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The number of Broadway performances of Disney’s “The Lion King” since its debut on Nov. 13, 1997, making the musical the thirdlongest-running show in Broadway history (as of late October 2025).
Stephanie Smith plays the Wicked Witch of the West in ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ opening this weekend at Marathon Community Theatre. See page 18. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly
BACK ‘INN’ BUSINESS
Michael & Amanda Lordi, Jim Figueroa breathe new life into Key Colony Beach eatery
www.keysweekly.com
It may look (and taste) different, but the famed Key Colony Inn is set to reopen its doors in less than a month.
When Michael and Amanda Lordi returned to the Keys as newlyweds one month ago, they didn’t know they’d be tasked with reimagining one of the most iconic Middle Keys eateries, shuttered since July when the previous business owners abruptly left town and later sold for $3 million.
Already hired by new owner Jim Figueroa to open the upcoming newlybuilt Water’s Edge restaurant along Sadowski Causeway in Key Colony Beach, they came home to an unexpected –but welcome – phone call.
“Literally the day we got back, we got a call that morning, and Jim said, ‘You’re gonna be a lot busier – we got Key Colony,’” said Michael.
As the Weekly sat down for an interview with the couple, the restaurant’s interior was already in full reconstruction mode. The bar is shifted back, allowing for booth seating and a more open lounge feel. The old dining room furniture is already gone, and the carpet is off the ceiling, replaced by fresh paint and paneling.
The vision? Open the “Inn at Key Colony” as a true fine dining restaurant, complete with craft cocktails and powered by a from-scratch kitchen.
“Initially it was supposed to be just a turn-around, open the doors and start making money,” said Michael.
“But (Figueroa) took our advice, and saw that this could be something huge. This is where our passion is –more of a local thing, not $80 dishes, but where we really take our time to make your food.”
With rising food costs, $10 lunches may be a thing of the past, but the Lordis said the replacement should be well worth it: a rotating Italian-centric menu featuring dishes like veal chop alla vodka and homemade pastas, for starters. And don’t panic – the Inn’s famed espresso martinis aren’t going anywhere.
“This is where I started to really enjoy bartending,” said Amanda, who worked under former Key Colony Inn owners Sergei and Lena Proudnik in 2013 before her time managing fine dining at the Plaza Grill in Marathon.
But (Jim Figueroa) took our advice, and saw that this could be something huge. is is where our passion is – more of a local thing, not $80 dishes, but where we really take our time to make your food.”
— Michael Lordi
She’ll head up the front-of-house and bar experience at the Inn, while Michael holds down the kitchen. “Before that, I was making rum cocktails all day – this is where I really started to learn and play around with things.”
“We like to travel a lot, and I travel to eat. Our honeymoon is going to Europe to go to Michelin-star restaurants – that’s it,” said Michael with a laugh. “Seeing the different ways that (food) can be done, I want to broaden people’s horizons on food and cocktails, and open up their minds.”
The Inn, located at 700 W. Ocean Drive, is tentatively set to open on Dec. 1, with dinner service beginning at 5 p.m. A second lounge menu with lighter happy hour and early bird specials starting in the early afternoon will likely come online within the following weeks, the Lordis said. The new restaurant won’t initially focus on lunch service, but it’s a void they hope will be filled by a spring opening of Water’s Edge. With an abundance of storage and prep space, the Inn’s kitchen will serve as a commissary for both restaurants, along with an upcoming convenience store and sandwich shop at the former site of Causeway Pizza.
Michael and Amanda Lordi will serve as the general manager and front-of-house director, respectively, for the upcoming Inn at Key Colony. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
ALEX RICKERT
NEWMAN PLEADS NO-CONTEST IN CASE RELATED TO PAYMENTS TO UNREGISTERED COMPANY
Former Keys PR chief gets probation, community service
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Former Florida Keys public relations director Andy Newman pleaded no contest in a Key West courtroom on Nov. 3 to a series of charges alleging he made false statements under oath regarding payments for tourism promotion work to a business entity of his that reportedly didn’t exist.
Newman was charged on Aug. 6, 2024 with 14 counts of perjury and 14 counts of false official statements — all first- and second-degree misdemeanors — by the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office. It all stemmed from a county clerk and comptroller’s audit last year of the county Tourist Development Council and its public relations contract with Newman’s company, NewmanPR.
Ultimately, the hearing concluded with County Judge Albert Kelley sentencing Newman to 42 months probation and 140 community service hours on 14 of the 28 charges, seven for perjury and seven for false official statements. Newman was also ordered to pay some fines and court fees totaling a little more than $1,000. He also received a suspended sentence of 70 days in jail, which means he’ll only serve the time if he violates probation.
Newman told the Keys Weekly he changed his not-guilty plea to no contest during the hearing, giving up his right to a jury trial in a bid to avoid continued litigation fees and mental anguish from a matter that could have dragged on.
Prosecutors, however, were seeking jail time for Newman.
“There has to be some level of transparency, and he thumbed his nose at it,” chief prosecutor Joe Mansfield told Keys Weekly.
The county clerk and comptroller’s audit last year reviewed NewmanPR’s requests for reimbursement on work performed by Graphics 71, an independent third-party vendor NewmanPR regularly conducted business with on behalf of the TDC. The audit revealed Graphics 71, which provided production, production supervision, distribution supervision and photography services, wasn’t a legal business entity in Florida.
Newman said Graphics 71 was initiated as a separate entity within Stuart Newman Associates to properly document work done outside the scope of work detailed in client contracts with Monroe County and others.
Andy Newman. FILE PHOTO
Specifically, it focused on photography, print production and an occasional video production project that would otherwise be done by an outside vendor.
An independent, forensic audit by the state attorney’s office led to charges pertaining to “making false official statements,” each categorized as a second-degree misdemeanor. Prosecutors alleged Newman submitted false written certifications to the clerk of court’s office, falsely claiming that payments were made to Graphics 71 to mislead public officials.
Newman turned himself in and was booked Aug. 7, 2024.
“I sat there in the holding cell with my face in my hand thinking, ‘Is this really happening?’” Newman said.
Newman told Keys Weekly he’s satisfied with Kelley’s ruling, given the circumstances and political atmosphere that surrounded the Monroe County Tourist Development Council in previous years. He admits he made a mistake, but said neither he nor the company ever tried to do anything maliciously to deceive the county.
Launched by Andy Newman’s father, Stuart Newman, as Stuart Newman Associates, NewmanPR handled public relations for the Florida Keys’ tourism interests for more than 40 years. The job of marketing the Florida Keys to national and international media outlets by providing video and still news photography of noteworthy events, as well as bringing media to the island chain for such
events, included CNN’s annual presence in Key West for New Year’s Eve, worldwide Fantasy Fest coverage and celebrity-studded fishing tournaments.
The audit prompted significant changes at the TDC. Board members terminated marketing director Stacey Mitchell and hired Kara Franker as president and CEO of the TDC and Visit Florida Keys. By September 2024, Franker recommended that the TDC board and county commission give NewmanPR a few months’ notice before terminating its contract with the longtime PR firm.
Newman said his late father erred when he did not register Graphics 71, a division of NewmanPR, with the state.
“I should have paid closer attention to internal business aspects, especially after he died in 2019. But regretfully I didn’t and (I) apologized for that,” Newman said.
The state attorney’s office said the acts committed by Newman were a huge breach of trust to the public and TDC. Prosecutors were asking the judge for 180 days in jail for the 14 counts.
“The fact he was certifying every month under oath and submitting invoices to the fraudulent company was egregious in our minds,” Mansfield said. “And he swore by the submissions month after month.”
Kelley announced the sentence after five witnesses took the stand to vouch for Newman. They included Lou Caputo, former Monroe County Sheriff’s Office colonel; Shannon Weiner, former Monroe County Emergency Management director; David Dipre, retired Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission captain; Bob Eadie, retired Monroe County Health Department director; and Max Mayfield, former National Hurricane Center director.
“I always say that public relations is what others say about you, not about what you say about yourself,” Newman said. “They know who I am and they know who I am not. The accusations made by the state attorney’s office was not me. I’m not a criminal.”
Newman, who turns 70 on Nov. 28, said he’s looking forward to doing his community service and getting the whole matter behind him. He’s still a Florida Keys resident and he said he’ll continue to volunteer with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. And he said he’ll enjoy time with his new granddaughter.
Regular menu available and BRUNCH items including chorizo breakfast burrito, guava French toast, crab benedict and BOGO mimosas & glasses of sparkling wine
FOOD PANTRIES SEE SURGE AS PEOPLE STRUGGLE
SOS Foundation sees triple the volume of families in need
MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
One of the busiest spots on Stock Island these days is a place no one wants to be.
A surge in new customers signals success for most businesses, but for a food pantry, it’s a sign of deepening struggle. And the Star of the Sea (SOS) Foundation’s food pantries on Stock Island and Key Largo have seen triple its usual volume of visitors over the past few weeks, an increase that CEO Morgan Tracey attributes to the federal government’s cancellation of SNAP benefits, which used to be called food stamps.
“We usually register one or two new clients every day,” said Tracey. “Last week we had 28 new registrations in four days.”
The Stock Island food pantry typically receives an average of 100 to 120 visits per day, but that average has spiked in recent weeks to 200 or more.
“Last Thursday, 225 people came through,” said employee John Hubbard. “And none of them want to be here. They’re all saying, ‘I never expected to need a food pantry. I don’t want to be here. I’m usually the one donating food to other people.’”
But times get tough for everyone, and the SOS Food Pantry, 5640 Maloney Ave., Stock Island, is here to help — no matter how many people need it.
But they can’t do it alone. And fortunately, in a community like Key West, they don’t have to. Tracey said she has been astounded in recent weeks by the number of unsolicited donations they’ve been receiving from people who watch the news and understand the struggle and uncertainty facing thousands of Keys families that depend on the SNAP benefits. The assistance comes in the form of a debit card that gets refilled monthly with an amount that’s dependent on the size of the family and their income. But as of Nov. 1, those cards either didn’t get refilled or the amount was reduced by 35% in response to the federal government shutdown, which started on Oct.
1 and could end soon if Congress approves a proposed agreement this week.
“In my opinion, food pantries are often the ‘canary in the coal mine’ and when we see an increase in clients, it is an indicator of larger affordability and stressful situations for our residents,” said Leah Stockton, director of development at AH Monroe, which operates the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. It has seen an approximate 30% increase in clients over the past few weeks, most of whom are new clients.
“Clients include teachers, foster parents, military and others, and we typically serve about 250 people per month,” Stockton said. “But again, this has increased significantly in recent weeks. Given this increased need, food pantry operations currently cost about $5,000 per month, so any support for FKOC Loaves and Fish would have a tremendous impact in keeping our community fed.”
Farther up the Keys in Marathon, Marj Roberts serves as the director of Keys Area Interdenominational Resources (KAIR), which currently serves meals to roughly 80 people a day while providing more than $500,000 in rent and utility assistance to families in crisis in 2025 alone.
She told the Keys Weekly the new challenges compound a squeeze that started after the pandemic, when supermarkets improved their inventory systems to adjust to changing demand in real time, preventing waste and boosting profits. Much of that “waste,” as in unsold food, used to go to local food pantries.
“Where we used to get hundreds of pounds of meat, for example, from Publix and Winn-Dixie, now we get very little, because those inventory systems are getting so good and the stores can plan on a dime,” Roberts said.
In Monroe County, 7.4% of the county’s 34,630 households received SNAP in 2023. That’s 2,562 households, many of which include three or more people. The majority of the households receiving SNAP benefits include at least one working adult.
“A lot of people don’t want to admit to us that they receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, because they’re afraid if they get those benefits, then they won’t be eligible to receive food from us.
Morgan Tracey, CEO of the SOS Foundation, points out the frozen chicken, ground beef and heat-andserve meals that are available at the Stock Island food pantry. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
SOS Foundation prides itself on offering 50% produce to its food pantry clients rather than all processed foods.
Rice, beans and pasta are an essential staple at the Stock Island food pantry.
SOS food pantry employee John Hubbard adds a donation of Thanksgiving items to the warehouse, in preparation for the holiday.
MANDY
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PROSECUTORS
SEEK PRISON FOR FORMER DEPUTY
Jennifer Ketcham pleads no contest to misusing her position, police computers to help her boyfriend
mandy@keysweekly.com
Monroe County prosecutors will seek prison time at the upcoming sentencing of a former sheriff’s deputy who pleaded no contest to 40 felony counts for misusing her public office, misusing law enforcement computers and databases and unlawful use of a cell phone.
Jennifer Ketcham, 41, was a deputy with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office when she was arrested in July 2024, having been hired in June 2021. She has since been terminated.
Ketcham pleaded no contest to the charges on Nov. 5, but was not guaranteed or offered any reduced sentence by prosecutors in doing so. Her sentence, based on the charges, could range from about three years in prison to five years per each of the 40 counts.
Ketcham’s attorney has filed a request for “downward departure” with the court, which, if granted, would give Judge Sharon Hamilton leeway to impose whatever sentence she deems appropriate regardless of state sentencing guidelines. In his request, attorney Dustin Hunter states that Ketcham has been evaluated by two mental health professionals in New York, one of whom is still meeting weekly with her, according to the court filing. Both professionals stated that Ketcham meets the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, Hunter writes in his motion.
“The defense believes that (the doctors’) written reports will serve to qualify Ms. Ketcham for a downward departure under Florida Statute,” Hunter’s motion states.
Ketcham’s sentencing hearing is set for 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, when prosecutors are expected to seek prison time for her and present witnesses to testify on
behalf of the request.
In discovery documents pertaining to the case, prosecutors presented several pages of text messages between Ketcham and her then-boyfriend, Ryan Hernandez, who was 18 at the time of her arrest.
In the text exchanges, Ketcham told Hernandez where narcotics officers are patrolling on Stock Island and Big Coppitt Key. She also texted him a photo of one of the narcotics deputies so Hernandez would recognize her, the court documents state. Further, Ketcham texted Hernandez about an arrest she had made that night, and revealed the name of the arrestee, who had agreed to become a confidential informant for the sheriff’s office. Such information is considered sensitive material for law enforcement. Ketcham routinely ran license plate numbers through law enforcement databases at Hernandez’s request and then sent him the vehicle registration information, court records state.
There is no mention in the case records of Hernandez being involved in drug sales aided by Ketcham’s text messages about narcotics officers, and Hernandez is not charged with any wrongdoing in this case. But in a text message to a female friend and fellow deputy, Ketcham said, “(Hernandez) is dealing dope and I can’t be tied into that,” her arrest report states. The report also alleges that Ketcham advised Hernandez of areas to avoid on Stock Island in 2023 while she was an acting supervisor, who dictated the zones to which patrol deputies were assigned.
More than 11,000 pages of text messages allegedly sent between Ketcham and Hernandez, obtained via a search warrant for Hernandez’s phone, show that a contact named “J” warned Hernandez to “stay out of Big Coppitt Key, letting him know that ‘narcs’ are getting ready for a raid” on Sept. 6, 2023. Two days later, text messages from the same contact allegedly warned that a “narc is on Stock Island for a couple of hours.”
Jennifer Ketcham.
MANDY MILES
Resolution 2025-100, Accepting The Results Of The Municipal General Election Held November 4, 2025 For The Election Of Three At Large City Council Seats; And Providing For An Effective Date.
A. Swearing in of Council Members
B.Mayor and Vice Mayor Selection
City Council Items
*A. Approval of Minutes
B.Cancellation of November 25th and December 23rd Workshops
C. Permission to sell beer on Jan 24th for the City of Marathon Sauced and Tossed BBQ event at Community Park.
City Manager Report
* A. MCSO Marathon Substation Report
* B. Grants Update
* C. Public Works Report
* D. Park and Recreation Report
* E. Information Technology Update
* F. Marina Report
* G. Code Report
* H. Wastewater Utilities Report
* I. Building Report
* J. Marathon Fire Rescue Report
K. New Not To Exceed Amount ($250,000) for MT Causley DBA MTCI
Private Provider Services
L. Review and Approval of 2025-26 Legislative Priorities
Ordinances For Final Public Hearing and Adoption
A. Ordinance 2025-07, Amending City of Marathon’s Code of Ordinances Chapter 3, Article III, Section 3-42 Titled “Administration”; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Thereof Found To Be In Conflict; Providing For Severability; And Providing An Effective Date.
Resolutions For Adoption
*A. Resolution 2025-101, Approving An Amended Agreement Between The City Of Marathon And Jeff D. Vastola, Esq. For Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Services; And Providing For An Effective Date.
*B Resolution 2025-102, Approving a Interlocal Contract Between Huston-Galveston area Council “H-GAC” and the City of Marathon For A Cooperative Purchasing Program; Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement and Providing for An Effective Date.
*C. Resolution 2025-103, Approving Payment For Invoice 57756 From Charley
City of Marathon City CouncilAgenda
9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 5:30 P.M.
(*Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval of Agenda)
Toppino & Sons, Inc In An Amount Not To Exceed $60,000.00 For The EMERGENCY Cleaning To The Three Injection Wells At WWTP 5; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Appropriate Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date
*D Resolution 2025-104, Approving Grant Agreement ID# 3581 Between The City And The Monroe County Tourist Development Council for Coco Plum and Sombrero Beach Cleaning; Appropriating Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date
*E. Resolution 2025-105, Approving Tourist Development Council Inter-Local Grant Agreement No. 3519 Oceanfront Dog Park Renovations, Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Agreement, And Providing For Conflicts, Severability, And An Effective Date
*F. Resolution 2025-106, Approving Grant Agreement ID# 3521 Between The City And The Monroe County Tourist Development Council For installation of the Splashpad Restroom and Concession Stand; Appropriating Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date
G. Resolution 2025-107, Authorizing a contract for Phase IIIA Deep Injection Well Transmission Main Project to Coral Construction Company, In An Amount Not To Exceed $2,454,750.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date
*H. Resolution 2025-108, Approving And Ratifying A Sovereignty Submerged Lands Lease Modification Increase Square Footage With The Florida Department Of Environmental Protection On Behalf Of The Trustees Of The Internal Improvement Trust Fund Of The State Of Florida For Bay Botom Located Within The Boundary And Surrounded By Lands At The 7 Mile Marina; And Providing For An Effective Date.
*I. Resolution 2025-109, Adopting The 2025 Update Of The Local Mitigation Strategy As Required By State And Federal Regulations To Qualify For Certain Mitigation Grant Funding; Providing For An Effective Date.
*J. Resolution 2025-110, Awarding Change Order #6 For The Power Conditioning Upgrades To Pedro Falcon Contractors, Inc.; Approving A Change In Contract Amount
From $29,950.20; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date. This Work Qualifies And Will Be Submitted For Reimbursement Through The Existing CDBG-DR Grant.
*K. Resolution 2025-111, Accepting The Second Lowest Responsible Bid And Approving A Contract Between The City And Discount Rock & Sand, Inc. In An Amount Not To Exceed $459,982.00 For Construction of Pickleball Courts and Associated Improvements at Oceanfront Park; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Appropriate Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date
*L. Resolution 2025-112, Amending Resolution 2025-85 That Approved A Clean Water State Revolving Fund Construction Loan Agreement No. WW44040 Between The City And The State Of Florida Department Of Environmental Protection Clean Water State Revolving Fund In The Total Amount Of $8,666,273 For Wastewater/Stormwater Infrastructure Projects; To State With Greater Specificity The Pledged Revenues That Will Be Used To Re-Pay The Loan; And Providing For An Effective Date
*M. Resolution 2025-113, Authorizing The City Manager To Execute A Release Of Unity Of Title On Behalf Of The City In The Form Attached To This Resolution Concerning Property Located At 126 Calle Ensueno; And Providing For An Effective Date.
*N. Resolution 2025-114, Authorizing The City To Enter Into An Agreement With Ronald L. Book, P.A. For Professional Consulting And Lobbying Services Before The Legislature Of The State Of Florida; Authorizing The City Manager To Finalize And Execute The Agreement; And Providing An Effective Date.
*O. Resolution 2025-115, Amending The City’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget; And Providing For An Effective Date
*P. Resolution 2025-95, Authorizing The City To Extend The Agreement With Ballard Partners, Inc. For Professional Consulting And Lobbying Services Before The Legislature Of The State Of Florida; Authorizing The City Manager To Expend Budgeted Funds, And Execute The Extension Agreement; And Providing An Effective Date (Tabled from October 14, 2025 Meeting)
such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; such record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA Assistance: Anyone needing special assistance at the City Council hearing due to disability should contact the City of Marathon City Attorney at (305) 289-4130 at least five days prior thereto. Please contact the City Clerk at clavierd@ci.marathon.fl.us if you would like to receive any of the items on the agenda by email.
A GOOD DAY TO BE IN THE U.S. OF A.
Stanley Switlik hosts Red, White and Blue Day in salute to vets
In Stanley Switlik’s annual patriotic celebration, kids waved the stars and stripes, donned homemade hats and sang their best U.S.-themed tunes for Red, White and Blue Day on Nov. 7. Student speakers and thank-yous to veterans, musical performances by each grade and a traditional rendition of “Proud to Be an American” by John Bartus filled the morning’s programming, along with a guest address by Coast Guard boatswain’s mate Sabrina Healey. Photos by ALLISON
SAYER/Contributed
BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE
Marathon Veterans Day parade gives a salute to service
A parade of red, white and blue graced the U.S. 1 corridor in Marathon on Veterans Day to honor the selfless service of the men and women in all branches of the United States military. Organized each year by the American Legion Post 154, a team of first responders from the Florida Highway Patrol, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Key Colony Beach Police Department and Marathon Fire Rescue bookended a procession of veterans atop motorcycles, classic trucks and trailers proudly flying Old Glory. Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
THIS WEEKS ENTERTAINMENT
THURSDAY, NOV 13
BAND 8PM SATURDAY, NOV 15
STREET BAND 8PM SUNDAY, NOV 16
TONY MANFREDI 3PM
SUNDAY JAM 7PM
MONDAY, NOV 17
SHAWN BROWN 5:30PM
TUESDAY, NOV 18 TACO TUESDAY ALL
7:30PM
WEDNESDAY, NOV 19
LUKE SOMMERS 8PM
FORMER TOURISM DIRECTOR’S LAWSUIT AGAINST COUNTY CONTINUES
Stacey Mitchell claims her firing and the audit that prompted it were retaliatory
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
The former marketing director of the Keys’ tourism agency is suing the county, the county commission and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council for violating the Whistleblower Protection Act by firing her in March 2024.
Stacey Mitchell’s lawyer last month filed an amended complaint that also names county clerk Kevin Madok for alleged negligence and one of his employees, Luanne Verner, for alleged defamation.
The lawsuit claims Mitchell was fired for speaking out against an unorthodox funding request and subsequent demands from County Commissioner Craig Cates that the TDC contribute $150,000 to the county’s bicentennial celebration, even though county staff had missed the deadline to submit funding applications to the TDC for special events.
Mitchell was fired in March 2024, four months after the county clerk’s office released a critical audit of the Tourist Development Council, where Mitchell had been marketing director since 2017. The audit revealed “repeated noncompliance with Monroe County’s purchasing policy,” and “a lack of controls and management oversight,” among other findings.
Mitchell’s lawsuit, filed by attorney Zachary Zermay, claims the audit and Mitchell’s subsequent termination were done in retaliation for her refusing to support Cates’ demand for $150,000 of TDC funding and for insisting that funding protocols be followed despite “backroom dealings conducted out of the public view,” the lawsuit states.
The suit details the county’s missed deadline to apply for event funding from the TDC. It describes a July 2022 county budget meeting, where Commissioner Craig Cates reportedly told Mitchell that a drone show and concert would take place for the county’s bicentennial, and asked her for TDC funding for the event.
“(Mitchell) reminded commissioner Cates that the deadline to apply for funding was missed, yet commissioner Cates insisted on finding a way to support the event,” the lawsuit
states. “Subsequently, following backroom dealings, meetings and other informal communications hidden from the public, the Board of County Commissioners redirected $150,000 to fund the concert, circumventing the standard approval processes. In violation of (the county’s) own guidelines, rules and regulations, over $150,000 was withdrawn from the TDC’s budget … without the correct transparency processes and public meetings.
“…After the disclosures were made, the drone show occurred, and the checks had been cashed, a campaign of retaliation began against (Mitchell) in the form of audits to serve as a pretextual reason to terminate (her),” the lawsuit alleges.
Verner is named as a defendant in the amended complaint, which alleges defamation on her part, following a social media post she made the day the clerk’s audit was released to the public. Verner wrote that (Mitchell) “has been stealing for all these years and finally got caught,” and included a link to the clerk’s website.
Verner’s statement was “false, defamatory and libelous, because it accused (Mitchell) of criminal misconduct and professional dishonesty. (Mitchell’s) reputation was trashed, causing loss of employment opportunities, pain, suffering and emotional distress,” her complaint states.
Madok is accused in the lawsuit of negligence for improperly supervising his employee, who made the social media post.
In its response to the amended complaint, the county’s and TDC’s lawyers have asked the judge to dismiss the case against the county and TDC, claiming Mitchell failed to prove any whistleblower claims because Mitchell “never authored any written and signed complaint in compliance with Florida’s Whistleblower Act that could form the basis for a valid whistleblower retaliation claim.”
The motion to dismiss states that Mitchell’s attendance at county and TDC meetings, where she spoke against the improper funding request, are not protected disclosures.
“Plaintiff’s simple participation at various meetings does not transform her attendance into participation ‘in an investigation, hearing or other inquiry conducted by any agency or federal government entity’ as enumerated by Florida Statute,’” the motion to dismiss states.
A hearing via Zoom is scheduled in front of Judge Mark Jones on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.
Join us this Sunday 9:00 am Traditional Service 11:00 am Contemporary Service
St. Columba Christmas Bazaar December 6th 9:00-1:00 Decorations, Gifts, Baked Goods & More!
451 West 52nd St, Marathon Fl Sundays at 10:00am God, Grant That We May Read, Learn, Hear, And Embrace Your
St.ColumbaEpiscopal Church
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• Grilled Ribeye Sandwiches
• Grilled Bratwurst
• Blackened Dolphin Sandwiches
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• $3 Coors
1. Team Snow Man III earns the bragging rights – and the cash – after hauling aboard both the largest and second-largest wahoo caught during the tournament.
2. Savannah Drott, second from left, takes home the Ben Segard Junior Angler Award, named in honor of the Marathon 13-year-old who passed away in 2023 and presented by his family.
3. Team Bluegrass Roots, with captain PR Lancaster, ends the day by reeling in the biggest kingfish. Natalie Lancaster, second from left, would also go on to win the Jenni Cameron Lady Angler Award.
Photos by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly
BENEVOLENT WAHOO TOURNAMENT REELS IN $60K
The inaugural Marathon Fire Rescue Benevolent Wahoo Tournament brought a new level to fall fishing on Nov. 7 and 8, drawing 139 anglers across 30 boats. The tournament raised over $60,000 toward the purchase of a fire pump for the department’s new fire boat.
With sunny skies and nary a breeze, conditions were ideal. The American flag flew from the extended ladder of truck 14 above the weighstation at Marathon’s Oceanfront Park as anglers returned with their catches. In total, 20 wahoo, four kingfish and two blackfin tuna were brought to the scale.
Special tournament honors included the George Steinmetz First Responder Award, the Jenni Cameron Lady Angler Award and the Ben Segard Junior Angler Award, each recognizing the local spirit and purpose behind the event.
Tournament organizers are already planning next year’s contest, with dates to be announced.
Proceeds will fund fire rescue boat
1st place wahoo - Snow Man III: captain BJ Meyer.
2nd place wahoo - Snow Man III: captain BJ Meyer, angler Bill Blum. 3rd place wahoo - Headin’ South: captain Marty Lewis, angler JW Drott. George Steinmetz First Responder Award: Jesse Fossum of Team Valhalla. Jenni Cameron Lady Angler Award: Natalie Lancaster of Team Bluegrass Roots, captain PR Lancaster. Ben Segard Junior Angler Award: Savannah Drott of Headin’ South, captain Marty Lewis.
Biggest blackfin tuna: Team Viva, captain Fred Kaufman, angler Todd Prince.
Biggest kingfish: Bluegrass Roots, captain and angler PR Lancaster.
— Contributed
• The 2025 property tax roll is open for collection, and property taxes are due by March 31, 2026. A 4% discount is provided if paid within November.
• If you have not received your tax bill yet, please contact us at 305-295-5044.
• Please visit our website at monroetaxcollector.com for information on our partial payment options and installment plans.
• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our o ce. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the correct tax has been remitted.
• All rental properties must also have a local business tax, regardless of how long they are being rented.
• In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, our o ces will be closed on November 27 and November 28. We hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family!
• Due to fiscally responsible operations, the Tax Collector distributed a record $7.5 million in unused FY25 operating funds to the local taxing authorities. Florida law requires these funds to be distributed proportionally to the taxing authorities, which supports the funding of essential services for our community.
Follow us on for more imortant tax information.
The newest production at Marathon Community Theatre is going somewhere the playhouse hasn’t been in a decade – and not just because it’s heading to the magical “merry old land” of Oz.
For the first time in 13 years, a main-stage production will feature a mixed-age cast in “The Wizard of Oz,” opening Thursday, Nov. 13.
That means 4-year-olds in the company as flying monkeys, 11 Switlik kids as munchkins, sassy crows and talking trees – and a dog.
“It’s been a bigger endeavor than I even thought it would be – and I did think it would be pretty big,” said director Kara Pascucci. “But it’s going to shine.”
The journey down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy (Destiny Lee), the Scarecrow (Shannon Wiley), the Tin Man (John Schaefer) and the Cowardly Lion (Dale Coburn) is filled with all the classic tunes from the original film, as the musical script follows the 1939 movie as closely as possible.
The gang will dodge a cackling Wicked Witch of the West (Stephanie Smith) and lean on Glinda the Good (Michelle Macoskey) for help on a quest to get back home to Auntie Em (Cheryl Wilcox) and Uncle Henry (Josh Mothner) in Kansas.
It’s a show Pascucci and children’s
Community theatre brings ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to the stage
director Stephanie Zajac were already deeply familiar with, as the pair codirected a children’s theater version of “Oz” in 2022. And the last time MCT put kids in a full-length musical, Pascucci was in the cast, playing Liesl Von Trapp in 2013’s “The Sound of Music.”
Managing a company from preschoolers to retirees meant working double-duty, balancing musical and choreography run-throughs with separate rehearsal schedules for kids and adults. (We’ll let our readers imagine which are more difficult to deal with.)
But the magic of putting them all on stage, Pascucci said, was worth it.
“I’m proud of the hard work that everybody has put into it,” she said. “Seeing the joking relationship that’s come out between the four leads translates to funnier moments on stage – we’re seeing all the little pieces coming together.”
Those “little pieces” include a bevy of hand-painted set pieces befitting the magical Emerald City, along with a few surprise technological touches not usually seen on the MCT stage.
And with “Oz” set to open one week before the premiere of “Wicked: For Good” on the silver screen at Marathon Community Cinema, the entire front of the building is painted for the occasion: The Yellow Brick Road invites guests to both entrances.
“The Wizard of Oz” runs Nov. 13-29 at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays except Thanksgiving Day. Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 23. Tickets are available at marathontheater.org or 305-743-0994.
1. Dorothy (Destiny Lee, left), the Scarecrow (Shannon Wiley), the Tin Man (John Schaefer) and the Cowardly Lion (Dale Coburn) rejoice with their gifts from the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
2. Simian minion Nikko (Aubrey Anthony Kehn) directs her flying monkeys (Kaylynn Coburn and Noah Zajac).
3. Glinda the Good (Michelle Macoskey) in Munchkinland.
4. The Lullaby League (Cora Beckett, Jubilee Wiebe and Lilly Hutchinson) welcome Dorothy (Destiny Lee) to Munchkinland.
5. Stephanie Smith plays the iconic green villain as the Wicked Witch of the West.
Photos by NATALIE DANKO/Keys
Weekly
STANLEY SWITLIK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTO
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT – HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL 2025
Diamond Sponsors
City of Key Colony Beach
Gerrit Hale
Glen Boe & Associates
La Palapa Taqueria
Arctic Temp / Isla Bella
Gold Sponsors
Arlington Electric
Campbell Engineering
Chapman and Cardwell
Coldwell Banker
DʼAsign Source
Dave Perry
Kerry and Debra Struyf
Bronze Sponsors
Marathon Chamber of Commerce
Spotless Pools
Timeout Magazine
Callion Fishing Charters
Florida Keys A/C
Kasey Platt, REALTOR
Platinum Sponsors
Baptist Health South Florida
Schell-Me Good Time Charters!
Silver Sponsors
Captain Hooks
Food for Thought
Keys Nate LJʼs Café
Sam Williams, P.A.
Wolfe Stevens, PLLC
Silent Auction Donors
Business Donors: 7 Mile Lobster Co, At The Table, “Best of Marathon” Cara OʼNeil, Brutus, Cabana Club, Castaways, Chris Bryk Electric, Chris Bryk, Coast to Coast Pizza, Coastal Source, Cracked Conch, Crane Point, Curry Hammock State Park, DʼAsign Source, DK Style Hut, Doc's Tattooz, Dolphin Research Center, Flowers by J and J, Food for Thought, Grassy Flats, Hawks Cay, Hot as Kell, Irie Island Eats, Island Pilates & Barre, Island Fish Company, Jen Bolltz Personal Trainer, Keys Massage, Key West Jeep Adventures, Keys Cycles, Lazy Days (Islamorada), LJʼs Café, Marathon Bagel, MEM Preventative Medical Services, The Moose Lodge, Paradise Flavors, Pigeon Key, Schell-Me Good Time Charters!, Snooks Bayside, Starfish Designs, Sweet Savannahs, Taylor Diguez, Tropical Epoxy.
Additional Supporters: Keys Weekly, Lisa Ritchie at Flour Power MicroBakery, Brende Johnston (plant donations), Signs by Renee.
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What is your favorite thing about living in the Keys? I have always been an ocean girl, so I love the water surroundings of island life. However, I love the community energy and how local individuals and organizations are always ready to step up and help each other. That is a very special vibe. What is your greatest fear? I don’t have anything that makes me quake with fright, but I truly hate being misunderstood or having my intentions misinterpreted.
Which living person do you most admire? Bruce Springsteen, the Obamas, Diane Sawyer, Taylor Swift and the Princess of Wales. I admire how hard they’ve worked to achieve what they’ve gained or what they’ve overcome to be where they are.
What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show right now? My favorite movie right now is the one I saw last night: “Springsteen – Deliver Me from Nowhere.” See a trend? I’ve been a mega-fan for the Boss for 50 years.
What is your greatest extravagance? I am determined to invest more in frequent, great travel adventures.
FUNCTIONALLY
CAFFEINATED WELLNESS
TECH NECK: THE MODERN PROBLEM YOUR SPINE NEVER SIGNED UP FOR
JENNIFER HARVEY
...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC. Hello@highlymotivatedfc.com
If you remember anything from the late ’90s, you might remember a little blond boy telling Jerry Maguire that “the human head weighs 8 pounds.” If you’re too young to remember that, you especially need to read this.
As the head leans forward, the effective force on the spine increases drastically.
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 Mary Stella, who is now happily retired after a 20-year career at Dolphin Research Center. She volunteers for Saint Columba and the Marathon Community Theater and plays in a steel drum band. She works part time leading student tour groups and is an avid “birder”’and photography enthusiast.
MARY STELLA
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I’ve lived in the Keys since the end of 2001, but my connection goes back to 1963 when I was a young child and my parents first brought our family to Marathon on vacation from our home in South Jersey. I moved here full time specifically to work for DRC.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why? I would be more patient with myself when I’m learning new things. Sometimes I get too frustrated too soon and think I should do better faster.
Who is one of your real-life heroes? I have so much admiration for Reverend Debra Maconaughey of Saint Columba Episcopal Church. She is a force of nature who sees needs in our community and finds ways to support them.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? Probably a dolphin. They are social, intelligent in the ways they need to be, playful and protective – and it would mean that I’d overcome my aversion to eating fish.
What’s a habit you’d love to break? I’m tempted to say my addiction to chocolate, but that would be a lie.
What is your greatest regret? I spent way too much of my younger life measuring my self-worth by the opinions of others instead of believing in myself more.
What is your current state of mind? That I’m uncomfortable talking about myself to this extent! But seriously, I am happy and grateful for my life.
What’s something you’re really proud of? I’m very proud of my 20plus years at Dolphin Research Center and what I accomplished during that time for the organization in partnership with everyone else who works there.
It is true that the average human head weighs around 8 to 12 pounds. What most people don’t know is that if that head shifts just millimeters forward, it exponentially increases the amount of weight your cervical spine has to support.
Here’s the actual science:
• At 15 degrees of forward head tilt, the effective weight of your head is about 27 pounds.
• At 30 degrees, your neck holds 40 pounds.
• At 45 degrees, that load jumps to 49 to 50 pounds.
• At 60 degrees, your neck feels like it’s supporting 60 to 70 pounds.
Those numbers come from research published in Surgical Technology International, and once you see them, you’ll never look down at your phone the same way again.
There have been several MRIbased studies showing that chronic forward-head posture — whether from your phone, tablet, driving position or working at a computer — literally changes the structure of the cervical spine over time. Some scans show up to a 1- to 1.5-centimeter reduction in cervical disc height, while others show early degenerative changes in people as young as their teens and 20s.
When I see these images, I immediately think of the cervical spine yelling out “Timber!” and then envision the head just collapsing forward. I have a vivid imagination.
But humor aside, tech neck is more than an annoying ache. It can contribute to headaches, shoulder tightness, jaw tension and TMJ, numbness or tingling down the
JENNIFER HARVEY/Contributed arms, early arthritic changes, reduced lung capacity, fatigue and decreased concentration
Yes, you read that right: reduced lung capacity. One study in Applied Ergonomics found that forwardhead posture can decrease respiratory efficiency by up to 30% because it restricts ribcage mobility. Another study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science noted that people with chronic tech neck experience significantly more tension headaches due to overload on the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull.
So when your neck feels tight by mid-afternoon, when your shoulders feel permanently raised, or when you can’t figure out why you feel “off,” it’s not just aging. It’s posture. And it’s extremely common.
The good news? You can fix this without giving up your phone, job or screen time.
Raise your screens. Bring devices up toward eye level instead of dropping your head toward them.
Follow the 90/10 rule. Every 90 minutes of tech use requires 10 minutes of movement or posture resetting.
Use chin tucks and proper alignment. That will strengthen your deep neck flexors, the tiny stabilizers that support upright posture.
Stretch what’s tight Open the chest, lengthen the front of the neck and reset shoulder mechanics.
Fix your driving posture. The forward-leaning “turtle head” position is one of the biggest offenders.
We live in paradise, but even paradise cannot counteract hours a day of forward-head posture. The sooner you recognize and correct tech neck, the better your spine — and your head — will feel.
Small changes make a massive difference. Your cervical spine does a lot for you. The least you can do is meet it halfway.
HAWKS CAY & ISLA BELLA STEP UP FOR KAIR
On Nov. 7, Hawks Cay Resort and Isla Bella Beach Resort presented a $10,000 donation to Keys Area Interdenominational Resources (KAIR) to support their mission of feeding and assisting families in the Middle Keys.
“We are getting ready for our big Thanksgiving giveaway, so this is a big deal,” said KAIR executive director Marj Roberts, whose food bank is currently supporting about 40 Marathon families, in addition to help with utilities and rent. “We appreciate everything from canned goods to gift cards. Every bit helps and this donation is going to go a long way in feeding Marathon families through the holidays.”
KAIR also relies on Publix, Winn-Dixie and private donations for families struggling to make ends meet.
“As the Marathon community faces challenges from the recent government shutdown and loss of SNAP benefits, KAIR continues to provide hope and resources to those in need — and we’re honored to help strengthen that mission,” said Hawks Cay senior marketing director Abbey Jones in a press release.
Pictured from left: Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce CEO Daniel Samess, Hawks Cay managing director Reggie Cooper, Roberts, Isla Bella general manager Justin Nels and Isla Bella controller Jessica Westbrook.
CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS AHEAD
On Nov. 5, Marathon city officials and the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce joined MSP Pool Supply to celebrate the store’s grand opening at 2219 Overseas Highway. From chemicals to equipment, parts, accessories, filter cartridges, heaters, lights and more, MSP offers sales, installation and professional repair to provide complete pool and spa equipment solutions in the Middle Keys. The shop is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. CONTRIBUTED
FOOD PANTRIES SEE SURGE AS PEOPLE STRUGGLE
“But that’s not the case at all,” Tracey said, emphasizing that the food pantry turns no one away. They also don’t ask about citizenship or immigration status, she said, adding that an ID and proof of residency in Monroe County are the only requirements.
“Even just a piece of mail addressed to them at a Monroe County address is fine,” she said, while walking through the pantry. It’s set up like a very small grocery store, with a produce section, a large freezer for meats, a rack of bread products and aisles of nonperishable items like cereal, rice, beans, canned vegetables and soups and pasta. The peanut butter and jelly section is essential for families with children, Tracey pointed out.
“We set this up as a selfservice pantry, so our clients can actually select their own items as they would in a grocery store,” she said. “One of our volunteers goes through with them, as there are limits to the number of items in each category that a client can take, according to the size of their household.
In the middle aisle, volunteers were restocking shelves with boxes of macaroni and cheese that had just been donated.
“The donations have surged as much as the demand,” Tracey said. “I’ve never experienced such generosity in any community. People are coming in with the backs of their cars loaded and they’ll say, ‘I got all the BOGOs at Publix, so there was one for me and one for you of each item.’
Other people that couldn’t leave their job to go shopping and drop off a bag of groceries have sent us Instacart orders. And people are now starting to drop off items for Thanksgiving meals. It’s just been amazing.”
But the need never stops, and SOS Food Pantry is always grateful for donations of money, food and volunteer hours.
“A lot of people assume we don’t accept dairy products like milk and eggs because they’ll expire, but no way. Those things are gone the same day they arrive. So we’d love to get more milk and egg donations, as well as loaves of bread, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and pasta sauce and cereal.”
Alex Rickert contributed to this report
SUPPORT SOS FOUNDATION’S FOOD PANTRIES
10th annual Casino Night
Friday, Nov. 14 at Beachside Resort, 6:30 to 11 p.m.
Tickets are $150 at the door and include food, drinks and casino games.
SOS FOUNDATION FOOD PANTRY HOURS
Stock Island, 5640 Maloney Ave.
Monday & Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Key Largo at St. Justin the Martyr Church
105500 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo
Monday: 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Loaves and Fishes food pantry
2221 Patterson Ave., Key West
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. KAIR
3010 Overseas Hwy., Marathon 305-743-4582
VIRGINIA MAN SENDS POLICE ON INTENSE HIGH-SPEED CHASE
Pursuit went into Founders Park as kids were practicing
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
AGreat Falls, Virginia man is facing numerous charges after police say he led them on a high-speed chase through the Upper Keys, including into Founders Park as kids were at sports practice.
Monroe County sheriff’s deputies were on patrol near MM 102 in Key Largo during the early evening when they spotted a black Range Rover SUV driving recklessly in the southbound lanes — almost sideswiping the side of a patrol car. The driver, later identified as Christopher Brinkley Smithers, momentarily swerved back into the lane but then aggressively cut off another vehicle behind the patrol car, leaving little room for the car to maneuver. The Range Rover almost clipped the patrol car’s rear end.
Deputies made a traffic stop near Tarpon Basin. A deputy approached the vehicle and explained the reason for the stop. The deputy said the
driver appeared restless and struggled to form coherent sentences and seemed agitated. The deputy asked if he needed medical attention and proceeded to request assistance for a standardized field sobriety test while she gathered Smithers’ license.
Just as more deputies were arriving at the traffic stop, Smithers drove away, south through Tavernier and Islamorada. Florida Highway Patrol troopers joined in the pursuit near MM 90, chasing the driver into Founders Park, where kids were at soccer and baseball practice.
Troopers stayed close to the SUV as Smithers drove across U.S. 1 to the Old Highway before crossing back onto U.S. 1.
The chase ended in front of Founders Park after Smithers struck a center console boat trailered by a pickup truck. FHP patrol vehicles pinned his SUV from the other side to prevent him from driving any further.
No major injuries were reported, although several motorists on U.S. 1 during the chase say the SUV came close to crashing head-on with other vehicles.
Smithers is facing felony charges for fleeing and eluding police and drug possession. He’s also charged with misdemeanors for DUI, moving traffic violations, hit and run, resisting an officer and public order crimes. He’s expected to appear in court for the fleeing and eluding charges on Nov. 19.
Christopher Smithers.
FHP patrol cars pin a black SUV after it struck the side of a trailered center console outside Founders Park in Islamorada on Nov. 4. CONTRIBUTED
The 44th annual Race World Offshore Key West World Championships took place Nov. 5-9 in Key West Harbor, where the unique course location allows plenty of on-shore spectators to experience the
POWERBOAT RACES BREAK RECORDS FOR PARTICIPATION
Key West World Championships draw 97 boats, including 7 international entries
Arazor-thin, 2-point margin separated champion from runner-up as DeFalco Racing claimed the Pro Class 1 world title in the closest finish of the 44th annual Race World Offshore Key West World Championships. The three-day battle came down to the final laps on Nov. 9, with DeFalco edging Monster Energy/M CON 391-389 in overall points.
The championship attracted a record-breaking field of 97 boats including seven international entries, the largest turnout in more than two decades. Unlike most offshore powerboat races held miles from shore, Key West’s unique 4.4-mile harbor course brought world-class racing directly to spectators. Fans packed waterfront locations throughout the harbor as boats exceeded 100 miles per hour through tight turns just yards from shore.
2025 Key West World Championship winners
Pro Class 1: DeFalco, 62:02.7 (391 points)
Super Cat: Dirty Money Racing, 60:13.6 (418 points)
Extreme: Spirit of Qatar, 60:12.0 (403 points)
Super Stock: Team Nautical Ventures, 364 points
Factory Stock: Say Less MF, 60:49.8 (392 points)
Super V: Knucklehead Racing, 48:32.7 (404 points)
Modified V: Boatfloater.com, 50:04.2 (390 points)
Bracket Class 2: OC Racing, 53:00.9 (406 points)
Bracket Class 3: Team Woody Racing, 56:04.9 (395 points)
Bracket Class 4: Saris Racing Engines, 49:36.4 (397 points)
Bracket Class 5: Rum Runners, 53:50.0 (421 points)
Bracket Class 6: MDG Offshore Racing, 47:58.0 (427 points)
Bracket Class 7: Dirt Legal Velocity
Factory Race Team, 55:59.4 (424 points)
Cat 300: Jackhammer, 200 points
thrill. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
TIP OF THE ISLAND
Not far from Fowey Rocks Lighthouse is the first key
Roughly 1,700 islands that make up the Florida Keys archipelago.
Key Biscayne is not one of them.
However, historically, it is a significant piece of Monroe County real estate. The county is much smaller than it used to be. When Monroe County was established in 1823, it stretched from Key West north to Lake Okeechobee and west to Charlotte Harbor.
Key Biscayne is a 5-mile-long barrier island located just off the South Florida mainland, just minutes away from Miami. The island’s name is one of the oldest in South Florida. In 1675, it was charted as Caio de Biscainos. The Father Alana chart identified it as Biscaino in 1743. Bernard Romans called it Key Biscay on his 1773 chart. In John Williams’ 1837 work “The Territory of Florida,” he called it Kay Biscanyo.
The island is home to Cape Florida, and Cape Florida is home to the Cape Florida Lighthouse. The brick and coral-rock lighthouse stood 65 feet tall when it was first lit in 1825. On July 23, 1836, the lighthouse was destroyed in an attack during the second escalation of the Seminole War. Due to the continued Indian threat, it was not rebuilt until 1846. Less than a decade later, the conical tower was raised an additional 30 feet to a height of 95 feet.
The Cape Florida Lighthouse remains standing and is the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County. The warning beam of light was extinguished when the better-situated Fowey Rock Light was established in 1878. Congress allocated $100,000 for its construction, as it was better situated to mark the navigational hazard that is the Florida Reef. It was enough money to get the project started, but not enough to complete the project, which required an additional $75,000.
Fowey Light was the second to last in a string of six iron lighthouses built to mark the Florida Reef. Carysfort Reef Lighthouse was the first (1852); the others were Sand Key Light (1853), Sombrero Key Light (1858), and Alligator Reef Light (1873). American Shoal Light was the last to be built and first cast its warning light across the water on July 15, 1880.
During the building of the Fowey Rocks Light, Soldier Key was used as a base of operations. Once the iron beams were driven down into the reef and the light’s skeleton was in place, the lighthouse’s platform was constructed. When the platform was finished, workers lived in a makeshift camp atop it to ensure that adverse conditions and rough water would not deter them from reaching the light during the construction period.
Twice, ships ran aground on the coral reef dangerously close to where workers were sleeping. One night, the men were startled from their sleep when the steamer Arakanapka hit the reef, ground through the limestone, and the bow of the ship came to a halt mere feet from the platform. The men undoubtedly watched with wide-open eyes as they considered their mortality. It was not the only time workers were nearly struck by a ship crash-
ing on the reef. The Carondelet also wrecked on the reef, startling the workers building the light that would warn sailors of the imminent danger. Fortunately, the crew of the Carondelet was able to float free from their predicament when the incoming tide pushed enough water over the reef to set them free.
The Fowey Rocks Light was first lit on June 15, 1878. The light is 3 miles east of Soldier Key. It is a small island, about two football fields long and 100 yards wide, and is considered the archipelago’s first true key. The Florida Keys are composed of two types of limestone: Miami limestone and Key Largo limestone. The Upper and Middle keys are built atop a coralline foundation called Key Largo limestone. The islands of Florida Bay (and the Gulf of Mexico) and the Lower Keys are built on a Miami limestone foundation, built of oolite and bryozoans – colonizing invertebrates that build limestone exoskeletons.
Soldier Key is located about 5 miles south of Key Biscayne’s Cape Florida and 3 miles north of the Ragged Keys. On modern charts, it is identified as the singular Soldier Key. It has not always been the case, as the number, as well as the name, has varied over the years. Early Spanish charts identified the island as Parida. Interesting word, parida. In Spanish, it can refer to someone who has said something nonsensical or stupid. It can also refer to a mother who has recently given birth.
It is this second interpretation that is interesting. Juan de Liguera and Father Alana also identified the island as Parida on their 1742 and 1743 charts. In 1770, a chart created by O-Carrol named it La Parida y Su Hijo, a name that refers to a mother and her newborn son. In 1774, Captain Barton, in his Observations, identified the islands as the Soldier Keys. John Lee Williams, who wrote the 1837 work, Territory of Florida, identified two islands: “Soldier Keys are the small islands, in a row, six miles south of Biscayo.”
A Coast Survey chart from 1855 identified the islands as Soldier Key and Little Soldier Key. If there is one thing that mangrove islands like the Florida Keys do, it is grow. Over the last 150 years, Soldier Key and Little Soldier Key have merged and become the single island appearing on nautical charts today.
Soldier Key is the northernmost of the islands called the Northern Keys. It is one of nearly 50 islands before the largest of the islands in the archipelago, Key Largo, appears. For those driving down from the mainland, Key Largo serves as the gateway to the Florida Keys, connected to the mainland by both the Card Sound Bridge and the Jewfish Creek Bridge. It is easy to see why people assume it is the first island in the chain.
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD
Fowey Rocks Lighthouse with a lighthouse tender circa 1937. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/ Monroe County Libraries
2025 MARATHON CITY COUNCIL
"Debbie"
Debra Tyner Struyf Debra Tyner Struyf
Thank you simply isn’t enough to express my gratitude for the overwhelming support I received during this election. There are far too many individuals and businesses to name, but please know how deeply I appreciate each and every one of you.
I remain committed to keeping my promise and working tirelessly toward the goals I ran on; providing our constituents with greater transparency, accountability, accessibility and a clear path to returning more power to the hands of the people. Your questions and concerns matter!
Together, we can make a lasting di erence.
BRIEFLY
BBQ teams wanted for January contest
The city of Marathon, in partnership with the Mid-Keys Booster Club, will host a barbecue pork butt contest and community cookout – “Sauced and Tossed” – on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. The city is seeking teams to enter the competition, with a $100 entry fee and a minimum of $500 in winnings guaranteed for first place. Teams may set up and begin smoking Friday night. Registrations are due by Jan. 10. For questions, call 305-289-4109 or email events_committee@ ci.marathon.fl.us. Scan the QR code to register:
Big Pine Botanical Society announces guest speaker
The Big Pine Key Botanical Society will meet on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Big Pine United Methodist Church, 280 Key Deer Boulevard. A guest speaker, Liah Continentino, is the environmental horticulture agent and master gardener volunteer coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension Monroe County. Her work is community-oriented and rooted in education, providing accessible, science-based resources to all members of Monroe County, including residents, youth and professionals. She will address how pollinators are essential to the Keys’ ecosystems, playing a crucial role in ecological health, food security and the economy. This presentation will highlight five key groups of pollinators, explore their ecological significance and discuss how gardening can serve as an effective conservation strategy.
MHS Champions for Change enter Red Ribbon Week contest
The Marathon High School Champions for Change’s Red Ribbon Week photo has been entered into the National Family Partnership National Red Ribbon Week photo contest. The Marathon High School Red Ribbon Week celebration was made possible through collaboration with the Educational Coalition for Monroe County, MHS Champions for Change, Monroe County Coalition, Guidance Care Center Inc., the Drug Enforcement Administration, the city of Marathon, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Marathon Elks Lodge. The celebration included lunch-and-learn activities, a proclamation from the city of Marathon and a presentation from the DEA to students. Locals can help Champions for Change win the contest by scanning the QR code and voting once per 24 hours through Nov. 16. Champions for Change will use any winning funds to support students facing poverty and other special circum-
stances along with future prevention efforts. Please contact christina.belotti@ keysschools.com with any questions.
Aquarium Encounters hosts manatee naming contest
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters in Marathon is hosting a two-part naming contest for a male manatee that arrived at the facility without a name. A first round of suggestions is open until Nov. 15, at which time aquarium staff will choose a group of finalists from the suggestions for a second round of voting. Tm2529, as the manatee is currently known, was rescued from South Sound Creek in Key Largo on May 5. He suffered from natural buoyancy issues. He weighed 340 pounds at the time of his rescue, but gained weight up to 450 pounds at his most recent checkup. He will continue to heal and gain weight at Aquarium Encounters until his eventual release back in South Sound Creek. To suggest a name, scan the QR code and fill out the Google form:
Lazy River Luau supports Forgotten Felines
Forgotten Felines of the Florida Keys will host a Lazy River Luau for the Paws on Saturday, Nov. 29 to benefit the nonprofit’s efforts to feed, care for and protect the Middle Keys’ community cats. From 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lazy River Vacation Rental, 575 105th Street Ocean West in Marathon, the event will feature chef-prepared hors d’oeuvres, a DJ and a fire dancer performance along with a cash bar and access to the pool. “Uncaged” 2026 boudoir art calendars will be available for purchase. Tickets are $50 per person, available by scanning the QR code.
Seeking volunteers for tax season
United Way of Collier & the Keys is looking for residents in Monroe County to help with a free tax preparation program. Greeters and tax preparers are needed for the upcoming tax season. Training is free. Call 305-563-1470 or email vita@uwcollierkeys.org.
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Having Fun in the Middle Keys
CHRIS McNULTY
is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com
We’ve got some retrograde action happening this week — astro-weather that’s ripe for slowing down and reflecting. Retrograde Mercury is conjoining Mars, the planet of action and willpower. This combination is a call to think critically about how we get things done and why we do what we do. Are you in alignment with your purpose? Are you in charge of the movements you make or are you following the herd? As you take time to assess what drives you, ask yourself if you are moving in the right direction and make decisive pivots if needed. While the Mercury-Mars aspect addresses how you act, the focus simultaneously shifts to what you believe, as the planet of faith and joy, Jupiter, is also turning retrograde. Jupiter is retrograde for roughly four months every year, so this is not a major revelation, but it is a soft coercion to consider how you’ve been showing up in your generosity, your optimism or your faith in future possibilities. Use this period to prune the branches of hope that no longer bear fruit. All in all, this week is a time to hold counsel with yourself to make sure your actions are in alignment and that you are firm in your beliefs.
Here are your horoscopes for retrograde Mercury conjunct Mars and Jupiter stationing retrograde. Read for your rising and sun signs.
SCORPIO
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
You may have been a bit active with your money lately, either spending a lot or furiously saving. This week, consider whether your use of funds is in proper alignment with your values. Ask for refunds if necessary. As you’ve been enjoying a period of great adventure and
an expansion in your learning, now you can take time to encode your memories and reflect on the joys you’ve experienced.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
This has been a very active season for you, putting yourself out there and really expressing your true nature. Take some time to consider how you’ve been using your energy and your personality to advance your cause. Have you overextended or have you been in balance? Consider whether you have been sharing your resources in a way that feeds your soul.
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
How have you been finding joy in your relationships? Are you letting your partners in life fill your cup or have you been giving out too much of yourself? See if you can take a step back to consider how abundance shows up in the right relation. Find stillness to listen to your subconscious and let your innermost knowing drive your actions. Intuition is an honest guide now.
AQUARIUS
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
How do you spar with your friends? Do you share disagreements in cordial enjoyment or do you find yourself feeling uncomfortable anger? Think deeply about how you manage conflict with others to ensure it is constructive rather than deflating. Exercise and physical activity are ways to expand and grow your energy. See if you can find enjoyable ways to do just that.
PISCES
Feb. 19 - March 20
You have probably been expressing yourself in creative ways these past few months, finding joy in making art or using your voice. Take stock of how that has been working for you and whether you can make some fine adjustments to share your vision more clearly.
Some very important conversations about your career are probably taking place. Be strategic.
ARIES
March 21 - April 19
Don’t be afraid to share your beliefs right now. In fact, you may have to revisit a testy conversation or two to clarify exactly what you meant when you spoke from the heart. Stand firm in your truth even if others disagree. Your emotional stability is incredibly important. Ask yourself if you’ve been leaning into the expansive rest and comfort that your home and family can provide.
TAURUS
April 20 - May 20
You have probably been feeling great confidence and joy in your voice lately, but now is a time to think before you speak. In order to get your message across, slowing down is the best way to speed up right now. If the conversation doesn’t spark joy, let it go. Revisit some investments you’ve made and make sure they are working for you. If they’re not, realign how you share your resources.
GEMINI
May 21 - June 20
You may have to have some difficult conversations with a loved one or a business partner, but go into it with the desire to move forward rather than sitting in the conflict. Don’t be afraid to share your needs, but focus on actions rather than personal grievances. Check in with your financial health and make sure that you are taking the appropriate steps to maintain the basics.
CANCER
June 21 - July 22
In recent months, you may have been the life of the party as you express what has been seemingly boundless energy and joy. Now, take time to pull it in a bit to make sure that you don’t overexert yourself. Find your joy in quieter appreciations because you will be
SIT IN COUNSEL WITH YOURSELF
needing your energy down the road. Think about how you can make some changes to actively support your health and well-being.
LEO
July 23 - Aug. 22
Rest is very important, and you are entering a period when you can grow into your meditative and reflective practices. Abundance can flow more easily when you are a balanced vessel. Think about how you play and express yourself creatively. Lean into actions that bring this happiness into your life, and make strategic plans to make room for more levity.
VIRGO
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
This week is a perfect time to take a step back and resolve any conflicts at home so you can get everything in the open. Have some raw conversations and move through them. Take some time, also, to pull in your social energy and find joy in quality over quantity. Less can be more when it comes to the use of your social battery, and your inner circle would love to see more of you.
LIBRA
Sept. 23 - Oct. 23
You’ve been finding success in the workplace these past few months, and it is now time to sit back and enjoy what you’ve built. Appreciate the work you’ve already put in and find smaller ways to find joy in your public-facing position. Review your routine commute or local communication habits (emails, texts) to ensure you are moving efficiently and being an effective neighbor.
Founded by Betty Debnam
The First Settlers
When we think about Thanksgiving, we usually think of the Pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth in 1620. But earlier explorers also arrived on American shores. After several months on a small ship, many passengers probably fell to their knees and gave thanks for their safe arrival.
Jamestown, Virginia
After a voyage of almost four months, three ships anchored at Jamestown Island on May 14, 1607. A total of 104 men and boys came ashore. This was 13 years before the Pilgrims landed in New England.
While the Pilgrims were seeking the right to worship as they wished, the Virginia settlers might have called their voyage a “business trip.”
They had been sent from England by the Virginia Company of London. The company planned to make money for its investors by sending back gold and silver. The settlers didn’t
find either. But they did send back iron, wood and wood products such as tar.
The settlers named the river and landing site after King James I of England. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.
MINI FACT: Buildings inside James Fort included homes, a church, a guardhouse and a storehouse.
Pocahontas
A popular story tells that Chief Powhatan’s daughter, Pocahontas, saved John Smith from being killed by the chief. However, historians aren’t sure if this story is true.
Pocahontas would have been about 11 years old when the settlers arrived in 1607.
She brought them food and sometimes played with the English children.
During the wars between the Powhatan and the settlers, Pocahontas was captured and held for ransom. While living with the English, she changed her name to Rebecca, and in 1614 she declared she’d rather stay with the English.
The area around Jamestown was inhabited by Powhatan tribes, and the settlers quickly built a fort to defend themselves. They harvested wood for clapboard (KLABerd) (flat pieces of wood used as siding for houses) and made glass objects to be taken back to England and sold.
In 1609, the settlers began to die of sickness caused by the local drinking water, starvation and violent conflicts with Native Americans. Chief Powhatan sent food to help the English, but by 1610, most of the original settlers had died.
More ships brought food, women and children from England to Jamestown, as well as livestock such as cattle and pigs.
The settlers who had survived the worst of the time in Jamestown began planting crops, sometimes on Powhatan lands. Tobacco became a big moneymaking crop.
Words that remind us of historic Jamestown are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
That year, she married John Rolfe, a settler and tobacco grower who had lost his wife and child. For several years after the marriage, the settlers and the Native Americans got along well.
The Rolfes went to England to promote the new colony, but Pocahontas fell ill while they were there, and she died in 1617 in Gravesend, England.
RESOURCES
ON THE WEB
• nps.gov/jame/index.htm
• bit.ly/MPJamestowne
AT THE LIBRARY
• “Pocahontas: A Life in Two Worlds” by Victoria Garrett Jones
ECO NOTE
A new study confirms that a bright orange nurse shark hooked by fishermen in Costa Rica last year represents the first of its kind. Researchers say the shark’s striking pigmentation likely stems from both albinism and xanthism, two rare genetic conditions that stripped some pigment while amplifying yellow tones. Such anomalies are rarely seen in the wild, where bright colors usually make animals easy prey. But the murky coastal waters off Costa Rica may have helped conceal the animal.
Image courtesy Office of Coast Survey, NOAA
Images courtesy National Park Service
This painting by Sidney King shows the English arriving at Jamestown Island, Virginia.
An interpreter at Historic Jamestowne places glass in a kiln.
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Team Sport Opponent Date Result
Key West Boys Soccer Gulliver 11/4 L, 7-1
Marathon Boys Soccer Miami Country Day 11/4 L, 6-0
Marathon Girls Soccer Keys Gate 11/5 T, 4-4
Key West Girls Soccer Coral Shores 11/5 T, 1-1
Key West Girls Soccer Mater Academy 11/6 W, 8-0
Marathon Girls Soccer SLAM 11/6 L, 6-2
Marathon Boys Soccer SLAM 11/6 L, 5-0
Key West Girls Soccer Olympic Heights 11/7 T, 1-1
Coral Shores Boys Soccer Ransom 11/7 L, 3-0
Key West Boys Soccer SLAM 11/7 L, 6-4
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
11/13 Coral Shores Girls Soccer @ South Dade 3:30 p.m.
11/13 Key West Girls & Boys Soccer @ Silver Palms 4 p.m.
11/14 Marathon Girls & Boys Soccer Westwood Christian 3:30 p.m.
11/14 Key West Football @ Cypress Lake 7 p.m.
11/15 Key West Girls Soccer Mitchell 7 p.m.
11/17 Marathon Boys Basketball Palm Glades Prep 7 p.m.
11/17 Coral Shores Boys Soccer @ Pace 4 p.m.
11/18 Key West Boys Basketball @ Coral Park 5 p.m.
11/18 Key West Boys Soccer @ Boca Raton 6 p.m.
11/18 Key West Girls Soccer @ St. Brendan 5 p.m.
11/18 Key West Girls Basketball @ Westminster Christian 3:30 p.m.
11/19 Coral Shores Boys Soccer Oak Cliff 6 p.m. 11/19 Coral Shores Girls Soccer Waxahachie Faith Academy 4 p.m.
11/19 Marathon Boys Basketball Miami Sunset 7 p.m.
11/20 Key West Boys Soccer Marathon 5 p.m.
11/20 Marathon Girls Soccer Coral Shores 4 p.m.
11/20 Marathon Girls & Boys Basketball Everglades City 5:30 p.m.
11/20 Coral Shores Boys Basketball @ MAST Academy 5:30 p.m.
11/20 Basilica Boys Basketball @ Colonial Christian 4 p.m.
11/20 Key West Girls Basketball @ SLAM 5 p.m.
Key West’s Sonny Bowden and his SLAM Academy opponent fight for a header in the Southernmost City. Prep soccer action kicked off across the Keys in the first week of November. See page 4. ROCKY J GONET/Contributed
DELACERDA
He has big goals and has no problem putting in the work to get there.”
– Keara McGraw, Key West cross
country coach
West’s Prometheus Delacerda wanted his final season with the cross country team to be a positive one, so instead of waiting to hear his marching orders, he took matters into his own hands. Delacerda quietly set about putting his team in position to be the best this season, and head coach Keara McGraw could not be more grateful.
“He’s a gem. Outside of being one of the hardest workers I’ve coached, he’s a great student-athlete who has stepped up as the leader on the team this year to help guide the younger athletes,” she said. “The best part about Prometheus is that he is unapologetically his own person at all times.”
Delacerda’s talents, according to his coach, are diverse. Described as the team’s lead motivator, workhorse, photographer, designer and inspiration, the senior has made a lasting impact in a year which began as a rebuild and ended with success. On the course, his times dropped all season long, and off the course, his leadership helped steer the team in the right direction. For his positive contributions to the team, unwavering support and dedication and impact during the season, Prometheus Delacerda is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
Prometheus
Senior, Key West Cross Country
Key
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.
The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.
Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
PREP SOCCER KICKS
Monroe
County teams hit the pitch for the start of the season
Key West and Coral Shores’ girls soccer teams wasted little time getting in their first match of the regular season, facing one another in the Upper Keys on Nov. 5. Just four minutes into the game, senior Madison Kilduff sent the ball sailing into the back of the net to put the Conchs ahead 1-0.
Holding onto the lead until the final moments of the game, Key West put up a strong defensive front. But with nine minutes to go, the Hurricanes were awarded a penalty kick off a flagrant foul. Coral Shores senior Kai Redruello capitalized to tie it up at 1-all. The score held until the final whistle and both teams remained undefeated with the 1-1 tie.
“Coral Shores always comes ready to play and the match was, as usual, very physical,” said Conchs head coach Scott Paul.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
It would be the only match of the week for the Hurricanes, but Key West went on to play two more, first at Mater Academy Charter the following afternoon, then at Olympic Heights in Boca Raton on Nov. 7. Key West dominated Mater Academy in a mercy-rule victory, picking up the first win of the season for a Keys team with their 8-0 score.
Maicee Gage struck first off a free kick by Kilduff, who also assisted Aly Camargo in the second goal of the game. Kilduff finished the match with two goals of her own to complement the assists. Freshman Gabriella Rodriguez and sophomore Suena Marcily added a pair of goals apiece to account for the Conchs’ scoring. Kiersten Tate was credited with two assists; Beyza Atilla, with one. Both are freshmen.
“We wanted to get the younger players more time on the field here early in the season, so we were able to play them throughout much of the first half,” said Paul.
Against Olympic Heights, the Conchs battled to another 1-1 tie to remain undefeated. The Lions struck first, then the Conchs answered when Kilduff set up center midfielder Alondra Montilla for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Montilla scored, but the Lady Conchs could not get the go-ahead goal before time ran out.
Paul praised his defense, led by goalkeeper Mary Searcy, with excellent play. Molly McKnight, Colbie Turner, JaeLynn Morgan and Marcily locked down the Conchs’ opponents in a defensive system that allowed for rotations including Lily Andrew, Keira Feitz, Lily Baxter, Kenli Rosado, Luna Godreau and Atilla.
“The Olympic Heights match was one that we scheduled to get us some good solid competition coming off the starting line, and they did not disappoint,” said Paul. “We took a little time getting warmed up on the field, but once we clicked, we played some really good soccer.”
Marathon’s ladies did not secure a win last week, but the team showed a lot of promise in a pair of matches. On Nov. 5, the Fins traveled to Keys Gate, where they started the season off in a 4-4 tie. Sarah Picariello started things off with an unassisted goal, then Mackenzie Budi assisted Kayla Skaarup on the next. Skaarup then assisted Allison Helms on goal number three and Addison Collins found the back of the net off a strong corner kick. The next day, the Lady Fins fell to SLAM Academy 6-2. Collins scored one goal on a penalty kick while Picariello netted the second, assisted by Fantine Mendez.
In boys action, Key West started the season off at Gulliver Prep on Nov. 4. The Conchs faced the No. 5 team in the state in any class for their opening match, and despite a 7-1 loss, the squad showed resolve, getting on the board with a Loubins Fleuridor goal against a team that managed 13 shoutouts last season. On Nov. 7, Fleuridor struck again with an unassisted goal against SLAM Academy. Sebastian Camargo netted a pair of goals and SLAM lent a hand with an own-goal, but the Conchs’ foe found the right net another six times to make it a 6-4 loss for Key West.
Marathon faced Miami Country Day Nov. 4 for its season opener. The Fins lost 6-0, then made a second trip to Miami in week one to face SLAM Academy. Marathon lost that one 5-0, with senior goalkeeper Tiago Rivero credited with a myriad of exceptional saves.
Coral Shores played one match last week, facing Ransom Everglades on Nov. 7. The Hurricanes, who are without several key players still running for cross country, lost 3-0.
“Coral Shores always comes ready to play and the match was, as usual, very physical.”
— Conchs head coach Scott Paul
CONCHS CRUSH IT
Key West outlifts county in girls meet
Keys lifters met in the middle last week, competing at Marathon High School on Nov. 5 for a ladies’ trimeet. Key West won both the Olympic and traditional events, with Coral Shores finishing second and Marathon third.
Key West’s Althea Olsen and Courtney Ward finished first and second, respectively, in both events in the 101-pound weight class. In the 110-pound competition, Coral Shores’ Emily Hurt was first in both events. In second place was Riley Grogan of Key West. 2024 state medalist Ella Evans of Marathon claimed a pair of firsts at 129 pounds, and teammate Rilynn Richards was second in both events.
Marathon senior Tinashay Cunningham was first in both categories at 139 pounds. In second was Key West’s Kai Lamontagne. Adelle Bainbridge of Marathon and Meredith Barton of Key West were first and second at 154 pounds, respectively, then Camila Linares of Key West and Karla Gutierrez of Coral Shores traded wins at 169. Linares was first in the Olympic event while Gutierrez won in traditional.
Justice Lee Isom stands in front of her banners in Marathon’s weight room. The senior strongwoman finished in first place overall last week.
Marathon’s Tinashay Cunningham, left, Rilynn Richards and Adelle Bainbridge.
Key West lifters Riley Grogan, left, Kai Lamontagne and Isabel Marsh.
TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly
Justice Lee won in both categories at 183 for Marathon. Jazlyn Lyons of Key West was second. At 199, Aaliyah McLeod was first in traditional lifts while Elaina Kerns of Coral Shores was second. In the Olympic event, Kerns was first, with Key West’s Brianna Brenner in second. Coral Shores’ Vanessa Gabriel won the unlimited category events while Key West’s Isabel Marsh was second.
The top lifter at last week’s meet was Lee, the three-time state champ who is looking to add to her collection of gold. Lee combined a trio of strong lifts to top the Sinclair Coefficient for the competition. Her 180-pound clean and jerk, 155-pound bench press and 150-pound snatch crushed all challengers and are far from her bests in the events. Evans was second with a 95-pound snatch, 135-pound clean and jerk and 135-pound bench press. Third place overall went to Moore with a 125-pound clean and jerk, 110-pound bench and 80-pound snatch. The Sinclair Coefficient calculates an athlete’s performance by factoring in each lifter’s body weight to even the playing field.
Clockwise from top left:
Camila Linares lifted to firstand second-place finishes in her weight class last week.
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Afamiliar name raced to district gold last week when the Dolphins of Marathon started off the postseason for Monroe County runners.
The 1A Dolphins kicked things off Nov. 4 at the District 8 Championships at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton. This year, sophomore Antonin “Tony” Bursa did what older brother Vance did in 2024 when he broke the ribbon and captured the district championship. Bursa cruised to a 17:19 personal record to win the title. Behind Bursa was another sophomore, Allan Taylor, whose 18:01 was also a PR and good for an overall seventhplace finish. Senior Caleb Shelar kept the PR theme going, finishing strong in 11th in 18:40. Then it was freshman Lucian Burns, who traded his walking boot in for a racing flat. Burns finished in 19:10 – quite a bit off his own personal best, but still in the top 20 overall at 18th, and more than respectable considering it was his first race back after a stress fracture. Seventh-grader Anthony Vargas PRed with a 19:31. Completing Marathon’s top seven were junior Landon Anderson and sophomore Thomas Torres. Both ran personal
MEDAL MANIA
Marathon’s Bursa strikes gold, Wheatley silver as five local teams make the cut to regionals
bests, with Anderson finishing in 19:55 and Torres in 25:37. Marathon’s boys finished second overall, easily qualifying for regionals with their strong performance.
The Lady Fins will join the gentlemen at regionals after finishing seventh overall. Seventh-grader Molly Joly was first for the Dolphins, finishing in 23:23. Joly was 18th overall. Behind Joly were junior Mylana Loza (24:23) and sophomore Danaica Bessy (26:30). Both runners broke their personal records. Next were junior Kayla Skaarup (28:21) and freshman Ariella Dworniczak (28:45). Sophomores Sofia Konyk (30:34) and Natalia Perez Franco (34:32) each ran a new personal best and earned a spot at regionals by finishing in the team’s top seven.
Two days later, the ’Canes and Conchs traveled to Larry & Penny Thompson Park in Miami for the FHSAA 2A District 8 Championships. Sophomore Ali Wheatley blazed to a second-place 20:22 finish. Wheatley led the Hurricanes to a fifth-place finish overall, advancing the team to regionals for the first time in over a decade. Also helping were Kate King (23:17), Olive Welch (25:13), Aria Boonton (25:39) and
1. Marathon’s boys and girls are headed to regionals after their performance at districts last week.
2. The Lady Fins pause for a district photo.
3. Caleb Shelar, left, Tony Bursa and Allan Taylor test their hardware after securing the runner-up trophy at districts. All three won top-20 medals.
4. Key West’s boys cross country team poses with coach Keara McGraw.
5. Hurricane Jamie Cary kicks it out at the end of the race.
6. Kate King of Coral Shores looks strong mid-race.
Isabelle Jacobs (26:18). The Lady Hurricanes’ performance set the tempo for the boys, who pooled their talents to join the girls at regionals.
The senior-heavy boys team captured fourth place overall, advancing the entire team to regionals. Leading the charge was Jamie Cary, who finished 16th overall in 18:36. Alaric Rodriguez was next (19:35), followed by Tristian Rios (19:47), Nathaniel Shugarman (20:18) and Tristian Sanchez (19:50), the lone junior in the group.
Key West headed into districts ranked 12th, well out of a shot at regionals, but somebody forgot to tell the Conchs they were out of the running. Sophomore Sawyer Hill and senior Prometheus Delacerda paced one another to finish 27th and 28th, respectively. Hill completed the course in 19:11, outpacing Delacerda by two seconds. Alejandro Caridad (19:39) crushed his previous personal record by 18 seconds, starting a trend that gradually boosted Key West’s standing in the race. Colin Palmino (22:04) dropped 44 seconds and Charlie Delashmit (24:38) shaved 27 seconds from his personal best to steal the eighth overall team win and the final spot at regionals. The Lady Conchs entered just three runners in the race, two short of eligibility for a team. The individual runners represented the Southernmost City well, with Emma Bradshaw (24:09) crossing first, followed by fellow freshman Ryah Bushey (25:45), who ran a personal best. Junior Violet Jangraw (25:51) finished strong to round out Key West’s finishers. Bradshaw was one place out of an individual spot at regionals, setting the stage for a strong 2026 season.
Key West’s boys plus both Marathon and Coral Shores teams will put it all on the line this week at regionals in hopes of securing a coveted spot at the start of the state meet in Tallahassee later this month. For regionals, Keys runners will converge on South County Regional Park in Boca Raton on Nov. 14 for a series of races with staggered start times.
7. Lady Conch Emma Bradshaw turns the corner at districts.
8. Conch senior Prometheus Delacerda, right, gives his all at the end of the course.
9. Sawyer Hill cruises to the end of the district 2A course.
10. The Hurricanes and Conchs take off at the start of the FHSAA 2A District 8 Championships last week.
11. Ali Wheatley leads a pack of runners at the halfway point of her district race.
12. Coral Shores’ Alaric Rodriguez pushes his pace at the end of the course.
Key West senior Claudia Steling sinks a putt at regionals.
Emmett Merryman, pictured here in a match earlier this season, ended strong at the regional competition. CONTRIBUTED
FINAL HOLE
Prep golf season ends at regionals
Coral Shores’ Scout Oliver finished his season last week in West Palm after qualifying for regionals as an individual athlete.
Three Keys golfers earned a place at their respective regional competitions last week.
Key West’s Claudia Steling, Marathon’s Emmett Merryman and Coral Shores’ Scout Oliver each won an at-large bid by playing exceptionally well at districts the week prior.
Merryman and Oliver played their rounds at the FHSAA 1A Region 4 championships on Nov. 3 at the prestigious Park West Palm course. Oliver finished at 85 for the day, besting Merryman by 10 strokes and beating out nearly 20 other golfers. Though neither advanced to the next round, both athletes are freshmen, making for an exciting competition for years to come.
Steling teed off on Nov. 5 at Pompano Beach Golf Course for the 2A Region 4 championships. She became just the second girl in Conch history to break 100, accomplishing the feat at districts. Last week the senior did it again, shooting a 93 at regionals to cap off a phenomenal four years with Key West’s golf team.
TOP 20 IN THE WATER
Smith, Lykins end season on high note at states
On Nov. 8, two Coral Shores athletes represented the Hurricanes at the FHSAA 1A State Championships, held at the Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) Center in Ocala. After earning their spots at regionals the previous week, senior distance specialist Layne Smith competed in the girls 500-yard freestyle, finishing with a time of 5:15. Smith capped off a fantastic four years with the team by finishing in the top 20 statewide in her best event.
Classmate Aaron Lykins dove to an 11th-place finish in the boys 1-meter diving competition. Lykins, who picked up diving just last season, earned 303.75 points to secure his top-20 finish.
The meet marked a proud finish to both athletes’ Coral Shores careers, as they capped off their time as Hurricanes by competing among Florida’s best.
Aaron Lykins and Layne Smith. JIM MCCARTHY/Keys Weekly
In The Bleachers
Brevity
Adam Dailies
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of The Retro Room located at 126 Simonton Street, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
By: EXCALIBUR ELIXIRS LLC
Publish: November 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
DISTRICT I ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC I)
(Encompasses the City Limits of Key West) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists)
Any person wishing to participate on the District I Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@ fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:
Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Thursday December 18, 2025. A resume may be attached to the application.
Publish: November 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
IN RE: ESTATE OF CARMA JEAN YELL, DECEASED.
DATE OF DEATH: JUNE 24, 2025
RESIDED: 23A NORTH OCEAN DRIVE, KEY LARGO, FLORIDA 33037
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The undersigned, acting as representative of the Estate of Carma Jean Yell, hereby gives notice pursuant to Sections 733.2121 and 733.702, Florida Statutes, to all persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the estate, whether or not their claims are contingent or unliquidated, are notified that they must file their claims in writing with the undersigned within three (3) months after the date of the first publication of this notice. All claims not filed within the time periods set forth in Section 733.702, Florida Statutes, 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 name and address of the estate representative are:
Mark. A. Hutchings / Representative 216 Hibiscus Avenue
Key Largo, Florida 33037
Date of first publication: November 13, 2025
Publish: November 13 & 20, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT
IN AND FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
CASE NO: 2025-000092-CP-02 SECTION: PMH05
IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN D. DANNELLY, JR
Deceased.
__________________/
FORMAL NOTICE
TO: PATRICK MICHAEL DANNELLY 555 OCEAN WAY KEY LARGO, FL 33037
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a PETITION FOR SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION and a PETITION TO DETERMINE HOMESTEAD STATUS OF REAL PROPERTY have been filed IN THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MIAMIDADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION. You are required to serve written defenses on the undersigned within 20 days after service of this notice, exclusive of the day of service, and to file the original of the written defenses with the clerk of the above court either before service or immediately thereafter. Failure to serve and file written defenses as required may result in a judgment or order for the relief demanded in the pleading or motion, without further notice.
Dated: October 28, 2025. Respectfully, Carlos Linares, Esq. Florida Bar No. 1051061 Sylvana Rosende, Esq. Florida Bar No. 1025248
ROSENDE PAUL PLLC.
Attorneys for David Sean Dannelly
8200 NW 41st Street, Suite 318 Doral, FL 33166
Phone: (305)701-2099
carlos@rosendepaul.com sylvana@rosendepaul.com
Publish: November 6 , 13, 20 & 27, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 24-CP000608-M DIVISION: MARATHON FLORIDA BAR #980810 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY M. BITZER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of DOROTHY M. BITZER, deceased, whose date of death was October 6, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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 November 13, 2025.
Persons Giving Notice: Cindy L. Casey 15 Ibis Lane Marathon, FL 33050
Attorney for Persons Giving Notice: Christopher B. Waldera, P.A. Christopher B. Waldera Florida Bar No: 980810
Attorney for Personal Representative 5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 7 Marathon, Florida 33050 Telephone: (305) 289-2223 Facsimile: (305) 289-2249 email: chris@cbwpa.com Publish: November 13 & 20, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 25-CP-000473-P Division: Probate IN RE: ESTATE OF DAVID M. FINDLAY, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of David M. Findlay, deceased, File Number 25-CP-000473-P, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070.
The names and addresses of the Personal Representatives are set forth below. The name and address of the Personal Representatives’ attorney are set forth below. Pursuant to Florida Statutes section 733.702(1), if not barred by Florida Statutes section 733.710, no claim or demand against the decedent’s estate that arose before the death of the decedent, including claims of the state and any of its political subdivisions, even if the claims are unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated; no claim for funeral or burial expenses; no claim for personal property in the possession of the personal representative; and no claim for damages, including, but not limited to, an action founded on fraud or another wrongful act or omission of the decedent, is binding on the estate, on the personal representative, or on any beneficiary unless the claim is filed in the probate proceeding on or before the later of the date that is 3 months after the time of the first publication of the notice to creditors or, as to any creditor required to be served with a copy of the notice to creditors, 30 days after the date of service on the creditor, even though the personal representative has recognized the claim or demand by paying a part of it or interest on it or otherwise. ALL CLAIMS NO SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
In addition to the above described limitations period, Florida Statutes section 733.710 provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of the Florida Probate Code, 2 years after the death of a person, neither the decedent’s estate, the personal representative, if any, nor the beneficiaries shall be liable for any claim or cause of action against the decedent, whether or not letters of administration have been issued, except for a creditor who has filed a claim pursuant to Florida Statues section 733.702 within 2 years after the person’s death, or as otherwise provided in Florida Statutes section 733.710.
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 Florida Statutes Sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under Florida Statutes Section 732.2211. The written demand must be filed with the clerk of the court. Date of first publication of the Notice to Creditors was November 13, 2025, and the Decedent’s date of death was August 28, 2025.
Co-Personal Representative: James Findlay 121 Nassau Street, Apt. #25A New York, NY 10038
Co-Personal Representative: Alexandra Young 53 Hunt Terrace Greenwich, CT 06831
Attorneys for Personal Representatives: Benjamin D. Babcock, Esquire
Florida Bar No. 93181
GREENBERG TRAURIG, P.A. 401 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 2000 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000488-K IN RE: ESTATE OF GREGORY LOGAN GARDINER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of GREGORY LOGAN GARDINER, deceased, whose date of death was October 3, 2025, File Number 25-CP000488-K, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, the address of which is Mounroe County Courthouse, Probate Division, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. The fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in Section 90.5021 applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative. 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 WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
The personal representative or curator 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 Florida Statutes 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by
a creditor as specified under Florida Statutes 732.2211. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: November 13, 2025.
Personal Representative: WILLIAM L. GARDINER, III 936 Intracoastal Drive, #17B Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
Attorney for Personal Representative: DOUGLAS F. HOFFMAN FL BAR ATTY #964980
RUDOLF & HOFFMAN, P.A. 615 Northeast Third Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Telephone: 954-462-2270
Facsimile: 954-462-2274
dhoffman@estateandtrust.net
Publish:
November 13 & 20, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-000479-K IN RE: ESTATE OF STEPHEN D. PEET, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the Estate of Stephen D. Peet, deceased, whose date of death was September 6, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: November 6, 2025.
Personal Representative: Bridget P. Conger 4836 Flower Valley Drive Rockville, MD 20853 Attorney for Personal Representative: Ashton C. Malkin, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 1030776 ELLIS LAW GROUP, P.L. 4755 Technology Way, Suite 205 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Telephone: (561) 910-7500
Fax: (561) 910-7501
E-Mail: Ashton@ellis-law.com
Secondary: Service@ellis-law. com
Publish: November 6 & 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2025-CP-465-K IN RE: ESTATE OF PATRICIA ANN HOCKENJOS, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Patricia Ann Hockenjos, deceased, whose date of death was August 26th, 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. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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: November 6, 2025. Signed on 10/27/2025. Personal Representative: Nancy Frielinghaus 2105 Parkside Drive Forked River, NJ 08731
Attorney for Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esquire Florida Bar No. 618403
JAMES J. DORL, P.A. 5701 Overseas Hwy, Suite 12 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6565 Fax: (305) 743-4143
Email: jjdorl@yahoo.com
Publish: November 6 & 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000439-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DOYLE GLENDON BAILEY AKA DOYLE G. BAILEY Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Doyle Glendon Bailey aka Doyle G. Bailey, deceased, whose date of death was July 15, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required
to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
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: November 6, 2025.
Personal Representative: Barbara Bailey 99 Barberton Road Lake Worth, FL 33467
Attorney for Personal Representative: Karen Levin Alexander, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 372587 KAREN LEVIN ALEXANDER, P.A. 4400 PGA Boulevard, Suite 402 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 Telephone: (561) 629-9929 Fax: (561) 629-9930 E-mail: Karen@klalawfl.com
Secondary E-Mail: Cathy@ klalawfl.com
Publish:
November 6 & 13, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-000309-M IN RE: ESTATE OF WARREN YOUNG RUSSELL, JR., Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of WARREN YOUNG RUSSELL, JR., deceased, whose date of death was May 4, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
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 personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of Decedent's death by Decedent or Decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.
The date of first publication of this notice is: November 6, 2025.
Personal Representative:
JOSEPH NEWELL ADKINS 556 NW Savannah Circ. Lake City, Florida 32055
Attorney for Personal Representative: MORGAN & GETZAN, PLLC
Roberta O. Getzan, Esq.
Florida Bar No. 0577200 234 East Duval Street Lake City, Florida 32055 386/755-1977 (office) 386-755-8781 (facsimile) info@morgangetzan.com
Publish: November 6 & 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO.: 25-CP-468-K
DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF ANGELA A. BLANCHARD
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Angela A. Blanchard, deceased, whose date of death was September 28, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE
DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: November 6, 2025.
Personal Representative:
The Coral Gables Trust Company
Ivan Shegota, Managing Director of The Coral Gables Trust Company 255 Alhambra Circle, Suite 333 Coral Gables, FL 33134
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:
November 6 & 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 2025-CP-355-M IN RE: ESTATE OF CHARLES C. CURRIER
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of CHARLES C. CURRIER, deceased, whose date of death was February 9, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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 November 6, 2025.
Personal Representative: KRISTEN BRENNER
359 E. Seaview Drive Duck Key, FL 33050
Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony J. Barrows
E-mail: Tony@keysclosings. com Publish: November 6 & 13, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
LEGAL NOTICES
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER: 25-CP-285
DIVISION: KEY WEST IN RE: ESTATE OF JULIE QUARLES
Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the Estate of JULIE QUARLES, deceased, whose date of death was April 30, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: November 6, 2025.
Personal Representative: BLAINE COOK 414 Angela Street Key West, FL 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: PAUNECE SCULL
Attorney Florida Bar No. 729477 SCULL & SCULL PA 302 Southard Street Suite 105 Key West, FL 33040 Telephone: (305) 407-6897
E-Mail: paunece@scullpa.com
Secondary E-Mail: kader@ scullpa.com
Publish: November 6 & 13, 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
2013 Cadillac ATS, 125k miles, needs tires & A/C, 2 owners, serviced at dealership. Located in Marathon. $4,000 Contact: yogaforpeacellc@yahoo.com
2019 P&S 425XTO Yams for sale. 1,100 hours. Off the "Let Her Ride". Located in Marathon. $35,000 305-747-4227
BOATS FOR SALE
GREAT DEAL: Key Largo 21' Deep V Center Console w/trailer. New 150hp motor & electronics. $15,000 Located in Marathon. 201-696-8906
BOAT SLIP FOR RENT
Dockage up to 60’ Islamorada - Bayside, 50 amp service. Call 860-982-4517
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
EMPLOYMENT
Handyman needed for residence in Marathon. High Pay! Call: 305-395-0478 bbrayman@proton.me
Boat rental company in Marathon looking for help with boat detailing & boat cleaning. Call 305-481-7006
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Full-time Carpenter, Electrician & Housing Assistant. 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.
The SS Wreck & Galley Grill (mile marker 59) is looking for a line cooks and prep & dish. Self-motivated, will train, experience very helpful, quick learner, and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience. Please call Nicole at 305433-0515 or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.
Coast To Coast Pizza Company is looking for pizza makers. Selfmotivated, experience very helpful, quick learner, and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience. Please call Nicole at 305433-0515 or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.
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.
SUDOKU SOLUTION
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.
PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com
HOBBIES/COLLECT.
PRIVATE COLLECTOR
WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
HOUSING FOR RENT
Key Largo - like new fully furnished private ground floor studio. Includes utilities, cable TV, internet. rental application required. $1,800/mo - 786 258 3127
FOR RENT
Available now, modern 2 bdrm 2 bath in Tavernier. 10' ceilings, porcelain tile thru out. No pets, no smokers. $2800/ month (included elec & water) Ph 715-573-6546
NIGHT MONITOR - FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility in Marathon. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/
2-3BR/2BA Beautiful home for year-round rental on Duck Key. Furnished, full size W/D, stainless steel appliances & granite countertops. Gorgeous pool with built-in bar stools, waterfall & Jacuzzi, 1 car garage, and covered porch for outdoor dining w/ views of the canal. $3,800/ month. Avail. Dec. 1st. Address: 243 W. Seaview Dr, Duck Key, MM 61. Text/ call 774-263-8759 Email: dongamache@comast.net
Studio House with Queen size bed available in Marathon. Bedroom/ living room/kitchen all separate rooms. Furnished & appliances, newly renovated. No pets. 305-610-8002
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:
SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hr. - $51.94/hr.
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Generation Department:
OPERATOR/MAINTAINER
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $40.15/hr - $44.97/hr
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
HOUSING FOR RENT
2BR/1BA house for rent in Marathon. Completely remodeled. All appliances. No pets. Dock available for separate fee. 305-610-8002
2BR/2BA with outdoor patio for rent in Marathon. $2,100/month F/L/S Taking applications. 305-849-5793 RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!
PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly. com
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
YARD SALES
PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com
SERVICES STAFF (Full-Time, Permanent)
SERVICES STAFF (Part-Time, Weekend)
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.
DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program, in addition to, life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. EOE
COME JOIN THE FAMILY!
Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL
FAIR INSURANCE RATES FOR MONROE EMPOWERING CONSUMERS THROUGH EDUCATION, PROTECTION, AND REFORM
NOW HIRING: General Manager – Full Time
Key West , Florida with possible occasional travel in the county and outside Salary Range: Commensurate with experience, plus comprehensive benefits including health insurance
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
As General Manager, you will serve as the operational backbone of FIRM, reporting directly to the Board of Directors and collaborating closely with our President on strategic vision.
Strategic Leadership & Operations: Oversee day-to-day operations, including program development, delivery, and evaluation, with a focus on insurance policy research, consumer complaint resolution, and advocacy campaigns.
Financial & Resource Management: Lead budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation, including grant procurement and management, fundraising initiatives, and donor stewardship.
Team & Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate relationships with board members, regulators, industry partners, and community stakeholders to amplify advocacy efforts, such as lobbying for consumer-friendly insurance reforms.
Advocacy & Impact Measurement: Spearhead public awareness campaigns on insurance issues (e.g., rate transparency, claim denials), leveraging data-driven insights to influence legislation and corporate practices. Website and Social Media management.
Risk & Compliance Oversight: Ensure organizational adherence to legal, ethical, and regulatory standards, including data privacy in consumer interactions and risk management for advocacy activities. Serve as a key spokesperson, representing FIRM in media, hearings, and coalitions.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Non-Profit Management, or a related field; Master's or MBA preferred. 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in non-profit management, with at least 3 years in advocacy, consumer protection, or insurance-related roles.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews starting in late November. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your vision for leading FIRM’s next phase, and three professional references as a single PDF. Use the subject line: "General Manager Application - [Your Last Name]." E-Mail address: Mel.Montagne@ioausa.com
FIRM is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates with lived experience in underserved communities, as well as those from varied backgrounds in insurance, policy, or non-profit sectors. www.FirmKeys.org
NOW HIRING
DOCK HAND
We are looking for a Dock Hand with excellent customer service to join our team. You would assist with the daily operations of our marina. Responsibilities include assistance with the daily marina tasks including helping guests arrive and depart from their dock, guiding guests over the radio, navigation, marina amenity cleaning, pressure-washing, assisting guests with golf cart rides and requests, and maintaining the marina. Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come in the of ce to ll out application. 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!
Old Wooden Bridge Resort & Marina
NOW HIRING
Front Desk Clerk
(Under new management)
Stop in for an application at 1791 Bogie Drive Big Pine Key, FL 33043 305-872-2241
TREASURE HARBOR MARINA IN ISLAMORADA
NOW HIRING
Person Apply in person at: Treasure Harbor Marina 200 Treasure Harbor Drive Islamorada Email: info@keysboatrental.com Call for more information: 305-664-9943
NOW HIRING
3 yrs or more experience required. EXPERIENCED HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
1 yr or more experience required. EXPERIENCED CONSTRUCTION LABORERS
2 yrs or more experience required.
All positions Monday-Friday with overtime possible.
Please apply in person at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc. 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Key West. Or contact Cheryl at 305-296-5606 ext. 126 or cheryl@charleytoppino.com
at:
ELECTRIC SIGN & LIGHT 10690
We are hiring a Heavy Diesel Mechanic with experience working on John Deere, Caterpillar, Kubota, Detroit Diesel, etc. MondayFriday with some overtime available.
Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Key West, ask for Cheryl. 305-296-5606 ext 126
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
KEY LARGO
Behavioral Health Therapist (CAT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)
Behavioral Health Counselor (CAT)
KEY WEST
Case Manager (Adult)
Mental Health Technician (PT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) (PT) Crisis Counselor
MARATHON
Mental Health Technician
Care Coordinator (PT)
Driver (CDL not required) (PT)
Driver (CDL required) (FT)
Registered Nurse (FT, PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (PT)
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT, PT)
*Night Monitor (ALF – Free Housing vs. Salary)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.
Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/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.
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C)Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier
- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant, Upper Keys-Gastro, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant, LPN, EMT or Paramedic, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C) Medical Oncology, Per Diem
- Pool Radiation Therapist
- Registered Nurse, Oncology, $15k Bonus
TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL
- Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus
- Cook, Dietary, $5k Bonus
- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT Scan, $50k Bonus
- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem
