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The largest point deficit ever overcome in a Super Bowl game, achieved on Feb. 5, 2017 by the New England Patriots. The team went on to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in the first overtime game in Super Bowl history. This year’s Super Bowl sees the Patriots returning to face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 8.
Fresh off a dominant rivalry win over Coral Shores, the Marathon Dolphins scored a knockout in the first round of the FHSAA playoffs. See Sports Wrap page 8. From left: Briggs Roberts, Taylor Huff, Andrew Suarez, Jack Chapman and Josh Koler. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly
CRACKDOWN ON E-BIKES?
New bill could add regulations, create task force
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Florida lawmakers could soon vote to put the brakes on an exploding – and controversial – mode of transportation. But even if approved, the crackdown may not be as severe as initially proposed. Recent years have seen a boom in the popularity of electric bikes and scooters as a cost-efficient, eco-friendly mode of transportation. But in some cases, the concept of a high-powered bike hurtling down a sidewalk at speeds of nearly 30 mph is more of a hazard than help.
If passed during the 2026 Florida legislative session, House Bill 243 and its companion Senate Bill 382 would look to slow the bikes around pedestrians and create a task force responsible for recommending more regulations in the future.
As currently defined, e-bikes fall into one of three classes: Class 1 bikes, which provide assistance only while pedaling and stop helping when the bike reaches 20 miles per hour; Class 2, reaching speeds of up to 20 mph by using the throttle and electric motor alone; and Class 3, providing assistance while pedaling up to speeds of 28 mph. Vehicles exceeding these capabilities are classified as motorcycles – but modifying a lower-powered stock bike to boost its top speed is a simple matter for the mechanically inclined.
In its originally-filed form, the new bill would have created a statutory definition for an “electric motorcycle” (“e-moto”): an electric vehicle powered by a motor of 750 watts or more, with max speeds above 28 miles per hour. It would require all operators of the high-powered bikes to be 16 years old with a driver’s license, and the special designation would limit the faster models to ordinary vehicle lanes, not sidewalks or mixed-use pathways where other e-bikes are still permitted.
But a revised version of the bill from late January nixed the restrictions on higher-powered bikes, instead adding general safety precautions while
proposing an electric bicycle safety task force to recommend further improvements to state e-bike laws.
In its current form, the bill would require e-bikes on shared paths not adjacent to roads to yield to pedestrians, slowing to a top speed of 10 mph when within 50 feet of someone on foot. Breaking the rule would be punishable as a noncriminal nonmoving traffic violation.
Along with creating the task force, composed of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles employees and representatives from law enforcement, the electric bicycle industry, elected officials and medical professionals, the bill would require local law enforcement to maintain logs of all traffic crashes involving e-bikes. The results would form the basis of reports delivered to FLHSMV and in turn to Gov. Ron DeSantis, the House and Senate by October 2026.
Though spiking numbers of crashes are discussed anecdotally as municipalities across the U.S. look to adopt their own e-bike laws, crashes in Florida directly attributed to electric bicycles are difficult to track – a problem potentially addressed by the task force and new reporting requirements.
While they may all look almost identical from the outside, e-bikes from manufacturers around the globe with highwattage motors are capable of speeds in excess of 30 mph. UNSPLASH
State crash reports count e-bike fatalities like bicyclists, while others classify e-bike crashes as motorcycle accidents – an apt description in many cases for the high-speed wreckage. Even the definition of an e-bike varies according to separate laws and state agencies. Nevertheless, the spike is clear nationwide. According to a July 2024 Forbes article, researchers in the medical journal JAMA Network Open found that the number of injuries from e-bikes doubled every year from 2017 (751 injuries) to 2022 (23,493). Over the same span, electric scooter injuries rose by 45%, and a recent Tampa Bay Times report quoted emergency room physicians who called the bikes “the biggest emerging risk for traumatic injury.”
The bikes are cause for resident concern in local government meetings from Key Largo to Key West – and the court of social media. Several Keys municipalities have passed their own basic framework for e-bike laws, but questions of enforcement and education still exist.
Last month, a dashcam video of a driver slamming on the brakes as an e-bike-riding child swerved directly across her path on Sombrero Beach Road without so much as a warning glance made the rounds in local Facebook groups – and a few weeks later, the Marathon City Council’s workshop session found a local business owner and resident begging for clear signs and education to direct e-bike riders. At press time, HB 243 was reported favorably by the House State Affairs Committee, Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee and Government Operations Subcommittee. It is waiting to go before legislators on the Senate and House floor.
The Keys Weekly submitted a request for recent records of e-bike crashes in the Keys from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, but was not able to obtain the data before press time.
SIGNED, SEALED, SURVIVED
From new in town to hurricane-tested, Shaneka Small makes sure the mail goes out
JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com
When Hurricane Irma ripped through the Florida Keys in 2017, most people were trying to get out.
Shaneka Small was just arriving to start a new job.
“I was a mail carrier when I first got here,” she said. “I got hired like four days prior to the huge hurricane and then walked into the chaos. Things like street signs were destroyed, so I had to actually learn where everything was. It was pretty crazy.”
What began as a temporary position as a city carrier assistant evolved into a lifelong career. After several years as a regular carrier, Small’s reliability led her into leadership as a “free supervisor,” which was a role she described as being the person the USPS depends on to step in the moment a gap appears. As of April 2025, she serves as the postmaster for the Marathon area, overseeing four critical locations: Marathon, Marathon Shores, Key Colony Beach and Long Key.
A postmaster functions as the CEO of a local post office. While part of a federal system, they operate as onsite general managers. Small is responsible for the daily processing of thousands of items, managing the operational budget and ensuring that her facility meets strict safety and financial standards.
For Small, the job begins long before she reaches the island. Living in Homestead, she leads with a perspective shaped by her own daily commute, making her acutely aware of the toll the drive takes on her team’s work-life balance.
“I drive this route every day,” she said, “and I don’t want to see my people struggle. They have families to get back to, just like I do.”
“Marathon is a building city, so I am constantly getting things updated so they can start to build delivery,” she said. “Sometimes the paperwork is not right, so I can’t do it, which is challenging.”
Then there is the sheer volume of mail. In the isolated Keys, online shopping isn't a luxury; it’s a necessity. Small views the mountain of Amazon boxes not as a burden, but as a vital service.
“People need what they need, I get it, and we can’t get everything from here,” she said. “Sometimes we just have to put boxes on the office floor and sort through them. It is what it is, but we get everything out in a timely manner and I’m proud of that.”
Staffing remains her primary hurdle. The high cost of living in the Keys means many employees must commute from Miami or Homestead.
“A lot of people don’t live around here, so it’s hard to get people to come to work,” Small explained. “It becomes a challenge after a while, and then they have to quit.”
Beyond personnel, Small must navigate the literal growth of the city. As Marathon expands, she must meticulously update federal systems to ensure new construction is recognized for delivery.
Inside the Marathon branch, the operation is a carefully choreographed race against the clock. Trucks arrive at 5 a.m., and Small ensures everything is processed and sent out the same day. She isn't the kind of postmaster who stays behind a desk, either. If the floor is overwhelmed, she’s out there moving mail.
I got hired like four days prior to the huge hurricane and then walked into the chaos. Things like street signs were destroyed, so I had to actually learn where everything was. It was pretty crazy.”
“I’ll get out there and I’ll help my people out with anything, because that’s just my job,” she said.
The position does have its lighter moments, particularly with the unique items that pass through the island mail. From live chickens and fish to "souvenirs" like decorated coconuts and dried leaves sent by tourists, Small has seen the full spectrum of the Keys' eccentricity.
Reflecting on her promotion, Small believes she found the role at exactly the right time. From a brand-new carrier arriving in the wake of a hurricane to the executive responsible for four island communities, she’s become an essential part of Marathon’s daily life, ensuring that, no matter the volume, the mail always goes out.
Marathon postmaster Shaneka Small, right, poses with customer service supervisor Sofia Pla. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
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
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JUDGE LETS HAITIANS STAY FOR NOW
Federal immigration officials vow to appeal ruling, then deport Haitians
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
Key West’s Haitian community breathed a tentative sigh of relief on Feb. 2, when a federal judge in Washington, D.C. temporarily blocked the Trump administration and federal officials from canceling protection for Haitian immigrants and deporting them back to a country that the U.S. Department of State deems too dangerous to visit.
The reprieve leaves the estimated 330,000 Haitians in the United States under temporary protection status (TPS) living in fear and legal limbo, as officials from the Department of Homeland Security have pledged to appeal the judge’s ruling and seek Supreme Court permission to deport them.
“Supreme Court, here we come. This is lawless activism that we will be vindicated on,” Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said. “Haiti’s TPS was granted following an earthquake that took place over 15 years ago, it was never intended to be a de facto amnesty program, yet that’s how previous administrations have used it for decades.”
Local Haitians affected
In Key West, anecdotal reports have indicated a high absentee rate among Haitian students in Key West schools for the past 10 days, as families
feared immigration agents would follow their children or the school bus to their homes. Other parents worry they could be detained while their children are in school, and they wouldn’t have a way to reach them.
The Keys Weekly has requested absentee figures for January and February for the past three years to compare those numbers to the current immigration-related absenteeism.
Monroe County school officials said they are working on compiling those figures, and will issue an official statement in response to Haitians’ status in the coming day or so. Stay tuned to keysweeky.com for updates.
Local business owners also worry about their Haitian staff members, who are a crucial part of the Keys workforce, particularly in hotels, restaurants and health care. Some business owners have been contacting state and federal legislators to express support for an extension of TPS for Haitian immigrants.
Temporary protected status, or TPS, allows immigrants from designated countries to live and work lawfully, but temporarily, in the United States. It does not include a path to citizenship or a green card, and when TPS ends, immigrants from those countries are subject to deportation. The designation is granted to immigrants from countries facing civil war, natural disasters, political violence or other circumstances that would make it dangerous to return to the country.
In July 2025, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem “determined that there are no extraordinary and temporary conditions in Haiti that prevent Haitian nationals from returning in safety,” states an official notice filed in the Federal Register. “Moreover, even if the department found that there existed conditions that were extraordinary and temporary that prevented Haitian nationals from returning in safety, termination of Temporary Protected Status of Haiti is still required because it is contrary to the national interest of the United States to permit Haitian nationals to remain temporarily in the United States.”
Noem’s decision to end Haitian TPS occurred the same month that another federal agency issued a travel advisory for Haiti and warned Americans not to travel there.
“Do not travel to Haiti for any reason … due to kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest and limited health care. … Mob killings and public assaults are on the rise. … Violent crime is rampant in Haiti. … The expansion of gang, organized crime and terrorist activity has led to widespread violence, kidnappings and sexual assault. … There is a substantial risk of being struck by stray bullets. … There is a risk of terrorist violence. … There are gangs that are designated as terrorist organizations present in Haiti,” said the U.S. Department of State in July 2025.
The same advisory urged Americans who must travel to Haiti: “Draft a will and put your financial affairs in order. Discuss a plan for care and custody of children and pets. Leave DNA samples with your doctor so your family can identify your remains. Establish a proof-of-life protocol with questions (and answers) to ask hostage takers.”
Judge grants reprieve
On Feb. 2, one day before TPS was set to end for Haitian immigrants, U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes indefinitely paused the planned termination. Her order bars the federal government from arresting and deporting Haitians with TPS designation. The judge also ruled that the federal government cannot revoke work permits of Haitian immigrants.
Local business owners also worry about their Haitian staff members, who are a crucial part of the Keys workforce, particularly in hotels, restaurants and health care. Some business owners have been contacting state and federal legislators to express support for an extension of TPS for Haitian immigrants.
Reyes’ order calls Noem’s decision to end Haitian TPS “arbitrary and capricious,” and in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), as Noem and her department failed to consider “overwhelming evidence of present danger” in Haiti, which has been devastated by earthquakes, hurricanes, gang violence, political instability and widespread poverty.
Reyes also wrote that Noem’s decision was “in part” based on “racial animus.” Her order cites disparaging and discriminatory remarks that Noem and President Donald Trump have made about Haiti and immigrants.
“Kristi Noem has a First Amendment right to call immigrants killers, leeches, entitlement junkies, and any other inapt name she wants,” Reyes wrote. “Secretary Noem, however, is constrained by both our Constitution and the APA to apply faithfully the facts to the law in implementing the TPS program. The record to date shows she has yet to do that,” adding that it “seems substantially likely” that the decision to end TPS stemmed from “hostility to nonwhite immigrants.”
City of Marathon City Council Agenda
9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon Tuesday, February 10, 2026 5:30 P.M.
(*Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval of Agenda.)
City Council Items
*A. Approval of Minutes
B. Jeff Smith Appreciation Plaque
C. School Resource Officer Day Proclamation
D. Flood Awareness Week Proclamation
*E. Vehicle Listing (Informational)
City Manager Report
*A. MCSO Marathon Substation Report
*B. Grants Update
*C. Public Works Report
*D. Park and Recreation Report
*E. Engineering Report
*F. Marina Report
*G. Code Report
*H. Wastewater Utilities Report
*I. Building Report
*J. Marathon Fire Rescue Report
K. Armand Messina – Florida Keys Contactor’s Association
City Attorney
*A. Attorney Performance Review
Resolutions For Adoption
A. Resolution 2026-05, Approving An Amendment Revising The Rates For The Vacation Rental Fee Schedule; And Providing For An Effective Date. (Resolution was tabled on January 13, 2026)
*B. Resolution 2026-11 Awarding The Contract For The Area 4 Odor Control Unit Replacement To Reynolds Construction, LLC In An Amount Not To Excced $85,944.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date
*C. Resolution 2026-12, Approving A Project Specific Agreement In The Amount Of $80,000 With The Firm Of Florida Technical Consultants (FTC), A Continuing Services Contractor For City Wide GIS Support Services; Authorizing The City Manager To Sign The Agreement; And Providing For An Effective Date
*D. Resolution 2026-13 Awarding The Contract For The Area 5 Sewage Pump Upgrade To Hudson Pump & Equipment In An Amount Not To Exceed $95,000.00; Authorizing The City Manager To
Pursuant
Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date *E. Resolution 2026-14, Renewing The Turf And Landscape Maintenance Agreement With FDOT For The Maintenance Of The US 1 Corridor Within The City Of Marathon; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The First One Year Renewal Agreement; And Providing For An Effective Date. *F Resolution 2026-15, Authorizing A “Piggy-Back” Purchase Pursuant To The City’s Purchasing Policies And Procedures And Approving The Purchase Of A 2027 Ford F-650 Regular Cab Chassis 2WD 158” WB Strait Frame 84” CA Under The City Of Tallahassee Contract Number 5179 From Alan Jay In An Amount Not To Exceed $102,450.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date. *G. Resolution 2026-16, Adopting A Schedule Of Fees Pursuant To Chapter 111.11, “Planning Department Application Fees” And Providing For An Effective Date. H. Resolution 2026-17, Repealing And Superseding Resolution 2010-18 Establishing A Revised Annual Allocation Quantity For Each Category Of Dwelling Unit Allocations For The Residential Building Permit Allocations System (BPAS); Providing For Rollover To Future BPAS Periods Of Unused BPAS Allocations, Providing For Numerical Adjustments Of The Allocations By Resolution Of The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date *I. Resolution 2026-18, Approving The Work Authorization Agreement Between The City And CW3 Engineering, Inc., For Professional Engineering Services For The Design of the Stormwater And Trail Improvement On A Portion Of Sombrero Beach Road In An Amount Not To Exceed $82,000.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Expend Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date
(305) 289-4130 at least five days prior thereto. Please contact the City Clerk at clavierd@ci.marathon.fl.us if you would like to receive any of the items on the agenda by email.
MOM & BABY MANATEE GO HOME
Dolphin Research Center releases pair after entanglement rehab
On Jan. 28, Dolphin Research Center’s manatee rescue team, in partnership with SeaWorld Orlando and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, successfully released a rehabilitated mother manatee and her calf at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.
The mother manatee, named Stripes, and her calf, Argyle, were originally rescued by Dolphin Research Center after Stripes was found suffering from a severe fishing line entanglement around her pectoral flippers. At the time of rescue, DRC’s staff veterinarian determined that Stripes was in critical condition and required advanced medical care and long-term rehabilitation.
Following emergency treatment at DRC, FWC transported the pair to SeaWorld Orlando, where they received specialized care and rehabilitation services. After months of treatment, monitoring and recovery, both Stripes and Argyle were deemed healthy and strong enough for release back into their natural habitat.
“Successful release days are joyful days,” said Allie Proskovec, director of media and marketing at Dolphin Research Center. “They represent countless hours of dedication, collaboration and compassion from every organization involved. Seeing Stripes and Argyle return to the wild together is the best possible outcome. Manatees are a threatened species, facing ongoing risks from boat strikes, habitat loss and entanglement in fishing gear. Today’s release serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the continued need
Crowds gather as wildlife rehabbers release mother manatee, Stripes, and her calf, Argyle, at John Pennekamp State Park on Jan. 28. JASON RAFTER PHOTOGRAPHY/Contributed
for public awareness and conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants.” Dolphin Research Center is the only licensed manatee rescue organization in the Florida Keys. This release highlights the importance of partnerships among local rescue teams, state agencies and accredited rehabilitation facilities.
The organization encourages anyone who spots a manatee that may be injured, entangled or in distress to call the FWC wildlife alert hotline at 1-888404-FWCC (3922).
Contributed
THE SNAIL SETTLES IT
GroundConch Day at Aquarium Encounters predicts six more weeks of winter
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
With temperatures in the Florida Keys hitting their lowest points in nearly two decades, declaring the end of winter on Groundhog Day might have been irresponsible.
Thankfully, the “mollusk meteorologist” at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters concurred with his coworker up north, Punxsutawney Phil. The massive queen conch delighted early-morning guests at the aquarium as he emerged from his sideways shell, saw his shadow and flipped right back over – ordering another six weeks of winter in the island chain.
"When the conch sees his shadow, it means that we have six more weeks of winter," said Ben Daughtry, Aquarium Encounters president. "But here in the Florida Keys, we can live with that,
A queen conch extends its foot and begins to flip over during GroundConch Day at Aquarium Encounters in Marathon. The ‘mollusk meteorologist’ flipped after seeing its shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter as the Florida Keys’ substitute for Punxsutawney Phil. JOSE DAVILA/Florida Keys News Bureau
because it's typically in the 70s."
Up in western Pennsylvania at the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, top-hat-wearing revelers helped Phil announce the same prediction – but in single-digit temps instead of the 40s. And down in Marathon, Aquarium Encounters staff – and even a few of the sea urchins in the GroundConch’s tank – wore the traditional festive top hats for the occasion.
An original song by John Bartus honoring the aquatic meteorologist opened the morning’s proceedings, followed by a breakfast buffet and warm beverages for more than 50 attendees at the free event. Local dignitaries in the audience included Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo and Vice Mayor Debbie Struyf, council members Lynn Landry and Robyn Still, Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln and Marathon City Manager George Garrett.
Mom and baby manatees Stripes, left, and Argyle prep for their final journey home to Key Largo waters. DRC/Contributed
Wearing a miniature top hat, Claire Minahan spots a sea urchin during GroundConch Day. NATALIE DANKO/Florida Keys News Bureau
SHOPPING LOCAL NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE!
THIS WEEKS ENTERTAINMENT
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY LEADERS VISIT CAPITOL
Habitat for Humanity leaders in the Upper and Middle Keys visited the State Capitol on Feb. 3 as part of the Habitat Florida State Lobby Day. Scott Goss, executive director for the Upper Keys Habitat, said they relayed to state leaders that Habitat is in the business of affordable homeownership for families who are working in their local communities, and more than anything, want to be a part of the community. Pictured from left are Goss; Carla Bahn, Upper Keys Habitat executive committee; state Rep. Jim Mooney and Chris Todd Young, executive director for the Middle Keys Habitat. CONTRIBUTED
PUTO GETS A STADIUM
Mike ‘Mr. Marathon’ Puto’s name will be forever attached to Friday Night Lights at Marathon Middle & High School. On Jan. 27, the Monroe County school board voted to name the school’s football stadium the Michael H. Puto Stadium after the local celebrity and long-time school booster, pictured left center. Puto, who grew up in Marathon and attended MHS, has long supported and raised money for local schools, the school district and all things Marathon. ‘As board members, we are asked to vote on a lot of different things,’ wrote board member Sue Woltanski in a social media post announcing the honor. ‘Nothing has been easier to vote ‘yes’ on than tonight’s vote.’ CONTRIBUTED
Juan Carlos (JC) Mora
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I’ve been in the Keys for 20 years.
What is your favorite thing about living in the Keys? The different views every day and the people.
What’s a local business you couldn’t live without? All the restaurants, because I don’t like to cook. Which living person do you most admire? RuPaul!
What is your greatest extravagance? Travel and luxury shoes.
What’s a talent you wish you had? Definitely singing – I would love to be able to sing!
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My hair.
What is your most marked characteristic? My outgoing personality.
Who is one of your real-life heroes? My grandfather.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? To be able to eat and sleep any time I want.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A bird, so I can fly any time I want to.
What’s a habit you’d love to break? I would love to be more consistent and disciplined.
What is your greatest regret? Not having a chance to say goodbye to my grandfather before he passed.
No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Juan Carlos (JC) Mora. When he isn’t volunteering for the many organizations in Marathon, he loves to dance, which is why he got his Zumba instructor/choreographer certification 13 years ago. He loves the Marathon community and enjoys volunteering any time he gets a chance.
What’s something you’re really proud of? The person I have become.
What is your most treasured possession? I’m going to say my three nieces (I don’t say this to a lot of people).
What do you most value in your friends? Loyalty.
What’s a simple pleasure that brings you joy? Food. I can eat all day like a pig.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? To always be myself and not change for anyone.
What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? I am a very reserved person. I don’t open up very easily to people.
What are your favorite & least favorite smells? Cinnamon is my favorite and I don’t like the smell of peppermint.
What was in the last Amazon package that arrived? A two-pack of rectangle closet organizers.
What’s one of your all-time favorite quotes? “Dance to express, not to impress.”
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
City Council Meeting
City Council
Lynny Del Gaizo, Mayor
Debra Struyf, Vice-Mayor
Lynn Landry, Councilmember
Kenny Matlock, Councilmember
Robyn Still, Councilmember
City Manager George Garrett
City Attorney
Steve Williams
City Clerk
Diane Clavier, CMC
02/10/26 5:30 pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.
Code Compliance Hearing
02/19/26 2:00pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.
Planning Commission Meeting
02/23/26 5:30pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.
City Council Workshop
02/24/26 5:30pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.
Agendas can be found here https://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/meetings
Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at any meeting or workshop noted herein, he or she will need a record of the proceedings and for such purposes he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. The City of Marathon complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a disabled person requiring special accommodations or assistance, please notify the City ADA Coordinator at (305) 289-5022 of such need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance.
Closures and Expected Delays
Lane closures are expected for the next 4 to 6 months, anticipated to begin in the middle of February. The lane closures begin along the gulf side of Overseas Highway from Aviation Blvd to the Airport Access Road, gradually shi ing every 6 to 8 weeks. Over the duration of the project the lane closures will move to di erent segments within the project limits from Marathon’s Community Park to the Vaca Cut Bridge.
This project is Phase 1 of Piping for their Deep Injection Well Project involving installation of a new underground wastewater transmission main to convey treated e uent from the City’s wastewater treatment plants toward the future centralized deep injection well facility near Area 6. The transmission main will be installed primarily using horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to reduce surface disturbance, limit conflicts with existing utilities, and minimize disruptions within the U.S. 1 corridor. Construction activities will occur within and adjacent to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) right-of-way and will require temporary lane closures in select areas.
KEEPING THEIR BUTTS WARM
Pitmasters battle the cold in Sauced and Tossed BBQ Contest
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
It takes the bravest of pitmasters to soldier through the coldest temperatures seen by the Florida Keys in 15 years. But that’s what four teams did to serve their guests and discerning judges at the city of Marathon’s Sauced and Tossed Barbecue Contest on Jan. 31 at Marathon Community Park. Pork butts smoking since the early morning hours
provided four succulent options from Florida Keys AC, Blue Ribbon BBQ, Key Colony Beach Pig’s Out and the city’s Beer Belly BBQ team. Sides provided by the Marathon High School Dolphin Bistro and drinks from Bongo’s Botanical Beer Garden rounded out plates for guests looking to warm up. Along with cash prizes and gift cards for the winners, the day raised $525 in support of the Dolphin Bistro and MHS culinary program.
THE WINNERS ARE…
First place overall (judges’ choice): Beer Belly BBQ
Second place overall: Blue Ribbon BBQ
Third place overall: Key Colony Beach Pig’s Out
People’s Choice: Beer Belly BBQ
1. Judges pore over their score sheets during anonymous sampling.
2. Team Florida Keys AC finishes a pre-dawnto-dusk barbecue journey.
3. Ryan Frederick takes a well-earned celebratory shot from the Best Municipality trophy to cap off a win at the first-ever Sauced and Tossed BBQ Contest.
4. Blue
5. Key Colony Beach challenges Marathon for the Best Municipality trophy.
6. Beer Belly BBQ shows off their appropriately-themed team banner.
7. Beer Belly BBQ wins first place overall and the traveling Best Municipality
Ribbon BBQ’s one-man show earns second place overall.
trophy. From left: Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo, Amanda Herrera, Libby Frazier, Gerard ‘Spook’ Roussin, Ryan Frederick and Maria Covelli.
Photos by Alex Rickert
RICE IS FIRST TO ENTER COUNTY DISTRICT 4 RACE
Commissioner cites ‘unfinished business’ with affordable housing builds,
looming tax reform
ALEX RICKERT
alex@keysweekly.com
Monroe County’s longesttenured county commissioner will look to continue his service to the Florida Keys.
District 4 commissioner and current Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem David Rice became the first to file for the 2026 race, vying to represent the majority of Marathon all the way up through Plantation Key and the west end of Tavernier.
First elected in 2002, Rice was re-elected in 2010, 2014 and 2018, most recently going unopposed in the 2022 election. He’s a 53-year resident of Monroe County and the founder of the Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys, serving as the organization’s executive director for more than 30 years until his retirement in 2006.
“It will be 20 years (on the commission) at the end of this term,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed it, and if the citizens of this county would like to have me one more time, I’m ready to do that.”
Rice currently serves on the board of the Historic Florida Keys Foundation and was a founding member of the Pigeon Key Foundation. He has previously served on the boards of the Monroe County Housing Authority, Rural Health Network, Marathon Economic Development Council, South Florida Resource, Conservation Development Council, and Florida Keys Hurricane Recovery Foundation.
He told the Weekly one of his proudest achievements in office was helping develop the Trauma Star air ambulance program as it exists today.
“We’d been operating an old Vietnam Huey, and it had finally died on us,” Rice said. “We were at a crossroads, and we’d demonstrated how important it could be. So I developed a business plan, and we discovered that it could essentially pay for itself.”
The program went on to purchase three Sikorsky S-76 helicopters before a full fleet refresh at the close of 2025, replacing the aging birds with
Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem David Rice. CONTRIBUTED
brand-new Leonardo AW-139 helicopters.
Today, Trauma Star transports more than 1,300 patients per year.
Rice listed traffic and transportation issues as unsolved.
“For several years, that was the number one priority of folks who live here, and we really have not done a great deal with that,” he told the Weekly. “I’m not sure how much we can do, because it appeared the voters didn’t really have an appetite for another penny sales tax. … That’s about the only way I know to create a transportation system that would give us some relief on the highway.”
While noting an ever-present issue of affordable housing, Rice said the county has seen some vacancies in Upper Keys and Lower Keys projects, potentially correlated with heightened immigration enforcement activity throughout the county.
“We need to keep an eye on it until we can figure out what’s happening,” he said. “Maybe we’ve had a certain percentage of our workforce decide to live elsewhere for reasons that may have to do with ICE, but we just don’t know yet.”
Rice’s tenure has spanned some of the more tumultuous years in recent memory for Monroe County as it navigated widespread staff layoffs, changes to its fire department and protocols following a drug theft and coverup scandal and critical financial audits of county departments and the Tourist Development Council. He said that while the layoffs were difficult, they were a necessary step in complying with directives from the state Department of Government Efficiency and preparing for deep cuts to property tax revenues.
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Breakfast 6-11am | Lunch 11am to 4:30 pm | Happy Hour from 1pm-5pm Dinner is 4:30pm till 9pm | Locals 10% discount on all food menu items (excluding HH)
Locals’ appreciation day on Tuesdays & Thursdays during Breakfast from 6am-9am, locals can enjoy 20% o their meal & start o your day right!
Out Available
Live Music
Great food and ambiance, music nightly Monday – Saturday 6pm-9pm & Sunday brunch music from 11am-2pm.
Plays every Wednesday 6-9pm & Sunday Brunch 11am-2pm
Adrienne Z is an indie pop singer/songwriter, performer, arranger and producer originally from Massachuse s. Compared to singers like Norah Jones, Sheryl Crow, and Stevie Nicks, Adrienne’s voice is pure emotion, stylistically elegant, soulful, and ethereal.
“We’re running a pretty lean operation, and it may not be over,” he said. “Depending on how they (cut taxes), we could be unable to deliver services to the county at the rates that people want things to happen. The time it takes to get permits, things like that – these matter to people, so hopefully we won’t be dealing with that, but with or without (the cuts), we had to make some big reductions.”
Plays every Friday from 6pm-9pm
Michelle Dravis is a longstanding local favorite FL Keys musician, nominated Key West Best Vocalist, known for her smokey deep soulful blues-infused voice. With an acoustic guitar , she plays a nice eclectic mix of rock, blues, country, motown and takes special requests.
Plays every Tuesday & Saturday night 6-9pm
John Bartus: Very few towns or cities could ever claim that their Mayor was a smokin’ hot guitar player. The island city of Marathon in the Florida Keys is one of those towns. John Bartus has entertained audiences in the Keys for more than 40 years as a professional musician, singer, and songwriter. He continues to raise the bar with his original music and groundbreaking solo acoustic show.
Plays every Monday & Thursday night from 6-9pm
Adam Stamper: Lots of Johnny Cash, CCR, Bob Dylan, old folk stu , Beatles, some 90’s grunge, even some Irish music if asked for... He is from Cleveland, Ohio and has been in keys for over 10 years!
Top: Landry Sayer, left, and Lily Hutchinson perform ‘For Good’ as witches Elphaba and Glinda. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
SPEND THE WEEKEND LAUGHING
‘One Weekend Only’ hits the stage
at Marathon Community Theatre
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Below: ‘The Plastics’ (Aubrey Anthony Kehn as Gretchen, left, Michelle Macoskey as Regina and Destiny Lee as Karen) are the co-directors and hosts of One Weekend Only: Lights, Laughter, Action.
They’ve got LED light shows, “Saturday Night Live” sketches, adorable kids singing, a full complement of dancers and even some cheerleaders. But the number one goal this weekend at Marathon Community Theatre is to whisk audiences away for a few hours of laughter.
“One Weekend Only: Lights, Laughter, Action” takes the stage this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit community theater that’s spent the last 24 months navigating expensive, but necessary, building upgrades along with a $300,000 roof replacement.
Anthony Kehn, Michelle Macoskey and Destiny Lee as The Plastics — yes, THOSE plastics from “Mean Girls.”
The annual variety show lives up to its promise, pairing vocal performances with one-of-a-kind acts like speed painting from local artist Shannon Wiley and an audience-participation “workout class” with a zany instructor.
“Directing this year’s One Weekend Only has been equal parts joy, chaos and enlightening,” said Macoskey. “Collaborating with my two brilliant co-directors pushed us to try new ideas, take good risks and trust the magic of teamwork. I’m incredibly proud of our performers, and I hope everyone comes out to see what happens when talent, trust and a little theatrical courage join together on stage.”
A silent auction and cocktail hour precede the show each night starting at 7 p.m., with items including sports memorabilia, hotel stays, animal encounters and more. Fresh off his run in “The Odd Couple,” local radio legend Steve Miller will take the helm of a live auction for higher-dollar items.
Once patrons take their seats, it’s an 18-number program hosted with sass by the show’s co-directors Aubrey
After the show, tickets include a complimentary buffet and champagne toast catered by Lazy Days South and Porky’s Bayside Restaurant.
Tickets for “One Weekend Only” are $48 apiece, available at marathontheater.org or by calling 305-743-0994.
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NEW LISTINGS & FEATURED PROPERTIES
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It is important, I believe, to allow yourself to be dumb about certain things, to permit yourself to wallow in the hazy comfort of not always knowing, and possibly not ever knowing, what is what.
... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.
I feel this way about complimentary color schemes, most professional sports, music notation, anything to do with the Real Housewives of anywhere, the albums of Steely Dan and, as I was reminded recently, sparrows.
I believe the dumbness is usually the result of a lack of interest, but not always.
I have actually made efforts to do things like understand color schemes and sheet music, to no significant result.
I’ve also tried really hard to be able to identify sparrows in the field. I think I have sparrow aphasia.
I was reminded of this a week or so ago when I was walking on Boca Chica Beach and a bird hopped up from the beach and landed on the barbed wire over the chain link fence. It did me the favor of not moving, of just sitting there, toes gripping the wire, looking around at the world. I was expecting a palm warbler, but it was bulkier, and wasn’t bopping its tail. It also had a broader, more wedge-shaped bill, built to crack seeds, and yeah, was a sparrow. The question then was, what kind of sparrow?
I would like to say my earliest concept of what a sparrow was came from one of the multiple times it is mentioned in the Bible, generally as an example of how God loves even the most insignificant of creatures. “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God,” Jesus is quoted as saying in Luke 12:6-7. Matthew reports him saying something similar, though the rate he quotes is two for a penny. (Maybe Luke knew to ask for the bulk discount.)
My earliest conception of the sparrow, though, came from the theme song for the TV detective show “Baretta,” which gives out such directives as “Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time,” and “Don’t do me dirt or you’re gonna get hurt,” all leading to the repeated chorus of “Keep your eye on the sparrow / When the going gets narrow.” It never elucidated what it means to keep your eye on the sparrow, but it is no doubt derived from one of those biblical references.
I remember the song being something of a banger, more interesting at the time than the show, which starred Robert Blake, who started his career as one of the characters on “The Little Rascals/Our Gang,” and who may or may not have murdered his wife. The song had killer rhythm and horns, and some severely up-
AN EYE ON THE SPARROW, WHEN THE GOING GETS NARROW
tempo, disco-era violins. But also, it turns out it was sung by Sammy Davis Jr. (It’s the third most popular song on his greatest hits album, after “Mr. Bojangles” and “The Candy Man.”)
The first sparrow I saw out in the world was most likely a house sparrow, a European species introduced to North America in the 1850s, either to help eradicate a moth that was damaging oak trees or to provide a familiar species in the landscape for European immigrants, or possibly both. And, of course, the population exploded across the continent due to the species’ preference for nesting in manmade spaces like houses, barns, shopping centers and airport terminals, over more natural spaces. I can’t remember exactly when I saw my first one, but they are rather hard to avoid.
In terms of North American sparrows, house sparrows don’t really count. Not so much because they are an invasive exotic species, but because European sparrows are not closely related to North American sparrow species. They share a name but not a taxonomic family.
Of the 44 species of New World sparrows, aka members of the passerellidae family – 30 of which have been recorded in Florida – I can comfortably identify about six species. The rest just cause me consternation.
I think I can explain why I am so bad at identifying sparrows. I didn’t take up this birding thing until after I’d lived in the Keys for a few years. And it’s possible we may get fewer sparrows here than other part of the country. None of those species breed here. Only about 16 have been recorded in the Keys and none of them are common.
As I get to see them so rarely, I’ve never been able to develop the visual grammar
to distinguish them. If I can’t wrap my brain around how to identify a species by either repetition and proximity, I generally need them to have some type of distinctive quality. And sparrow species can be awfully similar looking to the untrained eye, a symphony of earth tones. I mean, if someone writes a new book about New World sparrow species, they should call it “Fifty Shades of Brown.”
I’ve given serious consideration to going up to a place like Paine’s Prairie, which is said to have quite a few species of sparrows in the winter, and spend a week taking myself to sparrow boot camp. But it’s hard to rationalize that kind of time.
The colors on the bird on the barbed wire ran from a peachy beige to a dull copper to a raw sienna to a deep oak. There were some darker streaks in the bill, and a series of alternating light and dark bands across the face.
The general theory in birding is that you shouldn’t pull your field guide out right away. You should try to really look at the bird, form sharp impressions about its field marks. In olden times you’d take some notes, make some rough sketches. In the more modern digital camera era, we take some shots. Which is what I did.
I’d like to say I pulled out a field guide and figured it out there, but it wasn’t until I got home and blew the photo up on the screen, and spent a while flipping through a couple field guides thinking no, no, no, maybe, no, maybe, that I narrowed it down to three or four species, and from there, one.
Savanna sparrow. At least I’m pretty sure. I’m hoping I recognize it right off the bat next time I see one.
A sparrow seen recently at Boca Chica Beach. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly
WAGYU TARTARE PANI PURI ford’s farm kimchi | asian pear | thai basil
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Valentine’s Day at Salt + Ash invites you to mark the moment with romance, refinement, and a touch of indulgence. This intimate tasting experience unfolds course by course, blending carefully curated ingredients and elegant presentation.
Looking for: A best friend who supports my new healthy lifestyle.
Turnoffs: Diets. Eeeeyyuck.
4-month-old female domestic shorthair.
uengling
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SUSHI
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• Fresh Uni arrives on
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.
Looking for: All the love a family can give me.
Turnoffs: Not a thing. They say I’m purrrrrfect.
EMERAL
2-year-old male domestic shorthair.
Looking for: I’m a chatty, social guy who loves people.
Turnoffs: I used to be a street cat. I’m ready to retire from that lifestyle.
Clarabelle
Evie
Boat Show With A Beach!”
FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS
WHY THE FOOD PYRAMID UPDATES ARE A WIN
Igenuinely love many of the changes in the newly-updated food pyramid. Nutrition science is finally starting to reflect what many of us in the wellness world have been saying for years.
Let’s start with protein. For decades, the recommended intake hovered around 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, which was designed to prevent deficiency, not to optimize health. The updated guidelines now acknowledge that most adults benefit from significantly more, with many experts recommending 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram, especially as we age or stay active. I don’t want to say I told you so, but … I did, in my article named “The Power of Protein.” Just saying. If I could be so bold as to improve this even further, I would recommend that every meal contain a meaningful source of protein. Not just breakfast. Not just dinner. Every meal. Now, about that canned tuna. Tuna itself is a fine protein source. But once food is placed in a can, it is, by definition, processed. That doesn’t make it toxic — it simply means it should not be a primary, everyday protein source. Whole, minimally-processed proteins deserve the front-row seat.
...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC.
Vegetables finally receive equal importance, and I could not be happier about that.
Vegetables contain protein on their own. More importantly, the nutrients found in a wide variety of vegetables help transport and use amino acids from protein, making the entire system more efficient. In simple terms: Protein works better when vegetables and fruits are present.
And for the same reason we limit canned tuna, those canned green beans can also take a hike. We should not strip our food of nutrients just so we can admire how long it can survive on a shelf. Nothing truly nourishing should be able to live in your cupboard indefinitely. Moving on, let’s talk about fruit juice.
The takeaway is dilution and limitation. But I would take it a step further. If the juice comes from concentrate, it belongs in the no-fly zone. If it is made from the whole fruit, including pulp and fiber, then it can fit. Fiber is what blunts the glycemic response and makes fruit beneficial rather than problematic.
The guidelines recommend a minimum of three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day. I appreciate the direction, but I believe we can aim higher.
Research consistently shows that consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables — “eating the rainbow” — is strongly associated with longevity. Fruits and vegetables provide fiber, flavonoids, polyphenols and countless phytochemicals that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. The strongest outcomes appear closer to 10 total servings per day. Do not fear fruit in its natural form. The fiber and polyphenols work together to protect blood sugar balance.
The new pyramid also highlights something long overdue: carbohydrate quality matters.
Whole grains and complex carbohydrates are far more nutrient-dense than refined, processed versions. Fiber is not optional — it is essential. And no, we are not getting enough of it from white bread or crackers. Our digestive systems have been asking for more fiber for decades. If you want to improve regularity, gut health and metabolic function, this is your most powerful starting point.
Now, let’s talk sugar.
The new guidelines finally state that no amount of added sugar is recommended or considered part of a healthy diet. That alone is a monumental shift. They also recommend limiting low-calorie sweeteners, artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes and preservatives.
The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a.k.a. the ‘new food pyramid.’ USDA/Contributed
Sugar in its natural form is something the body understands. In excess, however, it provides no nutrition, increases insulin resistance and fuels obesity — a problem we are already struggling to manage nationwide.
Fat has also received a long-overdue upgrade. Saturated fat is no longer treated as a dietary criminal, but rather as a nutrient that requires context and moderation. I personally love this shift. Saturated fat isn’t a villain — it’s more like Wolverine. Best of intentions, generally a good guy … but let him go rogue and things can get messy.
The focus has shifted to fat quality and food source. Fats that come packaged inside whole foods, such as avocado, eggs, omega-3 rich seafood, nuts, seeds, olives and dairy, behave very differently in the body than fats that come stripped, refined and isolated.
The guidelines suggest three servings of dairy per day without added sugar. I support the quality conversation, but not the universal prescription. Nutrition is never one-size-fits-all. Two important nuances deserve attention here. First, not all saturated fats behave the same in the body. Second, the food matrix — how nutrients exist together in a whole food — dramatically changes how they are processed and used. If you want to explore that topic further, I am always happy to talk about it. Seriously, I’ll talk all day about food science.
As for now, the updated food pyramid is not perfect, but it is progress. It reflects a shift toward whole foods, quality sourcing and metabolic understanding. And that is a shift worth celebrating.
10AM IN THE SANCTUARY
Pastor Mary Ashcraft 3010 Overseas Highway 305.481.7233
Monday: Men’s Breakfast 7am at Irie Island Eats. Tuesday: Sisters in Christ 9:45am. SALT AND LIFE "You are the salt of the earth" — Matthew 5:13
Womankind, Marathon’s non-profit provider of family planning, gynecology, and prenatal care, is hiring a front desk assistant for a two-day-per-week position (T,Th) Fluency in Spanish is a plus Applicants with a professional attitude, top customer service skills, and computer proficiency are sought to join our happy office Duties include patient check in & out, front office supervision, and program education
Email resumes to Cali Roberts at croberts@womankindkeywest org subject line: FRONT DESK
SPANISH FLY KEEPS BOONDOCKS BUZZING
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Cold temps didn’t slow down the tunes at the 2026 Spanish Fly Music Festival, which drew hundreds despite the wintry temps at Boondocks Grille and Draft House on Feb. 1. Performances by students at Island Groove Dance Company kicked off an afternoon of music by Mike Stack, Gary Hempsey, Fried Newt, Snacks and Five and the Pierce August Band. Backed by local nonprofits and vendors with everything from woodburning art to bounce houses and face painting, the family-friendly day raised more than $20,000 for the
Guests play games, place their auction bids and take in the tunes at the eighth annual Spanish Fly Music Festival at Boondocks on Feb. 1. Photos by ROSS SMITH/ Keys Weekly
Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation through silent auctions, donations and raffles. Since 2012, the foundation has stayed true to its mission of making fishing dreams come true for individuals and families across the country facing difficulties including medical challenges, financial hardships and more. For more information, visit josewejebefoundation.org.
Having Fun in the Middle Keys
GOVERNOR APPOINTS 4 MEN TO COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS BOARD
Bob Broton, Peter E. Batty, Michael Downer and Edward Kertis join trustees
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Jan. 30 announced the appointment of Bob Broton, Peter E. Batty, Michael Downer and Edward “Eddie” Kertis to the College of the Florida Keys district board of trustees. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Bob Broton
Broton is retired and previously was the director of engineering at Northrop Grumman. He is a member of the Electric Warfare and Information Systems Association and the board of directors for the Moorings Condominium Association in the Upper Keys. Broton earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Peter E. Batty
Batty is the president and owner of United Atlantic Insurance Group and co-founder and chairman of the board of Gulf Atlantic Bank. He also is the president and owner of Southernmost Processing Services Inc. and ICAMCO Inc. Batty chairs the Key West Planning Board and is a member of the Florida Keys Community Foundation’s board of directors. He earned a bachelor’s de-
gree in philosophy from Florida International University and a master’s degree in political science and government from Florida State University.
Michael Downer
Downer is the proprietor at Key West Fine Wines and previously was a senior lawyer and executive at Capital Group. He was the chairman of the Southwestern Law School board of directors and was a board member of the Alliance for Children’s Rights. Downer earned a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy from the University of California, Los Angeles and a juris doctor from Southwestern Law School.
Edward “Eddie” Kertis
Kertis is a consultant for the Hawaiian Native Corporation and a captain and divemaster for the College of the Florida Keys. He is a member of the Key West Military Affairs Committee and the Key West Art and Historical Society. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Kertis earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Stetson University, a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Florida, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Air Force War College.
— Contributed
BRIEFLY
Sheriff: Anglers broke into aquarium, killed tarpon
Two anglers who allegedly killed a tarpon after breaking into a Marathon aquarium have been arrested following a sheriff’s office investigation. Derrick Lee Vivian, 25, of Fort Myers, and Christopher Jeffrey Smith, 20, of Marathon, were both charged with burglary and removing a tarpon greater than 40 inches in length from the water. The sheriff’s office began investigating on May 25, 2025, after the male suspects were seen on security video entering Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters in Marathon around 2:50 a.m., fishing in the private lagoon, catching a large tarpon, and taking photos of it while keeping the fish out of the water for around five minutes before throwing it back in the basin. The tarpon was later found dead by business employees. Both suspects were identified in the subsequent investigation and warrants were obtained for their arrest. Vivian was arrested on Nov. 8, 2025. Smith was booked into jail on Jan. 28.
Marathon woman arrested with four pounds of weed
A 40-year-old Marathon woman was arrested on Jan. 27 following a traffic stop on U.S. 1 for reportedly possessing more than four pounds of marijuana and 10 THC vape pens. Regla Yumary DeArmas was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of synthetic cannabinoids with intent to sell. DeArmas was stopped in a Hyundai SUV near MM 62 around 4:15 p.m. Deputies reported a strong odor of marijuana in her vehicle, and the drugs were found in a subsequent search. DeArmas allegedly stated she intended to sell the marijuana and that she purchased it outside Monroe County. She was taken to jail.
Pagan member arrested on Grassy Key
A 60-year-old Delray Beach, man, who is a reported member of the outlaw Pagan motorcycle gang and wanted in another Florida county on drug and gun charges, was arrested on Grassy Key on Jan. 30. John Ray Melvin was wanted in Palm Beach County for possession of cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sheriff’s office attempted to stop a group of motorcyclists near MM 58 on U.S. 1 around 3:15 p.m., but only one immediately stopped. That rider was cited for driving with a suspended driver’s license. The rest of the group continued to Kyle Avenue, where they blocked the road as well as the bicycle path. A check on Melvin revealed the warrants. His motorcycle was towed and he was taken to jail.
Blimp Road ramp to close until July
Monroe County closed the public boat ramp located on the bayside at the end of Blimp Road on Cudjoe Key at MM 21.2 beginning Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7 a.m. The closure is expected to last for about four months to allow for environmental mitigation work to be completed at Tarpon Belly Keys as part of the taxiway A improvement project at the Key West International Airport. The boat ramp will be used as a staging area for the project. The county anticipates the boat ramp will open prior to lobster mini-season at the end of July.
Watercolor Society hosts painting day Feb. 10
Calling all amateur artists: The Florida Keys Watercolor Society will host a painting day on Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Columba Episcopal Church. Bring supplies and a cover for the tables. The event is open to the public, and some painting supplies will be available. There will be an artist demonstration around 10:30 a.m. Guests may make a suggested donation of $10. Another paint day will take place Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oceanfront Park behind Marathon City Hall.
Special Olympics hosts coach recruitment conference
Special Olympics Florida will host a 2026 spring/summer coach conference on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Key Largo School. The event is an opportunity to learn about the organization and become certified to coach one of Special Olympics’ spring and summer sports. Coaches are needed in all areas of the Keys for sports including basketball, cheerleading, bocce, soccer, track and cycling. The day will include a general orientation, breakout sessions regarding Special Olympics’ programs in schools, and specific sports training to certify coaches. For more information, contact Ruth Coleman at 305-923-0288 or ruthcoleman@sofl.org. To register, scan the QR code:
Founded by Betty Debnam
COUNTING BIRDS
Twenty-nine years ago, when the internet was brand-new, bird experts at National Audubon Society and Cornell Lab of Ornithology had a question:
Would ordinary people count birds and contribute their results to an online survey?
WORD NERD
Ornithology is the study of birds.
Of course! In 1997, Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) found 13,000 people from North America entering checklists of birds.
The 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count will take place Feb. 13-16. Will you help count birds?
WHY COUNT BIRDS?
Birds are always on the move. Many species migrate, or travel, to find warmer weather or better sources of food. It would be impossible for one scientist or even one team of scientists to study the movements of so many birds over a short time. With information collected from bird counts such as the GBBC over many years, scientists can answer questions they have about birds and their environments.
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
In 2025, the GBBC counted almost 8,100
species of birds from 217 countries or subregions. The Cornell Lab estimates that more than 830,000 people participated.
Past GBBCs have provided useful information not only about birds, but also about our environment.
Scientists look at a species’ range, or where it’s spotted, to learn about climate change and diseases, such as the West Nile virus.
HOW TO JOIN IN
You can get involved in the Great Backyard Bird Count on your own or with your family, either in your yard or away from home. You can also make the GBBC a project for your Scout troop, classroom or youth group.
1. Count birds anywhere you want for at least 15 minutes. Keep track of the kinds of birds you see and how long you watch.
MINI FACT: This Iceland gull was photographed in Cleveland Harbor, Ohio
THEY’RE COUNTING ON YOU!
Are you ready to count? The Mini Page provides some ideas to help you get started.
To watch birds, you might use:
• a guidebook to help you identify species
• a camera
• comfortable clothing
• binoculars
• a small notebook or checklist to record birds you’ve seen.
It’s important to use good birding manners, including:
• Be quiet! This will also help you listen for bird calls.
• Take extra care when you come upon nesting areas.
When setting up a feeder:
• Make sure there’s cover close by for the birds, such as a bush.
• Also provide water for birds.
• Use several different types of bird feed and different kinds of feeders if possible. This will help you attract different kinds of birds.
Good luck counting!
Include the type of count you did. Traveling means you walked a trail or drove around a wildlife refuge. Stationary means you stayed in one place (perhaps watching a feeder from your window). Incidental means you saw a bird while doing something else.
2. Make an estimate of how many birds you see of each species.
3. Create an online account at birdcount.org. Enter your data there.
Words that remind us of counting birds are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: BACKYARD, BINOCULARS, BIRD, CAMERA, CLIMATE, COUNT, DISEASE, ENVIRONMENT, FEEDER, INCIDENTAL, MANNERS, NESTING, NOTEBOOK, ORNITHOLOGY, RANGE, SPECIES, TRACK.
RESOURCES
ON THE WEB
• bit.ly/4qlA0yI
AT THE LIBRARY
• “Kids’ Field Guide to Birds” by Daisy Yuhas
• “Bird Count” by Susan Edwards Richmond
ECO NOTE
Scientists say millions of migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa are carrying less energy for their journeys, raising concerns about their ability to survive long-distance migration. A study by Durham University and the British Trust for Ornithology, analyzing 40 years of data from 286 sites, found declining “migratory fuel loads,” or fat reserves, among 33 species of birds that fly between Europe and Africa during fall migration. The decline was not seen in spring, suggesting worsening European summer conditions are limiting birds’ ability to build energy stores. Researchers also found that birds in northern Europe are fattening earlier.
Baked Hogfish Snapper topped with roasted banana, pineapple, tri-color pepper & mango salsa ato Coconut Rice & Black Beans
Ribeye Steak
14 oz Grilled Ribeye topped with sauteed wild mushrooms and truffle oil. Mashed Potatoes & Vegetables
Seafood Ala Vodka
Sauteed Florida Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops, in a House made vodka sauce over penne pasta finished with Parmesan Cheese & Garlic Bread
FINISHING STRONG
Fins get revenge over Hurricanes | P.8
Proudly serving Key West to Islamorada as the ONLY locally owned and operated concrete company in the Florida Keys.
Whether you’re building a large commercial building, FDOT bridge, or a customdesigned home, we have concrete mix designs for every project. Thanks to decades of experience, our team can create custom mixes with high-quality additives for specific project needs. We offer the largest variety of materials and operate the only FDOT-certified ready-mix plants in the Florida Keys. Call us for all ready-mix concrete, block, aggregate, rebar and bagged good needs.
Marathon Boys Basketball Palmer 1/28 L, 68-57
Coral Shores Boys Basketball St. Brendan 1/28 L, 70-40
Marathon Boys Basketball Coral Shores 1/29 W, 69-45
Marathon
2/5 Coral Shores Wrestling @ Clewiston
2/5 Coral Shores Tennis Cutler Ridge Christian 2 p.m.
2/5 Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse @ Coral Reef 4 p.m.
2/5 Key West Girls Soccer @ Somerset Academy 3:30 p.m.
2/6
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2/9
2/9
2/10
2/10
2/11
2/12
2/12
2/12
2/12 Marathon Tennis Key West 2 p.m.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
ROBINSON
8th grade, Marathon Basketball
She plays hard, respects her teammates and opponents and represents her team with class.”
– Andra Garvey, Lady Fins head coach
Shores
Young teams like this year’s Lady Dolphins often see underclassmen shine on their rosters, but this season, the top scorer for the Fins is not yet in high school. Eighth-grader Shaina Robinson is a middle school student playing on varsity – and it’s not even her first season on the MHS roster. Robinson is averaging nearly 20 points per game for the Fins, and she is airtight on defense as well. Fearless in the paint and deadly from behind the 3-point line, there is nowhere on the court where opponents are safe from her sharpshooting. Coral Shores found out firsthand last week, when Robinson dropped 29 points on them in a narrow victory for the Dolphins over their county rivals to avenge an early-season loss. Head coach Andra Garvey praised Robinson for her composure and focus on the court, something rare in even the oldest athletes on a team’s bench. For consistently delivering strong performances and quiet yet unmistakable leadership, Shaina Robinson is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
Shaina
Photo by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly
fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.
sean mcdonald
grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.
The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.
Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
STILL KICKING
Lady Conchs soccer earns regional playoff berth
One Keys team remains alive in the FHSAA state soccer tournament. Despite losing in their district brackets, the Lady Conchs earned a bid to regionals with their strength of schedule and solid record, which stands at 10-5-4 as they prepare for their next match. Key West, ranked seventh in FHSAA’s 4A Region 4, is slated to play second-ranked Somerset Academy.
The teams both have 10 wins, but have not played one another or any common opponent. Somerset is ranked significantly higher than Key West, but the Conchs have outscored the Panthers this season, despite having fewer games overall. The match is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5 at Somerset, with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. If Key West can pull off an upset, they would enter the state’s Sweet 16 and face either Mourning High or a rematch with St. Brendan School, who knocked the Conchs from district contention in January.
tracy mcdonald
The Lady Conchs, pictured here prior to a Jan. 17 match against Lemon Bay, are the final Keys team in contention for a state title in prep soccer this season. JENNIFER SEARCY/ Contributed
“In the quiet before the storm, I discover my tempo. Dribbling, shooting, a ow state with the ball and the right tunes. is is where the focus intensi es.”
Alex Means, senior, Key West basketball
“Blast the music and hit that protein goal!”
– Karla Gutierrez, senior, Coral Shores weightlifting
“My precomp ritual is listening to hype music with my team on the bus ride.”
– Lily Smith, junior, Key West competitive cheerleading
LOCKED IN
“I listen to rain sounds on the bus ride or before games. During the national anthem I close my eyes, take deep breaths and pray for a good game and for my family to be safe as well as my team.”
Local athletes share pre-competition rituals that get them in the zone
In a place as small as the Florida Keys, standout athletes don’t stay undiscovered too long, and great performances are so commonplace they can seem almost normal. But for the student athletes behind these feats, nothing is ever assumed. We asked some of the Keys’ top winter athletes about their pregame habits and rituals to find out just how an extraordinary athlete goes about preparing for an important game or match. Their answers, ranging from goofy to methodical, show that despite our small community’s wealth of success, there’s no single pathway to get there.
“Before every match I pace with my headgear and sweats. When the time comes, I slap my coach’s hands, he slaps my headgear, I let out a battle cry, then go wrestle.”
“I go to Publix and get a strawberry kiwi Gatorlyte.”
– Stuart Godoy, junior, Marathon soccer
“Before a match, when I’m coming up in three or four matches, I start moving around and isolate myself from everyone else. I start my positive self-talk, (and) constantly remind myself as long as I win the positions I need to that the rest will work itself out. One to two matches before, I go down to my singlet and put my headgear on and keep my shirt on. I keep moving and start visualizing the attacks I plan to get to.”
– Jake Ferguson, senior, Key West wrestling
–
Photos by Tracy McDonald, Maicey Malgrat and Cassandra Rivera
REGIONAL ROYALTY
Four local lifters earn gold
With the most prestigious event in Florida girls weightlifting just one week away, four area athletes punched their tickets to the big show by winning an FHSAA Region 8 title. Winning a region outright is the only sure way to earn a spot in the state championship lineup; other athletes must wait to see how the other regions finish to learn if they make the cut.
Marathon’s Justice Lee Isom did not just outlift her 183-pound class opponents on Jan. 31 at Keys Gate; she destroyed them. Lee Isom won her dual titles by nearly matching her personal best in the clean and jerk, the event which factors into both events’ totals. The 205-pound feat was the only one in any weight class to top 200 pounds and is just two pounds shy of Lee Isom’s own record. She did break one record last week, clearing a 175-pound snatch to help her win the Olympic event by 145 pounds and break her own personal and school record in the process. On bench, the senior strongwoman pressed up 185 pounds to beat her opponents in the traditional event by over 100 pounds and secure her spot at states, where she hopes to strike gold for a third consecutive year.
Coral Shores’ Vanessa Gabriel will make the trip to Lakeland after winning both the Olympic and traditional events in the 1A Region 8 Unlimited competition. Gabriel combined a 130-pound snatch and 195-pound clean and jerk to win the Olympic event by over 50 pounds, then added a 175-pound bench press to her clean and jerk lift to win the traditional event by triple digits. Gabriel will represent the Keys in her weight class in both events to double her hopes of state glory.
Securing automatic tickets to states along with Lee Isom and Gabriel are two more Dolphins. Ella Evans won the traditional event with a monster 155-pound bench, a Herculean feat given her 119-pound weight. Tiny but mighty, Evans added a 145-pound clean and jerk to win the title of top lifter in the traditional competition. Evans finished third in the Olympic event with a 95-pound snatch lift.
The final regional champ, Adelle Bainbridge, picked up her first regional gold medal in the 154-pound Olympic event. Bainbridge combined a 115-pound snatch and 160-pound clean and jerk for the win. Her 130-pound bench press helped seal a bronze medal in the traditional event.
Other medalists in the 1A competition include Marathon’s Nivi De La Torre (Unlimited) with a third-place finish in Olympic and fifth in traditional, her sister Alysa (183) with a fifth in Olympic and sixth in traditional, and Tinashay Cunningham (139), who finished sixth in the Olympic event.
Hurricane medalists include Mira Jones (129) with a bronze in Olympic and fifth in traditional; Lily Ooms (183), who was fourth in Olympic and fifth in traditional; Elaina Kerns (199) with fourth in Olympic and sixth in traditional; and Mallory Hughes, who finished fifth in traditional in the 110-pound class. Karla Guitierrez (154) and Caylyn Gwilliam (169) each finished sixth in their respective traditional competitions to round out the 1A medalists.
Key West, competing in the larger 2A region, picked up a bevy of medals in the regional championship meet. The top finisher for the Conchs was Caylee Moore, who won a pair of silver medals in the 129-pound class. Aaliyah McLeod won dual bronze medals at 199; at 101, Courtney Ward and Althea Olsen each picked up a sixth-place medal. Olsen was sixth in traditional, while Ward was sixth in the Olympic competition.
In past seasons, local lifters who placed as deep as sixth have earned a bid to states, but as the sport’s popularity grows, so does the competition. This year, the only athletes who will be representing the Keys at the state level are those who won regionals outright. Bainbridge and Evans, though each secured a regional title in one event and a third-place finish in the other, did make the cut to represent Marathon in both events, giving the Keys eight different ways to medal in Lakeland.
1. The 183-pound podium is well-represented with Keys athletes. Alyssa De La Torre, far left, and Justice Lee Isom, center, of Marathon, and Coral Shores’ Lily Ooms, far right, all medaled.
2. Marathon’s Justice Lee Isom gets under her personal record 170-pound snatch at regionals on Jan. 31.
3. Adelle Bainbridge stands in the first-place spot on the 154-pound Olympic podium on Jan. 31
4. Hurricane dual-medalist Vanessa Gabriel, fourth from left, stands atop the podium in the Unlimited class at the FHSAA’s 1A Region 8 finals. Marathon’s Nivi De La Torre is at far right.
5. Key West’s Caylee Moore is the 2A Region 8 runner-up in the 129-pound class.
Marathon and Coral Shores’ girls basketball squads each played just one contest last week, and it was against one another. The Hurricanes did the traveling on Jan. 26. The Hurricanes had the upper hand on paper, after defeating the Dolphins at home in December, but this time, both teams traded the lead in a game that went down to the wire.
Coral Shores’ Julia Miranda scored 14 while London Atkins added 13 and Niveah Howard 11. But the strong efforts from the Hurricane five could not overcome the longrange marksmanship of Marathon’s Shaina Robinson, who does not have a blind spot anywhere on the court. Robinson ended with 29 points in the Fins’ big win. Daysi Williams sank 15 and Sutton Sayer chipped in nine in the 56-54 win, which would be both teams’ final regular-season contest.
Marathon remains untested in 1A Rural’s District 8 and will not face another Rural opponent until this week in the semifinal game. First up for the No.3-ranked Fins would have been Frostproof, the sixth seed with just one win this season. Frostproof wanted no part of the Fins and promptly forfeited, giving Marathon a chance to rest prior to their semifinal game at Fort Meade on Feb. 4 (results not available at press time). A win there would place the Dolphins into the district championship contest two days later for a chance at a repeat of last season’s district title.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Fins boys and girls basketball prevail over ’Canes
Coral Shores, now 5-4, will head into districts with the third seed in FHSAA’S 3A District 16, sending them straight to the semifinals against Miami Killian. The four-team district will not hold quarterfinals this season, making Coral Shores just one game away from a championship matchup.
In the final week of regular-season action, the Lady Conchs played a pair of road games Jan. 30 and 31. Against Gulf Coast, Damarla Thompson registered a double-double with 11 points and boards, while Colleen Barter and Jordan Greene scored six apiece in the 44-32 loss. The following afternoon, Key West traveled to Barron Collier, where they fell to the Cougars 68-40. Lilee Gage had the team high with nine points while Anaiya Marius added seven and Thompson and Reagen Graham scored six each. The Conchs’ 4A District 16 class has just four teams, making quarterfinals unnecessary and giving Key West, the fourth seed, an automatic trip to the semis. They will face the top-seeded Miami Northwestern.
Boys
Marathon closed out their regular season 8-17 after three games in as many days. The Dolphins started at Palmer, where they lost to the Falcons 68-57. Drew Suarez scored 13 points and Josh Koler 12 in the loss. The following night, the Fins outmatched the Hurricanes of Coral Shores, 69-45. Jack Chapman had the hot hand, scoring 21 points, while Koler, Briggs Roberts and Giorvis Zamora each added 13. Koler added three blocks while Zamora grabbed eight rebounds and was credited with five steals in the rivalry win. In their final regular-season contest, Marathon hosted the Defenders of Lake Worth Christian. Chapman scored 15 and Roberts added 9 in the 46-39 loss.
1
The Dolphins’ record earned them the No. 4 seed in their 1A Rural District 8 bracket. Their first postseason game was a Feb. 3 home matchup with Pahokee (results not available at press time). If the Fins prevail, it will be off to Fort Meade on Thursday, Feb. 5 for the semifinals.
Coral Shores ended their regular season 9-7 after a pair of losses last week. On Jan. 28 the ’Canes fell to St. Brendan 70-40, then lost in Marathon the following night. The Hurricanes hope to pick up steam again in the 3A District 16 playoffs, where they first face Keys Gate in the quarterfinals. Keys Gate is ranked one notch higher than the Hurricanes, but despite the teams are well-matched. The winner of that game faces the top seed, Silver Palms, in the semis.
Key West’s boys did not play last week, enjoying some well-earned rest prior to their district matchup. The Conchs, seeded third, played the sixth seed, South Miami, on Feb. 3 in the 4A District 16 quarterfinals (results not available at press time). A win there would send the 12-10 team to the semis, most likely against St. Brendan School, a squad the Conchs dispatched 64-62 earlier in the season.
1. Julia Mirana (5) brings the ball upcourt.
2. The Dolphins celebrate their win against Coral Shores Jan. 29.
3. Sergio Alvear shoots for three.
4. Josh Koler (23) works for two.
5. Jordon Brown sinks a free throw.
6. Briggs Roberts takes a jumper while Austin Vogt (22) defends.
7. Jordon Brown receives a pass on the fly.
8. Jayden Meng works the ball around Briggs Roberts.
9. Josh Koler goes up for the block.
Photos by Tracy McDonald
GRIT AND GRIND
Wrestlers spend another weekend at high-caliber tournaments
Coral Shores and Marathon wrestlers spent last weekend at the Colby Singletary Memorial Invitational Tournament on Jan. 30 and 31. The annual event in Estero was jam-packed, with 45 teams of all sizes competing. The Hurricanes’ Gavin Matheis went 5-2, finishing in fourth place in the 132-pound division at the event.
Key West opted to compete at the 11th annual Tricounty Invitational at Olympic Heights High School in Boca Raton. There, 38 boys teams and 24 girls teams worked their way through the brackets. Yannesie Corrales finished third after going 3-1 over the tournament. Corrales, who competes in the 170-pound weight class, was the only Lady Conch to medal at the event. Michael Guzman (165) was 4-3 at the tournament, finishing in fourth place, and Allens Alexandre (285) went 4-2 to finish fifth.
The winter season’s longest-lasting sport is beginning to wind down. FHSAA’s 1A District 16 girls wrestling championships are Feb. 12 at Miami’s Coral Park Senior High School. Coral Shores’ Sabrina Demeritt and Marathon’s Autumn Wolfe join the Lady Conchs in the first district showdown in girls wrestling to feature three Keys teams. The boys will compete Feb. 20 at Key West High School.
Family owned and operated since 1958
Yannesie Corrales
Gavin Matheis
INVITATION TO BID
The City of Key Colony Beach cordially invites interested contractors to complete and submit sealed bids by February 20, 2026, no later than 2:00 PM, for the following project.
BASKETBALL HALF COURT PROJECT ITB 2026-03
THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF: Construct one half-court basketball court adjacent to and abutting the north side of the tennis courts at 7th and 8th Street Parks to be submitted by February 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM. No fencing is required for this bid. This project must include engineered drawings, all materials necessary for completion of the project, and installation of the Basketball Half Court at 7th & 8th Street Park located in the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida.
All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope to City Administrator John Bartus at 600 W. Ocean, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051 (mailing address PO Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051), no later than February 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM clearly marked ‘Sealed Bid for the City of Key Colony Beach ITB 2026-03’ along with the name of your rm. Each bid must have one original and ve (5) copies. The bid manual, requirements, and specifications are available on DemandStar at www.Demandstar.com.
All questions regarding the bid process should be directed to City Administrator John Bartus at cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net
DATE TIME ACTION
February 6 10:00 am Release Solicitation 2026
February 16 4:00 pm Last day for submission 2026 of written questions to the City
February 20 4:00 pm Last day for the City to 2026 post answers to questions
February 27 2:00 pm Bid Due & Opening 2026 Open to Public – City Administrator’s Of ce, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach, FL 33051-0141
March 12th 3:30 pm Recreation Committee Meeting 2026 Recommendation to Award (Can be posted on or before date) Open to Public – Marble Hall 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach FL 33051-0141)
March 19 3:30 pm City Commission Meeting – Final Award 2026 Open to Public – Marble Hall
600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach FL 33051-0141
LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
PURSUANT TO FLORIDA
STATUTE 328.17 PURSIANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE 679.610
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: that on February 16, 2026, at the following location:
Perry Marina
7005 Shrimp Road Key West, FL 33040
STOCK ISLAND OWNER LLC
/ PERRY MARINA (Secured Party) will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder for cash the below described collateral / vessel.:
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:
Name of Vessel: Even Keele
Manufacturer: Hunter Sailboat
Year: 1991
LOA: 38 feet
Hull No.: HUN3788F193
Owner: Patrick A. Wolfe, C/O
Paula A. Humphrey
TERMS OF SALE: The collateral; being sold "As Is - Where is" with no warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of title, possession or quiet enjoyment.
PAYMENT: Cash or Certified Funds required at time of Sale.
RIGHT TO BID: The Secured Party reserves the right to bid for and purchase the collateral and to credit the purchase price against the obligation.
PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE 328.17 PURSIANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE 679.610 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: that on February 16, 2026, at the following location:
Perry Marina
7005 Shrimp Road Key West, FL 33040
STOCK ISLAND OWNER LLC
/ PERRY MARINA (Secured Party) will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder for cash the below described collateral / vessel.: DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:
Name of Vessel: Sold Our Sole Manufacturer: Blue Water Year: 1992
LOA: 39 feet
Hull No.: BTL03916D888
Owner: Douglas James Wojton
TERMS OF SALE: The collateral; being sold "As Is - Where is" with no warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of title, possession or quiet enjoyment.
PAYMENT: Cash or Certified Funds required at time of Sale. RIGHT TO BID: The Secured Party reserves the right to bid for and purchase the collateral and to credit the purchase price against the obligation.
IV Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@ fla-keys.com, or may be sent via U.S. Mail to the address below:
Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040
Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Friday March 13, 2026. A resume may be attached to the application.
Publish: February 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
DISTRICT V ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC V)
(From Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any Mainland portions of Monroe County) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a LODGING INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE – shall be owners or operating/general managers assistant general managers, director of sales and/or marketing, director of engineering, director of food and beverage, director of operations/rooms, comptroller as executive (exempt employee level) positions of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in the tax collection district for which they are applying)
Any person wishing to participate on the District V Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys. com, or may be sent via U.S. Mail to the address below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of applications at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Friday March 13, 2026. A resume may be attached to the application.
Publish: February 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
responses WILL NOT be accepted.
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.
The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156
Meeting ID: 4509326156
One tap mobile:
+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish: February 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-538-K
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ALTHEA L. MAUST, Deceased.
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
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:
January 15, 22 & 29 and February 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-1129-M ANJA MANIKA NATASHA BOWERS SANCHEZ, Petitioner, and ANGEL SANCHEZ, Respondent.
City of Key Colony Beach PO Box 510141, 600 W Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL, 33051
Contact John Bartus, City Administrator cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net
Publish: February 5, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers
DISTRICT IV ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC IV) (Between the Long Key Bridge and mile marker 90.939) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE - shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying).
Any person wishing to participate on the District
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 3, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Lester Building Interior Renovations Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.
Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/
The administration of the Testate Estate of ALTHEA L. MAUST, deceased, July 22, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The file number for the estate is 25-CP-538-K. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent's will is July 21, 2025. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All interested persons, including JODY BARTLETT, are required to file with the court WITHIN THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE: (1) all claims against the estate and (2) any objections by an interested person on whom this notice was served that challenges the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue or jurisdiction of the court. ALL CLAIMS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: January 15, 2026.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ANGEL SANCHEZ RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 13370 SW 251ST TERRACE, APT. 1, HOMESTEAD, FL 33032 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on ANJA MANIKA NATASHA BOWERS SANCHEZ , whose address is 68500 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, LONG KEY, FL 33001 on or before FEBRUARY 14, 2026, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON, FL 33050 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: January 8, 2026 Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Leslie Rodriguez Deputy Clerk Publish: January 15, 22 & 29 and February 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI
Notice is hereby given that on February 16th, 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 Valverde, Nathan 1550 Barrios, Jorge 1164 Rawlick, Joshua 1110
Burdick, Brooks 1025
Publish: February 5 & 12, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO.: 26-CP-000006-PK IN RE: ESTATE OF JAY T. HOLMES
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of JAY T. HOLMES, deceased, whose date of death was November 28, 2025; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 26-CP-000006-PK; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070.
The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED 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: FEBRUARY 5, 2026.
Personal Representative:
TERESA ANN HOLMES
37 Halfway Rd Key Largo, FL 33037
srateresa@aol.com
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 25-CP-000526-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DOUGLAS S. GIFFORD
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The estate of DOUGLAS S. GIFFORD, deceased, File Number 25-CP-000526-P, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 1, Tavernier, FL 33070. The name and address of the attorney for the estate and the Personal Representative 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 February 5, 2026.
Personal Representative: Hillary Whelan
DAVID A. SILVERSTONE, P.A.
Attorney for Personal Representative 2455 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 301 Hollywood, FL 33020 (954) 367-0770
David@dsilverstone.com
By: David A. Silverstone Fla. Bar No. 862096
Publish: February 5 & 12, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
DIVISION: PROBATE CASE NO.: 26-CP-009-M IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHAEL A. NEVIN
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of MICHAEL A. NEVIN, deceased, whose date of death was September 16, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is February 5, 2026.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 26-CP-17-K IN RE: ESTATE OF DENISON C. A. TEMPEL Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Denison C. A. Tempel, deceased, whose date of death was December 5, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and
Visit Florida Keys has funding available for those interested in applying for Destination or Turnkey event funding for events to take place between October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027; or for pre-promotion funding for Destination events to take place between October 1, 2027 and December 31, 2027.
The deadline for receipt of applications is March 25, 2026, and applications must be downloaded from the County’s Bonfire platform.
For more information, please email grants@fla-keys.com.
Publish: February 5 & 19 and March 5 & 19, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732-216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211.
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 February 5, 2026.
Personal Representative: Mabry Binnicker 613 Eaton Street Key West, FL 33040
Attorney for Personal Representative: Hugh J. Morgan, Esq. Florida Bar No. 112362 309 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040 Telephone: (305) 296 5676
Email: hughkw123@gmail.com
Publish: February 5 & 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CC-507-K
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 23RD day of February 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 5834, Week 23, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).
Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of January 2026 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Plaintiff vs. LINDA JAYNE GARZA; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST JOHN MARKOU GARZA, DECEASED; JOSHUA M. GARZA, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO JOHN MARKOU GARZA; ANTHONY
LEGAL NOTICES
GARZA, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO JOHN MARKOU GARZA;AND DANIEL ANGELO GARZA, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO JOHN MARKOU GARZA Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC-507-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 25TH day of January 2026
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: February 5 & 12, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-74-K 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 23RD day of February 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 5124, Week 7, Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE as to Count(s) II entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of January 2026 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. DAVID LESZKOWITZ; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MARLY LESZKOWITZ, DECEASED; AND MARINA H. MOLITOR, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO MARLY LESZKOWITZ
Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-74-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 25TH day of January 2026
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: February 5 & 12, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 2024-CC-523-K 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 23RD
day of February 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 5824, Week 12, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).
Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of January 2026 Style of which is:
WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ANDREW R. REILLY, DECEASED AND BRANDON REILLY, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO ANDREW R. REILLY Defendant
And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC-523-K
WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 25TH day of January 2026
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: February 5 & 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CC-715-K
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 23RD day of February 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 E14, Week 9, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).
Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of January 2026 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ROBERT DUANE SHAPPEE, DECEASED;
AMY SERAFIN, AS POTENTIAL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT D. SHAPPEE; LAURA SIVLERMAN, AS POTENTIAL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT D. SHAPPEE; AND UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE ROBERT D. SHAPPEE
LIVING TRUST
Defendant
And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC-715-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 25TH day of January 2026 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: February 5 & 12, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-122-K 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 23RD day of February 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 C21, Week 9, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 15TH day of January 2026 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST PAUL RICHARD SHERIDAN, DECEASED; KATHLEEN SHERIDAN, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO PAUL RICHARD SHERIDAN; CHRISTOPHER SHERIDAN, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO PAUL RICHARD SHERIDAN; AND TIMOTHY SHERIDAN, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO PAUL RICHARD SHERIDAN Defendant
And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-122-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 25TH day of January 2026
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: February 5 & 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS ALL YEARS!
Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
BOATS FOR SALE
1983 20' Wellcraft V20 w/ 1994 Yamaha 2 stroke 200 hp engine. No trailer. High and dry at Marine Max on Coco Plum/Marathon. $6,000 727-487-3842
PLACE YOUR BOAT FOR SALE AD HERE.
$25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
BOAT SLIP FOR RENT
Boat Dockage/ Storage/Parking available in Marathon. Gated, private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002
Dockage up to 60’ Islamorada - Bayside, 50 amp service. Price flexible. Call 860-982-4517
Boat Slip For Rent in Key Largo - Oceanfront Marina - Up to 46’ x 11.5’ - $20/ft/month. No Liveaboards. 330-219-5313
RENTED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!
PLACE YOUR BOAT SLIP FOR RENT AD HERE.
$25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
EMPLOYMENT
Captain part-time position available in Key Largo. Ideal for retired person. Captain Sterling's Everglades Tours 305-395-0033
Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. Full-Time Medical Assistant/RN - Pediatric experience preferred. Must multitask in fast-paced setting. Also hiring Full-Time Front Desk Staff - Experience with insurance verification and EMR required. Strong multitasking skills. Pay is commensurate with experience. Email resume to: flkeyspeds@gmail.com
San Pedro Catholic Parish in Tavernier in need of a Part-time Parish Secretary. Knowledge of basic principles of the Roman Catholic Church. Minimum: High School Diploma and two
years administrative experience in a customer service environment. Post secondary College or Business School Education preferred. Proficiency with basic office software (Word, Excel, & Email). Confidentially and respect a must. Mon/ Tue/Wed & Fri from 9 am to 4 pm with a 30-minute break. Email resume to the Pastor at ferrybrutus@gmail.com
Marathon Moose Lodge hiring PT Kitchen Assistant to work with our Cook & to help with meal service, dishes & cleanup. Tues-Sat 1-7:30pm. Pay based on experience. Please apply in person @ 11601 1st Ave Gulf, Marathon, Fl 33050.
Boat rental company in Marathon looking for help with boat detailing & boat cleaning. Call 305-481-7006
Handyman needed for residence in Marathon. High Pay! Call: 305-395-0478
HIRING: Office Administrator in Marathon. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), experience with QuickBooks or other accounting software preferred and must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Full time – Mon-Fri. Pay TBDbased on skill. Email: Natalie@cecflk.com
Specialty Hardware of Marathon - Retired? Have hardware knowledge? Want to keep your brain stimulated? Come see us at Specialty - we are looking for a full or part time person. Hardware knowledge a must. Apply in person at 10730 Overseas Hwy. Marathon 1-305-743-3382.
Experienced Fulltime Line Cook needed at the Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club. 10AM - 5PM, Good Pay. Small friendly staff. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.
Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425
E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.
KEY WEST - Customer Service Rep. or Agent. Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm. PAID Holidays AND Health Insurance. Apply in person at Fullers Insurance, 1432 Kennedy Dr. Key West or email resumé to norman@ fullersinsurance.com.
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
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: greenel@kwha. org or 305-296-5621 ext. 225. 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.
PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
HOBBIES/COLLECT.
PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
TURN YOUR CARDS INTO CASH! Marathon collector buying any and all Pokemon cards & collections. Call 401-256-0645.
HOUSING FOR RENT
3/2 Tavernier waterfront & bay views, furnished, 1500 sq.ft. $3,500/ month, no pets, no smoking. 954-728-4699
Key Largo- 6 months+ canal front rental on Blackwater Sound. 40' dockage, 1 BR/1 BA Trailer with 1,000 sq. ft. living area. $2,300/ mo. 904-237-9090 or 904-338-1207
3 BR/2 BA home for rent in Key Colony Beach. 75' premium dock. $5,000/ month + utilities. F/L/S 786-229-0228
1BR/1BA 1/2 duplex for rent in Key Colony Beach long term. No smoking. No pets. Good credit score needed. $2,200/ month. 910-382-7818
3BR/2.5BA unfurn. Townhouse (Sister's Creek) for rent in Marathon. $3,000/ mo. 618-559-9143
Furnished Studio AND 2 Bedroom unfurnished, all new for rent in Marathon. On the water, gated property. Section 8 possible. $1,300 - $2,000 month. Call 305-610-8002
PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
VACATION RENTAL
Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet CarolineSeaport.com
YARD
SALES
PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
BRANCH OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Edward Jones is a financial services firm focused on meeting the needs of individual investors. Our Marathon branch office has an opening for an entry-level administrative assistant. Excellent organization, communication skills, and the ability to work independently are required to perform Administrative, marketing, and client service responsibilities. We offer competitive benefits and a comprehensive on-line training program. To be considered for this position apply online at: careers.edwardjones.com Job #106443BR Marathon, FL Location.
Edward Jones does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA
NOW HIRING
Construction workers for Can Do Construction in Marathon, FL.
Starting pay $25 - $30 per hour depending on experience.
Must have driver’s license and speak English. Call 305-481-8353 or 305-481-8356.
MARINA CASHIERS
Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.
DOCKHANDS
Duties include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking. Morning & a ernoon hours available.
BOAT RENTAL STAFF
Flexible hours & competitive wages. Need to have experience driving boats and a working knowledge of the Islamorada area by water. Duties include taking reservations, giving captains lessons and routine boat maintenance.
Email Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com
Please include contact information and any relevant experience.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:
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:
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.
PERMIT CLERK
D'Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available.
Home Décor Sales Consultant
Seeking a passionate, customerfocused individual with sales and customer service experience. Creativity and interest in home décor a must. Join our team and help customers bring their spaces to life.
Junior Accountant
Seeking a detail-oriented Junior Accountant with basic accounting knowledge and strong organizational skills. Responsibilities include data entry, reconciliations, and assisting with financial reports. Accounting qualification or relevant experience preferred.
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
Lead Certified Recovery Peer Support Specialist
Behavioral Health Counselor (CAT)
Prevention Specialist
Case Manager (Adult)
KEY WEST
Case Manager (Children)
Mental Health Technician (PT or FT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult, Children) Crisis Counselor
Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Prevention Specialist
MARATHON
Mental Health Technician
Peer Support Specialist Driver (CDL required)
HR Assistant/Recruiter
Registered Nurse (FT, PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (PT)
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 Shifts (PT)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.
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
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Construction Project Manager, FT
- Driver, Keys Supply Chain, FT
- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST
- Pool Radiation Therapist
- Registered Nurse, Oncology, $15k Bonus
TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL
- Administrative Assistant
- 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
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THEME: SUPER BOWL
ACROSS
1. Pakistani attire
5. Research location
8. Partridge’s fruit tree
12. *Grid follower
13. *____ Upshaw, multiple Super Bowl winner
14. Canada’s national tree
15. Like Homer Simpson’s head
16. Allege
17. Agenda entries
18. *Adding a rushing player
20. Aphrodite’s lover
21. Not host
22. Tire meas.
23. Composure under strain
26. More distant
30. Thompson of “Some Kind of Wonderful”
31. Ubiquitous deciduous tree
34. Genealogical plant
35. Poetic feet
37. Dream time, acr.
38. The Romanovs, e.g.
39. Song for solo voice
40. Dishevel, as in hair
42. Clever humor
43. *SoFi ____, Super Bowl LXI venue
45. *Last year’s Super Bowl winners
47. Web robot
48. Tesla Roadster with Starman location
50. a.k.a. podagra
52. *The only NFL team with perfect season
55. Plant-based laxative
56. Symphony member
57. “No ____ for you!”
59. No gains without them
60. Retired, abbr.
61. Field worker
62. Bohemian
63. Not Miss or Ms
64. Poker amount
DOWN
1. Bro to bro
2. Speedy steed
3. Chuck Berry’s “____ Over Beethoven”
4. Rainbow color
5. *Santa Clara’s ____ Stadium, Super Bowl LX venue
6. Beside, archaic
7. Titanic’s frozen enemy
8. *Team with most Super Bowl appearances
9. Fencing weapon
10. Charitable contributions
11. Hi-____
13. Garden shelter
14. Unhealthy atmosphere
19. Little hills
22. P in m.p.g.
23. Mark Twain to Samuel Clemens
24. Lively
25. Vampire of Greek mythology
26. *One of two teams to win while hosting Super Bowl
27. Long fishing line
28. Like haunted house
29. What the defense does?
32. High school dressy affair
33. Romanian money
36. *Super Bowl LX halftime show headliner (2 words)
38. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: “____ Your Children”
40. Egyptian boy king, for short
41. Long jump
44. I to Greeks, pl.
46. Rob Marshall’s 2005 movie “Memoirs of a ____”
48. On the wagon
49. Land parcels
50. *Shoulder pads and cleats
51. “Put a lid ____ ____!”
52. College dwelling
53. High part of day 54. Edible fat
55. Facial site
58. *Charlie Puth and Brandi Carlile, ____game stars
Canes,
Conch & Dolphin
Pride
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