Marathon Weekly 25-0529

Revive Awareness Day

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The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County invites the public to attend this year’s Revive Awareness Day event to learn more about how to spot the signs of an overdose, how to use naloxone to reverse the effects of an overdose, and what resources and programs are available to support individuals with substance use disorder.

Friday, June 6, 2025

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Key Largo Library, 101485 Overseas Highway, Key Largo Islamorada Library, 81830 Overseas Highway, Islamorada Marathon Library, 3490 Overseas Highway, Marathon Key West Library, 700 Fleming St., Key West

HOW CAN I HELP?

WHAT IS NALOXONE?

Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose by attaching to receptors in the brain and reversing and blocking the effects of the drug.

If you know someone in need, carry naloxone and learn to administer safely. Locate naloxone providers in your area and additional resources for community support.

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Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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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.

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The mosquitoes are flying around, and the Florida Keys Mosquito Control is out combatting the growing number of biters. On May 28, FKMCD said spray trucks covered more than 12,000 acres throughout the Keys to diminish the number of adult mosquitoes. Daily treatment activity can be found at keysmosquito.org. 12,000

The largest class in Marathon High School history earned more than $2 million in scholarships at Class Night, a prelude to graduation. See page 12. ROSS SMITH/ Keys Weekly

NEW LAW WILL CURB SOME BOAT STOPS, BUT NOT ALL Resource checks, Coast Guard operations to remain the same

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

Random stops on the water will become less frequent this summer, courtesy of the Boater Freedom Act recently greenlit by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But contrary to some social media discourse on the new law, it’s not a blanket permission to dismiss the blue lights of law enforcement if you think you’ve done nothing wrong.

Signed into law on May 2 and effective July 1, Senate Bill 1388’s marquee provision prevents law enforcement officers from stopping a vessel on the water solely for the purpose of conducting an inspection of safety or sanitation equipment – rather, officers must have probable cause that another violation is occurring to board and search a boat. Violations of safety or sanitation equipment regulations will be moved down to a secondary offense.

“Florida is the boating and fishing capital of the world, and the Boater Freedom Act will ensure that this remains the case,” said DeSantis in a press conference announcing his signature.

The bill governs the FWC and local police forces or sheriff’s offices in state waters, but the mandate to protect Florida’s resources is governed by a separate statute than the one modified by SB 1388 – and that means officers observing fishing gear, spear guns or other harvesting equipment still have probable cause to stop a vessel.

“You can basically break stops down into three categories: safety, resource and operations,” said Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “The last two are still normal. … It’s not giving you carte blanche to just do anything you want, unchecked.”

“We’ll be looking at navigation rules, looking at reckless and careless

operation – and through those tools, if there’s a need to make a stop to ensure proper operation and that there’s no safety issue with individuals, we will,” said FWC Capt. David Dipre.

The new law also won’t affect safety stops by the U.S. Coast Guard, governed by federal law, in any waters, whether state or federal.

“If you see a Coast Guard boat with blue lights, stop your boat,” Ramsay said. “If they say ‘Let me see your life jackets and flares,’ don’t argue, and don’t say the law has changed – it hasn’t.”

The new legislation also directs FWC to work with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to provide a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at the time of a boat’s registration, good for anywhere from one to five years.

Displayed within six inches of the vessel’s registration number, the decal will signal that the vessel’s owner has taken steps to meet safety requirements. Details of how boat owners will prove their compliance with safety standards are still partially unclear, as the bill makes no mention of standards of proof beyond “demonstrated compliance … at the time of registration or renewal.”

“This strikes an appropriate balance between ensuring compliance with boating laws and reducing unnecessary disruptions for law-abiding boaters, making enforcement more practical and effective,” the governor’s press release stated.

DeSantis began drumming up support for the initiative in February, citing cases like a highly-publicized incident in Jupiter in which a captain allegedly driving his boat on full plane through a slow-speed zone was briefly arrested under suspicion of boating under the influence before eventually blowing a 0.0 in a breathalyzer test.

Critics of the bill fear that fewer safety stops could lead to a greater number of unchecked violations, including boating under the influence and resource violations along with boaters pumping their sewage into environmentally-sensitive waters. As currently written, even common-sense provisions such as wearing life jackets while operating personal watercraft (Jet Skis) would be considered a secondary offense, not a legal reason for a stop.

According to FWC, in 2024, 10 counties in Florida accounted for 59% of the reportable boating accidents, with Monroe County coming in second only to Miami-Dade. A total of 685 reportable accidents and 81 fatalities were reported – 26 and 22 more, respectively, than in 2023.

Other provisions in the bill change the threshold of environmental harm needed to establish protection zones for boat operation, along with the “Watercraft Energy Source Freedom Act,” prohibiting restrictions on the sale or use of a boat or jet ski based solely on its energy or fuel source.

While stops for the sole purpose of checking a boat’s safety equipment will be curbed for FWC and MCSO by a new Florida law, activities such as checking the catch aboard a boat will remain unchanged. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

Monday: Closed | Tuesday - Sunday: 11:00am - 10:00pm

SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH

11am - 2:30pm

Regular menu available and BRUNCH items including chorizo breakfast burrito, guava French toast, crab benedict and BOGO mimosas & glasses of sparkling wine

DAILY

MONDAY

FLORIDA BANS FLUORIDE FROM DRINKING WATER

Dental health providers are concerned, noting its past success

mandy@keysweekly.com

As of July 1, Florida will ban what has been considered one of the greatest public health successes of the 20th century — adding fluoride to drinking water.

On May 15, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law the Florida Farm Bill, which, among other things, removed fluoride from the state’s list of approved water additives.

In signing the law, DeSantis, who has called water fluoridation “forced medication,” made Florida the second state to ban the process that has been credited with reducing cavities and tooth decay, as fluoride strengthens the protective enamel that surrounds primary and permanent teeth.

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, the island chain’s public water company, announced last month that it would follow state law and stop adding fluoride to Keys drinking water.

“The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) has used fluoride in its drinking water since the 1940s,” the utility said in a prepared statement, “Like other public water treatment and distribution systems across the United States, fluoridation has been a common practice. … Effective July 1, FKAA will no longer be adding any substance to the public water system which does not meet the definition of a water quality additive, including fluoride.

“Both the legislature and the governor have been very clear on this issue and in adherence to Florida law we will no longer be adding fluoride to our water supply,” said FKAA executive director Greg Veliz.

The Florida Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC), which operates a mobile pediatric dental van for uninsured and underinsured kids,

weighed in on Florida’s fluoride ban.

“At Keys AHEC, we care deeply about the oral health of the children we serve,” said Michael Cunningham, CEO of Keys AHEC. “Without fluoride in the water, we’re concerned we may see more cavities and dental issues — especially in families with limited access to care. We know there are different views on fluoridation, but we also know it’s helped prevent tooth decay for decades. As this change moves forward, we strongly recommend using fluoride toothpaste every day and keeping up with regular dental checkups. We’ll keep following the research and continue doing everything we can to support healthy smiles in our community.”

Key West dentist Lou Spelios also pointed to the past success of water fluoridation in reducing cavities and tooth decay.

“I’m 65 years old and have been a dentist for 37 years, and I know my parents’ generation and my generation had more cavities than more recent generations,” Spelios said. “I really think the fluoridation did have an impact. I may not be able to equate the fewer cavities entirely to water fluoridation, as they also started adding it to toothpaste, but I certainly don’t think it hurt us.”

The National Institutes of Health studied water fluoridation extensively.

“Over the past 60 years, research studies conducted in several countries were remarkably consistent in demonstrating substantial reductions in (tooth decay and cavity) prevalence as a result of water fluoridation,” states a 2018 NIH study that reviewed dozens of studies showing fluoridation led to a 40% to 60% reduction in tooth decay and cavities in both children’s and adult teeth.

In recent years, though, op-

The state of Florida has banned fluoride from being added to public drinking water as of July 1. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, which has added fluoride to Keys drinking water to reduce tooth decay and cavities since the 1940s, will comply with the ban. CONTRIBUTED

ponents of fluoridation have cited studies showing that fluoride in high amounts can have adverse health effects. Such concerns led public water facilities to reduce and limit the amount of fluoride that was added to drinking water. Excessive fluoride can harm teeth, discoloring them and making them fragile, while fluoride toxicity can lead to gastrointestinal problems. It occurs rarely in very young children who accidentally consume fluoride-enriched toothpastes and mouthwash, which are not intended to be swallowed.

Like the governor, many of the same opponents of fluoridation also claim it is a form of forced medication and should be an individual choice.

As of July 1, those who have supported water fluoridation urge Florida residents and visitors to ensure they are using fluoride-enriched toothpaste to protect their teeth.

REEL RECS

Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.

What: “Dig!” (2004)

Why: I’m not sure why or how filmmaker Ondi Timoner decided to follow two alt-rock bands – the Dandy Warhols and the Brian Jonestown Massacre –for seven years. I’m sure glad she did. The result is this completely bonkers but fascinating portrait of two bands on the same scene at the same time. Their leaders were kind of friends but also rivals. It’s the classic story of trying to make art and be successful without selling your soul – and a candid look at a brilliant but extremely volatile artist in Anton Newcombe, leader of the Brian Jonestown Massacre. And it’s a story of GenX rock stardom – and implosion. If you’re really into it, Kanopy also has an expanded version of the movie that came out last year, “Dig! XX.”

Where: This film is available 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? keyslibraries.org/contact-us.

Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager.

See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.

MANDY MILES

EMERGENCY DIRECTOR WHO GUIDED KEYS THROUGH PANDEMIC TAKES

POST AT HER ALMA MATER

Deputy director Schwisow promoted to interim position

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Monroe County’s top emergency management official is departing to lead her alma mater’s emergency planning and response.

Monroe County announced Shannon Weiner’s resignation as emergency management director after she accepted a similar position at the University of Tampa. Her last day as director was May 22.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Shannon for her years of dedicated service to the county and its residents through numerous activations, the building of the new Emergency Operations Center, a global pandemic, and her leadership through numerous hurricanes, including Hurricane Irma,” said County Administrator Christine Hurley.

With Weiner’s departure, the county announced Cory Schwisow as interim emergency management director. An emergency manager at Naval Air Station Key West during Hurricane Irma in 2017, Schwisow was most recently deputy director in county emergency management under Weiner.

Weiner joined county emergency management as senior planner in 2016. Two years later, she was named deputy director under then-director Marty Senterfitt. By 2020, she was named director.

Two weeks later, Weiner was leading a team of municipalities and agencies up and down the island chain through a COVID-19 pandemic. Weiner said she wrote pandemic response plans when she worked with Sarasota Emergency Management in the early 2000s.

“We (Monroe County) had the framework for response, but the reality of COVID turned any type of local response upside down due to the fact it was a global, national and state event,” she said. “Everyone was experiencing the same disaster at the same time. The regular resource chain did not work, and in some cases (there was) no supply chain with businesses shutting down.”

She led daily phone calls with emergency management officials from the various municipalities and numer-

ous agencies, as then-county health department administrator Bob Eadie provided the latest on the outbreak. Under Weiner, the emergency management team ensured hospitals had the personal protective equipment, or PPE, needed to keep nurses and staff safe. They also worked to get the vaccine to the Keys.

Then there was the shutdown of the Keys, and a controlled reentry with sheriff’s deputies and other government workers staffing checkpoints, to ensure hospitals weren’t overrun by increased infections.

“If we had an influx of people coming in here, which we would have, and we didn’t have medical supplies to support them or support the hospital system, we would have been overwhelmed,” Weiner said.

With assistance from National Weather Service Key West, she also guided the island chain through some close calls as various hurricanes, including Ian in 2022, skirted past the island chain.

“To me, emergency management is the ultimate team sport. It’s not just five people who sit in the building who plan, train and gain more resources in the offseason to get ready for the real season. We have to do this with all of our partners,” she said.

On May 21, Monroe County commissioners named Cory Schwisow Monroe County Emergency Management interim director following Shannon Weiner’s resignation. Schwisow has served as the county’s deputy director since June 2023 and brings 20 years of leadership, management and emergency response experience as a U.S. Navy veteran. CONTRIBUTED

Weiner served as deputy incident commander when Hurricane Irma inflicted its wrath on the Florida Keys in 2017.

“It was life-changing for a lot of us,” she said. “The incredible part was the 700 first responders here helping with response and recovery. When you are that impacted county, people will come from across the country to help you be whole again.”

Kimberly Matthews, senior director of strategic planning and libraries director, first met Weiner in the days leading up to Hurricane Irma in 2017. In a room of hundreds, her command presence, expertise and openness stood out immediately.

“Over the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of being at her side during multiple county emergency operations activations. During our community’s most chaotic and uncertain moments, her calm, decisive leadership offered reassurance

that all would be well,” Matthews said. “Through both blue skies and gray, Shannon has led with grace and professionalism, forging strong partnerships and inspiring others to follow her lead. She has fostered an emergency response community in the Florida Keys that has carried us through devastating storms, mass migrant landings and a global pandemic. Her absence will be deeply felt and she will be greatly missed.”

County Veterans Affairs director Cathy Crane served on Weiner’s emergency management team as planning section chief during the pandemic and in times of impending storms. She said Weiner was clear and compassionate during an emergency response to a storm, pandemic or establishing a state-ofthe-art Emergency Operations Center in Monroe County.

“Shannon is highly respected amongst her peers, local and state partners and the community,” Crane said. “As Shannon moves on to the next phase of her career, she leaves an indelible mark on our team and community. Shannon’s contributions will be felt for years to come, and her infectious laughter will forever echo through the halls of the EOC in her absence.”

Weiner said she’s excited to take a position where she’ll build a program and plans at the University of Tampa.

“Emergency management, in higher education at college, is a really new aspect in the field ... with all the shootings and riots over the last decade or so; it’s become more in demand,” she said.

Weiner will be returning to a campus in Tampa where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Her oldest daughter graduated from the university in 2021, and her youngest daughter will be attending the university following her graduation from Key West on May 30.

“It’s definitely special,” Weiner said.

Despite leaving for her new job, Weiner said she still plans on spending summer and holidays at her Florida Keys residence.

Shannon Weiner speaks during a ribboncutting of the new Emergency Operations Center in Marathon last September. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

From left, sheriff’s Lt. Charlene Sprinkle; Sheriff Rick Ramsay; Shannon Weiner, former county emergency management director; Kimberly Matthews, senior director of strategic planning and libraries director; and retired sheriff’s Maj. Don Hiller inside the new emergency operations center last September.

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FLORIDA KEYS!

721 W OCEAN DRIVE KEY COLONY BEACH

$9,198,000

Exceptional oceanfront investment in the heart of the Florida Keys! 2+ acres of prime oceanfront boasting 225' of beach front with dock permit in Key Colony Beach. A total of 3 lots with endless possibilities. Previous use was a 22 unit condominium. Or look into separating the lots to build 3 new luxury beach homes which are in very hot demand and rare to find. Weekly rentals are allowed here, adding incredible income potential.

One house on this street sold in March 2025 for $12 Million. Key Colony Beach is an upscale coastal community in the Middle Keys o ering beautiful beaches, par 3 golf course, basketball, pickle and bocce ball, shopping and dining, marina, fishing charters, and 3 parks including Sunset Park where you will find Keys famous sunsets over the ocean all year long. Key Colony Beach also enjoys its own police force and quick access to the Marathon Airport which is just minutes away.

94 SUNRISE DRIVE MARATHON | $2,899,000

Build your dream oceanfront home in the prestigious gated community of Sunrise Isle, a coastal island of just 20 properties located next to beautiful Sombrero Beach in the heart of Marathon.

The community consists of multi-million dollar properties, o ering an exclusive and upscale setting. Build anytime you like as the property comes with a deeded City of Marathon Transferrable Building Right subject to the conditions of the City of Marathon. Generous 40,249 sq. ft. ocean and canal front lot (a rare find in the Keys) boasts approximately 104 ft. beach frontage and approximately 467 ft. deep water canal frontage with the option for boat dockage on two separate sides of the canal. A brand new concrete seawall o ers superb boating access to both the Ocean and Gulf for world-class fishing and diving.

Fly into Marathon's Jet Center just minutes away and walk to beautiful Sombrero Beach or enjoy golf, dining and shopping just seconds away. Don't miss this opportunity to build your custom waterfront home in the Fabulous Florida Keys.

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the

Switlik Elementary is bursting with creativity this spring as student artists from Kindergarten through 5th grade are being honored for their outstanding artistic achievements. These young visionaries have expressed themselves through vibrant color, thoughtful composition, and imaginative storytelling, and now, their talent is being celebrated!

Local real estate advisors Mark and Laurie Gable, founders of the popular Florida Keys lifestyle and real estate YouTube channel, Gables on the Go, have proudly partnered with the school to sponsor this special recognition, celebrating the creativity and talent of these emerging young artists.

From bold paintings to whimsical illustrations, the artwork on display reflects not just technical skill, but also the unique spirit of each child. “Art helps children find their voice and feel seen,” said Laurie Gable. “We were truly inspired by the talent and heart in every piece.”

We really wanted to shine a spotlight on the arts and remind young people, and their families, of the incredible power creativity holds to inspire, uplift, and connect.

Bruno Bello, Kindergarten Melody Franco, Kindergarten Amy Reyes, 1st Grade

Nevaeh Dixon, 1st Grade Savannah Morgan, 2nd Grade Millie Roddy, 2nd Grade

Giuliana Silva, 3rd Grade

Eva Sviridenko, 3rd Grade Siena Medero, 4th Grade

Luna Fauber, 4th Grade

Kelly Amaro Brana, 5th Grade Yunaila Diaz, 5th Grade

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

The largest graduating class – 122 students – in Marathon High School history earned a Brink’s truck worth of cash at the school’s annual Class Night, held two days ahead of graduation on May 27. Following a traditional capping ceremony pairing graduates with special family members, mentors and friends, the evening moved to more than 70 scholarship presentations by local, state and national organizations. From banks to businesses, civic organizations and professional associations, MHS’ Class of 2025 earned well north of $2 million in scholarship funds to kickstart the next step in students’ academic and professional careers. Photos by ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly

BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE

American Legion honors the fallen on Memorial Day

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

FJune 6 & 7 7pm

lags fluttered at the grave sites of military members at Big Pine Key’s Memorial Gardens of the Keys on Memorial Day, May 26. Custom red, white and blue flag bases, made by students at Sugarloaf School, added a fitting backdrop to a ceremony by Marathon’s American Legion Post 154 paying tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States.

“The hot dogs, hamburgers and Coca-Colas that you will consume this weekend are the most expensive you will ever eat or drink, because they were bought with the blood of these veterans,” said the Legion’s J.R. Jones. “When you lay your head down tonight, please remember that many of these laid their head down in the dirt on your behalf.”

4.

1,2. Bases painted by Sugarloaf School students hold American flags to pay tribute to members of the American military at the Memorial Gardens of the Keys on Big Pine Key.

3. Chaplain J.R. Jones leads a ceremony to honor America’s fallen on Memorial Day.

Bugler Edward Ballinger closes the ceremony with the playing of taps.

5. The American Legion’s Bobby Wellsby fires a shot in honor of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

For with God, Nothing Shall be Impossible

This Saturday 8am - 12pm

MARATHON – BUILDING DEPARTMENT

9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050 Phone: (305) 743-0033

EXPIRED BUILDING PERMITS

Contractors & Owner/Builders: HOW TO CLOSE EXPIRED PERMITS

Famous $5 Bag Sale Luke 1:37 Sundays at 10:00am

We are addressing the issue of expired permits in our permitting system. Please verify if you have expired permits under your account. Per the City Code of Ordinances, the City of Marathon has the authority to halt the issuance of building permits per 109.03.E, which states the City may use any of the following as enforcement powers:

(E) Withhold Permits and Approvals: The City may deny or withhold all permits, certificates, or other forms of authorization on any land, or structure, or improvements thereon:

• Upon which there is an uncorrected violation of a provision of the LDR’s or of a condition or qualification of a development order, permit, certificate, approval or other authorization previously granted by the City.

• That is owned or being developed by a person who owns, developed or otherwise caused an uncorrected violation of a provision of the LDRs or of a condition or qualification of a permit, certificate, approval or other authorization previously granted by the City.

The City of Marathon is requiring all contractors and owner/builders to address the expired permits pursuant to Section 6-58 by:

• Apply to reinstate the expired permits with the reinstatement fee.

If work has not been completed:

• Complete work and proceed with

inspections to close the permit. If work was completed, pursuant to Section 6-56 you must:

• Provide proper documentation of completed approved inspections.

• Or provide an engineer’s letter to close out the permit. The City will have to approve the authorization of an engineer’s letter as a means of closing out the permit (IT IS NOT AT THE CONTRACTORS’ OR OWNER/BUILDERS DISCRETION).

Please address any expired permits expeditiously as starting 06-01-2025 no new permits will be issued to anyone who has an expired permit in our permitting system or to any property that has an expired permit. If you have any questions or concerns about how to correct the issue of an expired permit, please feel free to contact the City of Marathon Building Department by phone or by email.

Thank you all for your attention to this issue of expired permits in our permitting system. We are striving to keep permitting running cleanly and efficiently as possible for all.

GERARD ROUSSIN

Building Official City of Marathon 03-25-2025

THURSDAY,

SATURDAY,

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KEYS BALLERS EARN BAHAMIAN TROPHIES

Storm Surge and Salt Lyfe both win in Freeport Memorial tournament

JASON KOLER jason@keysweekly.com

As the clock ticked down to the final seconds of the championship game between the Bahamas Stars and Salt Lyfe Hoops, the score was tied 31-31. The players in the 15U bracket had played 6 games in the past 24 hours amid blackouts and the raucous roar of the international crowd at Eight Mile Rock High School in Freeport.

The ball was kicked out to Marathon freshman Graham Murphy – who, without hesitation, arched a shot toward the hoop that banked off the back of the rim and into the hands of another Salt Lyfe player. With just fewer than five seconds remaining, the ball was kicked back out to Murphy who once again let it fly – only to see the ball fall through the net as his teammates rushed the floor in celebration.

That win was the first in a sweep for the Florida Keys AAU basketball teams that traveled to Freeport this past weekend for the Memorial Basketball Tournament.

Led by Key West’s James Osborn, Storm Surge lost their first game on Friday night, but rallied on Saturday to finish off three other Bahamian teams and capture the tournament trophy.

Coached by Demetrious Roach and former KWHS guard Rijkaard “Rich” Multy, the teams consist of players from Marathon to Key West who are invited to train and participate in tournaments across south Florida and as far as Orlando.

The trip was made possible through fundraisers, local businesses and Rotary Club of Marathon.

“It

was a historic moment for our players in the Florida Keys. It means a lot to me that the kids were able to get their passports and travel internationally to play basketball. Hopefully this opens up more opportunities for them. The trophies are not the ultimate goal. The goal is to develop these young men.”

— Demetrious Roach, Storm Surge coach

1. Salt

2.

3.

4. Storm Surge’s James Osborn, who was named tournament MVP, goes in for a layup during the Memorial Basketball Tournament in Freeport, Bahamas.

5. Canyon Miller saves a ball from going out of bounds.

Photos by JASON KOLER/Keys Weekly

Lyfe and Storm Surge players hoist their trophies on the court of Eight Mile Rock in the Bahamas.

Salt Lyfe’s Graham Murphy tosses up a floater during the championship game.

Key West’s Tyrese Scott was named tournament MVP for the 15U division while playing for Salt Lyfe Hoops.

FROM THE JAWS OF CANCER

Castaways fund research with 2025 ‘Bigger Boat Tour’

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Starting on June 7, a group of kayakers, runners and bikers will paddle and pound the pavement through the entire Florida Keys – and a good portion of Miami – like other people’s lives depend on it.

The 26th Castaways Against Cancer tour, dubbed “The Bigger Boat Tour,” will aim to “take a bite out of cancer” by drawing inspiration from the legend of Big Mo, a 20-foot hammerhead shark reportedly lurking beneath Middle Keys bridges.

“Like the stories of Big Mo, cancer can be a scary monster,” the group’s tour description reads. “That’s why the Castaways Against Cancer will fight back against the darkness of the depths in 2025 with the Bigger Boat Tour.”

That “fight back” entails raising more than $300,000 in donations for the University of Miami’s Sylvester Cancer Center. There, funds are matched at 50 cents on the dollar to fund ongoing research projects – learning more about chemotherapy-resistant sarcoma cells and exploring new virus-drug combinations to cure advanced renal and colon cancers, to name a few.

Volunteer athletes for the nonprofit traverse the Keys in three ways, all starting from the recently-renamed “Castaways Against Cancer Beach” on Virginia Key in Miami. Kayakers will open the trek on June 7, followed by an eight-runner relay team departing on June 12 and a cycle team leaving

the beach at 4:30 a.m. on Friday, June 13.

If all goes to plan, all three teams will converge at Key West’s Simonton Beach between 4 and 5 p.m. on Friday for a celebration to honor those who have fought the battle against cancer, regardless of the outcome.

Battling bugs, weather, winds and scorching sun, the Castaways have raised more than $2.7 million in their 26 years of daunting treks, with more than 4,000 miles paddled, 680 miles cycled and 320 miles run. They hope to break past the $3 million barrier this year as they continue chipping away at a five-year, $1.5 million pledge to Sylvester from 2022.

Though she can’t accompany the team on the full paddle as she used to, Marathon-based cancer-fighting legend and survivor Suzy Curry stepped up her game in a different way in 2025. Repeating a feat from the year prior, Curry is in the middle of a “Golden Oldies Triathlon” at her own pace – traversing the length of the Keys via every method used by the Castaways. She’s already walked 107 miles, kayaked 110 and biked 67, and she’ll finish up on June 4 with a 20mile ride into Key West.

“Being 70 now, the body says, ‘No way you can kayak 110 miles in five days,’ even though the brain says ‘Hell yeah, you can do it,’” she told the Weekly. “I laugh at the brain.”

The public is invited to celebrate the Castaways’ arrival in Key West on Friday, June 13 beginning at 4 p.m. A closing ceremony will take place at the Hyatt Centric Key West’s dock at 7:45 p.m.

To donate to the Castaways’ mission, scan the attached QR code.

Members of the 2024 Castaways team honor those who’ve fought a courageous battle with cancer. CONTRIBUTED

Brace yourselves, people. Hurricane season starts this weekend and runs until the end of November. If you haven’t already, it’s time to test out those shutters, have your potential evacuation plans in place, and take a good solid look through your “hurricane kit” (or maybe put one together for the first time, if you have no clue what we’re talking about). There are plenty of universal essentials to put in these kits, but as anyone who’s been through a storm knows, a couple special touches known to locals can be the difference between misery and, well, a little less misery after a storm. With that said, here are our…

TOP 10 THINGS TO PUT IN YOUR HURRICANE KIT

10. Weed.

9. “Medications.”

8. Fluoride for your water … R.I.P.

7. Pop Tarts, Slim Jims & Gatorade.

6. The Keys Weekly Hurricane Guide, distributed countywide and full of useful resources, critical contacts and tips for before, during and after a storm.

the years to explore other places, but I’ve always found myself coming back. What do you do for fun in the Keys and why do you love living here? I’ve really gotten into kayaking over the years. There’s something freeing about being out on the water exploring. I love the mangrove tunnels, spotting sea life and relaxing on little islands.

Explain what you do for a living to a person from another planet. Art upon your face, I shall create. Beautiful, you will be.

What is your favorite Disney character and why? Baloo from “The Jungle Book” is a favorite for his carefree, lovable nature and just the “bear necessities.” He’s a reminder to not sweat the small stuff and to find happiness in everyday moments. What is your favorite thing to paint on someone’s face? I definitely have my own custom, pretty, swirly designs. They’re unique every time and let me be really creative. But I have to say, there’s something especially fun about painting kids who ask for tigers. They really get into character, like roaring for pictures and showing off. I love it!

5. More weed.

4. Your “GFY IRMA” bumper sticker from 2017.

3. Counterfeit reentry decals for all your Miami friends.

2. Chainsaws. So many chainsaws.

1. Did we mention weed?

JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

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 Amber Rose Spalten. She is a face painter and an artist with her own businesses – Amber Rose Face Painting and Amber Rose Fluff and Stuff – and she’s a familiar face at community events like Crane Point’s Witches in the Hammock and the Pigeon Key Holiday Spectacular.

Amber Rose Spalten

How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I was born and raised here in Marathon, so the Keys have always been home to me. My mom moved here when she was about 20 and loved it so much she never left. I’ve left a few times over

If you could eat one thing every day for the rest of your life what would you eat and why? Pickles, all day, every day. Any kind, really. They’re crunchy, tangy, refreshing and packed with electrolytes, so I can snack like it’s summer year-round. If you could go back in time and talk to one person, who would it be and what would you talk about? I’d go back and spend time with Jim Henson. I was always in love with Kermit and the Muppets, but it was the movie “Labyrinth” that truly pulled me in. That movie is so imaginative, and unlike anything else.

What is one thing you would change about your life and one thing you wouldn’t change? I’d change getting seasick! It’s the worst and really limits how much I can enjoy being out on the water. I wouldn’t change the people I’ve loved and shared life with, whether they’re still here or not. My family and friends are amazing and I am super lucky to have them in my life.

What is the one thing you always pack in your suitcase? I usually travel light with just a carryon – packing the essentials and always leaving space for treasures I find along the way. But I never forget to bring body glitter.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you? I had the opportunity to live in Japan for three months and do face painting at Universal Studios Osaka. It was an amazing adventure. The country was beautiful, the people were so kind and the whole experience was unforgettable.

WILMA AND THE SURGE, A RECOLLECTION

The composition isn’t bad, but the lighting is terrible, meaning the color is also terrible. And there’s a power line going across the top quarter of the photo, some dead branches in the upper left corner, and you can’t see the expression on my wife’s face very well, or the fact that she’s holding a half-eaten Pop-Tart.

... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.

Then there’s all that ugly water at the doorstep of our house. Still, it’s one of my favorite photographs from our marriage.

Years ago, during one of the Keys’ lesser hurricanes, my friend Craig had gone out onto the White Street Pier as the eye passed over to get a little fresh air. It was all pretty calm at first, but then the winds started picking up, and waves started making those big, foamy crashes over the end. People started to panic. “Run!” someone yelled, “It’s the storm surge!” And many people did, in fact, begin to run, though not Craig.

Turns out it was the trailing edge of the eye, the beginning of the third act of most hurricanes.

There was a collective idea at the time that storm surges were fast, that there was going to be a wall of water coming at the island. Possibly because this is what happened during the 1935 hurricane, the one that hit Islamorada and killed more than 400 people.

A short time before I’d taken that photo of my wife I’d gone out onto the front porch and seen water at the intersection of our block, a hundred yards away. Man, the water came close, I thought. Twenty minutes later I’d gone back out onto the porch and seen that the water was at our doorstep.

Oh, damn, I thought. Storm surges can also be slow.

This was during Hurricane Wilma in 2005 – 20 years ago, but a lot of it still feels fresh. It was the fourth hurricane of that year, following the four hurricanes that hit Key West in some fashion in 2004. I’d been hit by a semi truck doing 50 while I was riding my bike a few weeks before, and I was still stiff and bruised and full of staples. Which didn’t make boarding up the house – again – any easier. It had been two years of one damn thing after another.

I don’t remember much about Hurricane Dennis. I do remember Hurricane Katrina, the second one, because it was going north of the Keys, but then somehow unexpectedly quickly ticked south,

dropping a lot of water on us. I was something of a trendsetter on that one, driving our Saturn wagon through a puddle so deep that it sucked a lot of water up into the engine and totaled the car. (Turns out the air intake was under the engine, as opposed to on top. Which is probably one of the reasons you hardly ever see Saturns on the road anymore.)

We, of course, took a minuscule fraction of the hit New Orleans took.

Hurricane Rita left more fatigue than impression. Mostly I remember us lying in the tiny guest room in the back of the house, the walls and floors moving when the heavy gusts hit.

As Hurricane Wilma sent the slow motion storm surge, my wife and I were frankly kind of over it. It’s a bad idea to get blasé about nature’s fury, but even nature’s fury can get tedious after a while. Nan was an editor at the Citizen at the time and was more concerned about work than the rising tide. I felt I had run out of panic.

Not that we were reckless. We carried everything we felt was important – art, documents, computers, etc. – up to the second floor. We stacked things that we valued on top of things we valued less. The TV went onto a chair, which was on top of the dining room table. CDs and DVDs

were in sloppy piles on top of every available elevated surface we had. We hoped the water didn’t get that high, but I remember looking at shelves that contained two rows of my vinyl and thinking, I can let all that go.

We left our ancient pit bull Stu sleeping in a chair. (He could swim, and knew how to use the stairs.)

The water was topping the first step when we got into the car. I drove Nan over to the Citizen base camp at the La Concha. One of the out-oftown TV crews tried to tell us we couldn’t park there, and Nan was maybe a little less sanguine than I thought, because my normally militantly non-confrontational wife said, “I’m a journalist, I live here, and my house is flooding. Heck off.” Only she didn’t say heck.

The water was topping the second step when I got back to the house. Stu was still asleep in his chair. He was old enough that he had lost most of his hearing at that point. A couple storms before we’d come back into the house and Nan had poked him, and he’d jolted awake, spun around, and had his mouth on her arm before he realized it was her. Then he conveyed the idea of, “Oh my Lord, sorry, I didn’t know it was you,” as clearly as a dog could. Which was why I poked him with an umbrella to wake him up this time.

We sat on the couch together, waiting to see what was going to happen.

It was a seven-foot storm surge. The elevation of our house was apparently seven feet, three inches, because the water lapped at the joists and the underside of our floorboards, but then went down.

A few hours later Eaton Street was still flooded. I thought about wearing my shrimper boots, but no doubt the water would just top over them.

A few blocks later I heard someone asking for help. It was a woman not in much danger, but stuck behind her gate because the wood had swollen. I went back to the house, got a drill, and another neighbor and I took the hinges off so she could get out.

The storm surge killed off our key lime tree and our mango tree, and I spent a week or two crawling around under the house, in the land of scorpions and broken glass, repairing all the wiring that had been flooded. But we were so lucky.

People in other neighborhoods had had it far worse. So many houses flooded. People lost everything. Mold grew everywhere. Hundreds of houses had to be gutted. You heard stories about people having to climb out their window and up onto the roof to escape the surge. And of cars whose horns started honking and windows started randomly going up and down due to short-circuiting electrical systems. There were also a lot of stories of insurance companies screwing people over.

For weeks afterward, the sidewalks were lined with damp couches and other furniture.

Almost half the traffic on U.S. 1 looked to be flatbeds hauling two or three totaled cars out at a time.

Some people left town. Most people rebuilt, brought order back to their life, found a way to move on, let the memory recede like an even slower storm surge.

Nan and I got so lucky. I doubt we will ever not appreciate that fact.

MARK HEDDEN

Mark Hedden’s wife, Nan Klingenger, on the porch during Hurricane Wilma in 2005. MARK HEDDEN/Contributed

GRILLED ON THE POOL DECK

• World Famous Cheeseburgers

• Bacon Jalapeno Cream Cheese Burgers

• Grilled Ribeye Steak Sandwiches

• Grilled Bratwurst

• Chili Cheese Dogs

• Blackened Dolphin Sandwiches

• BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

• Bacon Wrapped Scallops

• Bacon Wrapped Lobster

• Barbecue Baby Back Ribs DRINK SPECIALS

• $3 Coors Light • $6 Cruzan Rum Specials

$7 Strawberry Mojitos • $2 Jello Shots

Marathon Garbage Service, Inc.

• Trim trees, coconuts & landscaping NOW Do not wait until a storm threatens.

• If a major storm is approaching with predicted landfall STOP ALL YARD MAINTENANCE.

• Secure debris & materials by tying down and placing in a location away from high winds

• INCLUDING garbage & recycle containers.

• Marathon Garbage Service, Inc. is NOT responsible for lost containers.

• Service may be suspended before a storm. MGS will continue normal household garbage collection as scheduled until conditions become too hazardous for our team members or when the proper authorities instruct us to suspend operations. For the safety of our crew, collection will not resume until designated safe by Monroe County Officials.

Jody & Lynn Represented the Sellers & Buyers of:

601 W Ocean Dr 301A, Key Colony Sold for $520,000

ERIN

2-year-old female min pin mix.

Looking for: A quiet, laid back home with no kids. Turnoffs: I don’t like a lot of people – I’m more of a one-and-only kinda gal.

SWIPE RIGHT

2 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home centrally located in mid Marathon. Large screened porch. 50 X 97lot. Reduced $325,000 MLS# 610518

Eastward Ho, Marathon

3 BD& 2 BA. Backs up to Crane Hammock park giving back yard privacy. Walk in concrete pool. Undivided ownership to a Gulf front park with boat ramp. AC workshop and a storage shed. Enclosed carport Nicely landscaped shaded lot. 9 ft elevation. $799,900

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.

INDIGO

2-month-old male kitten.

Looking for: Lots of play time, cuddles and naps.

Turnoffs: There are a lot of us here at the shelter. Please spay and neuter your pets!

EDWARD

1-year-old male rabbit. Looking for: Companionship, be it a family or another rabbit. Turnoffs: Zucchini (the vegetable).

KEYS FISHERIES RESTAURANT MARKET & MARINA

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

Enjoy our daily specials like Homemade Soup or Chowder, Fresh Fish Sandwich or One of our Daily Specials while overlooking Florida Bay! Open for Lunch & Dinner Every Day!

RETAIL STORE

Fish, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!

WILD CAUGHT KEY WEST PINK SHRIMP - ALL SIZES!

HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE & THE WATER IS WARM

NOAA predicts above-normal storm activity

Forecasters with NOAA’s National Weather Service predict abovenormal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year.

NOAA’s outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to Nov. 30, predicts a 30% chance of a near-normal season, a 60% chance of an above-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.

The agency is forecasting 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6 to 10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.

“As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” said Laura Grimm, acting NOAA administrator. “NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings, and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property.”

Factors influencing NOAA’s predictions

The season is expected to be above normal due to a confluence of factors, including warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear and the potential for higher activity from the West African monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes. All of these elements tend to favor tropical storm formation.

The high activity era continues in the Atlantic Basin, featuring high-heat content in the ocean and reduced trade winds. The higher-heat content provides more energy to fuel storm development, while weaker winds allow the storms to develop without disruption.

This hurricane season also features the potential for a northward shift of the West African monsoon, producing tropical waves that seed some of the strongest and most long-lived Atlantic storms.

“In my 30 years at the National Weather Service, we’ve never had more advanced models and warning systems in place to monitor the weather,” said Ken Graham, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “This outlook is a call to action: be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you’re ready before a storm threatens.”

Improved analysis, forecasts for 2025 NOAA will improve its forecast communications, decision support and storm recovery efforts this season. These include:

• NOAA’s model, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System, will undergo an upgrade that is expected to result in another 5% improvement of tracking and intensity forecasts that will help forecasters provide more accurate watches and warnings.

• NOAA’s National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center will be able to issue tropical cyclone advisory products up to 72 hours before the arrival of storm surge or tropical-storm-force winds on land, giving communities more time to prepare.

• NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center’s Global Tropical Hazards Outlook, which provides advance notice of potential tropical cyclone risks, has been extended from two weeks to three weeks, to provide additional time for preparation and response.

— Contributed

The following names will be used for tropical storms and hurricanes for the 2025 storm season. NOAA/ Contributed

SCENE PARTNERS FOR LIFE

Family and friends gathered at Crane Point Museum and Nature Center on May 25 to celebrate the marriage of soon-to-be-retired postal carrier John Schaefer and Stanley Switlik Elementary Principal Linda Schaefer. The happy couple met behind the scenes of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ at Marathon Community Theatre in 2022, and on Sunday, they exchanged an adorable set of vows at sunset laden with references to the stage. In lieu of a registry, the couple asked attendees for donations to MCT’s roof replacement fund, raising more than $1,600. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

IS YOUR WALLET READY FOR THE NEXT DISASTER?

is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension Director and Community Development Agent.

When disaster strikes, how quickly you recover often depends on one key factor: your financial preparedness. Natural disasters — like hurricanes, floods, wildfires and heat waves — are becoming more common and more destructive, especially in places like Florida.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. faced 28 separate billion-dollar weather events in 2023 alone — a record-breaking year for both cost and frequency.

While we can’t stop these disasters from happening, we can prepare for them — and that includes planning ahead financially. Let’s walk through the essential steps to help make sure you’re financially ready when the unexpected happens.

Start with an emergency fund

An emergency fund is your financial safety net. It can help cover essential expenses if your income is disrupted or your home is damaged in a disaster.

Here’s how to build it:

• Open a separate savings account just for emergencies.

• Set up automatic transfers — even small amounts add up over time.

• Include contributions to your

emergency fund in your monthly budget.

• Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses.

• Avoid dipping into it for everyday expenses — reserve it for true emergencies.

Also, keep a small amount of cash on hand (enough for about a week), especially in areas prone to power outages. Smaller bills like $20s are more practical after a disaster when businesses and ATMs may not be operating normally.

Review insurance coverage

Disasters can bring massive repair bills. That’s where the right insurance coverage comes in.

What to check:

• Make sure your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance is up to date and covers current replacement costs.

• Flood insurance is not included in standard homeowner’s policies — consider adding it, especially in flood-prone areas.

• Got valuable items like jewelry or artwork? You might need additional or umbrella coverage.

• Concerned about pets? Animal liability insurance may be worth considering.

Not sure what you need? A licensed insurance agent can help tailor the right plan for your situation.

Plan for repairs before disaster strikes

You probably already know that major disasters can mean expensive home repairs. But even without a crisis, homes need regular maintenance and upgrades to stay strong. Investing in preventive improvements — like storm shutters or reinforced roofing — can reduce damage

and lower insurance costs over time. FEMA offers great advice on how to fortify your home against future threats.

Organize important documents

Imagine trying to file a claim or apply for aid without access to your insurance papers or ID. That’s why protecting key documents is so important.

Here’s what to do:

• Store documents like insurance policies, IDs, bank info and medical records in a safe place — preferably a waterproof and fireproof safe, or a secure digital cloud storage system.

• Create a home inventory with photos, serial numbers and estimated values for major possessions. This makes insurance claims much easier and faster.

Update your plan regularly

Your financial life isn’t static — and your disaster plan shouldn’t be either.

Review your emergency savings, insurance coverage and document storage at least once a year, or any time you experience a major life change (like buying a home, having a child or switching jobs). Staying up to date ensures your plan still fits your needs.

Disaster preparedness isn’t just about food, water and flashlights — it’s also about being financially resilient. By setting up an emergency fund, reviewing your insurance, planning for repairs and organizing your important documents, you’re giving yourself and your family a much better chance to recover quickly and confidently from any crisis. Remember: hoping for the best is good — but preparing for the worst is better.

ROBERT WAYNE CUCCHI 1966-2025

Robert Wayne Cucchi passed away on April 30 at age 58 of heart failure at the family home in Lakeland, Florida.

He was born in Newton, Massachusetts on Aug. 31, 1966, to Lawrence Robert Cucchi and Bonnie Jean Cucchi. His childhood was spent with his parents and his brother Raymond and sister Lauri in Marathon in the Florida Keys, where his mother's family had resided since 1947.

Robert loved the Keys and spent an exuberant childhood exploring the waters and the outdoors. As an adult, he stayed in the Keys and built a business growing palms and native trees and doing landscape design and installation. He built a beautiful nursery on Cudjoe Key in his later years, which is still there to this day. It was his greatest joy.

He is survived by his son Ethan Maximillian Cucchi, granddaughter Bella Marie Nelson, mother Bonnie Jean Cucchi, brother Raymond Alan Cucchi, sister Lauri Lynette Cucchi-HIll (Tim Robert Hill), and numerous halfbrothers and half-sisters.

He was predeceased by his daughter Shana Marie Cucchi-Nelson, his father Lawrence Robert Cucchi and his biological father Royce Eugene Dolan.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree for Robert wherever you may be. His ashes will be placed in the family plot at Southern Keys Cemetery. Robert had a true zest for life. He will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held in the prayer garden at St. Columba Episcopal Church on Sunday, June 1 at 11:30 a.m.

ALICIA BETANCOURT

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

FUNCTIONAL FOODS: FAD, OR THE FUTURE OF NUTRITION?

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

If you’ve spent any time lately strolling the grocery store aisles — or scrolling social media — you've probably noticed a new buzzword stamped across everything from yogurt to coffee to snack bars: functional foods. What exactly are they, and why is everyone suddenly obsessed?

At their core, functional foods are simply foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Think foods fortified with extra vitamins, minerals, probiotics, fiber or even herbal ingredients designed to "support immunity," "boost brain function" or "balance hormones."

Some functional foods occur naturally — like salmon (loaded with heart-healthy omega-3s) or blueberries (packed with antioxidants). Others are the result of food science tinkering, like probiotic-enriched yogurt, protein-fortified cereals or beverages laced with adaptogens. The goal? To not just fuel your body, but to actively help it perform better, prevent disease and maybe even make you feel like a slightly upgraded version of yourself.

Today’s consumers are more health-savvy (and health-anxious) than ever. We’re not just eating to survive — we’re eating to thrive. After living through a pandemic, navigating a mental health crisis and watching rates of chronic diseases skyrocket, people are demanding more from their food. They want gut health, sharper focus, stronger immunity and better sleep. They want a snack that can do it all. If someone invented a “food pill,” you bet your butt there would be a line of people longer than Appliance Alley after Irma.

And with social media marketing in overdrive — showcasing everything from "beauty gummies" to "smart mushroom lattes" — it’s no wonder the global functional food market is

booming, expected to top $280 billion by 2027.

But before you swap your sandwich for a mushroom-protein-bar with added "nootropic support," let's unpack both sides of this trend.

Functional foods do make preventive health easier and give people a simple way to bolster their health without overhauling their whole diet. Instead of reaching for another pill bottle, many can now grab a functional snack and get added benefits like improved digestion or stronger immunity. It’s health support woven seamlessly into daily habits.

Thanks to the explosion of options, from gut-boosting kombucha to brain-supporting walnuts, people can now tailor their food choices to their personal goals and needs. Need joint support? There’s a functional beverage for that. Want better skin health? There’s a collagen-enhanced smoothie mix ready and waiting.

Fortified functional foods can also be a lifesaver in populations at risk of deficiencies. Foods enhanced with iron, vitamin D, omega-3s and probiotics can help fill critical gaps without major dietary changes, which is especially important for busy families, older adults and people with limited access to fresh foods.

But as with anything, there are some drawbacks from overhyped foods. Just because a package promises "immune support" doesn't mean it's clinically proven. The functional foods market is poorly-regulated in many places, and companies often exaggerate health claims. Without third-party verification or FDA approval, many so-called benefits are more marketing than medicine.

Some functional foods are highlyprocessed products loaded with sugar, fillers and artificial ingredients, with a

JENNIFER HARVEY

...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC. Hello@highlymotivatedfc.com

few healthy buzzwords sprinkled in for good measure. Ironically, chasing health can sometimes lead people straight into the arms of highlyengineered foods their bodies don’t actually recognize. I am seeing this happening more and more during nutritional consultations. And let’s be real: functional foods aren’t cheap. A box of collagen-infused energy bars or adaptogenenhanced teas can cost triple the price of their "regular" counterparts. That makes this health trend largely inaccessible to lower-income populations, further widening the gap between who gets to eat for wellness and who doesn’t.

Functional foods are here to stay, and they can absolutely play a valuable role in modern health. But like any health trend, they require a healthy dose of skepticism. Whole foods — things like leafy greens, nuts, berries and lean proteins — remain the real superheroes. If you want to enjoy functional foods, think of them as a bonus to a strong nutritional foundation, not a magic fix.

As with most things in health, the basics still work. Fancy labeling or not.

BRIEFLY

Applications accepted for county court seat

The 16th Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission is accepting applications for the county court seat vacancy (Marathon) created by the elevation of Judge James Morgan III to the circuit court. All applications must be submitted by email to JNC16@ monroecounty-fl.gov by noon on Tuesday, June 10. Applicants can find the notice and application instructions at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/publicnotices. The commission will meet on June 10 at 12:01 p.m. to review the applications, determine vetting assignments and schedule interviews. This meeting is open to the public. In-person and Zoom details are on the website. More information is available from commission chair Bob Shillinger, 305-292-3470, shillinger-bob@monroecount-fl.gov.

Male mosquito release to help control populations

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) will put a new mosquito control technique to work this summer when it releases Wolbachia-infected male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes as a means to lower the population of that species within three release locations. Developed by vendor MosquitoMate, this technique has been approved for commercial use by the Environmental Protection Agency as well as the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Wolbachia is a naturally occurring bacterium that affects reproduction in some mosquito species. In early June, FKMCD technicians will begin releasing a limited number of Wolbachia-infected male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which do not bite, in targeted locations on Key Largo, Plantation Key and Key Colony Beach. When the Wolbachia-infected males mate with local female Aedes aegypti in the vicinity, the resulting eggs do not hatch, reducing the number of adult mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the primary carrier of several diseases including yellow fever, dengue fever and Zika.

Cornell researchers seek residents for flood experience study

Researchers from Cornell University are seeking residents willing to describe their experiences with flooding and hurricanes to better understand decisions to stay or leave an area during flooding. Interviewees will need to have experienced flooding or a hurricane while living in Monroe County. Interviews will take between 30 minutes and an hour, and can be conducted in person, on the phone or via Zoom. More information is available from Kate Foster at kef72@cornell.edu or 305-699-4468.

Founded by Betty Debnam

What To Read ...

When summer is right around the corner, we start dreaming of all the free time we’ll have. Eager readers start making their lists of good books to fill that time!

Let’s dive right into the pool of great new kids’ books on the shelves.

• For children who have experienced being a newcomer in a country, “Outsider Kids” by Betty C. Tang will seem familiar. Three siblings from Taiwan have to overcome language and cultural barriers, plus try to get along with their stuck-up cousin.

• Have you ever played “Ticket To Ride”? Now this popular board game has an adventure-filled book to accompany it. “Ticket To Ride: An Unexpected Journey” by Adrienne Kress tells the story of 12-year-old Teddy, who wins a cross-country trip on the Excelsior Express — a trip that becomes more than he expected.

• It’s 1939, and 12-year-old Atlas Wade and his father are slated to climb Mount Everest just as World War II is getting underway. In “One Wrong Step,” Jennifer A. Nielsen tells the breathtaking story of how Atlas and his fellow climbers must survive the extreme conditions and try to save others from a dangerous avalanche.

• If you know about Mark Twain’s book “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” you might remember “Mary-Jane, the red-headed one.” Author Hope Jahren brings Huck’s friend to life in “Adventures of Mary Jane,” as she makes her own trip down the Mississippi River, conquering challenges and adventures along the way.

• Readers who are intrigued with geography and history will sink their teeth into “The Wild River and the Great Dam” by Simon Boughton. The Hoover Dam, finished in 1936, was the biggest engineering success in the country at that time, and it forever changed the landscape in the southwest United States. Boughton’s account also includes the personal side of the dam’s construction.

• “Mawson in Antarctica: To the Ends of the Earth” by Joanna Grochowicz tells the story of the explorer during his harrowing 1912 expedition to the bottom of the Earth.

AWARD WINNERS

This year’s winner of the John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature is “The First State of Being” by Erin Entrada Kelly.

The Newbery Honor Books are:

• “Across So Many Seas” by Ruth Behar

• “Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All” by Chanel Miller

• “One Big Open Sky” by Lesa Cline-Ransome

• “The Wrong Way Home” by Kate O’Shaughessy

The 2025 winner of the Randolph Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children is “Chooch Helped,” illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz and written by Andrea L. Rogers.

The Caldecott Honor Books are:

• “Home in a Lunchbox,” illustrated and written by Cherry Mo

• “My Daddy Is a Cowboy,” illustrated by C.G. Esperanza and written by Stephanie Seales

• “Noodles on a Bicycle,” illustrated by Gracey Zhang and written by Kyo Maclear

• “Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei,” illustrated by Yuko Shimizu and written by Anita Yasuda

The Coretta Scott King

Author Book winner is “Twentyfour Seconds From Now ...” by Jason Reynolds.

The King Illustrator Book winner is “My Daddy Is a Cowboy.”

Words that remind us of summer reading are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ADVENTURE, ANTARCTICA, AUTHOR, AWARDS, BOOKS, CALDECOTT, CLIMBERS, DAM, HOOVER, ILLUSTRATOR, KING, LIBRARY, NEWBERY, NEWCOMER, PROGRAM, READING, SUMMER, TIME.

A new study finds that caribou migration paths have significantly decreased in recent decades, with habitat loss and dwindling populations disrupting routes. A University of British Columbia Okanagan study found that southern mountain caribou herds have shortened their migratory distances, durations and changes in elevation. This is said to be primarily due to landscape disturbances caused by human activities rather than climate shifts.

The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Mini Fact: Your local library tlikely has a summer reading program. Check it out!

photo by Crystal Paradis

Protect Your HEALTH

Early Cancer Screening Saves Lives

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County encourages all residents to get screened early. Talk to your primary care doctor and ask what preventive cancer screenings are recommended for you.

SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS

Breast Cancer

Annual mammograms start at age 40.

Consider earlier screening if you have a family history of breast cancer.

Colon Cancer

Begin annual stool-based screening at age 45.

Ask about colonoscopy or stool-based tests.

Cervical Cancer

Annual Pap tests start at age 21. Start co-testing (Pap and HPV) every ve years from ages 30–65.

Skin Cancer

Monthly self-exams start in your 20s. Begin annual full-body exams by age 35, or earlier if you are high-risk.

Prostate Cancer

Talk to your doctor at age 50, or 45 if you’re Black or have a family history of prostate cancer.

TEAM TAKEDOWN

Hurricanes test the gridiron | P.8

Canes, Conch & Dolphin Pride FREE CASH BACK Checking Accounts are perfect for wherever life takes you!

• Earn CASH BACK for you and your school.

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SCHOOL’S OUT, AND SPORTS WRAP TAKES A BREAK

To our readers:

This edition marks the close of the 2024-25 athletic year with the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap. Thanks to the talents of our local writers and photographers, with the support of coaches and athletic staff from Key Largo to Key West, we are incredibly proud to serve as your most comprehensive source for prep sports coverage and photography in the Florida Keys.

With the school year coming to a close, the Sports Wrap will again be taking a short break for the summer to allow our staff to rest and recharge before an exciting fall season under Friday night lights.

Over the next two months, this section will look a bit different. Instead of weekly prep sports content, the pull-out insert will include a variety of content including comics, games and puzzles, many of which our readers have asked for or told us they enjoyed in the past.

We haven’t forgotten about a few of our All-Keys teams from the 2025 spring season, which we will celebrate as they are completed within the pages of our regular editions during the month of June. And when practices resume in August for fall sports, we’ll go right back to the full-blown Sports Wrap coverage our readers have come to love and expect.

So … enjoy the summer, let us know your feedback, and always: Go ’Canes, Fins and Conchs!

Sincerely,

The Sports Wrap Staff

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

KEEFE

To come into that situation with a team loaded with returning

– Ed Holly, Coral Shores head coach

ON THE COVER

Rising junior Sterling Keefe took his first snaps as Coral Shores’ new quarterback in their spring jamboree, and any concerns as to whether he was ready were put to rest last week. Keefe is a multisport athlete who, according to ’Canes coach Ed Holly, committed himself to getting stronger and improving as a player in the offseason.

The results were apparent in Coral Shores’ snaps against St. Brendan, a team returning most of its starting lineup. Keefe led the young Hurricanes with poise and positivity, setting the tone for an exciting fall season. For facing a trial by fire and proving he has what it takes to lead his team next season, Coral Shores’ Sterling Keefe is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Rising junior, Coral Shores Football

The Coral Shores Hurricanes looked to establish a team identity in their May 22 spring showdown with the St. Brendan Sabres. See page 8. RACHEL RUSCH/Keys Weekly

Photo by: RACHEL RUSCH/Keys Weekly

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.

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.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

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Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

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Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

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. 9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

MEET THE 2025 ALL-KEYS BOYS WEIGHTLIFTING TEAM

Marathon and Coral Shores programs gained in strength and popularity this season

Monroe County has just two boys weightlifting teams, and this year, both earned a district championship. The Dolphins and Hurricanes share an Olympic title and Marathon won the traditional title outright. Between the teams, there were five district champs winning a combined eight titles, 32 regional qualifiers, two regional champions and four bids to the state meet. Three athletes returned home with medals from the state championships, and two of those athletes return to the weight room next year for another season of lifting.

by Barry Gaukel, Doug Finger and Jackson Garcia.

Marathon’s Tanner Ross “has been a pillar of work ethic and excellence on this team,” said Jessie Schubert, Marathon head coach. Ross captured double district gold, then a pair of silver medals at regionals, advancing to the state championships. The two-year state qualifier holds the school record in snatch and secured a pair of FHSAA top-10 finishes, placing ninth in traditional and winning a sixth-place medal in Olympic lifts.

Senior Damian Stasiewicz made his mark at districts, bringing home a pair of gold medals, then followed up at regionals with a gold in Olympic and silver in traditional. He earned a trip to states to cap off his senior year and finished in seventh place in Florida’s 1A in Olympic lifts.

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

Photos

Matthias Martinez-Velez

JUNIOR, MARATHON

139-POUND WEIGHT CLASS

“Don’t let his size fool you, he lifts heavy,” said Schubert. Martinez-Velez was the district champ in traditional and runner-up in Olympic lifts, and struck gold again at regionals in the traditional event while finishing fourth in Olympic. The junior strongman earned a spot at states and came home with a fourth-place medal in traditional lifts.

After a year away from the sport, junior Tyler Bettner was back in 2025. “He has increased his strength significantly and finished third in the region for the Olympic (lifts),” said Hurricanes coach Erin Hamilton. “He is always focused on learning, growing and getting better.” At districts, Bettner won silver in traditional and finished fourth in Olympic, and at regionals, he added a fifthplace finish in Olympic to his bronze in traditional.

Max Childress

JUNIOR, MARATHON 183-POUND WEIGHT CLASS

“Max works hard and dreams big,” said Schubert of the focused junior. Childress’ dreams came true when he won a medal at states for his fifth-place performance in the traditional category of one of the toughest weight classes. His state medal followed up double district gold and double regional silver finishes, and with another year of gains ahead of him, Childress might as well be dreaming in solid gold.

Senior Sebastian Diaz finished fourth in Olympic and sixth in traditional at the district meet in a competitive weight class, but his strong performances at the bar were not his only contribution to the team. “Sebastian was our captain this year. He was an amazing leader and helped our new lifters significantly,” said Hamilton.

Roland Gonzalez

JUNIOR, MARATHON 183-POUND WEIGHT

CLASS

Despite it being his first year in the sport and falling in a highly-competitive weight class, junior Roland Gonzalez held his own this season.

“Roland was picking up steam at the end of the season and is looking to make a bigger impact next season,” said Schubert. Gonzalez finished third in traditional and fourth in Olympic lifts at districts, qualifying for the next round, where he placed eighth in the traditional category at regionals.

Praised for his team-mindedness and positive attitude, Coral Shores senior Zane Rindom brought home a pair of bronze medals from districts and followed up with two eighth-place finishes at regionals. His team spirit was described as an asset that will be sorely missed.

Isaak Vallejo

SOPHOMORE, MARATHON 199-POUND WEIGHT CLASS

Schubert praised Isaak Vallejo’s improvement in his second season on the team. “Isaak has improved and landed in the top 40 in the state, just shy of the big stage,” he said. Vallejo finished second in traditional at districts and third in Olympic, then placed ninth in both events at regionals. The steadfast sophomore hopes to make enough gains in the offseason to punch his ticket to the big show in Lakeland.

JUNIOR,

In his first year as a competitive weightlifter, Coral Shores junior Aaron Lykins made a statement this season. Lykins finished with dual district runner-up finishes, then earned a silver in Olympic lifts and bronze in traditional at regionals. His gains over the season set the tempo for a stellar upcoming senior campaign.

Ian Newton SENIOR, KEY WEST POLE VAULT

Ian Newton placed 10th in pole vault his junior year, then went on a mission to improve. His hard work paid off. Newton struck gold first at districts, where he outjumped the closest competitor by well over a foot. He won at regionals by besting the second-place finisher by over three feet. Newton captured a state championship by clearing the bar at 15’3”, a personal best for the senior and half a foot better than anyone else in the meet.

Senior Peyton Zubieta captured a bronze medal at districts in javelin and matched that place a week later at regionals. His top throw earned him a bid to states, where he brought home a seventh-place medal to complete his high school career on a high note.

Shane Lavallee SENIOR, KEY WEST JAVELIN/SPRINTING

Senior Shane Lavallee was Key West’s fastest 100-meter man this season, but it was a throwing event at which he excelled most. Lavallee brought home a silver medal from districts in javelin, then did the same at regionals, qualifying for states with his best toss. The talented senior won a bronze medal at states in javelin to end his final season in style.

Jeremiah Harvey SENIOR, KEY WEST JAVELIN

Senior Jeremiah Harvey placed fourth in javelin at districts and brought home the same medal at regionals. His regional finish was good enough to qualify for the state championships with an at-large bid. At states, Harvey stepped up to the podium in sixth place, securing a medal and an impressive finish to his senior campaign.

MEET THE 2025 ALLKEYS BOYS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM

Runners, jumpers and throwers build a field of dreams

MJunior Noah Mercer won a district championship in discus and added a bronze medal in shot put, qualifying for regionals in both events. There, he placed third in discus and fifth in shot put. Mercer made the cut for states in discus and finished fourth in the event, for which he holds Key West’s school record.

Senior high jumper Malachi Telisma capped off his high school track career with a trip to states. His third-place regional jump was high enough for an at-large bid to Jacksonville, and Telisma was just a half-inch shy from the school record. He finished in second place at districts, earning a silver medal.

onroe County’s boys track athletes made the most of the 2025 season, amassing an impressive haul of medals. Coral Shores had one district champion and set multiple new records while Marathon sent two athletes to the top spot at the podium. Key West had four district champs and swept the gold medals in throwing events. The Fins sent two boys track athletes to states while the Conchs filled the vans with seven, all competing in field events.

Peyton Zubieta SENIOR, KEY WEST THROWING EVENTS

Malachi Telisma SENIOR, KEY WEST HIGH JUMP

Noah Mercer JUNIOR, KEY WEST THROWING EVENTS

Photos by Rick Mackenzie and Barry Gaukel

MVP

Vance Bursa Mikail Marshall

SENIOR, MARATHON DISTANCE SENIOR, MARATHON SPRINTER

Distance specialist Vance Bursa capped off his high school running career with one final trip to states. While most of his competitors focused on one of the longest races, the relentless runner not only ran both, but qualified for states in the 1,600 and 3,200, where he finished 16th and 14th, respectively. Bursa struck gold at districts in the 3,200 and silver in the 1,600. At regionals he placed third and fifth in the events.

Alaric Rodriguez

JUNIOR, CORAL SHORES MIDDLE DISTANCE

Coral Shores junior Alaric Rodriguez is an all-purpose track athlete, posting respectable times in races from the 200 to the 3,200. Rodriguez finished third in the 800-meter run at districts, then fourth in regionals, narrowly missing a bid to states. Rodriguez broke the school’s 1,600-meter record and is part of the school-record 4x400 relay team. This year, he tried the 400-meter intermediate hurdles and broke that record, too.

Mikail “Jay” Marshall added a district championship in the 100-meter dash to his track credits this season, then placed fifth at regionals. Marshall’s time earned him a bid to states, where he finished 13th. Marshall holds the school record in both the 100- and 200-meter races.

REGAN ROTH PUTS THE EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT ON

A 3rd generation Conch, Kyra has been working in insurance at Regan Roth for four years - one year in personal lines and three years in commercial lines.

Xavier Johnson

JUNIOR, CORAL SHORES HURDLES

Xavier Johnson’s 110-meter hurdle time did not just earn him a district title; he now owns the Hurricane record in that event. The junior hurdler’s smooth form helped him cruise to a finish nearly two seconds faster than the silver medalist in the high hurdle race.

“When I'm not working, I enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons, creating art through embroidery and playing with my Corgi. I am looking forward to marrying my best friend this October in Islamorada. My favorite element of working for Regan Roth Insurance is the relationships I get to build with my clients. Every call is a chance to help make their day easier.”

LESSONS LEARNED

Coral Shores and Key West use spring football to test their schemes and athletes

CORAL SHORES

Coral Shores had plans to test their young team against a pair of opponents in their annual spring jamboree. Scheduled to play were St. Brendan School and Miami Beach High, but a last-minute change of plans from Miami Beach gave the ’Canes exactly the sort of work coach Ed Holly was looking for. St. Brendan and Coral Shores spent one half of football playing in the typical style, then the teams turned the second half, in which they would have played Miami Beach, into a situational scrimmage.

“We wanted to find out who we are as a team this spring, and we did that,” Holly said. “We wanted to get reps, get experience and get playing time. The spring is for getting the guys excited about playing football.”

If anything gets a team fired up about the season, it’s playing in front of a charged crowd. The annual senior parade preceded the ’Canes’ spring jamboree, making for packed stands and spectators lining the fences. The Hurricanes lost a majority of their starters from 2024, and many of the younger team members spent the spring learning new positions. The team kept it basic this spring, focusing on a smaller number of base plays to build from later.

Their numbers looked good, according to Holly, and the team has a lot of fresh talent from which to draw come fall. Holly praised rising junior Sterling Keefe, who will take over as quarterback for the Hurricanes. Joining Keefe on the gridiron as likely starters in fall will be Ekon Edwards, Austin Vogt, Glade Harrelson, Nick Calveron and Casey Konrad, who Holly said all stepped up and had fantastic springs. Defensive standouts included Marco Gudino, William Roberts and Andres Alvarado.

Now that the Hurricanes’ spring is complete and the team knows who will fill which roles, the real work begins. “We will work this summer so we have what it takes to compete in fall,” said Holly. “Now’s the time to get stronger and faster.”

When asked what the team’s goals are this fall, Holly was clear: “Scheme up and put it all together,” he said. “Our goal is the same as it is every year: be FIFC conference champions.” Coral Shores met that goal in 2024 by earning a Florida Independent Football Conference championship after a stellar 8-2 season.

KEY WEST

Key West’s long-standing tradition of playing an intrasquad scrimmage each spring was put on pause this year. For years, the Conchs’ spring season culminated in a red versus white scrimmage, at which spectators were asked to bring laundry detergent to stock the team for the coming season. This fall, the Conchs will need to hit the sales for their laundry needs, as the team answered the call of Somerset South Homestead, who lost their spring opponent.

Key West traveled to the mainland to play against the Hurricanes in four quarters of modified football. Each team was able to test their offense and defense, but no special teams play was included.

Key West head coach Johnny Hughes said his team’s goal for the spring was “to see what we have.” After losing key players to graduation, the Conchs’ top priority was to see who stepped up to try and fill the gaps. The largest gap was left by Jaden Fox, whose relentless power runs were such a destructive and disruptive force

that the Conchs had portions of their offense molded around him.

In his absence, the team made some modifications and ran enough plays to find out that the talent was there, as Jeff Dejean and Walson Morin ran all over the Hurricanes. “Those two can score any time they touch the ball. They just have to stay healthy,” said Hughes.

Key West must take special care of its athletes, as most players, as on all Keys teams, need to play both ways. “I was surprised how many guys Somerset dressed,” said Hughes, who went on to say that the Hurricanes had separate crews for offense and defense. Key West, on the other hand, played their best athletes on both sides, something Hughes admits is not ideal but, rather, a necessity.

One of those top athletes for the Conchs is Chase Gaertner, who took turns with Roman Van Loon taking snaps at quarterback. Just which athlete will be QB1 is still up in the air, but Gaertner’s performance on defense likely sealed him a starting spot there, for now. At free safety, Gaertner picked off a pass and ran it in for a touchdown.

At quarterback, Gaertner showed strong athleticism, but Van Loon had an edge with the experience he got last season while filling in for an injury. Also making the list of standouts was Jakobe William-

son, who took care of the team’s load-blocking and showed a lot of promise as a rising sophomore at H-back.

Hughes had plenty of praise for his experienced offensive line, which is loaded with high-caliber athletes including Noah Mercer and Josh Johnson – both fresh off medals at the track and field state meet. The pair hold school records in throwing events – Mercer in discus and Johnson in shot – demonstrating the fortitude of the Conchs’ offensive line.

“Our O line did great,” said Hughes. “They can carry us far this year. They rolled people all day.”

With many of the questions the Conchs’ coaching staff had about the upcoming season answered, several things will still need attention.

“We need to work on the backfield,” said Hughes. “We need to work on our depth chart, too. We have to get the number twos ready to play.”

Hughes also listed open-field tackling as an opportunity to improve. The Conchs’ depth chart, at least, may have a partial answer in the team’s youngest athletes. Fresh from the Horace O’Bryant team, the rising freshmen will be tasked with stepping up on at least special teams to give the two-way crew some breaks.

The Coral Shores Hurricanes football team squares off against the St. Brendan Sabres for a spring game at Barley Field on May 22. RACHEL RUSCH/Keys Weekly

Justice Lee

JUNIOR, MARATHON THROWING EVENTS

Marathon’s Justice Lee owned the throwing events, striking gold three times at districts. Lee won three more medals at regionals, with a gold in shot put, a silver in discus and a bronze in javelin. At states, she took eighth place in javelin, third in discus and second in shot. Lee owns all three school records in the throwing events, and with another season, could be the most decorated track and field athlete to hail from the Keys.

Hurricane harrier Ali Wheatley won a district championship in the 3,200-meter run in her first year as a varsity track athlete, then claimed silver at regionals. Her second-place finish qualified her for the state meet, where she placed 17th. With three seasons of eligibility remaining, Wheatley has all the talent and work ethic to make even bigger waves in the future.

Ava Merryman

Ava Merryman started competing in pole vault as a middle schooler in the first year the Fins added the event to their track and field repertoire. Since then, Merryman has steadily improved and owns the school record, one she set herself multiple times in the past five years. This season, she added a silver district medal, bronze regional medal and a seventh-place medal from states to her collection.

Daysi Williams

JUNIOR, MARATHON HIGH JUMP

Junior Daysi Williams brought home a district championship in the high jump this season and has another season of competition left to take her talents back to the state championships, where she medaled in her freshman season. Williams holds the school record in high jump and is also a talented sprinter.

Audrey Smith

JUNIOR,

EVENTS

Junior Audrey Smith made a showing in all three throwing events, earning district gold in the discus and javelin events plus a silver in shot put. Smith placed fourth, fifth and 12th in the same events at regionals. Her throws were strong enough to qualify for a pair of at-large bids to the state meet, where she earned a fourth-place medal in javelin and finished in ninth place in discus.

SOPHOMORE,

Coral Shores’ Julieanna Oddo placed second in the 100-meter hurdles at districts this season, punching her card to regionals, where she set a new personal best and shaved half a second off her district finish time. Just a sophomore, Oddo returns for two more seasons of PRs for the Hurricanes.

Hurricane Sammy Bates raced to a second-place finish at districts in the 800-meter event. Her time broke Coral Shores’ 10-year-old school record and qualified her for regionals. There, Bates finished in a respectable 10th place.

Key West sophomore Jordan Greene had an impressive day at districts. The speedy sophomore finished fourth in the 200, fifth in long jump and third in triple jump. Her finishes in the 200 and triple jump earned Greene a trip to regionals in the events.

Ali Wheatley FRESHMAN, CORAL SHORES DISTANCE

Sammy Bates JUNIOR, CORAL SHORES MIDDLE DISTANCE

Julieanna Oddo SOPHOMORE, CORAL SHORES HURDLES

Jordan Greene

KEY WEST JUMPING/SPRINTS

KEY WEST THROWING

MVP

MEET THE 2025 ALL-KEYS GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM

Putting in miles brings home the medals this spring

After her phenomenal performance at states in cross country earlier this year, Key West’s Caylaa Makimaa continued to be a top finisher in track and field. Makimaa finished first in the district in the 1,600, ran a leg of the winning 4x800 relay and placed second in the 3,200. At regionals, she was seventh in the 1,600 and third in the 3,200. At states, Makimaa finished 15th to cap off a fantastic high school running career.

Monroe County’s girls track and field teams each enjoyed success this season, with top finishes in multiple field events for Marathon and Key West plus broken records on the track for Coral Shores. The Hurricanes sent one athlete to states to compete on the track, while Marathon sent two to represent the Keys in the field. Key West mixed things up with one runner and two field participants qualifying for the big show.

Photos by Barry Gaukel and Rick Mackenzie

Kelly Cardona-Quiche

JUNIOR, KEY WEST HURDLES

Junior Kelly Cardona-Quiche earned a district championship in the 100-meter hurdles this season. Cardona-Quiche placed fourth in the 400-meter hurdles as well. Her district gold qualified her for regionals, where she finished with a personal best in the event.

Ariel Newton SOPHOMORE, KEY WEST POLE VAULT

Multitalented junior Colleen Barter brought home a silver medal from districts in the high jump and placed sixth in long jump. Barter also ran a leg of the Lady Conchs’ district-champion 4x400 relay. She went on to place sixth at regionals in high jump.

Sophomore Ariel Newton won a district championship in pole vault and finished second in the 200-meter dash, qualifying for regionals in both events. She secured a regional championship in pole vault, then went on to the state championships, where she came in 10th. Credited for her work ethic and pure athleticism, Newton has the potential to be the next Conch pole vault gold medalist in the coming two seasons.

Caylaa Makimaa SENIOR, KEY WEST DISTANCE

Colleen Barter JUNIOR, KEY WEST JUMPING/SPRINTS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY FINAL ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on June 18, 2025, at 9:00 A.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida 33037, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider approval of the following Monroe County resolution:

Monroe County, Florida

Twin Lakes Roadway Improvement, Sea Level Rise and Flood Mitigation Program Final Assessment Resolution

Twin Lakes Neighborhood, Key Largo

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT AND SEA LEVEL RISE AND FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM; IMPOSING ANNUAL MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED WITHIN TWIN LAKES AREA IN KEY LARGO WITHIN THE TWIN LAKES ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT AREA MUNICIPAL SERVICE BENEFIT UNIT; ESTABLISHING LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS DETERMINING THAT SUCH REAL PROPERTY WILL DERIVE A SPECIAL BENEFIT FROM THE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES AND THE ONGOING OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE THEREOF AND THE REASONABLE APPORTIONMENT OF THE ASSESSMENT; ESTABLISHING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE PROPOSED SPECIAL ASSESSMENT, INCLUDING ADMINISTRATIVE AND COLLECTION COSTS; ESTABLISHING THE AMOUNT AND TERM OF THE ANNUAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT OPERATIONS AND OPERATION ASSESSMENT FOR EACH PARCEL OF PROPERTY TO BE ASSESSED BASED ON THE METHODOLOGY SET FORTH HEREIN; DIRECTING PREPARATION OF THE ASSESSMENT ROLL; AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING AND DIRECTING THE PROVISION OF NOTICE THEREOF; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A geographic depiction of the properties subject to the assessment is below: Twin Lakes Benefit Area Key Largo, FL

The public hearing is being held for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed assessments and collection of the assessment on the ad valorem tax bills. All affected property owners have the right to appear and provide input at the hearing and may file written objections with the County Attorney’s Office at any time within twenty (20) days following publication of this notice.

The Assessments have been proposed to fund ongoing maintenance costs for the roadway improvement project, including, but not limited to, the cost of maintenance for pump station equipment and related services. The assessment for each parcel of property will be based upon the number of dwelling units and undeveloped parcels in the Assessment Area. The estimated assessment rate for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2025, is $2,131.00 per dwelling unit or undeveloped parcel. A more specific description is set forth in the Initial Assessment Resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on May 21, 2025.

The assessments will be collected by the Tax Collector on the ad valorem tax bill, commencing with the tax bill to be mailed in November, 2025, as authorized by Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. Failure to pay the assessments will cause a tax certificate to be issued against the real property, which may result in a loss of title.

If you have any questions, please contact Rhonda Haag at (305) 453-8774 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The proposed Final Assessment Resolution may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the June 18, 2025 meeting, which will be posted beginning on June 6, 2025, at: https://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx. The resolution may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s Office, at 1111 12th Street, Suite 408, Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the June 18, 2025, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at: https://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/citizens/default.as px.

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 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

Live Closed- Captioning is available at our web portal at: https://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/citizens/ default.aspx, for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 21st day of May, 2025.

AMENDED 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, AMENDED 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:

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: May 29, 2025. The Weekly Newspapers

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 1st day of May, 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: May 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that on dates below these vehicles will be sold at public sale on the date listed below at 10AM for monies owed on vehicle repair and storage cost pursuant to Florida Statutes 713.585.

SALE DATE: JULY 28, 2025

SOUTHERN MARINA STOCK ISLAND, 6000 PENINSULAR AVE, KEY WEST, FL 1998 CRS CRSUSN10I798

$8,735.21

OWNER: BRITT BOBALI Southern Marina Stock Island reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids. Publish: May 29 & June 5, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is hereby given that on June 9th, 2025, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: Date: June 9, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Location: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Truffa, Richard 1501 Trent, Cheryl 1180, 1203 Schofield, Brian 1270, 1316 Castillo, Alexander 1678 Valverde, Nathan 1341 Murgas, Alex 1580 Publish: May 22 & 29, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

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 18th day of June, 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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE BEST LIEN SERVICES: 7290 SW 41 ST, MIAMI, FL 33155 WILL SELL AT A RESERVED PUBLIC SALE AT 9:00 AM THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS TO SATISFY LIEN PURSUANT TO SECTION 328.17 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES. DATE: JUNE 13, 2025 AT 9:00 AM LOCATION: CATAMARAN B. Y. INC., 36 EAST SECOND ST, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 P#:305852-2025 2022 SPG VS SMNME111I122 OWNER/LIEN HOLDER: MICHAEL RAYMOND HOST/NONE ANY PERSON(S) CLAIMING ANY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE VEHICLES SHOULD CONTACT: BEST LIEN SERVICES (1-866299-9391)

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

QUARTERLY MEETING NOTICE: LOCAL COORDINATING BOARD FOR THE TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED

The Monroe County Local Coordinating Board (LCB) will be holding its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Marathon Government Center, Room, 1st Floor Media Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The primary purpose of the Coordinating Board is to provide information and advice to the Community Transportation Coordinator on the coordination of services provided to the transportation disadvantaged population of Monroe County, pursuant to Chapter 427.0157, Florida Statutes.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting due to a disability or physical impairment, and any related questions or inquiries concerning this meeting should be directed to Anjana Morris at the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. at (305) 592-1452 ext. 101 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.

Publish: May 29, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Request for Proposals-Public Defender’s Office 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 bonfirehub.comhttps://monroecounty-fl. 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 bonfirehub.com,https://monroecounty-fl. no later than 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 25, 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 Wednesday, June 25, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom.

us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish: May 29, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR FOOD SERVICE MEAL CATERING SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

*Nutrition Programs are funded pursuant to the Older Americans Act of 1965 (Nutrition Program for the Elderly) (Pub. L. No. 89-73).

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 bonfirehub.comhttps://monroecounty-fl. 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 bonfirehub.com,https://monroecounty-fl. no later than 3:00P.M. on Monday, June 23, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Questions regarding this RFP must be transmitted in writing to Lourdes Francis and Jonathan Cline; Address: 1100 Simonton Street, 1-190, Key West, FL 33040; Email: francislourdes@monroecounty-fl. gov, and monroecounty-fl.gov,cline-jonathan@ respectively.

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 (from bid opening date), 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 Monday, June 23, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish: May 29, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 25-CP-208-K

DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF DONNA MAE JACOBSEN

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Donna Mae Jacobsen, deceased, whose date of death was March 10, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: May 29, 2025.

Personal Representative:

Janet Rogers 1507 Watson Blvd. Big Pine Key, Florida 33043

Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A.

12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish:

May 29 & June 5, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-527-K VINCENT DUFOUR, Petitioner, and PENNEL GRACE SORIANO SANTORIA QUINTONG, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: PENNEL GRACE SORIANO SANTORIA QUINTONG

RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 632 WHITEHEAD STREET, 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 Vincent William Dufour, whose address is 2013 Fogarty Avenue, Key West, FL 33040 on or before June 14, 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: N/A 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: May 9, 2025

Kevin Madok, CPA

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson Deputy Clerk Publish: May 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

1972 MGB Convertible White w/tan, 4-speed Turnkey survivor. Garage kept. Located in Homestead. $14,000 305-972-4055

PLACE YOUR AUTO FOR SALE AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Pease call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002

19’x40’ slip in Marathon, could handle somewhat larger boat with approval from dockmaster. Desirable location in marina, easy in, easy out. Available 1 May 25 thru Oct 25, possibly long term lease. $1,400/ mo. Please contact Vern Rozier, 904 626 5279, or 904 626 8224 and leave call back info. Or email vrrozier@yahoo.com.

EMPLOYMENT

ALL KEYS GUTTER HIRING INSTALLERS

$25/$35hr - Holidays Off -BenefitsTavernier. Apply: call or text Jay 305-587-1581

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/

NOW HIRING in Marathon. Front DeskSaturday only from 9am5pm. Call 305-289-6500

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

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- FTMarathon, 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.

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.

HELP WANTED: Two Conchs in Marathon is now hiring a Full Time Retail Sales Person in our Tackle Shop/Marina. Competitive wages. Contact George 305-289-0199 HIRED

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Pease call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches

June 15th.

near CVS. Traveling

working professionals only. No pets,

or drugs. Gated,

with parking & a pool. Fully furnished w/private bath, smart TV, washer/ dryer. House and kitchen privileges always with fridge and cabinet space. All included... Monthly rent $1200.00 and Security deposit $1000.00 at move in time. Call 305-797-5600

2/2 single family home in Pirates Cove, Key Largo on the water. Fenced & fully furnished. Short and long term available. From $3800/month. Credit check required. 28 day minimum. Call 305-588-6723

Studio House with Queen size bed available in Marathon. Furnished, kitchen, dining, newly renovated. No pets. $1,299 + utilities F/L/S 305-610-8002

1BR/1BA Upstairs adorable condo for rent on 8th Street in Key Colony Beach. $2,300/mo + $150 credit/background check fee. Avail. June 1st. Call 630-330-1610

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. RENTED IN LESS THAN A MONTH!

PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Pease call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

VACATION RENTAL

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

Key Colony Beach7 night min., 2BR/1BA, max. 3 guests per rental agreement. Starting $175/ night + cleaning fees & taxes. 786-285-9476 fjvillegascpa@gmail.com

SARA’S ESTATE SALE at oceanfront Upper Keys Waterfront estate featuring curated collection of designer furniture, décor, tools & toys. Sale is Fri, May 30 and Sat, May 31 from 9a to 1p, both days at 374 Bahia Ave., Key Largo. Showstoppers: leather Robb & Stuckey living set & Baccarat centerpieces. Kitchen features brands like Mikasa, Reidel, Breville, Reed & Barton – dishes, glasses, small appliances & flatware. Art from FL artists & “highwayman” statement piece. Quality costume jewelry by Brighton, Christian Dior. Tools: Stihl Kombi w 3 attachments, grinder, air compressor, wheelbarrow, hitch cargo carrier & lots of outdoor furniture: swivel chairs, benches, bar cart, cantilever umbrella. Excellent French door fridge & full, upright freezer, Yeti cooler, & matching Trek cruisers. Turn off U.S.1 at Valero gas station onto Laguna Avenue, follow signs, park with consideration. More photos at estatesales.net.

PLACE YOUR YARD SALE

AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy!

Pease call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

LIVE IN PARADISE AND SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.

We have the following opening available. Scan the QR code to visit the careers page on our website.

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE APPRENTICE

(Full-Time, Permanent)

DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees by offering a competitive total package. DRC currently offers a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays, vacation, sick and an employee assistance program. DRC also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee.

COME JOIN THE

FAMILY!

Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring

CLIENT MEDICAL SERVICES ASSISTANT, CNA (FT)

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.*

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER (FT)

Must be well-versed in all areas of Human Resource Administration- payroll, benefits, recruitment, onboarding, personnel files, employee relations, WC, FMLA. etc. Must be computer proficient (Access, Excel, Word, Adobe) and possess high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Position reports directly to Executive Director. Experience is a must with a minimum of an associate degree.*

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.*

DIRECT CARE STAFF/DRIVER AT ADULT DAY-TRAINING PROGRAM (FT/PT)

This position is available at our Adult Day program. Providing direct care service and support for our clients in the day program. Requires the minimum of high school completion or GED. Prefer experience with caregiving or working with adults with disabilities*

*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

online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32

ACCOUNTING PERSON

Must have experience with Excel. We are willing to train the right candidate.

Send resume to admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call 305-852-3002

HIRING TICKET SALES & CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (FT/PT)

This position is responsible for face-to-face customer service, inbound calls and email inquiries for this tourism company located in Key West, FL.

A well-quali ed applicant must be self-motivated, have excellent sales & customer service skills, be computer literate, have sound knowledge of telephone etiquette, ability to maintain con dentiality and must read/write/speak clear English. For application by email contact Brett@YankeeFreedom.com.

Apply in person at 100 Grinnell Street, Suite 200, Key West, FL 33040

(Under new management) Stop in for an application at 1791 Bogie Drive Big Pine Key, FL 33043 305-872-2241

e Turtle Hospital in Marathon wants you to join their team!

Full and part-time. Public speaking and & retail sales experience helpful. $19/hour to start.

Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org

HVAC TECH WANTED

Upper Keys position, reporting in Tavernier. Full time job with benefits,

JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS!

We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)

KEY WEST

Case Manager (Children Forensic, Adult) (FT,PT)

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)

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.

EEOC/DFWP

COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

Apply at guidancecarecenter.org

Search Employment/Portal/Location/zip

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.

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions: Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C)Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier

- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C), BHMG Multispecialty - Marathon, $5k Bonus

- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus

- Medical Assistant, Upper Keys-Gastro, $5k Bonus

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST

- Radiation Therapist, $12k Bonus

- Medical Assistant, Medical Oncology, $5k Bonus

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary

- Radiology Technologist 1, Imaging-MRI, $40k Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (Mammo & X Ray), Radiology, $50k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $25k Bonus

- ED Team Coordinator 1, Emergency Department

- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, Ultrasound/Vascular with Echo, $50k Bonus

- AC Mechanic-Licensed

- Registered Nurse, ICU

- Cook, Per Diem

- Environmental Tech, $5k Bonus

- Manager Imaging Services

- Pool Medical Technologist

- Pool Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab

- Patient Access Associate, Primary Care, $5k Bonus

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $50k Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (Mammo & X Ray) Radiology, $50k Bonus

- Social Work Case Manager, Case Management, $10k Bonus

- Pool Pharmacy Tech 2

- Pool Occupational Therapist

- RRT, Respiratory Therapy

- Sr. Phlebotomist

- Security Officer, FT, Weekends

- Supervisor Patient Access Operations