Marathon Weekly 25-1218 by Keys Weekly Newspapers

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Dec. 18, 2025

SCENES FROM THE SPECTACULAR Pigeon Key persists through the rain | P.20

DECK THE DOCKS

LEGAL LICENSE PLATES Is your frame OK? | P.4

Revamped Hawks Cay Marina opens | P.18

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

From the whole crew!

THERE WILL BE NO PICKUPS ON CHRISTMAS DAY OR NEW YEAR'S DAY. Thursday residential routes and commercial garbage routes will be collected on Friday in addition to normally scheduled Friday routes. Thursday commercial recycling will be picked up on Wednesday.

All other routes remain the same. Please call 305.743.5165 with any questions

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

WE’VE SOLD MORE PROPERTIES OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS THAN THE NEXT FOUR COMPANIES COMBINED CALL US TO FIND OUT HOW • 305.743.5181 JUST LISTED!

307 SOMBRERO BLVD., 1, MARATHON

ASKING PRICE $840,000 | 2 BEDROOMS | 2.5 BATHS

RYAN GERNAAT

352.212.2299 ryangernaatrealtor@gmail.com

DONNA L. HALSTEAD

305.680.8148 donnah@cbschmitt.com

JUST LISTED!

6201 GULF OF MEXICO BLVD., 201, MARATHON T

ASKING PRICE $825,000 | 2 BEDROOMS | 2.5 BATHS

SAM WILLIAMS, P.A.

call or text 305.942.6069 | www.midkeyshomes.com | #sellitwithsam

JUST LISTED!

351 10TH STREET, KEY COLONY BEACH

ASKING PRICE $1,499,900 | 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHS

JENNIFER HAMILL

jhamill@cbshmitt.com| 305.393.1993

JUST LISTED!

171 10TH STREET, KEY COLONY BEACH

ASKING PRICE $1,400,000 | 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHS

JILL PITTMAN, REALTOR

305.799.4305 | jill@cbschmitt.com

JUST LISTED!

15252 24TH STREET OCEAN, MARATHON

ASKING PRICE $2,199,000 | 3 BEDROOMS | 2.5 BATHS

SAM WILLIAMS, P.A.

call or text 305.942.6069 | www.midkeyshomes.com | #sellitwithsam

JUST LISTED!

1590 DOLPHIN DRIVE, MARATHON

ASKING PRICE $1,650,000 | 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHS

JESSICA BORRACCINO

305.289.6503 | flkeysvacationrents@gmail.com

Proudly serving the Keys for 70 years

building trust, creating homes, and strengthening community.

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

MARATHON | $4,900,000 | LISTING ID: 617542

The one with premier location

Experience the charm and character of this Gulf-front former fishing lodge located in Stirrup Key. Known for its large estate lots, deep-water access, and serene open-Gulf vistas, Stirrup Key offers privacy, prestige, and a true island lifestyle, just minutes from the conveniences of Marathon. The property consists of two lots in total for a combined size of 39,500 sq ft. The home sits on one of the few deep-water sites in Stirrup Key with an upgraded 165 ft pier dock with 6 new pilings. Beautifully maintained and elevated above flood, the residence features three bedrooms, three baths, and a loft that can serve as a fourth bedroom or home office. Brand new roof and impact windows and sliders were recently installed for peace of mind. The open-concept great room boasts massive ceilings and walls of windows showcasing 180-degree Gulf views. Outdoors, you'll find a gorgeous concrete pool, sandy beach area, irrigated native landscaping, and expansive decks perfect for sunset gatherings. Additional amenities include two garage bays, one carport bay, a workshop, a garden shed, and abundant storage. Stirrup Key residents enjoy the peace of a gated, low-density community with a 365-day rental minimum, ensuring tranquility and exclusivity year-round. With its unmatched combination of deep-water access, open-Gulf views, and a spacious multi-lot layout, this property is a true rarity in the Florida Keys and offers potential for expansion.

12420 Overseas Highway | Marathon 305.735.4095 | oceansir.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

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

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staﬀ Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Diana Striker keysweekly.com

Finance Director

Carolyn Campbell carolyn@keysweeky.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classiﬁeds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

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News Deadline Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

@KeysWeekly @theWeekly

Members of

AAA projects a record 8.03 million air travelers between Saturday, Dec. 20 and Jan, 1, 2026 – a 2.3% increase over last year. If the prediction holds, it will be the first time on record that the number of domestic air travelers over the year-end holiday period exceeds 8 million.

Assisted by guest emcee Stormy Hayes, right, Barb Pascal blows the ceremonial conch shell to kick off festivities and the Duck Key Christmas Boat Parade at Hawks Cay Resort on Dec. 12. See page 18. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

REFRAMING THE ISSUE New Florida law targets license plate coverings, not decorations ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

es, you can still keep that license plate frame to cheer on your alma mater. No, you can’t black out the numbers to try and hide from SunPass. Over the last two months, the Keys – and Florida as a whole – have seen a rash of social media complaints and calls over a “new” license plate rule. Motorists reported being pulled over because a license plate frame they’d used issue-free for years was obstructing a portion of the plate – and was therefore illegal. In one highly-publicized Broward County case, a man spent the night in jail after being arrested because the “S” in the “Sunshine State” motto at the bottom of his license plate was partially obscured by the frame holding it. The widespread confusion is due to an over-generalization of a new Florida law that went into effect in October. The new law (statute 320.061) prohibits altering the original appearance of a license plate or registration sticker including a “coating, covering or other material onto or around” the plate. The charge? A second-degree misdemeanor, carrying up to 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. But now, cases like the viral Broward County incident are prompting a memo from the FLHSMV, clarifying that the law never meant to criminalize decorative frames infringing on the borders of plates – including those commonly used to support auto dealerships, sports teams or colleges. Rather, it was meant to target those who use tinted coverings, reflective tape or other means to avoid tolls by zooming past automatic plate readers on Florida highways undetected. Dated Dec. 12, the memo states that frames are allowed as long as they don’t obscure any part of the license plate’s alphanumeric identifier or registration sticker in the top right corner.

Decorative frames that block lettering at the top or bottom of a license plate are still allowed, as long as officers can tell which state issued the plate. SEMINOLE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/ Contributed

Frames that partially cut into the Florida state name or motto along the plate’s top or bottom edge, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay told the Weekly, are still good to go. “We had one of my officers actually stop somebody (for a frame),” he said. “So we put out a directive telling people to stop doing this. The frames are lawful, as long as they don’t block the letters, numbers or decals. If it blocks Florida on top or ‘In God We Trust’ on the bottom, it’s not a violation.” The FLHSMV memo does state that officers must be able to identify the state issuing the plate – already a challenging task at times in a state with more than 100 specialty plates on top of the default two-orange design. Asked if the caveat could still be used as the basis for a traffic stop if a frame blocks part of a less-common plate, Ramsay said he’s instructed his deputies otherwise. “I think that’s an interpretation of each police agency, how they want

In 2019, an appeals court ruled the frame on this license plate complies with Florida law. FLHSMV/Contributed

to view it,” he said. “Do I think that under the letter of the law, someone could stop you if they can’t see (the state)? I have to say yes. But if they’re taking action on that, I think it’s a shame. “That’s not why these laws are in place. … I have to think if you’re a police officer and you can’t figure out what state a plate is from, maybe this isn’t the job for you. I want my people to focus on more important things.”

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

DJ TRAE DAE JAMS AT OUR BEACH & POOLSIDE TIKI BAR 1-5PM

S A M T S I R CH ACH & BBQ BEPARTY POOSULNDAY FUNDAY RD 3 79 5 2 0 2 , 1 2 R E B M E C E D

NDAY MARATHON’SARNTFELRSSUW ITH ALL U Q D A E H T E TICK V’S !! NFL GAMES ON 16 HDT GRILLED ON THE POOL DECK

• Complimentary Lobster Grilling Services • World Famous Cheeseburgers • Lobster Mac & Cheese Burger • BBQ Baby Back Ribs • Bacon Wrapped Lobster • Grilled Ribeye Sandwiches • Grilled Bratwurst • Blackened Dolphin Sandwiches • BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Scallops • Chili Cheese Dogs

DRINK SPECIALS

• $3 Coors Light Drafts • $7 Key Lime Coladas • $2 Jello Shots

RESERVE NOW FOR OUR CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER & NEW YEARS EVE CALL 305-396-7235 7 KNIGHTS KEY BOULEVARD | MARATHON MM 47 (AT THE FOOT OF THE 7 MILE BRIDGE, OCEAN

SUNSETGRILLE7MILEBRIDGE.COM 305.396.7235

CHRISTMAS DAY MENU Dinner includes cup of soup or small salad, choice of entree and dessert

STARTERS

Bahamian conch chowder She crab soup New Engand clam chowder

THE MAIN EVENT

RIBEYE ST. THOMAS - Grilled fresh-cut ribeye steak topped with lobster mushroom topping served with truffle mashed potatoes and creamed spinach $47.99 CRAB STUFFED LOBSTER TAIL - Florida lobster tail stuffed wtih blue crab stuffing topped with béarnaise sauce served with truffle mashed potatoes and broccolini $49.99 BOURBON PECAN MAHI-MAHI - Pecan crusted fresh local Mahi-Mahi with our bourbon soy glaze served over coconut rice with creamed spinach $37.99

TO CONCLUDE

Homemade key lime pie Creme brulee cheese cake Red velvet cupcake Served 11am - 10pm | Full menu available Reserveations limited | Walk-ins encouraged | 305.396.7235

NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNER STARTERS

OYSTERS ST. THOMAS - Baked Gulf oysters topped with lobster mushroom topping and dash of hollandaise $24 CRAB & SHRIMP CAKE - House-made remoulade sauce $19

ENTREES

SEA SCALLOPS - Buttery, flaky, tender fresh large sea scallops topped with beurre blanc and capers, truffle mashers and asparagus $39 HAND-CUT RIBEYE - Char-grilled and topped with onion blue cheese sauce with truffle mashed potatoes and broccolini $37 FRESH LOBSTER - Split fresh Florida lobster tail stuffed with blue crab stuffing and topped with béarnaise sauce, truffle mashers and asparagus $49

DESSERTS

Fresh key lime pie $9 Creme brulee cheese cake $11 Red velvet cake $10 Reservations accepted 305.396.7235

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

ATHLETIC PROWESS School board updated on field project,

Phased construction will install a new wastewater pipeline along U.S. 1 throughout Marathon, leading to a new injection well on Coco Plum’s Avenue I. WEILER ENGINEERING/Contributed

state of sports programs FRANK DERFLER

www.keysweekly.com

t a Dec. 9 meeting, Monroe County school board members briefly reviewed a project to improve the baseball field at Founders Park in Islamorada. The board took no action on the draft baseball license agreement, since it was also on the agenda of the Islamorada Village Council meeting that same evening. Board member Mindy Conn expressed concerns over some wording in the draft contract and the right of entry to the facilities. The board staff plans to present a final license agreement at the Jan. 27 meeting. Board member Sue Woltanski related that members of the community asked her why the school board didn’t sit down with the village council to finalize the agreement. She said the boards and councils aren’t the people who negotiate and aren’t the people who make things work. Because of the operational, legal and engineering expertise required, she didn’t think the two boards together would create a good legal product. Council members ultimately took no action on the agreement, due to a number of corrections and adjustments needed on the 18-page document. The property is owned by the village and has been leased for the past 20 years to the school district for use by Coral Shores’ baseball teams. The license agreement outlines the rights and obligations for the reconstruction and use of the baseball field and construction of related improvements. Deputy Superintendent Amber Acevedo updated the board on the school district’s athletic program, which she said has 734 high school participants. In Special Olympics, student athletes brought home gold medals from state championships. More than 40 district students participate in the program. There are a number of middle school athletic programs ongoing with many activities centered on the field at Key Largo School. Acevedo said there have been petitions, letters and requests to name the Marathon High School football field in honor of alumnus Michael H. Puto. Among the many positions and offices he has held, Puto has been Marathon city manager and county commissioner, including vice mayor and mayor. The formal request to

dedicate the stadium will come to the board at the Jan. 27 meeting. Key Largo School is one of 45 high-performing national demonstration schools in Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). The college and career readiness program has been adopted by more than 7,500 schools in 47 U.S. states and 16 countries. According to Sara Adams, district AVID director, more than 235 Keys teachers are trained in AVID howto-teach techniques. Kisa Parmenter, Florida implementation strategist for AVID, awarded the KLS staff a plaque for 45 years of excellence in the program. The school board recognized three Plantation Key teachers and five students. PKS teachers Jeremy Nelson, Marla Koche and Timothy Conrad received Great Educational Moments awards for the high performance of their students on statewide standardized tests. PKS student Jorge Vasquez and CSHS seniors Brock Bynum, Nathaniel Shugarman, Tristan Rios and Sophie Stevenson were recognized for their achievements. Bynum is a Presidential Scholar nominee while Shugarman, Rios and Stevenson received National Merit Commendations. The board received a report on the actions taken to inform employees about open enrollment for health care and about other benefits. The staff is ready to provide counseling for employees in English, Spanish and Creole. The district has about 1,600 full-time and 400 part-time employees. During the health care open enrollment period, the staff visited district schools for in-person meetings. The efforts led to an 89% enrollment rate. The staff credited the in-person process as being much more effective than doing enrollment through email and online. The district’s “grow our own” tuition reimbursement program encourages employees at all levels to go for a bachelor’s or graduate degree. Twenty-two employees have taken advantage of this program and the district has reimbursed over $40,000 in tuition. Woltanski reported on the workshop she attended with the Florida School Board Association. The emphasis was on artificial intelligence and how it is used within a school system. There was emphasis on security, but also on the need to have an evolving policy that works.

CITY COUNCIL GETS WASTEWATER WELL UPDATE, QUESTIONS TRUCK PURCHASES Construction on $60 million project starts in January ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

lready briefed on a critical development in the Shands Key takings lawsuit, the Marathon City Council turned to updates on its deep wastewater well installation and debates over truck purchases on Dec. 9. Construction is scheduled to start in January on two of the five phases of the pipeline and deep well project. The well is set to be installed at the city’s Area 6 wastewater treatment plant on Avenue I in Coco Plum, after a 2023 settlement with Friends of the Lower Keys (FOLKs) over Marathon’s disposal of its wastewater effluent. Originally ballparked at a total cost of $40 million to 60 million, updated estimates now say the project will come closer to $60 million, primarily due to rising material costs, engineer Steve Suggs of Weiler Engineering told the council. Of that $60 million, $5.3 million will be funded by the Statewide Water Quality Restoration Grant, along with $8.7 million from the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program. An initial $10 million bank line of credit will likely be rolled into the SRF loan program due to lower interest rates, Suggs said. The city has also applied for $9.2 million in grant funding through the Resilient Florida Grant Program for fiscal year 2026-27, Suggs said, and hopes to receive $17 million in state funding through the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, though City Manager George Garrett recognized the actual

funding through the Stewardship Act would likely be less. Even if both requests are fully funded, roughly $10.4 million of the current projected cost remains unfunded. The city plans to pursue an independent appropriation in the state budget for the project, Garrett said. Work to install the new pipeline parallel to U.S. 1 will require temporary single-lane closures on the highway, Suggs said. Councilman Kenny Matlock asked the company to pursue night work when possible due to traffic concerns during the height of the Keys’ tourist seasons. Suggs and Garrett acknowledged that construction on the project is due to start five months later than initially planned – of particular concern as Marathon is required by its federal settlement to complete the deep well project by 2028. Suggs said the delay would be addressed by adding extra machinery to drill for the pipeline in two directions. “Are we behind where we would like to be at this point? Yes. Are we behind schedule to the point where it would impact the settlement agreement? No,” Suggs said. “The contractor is going to use two drill rigs – they’re going to start at the center (of each pipeline phase) and drill away from each other, so that should put us back on schedule.” In other action, Matlock and Vice Mayor Debbie Struyf questioned city Public Works staff’s plan to purchase two new Chevrolet Silverado work trucks for $121,412. While the purchase was eventually unanimously approved, the pair questioned what they viewed as optional upgrades on the trucks, including four wheel drive, and asked for maintenance reports or descriptions of fleet issues before future six-figure votes for equipment replacement.

Read about the Shands lawsuit:

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

SUPERIOR PRODUCTS. SMALL TOWN CUSTOMER SERVICE.

THIS WEEKS ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, DEC 18 CANDACE 5:30PM FRIDAY, DEC 19 FLORIDA FLOYD 3PM TONY MANFREDI BAND 8PM SATURDAY, DEC 20 79TH STREET BAND 8PM SUNDAY, DEC 21 TONY MANFREDI 3PM DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM MONDAY, DEC 22 JOHNNY LIVE 3PM BITTER CREEK 6PM

Service that treats you like family Monday - Friday 7am - 6pm Saturday 8am - 5:30pm | Sunday Closed 236 Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon (next to the Brass Monkey)

THANK THANK YOU YOU FOR FOR VOTING VOTING US US BEST BEST LIVE LIVE MUSIC MUSIC VENUE! VENUE!

TUESDAY, DEC 23 TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM WEDNESDAY, DEC 24 LUKE SOMMERS 8PM

ONLY WATERFRONT DIVE BAR IN THE MIDDLE KEYS • COLD BEER, COCKTAILS & INCREDIBLE SPECIALTY DRINKS • DELICIOUS FOOD - TRY OUR FAMOUS CHICKEN POT PIE OR AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS!

OPEN SUN THRU THURSDAY, 11 AM - 11 PM | FRI-SAT 11 AM - MIDNIGHT 35 SOMBRERO BOULEVARD OVERLOOKING BOOT KEY HARBOR

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

JANUARY SPECIAL! Schedule a bottom painting in January and receive 50% off the haul, block and relaunch! We want our boating community, both pleasure and commercial, to know that we are here and ready to serve your needs. It’s always better to plan ahead. Whether it be storage or a bottom job, stop by, call or email us and let us know what we can do for you.

SERVICES WE OFFER

BIKES & TRIKES FOR ADULTS & TYKES!

• Boat storage up to 70 feet – filling up fast • Bottom painting • Fiberglass repairs • Certified VacuFlush Dealer service. We also service other marine head models.

FOR DAD

DON’T FORGET MOM!

• General boat services and repairs

OTHER ONSITE SERVICES INCLUDE • Dustless marine blasting and surface prep through Big Pond Boatworks • Rigging through Keys Rigging • Seamark Electronics

AND IF THEY'VE BEEN NAUGHTY....

• Advanced Marine Fiberglass and Gelcoat Repairs • Boat detailing

11401 1st Ave Gulf, Marathon 305.743.3688 2059 OVERSEAS HWY. | MARATHON 305.735.4594 MARATHONBOATYARDLLC@GMAIL.COM

Monday - Friday 7am - 4pm Closed Saturday & Sunday

marathonlumberandbuildingsupply.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

FEATURED PROPERTIES NEW LISTING

ACTIVE BUILDING PERMIT

TROPICAL PARADISE

WATERFRONT POOL HOME

17215 KEYSTONE ROAD SUGARLOAF KEY | $675,000

1607 SUNRISE DRIVE BIG PINE KEY | $1,699,000

51 DROST DRIVE CUDJOE KEY | $1,499,000

• 27,716 sq. ft. lot • Easy open-water access • Located in Sugarloaf Shores • Ready for construction • Prime corner location • Permit is active, ready • Minutes from Key West

• Gulfside, open-water pool home • 2 bedroom | 2 bathroom • 75-foot concrete dock with boat slip, davits • Bogie Channel, Bahia Honda Bridge view • 1,980 sq. ft. on 13,275 sq. ft. lot • Attached garage • Florida room with water view

• Original residence of Cudjoe Gardens developer • 3 bedroom | 2 bathroom • Deep-water dockage • 120 ft. of seawall • 1,356 sq. ft. • Recently remodeled, Mid-Century modern • Full-service marina, boat ramp, restaurant

NEW LISTING

NEW CONSTRUCTION

STROLL TO DUVAL STREET

RECENTLY RENOVATED

27314 SAINT LUCIE LANE RAMROD KEY | $1,699,000

814 ASHE STREET KEY WEST | $2,899,000

420 W. INDIES DRIVE RAMROD KEY | $999,000

• 3 bedroom | 2 bathroom • Canal-front • 40-foot composite dock • 15,000-lb. boat lift • 1,666 sq. ft. on 7,685 sq. ft. lot • Wrap-around covered porch • Pool under construction

• Classic Key West architecture • 3 bedroom | 3.5 bathroom • Third-floor primary suite • Custom heated pool • Open porch, balcony • Ample storage • Excellent income potential

• 3 bedroom | 2 bathroom • Canal-front • Spacious lower level for entertaining • Composite dock • Flow-through canal • Fenced 7,131 sq. ft. lot • Plenty of available storage

THE LISA FERRINGO GROUP COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT Office: 305.872.5261 Cell: 305.797.1221 lisaferringo@gmail.com LisaFerringo.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

COUNTY PROGRAM FOR NEIGHBORHOOD-FUNDED UPGRADES COULD EXPAND JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

‘Britney’ the American crocodile passed away at Zoo Miami on Dec. 12 following complications from injuries to the head by a spear and bullet in October. The crocodile was spotted by residents in a Key Largo canal. ZOO MIAMI/Contributed

CROCODILE SPEARED IN HEAD DIES FOLLOWING RECOVERY BATTLE JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

n American crocodile spotted in a Key Largo canal with a spear lodged in its head in October passed away from complications associated with the injury, Zoo Miami said on Dec. 12. Named “Britney,” the impaled crocodile was spotted by residents and later rescued from a canal near Waterways Drive in Key Largo on Oct. 20. The rescue by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and Zoo Miami took several tries and multiple days. The crocodile was then taken to Zoo Miami for surgery and rehabilitation. Surgery performed by head veterinarian Dr. Gwen Myers was successful; however, a bullet was also found lodged between the crocodile’s eyes. The objects were removed and the crocodile was making a recovery until Zoo Miami noticed elevated lead toxicity in the blood. Surgery was performed the morning of Dec. 11 to remove foreign metal objects inside the crocodile’s stomach, which were identified through radiographs and were contributing to high levels of lead in the bloodstream. “While the procedure was successful in removing the metal, Britney’s condition was already compromised,” Zoo Miami said in a statement on Dec. 12. “She was anemic and weakened by the trauma from the spear and gunshot wounds.” Following surgery, the crocodile was placed in the zoo’s animal hospital to recover from the anesthesia. On Fri-

day morning, the crocodile was found to be lethargic with lingering effects from the anesthesia. Zoo Miami said a cold-blooded animal’s recovery from general anesthesia can be especially difficult when metabolism can fluctuate significantly. “Unfortunately, the combination of her pre-existing injuries and anemia proved insurmountable, and tragically, she passed away this afternoon,” Zoo Miami said. “The loss of this federally threatened animal serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of illegal and cruel actions against wildlife, actions often driven by unfounded fear and ignorance. “It also highlights the unintended harm that can result from the introduction of toxic substances into the environment, such as pellet gun ammunition, which can enter the food chain and negatively affect wildlife,” Zoo Miami continued. American crocodiles are listed as a federally threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They live in coastal areas throughout the Caribbean and as far north as south Florida and the Keys. It is illegal to kill or harass American crocodiles under state and federal law. FWC investigators are seeking information about this incident. Anyone with photos, videos or information is asked to contact the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Reports can be made anonymously, and tips that lead to an arrest or citation may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

onroe County officials are considering expansion of a program giving property owners in unincorporated areas the ability to initiate — and pay for — neighborhood enhancements beyond flooding and road elevation projects. A proposal coming before county commissioners at a Jan. 28 public hearing in Marathon would provide property owners an avenue to come to the county and request a canal restoration, beach renourishment, new sidewalk, road adaptation, additional street lighting or other infrastructure or services benefiting the specific area. “You don’t have to wait for the county to come to you. You can come to us and say, ‘Here’s what we want,’” said Rhonda Haag, county chief resilience officer. County officials say these are projects beyond core services provided to property owners. Judy Clarke, county engineering and roads director, said the county will continue maintaining roads, repairing damaged pavement, cutting grass and cleaning gravity drainages, among other regular tasks. But project requests from residents, like added decorative street lighting or canal restoration, would require support from neighbors. The proposal states the property owner or owners would come to the county seeking a certain improvement project. From there, the estimate for the requested enhancement and the assessments would need votes of approval from 50% plus one of property owners who’d receive benefit. Haag said the county would fund research and design for the project. The county would get paid for those services and the project through assessments on each property the project would benefit. Haag added the county will still support efforts from property owners seeking road elevation and sea level rise projects in their neighborhoods. The county will also seek grant funding for these expensive endeavors. In the past, the county conducted pilot projects to plan, design and construct road elevation and adjust drainage to address flooding. Several projects were designed and bid out,

but the cost of improvements exceeded the grant funding available for construction. Between 40 and 90 neighborhoods are expected to need some kind of drainage improvement over the next several decades, and county officials say these expensive projects are “cost prohibitive” and “raise a fairness issue,” as taxpayers were asked to fund improvements that benefit only those in lower-lying areas. Winston Waterways in Key Largo is one neighborhood seeking a road elevation project. The design and engineering process is underway. And $51 million in state and federal grant funds were secured for the project. A project cost won’t be known until the bid is sent out to interested contractors. In addition to potentially funding the difference in construction costs and the grant, the neighborhood would be responsible for operations and maintenance costs, if enough support is secured from the property owners. If the community says “no” to funding the difference needed for construction shortfall and operations and maintenance, the $51 million in funds for construction would go back to the state and federal governments. A road elevation project on Big Coppitt, which secured more than $80 million, will go through a similar process. In addition to expanding the program, county commissioners are seeking to financially help those property owners in neighborhoods where improvement work is approved by the majority and proceeding, but are considered very-low income and can’t fund the assessment. A lien would be placed on the property, with the accrued assessment increase each year until the sale of the property. “That way, the property owner who couldn’t afford (the assessment) could stay in their home. Whenever that sale occurred, at that time the county would collect the total assessments due,” Haag said. The county would need to fund the qualified property owner’s assessment each year, and that’s a decision made by county commissioners. If the elected body doesn’t fund the program for any given year, the assessment would be up to the property owner to pay.

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISE WITH LOCAL FACES

Key West Weekly STEPHANIE MITCHELL 305.304.5778

CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF LOCAL MEDIA

Marathon Weekly PATTI CHILDRESS 305.731.9628

Upper Keys Weekly MANUELA MOBLEY 305.967.9222

COMMERCE CORNER The ReStore is a fundraising arm of Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys. They are a donation center that resells new and gently used appliances, building material, furniture and more. The ReStore is currently accepting drop-off donations by appointment only and offers limited donation pickup appointments for large items. They partner with local residents and businesses to generate the necessary funds to support our local community by building affordable homeownership. General Manager Lily Williamson encourages you to stop by and check out the new treasure you can find every week. When asked the key to their success she enthusiastically replied "our amazing island community!!"

Open limited hours: Wed., Thur., and Fridays 11am to 6pm and Saturdays 8am to 3pm. 7931 Overseas Hwy, Marathon US1 and 79th Street. 305-703-6640 www.ReStoreMiddleKeys.org ReStore@HabitatMiddleKeys.org

The light of the Christmas star to you, The warmth of home & hearth to you, The cheer & good will of friends to you, The hope of a childlike heart to you, The joy of a thousand angels to you, The love of the Son & God's peace to you. Christmas Eve Services 5:00 & 11:00 Christmas Day Service Noon Followed by Dinner 1:00 December 27th $5.00 Bag Sale 8-12 WE OFFER A COMMUNITY OF PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

St. Columba Episcopal Church

Traditional Service 9am & Contemporary 11am 451 West 52nd St, Marathon Fl

TRAILER REPAIRS

& SERVICE Full Service Facility in the Heart of the Florida Keys

305.289.9884 MARATHON AUTO & MARINE SERVICE 2525 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

YEARS STRONG

INSTALLATION DRIVEWAYS, POOL DECKS AND RETAINING WALLS CLEANING AND SEALING

Marathon Rotary Club Highlights 2025 Scholarship Recipients The Marathon Rotary Club continues its strong commitment to education by supporting local students as they prepare for the next chapter of their academic journeys. Each year, the club awards scholarships to graduating Marathon High School seniors, helping ease the transition to college while reinforcing the importance of leadership and service. In addition to scholarships, Marathon Rotary plays an active role in developing future leaders through its support of the Interact Club at Marathon High School, which introduces students to service projects, civic responsibility, and Rotary’s mission of service above self. Leadership skills are fostered through Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, an annual regional program for sophomores held at Sea Base in Islamorada. “Education has always been one of Rotary’s highest priorities,” said Marathon Rotary Club President Mary Ann Royse. “Our goal is not only to help students ﬁnancially, but to ensure they feel supported, conﬁdent, and ready as they take their next steps toward college and beyond.”

The Marathon Rotary Club proudly recognizes the 2025 scholarship recipients: Vaclav Bursa • Natalie Cortez • Marisol Diaz • Christian Fernandez • Alejandro Gonzalez Gamez • Gaby Gutierrez • Adrien Holdinga • Noah Howell • Anthony Iarocci • Caris Jimenez • Aiden Judd • Cruz Keween • Carlos Lezcano • Raul Alejandro Llanes • Benito Lopez • Jordan MacDonald • Leonardo Mendez • Dakota Mertyris • Tommy Norris • David Orneals • Anjelina Figaro Peña • Hailey Peña • Emma Peterson • Celene Remis • Lily Ridgell • Tanner Ross • Samantha Schoﬁeld • Giovanni Senmartin • Mason Thornton • Angeline Zambrano

paverdaveinc.com License #SP3573

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? JOIN OUR TEAM!

Home for the holidays!

The Marathon Rotary Club wishes each of them continued success as they pursue higher education and future careers. 2026 Marathon High School seniors will have the opportunity to apply for Rotary scholarships soon to be awarded in May. Interested students should check with their CAPS counselor for more information. The club will not be meeting Dec. 24 or 31. If interested in joining the club, the next meeting will be on Jan. 7, when club members will take a ﬁeld trip to the Monroe County Emergency Operations Center in Marathon. Any local Rotarian would be happy to provide you with additional information if you’d like to be a guest.

For more information on what we do and how you can join the “Irresistible Marathon Rotary Club”, visit our website Marathonrotary.org or scan the QR Code.

Open your heart and home to a new family member for the holidays!

ALL ADOPTION FEES ARE WAIVED IN DECEMBER, AT THE MARATHON & KEY WEST CAMPUS! $15 Monroe County fee remains 5711 COLLEGE RD, KEY WEST 305.294.4857 10550 AVIATION BLVD, MARATHON 305.743.4800

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

FROM OUR BOATS TO YOUR PLATE! KEYS FISHERIES RESTAURANT MARKET & MARINA WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

Don’t forget about our Fuel Dock, next to Restaurant. Great Pricing! 90 Octane Ethanol free Open 7am to Noon Every Day but Sunday.

JOIN US AT OUR UPSTAIRS RAW BAR OYSTERS | POKE BOWLS FULL BAR AND THE BEST SUNSETS HAPPY HOUR 2M - 5PM

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

RETAIL STORE

Fish, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!

WILD CAUGHT KEY WEST PINK SHRIMP - ALL SIZES!

BEST SEAFOOD! BEST SUNSET! BEST BARTENDER - RACHEL

STONE CRAB NOW AVAILABLE!

CASUAL DINING • RESERVATIONS NOT REQUIRED • PETS WELCOMED! • OPEN 11 A.M. - 9 P.M. 7 DAYS A WEEK 35TH STREET, ON THE BAY (BEHIND THE STUFFED PIG) • MARATHON • 305-743-4353

North Key Largo Islamorada

Boston Whaler 380 Outrage

Aquila 47 “Molokai”

Marathon

Scout 530 LXF

New & Used Sales Select Brokerage Vessels

(305) 367-3969 (305) 564-9747 (305) 743-7008 Call for details and showing appointments

In Stock 2026 Scout 240 XSF Yamaha 300HP

Just In! 2026 Boston Whaler 330 Vantage Twin Mercury 400HP V10

Available 2025 Sea Ray SDX 270-OB Mercury 300HP

New 2026 Boston Whaler 330 Outrage Twin Mercury 400HP V10

Available 2025 Scout 305 LXF Twin Mercury 400HP V10

New 2026 Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless Twin Mercury 300HP

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

You've got goals. We’ve got the right plan to help.

WE SELL HOUSES! OPEN HOUSE | SATURDAY 1-3PM

OPEN HOUSE | SATURDAY 1-3PM

258 W SEAVIEW CIRCLE 4 BD 3.5 BA | Oceanfront Estate | Pool | Boat Lift MLS #617294 | $4.4M

340 E SEAVIEW DRIVE 4 BD 3 BA | Deepwater | Stunning views MLS# 617471 | $2.775M

196 S INDIES DRIVE 3 BD 3 BA | Pool | Deepwater Dock MLS #617210 | $1.950M

250 W SEAVIEW CIRCLE 3 BD 3 BA | Oceanfront | Pool | Boat Lift MLS #614809 | Price Reduced $4.450M

226 CORSAIR ROAD 4 BD 3 BA | Deepwater | Boat Lift MLS #612968 | $3.860M

219 SCHOONER LANE 3 BD 2 BA | Duck Key | Huge Yard MLS #614878 | $949,000

OPEN HOUSE | SATURDAY 1-3PM

8304 MARINA VILLA DRIVE 3 BA 3 BA | Rental History | Updated MLS #615341 | $975,000

300 DUCK KEY DRIVE #9 1 BD 1 BA | Overlooking Hawks Cay Marina MLS #616945 | $410,000

KRISTEN BRENNER Principal Broker

8301 MARINA VILLA DRIVE 2 BD 2 BA | Private | Elevator MLS #615539 | $699,000

MARGIE CASEY Broker Associate

11287 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON | 305.783.3395 FLAKEYSREALESTATEGROUP.COM

CALL OR TEXT 305.783.3395

DUCK KEY REAL ESTATE CO | FLORIDA KEYS REAL ESTATE GROUP VACATION RENTALS OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

ARE YOU A KEYS LOCAL? WANT TO ‘BEAT THE BUS’? Register for the 2026 7 Mile Bridge Run this January

With only 1,500 entries available, registration for the 7 Mile Bridge Run sells out in minutes. Locals get an advance shot on Jan. 22, 2026. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

he date for the 45th annual 7 Mile Bridge Run is April 11, 2026. Plans are to again run from west to east. Registration for the race is online only and opens on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, beginning at 6 a.m. Anyone can register on this date, but only 1,500 entries are accepted and the field fills very quickly. Runners must show a photo ID when picking up their bib number that matches the address used to register. Early registration opens for Monroe County residents on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, beginning at 6 a.m. To qualify as a Monroe County resident, runners must use a Monroe County address that matches a photo ID. There are a limited number of entries available for locals only who register on this date. If unsuccessful on Jan. 22, Monroe County residents may also try registering on Jan. 27.

SANTA’S COMING! Kris Kringle rolls through town on Dec. 24

oung ones in Marathon looking to get an advance meet-andgreet with Santa Claus on Christmas Eve can keep their eyes peeled for the flashing lights of Marathon Fire Rescue. The North Pole’s man in charge will roll through town on one of Marathon’s fire engines for his annual holiday caravan on Dec. 24, with timed stops according to the schedule here. Don’t hold the big man to exact times, as reindeer are known to get tired and need breaks along the way.

6 p.m. Jolly Roger RV Resort (Drive-through; Santa only) 6:15 p.m. Morton Street / Guava Avenue - (Stop) 6:25 p.m. Morton Street / Kyle Avenue - (Stop) 6:40 p.m. Curry Hammock State Park - (Drive-through) 6:50 p.m. Coco Plum Drive / Avenue C - (Stop) 7:05 p.m. Key Colony Beach City Hall - (Milk & cookies stop) 7:25 p.m. Fairfield Inn - (Drive-through only) 7:30 p.m. Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. - (Stop) 7:45 p.m. Intersection of Shark Drive & Harbor Drive - (Stop) 8 p.m. Winn Dixie / Surf Style Plaza - (Stop) 8:15 p.m. Crystal Cove - (Drive-by) 8:20 p.m. 41st Street & Louisa Street - (Drive-by) 8:35 p.m. Knights Key - (No stop, turnaround point) 8:55 p.m. U.S. 1 & 15th Street - (Stop) 9:05 p.m. Sombrero Boulevard / Copa D Oro - (Stop) 9:10 p.m. Sombrero Beach city beach house - (Stop)

Packet pickup is available only on Friday, April 10, beginning at noon and closing at 8 p.m. Runners must be present with a photo ID that matches the registration address to pick up each packet. Runsignup.com will again be used for registration; prior creation of an account there will help expedite registration. The registration fee is $100. Accommodations have been made for Monroe County students to register at a discounted rate, courtesy of headline sponsor Keys Federal Credit Union. Students interested can send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Marathon Runners Club, P.O. Box 500110, Marathon, FL 33050, and a student registration form will be mailed to them. These student-only registration forms must be received back at the post office box no later than Jan. 17. – Contributed

Marathon Fire Rescue will chauffeur Santa to greet Middle Keys kids on Christmas Eve, beginning in Grassy Key at 6 p.m. CONTRIBUTED

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

BUYING OR SELLING IN THE KEYS?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Shopping Local Never Goes Out of Style

PUT MY EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR YOU. 303 Sadowski Causeway Key Colony Beach Monday - Saturday 10AM - 5:30PM Sunday 11AM - 4PM 305.922.2493

Brian Dion MPA Realtor ® GIFT CARD

267.374.7063 briandion@keysrealestate.com 9141 Overseas Highway Marathon

DON’T FORGET USE IN-STORE AND ONLINE

Thursday, Dec. 18 through Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 IN-STORE & ONLINE

FOR 4 DAYS ONLY, TAKE

25 OFF %

Entire Stock of Regular Price

DENIM BOTTOMS from D Jeans, Via Ritina, Ethyl, Zac and Rachel & Krazy Larry

Reg: $34.98 - $116.98 BONUS SAVINGS: ONLINE & IN-STORE, TAKE 25% OFF THREE REGULAR* PRICED ITEMS OF YOUR CHOICE. Valid 12/18/25 - 12/23/25. *Excludes Avalin, Bali, Charlie B, Escape by Habitat, Foxcroft, G Lifestyle, Habitat, IBKUL, Look Mode, PBJ Blues, Sea Breeze and Tribal. Cannot be combined with any other discount. No adjustments made on previously purchased merchandise.

•

Key Largo 98200 Overseas Hwy. (M.M. 98-1/2) 305-852-4515 Marathon 5800 Overseas Hwy. (M.M. 50) 305- 743-5855

•

STORE HOURS: MON – SAT 9:30-5:30

• SUN 12-5:30

SHOP OUR ONLINE STORE @ anthonysfla.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

MLKAR WRAPS UP JOY FOR WESLEY HOUSE The holidays are twice as bright for three deserving Middle Keys families, thanks to the efforts of the Marathon and Lower Keys Association of Realtors. Raising $14,000, the group spent Dec. 8 wrapping gifts to be donated through Wesley House Family Services – paired with gift cards for gas and groceries to help the chosen families throughout the year. Pictured, from left: Lynny Del Gaizo, Natalie Danko, Lynn Goodwin, Lisa Cattran, Katie Carrillo, Jen Davis, Alexia Mann and Laurie Gable. CONTRIBUTED

NEVER BOUGHT. NEVER SOLD. ALWAYS LOCAL.

MARATHON CINEMA NOW SHOWING

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS FOR MORE INFO: 305.743.0288 ONLINE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MARATHONCINEMA.COM

SHOWTIMES: FRI, SAT, SUN & TUES 7PM MATINEE SUNDAY 2PM

5101 O/S HWY. MARATHON (BEHIND MARATHON LIQUOR)

CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF LOCAL MEDIA UPPER KEYS WEEKLY 89240 Overseas Hwy Ste 2, Tavernier 305.363.2957

MARATHON WEEKLY 9709 Overseas Hwy Marathon 305.743.0844

KEY WEST WEEKLY 5450 MacDonald Ave Ste 5, Key West 305.453.6928

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

DECK THE DOCKS

Hawks Cay Marina celebrates three-day reopening festivities

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

reimagined Hawks Cay Marina reopened with a chockfull weekend, welcoming the public for three days of celebration from dawn to dusk Dec. 12-14. Beginning on Friday night, the fully-refreshed waterfront welcomed 17 glowing vessels in the Duck Key Fishing Club’s annual boat parade, followed by a “Party on the Promenade” and live music on a floating stage from the Homebred Band. A visit from Santa at Angler and Ale highlighted Saturday morning, while vendors braved the rain for an evening showcase. A fireworks show capped off a marina dedication and ribbon cutting, along with chances to meet the crews from the Qualified Captain and the Saltwater Experience. Competitors took to the courts on Sunday for a holiday pickleball tournament, while others had a more relaxed morning with celebrity chef Jeremy Ford for a brunch experience at the resort’s farm-to-table restaurant Salt and Ash.

1. Susan Smithwick has a doggone full boat on ‘Dog Days of Christmas.’ 2. A festive mahi is the glowing figurehead for Dean and Jennie Nowak’s Best-in-class ‘Wonderful Christmas Time.’ 3. Thousands of rope lights create a shower of sparkles for Best-in-class and Best-overall-vessel ‘Polar Express’ by Terry and Kim Womble.

LEADERS IN LIGHTS The winners of the Duck Key Christmas Boat Parade are… Best in class (28 feet and over): “Polar Express”/Dirty Pool/Terry and Kim Womble Best in class (27 feet and under): “Wonderful Christmas Time”/Another Bad Decision/Dean and Jennie Nowak Calcutta Overall winner: “Polar Express”

4. The crew of ‘Polar Express’ shows Christmas spirit en route to the top prize at the Duck Key Christmas Boat Parade. 5. Santa wrangles a wily dolphin instead of reindeer atop ‘Santa’s Vice’ by Bill and Madeleyn Bloodworth.

6 8

6. A matching dance crew and Disney characters deck out ‘You’re the Mickey to my Minnie’ by Rick and Vicki Pantano. 7. Wendy Dunlap, left, and Bradd Leviton of Mr. Pickles Gin provide the garnish station at a VIP reception.

8,9. Kids, parents and four-legged family members enjoy Friday night under the lights at the Hawks Cay Marina grand reopening festivities. 10. Vendors stay out of the rain at Saturday’s showcase. Photos by Natalie Danko and Alex Rickert

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

STORMY SKIES, FESTIVE VIBES

Pigeon Key Holiday Spectacular braves the weather

T 5 7

housands of lights on Pigeon Key cut through the rain on Nov. 13 for the second annual Pigeon Key Holiday Spectacular. Even in the wet conditions, the “snow” in the forecast held true for the island, transformed into the best North Pole version of itself. Santa Claus and his elves paid a visit to the island-wide holiday village as kids explored touch tanks, shark feedings, face painting and cookie decorating tutorials. A VIP dinner and gathering the previous evening welcomed sponsors and dignitaries to one of the largest and fastest-growing holiday events in the Middle Keys.

1. As we all know, Santa would be nothing without Mrs. Claus and his elves keeping the show running. 2,3. Santa Claus gets some hugs and hears some wishes from Middle Keys kids. He later confirmed to the Weekly that all are on the Nice List.

4. Kids check out marine life in touch tanks as part of the island’s blossoming marine science education efforts. 5. Bartenders Sarah Brignac, left, and Rachel Bowman keep the drinks flowing for the ‘big kids.’ 6. The Morgan and Scheller families enjoy some ‘snow’ in the tropics.

7,10. As night falls, the lights of Pigeon Key shine bright to welcome visitors. 8. The original Pigeon Key Express, meticulously restored by Tom Diezel, makes an appearance with a festive paint job. 9. Sweet Savannah’s offers a masterclass in cookie decorating. 11. The Pigeon Key (Polar) Express chugs along through the rain. Photos by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

Nate Bartlett, MBA REALTOR® | Broker Associate VP of Sales, Marathon 305-802-NATE(6283) nate@keysnate.com www.keysnate.com

NEW TO MARKET

Complete Renovation

230 13th St, Key Colony Beach

Offered at $2,750,000

ACTIVE LISTINGS

1/8 Co-Ownership 220 14Th St, Key Colony NEW PRICE $425,000

7084 Hawks Cay Blvd, Duck Key NEW PRICE $1,049,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

FULL DUPLEX

1508 Shaw Dr, Key Largo Offered at $2,600,000

4901/4903 49th St, Marathon NEW PRICE $1,099,000

$200,000+ in Annual Revenue 11890 1st Ave Gulf #3, Marathon NEW PRICE $2,725,000

JUST SOLD 164 Tortuga Ln, Cudjoe Key CLOSED $1,164,000

For more information on the market visit my NEW website © 2025 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

Breakfast Worth Waking Up For Dinner Worth Staying out For COME BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR! Monday: Closed | Tuesday - Sunday: 11:00am - 10:00pm

Local Favorite

BEST HAPPY HOUR 16 YEARS IN A ROW

Best Margarita & Bar! SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH 11am - 2:30pm

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

4-6pm

HAPPY HOUR

DAILY SPECIALS MONDAY Closed

TUESDAY Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila LIVE MUSIC: Roger Jokela

WEDNESDAY Wine Time Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles) LIVE MUSIC: Erica Lee Sunshine THURSDAY Prime Rib Night LIVE MUSIC: JOHN BARTUS

6950 Overseas Hwy, MM 51 | 305-743-9181

FRIDAY Abstract Radio LIVE MUSIC: ABSTRACT RADIO

SATURDAY Brunch 11am - 2:30pm BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine

SUNDAY Brunch 11am - 2:30pm BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine

We wil cook youl catch, ﬁs r and lobst h er Please

cleaned &bring legal.

LIVEIC MUS

• Borrow up to $50,000* • Unsecured loan–no collateral needed • Terms up to 72 months • No pre-payment penalties

www.sparkyslanding.com 305.363.2959

MM 53.5 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida Waterfront Location Adjacent To Fairﬁeld Inn

Keep your holidays merry, bright, and a little bit beachy. Our Personal Loan gives you extra cash to enjoy every moment.

OUR WEB CAM IS STREAMING

*Restrictions may apply. Subject to credit approval. Everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys can join Keys Federal Credit Union. NCUA insured.

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

Buy well. Sell well. Live well. Open Sat 11-1

(305) 912-2177 TRACY@TRACYCHACKSFIELD.COM TRACYCHACKSFIELD.COM

FEATURED PROPERTY

30 FT OF DOCKAGE PROVEN RENTAL HISTORY

290 4th St, Key Colony Beach

TOP-TO-BOTTOM RENOVATION

$899,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,185 SQ FT

AVAILABLE PROPERTIES Open Sat 11-1

OVERSIZED LOT

SINGLE FAMILY HOME

37.5 FT OF DOCKAGE

33 Kyle Way S, Marathon

97 Coral Ln, Key Colony Beach

471 9th St, Key Colony Beach

$2,395,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,480 SQ FT

$945,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,290 SQ FT

$725,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA | 854 SQ FT

Open Sun 11-1

OPEN WATER VIEWS

UNDER CONTRACT

601 W Ocean Dr #414, Key Colony Beach

160 1st St, Key Colony Beach

501 11th St, Key Colony Beach

$595,000 | 2 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,343 SQ FT

$3,600,000 | 3 BD | 3.5 BA | 3,616 SQ FT

$1,675,000 | 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,776 SQ FT

© 2025 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Mon - Fri 11am to Close | Sat & Sun 10am to Close

NEW HAPPY HOUR 1-5PM $7 Menu

• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More! • 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm uengling and Bud Light! * $2 Pints of Yuengling

CLARABELLE 8.5-year-old female beagle. Looking for: Someone to take better care of me. Turnoffs: Diets.

GUPPY 4-month-old female kitten. Looking for: A quiet house with plenty of soft places to nap. Turnoffs: Loud noises, lots of people, dogs.

724

VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED

BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM • Unique & interesting menu • $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots

LUNCH & DINNER

• New Sandwich Options • Diver Speared Local Fish • Prime Rib • Lobster • Cook Your Own Catch • Great Seafood Selections

SUSHI

BEST SUSHI & BEST BLOODY MARY

• Toro • Lionfish • Poke • Hamachi collar • Fresh Uni arrives on Thursday

32 BEERS ON TAP

MAKE RESERVATIONS AT CASTAWAYFLORIDAKEYS.COM OR FACEBOOK PAGE CASTAWAY WATERFRONT RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR

TAKE ME HOME 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.

PICKLES 4-month-old male kitten. Looking for: Everything. I’m chatty, fun and adventurous. Turnoffs: Being at the shelter – I’m too cool to not have a home.

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

MARATHON COMMUNITY CHURCH THE PERFECT CHURCH FOR THOSE WHO AREN’T

ALL ARE WELCOME! DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 6PM Gospel readings

SUNDAY SERVICE 10AM IN THE SANCTUARY Pastor Mary Ashcraft Monday: Men’s Breakfast 7am at Irie Island Eats. Tuesday: Sisters in Christ 9:45am.

3010 Overseas Highway

305.481.7233

LOVE. "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" — Isaiah 7:14

OPEN HOUSE Friday, December 26 11am - 1pm

850 W 63RD STREET

ASKING PRICE $1,499,999 | 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHS

Injured in a boating accident? Please call us today. We want to help.

833-VASTOLA Jeff D. Vastola, Esq.

www.InjuredInTheKeys.com

9141 Overseas Hwy. Suite 3 Marathon FL. 33050 | 305.705.6788 | JVastola@VastolaLegal.com

Welcome Home to 850 W. 63rd Street! This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath waterfront retreat offers 1,287 sq. ft. of stylish island living. Built with solid CBS construction and featuring impact windows throughout, this home is designed for comfort, durability, and effortless coastal enjoyment. Step inside to a bright, open-concept living space with vaulted ceilings, coastal-inspired finishes, and numerous upgrades. The kitchen boasts new appliances, stunning quartz countertops, and a spacious layout ideal for entertaining.

ALY BAINBRIDGE

812.593.1615 aly@cbschmitt.com

CHASE FOSTER, REALTOR

305.289.6526 chasefoster@cbschmitt.com

11050 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL

The Most Trusted Name in Florida Keys Real Estate Since 1955.

SOLD PRICE $1,875,000

SOLD PRICE $2,700,000

We are proud of not just sales, but the trust our clients place in us. With the right strategy, persistence, and local know-how, success is always within reach. If you’re ready to buy or sell, let’s turn this market into your opportunity.

Congratulations to our seller of 23 S Kyle Way. This property was a stunning Open Water Luxury Home that required a marketing approach different than most. We effectively and creatively built a story then pushed it out to the masses. The result, a happy seller that got top dollar for his asset. If you want a bilingual, aggressive and effective team to sell your luxury property. Call us today 660.619.3616/ English or 305.896.6891/ Spanish or email tiercescheelrealtor@gmail.com

661 12TH STREET, KEY COLONY BEACH

LYNN GOODWIN, P.A.

AIMEE KORNETTI

305.923.9487 305.600.9726 www.KeyColonyBeachProperties.com lynngoodwinre@gmail.com aimeekornetti@gmail.com

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. 11050 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. ®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.

23 S. KYLE WAY, MARATHON FL

LUIS PARRADO

305-896-6891 luisparrado@cbschmitt.com

TIERCE SCHEEL

660.619.3616 tiercescheel@cbschmitt.com

11050 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. ®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

A Kemp’s ridley sea turtle on the X-ray table recently at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. MARK HEDDEN/Florida Keys News Bureau

nd some days you find yourself in a room full of endangered sea turtles, most of them flapping their front flippers, trying to find an escape route, trying to make their way back to the ocean. Even though the MARK ocean wasn’t the best place HEDDEN for them to be just yet. The turtles were all ... is a photograKemp’s ridleys, the world’s pher, writer, and semi-professional smallest sea turtle species, birdwatcher. He also the most endangered. has lived in Key They are generally creatures West for more of the Gulf of Mexico, with than 25 years and 95% of the population may no longer be employable in hatched in Mexico. But a sigthe real world. He nificant number do wander is also executive from there. In recent years, director of the Florida Keys Audu- for reasons largely attributed to climate change, they bon Society. have been straying farther and farther, later and later into the year. These turtles, 25 of them, had been victims of cold water stunning on the inside curve of Cape Cod, their cold-blooded bodies less and less functional as the water temperatures dropped. They were picked up off the beaches over several weeks by volunteers and staff from the New England Aquarium, collected and triaged at the Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Massachusetts. When the tanks there filled with turtles, they were organized, loaded into towel-covered banana boxes and flown to Marathon by a nonprofit conservation group called NightHawk. I was there on the tarmac to do some photo work when the banana boxes were transferred from the single engine turbo-prop to the waiting Turtle Hospital ambulance, but other than cardboard, terrycloth and the Chiquita logo, all you could really see was the occasional turtle nose sticking out through an air hole. Down at the pistachio-colored former motel that is the Marathon Turtle Hospital, a crew of a dozen or so people, most in matching blue scrubs, carried the boxes inside, lined them up on the floor, and took the towels off. The turtles were all young, about the size of oblong dinner plates, though Kemp’s ridley shells are deeply rounded, so maybe the size of small inverted soup tureens is a better description. All of them had a number and the name of an instrument (Viola, Banjo, Tuba, Ocarina) chalked in bright colors onto their shells, so the staff could tell them apart. They were lifted one by one by gloved hands out of the banana boxes and placed into pre-labeled blue plastic tubs with matching blue blankets and blue file folders containing information about them as individuals. (One of the staff told me the blue towels come out when there will be a lot of cameras around.) Over the next hour or so the individual turtles were weighed, measured, blood sampled, X-rayed and otherwise examined by the

TURTLES, TURTLES EVERYWHERE

Turtle Hospital’s deft and efficient crew, under the watchful eye of manager Bette Zirkelbach. The more entertaining side plot was watching the turtles trying to crawl out of their tubs, sometimes succeeding and making it onto the floor or into a neighboring tub, but more often than not getting caught by a pair of hands just as they were about to do so, and being placed back into the middle of their tubs. (This may have been less entertaining to the folks who had to do all the hunched-over catching and resettling.) The turtles were all later given swim tests, which they all passed. Nineteen of the turtles were found to be in good health, with the other six suffering from infections and lung damage brought on by the cold shock. The goal is to release them all in the Cape Canaveral area in the next one to 12 months. **** I’ve always had a fondness for Kemp’s ridleys despite, I believe, never having seen one in the wild, largely because of hometown pride. The Kemp’s part of the name comes from Richard Moore Kemp, a man who was born in Green Turtle Cay in 1825 and died in Key West in 1908. He is credited with rebuilding the Cypress House on Caroline Street after it burned in 1886. He is said to have liked planting palm trees. He may have owned a furniture store. A man named William Kemp is often credited with starting the sponging industry in Key West, but no one knows if they were related. The rest of the details of Kemp’s life have been lost to history, except that in 1880 he came across a type of turtle he did not recognize, and he sent the specimen up to the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard. Fishermen who sometimes caught Kemp’s ridleys often referred to them as “bastard turtles” they were thought to be a cross between

green and loggerhead sea turtles. The folks at MCZ recognized Kemp’s specimen as its own species, one that had not been previously described to science. They named it in his honor, even giving it the scientific name, Lepidochelys kempii. The name ridley is something of a riddle, as no one knows where it came from, though one theory is it is derived from the word riddle. (There’s a really good story from 1999 about all of this by some reporter who used to work for the Miami Herald named Nancy Klingener.) (Other fun fact: A Kemp’s ridley was the first turtle admitted to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon as a patient.) Sometime in the late 1990s someone did a grave rubbing of Richard Kemp’s grave in the Key West Cemetery and sold it at a charity auction to raise money for turtle conservation. But it turns out it wasn’t Richard Kemp the turtle finder’s grave, it was his son’s. Kemp the turtle finder was buried in an unmarked plot. Fran Ford, then-doyenne of the Florida Keys Audubon Society, as well as several other environmental groups, thought this was outrageous. “There is no stone to rub,” Ford told Klingener. “He’s important and he belongs to us. He should have a stone.” So she went out and raised donations for a $300 granite marker to be placed over his grave with the words: RICHARD MOORE KEMP Jan. 25, 1825 Feb. 8, 1908 KEMP’S Ridley / Lepidochlys kempii In the middle is an engraving of the turtle. You can visit the grave yourself — assuming the city hasn’t recently declared it abandoned and resold it to someone else.

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

MESSAGE FROM THE SHERIFF The holiday season is here again! I have some suggestions to help ensure your festivities are safe, memorable, and crime-free: • U.S. 1 traffic tends to get heavy this time of year, especially as we approach Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Everyone who will be on the road should prepare for intermittent slowdowns and be patient. • Keep valuables/presents out of view and locked securely in your vehicle. • Park in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. • MCSO substations and headquarters building are safe zones for those making purchases/transactions in person. Those who are worried about giving strangers their home address — or meeting with strangers in general — to make transactions can do so at a safe place. Go to www.keysso.net for location information. • Be wary of online scammers. Don’t share personal or financial information over an unsecured network. Be leery of deals that sound too good to be true or implore you to act immediately. Be cautious of links that are provided in emails and online advertising. • Let a trusted neighbor know if you plan on traveling or will be away from home. Monroe County Sheriff, Rick Ramsay Download the MCSO App Today!

Let’s all have a safe and happy holiday season!

Download the MCSO App Today!

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

MIKE STACK BRINGS THE BEATS

He’s famous for telling the world “I’m From Key West,” but on Dec. 15, the Southernmost City’s premier rapper took a road trip north as a special treat for students at Marathon High School. Staging a full concert with lighting and special effects as a reward for the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, Stack even swapped his traditional Key West ballcap for a blue-and-gold Marathon hat, taking time after the show for photos and autographs with students and faculty. Students without any disciplinary referrals in December were invited to attend, while those with perfect attendance earned VIP seating. TRACY MCDONALD/Keys Weekly

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

BRIEFLY

o matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue. Our neighbor of the week is Lynne Murphy, who is a yoga and wellness instructor and founder of niuyoga in Marathon. She teaches yoga, leads sound baths and meditation and guides scuba experiences throughout the Middle Keys in both community and resort settings. When she’s off the mat or out of the water, she’s usually exploring the islands with her camera, enjoying the beauty of Keys life, or connecting with the community through outreach events and her volunteer work.

LYNNE MURPHY Niuyoga How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I relocated from Venice, FL in early 2021, where I owned a yoga and wellness studio. While Covid closed that chapter, it opened the door for me to follow a lifelong dream — moving to the Keys and becoming a dive instructor.

What's a local business you couldn't live without? St. Columba’s Nearly New Thrift Shop and Furniture Store. I’m a dedicated thrifter and they keep my treasure-hunting spirit alive. Which living person do you most admire? My sister, without question. She’s an incredible friend, mom, wife and sister. She reminds me so much of our parents, both educators, and carries on their legacy through her work supporting children and families as the executive director of Tableland Services Inc., a community action partnership in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show right now? I’m a devoted Brené Brown fan. Her work on courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy has deeply influenced me. What is your greatest extravagance? Indulging my love of unique people, places and experiences, and filling my home with meaningful reminders of them. What’s a talent you wish you had? I'd love to improve my singing voice. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why? That’s a tough one — I’m generally comfortable with who I am, and when I’m not, I work on it. But I do sometimes wish my hamstrings weren’t quite so tight. What is your most marked characteristic? I’m part Energizer Bunny, part creative problem solver. Who is one of your real-life heroes? Everyday people who show up, stay aware and act with kindness. That kind of presence is heroic to me. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A bird, hands down. I’ve always wanted to fly. It’s also one reason I love diving; gliding underwater feels like flying, and watching schools of fish move is like watching flocks in the sky. What’s a habit you’d love to break? Letting go of perfectionism. I’ve been working since 2010 to embrace the idea that sometimes “good enough” truly is. What is your greatest regret? Any time I ignored my gut. When something feels off, I wish I had always been bold enough to trust that instinct and speak up. What's something you're really proud of? My ability to support others on their wellness journey — helping them learn new skills, grow and challenge themselves is a joy and an honor. Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.

Keys residents report bank and DMV scams The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has been notified of a familiar scam in which residents are receiving text messages from someone posing as officials from First Horizon Bank. Phone and text scams typically rise during the holiday season. If you receive a phone call or text from a bank, hang up or ignore and call the bank yourself. Another recent scam involves the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles officials falsely stating they have an outstanding balance for some fake reason and are in jeopardy of losing their driving license. If someone contacts you and says they are from any government organization, law enforcement agency, bank, utility company, a credit card company or similar — hang up and contact the organization yourself. A sure sign of a scam is anyone asking for password information or payment for anything via gift cards or Bitcoin. Monroe County preps for non-resident boat ramp fees On Dec. 10, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners directed staff to begin preparing code updates to allow fees to be charged to non-residents for vehicle parking, boat trailer parking and boat ramp launch and retrieval at all county parks and beaches. This includes updating the fee structure for non-residents at Harry Harris Park, and to begin charging non-residents at Higgs Beach in Key West, Pine Channel Nature Park on Big Pine Key, and Rowell’s Waterfront Park and Mike Forster Memorial Park on Key Largo. Currently, Monroe County charges non-resident admission fees only at Harry Harris Park. That fee is $15 per non-resident vehicle, plus boat ramp fees of $40 on non-holiday weekends and $60 on holidays. Park admission is waived for active-duty military, disabled veterans and qualifying individuals under Florida law, provided they present proper identification. The direction from the board would expand the county’s ability to charge parking and ramp fees at additional locations and would allow those fees to be set and adjusted by board resolution rather than through repeated ordinance amendments. Staff will prepare the proposed ordinance updates for board consideration at a future meeting. Key West man arrested for assaulting deputies A 28-year-old Key West man was arrested on Dec. 15 for allegedly disturbing the peace and assaulting sheriff’s office deputies. There were no serious injuries reported. Russell Lee Montgomery was charged with assault

on a law enforcement officer, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, disorderly intoxication, disturbing the peace and damage to property. The sheriff’s office was called to the Grassy Key RV Park & Resort around 11:15 p.m. regarding an intoxicated subject, identified as Montgomery. He was yelling and began resisting deputies — hitting one deputy in the chest and attempting to kick another. Montgomery also dented a patrol vehicle by slamming his head into it, deputies said. He was medically cleared at Fishermen’s Hospital and taken to jail. Monroe County expands holiday light recycling 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. Three additional sites will also accept broken lights until Jan. 10 to transfer to the nearest Home Depot: Coral Isle at 90001 Overseas Hwy. in Tavernier, the Eco-Discovery Center at 35 East Quay Rd. in Key West, and Florida Bay Forever at the Green Turtle Hammock State Park in Islamorada. 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 305-2894109 or email events_committee@ci.marathon. fl.us. Scan the QR code to register:

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 18, 2025

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ARCTIC ADVENTURES

Icebergs – giant, floating freshwater ice – break off of glaciers and ice shelves as they calve and melt. The author encountered these near Greenland, after leaving Svalbard. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

Exploring the world’s northernmost town reveals parallels with the Keys

am a creature of the sun and salt, having built a life — and career — navigating the world’s thirdlargest barrier reef here in the Florida Keys. Our waters feel like a bath, and the biggest wardrobe dilemma is sometimes which SPF-rated sunshirt to wear for the day. So, the odds were not logical nor favorable that I’d feel comfortable in a place far from home, where the ocean hovers just above freezing and the sun doesn’t set for months. But this summer, I did just that. I journeyed from our southernmost archipelago to the northernmost town on Earth with a permanent civilian population: Longyearbyen. My primary objectives included leading acoustic studies with my nonprofit organization, The Seabirds Foundation, and participating in citizen science and exploratory scuba dives. Beyond that, the trip was a study in hilarious, breathtaking contrasts, proving that a girl from the Keys can not only survive but thrive at the top of the world — and even find some surprising, sobering parallels between the two island chains along the way. First, let’s set the map straight: just like the Florida Keys, this place has its own unique hierarchy. Think of Svalbard as the entire archipelago of the Florida Keys. This Norwegian territory sits well above the Arctic Circle, and its name means “cold shores.” Within Svalbard, the largest and northernmost island with permanent settlements is Spitsbergen; a Keys equivalent would be Key Largo, but placed where Key West now sits. Sticking with the southernmost city as our geographical referent, Longyearbyen, where I spent a blustery week, is similar to Old Town, the “capital” and most populated hub of the biggest island in the archipelago. Around 2,000 people live here year-

round, and infrastructure includes the world’s northernmost international airport, nightclub and sushi restaurant. Arriving in Longyearbyen in August felt like TIFFANY stepping onto DUONG another planet. The is a self-made mer- Arctic has a special maid who loves all allure: a rawness things cheesy (rothat brings out mantic and dairy) the wilder side of and thrives in the 3 a.m. hour. She people and places. believes in leaving The air is crisp, and it all on the field I inhaled deeply to and has never met take it all in. a (mis)adventure A mere she didn’t love. 814 miles from the North Pole, Longearbyen is so far north (about 78°N latitude) that “one night … lasts for three months during the winter,” and the sun doesn’t set for five months of the year. I arrived during this constant, surreal midnight sun, a phenomenon where, from April 19 to Aug. 23 every year, the sun stays above the horizon. I wandered the town’s two main streets at 3 a.m. because I could, still incredulous that it was as bright as 3 p.m. There was one other tourist out, an influencer of sorts filming a selfie video down an empty street. And, while the setting was farfetched, it was also instantly familiar; an island mentality pervaded, with a quirkiness that can only be appreciated by others who choose to live in such remote places. While the Keys enjoy relaxed “no shirt, no shoes, no problem” vibes, Longyearbyen has a “no shoes” custom held over from the town’s coal-mining days. Many buildings, including hotels, restaurants, bars and even some shops, ask patrons to remove their shoes before entering,

A dive on stable icebergs to survey wildlife and conditions.

Polar bear warning signs. It reads: ‘Applies to all of Svalbard.’

The M/V Ortelius pushes gently through the pack ice outside of eastern Greenland.

leaving the snow and Arctic grit at the door. Instead of well-manicured toes, people here sport the latest in winter sock-wear. Just as we have unique wildlife, our beloved Key deer, they have theirs: Svalbard reindeer roam the hills outside of town and are the smallest type of reindeer on earth – their own subspecies. Our mile marker signs help us orient ourselves along U.S. 1 while their polar bear warning signs keep residents and visitors within the safe zone. Since there are more polar bears than people in Svalbard, it is actually illegal to travel outside of a settlement without a firearm and polar bear training. Several local Longyearbyen laws luckily don’t have a southernmost analog: No cats allowed on Svalbard to protect sensitive native birds. You cannot be born or die on Spitsbergen: women about to give birth and people gravely ill must travel to mainland Norway for care. No burials permitted, because the permafrost prevents bodies from decomposing. The surreal experience of traveling so far north also reminded me of our shared reality: both island chains are

on the frontlines of climate change, just experiencing opposite effects of the same warming planet. The Arctic is heating up nearly four times faster than the rest of the world, melting glaciers that pour freshwater into the ocean and raise sea levels. Down in the Keys, abnormally-warm water cooks our corals, and rising sea levels — fueled in part by melt at the poles — pose a threat to our islands’ low-lying way of life. A literal world apart, these two places are united by an ocean in crisis. Both can serve as bellwethers, sending the same urgent message from opposite parts of our planet. Both are full of resilient, adaptable, interesting people who’ve learned to live by the unique rules that nature has set in very spectacular, remote and fragile places. Leaving the land of eternal summer for the land of the midnight sun, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. To my surprise and comfort, I discovered that an island girl, no matter how sunkissed, can still find her footing anywhere – especially if she remembers to take her shoes off at the door.

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MISTLETOE, MENORAHS & MEET-CUTES THREE FEEL-GOOD ESCAPES TO BRIGHTEN THE HOLIDAY SEASON

BIG NICK ENERGY By Kristen Bailey Years ago, Kay’s heart was broken when her first love, Nick, dumped her in a pub. A decade later, working at the library and writing a children’s series, still-single Kay never expected to see Nick again. An accidental meetup at the Christmas market is exhilarating and leaves no doubt their chemistry still sizzles. “Old” Nick is serious, career-minded and charmingly trying to rekindle their romance. He arranges perfect dates around London and says everything a girl yearns to hear. Then there is “New” Nick. Strikingly handsome, New Nick runs a Christmas tree farm with his family. He helps Kay deliver holiday books while dressed as Santa, brightening the day of every passerby. While New Nick is a subtle flirt, his life remains mostly a mystery. What’s a girl to do? Old Nick is ready to tie the knot, but something is holding Kay back, and she cannot get New Nick off her mind. Navigating the days leading up to Christmas, Kay desperately tries to figure KAREN out which Nick is naughty NEWFIELD and which Nick is nice. ’Tis the season to laugh First and foremost a reader, she has with a holiday romance reviewed hun— the perfect break durdreds of books on ing this busy time of year. her blog www. readingandeating. com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing.

THE EIGHT HEARTBREAKS OF HANUKKAH By Jean Meltzer Evelyn has been working hard and patiently waiting for years to become an executive producer. Finally, her dream is a reality when she is chosen to lead “A Christmas Carol” for live television. As the rehearsals come together and Hanukkah and Christmas approach, the pressure is mounting. Can Evelyn’s musical be a holiday miracle, the smash success she is hoping for? Divorced for the past two years, Evelyn has put aside her personal life, committing every moment to building her career. And now, everything has turned upside down. Dr. David Adler (her ex) shows up on set to fill in for medical staff, a piano hits Evelyn in the head, and her migraines escalate. As she manages staff and the chaotic stage, Evelyn cannot ignore the mixed emotions that David’s presence brings to the surface. Each night as Evelyn lights her menorah, the eight heartbreaks of Hanukkah present another ghost-like vision of her past, forcing Evelyn to face all the mistakes she has ever made. This entertaining, hilarious Hanukkah romance gives Evelyn more than a second chance – it gives her eight.

MERRY AND BRIGHT By Ali Rosen Miriam Brody is heading home for Hanukkah at her parents’ home in North Carolina. She is both excited and nervous, as the youngest sibling who has always had trouble being heard in the boisterous chaos of the holidays. On the flight from New York, her seat mate is a massive guy who takes up a lot of space. After a few drinks, the ice is finally broken, and Cal Durand turns out to be a huge football star with an equally big heart. Since Miriam doesn’t know if football talk includes a home run or a slam dunk, the two cut to the real stuff: Going home for the holidays can be hard. They agree to “fake date” for the next week to ease each other’s family expectations. What begins as a whim turns into much more as Miriam and Cal teach each other the traditions and meaning of Hanukkah and Christmas and receive the unexpected gift of friendship. At just 63 pages, this Home Sweet Holidays Amazon Original is a free treat for Prime members — a digital stocking stuffer that is sure to make you smile.

#WORTHWATCHING “Champagne Problems” is a bubbly, Paris-set romantic comedy with festive sparkle and an easy, enjoyable plot. Perfect when you want to watch something light and fun during the busy holiday season. Check it out on Netflix.

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Founded by Betty Debnam MINI FACT: Keep a winter reading diary of the books you’ve enjoyed. You can share it with friends!

READING IS SNOW MUCH FUN!

During the quiet moments of winter break, it’s great to settle in with a good book. Take a look at these titles and make a list of those you’d like to read. • Rebecca Lee Kunz won this year’s Caldecott Medal for illustrating “Chooch Helped” by Andrea L. Rogers. This picture book tells the story of a big sister who’s losing patience with her 2-year-old brother, Chooch, who wants to help with everything. • The Newbery Medal for 2025 was awarded to “The First State of Being” by Erin Entrada Kelly. In 1999, 12-year-old Michael meets a teenage time traveler who knows what’s in Michael’s future. But does Michael want to know? • Author Kyle Lukoff digs into the story of a kid named A, whose life has been turned upside down by the pandemic, parents who don’t accept them and a friend who mysteriously

• The main character in “Bionic Boy” by Lynn Plourde, Benji, was born without hands, which seems to bother other people more than it does him. When he meets an amputee with bionic arms, he starts to dream big. • What does it mean to be a U.S. citizen? For some, it’s as easy as being born. For others, it’s a long journey. “Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States” by Rajani LaRocca helps readers understand and celebrate the different ways that people become Americans.

disappears. “A World Worth Saving” addresses both fantasy and real-world dilemmas.

• Women were barred from being astronauts when the space program first started. But “The Six: The Untold Story of America’s First Women Astronauts” by Loren Grush tells the story of the trailblazing women who finally found their way into space.

• Anyone who’s ever loved a dog will relate to “Forever Ripley” by McCall Hoyle. Ripley is a German shepherd who has taken good care of Charlie, her favorite girl. Now it’s time for Charlie to take care of Ripley. • When the days get long, a good puzzle book will keep your brain engaged. “The Epic Puzzle Challenge for Smart Kids” by Taylor Marr includes all kinds of mind-blowing games, mazes, riddles, hidden pictures and more. Get puzzling! • Fans of the “Little Ghost Quilt” books can cozy up to “The Little Ghost Quilt’s Winter Surprise” by Riel Nason. It’s holiday time in the ghost’s town, and he wants to share the warm lights and beautiful decorations with his friends (who are just sheets). Can he find a way to do that?

RESOURCES ON THE WEB • bit.ly/4np05Ls • bit.ly/48KvX9B AT THE LIBRARY • “Snowflakes and Giggles: Winter Poems for Kids” by Sukhdev Kaur Dosanjh

ASTRONAUTS, BIONIC, BOOKS, CALDECOTT, CITIZEN, COZY, DIARY, DOGS, FRIENDS, GHOST, LIBRARY, NEWBERY, PUZZLES, READING, RIDDLES, SPACE, WINTER, WOMEN.

Words that remind us of winter reading are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:

S D Y R A R B I L R

K S B G G H O S T Z

O E I R E A D I N G

O L O U X S B Z F H

B Z N C P T A Y O Y

J Z I A L R S S S R

S U C L C O G O E A

D P Y D R N O C L I

N E I R F E A P E C A P S T H Y Z O C C O E C O T T I O E T N I W T X A U T S V I X D X I L C Z W Y R E B W E N D D I R R N O D W O M E N J

ECO NOTE Mosquitoes have been discovered in Iceland for the first time, following an unusually warm spring that shattered temperature records across the typically chilly island nation. Entomologist Matthías Alfreðsson confirmed that three specimens of Culiseta annulata, a hardy mosquito species capable of surviving cold winters, were captured in Kjós, near Reykjavik. The insects were found by amateur naturalist Björn Hjaltason, who described the find as “the last fortress falling,” since Iceland and Antarctica had been the world’s only mosquito-free regions.

Adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

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DECEMBER 18, 2025 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS THE SCOREBOARD

DEC. 8 - 13

Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Key West

Boys Soccer

Coral Shores

12/8

W, 9-1

Coral Shores

Girls Basketball

Keys Gate

12/8

L, 70-25

Marathon

Boys Soccer

Franklin Academy

12/8

L, 3-0

Marathon

Girls Soccer

Franklin Academy

12/8

L, 2-0

Coral Shores

Girls Basketball

Basilica

12/9

W, 58-15

Key West

Girls Soccer

Florida Christian

12/9

W, 7-0

Basilica

Boys Basketball

Coral Shores

12/9

W, 58-53

Key West

Girls Basketball

Marathon

12/9

W, 46-45

Key West

Boys Basketball

Marathon

12/9

W, 58-48

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

Silver Palms

12/10

L, 8-0

Marathon

Boys Soccer

Bridge Prep Academy

12/10

W, 3-1

Coral Shores

Girls Soccer

Marathon

12/10

W, 8-0

Coral Shores

Boys Basketball

South Homestead

12/10

L, 53-46

Key West

Boys Basketball

St. Brendan

12/10

W, 64-62

Marathon

Girls Basketball

St. Brendan

12/11

L, 48-25

Key West

Girls Basketball

True North

12/11

W, 29-22

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Fort Meade

12/11

L, 56-48

Coral Shores

Girls Soccer

Gulliver Prep

12/12

L, 2-0

Key West

Girls Soccer

ChaminadeMadonna

12/12

W, 8-0

Basilica

Boys Basketball

First Baptist Academy

12/12

W, 71-19

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Moore Haven

12/12

L, 68-62

Marathon

Girls Soccer

Florida Christian

12/12

L, 4-0

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

Palmer Trinity

12/12

L, 9-1

Marathon

Girls Basketball

Westminster Christian

12/12

L, 64-28

Key West

Girls Soccer

South Fork

12/13

T, 2-2

Basilica

Boys Basketball

Calusa Prep

12/13

W, 68-64

Key West

Boys Soccer

St. Thomas Aquinas

12/13

L, 3-2

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

DEC. 18 - DEC. 25

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

12/18

Coral Shores

Wrestling

Marathon

1 p.m.

12/18

Key West

Girls & Boys Soccer

Silver Palms

4 p.m.

12/18

Marathon

Boys Basketball

@ Palmer Trinity

7:30 p.m.

12/18

Key West

Boys Basketball

Mater Brickell Academy

3 p.m.

12/18

Marathon

Girls Basketball

@ True North

3:30 p.m.

12/19

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

@ Silver Palms

4 p.m.

12/19

Coral Shores

Competition Cheer

Key West

2 p.m.

12/19

All Keys teams

Wrestling

@ Key West Invitational

4:30 p.m.

12/19

Marathon

Boys Basketball

@ Palmer Tourney

TBA

12/19

Key West

Boys Basketball

@ Palmer Tourney

TBA

12/20

All Keys teams

Wrestling

@ Key West Invitational

9:30 a.m.

12/20

Key West

Boys Soccer

Sheridan Hills Christian

10:30 a.m.

12/20

Marathon

Boys Basketball

@ Palmer Tourney

TBA

12/20

Key West

Boys Basketball

@ Palmer Tourney

TBA

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

James

OSBORNE

Senior, Key West Basketball

Osborne has been doing it all for us lately – scoring, facilitating and defending. His presence on the ﬂoor is unmatched. The guys really look up to him and he’s doing his part as our leader and captain.” — Tommy Butler Jr., Conchs head coach

46 points in one game

1ST in points in 4A division

When Key West’s James Osborne steps onto the court, he is a game-changer. Last week, Osborne dropped 24 points on Marathon and another 19 on St. Brendan. The week prior, he went on a tear, scoring 32 in one contest and an awe-inspiring 46 in another to tie the Conch record for most points scored by a single athlete in a single game – a mark that had stood for more than 30 years. The talented senior is averaging over 23 points per game and has logged six doubledoubles at the halfway point of the season, ranking him in the top 20 in the state and first in 4A. For his sensational scoring, dedication to the sport and phenomenal leadership, James Osborne is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week. Photo by MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

ON THE COVER

DECEMBER 18

Coral Shores’ Jordan Brown goes up strong against Basilica School’s Noah Wright in a Dec. 9 showdown in the Upper Keys. See page 8. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / DECEMBER 18, 2025 SPORTS WRITER

tracy mcdonald 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.

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.

PUT TO TH Soccer squads seeking momentum

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

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Business Development

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Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

sean mcdonald grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.

MARKET EDITORS

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

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

he Coral Shores Hurricanes suffered a trio of soccer losses last week, first to Key West on Dec. 8 by a score of 9-1. The lone Hurricane goal came from Armando Picado. Two days later, Somerset Silver Palms shut out the ’Canes in an 8-0 defeat. For their final game of the week, the ’Canes lost to Palmer Trinity 9-1. Freshman Finn Chesler, assisted by classmate Jackson Keller, scored for Coral Shores to prevent a Falcon shutout in the Dec. 12 home match. Marathon’s gentlemen stand at 5-5 at the season’s halfway point after a split week of action. On Dec. 8, the Dolphins traveled to Franklin Academy, losing 3-0 after their charter bus caught fire – thankfully with no injuries. Two days later, the Fins had better luck, both with the transportation and the outcome of the game. Marathon beat BridgePrep Academy 3-1. Giordani Prieto scored 2, one off a free kick, and Aiden McIntyre scored the third. Goalkeeper

DECEMBER 18, 2025 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

HE TEST 7

Photos by Marc Serota, Jennifer Searcy and Tracy McDonald

9 10 Tiago Rivero kept the Dolphins in the game by blocking a Panther penalty kick. Key West added one win and one loss to its record last week, starting with its win over Coral Shores. The Conchs scored early and often against the Hurricanes, with nine different athletes netting goals. Sonny Bowden, Owen Lindley, Loubins Fleuridor, Sebastian Camargo, Nico Sulak, Lorvensky Lyncy, Evens Louis, Brady Wright and Nathan Godlewski each added a goal to their stats. Camargo assisted on two other goals while Lindley, Sulak and Louis each added one assist to the team total. Chase Hoffman assisted on one and Kieran Smith two in the mercy-rule win. A Dec. 13 matchup against a formidable St. Thomas Aquinas resulted in a 3-2 loss. Evens Louis scored once, assisted by Camargo, and a well-orchestrated throw-in from Smith ricocheted off the St. Thomas keeper for the second goal.

1. Coral Shores’ Kayla Serota (13) dribbles the ball away from Marathon’s Fantine Mendez. 2. Saydie Hendrix (3) boots the ball away from Marathon’s Allison Helms. 3. Avea Jackson (4) and Bayley Catarineau (14) celebrate a Hurricane goal against Marathon on Dec. 10. 4. Bayley Catarineau receives a pass. 5. Marathon’s Daniuska Perdomo (3) and Coral Shores’ Sammy Bates compete for ball control. 6. Marathon’s Giordani Prieto. 7. Goalkeeper Mary Searcy reaches for a save. 8. Lily Andrew (5) ﬁghts for possession with a South Fork player on Dec. 13. 9. Chaos erupts in front of the Key West goal as keeper Mary Searcy stays ready. 10. Marathon goalkeeper Tiago Rivero.

Girls The Lady Conchs moved to 6-2-3 on the season, fueled by a pair of wins and a tie last week. On Dec. 9, Key West traveled to Florida Christian, where they handed the Patriots a 7-0 loss. Madison Kilduff scored two goals and assisted on another to lead the way. Gabriella Rodriguez, Alondra Montilla, Keira Feitz, Alyssandra Camargo and Lily Baxter each netted one and Baxter was credited with a pair of assists in the win. Dec. 12 was more of the same for the red-hot Conchs. Key West beat Chaminade-Madonna on the road, handing the Lions an 8-0 loss. The following day proved to be more of a challenge. South Fork traveled from Stuart to take on Key West in an aggressive match, resulting in a 2-2 tie. Maicee Gage and Kilduff scored one apiece and goalkeeper Mary Searcy kept the team in the game with some outstanding saves. The Lady Fins added another win to their record last week. The team did not allow their burning bus to affect their game against Franklin Academy on Dec. 8, as Marathon defeated the Panthers 2-0. Chloe Rodriguez scored the first goal unassisted, and Shilo Yeider netted the second off a Dani Perdomo assist. On Dec. 10, the Fins lost at home to Coral Shores, 8-0. Two days later, they fell to Florida Christian in a 4-0 road loss to bring the team to a 2-6-1 record. In their match against Marathon, Coral Shores’ girls peppered the goal with 34 shots. Eight made it into the net, with two coming from the dynamic duo of Kai Redruello and Lela Goodrich. Redruello scored the points, assisted by some impressive Goodrich throw-ins. Bayley Catarineau capitalized on some chaos in front of the net to score one, then Jenna Mandozzi made good on a corner kick. Saydie Hendrix scored two while Avea Jackson and Sammy Bates accounted for the rest of the Lady ’Canes’ goals. Grace Goodwin, Mya Champigny, Kayla Serota, Gia Champigny and Noelle Engelmeyer controlled the back line, preventing the Dolphins from coordinating a legitimate scoring threat while goalkeepers Ally Rosendale and Sophie Stevenson combined time in goal for the shutout. The win made it two in a row for Coral Shores, but a strong Gulliver squad ended the streak when they handed the Hurricanes a 2-0 loss on Dec. 12.

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / DECEMBER 18, 2025

FINE TUNING Teams polish routines for upcoming regional and state competitions

ith less than a month to go before regionals, Keys competitive cheer teams are putting the final touches on their routines. On Dec. 12, the Hurricanes and Conchs met in The Back Yard at Key West High School for a friendly competition to help one another polish their performances. In the sport of competitive cheerleading, teams have 2-1/2 minutes to perform a routine scored on a variety of categories, including technique, difficulty, choreography and showmanship. Key West has a long tradition of success in the sport, and Marathon fielded a team in 2018, but this year marks Coral Shores’ first season and coach Samantha Rodriguez could not be more excited for the upcoming regional competition. “Our competition cheer season has been going really well,” Rodriguez said. “The athletes have been working extremely hard every day to clean up routines and make sure everything is looking sharp and consistent. We still have a few head-to-head competitions coming up, which will be 1. Coral Shores and Key West competitive cheer squads pose for a group photo after their head-to-head competition on Dec. 12.

great opportunities to see where we stand and continue improving before we head to Stuart for regionals.” Unlike most sports in Florida, competitive cheerleading teams are not classified by the size of a school. Instead, a team’s classification is determined by the number of athletes on the squad, whether they include gymnastic tumbling and whether the team is all-female or co-ed. Because of this, teams do not have district contests and often do head-tohead competitions at nearby schools where routines are judged and teams can use the critiques to ready themselves for regionals. Last season, Key West made the cut at regionals and then reached state, where they finished seventh in the small non-tumbling category. This season, both Key West and Coral Shores will compete at South Fork High School for regionals with hopes for a bid to the state championship event in Lakeland on Jan. 22-23.

2. Hurricane cheerleaders perform the pyramid portion of their routine.

3. Coral Shores cheerleaders perform their routine as Key West’s squad looks on. Photos contributed

DECEMBER 18, 2025 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / DECEMBER 18, 2025

BATTLE ON THE BOARDS Hoops action heats up as teams reach halfway point of regular season

2 3

he Lady Conchs have worked hard in the last few seasons to rebuild their basketball program, and the fruits of their labor are paying off. For the first time since the 2020-2021 season, Key West’s girls have won back-to-back games, starting with an especially sweet one. Neighboring rival Marathon visited on Dec. 9, and the Conchs pulled off a 46-45 win over the Dolphins. Lilee Gage and Damarla Thompson scored 13 points each while Raegen Graham added 10 to the total. Colleen Barter scored 5 and pulled down 8 rebounds to overcome the Dolphins for Key West’s first win of the season. The team picked up its second win on the road against True North on Dec. 11, beating the Titans 29-22 to make it a streak. Thompson led the scoring with 8 points and 14 rebounds. Jasminabonu Ibodilloeva scored 6 and Barter 4 in the win.

In Marathon’s loss to Key West, Daysi Williams scored 15 and Shaina Robinson 12. The Lady Fins went on to lose two more, including a Dec. 11 matchup with St. Brendan. Robinson dropped 16 of the team’s 25 total, then she and Williams combined to score all of the team’s points against Westminster Christian in a Dec. 12 loss to the Warriors. Williams had 15 while Robinson scored 13. Coral Shores’ girls team split the week, starting with a tough loss to Keys Gate on Dec. 8. Presley Bagwell scored 10 and Melanie Estevez had 7 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks in the 70-25 loss. The following night, they hosted Basilica School with a better outcome. Estevez led the charge with 22 points while Julia Miranda added 16. Niveah Howard scored 8 and Kimmie Kearns logged 5 rebounds with London Atkins adding 7 steals and a block in the 58-15 win.

Boys Key West added two wins to its record, making it three in a row for the Conchs. On Dec. 9, the team hosted Marathon, beating the Dolphins 58-48 behind a strong performance from James Osborne. He registered 24 points, 11 rebounds and 3 steals against the Fins, but the senior standout didn’t do it alone. Jaxen Cabrera and Zach Levering added 9 points each, with Levering grabbing 10 rebounds and adding a pair of blocks. The following night at St. Brendan School, Osborne was good for 19, and his 10 rebounds made it his fourth

double-double in as many games. Levering also recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds and Judson Snider added 9 in the 64-62 win. Marathon endured a week full of challenges, beginning with the loss to Key West and ending with two against district rivals. In Key West, Briggs Roberts had the team high with 11 points while Jack Chapman scored 9, Drew Suarez 8 and Josh Koler 6. Koler pulled down 6 rebounds and had 4 blocks and Chapman had 4 steals in the loss. continued on page 10

1. Coral Shores’ Sergio Avelar and Basilica’s Noah Wright battle for control. 2. The Hurricanes react to a Jack O’Keefe basket. 3. Coral Shores’ Sergio Avelar plays tight defense on Alex Bouttier. 4. Tomas Gonzalez and Nate Garbutt defend their basket from Noah Wright. 5. Sergio Avelar takes a shot from downtown. 6. Jaxen Cabrera goes up for a layup. 7. Judson Snider runs up the court. 8. Jack Chapman shoots a 3-pointer while Zach Levering tries to block him. 9. James Osborne goes for a layup while Giorvis Zamora tries to block him. 10. Zach Levering goes up for a layup while Josh Koler blocks the shot. 11. Briggs Roberts shoots a free throw.

DECEMBER 18, 2025 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

7 8

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / DECEMBER 18, 2025

from page 8

Two nights later, the Fins went on a road trip to test their mettle against district foes Fort Meade and Moore Haven. Fort Meade beat the Dolphins 56-38 despite solid performances by Chapman, who had 13 points and 7 rebounds, and Roberts, who scored 9 with 8 rebounds. Koler sank 6 before going down with an injury, which hampered the Dolphins against the Miners, but really took its toll the following night when the team took on the Terriers of Moore Haven. Marathon’s eight-man crew, down one player and hours from home, matched up well against the Terriers, forcing the teams into double overtime. By the final buzzer of the second overtime period, three Fins had fouled out, leaving just

four to finish the game, making the 68-62 loss especially frustrating. Chapman was the top scorer again with 19. Suarez scored 18, Giorvis Zamora added 10 and Graham Murphy scored 8. Coral Shores lost two last week, first to Basilica School in a Dec. 9 home matchup. Sergio Avelar scored 18 points with a pair of steals and Jack O’Keefe put up 12 points, but a tenacious Mariners crew outscored the Hurricanes 58-53. The following night, Coral Shores fell to Somerset South Homestead, and the team’s hopes of ending the three-game slide were cut short when a game against struggling Palm Glades Prep was canceled. The ’Canes will have to wait until after the holiday break to even up their 3-4 record.

Basilica School remains unbeaten after adding three wins to a now 4-0 record. In the first game of the week, the Mariners were able to combine hustle and high energy to overcome the Hurricanes. Alex Bouttier scored 22 points and Noah Wright added another 14 to lead the charge in the intracounty win. On Dec. 12, Basilica paid a visit to Cooper City to take on First Baptist Academy, defeating the Lions 71-19. Bouttier dropped 24 and Jacob Miracle added 9 in the lopsided win. Their next victim, Calusa Prep, proved to be a bit more challenging, but 15 points from Julio Valero, 14 from Wright and another 13 from Miracle helped the Mariners seal the 68-64 victory and secure the team’s unblemished record.

12 16

14 15

12. Sutton Sayer shoots a 3-pointer while Jasmina Ibodilloeva tries to block the shot. 13. Lilee Gage goes for a layup. 14. Reagan Graham shoots a jump shot. 15. Shaina Robinson goes for a layup. 16. Colleen Barter goes for a layup. Photos by Maicey Malgrat and Doug Finger

DECEMBER 18, 2025 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

Justice Lee Isom. NATALIE DANKO/ Keys Weekly

Keys’ most powerful ladies shine as postseason nears

ey West’s lady lifters remain unbeaten in intracounty competition after Marathon paid a visit on Dec. 10. High school weightlifting competitions are fairly straightforward – there are two events, and athletes can compete in one or both. The Olympic competition consists of the total of an athlete’s best lifts on the clean and jerk and snatch. Each athlete gets three opportunities to clear each lift. The traditional event is fairly similar, but the snatch is replaced with the bench press. The Lady Conchs outlifted the Fins in both the Olympic and traditional events. Key West’s Keily Cardona-Quiche, Caylee Moore, Camila Linares and Aaliyah McLeod were double winners, taking first place in both competitions in their weight classes. Althea Olsen and Courtney Ward split their class,

with Olsen winning traditional and Ward taking Olympic. Monea McLeod and Sofia Nafrere split their class as well, with McLeod winning in Olympic and Nafrere winning the traditional event. For Marathon, Ella Evans, Sofia Konyk, Adelle Bainbridge and Justice Lee Isom were all double winners in their weight classes. Lee Isom was the top overall lifter in the Olympic competition while Evans was No. 1 in traditional lifts. The top lifter is determined via an algorithm which takes an athlete’s body weight and best lifts into consideration. Evans, who competes in the 119-pound class, benched 155 pounds and clean and jerked 150 to boost her score in the traditional event. Lee Isom competed in the 183-pound class and clean and jerked 200 pounds and snatched 165 to rise to the top in the Olympic competition. Both athletes are state

medalists with eyes on more hardware this season. While the Conchs and Fins were dueling it out in Key West, Coral Shores headed north to Gulliver Prep for a meet with Everglades Prep the same day. The Hurricanes easily won the top spot in both events. Emily Hurt, Mira Jones, Karla Guitierrez, Grace Patterson, Lily Ooms, Elaina Kerns and Vanessa Gabriel were all double winners for Coral Shores. Gabriel was the top lifter overall in both the traditional and Olympic events. Gabriel snatched 115 pounds, cleaned 155 and benched 165 in the Unlimited weight class for the wins. District competitions begin next month, and the season culminates Feb. 11-13 in Lakeland, where the Keys’ strongest young women will test their strength against the rest of Florida.

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / DECEMBER 18, 2025

BEAST MODE Trio of Conch wrestlers go undefeated at Bear Down Duals

he Southernmost grapplers participated in the Bear Down Duals at Mater Lakes Academy on Dec. 13, finishing 3-2. The Conchs destroyed Miami Norland 72-9 and beat Immokalee 5624 and Mater Lakes’ B squad 63-24. Mater’s A squad outscored Key West 58-17 and Miami Southwest bested them 53-29. On the girls side, Yannesie Corrales was undefeated at Mater after registering a pair of wins. For the boys, Michael Guzman went 5-0 at the meet. Also unbeaten was Key West’s big man, Allens Alexandre, who capped off a week in which he received his second collegiate offer for football with a 4-0 day on the mats. Sandy Horn went 4-1 and Kyle Condela and Richardson Aristerne were both 3-2. This week, Coral Shores will host Marathon on Dec. 18, then all three of Monroe County’s wrestling programs will be represented at Key West’s tournament on Dec. 19 and 20. Key West wrestler Landon Shaw goes to work at the Bear Down Duals. PROMETHEUS DELACERDA/Contributed

DECEMBER 18, 2025 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

FISHING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (District IV Representative) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a District IV Fishing Advisory Committee Representative (between the Long Key Bridge and Mile Marker 90.939) Must reside full-time in the Florida Keys and have a fishing-related business, or represent and have knowledge of fishing tournaments that utilize/ request funding from the specific bed tax district that the applicant will represent. Any person wishing to participate on the Fishing Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below: Department FAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above email address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026. A resume may be attached to the application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm the email was received. Publish: December 18, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

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

NOTICE OF ACTION RE: MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC MONROE County, Florida NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE PROCESS TO: Unit Owner(s) Last Known Address Unit Week(s) Amount due: Gary R Albritton and Vicki L Albritton 7618 Krupp Road Belding, MI 48809 C 201/23 $1,521.08 Manuel Cantero and Maria Cantero Calle 37 Num 64-15 Medellin, Colombia C201/24 $3,269.53 Carol Cole 136 NW 10th Court Boynton Beach, FL 33426 C101/04 $1,521.10 C101/05 $1,521.10 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED of an action for non-judicial foreclosure of timeshare units on the Claim of Lien on the following described real property, located in MONROE County, Florida, to-wit: Unit Numbers and Annual Timeshare Use Periods (as set forth above) in MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB CONDOMINIUM II, and all appurtenances thereto, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, as recorded in Official Records Book 859, Page 786 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and all amendments and exhibits thereto. has been filed against you. If you fail to cure the default as set forth in this notice or take other appropriate action with regard to this foreclosure matter, you risk losing ownership of your timeshare interest through the trustee foreclosure procedure established in Section 721.855, Florida Statutes. You may choose to sign and send to the trustee an objection form, exercising your right to object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure. If you would like an Objection form, you should contact the undersigned Trustee, Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire, in writing. Upon the trustee’s receipt of your signed objection form, the foreclosure of the lien with respect to the default specified in this notice shall be subject to the judicial foreclosure procedure only. You have the right to cure your default in the manner set forth in this notice at any time before the trustee’s sale of your timeshare interest. Objections must be made in writing to: Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire TRUSTEE FOR MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC 201 Fletcher Avenue, Second Floor Sarasota, FL 34237 within 30 days of the first date of publication of this Notice. If you do not object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure, you will not be subject to a deficiency judgment even if the proceeds from the sale of your timeshare interest are insufficient to offset the amounts secured by the lien. Dated this 10th day of DECEMBER, 2025. Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire, TRUSTEE TRUSTEE for MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC Publish: December 18 & 25, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM FRANCIS KELLY II Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of William Francis Kelly, II, deceased, whose date of death was October 12, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. 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 18, 2025. Personal Representative: Melody Spiering Kelly 777 23rd St., Gulf Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: December 18 & 25, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

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, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: December 18, 2025. Personal Representative: Janet J. Schneider 1132 Bulevar De Palmas Marathon, FL 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Brad A. Galbraith Florida Bar No. 0494291 Galbraith Weatherbie Law PLLC 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 410 Naples, FL 34108 Telephone: 239.325.2300 E-Mail Addresses: bgalbraith@gwtrust.law ewhittier@gwtrust.law Publish: December 18 & 25, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

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 18, 2025. Personal Representative: Hana Hoza Jacobs 79 Sunset Shores Rd. Center Conway, New Hampshire 03813 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: December 18 & 25, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is hereby given that on January 5th, 2026, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Steele, Sarah 1272, 1327 Neuzill, Bill 1557 Thoman, Catherine 1598 Cox, Michael 1426 Publish: December 18 & 25, 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 5TH day of January 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit B204 of TAMARIND BAY CLUB, A CONDOMINIUM, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, as recorded in Official Records Book 840, Page 2213 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and any amendments thereto, together with its undivided shares in the Common Elements (the “Property”). Pursuant to FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 24TH day of September 2025 Style of which is: TAMARIND BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA NON-PROFIT CORPORATION Plaintiff VS. MARISA MORVILLO AND KEYS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CA156-P WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 20TH day of November 2025 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: December 18 & 25, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-533-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS

IN THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-534-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM P. SCHNEIDER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of William P. Schneider, deceased, whose date of death was August 11, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-557-K DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF BOZENA HOZA Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Bozena Hoza, deceased, whose date of death was September 25, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

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

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

BOAT MISC. FOR SALE Two 425 XTO Yamaha outboard motors for sale. Low hours, excellent condition, professionally maintained. $25,000 for both. Located in Marathon. Call for details 3 0 5 - 7 4 7 - 4 2 2 7 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. 3 0 5 - 6 1 0 - 8 0 0 2 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 Fullers Insurance is looking for a Customer Service Rep. or Agent. Hours are 8-5 Mon-Fri. Paid holidays and health insurance. Apply in person at 1432 Kennedy Dr. Key West or email resumé to norman@ fullersinsurance.com. Boat rental company in Marathon looking for help with boat detailing & boat cleaning. Call 305-481-7006 Now Hiring in Key West: Vacation Sales Coordinators. Up to $2,000 Sign-On Bonus. Please contact Brea.RollinsSimms@vacationclub. com for more information!

SUDOKU SOLUTION

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / DECEMBER 18, 2025

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 EMPLOYMENT The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Grounds Caretaker, 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. S e r v e / B a r t e n d on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer serviceoriented 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. 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 HIRED!! 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.

NOW HIRING IN KEY WEST

WE ARE HIRING Cake Decorator Early Morning Baker (4am-10am) Cashier/Server Apply in person at: Vicky Bakery 97630 Overseas Highway (mm 97) Key Largo, FL 33037 KeyLargo@VickyBakery.com

Burton Memorial United Methodist Church

HIRING CHURCH SECRETARY This position is ideal for someone who enjoys serving others, maintains strong attention to detail, and can manage a variety of administrative tasks with professionalism and grace. - Strong communication & interpersonal skills - Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks independently - Proficiency with basic office software (Word, Excel, Email) - Prior office or administrative experience preferred - Handling confidential information with integrity Part-time, 3-4 days per week, $20 per hour If you feel called to serve in this role, please contact burtonchurchpersonnel@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you!

NOW HIRING FULL TIME POSITION

BOOKKEEPING Amazing benefits available that include: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Long Term/Short Term Disability, 10+ PAID Holidays PLUS Vacation & Sick Pay, 401K Plan Available, Paid Insurance Licensing/Training, Paid Continuing Education & Bonus Potential (Profit Sharing).

HOUSING FOR RENT

Apply by email Jennifer.Roth@ReganRoth.com

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

VACATION RENTAL Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet CarolineSeaport.com

VACATION SALES COORDINATORS UP TO $2,000 SIGN-ON BONUS! Please contact Brea.Rollins-Simms@vacationclub.com for more information!

Regan Roth Insurance, 90144 Overseas Highway, Tavernier.

Family-owned business that will treat you like family!

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician) Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hr. - $51.94/hr. For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

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

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

SUNSET GRILLE NOW HIRING BARTENDERS WAIT STAFF - HOST/HOSTESS BUS PERSONS Apply in person at

SUNSET GRILLE & RAW BAR 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!

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.

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 benefits and retirement system. Paid holiday, vacation and sick time. Applicants must fill out the online preliminary application at: www.keysso.net Applicants may contact Charles Slebodnick at 305-292-7044. EEO/AAP

IN THE UPPER KEYS

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Generation Department:

P R I V A T E C O L L E C T O R WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

NIGHT MONITOR - FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility in Marathon. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/

IS HIRING

NOW HIRING! GUEST SERVICES STAFF (Full-Time, Permanent) GUEST SERVICES STAFF (Part-Time, Weekend) DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

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

IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR

SIGN TECHNICIAN Experience preferred. CDL required. Applicant must apply in person at: MARATHON ELECTRIC SIGN & LIGHT

10690 Aviation Boulevard Marathon, Florida 33050

DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program, in addition to, life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. EOE

COME JOIN THE FAMILY!

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL

DECEMBER 18, 2025 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of “Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

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. Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!! Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip

DUI FRONT DESK CLERK & EVALUATOR/INSTRUCTOR The Advocate Program DUI school is hiring for part time positions. Front desk: 3 days a week, high school diploma and computer data entry skills required. DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse field required. Office 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

We’re HIRING!

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

KEY WEST Controller Full Time Teller Information Technology Technician II

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 LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net

***Sara's Bonus Puzzle***

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