MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
“But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight: ‘Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.’”
Dec. 25, 2025 ROGOs GET THE GREEN LIGHT Keys receive 300 units Jan. 1 | P.4 BREAKING GROUND KCB starts City Hall rebuild | P.6
THE SHOW GLOWS ON Boat parades shine through the rain | P.26
Happy Holidays
Santa heard you want to sell your house for Christmas… as… and he said: “Call Keys Nate!” 230 13th St. Key Colony Beach, FL
NATE BARTLETT | 305-802-NATE(6283) NATE 305-802-NATE(6283) || WWW WWW.KEYSNATE.COM .KEYSNATE.COM
|
YOUTUBE YOUTUBE.COM@KEYSNATEREALTOR .COM@KEYSNATEREALTOR
11
¢
2
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 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 SOLD!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SELLER!
11600 1ST AVENUE GULF, #61, MARATHON RICK SERVAIS
305.731.5010
MONICA BARRETT
305.433.0349
ServaisBarrettRealEstateTeam.com
JUST LISTED!
133 COCO PLUM DRIVE, 35, MARATHON
ASKING PRICE $499,000 | 1 BEDROOM | 1 BATH
SAM WILLIAMS, P.A.
call or text 305.942.6069 | www.midkeyshomes.com | #sellitwithsam
JUST LISTED!
360 12TH STREET, KEY COLONY BEACH
ASKING PRICE $4,000,000 | 5 BEDROOMS | 5.5 BATHS
JESSICA BORRACCINO
305.289.6503 | flkeysvacationrents@gmail.com
JUST SOLD!
CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SELLER!
1545 52ND STREET, MARATHON
SAM WILLIAMS, P.A.
call or text 305.942.6069 | www.midkeyshomes.com | #sellitwithsam
JUST LISTED!
219 SOMBRERO BEACH ROAD, 2, MARATHON
ASKING PRICE $1,445,000 | 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHS
JENNIFER HAMILL
jhamill@cbschmitt.com| 305.393.1993
JUST LISTED!
227 S ANGLERS DRIVE, #302, MARATHON
ASKING PRICE $765,000 | 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHS
SAM WILLIAMS, P.A.
call or text 305.942.6069 | www.midkeyshomes.com | #sellitwithsam
Proudly serving the Keys for 70 years
building trust, creating homes, and strengthening community.
3
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
You've got goals. We’ve got the right plan to help.
WE SELL HOUSES!
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
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
8301 MARINA VILLA DRIVE 2 BD 2 BA | Private | Elevator MLS #615539 | $699,000
KRISTEN BRENNER Principal Broker 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
4
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
50 MILLION
9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com
Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” sold 50 million physical singles, making it the best-selling physical single of all time, according to Guinness World Records. The song debuted on Crosby’s weekly radio program, “Kraft Music Hall,” on Christmas Day in 1941.
‘Picatso’ by Jennifer and Greg Garner battles the deluge at the 2025 Boot Key Harbor Boat Parade. See page 27. ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly
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.
POSTMASTER:
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050
News Deadline Tuesday Noon
Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.
@KeysWeekly @theWeekly
Members of
NEW YEAR, NEW BUILDS
Governor, Cabinet greenlight first round of 300 units for the Keys ALEX RICKERT
KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO.
alex@keysweekly.com
A
new wave of building rights is officially heading to the Florida Keys at the start of 2026. Out of 900 new units greenlit by Senate Bill 180, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in June, an initial batch of 300 will be available for distribution by Keys governments starting Jan. 1. Following the 10-year timeline set forth in the bill, a new group of 150 units will then be released every two years, reaching the full quota by 2035. New units will be proportionally split among Keys governments based on the number of vacant buildable lots in each, prioritizing owner-occupied affordable and workforce housing – 72 for Islamorada, 36 for Key West, 135 for Marathon and 657 for unincorporated Monroe County over the next decade. While SB 180 passed at the close of Florida’s 2025 legislative session, Keys governments have effectively been in limbo for the last six months over the logistics of accepting and distributing the new units, made possible by increasing the mandated hurricane evacuation time for Keys residents from 24 to 24.5 hours. The uncertainty was finally answered in a Dec. 17 meeting of DeSantis and his Cabinet, during which the Administration Commission approved a recommendation for distributing the new rights by Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly.
The group gave direction to the Florida Department of Commerce to collaborate with each Keys government to modify their comprehensive plans and land development regulations, if needed, to accept the new units. Some jurisdictions, like Marathon, have language already inserted that allows for acceptance of new units approved by the Florida Legislature. Others have amendments already underway. The 2026 Florida legislative session may bring changes to contested aspects of the law. But as originally passed, the law restricts the new rights to just one per vacant buildable lot, calling into question the feasibility of affordable housing projects like duplexes or multifamily developments. The number of lots left available to build is still a slight point of contention, as analyses conducted by the Department of Commerce and Keys governments point to 1,610 or 1,700 eligible parcels, respectively. Individual governments are now tasked with setting their own rate of distribution for the new units, following months and years of slowing new building rights to a trickle. The Department of Commerce memo acknowledged that 636 unused building rights, including 363 designated earlyevacuation workforce housing units, are also still available for use, the majority of which belong to unincorporated Monroe.
5
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
from the Crew at Marathon Seawalls & Docks
Lic#ENG II 300C
AC DC LAND CRANE Now part of the Marathon Seawalls & Docks family
Experience the best in marine construction from the longest running, most trusted contractor in the Florida Keys.
305.289.9393
WHAT WE DO • Complete Marine Construction • Docks • Boulder Walls • Seawalls • House Foundations • Vinyl Sheets • Boat Lift Installation • Dredging • Auger Cast Injection Piles
LET US DO THE HEAVY LIFTING! www.marathonseawalls.com
6
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
T
FINALLY
Key Colony Beach breaks ground on new City Hall
he long and winding journey may have had a few “false starts,” as Key Colony Beach Mayor Freddie Foster called them, but on the morning of Dec. 19, city leaders, residents, staff and invited dignitaries gathered to celebrate the official groundbreaking on a remodeled and expanded City Hall. “This project has been through some birthing and growing paints in the years since Hurricane Irma,” Foster told guests. “At one time, we were led to believe that our existing building was damaged beyond repair. As you can see, we’re going to be in good shape.” “I wanted to put a word out to the residents and say thank you for all your patience,” said Secretary/Treasurer Tom Harding. “We went through a lot of changes, but I think we have a great team now working with our commissioners and staff.” Following damage from Irma, the hall was previously scheduled for a complete demolition and $8.4 million rebuild, approved in a controversial 3-2 vote in 2023. But the project later changed course after residents filed a lawsuit challenging the decision and then-commissioners Beth Ramsay-Vickrey and Patti Trefry, both proponents of the rebuild, resigned from the city commission.
3
ALEX RICKERT
alex@keysweekly.com
The new vision, a 12,400-square-foot overhaul, will leave the bones of the existing building in place, hardening the current Marble Hall and post office while building a two-story, 4,200-square-foot addition to the current hall’s south side. The new build will include a fitness center, office and conference spaces, and a new lobby with an ADA entrance. The upper floor will house the city’s building and police departments and can serve as a functional Emergency Operations Center during storms. Additional re-roofing, landscaping, a new patio and a raised and re-striped parking lot, along with generator power, will complete the project. The projected cost for the build, completed by chosen contractor Pedro Falcon, sits at $5.5 million, partially offset by a $2.28 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The contractor has 273 days, until September 2026, to reach substantial completion. “My grandfather, Phil Sadowski, developed this island, and it goes way back to the early ’50s,” said guest speaker Mike Puto. “You all have done a phenomenal job, it’s a beautiful city, and I know he’d be very, very proud.”
1
2
4
5
1. New signs paint a picture of the completed Key Colony Beach City Hall rebuild.
3. Key Colony Beach Mayor Freddie Foster welcomes guests to the groundbreaking.
2. Accompanied by Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln, second from right, the Key Colony Beach City Commission finally ‘moves some dirt.’ From left: Secretary/Treasurer Tom Harding, Mayor Freddie Foster, Commissioner Kirk Diehl, Lincoln and Vice Mayor Doug Colonell.
4. ‘Mr. Marathon’ Mike Puto recalls his family’s history in developing the island.
5. Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo, center, joins the Key Colony Beach commission for the official groundbreaking. Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
7
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
MichelleWiningersells@gmail.com MichelleWininger.com 860.707.5389
With over $125 million in sales and pending across Florida Keys and Connecticut, I offer a dual-market advantage—connecting buyers and sellers to exceptional Middle Keys homes.
116 N Indies Dr, Duck Key
Connect Coonnn Co nne neecct ct with wititth wi h Us! Us ! Us
New Price $1,795,000 | 4 Bedroom | 4 Bathroom
890 79th Street, Ocean
Keys@AmericanCoastalRentals.com
305-743-6881 Asking Price $849,900 | 3 Bedroom | 3 Bathroom
Noteworthy Sale of 2025
Abby Abby y Stofko Stofk f o fk Compliance Manager
Leslie Christensen Owner Own w er wn
Oscar Osca ar
392 E Seaview Drive, Duck Key | Sold for $3.4M 11050 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL
8
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
REDEFINING DINING 1 2
3
Rhum House vision: high quality, affordable Keys cuisine JEN ALEXANDER
I
www.keysweekly.com
n the center of the laid-back island of Grassy Key lies a restaurant that’s re-establishing its place among the top high-end culinary offerings of the Middle Keys. Entrepreneur Matt Sexton might be known for his ties to the action sports community and for creating a “ski resort with palm trees” at Grassy Flats Resort – but when it comes to his on-site eatery, the vision is to provide a high-quality dining experience that celebrates world-renowned cuisine, local fishermen and the distinct Florida Keys food culture. At the center of that vision is the Rhum House, offering sweeping waterfront views to complement its distinct upstairs companion with its own dishes, the Palm Deck rooftop bar. The entire establishment is entering a new chapter with a revamped menu, a rebuilt space, and the introduction of its new executive chef, John DeLoach. “We are elevating the dining experience by making true, fresh Keys ingredients accessible and affordable,” said DeLoach. “It’s about including our local seafood, produce and flavors and serving it without the premium price tag, ensuring every family, local or visitor, can enjoy the best of the Keys.” The Rhum House is part of the Grassy Key Resort Group and the broader Florida Keys Waterman’s family of businesses. Sexton, a former professional kiteboarder and wakeboarder, initially developed his first restaurant to complement the Lagoon on Grassy Key, a wakeboard and adventure park less than a mile up the road. “What started as a practical necessity, which was to provide food at the adventure park to keep guests on the property longer, quickly became a passion project,” Sexton said. “This led us to the old Casa Del Sol hotel, where we transformed a four-bedroom house into a full dining room and rooftop bar. Our venue now hosts everything from casual diners to company parties and our fun fullmoon events.” Sexton’s vision for the Rhum House rejects the “fine dining” atmosphere of white tablecloths and high costs. Instead, he aims for a relaxed, authentic “Keysy” vibe – approachable enough
4
for guests to arrive in flip-flops, but with serious attention to technique and ingredients. Sexton said his menu is inspired by his extensive travels, surfing, fishing and kiteboarding in places like Baja and the Sea of Cortez, emphasizing local seafood and globally-influenced tapasstyle dishes designed for sharing. After a challenging year and a temporary closure last Labor Day for an extensive rebuild, the Rhum House has re-emerged with a distinct identity focused on equally serving the local community and tourists. Sexton’s mission was to create an affordable, genuine community fixture, ensuring it is a welcoming place where fishermen, charter captains and local families want to eat. This commitment is reflected in the heavy focus on local sourcing. “Tourists who come to the Keys expecting local seafood should actually get it from the Keys, not from other countries,” said Grassy Flats Resort COO Areta Brucic. “And the people landing that catch should have a place they’re proud to eat, too. That’s why Rhum House is working to buy all of its fish and stone crab ‘off the boat’ from local crews.” To further support this local push and to appeal to locals who prefer meat after a day on the water, Sexton opened the Grassy Key Land and Sea Market right next door, offering high-quality beef and proteins. The meats offered in the
1. The Rhum House and Palm Deck offer panoramic sunset views over a tranquil Atlantic Ocean. 2. The Futomaki Roll is a local favorite. 3. CEO Matt Sexton, COO Areta Brucic and executive chef John DeLoach pose in the Rhum House bar. 4. Rhum House signature cocktails include the Low Tide Quench, Grassy Flamingo and the Hugo Spritz. Photos by Jen Alexander and Keys Media Studio
market are the same beef options available in the restaurant. Sexton relies on long-time friend and butcher Mikey Shaner for these fine cuts. The new menu was developed in part by a high-powered culinary team including former Jimmy Buffett private chef Jason Casey, who helped ensure the dishes answer the question, “What do people actually want to eat when they come to the Florida Keys?” This collaboration resulted in dishes like the playful Jimmy’s Cuban Sliders (Cuban bread, shaved prosciutto, roasted pork, shaved swiss, dill pickles and dijonnaise) and the scrumptious Futomaki Roll, which combines high and low culinary elements to reflect the restaurant’s ideal guest – “a dirty pirate with expensive taste.” The final piece of the puzzle was securing DeLoach, an experienced, grounded and collaborative veteran. DeLoach readily embraced the restaurant’s commitment to using hyper-fresh, locally-sourced fish and market proteins. This careful combination of a clear identity, quality ingredients and a unified culinary vision has given the Rhum House its second life. “I’m a foodie and I love to experience different cuisines, have fun, enjoy some craft cocktails, share some apps and not break the bank every time I go out,” said Sexton. “That’s the goal with the Rhum House. I have an incredible team, whom I would be lost without. Come check us out!” The Rhum House is open Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 10 p.m. The Palm Deck, open Thursdays through Mondays from 4 to 9 p.m., has a happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. and live music from 5 to 8 p.m. More information is at therhumhouse.com or thepalmdeck.com.
9
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
Buy well. Sell well. Live well.
(305) 912-2177 TRACY@TRACYCHACKSFIELD.COM TRACYCHACKSFIELD.COM
FEATURED PROPERTY
PANORAMIC OPEN WATER VIEWS OVERSIZED 13,875 SF LOT
33 Kyle Way S, Marathon $2,395,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,480 SQ FT
ADDITIONAL 1480 SF GARAGE + STORAGE
AVAILABLE PROPERTIES Open Sat 11-1
SINGLE FAMILY HOME
Open Sun 11-1
30 FT OF DOCKAGE
37.5 FT OF DOCKAGE
97 Coral Ln, Key Colony Beach
290 4th St, Key Colony Beach
471 9th St, Key Colony Beach
$945,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,290 SQ FT
$899,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,185 SQ FT
$725,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA | 854 SQ FT
Open Sun 11-1
LARGEST SQUARE FOOTAGE
UNDER CONTRACT
UNDER CONTRACT
601 W Ocean Dr #407, Key Colony Beach
160 1st St, Key Colony Beach
501 11th St, Key Colony Beach
$625,000 | 2 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,475 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.
10
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
20
YEARS STRONG
Celebrate the Holidays at Tranquility Bay Join us throughout the holiday season for great food, festive drinks, and relaxed island vibes—whether you’re dining Butterfly Café or enjoying the ocean views at TJ’s Tiki Bar with a drink in hand.
LOCALS 15% OFF TRANQUILITY BAY BEACHFRONT RESORT 2600 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-7177 | tranquilitybay.com | @tranqbayresort
INSTALLATION DRIVEWAYS, POOL DECKS AND RETAINING WALLS CLEANING AND SEALING paverdaveinc.com License #SP3573
LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? JOIN OUR TEAM!
OPEN HOUSE
SAT. DEC 27TH & SUN. DEC 28TH 12-2PM
Breakfast Worth Waking Up For Dinner Worth Staying out For
Local Favorite
Voted Best Lunch Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Market | Monday - Saturday 6am - 9pm Brunch | Sunday 9am - 3pm Take Out Available
6950 Overseas Hwy, MM 51 | 305-743-9181
835 70th St. Gulf, Marathon 3 BD | 2 BA | 2,159 SF $1,898,000 Hosted by Jen Davis | 815.236.1328
ATING 20 YEAR R B E CEL OF EXCELLENT SERVICE S 12220 Overseas Highway Marathon
11
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
Wishing you the Spirit of Christmas, which is Peace, the Blessing of Christmas, which is hope, the Heart of Christmas, which is Love
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Mon - Fri 11am to Close | Sat & Sun 10am to Close
Merry Christmas from St. Columba Episcopal Church WE OFFER A COMMUNITY OF PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.
St. Columba Episcopal Church
Traditional Service 9am & Contemporary 11am
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
724
VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED
BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM • Unique & interesting menu • $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots
451 West 52nd St, Marathon Fl
LUNCH & DINNER Karen
KEY TO THE KEYS REAL ESTATE
Bill
• 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
305-743-2300
Karen Farley-Wilkinson, Bill Wilkinson
MAKE RESERVATIONS AT CASTAWAYFLORIDAKEYS.COM OR FACEBOOK PAGE CASTAWAY WATERFRONT RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR
12
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
ROSALIE | Santa should bring… Me: Pokemon cards – my favorite is Breloom. My mom & dad: New shirts with their favorite animals on them. My teacher (Ms. Knowlton): A cup that says “I Love Students.”
JAXSON | Santa should bring… Me: A TransFormer – a 3D-printed golden dragon. My mom & dad: Plants for my mom, she loves them, and fishing lures for wahoo for Dad. My teacher (Ms. Knowlton): A cup to drink her coffee.
CHRISTIAN | Santa should bring… Me: A Nerf gun. My mom & dad: The gift of their kids being good, and also their kids being good to them when we grow up. My teacher (Ms. Knowlton): Perfume, clothes and candles.
ZAIA | Santa should bring… Me: A new house. My mom, sister and grandma: Two new phones for my mom, because she has two already. A new room for my grandma. And a new Labubu for my sister – a purple one with a purple tooth. My teacher (Ms. Knowlton): A heart, because she’s the best teacher.
DARLENE | Santa should bring… Me: A flying thing with a controller. My mom, dad and brother: A new mug for my mom, a new lunchbox for work for my dad, and Hot Wheels cars for my brother. My teacher (Ms. Malorie): A Christmas mug with gingerbread all around, crumbs on the edges and icing on top.
MS. MALORIE Santa should bring my students: Craft supplies. They’ve been pretty good, and they don’t want candy – we’re crafty.
LUNA | Santa should bring… Me: A Gearjits marble coaster. My mom & dad: Any kind of jewelry for my mom, like colorful earrings, and anything to do with the Philadelphia Eagles for my dad. My teacher (Ms. Mandile): An “I Love Science” T-shirt.
JORDANNA | Santa should bring… Me: A ballet barre. My mom & dad: Blue perfume for my mom, she really likes it, and WWE action figures for my dad. My teacher (Ms. Mandile): New science equipment.
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
WISHES FROM THE NICE LIST Switlik kids make their Christmas recommendations
S
anta and his crew are probably pretty busy during “crunch time” up at the North Pole – but hey, nothing wrong with some last-minute requests, right? On Dec. 18, the Marathon Weekly paid a visit to classrooms at Stanley Switlik Elementary School. We asked little ones about their personal wish lists, along with what they’d like to see under the tree for their families and teachers.
13
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
MS. KNOWLTON Santa should bring my students: The love of reading, and some magic listening ears!
JORDAN | Santa should bring… Me: A Nerf gun. My teacher (Ms. Malorie): Flowers.
JULIAN | Santa should bring… Me: A drone with a camera. My mom & dad: A chainsaw to chop some trees down for my dad, and a new brush for my mom to brush her hair. My teacher (Ms. Malorie): A hand on a stick for pointing.
AUTUMN | Santa should bring… Me: A baby doll with clothes, a bottle and milk. My mom, dad and brother: Presents. They should all be purple. My teacher (Ms. Malorie): Another Santa hat, lunchboxes, water bottles and computers.
MS. MANDILE Santa should bring my students: More razzle-dazzle hair, we’ve been having fun with that this week. And we love science experiments that involve explosions.
SHEYLI | Santa should bring… Me: A science kit. My mom & dad: Perfume for both of them. My teacher (Ms. Dorestant): Teaching supplies.
CAILO | Santa should bring… Me: A BMX bike and electric scooter. My mom: Can he bring her money? She needs to buy stuff for herself too! My teacher (Ms. Dorestant): Celsius.
KAMILA | Santa should bring… Me: A bike. My mom & dad: Perfume. My teacher (Ms. Dorestant): Scissors.
PRINCIPAL, MRS. LINDA SCHAEFER Santa should bring… Stanley Switlik Elementary: Another 100 students. We have room, and we love our kids! Our teachers: A machine to slow down time, so break feels like four weeks instead of two. Me: The same machine as the teachers.
THIAGO | Santa should bring… Me: A trampoline. My mom & dad: Perfume. My teacher (Ms. Dorestant): Celsius.
MS. DORESTANT Santa should bring my students: Candy, and maybe some boxing gloves since they always want to fight each other. And math flash cards.
14
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
Dawn Tracy blows out the candles for her 100th birthday.
For Dawn, a day at sea fighting mangroves and mahi is better than any day on land.
A young Pat, left, and Dawn Tracy. Photos contributed
A CENTURY AT SEA At 100 years old, Dawn Tracy refuses to stay docked JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com
T
o meet Dawn Tracy is to take a deep dive into the colorful, salt-sprayed history of the Florida Keys. At 100 years old, and one of 19 siblings, Dawn remains a vibrant fixture of the community she helped build. She’s a woman whose life has been defined by the ebb and flow of the tides and the tight-knit spirit of island living. Dawn and her husband, Pat, first discovered the Keys in the early 1950s when Pat was stationed as a flight mechanic at the Marine base at Opa-Locka. Their weekend escapes to Conch Key eventually became a permanent way of life. "I'm not positive about all the things that eventually had us settle on Conch Key," Dawn recalled, “but the lure of the ocean was undeniable. We loved to fish and lobster.” In the early days, fishing wasn’t just a hobby; it was a grueling way of life. Dawn remembers Pat and his partner pulling "heavy oil-dipped traps by hand" from a 16-foot boat. Eventually, they upgraded to a 19-foot tri-hull they named the JOROG, a tribute to their three sons: Johnny, Ronald and Gene. Dawn’s impact on the island extends far beyond the docks. She was a driving force in the Ladies Fire Department Auxiliary, where she served as vice president and helped organize fish fries that became famous throughout the Keys. "Our fish fries were well known," said Tracy. “The ladies worked very hard as we caught the fish, cleaned them, froze them,
Through the inevitable challenges of then thawed them out again. The gentlea century of life, Dawn’s spirit remains as men there helped us cook them. We traveled steady as the Gulf Stream. Whether she’s to Miami or Homestead to various vegetable recounting the beauty of five porpoises farms for tomatoes and cabbage. We baked leaping against a sunset or the time a friend desserts, prepared food, sold dinners and did accidentally spit out his false teeth while all the cleaning up.” napping on a boat, her stories remain the Her personal contribution was 12 quarts heartbeat of the community. of conch chowder for the events, which ofFor Dawn, the secret to longevity isn't ten served upward of 500 dinners. These funfound in a quiet retirement, but in staying in draising efforts were more than just social the middle of the action. She refuses to stay gatherings; they were vital for the island’s docked, preferring the thrill of a grouper safety. Through craft classes, bingo nights trip 70 miles out in the Gulf to a safe life on and flea markets, the women raised enough the sidelines. money to purchase the first emergency vehicle for Conch Key. Life for the Tracys on the little island "I'm not positive about all the things that eventually was never dull. Dawn had us settle on Conch Key, but the lure of the ocean remembered a life was undeniable. We loved to fish and lobster.” filled with "funny, — Dawn Tracy scary and happy incidents." She ran bingo "Oh! My God! The feeling of home on for children in the afternoons, made several Conch Key," she exclaimed when reflectquilts, and even helped a blind neighbor ing on the life she and Pat built. It’s a life hand-feed a large tarpon at the fish house. defined by "taking chances and staying posiOne of her most harrowing memories tive," she said – both on the water and off. involved a house fire where the wind was Her advice for the next generation is as gusting at 35 mph. Despite being ordered to clear as the turquoise waters surrounding leave, her brother stayed on the roof with her home: “Always stay busy, stay involved a water hose as debris and coconuts flew and never lose your sense of humor, even around him, ultimately saving their home. when you’re crawling back to bed with ‘sea Even after decades on the water, Dawn’s legs’ after a week on the ocean.” love for fishing remains. She recalled a trip As the island’s unofficial historian and a on her boat, the Dawn T, when a marine living legend, Dawn Tracy is a testament to patrol once buzzed them so low that the the idea that life doesn't have to slow down plane's draft nearly blew her son overboard. at 100; sometimes, it just gets better with As it turned out, there were four boats in every sunset. the area named Dawn, and one was suspected of smuggling.
15
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
OPEN HOUSE Friday, December 26 11am - 1pm
850 W 63RD STREET
ASKING PRICE $1,499,999 | 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHS 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
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.
CHASE FOSTER, REALTOR
305.289.6526 chasefoster@cbschmitt.com
11050 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL
SERVICES WE OFFER • Boat storage up to 70 feet – filling up fast • Bottom painting • Fiberglass repairs • Certified VacuFlush Dealer service. We also service other marine head models. • 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
Keep your holidays merry, bright, and a little bit beachy. Our Personal Loan gives you extra cash to enjoy every moment. • Borrow up to $50,000* • Unsecured loan–no collateral needed • Terms up to 72 months • No pre-payment penalties *Restrictions may apply. Subject to credit approval. Everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys can join Keys Federal Credit Union. NCUA insured.
• Advanced Marine Fiberglass and Gelcoat Repairs • Boat detailing
2059 OVERSEAS HWY. | MARATHON 305.735.4594 MARATHONBOATYARDLLC@GMAIL.COM
16
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
600 12TH STREET, KEY COLONY BEACH 4 BD / 3 BA | 1,860 SF | MLS 617021 $1,850,000
KELLY WILLEY BROKER 410.937.5561
DERRICK JOHNSON BROKER ASSOCIATE 786.546.6678
11600 1ST AVENUE, GULF # 23, MARATHON 3 BD / 3 BA | 1,600 SF | MLS 616077 $998,000
CARMEN MACDONALD BROKER ASSOCIATE 843.609.4740
CHELSEA WEST AGENT 321.430.3210
599 W 105TH STREET, OCEAN, MARATHON 3 BD / 2 BA | 1,188 SF | MLS 616883 $599,000
305.432.9754
11187 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON FL
MYMIDDLEKEYS.COM
ELEVATE YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE FLORIDA KEYS! Coco Plum Vacation Rentals specializes in the management of Elite Luxury Homes in Marathon and Key Colony. We combine high-tech marketing with meticulous, hands-on care to maximize your revenue and ensure a truly worry-free experience. MARATHON • KEY COLONY HOME OWNERS
START EARNING MAXIMIZE YOUR INCOME POTENTIAL
JESSICA WILLEY
VACATION RENTAL MANAGEMENT
305.240.8433
KEYSRENTALSONLINE.COM
17
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
FEATURED PROPERTIES NEW LISTING
ACTIVE BUILDING PERMIT
MINUTES FROM KEY WEST
WATERFRONT POOL HOME
17215 KEYSTONE ROAD SUGARLOAF KEY | $675,000
17094 CORAL DRIVE SUGARLOAF 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
• 3 bedroom | 3 bathroom • 1,998 sq. ft. • Spacious 12,500 sq. ft. lot • Well-appointed interior with large, open great room • 100 feet of canal frontage on 80-ft. wide canal • CBS construction with impact windows, doors • 50-foot dock
• 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
18
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
“The Dynamic Trio”
Luxury living. Holiday warmth. Coastal comfort. 115 WINDY POINT CIRCLE, MARATHON 3 BD | 3 BA | 2,623 SF | $4,900,000
172 VENETIAN DRIVE, LOWER MATECUMBE 5 BD | 5.5 BA | 4,131 SF | $3,795,000
111 WINDY POINT CIRCLE, MARATHON 3 BD | 4 BA | 2,446 SF | $3,400,000
351 5TH STREET, KEY COLONY BEACH 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,646 SF | $1,595,000
KAREN RASPE Global Real Estate Advisor 305.393.9010 | kraspe@oceansir.com 641 9TH STREET, KEY COLONY BEACH 2 BD | 3 BA | 1,256 SF | $1,425,000
ALLY KELLEY Global Real Estate Advisor 727.459.0493 | akelley@oceansir.com
JO ANN COOK Qualifying Broker 305.360.7968 | jcook@oceansir.com
640 9TH STREET, KEY COLONY BEACH 3 BA | 4 BA | 1,596 SF | $1,400,000
8045 BONITO DRIVE, MARATHON 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,923 SF | $1,250,000
1133 W OCEAN DRIVE, #6, KEY COLONY BEACH 3 BD | 3 BA | 1,929 SF| $899,000
261 9TH STREET, KEY COLONY BEACH 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,020 SF | $875,000
271 9TH STREET, KEY COLONY BEACH 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,020 SF | $838,000
300 3RD STREET, KEY COLONY BEACH 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,031 SF | $555,000
320 24TH STREET, MARATHON 3 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,488 SF | $549,000
19
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
TOUR DE KEYS CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING 10TH ANNIVERSARY RIDE Annual event nears $200,000 goal for Florida Keys health and housing
OPEN MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025 AT 9:00 A.M. FKEC TAVERNIER HEADQUARTERS, BOARD ROOM
Tour de Keys 2025 riders pose with clients of MARC Inc., one of the ride’s primary beneficiaries. CONTRIBUTED
T
our de Keys 2025 marked a milestone on Nov. 22, celebrating the event’s 10th anniversary with its largest ride. The event brought together 300 participants, including riders from across the country, who tackled either the 100-mile or 50-mile route in support of vital community services in the Florida Keys. Launched in 2014, the annual tour is a destination charity bike ride supporting AH Monroe and MARC. The ride has raised critical funds for affordable housing, compassionate health care and support for adults with disabilities throughout the Keys. Every mile pedaled helps fuel hope, housing and healing for the island community. With fundraising continuing through Dec. 31, Tour de Keys has reached 96% of its $200,000 goal, making 2025 the most successful ride in the event’s history. Organizers note that the community still has an opportunity to help carry Tour de Keys across the finish line, with all funds raised supporting the local, mission-driven work of AH Monroe and MARC Inc. All money raised stays in the Keys. A highlight of Tour de Keys 2025 was the fundraising success of the Key West Mile Markers, who collectively raised nearly $94,000. Leading the fundraising was Donald Dotzauer, who earned the dis-
tinction of top individual fundraiser for the second consecutive year. Fellow Mile Markers Juan Benitez and Chris Sloan rounded out the top three individual fundraisers, underscoring the team’s exceptional commitment to the cause. “Tour de Keys is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when our community comes together,” said Becki Balcer, coordinator of public relations, events and fundraising at MARC Inc. “From the riders who pushed themselves across the islands to the donors and volunteers who supported them every step of the way, this event directly strengthens vital services that Keys residents rely on.” Tour de Keys 2025 was made possible through the support of event sponsors, planning partners and the many volunteers who gave their time and energy to ensure a safe, welcoming and successful ride. The ride was supported in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, whose funding helped support event production and outreach, attracting riders from across the country. Organizers extended sincere appreciation to all sponsors and volunteers whose contributions brought the 10thanniversary ride to life. More information is at tourdekeys.com. — Contributed
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
20
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
Cardiologist Benjamin Hurwitz, M.D.! Benjamin Hurwitz, MD is a highly skilled, board-certified cardiologist at the Cardiovascular Wellness Center. Accepting New Patients | Accepts Most Insurance Plans 91555 Overseas Highway Suite 3. Tavernier, FL 33070 Diagnoses and treats various heart-related health conditions, including arrhythmia, high blood pressure and heart disease. Take charge of your heart health today.
Call or text: 305-600-6752 | cardiowellcenter.com Graduate of University of California, Irvine and Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. Internal medicine residency and cardiovascular disease fellowship through Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Diseases), American Board of Echocardiography, and Certified in the Board of Nuclear Cardiology.
Scan here to schedule an appointment
ka Sto C N te p in ak OW @s o e D H w r s eco IRIN ee en r G ts d at av in o an qu r na iry hs to .co m
Cheers to the new year!
Stop in for our famous Pink champagne cupcakes voted #1 dessert place in Marathon!
32 hand Packed
ice creams 8919 overseas hwy marathon
bake shop books Unique gifts kid’s toys sweetsavannahs.com
305-743-3131
21
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
OBITUARY
SHELF HELP
S
taff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection. What: “The Pelican Child” by Joy Williams Why: Joy Williams’ new collection, “The Pelican Child,” is mostly taken from stories published in the last decade from magazines including the New Yorker, the Paris Review, Tin House and others. Williams’ tales are always charmingly odd, occasionally inscrutable and often humorously deadpan. “Stuff” might be the funniest story of the bunch and showcases Williams in top form as a living legend of crafting short fiction. It’s also worth noting that Williams’ new collection was longlisted for this year’s National Book Award, and that Williams wrote one of the definitive guides to our chain of islands called “The Florida Keys: A History & Guide,” originally published in 1987, as well as the 1988 novel set in the Keys called “Breaking & Entering.” Where: You can borrow this as a print book, e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library. How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org Recommended by: Michael Nelson, assistant director of public services. See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/post/ shelf-help.
FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS
WINTER BODIES DON’T EXIST IN THE KEYS I MATTHEW W. HOLMES JR. 1938-2025 It is with great sadness the Holmes family announces the loss of Matthew W. Holmes Jr., an almost 50-year resident of Marathon. He retired from the New York state troopers in 1976, and also retired from Halls Diving Center and Career Institute as a dive vessel captain and divemaster. In 1977, Matt opened the very first bike shop in Marathon called KCB Bike Shop. He is survived by his three children, Jeannette Holmes, Nicole Maldonado and Matthew W. Holmes III; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family will have a small celebration Saturday, Dec. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. at San Pablo Church Hall, 550 122nd Street Ocean in Marathon, in honor of Matthew. The family plans to travel the following week to bury their father in his hometown of Syracuse, New York.
f you’ve lived here long enough, you’ve probably noticed something strange about winter in the Florida Keys: It doesn’t JENNIFER really exist. HARVEY Sure, the ...is a Marathonhumidity backs based ACSMoff a little. We certified permight even sonal trainer and precision nutrition put on a light coach who owns sweatshirt once and operates or twice a year. Highly Motivated But the idea of Functionally “winter mode” Caffeinated LLC. – heavy coats, hibernation, starting fresh in January – doesn’t quite land when you’re still walking outside in sandals and eating dinner on the dock. And yet, many of us still carry winter thinking in our bodies. We subconsciously slip into the same seasonal mindset people in colder climates do: moving less, waiting until “after the holidays,” planning to get back on track later. The problem? In the Keys, there is no dramatic seasonal reset. No forced slowdown. No natural pause button. From a physiological standpoint, our bodies don’t respond to calendar seasons, they respond to cues. Light exposure, temperature changes, daily movement, stress, sleep and routine. In colder climates, winter naturally alters those cues. Shorter days and colder weather often reduce activity and increase rest. Here, the cues barely change at all. Which means waiting for “winter motivation” is a losing strategy. This is where I see people get frustrated. They expect their bodies to behave as if there’s a clean seasonal transition, but their environment doesn’t support that shift. So instead of feeling refreshed, they feel stuck, tired but restless, unmotivated yet overstimulated. It’s not a willpower issue. It’s
a mismatch between expectation and environment. Another layer that often gets overlooked is nervous system load. The holidays don’t slow life down here, they speed it up. Visitors arrive, schedules get packed, work demands increase and routines get disrupted. Even if the weather feels calmer, the nervous system often isn’t. When your nervous system is overloaded, your body prioritizes survival over optimization. Recovery lags. Sleep quality dips. Inflammation rises. Motivation feels harder to access. Not because you’re lazy, but because your system is busy keeping the lights on. This is why chasing a “winter body” in the Keys misses the point. Your body isn’t asking for a seasonal overhaul. It’s asking for consistency. Small, repeatable habits that match the reality of where you live, not where Instagram thinks you should be. That might look like keeping movement simple and regular instead of intense and sporadic. Walking, light strength training, mobility, time outside — not because you’re training for anything, but because your body thrives on predictability. It might mean prioritizing sleep even when the social calendar says otherwise. Or choosing meals that support energy and digestion rather than swinging between indulgence and restriction. In a place where the seasons blur together, health isn’t about transformation, it’s about maintenance. And that’s not a bad thing. There’s something powerful about letting go of the idea that your body needs to look or feel dramatically different just because the calendar flipped. In the Keys, the goal isn’t a “winter body” or a “summer body.” It’s a body that feels good yearround. Because when winter doesn’t really exist, neither does the excuse to wait.
22
JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com
N
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 Mandy Rodriguez, who is the cofounder and chief operating officer at the Dolphin Research Center – even though when I met him while ordering lunch at Pop’s Smoke Shed, he introduced himself as the gardener.
ARMANDO ‘MANDY’ RODRIGUEZ Dolphin Research Center How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I have lived in Marathon for 56 years. The dolphins brought me to the Keys. I am the happiest, luckiest man you will ever meet. What do you do for fun in the Keys and why do you love living
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
here? I love to fish and cook. I take cooking classes everywhere I travel. I love my hometown and the wonderful people here in Marathon. Which dolphin is your favorite? My favorite dolphin is the one that needs me at the time. I really do “love them all.” What is the craziest question one of the DRC guests has ever asked you? Oh, there are a bunch. “Do I have to get in the water to swim with the dolphins?” “I hear you offer a dock program with the dolphins. We live in Duck Key – what time can the dolphin be at our dock?” Give us one of your favorite memories while working at DRC. I have so many! One that I will never forget was releasing a stranded 32foot fin whale back into deep water and watching it swim away. Do you think dolphins can understand English? I believe they do. But, I have to qualify that. Our bodies speak louder than our mouths. What’s one thing people don’t know about dolphins that you wish they did? Dolphins have a great sense of humor. For example, Pandora, who is 27 now, was quite the rambunctious little girl when she was around 5 years old. She learned how to catch small nurse sharks and hold them in her mouth so she could terrorize all the other dolphins. She would chase them around the lagoons. It was truly hilarious. Do you think dolphins are more intelligent than humans? In certain cases, YES they are! If you weren’t working at DRC, what would you be doing? I would be on a deserted island on the beach drinking margaritas. What is something people don’t know about you? I spent two months filming underwater in the Arctic and six months in the Amazon working with pink river dolphins. I’m also proud to say that I’m a United States Marine Corps combat veteran.
LADY CAPULET 8-month-old female bobtail. Looking for: I’ll be your shadow and follow you around. Turnoffs: People think there’s something wrong, but my tail is just short.
LOKI 4-year-old male domestic shorthair. Looking for: I’m a big cuddle bug looking for a lap to lie on. Turnoffs: I miss my family, but I really want a new one.
SWIPE RIGHT
Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA
Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit. From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit 10550 Aviation Blvd.
IGGY 1-year-old African claw frog. Looking for: My own tank and lots of yummy squid. Turnoffs: The FKSPCA takes in all domestic pets – you didn’t expect to see me, did you?
23
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
WHAT’S YOUR PERFECT
New Year’s Experience? Soirée at The Landings Elevated Stations Open Bar
A Precisely Plated New Year’s Tasting Menu created by Chef Jeremy Ford
Live Entertainment by Oc3ans Band
5pm - 10pm
AY L P DIS S RK IGHT O N EW FIR T MID A
9pm - 12am
Angler & Ale Family Festivities
Menu Specials
Family Buffet Cash Bar
Live Entertainment by Eric Ripper 6pm - 9pm
Kid’s Movies Games Kid’s Music Games
AN C GS KS N I T ET EWOR S ALL FIR W VIE
DJ El Capitan 9pm - 12am
8pm - 12am
FIND IT ALL AT HAWKS CAY RESORT & MARINA
24
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
SAM WILLIAMS P.A. Sam.Williams@ColdwellBanker.com
call or text 305.942.6069 13.2 ACRE PRIVATE SEAWATCH ISLAND
BREATHTAKING OPEN WATER VIEWS OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
NEW C
11399 6th Avenue, Ocean 3BD/3BA • 2,452 SF • MLS# 616462 $2,399,000
4BD/3B
GULF OF MEXICO BOULEVARD • MLS# 613238 • $9,999,999
PRECONSTRUCTION OPEN WATER VIEWS 4800 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, #14 • 4BD/5BA • 2,665 SF • MLS# 615413 • $2,850,000
ISLAND LIVING AT IT’S FINEST
PRE-CONSTRUCTION WATERFRONT RETREAT
IN THE
1252 24th Street 3BD/3BA • 1,720 SF • MLS# 617567 • $2,199,000
1 Tr 3BD/3B
RARE OCEANFRONT DUPLEX IN SOMBRERO BEACH AREA
3RD SE
5669 Man O War 4BD/3BA • 2,312 SF • MLS# 614953 $1,749,000
6301 2BD/2B
334 E SEAVIEW DRIVE • 3BD/3BA • 1.792 SF • MLS #614866 • $2,699,000
10 ACRE WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY 56185 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY • LOT 43,560 SF • MLS# 614052 • $2,500,000
UNDER CONTRACT 9707 Overseas Hwy. • MLS# 614920 TBR MLS# 605181 4 Sandpiper • MLS# 612959 423 80th St. • MLS# 616190
281 84 11282 2n 598 Copa 65821 Oversea 814 39th 10824 1st Lots 9 & 10 C 9978 Aviat 5701 Overse 1545 52
25
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
TOP IN SALES FOR 13 YEARS #SELLITWITHSAM
• 45 YTD SOLD 2025 • 43 MTD SOLD 2025 • 1230 Career Sales • Over 700M in Middle Keys Sales
WER CONSTRUCTION CONCRETE HOME
PRIVATE ESCAPE ON THE EDGE OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
FULLY FURNISHED TOWNHOME IN THE SHORES OF COCO PLUM
STIUATED ON A SPACIOUS DOUBLE LOT
227 Corsair Road BA • 1,960 SF • MLS# 615931 $1,599,000
58950 Overseas Hwy., #13 3BD/2BA • 1,404 SF • MLS# 617240 $1,190,000
117 Coco Plum Drive, #10 2BD/2.5BA • 1,620 SF • MLS# 617431 $729,000
357 23rd Street, Ocean 2BD/1BA • 1,010 SF • MLS# 617088 $589,000
OPPORTUNITY E HEART OF DUCK KEY
EXCLUSIVE SEAWATCH COMMUNITY
TROPICAL CORNER LOT IN LITTLE VENICE
WATERFRONT CONDO DEEP WATER DOCKAGE
rinidad Street, Duck Key BA • 2,456 SF • MLS# 616464 $1,499,000
9701 Gulf of Mexico Boulevard, Lot 4 Lot SF 13,100 • MLS# 615635 $949,000
11050 5th Avenue, Ocean 3BD/2BA • 1,246 SF • MLS# 615811 $654,900
105 Avenue D, #101 2BD/2BA • 925 SF • MLS# 615156 $529,500
D FLOOR EXCLUSIVE EAWATCH CONDO
EXCEPTIONAL RESIDENCE WITH MARINA & GULF VIEWS
GATED COMMUNITY OF OCEAN ISLE FISHING VILLAGE
OCEAN VIEWS & DIRECT ACCESS TO COCO PLUM BEACH
Gulf of Mexico Boulevard BA • 2,000 SF • MLS# 613899 $1,225,000
6201 Gulf of Mexico Boulevard, #201 2 BD / 2.5 BA • 1,602 SF • MLS# 617645 $825,000
10877 Overseas Hwy., # 31 1BD/2BA • 850 SF • MLS# 616530 $599,000
133 Coco Plum Drive, #35 1BD/1BA • 656 SF • MLS# 617673 $499,000
CLOSED
4th St. • MLS# 615745 • $605,000 nd Ave. • MLS# 612173 • $875,000 a D Oro • MLS# 612723 • $686,000 eas Hwy # 102 • MLS# 615923 • $250,000 h St. • MLS# 613480 • $2,755,000 Ave Gulf • MLS# 614883 • $475,000 Coconut Dr. • MLS# 613197 • $115,000 tion Blvd. • MLS# 611887 • $599,000 eas Hwy. #2 • MLS #616836 • $280,000 2nd St. • MLS# 617446 • $699,000
BUYING OR SELLING? THIS IS THE FASTEST WAY TO REACH ME!
#SELLITWITHSAM
26
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
WHEN IT RAINS, IT GLOWS ALEX RICKERT
alex@keysweekly.com
1
I
n the Florida Keys, a downpour can’t stop a highly-anticipated holiday tradition. With the Duck Key Christmas Boat Parade already in the books on Dec. 12, Boot Key Harbor refused to break the traditional rotation, with boats battling through the rain to the delight of their fans on Dec. 13. Mother Nature gave Key Colony Beach a pass on Sunday night, as skies cleared in time for the final parade of the weekend along Sadowski Causeway. THE WINNERS KEY COLONY BEACH • Best Overall: Coco’s - Chelsea Hilsabeck • Best Theme: Vicious Cycle - Paul Lebo • Best Lighting: KCB Marina - Scott Stanfield • Best Special Effects: Picatso - Jennifer & Greg Garner • Best Use of Color: KCB Realty - Lisa Joseph • Most Spirited Crew: Pearl Dive Team - Alex Rickert • Best New Entry: No Name - Mike Schwarz • Most Animated: Presents in Paradise Barb & Tim Heitman • Best Holiday Spirit: Island Girl • Best Santa Social Club: Marathon Mermaid • Most Eco-Friendly: Sidney Owen
Defying the weather, Boot Key and Key Colony boat parades delight crowds
2
BOOT KEY • Best Dinghy/Small Vessel: Cirrhosis of the River - Aaron Ray • Best Boat Under 28 Feet: Reel Therapy - Craig & Kim Crouthamel • Best Boat Over 28 Feet: Picatso - Greg & Jennifer Garner • Best Overall Boat: Yesterday’s Dream - Onboard Marine Goods & capt. Michael Kess • Judges’ Picks: Vicious Circle - Paul Lebo; Harmony Charters - Arthur Arnold; Not Woke - Carl
6 3 4
5
7
27
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
8
9
10
11 1. Best Overall in the KCB parade goes to Chelsea Hilsabeck and Coco’s Boat Rentals. 2. The U.S. Coast Guard joins the fun and keeps all participants safe on the water. 3. Key Colony Beach parade staple Sidney Owen gets up close and personal with spectators. 4. Barb & Tim Heitman earn the Most Animated award in KCB with the Presents in Paradise crew. 5, 6, 10. A seawall of spectators awaits the parade behind City Hall in Key Colony Beach.
12
13
7. Watersliding (yes, we decided that’s a word) elves adorn the back of KCB Marina’s pontoon, awarded with Best Lighting in the Key Colony parade. 8. As the sun goes down, Yesterday’s Dream prepares to leave the dock. 9. Captain Michael Kess and the crew of Yesterday’s Dream win Best Overall Boat in the Boot Key parade. 11. Driving rain doesn’t deter the U.S. Coast Guard.
14
15
16
12. The party crew aboard Island Girls Excursions earns Best Holiday Spirit in KCB. 13. The Key Colony Beach Police Department, with commissioner Doug Colonell on the radio, leads the procession. 14. The crew of Kid J turns up the energy despite the rain in Boot Key. 15. Greg and Jennifer Garner’s Picatso shines through the rain. The boat completed all three Middle Keys boat parades, earning Best Boat Over 28 Feet in Boot Key and Best Special Effects in KCB. 16. Captained by Paul Lebo, Vicious Cycle earns Best Theme in KCB and Judges’ Pick in Boot Key. 17. The crew of Reel Therapy show their holiday spirit en route to the Best Boat Under 28 Feet award in Boot Key’s parade.
17
Photos by Natalie Danko and Ross Smith. See full galleries at keysweekly.com
28
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025 A male magnificent frigatebird, with his red gular sac inflated, looks to attract a mate. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly
Do we have any crows or ravens down here in the Keys? How do I get them to follow me around en masse? — The Archivist We don’t have ravens in the Keys. On the East Coast they don’t get much farther south than the Carolinas. We do get crows – fish crows to be precise – though not MARK many. HEDDEN There’s been a flock of about 15 of them roaming around the ... is a photograisland since I moved here. pher, writer, and semi-professional Fish crows look almost identibirdwatcher. He cal to the much more common has lived in Key American crow. The only way West for more most people can tell the differthan 25 years and ence is by call, which the folks at may no longer be employable in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology the real world. He describe in highly scientific terms is also executive as “like an American crow with a director of the Florida Keys Audu- bad cold.” Assuming the two have combon Society. parable predilections, I’d start by making friends with them. In a lot of online videos, people leave out piles of the food they like, then sit far away from the pile, moving closer and closer to it each day, until the crows get habituated and trust you. Eventually they might even feel safe enough to eat from your hand. From there you probably have to get experimental. You could carry foods around that they liked, such as meal worms or peanuts. But you’ll have to wave it around so the crows can see it, as they don’t have a strong sense of smell. You could also consider attaching some suet to a hat, but that may get sticky. Crows also like shiny things, so you could also think about braiding tinsel or scraps of aluminum foil into your hair. Also, maybe just use conjuring spells. Does the Cuban finch sleep during flight, or is the voyage so short they just rest when they land? — Anonymous on Boca Chica. Cut it out, Danette. Bird-themed decor: How do you feel about it in general, and what about these plates specifically? — Old Town Arts Deputy Different species of birds have different senses of decor. For instance, Antillean nighthawks like to nest in open areas on rough, scarified soil. American oystercatchers like to nest on beaches with high energy waves. Peregrine falcons are famed for their tendency toward high, rocky aeries, from which they can look down on the world, though they have also, in recent years, taken up nesting on tall manmade buildings in cities. I guess if I was going to embrace one bird’s sense of style and design, it might be that of the crested oropendola. They build these long, woven nests that dangle from high tree branches like shoulder bags with really long straps. It would be really relaxing to sleep in one as it swings gently in the breeze. Wait, re-reading your question, you asked about bird-themed decor, not bird decor. Some I like, some is meh. But the photo of those plates you sent me made me apoplectic. (Apoplatic?) It has the words “Wood Thrush” in this lovely, round, confident copperplate.
ASK THE BIRD GEEK
And then it has a picture of a !@$#&% northern mockingbird. I will be writing a very strongly worded letter to the manufacturer as soon as I am finished with this column. VERY strongly worded. How come they were so go last year and this year they were in the cellar of the ALE? — Bike Man My friend, voice-to-text is not your friend. If you could make everyone notice one bird, which would it be? — Stone House Hæddre This is kind of a stumper. Because as soon as you name one bird, you think of five others you should have named. So I’m going to go with my gut, then stop thinking about it: magnificent frigatebird. Magnificent frigatebirds are just such mysterious, unlikely, beautiful freaks. And living in the Keys, we get to see them every day. They’re primarily denizens of the warmer waters of the New World, and we live at the top of their breeding range. The only place they breed in North America is at the Dry Tortugas. (They used to breed at the Marquesas until the 1980s.) To me, they are the most gothic-looking bird. It’s as if the cartoonist Edward Gorey thought them up. They have a skinny, 7-foot wingspan, a long hooked bill, and a tail that is basically two feathers that hang behind them like the ribbons on an old-school sailor’s cap, helping them control pitch and yaw. The males are all black, except for the red gular sac at their throat. The females have white breasts. When it’s breeding season, the males puff up their gular patches into ridiculous looking balloon-like shapes that somehow attract the ladies. (You have to go to a breeding colony at the right time of the year to see this.) Magnificent frigatebirds spend their life at sea. They are amazingly light birds, built to cross large swaths of the ocean while expending minimal energy, so they don’t have oil in their feathers. Which means they can’t get wet. So they either have to catch fish in the top few inches of the ocean, or beat up other birds to steal their lunch in an act called
kleptoparasitism, which on good days I can spell right the first time. They are amazingly graceful fliers, turning slow circles in the air for hours on end. If you’ve somehow never seen one, just go to the beach and stand there for a little while. One will no doubt slide into view. Even if you have seen one before, you should probably go do that. What do birds call giving someone the bird? — Hale Fellow, Well Met We don’t know. And the birds won’t tell us. They just stare at us when we ask, then fly away with their smug little laughs. I heard that a joint team of scientists from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Cape May Bird Observatory, Mass Audubon, and the American Bird Conservancy were working in a mountaintop laboratory in a kind of Manhattan Project to decode profane avian gestures, but they just had their federal funding pulled. It’s possible we’ll never find out. What is the Florida Keys equivalent of a partridge in a pear tree? — Peak Piner My friend Julie Zickefoose had the best suggestion, but I’m going to leave it at the bottom of this long, local version of the last verse of the song: On the 12th day of Christmas / My cuzzy bubba love gave to me/ 12 sapsuckers drumming, 11 plovers, piping, 10 egrets a-leaping, Nine frigatebirds practicing kleptoparasitism, Eight gulls a-laughing, Seven birds a-mocking, Six cuckoos a-lurking, Five great white herons, Four screaming chickens, Three Antillean nighthawks, Two roseate spoonbills, And a white-crowned pigeon in a mango tree. I believe the scansion totally holds up. Merry Christmas all.
29
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
Let’s dive into Savings ! Friday, Dec. 26 through Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025 IN-STORE & ONLINE
FOR 3 DAYS ONLY, TAKE
25 OFF %
Entire Stock of Regular Price
SWIMWEAR 3 Days Only: $2624 - $9750 BONUS COUPONS:
ONLINE & IN-STORE, TAKE 25% OFF THREE REGULAR* PRICED ITEMS OF YOUR CHOICE. Valid 12/26/25 - 12/30/25. *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
30
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
The College of the Florida Keys’ fall class of 2025. CONTRIBUTED
Meghan Reigadas gives the student address. She earned an associate in science degree in criminal justice technology.
CFK FALL GRADUATES SECURE DIPLOMAS
T
An honorary degree is presented to Bill Pearson, 1967 alumnus and first student government president.
Marie Durand getting ready for graduation at the pre-party.
Graduate Jenny Mae Murphy is congratulated by college President Jonathan Gueverra.
he College of the Florida Keys graduated the fall class of 2025 at its 71st commencement on Dec. 12 in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on CFK’s Key West campus. Meghan Reigadas, who earned an associate in science degree in criminal justice technology, gave the student address and Jenny Mae Murphy, who received a bachelor’s of applied science in supervision and management, performed the national anthem. In honor of the college’s 60th anniversary, the keynote address was given by Bill Pearson, a 1967 alumnus and first student government president who went on to become an entrepreneur with multiple businesses selling shipwreck coins. The college presented him with an honorary bachelor’s degree along with Bill Wickers Jr., another alumnus from the class of 1967. Wickers, who was not able to attend the ceremony, received his honorary bachelor’s degree in recognition of his contributions to the maritime industry. Michelle Fortney, CFK nurse administrator, pinned nursing graduates and led the Florence Nightingale nursing oath, a tradition dedicating graduate nurses to their new profession. Upon passing the national nursing licensure exam, each will become a registered nurse. CFK’s pass rate is well above the state and national averages. The full ceremony is on Facebook at facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys. CFK’s spring semester begins Jan. 9. The college will be closed for the holidays through Jan. 4. More information is at cfk. edu/futurestudents. — Contributed
31
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
DJ TRAE DAE ROCKS THE FUNDAY POOL PARTY FROM 1 TO 5PM!
MARATHON COMMUNITY CHURCH THE PERFECT CHURCH FOR THOSE WHO AREN’T
ALL ARE WELCOME!
E Y B BYE2024
SUNDAY SERVICES
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
LOVING KINDNESS FOR 2026. "I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised." — Isaiah 63:7
Y H 794TDASYUNDA FUN 5
2 0 2 , 8 2 R E B DECEM
JOIN US FOR NEW YEARS EVE DINNER RESERVE NOW CALL 305-396-7235
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
We've got you Covered! What we Sell Phone Cases • Charging accessories Screen Protectors • Laptops • TV's Chromebooks • Tablets • Printers Computer Accessories Go Pro Dealer and so much more! Monday-Friday 9am-5pm • Weekend hours vary. 305.317.3769 • 5160 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
E Y B BYE4 2 Y T 0 R A P 2 L O O P & H C A E B BBQ
MARATHON’S NFL HEADQUARTERS! HOME OF THE “NFL SUNDAY TICKET” 16 HDTV’S WITH
ALL THE NFL ACTION
DRINK SPECIALS • $3 Coors Lights • $7 Key Lime Painkillers • $2 Jello Shots allkeyscomputers.com
305.396.7235 • 7 KNIGHTS KEY BOULEVARD • MM 47 (AT THE FOOT OF THE 7 MILE BRIDGE, OCEAN) • SUNSETGRILLE7MILEBRIDGE.COM
BURN FAT, BUILD MUSCLE, TIGHTEN SKIN Free Consultation Call or text us today! (305) 872-3321 flkeyswellness.com (Previously Big Pine Medical) Same owners - new name!
32
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
COME BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR! Monday: Closed | Tuesday - Sunday: 11:00am - 10:00pm
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
WISHING EVERYONE A
VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY! Shopping Local
Never Goes Out of Style
MONDAY Closed
TUESDAY Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila LIVE MUSIC: Roger Jokela
303 Sadowski Causeway Key Colony Beach Monday - Saturday 10AM - 5:30PM Sunday 11AM - 4PM 305.922.2493
WEDNESDAY Wine Time Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles) LIVE MUSIC: Erica Lee Sunshine THURSDAY Prime Rib Night LIVE MUSIC: JOHN BARTUS
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 www.sparkyslanding.com 305.363.2959
MM 53.5 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida Waterfront Location Adjacent To Fairfield Inn
OUR WEB CAM IS STREAMING
SINCE 1981
CFC1427241
BACKFLOW TESTING AND INSTALLATION FULL SERVICE PLUMBING SUPPLY WAREHOUSE Proudly Serving the Community Since 1981 10700 5th Avenue, Gulf, Marathon 305.743.7072 office@ernestrhodes.com www.ernestrhodes.com
3 years!
33
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 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
34
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
1. A manatee floats around in the Florida Waters Gallery. JILL MIRANDA BAKER/Keys Weekly 2. Visitors line up to enter the new facility on the opening day in October. KATE DeLOACH/Contributed 3. The group from the Keys and Mote Marine Laboratory staff pose in front of the Mote Aquaculture Research Park. KATE DeLOACH/Contributed
PENGUINS, SEA OTTERS AND OCTOPUSES, OH MY! Keys officials tour new Mote facility JILL MIRANDA BAKER www.keysweekly.com
T
he agenda included close encounters with sharks, rays, manatees, penguins, sea otters, octopuses, a coral reef and more. A group of public officials, community members and Mote Marine Laboratory staff from the Florida Keys traveled to Sarasota to tour the new attraction and research facility, Mote Science Education Aquarium, or Mote SEA. Officially opened on Oct. 8, 2025, Mote SEA is a 12-acre campus offering engaging science education while enhancing ocean literacy in a 146,000-square-foot facility. It replaced Mote City Island, the home of the Mote Aquarium since 1980. This new addition is the 10th campus for Mote, with six in the Keys, including two more in the planning and building stages. The Keys locations include Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration, Summerland Key; coral nurseries at Bud N’ Mary’s, Islamorada and at Reefhouse Resort, Key Largo; a coral reef exploration exhibit at Keys History & Discovery Center, Islamorada; mangrove to reef exhibit at Crane Point Museum, Marathon; and coral research exhibit at Eco-Discovery Center, Key West. Mote’s Keys advisory committee members making the trek included chairman Peter Rosasco, George Garrett, Margie Smith and this writer. Other attendees include Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln and commissioner Holly Raschein, Charlotte Quinn, Julie Cheon and Kate DeLoach.
“Shortly after I became chair of the Keys advisory council in 2003, I was lucky enough to attend a Mote trustees annual meeting where Dr. Eugenie Clark (Mote’s founding director, who died in 2015) was the keynote speaker,” Rosasco said. “She delivered a powerful and beautiful message that resonated with me: ‘Mote is a unique organization in the world of marine science. Since we are primarily funded through philanthropy, and not through a university or other public program, we are not constrained by political concerns.’ “‘As such, we are able to be totally focused on applied science — we attract the best and brightest marine scientists and allow them the freedom to not only do cutting-edge research, but just as importantly to study how to use the results of that research to implement real-world solutions to the many challenges that our marine ecosystems are facing in today’s world.’ This is the mission of Mote,” Rosasco said. After a greeting session with Mote CEO and president Michael Crosby, and Kevin Claridge, Mote’s vice president for sponsored research and coastal policy programs, the group set out to explore the three floors. On this recent Sunday, the attraction was bustling with hundreds of visitors of all ages who were delighted by the sea creature encounters, learning and engaging with marine life and Mote staff in ways many people never get to see. Each of the three galleries had a unique focus area — Florida’s Gulf Coast, Florida Waters and Indo-Pacific — with marine creatures from each area. “In the first two months, we have welcomed more than 200,000 visitors,”
1
2
3
Crosby said. “In the City Island location, we attracted 350,000 annually.” With more than 320 employees, including 45 Ph.D.-level scientists, and 1,400 volunteers, Mote anticipates an estimated 700,000 visitors in the first year. In addition to the many aquarium exhibits, Mote SEA features three state-of-the-art STEM teaching labs geared to K-12 students and five STEM workforce training labs for professional education for high school and college students. The labs all include wall-to-wall glass windows, so guests can observe and enjoy scientists and students learning and conducting research in real time. Also readily available are a gift shop, retail kiosks and food and drink offerings. The $167 million facility was 10 years in the making with the building, construction and infrastructure financed by philanthropy, partners and public support. “As a completely independent nonprofit marine research and science education institution,” Crosby said, “Mote is unlike any university or agen-
cy in having an entrepreneurial culture for advancing innovative research and technology development built on passion for our mission, partnerships around the world, and philanthropic support that allows us to challenge existing paradigms of science.” The group later toured the Mote Aquaculture Research Park, also in Sarasota, which was built in 2001 to pioneer the development of sustainable aquaculture technology to help feed the world, restock depleted species and address the need to develop a viable, domestic aquaculture industry in the U.S. Today, the research park continues to advance this effort while hosting additional components of Mote Marine Laboratory’s mission including a red tide initiative, an international coral gene bank and a crab hatchery. Scan the QR code to plan a visit to Mote SEA or to any of the Keys locations.
35
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
NEVER BOUGHT. NEVER SOLD. ALWAYS LOCAL. 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
TRAILER REPAIRS
& SERVICE Full Service Facility in the Heart of the Florida Keys
305.289.9884 MARATHON AUTO & MARINE SERVICE 2525 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON
36
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
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)
37
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
Founded by Betty Debnam
A 2026 calendar for kids JANUARY
SU MO TU
WE
4 11 18 25
7 14 21 28
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
TH 1 8 15 22 29
FR SA 2 3 9 10 16 17 23 24 30 31
1 — New Year’s Day 19 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
SU MO TU 3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
MAY WE
TH
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
FR SA 1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30
10 — Mother’s Day 25 — Memorial Day
WE 2 9 16 23 30
The XXV Winter Olympic Games will heat up our winter in February, taking place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. More than 3,500 athletes are expected to compete from over 90 countries around the world. Will you be watching?
MINI FACT: The 2026 Olympics will feature ski mountaineering for the first time.
FEBRUARY
SU MO TU 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24
WE 4 11 18 25
TH 5 12 19 26
FR SA 6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28
6 — Winter Olympics Begin 16 — Presidents Day
SU MO TU 1 2 8 9 7 14 15 16 21 22 23 28 29 30
JUNE WE 3 10 17 24
TH 4 11 18 25
FR SA 5 6 12 13 19 20 26 27
TH 3 10 17 24
FR SA 4 5 11 12 18 19 25 26
7 — Labor Day 17 — Constitution Day 19 — National Dance Day
OCTOBER
SU MO TU
WE
4 11 18 25
7 14 21 28
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
TH 1 8 15 22 29
SU MO TU 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30 31
MARCH WE 4 11 18 25
TH 5 12 19 26
FR SA 6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28
8 — Daylight Saving Time starts 17 — St. Patrick’s Day
14 — Flag Day 16 — Islamic New Year 19 — Juneteenth 21 — Father’s Day
SEPTEMBER
SU MO TU 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29
Winter Olympics Ahead
FR SA 2 3 9 10 16 17 23 24 30 31
12 — Indigenous Peoples Day 31 — Halloween
SU MO TU 5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
WE 1 8 15 22 29
TH 2 9 16 23 30
FR SA 3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25 31
4 — Independence Day 19 — National Ice Cream Day
NOVEMBER
SU MO TU 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30
WE 4 11 18 25
TH 5 12 19 26
11 — Veterans Day 26 — Thanksgiving Day
The Mini Page® © 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication
What big events are happeningin your family, school or city this year? Make a note of them here:
JULY
SU MO TU 5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
APRIL WE 1 8 15 22 29
TH 2 9 16 23 30
FR SA 3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25
1 — Passover begins 5 — Easter Sunday 22 — Earth Day
AUGUST
SU MO TU
WE
TH
3 10 17 24 31
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
2 9 16 23 30
4 11 18 25
FR SA 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29
9 — National Book Lovers Day 24 — National Waffle Day
FR SA 6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28
DECEMBER
SU MO TU 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29
WE 2 9 16 23 30
TH 3 10 17 24 31
FR SA 4 5 11 12 18 19 25 26
4 — Hanukkah begins 25 — Christmas 26 — Kwanzaa begins 31 — New Year’s Eve
38
A very happy holiday season to CHRIS everyone enjoyMcNULTY ing their winter is an astrologer, celebrations. Sunwanderer, barday, Dec. 21 was tender and the winter soladvocate for queer stice, the longest justice. He is a night of the year loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer in the northern rising. Find him at hemisphere. The hearthandheraldsun crossed the astrology.com threshold from hopeful Sagittarius into hardworking Capricorn, a transition that tells us to put our hopes and goals into material practice. The solstice also represents a time of deep introspection and personal fortitude. Darkness surrounds us, and we are compelled by our surroundings to find the light within rather than relying on the light to reach us from outside. This is why we gather together at this time to celebrate with others, and we make our resolutions for the year ahead so that we may grow as individuals as the light returns and the days start to get longer. May your own strength grow along with the days ahead. This week, the major astrological configuration is a 90-degree square between Venus, the planet of love and beauty, and Neptune, the planet of dreams and illusions. This is not an easy configuration as we gather with others, because we will be confronted with the masks that we show one another, but we also have the opportunity to get real about the people in our lives that we authentically love. Ask yourself what truly makes your heart sing and what is but a phantasm. Use this week to focus on quality of connection over quantity of interactions, and dream about your heart’s true desires. Here are your horoscopes for Venus square Neptune. Read for your rising and sun signs. CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 A very happy birthday season to you, Capricorn! Show yourself some true grace and take stock in
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
your own gifts. What do you love about yourself that gets you up in the morning? Don’t be too humble because it is your time to shine. Take this time to ask if you are expressing yourself in authenticity or if you succumb to performance when it is not needed. AQUARIUS Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 What do you love about time spent alone? Do you enjoy the quiet solitude or do you avoid it? Take some time to yourself this week, and really consider what you appreciate about one-on-one time with numero uno. You may be confronted with ruminating thoughts, nitpicking your imperfections or catastrophizing about money. Think those thoughts and let them go. PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 It can be easy to think of your social network as a means to get ahead, using connections as transactions. That is perfectly understandable. However, this sky encourages you to sink into genuine gratitude for the people who populate your world. Let there be love there, and let your appreciation challenge you to be authentic in your expression. You don’t need to be an ideal version of yourself. Messy is OK. ARIES March 21 - April 19 Go ahead and be loud out there, Aries. Express yourself at work and in the public sphere, and don’t be shy about showing up in all your glory. Nurture love in your heart for people you work with, but don’t let them push you around. You may be idealizing your private time, and it is certainly healthy to have time spent alone, but don’t fall into the trap of isolating yourself. TAURUS April 20 - May 20 Appreciate your personal belief system, whatever it may be, that gives your world coherent meaning. Whether it’s religious, scientific, phil-
osophical or social, your worldview is something sacred. You have the opportunity to hold deep compassion for someone who holds a different belief system from you. Employ that with care without abandoning your truth. GEMINI May 21 - June 20 Be mindful about what you share in your professional settings right now, Gemini. It is quite easy for something shared in confidence to become public knowledge. Also, check in with yourself about career goals that you might be chasing. Are you authentically interested in the work, or is there something glamorous and shiny that is driving you? Seek the former. CANCER June 21 - July 22 Try not to overly romanticize a partner in your life right now. “Rosecolored glasses” are freely available to you, but you get to choose whether you put them on. This is a great time to be creative with a partner and to work on an artistic project, but be careful not to fall into the trap of over-idealization. Particularly second-guess whether you should take a long trip for love. LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 There is beauty in routine, Leo. Let yourself appreciate the daily habits and chores that you get to do and that keep you healthy. Under this sky, you are being faced with a lesson that true intimacy should not require the destruction of your daily well-being. So, if there is someone that is asking too much or draining your resources, set boundaries around your own stability. VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 Falling in love with love can feel like the highest form of joy, but there is a caution here. It is certainly a beautiful thing to enjoy the happiness that comes with a new fling or a new relationship, but true love
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
can only exist when the veil is lifted. Challenge yourself to find beauty in a partner’s humanity rather than their perfection. Focus on the person rather than the feeling. LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 23 Under this sky, you are fully appreciating the comfort and joy that are elicited by your home and family. Really soak up the love in this area of life. However, be really careful not to let your routine get out of whack. Go ahead and hibernate, but keep some semblance of ritual, routine, or habit alive. Even lighting a candle every morning would suffice. Your home cannot be your sanctuary if your daily life is a mess. SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 Be careful about your word right now, Scorpio. It can be really easy to get caught up in beautiful words or saying what you think someone wants to hear, rather than what you truly think and feel. Speak your heart without losing your head, and find the line between beautiful expression and deceptive communication. The best poetry tells the truth. SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 Be careful about where you are spending your money right now, particularly if there is spending associated with home and family. It is OK to ask a family member where the money is going or to wait a few days before making a home purchase. Remember you cannot buy your way to a sense of “home,” and it is important to value yourself independently of any family issues.
39
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
Having Fun in the Middle Keys
NOW HIRINGrs Educato
Morning Trips 8:30am - 12:30pm
MARATHON LADY DOCKS
Aﬞernoon Trips 1:30pm - 5:30pm
305.743.5580
U.S.1 at Vaca Cut Bridge Mile Marker 53, Marathon
OPEN for programs MEET SEA TURTLES AT THE TURTLE HOSPITAL
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. CALL 305-743-2552 FOR RESERVATIONS. 2396 Overseas Highway Gulf, Marathon Now accepting online reservations NOW ACCEPTING VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEER@TURTLEHOSPITAL.ORG
www.turtlehospital.org
Marathon Lady • 73’ Party Boat Please make sure to call ahead for reservations.
www.MARATHONLADY.net
FISHING THE FLORIDA KEYS FOR 28 YEARS
Deep Sea | Off Shore Reef | Wrecks | Gulf BOOK YOUR CHARTER
305.481.3259
johnnymaddoxcharters.com
RECONNECT WITH NATURE
$59.95 PACKAGE PRICE
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL PACKAGE INCLUDES: 305.783.7551 FULL DAY OF FUN FROM 9 TO 4PM SNORKEL BY KAYAK - ISLAND HOPPING - BIRD ISLAND SANCTUARY PICNIC ON WATER OR LAND - FISH PEDICURE BALD EAGLE RITA - AND MUCH MORE. MEMBERSHIP DOES NOT APPLY*
PROUD TO BE LISTED ON THE NATIONAL HISTORIC REGISTRY! 305.743.9100 • 5550 Overseas Highway • Marathon MM50 at the stoplight • Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Sat Noon to 5 p.m. Sundays • cranepoint.net
40
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
www.InjuredInTheKeys.com
includes fees includes fees
N
B
By Neil Simon By Neil Simon
Starring: Lee Lawson | Steve Miller
N
G
G
833-VASTOLA
Tickets $33
cy Mye an
rs
Please call us today. We want to help.
d d O O Couple The The
ce Hubbar ra
Mize ob
ll
Injured in the Keys?
la
rit Ha er
d
JVastola@VastolaLegal.com
do Bonil an
le
Jeff D. Vastola, Esq.
n Watso io
n
D
Marathon Community Theatre presents
Jan 8 -- 31 31 Jan 8 Matinees Matinees Jan 18 & 25 Jan 18
Directed by: Linda Schaefer & Karen Shotwell “The Odd Couple” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
9141 Overseas Hwy. Suite 3 | Marathon, Florida 33070 | 305.705.6788
NEVER BOUGHT. NEVER SOLD. ALWAYS LOCAL.
THIS WEEKS ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, DEC 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS CLOSED FRIDAY, DEC 26 DOTTIE KELLY BAND 8PM SATURDAY, DEC 27 GLENN HARMAN BAND 8PM SUNDAY, DEC 28 TONY MANFREDI 3PM DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM MONDAY, DEC 29 JOHNNY LIVE 3PM
THANK THANK YOU YOU FOR FOR VOTING VOTING US US BEST BEST LIVE LIVE MUSIC MUSIC VENUE! VENUE!
TUESDAY, DEC 30 TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM WEDNESDAY, DEC 31 JIBSEA COWBOYS 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
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
41
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025 The Most Trusted Name in Florida Keys Real Estate Since 1955.
23 S. KYLE WAY | CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BUYERS! 254 W SEAVIEW CIRCLE, DUCK KEY
We are proud to congratulate our wonderful buyers on the successful closing which is a stunning luxury property in the Florida Keys. What makes this closing even more special is that they are making the Keys their permanent home—embracing the island lifestyle, coastal beauty, and community that make this place so unique. Wishing you many years of happiness, sunshine, and unforgettable moments in your new home. Congratulations and welcome to the Keys!
SOLD FOR $4,000,000. ON THE MARKET FOR ONLY 17 DAYS! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SELLER! CONTACT US ABOUT THESE FABULOUS FLORIDA KEYS HOMES
NATALIE ARDIS, REALTOR natalie@cbschmitt.com | 305.481.3317 Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. 11050 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 ©2024 Banker Real Estate Corporation. All reserved. rights reserved.®,TM and SM are trademarks registered licensed trademarks licensed to Coldwell Real Estate ©2018 Coldwell Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights ®,TM and SM are registered to Coldwel l Banker Real EstateBanker Corporation. An equalCorporation. opportunity An equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.
The Most Trusted Name in Florida Keys Real Estate Since 1955.
201 W Seaview Drive | Duck Key $14,500,000
1355 -1350 Coury Drive Key Colony Beach | $11,995,000
205 15th Circle | Key Colony Beach $8,499,000
875 50th Street | Gulf, Marathon $6,50,000
58213 Morton Street | Marathon $4,699,000
82 Tingler Lane | Marathon $3,699,000
SOLD PRICE $2,950,000 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. 359 STIRRUP KEY BLVD., MARATHON
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.
THE LISA FERRINGO GROUP COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT Office: 305.872.5261 Cell: 305.797.1221 lisaferringo@gmail.com LisaFerringo.com
42
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
SUPERIOR PRODUCTS. SMALL TOWN CUSTOMER SERVICE.
COMPOST 101
Tips to reducing waste this holiday season
A 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)
We are a legacy of trust SOLD
800 James Avenue Boot Key Harbor Sale price $680,000
Seller represented by Jo Ann Cook 305.360.7968 jcook@oceansir.com
The homes we represent are special. We believe each one is a gateway to an extraordinary way of living. With a keen eye for uncommon beauty and value, we are uniquely placed to see what’s exceptional. Tailoring what we do to every home. With world-class service, and a unique heritage of storytelling. Because every home is one of a kind. Just like you. Just like us. 12420 Overseas Highway, Marathon | 305.735.4095 | oceansir.com Each office is independently owned and operated.
s the holiday season arrives, so does a surge in food waste. A 2020 study by Penn State found that U.S. LIAH households waste CONTINENTINO an estimated 31% of the food puris the University of Florida, IFAS chased annually. County Extension This amounts to an environmental horestimated $240 bilticulture agent and lion worth of food, master gardener enough to feed as volunteer coordinator many as 2 billion people each year. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, Americans generate 25% more waste. According to the Ecology Center, 21% of this uptick is food waste. Most food waste ends up in landfills, where it decomposes anaerobically, meaning without oxygen, due to the compacted layers of waste, the high quantity of non-biodegradable materials, and the lack of mixing. Once food is buried under a foot or more of waste, aerobic decomposition stops, and anaerobic bacteria take over. These bacteria work slowly and produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The EPA reports that municipal solid waste landfills are the third-largest source of human-driven methane emissions in the U.S., with 58% of those emissions coming from food waste. Take a head of lettuce. In a compost pile, decomposed by aerobic microbes, one head of lettuce breaks down in two to three weeks. In an anaerobic landfill, it can take over 25 years. In some cases, excavations have revealed 40-year-old newspapers in readable condition. What can we do? Composting is an excellent way to reduce food waste at home while providing additional environmental benefits. Finished compost is fantastic for your landscape or garden. Compost improves soil structure, increases water retention, moderates soil pH, reduces the need for fertilizers and saves money on fertilizers and yard waste disposal. The best method depends on your space, lifestyle and goals. If you prefer a low-maintenance method and have sufficient yard space, consider composting in a simple bin or pile. If you
aren’t a fan of a fixed pile, tumblers are an excellent option. Tumblers allow for easy turning, and their closed, raised design keeps critters out of your compost. Trench composting is perhaps the most straightforward method. Simply dig a hole and bury your scraps under at least 6 inches of soil. Rotating between trench spots is recommended. For quick results, consider hot composting; although this method requires more maintenance, it produces the fastest results. You can even compost with no outdoor space at all. Vermicomposting employs earthworms to do the work and can be set up indoors in a plastic storage container. Another option is to participate in community composting by sharing a bin with your friends or by bringing your scraps to compost drop-off areas. Scraps can be stored in special countertop bins, frozen or refrigerated until they are added to your compost. What to compost A healthy compost pile needs a balance of nitrogen-rich “greens” and carbon-rich “browns”: • Nitrogen (greens) include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and green yard waste. • Carbon (browns) include dried leaves and yard scraps, cardboard, sawdust, paper products. • Avoid composting animal products, diseased plant material, produce stickers, large branches and animal waste. • This holiday season, consider composting as your gift to the planet. By diverting food waste, you’ll help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enrich your landscape and save money, making your celebrations more sustainable. Food scrap drop-offs • “Compost Village” Demonstration area at the Key West Botanical Garden Nursery: Every third Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. This project is a partnership between UF/IFAS Extension, Monroe County Solid Waste and the Key West Botanical Garden. • Monroe County Solid Waste launched a three-month pilot program, where residents can drop off food waste at three Upper Keys locations. Participants must register at www.your-soilmate.com/pages/monroe More information is available from Liah Continentino at Continentinoliah@monroecounty-fl.gov or 305-9989580.
43
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
305.743.0844
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Warrington Media located at 96000 Overseas Highway, Unit 1, Key Largo, Florida 33037 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: James Warrington Publish: December 25, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
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
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
NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ALTHEA L. MAUST, deceased, whose date of death was July 22, 2025, Case: 25-CP-538-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: December 25, 2025. Personal Representative: BRANDIE JEAN ADAMSON c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304 Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Email designation for service: Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com Telephone: (305) 292-3926 Fax: (305) 295-7947 Publish: December 25, 2025 and January 1, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
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 25, 2025. Personal Representative: David Christian Rasmussen 116 Thurston Place Crestview, Florida 32536 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 25, 2025 and January 1, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
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
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
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Pursuant F.S. 328.17, United American Lien & Recovery as agent w/ power of attorney will sell the following vessel(s) to the highest bidder. Inspect 1 week prior @ marina; cash or cashier check; all auctions are held w/ reserve; any persons interested ph 954-563-1999 Sale Date January 16, 2026 @ 10:00 am 3411 NW 9th Ave #707 Ft Lauderdale FL 33309 V13261 1969 Hat FL0299NF Hull ID#: DO515826 inboard pleasure diesel fiberglass 38ft R/O Anthony Michael & Monic Echevarria Manguart Lienor: Marina Key LLC 99701 Overseas Hwy Key Largo Publish: December 25, 2025 & January 1, 2026 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 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,
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 NOTICE OF ACTION RE: MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC MONROE County, Florida NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-538-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ALTHEA L. MAUST, Deceased.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-560-K DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF CARLTON COLEMAN SPAIN Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Carlton Coleman Spain, deceased, whose date of death was November 11, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-533-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS 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
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 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
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. 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 SUDOKU SOLUTION
44
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 LEGAL NOTICES
EMPLOYMENT
HOBBIES/COLLECT.
E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: December 18 & 25, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
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.
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
AUTOS WANTED AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
AUTOS FOR SALE 2013 Cadillac ATS, 125k miles, needs tires & A/C, 2 owners, serviced at dealership. Located in Marathon. $4,000 Contact: yogaforpeacellc@yahoo.com SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!! PLACE YOUR AUTO FOR SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com
BOAT MISC. FOR SALE Two 425 XTO Yamaha outboard motors for sale. Low hours, excellent condition, professionally maintained. $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
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. PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com
HOUSING FOR RENT NIGHT MONITOR - FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility in Marathon. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/ 2 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
RV LOT FOR SALE Vacation Inn Resort, WPB. Gated, 5-Star, Luxury RV Resort in prestigious Palm Beach County on the Gold Coast of S. Florida! $129.5k Call 561-844-8974 for photos & information!
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
Boat dockage, 29th Street Canal, Marathon. Up to 33' - water & electric. 305-240-3270
Burton Memorial
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
HIRING CHURCH SECRETARY
Boat Slip For Rent in Key Largo - Oceanfront Marina - Up to 46’ x 11.5’ - $20/ft/ month. No Liveaboards. 3 3 0 - 2 1 9 - 5 3 1 3 RENTED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!! PLACE YOUR BOAT SLIP FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com
United Methodist Church
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!
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!
WE ARE HIRING
IS HIRING
Cake Decorator Early Morning Baker (4am-10am) Cashier/Server
PERMIT CLERK
Apply in person at: Vicky Bakery 97630 Overseas Highway (mm 97) Key Largo, FL 33037 KeyLargo@VickyBakery.com
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). Apply by email Jennifer.Roth@ReganRoth.com Regan Roth Insurance, 90144 Overseas Highway, Tavernier.
Family-owned business that will treat you like family!
Must have experience with Excel. We are willing to train the right candidates.
Send resume to admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call 305-852-3002
NOW HIRING IN KEY WEST
VACATION SALES COORDINATORS UP TO $2,000 SIGN-ON BONUS! Please contact Brea.Rollins-Simms@vacationclub.com for more information! Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:
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!
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.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Generation Department: NOW HIRING FULL TIME POSITION
IN THE UPPER KEYS
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.
NOW HIRING! GUEST SERVICES STAFF (Full-Time, Permanent) GUEST SERVICES STAFF (Part-Time, Weekend) FACILITIES MAINTENANCE APPRENTICE (Full-Time, Permanent) DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER
is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals. DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program, in addition to, life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. EOE
COME JOIN THE FAMILY!
Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL
45
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
• 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 NONPROFIT 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
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
MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE We are now hiring for the following positions:
Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
OPENINGS AVAILABLE PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C)Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier - Medical Assistant Ortho, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus - Patient Access Associates, $5k Bonus
MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST - Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C) Medical Oncology, Per Diem - Pool Radiation Therapist - Registered Nurse, Oncology, $15k Bonus
We’re HIRING!
Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers
KEY WEST Controller Full Time Teller Customer Service Representative Information Technology Technician II
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
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.
***Sara's Bonus Puzzle***
46
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743-0844
$60 ONLY
Leslie Christensen OWNER
phone 305-743-6881 AmericanCoastalRentals.com Leslie@AmericanCoastalRentals.com 9141 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
PUTS YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
305.743.0844
Liz Samess Interiors
SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE
Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…
Liz Samess CELL: (954) 801-7883
Interior Designer
#10080583
NEW CONSTRUCTION HOMES AND RENOVATIONS
PROUDLY SERVING THE FLORIDA KEYS SINCE 2014
When it comes to solar and power storage for your home in the Florida Keys, turn to the Florida Keys Local Experts at SALT Energy. A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989
305-289-1150
Email: interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com
Marathon, FL 33050
LIC# CRC1334580
inparadiseconstruction@outlook.com Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657
LIC# RR282812026
www.saltenergy.net 2992 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050
Sportfishing Adventures
Dolphin-Tuna-Wahoo-Billfish-Snapper-Grouper-Shark Deep Sea –Off Shore-Reef-Wrecks-Gulf
info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com
305-481-3259
SALES | INSTALLATION | SERVICE Lic & Ins SP3696
SPECIALIZING IN REMODELS & NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR OVER 20 YEARS
Keys Fisheries Market & Marina Mile Marker 48.5, Marathon End of 35th Street Bayside
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm • 6681 Overseas Hwy, Marathon keystilestone@gmail.com • www.keystilestone.com • 305.743.7053
Stephanie Cheever Realtor® 305.481.3067 coconuts@frontiernet.net stephaniecheever.kw.com
Mid-Lower Keys Buying or Selling call me for a free consultation
“SELL+SOLD=SMILES”
Rafael Cordova 786.299.8992
Dale Coburn, Attorney 305.743.9858 Coburn@marathonlaw.com 5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 3, Marathon
Interior & Exterior Painting CGC1535962
rafamanagementgroupllc@gmail.com
47
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 Licensed & Insured #SP33799
KAREN RASPE 305.393.9010 kraspe@oceansir.com www.oceansir.com
ALL KEYS GLASS
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors
3 0 5 -7 4 3 -7 8 0 0
Authorized Dealer
Sales & Installation • Tub & Shower Enclosures Safety & Tempered Glass • Mirror & Mirror Walls Plexi-Glass & Lexan
12420 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050
Capt. Brian's
JO ANN COOK
POOL SUPPLIES & SPA STORE WE SELL HOT TUBS! Delivered & Installed Key Largo to Key West
We DO Weekly Pool maintenance & Bi-weekly Landscape service
Exclusive dealer of USA-made Strong spas in the FL Keys!
305.393.9801 10699 Aviation Blvd Marathon, FL Keys
www.captbrianpoolandspa.com
Floor & Wall Tiles Porcelain/Planks Marble Carpets Quartz & Granite Countertops
Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles
305.360.7968 jcook@oceansir.com
Licensed & Insured
FREE ESTIMATES U.S.1 & 109th St, Marathon (Across from Beall’s Outlet)
Lic#SP-3562
y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com d n A Sliding Glass Door Repair
Qualifying Broker
We Do Installations!
12420 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050
289-3019
ALLY KELLEY
James Nagy
Global Real Estate Advisor 727.459.0493 akelley@oceansir.com
james.finish.paint@gmail.com
239.250.4055
We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens
305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable
Interior & Exterior Painting Drywall Repair & Texture Stucco Repair & Texture
Serving Key Largo to Key West
Concrete Staining Pressure Washing Fence Staining & Refinishing
Will Campbell President
BUiLDiNG iNSPECTiONS & PLAN REViEW PRiVATE PROViDER WiLL CAMPBELL - PRESiDENT
Cell: 305-363-8330 Office: 305-735-4626 will@cecflk.com www.CECFLK.com
P.E. Lic. No: 79269 5800 Overseas Hwy. Unit 32 Marathon, FL. 33050
CGC1523838
CGC1523838
12420 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050
GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS
SPALLING EXPERTS
Michael Kiraly
Mortgage Lender Supervisor NMLS# 675432 MKiraly@My100Bank.com Direct: (305) 942-1756 Office: (305) 676-3019
Jenny Lorenz, CEO overseasmediagroup.com jenny@overseasmediagroup.com 414.426.0884
11400 Overseas Hwy, Suite 214 & 215 Marathon, FL 33050 MY100BANK.COM | Centennial Bank
305.743.7454
Rachel Keller TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM FLORIDA KEYS Airports: EYW, MIA & FLL PARTY BUS • VAN • SUV | fkes2011@gmail.com
SALES & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076
Proud member of:
INTERNATIONAL
CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE
48
MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 25, 2025
Marathon Garbage Service, Service, Inc. Ser 305.743.5165 THERE WILL BE NO PICKUPS ON 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.
Let’s keep the Keys Clean!
RECYCLE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS
Plastic Bottles & Containers #s 1-7 Plastic lids and caps are OK!
Paperboard Boxes Newspapers Magazines
Catalogues
Aluminum & Metal Cans Clean foil and foil containers
Phone Books
Paperback book Junk Mail
Cereal Boxes
Corrugated Cardboard LOCATION
PICK-UP DAY
Knights Key
Tuesday
11th - 30th Ocean Side 12th- 52nd Gulf Side
Thursday
48th St Ocean - 74th St Ocean Side 60th, 61st, & 70th Gulf Side
Wednesday
75th - 117th Ocean & Gulfside Behind Airport & Aviation Including Stirrup Key
Friday
Sombrero Beach Road
Wednesday
Sombrero Blvd & Flamingo Island
Thursday
Vaca Cut- Coco Plum
Saturday
Grassy Key, Duck Key, & Conch Key
Saturday
Key Colony Beach
Tuesday
Long Key - Layton
Thursday
Paper Milk, Juice
Glass Bottles & Jars (green, brown & clear only – no lids)
and Soup Cartons
(emptied and rinsed)
THESE ITEMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED PAPER PLATES | PLASTIC BAGS | AEROSOL CANS STYROFOAM | CERAMICS | OIL CONTAINERS