Marathon Weekly 25-1211

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A vessel check by the U.S. Coast Guard Station Miami Beach on Dec. 2 led to the discovery of 3,715 pounds of cocaine worth roughly $28 million. The suspected drug smuggling boat was 2 miles from shore when it was stopped. “This was the largest USCG small boat station cocaine seizure since 1995,” said Lt. Matthew Ross, Coast Guard Station Miami Beach commanding officer.

The big S.C. and his Mrs. are scheduled to make another appearance at the Pigeon Key Holiday Spectacular, returning this weekend after a slam-dunk inaugural event. See page 12. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

‘HAVE YOU SUFFERED ENOUGH YET?’

How a Marathon mother navigated childbirth, after ICE took her husband away

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

On Nov. 18, Marathon resident Liennys Escalona gave birth to a baby boy. If he had been born a month earlier, her husband, Dasnier Barea Levya, would have been by her side.

But on the day in question, Dasnier was locked in a cage at Alligator Alcatraz.

On Halloween, Dasnier was driving to work at Paradise Tattoo in Key West when he noticed a Customs and Border Patrol truck following him. Minutes later, Liennys said, she was pleading with an officer via speakerphone to explain her husband’s situation.

“(Dasnier) gave him his ID and work permit, the officer went to the computer, came back and said, ‘You do not have a legal status to be here. I have to take you,’” she recalled. “I was picking up my son, I was 37 weeks pregnant, and I had a panic attack and started crying. I just tried to believe this wasn’t happening.”

Both born in Cuba, Liennys and Dasnier met at a local Carnaval celebration – just three months before Liennys would leave for the United States in March of 2017.

“A lot of people don’t believe in this, but it was a first-sight love,” Liennys said.

Dasnier would later come to the U.S. seeking asylum in 2019, marrying Liennys in December that same year. He was processed at the border, had his first court date in a detention center, and was released on a $10,000 bond with his asylum case pending. He wore an electronic ankle bracelet for about two years as he awaited the outcome of his case, attending a second hearing as required.

After arriving in the U.S., Liennys was granted parole and successfully sought her own path to citizenship under the Cuban Adjustment Act. But Dasnier was handed an I-220A, a document allowing him to work and live in the U.S. as his asylum case played out – not valid to use as parole and seek

citizenship as Liennys did.

As Dasnier’s final court date inched closer, Liennys, now a U.S. citizen after being paroled herself, prepared and presented an I-130 petition in July 2022, used to provide an eligible spouse or relative of a citizen with a path to obtain a green card.

Seeing the petition was in process, an immigration judge ordered Dasnier’s case closed on July 22, 2022, according to court records from the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review.

“The judge decided to close the case because we were going through that other way of getting him citizenship,” Liennys said.

In July of 2023, a notice from the Department of Homeland Security told Liennys her petition for Dasnier was approved.

Originally taken to the Marathon CBP facility, officers told Liennys that Dasnier had a chance to be released if she presented all of his original immigration paperwork.

“I gave them all the papers we had, but they just said ‘We have all that in the system. He doesn’t have a

green card approved, so he doesn’t have the status to be here,’” Liennys told the Weekly.

“They told me he was going to be moved to Krome (Detention Center) and I would be able to call him and see him – they took him to Alligator Alcatraz,” she said. “Everybody thought that’s where they would take the worst of the worst – that’s not true.”

On Nov. 24, Dasnier was transferred in chains to El Paso, Texas. In total, he’s been detained for more than a month – and still doesn’t have a court date. He still has yet to meet his younger son, born just weeks after he was arrested.

“(Dasnier) not being able to be at my second birth, it’s something I will never forgive. … This is the real life for so many Cubans – things are just floating in the air,” Liennys said. “We’re basically seeking a humanitarian parole, because our second son is eight days old, (and) my first son is 4-1/2 years old and has a global delay. All the progress he’s made at school, it’s just going back and back and back.

continued on page 24

Dasnier Barea Levya, left, and his wife Liennys Escalona celebrate the imminent arrival of their second son. Liennys gave birth while Dasnier was detained in Alligator Alcatraz.

WRITE A PERMIT, OR WRITE A CHECK

Florida Supreme Court leaves monumental

Marathon takings case intact

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Alandmark lawsuit that could shape the future of takings cases in the Keys may head all the way to the U. S. Supreme Court, if a petition by the city of Marathon is successful.

On Dec. 5, the Florida Supreme Court declined to review what has become known as “the Shands case,” a nearly 20-year lawsuit over a small uninhabited island off of Marathon’s gulf shoreline.

In 1956, Dr. R.E. Shands purchased the island for $20,500, hoping to eventually establish a vacation destination for his family. When he bought the 7.9-acre property, its zoning allowed construction of one home per acre.

But after Shands passed away in 1963, giving ownership of the island to his wife and later her four children, the island was later downzoned to a “Conservation Offshore Island,” allowing just one home per 10 acres or use of the land for camping and beekeeping.

Those changes were later adopted by Marathon when the city incorporated in 1999, and when the Shandses applied for a dock permit five years later, the request was denied, with the city instead offering Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) for sale or use elsewhere if the family would publicly dedicate the land.

The island would soon become one of the Keys’ most publicized takings cases – triggered when owners of theoretically buildable land are denied the opportunity to do so – and a benchmark for future litigation as the island chain continues to run out of both vacant land and building rights.

In February, an opinion from Florida’s Third District Court of Appeals sided with the Shandses, agreeing that “allowing the government to avoid a categorical, as-applied takings claim by awarding TDRs is constitutionally infirm, and here, the downzoning barred (the Shandses) from improving or developing Shands Key in any manner.”

That same month, the Marathon City Council elected to escalate the case to

the Florida Supreme Court, which last week declined to accept jurisdiction in the matter.

“We’re thrilled that the Third District opinion will stay in place,” attorney Jeremy Talcott of the Pacific Legal Foundation, which represents the Shandses, told the Weekly by phone. “It’s one of the stronger property rights opinions that has come out, certainly in Florida, but also nationwide. For the Shands family, this is the culmination of (waiting) decades to do anything with their own private property.”

Receiving the new blow the previous Friday, the city council on Dec. 9 chose to pursue escalation to the U.S. Supreme Court within the next 90 days for a case that could set a benchmark for hundreds of offshore islands and vacant lots in the Keys.

“Marathon has a few islands that may be impacted by this decision, and the county has far more,” Marathon City Attorney Steve Williams told the council Tuesday night, joined by Monroe County Attorney Bob Shillinger.

“The Third District Court opinion still, in my mind, creates new law that should be addressed by an appellate court.” Williams later declined to comment further on the pending litigation.

Should the current decision stand, Marathon’s taxpayers could be forced to foot a hefty portion of the bill for the island and attorneys’ fees, following a separate trial to determine its value and just compensation for the Shandses. And while the final number is far from settled, the value of offshore land, if developable, was already well into seven figures when the case began.

“This is what gets lost when people talk about these various environmental or other considerations like hurricane evacuation plans,” said Talcott. “If they’re for the good of the public as a whole, it’s just simply unfair to put the entire burden on individual landowners. … These systems like TBRs and ROGO points aren’t a way to avoid liability.”

“We’re thrilled that the Third District opinion will stay in place, it’s one of the stronger property rights opinions that has come out, certainly in Florida, but also nationwide. For the Shands family, this is the culmination of (waiting) decades to do anything with their own private property.”

— attorney Jeremy Talcott

of the Pacific Legal Foundation.

Shands Key, a 7-acre island off Marathon in the Gulf, could serve as the standard for future takings cases. GOOGLE MAPS/Contributed

As kids waited their turn with popcorn, treats and “snow” in the parking lot, Santa and Mrs. Claus took time to greet and snap photos with nearly 500 little ones from Marathon – with a goodie bag from Coldwell Banker Schmitt awaiting them when they were done. Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

SNAPS WITH SANTA

North Pole’s leading couple visit Coldwell Banker Schmitt

The line to see Santa Claus at Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. starts earlier and earlier every year. By the time Kris Kringle and Mrs. Claus pulled up in style aboard a Marathon Fire Rescue engine, escorted by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, hundreds of kids and their families were already eagerly awaiting their turn for a photo op – and to make sure the North Pole’s leading couple had their wish lists right.

ISLAND LIGHTS & FESTIVE NIGHTS

Second annual Pigeon Key Holiday Spectacular is this weekend

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Drive over the Seven Mile Bridge at night, and the sunset isn’t the last glow you’ll see.

The island of Pigeon Key is already ablaze with thousands of lights in anticipation of the second annual Pigeon Key Holiday Spectacular, held on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 to 9 p.m.

Building on the success of the inaugural event last December, the all-day celebration in the five-acre offshore holiday village is packed with cookie decorating, face painting, ornament making, food vendors, kids’ games, and guaranteed snow in the forecast. For the not-so-little ones, a full bar is at the ready.

Taking time out of his hectic dash to the holidays at the North Pole, Santa Claus will pay a visit from 3 to 5 p.m. And with a new audio system pumping holiday tunes in the air, the island will offer its hourly historical tours from 2 to 7 p.m.

Shark feedings in the on-island lagoon are scheduled for 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m., and Pigeon Key’s wet

lab and touch tank will be on display for visitors to enjoy. Members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will add static exhibits from the agency’s SWAT team, dive team and bomb squad.

Admission to the event is $5 for those who walk or bike from the Old Seven Mile Bridge. The Pigeon Key Express (Polar Express?) is available for a $20 round-trip ticketed transport, along with shuttle vans and buses ($15 for kids 12 and under). The last transport to the island will be at 7:40 p.m., and return transports are first come first served. Private watercraft will not be allowed to dock or unload passengers during the event.

“Last year, we set out to accomplish a vision and bring Marathon a brand-new iconic holiday event,” said Pigeon Key executive director Kelly McKinnon. “As soon as it was over, we knew we had to bring it back bigger and better this year, and we can’t wait to welcome the community this weekend.”

More information and tickets are at pigeonkey.net/holiday-spectacular-2025.

Walking or biking to the Holiday Spectacular along the Old Seven Mile Bridge drops the price of admission from $20 to $5.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their celebrity appearances at the festival from 3 to 5 p.m.

Photos by Doug Finger and Natalie Danko

Kids play in the snow amid a wonderland of holiday lights at the 2024 Pigeon Key Holiday Spectacular. The event returns this weekend.

The Marathon High School boys and girls varsity soccer squads wait on the side of Interstate 75 as crews from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue extinguish the fire from their broken-down bus. CONTRIBUTED

BUS CARRYING MARATHON SOCCER TEAMS CATCHES FIRE

Vehicle reportedly began smoking in Key Largo

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

The Marathon High School boys and girls soccer teams averted disaster when a bus carrying the squads to a game in Miami went up in flames on the side of Interstate 75 on Dec. 8.

There were no reported injuries. Speaking with the Weekly via phone that afternoon, both MHS Athletic Director Lance Martin and a parent of one of the athletes said the bus broke down on the side of the interstate after the teams heard a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. Minutes after the teams evacuated, the rear of the bus was engulfed.

Firefighters from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue put out the blaze as the teams waited on the side of the highway for a backup bus before continuing on to their matches at Franklin Academy. Students aboard the bus told the Weekly that the teams had already stopped once in Key Largo before

MORE ICE ACTIVITY IN THE UPPER KEYS

Video of U.S. citizen briefly detained draws national attention

Left: U.S. Border Patrol vehicles at Rowell’s Waterfront Park the morning of Dec. 3. Right: Federal agents in unmarked cars at the Rowell’s Waterfront Park entrance the morning of Dec. 3. NICK RODRIGUEZ/Contributed

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Aharrowing video showing federal immigration agents detaining a woman in medical scrubs — and screaming that she’s a U.S. citizen — along U.S. 1 in Key Largo has captured a national audience.

the breakdown after noticing smoke coming from the engine compartment. These reports were corroborated by multiple social media comments as news of the blaze spread.

“I was traveling up to Weston today and saw this bus on the 18 (Mile) stretch with a lot of smoke coming out of the engine compartment,” said one commenter. “The driver never once pulled over and actually drove another 40+ miles like that.”

“This looks like the same bus that was stopped in Key Largo near Publix this afternoon that had a bunch of smoke coming out of it,” said another. “Guess the driver decided to keep going.”

A call and email to Southern Bus Lines, the reported operator of the vehicle, were not returned at press time.

“This looks like the same bus that was stopped in Key Largo near Publix this afternoon that had a bunch of smoke coming out of it. Guess the driver decided to keep going.”

The incident on Dec. 3 at MM 103 was caught on camera by Miami Herald reporter David Goodhue and showed several agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs & Border Protection taking the woman out of the car. She was eventually handcuffed following a struggle.

At one point in the video, she is on the ground, looking at the camera, screaming “I’m a U.S. citizen.”

The woman, who wasn’t identified, was eventually released. But the interaction sparked attention and response among elected officials, the public and media outlets.

A spokesperson with U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the woman was driving a vehicle registered to an undocumented migrant, and that she refused to roll her window down and hand over her driver’s license. Agents handcuffed the woman, searched the vehicle, found her license and confirmed she was a U.S. citizen.

But in a statement to the Miami Herald and Local 10, the woman, who requested not to be identified, said she indeed rolled her window down once the agents approached her vehicle. Any claim otherwise is false, she said.

“They placed me inside their car, and while I was restrained, I watched them search through my personal belongings — including my purse — without my consent,” she said in her statement. “I know I have the right to not consent to a search, yet my rights were not respected.”

The incident seen on camera between the woman and federal agents came as immigration enforcement stops have been seen in the Upper Keys in recent weeks. Video and photos by Nick Rodriguez showed marked and unmarked cars at Rowell’s Waterfront Park in Key Largo during the early morning of Dec. 3 before the incident.

Marked and unmarked vehicles, and even a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter, were spotted along the road and in the air in Key Largo last month. Stops made by federal agents on Nov. 21 resulted in the arrests of 12 individuals, from Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia and Guatemala who had prior charges and convictions ranging from illegal re-entry after deportation to resisting an officer and domestic violence.

Some stops over the course of the past weeks have occurred not far from Key Largo School during the early morning hours. A stop last month on a white van by CBP and Florida Highway Patrol led to a foot pursuit and a subsequent lockdown of KLS during the early morning. The person was eventually caught and the school reopened to students and staff.

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Unsuspecting bar patrons may have wondered what hit them as a wave of Kris Kringles, reindeer, candy canes and elves descended on five Middle Keys locations for the second annual 7 Mile SantaCon on Dec. 6.

With a signature drink awaiting them at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, the Island Fish Company, Sparky’s Landing, Key Colony Beach Realty and Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant, revelers spent an afternoon trying to assemble their best hand on the five-stop poker run. Thanks to the generosity of Marathon Bikeworks, partygoers were treated to holiday-decorated bicycles to transition safely from stop to stop and enjoy the day’s beautiful weather.

“We had more than 70 poker cards turned in, and our SantaCon participants brought the party everywhere they went in this amazing event,” said Marathon Chamber CEO Daniel Samess. “Some of them had never visited the businesses who hosted us, so it was a bonus to be able to introduce them to some of our favorite spots in town.”

SANTA! I KNOW HIM!

1. Tammy Collins, left, Chris Todd Young and Meghan Bolen are perfectly wrapped for the day.

2. Just two stops in at the Island Fish Company, and the silliness begins.

3. Iris Laris and Sami Teittinin share a cute moment at the Island Fish Company.

4-5. “North Pole or Bust!” There’s plenty of room in Santa’s workshop for hippie vans.

6. Some tropical Santas and elves enjoy a midrun stop at Sparky’s Landing.

7. Marathon Bikeworks’ Brandon Manzer, left, and Madison Brock refuel at Sparky’s.

8. The crew gets the party started at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters.

9-10. Dressed in their holiday best, North Pole partygoers work their way from Aquarium Encounters to Havana Jacks with an overload of Christmas spirit.

11. Melissa Cartan, Howdie Cartan, Jennifer Edling, Rich Thompkins, Mike Sessler and Kat Corey earn the best-dressed award.

12. Howdie Cartan earns the top poker hand with a straight – no mulligan card draw needed.

13. The crew at Key Colony Beach Realty, including Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo, sling some sangria and Jell-o shots on Sadowski Causeway.

Photos by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

BBQ BEACH & POOL PARTYHO-HOHOLIDAY 792ND SUNDAY FUNDAY

DECEMBER

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• Grilled Ribeye Sandwiches

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• Grilled Bratwurst

THIS WEEKS ENTERTAINMENT

SATURDAY, DEC 13

JOHNNY

SUNDAY JAM 7PM

MONDAY, DEC 15

JOHNNY LIVE 3PM

MCCABE 6PM

TUESDAY, DEC 16

TACO

WEDNESDAY,

STAGE OF SEASON’S GREETINGS

aroling kids, dancers and even reindeer will gather around a homey fireplace as the Marathon Community Theatre presents “Home for the Holidays,” this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. Directed by Catherine Dunn and Cami Holdinga, the yearly showcase will blend musical numbers, dance routines, skits and sing-along opportunities in a familyfriendly show to celebrate the season. Tickets are available by calling 305-7430994 or visiting marathontheater.org. Photos contributed

December 18th 6:00 Cookies and Carols

Come for a good old fashioned sing-along!

Christmas Eve Services 5:00 & 11:00 pm

Christmas Day Service Noon Dinner 1:00

Everyone is invited for this Christmas Meal!

St. Columba Episcopal Church

9am

ONE ICONIC

DESTINATION

Fri Dec 12

5pm - 9:30pm Bites & Beverages

5:30pm - 6:45pm Holiday Boat Parade HOSTED BY Duck Key Fishing Club

7pm - 9:30pm Party on the Promenade DJ and LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

9pm - 11pm

Voted Best Lunch

THREE DAYS OF CELEBRATION

5pm - 9:30pm Bites & Beverages

5pm - 9:30pm Holiday Vendor Showcase DJ and LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

9pm - 9:45pm Dedication & Fireworks Sat Dec 13 9am - 3pm Brunch at Angler & Ale Santa Appearance 9am-11am 10am - 2pm Holiday Pickleball Tournament 11am - 2pm Brunch Experience at Salt + Ash Featuring Chef Jeremy Ford 6pm - 9pm XGLOsive Pickleball Party DJ - Food - Cocktails - Fun

After Party at Angler & Ale 9am - 3pm Brunch at Angler & Ale Santa Appearance 9am-11am

Sun Dec 14 Scan to view detailed schedule and make reservations.

All events are open to the public.

JUST WARMING UP

‘Cold-stunned’

endangered Kemp’s ridley turtles arrive in style at the Turtle Hospital

More than two dozen critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles arrived in the Keys on Dec. 9 to warm up and receive treatment after suffering "cold stunning" in waters off New England.

Found stranded as a result of the condition, the 25 turtles were rescued and flown to Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, arriving Tuesday afternoon in banana boxes from a temporary holding center at the New England Aquarium.

"Because of global warming, the turtles remain in the bay off Cape Cod longer than normal and, when severe cold weather suddenly moves in, the little turtles get trapped," said Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach. “Fortunately, there are teams of volunteers that patrol the beaches there to

rescue as many turtles as possible.”

The turtles now are in warmer water in outside tanks at the Turtle Hospital.

"Cold stunning" is a hypothermic reaction that occurs when sea turtles are exposed to cold water for a prolonged time. It typically causes them to stop eating and swimming, Zirkelbach said.

"Sea turtles … take on the temperature of the air and the water surrounding them, because they are unable to regulate their own body temperature,” Zirkelbach said. "Anything below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can become a mortality event for a sea turtle."

She said the rescue, transportation to the Keys, rehabilitation and release is a result of cooperative actions by many entities and people.

"It's a massive effort combined with many organizations that rescue these turtles right at the site," she said. "There's an incredible organization, 'Lighthawk,' where volunteer pilots fly these turtles down to warmer places."

The pilots donate their aircraft, fuel and time.

After arrival at the Turtle Hospital, the "cold-stunned" turtles are tested to discover whether they have pneumonia, infections or other ailments, with their treatment and rehabilitation determined by test results.

Kemp's ridley sea turtles are the most endangered of all sea turtle species, Zirkelbach said.

— Contributed

1,7. Staff at the Turtle Hospital tend to 25 cold-stunned turtles that arrived after being flown from the New England Aquarium to Marathon to warm up and be rehabilitated for eventual release.

2. Bette Zirkelbach, manager of the Turtle Hospital, unloads a banana box with a cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtle at the Marathon Airport on Dec. 9.

3. An endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle looks at its temporary surroundings at the Turtle Hospital.

4. Blood is extracted from an endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.

5. Diego Lopez, right, a rehabilitation specialist at the Turtle Hospital, measures one of 25 cold-stunned turtles. Taylor Adams, left, records the measurements.

6. An endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle peers out of a banana box.

Photos

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‘HAVE

YOU SUFFERED ENOUGH YET?’

… He doesn’t even want to talk to his father now.”

It’s a critical week for Dasnier’s situation, as a federal appeals court is set to hear oral arguments in Miami on Dec. 12 in a major national case concerning all those who entered the U.S. with an I-220A.

Led by Cuban-American attorney Mark Prada and backed by the ACLU, lawyers argue that Cubans initially released with I-220A documents should be considered paroled, allowing them

a path to permanent residence under the Cuban Adjustment Act. If successful, it could change the status of hundreds of thousands who were handed the same document as Dasnier – and have lived in legal limbo ever since.

His criminal record is clean, verified in a document stamped by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in May 2025. In 2026, the couple had planned to reopen Ink the Keys Tattoo Studio, which drew strong reviews when it operated in Marathon from 2021 to 2023, and continue to raise their family.

Now, they simply hope their family will be in one place.

As temperatures drop in Texas, Liennys said, Dasnier has yet to be provided with so much as a coat to keep warm. He fights an uphill battle to receive any treatment for his sciatic pain, and he’s required to pay daily to stay in contact with his family.

He still has yet to meet his newborn son.

“Every Sunday, they say to him ‘Are you ready to sign your deportation papers already? Are you tired already? Are you suffering enough?’” Liennys told the Weekly. “I’m completely with detaining criminals, sex offenders and felons. But what they’re doing now is taking people who are working their path to citizenship and doing everything right.”

BRIEFLY

Hawks Cay to host pickleball extravaganza

Hawks Cay Resort will host an allday pickleball extravaganza to benefit the Florida Keys SPCA on Sunday, Dec. 14. Sixteen mixed male/female teams will face off in a fast-paced day time tournament from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is $30 per team. When the sun goes down, the courts will turn to a glow pickleball party from 7 to 9 p.m. – a neon-lit night of high-energy games, a live DJ and food and beverages for players and spectators. Up to 80 players may register for $20 per individual. Scan the attached QR codes to register.

Queen was stopped in Miami-Dade County and was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm. He was arrested in 2019 for simple battery and illegal possession of oxycodone. This case resulted from a joint operation including the FBI, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Queen is in jail on a $1 million bond.

Recycle holiday lights at Home Depot

Home Depot brawl leads to arrest

A 66-year-old Marathon man was arrested on Dec. 4 after allegedly hitting and choking another man with an umbrella at Home Depot. There were no life-threatening injuries reported. Roman Rodriguez was charged with aggravated battery. The sheriff’s office was called to the Home Depot around 8:15 a.m. after the 54-year-old male victim reportedly struck Rodriguez’s truck with a shopping cart, which led to a physical altercation in the store in which Rodriguez grabbed a nearby umbrella, struck the victim in the head with it, and choked him with it. Rodriguez was taken to jail.

Online sting operation leads to gang member’s arrest

A 43-year-old Key West member of the outlaw Pagan motorcycle gang was arrested on Dec. 8. for allegedly soliciting sex online with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Derek Marshall Queen was charged with obscene communication with a minor, lewd and lascivious behavior toward a minor, soliciting a minor for prostitution and transmitting harmful material to a minor, among other charges. Queen contacted an investigator working an undercover online chat operation. The investigator was posing as a 14-year-old girl. Queen reportedly propositioned the investigator for sex, repeatedly acknowledged the undercover investigator’s perceived underage status, and sent multiple images of himself exposed and masturbating. Queen has a lengthy criminal history, most recently being arrested by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in March 2024 with two other Pagan members for beating up a rival gang member on Big Pine Key. Also in 2024,

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.

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:

Glow pickleball

Daytime tournament

Dasnier Barea Levya, top left, his wife Liennys Escalona, and their son Oliver are fighting to stay together as a family after welcoming another child last month. CONTRIBUTED

Dasnier Barea Levya, a tattoo artist with Paradise Tattoo on Duval Street, takes a break from the ink to help with face painting for little ones during Fantasy Fest.

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED

WELLNESS

THE EVOLUTION OF HOLIDAY FOOD (AND WHY OUR GUTS ARE CRYING ABOUT IT)

If you’ve ever sat with your family during the holidays and thought, “What exactly am I eating right now?” congratulations. You’ve lived through the American culinary evolution: from real butter and scratch-made traditions to … well … whatever the ’90s were doing. (If you know, you know.)

This all started because two of my clients — born decades apart, in two very different parts of the country — recently shared their beloved Christmas food memories with me. And let me tell you, the contrast was jarring. Beautiful. Horrifying. Insightful. All the things.

Exhibit A: Jane, born in 1939 (the Era of Actual Food) in the northeast. Jane grew up in a time when “holiday cooking” didn’t mean tearing open a box. At 14, she was entrusted — entrusted! — with her family’s secret olive oil cake recipe. She said it wasn't a real Christmas without it. Her holiday dinner? Creamed chipped beef on toast, mashed potatoes, homemade everything, real cream, real butter. Food that had ingredients you could pronounce.

I could practically smell the nostalgia (and the saturated fat, but the good kind — the kind humans survived on for thousands of years).

Exhibit B: Joan, born in 1960 (the Era of “If It Exists, Put Jell-O In It”) in the south. Her food memories didn’t fully kick in until the mid-’70s, and let me tell you, America was experimenting. This was a time when someone, somewhere, decided a perfectly-fine baked ham desperately needed Ritz crackers and canned pineapple. And everyone else just said, “Yeah, absolutely, put that on the table.”

Her other holiday classic? A dessert literally named Better Than Robert Redford Cake. I’m not kidding. That was the actual name.

And then there was Jell-O. In everything. Savory, sweet, layered, molded, suspended — pick a food group, and someone had trapped

it in gelatin. Homemade-but-nothomemade was the vibe – real food “enhanced” (term used loosely) by new chemical inventions promising convenience and flavor. Spoiler: They delivered neither.

Exhibit C: me, born in 1983 and growing up in the ’90s, a culinary fever dream. Ah, the ’90s. The decade that boldly declared: “What if mashed potatoes came in a powder?”

Stuffing? Box.

Gravy? Packet.

Cookies? Pillsbury tube.

Someone in every family was always “on a diet,” which, lucky for them, was very convenient because the ’90s also gave us Olestra. Remember Olestra? The “miracle fat-free oil” with the charming warning label: “May cause anal leakage.”

A phrase that really captures the holiday spirit, don’t you think?

And now … the present-day body count. Here’s where I connect the dots (and where things stop being funny for just a second). As our food shifted from real to boxed, bagged, canned, powdered, artificially sweetened, hydrogenated, fortified-but-still-empty, our national health followed. The U.S. obesity rate has more than tripled since the 1960s and continues to rise each decade. Type 2 diabetes? Up. Metabolic disease? Up. Inflammation? Up. Gut issues? Up.

This isn’t a coincidence. Our bodies are designed for real food, not chemical science projects. The more processed the holiday table became, the

JENNIFER HARVEY

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

more our bodies struggled to absorb nutrients, regulate blood sugar, manage inflammation and make sense of what, exactly, a “pig in a blanket” from a frozen box even is.

Our grandparents weren’t healthier because they were magical. They just ate food that was … food. So here’s my Christmas wish for you: This year, whether you’re making Aunt Gerdy’s 7-layer dip, your cousin’s famous saltine-toffee-thing or your mom’s “don’t ask what’s in it” casserole, see if you can make it a little more real and a little less artificial.

Swap canned for fresh. Swap boxed for scratch. Swap “mystery ingredients” for ones your greatgrandparents would recognize. And no, I’m not asking you to give up comfort food. I’m asking you to give it back its soul. Food should nourish you and taste good — without needing a chemical engineering degree to understand what’s in it.

I have absolute faith in you. Where there’s a will, there’s a way – especially in a kitchen filled with holiday spirit and real butter.

10700 5th Avenue, Gulf, Marathon 305.743.7072

office@ernestrhodes.com www.ernestrhodes.com

GALA

2-year-old female American bully.

Looking for: I want to be someone’s one and only. Turnoffs: Kids. Cats. Dogs. Strangers.

SWIPE RIGHT

Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA

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

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

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

MERCURY

2-month-old female kitten.

Looking for: My first family. I love everything and everyone.

Turnoffs: Being a kitten in a shelter. I really need a home.

JUNIPER

10-month-old female rabbit.

Looking for: A home for the holidays. Adoption fees are only $15.

Turnoffs: It can take a long time for rabbits to be adopted in a shelter.

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CHRIS McNULTY

is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com

Mercury is pulling a triple maneuver this week, which means a powerful surge of activity is afoot in our mental worlds.

You may want to drink some tea, pull out your journal, sit in your meditation spot or do whatever it is that helps you slow down and clear your mind. All in one swoop, Mercury is forming a 180-degree opposition to the planet Uranus, a 120-degree trine to the planet Neptune, and entering the sign of Sagittarius. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself overthinking, daydreaming and feeling a bit dissociated this week. Our minds are going to be exceptionally busy. First, the Mercury opposite Uranus transit brings a tension between our current mental tasks and the unknown, inviting unexpected, almost intrusive thoughts into our awareness. Pay attention to ideas that genuinely offer a path toward greater personal freedom, and let the rest pass by. Next, the trine to Neptune allows us to gently integrate these new thoughts in creative and intuitive ways. Avoid forcing any major decisions and, instead, simply sit in the realm of possibility. Finally, as Mercury enters Sagittarius, our minds receive an extra boost of adventurous and philosophical impetus, urging us to look for the big picture and seek greater meaning. The best use of all of this energy is thinking and dreaming into the best of all possible worlds available to you. Action in that direction will soon follow.

Here are your horoscopes for Mercury entering Sagittarius opposite Uranus and trine Neptune. Read for your rising and sun signs.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

You will receive an unexpected insight detailing how to delegate tasks or adjust your schedule to

achieve better control. Simultaneously, your intuition offers advice on setting family boundaries within your home space. This energy helps clarify who you are now. Make a deliberate, conscious choice about a core personal boundary, and begin putting that decision into practice immediately.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

As your thoughts move from socializing and friendship into a more reflective and quiet space, don’t be surprised if you receive a rush of unexpected creative energy. Allow your quiet reflection to feed your independent spirit. Practice experiencing your local environment through a dreamy filter for creative inspiration as you enter a phase of introspection.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

You are about to start thinking less about work and more about socializing and friendships. As you do so, don’t be surprised when your home life starts to feel a bit constraining, prompting you to consider unexpected thoughts of adventure. For now, daydream about how you can bolster your finances. You can put these ideas into practice later.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Work and career are moving into your mental spotlight, Pisces. Allow your thinker to consider whether your work is working for you. As you consider your career, how can you find more liberation in your local environment? Are there ways to feel less constrained in your usual paths? You are dreaming yourself into existence, so be playful about it.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

You can stop thinking about your shared resources and investments and start focusing on your next great adventure. A financial surprise may derail you, but be

sure that you are sticking with your values before calling off any travel plans. Allow your quiet reflection and dreams to offer gentle, intuitive wisdom regarding the path forward. Perhaps a quiet retreat is needed for your next trip.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

You may surprise yourself in a conversation with a loved one, Taurus. Trust that what you say is what you mean, even if it is coming from left field. After you’ve said your piece and listened intently, you can move on to thinking about how you are sharing your life and resources with this person. Let your friends serve as an escape when you need to release some tension.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

You’ve been mulling how you can have better routines and health practices, and it looks like you may find an unexpected answer in quiet reflection. Perhaps what you are looking for is a meditative practice that will flow into a physical one. As you plan your routines, your mind then turns to partnership. Who is your ride-or-die, and how can you acknowledge them?

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

If you’ve been obsessing over what your creative offering to the world is, you can finally let go of the need to perform. Your mind needs to turn its analytical attention to your habits and physical needs. Your friends will surprise you in how they support your well-being, so do your best to accept their help. Dream about your next great adventure as motivation for buckling down.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

Home and family have been on your mind, perhaps reaching the point of hyperfixation. That is quite all right, but now you can turn your attention to your own creative pursuits. Some unexpected news from

FLIGHT OF FANCY

work may be the spark you need to turn your attention to your own creative outlet. Your intuition will guide you to people that share your vision and will offer resources.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

How you can communicate better has probably been on your mind, and you are about to complete that cycle with some clarity. In fact, you will probably receive an unexpected, philosophical insight that urges you to rethink your core beliefs. Your mind then turns to home and family. Allow your intuition from a close partner to gently guide you as you build a foundation of truth at home.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

You’ve been thinking a lot about your own money and security, and now it’s time to move that energetic focus to your local environment and how you communicate. Don’t be surprised if an unexpected truth about shared resources or intimacy comes out in a casual conversation this week. Listen to yourself. Allow your deepest, most intuitive thoughts to offer gentle guidance on your health and daily habits.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

Finances and personal values are coming into focus for you, Scorpio. You have put a lot of thought into who you are and you can now turn that energy toward what you value. An important partner in your life may unexpectedly show up to help you determine what you really take stock in. Your creative intuition will also be a source of insight here.

Igenerally don’t get my local birding information from world-famous authors, beloved by millions. But on occasion I do.

... 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.

For instance, I was at a holiday party the other night, and Judy Blume was there. She started telling me a story about seeing a guy with a camera on a tripod at the Key West Nature Preserve on Atlantic Boulevard. She asked him if he was looking for the crocodile that was alleged to live there, and which she was a little bit worried about.

(American crocodiles are rarely aggressive toward humans. Also, Judy has walking sticks to defend herself.)

The guy with the camera on a tripod said no, he was looking at a pair of roseate spoonbills, and let Judy have a look.

You can’t go wrong with pink birds.

Roseate spoonbills aren’t exactly rare in the Keys, but they are seen not so often in Key West, and twice as not so often in winter. Usually they’re farther north, in their breeding colonies.

The Everglades and Florida Bay used to be a stronghold for breeding roseate spoonbills, but over the last several decades their numbers have begun to decline in the region. In the late 1980s, there were thought to be up to 900 nesting pairs in Florida Bay. By 2021, the number was down to 157. This is largely thought to be the result of climate change, but also due to changes in hydrology in the Everglades.

What is interesting, and heartening, about all this, is that the North American roseate spoonbill population hasn’t declined overall; it has just moved north, with new colonies forming in places like Fort Myers, Tampa Bay, Cape Canaveral, and even farther north, such as Georgia and South Carolina.

I sometimes get wary of going out with the intention of seeing a specific bird, largely because of how often I fail. And having recently spent two afternoons hanging around Fort Zach, hoping and failing to see the reported golden eagle, didn’t help.

But once Judy put the idea of spoonbills into my head, I decided to sidestep my reflexive disinclinations. Fortunately it was not a terribly wild holiday party, and I made it down to the nature preserve not long after sunrise.

The Key West Nature Preserve is just under seven acres of beachfront and largely mangrove habitat, which somehow avoided being filled in and built on. There is a salt pond in the middle, though no clear view of it. You have to sort of find gaps and holes in the layers of foliage in order to see things. You can sometimes

see things from the bike path, but I usually have a little better luck on the wooden platform halfway to the beach, so I started there. It was a gray day, the colors of the world muted by the lack of sunlight. From the edge of the platform, through an alignment of gaps in four layers of trees, I could see three or four wading birds, mostly white. One of them seemed to have a glow to him. I lifted my binoculars to see one of the spoonbills, though the nominate bill was tucked into his wing pit. By the intensity of the pink, and the lack of magenta in the wing coverts, he looked to be a second-year bird.

He was standing on a pile of twigs, two great egrets bookending it on either side. There were also a half dozen blue-winged teal surrounding the twigs like parked boats.

No one was moving yet. Everyone was standing still, a bunch of bird statues. Even the no-see-ums biting my ankles were low energy.

Patience paid off, and in a few minutes the spoonbill lifted his head and took in the sights. He began to preen, going through the ritual-like motions of keeping his feathers orderly, something all healthy birds spend a significant part of their day doing. (It should be noted that roseate spoonbills are not sexually dimorphic. Males and females are visually indistinguishable, at least to us. But I don’t feel like going back and de-gendering any of the previous paragraphs, and there’s a 50% chance I’m right, so I’m just going to keep calling him him.)

STARRING ROSEATE J. SPOONBILL AS HIMSELF

The spoonbill stepped off the twigs into the water and preened some more. Several times he stopped and shook his head wildly from side to side, which made sense. Despite having mandibles shaped like a cereal-eating utensil, spoonbills feed by walking slowly through the water, their bills submerged and slightly open, scything slowly from side to side, clamping down whenever they feel a shrimp or insect. The head shaking was probably a good warm up for a day full of scything.

I gave in before I had a chance to see any of that, the no-see-ums finally wearing down my detached resolve.

Back on the bicycle path there was another guy 30 yards away with binoculars and a camera. Turns out it was Ben Edmonds, one of the four people who’d seen the golden eagle at Fort Zach (and whose photo I used in the column I wrote about it).

I asked him if he’d seen the spoonbill and he pointed and said he was looking at it, so I wandered over to where he was and had a much clearer look than I’d had on the platform.

He mentioned that he’d just put his tripod away.

I asked if he’d shown the spoonbills yesterday to a woman with a set of walking sticks.

He said he thought so.

“That was Judy Blume,” I said.

“What? Really? Judy Blume?” he said.

Yup. And she’s pretty reliable with the bird info.

A roseate spoonbill seen recently at the Key West Nature Preserve. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

•

•

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

TEAMING UP FOR CORAL RESILIENCE

Agencies partner to monitor bleaching

Response to the stony coral tissue loss disease in May 2023 led several coral reef and environmental stakeholders to merge their efforts.

The Monroe County Extension Service co-leads Florida’s Coral Reef Resilience Program communications team, which collaborates on issues related to Florida’s coral reef. The communications team is one of 10 response teams in research, surveillance, intervention, rescue and propagation, restoration, data management, regulatory, water quality, Caribbean cooperation and communication. We work within a network of 80 partners from agencies, universities, nonprofit coral conservation groups and the private sector.

SHELLY KRUEGER

is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent.  Shelly is a marine biologist and provides science-based education about coastal environments.

The communications team collaborates on media products focused on coral bleaching, stony coral tissue loss disease and pulse corals, a potential new invasive gorgonian species.

For three years, Florida’s Coral Reef Resilience Program communication team has focused on coral bleaching. Corals rely on microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, which live within their tissues, give corals their color and supply up to 90% of their nutrition. When heat stress forces corals to expel their algae, their white calcium carbonate skeletons become visible, a process called coral bleaching.

Coral bleaching results in the depletion of corals’ energy stores and makes them more susceptible to other stressors. When bleaching lasts for an extended period or consecutive years, corals may die from starvation and/or the heat stress alone, as seen in 2023.

During the 2023 marine heat wave — also part of the fourth global coral bleaching event — Florida’s coral reef experienced the most severe coral bleaching so far. Cumulative heat stress in the Florida Keys was nearly three times the previous records from 2015 to 2016. Surveys found severe bleaching prevalence in Biscayne National Park south to the Dry Tortugas.

A recently published article notes staghorn and elkhorn coral are no longer present on the majority of Florida’s coral reef. While Southeast Florida reefs were heavily affected, many coral reefs and patch reefs in the northern region fared well.

Bleaching is not a death sentence, and shortterm coral paling and bleaching do not generally lead to coral mortality. But bleaching does signal coral stress, making monitoring vital for understanding reef health and Florida’s planning and restoration efforts. Integrating monitoring with targeted intervention also strengthens action plans, ensuring a more informed and effective response.

Since 2023, Florida has gathered insights and lessons from practitioners, managers and other partners on bleaching response strategies. Folks are learning and applying some of these strategies in preparation for, and response to, potential coral bleaching:

• Focusing restoration activities on more boulder coral species.

• Pausing planting and restoration activities during times of thermal stress.

• Monitoring coral conditions to better understand bleaching and patterns of resilience in the system and learning from corals that survive bleaching events.

• Using corals that have been shown to be more thermally tolerant for sexual reproduction.

• Testing the planting of thermally toler-

from other countries

from Florida.

• Monitoring real-time sea surface and bottom temperatures at key reef sites and coral nurseries.

• Preparing land-based facilities to accept corals from in-water nurseries, should evacuations be necessary to preserve genetic diversity.

• Using in-water nurseries at deeper depths for short periods, where impacts from temperature and light are less pronounced.

• Shading existing in-water nursery structures to reduce the effects of temperature and light.

How you can help

Community scientists can report bleaching through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s seafan.net under “Report a Marine Incident.” Reports of no bleaching are just as important. There is an optional area to add photographs and a map to drop a pin on the site you were snorkeling or diving.

Bleaching of elkhorn coral observed on July 17, 2023 at Sombrero Reef. MICHELLE DOBLER/Nova Southeastern University

ant corals

with coral

Founded by Betty Debnam

Take Good Care!

Is a visit to the doctor or dentist part of your back-to-school routine? You’ve probably been to doctor for a checkup and had your teeth cleaned at the dentist. Let’s meet the people who help us take care of our health and find out about the tools they use.

CHECKING IN

The first person you’ll probably see in a doctor’s or dentist’s office is a receptionist.

He or she is responsible for setting appointments, checking patients in, taking payments and filing reports about patients.

MEET A NURSE

The next person you may meet is a nurse. He or she might:

• weigh you on a scale

• measure your height

• take your blood pressure

• listen to your heart

• ask you how you’ve been doing.

Careful records will be kept for your file. Nurses in pediatrician (pee-dee-uhTRISH-an) offices also take a lot of calls from parents about kids who are sick or injured. (A pediatrician is a doctor who treats children.)

If you need a shot, a nurse will probably be the one to give it. Shots contain vaccines

(vak-SEENZ), or medicines to prevent disease, or antibiotics to help you get better when you are sick.

TIME FOR A CHECKUP

If you’re visiting for a checkup, the doctor looks you over to see if you’re growing as you should be. Babies see the doctor many times during their first year or two. After that, kids usually have a checkup once a year.

The doctor may use special tools to look into your eyes, ears, nose and mouth. He or she may feel around your stomach and look at your back to make sure your spine is straight.

Your doctor may also talk to you about the foods you eat, how much exercise you get and what activities you participate in at school. You can always talk with the doctor and your mom or dad about any problems you’re having.

TAKE YOUR MEDICINE

If needed, the doctor may order medicine. Some medicines are given in a liquid that you take with a spoon. Older kids can swallow pills. A doctor may prescribe, or order, a an injection, which is medicine given through a needle. Shots usually pinch just for a second, and then the pain is over.

Words that remind us of doctor and dentist visits are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: CHECKUP, DENTIST, DOCTOR, EARS, EYES, HYGIENIST, MEASURE, MEDICINE, MOUTH, NOSE, NURSE, PEDIATRICIAN, PRESCRIBE, RECEPTIONIST, SHOT, VACCINE, VISIT, WEIGH, X-RAY.

MINI FACT: The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

The dentist will use tools to explore around your teeth, looking for weak places or cavities. Sometimes a small mirror is used to help look into hard-to-see places.

AT THE DENTIST

A dentist is a doctor who takes care of teeth, and a dentist’s office can be similar to a doctor’s office. You’ll probably check in with a receptionist. At a dental checkup, the dentist wants to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy. But before the dentist examines you, a dental hygienist (high-JEE-nist) may clean your teeth using a scraper, an electric tool and flavored toothpaste. He or she may also floss between your teeth and take X-rays of your teeth and jawbones.

You’ll sit in a special chair that leans back and wear a paper bib to protect your clothes from spatters.

RESOURCES

ON THE WEB

• bit.ly/1FoDZiE and bit.ly/1cOXas3

AT THE LIBRARY

• “Getting Ready for My Doctor’s Visit” by Fei Zheng-Ward

ECO NOTE

A surge of locusts is devastating crops in southern Ukraine as Russia’s war on the country disrupts pest control efforts. Officials say extreme heat, abandoned farmland near the front and the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, which created a vast soggy area, have resulted in perfect breeding conditions. Swarms have overtaken roads and fields in Zaporizhzhia, where farmers report losing up to 33% of sunflower crops. Ukraine, the world’s leading sunflower oil exporter, depends on these southern regions for grain and oilseed production.

photo by A.S./Flickr

A nurse might take your temperature.

The doctor listens to your heart and lungs using a stethoscope.

“ The Dynamic Trio” Happy Holidays!

Team Sport Opponent Date Result

Marathon Boys Basketball Coral Shores 12/1 W, 43-30

Coral Shores Girls Basketball Marathon 12/1 W, 35-30

Marathon Girls Soccer Westwood Christian 12/1 L, 1-0

Coral Shores Boys Soccer Pace 12/1 W, 9-1

Marathon Girls Basketball Posnack 12/2 W, 52-30

Marathon Boys Soccer Westwood Christian 12/2 W, 7-1

Marathon Boys Basketball Posnack 12/2 W, 59-52

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Archimedean 12/3 W, 47-33

Coral Shores Boys Soccer Riviera Prep 12/3 L, 3-2

Marathon Girls Soccer Silver Palms 12/3 W, 5-1

Coral Shores Girls Soccer Miami Country Day 12/3 L, 3-0

Key West Girls Soccer American Heritage 12/3 L, 2-0

Key West Boys Soccer Scheck Hillel 12/4 L 2-1

Marathon Boys Soccer Palmer Trinity 12/4 L, 4-0

Key West Girls Basketball Gulf Coast 12/5 L, 57-32

Coral Shores Girls Soccer Keys Gate 12/5 W, 8-0

Marathon Girls Basketball Monsignor Pace 12/5 W, 54-29

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Braddock 12/5 W, 41-21

Coral Shores Boys Soccer Miami Country Day 12/5 L, 8-0

Marathon Boys Basketball Pace 12/5 L, 83-78

Key West Girls Basketball Pace 12/6 L, 51-35

Key West Boys Basketball Monsignor Pace 12/6 W, 66-55

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Date School Sport Opponent Start Time

12/12 Coral Shores Girls Soccer Gulliver Prep 3:30 p.m.

12/12 Coral Shores Boys Basketball Palm Glades Prep 7 p.m.

12/12 Key West Girls Soccer @ ChaminadeMadonna 4 p.m.

12/12 Coral Shores Boys Soccer @ Palmer Trinity 7 p.m.

12/12 Marathon Girls Basketball Westminster 4 p.m.

12/13 Basilica Boys Basketball @ Calusa Prep 5 p.m.

12/13 Key West Wrestling @ Mater Lakes 10:30 a.m.

12/13 Key West Girls Basketball Archbishop McCarthy Noon

12/13 Key West Girls Soccer South Fork Noon

12/13 Key West Boys Soccer St. Thomas Aquinas 2 p.m.

12/15 Coral Shores Boys Soccer Everglades Prep 4 p.m.

12/15 Marathon Boys Basketball Palm Glades Prep 7 p.m.

12/15 Key West Girls Basketball Coral Shores 5:30 p.m.

12/15 Marathon Boys Soccer @ True North 3:30 p.m.

12/16 Marathon Girls Basketball @ Keys Gate 5 p.m.

12/16 Key West Girls Soccer Marathon 4 p.m.

12/17 Marathon Girls Soccer @ Downtown Doral 4 p.m.

12/17 All Keys Schools Girls Weightlifting @ Coral Shores 4 p.m.

12/17 Coral Shores Girls Soccer LaSalle 4 p.m.

12/18 Marathon Girls Basketball @ True North 3:30 p.m.

12/18 Key West Girls & Boys Soccer Silver Palms 4 p.m.

12/18 Coral Shores Wrestling Marathon 1 p.m.

12/18 MHS & KW Boys Basketball @ Palmer Trinity Classic TBA

CHAPMAN

Marathon Basketball Shooting Guard

Jack had a great first quarter of the season. His shooting percentages are elite and his preparation and focus each game is second to none.”

–

Jim Murphy, Marathon head coach

points in three games

FHSAA’s 1A Rural District 8 leader for 3-point shots

A quarter of the way into the season, Marathon sophomore Jack Chapman is pulling his weight and then some for the Dolphins. In three games last week, Chapman scored 50 points, and his sharp shooting has landed him at the top of FHSAA’s 1A Rural District 8 leaderboard for 3-point shots.

Triple tallies are not Chapman’s only talent; the shooting guard is accurate from all over the court, whether it is his trademark downtown shots or at the free throw line, where he is averaging 90%.

“Jack is only a sophomore, but plays with the experience of a senior,” said coach Jim Murphy. Chapman made his first appearances for the Dolphins as an eighth grader and continues to develop his game. For his dependability, marksmanship and composure on the court, Marathon’s Jack Chapman is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Photo by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

The Marathon Dolphins and guard Jack Chapman have proven their mettle in early-season games, defeating county rival Coral Shores and taking Monsignor Pace to triple overtime. See page 8. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

Jack

Sophomore,

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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LEVEL UP

Keys athletes taking talents to college

With the early collegiate signing window barely open, multiple Keys athletes have already penned their letters of intent to play at the next level.

At Key West High School, four-year starter Noah Mercer caught the attention of numerous D1 scouts, and the football and track star decided on University of Central Florida to continue his gridiron career. Mercer holds multiple school records in both football and track and field. A two-way player in football, Mercer was a crucial part of the Conchs’ success. Coach Johnny Hughes described him as an “outstanding young man on and off the field. Noah was a four-year two-way starter who never missed a game. He played every play of every game with rare passion and intensity.” Mercer is expected to play on the defensive line for the Golden Knights next fall.

In the Upper Keys, Layne Smith, a four-time state swim qualifier and one of Coral Shores High School’s most accomplished champions, signed her national letter of intent last month to continue her swimming career at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Smith boasts significant accomplishments at Coral Shores, and her collegiate decision caps off a remarkable run defined by “consistency, an unequaled work ethic, and championship-level performances,” a school press release said.

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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An honors student with a 4.2 GPA and multiple industry certifications in graphic design, Smith spent time with her coaches choosing the perfect fit for her academically and athletically.

“Having been on the Florida Keys Swim Club these past 11 years, I felt very prepared and appreciated on the CSHS swim team,” Smith said. “Coach Jon Olsen and coach Kelly Owens have done a great job to create an atmosphere of unity and acceptance on our team. That inspires everyone to be a team player and to put in their best effort. I’m also thankful to my parents for their support of my devotion to this sport and for helping me find a college program that I’m passionate about.”

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

Key West standout Noah Mercer commits to play football for the University of Central Florida.

Coral Shores swimmer Layne Smith, seated center, signs her letter of intent surrounded by parents Cale and Margie Smith and coaches Kelly Owens and Jon Olsen. CONTRIBUTED

GOAL MINE

Keys soccer stars make a statement on the pitch

Tmade the trip to Delray Beach to chal-

lenge the top-ranked

Stallions of American Heritage Dec. 3 in a

soccer match that proved Key West is as good as anyone. Despite the outcome, head coach Scott Paul was pleased with his team’s play. “We did end up losing the game 2-0, although it was a much closer battle than that,” he said.

The Conchs were without starting goalkeeper Mary Searcy, who was out with a shoulder injury, and freshman Izzie Magrath stepped up with a solid performance against one of the best teams in 4A. While Magrath kept things tight, Key West had some opportunities to pull off the upset.

“Suena Marcily fired a perfect shot to their far post that would have grazed the goal and gone in had their keeper not made a beautiful save. Madison Kilduff also had a one-on-one with the keeper and ripped a strong shot, but it was straight at the keeper. Two other opportunities came and went as we had the ball popping around loose in a scrum in front of goal that we were unable to put in,” said Paul. “All in all, we are happy with our performance, as we feel that we picked up where we left off play before the break. Our goal-scoring was the one area that we were not on our best game.”

After losing to Westwood 6-0 early in the season, the Marathon Lady Fins shored up their defense and finished their second

match against the Warriors with a far closer outcome.

The 1-0 loss gave the team hope as they rolled into game number two for the week, a Dec. 3 home contest against Somerset Silver Palms. Maeve Merryman started the scoring with an unassisted goal, followed by one from Fantine Mendez. Addison Collins was credited with the assist. Allison Helms scored one, assisted by Sara Picariello, then Kayla Skaarup scored an unassisted goal and went on to assist Ashley Strama on the final goal of the match. The 5-1 victory gave Marathon its first win of the season.

Coral Shores’ girls also picked up win number one of the season last week.

After a 3-0 loss at Miami Country Day on Dec. 3, the Hurricanes made quick work of a visiting Keys Gate two days later. Kimmie Dubon

had a hat trick for the ’Canes. Bailey Catarineau, Avea Jackson, Jenna Mandozzi, Lela Goodrich and Sammy Bates added one goal each in the team’s win.

BOYS

Sulak on Key West’s goal.

last week. The Fins seized

In boys soccer action, Key West played one match last week, traveling to North Miami Beach to take on the unbeaten and highly-ranked Lions of Scheck Hillel Community School. The Conchs made the Lions work to remain undefeated, losing 2-1. Evens Louis assisted Nico Sulak on Key West’s goal. Fifty miles to the north, Marathon had mixed results with one win and one loss last week. The Fins seized a rare opportunity to play their younger athletes and allow a few of their seasoned players to try out new roles in their match against Westwood Christian on Dec. 2. After an early-season rout

over the Warriors, Marathon coach Christian Saltarin played his bench for the first hour of competition. The youngsters were ahead 3-1 when the starters took the field and finished the match by adding another four goals in the final 20 minutes of play. Adiel Nunez netted a pair of goals with Alnier Nunez, Aiden McIntyre, Tariq Simpson and Jossua

A Westwood own-goal accounted for the final score of the game. Two games later, a visiting Palmer Trinity crew bested the Fins 4-0.

Coral Shores’ boys started the week off with their first win of the season in a resounding victory over Monsignor Pace on Dec. 1. Freshman Jackson Keller accounted for four of the goals in the win and Colton Connolly scored two to add to a total that would reach nine by the final whistle. Two

days later, the Hurricanes lost a close one to Riviera Prep. Keller and Armando Picado each netted one in the 3-2 loss. On Dec. 5, the ’Canes lost to Miami Country Day 8-0 in their final match of the week.

Gomez adding one apiece.

Suena Marcily

Adiel Nunez

Kayla Skaarup

Photos by Tracy McDonald, Natalie Danko and Jennifer Searcy

AIRON ISLANDERS

ll three Keys teams competed in girls weightlifting last week, with Key West traveling to Marathon while Coral Shores headed out of town for a tri-meet at Keys Gate.

Keys lifters making gains prior to postseason while

Coral Shores finished in the middle of Keys Gate and AIE Charter in the team totals. Karla Gutierrez, Elaina Kerns and Vanessa Gabriel each added a win to their careers. All three athletes took first place in both the traditional and Olympic events. Gutierrez combined her best lifts in each event to win the 169-pound class. She benched 120 pounds, clean and jerked 100 and snatched 75. Kerns lifted 100 on bench, 80 in snatch and 115 in clean and jerk at 199 pounds. Gabriel, who competes in the Unlimited class, combined a 155-pound bench press, 95-pound snatch and 150-pound clean and jerk for her wins.

At Marathon, three Lady Fins took the top lifter spots despite Key West winning the team competition. Marathon took second place, while Somerset Silver Palms finished third. Justice Lee was the top lifter of the day, winning both events at 183 pounds and also registering the top score in the Sinclair Coefficient, which determines which athlete’s performance was the best when body weight is taken into consideration. The senior strongwoman combined a 175-pound bench press, 160-pound snatch lift and 200-pound clean and jerk for the win. Ella Evans, who was second in the Sinclair Coefficient, won both events at 129 pounds. Evans benched 150, snatched 110 and cleaned 150. At 154 pounds, Adelle Bainbridge won both events and ranked third overall in Sinclair score. Bainbridge benched 120, snatched 110 and cleaned 150 pounds. Marathon’s final winner, Tinashay Cunningham, won a pair of firsts in the 139-pound class. Cunningham combined 90 pounds on bench, 75 in snatch and 105 in the clean and jerk lift for her wins.

For Key West, Courtney Ward won both events at 101. Ward benched 55 pounds, snatched 50 and clean and jerked 70. At 169 pounds, Camila Linares lifted 100, 75 and 115 at the same three events. Aaliyah McLeod’s best lifts of the day were 110, 115 and 135 in the 199-pound weight class, in which she was a dual event winner. Key West’s final winners, Monea McLeod and Sofia Nafrere, shared the wins in the Unlimited category. McLeod won the Olympic competition with a 100-pound snatch lift and 125-pound clean and jerk. Nafrere won the traditional competition with a 105 on the bench and 130 in clean and jerk.

Lifters have just over a month of regular-season meets left. Marathon and Coral Shores will have a short trip for the first round of postseason competition this year. Their district event is being held at Coral Shores High School on Jan. 20, while Key West travels to Archbishop McCarthy on Jan. 24.

Karla Guitierrez, left, Ella Evans, center, and Camila Linares. Photos by Natalie Danko and Tracy McDonald

ISLANDERS

Proudly serving Key West to Islamorada as the ONLY locally owned and operated concrete company in the Florida Keys.

Whether you’re building a large commercial building, FDOT bridge, or a custom-designed 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.

As the basketball season begins heating up, Keys hoopsters split a pair of rivalry showdowns last week.

The Coral Shores Lady Hurricanes made the most of their single game, defeating the visiting Dolphins of Marathon 35-30. Melanie Estevez led the team in points with 16 while Alex Burson added eight, plus 12 rebounds. Niveah Howard and London Atkins pulled down a dozen rebounds each in the rivalry win. Marathon’s top scorer was eighth grader Shaina Robinson,

who sank 13, while senior Daysi Williams scored 12 for the Dolphins.

The Lady Fins hosted David Posnack School the following night, defeating the Rams for their first win of the season. Williams had the hot hand, scoring 17 points, while Robinson added 12 and Sutton Sayer scored 11. A 54-29 loss to Pace on Dec.

5 put the Lady Fins at 1-3 in early-season action. Robinson scored 15 with Sayer adding seven and Williams four.

The Lady Conchs lost two last week, but not without valiant effort. On Dec. 5,

HARDWOOD HEAT

Keys hoopsters showing early-season promise

Lilee Gage had an incredible game, scoring 17 points and pulling down 18 rebounds.

Damarla Thompson added six points and Jasminabonu Ibodilloeva registered 11 rebounds and a block in the 57-32 loss. The following night, Ibodilloeva had the high score with 13 points, a block and three steals. Jordan Greene added six and Reagan Graham five to the team total. Key West lost that contest 51-35 and continues to look for its first win of the season.

BOYS

While the Lady Conchs continue their search, Key West’s boys picked up their first W last week. The Conchs hosted Monsignor Pace on Dec. 6 and quickly went to work against the Spartans. Senior James Osborne dropped 32 points on Pace and is averaging nearly 24 points per game. Osborne pulled down 10 rebounds for a double-double and was credited with a pair of steals as well. Zach Levering also registered a doubledouble with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Judson Snider added seven points,

six rebounds, five steals and a block.

Marathon improved to 3-3 after a pair of wins last week, starting with a visit to Coral Shores Dec. 1. The Dolphins outshot the Hurricanes 43-30 with Jack Chapman leading the way with 11 points. Chapman added three steals against the ’Canes. Giorvis Zamora had eight points and five steals, Josh Koler added eight points to the team total and Taylor Huff had six points and six rebounds for the Fins. Coral Shores’ Sergio Avelar had the hot hand in the rivalry with 17 points and Jack O’Keefe added six in the loss for Coral Shores.

Marathon went on to beat visiting David Posnack Jewish Day School the fol-

7.

8.

9. Briggs Roberts shoots a 3-pointer.

10. The Coral Shores student section gets rowdy.

5.

11. Austin Vogt (0) plays defense on Marathon’s Taylor Huff.

JACKSON GARCIA/Keys Weekly

lowing night, 59-52. Chapman scored 16 including four threes, registered a block and pulled down three rebounds. Zamora scored 11 and Huff added 10 points, six rebounds and a pair of steals in the win.

After their second win of the week, the Dolphins came out strong against a visiting Monsignor Pace Dec. 5. The heavily-favored Spartans had their hands full with the Fins, and at the end of four quarters, the score was tied. It would take not

one, not two, but three fourminute overtime periods to determine a winner for the contest. Despite some fine shooting and exceptional teamwork by the Fins, the Spartans came away with an 83-78 win. Chapman scored 23 points to lead the charge. Huff and Koler had doubledoubles, with Huff scoring 17 and Koler 16; both had 13 rebounds. Drew Suarez had 11 points, three steals and a block in the loss.

The Hurricanes regrouped and picked up

steam, earning a pair of wins. On Dec. 3, Coral Shores won at Archimedian, 47-33. Avelar scored 15 for the ’Canes while Jordan Brown added nine and Austin Vogt pulled down five rebounds. Two nights later at Braddock High School, Avelar had the high score again, putting 18 points on the board. Brock Stoky, Jayden Meng and Nate Garbutt added four apiece in the win, which put the Hurricanes at an impressive 3-1 in early season standings.

1. Presley Bagwell (32) passes the ball around Marathon’s Aivy Nguyen.

2. Marathon’s Daysi Williams (32) guards London Atkins (23).

3. Julia Miranda shoots for 3.

4. Coral Shores’ Julia Miranda and Marathon’s Kat Guerra race down the court.

Shaina Robinson gets vertical.

6. Sutton Sayer shoots for 3.

Coral Shores coach Jim Berst gives the Hurricanes a pregame talk.

Jordan Brown brings the ball up the court.

In The Bleachers

Brevity

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

On Nov. 7 at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Corey Johnson, 35, of Alexandria, Louisiana, tried to exit the short-term parking lot, but he wasn’t able to pay the fee. People magazine reported that Johnson at first refused to move his Jeep out of the exit lane but later agreed to pull aside while he worked out payment. Around 10 p.m., while Johnson was still stuck in the parking lot, the airport’s Aviation Communications center received a threatening phone call, suggesting a bomb would be detonated if the operator did not “page Hassan.” The center received another call around 10:35, saying he wanted “Hassan” “to bring the bomb to level three.” Deputies pinged the phone making the calls and traced it back to Johnson; by 11 p.m., he was under arrest. On Nov. 20, Johnson was indicted for willfully conveying a bomb threat. He could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine -- way more than the parking fee.

Adam Dailies

Nancy Dailies

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

Hector Berlioz (1803-1869), composer; Fiorello La Guardia (18821947), New York City mayor; Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008), novelist/dissident; Rita Moreno (1931- ), actress; John Kerry (1943- ), U.S. politician/diplomat; Teri Garr (1944-2024), actress; Mo’Nique (1967- ), actress; Mos Def (1973- ), actor/rapper; Hailee Steinfeld (1996- ), actress.

TODAY’S HISTORY

In 1972, the lunar module for Apo o 17, the nal ma ed mi ion of the Apo o space program, touched down on the m n.

TODAY’S FACT

Apo o 17 set records for the longest lunar surface explora on and the most lunar material co ected.

TODAY’S QUOTE

“You only have power over people as long as you don’t take everything away from them. But when you’ve robbed a man of everything, he’s no longer in your power -- he’s free again.”

—

Brevity

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, “The First Circle”

WRESTLERS HIT THE MATS

Beltran, Alexandre and Holushko bring home tournament championships in first week of action

December 1 marked the official start of wrestling in Florida, and Coral Shores and Key West wasted no time. The Conchs headed to Hialeah for the HTown Throwdown on Dec. 5 and 6, a 34-team tournament.

Both the boys and girls teams had an overall winner. Maria Holushko claimed the title by winning four matches, all by pin, at the 140-pound class in the girls division. Angelina Saballos and Wenxin Yu captured second place in the 19- and 115-pound classes, respectively. Yu’s wins all came via pin, all were within one minute. The girls team took ninth place overall.

Allens Alexandre won four matches to place first at 285 pounds. Jacob Ferguson finished fifth overall after three wins in his weight class. Reisel Toledo finished sixth at 157, with four wins, all by pin. The team finished in the top third in 11th place.

Coral Shores opened its competition at the 1A Kickoff at St. John Neumann High School. David Beltran captured first in the 175-pound class and was named the most outstanding wrestler in the upper weights for the tournament. Just two athletes are chosen for this award at each tourney.

Hurricane Sebastian McCoy was the runner-up at 120 pounds while Lucas Cossio, (126), Logan Pabotoy (138) and Sterling Keefe (165) all placed third. John Oughton was fourth at 150. Nate Tristram (157) and Gavin Matheis (132) were sixth and Dax Collins (165) and Jack Brown (175) were seventh.

Marathon, whose program is in its first year, opens Dec. 18 at Coral Shores. After that, all three teams will meet in the Southernmost City to participate in Key West’s annual tournament Dec. 19 and 20.

Canes, Conch & Dolphin Pride

Left: Allens Alexandre wins one of his matches at the H-Town Throwdown.

Center: Key West’s Maria Holushko wins a match for the Lady Conchs. CONTRIBUTED

Above: Coral Shores’ David Beltran. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Key West Weed located at 100 Admirals Lane, Key West, Florida 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Scott Allen Harrington

Publish:

December 11, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO: 2018-CP-190-K IN RE: ESTATE OF RODERICK C. McNEIL, III, Deceased.

___________________/

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that pursuant to a Writ of Execution issued in the Circuit Court, of Monroe County, Florida, on the 31st day of July, 2025, in the cause wherein IN RE: ESTATE OF RODERICK C. McNEIL, III, Deceased, being Case No. 2018-CP-190-K in said court, I, Richard A. Ramsay, Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida have levied upon all right, title, and interest of the defendant, in and to the following described personal property to wit:

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

100% Ownership interest and shares in McNeil Bros., Inc.

All bidders must have a valid Driver’s License with them and must register with the clerk at location of sale prior to start time of sale. I shall offer this property for sale, at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building located at 5525 College Road Key West, Florida 33040 in the County of Monroe, State of Florida, on the 22nd day of January 2026, at the hour of 10:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as possible. I will offer for sale all of the said defendant’s right, title, and interest in the aforesaid personal property at public auction and will sell the same subject to all taxes, prior liens, encumbrances and judgments, if any, to the highest and best bidder for cash in hand or cashiers check. The proceeds to be applied as far as may be to the payment of costs and the satisfaction of the above described execution.

Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida, this 4th day of December, 2025.

Richard A. Ramsay Sheriff of Monroe County By: Donald Stullken

Deputy Sheriff

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing a special

accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Civil Division no later than seven days prior to the proceeding at (305)8093041

Publish: December 11, 18 & 25, 2025 and January 1, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE CASE NO.: 25-CP-321-K IN RE: ESTATE OF HOWARD MERKEL

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of HOWARD MERKEL, deceased, whose date of death was March 25, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is December 11, 2025.

Personal Representative: Bruce Merkel 90 Universal Trail Palm Coast, FL 32164

Attorney for Personal Representative: BRIAN M. CASEY Florida Bar Number: 92715 WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC 9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-8118

Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Brian@keysclosings. com

Publish: December 11 & 18, 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 732.216-732.228, 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

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

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

Boat Slip For Rent in Key Largo - Oceanfront Marina - Up to 46’ x 11.5’ - $20/ft/month. No Liveaboards. 330-219-5313 RENTED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!

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

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 Carolyn - sparkyslanding@ 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.

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

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD

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

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

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 - StudioFurnished 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 built-in bar stools, waterfall & Jacuzzi, 1 car garage, and covered porch for outdoor dining w/views of the canal. $3,800/ month. Avail. Dec. 1st. Address: 243 W. Seaview Dr, Duck Key, MM 61. Text/call 774-263-8759 Email: dongamache@ comast.net 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!!!

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

1st Annual Community Yard Sale this Sat. Dec. 13 starting at 9am. Behind the Airport in Marathon - start on Porpoise Drive and

DETENTION RECORDS ASSISTANT

Applicants required working various shifts at the Monroe County Detention Facility.

Job requirements: Type 25 wpm, clerical skills and ability to multi-task. Salary $48,910.00. Full bene ts and retirement system. Paid holiday, vacation and sick time.

Applicants must ll out the online preliminary application at: www.keysso.net

Applicants may contact Charles Slebodnick at 305-292-7044. EEO/AAP

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

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

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.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled. Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

OPERATOR/MAINTAINER

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $40.15/hr - $44.97/hr

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

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 (Children)

Behavioral Health Counselor (CAT)

Prevention Specialist

Case Manager (Adult)

KEY WEST

Case Manager (Adult, Child)

Mental Health Technician Line (PT or FT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) (PT)

Crisis Counselor

Behavioral Health Counselor Prevention Specialist

MARATHON

Mental Health Technician

Driver (CDL required) (FT)

Registered Nurse (FT, PT)

*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (PT)

*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 Shifts (FT, PT)

*Night Monitor (ALF – Free Housing vs. Salary)

*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.

Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip

DUI FRONT DESK CLERK

& EVALUATOR/INSTRUCTOR

The Advocate Program DUI school is hiring for part time positions.

Front desk: 3 days a week, high school diploma and computer data entry skills required. DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required.

Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

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 qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. *Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience. APPLY AND

THEME: DISNEY CHARACTERS

ACROSS

1. Imperfections

6. Part of T.G.I.F.

9. Stark daughter on “Game of Thrones”

13. Kind of print, for short 14. Hula dancer’s flowers 15. Kitchen tear-jerker 16. Viva voce 17. Draft beer container 18. Confused 19. *Irreverent Disney nanny 21. *Scar’s older brother 23. Famous T-Rex 24. Gardening tool

25. Louisville Slugger 28. Stallion’s mate

30. Famous ciphering machine

35. D’Artagnan’s weapon of choice

37. Essence

39. Gloomy and drab

40. Containing limestone

41. Scrawny one

43. Purse to match a gown 44. Spot for boutonniËre

46. John Oates’ partner Daryl

47. Prepare for a rainy day

48. Catch in a snare

50. Rapper LL ____ J

52. ____ Aviv

53. Wholly engrossed

55. Call to Bo Peep

57. *Shere Khan’s sworn enemy

60. *Marie’s and Toulouse’s younger brother

64. Beneficiary

65. Opposite of nothing

67. Pancho’s last name

68. Weasel’s aquatic cousin

69. “New” prefix

70. *Like Iago in “Alladin” or Laddy

Kluck in “Robin Hood”

71. Karate blow

72. Not safe in baseball

73. Like salad greens

DOWN

1. Part of an envelope

2. *Nani Pelekai’s little sister and new pet owner

3. At the summit of

4. Beats, slangily

5. Hypertension sufferer’s dietary concern

6. Sorts

7. Driver’s aid

8. Fraternity letter

9. Dwarf buffalo

10. Oil field structures

11. Moving meditation practice

12. “____ day now”

15. Hurt or upset

20. Some tides

22. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s strings

24. Take back

25. *Beast’s love interest

26. Bee-related

27. Act like a siren

29. Macaulay Culkin’s “Richie ____”

31. Wraths

32. Gain access to (2 words)

33. Shade of violet

34. *a.k.a Little Mermaid

36. Ogler

38. Angel’s headgear

42. Geography class prop

45. “____ than life”

49. Chum

51. Immature, as an undeveloped insect

54. Baby grand 56. Full of pep

57. It’s drawn to light 58. “I’m ____ you!” 59. Shed tears

60. Soak some ink 61. Hipbones 62. *”I am ____, and I like warm hugs” 63. Goofy or silly 64. *Leader of the seven dwarfs

Romanian money