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After a legendary 40-year career with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Col. Don Hiller retired on May 1. For a look back at some of his best stories, see page 12. CONTRIBUTED
ROGO BILLS HIT ROADBLOCKS IN TALLAHASSEE
As of Wednesday morning, Keys may not receive additional building rights
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
As of the Keys Weekly’s press time on Wednesday morning, four bills that could have provided hundreds or thousands of new building rights to the Florida Keys at the conclusion of the 2025 Florida legislative session were in a wild push to the finish.
Sponsored by state Rep. Jim Mooney, House Bill 995, which would award up to 825 new building allocations over a 10-year period, passed unanimously in the House on April 23. In line with requests laid out by municipalities and the Monroe County Commission, the bill would direct governments receiving additional rights to use them on vacant lots and to support workforce housing for owners and tenants earning most of their income in the Keys.
Mooney’s bill would make a slight modification to statutes governing the Keys as an Area of Critical State Concern, pushing the island chain’s mandatory hurricane evacuation time for permanent residents from 24 to 24.5 hours as determined by models from the Florida Department of Commerce.
However, HB 995’s Senate companion, Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez’s SB 1326, had not been heard by the Senate as of press time on Wednesday after passing through the Environment and Natural Resources Committee in late March and the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government in early April. SB 1326 originally sought to provide up to 3,550 building allocations over a minimum of 40 years, but was later amended to align with HB 995.
“I am working diligently with my colleagues to re-insert my original (building rights) language (24.5 hours) onto another bill,” Rodriguez told the Weekly via text on Wednesday morning. “Everything is very fluid at this point – (I’m) hoping we can get this over the finish line, which will equate to approximately 820 additional permits for Monroe County.”
Senate Bills 1730 and 180, originally approved by the Senate with unanimous votes on April 16 and 9, respectively, passed the House with near-unanimous approval on April 29. While SB 180 lays out provisions for emergency preparedness and re-
sponse, SB 1730 deals specifically with affordable housing. Previous versions of both bills would have called for an increase in the mandatory hurricane evacuation time within the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern for permanent residents from 24 to 26 hours – but those amendments were struck from the final versions approved in the House this week.
Although the bills made no mention of a specific number of additional units given to the Keys, SB 180 listed the “intent of the Legislature… (to) accommodate the building of additional developments within the Florida Keys to ameliorate the acute affordable housing and building permit allocation shortage.” The bill also stated that local governments should allow additional building “with a heightened focus on long-term stability and affordable housing for the local workforce.”
I am working diligently with my colleagues to reinsert my original (building rights) language (24.5 hours) onto another bill. Everything is very fluid at this point – (I’m) hoping we can get this over the finish line, which will equate to approximately 820 additional permits for Monroe County.”
— Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez
The four bills are a final verdict of sorts following a year of debate among island residents and governments over how to manage the future of development in the Keys, featuring an extensive series of workshops and surveys, along with expert presentations on infrastructure capabilities and evacuation logistics.
Property rights proponents and those stressing the need to ease the islands’ workforce housing crisis have repeatedly gone toe-to-toe with environmental groups and others challenging the reported reality of takings lawsuits if owners of buildable lots are denied the necessary permits to do so.
But city attorneys tasked with defending local governments have repeatedly framed the lawsuits as a
on page 6
BILLS TARGETING TOURISM DOLLARS FOR PROPERTY RELIEF CLEAR FLORIDA HOUSE
Negotiations with Senate could alter the proposal
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Apair of bills aiming to provide Floridians property tax relief by diverting tourism dollars were approved by the House on April 25.
Both House Bills 1221 and 7033 were sent to the Senate, where negotiations could produce some changes. Many within the tourism and lodging sectors are hoping the funds, which are used for promotion, capital facilities improvements for tourist-based facilities and festivals and events, remain safeguarded. But House bill sponsors believe Floridians need some relief from increasing property tax bills and wind insurance costs.
Both House bills address the use and distribution of various tax revenues in the Sunshine State, including tourist development taxes. Under the proposals, 75% of the tourist development tax, which is paid by visitors booking overnight lodging, would go toward reducing a county’s ad valorem tax levy beginning in 2026. As for the remaining 25%, county commissioners would decide where to use that money.
“We have a local current affordability crisis. We want to provide as much as possible toward local government property tax relief,” said Rep. Wyman Dugggan, a Republican from Jacksonville who sponsored House Bill 7033. “Other structural property tax relief has to be done through the ballot in November 2026, which would not take effect until tax bill 2027. That’s a long way off. This is what we can do today.”
An amendment by Democratic Rep. Fentrice Driskell of Tampa sought to give counties more flexibility to use TDTs for other purposes beyond reducing the property tax levy. The amendment failed to garner enough support.
Not only do the bills alter the use of the tourist tax dollars, but they also seek to dissolve all county tourist de-
Many within the tourism and lodging sectors are hoping the funds, which are currently used for promotion, capital facilities improvements for
tourist-based facilities and festivals and events, remain safeguarded.
velopment councils beginning July 1.
Both bills are facing opposition from Florida’s tourism and lodging industries. Kara Franker, Visit Florida Keys CEO, said the House bills have a dire impact on the local tourism economy. In 2023 and 2024, the county collected roughly $61 million annually in tourist development taxes. Those funds were used to support 140 events throughout the island chain last year, as well as improvements to tourism facilities from Key Largo to Key West. A portion of the tourism dollars support tourism marketing and promotion of the island chain to other states.
“TDT is not paid by Florida residents. It’s paid by visitors — and reinvested locally to support small businesses and create jobs,” Franker told Keys Weekly. “With over 2 million jobs and $124 billion in annual visitor spending on the line in Florida, this is an existential threat — not just to the tourism industry, but to the communities like ours that depend on it.”
State Rep. Jim Mooney voted against House Bill 1221 and for House Bill 7033. He said House Bill 7033 also proposes a reduction in Florida’s state sales tax rates by .75%, repeals the aviation fuel tax, delays the effective date of natural gas fuel taxes and extends a local rate freeze for communications services taxes.
Mooney, however, has grave concerns regarding the proposed diversion of tourist development taxes.
“The reality is Colorado tried this in the 1990s. They went from the No. 1 tourist destination in this country to dead last. And it took 15 years to recover,” he said.
State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez told Keys Weekly on April 30 that the House and Senate are in negotiations. She said she has serious concerns over the elimination of tourist development tax revenue as it relates to MiamiDade and Monroe counties.
from page 4
ROGO BILLS HIT ROADBLOCKS IN TALLAHASSEE
binary choice: write a permit, or write a check. Submitting a request to state lawmakers, they said, could potentially allow smaller governments to bring in the state as a co-defendant in future takings cases if these requests were denied by the Legislature or state departments.
Should the Keys receive no additional allocations during the 2025 session, local governments would likely turn again to a pool of 220 units theoretically allowed under the current 24hour hurricane evacuation time, but not yet officially bestowed to Keys municipalities by the state for immediate use.
In October 2024, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners elected to move forward with a request for those 220 rights from FloridaCommerce – but learned in early December that state officials were unlikely to issue those units, or any others, until all jurisdictions in the Keys exhausted their existing supplies of building rights.
Some, like Marathon, have already effectively reached the end of their pool of building rights, and would theoretically serve as the “canary in the coal mine” for future cases should the Keys receive no additional building rights.
The total price tag of these takings cases would hinge on a number of factors, including the total number of buildable lots in each jurisdiction and whether or not the lots were purchased before enactment of the Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) limiting development in the Keys. In other words: whether or not a property owner should have had a reasonable expectation of building a home on their lot based on laws in place at the time of purchase and the lot’s environmental characteristics.
Florida’s legislative session ends on Friday, May 2, but a special session to address budget and tax relief items is highly likely.
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KEY WEST CODE DIRECTOR
RETIRES FOLLOWING CITY ATTORNEY’S TERMINATION
Vote to fire Ron Ramsingh without cause prompts $221K payout
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
Key West elected officials on April 24 terminated the employment contract of twiceindicted city attorney Ron Ramsingh without cause.
The city commission’s April 24 without-cause termination vote, meaning no specific examples of wrongdoing were cited, entitles Ramsingh to a $221,000 payout — roughly equivalent to a year’s salary.
By refusing to terminate Ramsingh’s contract with cause, by specifying city policies Ramsingh violated, the attorney is entitled to 20 weeks pay, plus all accrued leave and benefits.
Termination without cause was the outcome Ron Ramsingh requested of the commissioners in a handwritten letter he submitted to them through attorneys 90 minutes before the termination meeting.
“I write to you humbly requesting that you consider and approve a termination of my employment contract without cause. I am hopeful that if it is the will of the commission, this can be accomplished with as little vitriol as possible. Sadly, there has been a shift in our town and gone are the days of thoughtful, learned, peaceful, but spirited debate. It has been replaced with shouting, keyboard warriors and people who love to use our beloved motto, ‘One Human Family,’ as a sword and a shield. People who think that if they have the bumper sticker and a Conch Republic license plate, then they are a true local. … Should you decide to terminate me without cause, please do so quickly to spare further hurt in my family to hear and read these comments, and frankly, death threats.”
Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez and commissioner Sam Kaufman were steadfast in voting repeatedly to terminate Ramsingh for cause, emphasizing that he had violated two specific city regulations.
From left, former Key West city attorney Ron Ramsingh, building official Raj Ramsingh and Code Compliance director Jim Young were indicted April 15. CONTRIBUTED
Key West city attorney Ron Ramsingh submitted a handwritten letter to the city commission asking that they terminate his employment without cause 90 minutes before the commissioners voted to do so.
“From my perspective, termination for cause is more than justified,” Kaufman said at the April 24 meeting. “It’s the right thing to do. These are very serious violations involving breach of public trust, conflicts of interest, destroying evidence and withholding information from some commissioners.”
The two offenses listed in the city’s employee policies manual, which Kaufman and Henriquez both cited in their reasons for voting to terminate with cause, are offense numbers 9 and 12.
Offense 9 is: “Unlawful or improper conduct or indecency either on or off the job which would affect the employee’s relationship to the job, their coworkers, or the employee’s or city’s reputation or good will in the community.”
story.
MORE FELONY CHARGES FILED AGAINST KEY WEST ATTORNEY & BUILDING OFFICIAL
Raj Ramsingh: 7 counts of official misconduct; Ron Ramsingh: 1 count of official misconduct
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
Key West’s chief building official, Raj Ramsingh, and his brother, Ron Ramsingh, the city attorney whose employment was terminated without cause on April 24, were re-indicted the evening before, on April 23, on additional felony charges of official misconduct.
The latest indictments follow their April 15 indictments on charges of evidence tampering related to the deletion and alteration of text messages. Raj Ramsingh was placed on paid administrative leave last week and was expected to have an employment pre-determination hearing at city hall this week.
Raj Ramsingh faces seven counts of official misconduct for allegedly falsifying building permits, while his brother, attorney Ron Ramsingh, faces one count of official misconduct for allegedly “interfering with the reporting of a felony committed by his brother,” the new indictment states.
If convicted on the new charges the brothers could face up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000 on each. The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office emphasized that an indictment is a formal accusation, and all individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
City Attorney Ron Ramsingh
The grand jury on April 23 found that “Ron Ramsingh is alleged to have knowingly and intentionally interfered with the reporting of a felony committed by his brother, Rajindhar ‘Raj’ Ramsingh.
“The conduct is alleged to have occurred between June 1 and June 26, 2024, while Ronald Ramsingh was actively serving in his public role as city attorney,” the indictment reads in part, according to the state attorney’s office. “Ronald Ramsingh, a public servant, did knowingly and intentionally obtain a benefit for another, Rajindhar Ramsingh, by obstructing, delaying or preventing the communication of information related to the commission of a felony … that directly involved or affected the government entity served by Ronald Ramsingh contrary to Florida law,” the grand jury found.
“This additional indictment reflects the deep seriousness of what we believe to be deliberate efforts to shield criminal conduct from scrutiny,” said State Attorney Dennis Ward.
Building Official Raj Ramsingh
Raj Ramsingh faces seven felony counts of official misconduct for allegedly falsifying or altering building permits while working as the city’s chief building official.
According to the indictment, “Ramsingh, identified as a public servant, knowingly and intentionally falsified, concealed, covered up, or altered multiple official building permit records across a range of properties in the City of Key West. The offenses, committed between 2021 and 2024, are alleged to have benefited Ramsingh personally; Strykker-Avery Homes LLC, a company registered to Raj Ramsingh, and several property owners, including himself. The allegations include conduct that caused unlawful harm to the City of Key West and/or resulted in personal or financial gain.”
The allegedly falsified or improperly issued building permits pertain to seven properties, one of which is owned by Raj Ramsingh at 2827 Harris Ave. The Keys Weekly has not included the other six addresses in this report, as the owners have not been implicated or accused of any wrongdoing.
40 YEARS OF SERVING THE KEYS
After decades with MCSO, Lt. Col. Don Hiller heads for retirement
ALEX RICKERT
alex@keysweekly.com
For most, the “good old days” involve some variation of late nights in a bar with good friends, beers in hand. For Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Colonel Don Hiller, the glory days with good buddies involved on-water shootouts, international investigations and stacking bales of cocaine and millions of dollars in seized cash.
The turn of the calendar to May marks the end of four decades of service to the Keys for Hiller, who by this point has firsthand experience in just about every division of MCSO.
Looking up to his older brother in law enforcement since the age of 8, Hiller said he and his friends at Marathon High School – including current Sheriff Rick Ramsay – knew their paths were clear after graduation, beginning in 1985 as the agency’s youngest deputy.
“For my first 11 years as a cop, I was a volunteer firefighter too,” he said. “We’d work all day, be on call all night, and it was just the best time. We were adrenaline junkies.”
“It was a sergeant and two deputies working the Marathon zone, and it wasn’t uncommon for me to be working midnights by myself, doing traffic stops with a shotgun,” he said. “But Rick and the other deputies that were off had scanners – so if somebody was like ‘there’s a bar fight at the Monkey,’ and Don’s working by himself, they’d all come out.”
By his own admission, Hiller thought there was “zero chance” he’d live past 40 – or at least that’s what he told his wife, Teri, as his rise through MCSO took him through some of the most rewarding, but dangerous, sides of the agency.
“I was a pilot, I had a Harley, I’m diving, I’m on the SWAT team, I’m doing (drug) raids. There was just no way – something was going to happen,” he said. “I told her I was going out in a blaze. I made 40, and she said, ‘OK. Let’s see if you can make 41.’”
Over the course of an hour-long
interview with the Weekly, Hiller’s stories always returned to his days of tracking down “cocaine cowboys” and the money that funded them during his first two decades with MCSO – and it was clear we’d barely scratched the surface of the stories he had to tell.
“Don is like family to me, and this Sheriff’s Office is a second family to him,” Ramsay said. “He was one of the best undercover narcotics agents I’ve ever seen. You would never think he’s a police officer – he has the gift of gab, and he’s calm, cool and collected. … Between all the stuff we’ve done together, I know every move he’s going to make, what his mind is thinking and vice versa.”
“We did a tough job, and I’d like to think we did it respectfully – it was just business, nothing personal,” Hiller said. “I think that’s how we’ve been able to coexist down here.”
Hiller logged extensive undercover work, and his time with the South Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area took him around the globe, from mainland Florida to England and Monaco.
“That was on my birthday in ’96,” he said, handing over a photo of a camper van stacked to the ceiling with bales of cocaine. That seizure, he said, was an accidental discovery, and wasn’t even his largest; he’ll point to a single 2,800-kilo snag or a $50 million
cash seizure in Costa Rica in the late ’90s as his hallmark grabs.
“We were shooting cowlings out, shooting engines out – it was just crazy days in a different world back then,” he said, recalling the days of doing his job with a six-shooter revolver. “It wasn’t so much violent, it was just ‘catch me if you can.’”
He recalled a night assisting a shorthanded customs and border protection with a marine patrol:
I’ve worked with every captain, every lieutenant here – they all worked for me at one time because I’ve been here for so long. Some of these kids coming up now, I worked with their dads, and I knew them when they came home from the hospital. Now they’re the future of the agency, so I hope they’re all going to take the reins and go to the next level.”
— Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Colonel Don Hiller
“We were sitting off Sombrero in a 39-foot boat. We got a call, and they said ‘You’re the closest unit. A Blackhawk helicopter just went down, and it’s 17 miles off the coast of Cuba.’ We looked at each other, put the hammer down, and got there at two o’clock in the morning.”
Today, Hiller has the pleasure of driving past “monuments,” of sorts, to his team’s success every day. Since the seized money couldn’t be used to pay MCSO salaries, then-Sheriff Rick Roth instead used the funds to buy equipment and buildings that would go on in service to the public – Trauma Star and its hangar, to name just two.
Hiller will enjoy retirement with his wife Teri and son Ben. CONTRIBUTED
Hiller gets a photo op with actress Jamie Lee Curtis during the filming of the 1994 action movie ‘True Lies.’ According to legend, Curtis was very ‘snuggly’ with the young deputy.
Sheriff Rick Ramsay, right, and Col. Chad Scibilia, left, congratulate the newly-promoted Lt. Col. Don Hiller.
And while his days are, thankfully, a bit calmer than his stories from the ’80s and ’90s, he said he’s relished the chance to become a mentor and a well-rounded source of knowledge over the back nine of his career – and to see monumental transformations in training, equipment and collaboration in the process.
“I’ve worked with every captain, every lieutenant here – they all worked for me at one time because I’ve been here for so long,” he said. “Some of these kids coming up now, I worked with their dads, and I knew them when they came home from the hospital. Now they’re the future of the agency, so I hope they’re all going to take the reins and go to the next level.”
Hiller’s mark on Marathon isn’t limited to law enforcement. He’s also been a steady hand in leading the Pigeon Key Foundation as its board chairman, preserving and improving one of his family’s absolute favorite islands.
“There’s an ongoing joke that any time I need anything, I can call Don, and he’s always ‘got a guy,’” said the island’s executive director, Kelly McKinnon. “The thing is, Don’s always the guy. He doesn’t care about notoriety or getting credit – he just always tries to help everybody. You’d never know what his history is or his past is if you just had a standard interaction with him.”
“We don’t have a Hall of Fame at MCSO. But if we did, he would be in there,” said Ramsay. “It’s a loss for me, personally and professionally, the agency, and the community. The stable thing I’ve known in my entire career has been Don Hiller.”
“I’m going out as happy as the day I went in,” Hiller said.
The Keys Weekly staff wishes Lt. Col. Hiller a restful, well-deserved retirement. Enjoy the grill, the boat –and no more midnight text messages.
Through more than 1,000 search warrants, Don Hiller’s time as a narcotics agent netted tens of millions in seized funds, along with thousands of kilos of cocaine and other drugs. Seized funds were later used to purchase MCSO buildings and equipment.
Hiller and Sheriff Rick Ramsay work the finish line of the 7 Mile Bridge Run.
Don Hiller is a local law enforcement legend with ties to nearly every aspect of MCSO.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Key West Songwriters Festival fills island with music through May 4
Platinum-selling country duo LoCash headlines a free outdoor concert on the Duval Street stage Saturday, May 3 as part of the 2025 Key West Songwriters Festival. JENN LITTLEJOHN/Contributed
Asouthern migration — of music — is underway this week, as Key West welcomes more than 200 music makers from Nashville for the 29th annual Key West Songwriters Festival.
Now through May 4, the festival steeps the southernmost city in live music by more than 200 BMI songwriters. Industry veterans and emerging artists perform at more than 60 island venues, offering both free and ticketed performances that range from intimate, acoustic, storytelling sessions to full-band shows, including a free outdoor concert on Saturday, May 3 on Key West’s legendary Duval Street featuring the platinum-selling country duo LoCash with Thomas Edwards as headliners.
Musicians will swap stories on bar stools, strum poolside at
local hotels and collaborate over cocktails during late-night jam sessions that spring up at closing time.
A complete schedule is available at keywestsongwritersfestival.com.
The 29th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival is presented by BMI with Rams Head Presents and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, with support from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Proceeds from the festival benefit the BMI Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 1985 that supports music education and creation through grants and scholarships, along with Michelle’s Foundation, a Key West-based nonprofit that helps children and families in need.
— Contributed
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ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
PASSING REHAB WITH FLYING COLORS
Wild Bird Center celebrates release of Antillean short-eared owl
ANGELA HOWARD DOLLAR TREE
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I have been in the Keys all my life. I was born in Key West and then moved to Marathon as a teenager.
What do you do for fun in the Keys and why do you love living here? I love living in the Keys. It’s always sunny and warm. I go to church, work and volunteer a lot of my time with the church, especially in the Celebrate Recovery program. I love meeting new people and helping them get themselves together. I am a people person and try to show love everywhere I go.
Describe the taste of a Reese’s Pieces to someone that has never had one before. Chocolate with creamy peanuts that melt in your mouth.
An Antillean short-eared owl, a rare species to spot in the Florida Keys, is flying free again after a short stint at the Marathon Wild Bird Center.
The bird was first spotted by Big Pine Key natives Beth and Chris Bergh on April 5 after the 7 Mile Bridge Run alongside a bike path near the bridge’s eastern end. Appearing in good physical condition apart from a slight wing droop, the bird was still there two days later, Wild Bird Center founder Kelly Grinter told the Weekly.
The owl was an easy net catch for seasoned volunteer Dana Child, Grinter said, and spent two weeks at the Wild Bird Center to allow recovery from a suspected pulled muscle. And on April 24, the rare predator took to the skies off Long Point Key in a successful release.
“It’s been over a decade since I have had one as a patient,” said Grinter of her uncommon guest.
After a stay of less than three weeks to recover from a suspected pulled muscle, the Antillean short-eared owl goes airborne in a successful release off Long Point Key on April 24. CONTRIBUTED
Inset: Volunteer Dana Child holds the Wild Bird Center’s short-eared owl patient after a successful catch near the Seven Mile Bridge.
No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Angela Howard. She has been working in retail for the past 40 years and is familiar to Marathon bargain hunters as the face behind the register at Dollar Tree.
What is your favorite thing about yourself? My favorite thing is that I have a good heart and love people and love God.
What is your favorite song at the moment? My favorite song is by CeCe Winans. It’s called “Goodness of God.”
If you were a scented candle, what would you smell like? Definitely vanilla!
If you won a million dollars, what would you do with it? I would donate some to the church, and some to help people who have mental illness. With what is left over I would do self care like get my toes done. I always think of others first.
What advice you would give someone who wants to move to the Keys? Life in the Keys is expensive. If you love sunshine and the beach, this is your place.
If you could do one thing differently in your life what would you do? I would have given my life to God a long time ago and wouldn’t have gone through the bad path I went through.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you? I graduated from Marathon High School.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
JEN ALEXANDER
THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP: UPPER MATECUMBE KEY
Area home to the Russell family saw a train town and a devastating hurricane
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
When Islamorada developed, it was a railroad town. People like to say otherwise.
They tell stories about Spanish conquistadors sailing past and declaring Islamorada the Purple Isles. How the color purple was chosen depends on who is telling the story. Sometimes, the inspirational hue comes from the water, bougainvillea bracts, or Janthina janthina, commonly called the violet sea snail.
There are other variations of the colorful story. According to the man who created the name, none is true. He was William Krome. Henry Flagler hired him to survey the right-of-way down which the train would rock and roll from the mainland to Key West. The work introduced Krome to Upper Matecumbe Key, and apparently, he liked what he saw. Krome purchased 15 acres of the island from John H. and James W. Russell for $735.
The Russell family arrived in the 1850s. They were the first to make a homestead claim on the island. When the 1870 U.S. Census was taken, four houses and 13 people were documented on Upper Matecumbe. Joseph and Mary Saunders lived in one house. The extended Russell family lived in the other three. James W. Russell was 26, and John H. was 12.
Krome surveyed his newly acquired property and subdivided it into 22 lots. He built a house for himself and one for his father. Krome also registered the land and named the new town site Isla Morada. According to an interview with Isabelle Krome, his wife, she said, “I was not a member of the family at that time and had no part in the selecting of the name, but Mr. Krome told me that it was derived from the Spanish isla and morada, meaning home.”
A newspaper clipping dated May 7, 1907, announced: “On the north end of Upper Matecumbe Key, a new town known as Isla Morada has sprung
into existence. … It is believed that Isla Morada will become an important tourist stopping place in winter as the location is beautiful and the fishing convenient and excellent.”
Decades later, the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce chose “Sport Fishing Capital of the World” as the community’s official motto. Also, Islamorada remains “an important tourist stopping place.” However, the town has grown a little since Krome brought it into existence. Islamorada no longer represents a small town on Upper Matecumbe Key but a village of islands that includes Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower Matecumbe Key.
Driving across the heart of Islamorada, Upper Matecumbe Key, expect history, art and cold, locally brewed beer.
One of the seminal events in Florida Keys history is the Category 5 hurricane of Labor Day 1935. This is especially true of Islamorada. The storm remains the most powerful hurricane ever to make a North American landfall. It also marked the end of Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad.
After heading west past the green and white MM 83 sign, the Islamorada Post Office will appear on the left. It sits at the corner of the Overseas Highway and De Leon Avenue. In terms of local history, this is a much bigger dot on the map than it might first appear. When the train was still running, this was the general area where the Islamorada Station once stood. On the other side of the tracks was Krome’s original 15-acre Islamorada town site.
On the day of the hurricane, the train made its last run from the mainland and stopped at the Islamorada Station minutes before 18 feet of storm surge washed over the island and pushed the train’s cars off the tracks and onto their sides. The devastation to the community was unimaginable. Just a little bit down the road is the Florida Keys Memorial, locally known as the Hurricane Monument. It stands near MM 81.7 and honors the hundreds of people lost in the killer storm. The monument’s obelisk stands 18 feet tall, about the height of the storm surge that washed across the Matecumbe Keys. The crypt at the base of the obelisk is topped with a mosaic of the island chain and shows the islands most affected by the hurricane. Inside the crypt are ashes from the storm’s victims.
The monument also marks the general location of the original Upper Matecumbe community called, simply, Matecumbe. The “heart” of Matecumbe beat at what is today the Cheeca Lodge. The property housing the resort was home to Matecumbe’s pioneer church, school and cemetery. While the hurricane destroyed the church and the grammar school, the cemetery remains.
Like Tavernier, Upper Matecumbe Key is home to a concentration of historic buildings.
There is not a single structure on the island predating the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. However, many of the structures built after the storm still stand.
On Jan. 2, 1936, a Key West newspaper published a story discussing a series of proposed storm structures to be built, “hurricane-proof community houses along the lower east coast and in the Lake Okeechobee and the keys region. The building will be of sufficient size to house the entire population in the area served by each. They will be used for school, church and general civic purposes and during the hurricane season will be used as houses of refuge in which people of the area may escape the dangers of high wind and water.”
What is now the Islamorada library was one of these buildings. Originally the Matecumbe Grammar School, found on the other side of the highway from the monument, it was built with 12-inch concrete walls reinforced with rebar to withstand the force of a major hurricane. The elevated foundation helped to mitigate flooding. Additionally, the structure included a cistern to hold fresh water. Single-family houses, 28 of them, were also constructed in this fashion and are known as Red Cross or Hurricane Houses.
The houses were donated, with the only stipulation being that the family had to own the property on which the house was built. Many were constructed for surviving members of the Matecumbe community. One of these historic buildings is currently home to the Islamorada Art Gallery. The local artist known as Pasta displays his marine fine art in the old Red Cross house. Step inside to see some great local art and step back in time. Afterward, stop by the Florida Keys Brewing Company for some fresh and tasty local beer before strolling through the Morada Way Art District.
The wrecked church and cemetery at Islamorada after the 1935 hurricane. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Monroe County Library
Raymond Rodriguez, MD Medical Director, Mount Sinai Cardiology of the Keys
THE NEW SARGASSO SEA
Could be the Keys be in for more floating sargassum?
Sargassum on Smathers Beach.
BRIAN LAPOINTE/Contributed
There are hundreds of species of seaweeds in the genus Sargassum, which is a brown macroalgae found all over the globe. In the Florida Keys, we have at least two local species that grow from holdfasts attached to the bottom in shallow waters, Sargassum pteropleuron and Sargassum filipendula
SHELLY KRUEGER
is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent. Shelly is a marine biologist and provides science-based education about coastal environments.
Unlike plants, seaweeds have blades instead of leaves and stipes instead of stems, and many have a distinctive berrylike float, which is a gas-filled air bladder called a pneumatocyst that keeps these macroalgae upright and swaying in the currents.
Most people are familiar with the pelagic species of seaweed: these unique free-floating species are called Sargassum natans and Sargassum fluitans and live on the surface of the ocean far out at sea. Offshore fishers are familiar with these vast mats of floating sargassum they call the weedline because when they find it, it usually means “fish-on.” This is undoubtedly a fabulous place to sportfish for mahi, wahoo and tripletail.
Historically, these two species of floating sargassum were only found within the Sargasso Sea, which is an area of open ocean between the eastern U.S. and western Africa above the Tropic of Cancer. The Sargasso Sea is not a true sea, but an
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/Contributed
area within the Atlantic Ocean gyre constrained by the Gulf Stream, Canary Current, North Atlantic Current and the Northern Equatorial Current. Often eddies break off these gyres and easterly winds, currents and the tides bring these two species of sargassum ashore. The Sargasso Sea is an incredibly important ecosystem and essential habitat for more than 100 species of fish. It provides habitat and forage for invertebrates, birds and sea turtles.
Recently, scientists have documented a “Sargasso Sea” called the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, a brand-new area below the equator in the Atlantic Ocean between western Africa and South America. It is hypothesized the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt was created during an extreme North Atlantic oscillation event between 2009-2010, wherein rafts of sargassum were ultimately driven south and found the warm currents, ample sunshine and nutrients a very hospitable environment to grow exponentially.
Since 2011, huge influxes of these two pelagic sargassum species growing south of the equator started inundating Florida’s coast. Whether or not the sargassum is pushed ashore depends upon prevailing south to southeastern winds, and it’s usually seen between June through August (it does not happen in the Florida Keys every year). The last big influx in the Florida Keys was in 2019 when we experienced record accumulations during the summer months. Unfortunately, when these seaweeds are driven ashore, they can create massive environmental and economic costs. These inundations are in excess of historical amounts and many Caribbean islands and Mexico have been plagued by tons
Benthic species Sargassum pteropleuron.
and tons washing ashore, which has wreaked havoc on fishing and tourism. This has been called the largest macroalgae bloom in the world, over 5,500 miles across with 20 million tons of algae biomass.
Historically, washed-up sargassum is one of the ways beaches were created in the Florida Keys, as the accumulation of seaweed along the shoreline helps to keep the sand from eroding and provides nutrients to help enrich the soil. But when the sargassum encounters a seawall or a canal, it decays, sinks and stinks. Piles of sargassum on the beach can discourage nesting female birds and smother sea turtle nests.
Massive rafts of floating sargassum can block sunlight to seagrass beds and decomposition decreases dissolved oxygen levels, which has caused localized fish kills. In moderation, pelagic sargassum serves as a vital ecosystem component, but in excessive amounts, it can disrupt local marine ecosystems, diminish water quality and degrade habitat.
The Monroe County Extension Service has been working with the University of South Florida Optical Oceanography Lab at the College of Marine Science on a new tool that uses satellites to track sargassum on a finer scale than was previously available. Just recently USF has upgraded its ability to detect sargassum and forecast to an area the size of a football field for the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys.
In the coming months, scientists will be expanding their ability to predict sargassum inundations and expanding out to the Dry Tortugas. We plan to use this tool to be proactive in managing the effects when we know large aggregations of sargassum are en route to the Florida Keys.
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Moonstruck” (1987)
Why: This is a near-perfect romantic comedy worth watching again and again for the performances, the writing and the views of New York City from nearly 40 years ago. Widow Loretta Castorini (Cher) is getting ready to marry again for practical reasons – but loses her heart to her fiance’s estranged brother (Nicolas Cage) even as her parents’ marriage is hitting a crisis point. Cher and Cage are great, but the surrounding cast is even better: Olympia Dukakis, Vincent Gardenia, Danny Aiello and John Mahoney all have memorable turns, perfect in their roles. It’s funny and heartfelt. And what a pleasure to see mature adults looking for love and demanding respect. The grandfather with all the dogs is also memorable – you may start exclaiming “la bella luna!” every time you see a full moon after watching this movie. And it probably won’t be the only line that sticks in your head.
Where: This film is available on DVD and on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.
How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/ keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries. org.
Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager.
See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.
SHELLY KRUEGER/Contributed
DAILY
MONDAY
By MICHAEL MITNICK
•
TOKI
7-month-old male rat terrier mix.
Looking for: A home with another small dog like me.
Turnoffs: Alex didn’t invite me to run the Boston Marathon with him.
SWIPE RIGHT
Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA
Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.
From cats and dogs to guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. 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.
See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit 10550 Aviation Blvd.
MILA
3-year-old domestic shorthair.
Looking for: I’m an easygoing cat looking for any family – seriously, anyone.
Turnoffs: I do not want to be an outdoor cat. It’s indoor only for me.
CINNAMON ROLL 11-month-old male guinea pig. Looking for: I love fresh greens, plenty of hay and the occasional bath.
Turnoffs: I’m a social dude, not just a caged animal.
FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS
POTASSIUM AND SODIUM ON THE HYPERTENSION SEESAW
Let’s talk about something that affects nearly half of all adults in the United States: high blood pressure. It’s also called hypertension, and if you’re thinking, “That doesn’t apply to me,” well … it might. Hypertension is often nicknamed the silent killer for a reason — it usually shows no symptoms until the damage is already done. But here’s the good news: We can do something about it. And while most people focus on cutting salt, the real hero in this story might actually be potassium. High blood pressure happens when the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls is too high. Over time, this pressure wears down your heart and blood vessels. Think of what constant waves crashing over rocks does to the rocks. Over time, that high-pressure wave erodes the rock to become pitted and malformed. The same thing happens to our arteries and heart over time with chronic hypertension. That increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and even vision loss. And the worst part? Most people don’t know they have it until a doctor finds it during a check-up or something more serious happens.
That’s why it’s called the silent killer. No warning signs, no red flags — just quietly doing damage behind the scenes.
If you read my article “Stay Salty Friends,” then you are going to have a little bit more insight on salt. The salt I am referring to in this article is that stripped-down table salt that we can find in most homes and restaurants. You know — the kind that has no nutritional value and is often paired with processed foods.
When people hear “high blood pressure,” they often think “cut the salt.” And yes, eating too much sodium can raise blood pressure. But here’s what isn’t talked about enough: Increasing your potassium intake can be even more powerful than lowering sodium. Potassium helps your kidneys get rid of excess sodium through urine. It also relaxes blood vessel walls, which helps lower blood pressure.
In other words, potassium and sodium work like a seesaw. When potassium goes up, sodium can come down. It’s a balancing act that’s essential for heart health.
JENNIFER HARVEY
...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC. Hello@highlymotivatedfc.com
According to the American Heart Association, the recommended daily intake of potassium for adults is about 4,700 milligrams, but most people only get around half of that. That gap can make a big difference in your blood pressure numbers.
To put it into perspective, research shows that getting enough potassium can lower systolic blood pressure (that’s the top number) by up to 10 points in people with hypertension. That’s better than some medications — and with no side effects.
Before you grab a supplement, start with food. Whole, nutrient-dense foods are the easiest and most natural way to get more potassium in your day. My favorite potassium-rich picks include avocados, sweet potatoes, bananas, spinach, white beans, salmon, coconut water, and beets. Pro tip: If you eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and legumes every day, you’ll naturally boost your potassium levels without much effort.
If you’re not able to meet your needs through food alone — or if your doctor has specifically recommended a
SHELF HELP
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Disobedient” by Elizabeth Fremantle
boost — there are a few well-absorbed potassium supplements on the market. But not all forms are created equal. Look for either potassium citrate, which is gentle on the stomach and well-absorbed, or potassium glycinate, a chelated form that’s great for sensitive digestive systems.
Always check with a health care provider before starting supplements, especially if you have kidney issues or take medications for blood pressure or heart conditions. Too much potassium can be dangerous, too.
The bottom line is that when it comes to managing your blood pressure, cutting sodium is only half the story. Upping your potassium intake might just be the game-changer you’ve been missing. It supports your heart, your kidneys and your overall wellness — naturally.
So next time you’re building your plate, think less about what to take away and more about what to add. Your heart will thank you.
Why: If you like historical fiction that breathes life into real figures who are not forgotten but whose individual experiences are not widely known, Elizabeth Fremantle is the writer for you. In “Queen’s Gambit” (re-released as “Firebrand” to coincide with the film adaptation), she showed us what life might have been like for Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife. In this novel, she brings us Artemisia Gentileschi, a wondrously talented painter in Renaissance Italy – who happened to be a woman. Her struggle to survive, and to paint the classical subjects from a woman’s point of view, make for a compelling tale. Unlike the well-trodden Tudors and other subjects, this is new material for those of us who are not art historians.
Where: You can borrow this as a print book from the Monroe County Public Library.
How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org
Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager
See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/postshelf-help.
MARATHON CINEMA THUNDERBOLTS
"When others hate, may you love. When others curse, may you bless, When others divide, may you unite. When others rage, may you calm. When others deny, may you affirm. You are a servant of the light. You need not be afraid of the darkness."
FULL SAILS
Team Killbox prevails in fourth
annual Marathon Premier
Sailfish
Tournament
he fourth annual Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament wrapped up on April 26 after two days of offshore angling in the Florida Keys. The tournament saw 17 boats and 94 anglers vying for top honors fishing in an expanded tournament grounds from Key West to Islamorada, culminating in an awards banquet and fundraising benefit held at Aquarium Encounters in Marathon. Day one of the tournament totaled 34 sailfish caught and released, with another 18 successfully released in a slower second day of fishing.
Cash prizes paid out to winners, including the 2025 tournament champion Team Killbox, totaled more than $100,000. Proceeds from the tournament, directed by Katie Lewis, benefit the nonprofit Mission Fishin’, which provides free on-water excursions for families with children with disabilities or special needs, along with local schools and Special Olympics teams in the Marathon area.
THE WINNERS’ CIRCLE
1st Overall: Killbox (9 released)
2nd Overall: Main One (5 released)
3rd Overall: Rhumline-Land and Sea Market (5 released)
Top Male Angler: Mark Busch (Main One/3 released)
Top Female Angler: Jill Paglia (Executive Decision/2 released)
Top Junior Angler: Luca Picariello (Silent Hunter/2 released)
Most Tagged Sailfish: Yeti or Not (3)
1. Team Killbox secures first place with nine successful releases over two days.
2. Team Main One takes second with five releases in the Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament.
3. Team Rhumline makes the podium with five releases over the weekend of fishing.
4. Team Killbox takes off in search of their next target.
5. A hooked sailfish breaks the surface.
Having Fun in the Middle Keys
Long Key Transfer Station to close for repairs
Monroe County Solid Waste will temporarily close the Long Key Transfer Station tipping floor from May 3-18 for essential safety repairs due to a structural issue. During this period, no garbage disposal activity will be allowed on the tipping floor. However, the Long Key Transfer Station will continue to accept vegetation and yard waste, which is handled at a separate on-site location. Local businesses that regularly use the site have been notified to use the Key Largo or Cudjoe Key transfer stations while the repairs are being made.
DRC celebrates Educator Appreciation Weekend
The Dolphin Research Center (DRC) will offer free general admission for educators plus up to four guests as part of its Educator Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 3. Spend a day surrounded by animals while enjoying educational experiences designed for guests of all ages. Educator Appreciation Day features narrated animal sessions to learn about DRC’s animal family, a sprayground play area for kids (and the young at heart), and a pet-friendly environment. Visit dolphins.org to reserve tickets in advance and enter the booking code LEARN25 at checkout. “We’re proud to recognize the incredible impact educators have every day,” said Rita Irwin, DRC president and CEO. “This event is our way of saying thank you — with fun, learning and unforgettable moments alongside our animal family.”
Hawks Cay to host ‘Grouper Opener Weekend’
To celebrate the turn of the calendar to May 1 and the start of the grouper fishing season in Florida, Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key will turn its marina into a festival ground for the first-ever free-admission Grouper Opener Weekend on Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3 from 4 to 10 p.m. each day. Guests can watch chefs transform a dockside catch during the catch-and-cook demonstration at Angler & Ale; dance to sets by Off the Road (members of Stick Figure), Mark King Band, Cayo Ritmo and Oc3ans; browse food trucks and artisan stalls; or toast sunset with the debut “Kill Switch Cocktail.” Families will find firedancing shows, lawn games and face painting on Angler Lawn.
Public invited to participate in bus stop improvement plan
The Monroe County Planning & Environmental Resources Department needs help to develop a Bus Stop Improvement Plan. Residents can find
information on the plan, a short survey, and an interactive bus stop map at monroecountybsip.com. The data collected will be used to determine the feasibility of adding, relocating, removing or consolidating bus stops along U.S. 1 in the areas mentioned in the Transportation Master Plan, and improving existing stops with amenities that will enhance the safety and experience for transit riders, such as shelters, seating, lighting, bike racks and/or driver notification push buttons. The county is collecting data on the website through Friday, May 9.
Man
arrested for attempted arson
A 38-year-old Marathon man was arrested on April 23 after he reportedly attempted to light multiple vehicles on fire during an argument. There were no serious injuries reported. Rainel Arbolay Becerra was charged with attempted arson. The sheriff’s office was called to Lindahl Street in Marathon at about 10:50 p.m. regarding an argument that arose during a game of dominoes. Arbolay Becerra allegedly pushed two vehicles close together and shoved a piece of a T-shirt into one of the gas tanks while threatening to light them on fire. Becerra had several lighters in his possession and admitted to the incident. He was taken to jail.
Red snapper season extended in the Gulf
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a record-breaking 126-day Gulf red snapper recreational season for 2025, the longest season since Florida assumed management of Gulf red snapper. The expanded season includes additional summer and fall fishing days, offering more opportunities to fish over major holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. The 2025 Gulf red snapper season is open to those fishing from private recreational vessels or charter vessels. The summer season will begin over Memorial Day Weekend, from May 24 to May 26, and reopen June 1 through July 31. The fall season will begin Sept. 1 and end Christmas weekend. For more on recreational snapper regulations, visit myfwc.com/marine.
Come take a class at the Marathon library
The Marathon library has a wide variety of class offerings, ranging from photography to book clubs, robots, virtual reality and more. Scan the QR code here to see the schedule and get involved.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
FLORIDA MUST KEEP ITS SEAT AT THE FISHERIES TABLE
As a lifelong commercial fisherman from the Florida Keys, I know that fishing isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life that binds our families, shapes our communities and strengthens Florida’s economy.
Commercial fishing and seafood production contribute more than $18 billion annually to Florida’s economy and support over 100,000 jobs across our state (NOAA Fisheries Economics of the U.S., 2022).
From the docks of Destin to the waters off Key West, hardworking men and women are the backbone of a seafood industry that feeds America and sustains coastal communities.
Nowhere is this more true than in the Keys, where fishing has been a way of life for generations. Our waters provide the nation with iconic catches like stone crab, spiny lobster, reef fish and mackerel — species that not only grace dinner tables across the country but also support countless small businesses, from fishing vessels to local restaurants.
The Gulf Council manages three of our biggest fisheries — spiny lobster, reef fish and mackerel (they share the lobster work with the South Atlantic Council) — and they’re supposed to keep a fair balance between protecting the fish and making sure fishermen can still make a living. Sound, science-based management is essential, but so is ensuring that the people who live and work on these waters have a seat at the table.
Today, that seat is at risk.
The Gulf Council has 17 “seats,” but not all of them are locked to a state — some can move. Florida’s kept one of those “at-large” seats for more than two decades, making sure we’ve had a strong voice in the process. This year, Louisiana is trying to take it.
That would be a serious mistake. Florida’s commercial, charter and recreational fishing industries are larger than those of any other Gulf state, leading the region in landings, fishing trips and economic impact. Moving this seat away from Florida would weaken the voice of the very state most critical to the Gulf’s seafood economy.
With President Trump leading the charge to make federal agencies work better for the American people, now is the time to strengthen the Gulf Council with steady leadership that understands the needs of fishermen and coastal communities. Fortunately, President Trump recently reaffirmed his commitment to America’s fishermen through the April 2025 Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, recognizing the need to bolster domestic seafood production, cut unnecessary regulatory burdens and ensure commercial fishermen can compete on a level playing field.
Keeping this Gulf Council seat in Florida would bring that vision into action.
President Trump has long championed the working men and women who feed our country. By ensuring that Florida maintains its scientific leadership role on the Gulf Council, he would ensure that good science strengthens the resilience of our seafood economy, protects thousands of fishing families and safeguards the sustainable management of our fisheries for future generations.
Florida’s fishermen — and the communities that depend on them — are counting on it.
Jeff Cramer Conch Key, Florida
Founded by Betty Debnam
Black Hole Week
May 5-9 is Black Hole Week at NASA. The special week was started in 2019 to celebrate these mysterious cosmic objects. Let’s learn more about black holes!
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
A basic black hole isn’t really a hole. Instead, it is a sphere with a lot of mass, or matter that is contained within it. It spins, and everything inside a boundary called the event horizon falls inward because of its very strong gravity. This is sometimes called the “point of no return.”
The singularity is the center portion of a black hole, where all the mass is concentrated. There are also fancy black holes. Gas, dust and other objects, such as stars, can get too close to black holes and start to spin around the black hole. This region is called an accretion disk. Sometimes these objects get too close and heat up to form light. These brilliant jets of light can sometimes be seen from Earth.
Black holes can even merge with other black holes to make a new, bigger black hole.
These are called supermassive black holes. The biggest black hole that scientists have observed is
TON 618, with about 66 million times the mass of our sun. The largest black holes are at the centers of galaxies. The black hole at the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way, is called Sagittarius A*. It is 4 million times the mass of our sun.
HOW BLACK HOLES ARE FOUND
BLACK HOLE FACT-A-ROONIES
• The first black hole to be detected by scientists was Cygnus X-1, discovered in 1971, but astronomers were predicting the existence of black holes as far back as the late 18th century.
• Black holes don’t really die, but scientists believe they slowly evaporate over very long spans of time.
• You may have read books or seen movies in which a black hole is a wormhole, or a shortcut to another dimension. In reality, if you were to enter a black hole, you could not leave it.
Even light can’t escape the gravity of black holes, so scientists observe them by noting their effects on the objects around them. They might be surrounded by rings of gas and dust, or stars may orbit around them in a particular way. Black holes also bend light from other distant objects. Gravity in an accretion disk heats up debris to millions of degrees and compresses it, producing high levels of radiation — so high, it would be deadly to human beings.
Black holes also affect time in a weird way. If you were near one, time would seem to pass much faster.
When objects get close to the event horizon, they start to stretch out and also be compressed. Think of a spaghetti noodle.
Fortunately, the closest black hole is 3,000 light-years away, so your chances of becoming spaghettified are very slim!
• The gravitational effect of black holes is only strong within the event horizon. From far away, they have the same gravity as other objects in space.
• If you replaced our sun with a black hole, the only difference you’d notice would be a much colder climate. The planets would remain in the same orbit around the black hole.
RESOURCES
On the Web:
• bit.ly/MPMichigan
At the library:
• “The Legend of Michigan” by Trinka Hakes Noble
• “Building the Bridge School” by Laura A. Stewart
Words that remind us of black holes are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Invasive Asian hornets are rapidly spreading across Europe, preying on hundreds of native insect species that include some key pollinators. Researchers analyzed the gut contents of more than 1,500 hornet larvae from nests in the U.K., France, Spain and the island of Jersey, finding that 43 of the 50 most commonly eaten species were flower-visiting insects. While honeybees are the hornets’ primary prey, they also target bumblebees, butterflies, moths, flies and other wasps. This poses an additional threat to alreadydeclining insect populations across the continent.
• Room for Boat Lift • Impact Doors/Windows & Metal Roof
•
•
•
TRACKING DOWN WINS
Medals abound at districts | P.8
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1
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
RICK MACKENZIE/Contributed
LEE ISOM
Justice leads not just with strength, but also with integrity, humility and the kind of focus that inspires everyone around her. At Marathon High School, she doesn’t just break records, she sets the standard. In every throw, every practice.”
– Helena Bursa, Fins throwing coach
38’5.5” Shot put
111’7” Discus
107’9” Javelin
Marathon’s Justice Lee Isom has been setting and re-breaking her own records in track and field throwing events for the past two seasons. Never to be outworked, the juggernaut junior does not just lift barbells; Lee lifts those around her with a tremendous show of positivity. She takes as much pride in her teammates’ wins as her own and her work ethic and drive are contagious. Described by her throwing coach as “built by discipline, driven by fire,” Lee has parlayed her strength and attention to detail into multiple district, regional and state medals, the latest of which came on April 23 at the FHSAA 1A District 16 Championships. There, Lee outshined the rest of the field, winning all three throwing events by a sizable margin. For her continued athletic success and exuberance for that of her teammates as well, Marathon’s Justice Lee is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
WEEK Justice
Junior, Marathon Track & Field Thrower
Keys athletes will need to show up with their best efforts at regionals after tearing up the track and field at districts. First row, from left: Caylaa Maxima, Ali Wheatley, Molly Joly. Second row: Shane Lavallee, Alaric Rodriguez, Adrik Myer. Third row: Jay Marshall, Ava Merryman. Fourth row: Justice Lee, Evan Osipov, Vance Bursa. Photos by Barry Gaukel, Doug Finger, Maicey Malgrat and Rick Mackenzie.
Justice Lee, left, poses with coach Helena Bursa after her district win in the javelin event. CONTRIBUTED
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.
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.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
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.
Se habla español THE MARATHON 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.
SWEET 16 FOR FINS & CONCHS
Coral Shores can’t overcome
powerful Cardinal Newman
As this paper rolls off the press, the Key West Conchs and Marathon Dolphins baseball squads are battling for trips to the state Elite Eight.
The Conchs matched up with the Scorpions of Satellite Beach for their 4A Region 4 quarterfinals. Key West got stung in game one on April 21 after putting just two runs on the board, one each in innings one and seven. The team’s three hits came off the bats of Auggy Davila, Caden Pichardo and Nelson Ong, with Kade Maltz and Pichardo getting credit for the RBIs. Jon Carlos Lampas-Gormley threw six innings, striking out six, walking two and surrendering nine hits and five earned runs.
After some back-and-forth scheduling, the teams faced off again the following afternoon, April 22. This time, it was the Conchs’ turn to do the stinging. Key West pulled ahead with three runs in the first frame and never looked back. The bats were ringing, with a team total of nine hits. Ong, Roman Garcia and Darreld Tremino were responsible for two hits each. Garcia homered in inning six to center field, and Ong tripled.
Vinny Moline started for the Conchs, giving up two hits and a pair of earned runs over three innings. Moline struck out four batters before handing the ball off to Davila for three frames. Kasey Kasper closed out the 11-5 win for Key West, sending both teams to Satellite Beach for game three on April 24.
Kasper picked up where he left off two nights prior, shutting down the Scorpions in a full seven innings on the mound. The senior hurler fanned two and gave up seven hits with no walks and no runs scored for a shutout playoff win. Davila had a single and a double while Pichardo, Maltz, Sam
tracy mcdonald
Holland, Ong, Garcia and Xavier Perez each contributed to Key West’s eight hits.
The 3-0 win moved the Conchs forward in the brackets to the regional semifinals. The No. 5 seed Conchs drew top-seeded American Heritage as their rivals for a new three-game series on April 28 and 29 at Heritage.
Night one proved to be tough sledding for the Conchs after the Patriots piled on four runs in the fourth inning en route to a 6-1 final score. Should the teams split the wins in games one and two (game two results not available at press time), Heritage will travel to Key West May 1 to face the Conchs at Rex Weech Field at 7 p.m.
CORAL SHORES
Coral Shores finished 19-5-1 this season, earning its first-ever district championship. The Hurricanes were dealt a challenging hand in their path toward states, earning the lowest seed in 2A’s Region 4 and taking the field against top-seeded Cardinal Newman in the regional quarterfinals. The series, played at Cardinal Newman for games one and two, began April 21.
The ’Canes kept it close for innings one and two until the Crusaders opened the floodgates, scoring 14 runs in the third off a 10-hit rally to end the game early. Coral Shores managed just two hits, both off the bat of Campbell Lavoie. Lavoie started on the mound for the ’Canes, who threw an arsenal of pitching staff at the Crusaders.
The following night, Coral Shores hoped to avenge the 20-0 loss and stay alive in the postseason. The Hurricanes put two runners on base in the top of the first, when AJ Putetti singled and Maykol Bonito was struck by a pitch, but both found themselves stranded. The Crusaders managed a single run in the first frame and the score remained 1-0 until inning four, when Newman added one more.
In the top of the fifth, Eddie Holly hit a hard double into right field and Maykol Bonito drove him home. But the Hurricane bats stalled there and the Crusaders went on to score three more runs to win 5-1, sending Cardinal Newman to the semis and Coral Shores home.
Donovan Thiery had a fantastic night on the mound, striking out 10 batters, walking four and giving up just two hits. Thiery spanned the first four frames before Riley O’Berry took over. Before handing the ball to O’Berry, Thiery registered 100 strikeouts for the season, then fanned one more for good measure. Three Hurricanes – Thiery, Putetti and Holly – ended the season batting above .400. Thiery drove in 37 runs while Putetti stole 21 bases and scored 42 times this season, and both currently stand in second in all of 2A with those numbers.
MARATHON
FHSAA’s smaller Rural classification, which includes Marathon, did not require a quarterfinal series, sending the Fins directly to the semifinals where they matched up with the Miners of Fort Meade – the same team they upset for their district championship. Marathon’s district win tipped the rankings scales just enough to give them a guaranteed two home games in the three-game series beginning on April 28 and 29.
Despite a hearty home crowd at their backs and a 1-0 lead through the first five frames of error-free baseball, a three-run sixth inning proved to be the killer for the Fins in game one, ending the night with a 4-1 loss (game two results not available at press time). With a win on April 29, the Fins would take a road trip to Fort Meade on May 1 to determine which team will earn Elite Eight status.
Andres Alvarado
Maykol Bonito
Donovan Thiery
Riley O’Berry
Grady Temkin
Some of the talented juniors who will return next season for the Coral Shores Hurricanes. JOY SMITH/Keys Weekly
The Dolphins and Conchs will need to dig deep to overcome 1-0 series deficits and advance to the Elite Eight.
Photos by Sean Westerband and Maicey Malgrat
Dani Perdomo, left, accounted for three of Marathon’s six stolen bases against South Homestead last week.
Seventh-grader Shaina Robinson, right, is already making an impact for the Fins this season. Robinson batted in two runs off one hit last week.
BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly
SOFTBALL ENTERS POSTSEASON
MDolphins play late game prior to district matchups
arathon traveled to Somerset South Homestead on April 22, just one day prior to the official close of the regular season, to sneak in one last matchup against the Hurricanes. Somerset pulled ahead early, besting the Fins 14-4. Marathon looked to be making a comeback in the fifth frame, but let in a disastrous eight runs in the sixth inning, invoking the mercy rule to end the game.
The Lady Fins registered five hits with one each from Maeve Merryman, Elena Eubank, Shaina Robinson, Elianys Roque and Shynell McGuire. Robinson drove in two of the Fins’ four runs in the loss. Dani Perdomo reached base three times, once on a walk and twice as a hit batter, and stole three of the team's total six bases. Sara Robinson started in the circle, pitching one inning, and Madelyn Thornton finished the final frames, delivering eight strikeouts, 13 walks and giving up three hits.
Marathon finished out their regular season 9-6 and earned the third seed in FHSAA’s Rural District 8 grouping. They faced the No. 2 seed Terriers of Moore Haven on April 29 on the road in the semifinals (results not available at press time). A win there would place Marathon in the district championship game the following day.
Key West earned the top seed in FHSAA’s 4A District 16 and received a bye in the quarterfinals. The Lady Conchs faced Lourdes Academy on April 29 (results not available at press time). A win in the semis would place them in their district championship May 1.
Coral Shores plays as an independent and does not participate in the FHSAA postseason.
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Three Fins take their talents to the college ranks
Three Marathon Dolphins, including two football stars and a track and field standout, will continue their athletic careers in college after two signing ceremonies this month.
Fabbianho Louis Jeune and Carlos Lezcano have committed to continue their athletic and academic careers at the University of Olivet in Olivet, Michigan. Lezcano and Louis Jeune signed their letters of intent on April 24 in the presence of their on-field brothers at a team celebration. Both athletes have been instrumental in the success of the Marathon Dolphins football program and will now trade their royal blue jerseys for the red and white of the Comets..
My son, daughter and I have lived in the Upper Florida Keys for 31 years and my mother’s family had property behind the Green Turtle many, many years ago. I enjoy the beautiful waters, sunshine and the salt air, as well as the small town feel.
Louis Jeune had an outstanding senior season with the Fins, rushing for 1,189 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 8.5 yards per carry. His offensive onslaught was a triple threat for Marathon, with 111 passing yards and 40 receiving yards as well. Louis Jeune’s special teams contributions added 29 extra points and four field goals to place him at number 23 in the state of Florida and second in the rural classification for total points scored. His versatility earned him an Honorable Mention All-State selection.
Lezcano was dynamic over his career with the Dolphins. Last season, he amassed 842 rushing yards on 98 carries to average 8.6 yards per carry. Lezcano scored seven rushing touchdowns and, defensively, he made significant contributions including an interception and countless tackles. His versatility and dedication made Lezcano one of Marathon’s top athletes in recent memory.
Earlier last week, a third Fin made her choice official. Track and field standout Caylie Globe signed a letter of intent to participate at the collegiate level. Globe specialized in the long jump and high jump and plans to continue her endeavors at Barry University in Miami. Globe was also a member of Marathon’s 2025 district championship basketball team.
Carlos Lezcano, left, and Fabbianho Louis Jeune will take the field for the University of Olivet Comets in Michigan next season. CONTRIBUTED
Caylie Globe stands between Marathon head track and field coach Darby Sheehan, left, and jumping coach Helena Bursa at her signing ceremony. CONTRIBUTED
LUCKY 13
Baker’s dozen Keys athletes win individual district titles
Coral Shores and Key West ran, jumped and threw at Tropical Park on April 22 for the FHSAA 2A District 16 championships. When the final event was complete, Key West’s boys and girls landed in the runner-up position in the district behind Gulliver Prep.
The Conchs earned the lion’s share of their points in throwing events with four individual wins. Josh Johnson tossed the shot 46’10” to seal a district championship and move into the No. 2 spot in the school record books. Johnson will represent the Southernmost City in shot put and discus, where he placed third. Noah Mercer was first in discus, claiming a championship and bid to regionals with his 152'4" toss. Mercer was third in shot and will also be a two-event participant at regionals. In the girls throwing events, Audrey Smith was the big winner. Smith claimed a pair of district titles, in the discus (106’4”) and javelin (112'2”) events, and was second in the shot put.
Other regional qualifiers in the throwing events were Shane Lavallee, Peyton Zubieta and Jeremiah Harvey, who all made the cut in boys javelin. Audrina McClellan and Monica Bueno did the same for the girls and McClellan also qualified in discus. Anthony Jenner qualified in boys shot put and Christopher Barter in boys discus.
Rounding out Key West’s field champions were siblings Ian and Ariel Newton, who each brought home district gold. Ian won the boys pole vault, clearing the bar at 13’9.5”. His younger sister Ariel won the girls event at a height of 10’4”.
On the track, Kelly Cardona-Quiche won the 100-meter hurdles race in 19.82 seconds and qualified in the 400 hurdles event as well. Caylaa Makimaa finished first in the 1,600, completing four laps in 5:41, and qualified in the 3,200. The Lady Conchs’ 4x800 team of Naima Thomas, Emerson Jackson, Violet Jangraw and Makimaa plus the 4x400 team of Thomas, Lilia Mook, Colleen Barter and Aly Camargo both finished first and will represent the team at regionals.
Other Conch regional field event qualifiers include pole vaulters Jorge Sanchez, Ian Torreaba Lopez, Maya Gray and Lilly Good. Malachi Telisma was second in boys high jump. Colleen Barter was second in girls high jump and Lilia Mook and Maicey Malgrat tied for third. Jordan Greene was third in girls triple jump and Jeff Dejean was second in boys long jump.
On the track, Mirakle Humphrey qualified for regionals with a third-place finish in the 100-meter dash. Ariel Newton was second in the 200 for the girls and Walson Morin was third for the boys. Jordan Greene qualified in triple jump and the 200-meter dash. Alyssandra Camargo placed third in the 400 while Naima Thomas qualified in the 800. Additionally,
1. Justice Lee.
2. Malachi Telisma.
3. Caylaa Makimaa running the 3,200 with Ali Wheatley on her tail.
4. Jordan Greene.
5. Key West’s Coleen Barter, Alyssandra Camargo, Lilia Mook and Naima Thomas with second-place trophy at districts last week.
6. Shane Lavallee.
7. Hurricanes lead in the 100-meter dash with Uriel Gutierrez and Sean Harm.
8. Molly Joly.
9. Daysi Williams. 10. Tinashay Cunningham. 11. Jay Marshall.
Photos by Maicey Malgrat and Rick Mackenzie.
the girls 4x100, both 4x400 teams, and boys 4x800 meter relay teams qualified for regionals.
CORAL SHORES
Coral Shores has two new district champs this season. Xavier Johnson’s 16.81-second 110 hurdles time not only earned him a district title; he now owns the Hurricane record in that event and will have a chance to set an even faster pace at regionals. Freshman Ali Wheatley ran a 12:04 3,200-meter race for a first-place medal at districts, a race she won by six full seconds.
Johnson and Wheatley won’t be alone at regionals. Julieanna Oddo placed second in the 110 hurdles, qualifying for the next round of competition. Alaric Rodriguez was third in the boys 800 while Sammy Bates was third in the girls race. Niveah Howard, Tess Hill, Olive Welch and Kate King qualified in the 4x100 relay while Bates, Hill, Welch and King qualified in the 4x400 relay. In field events, Evan Osipov placed second in the discus and will represent Coral Shores at regionals in that event.
MARATHON
Marathon participated in the 1A District 16 Championships the following day at Palmer Trinity School. The Fins boys came in third overall and the girls fourth. Four Fins brought home district titles, including Jay Marshall, who sprinted to an 11.06-second first place in the 100-meter dash. On the other end of the spectrum was Vance Bursa, who completed the longest race of the day, the 3,200, in 10:06. Daysi Williams cleared the bar at 4’7” in the high jump for a district title and Justice Lee hauled in three golds in the throwing events. Lee won the shot put (38’5.5”), discus (111' 7”) and javelin (107’9”) to make it six wins for the Fins. In addition to the district champs, a crew of Dolphins will be participating at regionals. Vance Bursa also qualified for the 1,600 after capturing second place. Lucian Burns and Tony Bursa will join Vance in both the distance events. The boys 4x400 team of Fabbianho Louis Jeune, Bradley Ourada, Israel Gonzalez and Caleb Shelar finished second. Louis Jeune was also the runner-up in high jump and qualified in the long jump as well, making for a busy day at regionals. Eian Batzer made the list in long jump and high jump while Cullen Coleman-Sayer and Maverick McDonald were second and third in pole vault, respectively, earning them both a trip to regionals.
Jesus Gonzalez is a regional qualifier in triple jump while his twin, Israel Gonzalez, will compete in the javelin throw along with Matthew Machado. The Lady Fins’ Molly Joly was second in the 3,200-meter run and qualified in the 1,600 as well. Ava Merryman vaulted 9’10” for a new school record and district silver. Joining Merryman in the girls pole vault are Samantha Batzer and Isabelle Wiseman. Tinashay Cunningham will represent the Dolphins in the open 400 race and the girls 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams will join the regional qualifiers for Marathon on May 3 at Calvary Christian School. Key West and Coral Shores compete at the same location one day prior.
TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1991, Rickey Henderson of the Oakland Athletics stole his 939th base, setting a new major-league record. Later that evening, Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan threw his seventh career nohitter, breaking his own record.
NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY
CASE NO: 24-CA-000594-K Darreth Dellagnese Plaintiff, Vs William H. Foster
Defendant,
NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that pursuant to a Writ of Execution issued in the Circuit Court, of Monroe County, Florida, on the 16th day of July, 2024, in the cause wherein Darreth Dellagnese is Plaintiff and William H. Foster was defendant, being Case No. 24-CA-000594-K in said court, I, Richard A. Ramsay, Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida have levied upon all 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 described land, situate, lying and being in Monroe County, Florida towit (With certain exceptions): Legal Description(s) –
The southerly 15 feet of Lot 30, WHISPERING PINES PLAT NO. 3, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 59 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida.
PARCEL B – “LESS AND EXCEPT” – (AUTHORED BY THE UNDERSIGNED PLAINTIFF
ATTORNEY TONY ANDRE)
A portion of Lot 30, WHISPERING PINES PLAT NO. 3, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 59 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and being more particularly described
as follows:
Commencing at the Southeasterly corner of the said Lot 30 and run thence S89°53'00"W along the Southerly boundary line of the said Lot 30 for a distance of 99.00 feet to the Easterly face of an existing pool coping, said point also being the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land hereinafter described; thence N0°01'48"E along the said Easterly face of an existing pool coping for a distance of 0.78 feet to the Northeasterly corner of the said existing pool coping; thence N89°58'12"W along the Northerly face the said existing pool coping for a distance of 21.77 feet to the Northwesterly corner of the said existing pool coping; thence S0°01'48"W along the Westerly face of the said existing pool coping for a distance of 0.83 feet to a point on the said Southerly boundary line of the said Lot 30; thence N89°53'00"E along the said Southerly boundary line of the said Lot 30 for a distance of 21.77 feet back to the Point of Beginning. (Containing 45.15 Sq. Ft +/-) Copy of Exhibit A available upon request from the Sheriff’s Office and on the date of sale.
SPECIFIC LOCATION OF REAL PROPERTY:
Vacant Sands Road, Big Pine Key, FL 33040
All bidders must have a valid Driver’s License with them and must register with clerk at location of sale prior to start time of sale.
I shall offer this property for sale, at Monroe County Court House located at 500 Whitehead Street Key West, Florida 33040 in the County of Monroe, State of Florida, on the 29th day of May, 2025, 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 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 10th day of April, 2025.
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 says prior to the proceeding at (305)8093041.
Publish:
April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Lien Sale
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described as blow to enforce a lien imposed on said property under the Florida Self Storage Facilities Act Statues (section 83.801-83.809) The undersigned will sell online by competitive bidding on May 16th, 2025, at 9am. #250 Patrick Carlin - Personal Property
#452 Danny LivernoisPersonal Property # 302 David Morris-Personal Property
Will be auctioned online by Storage Treasures via website
Effective April 17, 2025, Francis Fraboni, M.D., is no longer practicing with Baptist Health Primary Care at the following location: 3303 Overseas Highway, Suite 100, Marathon, FL 33050.
Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may log into our patient portal at myBaptistHealth.net, call 305-434-1400 or fax 305-743-0962 to request a records release.
Publish:
May 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
at storagetreasures.com. All purchased items are sold as is. Items are located at Big Pine Storage at 30677 Overseas Highway Big Pine Key, Florida 33043 and must be collected within 72 hours of auction.
Publish: May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on May 21, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (BOCC) OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 23-199 MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (TDC) OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE, TO REVISE PROVISIONS TO MODIFY THE SUBMISSION DATE OF THE TDC ANNUAL REPORT TO BE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE COMPLETION OF THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS WHICH OCCURS ON OR ABOUT MARCH 31; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the May 21, 2025, meeting, which will be posted beginning on May 16, 2025 http://monroecountyfl.iqm2.at: com/citizens/default.aspx. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040.
The public can participate in the May 21, 2025, meeting of the Board of CommissionersCounty of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice- impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 3rd day of May, 2025.
KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: May 1, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Emergency Management Logistics Services Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive
solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.
Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 29, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.
The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, May 29, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:
+16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish: May 1, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000401 IN RE: ESTATE OF RACHEL JANE SIEGEL Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the Estate of RACHEL JANE SIEGEL, deceased, whose date of death was June 6, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the physical 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 the decedent's estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE 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 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 WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of the first publication of this notice is May 1, 2025.
Personal Representative: Naomi T. Siegel 1514 Cameron Court Tampa, FL 33629
Attorney for Personal Representative: Stephen D. Hayman, Esq. 6605 Gunn Highway Tampa, FL 33625
FBN: 0113514
Ph: (813) 968-9846
Fax: (813) 963-0864
Primary E-Mail: Stephen@ sdhayman.com
Secondary E-Mail: info@ sdhayman.com
Publish: May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT
COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000151-P IN RE: ESTATE OF BRUCE W. CHIARELLO Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Bruce W. Chiarello, deceased, whose date of death was January 25, 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 name and address 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 the 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 the first publication of this notice is April 24, 2025.
Personal Representative: B. Jason Chiarello
3 Charles Way Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Attorney for Personal Representative:
William M. Bromley, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 123502 FOX ROTHSCHILD LLP 777 S. Flagler Dr., Suite 1700 West Tower West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Telephone: (561) 835-9600 E-Mail: wbromley@ foxrothschild.com
Secondary E-Mail: bjosaphouitch@foxrothschild. com
Publish: April 24 and May 1, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2022-CP-358-K IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN L. CLAYTON, JR., Decedent.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of JOHN L. CLAYTON, JR., deceased, whose date of death was May 26, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040 The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. 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: April 24, 2025.
Personal Representative: Dara Marie Clayton 701 Spanish Main Drive Unit 467 Cudjoe
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA KEY WEST DIVISION
“IN ADMIRALTY” CASE NUMBER: 4:25-cv-10021JEM
IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPLAINT OF:
WILLIAM MILNER & PAULA
MILNER, as owners of the S/V Sara Lou, a 1992 34’ Pacific Seacraft Monohull Sail, bearing Hull Identification No.: PCS34227G192, its Engines, Tackle, Appurtenances, Equipment, Etc., In a cause for Exoneration from or Limitation of Liability. Petitioner.
___________________/
NOTICE TO ALL POTENTIAL
CLAIMANTS OF COMPLAINT FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
As the owner of the S/V Sara Lou, a 1992 34’ Pacific Seacraft Monohull Sail bearing Hull Identification No.: PCS34227G192, (the “Vessel”)—and pursuant to 46 U.S.C § 30501, et seq., and Supplemental Rule F of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure—William Milner and Paula Milner filed a Complaint on March 4, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida seeking exoneration from, or limitation of, any liability concerning any and all personal injury, property damage, destruction, or other losses arising out of or related to an incident on or about December 27, 2024, on the navigable waters of the United States in Buttonwood Sound, Key Largo, in Monroe County, Florida, as more fully described in the complaint. The Court has accepted a letter of undertaking as interim security for all claims against Petitioners and the Vessel. Pursuant to 46 U.S.C. § 30511(c), “all claims and proceedings against the owner related to the matter in question shall cease.” By June 9, 2025, all persons or entities claiming damage for any and all loss, destruction, injuries, and/or death allegedly as a result of the occurrences and happenings recited in the complaint must file their respective claims with the clerk of this court and serve copies thereof on Petitioners’ counsel. By the same date, all persons or entities presenting claims and desiring to contest the allegations of the complaint must file an answer to the complaint in this court and must serve copies thereof on Petitioners’ counsel or be defaulted. Service on Petitioners’ counsel may be made by delivery or mail to Richard J. McAlpin, or Lourdes M. Cardelle of MCALPIN FLOREZ MARCOTTE, P.A., 80 SW 8th Street, Suite 2805, Miami, Florida 33130, telephone number (305) 810-5400.
Dated: March 13, 2025. Angela E. Noble United States District Court Southern District Court of Florida
By: Nadhege Augustin Deputy Clerk Publish: April 10, 17, 24 and May 1, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 25-DR-410-K JOSE PAULINO SANTOS MEJIA, Petitioner, and ESTELA JUDITH DIONISION
GOMEZ, Respondent.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL
SUPPORT) TO: ESTELA JUDITH DIONISION
GOMEZ
RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: UNKNOWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on JOSE PAULINO SANTOS MEJIA, whose address is 2828 FOGARTY AVE., KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before May 19, 2025, 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: April 14, 2025 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Sheryl LaTorre Deputy Clerk Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-414-K PAOLA MELISSA ZEPEDA LAZO, Petitioner, and HECTOR MANUEL CABAN GONZALEZ, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: HECTOR MANUEL CABAN GONZALEZ RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 1213 14TH STREET, LOT W, 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 PAOLA MELISSA ZEPEDA LAZO, whose address is 3328 EAGLE AVENUE, KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040 on or before May 17, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 302 Fleming 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: April 11, 2025
Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson
Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-02
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/117
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1036145
Parcel ID: 00035290-000000
Description of Property: KW MOFFATS SUB PB1-12 ALL LOT 6 AND PT LOT 8 SQR 3 TR 14 OR106-113/114 OR395891/92 OR1292-464D/C
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-03
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2022/764
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1376221
Parcel ID: 00304180-000000
Description of Property: BK 32 LTS 1-2 SANDS SUB 1-65 BIG PINE KEY OR622-272
OR2791-796/802 OR29081900/01 OR2952-2223 ALONG WITH MOBILE HOME: TITLE
NUMBER: 4754739 VEHICLE ID
NR:FT168FL2250 YEAR:1971
MAKE: IN-HOUSE PKWA
BODY:HS
Names in which assessed: FIGUEROA LUIS
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-04
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy
Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-05
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/151 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1056456
Parcel ID: 00055910-000000
Description of Property: BK 2 LT 3 KW PB5-19 PEARLMAN ESTATES SECOND ADDITION OR300-332/33 OR503-201 OR1487-626/27 OR2750-742LET/ADM OR2762-196ORD OR27861389/90
Names in which assessed: NESIUS THEODORE II
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
LEGAL NOTICES
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-06
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2022/992
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 9085848
Parcel ID: 00355430-000149
Description of Property: UNIT B-38 SOMBRERO MARINA A CONDOMINIUM OR3120-1942
Names in which assessed: BROWN GARY
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 4th 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-07
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/531 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 9090619
Parcel ID: 00104180-002310
Description of Property: BOAT DOCK SPACE SW 31 INDIGO REEF MARINA HOMES OR2180-626/684DEC OR23151697 OR2687-915AMD OR2736-1492C/T OR32630841
Names in which assessed: MFRA TRUST 2014-2 C/O FAY SERVICING LLC
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 4th 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-08
Notice is hereby given that, MARCIO AUGUSTO DE LA CRUZ GOMEZ, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2020/1327
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2020
Account Number: 1451681
Parcel ID: 00368500-000000
Description of Property: NW'LY 4 FT LOT 1 BLK 19 CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 OR39-216-217 Names in which assessed: DOROTHY LEE JARO, JARO JACK
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-09
Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC - 7022, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2022/124 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Description of Property: KW TROPICAL BLDG AND INVESTMENT CO SUB LOT 17 AND PT LOTS 10 AND 18 SQR 2 TR 19 PB1-34 G49-309/10 J2-121 OR122-236/37 OR491599 OR491-600 OR491602(PROB-81-357-CP-12) OR845-2195/2197-WILL OR1051-2301/02 OR1464-723 OR1607-1970/71 OR178258/59 OR1782-60 OR22401359 OR2279-1491/92T/C OR2421-2421/29F/J OR26461539/40C/T OR2701-2199/201
Names in which assessed: DGK KEY WEST LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 4th 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8,
2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-10
Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC - 7022, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/542
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1210064
Parcel ID: 00164560-000000
Description of Property: LT 64 SUGARLOAF SHORES SEC D SUGARLOAF KEY PB488 OR414-663 OR446-605/06 OR937-183 OR937-184D/C OR1207-584 OR2692-1570/72
Names in which assessed: HOME ON KINGFISHER LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 4th 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-11
Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/315 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022 Account Number: 910454 Parcel ID: 00097680-000100
Description of Property: 20 64 36 LOWER MATECUMBE KEY PT GOVT LOT 2 OR30401431
Names in which assessed: KEYS STEVEN L All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-12
Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which
it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2022/711
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1337960
Parcel ID: 00266320-000000
Description of Property:
BK 6 LT 9 EDEN PINES COLONY
PB4-158 BIG PINE KEY OR404157E OR460-781 OR1167998DC
Names in which assessed:
HELLIESEN FRANCYS M
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale
Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By:
Aneta Jodkowska,
Deputy
Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-13
Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/864 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Names in which assessed: ANTHONY D'AIUTO, JOSEPH D'AIUTO
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-14
Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2022/334
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 9088412
Parcel ID: 00100371-018700
Description of Property:
UNIT 55C BOAT HOUSE
CONDOMINIUM OR2738-1752
OR2822-2314/15
Names in which assessed: SHELLFISH ENTERPRISES LLC
All of said property being in
the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-15
Notice is hereby given that, DAY INVESTMENT AND CONSULTING LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2021/1161
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2021
Account Number: 1451690
Parcel ID: 00368510-000000
Description of Property:
BK 19 LT 2 CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E
OR39-218/219 CASE #86-47CP-23 OR972-1185/1190WILL OR996-1715/1716P/R OR1006-38/42 OR1011-500 OR1018-205Q/C OR2094408/09
Names in which assessed:
ARLENE KAISER, ROBERT KAISER
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 4th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-16
Notice is hereby given that, CHARLES WEITZEL, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2019/924
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2019
Account Number: 1406414
Parcel ID: 00331061-011301
Description of Property:
SEA-AIR ESTATES KEY VACA
PB6-91 W1/2 LOT 17 BLK 5 & ADJ PT OF ANA COURT
OR1550-2356-62RES
Names in which assessed:
SEA-AIR ESTATES INC C/O GOSS RICHARD
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-17
Notice is hereby given that, ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC
ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1561
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1670022
Parcel ID: 00546530-000000
Description of Property:
BK 3 LT 8 AMD PLAT OF WINSTON WATERWAYS PB4144 OR297-77 OR725-787/88
OR858-221/22 OR1063-1340
OR1874-999 OR2366-681/82
OR2797-1106/07
Names in which assessed: LEGNA INVESTMENTS LLC
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-18
Notice is hereby given that,
ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC
ASSEMBLY TAX 36, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Names in which assessed: KARIM-URROZA DAVID, LARYSA KULISH SMITH
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed.
com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE
COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy
Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-19
Notice is hereby given that, TLOA OF FLORIDA, LLC FOR SECURED PARTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1191 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1512907
Parcel ID: 00416730-000000
Description of Property: BK 8 S 1/2 LT 13 KEY HEIGHTS SECTION 2 PB3-159 PLANTATION KEY OR392266/67 OR824-2483 OR908908 OR1362-392 OR1362393/94PR OR1433-1787/88 OR1433-1789/93 OR1478555/56EST/ORD OR1479-1738 OR1479-1739DC OR14791740DC
Names in which assessed: NEZBED MELBA E JR
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-20
Notice is hereby given that, TLOA OF FLORIDA, LLC FOR SECURED PARTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1260 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1551864 1512907
Parcel ID: 00452230-000000 00416730-000000
Description of Property: LT 92 PORT LARGO PB5-3 KEY LARGO OR647-575 OR696-121 OR3062-1391
Names in which assessed: DERRIEN JEANNINE
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-22
Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1473 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 9104464
Parcel ID: 00513300-001600
Description of Property: BK 3 LOT 16 PARADISE POINT PB3-16 KEY LARGO G72302/03 OR187-483/84 OR269553/554 OR274-113/114 OR369-350 OR414-363/64 OR460-485/492Q/C OR502923 OR506-756 OR609-430 OR722-687 D/C OR744734/737 OR869-650/55 OR890-1650/51PR OR8921002 OR950-563P/R OR11081408/1409 OR1216-2072/73 OR1341-2326 OR1341 2330 OR1531-135/36 OR1552-1557 OR1971-2251/52 OR259238/39 OR2975-982 OR2977997C
Names in which assessed: COBIA LLC
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this April 7th 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-23
Notice is hereby given that, MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1499 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1642843
Parcel ID: 00523590-000000
Description of Property: BK 2 LT 5 AMD PLAT OF PB3-62 KEY LARGO PARK KEY LARGO OR381-151 OR1249-144 OR1240-1459/62 OR1786-7 OR2177-1751C OR2196-1574 OR3109-2275
Names in which assessed: ARIAS CARLOS LUIS All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-24
Notice is hereby given that, JPL INVESTMENTS CORP, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2022/1059
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 1457043
Parcel ID: 00373970-000000
Description of Property: CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS 24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E LOT 6 SQR 54
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 7th 2025
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-25
Notice is hereby given that, TLGFY, LLC CAPITAL ONE, N.A., AS COLLATERAL ASSIGNEE OF TLGFY, LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2022/1070
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2022
Account Number: 8918194
Parcel ID: 00378381-000101
Description of Property: UNIT B-001A & B-001A EXPANSION VILLAGE AT HAWK'S CAY DUCK KEY OR1488-190/265DEC OR14882199/02 OR1910-1972/1973A OR1967-1550/52 OR27972198/200 OR3044-165 OR3127-0667
Names in which assessed: PATRICIA D PYTLESKI, PYTLESKI VICTOR D All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or
certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe.realtaxdeed. com
Sale Date: May 28, 2025 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this April 14th 2025 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: April 17 & 24 and May 1 & 8, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS WANTED
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
MGB Convertible White w/tan, 4-speed Turnkey survivor. Garage kept. Located in Homestead. $14,000 305-972-4055
Or email vrrozier@yahoo.com.
SUDOKU SOLUTION
Night Monitor – FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring for the following positions: Resident Care Supervisor with min. 3 yrs. experience of an LPN, Housing Manager- FT- Marathon, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: wrightk@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 ext. 224. 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.
Fantastic part-time Housekeeper position available in Key Colony Beach! Immediate start date. Primarily on weekends, with excellent pay for the right candidate. Reach out to Continental Inn Beachside at Vivian 952-208-2850 or Cheryl 305-505-8747
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time bookkeeper. QuickBooks experience required. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com to schedule an interview.
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere. Flexible lunch/ dinner shifts available Tuesday – Saturday, some Sundays. English proficiency required. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com to schedule an interview.
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.
Full time office position with strong computer skills, KCB Condominium, $78K per yr., apply by e-mail to HardingThomasL@aol.com, text or call 734-476-0531. HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!
PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Pease call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
HOBBIES/COLLECT.
WE ARE HIRING!
CLIENT MEDICAL SERVICES ASSISTANT, CNA (FT)
PRIVATE COLLECTOR
WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
HOUSING FOR RENT
3BR/3BA fully furnished home for rent in Marathon. Avail June-Jan. $5,500/mo. 618-559-9143
Studio rental in Marathon, long-term, fully furnished, price includes water, electric, internet, gas, pest, and lawn @ $2200 all in. Call or text 3054330515.
1BR/1BA fully furnished Apt. for rent in Marathon. Ideally one person. On canal w/boat lift, W/D, Wifi. $1,950/mo. 850-376-7137 RENTED IN THREE WEEKS!
Available Now, Stock Island near CVS. Traveling nurses/Working professionals only. No pets, smokers or drugs. Gated, safe, quiet, has parking and a pool. Fully furnished room w/private bath, smart TV, washer/dryer. House and kitchen privileges always, w/fridge and cabinet space. Monthly rent REDUCED to $1,400.00 All Included. First and Last due at move in time. Call 305-797-5600 RENTED IN THREE WEEKS!
YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@KeysWeekly.com
Assisting our clients with dental, medical and transportation appts. Act as liaison between clients, families and support staff. Requires some on-call responsibility. Min. requirement - Florida certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant.*
SUPPORTED LIVING COACH (FT)
Responsibilities include management of developmentally disabled clients in independent living environments, management of office and in-home support staff. Must be available for some evenings and weekends. Bachelor’s degree in related field or experience working with developmentally disabled clients in lieu of degree. Must have a valid FL driver’s license. Salary commensurate with experience.*
DIRECT CARE STAFF – NIGHTS/WEEKENDS – GROUP HOMES 24/7 (FT)
These positions are available at our Windsor and Von Phister Group Homes. Providing direct-care services and support to our clients in their home. Must be willing to work flexible shifts including overnights. This position requires a minimum of high school completion or GED and 1 year of experience with care giving or 30 hours of college coursework.*
Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet CarolineSeaport.com
YARD SALES
YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@KeysWeekly.com
YARD SALE: Multi-family Fri & Sat, May 2 & 3, from 8A-Noon. 110 5th Strret, Key Colony Beach. Something for everyone!
MOVING SALE: Saturday May 10 from 9 am - Noon. Artificial plants, tools, diving equip, fishing equip, boating equip, household goods, some furniture, freezer. Lots of stuff! 160 1st Street, Key Colony Beach.
DUI FRONT DESK CLERK & EVALUATOR/INSTRUCTOR
The Advocate Program DUI school is hiring for part time positions.
Front desk: 3 days a week, high school diploma and computer data entry skills required. DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required.
Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.
NOW HIRING
HVAC TECH WANTED
Upper Keys position, reporting in Tavernier. Full time job with benefits, vacation time, and holidays.
Apply at keysschools.com or call 305-293-1400 ext. 53398
e Turtle Hospital in Marathon wants you to join their team!
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM GUIDES/GIFT SHOP SALES
Full and part-time. Public speaking and & retail sales experience helpful. $19/hour to start.
Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org
*ALSO REQUIRED FOR ALL POSITIONS: Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license. EOE
at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32
Call 305-407-3262 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $131,081/annually$134,751/annually
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. Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Engineering Department:
TECHNICIAN MARINE REPAIR
Specializing in Yamaha outboard engines. RETAIL PARTS/COUNTER HELP Marine outboard knowledge and QuickBooks experience a plus. Hours M-F 8a-5p for both positions. Apply in person at: All Keys Yamaha 2001 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-743-3530
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.
KEY LARGO
Advocate (FT)
Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)
KEY WEST
Case Manager (Children, Adult, Forensic)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)
Prevention Specialist
Front Desk Specialist
Advocate
MARATHON
Care Coordinator (PT)
Driver (CDL not required) (PT)
RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (FT,PT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult)
Maintenance Specialist
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT,PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (FT,PT)
*Night Monitor (Assisted Living - Free Housing)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary. JOIN A HIGHLY
screen req. EEOC/DFWP
COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!
Apply at guidancecarecenter.org
Search Employment/Portal/Location/zip
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C)Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier
