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October 15, 2026

CITY MANAGER SAYS HE’S STAYING | P. 4 BAFFLED BY BALLOT QUESTIONS? | P. 11

HEADS UP! FANTASY FEST IS HERE

KEY WEST PREPARES FOR ITS BIGGEST ANNUAL PARTY | P. 20 & 26

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

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A jersey worn and autographed by a legend of the National Basketball Association netted a jaw-dropping $14 million, an auction house announced on Oct. 12. Pennsylvania-based Hunt Auctions said the Michael Jordan jersey, worn during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA finals, was bought by Miami real estate investor Ron Firman. It’s the highest price ever paid for a piece of basketball memorabilia.

For 43 years, the Headdress Ball, shown here in 2024, has showcased the imagination and artistry of Key West’s Fantasy Fest. This year’s event takes place Thursday, Oct. 22. See page 20. CAROL TEDESCO/Fantasy Fest

CITY MANAGER SAYS HE WILL STAY ON THE JOB Nov. 3 election will decide final commissioner & mayoral terms MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

n amicable separation agreement requires a willingness to separate, but that’s not the case at Key West’s city hall, where the city manager plans to stay in his current position. The city commission last month passed a resolution directing the city attorney to negotiate an amicable separation agreement with city manager Brian L. Barroso. Commissioner Donie Lee had proposed the negotiated split, which was approved with a 4-3 vote at the Oct. 1 commission meeting. Mayor Sam Kaufman and commissioners Lee, Chris Massicotte and Monica Haskell voted in favor of the negotiations. Commissioners Mark Rossi, Lissette Carey and Aaron Castillo were opposed. Lee’s resolution acknowledged ongoing conflicts between Kaufman and Barroso, stating, “disputes and disagreements have arisen between the mayor and the city manager; and the continuation of such disputes is disruptive to the effective functioning of city government, creates uncertainty for city employees and undermines public confidence in the operation of the city. The city commission finds that it is in the best interest of the commission, city employees and the community at large for the city and the city manager to part ways on mutually agreeable terms ….” As it turns out, there was nothing to negotiate as Barroso “does not wish to leave his job,” city attorney Mayanne Downs told the commission in an Oct. 9 email. “The city manager has told me formally today that he wants to stay. He has met with leaders inside and outside city government. He is committed to continuing his work

at the city, improving his relationship with the mayor, and he does not wish to leave his job. “An amicable separation takes two willing parties,” Downs wrote. “I cannot negotiate one when one side does not want to separate.” Commissioner Rossi had encouraged an improved relationship between Barroso and Kaufman at the Oct. 1 meeting. “I really think you two guys (Kaufman and Barroso) need to bury the hatchet and get some good things done,” Rossi said on Oct. 1, before voting against the negotiated separation. “I won’t vote to get rid of Brian because it’s gonna cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars. Is Brian rough? Yes. Is he emotional? Yes. You’re two grown men. Let’s work this out.” It seems Rossi will get what he requested, at least for now. “I remain committed to a professional and respectful working relationship with the city manager,” Mayor Kaufman told the Keys Weekly this week, “My focus is serving the people of Key West by promoting open communication, transparency, accountability and moving our city forward. Any outstanding matters should be addressed fairly and through the appropriate processes.” In her email to the commission, Downs also wrote, “The city manager is the city’s chief executive, and his position is central to how Key West’s government works. The mayor believes the city should have a different city manager. But the decision is not the mayor’s alone. Under the city manager’s contract and the city charter, the city manager serves at the pleasure of a majority of the commission. “On a personal note,” Downs wrote, “I was inspired by the mayor’s comments at his swearing-in ceremony, particularly his reference to divisions within our community, and that he did ‘not want that division to define us.’ I have also been impressed

by the city manager’s statements that he is committed to improvement for the benefit of this city. I am hopeful that both can work together for the benefit of Key West.” District IV voters to elect commissioner Nov. 3 While nearly all city and county races were decided in the Aug. 18 primary election, Key West voters — all voters — still have a few decisions to make in the Nov. 3 general election. Voters in District 4 will choose their city commissioner in the runoff between Sarah Compton and Wayhe Garcia, the top two vote getters in the three-way race that also had included Juan Llera. As no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in August, Compton and Garcia head to a November runoff. Compton’s campaign, which launched several months before Garcia entered the race, has raised $75,364, according to the latest financial filings submitted this week. Garcia has raised $13,744. A total of 1,470 votes were cast in the District IV race during the August primary. Compton got 625 votes, or 43%, compared to Garcia’s 495, or 34%, and Llera’s 350 votes, or 24%. How long should mayors serve? Should the Key West mayor’s term be increased from two years to four, which would match that of their commissioner colleagues? And should the mayor be allowed to serve a maximum of 12 years rather than the current eight-year limit? Both questions are on the Nov. 3 ballot for all Key West voters to answer. And if approved by a majority of voters, neither change would take effect until 2028. Former mayor Dee Dee Henriquez initially proposed four-year terms for mayor in March 2025, saying, “Two years is not enough time as mayor to get things done.”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

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COUNTY BUILDINGS KEY WEST CELEBRATED TO LIGHT UP GOOMBAY BEFORE THERE FOR VETERANS WAS A FANTASY FEST Operation Green Light for Veterans will shine Nov. 4-11 EXCLUSIVE: FANTASY FEST FEATURE

Caribbean-style dancers and musicians march in the Junkanoo Parade during Key West’s annual Goombay celebration of Bahamian culture. The festival this year takes place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16 and 17 along Petronia Street in Bahama Village. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed

ERIN STOVER www.keysweekly.com

Editor’s Note: T-minus 9 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.

n the Bahamas,Goombay refers first to music — Calypso-related and traditionally played on goat-skin drums — and second to the lively summer Goombay celebrations held each year. These festivals take over entire islands with Junkanoo dancers, stilt-walkers and more food than any human could consume. As Bahamian settlers began migrating to Key West in the early 19th century, so, too, did the party. The Bahamian settlers helped shape Key West’s economy and appearance, salvaging ships that wrecked on the reef and building wooden homes that redefined the island’s architecture. But it wasn’t all work, and the Bahamian settlers knew how to let loose, weaving their musical and visual traditions into the already-colorful palette of Key West. It’s only fitting that Key West, with its rich Bahamian heritage, and its love of music and festivals, has thrown its own version of a Goombay party every October for nearly five decades. The Key West version began as a oneblock party in 1977, a few years before the first Fantasy Fest in 1979, celebrating the culture that helped build Key West. Organized by local community leaders like Roosevelt Sands, Charles Major Sr. and Fred Scholl, the first iteration was so successful that the Bahamian prime minister came over to join the festivities. As Fantasy Fest emerged as an October event, the two local celebrations evolved

together into multi-day events, while maintaining their individual identities. Today, Goombay serves as the kickoff to Fantasy Fest week, opening this year on Friday, Oct. 16 along Petronia Street in the Bahama Village neighborhood, with the main music stage located at Petronia and Emma streets. The day features live music from noon to 11 p.m., with the Junkanoo parade, a cherished Goombay tradition, stepping off at 6:15 p.m. Featuring towering stiltwakers, drummers, dancers and vibrant costumes, the parade retains historical elements originally brought to The Bahamas by enslaved Africans. After the parade, visitors will need sustenance. Thankfully, Goombay hosts over 100 open-air vendors offering authentic Bahamian and Caribbean dishes like conch fritters, cracked conch, peas and rice, jerk chicken, fried fish and a dangerously delicious Goombay punch. Most vendors accept credit cards and mobile payments, but savvy festival attendees suggest carrying a little cash to move through the lines as quickly as possible. After dinner, there are still several hours to wander through the muliblock vendors area. Scattered throughout the food stalls, other sellers will be offering a variety of crafts, jewelry and other items to peruse and purchase. Beyond the vendors, reggae, hip hop, and DJ sets will keep the beat flowing, while carnival rides and games will keep kids and fun-loving adults thoroughly entertained. Of course, if one night of gastronomical delights, great music, community pride and colorful spectacle isn’t enough, visitors can always come back for a second full day of festivities on Saturday, Oct. 17. Pro tip: just don’t have too much fun. Fantasy Fest continues for the next nine days. Pace yourself.

The county-owned Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo, along with four other county buildings in Key West and Marathon, will be illuminated with green lights Nov. 4-11 in honor of Green Light for Veterans, as counties nationwide show their support and gratitude in the week leading up to Veterans Day on Nov. 11. CONTRIBUTED

n recognition of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Monroe County will illuminate five government buildings in green from Nov. 4-11 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans. Operation Green Light is a nationwide initiative led by the National Association of Counties that brings communities together to honor and support military Veterans and raise awareness of the many challenges they face. Veterans Day is observed on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Throughout the Florida Keys, green lights will illuminate the Harvey Government Center and the Historic Gato Building in Key West, the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo, the Monroe County Emergency Operations Center in Marathon, and the Public Library System’s Marathon branch in green. This marks Monroe County’s fifth year participating in Operation Green Light, joining counties across the country in creating a visible display of appreciation and support for those who have served. In counties all over the country, green lights will illuminate bridges, belltowers, capitol rotundas, parks and other county facilities. Monroe County residents, businesses and organizations are

encouraged to participate by changing one light bulb at home or at their place of business to a green bulb during the week leading up to Veterans Day. The simple gesture helps create a communitywide display of gratitude for local veterans and their service. “Lighting our county facilities green gives our community a meaningful way to recognize the service and sacrifice of our veterans,” said Cathy Crane, director of community services. “We hope residents, businesses and organizations throughout the Florida Keys will join us in this effort. Together, these small acts of recognition can send a powerful message that our Veterans are valued, remembered and supported by the community they served.” For more information about the initiative, visit the National Association of Counties at naco.org/ program/operation-green-lightveterans. To learn more about Monroe County Veterans Affairs and the services available to local vterans and their families, visit monroecounty-fl.gov/va. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 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

comptonforcommissioner.com Paid for and approved by Sarah Compton for Key West City Commission, District IV.

EARLY VOTING THROUGH OCTOBER 31.

ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 3.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

CAROL SHAUGHNESSY www.keysweekly.com

1. Katie Hobbs Holtkamp displays her award-winning canvas, ‘Still Good.’

KATIE HOBBS HOLTKAMP EMBRACES THE ART OF LIVING

2. Katie Hobbs Holtkamp, far right, costumed as Bob Ross — the American artist who developed and hosted TV’s ‘The Joy of Painting’ — prepares for Halloween festivities with students at Horace O’Bryant School.

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD MEET

ey West has been known for decades as an island of the arts, and Katie Hobbs Holtkamp is one of the people who keeps it that way. As well as being an artist herself, she’s a longtime art teacher at Horace O’Bryant School and chair of Key West’s Art in Public Places board. Born in Cuba, Holtkamp is a 27-year resident of Key West. She has taught art to thousands of Key West kids during her two-decade career at HOB School, while also creating and exhibiting her own work. She’s also a single mom to daughter Greta, who’s a member of the Key West High School Conchettes dance team, and will dance the lead role of Clara in this year’s “Nutcracker Key West” ballet. Passionate about making art accessible and inclusive, Holtkamp was asked to join Key West’s Art in Public Places Board five years ago and enthusiastically accepted. She currently chairs the board, which advises the city commission on the selection, location and commissioning of public art, including murals, sculptures, painted benches and more. Holtkamp recently shared her thoughts about her creative work, teaching and her commitment to connecting art with Key West’s community, culture and identity. Have you always been an artist? I have. Art is my family’s thing, and it’s always been my passion. My mom was super supportive of it. My brother is an artist as well. He’s a glassblower in Pensacola, Florida, and he’s been doing glass for 30 years. How would you characterize your art? I basically focus on color, line and shape. It’s like I’m creating a moment in time. I did a painting for the “Mango Madness” show at The Studios of Key West a couple of years ago that depicts picking up mangoes off the ground instead of from a tree, and I titled it “Still Good.” Those two words had such an impact for me — the thought of how life can still be so good even when the fruit has fallen off the tree. How do you want people to react when they see your artwork? I want the initial impact to be something that is intriguing. I like for things to be

3. Katie Hobbs Holtkamp, left, shares a moment with her daughter, Greta, a talented dancer. KATIE HOBBS HOLTKAMP/Contributed

1 2 3

left a little undone, for the viewer to add a little bit in their head. Art is a language of communication, and it’s also a collaboration with the viewer. What part of teaching gives you the most satisfaction? We’re a wonderful school and a very diverse group of people. I really like seeing the trends of life and society through the lens of the classroom while doing art with the kids. Art is the international language — it benefits children and helps them learn how to communicate with each other and teaches them about each other’s cultures. What drew you to accept the request to join the city’s Art in Public Places board? I believe art should be accessible to everyone — not just people who visit galleries or museums. Public art brings creativity out of galleries and into the everyday lives of the community. I also want to represent my city. I believe art is a right, and I want to be part of that for my community. What would you like people to know about the Art in Public Places board? The board does a lot of good, but people don’t always know what we do. We make sure public artwork is created and maintained properly in a respectful manner. We’ve funded the refresh of Rick Worth’s mural in

Bahama Village and supported the restoration of Debra Yates’s mosaic at Smathers Beach, among many other projects. We do it because we love the arts community. We’re also bringing the Florida Association of Public Art Professionals’ conference here to Key West in April. With people from all over Florida and the country here, we’re going to highlight Key West as a place of public art. Is there an Art in Public Places project that’s especially meaningful to you? One of the projects that I’m particularly proud of is the art at the Frederick Douglass Community Center. It demonstrates how public art can connect community spaces, artists and residents — and it created opportunities for Key West artists to have their work seen and experienced by the public. I’ve heard people say we don’t give preference to Key West people, which is not true; we always look at Key West artists first. After 27 years in Key West, what aspects of the island and the community still hold your heart? It’s all the relationships I’ve created with like-minded people within my environments. I have the most amazing friendships and chosen family. I also have my school family. I’ve gone through all of my eras here in Key West, from party girl to super-serious art teacher mom, and I still wake up happy every day. I get to see the people I love and make art and serve my city. I still really love it — it’s still good.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

Key West & Cuba’s Museum Quality Regional Art Celebrating Cultural Resilience – SAVE THE DATE –

Peter Vey — RADIANT SKIES Artist’s Reception Saturday, February 13th, 2027, 5-8 pm

island inspired Elegant Stride, 36” x 24”, Oil on Linen Peter Vey captures the exuberant spirit of the Florida Keys in this vibrant painting of a flamingo striding through turquoise shallows. Bold coral reds, dramatic black wings, and expressive brushstrokes bring the bird to life, balancing elegance with playful movement. The luminous sea and expansive sky celebrate the tropical beauty of the Caribbean. Through rich textures and brilliant color, Vey transforms a fleeting moment in nature into a joyful celebration of the light, warmth, and distinctive character of the Keys. Works Available on Approval & Concierge Services from Key West to Key Largo The Gallery on Greene | 606 Greene Street | Key West, Florida galleryongreene.com | 305-304-2323

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

WHAT DO THESE AMENDMENTS MEAN? Voters to decide on 3 proposed changes to state constitution MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

ample ballots that arrived in Monroe County voters’ mailboxes last week feature three proposed amendments, or changes, to the state constitution, and only one of them — Amendment 3 — has received any attention. We’ll get to that one in a moment. Each proposed constitutional change asks voters to answer yes or no to a question many of them didn’t expect and don’t understand. “I don’t even know what they’re asking,” one college-educated and politically astute Key West resident told the Keys Weekly last week. “And I’m a reasonably well-informed voter.” The nonpartisan voter education nonprofit organizations, Ballotpedia and Florida TaxWatch, compiled analyses of each amendment, which will require approval by 60% voters to be enacted. Amendment 1 - Budget Stabilization Fund This amendment received bipartisan support in the Florida legislature and would require state lawmakers to put $750 million each year into the state’s Budget Stabilization Fund, one of the state’s savings accounts for emergencies, such as a hurricane or economic recession. Amendment 1’s supporters include state Senate President Ben Albritton and state House Speaker Daniel Perez, who noted that putting more money into the state’s reserves shows fiscal responsibility and can help avoid drastic tax increases or cuts to services in the event of an economic crisis or budget shortfall. Florida TaxWatch also supports a “yes” vote on Amendment 1, although the group notes that the recommendation was not easy, as the amendment will force lawmakers to put $750 million a year into the Budget Stabilization Fund, which is just one of three “rainyday funds” that currently contain a total of about $16 billion for emergencies. “If Florida has enough tax revenue to add billions of dollars to already robust reserves, perhaps more should be returned to the taxpayer,” states Florida TaxWatch. “On the other hand, if a serious recession or other economic downturn occurs, reserves can protect taxpayers from tax increases when they can least afford it. In the end, it is hard to turn down a legislature offering to save more money.”

Governor Ron DeSantis, however, opposes Amendment 1, saying, “We already have a maxed-out rainy day fund and have run the largest surpluses in state history. Any additional revenue should be used for lower taxes, including assisting local governments with grants so that homestead properties can be exempt from local property tax.... “ Amendment 1 would not directly raise or lower taxes for Floridians, but rather dictates how much of the state’s tax revenue is set aside for emergency reserves. Amendment 2 - Exemption of Tangible Personal Property on Agricultural Land from Taxation Um, what? In English, Amendment 2 would eliminate taxes paid on farm equipment, tools and other belongings that are typically present on land used for agriculture and agritourism activities. Such equipment is considered tangible personal property, which refers to physical, movable assets such as furniture, machinery, tools and equipment, as opposed to real property, which typically pertains to land and permanent structures on that land. Amendment 2 would eliminate the tax on agricultural tangible personal property, meaning farm equipment and tools. The proposal received significant bipartisan support in the state legislature, and Florida TaxWatch recommends a “yes” vote on Amendment 2, stating, “Florida TaxWatch research has shown that this tax on tangible personal property (TPP) is burdensome to comply with and has other negative attributes that make TPP taxes a good candidate for reduction or repeal. Amendment 2 is a way of chipping away at this onerous tax.” Amendment 3 - Increased Homestead Exemption; Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homestead Property Assessments This one has gotten a significant amount of attention, locally and statewide. Amendment 3 would increase the homestead exemption on primary residences to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, meaning a home’s taxable value would be lowered by those amounts. The amendment also would lower the cap on property value increases for nonhomestead property, from 10% to 5%, meaning a non-homestead property’s taxable value could only increase by 5% each year. Supporters contend that Amendment 3 “is needed to stem the rapid rise of property

taxes in Florida and that Florida families need tax relief,” according to Ballotpedia. “Supporters say local government spending is out of control, and this will force them to cut unnecessary spending. Some say there is enough waste to avoid significant cuts to essential services.” Opponents of Amendment 3 say, “it will require extensive budget cuts to essential county and municipal services like police and fire protection,” states Ballotpedia. “They say the amendment has no assistance for local governments facing these deep cuts. Others say that property tax exemptions are not tax cuts as much as they are tax shifts, increasing the burden on non-homestead properties, and hurting renters and small businesses. “Another concern voiced by many is how hastily this proposed amendment was put on the ballot, as it was passed by the legislature a week after it first surfaced,” Ballotpedia states. The ballot summary was criticized for being misleading and written in a way that sounded like a campaign brochure touting its passage. A judge agreed, and the amendment’s summary had to be rewritten before it could appear on the ballot. Florida TaxWatch recommends voting “no” on Amendment 3, stating, “The largest fiscal change in the history of Florida government should not be sent to the ballot one week after the initial proposal surfaced. Florida TaxWatch believes that the entire process behind getting Amendment 3 onto the November ballot was rushed, did not secure appropriate input from impacted stakeholders, and, even with the ballot summary rewrite, some may still be unclear about what they are voting on.” The nonpartisan taxpayer watchdog group adds, “Tax relief for Floridians is certainly justified, but relief is needed by homestead property owners and non-homestead property owners alike.” For the full analyses visit ballotpedia.org and floridataxwatch.org.

Monroe County commissioners will hold a workshop about Amendment 3 on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 5 p.m. at the Marathon Government Center, with Zoom participation details available at monroecounty-fl.gov/calendar.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

MISSING MONTY: STOLEN CAT GETS KEY WEST’S ATTENTION Family finds AirTag collar 5½ miles up the highway MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

issing cats don’t typically make headlines. The images and descriptions of beloved pets instead tend to circulate on social media, where they’re shared by sympathetic users among alert neighbors. But a stolen cat? That’s a different story, and one that deserves the attention and involvement of an island community that famously comes together to help one of its own. In this case, Amy Bebbington and Patrick O’Herlihy need the community to know the story of Monty, the mouthy black cat who snores when he sleeps, “talks” to anyone who pets him, makes his presence and opinions known, and never ventures beyond his neighbor’s yard on Duncan Street. So listen up, Key West. Keep your eyes and ears open. Here’s what happened: Monty has been missing from Duncan Street since Monday, Sept. 21, but he didn’t go missing. “Someone took him,” Bebbington said. How does she know? Monty’s collar. It had an AirTag locating device attached — and was found 5.6 miles up U.S. 1, lying on the ground near Boca Chica Naval Air Station. But no Monty. “We went to the AirTag location and, after searching, found Monty’s collar — with the AirTag still attached — lying on the ground at an old/disused entrance off the Overseas Highway at Boca Chica. We have now searched the area 10 times now, but have found no sign of Monty,” Bebbington said, adding that the AirTag and collar were the evidence they needed to file a police report. “The Key West police and Detective Anna Anglin have been great with us,” Bebbington said. “They could easily have rolled their eyes and dismissed us, but they’ve been so empathetic and are taking this seriously. And thankfully, the collar and AirTag provided evidence that most missing pet situations don’t have.” Even the professionally skeptical police were convinced that 16-pound Monty, a homebody who doesn’t wander more than 100 yards in any direction, didn’t set off on a nearly six-mile journey up a busy highway. The couple is convinced that the more people who are aware of the situation and alert to anything they see or hear about a

Monty, an all-black cat with some skin allergies, was taken from his Duncan Street yard on Sept. 21. His collar, which was equipped with a locating device, was found nearly 6 miles up US 1. CONTRIBUTED

black cat, the more likely it is that Monty will be found. “Someone must have seen or heard something about a black cat, and this community is amazing when it comes together and works together to help a neighbor,” O’Herlihy said. “Someone may have overheard a conversation about a cat without realizing what they were hearing.” Bebbington and O’Herlihy have also reported Monty missing to the Florida Keys SPCA, where staff can identify him via his microchip — but someone has to find him and bring him into the shelter first. The couple is also keeping Monty’s story updated and circulating on local social media. Monty is all black with little white spots that make his nose look like it’s peeling from sunburn. “It’s from mosquito sensitivity. When he scratches his nose, it may get scabby,” Bebbington said, adding that Monty also has little bald spots near his tail. “He has allergies that cause the bald spots, so he’s not a shiny black cat.” Monty is on prescription food for his skin conditions and allergies. “So he really needs to be home with his family. He’s also quite a big cat — 16 pounds — and very vocal, with big meows. He’s a member of our family, and the house feels incomplete without him. We have one other cat, who doesn’t understand where Monty is.” Monty’s big personality makes his absence feel as significant as his presence. And Amy Bebbington and Patrick O’Herlihy are just hoping the Key West and Lower Keys community can help fill that void — by finding Monty. The couple is offering a reward for the return of Monty and they urge anyone with any information, no matter how small of a detail, to contact them via Amy Bebbington on Facebook, facebook.com/amybebbington

LATEST SCAM DEMANDS MONEY FOR MISSING FEDERAL JURY DUTY

he Monroe County Sheriff’s Office recently received a report of a familiar scam with a new twist: A resident received a money demand via a fake notification in regular and electronic mail falsely stating they missed federal jury duty in Key West. The fake money demand/arrest materials included false information from the Monroe County sheriff’s office as well as the wrong address for the federal courthouse in Key West. The sheriff’s office does not collect money for federal agencies nor does it administer federal jury duty. Scammers impersonate law enforcement officers, court officials, government employees or any one of legitimate standing, and falsely claim the victim has missed jury duty, has an outstanding warrant, or owes court-related fines. They threaten immediate arrest or immediate negative action unless the victim pays a fine often by way of gift cards or cryptocurrency, often directing them to a cryptocurrency ATM or wallet. The urgency is intended to prevent victims from verifying the claim before sending funds. Contact the 16th Judicial Circuit of Florida – Monroe County (www.keyscourts.net) or U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida (www.flsd.uscourts.gov) if you have questions about jury duty. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to be aware and share this information. Always contact the organization yourself. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

CELEBRATING

NOTICE

IN BUSINESS

Taxpayers are encouraged to pay online through the Tax Collector’s secure and convenient website, MonroeTaxCollector.com. Online payments made using your bank account (e-check) are FREE and no additional fees are charged. Early payment discounts are available as follows: 4% if paid in November 3% if paid in December 2% if paid in January 1% if paid in February No discount is available if paid in March. As of April 1, 2027, the 2026 taxes become delinquent, and any payment must be made in certified funds. If payment is not received by May 31, 2027, a tax certificate will be sold no later than June 1, 2027. Ownership and current address information are received and certified by the Monroe County Property Appraiser. If you do not receive your tax bill within two weeks, or need additional information regarding property taxes, please call our office at 305-295-5044.

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SAM STEELE, MONROE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR, ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE 2026 PROPERTY TAX ROLL. BOTH REAL PROPERTY AND TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES ARE PAYABLE.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

AQUA’S FOUNDER RECLAIMS SHUTTERED NIGHTCLUB Jill McDonald faces construction chaos MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

“M

ama, will you buy Aqua back?” Jill McDonald shook her head and laughed wryly, recalling the May text message that upended the retirement life she and her partner, Sandy Thomas, were enjoying in Venice, Florida. The text brought the pair back to Key West and immersed them in the construction chaos that surrounded her last week at the nightclub she created in 2002. “I was in Venice watching a true crime murder, when I got the text from Mark Watson,” McDonald said, referring to her longtime Key West friend who had worked for her as a bartender at Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval St., which she owned and operated from 2002 to 2011, when she sold it to local businessman Michael Ingram. “I thought Mark was just kidding and checking in, so I wrote back,’Sure,’” McDonald said, assuming that was the end of the exchange. “But then Mark texted Sandy and asked, ‘Will you let Jill buy back Aqua?’” Then things got serious and the couple started catching up on the drama that had enveloped — and ultimately shuttered — Aqua Nightclub. The details are a complex web of financial and legal problems involving the two men who had bought the nightclub from Ingram in 2023. “Wr started doing some research and learned that paychecks had been bouncing, rent wasn’t being paid and staff wasn’t being paid,” said McDonald, who has been in the bar business for 40 years. After selling Aqua to Ingram, she and Thomas had built, opened and co-owned Hang Five, a wildly successful restaurant in Panama City Beach that she later sold to the Señor Frogs international restaurant group. “I know Jill, and she’s someone who always needs a project,” Mark Watson, of the text message infamy, told the Keys Weekly on Oct. 13. “She’s uneasy when she doesn’t have something to do, and I knew she had sold Hang 5, so I knew they had some Señor Frogs money rumbling around.” Watson and others had been hearing of serious financial and legal difficulties surrounding Aqua’s Orlando-based ownership group, Pride Holdings Group, which had bought the Key West drag cabaret and nightclub from Michael Ingram in 2023.

Jill McDonald created and is now reclaiming and renovating Aqua nightclub, 711 Duval St. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Renovations and unexpected repairs have turned Aqua nightclub into a costly construction project.

In better times, Aqua nightclub hosts nightly drag shows, fundraisers, special events and a loyal crowd of customers. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Aqua ultimately closed on July 6, prompting an outpouring of emotional online tributes from Key West locals and visitors. To make a long story short, McDonald returned to Key West and to the club she created and still loved. “Sandy and I talked a lot, and I said, ‘I think I can do it one more time,’”, she said, referring to one more bar business. “I walked in and was embarrassed at what the place had become,” she said. “My love for the Aqua family and for this town convinced us to do this.” But it’s not going smoothly. In addition to the unexpected expenses that McDonald long ago learned to anticipate, the building needed a new roof, which pushed the reopening until after Fantasy Fest. This week, things got worse. The construction project got red-tagged with a stop-work order from the city’s building department. “The building owner (Joseph Cohen) told the city he was unaware of what was happening on the property, which is untrue, and that he needs to be the one signing for permits, McDonald said. “Although he bought the building a few years ago, there’s a 99-year lease on the property that’s held by the Farrington family, and the city already decided that the master lease holder should sign for the permits.” McDonald has been in touch with the Farringtons, who are aware of the permits she has obtained and paid for. “Now that I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on his building, he shuts me down after the city gave me five permits that I paid for, that were authorized by the master lease holder,” a dejected McDonald said this week, unsure of what comes next as she awaits confirmation from city officials that the permits were properly authorized and work can resume. Shortly before press time, the Keys Weekly contacted Cohen’s attorney Bart Smith, who previously did legal work for McDonald, she said. Smith said he would contact Cohen to see if he wanted to comment. As of press time, Cohen had not responded, but stay tuned to keysweekly.com for updates. Meanwhile, McDonald is stuck in a holding pattern, unsure of her next move. One thing that is certain, though, she’s holding Watson responsible for the text message that started it all.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

MARINE CAPTAIN DIES IN SPECIAL OPS TRAINING Captain Garrett Pearson, 30, was in

OBITUARY

LINDA LOURITA SWEETING ACEVEDO

inda Lourita Sweeting Acevedo, 79, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, went to be with the Lord on Oct. 8, 2026. Linda was a woman who placed faith and family at the center of her life, and her warm presence, optimism and genuine care for others made her a cherished part of countless lives. Born on Aug. 21, 1947 to Glenwood and Dorothy Sweeting, Linda grew up as the youngest of four children in a close-knit Key West family. From an early age, she became the sweet, dependable little sister — helpful, thoughtful and always ready to brighten someone’s day. Those early years shaped the woman she became: encouraging, devoted and deeply connected to the people she loved. On April 30, 1966, Linda married the love of her life, Manuel “Chimo” Acevedo. Their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion and partnership. For 60 years, they celebrated life together, endured challenges side by side, and lived out their vows with grace and steadfast love. In every season — for better or worse — they remained each other’s constant, always choosing love, always choosing one another. Their bond truly epitomized six decades of wedding vows in which love prevailed in all things. Linda was a proud 1966 graduate of Key West High School, carrying her Conch spirit throughout her life. After graduation, she worked at the Key West Citizen newspaper and Horace O’Bryant School, but her greatest joy was her family. Her boys, Ronnie and Randy, were everything to her. She poured her heart into raising them, supporting their dreams, celebrating their accomplishments and showing up for every moment. Her love extended to her siblings’ children, her friends’ children and anyone who needed a helping hand. When grandchildren arrived, Linda’s world expanded in the most joyful way. They became the center of her universe, and she embraced her role with boundless affection. She encouraged their interests, celebrated their achievements and made sure they always felt treasured. To them, she was a

Key West for Raider training

source of comfort, joy and unwavering belief — a grandmother whose love made every moment feel special. Linda’s life was guided by her faith, which she expressed through generosity, forgiveness and a steady concern for others. She taught her family to treat people with compassion, to show up when needed and to look for the good in every situation. She was also blessed with a wonderful circle of friends. Linda and Chimo shared countless holidays, gatherings and evenings filled with conversation, laughter and dancing. She loved traveling with her friends, exploring iconic sights across the country, and taking in the beauty of each place they visited. Those adventures created treasured memories and deepened the friendships she held so dear. Linda will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 60 years, Manuel “Chimo” Acevedo; her sons Randy (Amber) and Ronnie (Sabrina); her sister Gail Surrency; her brothers Roger (Shirley) Sweeting and David (Phyllis) Sweeting; her grandchildren Wade, Thomas and Miranda Acevedo, and Grayson and Piper Acevedo; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a close circle of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenwood and Dorothy Curry Sweeting. Though her passing leaves a hole in our hearts, Linda leaves behind a lifetime of memories, strength and gentle wisdom that will continue to guide all who were blessed to know her. Her bright smile, her encouragement and her devotion to faith, family and friends will remain part of her legacy forever.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Garrett Pearson, seen here with his wife, Autumn and daughters Maisie and Hazel, died Oct. 3 while in Key West for Marine Raider special operations training. CONTRIBUTED

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

arrett Pearson, a 30-year-old Marine captain and former Virginia Commonwealth University baseball player, died during special operations training in the waters off Key West during Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) training. “We at Naval Air Station Key West extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Marine Corps Captain Garrett Pearson’s family, friends and fellow service members during this difficult time,” said Danette Baso-Silvers, spokesperson for Naval Air Station Key West, who referred questions to Major Johnny Henderson, Jr. of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command. Henderson did not return emails seeking comment from the Keys Weekly as of press time, but he told Military.com on Oct. 9 that Pearson had died Oct. 3 while participating in Marine Raider training at Naval Air Station Key West. The special operations training command on Fleming Key off Key West is run by the U.S. Army, but used by all branches of the military for their own grueling special operations training. Maj. Henderson, told Military.com that Capt. Pearson was reported missing during a scheduled swim event on Oct. 3. Training was stopped immediately and a search-and-rescue mission was launched, leading to the discovery of an unresponsive Pearson in the water, states the military.com story by Haley Fuller, who wrote, “Personnel on scene immediately initiated resuscita-

tion efforts, and emergency medical services transported him to Lower Keys Medical Center, where advanced lifesaving measures continued. Pearson was pronounced deceased at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 3 by attending medical staff.” The Marine Forces Special Operations Command is investigating the death to determine all contributing factors, Henderson said. “We are also coordinating with Naval Safety Command, NCIS and local civilian authorities, which include the Key West Police Department,” he said, adding, “We do not speculate on the cause of death.” “The loss of Capt. Garrett Pearson strikes at the very heart of the command and our community,” Maj. Gen. Michael A. Brooks, commander of MARSOC, said in a statement shared with Military.com. “Capt. Pearson was one of us — a Marine who had willingly taken on the immense challenge of earning the title of Marine Raider. “His dedication, professionalism and determination were evident to all who trained and served alongside him. His passing leaves a void that is deeply felt across our formation.” Rachel Hughes, a family friend, launched a GoFundMe online fundraiser that as of Oct. 14 had raised more than $160,000 for Pearon’s wife, Autumn, and young daughters, Maisie, 3, and Hazel, nearly 1. “There are simply no words that can describe this heartbreak,” Hughes wrote on the GoFundMe website. Donate to the Pearson family at gofundme.com and search for, “Honoring Garrett Pearson, Loved Husband and Father.”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

MULTI-AGENCY OPERATION NETS NEARLY 1 KILO OF COCAINE 2 arrested for drug trafficking in Key West bust

Jonathan Fidel

Sonora Tillman

wo people were arrested on drug trafficking charges after a joint multi-agency investigation led to the execution of a search warrant on Oct. 8 in the 3900 block of South Roosevelt Boulevard. Investigators recovered 972 grams of cocaine, a large amount of cash and multiple items of paraphernalia associated with drug sales during the search. Jonathan Fidel Lopez, 32, and Sonora Ashley Tillman, 33, were arrested and transported to the Monroe County Detention Center. Both face multiple drug trafficking charges. Additional federal charges are pending. The investigation was a joint effort of Homeland Security Investigations, Key West Police Department, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations with U.S. Customs and Border Protection assisting with the search. The investigation remains active. No further information is being released at this time. — Contributed

SCHOOL BOARD REMEMBERS JOHN PADGET, HONORS JOHN DICK FRANK DERFLER www.keysweekly.com

he Oct. 6 meeting of the Monroe County school board in Key West began with a tribute and moment of silence for John Padget who died on Sept. 22. Padget served as Monroe County Schools Superintendent and became a powerful benefactor to Take Stock in Children. He was a driving factor behind countywide student programs for technology, travel, leadership and cultural exchange. Later in the meeting, board member John Dick related how Padgett started the Take Stock program by pedaling to the administrative building on his bicycle, handing a $75,000 check to the superintendent, and telling him to start the program. During public comment, retired school board chairman Andy Griffiths rose to praise and roast retiring school board chair John Dick. Griffiths, first elected to the school board in 1992, served with Dick and thanked him for his 20 years of service. He praised Dick’s “Dollars to the classroom” mantra while also recounting, with some humor, Dick’s time as a school employee. According to Griffiths, when Dick, who was a school counselor, didn’t get a raise, he decided to run for school board and then was a thorn in the side of that administration. Kate DeLoach, a lobbyist with the Southern Group, presented an initial list of items of concern to the district school board during the legislature’s next session. The list includes a Florida statute called the School Grade Escalator. Under this statute, whenever 75% or more of schools statewide in a specific category earn an A or B, the Florida Department of Education increases the grading curve for schools. School boards across the state are against this escalator because it makes it increasingly difficult and impractical to try to keep an A rating. School ratings impact elections, property values and workforce strength. Another item on the legislative list is the accounting for Family Empowerment Scholarships. The program makes K–12 vouchers available to all Florida residents regardless of household income. These vouchers, with an average value of $8,000, can pay for home schooling or private schooling. School district funding from the state depends on enrolled student headcount. Operating costs do not scale down linearly when a few stu-

Outgoing school board member John Dick receives a gavel on a plaque as a thank you for his 20 years of service to the district during an Oct. 6 meeting in Key West. Pictured from left are school board members Darren Horan, Mindy Conn, Yvette Mira-Talbott, Dick, Superintendent Ed Tierney and Sue Woltanski. MCSD/Contributed

dents are home schooled or privately schooled and not part of the headcount. Losing 20 or 30 enrolled students scattered across various grades in a district significantly reduces state funding, but the district can’t respond by closing a school or hiring fewer teachers. Registered home education students are, by law, guaranteed access to the district’s extracurricular and sports activities without additional funds. School districts want to revise the system so traditional public school operations and private vouchers are in separate appropriations. The Bruce Hall and Reynold’s School project will provide workforce housing for the district along with new office and educational facilities while also restoring historically important buildings. Bruce Hall was built around 1911 as part of the Ruth Hargrove Methodist Seminary. U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez secured a $3 million federal appropriation. The school district’s local capital appropriations request from the Florida Legislature is $1.75 million to complete the final phase of the project. Increasing teacher salaries and mitigating any impact from tax reform are also on the list of concerns. Key West High School student, and newly elected Homecoming Queen, Jordan Green introduced a presentation from the Key West segment of the Monroe Association of Governing Students (MAGS). MAGS is a student advisory and leadership council across the three high schools in the district. Green and other students described a survey asking about the use of artificial intelligence and screen time they plan to conduct across the schools. One statement that caught the board’s attention was that school has become

more about passing than learning. Melissa Alsobrooks, principal at Gerald Adams, presented statistics showing significant achievement increases at this Key West elementary school. Gerald Adams is a Title 1 school. The school receives supplemental federal funding because a high percentage of students are from lowincome families. She reported significantly improved performance on the Florida assessment tests and credited her staff and specific teaching strategies for the improvement. Alsobrooks and board member Sue Woltanski discussed the importance of science and a science fair in the curriculum. The board approved a formal agreement with the county to make the schools available as emergency shelters. The district only has to provide someone to give physical access to a school when an emergency is declared. The county takes responsibility for the operation of shelters. According to the agreement, both school board and county employees can receive payment from FEMA for their salaries. Board member Mindy Conn thanked Superintendent Ed Tierney for putting this agreement together because of past misunderstandings and assumptions. Board member Yvette Mira-Talbott Talbott discussed the Rex Weech Field improvement project as it reaches completion. She pointed out that it came in close to a quarter of a million dollars under budget. She praised the local cooperation of all involved in keeping costs down. The meeting closed with the board members expressing their thanks for Dick’s service and reminiscing about their experiences.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

IS A BICYCLE TRAFFIC VIOLATION GROUNDS FOR ARREST & DEPORTATION IN KEY WEST? Immigrant advocates ask KWPD to clarify rules & explain its role in immigration enforcement Dear Key West Multimodal Transportation Team and Key West Police Department, We have recently observed that the Key West Police Department is performing bicycle traffic enforcement stops resulting in the arrest and detention of immigrants. We are concerned that these traffic stops are not being applied evenly to all Key West community members and that vulnerable populations are being intentionally targeted by KWPD officers. Many of us have seen bicycle riders who appear to be white commit the same traffic violations without being stopped, much less arrested. This pattern raises serious concerns for us about the use of racial and ethnic profiling by our local police force. We understand that Florida law treats bicycles as vehicles, and that cyclists must stop fully at stop signs and red lights. We acknowledge that some riders in our community, including immigrants, are not following these rules. However, selectively enforcing these rules, or taking advantage of these rules to target individuals whom officers believe may be of tenuous immigration status, is not a safety strategy and it erodes community trust. Key West police stopped Sisley Pestana Caipo for an alleged bicycle traffic violation at 2:10 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4 at the corner of 1st Street and Seidenberg Avenue. Officers told witnesses on the scene that Caipo was being arrested and detained for a traffic violation. Two days later, on Tuesday, Oct. 6 around 8:40 a.m., police arrested Bejy Vertus while he was riding his e-bike in the 500 block of Staples Avenue. Both people were stopped and arrested by KWPD without any other agency present. Neither of them ever appeared on the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office website after their arrests. Both detainees were turned over to immigration enforcement officers without being cited or charged with anything else. For the period of time between their arrests and when they finally showed up on the ICE locator website several days later, these individuals were basically missing. If the Key West Police Department and the City of Key West are truly committed to public safety, they must work to regain the community’s trust. That begins with transparency regarding KWPD’s involvement in the enforcement of federal immigration detention policies, and a commitment to educating our community on the behaviors that may make people a target of that enforcement. We implore the city and police department to publish clear, visual instructions in

Key West police arrest local immigrant Bejy Vertus for a bicycle traffic violation on Staples Avenue the morning of Oct. 6. Vertus never appeared on the sheriff’s office as an arrestee and was turned over to federal immigration officials. CONTRIBUTED

multiple languages, with the precise bikeriding standards. This information should educate bike riders on exactly what a lawful stop looks like and how to avoid the danger and penalties that come with traffic law violations. We also expect the Key West Police Department to be able to show that those standards are enforced equally, regardless of race or ethnicity. Even if the data show that there is equal enforcement across community members, it is clear the consequences are not equal. A routine traffic stop should not end in deportation. OUR REQUESTS 1. Help our community understand current bicycle traffic enforcement efforts by: a. Clarifying whether the legal consequence of failure to stop at a stop sign is arrest and detention. It is our understanding that under Florida law, a bicycle or e-bike violation is a civil violation and should result in a summons or warning. If that is not the case in Key West, that needs to be communicated to residents. b. Sharing weekly or monthly data on bicycle-related stops, including the race and ethnicity of the person stopped, the outcome (warning, citation, arrest), and the number of people referred to or held for federal immigration authorities, so the community can see that the standard is applied equally. 2. Educate all community members on the current standards by:

a. Providing us, the Key West Immigrant Support Network (KWISN), the City’s current bicycle law educational materials, including any video, PSA, or multilingual handouts, in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole to disseminate to vulnerable community members with which we work. b. Publishing clear, visual, multilingual instructions (English, Spanish and Haitian Creole) showing exactly what officers expect of cyclists at stop signs and red lights. c. Posting these materials prominently on the city’s website and on city and KWPD social media, and confirming that all relevant links work. d. Adopting a warning-and-education approach for bicycle stop-sign and red-light violations while this outreach is being expanded. We are willing to partner with you in disseminating to all the members of our community, and would welcome a meeting with the chief of police, the multimodal transportation coordinator, the mayor, and any interested commissioners to discuss these requests. We would appreciate written acknowledgement of receipt of this letter. We believe safe streets and fair treatment go together, and we want to work with the city of Key West towards both. Thank you for your time and for your service to Key West. Sincerely, Key West Immigrant Support Network

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

DRUNK DRIVER WHO HIT DEPUTY GETS 4 YEARS Alexandra Baraga permanently injured Deputy Julian Garcia

lexandra Marlene Baraga, 29, was adjudicated guilty on seven charges and sentenced to four years in state prison, followed by six years of probation, as part of a negotiated plea agreement stemming from an April 2024 drunkdriving crash that left Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Julian Garcia with catastrophic, permanent injuries. The sentence was imposed Oct. 13 by Circuit Judge James Morgan. Baraga received four years in state prison, followed by one year of probation, on the felony charge of DUI Causing SeriAlexandra Baraga ous Bodily Injury. She was also sentenced to five years of probation on the felony charge of Reckless Driving Causing Serious Bodily Injury, to run consecutively to the probation imposed on the first count. She received concurrent jail sentences on the remaining misdemeanor charges. In addition, Baraga’s driver’s license was suspended for three years. She was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service, attend DUI school and submit to random drug and alcohol testing. On the day of the sentencing, the courtroom was filled with Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies and personnel in support of Garcia, whose life was permanently changed by the crash. According to reports from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Garcia was conducting a traffic stop along U.S. 1 near mile

marker 87 in Islamorada when Baraga struck the rear of his patrol vehicle, pushing it into the vehicle he had stopped and pinning Garcia between them. Garcia suffered catastrophic injuries. Fellow deputies rushed to his aid, applying tourniquets to control severe bleeding before he was airlifted by Trauma Star to Jackson South Medical Center in Miami. The Florida Highway Patrol investigated the crash. Subsequent blood testing by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement revealed Baraga’s blood alcohol concentration was approximately .268, more than three times Florida’s legal limit of .08. Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield emphasized the lasting consequences of Baraga’s actions and her silence during sentencing. “This was entirely preventable,” Mansfield said. “Baraga made the decision to drive drunk, and a deputy who was simply doing his job will live with the consequences for the rest of his life. What is particularly troubling is that she stood before the court today and said nothing to the deputy whose life she permanently changed. Not one word to the man who will carry the scars of her actions for the rest of his life. Her four years in prison will eventually end. Deputy Garcia’s injuries will not. No plea agreement and no prison sentence can undo the damage caused by her reckless and selfish decision.” The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Melissa Simmons and Trey Evans. — Contributed

APPLY NOW FOR COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS’ SPRING SCHOLARSHIPS Application deadline is Nov. 1, spring semester starts Jan. 8

Nursing students compare notes before class at The College of the Florida Keys’ Upper Keys campus. CONTRIBUTED

he College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is accepting spring semester scholarship applications from both new and returning students to help them achieve their educational goals more affordably. Students must be admitted to the College and registered for spring 2027 semester classes to qualify for scholarships. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Nov. 1. Thousands of dollars in scholarships are available across a wide range of academic programs. Students may apply for all scholarships for which they qualify. Scholarship descriptions and requirements can be viewed on the College’s website at cfk.edu/discover/cfk-foundation/scholarship-info/. “Cost should never be a barrier to education,” said Dr. Lana Gaspari CFK Vice President, Advancement and Executive Director, CFK Foundation. “Scholarships can be the pathway that turns a student’s aspirations into reality. We strongly encourage every eligible student to explore these opportunities and take full advantage of the resources available to help make a college education more attainable.” CFK’s spring semester begins Jan. 8. For more scholarship information and guidance, contact Shania DuarteVera, coordinator of scholarships and donor relations, at foundation@cfk. edu or 305-809-3153. Additional financial resources such as federal financial aid and tuition payment plans are also available to help students pay for college. More information is available on CFK’s website at cfk.edu/paying-for-college/.

About The College of the Florida Keys Founded in 1965 as Monroe Junior College, The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) has served the Florida Keys community for 60 years, providing accessible, high-quality education from Ocean Reef to Key West. CFK has expanded to offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificates across several academic and workforce programs as well as high school opportunities and community enrichment courses and programs. For more information about CFK and its mission, visit:cfk.edu. About The College of the Florida Keys Foundation Established in 1966, the CFK Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that contributes to the advancement of higher education through the support of private donors and public agencies. The CFK Foundation is dedicated to elevating student success and advancing CFK’s mission by raising funds to support the college’s students, faculty, staff and programs. To accomplish this, the Foundation facilitates growth in scholarships, cutting-edge technology, faculty grants, support of capital projects, programs to further enhance student accessibility, and improve the learning environment. For more information about CFK and its mission, visit cfk.edu/discover/cfk-foundation/. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

FANTASY FEST: EXPERIENCE THE SPECTACLE OCT. 16-25

‘Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals’ theme offers countless costume ideas

ey West’s biggest annual party and costume spectacle — is set to transform the island into a celebration of sound and spectacle with this year’s “Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals,”-themed extravaganza, happening Oct. 16-25. Revelers are invited to create an imaginative persona of their own or be inspired by the scenes, sequins, leathers and feathers of their favorite musical icon or iconic musical. “Fantasy Fest is a bucket-list experience, an invitation to immerse in an electrifying world of creativity, music, costumes and revelry,” said Fantasy Fest Director Nadene Grossman Orr. “Whether you arrive as a Broadway legend, rock icon, pop superstar or icon of your own creation, this is your invitation to step into the spotlight and let your imagination take flight.” There are more than 100 opportunities to parade and pose, see and be seen, starting Friday, Oct. 16 at the Royal Coronation. The stage show is the finale fundraiser for the Florida Keys SPCA at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, where candidates for Fantasy Fest 2026 King and Queen and local entertainers shine in a series of performances before the Royal Court is crowned, according to the amount of money each candidate raised over a six-week period. On Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16 and 17, the Bahama Village Goombay Festival offers a familyfriendly cultural celebration, filling the historic neighborhood surrounding Petronia Street with music, marching, pageantry, food, arts and crafts from noon to 11 p.m. Other early-event highlights include a “Legends Never Die: Día de los Muertos Celebration of Musical Icons” costume party at Opal Key Resort & Marina that invites attendees to creatively channel departed musical icons; time-traveling theatrical tributes to classic rock ‘n’ roll with two That Arena Rock Show events at Sunset Pier; and a 1960s dress-up dance party at the Green Parrot Bar with Key West’s own Beatles tribute band. Another cause for celebration: each of these events is free to attend. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Tutu Tuesday turns the Caroline Street district into a multi-venue dance party featuring DJs, lights and lasers — tutus required. Wednesday, Oct. 21 lights up with LUV2GLOW, an immersive black-light party at Rick’s Upstairs filled with fluorescent décor, pulsating house music and glowing performers. Elsewhere, the endearing, unpredictable and frequently hilarious Pet Masquerade gives costumed critters their moment in the spotlight during an over-thetop competition at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater featuring costumed pets and their people.

4 Thursday, Oct. 22 features Southernmost Scavenger Hunt’s 7th Annual Fantasy Fest Bar Crawl, a Moulin Rouge Sing-Along Movie Night at Adam & Eve, and the 42nd annual Key West Headdress Ball, a legacy event where towering headdress creations turn heads and take center stage alongside live performances. On the final Friday, Oct. 23, Paparazzi Row sets the stage for costumed posing, selfies, social media sharing and revelry before flowing into the Captain Morgan Masquerade March — the famed costumed “locals’ parade” through Old Town.

The Fantasy Fest Street Fair and Costume Promenade invites revelers to Duval Street on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23 and 24 to experience a mile of food, drinks, arts, crafts and an ever-changing parade of costumes. The celebration reaches its peak on Saturday, Oct. 24 with the Deep Eddy Vodka Fantasy Fest Parade featuring floats, costumed marching groups, and cool kinetic contraptions bringing this year’s theme to life. Every day throughout the festival, the island overflows with events, live entertainment, themed parties, costume contests and time-honored traditions. Fantasy Fest 2026 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. For a complete calendar, schedule updates, contest details, and mobile app, visit fantasyfest.com. — Contributed

1. The Bahama Village Goombay Festival, a two-day, family-friendly celebration of island culture, music and food, welcomes all in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16 and 17. CAROL TEDESCO/Fantasy Fest 2. This year’s Fantasy Fest Parade kicks off in Old Town Key West at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. CAROL TEDESCO/Fantasy Fest 3. Pets and their people will costume up and strut their stuff at the annual Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. CAROL TEDESCO/Fantasy Fest 4. The 2026 Fantasy Fest LUV2GLOW party theme is LIQUID FREQUENCY – where light, sound, and energy unite at Rick’s Upstairs on Wednesday, Oct. 21. NICK DOLL/ Fantasy Fest

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

THE PEOPLE WHO STOPPED AT MILE MARKER 7

Laila’s wrong turn brings out the right people NADA KHALAF-JONES www.keysweekly.com

aila was sitting in the shade by the side of the road near mile marker 7, with fire ants around her, when deputies found her, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Capt. David Smith told me. “She said she had fallen off her bike and hurt her ankle, but I asked her to walk if she could, and she did so just fine,” Smith said. My daughter is 21. She does her own laundry, sometimes cooks for herself, and taps her own debit card at the register. She’s carrying an 85% in her Intro to Hospitality & Tourism class at the College of the Florida Keys. She has Down syndrome, plays flag football with Special Olympics, and rides an adult trike. On Monday, Oct. 5, she set out on it for her shift at work. All I knew was what Life360 showed me: Laila leaving for work on time and moving fast. I didn’t pay attention to which way she turned after College Road. She often takes the bus or an Uber, and I was working with my phone off. The next I heard was from one of her coaches, then from my husband in Argentina. Messages started popping up on my laptop, and then Laila’s phone was calling me. Her journey had taken her north instead of south, about 3 miles out of town. People will tell you it’s crazy to let a young woman like Laila ride alone. Every parent of a child with special needs hears it, usually from people who mean well. The other choice is a life where she never gets to find out what she can do. We pick independence, and we pray a little.

Laila Jones, 21, with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office representatives who helped her near mile marker 7 on Oct. 5. NADA KHALAF-JONES/Contributed

Last Monday the answer to that prayer was Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Capt. David Smith, Deputies Brandon Rogers and Igor Timmins, and Lt. Carson of Monroe County Fire Rescue. I spoke first to Deputy Rogers, then to Lieutenant Carson, and finally to Captain Smith. Laila gave them her address, showed them copies of her driver’s license, and they reached her dad. I was not, at any point, angry or worried. I knew Laila was in the best hands. They were all utterly positive. Lt. Carson told her she was brave and tough and making the right choices, and he was sure she would still work her shift. Plenty of people let fear lead them. Laila loves her freedom, and he met that with encouragement. The real question that day wasn’t whether Laila was lost. It was whether she could decide things for herself, and they answered it by treating her as if she could. She worked her shift. At 5:30 that evening I arrived at Laila’s work to take a photo of the deputies who had helped her. She was busy bagging groceries, happy and confident, and happy to see me. Then the three deputies came in and hugged her up. On the ride to Publix, she told me, they’d talked about favorite TV shows. (Hers is the Power Rangers.) Not one of them criticized her for being out and about on her own. I loved hearing her make decisions for herself. Their advice was practical, not a lecture. Maybe more Ubers in the future. Definitely a Google map she can follow — and a phone

mount for the tricycle. An emergency contact card in her wallet, or a bracelet or necklace. Laila doesn’t like wearing either, but she now has an In Case of Emergency contact in her phone. I’ve written about and photographed this community since 2008. Those were mostly other people’s stories: reef restorers, fishermen, shop owners, kids in a park. This one is mine, so I’ll say it plainly. I’m Laila’s mother, and I’m grateful. Independence for someone like Laila happens on the road, on a trike, on a highway shoulder, with whoever shows up when the day goes sideways. Those people can turn a scary afternoon into a lesson or into a reason to never let her go again. Ours made it a lesson. Somewhere in Key West there are three sheriff’s deputies and a fire rescue lieutenant who probably think they just did their jobs on a Monday. They did, but they did it with kindness. That’s why I’m writing it down. Laila’s small cuts and burns from Monday are her warrior badges. She rode about three miles the wrong way. From now on she’s going the right way, and she isn’t quitting.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

EXCLUSIVE: FANTASY FEST FEATURE

LOSE YOURSELF IN THE LEGENDARY ‘LOCALS’ PARADE’

KEYS MEDICAL GROUP WELCOMES NURSE PRACTITIONER Michelle Fede joins primary care practice

The Friday of Fantasy Fest fills Old Town with costumed chaos for the annual Masquerade March, affectionately known as the Locals’ Parade. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

ERIN STOVER www.keysweekly.com

antasy Fest’s Masquerade March, affectionately known as the Locals’ Parade, takes place Friday, Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m., and is arguably the fan favorite, the community darling of the 10-day party. While the broader festival was established as a means of drawing tourism, and an economic bump, to the island in its sleepiest month, the Masquerade March developed as an antithesis to the commercialization of the main festival. Fantasy Fest began in 1979 and quickly gained commercial traction. By the early to mid-1980s, locals felt that the scales had tipped too far in the direction of a formally managed event. Key West, in all its glorious eccentricity, set out to “Conch it up” a bit. The first few years, the Locals’ Parade wasn’t sanctioned or scheduled, it simply happened. Within a few years, as the main events continued to grow, the march became more organized. The Locals’ Parade now attracts over 10,000 costumed revelers — locals and visitors — walking an ever-slowing path through Old Town. Despite its growth, the ethos and atmosphere have held steadfastly to the grassroots, DIY origins of the first march. For safety and logistics, there is now a published route and suggested starting time, but the rest of the elements remain free-spirited

and non-motorized. There are no motorized floats beyond a few pulled wagons. Guest houses along the route hand out Jello shots, while guests fling beads from the balconies above. Neighbors join the excitement from the sidelines, passing out refreshments and cheering along, what feels like, the world’s slowest race. This year, the parade continues, 40-some years after a few locals first decided to show visitors how it’s done. The Masquerade March will follow two routes, a development that happened several years ago as a way to manage the crowds. The traditional route still gathers at 5 p.m., and steps off at 5:30 from the Frances Street side of the Key West Cemetery. The newer route starts near the intersection of Fleming and White streets, and gathers around 4 p.m. before also stepping off at 5:30. Entertainers and photo-ops energize the walkers willing to take on the extra hour and additional couple of blocks. Eventually, the two routes join together, creating a perfect glittered flood that snakes down Southard Street toward Duval. Most years, participants take the main Fantasy Fest theme as a jumping off point for creative costuming, with group costumes and individual takes on pop-culture and political flashpoints from the year. Of course, some of the most memorable costumes come from the creative souls, who go ‘off book’ with costumes meant to shock, elicit laughs or simply encourage plenty of photos. Whether walking or watching, the Locals’ Parade promises to live up, yet again, to its storied history with an abundance of creative costumes, drinks pulled from cleverly outfitted wagons and a guaranteed good time.

eys Medical Group Family Medicine welcomed family nurse practitioner Michelle Fede to the Key West practice on Oct. 12. Fede is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, where she earned a master’s degree in science. She is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and American Nurses Credentialing Center. Fede focuses on a whole-person approach to care and believes exceptional healthcare begins with listening. She takes time to understand each patient’s needs, lifestyle and goals, and partners with them to create an individualized plan of care. “Lower Keys Medical Center is committed to bringing primary providers to the community who are focused on helping patients stay healthy,” said Drew Bigby, chief executive officer at Lower Keys Medical Center. “We are excited to welcome Michelle to Keys Medical Group and we look forward to working with her to support the residents of Key West.”

Family nurse practitioner Michelle Fede joins Keys Medical Group’s family practice in Key West. CONTRIBUTED

Fede joins Dr. Edgardo Montemayor, Jr., a boardcertified family medicine physician. Keys Medical Group Family Medicine is located at 1111 12th Street, Suite 301, Key West, and provides primary care for patients 18 years and older, offering prevention and treatment for hypertension, diabetes and lipid disorders, as well as immunizations, physicals, sick visits and wellness checks. Appointments may be requested at KeysMedicalGroup.com or at 305-2941706. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

JADA PINKETT FOX CROWNED QUEEN OF NEW YEAR’S EVE

REEF RELIEF CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF MARINE CONSERVATION Nonprofit celebrates with a ‘Toast to the Reef’ Saturday. Nov. 7

A diver explores the coral reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. BOB CARE/Florida Keys News Bureau Drag performer Jada Pinkett Fox of Dallas, Texas was crowned the next Queen of New Year’s Eve and will ride in Bourbon Street Pub’s famous red shoe during the countdown to midnight. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

‘If the Shoe Fits’ pageant crowns Key West’s next red shoe occupant MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

he shoe fit perfectly. And the new queen of New Year’s Eve was crowned at Key West’s Bourbon Street Pub. Drag performer Jada Pinkett Fox of Dallas, Texas will ring in 2027 while riding in the famous red shoe for the island’s famous High-Heeled Shoe Drop at midnight. Launched in 2025, the pageantstyle competition gives professional drag performers across the country the chance to headline one of the globe’s most iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations — now entering its 29th year and covered internationally by CNN. Presented by Bourbon Street Pub, New Orleans House and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, with support from Island House Key West, the 2026 tour visited seven U.S. cities between late August and October. The competition sought performers with exceptional stage presence, charisma and the ability to command crowds of thousands.

Jada Pinkett Fox was chosen Oct. 10 from among six finalists, who were brought to Key West for the final round of competition. Fox was chosen as the contestant who best embodies the glamour, professionalism and spirit established by legendary Queens of New Year’s Eve — including Sushi, who reigned for 25 years, Christopher Peterson, Randy Roberts, and reigning national champion Mulan Alexander of Dallas, Texas. Fox will star in the three-hour New Year’s Eve stage show on Duval Street and descend in the iconic red high heel during the countdown to midnight. She will receive an additional five-day/four-night stay at New Orleans House for New Year’s Eve plus a $2,000 appearance fee. In what is now a much-anticipated annual tradition, the winner also receives a custom couture costume designed by Sushi, the original Queen of New Year’s Eve, to be debuted on Dec. 31. In addition to Jada Pinkett Fox, who represented the Round-Up Saloon in Dallas, other finalists included Fifi Dubois of New York City; Calypso Jete of Los Angeles and West Hollywood; Arsyn Ick of North Florida; Brandii Benet of Minneapolis and TP Lords of South Florida.

or four decades, Reef Relief has worked to protect coral reefs, educate communities, advocate for healthy oceans, and inspire generations to become stewards of the marine environment. This November, the Key West-based nonprofit will celebrate 40 years of conservation with a special anniversary party at The Gardens Hotel. Reef Relief’s “A Toast to the Reef” will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela Street in Key West. The evening will bring together current and former staff, board members, volunteers, donors, partners, community members and friends who have helped shape Reef Relief’s four decades of conservation. The celebration will feature elevated appetizers courtesy of Salty Chef Key West, drinks, live music by Jeff Clark & Friends, a silent auction and opportunities to reflect on the people, partnerships and accomplishments that have made Reef Relief’s work possible. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best “Keys formal” attire and raise a glass to 40 years of conservation, community and commitment to the ocean. Founded in 1986, Reef Relief has grown from a grassroots effort focused on protecting the Florida Keys’ coral reef ecosystem into an organization working across

conservation, education, advocacy, restoration, and community engagement. Over the past four decades, Reef Relief has connected thousands of people with the marine environment through school programs, summer camps, volunteer opportunities, public education, conservation initiatives, and hands-on experiences throughout the Florida Keys and beyond. Today, Reef Relief continues to focus on protecting the Florida Reef Tract while inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards. Its education programs introduce students to coral reefs and marine science, while its conservation and community programs engage residents and visitors in protecting the waters that make the Florida Keys unique. VIP guests are invited to a special pre-event reception from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m., including a commemorative glass and champagne toast, followed by the main anniversary celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. General admission begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available through Reef Relief’s website. Whether you have been part of Reef Relief’s story for 40 years or are discovering the organization for the first time, everyone is invited to celebrate. Tickets and additional information are available at reefrelief. org/40th-birthday/. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

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Published by Keys Weekly

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

FRINGE THEATER’S NEW SEASON TAKES AUDIENCES EVERYWHERE

From small-town America to revolutionary France, shows have range

ringe Theater Key West’s upcoming season takes audiences rom small-town America to revolutionary France; from an artist’s studio to a future shaped by artificial intelligence. Fringe Theater’s new season covers a lot of territory, but look a little closer, and the five plays have something very human in common. “Theater has always been a place where we rehearse being human,” said Rebecca Tomlinson, Fringe’s managing artistic director. “And right now, when so much of our cultural conversation is about technology, identity, uncertainty and isolation, gathering in a room to experience a story together feels particularly meaningful.” It’s an ambitious journey for one season and exactly the kind of journey Fringe’s intimate black-box theater, located at 600 White St., was made for. The journey begins in a familiar small town. Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning American classic, “Our Town,” running Nov. 17-21, follows ordinary people through the rhythms of everyday life; growing up, falling in love, building families and eventually saying goodbye. Wilder famously stripped away theatrical spectacle to focus our attention on something much harder to see: the extraordinary hiding inside the ordinary. “Our Town” is directed by Rebecca Tomlinson with movement direction by Lauren Thompson and features a large ensemble of Key West talent.

In January, Fringe starts a revolution Award winning playwright Lauren Gunderson’s “The Revolutionists,” running Jan. 13-23, brings together four remarkable women during the French Revolution: a playwright, an assassin, a rebel and a queen. History gets a decidedly contemporary twist as these women wrestle with art, activism, legacy, friendship and the inconvenient possibility of losing one’s head. Smart and funny, the play asks what it means to find your voice when the world around you is being rewritten. The production is directed by Rebecca Tomlinson and features Chantal Pavageaux, Sarah Hunter, Fritzie Estimond and Martha Hooten.

The cast and crew of Fringe Theater’s memorable 2026 hit, ‘Letters from Max’ includes, from left, Kendall Cameron, Su Nubia, Thomas Masat, Wende Shoer, Rebecca Tomlinson and Aramis Ikatu. FRINGE THEATER KEY WEST/Contributed

February turns the map “Red” John Logan’s Tony Award-winning play “Red” runs Feb. 17-27 and takes audiences inside the studio of Mark Rothko at the height of the painter’s career. Rothko has received one of the most lucrative commissions in the history of modern art. He also has a new young assistant who isn’t afraid to question him. What follows is an intense battle of ideas between generations about art, ambition, commerce, relevance and what happens when the artist who once challenged the establishment suddenly finds himself becoming part of it. Directed by Murphy Davis and featuring Michael Castellano and Zach Franchini, “Red” is an intimate twoperson drama about the need to create and the equally human need to matter.

memories it was designed to preserve. The production is directed by Rebecca Tomlinson and features Glenda Donovan, Scott Shambaugh, Liz Cloud and Aaron Dotson.

Then Fringe turns toward the future Jordan Harrison’s Pulitzer Prize-finalist, “Marjorie Prime,” runs March 24-April 3. In a not-so-distant future, artificial intelligence can preserve our stories, recreate our memories and even allow us to sit across the room from someone we have lost. As 85-year-old Marjorie spends time with an AI recreation of her late husband, questions begin to emerge about who controls the stories of our lives and what happens when technology starts reshaping the

Most Fringe Theater performances begin at 7 p.m. with Sunday Happy Hour performances offered at 5 p.m. Tickets are available online at keystix.com or by calling the KeysTix box office at 305-295-7676. Seating is limited, so advanced ticket purchase is encouraged. For complete schedules, show details, tickets and special events, visit fringetheater.org.

Finally, a multiverse unfolds Nick Payne’s award-winning “Constellations,” running April 21-May 1, toggles across multiple possibilities as Payne plays with the idea that every choice we make might create another version of the life we could have lived. The result is a play with an inventive and deeply human exploration of love, free will, chance and the infinite number of ways two people might find or lose each other. “Constellations” is directed by Rebecca Tomlinson and features Susannah Wells and Julio Trinidad.

— Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

Enjoy waterfront dining and our new menu! Locals join us daily for 20% off dinner. *Must present local ID for discount.

Beachside and Tavern n Town will be closing on November 1st for renovations. See you again in early 2027!

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

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The medical staff at Surgery Center of Key West, LLC, is composed of the following independent providers: Lawrence Blass, M.D., Bruce Fariss, M.D., Jackson Flanigan, M.D., Jonathan Gottlieb, M.D., Paul Maurer, M.D., David McDonald, D.D.S., Gon Saman, D.P.M., William Schnapp, M.D., Christina Smith, D.D.S., Rhoda Smith, M.D., Brien Tonkinson, M.D., and Andrew Wolszczak, M.D. Surgery Center of Key West, LLC, is owned in part by physicians.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

BIRTHDAY ON THE BRIDGE Sunset celebration continues America 250 festivities

7 ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

3 2

he all-year birthday party for the U.S. of A continued in the golden hours on the Old Seven Mile Bridge on Oct. 10. Bringing together local food, music and businesses, residents and visitors enjoyed a semiquincentennial celebration presented by Monroe County, the Tourist Development Council and the city of Marathon. Sounds of the Pierce August Band filled the air as guests enjoyed the seaside celebration and munched on Caribbean-themed appetizers prepared by the Marathon High School culinary program. A sunset toast led by county officials included libations with juices from Lower Keys-based orchard Grimal Grove. The sunset celebration was the latest installment in a year of Amer-

9 4 ica 250 events planned throughout the Florida Keys. Next up is a Nov. 11 lecture on “The 14th Colony: The American Revolution’s Best Kept Secret” at the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center in Islamorada. About a week later, the county will host the Tunnels to Towers “Never Forget” traveling 9/11 exhibit and two paratrooper drop-ins and drone shows on Nov. 17 at Founders Park in Islamorada and Nov. 20 at Big Pine Key Community Park. For more information, scan the QR code.

1. The crowd flocks to the bridge for a sunset toast and a few last golden rays. 2. Monroe County commissioners Jim Scholl, left, and Michelle Lincoln show off America 250 memorabilia. 3. Guests – even tiny ones – get up and dance for the Pierce August Band. 4. Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo, left, and Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies enjoy the evening. 5. A local couple turns the sunset event into a date night. 6. 8268: The Pierce August Band provides the evening’s entertainment. 7. Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln selects her sunset cocktail. 8. The Marathon High School culinary program serves up Caribbean appetizers. 9. Guests get up and dance for the Pierce August Band. Photos by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly. See full gallery at keysweekly.com.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS MONROE COUNTY SCHOOLS Publication details academic & athletic achievements & goals

COLLEGE HOSTS LAW ENFORCEMENT GRADUATIONS Key West police & county sheriff’s office each sponsored 5 recruits

The College of the Florida Keys held a graduation ceremony on Oct. 7 for 15 recruits who completed the Basic Law Enforcement Academy and a Crossover Training Academy for corrections officers who want to be dual-certified in corrections and law enforcement. CONTRIBUTED

T The Monroe County School District’s annual report highlights the Florida Keys’ 10 public schools, from academic and athletic achievements, to the students, teachers and staff who make it all possible. CONTRIBUTED

et a closer look at the Monroe County School District in its recently released 2025-2026 annual

report. The publication is available at keysschools.com, on the Monroe County School District’s and the Keys Weekly’s Facebook pages and via the school district’s phone alert system. “We are proud to share the many accomplishments, initiatives and successes from the past year,” said Christina McPherson, executive director of student services. “A special thank you to Keys Weekly for helping us tell our story and highlight the outstanding

work happening across our schools and district.” The report includes a message from Superintendent Ed Tierney; celebrations of student success; highlights of academic excellence and athletic achievements and a look behind the scenes at the staff and community members who make the school district a success for all students in its 10 public schools. — Contributed Scan the QR code to read the digital copy of the Monroe County School’s District annual report.

he College of the Florida Keys’ Institute for Public Safety last week held a graduation ceremony for recruits who completed its Basic Law Enforcement Academy and a crossover training academy for corrections officers switching to law enforcement. The ceremony was held Oct. 7 at the Tennessee Williams Theater on CFK’s Key West campus. The college’s 98th class of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy included five Monroe County Sheriff’s Office- and five Key West Police Department-sponsored recruits: Frantz Annylusse Zackary T. Blansett Marco A. Davila Hector A. Gonzalez, Jr. Matthew C. Joyce Anthony J. Klepaski Caitlyn E. Ray Shane W. Smith John R. Vaillant Jonathan R. Wilson-Sanchez In addition, five recruits graduated from the Crossover Corrections to Law Enforcement Academy and will now be certified in both corrections and law enforcement. They are all current employees of MCSO and were sponsored to attend: Cecelia C. Hoversen Luis Ibarra, Jr. Jackson Pierrilus Patrick Polynice Jeffrey Snipes

Both academies completed the requirements of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission on Sept. 30 and all recruits passed their Florida State Officer Certification Exam. Cathy Torres, director of the Institute for Public Safety, recognized top performing graduates with accolades: Marco Davila received the leadership award. Jonathan WilsonSanchez received the academic and physical fitness awards, and Matthew Joyce received the “Top Gun” award and the “PIG” award for pride, integrity and guts. Crossover Corrections to Law Enforcement Academy awards went to Cecelia Hoversen who received the leadership award. Jeffrey Snipes and Luis Ibarra tied for the academic award, and Snipes earned the “PIG” award for that class. Two upcoming law enforcement training academies will be offered at CFK’s Upper Keys Center in January. The Basic Law Enforcement Academy #100, a full-time program, runs January 2027 through July 2027. A part-time/night-time academy will be offered in the Upper Keys from Jan. 11, 2027 through December 2027. The deadline to apply for either academy is Nov. 20, 2026. For more information, visit cfk.edu. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

LOCAL MAN GETS LIFE SENTENCE IN 2025 KEY LARGO RESORT MURDER

man found guilty for killing a woman at a Key Largo resort in April 2025 will spend the rest of his life behind bars. On Oct. 9, Circuit Judge James Morgan sentenced 35-year-old Dylan Cody Lamb to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Lamb also Dylan Lamb received five-year sentences for false imprisonment and altering, destroying, concealing or removing physical evidence, both to run concurrently with his life sentence. The court also imposed $22,829.13 in costs, including $11,869.13 in prosecution costs for the State Attorney’s Office and $10,960 in investigative costs for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Before Lamb was sentenced, the victim’s mother, sister and daughters addressed the court, describing the devastating impact of her death on their family and the grief they continue to endure. Each asked the court to impose the maximum sentence allowed by law, expressing a desire for justice and accountability for their loved one. Five of the six jurors who returned the guilty verdict also attended Lamb’s sentencing, along with deputies and detectives from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office who investigated the case. The case began on April 7, 2025, when the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office investigated the victim’s disappearance after her family reported being unable to reach her. Her vehicle was found at a Key Largo resort, where crimescene detectives later discovered her body concealed inside a closet beneath a water heater in a room previously occupied by Lamb. Lamb was arrested the following day with the victim’s credit card concealed inside his wallet. After initially giving conflicting accounts, he admitted blocking the doorway with his body when the victim

attempted to leave, preventing her from exiting the room. He also admitted to striking her during the confrontation and later discovering that she was not breathing. The medical examiner determined that she died from blunt-force trauma to the head and neck. Rather than calling 911, Lamb attempted to clean the room, concealed the victim’s body and packed bloodied linens, her cellphone and other belongings into trash bags. He then moved to another room at the resort, leaving her body behind. Hotel staff later discarded the bags without realizing their significance. By the time investigators learned of them, the items could not be recovered. Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield said the sentence brings accountability for a brutal crime. “This defendant took a woman’s life, tried to erase the evidence of what he had done and left her family with a loss they will carry forever,” Mansfield said. “He may have believed he could clean away the evidence and hide the truth, but he could not escape accountability. Today, the court ensured that he will spend the rest of his life in prison.” Mansfield also recognized the courage of the victim’s family members who addressed the court. “They entered that courtroom carrying enormous grief yet found the strength to speak about someone they loved and the terrible emptiness her death has left in their lives,” Mansfield said. “No sentence, not even life in prison, can bring her back or restore the years they should have had together. But I hope they leave the courthouse knowing their voices were heard that her life mattered and that justice was served.” Major Crimes Assistant State Attorney Colleen Dunne and Assistant State Attorney Trey Evans prosecuted the case. — Keys Weekly staff report

3 COCAINE DEALS LEAD TO 3-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE Carl Edward Colvin of Key West sold drugs to a confidential informant

hree cases against one man ended with three pleas of no contest and a three-year prison sentence for selling cocaine within 1,000 feet of a public park, which, in this case, was the cityowned Simonton Beach. Judge Mark Wilson sentenced Carl Edward Colvin. 49, of Key West, to three years in prison for each case, but the sentences are to run concurrently, meaning at the same time, rather than consecutively, one after the other. Following his no-contest pleas, Judge Wilson found Colvin guilty in each case Carl Colvin of sale of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a public park. Colvin was also ordered to pay a total of $975 in court costs and prosecution costs. The three convictions resulted from an investigation by detectives with the Key West Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit, who documented three cocaine sales over a 12-day period in April 2025. In each instance, a confidential informant working with detectives purchased cocaine from Colvin at the same location on Simonton Street, within 1,000 feet of Simonton Beach, which a city-owned park. The first sale occurred on April 4, 2025, when the informant purchased two small bags from Colvin for $80. Five days later, on April 9, 2025 the informant made a second $80 purchase and received two more small bags. On April 16, 2025, the informant made a third purchase from Colvin, paying $60 for another small bag. After each purchase, the informant returned to detectives and turned over the suspected drugs, which all tested positive for cocaine. “Three cocaine sales in 12 days show this wasn’t an isolated incident,” Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield said. “Colvin had three opportunities to make a different choice. Instead, he kept selling cocaine near a public park, and those choices earned him prison time.” — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

FORT PAULDING’S TWO ISLANDS AND ONE FORT M

ilitary forts have long stood in the Florida Keys. The four prominent ones, Fort Zachary Taylor, Fort Jefferson, Fort East Martello and Fort West Martello, were built by the Union during the Civil War. They are not the only forts that were established in the Florida Keys. During the second escalation of the Seminole War, a small Navy fortification stood on Tea Table Key, a small island in the Islamorada area of the Upper Keys. The Feb. 20, 1839 Charleston Mercury printed a story mentioning it: “Notice to masters of vessels passing the Gulf of Florida – Captain Edward Griffiths, who has commanded the mail boat, the past year, from this place to Key West Florida, informs us that the reported false light, shown by the wreckers, opposite Alligator reef, is the watch fire on Tea Table Key. The master and crew of the revenue cutter Campbell, are in possession of this key which is now called Fort Paulding, and when the guard at night replenish the fire, it has the appearance of a revolving light. Captain Griffith is well acquainted with the coast, and says this light bears N.N.W. of Alligator reef, and is very near Indian Key. This information is given for the benefit of masters of vessels; and so Captain Griffiths wishes the northern papers to notice the above.” The fort was named in honor of James Kirke Paulding, the acting Secretary of the Navy. It was nothing like the brick fortifications still standing on Key West and Garden Key, in the Dry Tortugas. Calling it a fort was ambitious, as it was more of a camp. There were tents for the barracks and tents for the hospital, and a few palm-thatched structures where supplies could be stored. Also, a house was built for Lt. Coste, the fort’s commanding officer. There was discussion about the appropriateness of the dwelling, and the manner in which it was constructed. The following is a transcription of a letter from the Office of the Revenue Cutters addressing some of those concerns: “Key West, November 10, 1839 - I certify that Lt. Coste while in command of the USRC Campbell, I being acting 1st Lt. under his command and at all times present whenever any men were employed on Tea Table Key and no men were ordered by me or Lt. Coste to work on his house, or the contrary he frequently instructed me not to permit any of the crew to assist at his individual property but that at several times part of the crew belong to the vessels were employed constructing a palmetto

Military era cisterns at Indian Key. BRAD BERTELLI/Contributed

house, the frame of which was brought from Cape Florida to Tea Table Key (the fact of which the Department was advised) which houses was intended for boat and store houses where provisions were stored when brought up and boats stored for repairs - Nor were the carpenter of the crew of the USRC CampFLORIDA bell employed.” KEYS Dr. Henry Perrine, who arHISTORY rived with his family at Indian WITH Key on December 25, 1838, had BRAD a thing or two to say about BERTELLI Coste. On one occasion, he wrote, “Be it understood Lieut. Brad is a local historian, author, Coste occupies and claims this speaker and Key as his own, from the fact Honorary Conch that since September last, he who loves sharing has been clearing it, improvthe history of the Florida Keys. ing it, and building on it, with governmental means of men and materials; that he is this converting said Tea-Table Key into a town-site for a rival port of Indian Key, under the apparent patronage of the inimical proprietors and public offices of Key West; and that hence, not content with speculating in town lots, he is determined to speculate also in tropical plants by the abuse of the same governmental means.” Lt. Coste was not the last man in charge of Fort Paulding. The last commanding officer was Lt. John T. McLaughlin. On December 2, 1839, the Secretary of the Navy ordered him to, among other things, “… furnish yourself with a sufficient number of flat bottomed boats and in addition to these procure a like sufficiency of long plantation canoes… By this means the Department cannot but hope you will be able to penetrate the Everglades further than any white men, surprise and capture the Indian women and children and thus end war that has cost so many millions…” On August 4, 1840, McLaughlin wrote to Paulding that, “Lt. Rogers in the Wave, sailed

today with 18 canoes for Cape Romano, on the western coast, touching on his passage at Tea Table Key for provisions and to take off all the people capable of quitting the hospital, for another attempt to cross the Everglades from the vicinity…” Only Midshipman Murray and five sailors remained to administer aid to the hospital’s sick and wounded. When Indians attacked Indian Key, the sparse force left at Fort Paulding was ill-prepared to offer meaningful assistance to the people of the island. Seven were killed. Many of the island’s structures were set on fire. In the days that followed, McLaughlin informed the Secretary of the Navy that Fort Paulding was moving to the more favorable locale at Indian Key. Among the reasons presented were the presence of Indian Key’s wharves, storage facilities, the presence of freshwater (likely referencing cisterns that had already been established on the island), and the fact that by moving his operation to Indian Key, he would not have to divide his troops to protect both Tea Table Key and Indian Key. Approximately $12,000 was spent improving Indian Key. The work included three round redbrick cisterns. From June 1841 through August 1842, McLaughlin’s force, headquartered at Fort Paulding, consisted of seven schooners, two gun barges, 140 canoes, and 622 men; during the period that Indian Key served as Fort Paulding’s headquarters and hospital, 23 officers and seamen, in addition to 17 marines, succumbed to illness or injury. The second escalation of the war ended in 1842; Fort Paulding was abandoned, and military operations moved away. The most distinctive reminder of Indian Key’s military era is the circular red-brick cisterns. No remnants of the fortification remain at Tea Table Key, a privately owned island that can be rented for tropical escapes and special events.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

This is a week of getting into the deep roots of CHRIS our relationships. Perhaps McNULTY a singular relationship has is an astrologer, been a source of friction wanderer, baror reflection, or perhaps tender and you have been doing a lot advocate for queer justice. He of inner work on how you is a loquacious personally form connecGemini with a tions with others in healthy cozy Cancer rising. Find him at and unhealthy ways. Venus has been retrograde for hearthandheraldastrology.com nearly two weeks, compelling us to take stock of our interpersonal connections, to consider the things and experiences we find alluring, to revisit our concepts of beauty and grace, and to reconnect with past friends and lovers. This week, Pluto is stationing direct in a 90-degree square to retrograde Venus. We can expect really powerful or painful heart-to-hearts, volcanic eruptions of love and passion, longlost relationships coming back with chutzpah, and sharing our deepest desires out loud. This week is about turning toward the darker parts of life in an effort to become closer to others. It ain’t easy, but it is worth it and necessary. Here are your horoscopes for Pluto’s station direct in a square to retrograde Venus. Read for your rising and sun signs. LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 A creative impulse is bursting at the seams. Something is desperate to get out, and it is up to you to be the channel for its raw intensity. However, this impulse challenges your security, both financially and relationally. How can you temper your creative release and ensure that you are still standing on solid ground? Stay connected to your people. SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 You’ve been doing a lot of personal reflection when it comes to who you are in relationships and how you are defined by your artistry. Keep it up. This week, though, be prepared for some heavy and intense energy coming from home and family. Take this in stride, as it is meant to help you know yourself even better. Who are you when conflict arises? Many times, that is one of our core components. SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 Alone time has been good for you, Sag. You’ve had time to ponder what relationship means to you. You’ve had time for self-love and self-care. You’ve gotten to enjoy some of

your guilty pleasures. This week, though, you may get some intense news that threatens your quieter peace. Don’t let it throw you off your game, but take a breath and integrate it. You determine your balance. CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 You have been making new connections and letting go of others. Your support system is being rearranged, and you are making the shift gracefully. Don’t be surprised if a conflict around money arises. Rather than getting caught up in the fray, pay attention to how certain people respond and heed the lessons. If you are in need of some financial help, see who shows up. AQUARIUS Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 Work has been a bit on the back burner lately, and you’ve been waiting for it to start moving forward again. This week, you may feel a powerful energy churning up in your body and soul. Don’t let this derail your work life, rather investigate where this energy is coming from. Why do you feel so strongly about something related to work? Find the source. That’s your lesson. PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 You’ve been searching for a new center of gravity when it comes to your next big adventure. What will draw you in and open up your world? Something out there is begging you to discover it. This week, though, you have a powerful need to take time to yourself. This may change the course of your exploration, but it will also inform you of your destination. Take the time. ARIES March 21 - April 19 Investing is a personal choice about where to put your energy. You’ve been reflecting on who to invest your energy in and where to put your money. Keep investigating, but know that this week there is likely to be a powerful upset within your friend group. While this shouldn’t completely change your idea about how to invest your limited energy, it should provide some insights. TAURUS April 20 - May 20 What is love? You’ve been mulling over love and partnership for a bit, and it is my hope that you are finding some clarity slowly but surely. This week, though, expect some raw and intense energy either in the work-

LOVE AND DARKNESS

place or in relation to your public reputation. This will help teach you about true partnership. Perhaps you will learn what you can and cannot count on. GEMINI May 21 - June 20 As you’ve been really leaning into the power of routines in your personal life and in your relationships, I hope you’ve been finding daily practices helpful for your well-being. This week, a new adventure is going to come rip-roaring into your life, potentially disrupting the routines you’ve come to love. Remember that you can take your habits with you. The call to adventure can be strong. CANCER June 21 - July 22 You have some creative ideas and skills that have been sitting on the back burner for a little bit. They are ready to come bursting forth, but don’t rush the need for a little dormancy right now. Some visceral intensity is coming at you in a space where you work on a shared mission or from some personal investments that you’ve made. Let the conflict inform your creative output down the road. LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 You’ve been taking time to reflect on the relationships that you have in your family and in your home space. These are good and necessary considerations to be making. Who represents a healthy foundation for you? An important partner in your life may drop a bomb this week that could sow some discord for you at home. Don’t let panic steer you. Acknowledge and breathe. VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 What do you love about your local neighborhood and your familiar surroundings? My guess is that you’ve been reflecting more and more about how good you have it! Be ready for a personal wellness issue or a change in routine to challenge the feelings you’ve been having. Take the experience in, but remember how much you’ve been loving where you are.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

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

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

Luna, a sweet bulldog mix, has already experienced changes she never asked for. A local rescue brought her to the Keys and adopted her into a busy household that turned out to not be the right fit. When the local rescue couldn’t take her back, Luna found her way to the Florida Keys SPCA, where she has shown nothing but love. She’s a gentle soul who prefers a calmer setting where she can enjoy the simple things in life. She wants to be close to her people. She even accepts Milk Bones ever so politely.

WANT TO HELP OUR KEYS COMMUNITY? FIND OUT HOW AT

CFFK.ORG

VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK

PEG LARON

MONROE COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION

HELP KEEP KEY WEST Meet Jada, a special 10-month-old pup who is still learning about the world outside. She may be nervous about leashes and exploring public spaces and will need an understanding home that helps her build confidence at her own pace. The good news? The Florida Keys SPCA’s animal behaviorist will help guide Jada’s future family with tools and advice to support her as she continues working through her fears.

Noel is a handsome orange-and-white local boy with an extra-special feature, six toes. This laid-back feline prefers the simple things in life: a warm sunny window and peaceful naps. Noel may take a little time to warm up, but once he feels comfortable, he offers quiet companionship to those lucky enough to earn his trust. Noel is only two, but already knows exactly what makes him happy. Noel is simply looking for a calm home where he can relax.

OCTOBER CLEANUPS Join a one-hour Friday morning cleanup. All events are 8 to 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted. 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.

Meet Rarity, a 1-year-old cat with a soft white and grey coat. Rarity has a sweet, easygoing personality. While she’s still young, she has a calmer vibe that makes her a great match for someone who loves the idea of a laid-back companion.

Looking for a bunny to brighten your days? Pick Pickles. This handsome little American rabbit has grey and white coloring that makes him as striking as he is sweet. Pickles is a curious, gentle boy who would love a home where he can hop, explore and enjoy plenty of attention.

Oct. 30: Duval & Virginia streets. Meet on Virginia Street near Duval Square plaza. Hosted by Reality ONE/Destinations Group.

The Oct. 9 cleanup started at the corner of Watson and Virginia streets, and spread out from there. In one hour, 47 volunteers collected 108 pounds of trash, 22 pounds of recycling and 1.5 gallons of cigarette butts. Special thanks to Unity of the Keys for providing breakfast for the volunteers. The next cleanup will take place Friday, Oct. 16 at Duval and Eaton streets, hosted by Berkshire Hathaway. 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 15, 2026

WHAT’S COOKING, KEY WEST?

The atmospheric Bar 1, adjacent to Key West’s Mallory Square, is a great place to enjoy cocktails that carry the flavor of the tropics. KEY WEST COOKING SHOW/Contributed

Goombay spirit comes alive in craft cocktails CAROL SHAUGHNESSY

www.keysweekly.com

n the early 1800s, Key West was settled in part by Bahamian residents who migrated to the new American seaport city. Some were shipwreck salvagers, also called wreckers, who relocated to Key West to make their fortunes by salvaging ships that foundered on the nearby coral reefs. Some were fishermen who sought the bounty of the deep. Some were shipbuilders, eager to benefit from emerging economic opportunities. Many put down roots in the area of Key West known today as Bahama Village — an eclectic neighborhood that embodies the cultural ties between the continental United States’ southernmost island and the Bahamian island nation. Each year in mid-October, Bahama Village is the site of the annual Goombay street festival commemorating that shared culture and heritage. Set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17 this year, the high-spirited celebration features nonstop live music, Caribbean and ethnic foods, island-influenced arts and crafts, and dancing in the streets. It’s great fun to participate in the Goombay festivities, but that’s not the only way to celebrate Key West’s historic Bahamian connection. That can be done any time at Bar 1, located in the 291 Front St. building that dates back to the mid-1800s, by enjoying one of the emporium’s Bahamasthemed libations. Perhaps most popular is the Goombay Smash, a tropical cocktail born at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar on the Bahamian island of Green Turtle Cay — whose main village, New Plymouth, has been Key West’s sister city for nearly 50 years.

The refreshing offering is wellnamed, since it carries the essence of the islands in its medley of pineapple and coconut flavors. Combining sweet juice and the flavored rums popular in the Caribbean, the cocktail also features a generous splash of house-made cherry syrup. Strong yet playful, it’s a vivid representation of the Bahamian spirit. Other popular tropical cocktails crafted by Bar 1’s mixologists include the Painkiller. It’s a mix of rum, orange and pineapple juices, and cream of coconut — shaken, strained over ice, and garnished with a pineapple wedge and grated nutmeg. While the Painkiller didn’t originate in the Bahamas, it definitely reflects the carefree Caribbean vibe. That vibe is also evident in one of the mocktails on Bar 1’s imaginative drinks menu: a concoction called the Bahama Village. The alcohol-free favorite features fresh pineapple and lemon juices as well as coconut syrup, ginger demerara and an egg white. Enticing without being intoxicating, it’s named for the Key West neighborhood where Bahamians made their home generations ago — and where the Goombay street festival honors their heritage each year. LAST CALL Drink of the Month: The Poinciana. Named for the flaming orangered trees that thrive in tropical areas, this standout Bar 1 mocktail is made from smoked agave, lime juice, blackberry syrup and house-made rosé syrup. It’s so full of flavor that no alcohol is needed. Discover Key West’s favorite historic dessert. Learn to prepare the perfect Key lime pie, a delicacy born in 1800s Key West, while enjoying a slice. For more information about the luscious lime treat, and a schedule of pie-making demonstration classes, visit keywestcookingshow.com or call 305294-COOK.

Health department honored for helping women & infants Monroe County recognized for its breastfeeding support program

he Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) recently announced that the Monroe County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program has been awarded the 2026 Gold WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence. The Gold Award honors local WIC agencies that demonstrate exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support practices beyond the core peer counseling model. To earn this distinction, agencies must operate a strong, well‑structured breastfeeding peer counseling program for at least one year and meet all 30 national gold‑level criteria. These criteria reflect best practices in planning, consistent and timely breastfeeding support, robust staff training, effective referral systems, breastfeeding‑friendly clinic environments and organizational policies that protect and promote exclusive breastfeeding. “This achievement would not have been possible without our exceptional WIC team, es-

pecially Carolyn de Paula, our breastfeeding peer counselor coordinator and breastfeeding expert,” said Hannah Hamilton, public health services manager. “Breastfeeding support is a vital part of the WIC program, and every member of our staff is trained to guide and encourage our clients throughout their breastfeeding journey.” Monroe County WIC continues to expand breastfeeding outreach, strengthen early support for new parents and promote evidence‑based practices that help families thrive during the earliest stages of life. For breastfeeding support, nutrition guidance and other WIC services, families are encouraged to connect with the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County’s WIC team at any time to learn how WIC can support a healthy start for both parent and baby. Contact the WIC team at 305-676-3933 or email DOHMonroe@ flhealth.gov. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

NEW FLORIDA KEYS BUOYS WILL DETECT HOW MARINE LIFE RESPONDS TO A CHANGING OCEAN

A pilot project by Marine Resources Development Foundation pairs environmental DNA with underwater acoustic monitoring, scuba fish surveys and advanced oceanographic sensors to reveal what lives where and under what conditions. CONTRIBUTED

The project takes eDNA collectors, both mounted on buoys and passively carried by divers, to capture genetic material from the surrounding water, directly linking what lives on the reef with the conditions around it.

Staff at The Dive Shop at Ocean Reef Club will be trained, and will in turn train their recreational divers, to retrieve and operate the buoy-mounted eDNA collectors and conduct visual fish counts.

he ecosystems of the Florida Keys are highly sensitive to changes in water temperature and other ocean conditions. In the summer of 2023, a record-breaking marine heat wave caused widespread coral bleaching and mortality across the Keys, a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can change and how severe the consequences can be. To better understand and anticipate these changes, Marine Resources Development Foundation has launched a new pilot project at Carysfort Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Funded through a grant from the Marine Preservation Society of the Florida Keys, the project pairs environmental DNA (eDNA) with underwater acoustic monitoring, scubabased fish surveys and advanced oceanographic sensors to reveal what lives where and under what conditions. By building a foundation for long-term, continuous data collection, the project could make it practical to monitor marine life as routinely as monitoring water temperature, and help scientists predict the consequences of changing conditions before they happen. Fish, sharks and other organisms constantly shed traces of genetic material into the water through skin, scales, mucus and waste. By filtering seawater and analyzing the DNA it contains, scientists can identify many species from a single sample, including cryptic or endangered species that might otherwise go undetected, without needing to see or catch the animals. Although eDNA is increasingly used across marine science, it is rarely collected alongside continuous measurements of temperature, salinity, oxygen and currents, and when it is, it typically requires costly research vessels. This pilot takes a simpler approach: eDNA collectors, both mounted on buoys and passively carried by divers, capture genetic material from the surrounding water, directly linking what lives on the reef with the conditions around it. The buoys also listen. Each is fitted with acoustic receivers that record the sounds of marine life, from the calls of reef fish and the low-frequency “booms” of goliath grouper to the clicks, whistles and songs of marine mammals such as dolphins and whales. The receivers will also detect fish and sharks carrying acoustic tags as they swim by, adding individual animal movements to the picture provided by eDNA and environmental data. The buoy system, including its mounted eDNA collector, was designed and built by Applied Ocean Science, while the scuba-mounted eDNA collector was designed and provided by Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) at the University of California, San Diego. Both units are compact and portable, making them easy to deploy and retrieve. Partners at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and SIO are assisting with data processing and analysis. The resulting oceanographic and biological information will be compiled by Applied Ocean Science and made available to researchers, resource managers

and other interested groups through a data-sharing agreement. The pilot is led by Chris Malinowski, who serves as principal investigator. A marine scientist with extensive experience researching shark and reef fish ecology, population dynamics and environmental pollutants, Malinowski will oversee field operations, community scientist training, diver surveys and sample and data coordination across the buoy network. Malinowski is also co-founder of Shark Docs, a South Florida-based marine research and conservation organization. Divers, dive operators, universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, philanthropists and others interested in accessing the data or getting involved can contact Malinowski through his Shark Docs organization at www.sharkdocs.org. Community scientists are central to the project. At Carysfort Reef, staff at The Dive Shop at Ocean Reef Club will be trained, and will in turn train their recreational divers, to retrieve and operate the buoy-mounted eDNA collectors and conduct visual fish counts. These surveys document the species and numbers of fish on the reef, providing a direct count that helps to confirm and complement what the technology detects. Divers will also learn to carry tank-mounted eDNA collectors and gather samples as they swim along the reef, turning a recreational dive into a scientific survey. “Conservation should be a community effort, because the health of our reefs and the health of our community depend on each other,” said Malinowski. “Every diver who collects eDNA or does a reef fish survey here is adding to a scientific record that didn’t exist before, helping us to connect changes in the water to changes in who lives there.” As the network grows, a key goal is to track how fish and sharks move through and use different parts of the Florida Keys, including specially designated protected areas like SPAs. As tagged animals pass from buoy to buoy, researchers will be able to follow their movements across the Keys, while eDNA, acoustic recordings and diver surveys reveal which species are present and when. Combined with measurements such as temperature, salinity and oxygen, this information could show how marine life responds to changing conditions and how protected areas are being used, helping guide future management decisions. “We hope the results of this pilot project will show the number and types of animals and plants passing a specific spot at a specific time,” said Ian Koblick, chairman and founder of Marine Resources Development Foundation. “Our goal is to have many of these buoy systems and eDNA samplers spread from the Dry Tortugas to Key Largo so that we can truly understand what is happening in the ocean and manage it more effectively. This project would not have been possible without the help and support of NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.” All activities are conducted under permit #FKNMS-2026-159-A1. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

TEN THOUSAND STEPS I

was so duped. Duped because I didn’t even think to look into this one. Of course walking is good for our health, so I never really questioned the 10,000-step count. In my head, 10,000 steps JENNIFER is roughly, give or take, HARVEY five miles, which for me is roughly 400 to 500 ...is a Marathoncalories, which is roughly based ACSMaround the daily deficit I certified permight give a client who sonal trainer and precision nutrition wants to lose about one coach who owns pound per week. and operates The math goes like Highly Motivated this: 3,500 calories is Functionally roughly equivalent to a Caffeinated LLC. pound. Five hundred calories, seven times a week, bingo bango, you have yourself a 3,500-calorie deficit. So if you ate around what your body needed and created roughly a 500-calorie deficit each day, theoretically you could be down about a pound by day seven. The math mathed to me. And yes, you may have noticed I used the word “roughly” an obnoxious number of times there. Not because I suddenly have an affinity for the word, but because every one of those numbers is an estimate. This is a simple way to explain an incredibly complicated biological process, not a mathematical guarantee. Bodies adapt. Energy expenditure changes. And, as we all know because I have been screaming about it for years, the calorie-burn number on your watch is an estimate too, and an imperfect one at that. Still, 10,000 steps made sense to me. And then I found out it was basically made up. I have mixed feelings about even telling you this because I do not want anyone reading this to triumphantly throw their walking shoes into the closet and announce that “Jen said steps don’t matter.” I absolutely did not. Walking is fantastic for your health, and getting more movement throughout your day is one of the simplest things you can do for your body. It’s the magical 10,000 number that deserves some explaining. For that, we have to go back to Japan in the 1960s. Around the time of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, a Japanese company called Yamasa introduced a pedometer called the manpo-kei, which roughly translates to “10,000-step meter.”

UNSPLASH.

And here is where I feel personally betrayed. Ten thousand steps was not discovered because scientists had determined that the human heart throws a party when step number 10,000 hits. It was a marketing number. A really, really good one apparently, considering we are still chasing it more than 60 years later. The 10,000-step target was not originally based on clinical research establishing it as the magic number required for good health. Since then, researchers have actually studied this, and thankfully the news is pretty great. A 2019 study involving nearly 17,000 older women found that women averaging about 4,400 steps per day had significantly lower mortality rates than women averaging about 2,700. The benefits continued as step counts increased and eventually leveled off around 7,500 steps per day in that population. More recently, a large 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis looked at 57 studies across 35 cohorts. Compared with taking about 2,000 steps per day, 7,000 steps was

associated with a 47% lower risk of death from any cause and a 25% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Researchers also found associations with lower risks of cardiovascular death, dementia, type 2 diabetes, depressive symptoms and falls. Notice what number I haven’t mentioned yet? Ten thousand. That does NOT mean 10,000 steps is bad. Please do not take your watch off and spike it into the ground at step 7,001. If you enjoy walking 10,000 steps, fantastic. Walk 12,000. Walk 15,000. Take the dog. Call a friend. Wander around Home Depot for two hours looking for one very specific screw. Movement is good for us. What I love about this research is what it means for the person who looks at 10,000 steps and thinks, “Well, there is absolutely no way I am doing that.” You don’t have to. Your body does not know the difference between 9,842 and 10,000 steps. Your cardiovascular system isn’t sitting there waiting for your watch to vibrate before deciding whether today’s movement counted. There isn’t a cliff at 10,000. The health benefits of walking begin well before that number, and generally, moving more than you currently do is where the win is. Research has even found measurable reductions in cardiovascular risk at step counts far below 10,000, with additional benefits accumulating as steps increase. So maybe the goal was never supposed to be a perfect number flashing on our wrists at 8:47 p.m. while we march circles around the kitchen island trying to get the last 312 steps. Maybe the better question is much simpler. Did I move my body today? And can I move it a little more tomorrow? Bingo bango.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

Keys Kids Health Centers, we made a promise: every Welcome Dr. Zuba! At child who walks through our doors will be seen, heard,

Welcome Dr. Tabassian!

and cared no matter their family's circumstances.

A child's smile is priceless. So is their health. But for too many families, a toothache or a fever brings a quieter fear: what will this cost us? That fear makes parents wait, hope it passes on its own, and sometimes choose between their child's health and the rent or groceries. We've seen it ﬁrsthand, a kindergartner quietly living with a toothache because her parents didn't know where to turn, and couldn't have aﬀorded it if they had. A small cavity left untreated until it became a painful, costly emergency. Never because a parent didn't care. Only because they were afraid of the bill.

Dr. Stanley Zuba has spent nearly thirty years as the pediatrician Keys families trust, caring for children at Florida Keys Pediatric & Adolescent Center in Tavernier since 1997. A Fellow of the American Academy of �ediatrics and board�certiﬁed since 1990, he trained at Cook County Children's Hospital in Chicago and has served as Medical Director of Island Dolphin Care for over 25 years. Dr. Zuba is now joining Keys Kids Health Centers, continuing his commitment to ensuring every child in the Florida Keys has a doctor who knows them.

A Promise of Health Care for Our Kids! So we changed the story. Every child we see is treated at no/low cost to their family, before small problems become painful ones. No forms standing in the way, no bill waiting at the end of the appointment, just a child who gets to keep smiling, and a parent who gets to breathe a little easier.

That's what this promise really protects: not just a child's teeth or health, but their family's peace of mind and future. No family should ever have to choose between their child's health and food on the table. We can't keep this promise alone. It's kept by everyone who believes our kids are worth investing in...every donor, every partner, every person who trusts us with their child's care.

Dr. Lilia Tabassian is excited to join the team at Keys Kids Health Centers, bringing compassionate dental care to children throughout the Florida Keys. A Florida native, she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and earned her dental degree with honors from the prestigious �arvard School of Dental Medicine, followed by a two-year Advanced Education in �eneral �entistry residency in Nashville, Tennessee. There she developed a passion for public health and for helping young patients feel comfortable and conﬁdent in the dental chair. Dr. Tabassian believes every visit is an opportunity to build trust with a child.

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ather your crew and prepare to plunder the riches of the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. The garden’s fourth annual Pirates & Mermaids Rum Chase on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. will transform the garden into a pirates’ paradise of rum-filled drinks, mystical mermaids, hidden clues, treasure maps, creative costumes and plenty of pirate mischief during a garden-wide scavenger hunt. Tickets include: • A scavenger hunt through the garden • Rum tasting • Light bites • Beer and wine • Themed cocktails • Pirate and mermaid costume contest with prizes Come dressed as a pirate, a mermaid or your favorite seafaring character. “This event has grown into one of our most anticipated fundraisers,” said John Rouge, board president. “It’s a perfect mix of local talent, flavors and fun — all in support of an education center that will benefit generations to come.” The event raises essential

funds for the garden’s most ambitious project yet: the construction of a state-of-theart education center. The new facility will serve as a hub for learning, conservation and preservation — bringing the community and visitors together to explore, protect and celebrate the natural world. The center will serve all Monroe County students — cultivating an awareness of and appreciation for the local ecosystem, wildlife and outdoor activities. Student field trips to the garden provide hands-on experiments and lessons that develop skills and interests that can lead to careers that will keep kids in the Keys after graduation Past students have gone on to local careers in the botanical, biological and environmental sciences here in the Keys. Early-bird tickets are $49 until Oct. 31. They’re $65 from Nov. 1-19, and $75 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at keywest.garden. For more information email Beth Franklin at events@ keywest.garden. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

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Founded by Betty Debnam

AMAZING PUMPKINS

TOUCHY CROPS Pumpkin farming is a risky business. Pumpkins can be easily harmed by disease, insects and weather. Imagine you are a farmer growing pumpkins for jack-o’-lanterns. What if your pumpkins mature too early? By Halloween, you could be left with a lot of rotting pumpkins. If the pumpkins mature too late, you’ll miss the Halloween rush.

ALL IN THE FAMILY Pumpkins are members of the cucurbit (kyoo-KUHRbit) family. Their close cousins include squashes, gourds, zucchinis, cucumbers, watermelons, honeydews and cantaloupes. TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT Pumpkins grown to make jack-o’-lanterns are edible, or fit to eat. But they are not as tasty as pumpkins grown especially for food. Pumpkins are a very healthy food. This low-calorie fruit is filled with vitamins A, C and B, fiber and minerals such as potassium and iron. Pumpkin pie is a holiday favorite, but pumpkin is great in soups, breads, cookies, butter and casseroles, too. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a healthy snack. Pumpkin seeds are also sometimes called pepitas (peh-PEE-tahs).

Photo by Minkey8885

PUMPKIN PAST Pumpkins are native to the Americas. The seeds have been found at 10,000-year-old sites in Mexico. Native Americans ate the fruit, seeds, flowers and leaves. They roasted pumpkins in the fire or cooked the fruit in soups, puddings or a type of pie. By mixing the fruit with syrup, they made a kind of pumpkin jelly. They cut and dried strips of pumpkin to preserve it. After drying strips of the shell, people wove them together to make mats. They used whole pumpkin shells for bowls and storage vessels.

People like to carry pumpkins by the stems. If the stems break off, people won’t buy them. But if the stems are too big, they can damage the pumpkins next to them. Farmers want pumpkin skins to be pretty, without big spots. Sometimes if pumpkins are flat or weirdly shaped, people won’t buy them. Size can also make a difference.

PUMPKIN RECORDS The weight of pumpkins entered into contests has steadily grown over the years. In 1904, the largest pumpkin recorded was 403 pounds. One hundred years later, in 2004, the heaviest pumpkin recorded weighed 1,446 pounds. In 2025, the world record for heaviest pumpkin was set by a pumpkin called “Muggle” that was grown by brothers Ian and Stuart Paton from the United Kingdom. Muggle weighed 2,819 pounds, 4 ounces. Its circumference was a little more than 21 feet.

RESOURCES

Photo by Felipe Miguel

Red, orange and yellow leaves and bright orange pumpkins make autumn glow with color. It wouldn’t be Halloween without jacko’-lanterns. In many homes, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie. The Mini Page learns more about pumpkins this week.

LIGHTING UP VEGETABLES Hundreds of years ago, the English, Irish and Scots made candlelit lanterns out of different fruits and vegetables, such as turnips, apples, beets, potatoes and cucumbers. In Scotland and Ireland, people carved scary faces out of these fruits and vegetables and placed candles inside. They hoped the creepy lighted faces would scare off evil spirits. In the 1800s, boys in Great Britain began playing tricks, frightening people with the spooky vegetable lights. American colonists realized that pumpkins were the best of all for carving out a lantern.

ON THE WEB • bit.ly/4wh0R24 • bit.ly/4vAnJsy AT THE LIBRARY • “The Pumpkin Book” by Gail Gibbons

FIND IT

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

M P E P I T A V H V T CROP, CUCURBIT, R O P E E Y E T S I I EDIBLE, FARM, A D L Z Z D I N S T U FIBER, FOOD, FRUIT, HALLOWEEN, HEALTHY, F G I D I B I X A A R Z S X B R K V W H M F LANTERN, PEPITA, P K L U P F H F T I L PUMPKINS, RECORD, O E C M M F O O D N K SEED, SHELL, SIZE, R U U S T E M J Q S J STEM, VITAMINS. C P V U Y D H E A L T F I B E R N E E W O L

R R E C O R D Q H L

A A Q L L E H S Y A

Y X L A N T E R N H

O I H R S E E D H B

ECO NOTE Computer simulations suggest that artificially brightening clouds over the Pacific Ocean could weaken a developing super El Niño and reduce some of its extreme weather impacts. The technique would spray tiny sea-salt particles into low clouds, causing them to reflect more sunlight and cool the ocean below. Researchers modeled the intervention during the powerful 1997-98 and 2015-16 El Niños and found that an early, sustained deployment could have almost eliminated both warming events. Scientists caution that the technology is not ready for use and could produce unintended effects, including altered rainfall and warming in other parts of the world.

Photo by Ben

MINI FACT: Pumpkins are grown on vines and are made of 90% water.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / OCTOBER 15, 2026

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Octobzer 15, 2026

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OCTOBER 15, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

THE SCOREBOARD

OCT. 5 - 11

Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Coral Shores

Volleyball

Keys Gate

10/5

W, 3-0

Key West

Volleyball

Marathon

10/7

W, 3-1

Key West

Football

Miami Central

10/8

L, 63-7

Marathon

Volleyball

Keys Gate

10/8

L, 3-0

Marathon

Football

St. John Paul II

10/9

L, 22-21

Coral Shores

Football

Palmer Trinity

10/9

W, 42-35

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

OCT. 15 - 22

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

10/16

Marathon

Football

@ Marco Island Academy

7 p.m.

10/17

KW & MHS

Cross Country

@ Key West

7 a.m.

10/19

All Keys Schools

Golf

@ Marathon

1 p.m.

All Keys Schools

Girls Weightlifting

@ Coral Shores

4 p.m.

All Keys Schools

Golf

@ Key West

2 p.m.

10/21

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Parks

DUNN

Junior, Coral Shores Swimming

Parks is a ﬁerce competitor who always races her heart out.”

– Kelly Owens, Hurricane swim coach

place in the 200- and 500-yard freestyle

ON THE COVER

OCTOBER 15

The Lady Conchs volleyball squad closed out their regular season by taking out their Monroe County rivals on Senior Night, defeating Marathon 3-1. See page 4. ROCKY GONET/Keys Weekly

Coral Shores junior Parks Dunn is making quite the splash this season. The endurance specialist swept the distance freestyle events at last week’s tri-meet at Founders Park, winning the 200-yard freestyle in 2:23.76 by a razor-thin 15 hundredths of a second before claiming the 500 freestyle in 6:28. Dunn also swam legs of two winning relays, helping the Lady Hurricanes edge Key West 83-78. With just five points separating the Keys rivals, Dunn’s contributions proved especially valuable. “Parks is an incredibly hard worker and encouraging teammate. She always has a positive attitude,” said Coral Shores coach Kelly Owens. For her four victories and pivotal role in the Hurricanes’ narrow win, Dunn is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

winning relays

Photo by JIM MCCARTHY/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 15, 2026

The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie

A TOUGH DRAW

Key West takes out Marathon in regular season ﬁnale; Coral Shores faces formidable foes in district tourney

he Key West Lady Conchs wrapped up their regular season on the volleyball court with a 3-1 victory over Marathon Oct. 7, closing out their campaign with a 7-18 record. Playing on their home court for Senior Night, the Conchs came out swinging, taking the opening set 25-11. But the Lady Fins refused to go quietly, battling back to claim a hard-fought 25-23 victory in set two. Key West regained control in the third, winning 25-16, then slammed the door on the Dolphins with a decisive 25-7

fourth set to seal the Senior Night win. The Coral Shores Hurricanes closed out their regular season with a formidable 21-3 record after sweeping Keys Gate Oct. 5. The ’Canes dominated from the service line, delivering 15 aces as a team, including four from Celene Walker. Walker was flawless on serve all night, adding four kills and five digs to her stat line. Alex Burson, Abby Leigh, Lela Goodrich and Alejandra Aguilar were also perfect from the service line. Coralyn Frimpter led the offensive charge

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sean mcdonald grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.

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OCTOBER 15, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

with 13 kills, adding an ace and eight digs. Jillian Thiery contributed two blocks, three kills and an ace, while Leigh kept the offense running smoothly with 26 assists. Marathon closed out its regular season with a loss to Keys Gate Oct. 9, finishing at 7-14. With the regular season in the books, all three Keys teams now turn their attention to the postseason, though their paths to district titles look decidedly different. Coral Shores entered the 3A District 16 tournament as the No. 4 seed despite an undefeated 6-0 record against district opponents during the regular season. The Hurricanes opened quarterfinal play on Oct. 12 by dispatching fifth-seeded Somerset Silver Palms for the third time this season, 3-1. The victory over the Stallions set up a semifinal showdown with top-seeded Gulliver Prep on Oct. 13 at Gulliver

1. Summer Bailey gets ready for the kill. 2. Catheryn Miller dives valiantly to save the ball. 3. Key West celebrates a win over Marathon. 4. Sofia Niles leaps in preparation for a spike. 5. Journey Lamb pops up to make a hard hit at the net. 6. Macy Meier passes the ball in Key West’s 3-1 win over Marathon. 7.Olivia Graham sets the ball for her teammates. ROCKY GONET/Keys Weekly

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(results not available at press time). The Raiders present a formidable challenge, ranked fourth overall in Florida across all classifications and second in Class 3A. Key West, meanwhile, drew the No. 7 seed in the same district and faced an uphill battle of its own. The Conchs traveled to second-seeded Ransom Everglades Oct. 12 for their quarterfinal matchup, but came up short on the road in a 3-0 loss. Despite their final loss, the Dolphins entered the 1A Rural District tournament as the No. 2 seed, earning a first-round bye into the semifinals. Marathon traveled to Moore Haven Oct. 14 to face the Terriers, with a win sending the Fins to the district championship the following night, also at Moore Haven (results not available at press time).

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / OCTOBER 15, 2026

CONCHS RULE THE REEF Key West takes team honors while Merryman’s late birdies secure individual gold

ey West claimed the top spot in the Keys' lone golf match of the week, carding a team score of 161 at Key Largo's Ocean Reef. Marathon finished second with a 170, while Coral Shores rounded out the field with a 206. Marathon's Emmett Merryman overcame a rocky start to finish atop the leaderboard with an even-par 36. Marathon’s top golfer was 2 over par after three holes before sinking a birdie on the fourth. A bogey on five set him back again, but birdies on six and nine brought him back to par for the day. Key West's Jakub Krytinar finished just one stroke behind at 37, turning in a pair of eagles on holes one and three. Fellow Conch Geo Twyman claimed third with a 40.

Top: Key West’s Stella Tutlewski, left, Lexi Finigan, Mary Alice Davila and Charlize Lopez are a formidable foursome on the fairways this season.

A three-way tie for fourth saw Marathon's Cullen Coleman-Sayer join Key West's Dominick Novotny and Mason Titensor at 42. Coral Shores' Scout Oliver led the Hurricanes with a 46, tying Marathon's Jackson Millard and Roco Piscetello for seventh. Marathon's Jack Dunn rounded out the top 10 with a 47. In the girls' competition, Key West dominated the leaderboard, sweeping the top three spots. Mary Alice Davila led the way with a 47, two strokes ahead of teammate Charlize Lopez, who carded a 49. Fellow Conch Lexi Finigan completed the sweep with a 51. Coral Shores' Woodsley Franklin broke up the Conchs' monopoly on the leaderboard, tying Key West's Stella Tutlewski for fourth with a 62. Marathon's Elleanna Mowry was the Dolphins' top finisher, placing sixth with a 68.

Right: Marathon's Roco Piscetello and Emmett Merryman engage in a friendly duel. Photos by Rocky Gonet and Natalie Danko

OCTOBER 15, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / OCTOBER 15, 2026

HOMECOMING HEROICS Beltran and Holly fuel Coral Shores comeback, Marathon suffers a heartbreaker and Key West falls to Rockets

he Hurricanes of Coral Shores gave fans a homecoming to remember on Oct. 9, rallying from behind in a fourth-quarter thriller to defeat Palmer Trinity 42-35 and keep their postseason hopes alive. “It was back and forth everything, the best you could possibly want in a football game,” said Hurricanes head coach Ed Holly, whose team piled up 517 yards of offense in the high-scoring showdown. Coral Shores did most of its damage on the ground, rushing 42 times for 426 yards and five touchdowns. David Beltran led the charge, bulldozing his way to 234 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries. Charles Royal added 107 yards and a score on 10 attempts, while John Oughton contributed 66 yards and a touchdown on six carries. But it was a play through the air that helped turn the tide for the Hurricanes. Trailing 35-28 early in the fourth quarter, Coral Shores turned to Sterling Keefe, who connected with Billy Holly for a 67-yard touchdown strike. Holly made his lone reception of the night count, hauling in

the pass to help knot the score at 35 and breathe new life into the homecoming crowd. With momentum swinging back toward the Hurricanes, Beltran delivered the finishing blow, powering into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown and completing the 42-35 comeback. Keefe finished 4-for-6 passing for 91 yards and a touchdown while adding 16 rushing yards on three carries. Royal also contributed two receptions for 18 yards, giving the Hurricanes a balanced attack when it mattered most. The victory could prove especially valuable as Coral Shores battles for postseason positioning in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference's Atlantic South region. The Hurricanes entered the week sitting 12th in the standings, with only the top eight teams advancing to the conference's upper playoff bracket. Coral Shores hopes its homecoming triumph will provide a boost in the rankings as the postseason approaches. The Hurricanes have a bye this week, giving them time to celebrate the win, recover and address some defensive concerns after surrendering

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35 points. “We will be working on tackling and defense this week,” Holly said. MARATHON Marathon came within minutes of pulling off a major homecoming upset Oct. 9, but a late touchdown and twopoint conversion by the Eagles of Boca Raton’s Saint John Paul II Academy turned into a heartbreaking 22-21 loss for the Dolphins. The Eagles entered the contest ranked more than 100 points ahead of Marathon, but the Fins had no intention of playing the underdog. Marathon controlled possession throughout much of the first half, making the most of every opportunity. The Dolphins had three possessions before halftime and found the end zone on all three, with Jesus Gonzalez scoring once and twin brother Israel Gonzalez crossing the goal line twice. The Eagles, meanwhile, scored on two of their three first-half possessions. Marathon continued moving the ball effectively after the break, mounting two lengthy drives that carried the Fins deep into Eagles territory.

OCTOBER 15, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

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Both possessions reached the red zone, but costly penalties derailed the scoring opportunities. One drive ended with an interception on fourth and long, while the other stalled despite another sustained march downfield. With roughly three minutes remaining, Marathon punted, pinning the Eagles at their own 12-yard line. Facing a long field and a dwindling clock, Saint John Paul II engineered a final drive that covered 88 yards and ended in the end zone. Rather than settle for a tie, the Eagles went for two, converting the attempt to steal a 22-21 victory and spoil Marathon’s homecoming celebration. The Dolphins amassed more than 350 yards of offense in the loss, a performance head coach Sean McDonald said demonstrated just how far his team has come. “We played a near-perfect game for much of the night,” McDonald said. “Our drives were stopped by our own penalties, not by anything John Paul did defensively.” Despite the disappointing finish, McDonald sees a team making progress toward turning competitive performances into victories. “We’re still learning how to win these close games,” he said. “But we’re getting better every week, and we’re getting closer to figuring out how to finish them.” KEY WEST Key West held its own against powerhouse Miami Central in the opening quarter of their district matchup Oct. 8, but the Rockets lived up to their name in the second, blasting past the Conchs en route to a 63-7 victory at Traz Powell Stadium. Central struck first, but Key West had an answer. Josh Johnson blew open a hole in the Rockets’ defense, clearing the way for Chace Gaertner to dance into the end zone and knot the score at 7. The Conchs kept things competitive through the opening 12 minutes, trailing just 14-7 at the end of the first quarter. Then the Rockets ignited. Miami Central erupted for 35 unanswered points in the second quarter, taking a commanding 49-7 lead into

halftime. The Rockets added a touchdown in each of the final two quarters to seal the 63-7 win. Despite the lopsided score, Key West head coach Johnny Hughes found a silver lining in the matchup. “We didn't have any injuries, and we are happy about that,” Hughes said. The coach also acknowledged the formidable talent across the field. “Big and strong and fast. They definitely have the equation right to win a state championship,” he said of the Rockets. The loss drops Key West to 3-5 overall and 2-2 in district play. The Conchs will have a chance to rest and regroup during a bye week before returning to action Oct. 23 against the Miami Springs Golden Hawks in their final district matchup. Key West closes out its regular season Oct. 30 with a road trip to Barron Collier.

1. Sterling Keefe takes off in a quarterback keeper. 2. Charles Royal hangs onto the ball in heavy traffic. 3. David Beltran avoids the tackle on his way toward a 234-yard night. 4. Hurricane fans have plenty to be excited about during Coral Shores’ homecoming victory. 5. Luke Gookins (6) and Billy Holly (7) celebrate Holly’s TD reception. 6. Jesus Gonzalez (2) jukes out a St. John Paul defender. 7. Jesus Gonzalez finds his gap to score a touchdown. 8. Jeremy Thiboutot goes up for the reception. 9. Israel Gonzalez outruns a St. John Paul defender. 10. Israel Gonzalez runs down the sideline for an easy touchdown. Photos by Sean Westerband and Doug Finger

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / OCTOBER 15, 2026

FINAL STRETCH

Key West takes sixth at 305 Classic as runners gear up for postseason

ey West runners returned to familiar territory last week, lacing up for the 305 Classic at Larry & Penny Thompson Park on Oct. 9. The Conchs turned in a sixth-place team finish, led by junior Sawyer Hill, who cracked the top 20 with a time of 19:41, good for 19th place. Fellow junior Alejandro Caridad was next across the line, clocking 20:02 for 27th place, while freshman Noah Taylor claimed 40th in 20:59. Cruz Matarazzo (21:31) and Everett Ward (22:13) rounded out Key West’s five scoring runners, helping the Conchs secure sixth place with 192 points. Lynn Noah set the pace for the Lady Conchs, racing to 15th place in 22:26. Hazel Matarazzo

followed in 28th at 24:57, while Emma Bradshaw crossed the line 37th in 26:35. Ryah Bushey finished 44th in 27:43, and Svetlana Snipes competed in a separate girls’ race, placing 34th in 31:47. Marathon enjoyed a week away from the starting line, but the Dolphins will be back in action Oct. 17 at the Conchs’ home meet at Key West Golf Club. Coral Shores has an even longer stretch to rest and regroup, with the Hurricanes’ next scheduled race coming Oct. 30 at the Junior Orange Bowl. With the regular season nearing the finish line and district championships slated for the first week of November, the Keys’ runners are entering the home stretch of their seasons.

Top: Key West’s boys cross country team races to a sixth-place finish at the 305 Classic on Oct. 9, scoring 192 points behind a top-20 performance from junior Sawyer Hill. Far left: Key West’s Lynn Noah led the Lady Conchs at the 305 Classic, finishing 15th overall with a time of 22:26. Left: Lady Conch Hazel Matarazzo clocked a 24:57 at the 305 Classic, securing 28th place in the girls’ race. Photos by ROCKY GONET/ Keys Weekly

OCTOBER 15, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

Key West’s Max Blinckmann, left Hugo Blinckmann, Filip Hrabec and Santiago Gonzalez made a splash at Founders Park, combining for a first-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle relay with a time of 1 minute, 37 seconds. ROCKY GONET/Keys Weekly

DOWN TO THE WIRE Coral Shores girls edge Key West by ﬁve points in Founders Park thriller; Conchs claim overall victory

t was a battle to the finish at Founders Park Oct. 7 when Coral Shores hosted Key West and G. Holmes Braddock for a tri-meet that saw the Lady Hurricanes edge out the Lady Conchs by just five points. Coral Shores claimed the girls' head-to-head victory over Key West 83-78, while the Conchs dominated Braddock 101-24. The Hurricanes also defeated Braddock 106-27. Coral Shores' girls collected several individual wins, led by Parks Dunn, who swept the 200 and 500yard freestyle events in 2:23 and 6:28, respectively. Dunn's 200 freestyle victory came by just 15 hundredths of a second. Teammate Sofia Figueredo won the 200 individual medley in 2:31 and the 100 breaststroke in 1:18. Piper Sharrock added victories in the 100 butterfly (1:18) and 100 backstroke (1:24), while Julia Rusch claimed diving honors with 175 points. The Hurricanes also won two relays. Sharrock, Mackenzie Borguss, Dunn and Figueredo combined for a 1:58 in the 200 freestyle relay, then returned to win the 400 freestyle relay in 4:27. Key West's girls found success in the sprint events, with Christina Rice winning the 50 freestyle in 26.41 seconds. Rice also joined Mary Searcy,

Amelia Korzen and Georgia Houze to claim the 200 medley relay in 2:21. On the boys' side, Key West defeated Coral Shores 131-33 but fell to Braddock 95-75. The Hurricanes' boys lost to Braddock, 125-37. Key West's Santiago Gonzalez swept the 200 and 100 freestyle events, winning in 1:58 and 53.05 seconds, respectively. The Conchs also captured both freestyle relays. Max Blinckmann, Hugo Blinckmann, Filip Hrabec and Gonzalez won the 200 freestyle relay in 1:37. Max and Hugo Blinckmann teamed up again with Jamie Konecny and Gonzalez to win the 400 freestyle relay in 3:39. When the boys’ and girls’ scores were combined, Key West emerged with victories over both opponents, defeating Coral Shores 209-116 and Braddock 176-119. Coral Shores narrowly missed a combined victory over Braddock, falling 152-143 in another close contest. Prep swimming’s regular season wraps up Oct. 17, with postseason action just around the corner. Coral Shores’ 1A District 12 swimmers will compete at Belen Jesuit Oct. 27, while the Hurricanes’ divers take to the boards the following day at NSU. Key West’s 2A swimmers make their postseason splash at the Gian Zumpano Aquatic Center Oct. 27. The Conchs have no divers competing this season.

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / OCTOBER 15, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

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FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of ROYAL PLUM CLUB located at 5800 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, SUITE 17, MARATHON, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Royal Plum Condominium, Inc. Publish: October 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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 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

1701 26th Ave Vero Beach, FL 32960 Attorney for Personal Representative: Victoria Miranda, Esq. Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 9350 S. Dixie HWY, Suite 1470 Miami, FL 33156 VMiranda@HLYlaw.com Publish: October 15 & 22, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is October 15, 2026. Personal Representative: JOSEPH BRECKENRIDGE BROWN c/o Samuel J. Kaufman Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304 Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Email designation for service: Service.Probate@samkaufmanlaw. com Telephone: (305) 292-3926 Fax: (305) 295-7947 Publish: October 15 & 22, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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right, title and interest of the defendant, in and to the following described real property to wit: SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY From the warranty deed that states the following all that certain land, situate in Monroe County, State of Florida viz: Legal Description(s) – Unit B-5, EXECUTIVE BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 806, at page(s) 1066, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida. SPECIFIC LOCATION OF REAL PROPERTY: 87200 Overseas Hwy., #B-5, Islamorada, Florida 33036 PARCEL ID: 00093241-001500 All bidders must have a valid Driver’s License with them and must register with the clerk at location of sale prior to start time of sale. I shall offer this property for sale, at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building located at 5525 College Road Key West, Florida 33040 in the County of Monroe, State of Florida, on the 3rd day of December, 2026, at the hour of 10:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as possible. I will offer for sale all of the said defendant’s right, title, and interest in the aforesaid real property at public auction and will sell the same subject to all taxes, prior liens, encumbrances and judgments, if any, to the highest and best bidder for cash or cashiers check in hand. The proceeds to be applied as far as may be to the payment of costs and the satisfaction of the above described execution. Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida this 1st day of October, 2026. Richard A. Ramsay Sheriff of Monroe County, By: Donald Stullken Deputy Sheriff In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Civil Division no later than seven days prior to the proceeding at (305)809-3041 Publish: October 15, 22 & 29 and November 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of OLD CHICKENS MAKE GOOD SOUP located at 9 SOMBRERO ROAD, 211, MARATHON, FL 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Susan M. Lovley Publish: October 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of NANCY HART PHOTOGRAPHY located at 2907 RIVIERA DRIVE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Nancy Peck Publish: October 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of ALMA & CANVAS, located at 2004 FOGARTY AVENUE, KEY WEST, FL 33040, Monroe County, Florida intends to register said name with the Division of Corporation, Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Key West, Florida this 6th day of October, 2026. By: Ivette Donohue Publish: October 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE 328.17 PURSIANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE 679.610 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: that on November 13, 2026, at the following location: Perry Marina 7005 Shrimp Road Key West, FL 33040 STOCK ISLAND OWNER LLC / PERRY MARINA (Secured Party) will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder for cash the below described collateral / vessel.: DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Name of Vessel: Losing It, (Formerly Betty Jean) Manufacturer: Wellcraft Marine Corp Year: 1986 LOA: 27’ Hull No.: WELC15871586 Owner: Tina Rea McDaniel TERMS OF SALE: The collateral; being sold "As Is - Where is" with no warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of title, possession or quiet enjoyment. PAYMENT: Cash or Certified Funds required at time of Sale. RIGHT TO BID: The Secured Party reserves the right to bid for and purchase the collateral and to credit the purchase price against the obligation. CONTACT FOR DETAILS: Perry Marina 7005 Shrimp Road Key West, FL 33040 (786) 730-9961 Publish: October 15 & 22, 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

LEGAL NOTICE Pursuant to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), the South Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee (SoFlaLEPC) announces the availability of the following information: Hazardous Chemical Inventory (Tier 2) Forms, Hazards Analyses for Facilities with Extremely Hazardous Substances, SoFlaLEPC Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan, How-to-Comply Information for Hazardous Materials Users, and other public education materials. The SoFlaLEPC serves MiamiDade, Broward, and Monroe Counties. To obtain information, please contact the SoFlaLEPC Coordinator at (954) 924-3653. Publish: October 15, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 26-CP-000472-P IN RE: ESTATE OF SUSAN E. CASHIN, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of SUSAN E. CASHIN, deceased, whose date of death was July 27, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite2, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate 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, 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 15, 2026. Personal Representative: Elizabeth Ann Albright

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NUMBER: 26-CP-202-P PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JONATHAN M. RECKWERDT, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JONATHAN M. RECKWERDT, deceased, whose date of death was April 18, 2026, Case: 26-CP-202-P, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is October 15, 2026. Personal Representative: SAMUEL J. KAUFMAN c/o Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Suzette M. Alfonso, Esq. Florida Bar No. 13439 Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Email designation for service: Service.Probate@samkaufmanlaw. com Telephone: (305) 292-3926 Fax: (305) 295-7947 Publish: October 15 & 22, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 26-CP-504-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JOCELYN REBECCA BROWN, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JOCELYN REBECCA BROWN, deceased, whose date of death was May 8, 2026, Case: 26-CP504-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, 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 having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 26-CP-000520-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF: CAROL ANN CHIARELLO, Deceased. The administration of the estate of Carol Ann Chiarello, deceased, whose date of death was September 14, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. 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 15, 2026. Attorney for Personal Representative Aimee K. Arce, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 1000984 FOX ROTHSCHILD LLP 777 S. Flagler Dr. Suite 1700 West Tower West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Telephone: (561) 835-9600 E-Mail: aarce@foxrothschild.com

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 COUNTY COURT OF THE 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: CONO-25-073091 HEALTHPRO HERITAGE AT HOME, LLC, An Oklahoma Limited Liability Company, Plaintiff, Vs SHERRY HANNAKA, and UNLIMITED HEALTH CARE SERVICES, INC., a Florida Corporation Defendant, NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that pursuant to a Writ of Execution issued in the County Court of Broward County, Florida, on the 19th day of August, 2026, in the cause wherein HEALTHPRO HERITAGE AT HOME, LLC, An Oklahoma Limited Liability Company, was Plaintiff, and SHERRY HANNAKA, and UNLIMITED HEALTH CARE SERVICES, INC., a Florida Corporation was defendant, being case number CONO-25-073091, in said court, I, Richard A. Ramsay as Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida have this day levied upon all the

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, 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

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 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 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

OCTOBER 15, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

WANTED TO BUY

YARD SALES

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

disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated: October 9, 2026 Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: October 15, 22 & 29 and November 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time Bartender and Server. Flexible evening shifts 3:30-9:00 at a private club. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com or call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

Renovated 2BR/1BA unfurnished 1/'2 duplex in Marathon for rent. Washer/Dryer, small backyard. Year lease. $2,700/mo. Se habla espanol. 954-798-6109

PLACE YOUR COLLECTIBLES AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-7430844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com

PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE! $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-7430844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com

AUTOS WANTED

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.

tools, hand tools & standing freezer. There’s a Natuzzi couch & armchair, fantastic Mid Century Modern teak bedroom set & dining set plus wicker bedroom sets and a brand new lifting recliner. This is a great sale for locals, filled with useful items and the dollar table is EXTENSIVE. To see the full sale, visit estatesales. net. (Turn off US1 near MM90 at the 7-11 gulfside, just “north” of the highschool.)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 26-DR-1194-K RIGEL VALDES MARRERO, Petitioner, and INGRID SAMANTHA LOPEZ ESTRELLA, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: INGRID SAMANTHA LOPEZ ESTRELLA RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 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 RIGEL VALDES MARRERO, whose address is on or before , 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

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

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 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke @keysweekly.com

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

COMMERCIAL SPACE 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 860-428-1506 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

EMPLOYMENT HIRING: Janitor needed for Marathon area. Twice a week, after 5pm. Contact Juan Galan at 7 8 6 - 2 6 3 - 8 4 3 3

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave. Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a Line Cook. 20-30 hours a week at a private club, primarily dinner shifts, TuesdaySaturday. $24/hr or negotiable based on experience. Must provide photo ID, social security card, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com or call 305-743-6739 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 305-7430 8 4 4 or Email Anneke @keysweekly.com HOUSING FOR RENT

Experienced FT Line Cook needed at the Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club. 10AM - 5PM, Good Pay. Small friendly staff. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave

ANNUAL RENTAL Key Largo - 3BR/2BA new kitchen, Spacious Doublewide modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community $3500/month 7 8 6 - 2 5 8 - 3 1 2 7

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, long-term, partially furnished, price includes internet, water, electric gas, garbage, pest, and lawn @ $1,800/ mo + utilities. Call or text 305-433-0515 RENTED!!! PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE! $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke @keysweekly.com

HOUSING WANTED 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 2 5 1 - 9 7 8 - 6 2 6 7

MISC. FOR SALE Cargo Container Storage Units For Sale in Marathon. 20'-50' long, various pricing. Call 305-610-8002 Rosi's Secret Garden - Bromeliads, Episcias & Aglonemas For Sale Anytime. Located on Big Coppit Key. Call 305-296-7183 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 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com

WANTED TO BUY PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578 TURN YOUR CARDS INTO CASH! Marathon collector buying any and all Pokemon cards & collections. Call 401-256-0645.

YARD SALES SARA’S ESTATE SALE on Plantation Key @ 147 Gardenia St, Tavernier (MM 90, gulfside) Sat & Sun, Oct. 17-18, 9a to 1p. This sale is for MAKERS, TEAK FURNITURE LOVERS & HOME CHEFS. We’ve got a garage full of tools from big (Makita table saw) to small (boxes of screws) plus shelving, electric

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

NOW HIRING: ADVENTURE AWAITS AT AMERICA’S FIRST UNDERSEA PARK! The Coral Reef Park Company Inc, operating within the world-famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, is seeking enthusiastic, ocean-loving individuals to join our team. If you have a passion for the marine environment and enjoy working in a fast-paced, tropical setting, we want to hear from you! BOAT CAPTAINS (Full-Time & Part-Time) Take the helm of our Glass Bottom, Snorkel, or Dive boats. Responsible for safe navigation, crew management, and ensuring an unforgettable guest experience on the water. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/ Monday, and USCG License required. FIRST MATE / DIVE MASTERS The backbone of our maritime operations. Duties include assisting with vessel docking, passenger boarding, equipment maintenance, and ensuring boat cleanliness. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday required. For snorkel boat, PADI certification (or other recognized agency), insurance and membership current required. MARINE TOUR NARRATORS Be the voice of the reef! We are looking for engaging public speakers to provide educational and safety-focused commentary for our guests. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday required, Must have a basic knowledge of coral reefs and marine life and experience speaking in front of audiences. SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES Looking for a summer job? We have seasonal openings for Kayak/ Paddlesports Attendants, Snack Bar Attendants, Gift Shop Clerks, and Reservation Counter Attendants. Perfect for those looking to spend a season in the Florida Keys! Customer service experience required for all roles, experience on the water with customers and safety required for kayak/paddlesports role. WHY JOIN OUR TEAM? Competitive Pay: Rates starting from $17–$30/hr+ (depending on position and experience). Benefits: Health, Dental, and Vision, and Life insurance available for full-time employees. (year round) Perks: Employee discounts and the best "office view" in the world. Community: Work with a team dedicated to conservation and outdoor recreation. HOW TO APPLY Ready to dive in? Send your resume and detail on the role that you are applying for to coralreefhr2025@gmail.com. You will be contacted if you are selected to move forward with next steps. The Coral Reef Park Company Inc, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037. Visit us at: www.pennekamppark.com Equal Opportunity Employer | Drug-Free Workplace

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / OCTOBER 15, 2026

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

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

HELP WANTED

Georgie’s Coffee on Grassy Key NOW HIRING: FULL TIME (Will train) Call 904-482-0154

Key West Teller Assistant Maintenance Manager

MM 59.3 | 59301 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key | georgiescoffee.com Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

Islamorada Customer Service Representative

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician)

Apply Online @

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

KeysBank.com/Careers

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

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

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

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. Home Décor Sales Consultant Seeking a customer-focused sales professional with experience in retail or customer service. Creativity and interest in home décor a must. Help customers discover pieces that turn everyday spaces into something special. 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

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.

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

NOW HIRING! wants you to join their team!

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

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

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIER Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule. Please respond by email (Matt at islamarinamatt@gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.

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 15, 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”

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.

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net

THEME: AT AN AMUSEMENT PARK ACROSS 1. If it fits... 5. Accounting pro 8. What Pinocchio did 12. What discern and concern have in common 13. “The American Tribal LoveRock Musical” 14. Sack fabric 15. A in UAE 16. Not with us, prefix 17. Opposite of cathode 18. *Late Parton’s amusement venture 20. Dog is ____ best friend 21. Made of certain hardwood 22. Tiny sip 23. Trite one 26. Type of rummy 30. Bajillion years 31. Appoint #40 Across 34. Film wheel 35. “Saturday Night Fever” music 37. Adam of “Stand and Deliver” 38. Smokeless tobacco brand 39. Region 40. Religious minister 42. Wear and tear 43. Opposite of advance 45. *____ World, Griswalds’ destination 47. Not in 48. Worship like god 50. Music genre 52. *Like funnel cakes and elephant ears 56. Halt 57. *Disney World in Florida spans over 25,000 of these 58. Not out of 59. Like complete nonsense 60. Podium 61. Cottontail’s tail 62. Willy Wonka’s creator 63. Bass, e.g. 64. Not that

DOWN 1. Tropical marine fish 2. Submarine sandwich 3. Like traditional storytelling 4. All together (2 words) 5. Not kayak? 6. Mountain climber’s spike 7. Like dry clime 8. *Coney Island’s original (2 words) 9. Aware of a secret (2 words) 10. Make them meet 11. Food coloring, e.g. 13. *a.k.a. game barker 14. Gavroche, e.g. 19. Cowboy’s cry of joy 22. Bobbsey twin 23. Wood in the closet? 24. France’s longest river 25. Garment insert 26. Quote 27. “Gangnam Style” capital 28. Badger 29. *2021 movie “Nightmare ____” 32. *Balloon popper 33. “Wheel of Fortune” request, 2 words 36. *a.k.a. merry-go-round 38. Walking stick 40. Singer Benatar 41. Steals 44. Famous Swiss mathematician Leonhard ____ 46. Lyre player 48. Hot rod sticker 49. Spooky 50. ____ ____ good example 51. Four-letter word 52. Bit of baby talk 53. Mark on a ruler 54. Tiny purse 55. Popular movie candy 56. Something to chew on

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-Best Insurance Agency -Best Family/Locally owned business -Best Overall Business