stood sentinel over Fleming Street for a century. That’s right. It’s official. Now in its 100th year, Fausto’s Food Palace is the oldest continuously operating business in Key West — and it’s still run by the same family that started in 1926. Faustino Castillo, the store’s namesake, founded it in 1926, and married Ana Luisa, who died young, leaving their teenaged daughter, also named Ana Luisa to help her father run the business. And she did a hell of a job, even managing to secure a bank loan and buy property for herself without a man to cosign the mortgage. “Ms. Ana,” as she was known by locals, was shorter than 5 feet, but sharp as a tack. Ana Luisa eventually met a Navy sailor named Carl Weekley when she was on the Navy base delivering groceries for her father. The two married and Ana was pregnant when Carl was sent to the Pacific in World War II. She ran the store, raised a baby and eventually welcomed her husband home. The Fausto’s family tradition continues today with their two sons, Jimmy and Alton Weekley, who carried on the tradition with Jimmy’s wife, Susan. A third son, Carl, died tragically at sea in the 1970s, Alton said. Today, fourth-generation family members “J” and Dakin are part of the story, too. A hundred years ago, shoppers came to Fausto’s for basic staples, small-batch provisions and Cuban imports, often sold in five-cent increments to accommodate the budgets of local cigar factory workers. It was a far cry from some of the sophisticated fare that fills the shelves today. A local landmark for generations, playwright Tennessee Williams perused its aisles. Jimmy Buffett wrote a song about stopping in for chocolate milk. Where else but Key West could a resident find the town’s meat-cutting mayor in his butcher’s apron behind the meat counter every weekday? Alton, who worked as a CPA right after college and returned to Key West and the family business in 2003, was a Key West city commissioner, always accessible to his constituents who could always find him at the White Street Fausto’s. Both brothers know nearly everyone who enters the store. When Eliza Street residents and Fausto’s regulars Stephaniei and Joe Mitchell had a baby named Jack, Alton always ensured that

Carl Weekley, right, is pictured at the Fausto’s butcher counter in the late 1940s, when Fausto’s was located at the corner of Fleming and Simonton streets. From Oct. 8-10, Fausto’s welcomes friends, neighbors and visitors to their 100th anniversary celebration. CONTRIBUTED

Fausto’s Food Palace, 522 Fleming St., in the 1960s. DON PINDER/ Florida Keys History Center

The brothers Weekley, Jimmy, left, and Alton were 10 and 9, respectively, when they first started working in their grandfather’s grocery store. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

the White Street location stocked the right size diapers and preferred baby food items for Jack, who’s now 17 and earned his first paycheck at the White Street Fausto’s two years ago.store regulars, the Mitchell family had Alton always ensured that he stocked Today, Fausto’s Food Palace is a friendly neighborhood grocer that blends nostalgic hometown comfort with foods that satisfy some of Key West’s sophisticated palates. The full-service butcher counter features homemade sausage and chorizo made with Carl Weekley’s own recipe. Celebrating a century The year-long celebration of Fausto’s 100th anniversary reaches its peak this weekend, Oct. 8-10, with food and wine tastings, live music sets, in-store specials, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, and a massive birthday cake — and the whole community is invited. Events kick off Thursday, Oct. 8, with in-store specials at both locations: 522 Fleming St. and 1105 White St. On Friday, Oct. 9, from 5-7 p.m. both stores will host wine tastings and live music. The party hits full swing on Saturday, Oct. 10, from noon to 6 p.m., when the Fleming Street

‘Ms. Ana’ Weekley, whose father founded Fausto’s, is seen at the Fleming Street store around 1990. RICHARD WATHERWAX/Florida Keys History Center.

location becomes the center of the celebration. Friends, neighbors and visitors can enjoy performances by several local children’s groups while sampling wines and treats from area purveyors, including Smilin’ Bob’s fish dip, Key West Spice Co., Bell & Evans, Gourmet Foods International, and plenty of store-made favorites. There will be giveaways, remarks and a cakecutting with members of the Weekley family, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off the next 100 years of Fausto’s history. While the Key West of 1926 would be unrecognizable today, some things never change and never should. Fausto’s remains a family business, a grocery store and a spontaneous social center. And you’ll still find Alton and Jimmy — Jimmy at Fleming Street, Alton on White Street — chatting with customers, weighing out and wrapping orders, and keeping a century-old tradition alive.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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

George Carey

Manzanitos, Angela St., 24” x 32”, 1986

George Carey (1942–2010) was a true son of Key West and one of the island’s distinctive visual storytellers. A fourth-generation Bahamian Conch, Carey painted the places he knew intimately—sun-washed streets with all there wear and tear, boats and the wild beauty of the Florida Keys—with remarkable precision and affection. His meticulous realism captured not simply what Key West looked like, but something of its character and vanishing way of life.

Today, Carey’s paintings serve as more than works of art—they are enduring pieces of Key West’s visual memory. Through his eyes, streets, boats, landscapes and moments of island life were preserved for

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

SARAH COMPTON SHOWS UP.

“I answer to one group of people, and it’s you.” Drainage and pumping stations made a priority Getting the information to you BEFORE you have to ask Every vote explained

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Published by Keys Weekly

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

MOSQUITO CONTROL ‘SWEEPS’ KEY WEST FOR BUGS

Officials visit properties to eliminate breeding sources

CONCH PRIDE WINS ON FIELD & OFF Key West High School wins Homecoming game; Jordan Greene crowned queen

Billy Ryan, a field inspector with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, checks a backyard for standing water, where mosquitoes breed. CONTRIBUTED

he Florida Keys Mosquito Control District is in the midst of a coordinated effort to systematically visit and inspect all residential and commercial properties in Key West this week. Officials with the mosquito control agency encourage all residents to consent to the brief outdoor inspection that helps identify and eliminate mosquitoes such as the invasive Aedes aegypti, which is the vector for several diseases including Dengue Fever, Zika and Yellow Fever. This annual Key West sweep falls at a time when the number of locally acquired Dengue cases are soaring to historic levels elsewhere in Florida. Health officials in Tampa have confirmed over 250 locally acquired Dengue cases in Hillsborough County and the surrounding vicinity during recent months. Door-to-door inspection and source elimination has proven to be one of the most effective methods to combat Aedes aegypti and other container breeding mosquitoes. If an FKMCD inspector visits a property while no one is available,

a door hanger is left containing simple instructions for scheduling a more convenient time for the on-site visit. FKMCD currently employs about 35 trained inspectors across Monroe County. As part of the sweep many of them will be temporarily re-deployed in Key West at various times. All mosquito control inspectors will be driving marked vehicles and wearing appropriate FKMCD attire. The annual effort traditionally wraps up in time for Fantasy Festrelated activities. About the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District The mission of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District is to protect the public from health threats and nuisance issues that impact the local economy by utilizing control methods that are efficient, effective and environmentally sensitive. For more information about the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, please visit www.keysmosquito.org. — Contributed

Jordan Greene is crowed Homecoming Queen at Key West High School’s 76th Homecoming celebration on Oct. 2 at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium, where the Conchs beat North Miami Beach High School 23-13.

Key West High School’s 2026 Homecoming Court includes, from left, Maya Gray, Danica Carbello, Jordan Greene, Shyla Waldon and Victoria Gray. PAM OROPEZA/ Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

FORMER TRAUMA STAR DIVISION CHIEF THOMPSON FOUND GUILTY ON 10 CHARGES Sentencing set for Oct. 29 on counts stemming from investigation of 2022 drug thefts Editor’s note: Following news of the jury’s verdict, the Keys Weekly contacted multiple friends, family members and coworkers of Andrea Thompson, all of whom declined to comment on the case before sentencing.

n Sept. 30, following a six-day trial before Circuit Judge Mark Jones, a Monroe County jury found former Monroe County Fire Rescue EMS and Trauma Star Division Chief Andrea Arlene Thompson guilty on all 10 criminal charges presented to the jury. The jury deliberated for three hours before returning its verdicts. Thompson was convicted of two counts of official misconduct, three counts of giving false information to law enforcement during an investigation, two counts of attempted tampering with physical evidence and three counts of tampering with a witness. The case grew out of a 2022 investigation by Monroe County Sheriff’s Office detectives into missing controlled substances from Monroe County’s Trauma Star air ambulance program. Thompson held a senior leadership position within Monroe County Fire Rescue and ultimately served as division chief overseeing EMS and Trauma Star. As MCSO detectives worked to determine what happened to the missing controlled substances, Thompson’s own conduct became part of the investigation, including her actions involving investigators, evidence and witnesses. The two official misconduct charges involved Thompson’s actions as a public servant and efforts to obstruct, delay or prevent the communication of information concerning the commission of a felony to law enforcement. She was also convicted of providing false information to law enforcement on three separate occasions in 2022 with the intent to mislead or impede the investigation. The two attempted tampering with physical evidence charges involved efforts to alter, destroy, conceal or remove records, documents or other items to impair their integrity or availability during the criminal inves-

WALK ON WHITE ART STROLL RETURNS OCT. 15 Monthly third Thursday event include a dozen or so stops

Andrea Thompson. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

tigation. The three tampering with a witness charges involved efforts to influence or interfere with the communication of information to law enforcement. The initial MCSO investigation coupled with the extensive Monroe County Clerk of Court's Trauma Star audit led proceedings before the Monroe County grand jury, which indicted Thompson in August 2024. Major crimes assistant state attorney Colleen Dunne handled the case through the grand jury proceedings and prosecuted Thompson at trial. Chief assistant state attorney Joseph Mansfield credited the MCSO detectives and witnesses whose work and cooperation helped bring the case to trial. “This was a lengthy and difficult investigation. We thank the MCSO detectives, the Monroe County Clerk's Office and all the witnesses who came forward,” Mansfield said. “We thank them for their persistence, and we especially thank them for their cooperation with our investigation and testifying in a very difficult situation. Their work and cooperation were essential to bringing this case before a jury.” Mansfield also recognized Dunne and the state attorney’s office staff who worked on the prosecution. “Major crimes assistant state attorney Colleen Dunne deserves special recognition for the years of work, preparation and persistence she brought to this case, from the investigation and grand jury proceedings through trial and the guilty verdicts,” Mansfield said. “I also want to thank our staff who spent countless hours preparing evidence, coordinating witnesses and supporting the prosecution, as well as the members of the grand jury and the trial jurors for their time and public service.” Thompson is scheduled to appear before Circuit Judge Mark Jones for sentencing on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. — Contributed

The monthly Walk on White art stroll winds through Old Town every third Thursday, with the first walk of this season set for Thursday, Oct. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed

alk on White, one of Key West’s most popular ongoing “art stroll” experiences, kicks off its 2026/2027 season on Oct. 15, and will continue monthly every third Thursday through May, taking place from 6-8 p.m. Those strolling through the WOW district — from a central hub in Fausto’s parking lot on White Street, stretching along White Street and branching into Truman Avenue and other neighboring streets — can explore more than a dozen participating locations along with free-standing artist kiosks, discovering a mix of visual and

performing arts along the way. Offerings include the works of painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramicists, mixedmedia artists, artisan jewelers, and writers, along with exhibit openings, artist demos, live music, readings and complimentary refreshments. October’s Walk on White will feature live music at Lower Keys Plumbing and Fausto’s Food Palace on White Street along with a best-decorated booth contest for vendors. For a list of participating locations and more information, visit walkonwhitekeywest. com. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

The Republican “DO NOTHING” Congress blindly let Trump DO ANYTHING:

v Gave 1.4 Trillion $$$ in Tax Cuts to Billionaires, v Limited Women’s Rights to Reproductive Freedom, v Eliminated our entire US Department of Education, v Fired 65,000 Doctors & Nurses from our VA Hospitals, v Ended Environmental Laws protecting Clean Air & Water, v Cancelled Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug) Subsidies, v Imposed Erratic On/Off Tariffs that we are now paying for, v Sent Masked ICE Agents to terrorize Minority Communities, v Bombed IRAN without a plan or required Congressional approval, v Cancelled Food Assistance Programs for hungry American families, v Ordered Lethal Force to arrest or even kill without Due Process, Trump: v Removed Proven Vaccinations from Federal CDC protocols, “I'm a dictator, es v Ignored the Law requiring the release of ALL Epstein les, but sometim d ee n you v Leased America’s National Park Lands to private investors, a dictator.”* v Sent ELON MUSK to chainsaw essential Federal Agencies, If you disagree... v Promoted Oil Drilling Offshore and in National Parks, v Worked hard to PISS OFF our historic NATO Allies.

VOTE!

It’s time to VOTE OUT ALL REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS! *FOX News, January, 2026 • Paid for by an outraged American Citizen, not afliated with any political party.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

MAYOR ISSUES PROCLAMATION FOR MARC’S 60TH YEAR

COLLEGE FOUNDATION HONORS STUDENTS & SCHOLARSHIP DONORS Evening social shows real-life impacts of philanthropy

T Mayor Sam Kaufman this week issued a proclamation in honor of MARC Day’ in the Florida Keys, where the nonprofit has operated for 60 years. MANDY MILEWS/Keys Weekly

Nonprofit first served kids with developmental disabilities

othing lasts forever, but in Key West, even 60 years is an impressive accomplishment for a business, much less a nonprofit organization, where funding streams are fickle and money is always tight. But the Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens (MARC ) has managed.for six decades, today offering life skills, jobs and classes to adults with developmental disabilities. It was in 1966 that MARC, Inc. was founded by a dedicated group of parents and community members in Monroe County who wanted to create greater opportunities, dignity, support and inclusion for their children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. At the time, students with disabilities were neither included nor allowed in. public school classrooms, said Diana Flemard, the now-semiretired executive director Originally known as the Monroe Association for Retarded Children, the organization expanded its services to adults over the age of 18 and changed its name in 1978 to the Monroe Association for Retarded Citizens. In 2007, the organization adopted its current name, Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens (MARC), reflecting evolving language and its continued commitment to respecting, empowering, and celebrating the individuals it serves. So, where did the name “MARC

House” come from? The name grew from the organization’s early beginnings in residential care, when MARC opened its first group home in 1974. Over time, the name MARC House became a familiar part of the community and remains closely associated with the organization today. For six decades, MARC has provided services that help adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities build independence, develop skills, find meaningful employment, and participate fully in their communities. Today, MARC’s programs include two group homes, supported living apartments, Adult Day Training focused on life skills development, supported employment opportunities, and community inclusion activities that encourage individuals to participate in local events and build meaningful connections throughout the Florida Keys. Throughout its history, MARC has been supported by thousands of Monroe County residents, families, volunteers, staff members, community partners, and donors who have helped advance its mission. The organization remains committed to promoting independence, self-determination, inclusion, and personal growth while advocating for the rights, abilities, and potential of the individuals it serves. In 2026, MARC celebrated its 60th anniversary with the theme, “Be ReMARCable,” honoring six decades of service and encouraging the Florida Keys community to embrace kindness, acceptance, opportunity and inclusion for all. — Contributed

he College of the Florida Keys Foundation celebrated scholarship recipients and donors at its 14th annual Scholarship Social in the Tennessee Williams Theatre last week. The CFK Foundation awarded scholarships totaling $229,252 to 121 students in the most recent funding cycle. At the dinner, students shared personal stories about the life-changing opportunities that the CFK Foundation scholarships made possible. Lauryn Robinson traded the plains of Nebraska for the reefs of Key West, following a passion for the ocean and a dream of protecting coral reefs. Now pursuing a bachelor of science in marine resource management, she received the 2026 AJ Hally Marine Scholarship and the Dream STEM Grant Scholarship. “I grew up about as far from the ocean as you can get, but I always knew that’s where I belonged,” Robinson said. “These scholarships let me focus on the reef instead of worrying about how to pay for school. I want to spend my career bringing coral back, here in the Keys and around the world.” Dardell Morin is focused on healing people and is pursuing an associate in science degree in nursing. She has earned four scholarships during her time at CFK: the Hemingway LookAlike Society Scholarship, the Lower Keys Medical Center Scholarship, the James Robert and Eleanor Ryan Parce Nursing Scholarship and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship. “My own experiences showed me how much compassion matters when someone is at their most vulnerable, and I want to be that nurse for my patients,” Morin said. “This community has supported me every step of my journey, and I can’t wait to give that back.” For Markens Dorestant, giving back is already part of everyday life. Born and raised in Haiti, he moved to the Florida Keys and overcame the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to a new country. Today he serves as a Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy while pursuing an associate in science in criminal justice technology. Dorestant received the 2026 Russel F.

Carrie Groomes, left, congratulates Liani Royal, who received the Groomes Family Legacy Scholarship. CONTRIBUTED

Sullivan Memorial Scholarship, the Sue & Albert Seeker First Generation in College Scholarship, and the Key West Masonic Lodge No. 64 Scholarship. “When I came here from Haiti, people helped me every step of the way,” Dorestant said. “Now I get to serve the community that welcomed me. As a father, I want my daughter to see that you keep learning, you keep going and you always give back.” Stories like these reflect how generosity opens doors, creates opportunities, and changes lives, said Brittany Snyder, CFK interim president. “At CFK, we know education can change a life, but no student achieves their goals alone,” Snyder said. “Our supporters provide scholarships, strengthen academic programs and help ensure that financial obstacles never force a student to put their education on hold. When our students succeed, our Florida Keys community thrives.” For information about how to support scholarships and other programs at CFK, contact Lana Gaspari, CFK vice president of advancement and CFK Foundation executive director, at 305809-3214 or foundation@cfk.edu. For assistance with scholarships, contact Shania Duarte-Vera, CFK coordinator of scholarships and donor relations, at 305-809-3153 or foundation@cfk.edu. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

BOTANICAL GARDEN REEF RELIEF HOSTS HOSTS ‘SCREAMIN’ GREEN ‘UNDER THE SEA’ POOL HALLOWEEN’ OCT. 24 PARTY AT DANTE’S Kid-friendly event includes candy, costume contests and crafts

Oct. 19 event includes raffles, music and costume contest

The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden will welcome costumed kids to its annual Screamin’ Green Halloween event on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CONTRIBUTED

he annual ‘Screamin’ Green Halloween’ will take place Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, 5210 College Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event offers kids a fun and safe trick-or-treat adventure and an opportunity to explore the unique 15acre forest and garden, with wooden walkways throughout. Games and candy stations will be set up throughout the garden so kids can explore and hunt for treats in costume. Food, beverages, raffle giveaways and craft stations will add to the fun. Prizes for first, second and third place will be awarded for best group costume, best use of recycled materials in a costume and creepiest costume. Two costume contests will take place. Judging for kids 5 and under will take place at 12:15 p.m. Judging for

kids 6 and older is at 1:15 p.m. Admission is free for garden members and adults. Online, early bird registration is encouraged. Early-bird admission for kids is $5 each, or $10 per family. Admission on the day of the event is $10 per child, $20 per family. To purchase tickets online, scan the QR code on this page. For more information or to support this event through sponsorship or volunteering, call or text 305-849-6374 or email Claudia at education@keywest. garden. Additional Scan the QR information is availcode to buy able at keywest. tickets online garden. and receive halfprice early-bird admission.

— Contributed

Reef Relief’s ‘Under the Sea’ fundraiser will take place Monday, Oct. 19 from noon to 5 p.m. at Dante’s Pool Bar & Restaurant, 951 Caroline St. CONTRIBUTED

eef Relief will host their annual “Under the Sea Party” fundraiser at Dante’s Key West Pool Bar and Restaurant, 951 Caroline St., on Monday, Oct. 19 from noon to 5 p.m. The Under the Sea Party, sponsored by Grey Goose vodka, will feature DJ Chaka playing tunes, scratch-off tickets in which everyone is a winner, raffle prizes and a costume contest for the best ocean-themed costume. Prizes include discounted drinks, restaurant and bar gift cards, IV hydration

treatments, and gift cards to local transportation companies. Funds raised will support Reef Relief’s ocean conservation education and outreach programs. Come have a great time, party by the pool, wear your best costume and listen to music while supporting coral reef conservation. Visit the Reef Relief Facebook event page for more information. Must be 21 or older to participate. Call 305-294-3100 or email reefrelief@gmail.com with any questions. — Contributed

REPORT STREETLIGHT OUTAGES BEFORE HALLOWEEN Keys Energy wants to ensure safe trick-or-treating for all

ith trick-or-treating right around the corner, Keys Energy Services (KEYS) wants to make sure families can see clearly, and drivers can see trick-or-treaters, to make Halloween festivities safe for children of all ages. Customers are urged to contact the electric utility to report any burned out, malfunctioning, or 24-hour burn-

ing streetlights so they can be repaired prior to Oct. 31. Customers can submit their request online at KeysEnergy. com/customer-service-requests or by calling 305-295-1010. When contacting KEYS, customers are asked to have the following information to help expedite repairs: The street address of the home or business closest to the streetlight in question.

The streetlight pole number – a bright yellow number affixed at eye level on the street side of the pole. Determine whether the light is burned out (not lit during dusk and/or evening hours), malfunctioning (flickering), or lit 24-hours a day. “KEYS maintains streetlights at the request of the city of Key West and Monroe County,” said KEYS’ General Manager & CEO Lynne Tejeda. “We

To keep kids safe this Halloween, Keys Energy Services is asking residents to report any malfunctioning streetlights so they can be repaired before Oct. 31. CONTRIBUTED

make every effort to identify and repair malfunctioning or burned-out streetlights in a timely manner to assure public safety for all, especially during a busy holiday that children love,” she added. — Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

‘KEY OF BONES: CURSE OF THE GHOST PIRATE’ PREMIERES IN KEY WEST Shot in Key West, film features ghost pirates, drag queens & a waitress on a houseboat MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

ey West loves a red carpet, and rolled it out last weekend to celebrate the local premier of “Key of Bones: Curse of the Ghost Pirate,” at Tennessee Williams Theater. The feature-length comedy-horror movie was filmed almost entirely in Key West for three weeks in January. Familiar locations that appear in the film include Houseboat Row at Garrison Bight, the Key West Firehouse Museum, Fort Zachary Taylor, the Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters, the local cemetery “and other iconic haunted areas of Key West.” Writer and director Tony Armer describes the movie as “‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ meets ‘Shaun of the Dead’… with rum, drag queens and lesbian pirate ghosts in the sun-soaked, offbeat paradise of Key West. Ghosts rise, locals panic and one Key West waitress must clean up the supernatural mess she started.” If it all sounds like a Key West fever dream, that’s the point. Oh, and the fact that one of the film’s main characters is a Key West ghost hunter and supernatural expert — based on the real-life character of, you guessed it, David L. Sloan. So who plays David Sloan? Key West’s own film commissioner, Chad Newman. The Key West connections continue, as resident Bill Francis is an executive producer of “Key of Bones: Curse of the Ghost Pirate.” Visit keyofbonesovie.com for more information and scheduled screenings.

The new movie, ‘Key of Bones: Curse of the Ghost Pirate,’ premiers Oct. 2 and 3 in Key West, where red carpet partiers preceded the screenings, followed by Q&As with the cast and directors. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

CAROL SHAUGHNESSY www.keysweekly.com

JORDAN UPCHURCH: UPBEAT & IMMERSED IN KEY WEST

1. Jordan Upchurch embraces Fantasy Fest revelry. MICHAEL BLADES/Contributed 2. Jordan Upchurch, left, and his fiancé Diego Caicedo got engaged in February in Cartagena, Colombia. CONTRIBUTED

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW Jordan Upchurch originally wanted to be a high school teacher. That plan changed when, after a less-than-perfect student teaching experience, he spent a pre-college summer managing the trading post at a Boy Scout camp. His success in revitalizing the post and adding programming — and his enjoyment of the process — led camp leaders to suggest he explore the field of marketing and business. Today, Upchurch is one of Key West’s leaders in community-focused marketing. A Missouri native, Upchurch was working in casino hospitality when he visited Key West and became captivated by the island. He quickly applied for local jobs and, after being offered one at Southernmost Beach Resort, relocated in 2019. “I found my island life, and I was enamored by that and realized this was a place where I could live,” he said. “I wanted to stay, so I figured out a way.” He later moved to Southernmost Beach Resort’s sister property, The Marker, where the general manager mentored him and encouraged him to start an independent social media and marketing business. Upchurch subsequently honed his skills working with the Spottswood Companies, becoming their area marketing manager and overseeing multiple properties. He launched his own enterprise, dubbed It’s Social Time Somewhere, in January 2021. “With all my brands, I build a strategy that we try and accomplish — what’s the messaging we want to get out, what are goals that we want to achieve with their social media,” Upchurch said. Beyond his client work, Upchurch serves on the local advisory board for United Way of Collier and the Keys. He’s also passionate about supporting initiatives to bolster Key West’s LGBTQ+ community. “I’ve always wanted to stand up for my community and be involved,” he said. “Visibility is very important for multiple reasons, but I think the biggest reason is for the people that aren’t able to be as visible as others can.” He’s particularly involved in projects to help remember the island’s beloved rainbow crosswalks, which were removed after a state man-

3. Jordan Upchurch celebrated 30th birthday by hosting a fundraising party that raised more than $5,000 for Key West’s Queer Keys organization. NICK DOLL/Contributed

1 2 3

date, and strengthen Pride Key West and local LGBTQ+ organizations. “I live a very privileged life because I live here in Key West,” said Upchurch. “I’m able to post on social media my true life, talk and share with my friends, have conversations with my parents about my fiancé — and not everybody is able to do that by any means, even in 2026.” He and his fiancé, Colombian resident Diego Caicedo, got engaged in February and are currently navigating the process to relocate Caicedo to Key West. Meanwhile, the two visit each other as often as possible. Upchurch also spends time in Missouri with his family, especially his one-year-old nephew Oliver. “He’s adorable and he’s definitely got a personality of his own,” reported the doting uncle. Two years before becoming an uncle, Upchurch took on another important role: co-founder of the event that would become the Just a Few Friends Key West festival honoring “favorite son” Jimmy Buffett’s life and music. On the morning of Sept. 2, 2023, reading that the famed singer-songwriter had passed away, he knew Buffett should be memorialized on the island where he developed his signature sound. After reading a remembrance on social media by

Paul Menta of Key West Legal Rum, he contacted Menta asking if anyone was planning a traditional Second Line March to celebrate Buffett’s life. “Paul quickly responded, ‘You and me are going to do that Second Line — get the word out on social media.’” Upchurch recalled. Startled but willing, he did. On Sept. 3, thousands of Florida Keys residents and visitors gathered on Duval Street for the march. It featured strolling musicians, people carrying large photos of Buffett, and the camaraderie found at his typically sold-out concerts. “It provided a space for a lot of people to grieve and to be together, and it’s what we all needed,” said Upchurch. The one-day procession evolved into the annual five-day Just a Few Friends festival, with the addition of organizational powerhouses Jill Snodgrass and Sean Krikorian. Events typically range from a margarita bar stroll and freewheeling storytelling sessions to the highlight Second Line March and concerts by Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band members. It draws participation from fans around the U.S., as well as enthusiastic support from the Key West community. It’s that community that keeps Jordan Upchurch upbeat and excited about opportunities and his life on the island. “I came to Key West because of the location, the warmth, the ‘tropicalness’, the water — but the people made me stay,” he said. “We find ways to bug each other sometimes, but at the end of the day, we have a very special bond between all of us.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

EXCLUSIVE: FANTASY FEST FEATURE

HEADDRESS BALL & PRETENDERS IN PARADISE ERIN STOVER www.keysweekly.com

Editor’s Note: T-minus 16 days until the 2026 Fantasy Fest parade on Saturday, Oct. 24. Join the Keys Weekly each week for exclusive Fantasy Fest features highlighting the people and projects behind the island’s biggest annual party.

antasy Fest kicks off In less than a month with one of the island’s splashiest, most glitter-fueled evenings. Every night in Key West is a celebration of the eccentric, but for one wildly impressive night each October, the island pushes the boundaries of its imagination even further. The Headdress Ball takes center stage Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Truman Waterfront Park. Hosted by The Key West Business Guild, the event, now in its 43rd iteration, continues to raise the stakes of pageantry and spectacle. Headdress Ball, the premier LGBTQ+ event of Fantasy Fest, has always featured creations judged “from the shoulders up.” But not this year. The program has officially absorbed “Pretenders in Paradise,” the much-loved, stand-alone costume competition that has taken place in conjunction with the start of the festival for decades. The integration of a new award celebrates the synthesis and expands the creative canvas of the event by honoring the contestant whose (assuredly) over-the-top costume and soaring headdress will blend together into one seamless, cohesive work of art. The addition of Pretenders in Paradise solidifies the Headdress Ball as the ultimate showcase for costuming and wearable art in Key West. In addition, organizers are introducing six new awards categories, totaling $6,000 in prizes. The “Head Above the Rest” Grand Prize ($2,500) recognizes the entry that demonstrates the most exceptional artistic vision, originality, craftsmanship, creativity, presentation and overall impact. Other honors include the Spirit of Fantasy Fest Award ($1,000) for the best interpretation of the annual theme; the Glow Getter ($500), which recognizes the headdress with the most creative illumination. The Size Doesn’t Matter Award ($500), honors the costume that proves compact designs can carry massive conceptual weight. The Dream Team Award ($500) rewards pairs and groups of artists, and the Pretenders in Paradise Award ($1,000) serves as a

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Guy Hermelin’s 2025 Headdress Ball creation, ’Astraea the Magnificent Dream Dragon’ earns first-place honors and a $5,000 prize. MARK HEDDEN/Florida Keys News Bureau

tribute to the beloved former costume competition, recognizing the contestant whose costume and headdress come together as one cohesive work of art. Entrants should be aware, the competition is steep. Last year, Guy Hermelin took home first-place and a $5,000 grand prize for his masterpiece, “Astraea the Magnificent Dream Dragon.” The massive and intricate dragon design elevated the competition and raised the bar for this year. The Headdress Ball has become synonymous with many facets of Fantasy Fest as a high-stakes, multi-sensory explosion of queer culture, local artistry and fierce competition. Up to 15 contestants are expected to walk the amphitheater stage on Oct. 22, each presenting months of meticulous craftsmanship. Key West’s own legendary female impersonator and Broadway-caliber entertainer Randy Roberts is the host for the evening, which also features live musical and dance performances while WEOW’s RudeGirl mixes highoctane music. Gates at the amphitheater open at 6:30 p.m., allowing guests to mingle, purchase cocktails and find their spots before the main curtain rises at 8 p.m.. Tickets range from $30 for general admission lawn seating — where attendees bring blankets and lawn chairs — to $40 per reserved chair and $290$400 VIP and premium tables, where guests can pre-order food. The 2026 Headdress Ball stands as a testament to Key West’s enduring spirit of inclusivity and creative freedom, honoring the past by keeping the Pretenders in Paradise alive, while stepping boldly into the future of immersive costume art.

RSVP

Contact: Marissa Owens, Manager of Recruitment at recruiter@cfk.edu or 305-809-3207

RSVP at CFK.EDU/EVENTS Contact: Marissa Owens, Manager of Recruitment, at recruiter@cfk.edu or 305-809-3207

The College of the Florida Keys does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), marital status, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, religion, pregnancy, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies: Civil Rights Compliance Officer: Promise Clark-Kimbio, Manager, Talent Acquisition, Development and Accountability (305) 809-3151 or promise.clarkkimbio@cfk.edu Title IX Coordinator: Jessica Losardo, Director, Office of Advancement (305) 809-3198 or jessica.losardo@cfk.edu Disability Services: Nicole Gerrard, Executive Director, Student Success Services (305) 809-3262 or nicole.gerrard@cfk.edu

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

Fantasy Fest 1985, ‘Birds of Paradise.’ WRIGHT LANGLEY COLLECTION/Florida Keys History Center

THE ORIGIN OF FANTASY FEST K

ey West’s 1978 summer tourist season was one of the best on record. When the summer of 1979 rolled around, people hoped the trend would continue. Through no fault of the people of Key West or the FLORIDA Florida Keys, things did not go as planned. KEYS 1979 was a special year, HISTORY and not in a good way. WithWITH out getting into the politics BRAD of the Iranian Revolution that BERTELLI created an Islamic republic, Brad is a local one of the things that went historian, author, wrong was Iran’s diminished speaker and oil production; it led to gasoHonorary Conch who loves sharing line shortages in the United the history of the States. Rationing and long Florida Keys. lines made headlines, as did signs saying, “Sorry, out of gas.” For summer vacations, travel was inhibited by the fear of not being able to find gas. While the Florida Keys had no gas shortage, a liquid was being rationed that caused issues for visitors and residents alike. On Stock Island, a desalination plant was opened in 1967. The plant removed salt from ocean water, creating another source of freshwater for Key West residents. In 1979, it broke down, causing Monroe County officials to declare a state of emergency and ration water supplies. Tourists were warned that water in the Southernmost City was in short supply. Between the lack of gas and freshwater, tourists did not flock to the Florida Keys that summer. Unfortunately, more bad news was on

the horizon. In late August, Hurricane David devastated the Caribbean islands, including the Dominican Republic, where as many as 1,200 people lost their lives. The storm set its eye on South Florida for the Labor Day Weekend. Hurricane warnings were issued from Key West to Palm Beach. Governor Bob Graham urged all Keys residents to evacuate. While the storm turned and skirted the Florida coast before coming ashore north of Palm Beach, the threat of a hurricane was not over. Days after the warnings of Hurricane David were gone, Hurricane Frederic stormed to life. Though it passed well south of Key West, hurricanes are unpredictable and offered yet another reason to avoid South Florida and the Keys. All things considered, it was not a great summer for tourism in the Florida Keys, especially Key West. People started talking about a big idea that people had been talking about for years. For the reasons stated above, 1979 was the year that set the ball in motion. Joe Liszka, Tony Falcone, Bill Conkle and Frank Romano worked to bring a festival, like Mardi Gras, to Key West. The plan was to bring financial relief to the island. In a story about the event printed in The Miami Herald, Liszka called it “a party for grownups.” Liszka was one of the event’s founders. Like many others in Key West, he was a business owner suffering losses from an unfortunate summer season. He was also the president of the Tourist Development Authority. The hope was to bring 20,000 people to eat, drink and celebrate during what is the slowest part of the year. They would need hotel rooms. A key ingredient to a good party is alcohol, and this party was too big for an establishment; it was imagined as not just a street party, but a

Duval Street party. One problem was that open containers were not permitted on the island’s streets and sidewalks. Officials drafted a letter to people in New Orleans and requested copies of the ordinances governing their Mardi Gras celebration. For the event, Key West commissioners waived the open container law. Local bar owners agreed to serve drinks in plastic cups so people wouldn’t parade over broken glass. The inaugural Old Key West Fantasy Fest ran for three days, kicking off Friday, Oct. 26. The Grand Mistress of Madness, Mary Ellen Toppino, arrived at Mallory Square in a black horse-drawn carriage. Calypso music played as the sun set. Local restaurants and clubs served island food. A masked fantasy ball started at 10 p.m. The big event was Saturday night’s parade down Duval Street. Twenty-six floats participated, including a black sedan with a woman called Sister who was bare from the waist up, painted silver, and posed as a hood ornament. There was a costume contest. Top prize was $1,000. Tennessee Williams was tapped as one of the judges. According to newspaper stories about the event, on Sunday morning, it looked as if a hurricane had struck Duval Street. One of the people helping to sweep up the mess on Duval Street was Liszka. Restaurants served hangover brunches. The festival came to a close Sunday night with two costume balls, one at a gay club called Monster, and the other at the Fort East Martello Museum. While the first Fantasy Fest was not the booming success many hoped for, with fewer than half of the expected crowd showing up, it has grown a little bit over the years. That Saturday night, around seven thousand people lined up along Duval Street to watch the parade, and they ate, drank and spent the night in hotel rooms. Forty-seven years later, the cost of putting on Fantasy Fest has increased, as has the size of the crowd that lines up along Duval Street to watch the parade’s spectacle. While estimates vary, Fantasy Fest attracts about 75,000 people to Key West and helps to boost the economy during a historically slow period. It also serves as a fundraiser benefiting the community. This year’s theme is “Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals.” Expect an orchestra of puns and fabulous plays on words. With more things happening than can be counted on an entire family of fingers and toes, it is no longer just a party for grownups. While the Duval Street parade is always the big draw, there are a host of activities including the Goombay Festival, the Kinky Carnival and the always adorable pet masquerade featuring more than the island’s cats and dogs. More than 100 events and activities are scheduled, and there is something for everyone. The fun begins Oct. 16. Fingers crossed for drier weather.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

This is a week of nostalCHRIS gic reconnecMcNULTY tions, thoughtis an astrologer, ful reminiscence wanderer, barand a return tender and to the people, advocate for places and queer justice. He is a loquacious things we love. Gemini with a Venus, the plancozy Cancer rising. Find him at et of beauty and connection, hearthandheraldis retrograde in astrology.com the sign of Scorpio. When a planet is retrograde, it appears to move backwards in the sky from our perspective here on Earth. During a planet’s retrograde motion, all of the archetypal themes associated with it show up in the world differently than usual. We receive reminders from the past. We get internally reflective about those themes and we have to maintain those parts of our lives more manually than automatically. When Venus is retrograde, we have past lovers and friends reaching out. We review and reflect on the relationships and the overall balance in our life, and we realize we need to put more effort into our social connections and our creative life. On Oct. 6, retrograde Venus met up with Mercury, bringing about conversations and analytical thoughts about the relationships we have. Perhaps an old friend reached out to you, or you unexpectedly thought of someone you haven’t seen in a long time and felt compelled to reconnect. How did you review and think about your connections this week? This week of reflection leads up to the new moon in Libra on Saturday, Oct. 10. This new moon is a fresh start in how we go about creating balance in our lives. Where can you pull back a bit and where can you increase your energy? Reset this Saturday so you can move forward with greater ease and grace. Here are your horoscopes for retrograde Venus conjunct Mercury and the New Moon in Libra. Read for your rising and sun signs.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 This is a week to review your personal budget. Are your income and expenses aligned in a way that maintains your financial health? More importantly, are your personal values being expressed in your money flows? This Saturday’s new moon prompts a new you. How are you shedding an old self to make space for a new iteration of yourself? SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 This week is about reconnecting to yourself. Do you talk to yourself as you would an old friend, or are you harder on yourself than you should be? Your relationship with yourself is the most important one you will ever have, and this week it is time to listen to yourself with open ears and a generous heart. Under the new moon, find a new way to recharge in quiet and stillness. SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 The power of intention and reflection is real. You do not actually need to connect with someone IRL to send them positivity or good vibes. This week, take some quiet time to appreciate and think about the people in your life who bring you meaning. That act alone will amplify their well-being as well as yours. This week’s new moon invites you to socialize with friends, new and old. CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 This week, it seems as if you’ll get to experience some current nostalgia. Perhaps you are changing jobs, or moving or separating from a social network in some way. You are getting to experience people who have been a support system differently, saying goodbyes or preparing to part ways. Soak up the experience. Under the new moon, you get a fresh start at work. AQUARIUS Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 Don’t be surprised if you get a

call from an old boss or coworker. Folks from careers or jobs past are seeking you out. Approach what they have to say with measured skepticism, but listen with open ears. This will be a reminder why burning bridges is usually not a good strategy. This new moon, start planning your next big adventure. PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 Have you been making new friends or embarking on a new relationship? This week is all about reviewing those connections with a critical eye. That doesn’t mean you need to be judgmental, but rather take some time to really consider if these relationships are what’s best for you. The answer could be yes. Under the new moon, it’s time to be vulnerable with trusted friends. ARIES March 21 - April 19 With whom are you intertwined? With whom are you sharing resources, intimacy or goals? Take some time this week to review how that relationship is working. Have some serious conversations to make sure you’re all on the same page. It is time to take stock. This new moon, it is time to reset with an important partner in your life. Bring some fresh energy to the table. TAURUS April 20 - May 20 Don’t be surprised if you hear from an ex-partner this week. You are being called to reconnect with a person that you formed an intimate connection with. It could even be your current partner if you feel like the relationship needs a fresh start. Active listening and speaking from your heart is the best way forward. This new moon, start a new routine and get active. GEMINI May 21 - June 20 Relationships take work, and this week is a reminder that consistency is key. Who in your life could use a check-in? Who can you try a little

REVIEWING RELATIONS

harder to maintain a connection with? See if you can build a routine around connecting with them on a regular basis, even if it’s just a “thinking about you” text. Under the new moon, you can begin a whole new creative project. CANCER June 21 - July 22 What creative projects have you put on the back burner? This week is the perfect time to get back to work on them. If anything, setting a deadline and creating a plan for completion is a good step. Another way to use the energy of this week is to reconnect to children in your life, whether they’re your kids, nieces or nephews, neighbors or students. This new moon, appreciate your home with fresh eyes. LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 Your family is due for a check-in. You may receive some calls or texts from your parents or siblings, but don’t wait around for them to get in touch if you feel the need to check in. The phone works both ways. It is a perfect time to see how your family is doing, whether we’re talking biological family or chosen family. Under the new moon, find your voice. VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 This week is the perfect time to check in on your methods of communication. Are you getting your point across the best way you know how? It is quite possible that you recently tried to share something, but the medium got in the way of the message. You have an opportunity to correct that right now. This new moon, try a new form of financial management.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026 A juvenile yellow-crowned night heron at Whistling Duck Pond at Higgs Beach. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

he radar showed a dragon’s tail of inclement weather dragging across the island. The rain might end soon, or the dragon’s tail might keep regenerating and extending. Either way, there would be deep puddles out there. And drivMARK ing through such puddles is rarely HEDDEN a great idea. But, really, what could it hurt at this point? Me... is a photographer, writer, and chanics have marveled at the apsemi-professional parently unprecedented amount birdwatcher. He of rust underneath our truck has lived in Key I drove slowly, as any proper West for more citizen of this tiny island should than 25 years and may no longer amid flooding, so as not to throw be employable in wakes at anybody’s cars or propthe real world. He erty, but it still did not take long is also executive to get Whistling Duck Pond and director of the the back part of the park at Higgs Florida Keys Audubon Society. Beach. It was nice the rain had let up. Honestly, I hadn’t heard the place called Whistling Duck Pond until a couple weeks ago. I’d called it, “That Little Pond Over By The FAA Tower,” then, “That Little Pond Over By Where The FAA Tower Used To Be.” I like the actual name, though I’m not sure either of the two species of whistling ducks found in the U.S. have ever been spotted there. I mean, I’ve seen blue-winged teal there, and northern shovelers, but Blue-Winged Teal Pond and Northern Shoveler Pond don’t roll off the tongue as well as Whistling Duck Pond, and it’s okay to let poetry win over ornithological pedanticism once in a while. The area near the pond had temporarily become part of the pond when I pulled in off of White Street. Clouds reflected in the smooth surface of the water that covered most of that part of the park, as well as the dog park. The area inside the FAA fence looked like one of the illustrations you see in old books about the Everglades. There were wading birds everywhere – great egrets, great white herons, white ibis, snowy egrets, little blue herons, and a lone glossy ibis napping with her long decurved bill hidden beneath her wing. A dozen blue-winged teal and a pair of northern shovelers paddled around, disappearing intermittently behind the grass. There is often water there for several days after a rain, just not that much. I idled through the water and stopped at Whistling Duck Pond, where a brass plaque mounted to a Miami oolite boulder reads: In memory of STEVE KLINE 1953-1983 NOW ONE WITH THE UNIVERSE There aren’t a lot of details to be found about Kline’s life. He graduated from Key West High in 1978, went to Florida Keys Community College for a while, and worked at a local ad agency. One July afternoon he was out cleaning a sailboat in the family’s backyard on Summerland Key. An hour later his parents noticed he was missing. His father and neighbor found him wearing a mask and snorkel in about 20 feet of water, about 20 feet offshore. His death was one of two drowning deaths that day reported in the same short newspaper item. The obituary asked people to make donations to

HIGGS BEACH: WHAT’S THE LEAST WE CAN DO?

Indigenous Park in his honor. I’m not sure why the plaque isn’t there. But I take note of that memorial every time I stop by. Whistling Duck Pond is not a big space. It might even be smaller than your average Key West apartment. And it is not what I would call tidy. But it is a nice piece of under-appreciated habitat. It sits in the middle of a dome of trees that provide some good perches and habitat. It’s great for songbirds in migration and over the winter. It’s a nice perching spot for mid-sized wading birds who want to get a break from the sun. And white-crowned pigeons often nest there. From the truck I spotted an adult yellowcrowned night heron on a branch, looking a little annoyed by the recent weather. Then I caught sight of three juvenile yellow-crowns, possibly her offspring, in the branches around her. Two more blue-winged teal, apparently a separatist faction, swam on the far side of the pond. I’ve been reading Helen MacDonald’s pretty great, “H is for Hawk” lately and apparently the falconer’s word for an avian excretion is a mute. I caught sight of a fourth juvenile yellow-crown, which was mostly obscured by foliage, when it muted. Granted, the flooding was optimal for wading birds, but seeing 17 species in less than 10 minutes – 18 if you count the chickens – is pretty impressive. A high-water mark on the day, so to speak. Still, I was a little depressed about the place. Since the city took ownership of the Higgs Beach property, there has been talk of developing the area: Pickleball courts where the FAA tower is. Artificial turf in the dog park. Skate parks, skating rinks, BMX tracks. Another little bit of wild Florida Keys, or at least another little bit of space useful to wildlife, getting sliced away. The death of a thousand cuts. The next day, the newly elected city commissioner Christopher Massicotte led a meeting in one of the beach pavilions to hear residents’ priorities for the beach and park. I went begrudgingly, largely out of a sense of duty. My wife and I arrived about 10 minutes into the meeting. We had to bring the dog as she had found

a new way to break out of the yard and we hadn’t quite figured out her latest method. A hundred or so people packed the pavilion. Mayor Sam Kaufman was there. Commissioners Monica Haskell, Mark Rossi and Donie Lee were there, along with several city staffers. There were probably other notables, too, but we were down in the sand and couldn’t see everyone. At times the meeting did skew close to something out of a “Parks and Recreation” episode with Massicotte as Leslie Knope. But it was also very heartening. A few things became clear. Artificial turf is deeply unpopular. And good lord, in a dog park? It would be like having dogs poop on carpet all day. People don’t want to pay for parking at Higgs Beach. There’s a perfectly good hockey rink a halfmile away – maybe fix that up and put a roof back over it. Maybe they don’t need more pickleball courts, just better managed ones. The two people who got the greatest reaction from the crowd were Corey Malcom, PhD, the historian at the Florida Keys History Center, and Tom Sweets, executive director of the Key West Wildlife Center just down the block. Malcom described the African Cemetery at Higgs Beach, where he and other researchers, years ago, had used ground penetrating radar to locate graves buried at various places around the park. Inherent in Malcom’s talk was the importance of respecting those graves. Sweets talked about how important that small area was, not only for wildlife, but as an important water catchment area for storms like we had just had. King tides and heavy rains are a combination to be reckoned with. Maybe more hard surfaces are not the answer. Walking around afterwards, it kind of dawned on many of us, maybe it’d be best to do the least. Plant some native trees. Maybe build a raised boardwalk that could be used for exercise and as a wildlife-viewing path. Maybe it could be a quiet, unfussy space where people can appreciate its wonder.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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Myth #4: “I’ll feel a lump if I have breast cancer.” Fact: Not all cancers cause lumps; screenings are crucial even without symptoms. Myth #5: “Breast cancer only affects women.” Fact: Men can get breast cancer too, especially with family history or genetic risk. At Mount Sinai, we support early detection and prevention. During October, Mount Sinai is offering free or reduced-rate mammograms to support early detection. Schedule your screening today and call 305.433.9660 to book an appointment with our Key West primary care physicians. Dr. Kellee Reed is a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Mount Sinai Primary Care, Walk-In Clinic, and Diagnostic Center Key West. Dr. Reed earned her doctorate in osteopathic medicine at the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency in emergency medicine at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center.

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VENDORS SOUGHT FOR HOLIDAY CONCERT & BAZAAR ON DEC. 11 Key West Art & Historical Society event drew 3,000 people last year

WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE WELCOMES NEW DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Longtime resident Becki Balcer to handle fundraising & community outreach

Vendor registration is now open for the Holiday Concert & Bazaar, presented by the Key West Art & Historical Society, on Dec. 11. Visit kwahs.org/bazaar to secure a space. CONTRIBUTED

he Key West Art & Historical Society invites local artisans, artists, specialty food vendors and small businesses to participate in its annual Holiday Concert & Bazaar on Friday, Dec. 11 at the Key West Museum of Art & History, 281 Front St. The popular holiday event brings thousands of locals and visitors together for an evening of shopping, live music, food, dancing and holiday entertainment, offering vendors an opportunity to connect with holiday shoppers in a festive setting. Drawing an estimated 3,0003,500 attendees last year, the evening features, in addition to the unique gift offerings, a stunning light show that’s projected onto the façade of the historic museum at the Custom House. One-of-akind gifts include handcrafted jewelry, artwork, textiles, home goods, holiday décor, confections and more.

Vendors may choose from a 6’ x 3’ space along the museum’s porch or a 10’ x 10’ ground-level space, providing flexibility for a variety of businesses and displays. Vendors are responsible for providing their own tables, display materials and infrastructure appropriate to their selected space. Tented vendors must provide appropriate tent weights, and battery-powered lighting is required for groundlevel spaces. Food vendors must register for a space in Clinton Place Park. Spaces are available now on a first-come, first-served basis and are expected to sell out. Interested vendors are urged to secure their space early at kwahs.org/bazaar. For more information, contact Cori Convertito, curator, at cconvertito@ kwahs.org or 305-295-6616 ext. 507. — Contributed

he Waterfront Playhouse recently announced the appointment of Becki Balcer as its new director of development and community engagement. A longtime Key West resident, nonprofit leader and familiar face throughout the community, Balcer brings more than two decades of experience in fundraising, special events, community outreach and relationship building to the Waterfront Playhouse. Most recently, Balcer served as public relations, events and fundraising coordinator for MARC, Inc. Her community involvement also includes leadership and board service with nonprofit organizations including Keys Health and Housing (formerly AH Monroe), Queer Keys and MARC. In addition, Balcer has served on the city of Key West’s Sustainability Advisory Board and the Key West Woman’s Club marketing committee. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Balcer has called Key West home since 2003 and has been an active participant in the community professionally and personally. Over the years, she has supported countless local fundraising events and causes, including Fantasy Fest, SMART Ride, Aqua Idol, golf and softball tournaments, races, parades and other events. “I’ve spent much of my life in Key West supporting organizations and causes I believe in,” said Balcer. “I’m excited to bring that same spirit to the Waterfront Playhouse — to strengthen the relationships we already have, create new ones and help even more people feel connected to this incredible theatre.” Balcer will lead the theatre’s development and community engagement efforts, working closely with donors, members, businesses,

Becki Balcer

nonprofit organizations and community partners to strengthen the Waterfront Playhouse’s connection to the people and organizations that make Key West a remarkable place to live and visit. “Becki knows Key West, she knows its people and she understands the importance of bringing people together,” said Waterfront’s artistic director Patrick New. “That makes her a perfect addition to the Waterfront Playhouse. We’re delighted to welcome her to the team and look forward to everything she will bring to the theatre and to our community.” About the Waterfront Playhouse Located in historic Mallory Square, the Waterfront Playhouse is the home of Key West Players, Inc., founded in 1939 and recognized as the oldest professional theatre organization in Florida. The theatre has been presenting live performances in its current home since 1961, bringing professional artists and audiences together for generations to share great stories and the unique experience of live theatre. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

WHAT’S COOKING, KEY WEST? Hearty dishes tempt autumn appetites

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

CAROL SHAUGHNESSY www.keysweekly.com

ven in the subtropical haven of Key West, the seasons change. Signs of fall are subtle: a slight drop in humidity and temperature, a breeze that feels like it blew in from someplace where sweating isn’t mandatory and a lengthening of afternoon shadows as the sun slips southward. The advent of autumn often prompts a shift in Key Westers’ food preferences — not a sudden desire for the pumpkin spice goodies that seem ever-present each October, but a quiet shift from light summer fare to heartier selections. Many heartier dishes enjoyed during the island’s autumn months carry hints of heritage. Their preparation is taught, and their historic and cultural importance explained, during evening learn-and-dine experiences at the Key West Cooking Show’s 291 Front St. venue. For example, thick and juicy marinated pork chops pay homage to the 1800s era, when Key West was known as the cigar-making capital of the world — a designation driven by an influx of cigar barons and skilled workers from Cuba, the island nation just 90 miles away. Savory pork dishes, some seasoned with the garlicky sauce called “mojo,” hark back to the Cuban practice of roasting a whole pig for communal feasts and holidays like Christmas Eve. As the pig cooks slowly in a specially designed box called a caja china, families and friends gather and socialize in a tradition that celebrates Key West’s age-old Cuban connection. Other hearty dishes demonstrated and served during Cooking Show dinner classes include seafood risotto — commemorating the creativity of mothers and grandmothers who stretched local seafood with other ingredients to satisfy everyone at the table. During the dining adventure, chef-storytellers share tips and techniques as they simmer Arborio rice and homemade fish stock with saffron, wine, diced yellow onions and shallots.

TAKE ME HOME?

A chef sprinkles the final garnish on a bowl of Caldo Gallego, a traditional Spanish dish. KEY WEST COOKING SHOW/Contributed

The result is then blended with shrimp, cubed grouper and mascarpone cheese. As the dish cooks, its aroma evokes evenings spent in a warm vintage kitchen — watching and learning as the family matriarch works her culinary magic. As Florida was a Spanish territory before it became an English one, Spanish flavors and dishes are well represented in the local cuisine. Among them is the traditional soup called caldo gallego, which was adapted by Cuban settlers and is featured during Key West Cooking Show sessions. The savory concoction includes white cannellini beans, Spanish chorizo and smoked ham, potatoes, turnips and turnip greens — all simmered with onions and garlic in a tasty chicken stock for a rich and nourishing fall favorite. LAST BITES Dish of the Week: Braised Oxtail Over Rice. This Old World dish recalls the European influences that helped shape Key West. The meat is slowly simmered in an herbed wine braise until it’s so tender it practically falls off the bone, then served with its delicious juices over rice. Helpful Kitchen Hack: Have too much homemade broth or stock for a specific recipe? Save it for future use by freezing it in an ice cube tray. Then, when cooking risotto, soup or similar dishes, add a readymade cube to enhance the flavor. Hungry for more? Visit keywestcookingshow.com or call 305294-COOK.

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

Meet Rex, the sweet senior dog who still loves to go on walks, where he stops to smell the roses, and the grass, and the bushes....He entered the shelter with his sister Chloe and they would like to be adopted together if possible. Both of these sweet pups are Golden Paw members, so their adoption fees are waived and they get a free wellness a year after adoption.

Meet Candy Star. This petite black-andwhite beauty is still waiting for her starring role with her furever family. Though a bit shy at first, this sweet 4-year-old is snuggly and playful once she’s comfortable.

Peegrum is a small terrier mix with a big personality. This 11-year-old senior is a jolly old soul who’s 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, a common struggle for many families. A monthly injection manages his Addison’s disease, and he’s ready to find a family who sees how special he is.

Rarity is a gorgeous 1-year-old cat with a soft white-and-grey coat. She has a sweet, easygoing personality and a calmer vibe than most young cats, which makes her a great match for someone who loves the idea of a laid-back companion without the chaos of a tiny kitten.

Meet Roger the rabbit. Much like his cartoon namesake, this guy is an entertainer. With ear flops and round cheeks, he doesn’t get any cuter. As an adult rabbit, Roger is past the chaotic baby stage and ready to settle into a home that appreciates his charm.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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Armando Lopez. MCSO/Contributed

local man who left town on the final day of his trial for beating his ex-girlfriend, attacking a deputy, taking his vehicle and carjacking another woman was nabbed by U.S. authorities in Mexico, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said. On Oct. 2, a five-day trial before Circuit Judge James Morgan ended with the jury finding 53-year-old Armando Lopez guilty on 11 criminal counts stemming from the violent December 2024 incident in Key Largo. The jury deliberated for approximately one hour before returning its verdicts. But before the jury began deliberating on Oct. 2, Lopez decided to skip and flee the area. He was previously released on a $460,000 bond. Judge Morgan issued a no-bond warrant for his arrest, and the proceedings continued in his absence. Sheriff’s office detectives tracked Lopez to the U.S. border of Mexico in Texas and contacted the U.S. Marshals Service who adopted the case and successfully tracked Lopez down in Mexico. “Thank you to the hardworking men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and all of our law enforcement partners for getting this dangerous criminal off the streets,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay said following his capture. Lopez was found guilty of burglary of a dwelling with a battery, aggravated battery, burglary of an authorized emergency vehicle, grand theft of a motor vehicle, resisting an officer with violence, battery on a police officer, burglary of a conveyance with a battery, carjacking, fleeing or attempting to elude at high speed or recklessly, and two counts of reckless driving with property damage. The jury acquitted Lopez on two additional counts, domestic battery by strangulation and false imprisonment. The case began on Dec. 22, 2024, when Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported domestic disturbance in Key Largo. According to the investigation, Lopez repeatedly struck the victim in the head, causing fractures and other injuries. When Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. James Hager arrived at

YEARS

the residence, Lopez attacked him, tackling him to the floor, repeatedly striking him with a closed fist and attempting to take his duty firearm. Lopez then ran from the residence, entered Hager’s unlocked marked patrol vehicle and drove away. Lopez drove the marked MCSO patrol vehicle south with its emergency lights activated. He later stopped at the Sandal Factory in Key Largo, where he approached another vehicle and forcibly removed a woman from the driver’s seat. According to the investigation, the woman initially believed Lopez was a law enforcement officer because she had seen him exit the marked patrol vehicle with its emergency lights activated. Lopez then drove away in her vehicle. A Florida Highway Patrol trooper subsequently encountered the vehicle traveling northbound on U.S. 1 at an extremely high rate of speed and driving erratically. The vehicle collided with another vehicle, overturned and came to rest on its roof near mile marker 104. Lopez was removed from the overturned vehicle, taken into custody and transported for medical treatment. The case was investigated by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol. The case was prosecuted by assistant state attorneys Madeleine Thompson and Melissa Simmons. Victim Advocate Director Isnarlys Parker assisted the victim throughout the case and trial. “Assistant State Attorneys Madeleine Thompson and Melissa Simmons did an outstanding job presenting this case, and Victim Advocate Isnarlys Parker was there supporting the victim throughout the process,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield. “This was a difficult case, and their work helped bring it to a successful conclusion with guilty verdicts on 11 counts.” Lopez faces the possibility of life in prison. Among his convictions are two counts of burglary with a battery, each a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison under Florida law. He will be sentenced by Circuit Judge James Morgan at a later date. — Keys Weekly staff report

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HELP KEEP KEY WEST OCTOBER CLEANUPS Join a one-hour Friday morning cleanup. All events are 8 to 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Oct. 9: Virginia & Watson streets. Meet at Unity of the Keys, 1101 Virginia St., which is hosting. Oct. 16: Duval & Eaton streets. Meet next to Berkshire Hathaway, which is hosting. Oct. 23: Garrison Bight Marina area. Meet in the parking lot of Garrison Bight Marina by the dockmaster's office, 1801 N. Roosevelt Boulevard. Hosted by the Sea Dogs. Oct. 30: Duval & Virginia streets. Meet on Virginia Street near Duval Square plaza. Hosted by Reality ONE/Destinations Group.

After the flood came the cleanup. The Oct. 2 event took place at Government Road, off Flagler Avenue. Despite intermittent rain, 17 intrepid volunteers showed up and in one hour collected 383 pounds of trash and 16 pounds of recycling. Special thanks to Mount Sinai Medical Center for providing breakfast. The Oct. 9 cleanup will tske place at Unity of the Keys, 1101 Virginia St. 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 / OCTOBER 8, 2026

PHILANTHROPY MATTERS Giving season returns to the Florida Keys October can be a spooky and fun time of year. There’s the Oct. 15 tax extension deadline for those of us who like to live dangerously. Then we roll right into Halloween and ELIZABETH the holiday season. For the Community BROWN Foundation of the ... is president Florida Keys, it also and CEO of the means grants seaCommunity son. And for most Foundation of the Florida nonprofits and Keys. charities throughout the Keys, it means the beginning of giving season. We’re already seeing the signs of giving. Our seasonal residents are trickling back. Nonprofit events are kicking into gear. And before long, those year-end appeals will start appearing in our mailboxes and inboxes. Those are all great things, but what if there was an additional way to make charitable giving easier and potentially more impactful? Cue the DAF. A donor-advised fund, or DAF, is a charitable giving account. You contribute to the fund now and then recommend grants to your favorite nonprofits. We invest the money so your fund grows and over time you have even more to give. DAFs let you separate the when from the where for charitable giving, allowing you to make a bigger impact on your own timeline. That can be particularly useful for tax planning. You might “bunch” several years of charitable contributions into one year when it makes sense to itemize. And if the stock market has been good to you, appreciated stock can also be a very tax-efficient way to fund your giving. (This is the part where I remind you to talk to your tax advisor.) But there are lots of places to open a DAF. So why have one with your local community foundation? This is where I get to be a little biased. When your DAF is here, you don’t just have a charitable account. You have local people who spend their days talking with nonprofits, donors and community leaders throughout the Florida Keys. We know what’s happening locally, and we help connect donors with opportunities they might not otherwise know about. We think of it as philanthropic matchmaking. An example of that matchmaking is our In Paradise for Good grants program. Applications closed last week, and we’ll make awards next month. In

SHELF HELP

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys distributes more than $1 million in grants to local nonprofits throughout the island chain. CONTRIBUTED

between, we’re sharing those opportunities with our DAF holders and asking if they’d like to join us. Last year, those additional grants helped push our collective In Paradise for Good grantmaking past the $1 million mark for the first time ever. We make these connections all year long. Right now, two DAFs at the Community Foundation are offering matching dollars to support Wesley House Family Services’ Inez Martin Child Development Center in Key West for their food program and childcare scholarships. These matching dollars mean everyone else’s gifts go a little further together. There’s one more piece I particularly like. The fees from our charitable funds stay here, too, supporting the work of the Community Foundation — including our Center for Nonprofit Excellence and the programs we provide to strengthen local nonprofits, like our upcoming Leadership Success Academy. So your charitable dollars support local organizations. Your fund helps

support the infrastructure behind local philanthropy. And we help you figure out where you can make a difference. It’s nice synergy. October 8 is National DAF Day (yes, there really is a day for everything), and Oct. 19-25 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week. While those may not rival Halloween candy for excitement, both are good reminders that charitable giving doesn’t have to begin and end with the check you write today. Tune into our socials to learn more or reach out to our team at cffk@cffk.org. Because whether you’re thinking about this year’s giving or the legacy you eventually leave behind, a little planning can make your generosity go a long way. And it doesn’t get any sweeter than that. Elizabeth Brown is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, whose mission is to connect people with resources to fill needs in the local community. More information is at cffk.org.

taff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection. What: “The Land and Its People” by David Sedaris Why: David Sedaris feels like an old friend — arriving for a dinner party delightfully eccentric with a fresh batch of stories to keep you laughing long past bedtime. In the audiobook of “The Land and Its People,” the self-contained chapters made it easy to listen in short stretches, though I kept finding excuses to start one more. His recollections and musings had me laughing out loud. While the live audience audio felt uneven at times, hearing the room respond added to the feeling of being in his company. When “The Land and Its People” ended, I felt unexpectedly glum, like returning to an empty apartment after seeing off a treasured houseguest. Where: You can borrow this as a print book, e-book, and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library. How: You can request books, including e-books and eaudiobooks, 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: Anne Rice, assistant director of support services See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/post/ shelf-help.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

BOTANICAL GARDEN EXPANDS COMPOST PROGRAM

Staff and volunteers at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden recently made the garden’s Compost Village accessible 24 hours a day. Residents can drop off food scraps that decompose and become nutrient-rich soil. CONTRIBUTED

Turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil 24 hours a day

t the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, conservation can begin with something as simple as coffee grounds or vegetable scraps. The garden’s Compost Village transforms organic materials that might otherwise enter the landfill into nutrient-rich compost while residents learn practical ways to reduce food waste at home. The compost project reached a major milestone last month with the addition of 24-hour access to the community compost drop-off area. The new service allows approved participants to contribute household food scraps at their convenience, even when the garden is closed, and makes the garden the fifth established compost drop-off location in Monroe County. RESEARCH BECOMES A RESOURCE Compost Village began in fall 2023 as a partnership among the garden’s Native Nursery, UF/ IFAS Monroe County Extension Service and the Monroe County Recycling & Waste Management department. The first phase focused on researching five home-composting methods and identifying approaches suited to the Florida Keys, where heat, humidity and limited residential space can influence how residents compost. In 2024, Phase II expanded the project from research into demonstration and collection. HotBin donated insulated composters, and ORBIS Corporation donated an Earth Machine compost bin. The garden also began collecting and processing food waste from the SOS Foundation food pantry on a weekly basis. A community food-scrap drop-off was established during the garden’s monthly Native Plant Sale on the third Saturday of each month, enabling residents to play an active role in waste reduction by dropping off their own food scraps, observe the composting process and learn how compost keeps valuable organic material out of landfills and returns nutrients to the soil. In 2025, Compost Village processed 7,805 pounds of food waste despite limited staffing, funding and collection hours. The volume demonstrated both the need for local food-waste diversion and the community’s willingness to participate when accessible options are available. Composting doubles as a classroom Composting creates a productive cycle. Organic material decomposes, nutrients return to the soil, plants benefit, and food scraps become

a resource rather than waste. Compost Village makes that process visible and practical. Compost Village functions as an outdoor classroom where participants learn which materials can be composted, how decomposition occurs, why moisture and aeration matter and how finished compost improves soil health. The program also helps residents determine which composting methods work best in the Florida Keys environment. AROUND-THE-CLOCK ACCESS Phase V, launched last month, added educational signage and 24-hour drop-off access. Residents who want to divert food waste but lack the space, equipment or ability to maintain a home composting system can now participate at the garden. The round-the-clock service expands Compost Village from a demonstration site into an active community resource. Each contribution reduces the amount of organic material entering the waste stream and returns nutrients to a useful natural cycle. A LOCAL SOLUTION WITH A LARGER PURPOSE Florida Keys ecosystems face pressures from habitat loss, development, sea-level rise, extreme weather and other environmental changes. Compost Village translates those broad challenges into manageable actions residents can take every day. As the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2026, Compost Village reflects its continuing commitment to practical, accessible and communitybased conservation education. With demon-

strations, native plants, children’s activities and 24-hour compost drop-off access, it is more than an exhibit; it is an invitation to participate. HOW TO PARTICIPATE 24-hour compost drop-off Residents and visitors may apply to participate through MakeSoil.org. After approval, participants receive the combination code needed to access the collection tote. Only approved participants may use the drop-off. Materials should be placed in the clearly marked Compost Village collection area in accordance with posted guidelines for accepted and prohibited items. Monthly conservation programs The community is invited to the garden every third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the following activities: • Compost demonstration and community scrap drop-off. • Native plant sale: Explore Florida Keys native plants and learn how native species support wildlife and more sustainable landscapes. • UF/IFAS Plant Clinic: Master Gardeners assist with plant identification, disease diagnosis, insect identification, plant care, and more. Bring questions and photos. • Nature is Art Children’s Workshop: Children explore conservation through creative, nature-inspired activities. Location: Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, 5210 College Road, Key West, Florida Information: For current program times, compost drop-off guidelines, and upcoming activities, visit keywest.garden. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

Founded by Betty Debnam MINI FACT: Monarchs can fly up to 3,000 miles during their yearly migration to Mexico and California.

Photo by William Pitcher

FLYING TO WARMTH Like their tropical ancestors, modern monarchs cannot survive the cold. Each fall, North American monarchs must fly to warmer climates. Most monarchs spend the winter in one special area in the Mexican mountains, the oyamel (oh-yahMEL) fir forests. The branches provide a protective covering that helps keep the monarchs from getting too hot or cold. The shape of the branches and needles allows thousands of butterflies to cluster together for protection. Monarchs in the far north begin migrating in early August. The closer to Mexico they are, the later they take off. Monarchs begin arriving in their winter refuges in late October.

WHAT IS MIGRATION? When animals migrate (MY-grate), they move from one area to another during certain times of the year. Then they move back to their original homes when the seasons change again. This travel can help them find food or escape extreme temperatures.

Photo by Steve Corey

Are you noticing a lot of monarch butterflies outside? Every fall, hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies fly thousands of miles to their winter homes in California and Mexico. No other butterfly migrates this way, flying back and forth like birds do. It is a mystery how the butterflies know where to go each year. Other butterflies don’t teach the monarchs where to fly. It’s every monarch for itself. The Mini Page takes a look at monarch butterflies this week.

SUPER FLYER Many tropical butterflies can fly long distances. But none of them can fly as far as the monarch. It can fly as far as 3,000 miles on its journey to Mexico. The monarch also flies higher than any other large insect on the planet. It can fly up to 10,000 feet above the Earth’s surface. Monarchs ride up into the atmosphere on thermals. A thermal is a current of hot air rising above the Earth. Monarchs soar up in the thermals the same way some birds, such as hawks, do. The monarchs then glide out on the wind toward their destination. Gliding allows monarchs to fly for two to three months. They need to flap their wings about every 20 to 30 feet, saving wear on their wings.

METAMORPHOSIS Butterflies go through metamorphosis (mehtuh-MORE-fuh-sis). They go through these stages as they grow up: 1. The egg 2. The larva, or caterpillar 3. The pupa (PYOOpuh), or changing insect, is protected by a cocoon or chrysalis (KRIS uhliss). 4. The adult IMPORTANCE OF MILKWEED The only thing monarch larvae can eat is milkweed. The females lay their eggs on these plants. But people destroy milkweed plants by mowing them or spraying herbicides. In Mexico, people cut down the oyamel fir trees for firewood and building materials. If the monarch loses its only host plant and its main winter home, it will be in serious trouble. You can help by planting milkweed in your yard or school grounds. Research and plant flowers butterflies like for food. Hint: Adult butterflies like nectar plants. While monarch caterpillars like milkweed, other caterpillars enjoy herbs and wildflowers.

Photo by Jim Nelson

MARVELOUS MONARCHS

RESOURCES ON THE WEB • bit.ly/4wHtshb AT THE LIBRARY • “Monarch Butterflies” by Ann Hobbie and illustrated by Olga Baumert

FIND IT BUTTERFLY, CHRYSALIS, CLUSTER, EGG, FALL, FLY, HERB, HOME, LARVA, METAMORPHOSIS, MEXICO, MIGRATE, MILKWEED, MONARCH, OYAMEL, PUPA, THERMAL, TRAVEL, WILDFLOWERS, WINGS.

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

O U W I N S O H Y L M E N S A P M O G A

B N I T F X R U N V

Z M I G R G S T R A S O H P R O Y A M E R E T T U I C O L F E W O L F P D T H E A R C H F R A L S I

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

ECO NOTE Florida scientists are planting 15,000 native milkweeds along the state’s northern highways to create breeding and feeding habitats for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. The Florida Department of Transportation initially funded 9,000 plants and has extended the project through 2029 to add another 6,000. Florida has also committed to manage about 10,200 acres of roadside land in ways that benefit the monarchs and other wildlife. Researchers say the first plantings are establishing well along the roadways, and monarchs are already using them. Monarch caterpillars can eat only milkweed, making the loss of the once-common plant across North America a major factor in the monarch’s long decline. Adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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OCTOBER 8, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

THE SCOREBOARD

SEP. 28 - OCT. 3

Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Marathon

Volleyball

Southridge

9/29

W, 3-0

Coral Shores

Volleyball

Westwood

9/29

W, 3-0

Marathon

Volleyball

Posnack

9/30

L, 3-0

Coral Shores

Volleyball

Marathon

10/1

W, FF

Marathon

Volleyball

Archimedean

10/2

L, 3-1

Key West

Football

North Miami Beach

10/2

W, 23-13

Coral Shores

Football

Marathon

10/2

W, 41-20

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Emmett THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

OCT. 08 - OCT. 15

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

10/8

Key West

Football

@ Miami Central

8 p.m.

10/9

Marathon

Football

@ St. John Paul

7 p.m.

10/9

Coral Shores

Football

Palmer Trinity

7 p.m.

10/9

Key West & Coral Shores

Cross Country

@ 305 Classic

4 p.m.

10/14

All Keys Schools

Golf

@ Key West

2 p.m.

MERRYMAN

Sophomore, Marathon Golf

Emmett became the ﬁrst MHS golfer to make regionals last season, and he has picked back up where he was.” – Lance Martin, Marathon athletic director

38 strokes

ON THE COVER

OCTOBER 8

Heading into postseason play, the Coral Shores Lady Hurricanes volleyball team is on a 13-game win streak since Sept. 4. Clockwise from top left: Miracle Woods, Coralyn Frimpter, Abby Leigh, Bella Villalba and Jillian Thiery. Photos contributed

Marathon sophomore Emmett Merryman was twice the golfer to beat last week, firing matching rounds of 38 to earn back-to-back medalist honors. Merryman first shot a 38 at Ocean Reef Club on Sept. 30, finishing two over par and ahead of the field, then followed it with another 38 the next day at Redland Golf & Country Club to claim his second win in as many days. Merryman doesn’t put the clubs away when the high school season ends. The sophomore works on his game year-round, steadily improving in a sport he loves. “He has been consistent with his scoring all season and leading the way for MHS,” Marathon athletic director Lance Martin said. For his strong and consistent gameplay, Marathon’s Emmett Merryman is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

wins

Photo by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

tracy mcdonald SPORTS WRITER

fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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1-2. Lady Conchs Isabelle Magrath and Kerestin Hults are making a statement in Key West’s late-season run.

3. Coral Shores sophomores Jillian Thiery, left, and Abby Leigh are bringing high energy to the Hurricane lineup.

Photos by Natalie Danko and contributed images

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

LUCKY 13

Hurricanes stretch win streak as Keys teams eye postseason

4. Marathon seniors Faith Edwards, left, Dahlia Westdickenberg, Ana Boose and Adelle Bainbridge.

5. Marathon freshman Shaina Robinson averaged double-digit kills against Dolphin opponents last week.

oral Shores volleyball continued its courtside dominance last week, adding three more wins to extend its streak to 13 straight and improve to 21-3. The Hurricanes have not lost a match since Sept. 4. The ’Canes made quick work of visiting Westwood Christian on Sept. 29, sweeping the Warriors 25-13, 25-12 and 25-22. Coral Shores was lethal from the service line, piling up 17 aces. Coralyn Frimpter accounted for more than half of them, serving nine aces to go with 11 kills and nine digs. Celene Walker led the attack with 13 kills, adding two aces and three digs, while setter Abby Leigh dished out 26 assists. Bella Villalba added three aces. Coral Shores faced a tougher test the following night on the road at Silver Palms, but the result was the same. The Hurricanes prevailed 3-1 behind another big night from Walker and Frimpter. Walker hammered down 21 kills while adding 15 digs, two blocks and two aces. Frimpter registered a doubledouble with 17 kills and 11 digs, while Leigh orchestrated the offense with 38 assists and nine digs. The Hurricanes were equally imposing at the net defensively, combining for 10 blocks. Kyla Myers led the effort with five, Jillian Thiery added three and Lela Godrich contributed two.

“Kyla stepped up big for us and made her presence known,” coach Sam Ovalle said. “She has been working hard and continuing to improve every time she steps on the floor.” Coral Shores made the trip south to Marathon on Oct. 1, but the match was canceled when officials failed to arrive. The Hurricanes were awarded the win by forfeit. Marathon had four matches on the schedule last week, though the Fins ultimately took the court for three. The Dolphins started the week strong, sweeping Southridge 3-0 on the road on Sept. 29. Shaina Robinson powered the attack with 17 kills, four aces and two blocks, while Kaya Hughes-Struyf and Adelle Bainbridge added four aces apiece. Bella Childress served three aces and Ashley Strama added three kills. Marathon returned home the following night, falling to Posnack in three sets before closing out the week Oct. 2 with Senior Night against Archimedean. The Fins celebrated seniors Ana Boose, Adelle Bainbridge, Faith Edwards and Dahlia Westdickenberg before battling the Lions in a 3-1 loss. Robinson again led the offense, knocking down 15 kills with three aces and two blocks. Childress made an impact all over the court with five aces, five kills and five blocks, while Katie VanderLee added six kills. Hughes-Struyf finished with 14 assists, three kills and two aces.

The seniors made their presence felt as well, with Boose serving three aces and Bainbridge adding three aces and two blocks in their final regular-season home appearance. Marathon finished the week with a 7-12 record as the Dolphins head into the final days of the regular season. Key West has been idle since closing out tournament play with a 2-0 win over Reagan High on Sept. 26. The Conchs battled through a pair of tight sets, defeating the Bisons 24-21 and 26-25 to secure their sixth win of the season. Isabelle Magrath led the attack with seven kills and added two blocks, while Catherine Miller finished with five kills and five digs. Kerestin Hults turned in an all-around performance, serving at 100% with an ace while adding five kills, four digs and two blocks. Journey Lamb anchored the back row with eight digs, and Sofia Niles added a pair of blocks. With the regular season concluding Oct. 8, Keys teams will turn their attention to the postseason as the Conchs, Dolphins and Hurricanes prepare for district tournament play.

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / OCTOBER 8, 2026

Fall postseason meets the start of a packed winter sports calendar

s fall sports begin their march into the postseason, winter is coming … winter sports, that is. In fact, one winter season is already officially underway. Girls weightlifting opened for practice last week, with the first official meets beginning Oct. 9. All three Keys public schools field established girls weightlifting programs, and all three have sent athletes deep into the postseason in recent years. Next up are competitive cheerleading and soccer. Key West and Coral Shores will begin official competitive cheer practices Oct. 12, with competitions getting underway Nov. 9. Boys and girls soccer also get the green light for practice Oct. 12, with matches beginning Nov. 2. Key West, Marathon and Coral Shores each field both boys and girls teams, ensuring plenty of intra-Keys action once the season gets rolling. Basketball follows later in the month. Boys and girls may officially take the court for practice beginning Oct. 26, with preseason action starting the week of Nov. 9 and regular-season games tipping off Nov. 16. Basketball adds a fourth Keys school to the winter mix, with Basilica School joining Key West, Marathon and Coral Shores on the hardwood. The final winter athletes to report for duty will be the Keys’ wrestlers. Girls may begin practice Nov. 2, with competition starting Nov. 23. The boys hit the mats for practice Nov. 9, with official competition getting underway Nov. 30. Key West, Marathon and Coral Shores all field wrestling programs, giving Keys fans another sport with plenty of opportunities for local bragging rights. With fall championships still to be decided, there is little downtime on the Keys sports calendar. Cleats, golf clubs and volleyballs will soon give way to barbells, basketballs, soccer balls and wrestling mats as another busy winter season gets underway.

From left: Basilica School’s Alex Bouttier Coral Shores wrestler Jack Brown Key West cheerleader Lily Smith Key West soccer star Sonny Bowden Marathon High School guard Sutton Sayer Photos by Natalie Danko, Maicey Malgrat and Tracy McDonald

WINTER IS C

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / OCTOBER 8, 2026

RIVALRY & REVELRY Hurricanes claim Battle of the Keys while Conchs celebrate Homecoming win

attle of the Keys LVII is in the books, and like so many of the 56 meetings before it, the annual rivalry did not disappoint. Coral Shores had the first opportunity to score on Oct. 2, but the Marathon defense held strong. On the Dolphins’ first offensive possession, Jesus Gonzalez broke free for a 14-yard touchdown run to give Marathon the early lead. Coral Shores’ Charles Royal had an answer. His 25-yard touchdown run evened the score at 7-7 with 8:27 still on the clock in the opening quarter, and from there the two rivals settled into a battle that remained deadlocked deep into the second. David Beltran finally broke the stalemate, finding daylight and racing 58 yards to put the Hurricanes ahead 13-7. The Coral Shores defense then kept the Dolphins in check, giving its offense another opportunity before halftime. With just over five minutes remaining in the half, Royal found the end zone for a second time, extending the Hurricanes’ advantage to 19-7. The score held through halftime, but Marathon emerged from the break determined to make things interesting. The Dolphins took possession to begin the third quarter and simply refused to give the ball back. Marathon controlled the clock for nearly the entire period, grinding its way downfield before Mathew Machado capped the lengthy drive with a 20-yard touchdown run. By the time Coral Shores regained possession, just 1:26 remained in the quarter and the Hurricanes’ lead had been cut to 19-14.

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS 1. Jesus Gonzalez (2) jukes out Coral Shores defender Keandre Dillon (22). 2. The Coral Shores and Marathon linemen line up in the trenches. 3. Charles Royal stiff-arms a Marathon defender for a first down. 4. Dominik Jimenez runs to

the sideline for a kick return touchdown. 5. Matthew Oviedo (5) runs to the North Miami Beach endzone. 6. Jayson Michel (12) resets for the next play. 7. James Augustin (59) and Byron Turner (10) chase after Xavier Perez (1).

Photos by Sean Westerband and Rocky Gonet

5 6

1 2

But Beltran had other ideas. The senior running back needed little time to answer, breaking loose for a 68-yard touchdown. Coral Shores added the twopoint conversion to stretch its lead to 27-14. Marathon still wasn’t finished. Gonzalez connected with Jeremy Thiboutot for another Dolphins touchdown, pulling the Fins back within a score at 27-20. “We fought to the end and I’m proud of the effort,” said Marathon head coach Sean McDonald. Beltran struck again on Coral Shores’ next possession, completing his hat trick of touchdowns with a 26-yard run and restoring a two-score advantage. A late touchdown pass from Sterling Keefe to Marco Gudino finally put the game out of Marathon’s reach and sealed a 41-20 Hurricanes victory. “I think the game lived up to the hype,” Coral Shores head coach Ed Holly said. “Both communities came together and cheered on a good game.” The victory marked Coral Shores’ eighth consecutive Battle of the Keys win, giving the Hurricanes the longest winning streak in the rivalry’s 57-game history. Coral Shores also extended its all-time series advantage to 32-25. With Battle of the Keys LVII decided, there will be little time for either team to dwell on the rivalry. Both schools turn their attention to homecoming week, bringing plenty of festivities and potential distractions ahead of their next games. Marathon hosts St. John Paul II at 7 p.m. Oct. 9, while Coral Shores welcomes Palmer Trinity at the same time and date. KEY WEST Key West gave its Homecoming crowd plenty to celebrate last week, picking up a crucial 23-13 district win over North Miami Beach. The Conchs struck first behind a strong touchdown run from junior Chace Gaertner, though a blocked PAT kept the advantage at six. Matthew Oviedo added to the lead with a 25-yard touchdown run, and Owen Lindley split the uprights for a field goal as Key West built its advantage. The Conchs’ defense got in on the scoring as well. Javier Perez scooped up a fumble and returned it for Key West’s final touchdown of the night, helping seal the Homecoming victory. Owen Lindley split the uprights for a field goal to add some insurance. The defensive front played a key role in keeping North Miami Beach in check. Josh Johnson registered a pair of sacks, with his ability to create disruption from the line helping the Conchs generate pressure and opportunities on defense. The win improved Key West to 3-4 overall and, more importantly, 2-1 in district play as the Conchs continue to fight for a spot in the postseason. That fight gets considerably tougher this week. Key West travels to Miami on Thursday, Oct. 8, for a pivotal district matchup against Miami Central at Traz Powell Stadium. The Rockets present a formidable challenge, particularly with their speed on the outside. “They are not as big up front as they have been in the past, but they’re elite on the perimeter,” Key West head coach Johnny Hughes said. With their postseason hopes hanging in the balance, the Conchs will need to find a way to contain that speed and come away from Miami with a win. Key West will then have a bye week to regroup before its final regular-season district matchup against Miami Springs.

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / OCTOBER 8, 2026

OFF TO THE RACES

Wheatley, Burns gallop to individual wins in Miami

wo Keys teams met at Larry & Penny Thompson Park in Miami for the 2026 Race of the Thoroughbreds on Oct. 2, and local runners came away with wins in both the boys and girls races. Coral Shores entered just one athlete in the girls race, but junior Ali Wheatley was a safe bet, winning the event in 21:38. Marathon’s Molly Joly was close behind in second place, crossing the line in 21:49. Teammate Rebecca Merryman was next for the Fins, placing 11th overall in 25:31, followed by Ariella Dworniczak in 28:26. June McKnight, Ava D’Ascanio, Sophia Roberts, Casey Torres

and Sophia Rodriguez rounded out the Dolphin competitors, helping Marathon to a third-place team finish. In the boys race, Marathon sophomore Lucian Burns rode away with the win, crossing in 16:39 and leaving the field far behind. Burns finished a whopping 1 minute, 46 seconds ahead of the runner-up, with his dominant performance helping propel the Dolphins to third place in the team standings. Tony Bursa was Marathon’s next finisher, placing 15th in 20:13, followed by Anthony Vargas, who claimed 20th in 20:30. Landon Anderson finished in 21:07 and twin brother

Top: Twins Brayden, left, and Landon Anderson completed Marathon’s scoring five at Larry & Penny Thompson Park. Bottom: Rebecca Merryman, left, Molly Joly and Ariella Dworniczak were Marathon’s top three finishers at the Race of the Thoroughbreds. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

Brayden crossed in 21:32 to complete the Dolphins’ scoring five. Burns was not the only Keys runner to crack the boys top 10. Coral Shores’ Victor Lopez placed ninth in 19:20, while teammate Wyatt Meyers crossed one minute later. Will Thies finished in 21:13, followed closely by Dillon Matthews in 21:15, with Tristan Sanchez crossing in 22:15. The Hurricanes’ scoring five combined for a fifth-place team finish. This week, the Fins will enjoy a muchneeded rest from racing while the Hurricanes and Conchs return to Larry & Penny Thompson Park for the 305 Classic on Oct. 9.

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

38 SPECIAL

Merryman ﬁres matching scores to claim consecutive medalist honors

arathon’s Emmett Merryman made it two medalist finishes in as many days last week, leading local golfers through a pair of matches in challenging South Florida conditions. On Sept. 30, Key West edged Marathon by just two strokes at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo on Coral Shores’ home course. Despite the Conchs’ team victory, it was Merryman who claimed the top individual spot. The Marathon golfer carded a 38, finishing just two over par. Key West swept the next three spots. Jakub Krytinar finished second with a 41, using a birdie on hole 6 to pull ahead of teammate Geo Twyman, who shot a 42. Mason Titensor was fourth, followed by Marathon teammates Cullen Coleman-Sayer and Roco Piscetello, who tied at 44. Coral Shores’ Sawyer Hendrix and Key West’s Sonny Bowden tied at 46, while Hurricane Scout Oliver finished with a 47. Marathon’s Jack Dunn rounded out the top 10 with a 48. In the girls match, Key West’s Lexi Finigan led the Keys contingent with a 53. Teammates Charlize Lopez and Mary Alice Davila each shot 55, followed closely by Marathon’s Makenna Haines with a 57. Marathon’s Elleanna Mowry shot 60, Key West’s Stella Tutlewski finished at 62 and Coral Shores’ Valerie Gabriel carded a 64. The Dolphins and Hurricanes were back on the course Oct. 1, braving stormy skies for a match against Riviera Prep at Redland Golf & Country Club in Homestead. Despite less-than-ideal course conditions, the teams managed to complete all nine holes, with Marathon defeating Coral Shores 178-189 and both Keys teams finishing ahead of Riviera Prep. Merryman was again the golfer to beat, shooting a 38 on the par-40 course for his second medalist performance in as many days. Hendrix was second among the Keys golfers with a 42, while Oliver and Marathon’s Piscetello tied at 44. Coral Shores’ Nash Andruski joined Marathon’s Coleman-Sayer and Jacob Reed in a three-way tie at 48, while Marathon’s Ethan Wohlers finished with a 51. Haines and Mowry were the only Keys girls competing in Homestead. Haines shot a 60, while Mowry finished three strokes back with a 63. Keys golfers will continue to battle one another in intra-Keys matches over the next few weeks as the regular season winds down. Then it’s postseason time, with the boys teeing off in district competition Oct. 26 and the girls following on Oct. 27. Marathon’s Emmett Merryman selects a club. Merryman claimed the top spot in back-toback wins last week. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / OCTOBER 8, 2026

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FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of AIS USA LLC, located at 239 JASMINE STREET, in the City of TAVERNIER, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA 33070, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Monroe County, Florida, this 29th day of September, 2026. Name of Owner/Corporation: Alternative Investment Solutions (USA) LLC Publish: October 8, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

unit(s) will be sold: Unit 425- Kimble Kenney, 800 35th Street, Marathon, FL 33050 – Personal items. Property is stored at Big Pine Storage, 30677 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043. All items are sold as is, where is, and must be removed within 48 hours of purchase. Publish: October 8 & 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Construction, Engineering and Inspection Services for Key Deer Blvd (North of Watson Blvd) Roadway Rehabilitation Project Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https:// monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub. com OR www.monroecountyfl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https:// monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub. com, no later than 3:00P.M. on November 24, 2026. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including

confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday, November 24, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: October 8, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

ANNE HARRIS Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of, ANNE HARRIS, deceased, whose date of death was 1 February 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 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 on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is October 1, 2026. Personal Representative: Diana Harris 155 Harbor Drive Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: Tom Woods, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 0525197 116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036 Phone 305.664.2200 Fax 2205 Primary Email: tom@ tomwoodslaw.com Secondary Email: eserve@ tomwoodslaw.com Publish: October 1 & 8, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is October 1, 2026. Personal Representative: Kathleen B. Conder 7195 Coreopsis Cove Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: rmiller@floridakeyslaw.com Secondary: service@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: October 1 & 8, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of GODLY CADENCE ART, located at 638 WILLIAM STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Tallahassee, Florida, pursuant with Section 865.09, Florida Statutes. By: DKL Looking Glass Designs, LLC Publish: October 8, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that Big Pine Storage, pursuant to the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Florida Statutes (Section 83.801–83.809), will sell at public sale by competitive online bidding to satisfy the owner’s lien for unpaid rent, fees, and other charges. Sale to be held online at 11:00 AM on October 30, 2026, at storagetreasures. com. Contents of the following

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the Zoom meetings or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@ keysarts.com Executive Board Meeting October 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/863 24046193?pwd=MoWnb9LfPZf LrImwbbFafx0ZbEz1td.1 Meeting ID: 863 2404 6193 Passcode: 509237 Art In Public Places Committee Meeting October 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87 521140410?pwd=qHMaBVUNK DbvjYbZEJEHGKnMoU7H8Y.1 Meeting ID: 875 2114 0410 Passcode: 878615 Publish: October 8, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a Public in-person and virtually, for e

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In-Person Public Meeting will be held at: o register scan the QR Code To Register for the Virtual Publi Scan the QR Code or visit the link:

Participants can also call in by dialing The will consist of a formal presentation followed by an open discussion. Staff will be available to answer questions as time permits, in the order received. If your question is not . responded to during the event, a response will be provided in writing following the Project contact: Community Outreach Specialist

at 305-470-5477 or

Public participation at this meeting is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this Public Meeting is asked to advise the , P.E. at 305-470-5219 agency at least seven days before the meeting by contacting: or in writing: FDOT, 1000 N.W. 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172, email: If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1 800-955-8770 (Voice).

Visit www.SouthFLRoads.com for more information. Publish: October 8, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE SIXTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-434-K DIVISION: KOENIG IN RE: ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER TODD SCHOFILL, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Christopher Todd Schofill, deceased, whose date of death was May 26, 2026; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, File Number 26-CP-434-K; and the address of which is 500 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have 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 having claims or demands against 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. FIRST DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: OCTOBER 8, 2026 Personal Representative: Christopher John Schofill 250 Tifton-Worth Co Line Road Tifton, Georgia 31793 Attorney for Personal Representative: Regina W. Drennan, Esquire Florida Bar #: 64792 Law Office of Regina W. Drennan 4403 W. Tradewinds Avenue Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 33308 Telephone: (954) 551-6305 Publish: October 8 & 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION FILE # 26-CP-389-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-000216-M DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF HELEN E. CUNNINGHAM Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Helen E. Cunningham, deceased, whose date of death was December 21, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-000327-M DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF ALEXANDER EVAGELOS TERPOS Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ALEXANDER EVAGELOS TERPOS, deceased, whose date of death was October 13, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is October 1, 2026. Personal Representative: Dimitria Nicole Terpos Bailey 154 Guava Avenue Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-000435-M DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT CARDER CAMPBELL Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Robert Carder Campbell, deceased, whose date of death was May 7, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is October 1, 2026. Personal Representative: David K. Campbell 7766 Aviation Blvd Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com Secondary:rmiller@floridakeyslaw. com Publish: October 1 & 8, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA KEY WEST DIVISION IN ADMIRALTY CASE NO.: 4:26-cv-10161LEIBOWITZ IN RE: PETITION OF SPRAY WATER SPORTS, LLC as Owner of a 2025 11’ YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A. PERSONAL WATERCRAFT, hull identification YAMA0252G425, and its engines, tackle, apparel and appurtenances,

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

HOUSING WANTED

Petitioner, __________________/ NOTICE OF PETITION FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY NOTICE is hereby given that Petitioner, Spray Water Sports, LLC (“Petitioner”), as Owner of a 2025 11' YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A. PERSONAL WATERCRAFT, hull identification YAMA0252G425 (the “Vessel”), has filed a Petition claiming the benefit of exoneration from and/or limitation of liability according to law and as provided in Section 30501 et seq. of Title 46, United States Code, Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and the statutes supplemental thereto and amendatory thereof, and also contesting liability independently of the limitation of liability claimed in said Petition for any loss, damage or injury occurring on or about May 25, 2025, in navigable waters in the area of Islamorada, Florida as described in the Petition and said Petition also stating the facts and circumstances upon which exoneration from and/or limitation or liability is claimed. All persons or corporations having claims arising out of the events mentioned above and as more particularly described in the Petition must present them as provided in Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, to the Clerk, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Key West Division, located at 301 Simonton Street, Room 130, Key West, Florida 33040, and serve on or mail copies thereof to the Petitioner’s attorney, Charles S. Davant, Esquire, Davant Law, P.A., 100 NE 3rdAve, Suite 440, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301, on or before November 13, 2026 or be defaulted. Personal attendance is not required. Any claimant desiring to contest the allegations of the Petition shall file and serve on counsel for Petitioner an Answer to the Petition on or before the aforesaid date unless the Claim includes an Answer so designated or be defaulted. Publish: October 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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 23, 2026 Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Katherine Soto Deputy Clerk Publish: October 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

of your written defenses, if any, to it on JOSEPH COLABELLA, JR, whose address is 1360 6TH STREET, REAR, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before OCTOBER 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: September 10, 2026 Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson Deputy Clerk Publish: September 17 & 24 and October 1 & 8, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

Boat Slip &/or Rack For Rent in Marathon at The Boat House, Vaca Key. Call Tony 561-346-6400

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

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

HOUSING WANTED TO RENT. Long-term rental at Cobia Point, Marathon. Will pay top dollar. Current Daytona Beach resident. Former Keys resident who wants to return. Please call Jan Burch at 251-978-6267

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 26-DR-001080-P TAMARA HELENE ARRINGTON, OBO PCH Petitioner, and In Re: Name Change, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR NAME CHANGE FOR MINOR CHILD NAME CHANGE TO: JOHN HOLMES RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: UNKNOWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for FAMILY CASE - PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (MINOR CHILD) has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on TAMARA HELENE ARRINGTON, whose address is 1032 GIBRALTAR ROAD, KEY LARGO, FLORIDA 33037 on or before OCTOBER 31, 2026, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court, 88770 Overseas Hwy, Ste. 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070 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. 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 26-DR-1056-K MATTHEW R. HOWARD, Petitioner, and JACLYN E. HOWARD, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: JACLYN E. HOWARD RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 3910 SOUTH ROOSEVELT BOULEVARD, 203N, KEY WEST, FL 33040 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 MATTHEW HOWARD, whose address is 3910 SOUTH ROOSEVELT BOULEVARD, 203N, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before OCTOBER 30, 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: September 22, 2026 Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: October 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 26-DR-1043-K JOSEPH COLABELLA, JR., Petitioner, and KYLIE G. HINE, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: KYLIE B. HINE RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 7505 SE 28TH STREET, APT. 302, MERCER ISLAND, WA 98040 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy

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

PRIME COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ON US 1 available for rent in Marathon. 3,000 SF and 2,000 SF avail. Let's make a deal! Call or text Tony at 860428-1506 Email: R2tpinc@gmail.com PLACE YOUR AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or N o t . $CASH 305-332-0483

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a parttime Bartender and Server. Flexible evening shifts 3:309:00 at a private club. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub. com or call 305-7436739 to schedule an i n t e r v i e w .

AUTOS FOR SALE

2002 Chevy Work Truck with tool body & rack. Dual rear wheels, v8 diesel with 72k miles. Runs perfect, new front brakes & bearings. Ready to work tomorrow. Located in Long Key. $5000 cash. Call 786-379-9277 PLACE YOUR AUTO FOR SALE AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305743-0844 or Email A n n e k e @keysweekly.com BOATS FOR SALE

PLACE YOUR BOAT FOR SALE AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305743-0844 or Email A n n e k e @keysweekly.com BOAT SLIP/RACK FOR RENT

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following position: Full-time Carpenter. 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.

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. Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a Line Cook. 20-30 hours a week at a private club, primarily dinner shifts, Tuesday-Saturday. $24/hr or negotiable based on experience. Must provide photo ID, social security card, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub. com or call 305-7436739 to schedule an interview. HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH!!! 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 HIRED!!! PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke @keysweekly.com HOUSING FOR RENT

2BR/2BA Single Family Waterfront Home for rent in Marathon. Fully furnished. 70' dock. $4,500/ month includes all utilities, internet & TV. Available for 4 months - Jan April. 727-278-1105 3 BR/2 BA home for rent in Key Colony Beach. 75' premium dock. $3,800/ month + utilities. F/L/S 786-229-0228 2 BR available in Marathon for long term rental. On the water, gated property, $2,200/ month includes limited electricity. First/Security. Small pets ok for separate fee. Call 305-610-8002 Studio Rental in Marathon, longterm, 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 305-7430844 or Email Anneke @keysweekly.com

MISC. FOR SALE

Rosi's Secret Garden - Bromeliads, Episcias & Aglonemas For Sale Anytime. Located on Big Coppit Key. Call 305-296-7183 Cargo Container Storage Units For Sale in Marathon. 20'-50' long, various pricing. Call 305-610-8002 Scooter For Sale excellent condition, 7,541 miles, all service records, individually owned. $400 OBO. Located in Key West. Call Denny 305-294-5568 SOLD IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS!!! PLACE YOUR MISC. FOR SALE AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305743-0844 or Email A n n e k e @ keysweekly.com WANTED TO BUY

P R I V A T E C O L L E C T O R WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 3057 4 3 - 4 5 7 8

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / OCTOBER 8, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844 WANTED TO BUY

YARD SALES

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

Oceanside at Duck Key and follow the signs across 3 bridges. Park with consideration.)

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

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

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

Key West Teller Assistant Maintenance Manager Marathon Customer Service Representative

YARD SALES

SARA’S ESTATE SALE on Duck Key @ 364 E Seaview Drive, Oct. 9-11, 9a to 1p. This is part 2 of GRANDMA’S COASTAL CHIC sale and it’s all about scrumptious French Country antiques, drinking & dining like a Queen! Standouts for Week 2: Vintage double seat white wicker back chair, antique marble top dresser, copper hall tree hat stand, crystal & fine china. To see the full sale, visit estatesales.net. (Turn off US1 at MM61

Islamorada Customer Service Representative Apply Online @ KeysBank.com/Careers

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. Pool & Landscape Technician Experienced technician needed for pool plumbing, electrical, irrigation, lighting and outdoor audio. Must have strong troubleshooting skills and experience with hand/power tools. Reliable, hardworking and able to perform physical outdoor work. Competitive pay & benefits. Finish Carpenter Experienced finish carpenter needed for high end residential work. Must have own tools and reliable transportation. Attention to detail and dependable work ethic required. Interior and Exterior work. Competitive pay and benefits. Working Project Construction Foreman Competitive pay and benefits.

Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

The Bourbon Street Pub Complex is now accepnng applicanons for: • Take Out Kitchen - Team Members Experience Required • Security

• Barback

Full and Part-Time Posiions Available

Apply in-person at 724 Duval Street: Pizza Joe’s or New Orleans House Front Desk. English Speaking required with valid idennﬁcanon. Call 305-293-9800 for more informaaon Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

EOE-M/F/V/D

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.

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $48.47/hr. - $54.28/hr.

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.

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.

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

IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIER

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.

NOW HIRING!

NOW HIRING

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician)

For complete details and to apply, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

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

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

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

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

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

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

KEY LARGO Behavioral Health Counselor (Child, FT)

KEY WEST Crisis Counselor (PT or FT) *Mental Health Technician (FT)

MARATHON Maintenance Specialist (FT) Driver (CDL NOT required) (FT, PT) Registered Nurse (PT) Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult, PT) Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, FT) *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

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, INC. “Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

IS HIRING for The Heron Assisted Living Facility! Interested in gaining health care experience in a comfortable canal front home? Like giving care & assisting with life skills for 16 residents? Well-rounded team player able to handle a variety of responsibilities? Able to make meals, do paperwork, and hold a clean three yr. driver’s license? Available for PT or FT shifts 8am-4pm, 2pm-10pm Monday-Sunday? If so, you would be a great SUPPORT WORKER! No experience required for this position, we will train. A caring heart and helpful hands are necessary.

We offer flexibility; a minimum 16 hrs. & shift differentials! Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!! Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip

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

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

OPENINGS AVAILABLE PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, Ortho-Tavernier, $5k Bonus - Patient Access Associate, Multispecialty Marathon, $5k Bonus - Radiology Technologist, Ortho Surgical, Key West, $25k Bonus

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST - Pool Radiation Therapist

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Chaplain, Chaplaincy Spiritual Care, Per Diem - Director of Nursing Services, Intensive Care Unit/Oncology, $20k Bonus - Food Service Worker, Dietary, $5k Bonus - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, MRI, $25k Bonus - Medical Technologist, Per Diem - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem & FT - 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, $7k Bonus - Physical Therapist, Outpatient, $25k Bonus - Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem - Pool Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, ICU, $25k Bonus - Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus - Registered Respiratory Therapist 2, $25k Bonus - Supervisor Chef, Dietary

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary, FT - Diet Concierge, Full Time - ED Team Coordinator, PT & FT - Lead First Cook, Dietary, $5k Bonus - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT & X Ray, $25k Bonus - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT & X Ray, Radiology, $25k Bonus - Manager Food Services, Dietary - Manager Plant Operations, Facility Operations - Medical Assistant, Urology, $5k Bonus - Medical Technologist 2, $20k Bonus - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $25k Bonus - Patient Care/Nursing House Supervisor (MH/FCH), $20k Bonus - Patient Financial Associate, $10k Bonus - Patient Scheduler, Surgery, FT - Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem - Registered Respiratory Therapist, $25k Bonus - Registered Respiratory Therapist, PT, $12,500 Bonus - Security Officer, FT, 7A-7:30P - Sr Phlebotomist, $10k Bonus All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. *Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.

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THEME: MOVIE QUOTES ACROSS 1. Give benediction 6. World’s oldest broadcasting company, acr. 9. Hoodwink 13. H, spelled out 14. Have a cold, e.g. 15. Dogma 16. Raja’s wife 17. Shel Silverstein’s constrictor 18. Extreme, prefix 19. *”____, my dear, I don’t give a damn” 21. *”Why so ____?” 23. “High” beverage 24. Fairytale’s second word 25. “Swan Lake” step, e.g. 28. Potassium hydroxide solution, pl. 30. Nincompoop 35. Month of Purim 37. At any time 39. Coastal town in southern England 40. Flick part 41. 4 x 4 race 43. Like most Brothers Grimm stories 44. “Peer Gynt” playwright 46. Actress Campbell 47. Please do not delay, acr. 48. Experienced sailor (2 words) 50. Dispatched 52. a.k.a. Tokyo 53. Window guards 55. Beer faucet 57. *”I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it ____” 61. *”What we’ve got here is ____ to communicate” 65. Like United States Capitol 66. Food safety org. 68. Ritual basin 69. Tooth trouble 70. Husk of corn 71. Sharks’ domain 72. Fence board 73. Pastrami partner 74. Paper quantities

DOWN 1. Vomit 2. The one with pants on fire 3. Volcano in Sicily 4. *”I can smell the ____ of a woman... Honey oil, lavender, soap” 5. Israeli monetary unit 6. *”Hasta la vista, ____” 7. Life story, for short 8. Fastener 9. Hero shop 10. “Do ____ others...” 11. Paddington Bear’s homeland 12. Airport postings, acr. 15. Rutabaga cousin 20. Extra sweatshirt, e.g. 22. Long period of time 24. No-good 25. *”We’ll always have ____” 26. Hacienda brick 27. Mexican cuisine staple 29. *”She doesn’t ____ go here” 31. Party garb? 32. Not better 33. Homer’s famous poem, with The 34. *”Not quite my ____” 36. Donna or Lou 38. Techno dance party 42. Busybody, in Yiddish 45. *”____ puts Baby in a corner” 49. Toothy fish 51. Alterations specialist 54. Mention something 56. *”There’s no ____ like home” 57. Contributes 58. Season to be jolly 59. Village People hit 60. Source of protein 61. Cab payment 62. Eye layer 63. #74 Across, sing. 64. Sea eagles 67. *”Go ahead, make my ____”

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