Marathon Weekly 25-1204

The one that’s a showstopper

Constructed in 2021 by the owners for themselves, this non-waterfront pool home on a .26 acre lot is tucked within one of Marathon's most sought after neighborhoods. Located just moments from the boat ramp, enjoy both convenience and the ease of Keys living. Offering three bedrooms, a bonus room, two bathrooms, and nearly 2,000 square feet upstairs, the floor plan is ideal for both local living and entertaining. Additional 750 square feet of enclosed ground-level space provides storage for a golf cart and much more. Thoughtfully finished outdoor areas will leave you speechless: pavered circular driveway and patios, lush turf and landscape, covered lanai with outdoor kitchen, SWAT Mosquito System, outdoor shower, pergola with gas fire-pit and salt system pool with splash pad and heater/chiller—all within a fully fenced yard. Constructed with the island location in mind, the home features hardie-board siding, impact windows and doors, metal roof, concrete columns and an assumable flood policy. Inside, the interior emulates a Pottery Barn catalogue as you enter into the open-concept great room, highlighted by shiplap accents, built-in electric fireplace, and plank style flooring. The Chef's kitchen includes quartz countertops, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, shaker cabinetry, center island, and breakfast nook. The primary suite impresses with double walk-in closets and spa-inspired bathroom offering a soaking tub, oversized walk-in shower with dual shower heads, double sinks, makeup vanity, tile flooring, and private water closet. A full laundry room, guest bathroom, two guest bedrooms, and the bonus room complete the interior. Leave the bonus room as a playroom or convert into an office, yoga studio or fourth bedroom. With parking for multiple vehicles, RV, and boat trailer, this home delivers the luxury, comfort and convenience of the Keys lifestyle.

9709 Overseas Hwy.

Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development

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Diana Striker

Finance Director Carolyn Campbell carolyn@keysweeky.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

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$26B

The busiest shopping days in the U.S. — Black Friday and Cyber Monday —brought a little more than $26 billion in spending, according to Adobe Analytics. Spending on Black Friday totaled $11.8 billion, a $1 billion increase from last year, while Cyber Monday spending totaled $14.25 billion, up from $13.3 billion a year ago.

PRICE-FIXING ACCUSATIONS SPREAD

New civil suits accuse Keys wholesalers of lobster and stone crab conspiracy

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Two months after one South Florida seafood wholesaler pleaded guilty to price-fixing charges on spiny lobster and stone crab, class-action lawsuits are targeting his alleged co-conspirators in the Keys.

In September, a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) press release announced that Dennis Dopico, vice president of wholesaler D&D Seafood, pleaded guilty in U.S. Southern District Court to conspiring with his competitors in order to artificially fix and suppress the prices paid by his company for lobster and crab claws between 2023 and 2025, affecting around $8 million in commerce. As part of the plea agreement, Dopico agreed to fully cooperate with investigators in exchange for a reduced offense level and sentence.

According to court documents, Dopico and other co-conspirators communicated via texts and calls to agree on prices offered to fishermen at the docks for their catch, altering the prices in lockstep as various harvest seasons progressed.

“For example, on Sept. 28, 2023, following communications with a coconspirator about spiny lobster prices, Dopico replied ‘don’t show text to anyone. Confidential,’ to which the coconspirator responded, ‘I give you my word. We’re working together now not against each other,’” the DOJ press release stated.

After the same co-conspirator texted Dopico new prices for each of the four sizes of stone crab claws in Everglades City a few weeks later, Dopico replied, “Let me know what you do. I am matching your prices. It’s the one we like the most.”

Harvests from Keys waters account for about half of Florida’s statewide stone crab catch, while Keys lobsters

Multiple new lawsuits accuse Keys-based seafood wholesalers of colluding to artificially suppress the prices paid to fishermen for spiny lobster and stone crab claws since 2017. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

make up roughly 90% of the fishery. The two shellfish are some of the state’s most vital commercial species, together accounting for $76.3 million of the $240.5 million in wholesale value of catches throughout the state in 2024, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture.

Prices for spiny lobster, in particular, are critical in the early stage of a season that runs from August through March, as more than 50% of the annual harvest occurs during the front-loaded months of August and September.

While Dopico pleaded guilty to one felony count of restraining trade by conspiring to fix prices – carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals or $100 million for corporations – his federal complaint referenced, but did not name, four other South Florida seafood wholesalers as conspirators.

But in October, two additional civil suits filed by Keys fishermen sought damages against several Monroe County-based wholesalers in addition to Dopico and D&D, whose Marathon location on Coco Plum Drive is now listed as permanently closed.

Battling whitecaps and winds north of 30 miles per hour, dozens of kiteboarders set out on a trek from Grassy Key to Geiger Key in the 2025 Downwind-a-palooza on Nov. 29. See page 20. CHRIS GLEADALL/Contributed

The first, filed by Marathon’s Paradise Tails Inc., Key West’s Reel Faith Fishing LLC, and Marathon fishermen Erick Bravo and Jose Hernandez, takes aim at Marathon-based Keys Fisheries and former vice president Gary Graves. A second, filed by Islamorada’s The Gourmet Crab, includes wholesaler, retailer and restaurant operator Billy’s Stone Crabs Inc., its president Brian Hershey and its Marathon- and Summerland Key-based affiliate BSC Fisheries LLC, along with D&D Seafood president Mario Dopico and secretary George Teruel.

While not named as defendants, the suits list numerous other Keysbased operators as alleged “known co-conspirators,” including Marathonbased Golden Dragon Seafood and Key Largo Fisheries in the Upper Keys.

The new suits stretch back further than Dopico’s federal charges, alleging that conspirators began meeting at least as early as June 2017 to set initial prices per pound before the opening of lobster and stone crab seasons.

“The defendants would then coordinate throughout the season to adjust prices in lockstep,” the suit states. “If any purchasers offered fishermen prices above the agreed-upon fixed prices, those purchasers faced various repercussions.”

Fishermen who sought higher prices, or fish houses that paid them, were allegedly blacklisted by the price-fixing group, boycotted by other buyers and harassed with frivolous law enforcement complaints.

The price-fixing practices, the suit claims, were especially damaging as the Keys experienced a decade-long drop in stone crab landings beginning in 2012 – one that should have caused dockside prices to spike in a properly competitive market.

The decline was significant enough that in 2020, Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sought to address it by increasing the minimum legal claw length by � of an inch and shortening the season by two weeks.

“This well-documented supply shortage should have resulted in record-high dockside prices for fishermen as a basic function of supply and demand,” the suit states. “(When) competitive forces briefly prevailed,

IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS IN THE UPPER KEYS NET ARRESTS

Customs and Border Protection’s marine operations unit and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers conduct a vessel stop near Rodriguez Key in Key Largo on Nov. 25. A Venezuelan man was detained. CBP/ Via Facebook

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Recent federal immigration operations in Key Largo yielded more than a dozen arrests, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

As previously reported by Keys Weekly, parents taking their children to school and workers heading into the Florida Keys the morning of Nov. 21 noticed a helicopter circling in Key Largo. On the ground, federal agents in unmarked and marked vehicles performed several stops, as local resident Nick Rodriguez documented in a video and photos he submitted to the Keys Weekly.

Per a Facebook post by CBP, a Miami Air and Marine Branch Black Hawk crew and marine interdiction agents from the Key Largo unit teamed up with Border Patrol for a “targeted enforcement operation.” With support from Florida Highway Patrol troopers, the operation led to the arrests of 12 individuals, from Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia and Guatemala.

According to CBP, record checks revealed prior charges and convictions, including re-entry after deportation, driving under the influence, obstruction, illegal concealed carry of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance with a weapon, resisting an officer with violence,

A Black Hawk flies in the air as federal immigration enforcement agents, with assistance from Florida Highway Patrol, conduct traffic stops the morning of Nov. 21.

battery, domestic violence and other offenses. All those arrested were taken to the U.S. Border Patrol Marathon station for processing. The status of their cases and whether they’ll be deported remains unknown.

“The operation highlights the critical teamwork and dedication of federal and state law enforcement agencies in safeguarding our communities,” read the post.

Four days later, CBP’s Key Largo Marine Unit arrested an adult Venezuelan who officers said was illegally in the U.S. during a vessel stop near Rodriguez Key. He was turned over to U.S. Border Patrol for processing. Agents said they also found narcotics and paraphernalia in plain view during the stop. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office seized the items for further investigation.

Immigration enforcement operations have intensified in the Keys going back to earlier in the year when the Trump administration took office. In recent weeks, agents have staked out in Key Largo — and not far from Key Largo School — to conduct stops during the early morning hours.

from page 4

PRICE FIXING

the scarcity drove prices to unprecedented levels, with wholesale prices for the most desirable claws soaring to as much as $50 per pound. This demonstrates the substantial prices a competitive market could bear and stands in stark contrast to the suppressed prices paid by the cartel.”

Instead, one local fisherman told the Weekly, prices were held to anywhere between $10 and $20 per pound.

While Dopico pleaded guilty to affecting $8 million in sales, Paradise Tails’ civil suit alleges underpayments totaling “at least tens of millions” and seeks three times that amount in damages.

“Price fixing cheats fishermen, squeezes restaurants, and makes families pay more at the table,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones in the release announcing Dopico’s plea. “We will protect honest competition from the boat to the dinner table.”

“These fishermen trusted these companies because they had a relationship for a long time. This lawsuit is not just about antitrust in purely legal terms, it is actually about the violation of our local fishermen’s trust,” said Marathon attorney Richard Malafy, who will work with personal injury firm Levin Pappantonio to represent affected fishermen. “The lawsuit seeks to recover monies for our fishermen, which was and always has been rightfully theirs.”

Dopico’s sentencing is set for Jan. 5 in Miami before Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga. Existing civil suits are expected to be combined into a larger class action suit throughout 2026, with additional parties signing on.

Speaking to the Weekly on Dec. 2, Paradise Tails owner Morgan Gotti declined to comment on the pending case and investigation. Attorneys for multiple defendants did not return calls seeking comment before press time, while others declined to comment on the pending case.

THREE ARRESTED FOLLOWING REPORTED SEX AT A MARATHON GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT

Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies arrested three individuals on Nov. 30 after they were reportedly having sex in a car at a Marathon grocery store parking lot.

The sheriff’s office was called to the Winn-Dixie parking lot at around noon, where deputies said the three individuals –45-year-old Sharon Helen Czaplinsky of Marathon, 43-yearold Marshall Adam Lowery of Key Largo and 59-yearold Michael McDonald Howard of Marathon – were engaged in sexual acts and were heavily intoxicated. All three were taken to jail.

Czaplinsky was charged with unlawful exposure of sexual organs, disorderly intoxication and resisting without violence. Lowery was charged with committing unnatural and lascivious acts and disorderly intoxication and Howard was charged with unlawful exposure of sexual organs and disorderly intoxication.

In August, Czaplinsky was arrested and charged with indecent exposure, unnatural and lascivious acts and disorderly conduct for reportedly engaging in sex with 60-year-old Vincent Edwards Crews at a Marathon gas station. Crews was charged with unnatural and lascivious acts and disorderly conduct.

— Keys Weekly staff report

Adam Lowery MCSO/Contributed

Sharon Czaplinsky

Michael Howard

COME BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR!

DAILY SPECIALS

COCKTAILS WITH THE CLAUS

SantaCon brings the North Pole to Marathon & KCB

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

SantaCon is back, and the party is moving to the other side of town.

A hit in 2024, the 2025 7 Mile SantaCon, presented by the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce, will take costumed revelers on a poker run to five stops in Marathon and Key Colony Beach for libations and a shot at – hopefully – a royal flush.

For those who’ve never heard of SantaCon, the concept is simple: dress in your favorite holiday garb (Santa costumes preferred, for obvious reasons), enjoy all-day drinks, and pull one card per stop for a chance to win cash prizes at the end.

Whether dressed as Kris Kringle, Mrs. Claus, a loyal elf, Rudolph or the Grinch, the entire crew will stay together for timed stops this year, starting with a drink at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters at noon.

From there, participants can walk or cruise (responsibly) to the Island Fish Company at 1:30 p.m., Sparky’s Landing at 3, Key Colony Beach Realty at 4:30 and the grand finale at Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant at 6 p.m.

Partygoers sport their best red, white and a little green at the 2024 7 Mile SantaCon. While the event will move to the other end of town, the recipe remains the same: good friends, great drinks and Christmas cheer.

by Natalie Danko and Doug Finger

“What’s better than a bunch of dressed-up tipsy locals and visitors parading from bar to bar in Marathon?” said Chamber CEO Daniel Samess. “Nothing, so join us at the second annual SantaCon or be on Santa's nice list – the naughty list is much more fun!”

A $60 ticket buys one drink and a card pull at each location, with one extra “mulligan” card pull available at the end for $30. Awards for the best poker hand and best costume (individual, couple and group) are set for 7 p.m. at Havana Jack’s.

Thanks to Marathon Bike Works, partygoers can take in the cooler temps on wheels, as the team will drop off free rental bikes at Aquarium Encounters and pick them up at Havana Jack’s. If pedals aren’t your thing, participants are highly encouraged to park and ride with friends (including a designated driver) or use local taxis or shuttle services.

For more details and tickets, visit floridakeysmarathon.com/7-mile-santa-con.

HURRICANE SEASON IS ON HIATUS

Key West burns warning flags in annual ceremony

Photos

JT Thompson, left, discusses the uniting philosophy of his decades-long, now worldwide ‘One Human Family’ message after receiving the title of ‘Ambassador of Humanity of the Conch Republic,’ from Conch Republic Secretary of State, Capt. James R. Gilleran, right.

Elizabeth Darrow, director of the Conch Republic CIA, left, holds burning hurricane warning flags aloft while Conch Republic Speaker of the House and Administrator of Rum, Paul Menta, right, ignites them using a bottle of locally made rum during a ceremony to mark the end of the hurricane season on Sunday, Nov. 30. This year’s event also included a concert and fundraiser for Jamaica hurricane relief. CAROL TEDESCO/ Contributed

Conch Republic Admiral Seth Salzman, left, and Conch Republic Military Supreme Commander General Scarlett Jai Somer welcome attendees to the end-of-hurricane-season flag burning ceremony at the USCGC Ingham Pier at the Key West Truman Waterfront.

UNITED IN SUCCESS

Keys Special Olympians earn hardware at state games

Special Olympics Florida-Monroe County athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 State Fall Classic at ESPN Wide World of Sports, held Nov. 13 to 16 in Orlando, bringing home numerous awards across powerlifting, flag football and pickleball. Representing schools and community programs from Key West to Key Largo, athletes showcased determination, strength, and sportsmanship on the statewide stage.

Powerlifting champions included Coral Shores High School’s Gordon Gomila, coached by Erin Hamilton, who earned third place in the male deadlift competition. Marathon High School’s Cindy Augustin and Alex Chavala, both coached by Cathy Warner, brought home gold medals in female and male Combination 2 lifts, respectively.

Monroe County athletes also excelled in pickleball, a fast-growing sport in the region. Christopher Gregory from Key West High School and Alicia Di Giuseppe from Horace O’Bryant School teamed up to claim second place in Unified Doubles under coach Stephanie Hill. Ray Moreno from Key West, also coached by Hill, earned second place in the skills division. Anthony Mestre and Emmett Willis, from Treasure Village Montessori, captured first place in their Unified Doubles bracket, coached by Cricket Magee.

In flag football, Key Largo School’s juniorlevel Unified team, coached by Jose Zepada, took home a gold medal. Coral Shores’ seniorlevel Unified team, coached by Matt Ooms, finished in fourth place, as did the Key West Conchs masters-level traditional team, coached by Randy Acevedo and Angel Torres.

The Monroe County delegation of 51 athletes, Unified partners, coaches and chaperones experienced a weekend that went beyond competition. The delegation took part in an opening ceremony that featured visits from Mickey and Minnie Mouse and their Disney character friends. The ceremonial lighting of the torch culminated in a state-of-the-art fireworks show.

During the weekend, Monroe County also honored its 2025 Inspirational Award recipients. Di Giuseppe earned the title of Inspirational Partner of the Year, while Warner was named the Inspirational Coach of the Year. Linnea Edwards was the county’s Inspirational Athlete of the Year.

“These results reflect the dedication of our athletes, coaches, and families,” said Ruth Coleman, sports training and competition director for Special Olympics Florida-Monroe County. “From record lifts in powerlifting to the team-

work displayed in pickleball and the bravery on the football field, Monroe County athletes continue to inspire our community through inclusion and perseverance.”

Next up for Special Olympians are the spring and summer seasons for bocce, soccer, basketball, cheerleading, cycling and track and field. — Contributed

1. The Key West Conchs’ flag football squad celebrates a fourth-place finish.

2. Coral Shores’ Unified flag football team poses with their fourth-place medals.

3. The Key Largo School Unified flag football team takes home the gold.

4. Key West’s Ray Moreno earns second place in the pickleball skills contest.

5. Monroe County’s Inspirational Coach of the Year Cathy Warner, second from left, Inspirational Partner of the Year Alicia Di Giuseppe, center, and Inspirational Athlete of the Year Linnea Edwards, second from right, receive their awards. CONTRIBUTED

MARATHON CINEMA

COMMERCE CORNEr

Creating Art, Memories, and Community in Paradise

Owners Randall & Araña bring creativity and connection to life through Painting the Keys — offering fun, engaging art experiences that capture the spirit of the Florida Keys.

Join us for public or private Paint Parties at our Coconuts Art Studio in Islamorada, or let us bring the fun to local restaurants, resorts, and private venues throughout the Keys. Perfect for family gatherings, date nights, groups, or anyone looking to meet new friends!

Not in the Keys? You can still enjoy that island feeling with our ART2Go Boxes — everything you need to create your own masterpiece at home.

Stay connected and up to date on events, request your own party, or order ART2Go boxes at PaintingTheKeys.com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @PaintingTheKeys

�� Finders Keepers Coconuts — Follow the adventure! Araña paints coconuts, and Randall hides them around the Keys for lucky locals and visitors to find. Track clues and share your finds @FindersKeepersCoconuts.

Explore more of Araña’s artwork at ArtbyArana.com

Randall Glass • 561.707.4527

Based in Islamorada

Hosting events throughout the Florida Keys!

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• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!

• 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm

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BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM

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• $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots

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DEPUTY WHO LOST LEG

IN BAD ACCIDENT BACK ON THE ROAD

Julian Garcia returns to the job he loves

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Julian Garcia exits his patrol vehicle to speak with a motorist he stopped for speeding during a sunny afternoon in Key Largo on Nov. 21. Garcia admits he still feels some angst conducting stops along U.S. 1 after losing his left leg following a traffic stop turned horrific accident in Islamorada the evening of April 9, 2024.

Garcia lost his left leg from the knee down after a suspected drunk driver crashed into his patrol car. He was walking between his car and the vehicle he pulled over at the time near MM 87 when the woman rammed into the back of his vehicle. Authorities say Alexandra Marlene Baraga was behind the wheel of the vehicle that struck deputy Garcia. She had a blood alcohol level of 0.310, nearly four times the legal limit.

He was pinned and severely injured. Thankfully, his colleagues on the road, Islamorada Fire Rescue and Monroe County Trauma Star swiftly responded to render aid.

He was airflighted to Jackson Hospital in Miami where he underwent numerous surgeries; the decision was ultimately made to amputate his left leg from the knee down.

Through the procedures, getting acquainted with the prosthetic leg and strenuous physical therapy, Garcia admits it was a challenging period as he tried to get back on his feet. But with support from his family, the sheriff’s office and the Florida Keys community, Garcia’s determination and desire to return to the road wasn’t a far-out dream.

In late June, Garcia climbed back into his patrol car for his first shift since the accident. Overall, he’s feeling good doing something he missed. But some days can be tougher than others as he gets to feeling fully comfortable with a prosthetic leg.

“Coming back, I was obviously very excited and everything – nervous too,” he said. “Once I got back, I was trying to get accustomed to how to walk and move around, getting in and out of the vehicle.”

Working nights before the accident, Garcia’s shift now includes half daytime patrol and the other half during the evening until midnight.

“Days are more like fraud reports, traffic crashes, maybe little customer disputes. Nights it’s a little more active with DUIs, domestics, fights, disorderly intoxication,” Garcia said.

Sheriff Rick Ramsay said the schedule gave Garcia and the sheriff’s office time to evaluate his capacities and abilities, all while giving him time to re-acclimate as an officer.

“We wanted to make sure he was comfortable,” Ramsay said. “He’s continued to impress me and others, continuing to achieve goals and objectives and proving to him and others he could make a comeback. And he did make a comeback.”

Injured during an evening traffic stop in April 2024, Garcia returned to work in late June.

Deputy Julian Garcia, right, and Deputy Richard Rodriguez, who aided a severely injured Garcia during the April 2024 incident. The two are back working together during the daytime. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Julian Garcia conducts a traffic stop in Key Largo on Nov. 26.

Ramsay admits he wasn’t sure if Garcia was going to be able to return to the road. Ramsay said Garcia maintained positive spirits and worked hard throughout his recovery journey

“Never have I heard of someone with an above-the-knee amputation coming back. I initially thought he’d come back as a courtroom security detail. I was hopeful for field operation,” Ramsay said. “I called him every week, and he always said ‘I’m coming back soon.’ I told him, ‘I have a job for you, I’m pulling for you’ and continued giving positive feedback to help him get his spirits up. But his spirits were always high.”

Garcia, too, had some doubts as he began getting acquainted with the prosthetic leg.

“When I tried it on, I tried to walk, I was like, ‘Yeah I’m not going to be able to do this.’ I was like ‘I don’t see how.’ It’s because I’m impatient,” he said. “I wanted to start walking as soon as I got it. I had to take some time and realize it’s not going to be super easy. I hadn’t been standing in months, so just being able to stand up straight was enough for me.”

And he remembers being so tired from physical therapy that he’d sit in his car for a time before getting out to enter his house.

“I had a really great physical therapy and occupational therapy,” Garcia said. “They were pushing me to my limits and it made me realize I could do more.”

Garcia’s day shift has given him the opportunity to work again with deputy Richard Rodriguez. The two worked nights on the road in Islamorada until the accident in April 2024.

Rodriguez was one of the first to arrive at the scene alongside deputy Landon Gardner. Rodriguez, who applied the tourniquet to Garcia’s leg during the accident, said it means everything to be back working with his close colleague.

“The fact he still loves the job and still wants to serve the community, it encourages me and motivates me to come out here and be better,” Rodriguez said. “Knowing that he was able to recover and fight his battles and still come out the same person but better, I know he’s going to be such an impactful individual when it comes to his future trainees and people he instructs in the academy.”

Rodriguez’s patrol car was positioned behind Garcia’s as he conducted a traffic stop on the speeder alongside U.S. 1. That was until a vehicle failed to move over for the traffic stop or slow 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Rodriguez sped off and turned his light to pull over the Move Over Law offender.

The law requires motorists to move to an adjacent lane or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when they approach emergency vehicles, tow trucks as well as disabled vehicles displaying flashing lights. Ramsay said the law is particularly important for the safety of officers and others working alongside the road. The accident which injured Garcia is an example of why the law is in place, he said.

“Yes, she was a drunk diver, but she failed to comply with the Move Over act. If she complied, this wouldn’t have happened,” he said.

Garcia credits many people in his journey to recovery and getting back to doing what he loves. His fiancée and family especially helped him through the tough times. The community also came to his side through a fundraiser organized by Islamorada Mayor Sharon Mahoney to help him get back on his feet. The fundraiser generated $60,000 for Garcia.

“I don’t think it would have been possible,” Garcia said. “Everyone from my friends to the people I’ve worked with at the sheriff’s office, including my command staff, always reached out. It felt great knowing so many people were wondering how I was doing and asking how I was progressing.”

Garcia said being a police officer is something he always wanted to do, even after the accident. And he didn’t want to lose his job from losing his leg.

“It’s a fun job, especially when you have good people working with you,” he said.

Ramsay said anybody can gain inspiration from Garcia’s story.

“This guy never let his faith down. He had a can-do attitude, remained positive and was never down on himself. He always said, ‘Look, I’m coming back.’”

Baraga’s case is scheduled for a hearing on Dec. 18 before Circuit Court Judge James Morgan at the Plantation Key Courthouse. Garcia, too, filed a lawsuit against Baraga for auto negligence.

Garcia and deputy Richard Rodriguez conduct speed checks on passing motorists in Key Largo on Nov. 26.

Breast Health Awareness

For Women and Men

Early Cancer Screening Saves Lives

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

BREAST CANCER

• Annual mammograms start at age 40

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

• Annual screening is preferred; biennial may be appropriate based on personal risk and provider guidance

PREVENTION TIPS

• Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active

• Limit alcohol to no more than 1 drink per day

• Avoid all tobacco use Visit Monroe.FloridaHealth.gov to learn more!

OPEN HOUSE

the

fishing

•

THIS WEEKS ENTERTAINMENT

THURSDAY, DEC 4

CANDACE 5:30PM

FRIDAY, DEC 5

FLORIDA FLOYD 3PM

DONNY MCDANIEL BAND 8PM

SATURDAY, DEC 6

MAASAI 8PM

SUNDAY, DEC 7

TONY MANFREDI 3PM

DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM

MONDAY, DEC 8

JOHNNY LIVE 3PM

SHAWN BROWN 6PM

TUESDAY, DEC 9

TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM

WEDNESDAY, DEC 10

LUKE SOMMERS 8PM

GRASSY KEY WORKS

Locals on Grassy Key earned their Thanksgiving dinners the hard way with a turkey trot on Thursday morning. While kids hit the streets with a fleet of bikes, scooters and OneWheels, the adults sweat out a few extra calories ahead of the day’s festivities on a fully-marked 5K course with water and snack stops, courtesy of neighbors and the Blanton family. CONTRIBUTED

LUNA

5-month-old female terrier mix.

Looking for: A family with kids and maybe even another dog.

Turnoffs: Don’t go too fast – I need to get to know you first.

SWIPE RIGHT

Adorable

faces

are

furry

waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA

Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.

See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit 10550 Aviation Blvd.

MS. TERI

10.5-year-old female terrier mix.

Looking for: A family since Feb. 4, 2024.

Turnoffs: When people call me “old.”

FRACK

2-month-old male kitten.

Looking for: Everything. Playtime, naps, toys and lots of fun. Turnoffs: Nothing.

WIND, WAVES, WILLPOWER

Kiteboarders race through miles of fury in 2025 Downwind-a-palooza

Traveling more than 50 miles in the open ocean with nothing but a kite and a thin board isn’t an endeavor for the faint of heart.

But more than 65 athletes braved winds over 30 miles per hour – and near-constant whitecaps –in the first-ever Downwind-a-palooza on Nov. 29.

Beginning at Grassy Key’s Grassy Flats Resort, an armada of kites sliced through the waves in an endurance race to Geiger Key – already nearly a 50-mile trek in a straight line, but much more when accounting for dozens of tacks and turns.

“It sounds simple - ‘Oh i’m just going to ride 20 miles an hour for three hours’ – but in these conditions, it was anything but,” said Grassy Flats owner and event organizer Matt Sexton.

Identifying a “wind window” in already one of the most blustery months of the year, Sexton said agencies like NOAA, local law enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard stood ready to assist with forecasting, permitting and safety. But as the wind and waves shifted from ideal to more extreme, event officials made a last-minute call to shorten the race from its original finish line at Key West’s Smathers Beach to Geiger Key. Still, Sexton said, riders averaged around 65 miles of open-water travel – and riding a Sea-Doo himself to supervise, he logged 108.

“If you asked them five minutes after they got off the water, they might have told you it was the worst day of their lives,” he laughed. “But once everyone had a beer later, they told me, ‘See you next year. This was amazing.’”

Puerto Rican rider Dylan Shewfelt topped the podium in the Pro division, edging out the second- and third-place finishers by less than two minutes to touch the sand and complete his ride in 2 hours, 22 minutes.

On the ladies’ side, Frances Dux finished the race in 3 hours, 57 minutes – a feat made even more impressive considering the rough conditions detached her prosthetic leg four times during the race, Sexton said.

For the slightly less experienced, a “Not So Pro” division took riders on a shorter route, ending just past the Seven Mile Bridge at Veterans Beach. Top finishers included Reybel Hernandez for the men, finishing in 1 hour and 13 minutes, and Lydia Spitalny for the women, clocking in at 1 hour and 34 minutes.

“It was incredible how it all fell together,” Sexton said, giving another nod to law enforcement, Monroe County Emergency Management and the Monroe County TDC for their support. “This put the Keys on the map as a proper kiteboarder’s and waterman’s destination, and I think that was the coolest part of it.” ALEX

Tomas Souza (fourth, left), Aaron McClearnon (third), Dylan Shewfelt (first) and James Corgill (second) top the podium in the Downwind-a-palooza Men’s Pro division. CHRIS GLEADALL/Contributed

Frances Dux, left, and Sofia Aguirre reached the beach first and second, respectively, in the Women’s Pro division. Dux accomplished the feat despite her leg detaching four times during the race.

Brad Strahm, left, and Eric Braojos are ready to head out to Geiger Key.

Sore legs after a full day of racing on Saturday don’t stop a free-ride ‘expression session’ at the resort on Dec. 1.

Kites line the beach at Grassy Flats Resort, ready to race.

Above and below, kites head out from Grassy Key for the 2025 Downwind-a-palooza.

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FLORIDA KEYS SCULPTURE TRAIL TO ADD 4 NEW WORKS

Four new art installations are being added along the Florida Keys Sculpture Trail, a series of outdoor sculptures created by the Art Students League of New York and acquired for the Florida Keys by local philanthropist John Padget and his late partner Jacob Dekker.

The pair started working with Florida Keys Arts Council director Liz Young in 2016 to design the Florida Keys Sculpture Trail, which stretches along U.S. 1 from Key West to Key Largo and is in the process of growing from 15 to 19 sculptures in a variety of locations, all accessible to the public and listed on a website that details each work and its creator. Each sculpture was first displayed in New York City as part of the Art Students League of New York’s Model to Monument program, then installed in the Florida Keys as gifts from Padget and Dekker.

“Moonfinder,” the latest acquisition Padget is donating to the arts council, was installed recently at Grimal Grove on Big Pine Key, where owner Patrick Garvey has been supportive of the Art in Public Places program.

In addition to “Moonfinder,” three other sculptures are coming, including “Hourglass” to be installed in Islamorada; “Ectoplasm,” to be installed at Key Colony Beach and “SBNO” to be installed in Marathon. Stay tuned to keysweekly.com for more details of the upcoming installations.

About the Florida Keys Council of the Arts

The council is the acting public art administrator for both the Monroe

County and City of Key West’s 1% for Public Art programs. Young and Susann D’Antonio, Art in Public Places county chair, co-curated the sculpture Trail on behalf of Padget and Dekker. About the Art Students League of New York

The Art Students League of New York was in 1875 by artists for artists, to provide high-quality, affordable studio-based art education. Accomplished artists have trained, taught and exhibited at the league throughout its history. Its instructors and students include Thomas Eakins, Frederic Remington, Reginald Marsh, Georgia O’Keeffe, Norman Rockwell and Jackson Pollock.

‘Moonfinder’ by artist Malin Abrahamsson is a public sculpture and orientation device aligned with the ecliptic, reflecting Earth’s ever-changing position in the solar system. It was first installed in Riverside Park in New York City, and now resides at Grimal Grove Park in Big Pine Key as part of the Florida Keys Sculpture Trail. CONTRIBUTED

Liz Young, executive director of the Florida Keys Arts Council, philanthropist John Padget and Grimal Grove owner Patrick Garvey sign the ‘deed of gift’ by which Padget donates a new art installation to expand the Florida Keys Sculpture Trail. CONTRIBUTED

Sunday, December 14th

THREE TRAIN TALES OF HISTORY, MYSTERY AND REBELLION

ORPHAN TRAIN

By Christina Baker Kline

From the mid1800s through 1929, children living in overcrowded New York City orphanages were boarded onto trains and sent west to be adopted. Some families genuinely wanted to raise a child (often infants); others were looking for extra hands (usually older boys) to work their struggling farms. Either way, it was one method to clear the city streets of these orphans. This is the story of Vivian Daly, now 91, living in a big old house on the beautiful coast of Maine. As she grows older, she finds herself revisiting the past, especially once she meets Molly, a foster child who has lived in more homes than she can count. When Molly lands in trouble, her community service “punishment” is to help Vivian clean out her attic. From the start, Vivian recognizes something of herself in Molly and sees past the attitude to a misunderstood, intelligent and sensitive young lady. As Vivian opens up and shares her memories, the two forge an unlikely friendship, learning how to communicate and help each other heal. This beautifully-written novel is a fascinating slice of history. First published in 2013, it has remained one of my all-time favorites.

First and foremost a reader, she has reviewed hundreds of books on her blog www. readingandeating. com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing. KAREN

6:40 TO MONTREAL

By Eva Jurczyk

A few years ago, Agatha wrote a bestseller. Now, as the world waits for her next novel, she faces the worst writer’s block imaginable. Life in Toronto has become difficult, and Agatha cannot stop thinking about a recent diagnosis that may end her life. Wanting to cheer her up and help unlock her words, Agatha’s husband gives her a train ticket from Toronto to Montreal. He imagines she will have uninterrupted hours aboard a luxury train to finally put her next story on paper – a desperately-needed writing retreat. On the train, Agatha’s mind will not settle. A repulsive man has insisted on switching seats, and her nemesis, who claims Agatha’s bestseller stole her identity, is coincidentally (?) on board. When a blizzard strands the train in the freezing Canadian woods, this locked-room mystery begins to unravel. As a writer, Agatha could not have asked for a juicer plot. Over the course of a few hours, this suspenseful journey and atmospheric winter weather will not allow you to look away. Having recently traveled crosscountry by rail from Toronto to Vancouver, I can easily imagine the sweeping Canadian Rockies setting as the perfect backdrop for a murder mystery.

THE WOMEN ON PLATFORM TWO

By Laura Anthony

In early 1970s Dublin, women couldn’t legally buy contraception. A few hours away, in Belfast, birth control could be purchased under British law. In May 1971, activists from the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement boarded what became known as the “contraceptive train,” traveling to buy birth control and bring it across the border. This protest is the historical spark behind this story. In 1969, Maura married a doctor. She left her job at the fancy Dublin department store and set out to be the perfect wife and mother. Even though their lives looked idyllic, Dr. Davenport was not who he appeared to be. In 2023, Saoirse (pronounced Seer-sha) runs out of her apartment, leaving her fiancé begging for answers. He is a wonderful man, but desperate to start a family, and Saoirse does not think motherhood is in her future. When Saoirse boards the train from Dublin to Belfast for a quick getaway, she meets Maura, who is taking her annual ride down memory lane to honor her beloved friends who bought that first ticket to freedom 52 years earlier. It is simply shocking that women are still fighting for these rights today.

#WORTHWATCHING

“Train Dreams” is a quiet, atmospheric movie set in the American west in the early 1900s. It follows logger and railroad worker Robert Grainier as the railroads carve their way through the wilderness. Adapted from Denis Johnson’s 2002 novella, it’s less about plot and more about mood – a simple look at an ordinary man’s life as he faces love and loss. The gorgeous landscapes make it feel like a slice of frontier history has been brought to the screen. Check it out on Netflix.

NEWFIELD

City of Marathon City

Council Agenda

9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon Tuesday, December 9, 2025 5:30 P.M.

(*Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval of Agenda)

City Council Items

*A. Approval of Minutes

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. Discussion Of Current Progress With The City’s Wastewater Deep Well Project And Preliminary Projections Of Potential Costs.

Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings

A. Resolution 2025-117, Consideration Of A Request For A Final Plat Approval Pursuant To Chapter 102 Article 10 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulation (LDRS) Entitled “Subdivision Of Land/Plats And Re-Plats,” For A Final Plat Approval As Submitted By Key Vaca LLC And John And Phyliss Strittar For A Portion Of Land Which Is Described As Section 10, Township 66, Range 32, Key Vacas Bay Bottom & Fill Bay Bottom Adjacent To Part Of Lot 2 & All Of Lot 3 Of Thomoson Subdivision (A/K/A Parcel E & Bay Bottom Parcel B), And Thompson Subdivision & Adams Subdivision PB2-24, Key Vaca Part Of Lot 2 & Adjacent Bay Bottom And Thompson Subdivision & Adams PB2-24 Key Vaca Part Lots 2 & 3 (Parcel B & F) & Filled Bay Bottom & Canal Bay Bottom And Thompson Subdivision & Adams Subdivision PB2-24, Key Vaca Part Of Lot 3, Having Real Estate Numbers 00103280-000000, 00327120-001000, 00327130-000200, And 00327130-001000. Nearest Mile Marker 50.

Ordinances For Final Public Hearing

A. Ordinance 2025-10, Amending Chapter 102 “Development Application Review Procedures” By Creating Article 25 “Requests For Accommodations”, Amending Chapter 104 “Specific Use Regulations”, Section 104.20 Entitled “Group Home”, Amending Chapter 110 “Definitions”, Article 3 Entitled “Defined Terms”; Providing For Severability; Providing For Thes Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The Department Of Commerce After Final Adoption By The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date.

B. Ordinance 2025-11, Amending The City’s Land Development Regulations, Chapter 20, “Parks And Recreation,” Section 20-2, “Rules Of Conduct And Operational Procedure For Certain Parks,” Subsection (I) “Golf Balls,”; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Commerce After Final Adoption By The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date.

Resolutions For Adoption

A. Resolution 2025-118, Authorizing A “Piggy-Back” Purchase Pursuant To The City’s Purchasing Policies And Procedures And Approving The Purchase Of One 2026 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab Pickup 4WD WT 6.5’ Bed And One 2026 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Regular Cab Chassis 4WD DRW WT 60” Ca Under The City Of Tallahassee Contract 5179 From Alan Jay, In An Amount Not To Exceed $121,412; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date.

*B Resolution 2025-119, Authorizing A “Sole-Source” Purchase Pursuant To The City’s Purchasing Policies And Procedures And Approving The Purchase from Airvac Vacuum Collection System Vacuum Pits And Packages, In An Amount Not To Exceed $144,580.80; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date

*C. Resolution 2025-120, Approving Professional Services Agreement With Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., For an Operational Audit of the Wastewater Department In An Amount Not To Exceed $67,550.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute All Necessary Documents On Behalf Of The City And Expend Budgeted Funds; And Providing An Effective Date

D Resolution 2025-121, Awarding Change Order #6 For The Power Conditioning Upgrades To Pedro Falcon Contractors, Inc.; Approving A Change In Contract Amount From $461,289.58; 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.

BRIEFLY

Wild Bird Center to host pop-up fundraiser

The Marathon Wild Bird Center will host a pop-up fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 6 at Isla Bella Beach Resort from 1 to 3 p.m. The event will include raffle prizes as well as T-shirts and tumblers for sale, plus an opportunity to visit and take pictures with the center’s education ambassador owl, Quinn. Raffle prizes include a signed Wyland lithograph, a one-night stay at Isla Bella, a three-course dinner for two at Mahina Restaurant, sting ray encounter tickets at Aquarium Encounters and more. A donation wall will be set up where guests can pick an envelope with an amount they would like to donate to the center – higher amounts will include additional raffle tickets to win prizes.

Recycle holiday lights at Home Depot

Monroe County and the City of Key West are teaming up with Home Depot this holiday season to help residents responsibly recycle old or broken holiday string lights. Through Jan. 15, holiday lights can be dropped off to bins located at Home Depot stores in Marathon and Key West for recycling. String lights, rope lights and holiday light strands often contain materials that can be recycled, but they do not belong in curbside recycling carts. The collection bins offer a convenient way to keep these items out of the landfill and ensure they’re processed properly.

Join the Elks Club for breakfast specials

The community is invited to join the Marathon Elks Club at 8239 Overseas Highway each Sunday for weekly breakfast specials, served from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Every $10 plate served helps support the Elks’ local charitable efforts. All are welcome.

Miami man arrested for motorcycle theft

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at such hearing or meeting, one will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; such

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 22-year-old Miami man was arrested on Nov. 28 for allegedly stealing a motorcycle following a traffic stop on U.S. 1. Daniel Marquez was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, operating a motorcycle without an endorsement and having expired registration. The Sheriff’s Office stopped Marquez while he was speeding on the Ducati motorcycle around 10 p.m. on Nov. 27 in Marathon. The motorcycle was listed as stolen. Marquez gave conflicting stories as to how he acquired the motorcycle, deputies said. Marquez was subsequently arrested. The Sarasota Police Department assisted in the case.

Community choir and orchestra host Christmas music celebration

The Lower Keys Community Choir and Keys Chamber Orchestra invite the community to join them for a Christmas musical celebration. The concert will be presented on three days at 7:30 p.m.: Dec. 9 at Big Pine United Methodist Church, Big Pine Key; Dec. 10 at Venture Out Christian Church, Cudjoe Key; and Dec. 11 at San Pablo Catholic Church, Marathon. The evening of music is free, and all are welcome. A free will offering will be collected.

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. 31 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:

Pets for Vets seeks qualified fosters

The nonprofit Pets for Vets is seeking volunteers in the Middle Keys to serve as foster homes for animals in training. Pets for Vets is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional health care and holistic supplemental treatment options. The group uses specifically selected and trained rescue pets to enhance care for veterans struggling with daily challenges and who could benefit from a well-trained companion animal or service animal. The primary role of a foster home is to provide a safe, stable and caring temporary home for an animal prior to joining their chosen veteran’s home. While in foster care, animals will be trained by the staff at Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key. Fosters will work closely with their trainer to prepare the animal for its new home with a veteran. This can include house training, leash manners, house manners, basic obedience skills and more advanced behaviors when necessary. Potential foster homes will need to submit an application and be interviewed prior to housing a Pets for Vets animal. All costs are covered for foster homes including food, supplies, veterinary care and reasonable grooming. More information is available via email to sarah.ivkovich@dolphins.org.

Boston Whaler 380 Outrage Aquila 47 “Molokai” Scout 530 LXF

MARK HEDDEN

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

Some days you find yourself in the land of your youth, arguing with someone you’ve known more than 40 years about the quickest route to your destination. And after losing the argument because you “don’t live here anymore,” consoling yourself with coffee and a pork roll bagel from Wawa as you make your way to Exit 4 of the Jersey Turnpike, even though you could have been at Exit 7 by now, with a stop at a different Wawa, if he’d just listened to you and cut over on 206.

To be fair, it was Matt’s truck – one of those newfangled Ford electric ones with so much torque and pickup that when he floored it your head got thrown back into the seat rest and the skin on your face no doubt rippled like it did in those films of g-force tests from the 1950s.

In the backseat, Clark, who I’ve also known for more than 40 years, wanted to know if I was going to write a column about this, and whether they got pre-approval on content.

Probably not, I said, as an answer to both questions.

In our youth, in various configurations, we used to do a lot of road trips. Washington, D.C. on the spur of the moment to see the Lincoln Memorial in the rain at midnight. Chicago for the weekend to see a movie and ride our bikes around the Fermilab particle accelerator. Canada, to get a box of donuts, turn the car around and drive the entire length of I-95 as fast as possible. Vermont, just to goof around, more times than I can count.

But with life and family and various other aspects of adultness, it had been a long time – a decade or two – since we’d managed to pull off any kind of road trip together. And then it turned out I was up north, and we all had a free day, so we decided on some minor adventure.

The agreed-upon mission was to drive the entire length of the Jersey Shore, as close to the ocean as the roads would allow. Which seemed manageable.

In the parking lot at the Sandy Hook National Recreation Area I realized while I’d brought three different film cameras, I’d forgotten my binoculars. But as we made our way along a narrow path to get a clear look at the Atlantic and the Manhattan skyline across the bay, I set myself a small challenge – to keep a list of birds I could ID naked-eyed.

While I grew up in New Jersey, I wasn’t a birder then, so it always seemed slightly exotic to me, birdwise.

The first birds were the northern cardinals I could hear chipping in the bushes. When we stopped to take a few photos at the base of the 250-year-old lighthouse, a small flock of Eurasian starlings pulled off an attempted murmuration overhead – a murmur of a murmuration, so to speak.

While Matt was in the public restroom a herring gull flew over.

“Look, a seagull,” Clark said. I gave him the faux pedantic version of a lecture I’ve heard other birders give in earnest, about how

‘DOWN THE SHORE EVERYTHING’S ALL RIGHT’

there’s no such thing as a seagull, since gulls are seen in all sorts of habitats besides coastal ones. They are properly just gulls.

A few swallows flew overhead, and I decided the ones that gleamed a bit were barn swallows. The duller ones were giving me northern rough-winged swallow vibes.

On the drive out I also caught the briefest glimpse of an American kestrel hopping off a wire and thought, that bird should be down in the Keys, klee klee-ing its head off.

The next town was Sea Bright, which had a fivemile-long seawall that prevented us from seeing the ocean. It did open up on the bayside several times, and at one point I caught sight of a raft of ducks, all of which had heads that, from a distant moving truck, gave the impression of having big white dots on them. Which made them buffleheads, birds I only get to see every few years.

In Long Branch I noticed a row of rock pigeons on a power line, though it’s possible I’d been seeing them all day and tuning them out. The same with the V-shaped flock of Canada geese we saw a little while later. Because there are so many Canada geese in the north that it’s like noticing telephone poles.

Just south of the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, an immature ring-billed gull slowly walked across the street.

“Look, a seagull,” Clark said.

In Manasquan there was a flock of small birds in the grass on the side of the road, and at first I thought “more starlings.” But these birds were a mix of shiny ones and brown ones, which made me realize they were male and female brown-headed cowbirds.

A few miles later this inspired me to realize the swallows I was seeing were not barn swallows and northern rough-wings, but male and female tree swallows.

In Mantoloking, Matt, who was raised Catholic, and I, who was raised Episcopalian, were talking about having to go to church every Sunday when we were young, which led to a conversation about whether the Episcopal/Church of England folks were the first protestants. Because wasn’t there a thing

with Martin Luther in Germany called the “Diet of Worms?” Which led to a conversation about whether or not Judy Blume wrote the book “How to Eat Fried Worms.” (She did not.) Which was when a double-crested cormorant flew across the road.

Long Beach Island was our first barrier island, with only one bridge on and off, so to do the whole thing we had to drive from the middle of the island to the north end, then 18 miles down to the south end, then back to the middle to get back across the bridge. We stopped only long enough for me to send a photo of myself on the front porch of Tony Falcone’s family’s beach house with a note that the railing needed fixing.

The sun set as we hit the northernmost part of Brigantine. In Atlantic City we were going to run in to one of the casinos and bet $10 on red, but they all wanted $15 to park.

We stopped to pay homage to Lucy the Elephant, the historic three-story-tall, elephant-shaped landmark (and one-time hotel) in Margate, and I heard a great blue heron kronk as it flew overhead.

It was dark when we rolled through Ocean City, which is probably why we missed the marker noting it as the homeland of Mandy Bolen Miles, the editor of this fine publication. Though, again, it didn’t help that Matt was unwilling to veer from the charted course, or even slow down a bit, to look for it.

We rolled in darkness through Avalon, Stone Harbor, North Wildwood and finally to Cape May, most of the stop lights switched off for the off-season. From one of the bridges I caught sight of a mixed flock of about 200 gulls, just sitting in the water, spectral looking as they were lit up by the lights of a trawler. No doubt they were waiting for bycatch.

We sneaked into the parking lot of the Cape May Lighthouse, even though it was officially closed, and took a few pictures. I pointed out the hawkwatching platform, where hundreds of people gather during the fall migration, which impressed neither Matt nor Clark.

As we got back into the car, a lone Canada goose honked out an erratic Morse code.

The Jersey Shore is officially 128 miles long. The odometer read 420 miles by the time we got back.

A TRIBUTE TO BENJAMIN M. SCHNEIERSON

A.K.A. ‘Catman Ben,’ ‘Benji’ and ‘The Catman’ 10/8/1936

– 11/29/2025

Ben was born Oct. 8, 1936 in Fall River, Massachusetts to David and Charlotte Schneierson. He had two sisters. Both of his parents and sisters lived long lives, as did Ben himself. He occasionally joked that he was the “last of the Mohicans,” having outlived all of his family members and most of his closest friends, despite having won battles with Crohn’s disease, kidney failure and beating cancer twice.

He spent his early years in Fall River and graduated with a degree in accounting from the prestigious private Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts. He continued his accounting career for many years and was obsessed with the stock market. He took interest in a few companies over the following years and was the founder of a corrugated box company.

Although a workaholic, for recreation Ben enjoyed flying small planes and became a licensed private plane pilot in November of 1966. He spent his free time with his beloved dog, some close friends, a girlfriend and her three sons, with whom he remained in contact and cherished for the rest of his life.

He started his journey with rescuing feral felines during one of his travels, when he heard meowing over the edge of a ravine outside of a rest stop McDonald’s. He noticed a small cat that was skinny and helpless. He gave it food and water. The helplessness of the tiny creature touched his heart, and he spent several days returning to feed her and gain enough trust to rescue her – which he did, and the legendary “Catman” was born. He continued to rescue, feed and trap, neuter, vaccinate and return (TNVR) feral cats forever.

Benji moved to the Florida Keys after his retirement in search of a place as far south as he could go without

being in the ocean itself. He found his paradise in Marathon, where he spent the remainder of his years. He got involved with Forgotten Felines of the Florida Keys, which met his passion for feral cats with the same mission of its own. He volunteered as the Catman with the head lamp, feeding and caring for a route of over 180 feral colony cats – trapping them to be spayed and neutered, adopting out the ones who could be rehomed, and releasing the ones who preferred the feral lifestyle back into their colonies. He adopted ones with additional struggles as his own, taking them to Dr. Mike Dunn for veterinary checkups and nursing them back to health. Those kitties became part of his own feline family at his home, where he would continue their care for the remainder of their lives.

Ben was more than a volunteer who loved, fed, cared for and TNVRed the colony cats. He was also their guardian, their voice and their lifeline for decades. He even operated a thrift store for a while in the mid2000s where all of the proceeds went directly to caring for the cats. He was so dedicated every day that he left paw prints on the hearts of not only the volunteers of Forgotten Felines of the Florida Keys, but all who love the island cats as much as he did. He continued his mission to the very end of his time on this planet, truly inspiring everyone who knew him for his undying loyalty and commitment. He had a heart of gold that shone through in everything he accomplished, especially in the eyes of every feline he saved.

Against all odds, Ben pushed through his end-of-life ailments and remained as strong and independent as possible right to his very last day. He stubbornly micromanaged endstage kidney failure and heart failure, despite the medical advice to rest. He

made it clear he “had plenty of time to rest when he passed.”

He succeeded in outliving all but one of his long-time favorite cats, who has been recently adopted by one of his trusted friends. He spent his final days laughing, sharing incredible stories and wisdom which can only be gained through life experiences, and enjoying his cats. He had his favorite jumbo stone crab from Paradise Tails for dinner. He made sure all the cats were accounted for and cared for by the protégé he mentored. Some of his final words were, “OK, go feed my kids, goodnight.”

While losing him on earth is truly a sorrow, the heavens gained a true angel. At the age of 89 years, Benji

passed on to the heavens while sleeping peacefully and comfortably in his own bed, with his cats by his side, just as he wanted to go. He never wanted praise or recognition; his only wish was that his dedication to all the felines continues on.

Fly with the angels my dear friend – we’ve got it from here.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Contact captain Morgan of Paradise Tails at 305998-8071 for updates on Ben’s services and favorite feral colonies. Contact Forgotten Felines of the Florida Keys at 305-942-1553 to volunteer and donate to cats throughout the Keys. — Submitted by Morgan Gotti

dec. 13 2025

1st Annual

9AM

Behind the Airport

Start on Porpoise and work your way around!

‘FLONDURAN’ FIRSTS

Could a mysterious reef in Honduras help bring Keys’ corals back?

TIFFANY DUONG tiffany@keysweekly.com

In July, scientists planted very special elkhorn corals (Acropora palmata) onto a reef in Biscayne Bay. They believe these cross-bred corals, created from a Florida Keys/Honduras pairing, could hold the genetic keys to giving Florida’s elkhorns a fighting chance.

Elkhorn corals are a foundational species on the Florida Reef Tract, which includes the reefs in the Keys. The branching hard corals used to dominate the Caribbean, protecting shorelines from storm surge and providing critical habitat for many species.

But elkhorn populations have declined by more than 99% since the 1980s due to diseases, warming oceans, overuse and other stressors, the University of Miami (UMiami) reports.

As such, and because of how vital these corals are to the entire reef ecosystem, elkhorns have been a key focus of restoration efforts throughout the Florida Reef Tract.

Searching for resilience

“Today there are just 158 genetically unique individual Florida elkhorns in existence,” reports Anthropocene Magazine. “And just 23 of them are found in the wild.”

Genetic diversity gives all species a greater chance to evolve to cope with changing environmental conditions, including warmer water. After the 2023 mass bleaching event that killed off much of Florida’s living coral, scientists agreed our reefs need more diversity.

Given the state of Florida’s reefs, with corals too sparse and distant to meaningfully reproduce, Andrew Baker and his team recognized that they had to look beyond Florida’s waters to truly make a difference. Baker is the director of the Coral Reef Futures Lab at the University of Miami Rosenstiel

School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science and the study’s principal investigator.

Their search led them to Tela, Honduras, where over a dozen endangered coral species survive and even thrive — in conditions that normally kill corals. Groves of wild elkhorns stretch further than the eye can see, a site that Conchs in the 1970s and ’80s recall nostalgically.

Even though they look like the reefs of old, these corals might be future-adapted, having endured over a century of pollution, heat and overuse. Nobody understands exactly what’s going on because so little science has been conducted on this spectacular reef.

Why plant a hybrid coral?

In 2024, Baker visited Tela to gather elkhorns and research their ability to withstand heat. Baker’s initial research shows that Tela’s corals have more thermotolerance than other elkhorns, a key adaptation that could help Florida’s struggling corals.

“The reef in Tela, Honduras, routinely experiences temperatures that are about 1-1/2 to 2 degrees warmer than Florida’s warmest temperatures and those are about the same kind of conditions that we saw in Florida in the 2023 bleaching event,” Baker told NPR.

The Honduran corals were crossed at the Florida Aquarium with corals from the Florida Keys that were rescued ahead of a disease front. The “Flonduran” babies have been growing at the aquarium for a year, awaiting their debut.

“Tela Bay’s reefs have shown us that corals can survive and even thrive in challenging, warm-water environments,” said Antal Borcsok, co-founder of Tela Marine, who coordinated efforts with Baker to get Tela’s corals to Florida. “By sharing this resilience and collaborating across borders, we are giving elkhorn coral a better chance not just in Honduras, but across the Caribbean.”

Left: A researcher plants a puck onto Key Biscayne with a ‘Flonduran’ coral, a newly-bred hybrid elkhorn coral created by crossbreeding corals from Florida and Honduras to increase genetic diversity and heat resistance. Above: A researcher removes a protective umbrella – meant to keep predators away – from an older outplant at the Key Biscayne site. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI ROSENSTIEL SCHOOL OF MARINE, ATMOSPHERIC AND EARTH SCIENCE/Contributed

The ‘Flondurans’ are a first

In July, 35 Flonduran (Florida/Honduras) baby corals were planted next to 35 Florida corals that spawned on the same night. Monitoring will show whether, as scientists hope, the hybrid corals will retain more heat tolerance from their one Honduran parent than their Florida-Florida half-siblings.

“It’s the first time ever in the world that an international cross of corals from different countries have been permitted for outplanting on wild reefs,” Baker told CBS. If successful, the research could represent a fundamental shift in conservation science, which, until now, has been a closed-border endeavor.

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission granted Baker permission to outplant the Flondurans in Florida’s state waters because they recognized that mixing the Honduran and Floridian coral populations “mirrors natural processes in the wild and is critical to the species’ survival,” UMiami reported.

“Because Tela’s corals have had over a century to figure out how to thrive in much hotter conditions with a lot of runoff, which are like those in Florida today, we hope that their resiliency will be transferred to these offspring,” said Juli Berwald, cofounder of Tela Coral, a U.S.-based nonprofit working in Tela to safeguard these unique reefs.

What’s next?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration noted that Baker has been in talks with NOAA staff at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to determine if the Flondurans might also be suitable for Mission: Iconic Reefs, the $100-million Florida Keys-specific coral restoration effort that’s been underway since 2019.

If the Flondurans survive better than the control Florida crosses in the next marine heat wave, it paves the way for more international hybrids to be used in coral restoration in Florida and perhaps beyond. As of the last, unofficial reports, the Flondurans are still alive and appear to be larger than their Floridian counterparts.

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

CHRIS

McNULTY Doesn’t it seem fitting that the last full moon of this tumultuous year is particularly powerful?

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

This full moon in Gemini will be radiant as a supermoon, meaning it will appear especially large as it will be close to the Earth in its orbit. Not only will it put on a show for us visually, but it is particularly potent astrologically. It takes place at the bendings, astrological points in the sky that are perpendicular to the lunar nodes, where eclipses take place. Think of this full moon as an anti-eclipse, or as far from being an eclipse as possible. This full moon is all about making conscious choices, rather than being caught up in the waves of fated events outside of our control. It tells us we are at an inflection point in our lives, when we need to make a decision to take control of our own fate. This full moon in Gemini encourages us to gather information, get curious about our bodies and feelings, and make choices that honor the needs being exposed. Talk to people about what you are feeling, get advice and make concrete decisions. This full moon is encouraging us to change what is not serving our higher purpose. So, get to it. Sitting in indecision lets the world go on without us.

Here are your horoscopes for the full moon in Gemini at the bendings. Read for your rising and sun signs.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

How does partnership show up in your life, and what important choice do you need to make? In a year when you have been moving toward more emotional security and a sense of place, this moon asks you to be decisive about how part-

nership fits in. Talk to your partner about changes you need to see, or put yourself out there to find a kindred spirit. Honor your needs.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

This has been a year of getting closer to what is familiar and putting the need for adventure and novelty on the back burner. Under this moon, listen to your body about what routines you need to change in order to settle into cozy sustainability. What habits do you need to let go and what habits can you welcome in? When your instincts give you the answer, start your new practice.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Are your life and work built around what brings the greatest joy? You don’t have to love what you do, but it should ultimately serve your greater happiness. This moon invites you to investigate whether your work is in alignment with your creative spirit. If so, make choices to solidify your path. If something feels off, feel into the changes that need to be made and be bold.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Home is a place of refuge and recuperation, or so it ought to be. You have been getting more in tune with your identity and personality this year, and this moon is asking whether your home life reflects yourself and your needs. Bring awareness to home and family. If your home is not a respite, start making significant changes or looking elsewhere. If you do find peace at home, protect it.

Aries

March 21 - April 19

Are you holding on to something that needs to be said out loud? This moon calls on you to use your voice. This year has been about getting comfortable in your

solitude, and this moon requires you to speak up to protect it. Don’t worry about the consequences; rather, make sure you are communicating from the heart.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

It is so easy for our finances to get out of our control, but this moon is about taking decisive action to be financially secure. Tap into what you truly value, listen to your body and make changes if necessary. This year, you have been finding the people in your life who support your goals. Now it is time to lean on your network and make some meaningful financial choices.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

In a year of big career and reputation moves, this moon asks you to check in with yourself. Are you being authentically represented by the changes that have been made, or can you assert your unique personality more? Find your inner courage and show yourself without masking. If you’ve changed, let everyone know. You decide if you are being accurately reflected in the world around you.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

It is perfectly OK to withdraw from time to time, and this moon calls on you to process your inner narrative. What story have you been telling yourself about yourself, and what changes can you make to live a healthier, happier you? This is a year of trying new things, and now is the time to check in to make sure that you have been bringing yourself along.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

This year has been about investing your time and energy and sharing your resources. This moon invites you to make sure that you’ve been surrounding yourself with friends and groups who sup-

MAKE A CHOICE

port what you have been building. Get curious about who has been showing up for you and who hasn’t. This clarity will guide your decision-making about next steps.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Take time to acknowledge all you’ve accomplished in your career and public-facing life. Be proud of your accomplishments, but also acknowledge when changes need to be made. If your body is telling you to try something new, honor your inner wisdom. If you feel as if you are on the right path, double down. A partner you’ve built trust with will be a source of clarity.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Old belief systems can fall away, and this moon is inviting you to let them go to make way for a new worldview. It doesn’t have to be a belief system in whole cloth; releasing even the smallest outdated belief will have a major effect. You’ve been changing up your routines this year and now you can allow your inner map to follow suit.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

Your emotional body has a semipermeable membrane, and you get to choose what you let in and what stays out. This moon invites you to renegotiate your boundaries in order for you to continue on the path that is bringing more joy into your life. You don’t have to carry the burden for others unless you consciously decide to. You don’t need to build walls; just decide where the doors are.

Founded by Betty Debnam

White House Christmas

Where will you and your family sleep on Christmas Eve? How will you spend the holiday?

If you lived in the White House, your family Christmas would probably involve opening presents in the Yellow Oval Room, then sharing a big turkey dinner.

This week, The Mini Page learns more about Christmases in the White House.

CHRISTMAS HISTORY

In the early years of the United States, Christmas was a private, family holiday. People gathered together and perhaps shared a special meal.

In the 1800s at the White House, Christmas preparations were quite simple. Greens such as holly or fir might have decorated the mantelpieces, along with stockings.

Some presidents had young children, but others sometimes had grandchildren or extended family living in the White House along with the first family.

For example, the first Christmas party at the White House was given in 1800 for President John Adams’ granddaughter Suzannah, who also lived there. In 1834, President Andrew Jackson planned a big party for children that included dancing, games, dinner and an indoor “snowball fight” with cotton balls!

In the mid-1800s, President Andrew John -

ADAMS, BLUE ROOM, CHANDELIER, CHRISTMAS, CLEVELAND, FAMILY, HOLIDAY, HOOVER, JACKSON, JOHNSON, KENNEDY, ORNAMENT, PARTY, ROOSEVELT, TAFT, THEME, TREE, WHITE HOUSE.

son held a party for about 500 children in the East Room. President Theodore Roosevelt invited children to a carnival party in 1903 where they danced, played games and received special treats: ice cream shaped like Santa Claus.

BLUE ROOM TREE

The first Christmas tree in the Blue Room of the White House was placed there by the children of President William Howard Taft. The president and first lady were away from the White House at Christmas in 1909, and their grown children were hosting extended family for the holiday.

Mrs. Hoover was the first to have an “official” White House tree, and it became a project for future first ladies. In 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy declared a theme for the public Christmas display for the first time.

The tree must not be more than 19 feet tall. Before its arrival, workers have to remove the chandelier in the Blue Room for the tree to stand in the center!

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

MINI FACT: The family tree of President Grover Cleveland in 1896 was in the Second Floor Oval Room.

PRESIDENTS’ ORNAMENTS

In 1981, the White House Historical Association started making annual Christmas ornaments. Each one honors one of our presidents.

Money earned from sales of the ornaments helps the association preserve historic rooms at the White House and educate the public about the president’s home.

The first ornament, honoring President George Washington, was shaped like a weathervane from Mount Vernon, his home in Virginia.

RESOURCES

ON THE WEB

• bit.ly/46ToRyl

• bit.ly/4oiiOJl

AT THE LIBRARY

• “A White House Christmas” by Laura Dowling

ECO NOTE

Solar power has become the world’s cheapest energy source, now outcompeting coal, gas and even wind. Researchers from England’s University of Surrey found that falling prices for lithium-ion batteries, down 89% since 2010, and breakthroughs in solar panel materials are making clean energy cheaper. Global solar capacity surpassed 1.5 terawatts in 2024, twice that of 2020, and enough to power hundreds of millions of homes.

Photos White House Historical Association

President and Mrs. Kennedy stand next to the Blue Room tree in 1961. The theme for the tree was the “Nutcracker Suite.”

The 1999 ornament was in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.

The 2025 ornament celebrates the 150th anniversary of state dinners at the White House. It features two plates from the White House State china collection.

The 1981 ornament.

FALL’S FINEST

Meet our All-Keys cross country, golf & volleyball squads | PGS. 6, 8, 10

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

• Earn CASH BACK for you and your school.

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Basilica Boys Basketball Colonial Christian 11/20 W, 77-55

Key West Boys Soccer Marathon 11/20 W, 8-0

Marathon Boys Basketball Everglades City 11/20 L, 69-56

Marathon Girls Soccer Somerset Canyons 11/20 L, 9-1

Coral Shores Girls Soccer St. Thomas Aquinas 11/20 L, 9-0

Coral Shores Boys Basketball MAST Academy 11/20 W, 50-35

Key West Boys Basketball Silver Palms 11/21 L, 72-66

Marathon Boys Basketball Keys Gate 11/21 L, 80-60

Marathon Girls Basketball Barron Collier 11/21 L, 46-12

Key West Girls Soccer Charlotte 11/21 W, 3-2

Key West Girls Basketball Barron Collier 11/22 L, 46-26

Key West Girls Soccer Lemon Bay 11/22 W, 3-0

Key West Boys Basketball NSU University 11/25 L, 82-15

WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

12/4 Key West Boys Soccer @ Hillel

12/4 Marathon Boys Soccer Palmer Trinity 4 p.m.

12/5 Key West Wrestling @ Hialeah 1 p.m.

12/5 Coral Shores Boys Basketball @ Braddock 7 p.m.

12/5 Coral Shores Boys Soccer @ Miami Country Day 7 p.m.

4 - 11

12/5 Coral Shores Girls Soccer Keys Gate 3:30 p.m.

12/5 Key West Girls Basketball Gulf Coast 5 p.m.

12/5 Marathon Girls & Boys Basketball Pace 6

12/6

12/6

12/6 Key West Boys Soccer Deerfield Beach 2 p.m.

12/8 Marathon Girls Soccer @ Franklin Academy 2:20 p.m.

12/8 Coral Shores Girls Basketball @ Keys Gate 3:30 p.m.

12/8 Key West Boys Soccer Coral Shores 4 p.m.

12/9 Coral Shores Girls & Boys Basketball Basilica

12/9

12/9

12/10 Key West Boys Basketball @ St. Brendan 7:30 p.m.

12/10 Marathon Girls Soccer Coral Shores 4 p.m.

12/10 Coral Shores Boys Soccer Silver Palms 4 p.m.

12/10 Key West Girls Weightlifting Marathon 4 p.m.

12/10 Coral Shores Girls Weightlifting @ Gulliver 3:30 p.m.

With the fall sport season fully in the books, it’s time to honor the standout performers, starting with our All-Keys cross country, golf and volleyball teams. Clockwise from top left: Marathon’s Daysi Williams, Coral Shores’ Brock Bynum, Key West’s Gabby Garcia, Marathon’s Justice Lee Isom and Lucian Burns, Coral Shores’ Shelby Lynn. Center: Key West’s Molly McKnight. Photos by Doug Finger, Maicey Malgrat and Natalie Danko.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

SEARCY

Mary turnedhasout to be an absolutely solid goalkeeper with three shutouts already this year.”

– Scott Paul, Lady Conchs head soccer coach

When Key West’s girls soccer team found itself without a goalkeeper after last season, junior Mary Searcy was the lone Lady Conch to step up to the challenge. After a few workouts, it became evident that Searcy was a natural, and along with the rest of the Conch defense, she has chalked up three shutouts already this season. “She has continued to improve each and every game as a goalkeeper that can be effective both with her feet and her hands,” said coach Scott Paul. “She is only going to get better.” Her ability to read the field has already proven beneficial, and Searcy has shouldered the responsibility of the position with grace. For her exceptional play and emerging leadership on the back line, Mary Searcy is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Mary

Junior, Key West Girls Soccer

Photo by JENNIFER

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.

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Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

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tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

MARKET EDITORS

UPHILL BATTLE

Wheatley, Dolphin boys conquer grueling course at states

On Nov. 22, Coral Shores sophomore Ali Wheatley and the Marathon boys cross country team took their marks at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee for the FHSAA Cross Country State Championships. Wheatley secured an individual invitation with a fantastic showing at regionals the week prior, while the Dolphin boys qualified as a team by finishing fifth, making it their 11th consecutive year to make it to the big show.

Wheatley’s time, 20:27, was good for 61st place, and while a bit shy of her personal best, was excellent given the challenging course. Apalachee follows a hilly, twoloop tree-lined course with twists and turns throughout. In addition to the hills, something very difficult to train for in the Keys, Wheatley raced through the early-morning fog in her first appearance at states after narrowly missing a spot last season.

The Dolphins also found the course to be unforgiving. While none of the athletes registered a personal best on the technical terrain, the team ran to a 16th-place finish, right in the middle of the heap. They averaged 18:35, led by freshman Lucian Burns. Fresh off a stress fracture, Burns cruised to a 17:36 finish, claiming 42nd overall in the race.

Next were a pair of sophomores who paced one another throughout the course. Tony Bursa (18:14) and Allan Taylor (18:16) were 82nd and 83rd, respectively. Senior Caleb Shelar clocked in at 18:39 to finish his cross country career on a high note, and the team’s youngest member, seventh-grader Anthony Vargas, rounded out the scoring five, finishing in 19:51. Junior Landon Anderson and sophomore Thomas Torres finished sixth and seventh for Marathon. The duo earned the trip to states along with the team, though only the top five count for scoring, with an occasional sixth-man tie-breaker.

With Wheatley and all but one of Marathon’s qualifying gentlemen returning for at least another season, the outlook for 2026 looks promising.

1. Sophomore Ali Wheatley finishes strong at states.

2. Marathon freshman Lucian Burns cruises in a fantastic final race of the season.

3. Marathon’s boys cross country team awaits the gun at the start of the FHSAA 1A State Championships.

4. Dolphin sophomore Antonin ‘Tony’ Bursa kicks out the final stretch at Apalachee Regional Park.

Claudia Steling’s intangibles played as crucial a role as her skills this season.

“Claudia brought leadership, confidence and a lot of fun to the course every day,” said Josh Bassett, Key West’s head coach. Steling’s proficiency on the course carried the team much of the season, and a fantastic showing at districts led to an at-large spot at regionals, making her just the second female golfer in the team’s history to make an appearance at that level. PLAYER OF

MEET THE 2025 ALL-KEYS GOLF TEAM

Strong play leads to historic

Aseason

fter inclement weather and poor course conditions hampered the early season, Keys golfers quickly rebounded and made it a season of memorable matches. Each week, the teams took turns playing one another’s home courses. They enjoyed friendly rivalries in a sport where players helped one another with advice, tips and, most importantly, support not seen in most sports. Despite the color of an athlete’s polo, golfers can count on one another for a camaraderie that sets a foundation for success. This season, Marathon and Key West took turns in the lead in the boys competitions while the Lady Conchs ruled in girls play. Marathon and Coral Shores made history by sending their first golfers to regionals, and Basilica School made a midseason appearance to lay the groundwork for 2026.

Key West’s Lexi Finigan won multiple matches this season. Her demeanor and positive leadership made an equal contribution to the Conchs. Finigan plays with confidence and manages to stay strong in the face of adversity, and her teammates can count on her to be their biggest fan even when a match is not going her way.

Just a freshman, Key West’s Mary Alice Davila has already proven she has what it takes to win. Her natural ability coupled with a strong desire to improve make her a force to be reckoned with in the next three seasons with the Conchs.

In just her second season of playing golf, Marathon senior Justice Lee Isom showed she was as adept at swinging the irons as she is at pumping iron. Lee Isom had multiple strong showings this year, with the highlight being shooting her first birdie as she improved steadily throughout the season.

In her first season with the Hurricanes’ golf team, sophomore Valerie Gabriel showed she has exactly the right attitude to excel in the game. Gabriel’s strong work ethic, dedication to improvement and positive attitude gave her an advantage as a golfer, and her improvement was notable as the season went on.

Valerie Gabriel SOPHOMORE CORAL SHORES

Mary Alice Davila

WEST

Justice Lee Isom

Photos by Natalie Danko, Doug Finger and contributed images

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

In his first season with the Hurricanes, freshman Scout Oliver made history. His play at districts earned a spot at regionals, making him the first Coral Shores golfer to do so. Oliver’s contributions go beyond his golf skills. “He consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, sportsmanship and leadership while representing his school with excellence throughout the season,” said coach Danielle Thomas of her freshman phenom.

Hurricane senior Brock Bynum has anchored his team for the past four years. Bynum’s competitiveness and coachability made him invaluable for Coral Shores, and his ability to fine-tune his game made him a solid contributor for his entire high school career.

Conch junior Geo Twyman was in the running every time he teed off this season. Described as the team’s most consistent player, Twyman finished the season with a solid 79 at districts, setting the stage for a strong senior season.

Key West’s Mason Titensor played the game with the maturity of a more seasoned golfer. His offseason work coupled with what his coach describes as exceptional leadership make Titensor one to watch in 2026.

In his inaugural season with the Conchs, sophomore Jakub Krytinar showed he has what it takes to compete by winning multiple matches and rounding out his first season with an 81 at districts.

Consistently Marathon’s topseeded athlete, Piscetello narrowly missed a round at regionals via a tiebreaker. Piscetello took seven firstplace victories for the team and averaged 40 in the nine-hole competition this season.

Freshman Emmett Merryman averaged 41 strokes this season, making him a threat every time he took to the greens. Merryman secured his spot in Marathon’s record books by becoming the first golfer in school history to qualify for regionals after shooting an 83 at districts.

Praised for his leadership and marked improvement, senior Max Childress helped the team break its teamlow record, then re-break it several times this season. The senior athlete pulled off a regular-season win and showed maturity and drive throughout his time with the Fins.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

3

Senior captain Molly McKnight shored up the Conchs’ 5-1 offense with a consistency coach Kim Butler described as remarkable.

“Her ability to deliver the ball quickly and set up our hitters for success was unmatched. Her leadership on the court was essential,” Butler said. She had 628 assists, led the team in aces with 46 and posted an outstanding 97.6% serving percentage, demonstrating reliability and precision.

Audrey Smith

SENIOR, KEY WEST MIDDLE BLOCKER

With 247 kills, a .276 hitting percentage, 79 digs and 76 blocks to her credit, senior Audrey Smith was a formidable powerhouse whose commanding presence was as strong at the baseline as it was at the net. Smith had a 90.1% serve percentage with 23 aces and an unstoppable determination her team leaned on when challenges arose. The senior captain demonstrated impeccable leadership in addition to her on-court skills.

9

Tess Wright did all the little things to improve her game for years, and it paid dividends this season. The senior middle blocker registered 43 blocks, 95 kills and a .183 hitting percentage this season, and her strong work ethic and positive attitude made her a standout for Key West.

MEET THE 2025 ALL-KEYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM

The 2025 volleyball season in the Keys showcased a wide range of competition across four classifications, with each program carving out its own identity. Coral Shores ended with the strongest record at 13-4, fueled by wins over Marathon, Basilica and a split series with Key West. The 3A Conchs opted for a challenging schedule full of tournament play and finished 16-12, earned a district quarterfinal bye, then won in the semis. Though they lost in the district championship match, their strong play earned them a bid to regionals, where the season ended for the senior-heavy team. Basilica, playing as an independent, went 8-14 but secured a notable win over Marathon. The Dolphins, competing in 1A Rural, battled through a rebuilding year to a 3-14 finish, with one of their three wins being at districts.

Adriana Heinrichs

SENIOR , KEY WEST OUTSIDE HITTER

Touted by head coach Kim Butler as having the best all-around ball control for the team this season, senior outside hitter Adriana Heinrichs tallied 98 kills, 27 aces, 35 assists, 207 digs and seven blocks this season. Her confidence and calm presence served the team well, and a strong work ethic and coachability make her equally missed by teammates and the coaching staff next season.

12

Gabrielle Garcia

SENIOR, KEY WEST OUTSIDE HITTER

Outside hitter and team captain Gabrielle Garcia racked up 216 kills, 31 aces, 169 digs and nine blocks despite battling a nagging injury most of the season. A fouryear starter for Key West, Garcia’s consistency in serving, unstoppable optimism and dependable leadership made her valuable both on the court and off.

3

In her first full season of varsity play, sophomore libero Journey Lamb made a name for herself on the court this year. Lamb had 13 aces, a 96.7% serving percentage, 21 assists and 309 digs to make her a dominant presence for Key West. Lamb continues to hone her skills in the offseason and do the work it takes to improve, making for an exciting future.

Daysi Williams

SENIOR, MARATHON MIDDLE HITTER

Described as having a relentless determination and grittiness to spare, senior Daysi Williams was a force at the net for the Fins. The middle hitter was a no-nonsense blocker and her vertical ability proved deadly all season long. Williams’ teammates voted her MVP of the Dolphins.

1 Journey Lamb SOPHOMORE, KEY WEST LIBERO

Molly McKnight

Tess Wright SENIOR, KEY WEST OPPOSITE HITTER

SENIOR, KEY WEST MIDDLE BLOCKER

Photos by Doug Finger, Natalie Danko, Maicey Malgrat and Bert Budde

14

Addison Collins

SENIOR, MARATHON RIGHT-SIDE HITTER

Senior setter and right-side hitter Addison Collins was a dependable, all-around athlete for the Fins, combining a keen game IQ with a deadly serve. Collins’ ability to make runs at the service line kept the team in games. Her impeccable setting made her an asset to her teammates, who looked to her steady, calm demeanor for leadership and guidance.

13

Celene Walker

JUNIOR, CORAL SHORES OUTSIDE

HITTER

Junior Celene Walker is a powerful combination of athleticism and competitive spirit, fighting for every point on the court. The talented outside hitter racked up 192 kills this season, leading the team in that category and claiming second in digs. With 22 aces, Walker proved that she was a threat anywhere on the court, and ’Canes coach Sam Ovalle praised her passion for the game as well as her leadership.

Mackenzie Morris

SENIOR, BASILICA MIDDLE HITTER

After missing her junior season due to injury, Mackenzie Morris made a fantastic comeback, amassing 13 aces with a 93% service percentage, 21 blocks and 106 kills. Described as focused, coachable and committed to excellence, Morris made her final season with the Mariners count.

Gloria Slavik

SENIOR, BASILICA SETTER

Senior Gloria Slavik combined a strong IQ for the game with athleticism to make her presence known on the court. The right-side hitter and setter had 13 aces, 54 kills and 152 assists with the Mariners and made contributions in multiple positions, transitioning flawlessly any time the team needed her to change roles. Her versatility and willingness to work hard made her a true asset to Basilica.

5

Ivy Tiedemann

SENIOR, CORAL SHORES LIBERO

With a team-high 262 digs as well as 49 assists this season, senior Ivy Tiedemann will be sorely missed next year. The senior libero is credited with giving 100% at all times and never backing down from a challenge. Her competitiveness helped the Hurricanes when they needed it the most, and her versatility was exactly what the team needed this season.

14

Shelby Lynn

SENIOR, CORAL SHORES SETTER

Senior setter Shelby Lynn led the Hurricanes in aces with 53 and assists with 279. Lynn was third in digs with 154, proving her dynamic athleticism on both offense and defense. Credited for playing with a lot of heart, Lynn showed up to each match ready not just to play, but to win.

Olivia Revoredo

FRESHMAN,

BASILICA OUTSIDE HITTER

Just a freshman, Olivia Revoredo made an immediate impact on the court. Credited with being an explosive hitter, strong passer and solid blocker, Revoredo is an all-around fantastic player who manages to make those around her perform their best as well. With three more years of play, Revoredo has the potential to be a force for the Mariners.

55

Coralyn Frimpter

FRESHMAN, CORAL SHORES OUTSIDE HITTER

Freshman outside hitter Coralyn Frimpter had no problem making the transition from middle school to varsity and made a difference from day one. With 167 kills, 47 aces and 101 digs, Frimpter was a clutch performer and head coach Sam Ovalle described her as humble and coachable, setting the stage for three more years of top-notch play.

RUNNER

OF THE YEAR

MEET THE 2025 ALL-KEYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

TThis season, Ali Wheatley brought home a silver medal from districts, where she ran the course in 20:22. One week later, she kicked it into high gear, finishing in 19:38 and earning a spot at the state championship meet. She demonstrates mental toughness, pushing through difficult training sessions. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Wheatley’s accomplishments, like her pace, will not likely slow down any time soon.

junior Mylana Loza embraces challenging workouts and never shies away from giving her full effort. That paid off this season, as Loza was consistently the second Fin to cross the line at races. She ran a personal best 23:30 at regionals, peaking at precisely the right time.

Consistently the Hurricanes’ No. 2 runner, Kate King clocked some fantastic times this season. King picked up the pace for nearly every race, culminating in a 22:27 personal best at regionals and setting the stage for an exciting senior campaign.

he 2025 cross country season was another shining example of Monroe County athletes’ dedication, resilience and competitive spirit. Runners from every school delivered strong performances, with teams and individuals representing the Keys all the way to the state meet. Marathon struck gold and Coral Shores earned silver at districts. Marathon and Coral Shores qualified full squads for regionals and Key West’s boys also advanced. At regionals, Marathon’s boys team and one Coral Shores female runner punched their tickets to the state championships in Tallahassee. Across the board, every program showed meaningful growth and marked improvement, setting the stage for an exciting future in Keys cross country.

The Lady Fins’ top runner also happens to be their youngest; Molly Joly cruised to a season-best 22:10 at the FHSAA 1A Region 4 championships, after bringing home a seventh-place medal from districts the week prior.

In her first season of varsity running, Emma Bradshaw had an impressive showing. Her strong team spirit and perseverance helped whittle down her times throughout the season, culminating in a 24:09 personal best at districts.

In one of the most challenging sports, Ryah Bushey stands out for making it look more fun than it is daunting. She brings a contagious enthusiasm that lifts and motivates the entire team. Her district 25:45 personal best finish at districts proves that she has what it takes to be one of the best.

As the only returning member of the Lady Conchs’ cross country team, Violet Jangraw gave her team the leadership they needed. The hard-working junior had her season best, a 25:34, in the first race of the season, then came close again at regionals. The team relied on her guidance and energy as much as her times this season, and Jangraw consistently delivered without complaint.

GRADE

Marathon

Photos by Rick Mackenzie and Natalie Danko

OF THE YEAR

Antonin Bursa

Just a freshman, Lucian Burns has already made two appearances at the state championships. Burns was sidelined with what could have been a season-ending injury in mid-October. He returned to the starting line at districts, where he struggled, yet finished fast enough to help the Fins qualify for regionals. Burns shaved off nearly two minutes one week later, then led Marathon at states, finishing 42nd.

Dolphin sophomore Antonin “Tony” Bursa ran seven sub18-minute races this season. His PR came at districts, where his 17:19 finish won a gold medal. Bursa has both endurance and speed, often kicking it in at the end of races to surpass runners in front of him. With two more seasons to go and a proven running pedigree, Bursa has the ability to become one of the best runners in Monroe County history.

Delacerda

Sophomore Sawyer Hill has no qualms about putting in the work to get better. His discipline and consistency have become something the team can rely upon. Hill finished his season with a personal best 18:35, setting the stage for upcoming seasons for the motivated sophomore.

Alaric Rodriguez

SHORES

Hurricane harrier Jamie Cary finished his senior season with a PR, racing to an 18:03 finish at regionals. Cary showed incredible improvement this season, a testament to his focus and dedication to training. Race after race, Cary delivered strong finishes to help lead his team in the postseason and end on a high note.

SHORES

Hurricane senior Alaric Rodriguez ran his best at Spanish River this year, finishing in 19:33. Rodriguez’s long history in the sport made him a tough competitor who gave his team a shot at winning every time he toed the line.

Prometheus Delacerda provided the Conchs with senior leadership this season, which was exactly what they needed. His competitive spirit and drive to get better elevated not only his own performance, but the entire team. Delacerda crushed his times this season, finishing his senior campaign in style with an 18:37 PR at regionals.

Marathon’s No. 3 man, Allan Taylor, ran a personal best 18:01 at districts this season as he closed the gap between himself and the Fins’ top two. Taylor hawks down his rivals and teammates alike, making it look fun in the process. You would be hard-pressed to find him on a training run without his signature smile and two thumbs up.

Caleb Shelar

SENIOR

MARATHON

Despite being Marathon’s No. 4 runner, senior Caleb Shelar often outpaces the top finishers for the rest of the county’s teams, and his quiet determination and focus are a big piece of the Fins’ success. Shelar clocked in at 18:22 for a PR at regionals this year, helping Marathon secure a spot at states, where he finished under 19 minutes despite a hilly, treacherous course.

Lucian Burns

Sawyer Hill FRESHMAN

RUNNER

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statute 328.17, Robbies of Key West, LLC claims a possessory lien on the following described vessels:

Owned by Luis Amores for unpaid storage fees: a 2011 40’ Beneteau (HIN: BEYKD220K011)

Owned by VH4669 LLC (Donald Rhomberg – Title Manager) for unpaid storage fees: a 1984 42’ Gibson (HIN:GBN42768M84K)

Sealed bids will be accepted on December 19th , 2025 at 12:00am at Robbies of Key West, 7281 Shrimp Rd, Key West, FL 33040. Robbies of Key West, LLC reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Publish:

December 4 & 11, 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 a LODGING INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE – shall be owners or operating/general managers assistant general managers, director of sales and/or marketing, director of engineering, director of food and beverage, director of operations/rooms, comptroller as executive (exempt employee level) positions of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in the tax collection district for which they are applying). 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. Friday January 16, 2026. A resume may be attached to the application. Publish: December 4, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe

County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. Notice to Proposers: A local business, as defined in Section 2-349, County Code, may be given preference in this solicitation. The intent and justification for providing a local preference is set forth in Section 2-349 of the Monroe County Code of Ordinances. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 8, 2026. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Questions regarding this RFQ must be transmitted in writing to Cory Schwisow, c/o Monroe County Emergency Management, 7280 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050, or by Email: Schwisow-Cory@ monroecounty-fl.gov.

Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days (from bid opening date), whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the value listed on the Price Response Proposal Form and any document

within the other portions of the response uploaded into Bonfire, the values listed in the “Price ResponseProposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFQ is the amount that will be considered by the County. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, January 8, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

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

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish: December 4, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Organic Removal and Backfilling for Canal #82, Key Largo Monroe County, Florida

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit

For detailed information please visit the Procurement Department website at http://www.gmx-way.com/business/solicitations, or call the Procurement Department at 305-637-3277 for assistance. The

Publish: December 4, 2025. The Weekly Newspapers

your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish: December 4, 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-000377-K IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY LESAICHERRE, Deceased. NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

The administration of the estate of MARY LESAICHERRE, deceased, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Freeman Justice Center, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The file number for the estate is 25-CP-000377-K. The estate is testate and the date of the Decedent’s Will and any codicils are January 29, 2001. 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, Florida Statutes, applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative. Any interested person on whom a copy of the notice of administration is served must file with the court, on or before the date that is 3 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on that person, any objection that challenges the validity of the will or any codicils, venue, or jurisdiction of the court. The 3 month time period may only be extended for estoppel based upon a misstatement by the personal representative regarding the time period within which an objection must be filed. The time period may not be extended for any other reason, including affirmative representation, failure to disclose information, or misconduct by the personal representative or

any other person. Unless sooner barred by section 733.212(3), Florida Statutes, all objections to the validity of a will or any codicils, venue or the jurisdiction of the court must be filed no later than the earlier of the entry of an order of final discharge of the personal representative or 1 year after service of the notice of administration. Persons who may be entitled to exempt property under section 732.402, Florida Statutes, will be deemed to have waived their rights to claim that property as exempt property unless a petition for determination of exempt property is filed by such persons or on their behalf on or before the later of the date that is 4 months after the date of service of a copy of the notice of administration on such persons or the date that is 40 days after the date of termination of any proceedings involving the construction, admission to probate, or validity of the will or involving any other matter affecting any part of the exempt property. Unless an extension is granted pursuant to section 732.2135(2), Florida Statutes, an election to take an elective share must be filed on or before the earlier of the date that is 6 months after the date of service of a copy of the notice of administration on the surviving spouse, an agent under chapter 709, Florida Statutes, or a guardian of the property of the surviving spouse; or the date that is 2 years after the date of the decedent's death. Under certain circumstances and by failing to contest the will, the recipient of the notice of administration may be waiving his or her right to contest the validity of a trust or other writing incorporated by reference into a will.

Personal Representative: KIM TESSITORE

Attorney for Personal Representative: Liz C. Messianu, Esq. Florida Bar No. 469017

Patricia D. Blanco, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 1017070

Attorneys for Petitioner Wicker, Smith, O'Hara. McCoy & Ford, P.A.

Attorneys for Personal Representative 2800 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 800 Coral Gables, Florida 33134

Telephone: (305) 448-3939

Fax: (305) 441-1748

E-Mail: miacrtpleadings@ wickermsith.com

Publish:

December 4 & 11, 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-000377-K IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY LESAICHERRE, Decedent.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Mary LeSaicherre, deceased, whose date of death was July 26, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Freeman Justice Center, 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. 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: December 4, 2025. Personal Representative: Kim Tessitore 5021 Wade Drive Metaire, Louisiana 70003 Attorney for Personal Representative: Liz C. Messianu, Esq. Florida Bar No. 469017

Patricia D. Blanco, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 1017070 Wicker, Smith, O'Hara. McCoy & Ford, P.A.

Attorneys for Personal Representative 2800 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 800 Coral Gables, Florida 33134

Telephone: (305) 448-3939

Fax: (305) 441-1745

E-Mail: miacrtpleadings@ wickermsith.com

Publish: December 4 & 11, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2025-CP-000505-K IN RE: ESTATE OF  WILLIAM LAURENCE HARDY  Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE:

The administration of the Estate of William Laurence Hardy, deceased, File No. 2025-CP-000505-K, is pending in the circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 502 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040. The name and address of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served, must file their claims with the clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 502 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated

claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT 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 OF MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

A 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 ss 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211. The date of first publication of this Notice is December 4, 2025.

Dated this 20th day of November, 2025.

M. BARBARA AMARO ESQ. Attorney for Personal Representative FBN 611298 8950 SW 74 Court, Suite 2201, A-19 Miami, FL 33156 (305) 384-7213 (888) 508-5215 Fax Barbara@AmaroProbateLaw. com

Personal Representative: M. BARBARA AMARO 8950 SW 74 Court, Suite 2201, A-19 Publish: December 4 & 11, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023-CA-747-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15TH day of December 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5824, Week 30, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) I, II entered in a case pending in said Court, the 4TH day of November 2025 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MARY ANN AMARAL, DECEASED; BRIAN

POTENTIAL HEIR TO MARY ANN AMARAL

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2023-CA747-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 10TH day of November 2025

KEVIN MADOK

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: November 27 and December 4, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CC-688-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15TH day of December 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit E23, Week 1, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 9TH day of October 2025 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. JOAN ELAINE FARINACCI AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST JOAN ELAINE FARINACCI, DECEASED Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC688-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 31TH day of October 2025

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: November 27 and December 4, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 2024-CC-658-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15TH day of December 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit E23, Week 46, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) II entered in a case pending in said Court, the 9TH day of October 2025

Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff

vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST JOHNSIE H. HUDSPETH, DECEASED AND DANA SHEPHERD, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO JOHNSIE H. HUDSPETH Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC658-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 31TH day of October 2025 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: November 27 and December 4, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CC-658-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15TH day of December 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit C22 Week 48, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any

amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 9TH day of October 2025

Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST WILLIAM GERSTNER KUESTER, DECEASED; JENNIFER MERTZ, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO WILLIAM GERSTNER KUESTER; AND JEFFREY KUESTER, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO WILLIAM GERSTNER KUESTER

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC658-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 31TH day of October 2025

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: November 27 and December 4, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CC-569-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE

SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15TH day of December 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5813, Week 13, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 9TH day of October 2025 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY,

THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST SHEENA HOULT SHUMATE, DECEASED AND TERRY GALLAGHER, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO SHEENA HOULT SHUMATE

Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC569-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 31TH day of October 2025

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: November 27 and December 4, 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 SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!

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

BOAT MISC. FOR SALE

Two 425 XTO Yamaha outboard motors for sale. Low hours, excellent condition, professionally maintained. $30,000 for both. Located in Marathon. Call for details 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 SOLD !!!

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

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Boat Slip For Rent in Key Largo - Oceanfront Marina - Up to 46’ x 11.5’ - $20/ft/ month. No Liveaboards. 330-219-5313

Dockage up to 60’ Islamorada - Bayside, 50 amp service. Call 860-982-4517

Boat dockage, 29th Street Canal, Marathon. Up to 33' - water & electric. 305-240-3270

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

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

EMPLOYMENT

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/

Retail - Tues-Sat 3:00 pm-9:00 pm in Marathon. Must be able to lift large boxes of tee shirts. More hours available if needed. Inside Airstream with AC. Email Carolynsparkyslanding@aol.com

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.

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.

Maintenance Manager needed. The Cabana Club, a private membership swim club, is seeking a full time, hands-on Maintenance Manager. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: pool maintenance (training can be provided), general plumbing and electric, light carpentry, opening and cleaning daily, general "handyman skills". Qualified person is organized, works well independently and observes surroundings in need of attention. Great pay plus benefits. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

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

NIGHT MONITORFREE 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 Bedroom - All new - AND - Studio - Furnished in Marathon. On the water, gated property. Section 8 possible. $1,300 - $2,000 month. Call 305-610-8002

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 builtin 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 RENTED IN LESS THAN 4 WEEKS!!!

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

First Annual Community Yard SaleSat. Dec. 13 starting at 9am. Behind the Airport in Marathon - start on Porpoise Drive and work your way around!

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

FAIR INSURANCE RATES FOR MONROE EMPOWERING CONSUMERS THROUGH EDUCATION, PROTECTION, AND REFORM

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

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician)

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.

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

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.

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

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

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

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

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health 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.

Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP

BENEFITS!!!

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.

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

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

CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

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

- Medical Assistant Ortho, $5k Bonus

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

- Patient Access Associates, $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

- Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem

- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT Scan, $50k Bonus

- Mechanic, FT, 7A-3:30P

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem

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

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, MRI, $50k Bonus

- Medical Technologist, Laboratory, $20k Bonus

- Physical Therapist, $25k Bonus

- Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem

- Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem

- Pool Medical Technologist

- Pool Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $25k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, PT

- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator, 7P-7A

- Inventory Control Administrator, Keys/Marathon Supply Chain

- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (MRI & X Ray), Radiology, $50k Bonus

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

- Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $15k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care, Per Diem, 7P-7:30A

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care, Part Time, 7P-7:30A

- Registered Nurse, PACU, $15k Bonus

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, PT, $12,500 Bonus

- RRT 2, Respiratory Therapy, Per Diem

- Security Officer, FT, 7A-7:30P

- Security Officer, Per Diem

All

THEME: IN THE WOODS

ACROSS

1. Flows’ partners

5. “When Harry ____ Sally...”

8. Sound of laughter

12. *”Hide” behind the bush 13. BÈbÈ’s mother

14. *Age units in the woods

15. Rum cake

16. Placido Domingo’s solo, e.g. 17. Concluded

18. *”Into the Woods” star Anna 20. Come clean, with up 21. Terra ____

22. Urge Spot to attack 23. One of seven gnomes

26. Prior to the present (3 words)

30. FEMA provisions, e.g.

31. Erratum, pl.

34. Int. org. in Brussels

35. Merge

37. Time frame

38. Right-hand page

39. 1920s art style

40. Cause of wheezing

42. Like The Hot Chili Peppers

43. ____ God we ____,” on U.S. currency

45. Some vipers

47. Clairvoyant’s gift

48. Source of chocolate

50. Form of payment

52. *Edible fungus

55. Multi-layered cake

56. MÈlange

57. Utah’s national park

59. Bake an egg

60. Plural of #22 Down

61. *”____ the Woods” play and movie

62. Prefix for multiple

63. Japanese honorific

64. Barely got by

DOWN

1. Singular of #1 Across 2. *Woodpecker’s pecker

3. *One lost in the woods

4. Posture

5. Boy Scout’s badge

6. “Fear of Flying” author ____ Jong

7. *Furniture wood

8. *Conifer’s dropping

9. Peters out

10. Def Leppard’s “Rock of ____”

11. Psychedelic drug, acr. 13. St. Valentine, e.g. 14. Equip again

19. One of Seven Dwarfs 22. Rejuvenating spot

23. ____ Arabia

24. Wrinkle-prone fabric

25. Declaration of Independence, e.g.

26. 2002 Winter Olympics state

27. Mother-of-pearl

28. Weasel’s cousin

29. *Golf’s great

32. Catch one’s breath

33. A in MOMA

36. *Scientific study in woodlands

38. Meteorologist’s tool

40. Nile reptile

41. Masculine one and proud of it, pl.

44. Theater greeter

46. Something extraordinary

48. “Mea ____,” or “my fault”

49. Hailing from the East

50. Type of salmon

51. *Seed covering

52. *Trunk growth 53. Sty cry

Speck 55. Recipe amt. 58. Go-ahead

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Whether you’re building a large commercial building, FDOT bridge, or a customdesigned home, we have concrete mix designs for every project. Thanks to decades of experience, our team can create custom mixes with high-quality additives for specific project needs. We offer the largest variety of materials and operate the only FDOT-certified ready-mix plants in the Florida Keys. Call us for all ready-mix concrete, block, aggregate, rebar and bagged good needs.