Marathon Weekly 26-0212

ISLAND AGENDA, STATE STAGE

$1,495,000

The waterfront one in Key Colony

This exceptional residence in Key Colony Beach offers a blend of refined comfort, thoughtful design, and effortless island living. Lovingly owned, gently used, and never rented, the home reflects true pride of ownership throughout. An elevator, updated kitchen, and custom baths set the stage, while soaring wood ceilings and an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area create a light-filled space that flows. The lower level is designed for true indoor-outdoor living, featuring a custom, inground swimming pool surrounded by elegant marble decking, along with expansive covered and uncovered paved patios. Mature tropical landscaping enhances privacy, while ample covered and uncovered parking adds everyday convenience. Boaters will love the 37.5-foot dock with boat lift, located on a wide, deep canal with quick, easy access, just minutes to both the open ocean and the Gulf via Vaca Cut. A permitted third full bathroom on the lower level sits next to a large, air-conditioned storage area with sliders that open directly to the patio and docks. Key Colony Beach is one of the Florida Keys’ most desirable island communities, known for its wide, walkable streets, city-maintained infrastructure, and relaxed coastal charm. Residents enjoy access to marinas, a nine-hole golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, playgrounds, dining, and waterfront Sunset Park all just steps or a short bike ride away.

On Feb. 5, leaders from Keys governments and nonprofits

9709 Overseas Hwy.

Marathon, FL 33050

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

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Per Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, 5,195 green iguanas were removed from the wild in two days. An executive order allowed people to remove the live, cold-stunned reptiles without a permit on Feb. 1-2. A total of 215 green iguanas were dropped off at FWC’s Marathon station. Any iguanas turned in that could not be transferred to permit holders were humanely killed by trained staff.

FROM COUNTY TO CAPITOL

She floated a potential solution to include work permits, driver’s licenses and specialized identification cards –without voting privileges – for workers who’d been in the U.S. for more than eight years with no criminal records, renewable on an annual basis.

As the rest of Florida battled a brutal cold snap, government leaders and nonprofit reps from the state’s warmest islands brought the needs and voices of Monroe County to the state capitol for Florida Keys Day 2026 on Feb. 5.

What began 16 years ago as a class project for Leadership Monroe County Class XVII now spills into multiple days jam-packed with meetings with legislators, cabinet officials and regulatory agencies, with some Keys cities sending representatives days before the official “Florida Keys Day” began.

Recognition of the Keys delegation from the House floor by state Rep. Jim Mooney on Feb. 4 preceded a welcome reception hosted by Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez. Mooney again opened the doors of his office to the group the following morning before a nonstop string of legislators, state agency officials and cabinet members took their turn addressing the state’s southernmost county. And of course, a reception with flowing drinks, live music, conch fritters, fried shrimp and mahi, and chocolate-covered Key lime pie awaited all in the Capitol at the end of the day.

Speaking to the Keys group, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association president and CEO Carol Dover acknowledged the devastating effects of recent immigration enforcement on an already-severe labor shortage in the island chain.

“The (immigrants) who want to work, stay out of jail and provide a service and work in our industry, we need to find some better path for them,” she said. “We are dying, and you’re not the only county. … If we don’t come up with something, our industry is going to break.”

Michael Wickersheim, Citizens Property Insurance legislative & cabinet affairs director, touted a 58% reduction in policies for the state-run agency as new private companies return to Florida, along with steady rates or decreases for the majority of policyholders in 2026. Several from the Keys contingent pressed Wickersheim, along with Office of Insurance Regulation commissioner Michael Yaworksy, on Citizens’ controversial requirement for homeowners to maintain separate flood insurance policies in order to be covered for wind damage.

“We’re the only builder of the affordable homeownership model that we need (in the Keys) so dramatically,” said Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys executive director Chris Todd Young. “We build to 180 (miles per hour), we’re 15 feet in the air stilted, and that requirement for flood definitely hurts the affordability of the homes for our owners.”

Rudy Powell, Department of Transportation chief engineer of operations, outlined multiple bridge rehabilitation projects on deck for his department, including a $242 million refurbishment of the Long Key Bridge that will open for bidding in 2029.

A replacement of the Seven Mile Bridge is scheduled for the late 2040s,

he said, with smaller rehabilitation projects set for the existing bridge in the late 2020s. Islamorada’s Snake Creek Bridge will also be rehabilitated, but not replaced as a fixed-span bridge as some concept drawings have suggested, he added.

Islamorada Village Manager Ron Saunders asked whether FDOT has any upcoming plans to widen portions of U.S. 1 to four lanes, discussed in various county commission and other government meetings in recent years. Powell said no such plans were in the pipeline.

As property taxes take center stage during the 2026 legislative session, Keys leaders heard support for various proposals from state officials – from chief financial officer Blaise Ingoglia backing systems to shield larger portions of home values from taxation through homestead exemptions, to Miami-based Rep. Juan Carlos Porras’ proposal to eliminate property taxes for residents 65 years and older. Both men said they fully expect at least one proposal to make the ballot for Floridians’ approval this November.

While Ingoglia said his priority was to make homeownership more affordable by discouraging large-scale institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, participants asked the CFO to consider support that would extend tax rebates or similar relief to homeowners who rent their properties full-time to the Keys’ vital workforce.

They argued Porras’ proposal, meanwhile, could disproportionately cripple smaller Keys cities with older populations. The problem would only multiply, they said, as even more senior newcomers would flock to Florida seeking property tax breaks.

Mayor Bruce Halle, representing the city of Layton, said his city manages just a $400,000 budget from a population of 210 residents.

“If 50% of our population is over 65, (that proposal) would be a problem,” he said.

And as the Florida Department of Government Efficiency continues to

took their voices to the state capital for the 2026 Florida Keys Day. See below. Pictured, from left: Marathon city council members Lynny Del Gaizo, Lynn Landry, Debbie Struyf and Robyn Still, City Attorney Steve Williams, City Manager George Garrett, Planning Director Brian Shea and Deputy City Manager Brian Bradley. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

from previous page

scrutinize local government spending, Ingoglia said he appreciated moves already made by county leaders, including significant layoffs in late 2025.

“By challenging the status quo and making people aware that this is an issue, by us actually looking, we think that we’re changing behavior,” Ingoglia said. “That’s one of the intentions.”

In December, the Florida Administration Commission greenlit a new batch of 900 new building allocations for use throughout Monroe County – 300 in January 2026, with an additional 150 every two years. This year’s Keys Day group could breathe a sigh of relief without the looming threat of takings cases amid dwindling units – but meetings with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ deputy chief of staff Cody Farrill sent a strong message about how the new rights should be used, a critical distinction as Keys governments look to solidify their own plans to distribute the new units.

“All we wanted is for the first (300 units) to be available, and that was our way of meeting in the middle,” Farrill said. “We won’t force them to give out all (900) immediately, because that’s not smart growth. … But that first (300) had to have been made available if people wanted them. … I don’t believe you can hold them.”

As the contingent returned to Monroe County, the Keys Weekly followed up with local leaders to learn their biggest “wins” from their days in the capital.

Monroe

County

Mayor Michelle Lincoln said a sitdown with FWC Executive Director Roger Young reinforced critical work already underway to preserve Keys waters, from mooring field installations and derelict vessels to support for artificial reefs.

“It’s taken us years, but we are moving that needle, and we have the buy-in by all the agencies, the state and the funding coming together for us to make an environmental impact,” she said.

“We’re down to 81 derelict vessels in the entire county,” Young told county leaders in a scheduled meeting. “People said we couldn’t do that, we questioned why, and we finally got it done. Sometimes you’ve got to break the rules and rewrite them.”

Marathon

Funding for a federally-mandated deep wastewater injection well sat atop Marathon’s wish list, and City Manager George Garrett told the Weekly signs were looking promising for a $5 million special appropriation in the state budget as the first step in a multiyear request.

A meeting with Farrill left city leaders optimistic about modifications to Marathon’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Florida Department of Commerce, slimming down the types of building permits that must be sent to Tallahassee for an extra 45day review after the city’s own process. If successful, a new MOU would allow for local review of smaller permits like pavers and fencing, while still running new construction by the state.

“This year, the fact that we were able to meet with the governor’s office, and they were so positive about making sure that happened, that was a home run for us,” Garrett said.

Key Colony Beach

Mayor Freddie Foster said his city was able to thank the Department of Environmental Protection for a $2.3 million storm drain improvement project. He called another meeting with the Department of Commerce “extremely enlightening” as Key Colony works toward upgrades in its sewer plant and stormwater management. He thanked both Mooney and Rodriguez for their support of a $1 million appropriation request, potentially used to fund a new motor control center for the sewer plant.

Islamorada

Village Manager Ron Saunders said his contingent teamed up with the Key Largo Wastewater District in reinforcing the need for Department of Commerce funding to improve the Upper Keys’ wastewater systems, in the headlines for several breaks over the past few years. Another session with FDOT discussed improvements to transportation, possibly adding a trolley or bus system to improve congested areas of Islamorada. Saunders said he was also able to deliver the messages personally to Senate president Ben Albritton and president-designate Jim Boyd.

“It was good Tallahassee meetings, but also good talking to people from the Keys up there,” he said. “We’re all in one spot, and it’s rare that happens.”

Key West

Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez was not available for comment by press time.

1. Coral Shores graduates Zoe Myers, left, and Zippy Lesko represent their home county, serving up conch fritters at Florida Keys Day.

2. The 2026 Florida Keys Day delegation gets a photo op with House Speaker Daniel Perez.

3. The College of the Florida Keys’ Tamrah Hill, left, Jonathan Gueverra and Amber Ernst-Leonard serve up a signature Keys dessert: chocolate-covered Key lime pie.

4. Deputy Chief of Staff Cody Farrill, left, reviews a plan for building rights distribution with Monroe County Administrator Christine Hurley.

5. The Monroe County team enjoys an opening night reception. From left: County Administrator Christine Hurley, Mayor Michelle Lincoln, growth management director Emily Schemper and Tina Boan, assistant county administrator.

6. Mote Marine Laboratory President and CEO Michael Crosby, left, Marathon City Manager George Garrett and Key Colony Beach City Administrator John Bartus.

7. Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association president and CEO Carol Dover addresses the Keys delegation. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

AQUIFER USED BY KEYS FACES SHORTAGE AMID LACK OF RAINFALL

FKAA maintaining service with help from other sources

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Alack of rainfall and increased water demand have led the South Florida Water Management District to issue a water shortage warning for the Florida Keys and neighboring counties.

Drought conditions have led to low water levels in the underground Biscayne Aquifer, located in MiamiDade County. The aquifer serves southern Palm Beach, Broward, MiamiDade and Monroe counties. Since last November, Miami-Dade has reported 3.72 inches of rain, about half the normal amount.

The SFWMD says groundwater levels are low at most monitoring stations, and current water levels in several wells are in the lower 10th percentile of historic levels — and lower than water shortages in 2007, 2009 and 2011.

“Without an increase in aquifer recharge, further decline in groundwater levels is anticipated due to water issues. It is important that conservation of groundwater sources from the Biscayne Aquifer within Miami-Dade and Monroe counties be implemented,” reads the SFWMD’s order.

Despite declining water levels in the Biscayne Aquifer, the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is still pumping the regular 20 million to 22 million gallons per day to consumers throughout the island chain.

Daily, the Florida Keys pumps 17.75 million to 18 million gallons of freshwater from the Biscayne Aquifer. Water produced from the FKAA’s primary supply in the Biscayne Aquifer is treated through a lime softening process.

FKAA also pulls from Floridan Aquifer, a massive and productive underground reservoir of freshwater spanning 100,000 square miles beneath all of Florida and parts of Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. Greg Veliz, FKAA executive director, said the Floridan Aquifer is more brackish, so the cleaning process is more stringent. Water obtained from the Floridan Aquifer is treated through a low-pressure reverse osmosis system.

In addition, FKAA fired up the new reverse osmosis plant on Stock

Island. Veliz said the facility pumps 2 million gallons a day — with the ability to pump 4 million gallons daily.

“As far as the consumer goes, we are still pumping the same amount of water to the Florida Keys that we were a month ago, six months ago. … We have not changed the amount of water,” Veliz said. “The service is not interrupted or reduced at all.”

If needed, the Floridan and reserve osmosis plant could supply half of the daily freshwater demand for the Florida Keys.

In this instance, Veliz said, FKAA reduced the amount of freshwater pumped from the Biscayne Aquifer to the Florida Keys by one million gallons a day.

“We have to make that up somewhere, so we pulled more from the Floridan, which we’re taking about 2 millions gallons and can take up to 6,” he said. “The extreme measures of drought and water is a critical issue. We’ll continue to run the reverse osmosis 24/7 if we have to.”

The Biscayne Aquifer is mainly recharged by the Everglades. South Florida usually receives 50 to 60 inches of rain annually.

Per the Everglades Foundation and hydrogeologist Anteneh Abiy, “When this water from the Everglades percolates underground, the large pores in the limestone serve as an ‘underground river’ allowing it to travel south and southeast to the coastal regions. This subsurface flow from the Everglades to the aquifer is its main source of recharge.”

Drought conditions aren’t only affecting the Biscayne Aquifer. A water shortage warning was also issued in several counties, like Collier, Glades, Highlands and Lee, which receive freshwater from the Lower Tamiami Aquifer and Indian Prairie Basin. Without significant rainfall, further decline in groundwater and surface water levels is anticipated over the remainder of the dry season, which typically lasts until May.

SFWMD is encouraging residents, visitors and businesses to conserve water and limit irrigation. SFWMD staff will continue to monitor water usage and levels to assess the effectiveness of voluntary conservation measures and will keep the public informed if conditions continue to worsen. If the voluntary conservation efforts are not enough, the SFWMD may declare a water shortage and invoke mandatory water use restrictions in critical areas.

Closures of one lane of U.S. 1 for a drilling project are scheduled to begin Tuesday, Feb. 17. The first section to close will be a southbound lane of Overseas Highway from Aviation Boulevard to the Airport Access Road (circled). CITY OF MARATHON/Contributed

SINGLE-LANE CLOSURES TO START ON U.S. 1

Phased project starts Feb. 17, allows for deep well drilling

The city of Marathon is starting a court-mandated deep injection well project to modernize its wastewater effluent disposal system and enhance long-term environmental protection.

That will mean closures of sections of a southbound lane of the Overseas Highway

Construction of the first phase of piping is expected to begin on Tuesday, Feb. 17. DBE Utility Services has been contracted to perform the construction work, with Apex Engineering conducting the construction engineering and inspection services. This phase includes the installation of new underground pipelines using horizontal boring, a trenchless method designed to reduce surface disturbance, limit conflicts with existing utilities and minimize disruptions.

Construction activities will occur within and adjacent to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) right-of-way and will require temporary lane closures. Motorists should expect delays as 24-hour lane closures will be in effect for the duration of the project.

Closures will occur on segments of U.S. 1 from Marathon Community Park to the Vaca Cut Bridge. The first closure will occur from Aviation Boulevard to the Airport Access Road. Closures will shift along the corridor every six to eight weeks.

To expedite the project and minimize traffic delays, two boring rigs will operate simultaneously in opposite directions.

— Contributed

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WAGYU TARTARE PANI PURI

ford’s farm kimchi | asian pear | thai basil

LAVENDER-SMOKED SEX PANTHER OYSTER  carambola granita | sour apple mignonette | herb oil

HAMACHI CRUDO

torched melon | pickled papaya | passionfruit emulsion | mayu oil | tender herbs

HOUSE-MADE TRUFFLE RICOTTA GNUDI  charred maitake | buttery farm greens | pine nut crumble | shoyu cloud

BINCHOTAN-KISSED YELLOWEDGE GROUPER

hearth-roasted farm bok choy | tamarind gel | garlic-chili infusion | marigold

KOJI-MARINATED LAMB LOIN

umami-braised lamb | roasted honeynut squash | charred carrots | mint

FOIE GRAS TART

miso peanut crumble | gooseberry jam | cranberry hibiscus

WARM STICKY GINGERBREAD  yuzu-date caramel | pistachio gelato | bourbon crème anglaise

BRENNAN BYE Steak and Lobster House

What is your favorite thing about living in the Keys? My favorite thing about the Keys would definitely be the ocean because it soothes my soul. I’m a water girl through and through.

What’s a local business you couldn’t live without? Definitely the Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House.

What is your greatest fear? Losing a very close family member.

Which living person do you most admire? To be honest, I don’t admire anyone, but I have lots of love for people that I’m very close with.

What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show right now? “Yellowstone” was my favorite show. Currently I’m watching “Landman.”

What is your greatest extravagance? Material things are great to have, but if I had to choose something, it would be to travel the world. Making memories with loved ones are more sentimental to me.

What’s a talent you wish you had? I wish I had my father’s musical talent (Freddie Bye). He’s my favorite guitar player of all time. He’s bad to the bone.

KEYS STUDENTS HAVE NEW CAREER & TECHNICAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

MJEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

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 Brennan Bye. Brennan’s roots in the Keys run incredibly deep. Though she was born in Key West and raised right here in Marathon, she spent 15 years exploring the mainland, living in Panama City Beach for five years and Billings, Montana for a decade. However, the pull of home was too strong to resist, and she’s been back in Marathon for nearly eight years now, working as a server at Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House.

The Bye family legacy in the area is nearly a century in the making. Brennan’s first local ancestor, William A. Parish, moved here in 1927. With generations of history following in those footsteps, the family has been an integral part of the community for almost 100 years.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why? I wish I had more discipline and less fear when it comes to making decisions that would benefit my life for the future.

What is your most marked characteristic? I am a people person. I like for people to feel seen, heard and comfortable when I speak with them. I read the room and match the energy and I turn small moments into real connections.

Who is one of your real-life heroes? My mother and my father are my heroes. I would choose them to be my parents again and again in any lifetime.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? My perfect happiness is spending precious time with my son. He’s almost 20 years old now. Where has the time gone?

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be a Clydesdale horse or any horse. They are beautiful, strong and courageous.

What’s a habit you’d love to break? Overthinking and negative self-talk would be some habits that need to go.

What do you most value in your friends? I value my friends’ loyalty, kindness, consistency and of course, good humor. I love a good laugh.

onroe County schools are seeing improved graduation rates, more opportunities for career education and the possibility that marching bands and dance teams will get the credit they deserve. These were some of the items highlighted at the Jan. 27 Monroe County School Board meeting.

Leslie Holmes, coordinator of career and technical education (CTE) for the district, reported on new opportunities. According to Holmes, CTE is a fusion of academics and hands-on learning.

Each of the three high schools offers a variety of courses in areas such as engineering, automotive, medical lab, digital video technology, cosmetology, culinary and fashion. Construction education is available at Coral Shores. Key West and Marathon high schools offer courses in fashion. The courses at each school depend on the teachers and space available. The school district is working with the College of the Florida Keys to expand opportunities for education in hospitality, education, medical assistance and nursing.

New areas include an AI-driven training program for 911 dispatchers at Key West High School. Marathon has a new cosmetology and fashion program. The Upper Keys will see a new Pathways to Engineering program available in the middle schools and at Coral Shores next year.

Each high school has a curriculum showcase designed to make students aware of the programs available. The schools do studentinterest surveys to see what students want; results from the survey brought cosmetology back to the curriculum.

In the elementary schools, a new digital tool certification will join other certification programs with cash achievement awards provided by the Golden Fleece Foundation. That foundation, an initiative of John Padget, recognized 639 certifications in the 2025-26 school year.

Sarah E. Adams, director of instructional resources and advancement, discussed the district’s search for an English language arts curriculum program for grades K-5. The district has two different products under review. Anyone in the community interested in the evaluation can open an account on a service called EdCredible, at edcredible. com, to see the process and results.

Superintendent Ed Tierney reported on the improvement in the district’s graduation rates in different demographic areas. The overall graduation rate hit 91.9% in the 2024-25 school year with a 16.7% gain in English language learners graduating.

Also, the board held a video conference with lobbyist Kate DeLoach in Tallahassee. DeLoach reported on bills working their way through the Legislature. One draft bill would provide state funding for both breakfast and lunch for qualifying students. Another draft bill would give physical education credit to members of high school marching bands.

Board member Dr. Sue Woltanski emphasized the value of adding dance teams to the bill. She pointed out that high school dance teams practice for at least eight hours a week, work at summer camps, attend all games, get a varsity letter but don’t get the physical education credit received by athletic team members.

Coral Shores students practice nail painting during cosmetology class. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

FRANK DERFLER www.keysweekly.com

MARATHON CINEMA

COMMERCE CORNEr

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Our time-tested therapies are delivered by fully accredited, licensed, and experienced medical professionals, making high-quality wellness care both accessible and affordable.

We have built a strong reputation throughout the Lower Keys thanks to our commitment to exceptional service and client satisfaction, and we are proud to bring the same trusted level of care to Marathon.

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7 METERS TO GLORY

Annual KCB run is good old tongue-incheek fun

alex@keysweekly.com

Measure the Sadowski Causeway bridge however you want – 7 meters, 275 inches or 4.11 smoots (Google it, it’s real). Traversing the entire length takes a special breed of athlete, but for dozens of runners, walkers and costumed partiers at the 7 Meter Bridge Run, it’s all about a celebration of community. One of the most well-attended runs in the event’s 10-year history filled the road for a brief shutdown on Feb. 10 to complete the Key Colony Beach Community Association’s “7 Meters of Grueling Running.” Afterward, runners and fans retired to a food truck jamboree in the 7th Street Park with live music by the Rick Lieder Band.

1. Nora, left, and Bill Caudill get ready to hold the finish line tape.

2. Run organizer Chuck Gijanto, left, gets a hand from Mike Puto.

3. Judy Durant is pinked out for the occasion.

4. Sue Thompson, left, Jan Pflueger and Pat Fischer get ready to spread their wings and fly for 7 meters.

5. To be frank, Ken Bower has a great costume.

6. Alicia Rojas, left, and Lara Rutskin may be the most serious runners on the course.

7. Alicia Rojas breaks the tape.

8-10 Racers pour across the line at the 7 Meter Bridge Run.

11. Jack Connolly, left, Wayne Towers and Joe Turgeon rock their shirts from the first three 7 Meter Bridge Runs.

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

ALEX RICKERT

Canadian pianist Sophia Liu, age 17, whose performances have been praised for their extraordinary virtuosity and musical depth. CONTRIBUTED

PIANO VIRTUOSO VISITS THE KEYS

Florida Keys Concert Association hosts Sophia Liu at Marathon High, Coral Shores

An internationally-acclaimed pianist is set to perform in the Upper and Middle Keys next week.

In a pair of Rising Star Concerts at Marathon and Coral Shores High Schools, the Florida Keys Concert Association will host Canadian pianist Sophia Liu. The concerts, sponsored by the History of Diving Museum and the Jim Platt estate, will take place Feb. 16 in Marathon and the following night in Tavernier. Both concerts start at 7:30 p.m.

At just 17, Sophia Liu has already captured the attention of audiences and critics around the world. Known for her remarkable technical command and poetic musical expression, Liu has been praised for her clarity, refinement and emotional depth at the keyboard.

Born in Shanghai, China, Sophia began piano lessons at age 4. At 7, she moved with her family

to Montreal to study with pianist Dang Thai Son. Since then, her career has accelerated rapidly. She has earned top prizes in major international competitions and has appeared as a soloist with leading orchestras, including her debut with the Cleveland Orchestra.

Her Florida Keys program includes Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” Schubert’s “Impromptus,” selections from Amy Beach’s “Sketches,” and Chopin’s “Andante Spianato” and “Grand Polonaise Brillante.”

Liu’s 2025-26 season includes performances across North America, Europe and Asia, with engagements in Tokyo, Berlin, Venice and Lyon.

The Florida Keys Concert Association invites the community to experience this rare opportunity to hear a world-class young artist in an intimate local setting.

More information is at www. floridakeysconcerts.com or 800-324-6982.

PHILANTHROPY MATTERS

...

It

doesn’t

take millions to make a difference

Welcome to our philanthropy corner. As your Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, we’re thrilled to have this opportunity to regularly share about giving, giving back, and the impact that generosity has right here at home. We’ll see you once a month in the pages of the Keys Weekly.

As our team thought about how to kick off this column, we kept coming back to one core idea we want to lead with: Philanthropy and giving are absolutely vital to our Keys community.

Philanthropy can sound like a big, lofty concept that may not feel attainable or relatable for everyone. But it is. We even consulted Merriam-Webster (yes, an actual dictionary) for the definition of a philanthropist, which is “one who makes an active effort to promote human welfare.” It doesn’t say someone who is exceedingly wealthy or someone who gives so they can have a hospital named after them — although those folks are certainly philanthropic, and we’re thankful for them. Instead, the definition points to someone making an active effort to make the world better. We all have the capacity to be philanthropists, right here and right now.

We often talk about how giving our Keys community is — and it’s true. We show up for one another because it’s part of who we are and part of our unique Keys culture. We really are one human family. Even with all the chaos and challenges that try to divide us these days, we know we are better together.

Our nonprofit partners work every day to make our community vibrant and resilient. And our role as your community foundation is to help make connections —

between donors and nonprofits, between needs and resources. It’s something we do together.

That collective effort made it possible for our foundation to award more than $1 million through our annual grants program to local nonprofits in 2025 for the first time in our history. That support was especially meaningful during a time when many nonprofits were facing funding cuts and uncertainty. Our community relies on nonprofits not only for critical services like food and shelter, but also for caring for our environment and enriching our lives through arts and culture.

In each column, we’ll try to share quick, practical advice.

So here’s this month’s tip: 2026 brings new tax deductions, above the standard deduction level, for charitable giving. These new deductions — $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for married couples — add a new incentive to give back.

While taxes aren’t usually the reason people choose to give, this change does reward generosity.

For many nonprofits, including our own, continued giving at these levels makes a difference — especially when more people choose to do the same.

Please know that philanthropy matters to our community. We hope you’ll include giving — whether of your treasure, talent or time — this year.

Next month, we’ll focus on another important form of philanthropy — volunteerism — having just wrapped up our 26th Unsung Heroes Celebration in Key West. Finally, this monthly column is a brand-new opportunity for us, and we’d love to hear from you. What are you curious about when it comes to community giving? What stories are you interested in? What feels confusing or out of reach? Reach out anytime at cffk@ cffk.org — we’re here to help.

WARMER WATERS

Cold-stunned Keys turtles rehabbing in Marathon

Nine juvenile green sea turtles are warming up at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon after being spotted in distress in unusually cold Upper Florida Keys waters.

The turtles were found in the Upper Keys on Feb. 4 and 9.

According to Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach, all are suffering from cold stunning, a hypothermic reaction that occurs when sea turtles are exposed to cold water for a prolonged time.

“Here at the Turtle Hospital, we're used to receiving cold-stunned turtles from New England, but it's very rare to get a cold-stunned turtle from the warm waters in the Florida Keys,” she said.

Turtles start feeling effects when water temperatures drop to around 55 degrees, and anything below 50 degrees can become fatal.

“Once we saw that the (air) temperature in the Florida Keys was going to dip to the low 40s, which is really the lowest temperature in over a decade here, we began watching those water temperatures very closely,” Zirkelbach said.

After being discovered in trouble by members of the public, the juvenile

turtles — ranging from 4 to 50 pounds — were rescued and transported to the Middle Keys hospital in the facility’s “turtle ambulance.”

The turtles are being gradually warmed up and given fluid treatments to help keep them hydrated. Zirkelbach expects additional cold-stunned turtles to be admitted.

“So the good news with coldstunned turtles, if they're found early enough, we have good success with treatment,” said Zirkelbach. “Sometimes they get pneumonia as a secondary infection, so we are going to monitor with X-rays and a CT scan, but we have a really good history with being able to warm them up and get them back out.”

Some of the rescued reptiles also have conditions like healed boatstrike injuries and tumors. After their rehabilitation — expected to take anywhere from two weeks to a year, depending upon other medical conditions — the reptiles will be released into the typically warm waters off the Keys.

According to the National Weather Service, the last time it got this cold in the Keys was in 2010. The coldest air temperature, the NWS said, was reported at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowest Florida Bay water temperatures ranged from the 40s to the low 50s.

Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach examines ‘Maria,’ a juvenile green sea turtle that was found cold-stunned off the Upper Florida Keys. The turtle is one of nine juveniles warming up at the hospital after a cold front throughout the Keys brought conditions not seen since 2010.

ANDY NEWMAN/Turtle Hospital

Alan M. Nieder, MD

Nicholas Smith, MD

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!

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.

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!

A few L VE NOTES from happy clients

THE BRENNER SCHEEL & CASEY TEAM

“ Kristen and Margie are an absolute wealth of knowledge when it comes to Real Estate! Not only did we have a pleasurable buying experience when we first purchased our keys home in 2018 but they’ve assisted us in navigating through the ownership process as well. These two make an awesome team, they are the realtors that became our lifetime friends.”

LUXURY HOME ADVISORS

“Bought a property and lived 1000 miles away. Looking at homes would be quite challenging. Margie Casey had everything lined up and only required one trip. Within a half day she had found the perfect one for us. Navigating the Real Estate market in the Keys is dramatically different than my home state. She walked us through every step. Set us up with lenders, inspectors, insurance, even a new social place (Marathon Yacht Club). She was our onsite person through the whole step. Knowledgeable and our advocate in every sense of the word. I cannot recommend them more highly.”

“Kristen and Margie are an outstanding team to work with. They are very knowledgeable, professional, and their responsiveness was incredible. They took the time to listen to our desires and needs for our future home and they delivered. Kristen and Margie truly care about their clients which is emulated throughout the entire process.”

“Happy with the opportunity to get a place in Duck Key at a price that was in our range. The team knew what we were looking for and closed the deal fast.”

“Thank you so much Kristen and Casey. We are so happy to have had you both as our realtors. You answered all our questions and got our beautiful home on Duck Key sold. I’m sooo grateful and Blessed to have you as friends. God Bless you both in all your hard work getting our home sold. May God continue to bless you.”

“The level of professionalism and knowledge of home buying in Marathon is absolutely Margie Casey! Margie showed us EVERYTHING available on the market and explained everything we needed to know before purchasing. Our trust was with Margie once we left the keys and still looking. She found us a home and we signed a PA from pictures and from Margies word that we would love it. In January we came down to see our new home and loved it! She knew exactly what we wanted and where our numbers had to be. We are so happy with our new home and thank Margie a ton for all she did for us! 10 Stars for Margie and her team!! Thank You!”

“Kristen and Margie are the best seller's agents in Marathon. They went the extra mile to get the best deal for our house on Duck Key. Kristen and Margie have a depth of experience and superior knowledge of the Marathon market that is second to none.”

“Top notch service with Margie Casey! A real pleasure to work with. Helped us every step of the way in finding and negotiating our vacation home property in the lower keys. We can’t thank her enough! If you’re looking for someone who is highly knowledgeable and knows the market in this area, Margie is a must go to!”

“We can’t speak highly enough of Margie Casey and her entire team at Florida Keys Real Estate Group. Her professionalism, knowledge, honesty, and integrity were very much appreciated when we purchased our home in Duck Key. She made the process very gratifying and was always available for any questions or concerns we had along the way. We liked her so much that we are working with her a second time on selling our property in Marathon. Thanks again Margie and Kristen!!”

“I love Kristen Brenner & Margie Casey, I don't think that I could say enough great things about this Team!! It was our absolute pleasure to use this winning team to sale our home in Duck Key, FL.”

“Great experience with Kristen and Margie. They are without a doubt two of the best realtors in Marathon and Duck Key. Very accommodating to our schedule and knowledgeable. They found us exactly what we wanted and were there for every step of the way. Highly recommend them!”

“The best in the Keys..wonderful, smart, effective. Wouldn't ever use or trust anyone else. Thanks so much Kristen and Margie!”

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED

WELLNESS

LAUGHTER IS MEDICINE (AND RIGHT NOW, WE NEED IT)

There’s a reason the phrase “laughter is medicine” has been around for generations. It isn’t just poetic. It’s biological.

We are living in what feels like an era of non-funny. No matter what side of the coin you’re on, the news can be incredibly disheartening. There’s a constant stream of heavy headlines, pressure and uncertainty. Even when we try to tune it out, our bodies still absorb it. We carry it in our shoulders. In our jaws. In our shallow breathing. And as humans, that’s not how we’re meant to live.

We as a species thrive in happy and funny environments. We always have. Our nervous systems evolved around connection, storytelling, play and shared experiences, not endless seriousness.

There’s an old adage: If I wasn’t laughing, I’d be crying. And honestly? I think a lot of us are crying right now. Crying out for more levity, more comic relief, more humor, more lightness in everyday life. Not because laughter ignores reality, but because it helps us survive it.

Laughter doesn’t just feel good emotionally. It creates real, measurable changes inside your body. When you laugh, your brain releases endorphins, your natural feel-good chemicals. These help reduce pain perception and elevate mood. At the same time, stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline begin to drop, allowing your nervous system to shift out of constant alert mode.

According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter can improve oxygen intake and circulation, relax muscles (sometimes for up to 45 minutes afterward), support immune function, help regulate blood pressure and promote cardiovascular health.

In simple terms, laughter tells your body it’s safe to stand down. It activates your parasympathetic nervous system, the part responsible for rest, digestion, repair and recovery. That’s the same system people try to access through meditation, breath work, cold plunges and yoga. Laughter just happens to be the most natural version – no equipment required.

It also strengthens social bonds. Shared laughter increases oxytocin, often called the “connection hormone,”

JENNIFER HARVEY

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

which plays a role in emotional regulation, trust and heart health. That’s why laughing with friends feels different than scrolling alone on your phone. Your body recognizes safety in shared joy.

From a brain perspective, humor lights up multiple regions at once – areas tied to creativity, emotional processing and memory. That stimulation supports neuroplasticity, helping keep your brain flexible and resilient over time. Also, it helps you to remember what you just laughed about (please tell me you laughed at that).

And maybe most important right now? Laughter interrupts rumination. It breaks anxious thought loops. It softens perspective. It reminds your system that not everything is an emergency.

Many of us are living in a lowgrade stress response without realizing it. Our bodies were never designed for sustained seriousness. We weren’t built to carry the weight of the world in our pockets through constant notifications and headlines. We were built for connection.

So, when people say laughter is medicine, what they’re really saying is this: Your body heals and operates better when it feels safe. So, if everything feels a little heavy lately, consider this your reminder. Seek humor. Create levity. Share laughs. Not because life is perfect, but because your nervous system depends on it.

4-year-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: I want a home so bad I tried to move into someone’s boat!

Turnoffs: Too much attention, but also not enough attention.

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.

EMERAL

2-year-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: Long chats, cuddle sessions and being cozy together.

Turnoffs: Isolation. I’m more of a “be in your lap” kinda guy.

SOCKS

2-year-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: Let’s do it all together – I’m down for anything.

Turnoffs: I’m just an easy dude. No worries, man.

FELIX

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

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

RETAIL STORE

Fish, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!

FOUR-LEGGED HERO

Former Marathon Fire Rescue K9 passes away

On Feb. 9, a former Marathon fire marshal said goodbye to an 18-year partner, laying to rest search and rescue K9 “Spanner.”

Purchased by Adam Geaneas in 2010, Spanner served as a live human tracking and cadaver recovery dog for Marathon Fire Rescue until 2018.

“He served on many missing children and elderly callouts up and down the Keys and as far away as Mississippi,” Geaneas told the Weekly. “He was a part of the Child Abduction Response Team (CART) for Monroe County, and worked tirelessly for weeks after Hurricane Irma in the community.”

MUIR RETURNS TO ROOTS AS A LOBBYIST

Asixth-generation Upper Keys native and former legislative aide to thenstate Rep. Holly Raschein is focusing on the state capital in Tallahassee.

DeLoach and Muir have known each other since childhood, and their professional careers first converged in public service when they worked together in the office of Raschein, where both served as legislative aides.

“Erin’s sixth-generation Keys roots are well known, but it is her work ethic and dedication to her community that have made her a trusted leader in the Keys and beyond,” said Rachel Cone, senior managing partner of the Southern Group Florida. “We are thrilled to welcome her.”

Muir has also worked with Mote Marine Laboratory and the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, supporting community engagement and outreach initiatives. Earlier in her career, Muir worked outside the Keys with the American Cancer Society and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Retired Marathon Fire Rescue K9 Spanner keeps an eye on owner Adam Geaneas’ gear. CONTRIBUTED

When not in the field, Geaneas said, Spanner trained weekly with dogs from FWC, Border Patrol, Islamorada Fire Rescue and numerous other agencies, also visiting Keys schools to participate in reading programs. He participated in testing for military equipment development by defense contractor Honeywell.

“His biggest achievement was being my best friend and partner, serving this community with a smile and a happy wag of a tail always,” Geaneas said. “After his retirement, he continued to serve the community by attending library days at the schools to help kids learn to read. He will be deeply missed by me and people who crossed his path over his career.”

– Keys Weekly staff report

On Feb. 5, the Southern Group announced the addition of Erin Muir to the firm’s Florida Keys office. Muir will work alongside Kate DeLoach, who has been leading the firm’s office in the Keys since 2019, to strengthen advocacy and community engagement efforts in the Keys.

Muir brings deep roots in the Keys and a career grounded in public service, nonprofit leadership and community engagement.

“I have had the privilege of working with Erin Muir in the Florida Keys since the 2012 election of Holly Raschein and in every cycle since, across virtually every campaign scenario imaginable,” said David Johnson, CEO of the Florida House Republican Campaign Committee. “Her knowledge of Monroe County, its people, its issues and its politics is unmatched in my experience. Combined with her strong strategic instincts, Erin’s addition will further enhance the outstanding work Kate DeLoach continues to do on behalf of clients in the Southern Group’s Keys office.”

Muir has held leadership roles across health, education, cultural and historical organizations, and land stewardship. She is a board member and past chair of the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition and chair of the Monroe County Land Authority Advisory Committee. She serves as a trustee of the Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys and as an executive board member of the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, where she served from 2016-2018 and again since 2022. Muir is also an active member of the St. James Children’s Center advisory board and fundraising committee and Upper Keys Business & Professional Women.

From 2013 to 2020, Muir coordinated Florida Keys Day in Tallahassee and is a graduate of Leadership Monroe County, Class XXIII.

Muir earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from the University of Florida, specializing in public affairs, with additional training in history and public-sector leadership. She lives in Tavernier with her husband and two children.

— Contributed

Erin Muir is a lobbyist with the Southern Group. She will work in the firm’s Florida Keys office. CONTRIBUTED

THURSDAY, FEB 12

FEB 14

ROONEY 3PM

TIDES 8PM

FEB 15

FEB 16

Bid online: February 13 - February 27 WWW.CFK.EDU/SOIREE

The Best Diet and Other Myths about Nutrition

Leigh Pujado- licensed dietician, nutritionist, and health educator tackles confusion and fads with science-based insights

Leigh will discuss how the internet and social media bombard us with confusing and conflicting nutrition and dietary advice, many of us are left wondering what’s fact and what’s fiction! Gain science-based insights that will empower you to make choices right for you. You’ll learn about the evolution of nutrition advice, where dietary guidance took some wrong turns, and how that launched decades of fad diets. Leigh will include a little biochemistry so that you can understand how the body responds to certain foods to better equip you to choose foods that sustain health.

Thank you to our sponsors: David & Annette Curry, First Horizon, and Essential Net Solutions. Thursday - February 19th - 7PM at Tennessee Williams Theatre

FRIDAY|FEBRUARY 27 TH 2026|6:00

$5 ADMISSION Free for Monroe County & CFK Students

COCKTAIL CLASS Key West Cooking Show

BOOK YOURSELF WITH THREE VALENTINE’S READS

A NOVEL LOVE STORY

By Ashley Poston

Elsy finds herself on a road trip to Hudson Valley, New York. The drive has been depressing as she anticipates the long week ahead. After a wrong turn in the pouring rain, Elsy’s green jalopy decides it has had enough. She finds herself stranded, without a mechanic or hotel in sight. Elsy is saved by a grumpy shop owner who has a spare loft above the bookshop, and as an English professor, she cannot resist. The smell of old books and wind chimes calms her nerves as she realizes her savior is quite handsome and this little town could not be more charming. It actually feels strangely familiar. Elsy has landed in Eloraton, which would be fine if it actually existed. As she explores, Elsy realizes the reason she knows her way around is that Eloraton is the fictional town in her favorite romance series. These books carried her through grief the last few years, bringing her comfort and a guaranteed happy ending after Liam left her at the altar. It turns out Elsy’s wrong turn might be exactly what she needs. Sometimes a little bit of magic is the sweetest Valentine’s treat.

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

ORDINARY LOVE

By Marie Rutkowski

Emily and her husband Jack have a beautiful brownstone on the upper east side of Manhattan. With two adorable children, they appear to be the picture-perfect little family. Emily married young, right after college. Now, she finds herself trapped in a home where her husband gaslights, punishes and manipulates her on a daily basis. Convinced that Jack truly loves her and their family unit, Emily ignores all the signs of abuse and makes excuses for Jack’s behavior. Slowly, her friends and family are banished from their lives. Previously a determined literary student at Harvard, Emily never dreamed she would find herself so adrift and painfully lonely. One evening, she attends a fundraiser and runs into her old friend Gen Hall. In their hometown of Washford, Ohio, Emily had helped Gen reach for her stars and escape their geographical limitations. Gen became a college track star and has now earned Olympic gold. She is famous and beautiful and Emily realizes that she never stopped loving her. This magnificent novel is about friendship, family, motherhood and romance. Superbly written, it’s a story about two people who learn to love themselves –and against all odds, allow themselves to be loved.

The Austen Affair

By Madeline Bell

When Tess Bright is booted off her successful teen series, she finds her Hollywood career in a tailspin. After losing her mother, she just cannot get her life back on track. Jane Austen was her mother’s favorite, and these books and movies played on a continuous loop in the background of her childhood. Finally catching a break, Tess is cast as the star of “Northanger Abbey,” and knows she can handle anything Austen. Her co-star Hugh, a stuffy Englishman, doesn’t think Tess is good enough for the part. One day while on set in Hampshire, England, a terrible thunderstorm ensues. The two quarreling stars are struck by lightning (sounds ridiculous, but carry on …) They awaken in a field — in costume — and realize they have traveled to 1815. Carefully tiptoeing to not rewrite history, the couple must make peace with each other to find a way back to the present. Austen, time travel and romance — what’s not to love? I’m a sucker for all three. Adorable, light and genuinely funny, this easy read is a muchneeded respite from the world.

#WORTHWATCHING: “Eternity.” A superb romantic comedy set in the afterlife where souls have one week to choose where they will spend eternity. Joan must decide between her husband and her first love, who has been waiting decades for her to arrive. Can be seen starting Feb. 13 on Apple TV.

KAREN NEWFIELD

PRESIDENTS DAY WEEKEND

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OPEN HOUSES & NEW LISTINGS

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Having Fun in the Middle Keys

BRIEFLY

New York man arrested for living in fire station

A 45-year-old man was arrested on Feb. 10 for allegedly breaking into and living at the fire station on Sugarloaf Key for about a week. Mark Alvarado was charged with burglary and theft. A Monroe County fire official notified the sheriff’s office that an unknown man, later identified as Alvarado, was trespassing at Sugarloaf Fire Station 10. The sheriff’s office observed Alvarado on the second floor living quarters. Alvarado reportedly stated he was homeless, from New York state, and had been staying at the station for roughly a week while making use of the building’s water and electricity. He was also wearing an MCFR polo shirt and shorts, which he admitted to stealing from the station, deputies said. He was taken to jail.

Masturbating man arrested at Hurricane Bar & Grille

A 62-year-old Marathon man was arrested on Feb. 10 for allegedly exposing himself at a bar and touching a woman inappropriately. Julio Roberto Melendez Chavez was charged with battery and indecent exposure. The sheriff’s office was called to the Hurricane Bar & Grille around 4 p.m. regarding an indecent exposure incident. The adult female victim stated she was sitting at the bar when the man sat next to her and began touching her leg. The female rebuffed him and moved away. Several witnesses stated the man was masturbating. He fell from his chair while holding his exposed self after being punched by a male witness. Security footage corroborated multiple witness accounts. Melendez Chavez was taken to jail.

Martin Luther Chapel hosts fundraiser game day

The Martin Luther Chapel will hold a fundraiser game day on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 325 122nd St. Gulf in Marathon. All are invited for a day of fun, food and fundraising. The cost is $25 for lunch and to play games including mahjong and more, payable at the door. Prizes will be awarded for winners. Attendees are asked to bring a food pantry item to donate to KAIR. RSVP to mlcmarathon@gmail.com.

Marathon Shrine Club to host charity drive

The Marathon Shrine Club and Marathon Masonic Lodge #323 will hold the Shriners’ annual charity drive on Saturday, Feb. 14. The event is known for Shriners in “funny hats” asking for donations from passersby at the stoplights on U.S. 1 at 107th and 109th streets in Marathon. All proceeds

go to the support of Shriners Hospitals and especially the transportation fund at Mahi Temple. These funds are used exclusively to transport Keys and South Florida children to the Shrine Hospital in Tampa or to one of the other Shrine Hospitals around the country. At these hospitals, children are given completely free state-of-the-art orthopedic care and burn treatment. Those who know of any child under the age of 18 who could benefit from orthopedic, spinal cord or burn treatment can call a Shriner at 800-237-5055 and get the ball rolling.

Run with Deer 5K scheduled for Valentine’s Day

The 10th annual Run with Deer 5K run/walk is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14 at 8 a.m. at the Big Pine Community Park, 31009 Atlantis Drive on Big Pine Key. The race route will wind through back roads in the National Key Deer Refuge, and proceeds benefit the nonprofit Florida Keys Wildlife Society. Stay after the race for refreshments, raffles and age-group awards, along with an award for best costume. Register by scanning the QR code or by stopping by the Florida Keys Nature Center on Big Pine Key. Registration and packet pickup will take place on Feb. 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Big Pine Community Park or before the run at the park beginning at 7 a.m.

Big Pine Botanical Society hosts Key West Tropical Forest speaker

The Big Pine Key Botanical Society will meet on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Building in the Winn Dixie Plaza on Big Pine Key. The guest speaker for the meeting is Christopher Rackley, who began working at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Gardens as a volunteer when he was 16 and worked his way up to native nursery manager. Today, Rackley manages the propagation and care of 230 native plant species, 85 of which are endangered, threatened or endemic to the Florida Keys. Following the presentation, there will be a raffle, 50/50 drawing and refreshments. All are welcome.

Feeding South Florida hosts student art competition

Feeding South Florida will host its seventh annual “Feed Your Creativity” art competition, accepting submissions through April 30. Elementary, middle and high school students throughout Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties are invited to compete for the opportunity to have

their artwork displayed on one of Feeding South Florida's semi-trailer truck wraps – a 36-foot moving billboard that travels throughout South Florida. The 2026 campaign focuses on “food that connects,” highlighting the importance of how food connects us all, while raising awareness about summer hunger. The artwork should inspire others, spark meaningful conversations and help individuals understand the importance of sharing meals and supporting individuals in our community. Judging will take place from May 1 through 7. Winners will be announced at Feeding South Florida’s Pembroke Park on May 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. The truck reveal celebration will be held at the school of the first-place winner on May 29. All students’ artwork will be displayed at Feeding South Florida’s Pembroke Park and Boynton Beach warehouses. More information is at feedingsouthflorida. org/fyc26.

Scramble golf tourney supports CFFK

The Florida Keys Country Club will host a four-person scramble format golf tournament on Saturday, Feb. 21 to benefit the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. The day will begin at 8 a.m. with a light breakfast and registration before a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The day will include awards, prizes, raffles and food and beverages. Proceeds will benefit Marathon nonprofits through CFFK’s Middle Keys Future Funds. The entry fee is $100. More information is available from Stan at 305-434-2433. Sponsorships are available and raffle item donations are sought. For sponsorships, contact C.M. Bishop at 305-395-0439.

Special Olympics seeks Summer Games volunteers

Special Olympics Florida is seeking volunteers for the Monroe County Summer Games, held on March 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marathon High School. Volunteers can join Special Olympics for a day of fun and sports, including teams and athletes competing in basketball, cheerleading, cycling, soccer, track and bocce. Individuals, groups and businesses can host a booth in the athlete village to provide an activity and/or giveaway item, serve as a general volunteer, officiate a sport, volunteer as a health professional at athlete screenings or donate funds to support the games. Scan the QR code for more information.

PETRICK IS COUNTY EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Nicole Petrick, senior coordinator for code compliance, has been named Monroe County’s 2025 Employee of the Year for her exceptional dedication, professionalism and long-standing commitment to serving the community.

Petrick has served Monroe County citizens for more than 25 years and is recognized for her in-depth knowledge of county operations as well as her positive attitude, collaborative spirit and consistent willingness to exceed her regular duties.

Her responsibilities include managing special magistrate hearings, preparing documents for judges, responding to public inquiries, assisting inspectors and county attorneys and coordinating public records requests and monthly departmental agendas.

“Nicole’s organizational skills and attention to detail have been key in ensuring smooth operations within the department,” said director of code compliance Cynthia McPherson. “She conducts herself with professionalism and goes above and beyond daily to communicate, supply information, and meet deadlines.”

Coworker Gabriela Henri nominated Petrick earlier this year as the employee of the second quarter, highlighting her positive influence on workplace morale and noting that her supportive approach creates a collaborative environment that enhances both staff experiences and public service delivery.

Nicole Petrick. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/ Monroe County

... 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.

Heavens to Murgatroyd, the light at Fort Zach was gorgeous, a blanket of chromatic bliss saturating everything that wasn’t in shadow. And the shadows were nice, too. Walking along the moat path I felt a strange swelling of elation, as if I should write a goddamn haiku or something, but I reined myself in to the task at hand: getting a good look at a duck.

Ducks, I feel, don’t get taken seriously enough. There are a number of reasons for this. The first one is their name. As the late great Walter Matthau said in the movie version of “The Sunshine Boys,” “Words with ‘k’ in them are funny.” He cited Alka Seltzer, but there are other inherently funny k words: pickle, turkey, cuckoo, keister, kleptocracy. And duck is decidedly a k word.

Then there are all the cartoons – Daffy, Daisy, Disco, Donald, Huey, Scrooge Mc – which generally portray them as emotionally volatile and unserious creatures who, if they wear any sort of human clothing, it is never pants.

Then there is the whole quacking thing, which is self-explanatory in its unseriousifyingness.

The duck I was looking for arguably had a chance at achieving a more serious and dramatic persona, at least to the late 20th/early 21st century mind. Primarily because the bird was a duck, but was not called a duck, but instead a scaup. Specifically a lesser scaup.

I’m not sure where it was picked up, but a lesser scaup was brought into the Key West Wildlife Center several weeks ago. They posted a cute video of it swimming in their rehab tank along with a ringnecked duck.

My friend Ellen Westbrook texted me yesterday that since it had recovered from whatever ailed it, they had released it, along with the ring-necked duck, into the moat at Fort Zach.

If you keep a life list there are rules, and a bird that has been recently released from a rehabilitation center, like the Key West Wildlife Center, might be a little suspect. But I looked it up and according to rule 3.C.i of the American Birding Association’s Recording Rules & Interpretations, a released bird that

has been in captivity may not count if it is still under the influence of the captivity. “A bird is considered under the influence of captivity after its release until it regains the activities and movements of a bird that has not been captured.”

I don’t actually keep a life list, but it’s a good way of framing the question of whether a bird is living a wild life or tame one.

There are two species of scaup in the world, greater and lesser. Together they are considered a superspecies, or a pair of species that are distinct genetically and physiologically, but so closely related they sometimes interbreed.

They are somewhat difficult to tell apart. Mostly it comes down to some subtle aspects of the shape of their heads.

Both are some of the more common duck species in the world. The greater is a circumpolar breeder, meaning they nest in what Karen Carpenter liked to call the top of the world. Lesser scaups don’t venture across the oceans but instead breed in the North American polar region, though their range stretches as far south as California and Colorado. Which makes the lesser scaup our home-continent scaup.

While both species of scaup migrate south for the winter, greater scaup does not look to have been recorded in the Keys. I’ve only seen lesser scaup on occasion, usually on the Key West Golf Course, back when they let us on there for the Christmas Bird Count, meaning I hadn’t seen one since before the pandemic. There was one reported in the Key West

Nature Preserve several times in July, which may or may not be the one that went through the rehab.

The name scaup most likely came from the Scots, who historically called mussels, clams and oysters scalps, which mutated into scaups. The name scaup for the bird was a shortening of scaup duck. But the name may have also been derived from the call of the female greater scaup, which maybe kinda sorta sounds like that.

Male lesser scaups make a call that sounds something like a chicken cluck. Unlike in the majority of bird species, the females are more vocal than the males, with a small repertoire of calls, including one that sounds more like a frog, one that sounds more like a dog, and one that sounds like an outright quack, but higher pitched, like a mockingbird imitating a crack. Though these are noises they very rarely make in their wintering habitats.

I wasn’t far down the moat path when I saw some movement. A duck swam out from under the mangroves to the middle of the water, the place of greatest safety. Avoiding humans seemed to me like the first sign of a bird no longer influenced by its captivity.

It had a longish bill, for a duck, a broad uneven white band across the bridge of it, and a dark head, chocolaty, russet, verging on the deepest burgundy. It was reminiscent of the dark velvet curtains of certain Italian restaurants in the 1970s, though in the proper scheme of things the curtains should have been reminiscent of the scaup.

A lesser scaup seen this week at Fort Zachary Taylor. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

Founded by Betty Debnam

Citizen Scientists

Last week, The Mini Page learned about the Great Backyard Bird Count, in which people all around the world help scientists learn about the bird population, but this work goes beyond just birds.

Hundreds of thousands of kids and adults are helping to solve the mysteries of Earth and beyond. They are known as citizen scientists

Although these volunteers are not professional scientists, they are making valuable scientific discoveries throughout the world. They are gathering data on thousands of subjects, ranging from monarch butterfly migration to galaxy shapes to water quality to penguin lifestyles.

CITIZEN DETECTIVES

Amateurs have been making important scientific discoveries for thousands of years. Since the late 1800s, professional scientists have been joining forces with these volunteers. The National Audubon Christmas Bird Count organized birders to gather data starting in 1900. It is the longest-running citizen scientist group survey in the world.

The number of citizen scientists has exploded in recent years. Technology, such as the internet, apps, smartphones and GPS, has made it much easier for everyone to join in the hunt for knowledge.

HELPING THE EXPERTS

Citizen scientists usually work closely with scientific experts. Often, professional scientists

need help collecting or analyzing a lot of data over a wide area and over a lot of time.

Doing the actual research is exciting. Many students get their first real experiences in nature through citizen scientist projects.

It is especially important when kids become citizen scientists. The world needs people who have learned how to think creatively and to look for answers that are backed up by tests and research, experts say.

• In an NSF/NOAA project called CoCoRaHS (ko-koRAHS), observers measure precipitation that falls near their homes. When whole communities come together to monitor the precipitation, it gives groups such as the weather service, farmers, insurance companies, water supply managers and outdoor lovers a better idea of patterns. It helps them predict what to prepare for.

• Monarch Watch, based at the University of Kansas, helps monitor monarch butterflies and has started a Waystation Program. It encourages people to plant flowers that monarchs like and milkweed, which the larvae need.

Words that remind us of citizen scientists are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: BUDBURST, CITIZEN, COCORAHS, DATA, DISCOVERY, HELP, INTERTIDAL, LIMPETS, MEASURE, MILKWEED, MONARCH, PLANTS, PREDICT, SCIENTIST, SOLVE, TECHNOLOGY, VOLUNTEER.

MINI FACT: Students examine (left) a Mexican butterfly weed, which is in the milkweed family.

• Through the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Budburst, 35,000 citizen scientists are recording information on when plants start changing each season. For example, they record when leaves change color in the fall and when plants begin to flower in the spring. This helps scientists monitor the effects of temperature changes and rainfall and gather information about climate change.

• In the NOAA LiMPETS* network, middle school, high school and college students monitor national marine sanctuary beaches in California. Students collect data on rocky intertidal areas and sandy beach areas. Intertidal areas are beach areas that are covered by the sea at high tide and uncovered at low tide. The information helps officials track the health of marine life.

RESOURCES

ON THE WEB limpets.org / cocorahs.org budburst.org / monarchwatch.org

ECO NOTE

A handful of galaxy frogs once hidden beneath a single fallen log in India’s Western Ghats mountain range may have vanished forever, not because of natural predators but because people wanted photographs. The tiny, endangered frogs disappeared after visitors overturned logs, trampled vegetation and handled the animals without gloves, actions that can easily kill amphibians that breathe through their skin.

Melanobatrachus indicus is the only species in its family, an ancient line of life that cannot be replaced.

Photo by Davidvraju

Photo by Bruce Leventhal, Forest Lake High School, Forest Lake, Minnesota

A father and son measure rainfall in Concord, North Carolina, as part of CoCoRaHS.

Photo by Henry Reges, courtesy NSF

Photo courtesy Monarch Watch

Two students record observations for Budburst.

Students monitor Pacific mole crabs through the LiMPETS sandy beach network. They measure the crabs, check to see if they are male or female and if the females are carrying eggs.

Photo by Carlye Calvin, University Center for Atmospheric Research, courtesy Project BudBurst

Photo by

Aelfric

Wolf, courtesy NOAA

Tournament wrestling heats up | P.8

Marathon Girls Basketball Frostproof 2/2 W, FF

Key West Baseball Preseason @ Jupiter 2/2 W, 5-1

Key West Girls Basketball Miami Northwestern 2/2 52-18

Key West Boys Basketball South Miami 2/3 W, 77-58

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Keys Gate 2/3 L, 48-35

Key West Baseball Preseason @ Jupiter 2/3 L, 8-7

Marathon Boys Basketball Pahokee 2/3 W, 56-42

Coral Shores Girls Basketball Miami Killian 2/4 L, 72-35

Key West Boys Basketball St. Brendan 2/4 W, 63-58

Marathon Girls Basketball Fort Meade 2/4 L, 50-44

Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Coral Reef (Preseason) 2/5 W, 9-3

Marathon Boys Basketball Fort Meade 2/5 L, 50-44

Key West Girls Soccer Somerset Academy 2/5 L, 7-1 Key West Boys Basketball Miami Northwestern 2/6 L, 60-57

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

2/12

2/12

2/12 Key West Girls Lacrosse Palmer Trinity 4 p.m.

2/12

2/12 Marathon Tennis Key West 2 p.m.

2/13 Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse @ Miami Palmetto 4 p.m.

2/13 Coral Shores Softball Preseason @ Miami 3 p.m.

2/13

2/17 Coral Shores Baseball Dade Christian 6 p.m.

2/17 Key West Boys Lacrosse @ Coral Reef 6 p.m.

2/17

2/18 Key West Girls Lacrosse @ Lourdes Academy 4 p.m.

2/18 Coral Shores Girls Lacrosse @ Palmetto 4 p.m.

2/18 Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Westminster Christian 7p.m.

2/18 CSHS & MHS Boys Weightlifting @ Gulliver 3:30 p.m.

2/19 Coral Shores Baseball @ ABF Homestead 6 p.m.

2/19 Key West Softball @ Western 6:30 p.m.

2/19 Marathon Tennis Coral Shores 2 p.m.

Coral Shores wrestlers Gavin Matheis, left, and David Beltran are preparing for fast-approaching district competition with strong tournament action. See page 8. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

SNIDER

Sophomore, Key West Basketball

Judson has taken on a huge role for us this season. We depend on him for a majority of the ball decisionhandling, making and control of the offense. He has a futurebright for Key West Conchs basketball.”

coach

— Tommy Butler Jr., head Conchs basketball

assists (leads team)

Total points (2nd for the Conchs)

Key West sophomore Judson Snider continues to make his presence felt for the Conchs, not only as the team’s No. 2 man, but as a leader beyond his years. Named a team captain as just a sophomore, Snider’s leadership has translated directly to production on the court. This season, he averaged nearly 10 points per game and has totaled 236 points. Snider leads the team with 72 assists and ranks second in steals with 46. Described as a hard worker and great athlete to coach, Snider’s ability to score, facilitate and defend has made him a steady force for the Conchs. For his quiet leadership and loud presence on the court, Judson Snider is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Judson

Photo by MAICEY MALGRAT/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.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development

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Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

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Se habla español

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Preseason proves Conch bats and bullpen run deep

Key West’s Kade Maltz is starting this season off with his bat on fire.

MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

Year after year, Key West’s baseball players are held to an almost impossible standard. Even with relentless pressure, they continue to deliver season after season. The team shoulders the heavy expectations with a grace no one should expect of a high school roster. This year’s Fighting Conchs look like a crew who can bring home the coveted, record-breaking 12th state championship.

In a preseason series against Jupiter High School, Key West matched the 7A Indians’ velocity, speed and power. In the first game, on Feb. 2, the 4A Conchs battled the Indians to a scoreless tie until the sixth inning, when Key West rallied. Kristian Masters and Nelson Ong singled to put two on with two outs. Kade Maltz had two strikes against him when he connected for a sturdy shot to left field, scoring three runs to break up what had become a pitchers’ duel. The Conchs added a pair of runs in the seventh, and Jupiter got on the board with a sacrifice fly, but the patient performance of the Conchs’ 5-1 win was a beautiful thing for fans all over the Keys.

Starting on the mound was Coral Shores transfer Donovan Thiery, who earned his first win as a Conch with five strikeouts, no hits and no runs during his 2-2/3 innings of work. Maltz and Christian Koppal combined for the remaining innings. Offensively, the team amassed seven hits to the Indians’ two.

The teams returned to action the next day. The Conchs piled on the hits, with Thiery leading the way with three. Auggy Davila went 2-for-3 with a single and double and Roman Garcia had a pair of hits. Tyrone Cervantes, Darreld Tremino, Masters and Maltz each singled once for a total of 11 Conch hits.

Jupiter managed a half-dozen hits, but 11 walks and a hit batter gave them the advantage. Key West tested their bullpen, with five Conchs making an appearance. Davila, Cervantes, Cruz Holmes, Beau Bender and Bennett Logan all saw time on the mound in what would end in an 8-7 loss for Key West.

Preseason action concluded Feb. 7, and the Conchs’ record, now reset, will be tested against ABF Academy Homestead Feb. 13 and ABF Hialeah the following night.

In regular-season play, Marathon opened at Miami Country Day Feb. 9, out-hitting the Spartans 7-1 and winning 12-0. Coral Shores won 2-1 at Terra Environmental that same evening. With both games played shortly before press time, see full recaps in next week’s Sports Wrap

tracy mcdonald

FINAL BUZZER

Prep basketball seasons over for most Keys teams despite strong showings

After district playoff runs by all three Keys boys basketball squads, Key West was the final team standing on Feb. 6, when a pair of playoff wins led them to the FHSAA 4A District 16 championships. Their postseason run began Feb. 3, when the Conchs hosted South Miami in the quarterfinals. Key West dispatched the sixth-seeded Cobras in a 77-55 rout that proved the Conchs deserved the third seed. James Osborne led the scoring drive with 19 points while Judson Snider added 13 and Kyan Gladwell and Jayce Fernandez scored eight each.

The win sent Key West to the semis, where they faced the No. 2 team in District 16, St. Brendan. Osborne had the hot hand again with 33 points and added 10 boards for a postseason double-double. Snider totaled nine points and five steals, Leo Batista scored nine and Zach Levering was good for 10 rebounds in the 63-58 Feb. 4 win.

By upsetting the Sabres, the Conchs had strong momentum heading into the district championship game Feb. 6 against the top-ranked Bulls of Miami Northwestern. Key West used that momentum to put on a show of force, both offensively and defensively, and at the end of the first quarter they led by three. Northwestern chipped away and by the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Bulls held a 46-37 lead. The Conchs, determined to pull off a second upset win in a row, put on an offensive display in the fourth quarter, downing 20 points and narrowing the lead to just three, but ran out of time before they could complete the job in a 60-57 loss.

Osborne had another amazing game, scoring 34 points. Batista, whose sharpshooting from behind the arc struck the fatal blow for the Marathon Dolphins last month, hit four against the Bulls and added a total of 14 points. Snider had five points and rebounds plus six assists and Zach Levering had 10 rebounds and three blocks in the loss.

Key West earned an at-large bid to the FHSAA 4A Region 4 quarterfinals with their ranking despite their district loss. They hit the road to play Stranahan on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.

Marathon’s boys also had a run into district playoff action. The Fins hosted Pahokee in the Rural District 8 quarterfinals on Feb. 3. The Dolphins’ roster only lists eight players on a good night, but Tuesday was fraught with a series of unfortunate events for the Fins. Sixth man Taylor Huff dislocat-

ed a finger during the school day, and then forward Josh Koler rolled an ankle during warmups.

An industrious Jim Murphy scanned the crowd and called up a JV player to add to his options, but would not need to send him into action. The rest of the Fins filled in beautifully, and with only a few brief breaks, the starting five played the entire game, underscoring one of Murphy’s biggest priorities as a former track and cross country coach: conditioning. Marathon won 56-42, fueled by Jack Chapman’s 28 points, six rebounds and eight steals. Briggs Roberts scored 10 while Giorvis Zamora and Andrew Suarez added eight apiece.

For the semis, the Fins made the long trip to Fort Meade, where they lost to the Miners by 24 in December. With Huff and Koler

back in the lineup, things looked hopeful for the Fins.

In a back-and-forth game, Marathon matched Fort Meade well in all areas but one: fouls. Marathon was charged with 15 fouls over the course of the game to Fort Meade’s three. And when points were at stake, the Miners went to the line 21 times, making eight free throws. Marathon shot only two, yielding just one point. The outcome, while far closer than the teams’ first meetup, was a 42-39 loss which ended the season for Marathon. Chapman had 14 points with Zamora and Roberts chipping in seven each. Andrew Suarez sank six points and amassed six more assists – enough to break the Fins’ single-season record, which now stands at 118.

Coral Shores’ boys season ended in a 48-35

loss to Keys Gate in round one of district action. The Hurricanes finished the season with a respectable 9-8 record.

The Lady Conchs’ four-team district negated the need for quarterfinals, pitting them against the top ranked Miami Northwestern for their first postseason contest. The Bulls had a stampede against the Conchs, winning 52-18 to end Key West’s season. The Lady ’Canes had a similar postseason story. The fourteam 3A District 16 started with the semifinals, pitting Coral Shores, ranked fourth, against the third-ranked Cougars of Miami Killian. The Cougars defeated the Hurricanes 72-35 to knock them out of contention.

The Lady Fins did not play a quarterfinal game either, but picked up a W against Frostproof, who opted not to travel to Marathon for their playoff contest. The Dolphins faced Fort Meade in their semifinal matchup. Daysi Williams led the team with 16 and Shaina Robinson added 15 to the score, but it would not be enough to pull off a repeat of last season, during which the underdog Dolphins upset the entire Rural District 8 bracket to win a district championship. The 50-44 loss to the Miners closed out the girls basketball season for Keys teams.

From left: Graham Murphy delivers on a put-back. Marathon’s Andrew Suarez owns the new Marathon record for most assists in a single season with 118.

Andrew Suarez (1) and Graham Murphy (10) on offense.

Photos by Tracy McDonald and Natalie Danko

COURT IS IN SESSION

Prep tennis season opens with intra-county match

High school tennis season opened last week, and Coral Shores and Key West wasted no time hitting the courts. The Hurricanes visited the Southernmost City on Feb. 3 for both teams’ first matches of the season. Key West won both contests, 7-0. The Lady Conchs’ Eva Drozdetskaia won the No. 1 singles match, then teamed up with Hamida Muhsinova, the No. 2 singles winner, to also pick up a win in the doubles No. 1 match. Hiah Apperson and Amina Erik did the same in the No. 3 and No. 4 singles matches and No. 2 doubles match. Avery Batty won the No. 5 singles match for a clean sweep by the Conchs.

The Hurricane boys were not in full force yet, making for pared-down play. Key West’s Wyatt Bartels won the No. 4 singles match and Jack Bridger claimed a win in the No. 5 singles spot. Mason Martel and Hubert Konopka teamed up for a win in the No.1 doubles match. The remainder of the wins came via forfeit.

Tennis season runs through April, with a majority of Keys teams’ matches played against one another.

1. Amina Erik hits a forehand return.

2. Mason Martel launches a powerful serve.

3. Wyatt Bartels volleys with his opponent.

4. Nate Bergh returns the ball.

5. Hurricane sophomore Kaiyenna de Ron hits the ball back to a Conch player.

6. Coral Shores freshman Jillian Thiery jumps into her overhand serve.

7. Jacob Sanchez serves to the Conchs.

MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

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Above: A referee raises Autumn Wolfe’s hand in victory at the Lady Eagle Invitational Feb. 7.

Center top: Coral Shores’ Gavin Matheis, left, and David Beltran are preparing for the fast-approaching districts with strong tournament action.

Top right: Coral Shores wrestler Sterling Keefe is a key contributor to the team’s success. Last week, Keefe placed fourth out of dozens of athletes in the 157-pound competition.

Photos by Tracy McDonald and contributed

Local wrestlers make their marks in tournament action

Coral Shores and Key West sent their wrestlers to the Tony Ippolito Memorial Tourney at Brandon High School on Feb. 6 and 7. The Conchs and ’Canes tied for 15th place out of over 40 teams represented.

Allens Alexandre and Michael Guzman reached the podium for Key West. Alexandre finished in third place in the 285-pound competition and Guzman was fourth at 165 pounds.

Bottom: Autumn Wolfe is set to make history this week as Marathon’s first wrestler to compete in the postseason.

MAT MATTERS

Coral Shores had three wrestlers place. Sterling Keefe was fourth at 157

pounds. David Beltran finished in fifth at 175 and Gavin Matheis was sixth at 132.

Boys wrestlers have just over a week before their district tournament. Key West, Coral Shores and Marathon will send their athletes to the Southernmost City for the FHSAA’s 1A District 16 Championships on Feb. 20. Wrestlers who make the cut move on to regionals the following week for a shot at a state championship berth in the first week of March.

Key West and Marathon sent their girls to the Lady Eagle IBT held at George Jenkins High School in Lakeland on Feb. 7. Both schools had athletes place in the 30-team tournament to set the tone for the upcoming district championships.

Maria Holushko of Key West was the runner-up in the 142-pound class. Teammate Yannesie Corrales (170) brought home third place for the Conchs. Both wrestlers finished 2-1 at the tournament. Marathon’s Autumn Wolfe went 3-2 in the 107-pound class, winning fourth place in that division.

All three Keys schools have at least one female wrestler this season and will send representatives to the District 16 championships Feb. 12 at Coral Park Senior High. Regionals are slated for the next week, with states scheduled for the first week of March.

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE

Lady Conchs soccer falls in regionals

Key West’s postseason quest on the soccer field ended Feb. 5 after a regional quarterfinal loss to Somerset Academy in Pembroke Pines. The Lady Conchs earned a spot in the brackets despite losing in districts. Their success within a challenging schedule boosted them in the rankings, keeping them alive in the hunt for a state title.

The Panthers overwhelmed the Conchs, scoring early and often to earn a 7-1 win. A late-match goal from senior striker Madison Kilduff put the Conchs on the board, but it was not enough to overcome a powerful Somerset squad. The loss gave Key West, whose roster is loaded with underclassmen talent, a 10-6-4 record and a lot to look forward to next season.

WE HAVE LIFTOFF

Boys weightlifting begins for Keys strongmen

As girls weightlifting season winds down, the spring season for the boys is just beginning. Feb. 2 was the official start date for regular-season competitions, and the Keys’ two weightlifting teams wasted no time getting their first contest under their weight belts.

Marathon and Gulliver traveled to Coral Shores on Feb. 4 for a tri-meet, and Keys teams won all but one weight class. In team scoring, Coral Shores came through with wins in both the Olympic and traditional events, with Marathon placing second and Gulliver third.

The Hurricanes had double winners in six of the 10 weight classes. Winning in both Olympic and traditional lifts were Nick Brown (119-pound weight class), Jordan Collins (129), Jake Companioni (169), Ekon Edwards (183), Fredy Flores (219) and Mason Aussubel (238). In the 183-pound competition, Ekon Edwards won the Olympic contest while teammate Aaron Lykins was first in traditional. Roger Sandino won the traditional event in the 139-pound class to round out the Hurricane wins.

Marathon’s Connor Malone was the Olympic champ, splitting the 139-pound class with Sandino.

Matthias Martinez-Velez (154) and Max Childress (199) won both the Olympic and traditional contests in their weight categories. Both Childress and Martinez-Velez were state qualifiers last season and have picked up right where they left off. Childress combined a 155-pound snatch lift with 235-pound lifts in both bench and clean and jerk to win the overall top lifter of the event.

Several athletes from both teams are finishing their winter sport seasons and should return to the weight room this week.

Though girls weightlifting season is over for the majority of athletes, four local lifters will head to states on Thursday, Feb. 12. Justice Lee Isom, Ella Evans and Adelle Bainbridge of Marathon and Coral Shores’ Vanessa Gabriel will represent the Keys at the event, held in Lakeland this year.

Five seniors will move on from Key West’s Lady Conchs soccer roster. Pictured, from left, at their Senior Night: Molly McKnight, Colbie Turner, Maddie Kilduff, Lily Andrew and Valerie Roman. JENNIFER SEARCY/Contributed

Photos by Doug Finger and Barry Gaukel

Jake Companioni

Mason Aussubel

Roger Sandino

Matthias Martinez-Velez

Max Childress

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Key West Vacation Rentals located at 1001 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Key West Vacation Rentals Holdings, LLC

Publish: February 12, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Seven Keys Vacations by Casago located at 1001 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Key West Vacation Rentals Holdings, LLC

Publish: February 12, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of 7 Keys Vacations by Casago located at 1001 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Key West Vacation Rentals Holdings, LLC

Publish: February 12, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

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

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 an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying.

(The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists.)

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 application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2026. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: February 12, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on February 18, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, 2nd Floor, Key West, Florida, 33040, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 2-58 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES, “COUNTY ADMINISTRATION” TO VEST THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR WITH THE AUTHORITY TO GRANT EXEMPTIONS, LASTING IN DURATION OF NO MORE THAN TEN DAYS, TO ANY PROHIBITION AGAINST CONDUCT AT COUNTY FACILITIES, AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE ORDINANCE, THAT ARE SET FORTH IN THE COUNTY CODE FOR ORGANIZED COMMUNITY EVENTS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE OF THE COUNTY AND REQUIRING THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR DOCUMENT THE EXEMPTION IN WRITING AND TRANSMIT A COPY OF THAT WRITTEN EXEMPTION TO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD UPON ISSUANCE; CLARIFYING EXISTING LANGUAGE; AND PROVIDING FOR

Effective March 1, 2026, Kristie Santana, APRN, PMHNP-BC, will no longer be practicing at the office of Keys Medical Group - Psychiatry.

Patients may continue to contact the office for an appointment with Angela Halbrook, APRN, PMHNP-BC. Request an appointment via the patient portal, online at KeysMedicalGroup.com or at (305)293-1299.

Patients may also request a copy of their medical records by contacting Keys Medical Group Psychiatry, 1200 Kennedy Drive, Suite 1041, Key West, FL 33040. Phone: 305-293-1299.

Publish:

February 12, 19, 26 & March 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the February 18, 2026, meeting, which will be posted beginning on February 10, 2026 at: https://www. monroecounty-fl.gov/695/BOCCMeetings-Agendas. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s Office at 1111 12th Street, Suite 408, Key West, FL 33040.

The public can participate in the February 18, 2026, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at: https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/89204098700, or Live Closed Captioning is available via the MCTV portal at https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/ monroe/video/60832c9dcf67 bb7ac0c21791?page =HOME&type=live.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board of County Commissioners with respect to any matter considered at such meetings or hearings, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, that person will need to ensure that a verbatim record is made of the proceedings, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 7th day of February, 2026.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida

Publish: February 12, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, March 12, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Key West Lighthouse Giftshop 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://monroecountyfl.bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 12, 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 Thursday, March 12, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

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Publish: February 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 Turner & Lynn, P.A. 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com

Publish: February 5 & 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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. Personal Representative: JESSE S. NEVIN 5 High Sierra Drive Alamogordo, NM 88310

Attorney for Personal Representative: BRIAN M. CASEY

Florida Bar Number: 92715 WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC 9711 Overseas Highway Marathon,

Publish: February 12, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

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 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 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: CA-K-23 000363 VILLAGE CAPITAL & INVESTMENT LLC, Plaintiff, vs. PAOLA M. LOPEZ MERCADO A/K/A PAOLA MARIA LOPEZ MERCADO; JAN MATTHEW OCASIO GONZALEZ; FLAGLER CENTER III CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC.; UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, Defendants.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment entered in the above styled cause now pending in said court and as required by Florida Statute 45.031(2), KEVIN MADOK, CPA as the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at the, KEY WEST COURTHOUSE (ALL SALES), 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, 11:00 AM on the 27 day of February, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: CONDOMINIUM UNIT 603, FLAGLER CENTER III, A CONDOMINIUM, TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS, ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION

OF CONDOMINIUM THEREOF, RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 1381, PAGE 239, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 3201 FLAGLER AVE UNIT 603, KEY WEST, FL 33040

IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS UNCLAIMED. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER THE FUNDS ARE REPORTED AS UNCLAIMED, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in a court proceeding or event, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida, 33040, (305) 292-3423, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days: if you are hearing or voice impaired call 711.

Dated this 29TH day of January, 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk

Publish:

February 12 & 19, 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 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

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-51

Notice is hereby given that, PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/621

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1237973

Parcel ID: 00185990-000000

Description of Property: BK 14 LT 14 CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 OR388-888 OR493-445

OR764-1870 OR832-443 OR858340 OR954-701/02 OR2200-719 OR2200-720 OR2200-740 OR2221816/17

Names in which assessed: JENNIFER L RICHMOND, ZELEZNIK

ROBERT J All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 4th, 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-52

Notice is hereby given that, PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/901

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1410985

Parcel ID: 00333641-012800

Description of Property:

DOCK LOT D-23 STIRRUP KEY SUBDIVISION PB7-4 STIRRUP KEY (DOCK AREA A) OR817-2119 OR877-248 OR1018-1548 OR1882103 OR2668-1885 OR2687-413 OR3300-0140

Names in which assessed: BROWN GARY D LIVING TRUST 05/04/2018

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 6th, 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-53

Notice is hereby given that, PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/622

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1237981

Parcel ID: 00186000-000000

Description of Property: BK 14 LT 15 CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 OR385-601 OR769-1672

Names in which assessed: BERNADINE D BRYKOWSKY, BRYKOWSKY FRANK L All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the

highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 4th, 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-54

Notice is hereby given that, PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE BBC LLC, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2023/284

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1101311 Parcel ID: 00089430-000000

Description of Property: 27 62 38 ISLAND OF KEY LARGO PB 1-64 PT LOT 1 OR180-528/530 OR1047-1982/1985C OR3035-72

Names in which assessed: U S HOME CORPORATION SOUTH FLORIDA LAND DIVISION All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 4th, 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-55

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/624 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023 Account Number: 1238074

Parcel ID: 00186090-000000

Description of Property: BK 15 LT 6 CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 OR477-583 OR729-436 OR1295-1982 OR1456-1353

Names in which assessed: RICE SYLVIA L, SHARON RICE All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 6th, 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-56

Notice is hereby given that, FIG

LLC

LLC FBO SEC

PTY,

holder of the following

Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/626

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1238121

Parcel ID: 00186140-000000

Description of Property:

BK 15 LT 11 CUTTHROAT HARBOR

ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY

PB5-60 CUDJOE KEY OR593-348 OR1378-2014/18

Names in which assessed: PHILLIPS AND TRICE INC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 4th, 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish:

February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-57

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/623

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1238066

Parcel ID: 00186080-000000

Description of Property: BK 15 LT 5 CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 OR477-583 OR729-436 OR1295-1982 OR1456-1353

Names in which assessed: RICE SYLVIA L, SHARON RICE All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 6th, 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-58

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/628

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1238147

Parcel ID: 00186160-000000

Description of Property: BK

certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 4th, 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta

Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-59

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following

Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/625

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1238082

Parcel ID: 00186100-000000

Description of Property:

BK 15 LT 7 CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 OR477-583 OR729-436 OR1295-1982 OR1456-1353

Names in which assessed:

RICE SYLVIA L, SHARON RICE

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 6th, 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-60

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/627

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1238139

Parcel ID: 00186150-000000

Description of Property: BK 15 LT 12 CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 CUDJOE KEY OR593-348 OR1378-2014/18

Names in which assessed:

PHILLIPS AND TRICE INC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 4th, 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-61

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following

Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/270

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 8627122

Parcel ID: 00086790-016900

Description of Property:

UNIT 169 KEY LARGO KAMPGROUND AND MARINA A CONDOMINIUM OR966-1005

OR1020-126/27 OR1583-1109

OR1583-1110 OR2674-243

OR3060-1531 OR3193-1544

OR3325-1883 OR3329-1211 Along with: Mobile Home: VEHlCLE ID NUMBER: 1TC2B467353064011

TITLE NUMBER:91865923 YEAR 2005

Names in which assessed: FIGUEROA OVEREAS 101551 LLC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this February 6th, 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish:

February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-63

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/137

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1055107

Parcel ID: 00054500-000000

Description of Property:

KW PEARLMAN ESTATES PB3-100 LOT 10 BLK 1 OR53-296/97

OR488-705 OR596-29 OR767-255

OR795-1163 OR796-2319/20

OR884-500 OR2244-1571/72L/E

OR2979-699D/C

Names in which assessed:

COLLIE NITA

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 4th, 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/780

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 9104797

Parcel ID: 00286280-000200

Description of Property:

S 15 FT OF LT 30 WHISPERING PINES PLAT 3 PB4-59 BIG PINE KEY

OR446-31 OR448-205 OR778-1838

OR780-12 OR781-1432 OR7821540 OR784-1991 OR785-789 OR785-1540 OR790-1182 OR791324 OR911-2396 OR1225-2053

OR1329-1022 OR1686-1133

OR1686-1135 OR1695-26 OR169528 OR1695-29 OR1905-2073

OR1905-2074 OR1905-2075

OR2843-1464 OR2866-198

OR2976-1453

Names in which assessed: FOSTER WILLIAM H

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 4th, 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-66

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/1411

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 9101739

Parcel ID: 00483401-019800

Description of Property: UNIT 198 KEY LARGO OCEAN RESORT CONDOMINIUM OR2611977 OR2924-70

Names in which assessed:

IRIARTE PEDRO E, MARIA T IRIARTE

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 6th 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-67

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this February 4th 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish:

February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-68

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/1123

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1476846

Parcel ID: 00388530-000000

Description of Property: CRAIG CAY PB3-73 LOTS 5 THRU 9 G65-328(II DEED 19513-B) OR10-290(II DEED 20664) OR306-75 OR808-1858 OR8082136 OR961-571 OR1059-465 OR1105-1288 OR1975-1613AFF OR1975-1614AFF OR2035-690 OR2877-1769/70 OR3042-1859

Names in which assessed: ELITE ISLAND LLC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this February 4th 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-69

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2023/1509 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 9104855

Parcel ID: 00499821-001000

Description of Property: BOAT SLIP #10 LTS 18-20 BK 10 KEY LARGO OCEAN SHORES ADD PB4-124 OR971-333 OR1021-917 OR1785-1713 OR1785-1714

Names in which assessed: BLEKE JAMES H

Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-70

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/1719

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1700975

Parcel ID: 00569511-003424

Description of Property:

PRIVATE DWELLING AC 77-B

ANGELFISH CAY CONDOMINIUM

CHALETS NO 6 OR540-237 OR8121244/45 OR833-2109 OR833-2110

OR964-1655/57 OR989-763/64 OR2714-458/61 OR2717-1023/26C

Names in which assessed:

PAYING IT FORWARD GMBB LLC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 5th 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-71

Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC-5023, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/1644

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1669377

Parcel ID: 00545870-000000

Description of Property: BK 3 LT 3 AND 4 WINSTON PARK SUB PB4-104 KEY LARGO OR159265/266 OR161-490 OR407-199200 OR448-224Q OR707-398D/C OR783-1500 OR786-1768

OR801-1073D/C OR802- 351D/C OR811-545 OR925-294 OR998509 OR1105-2378 OR12851387/94(PROB93-20129-CP-10) OR2376-516Q/C OR2376-517D/C Names in which assessed: DREW LAWRENCE V All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2023/215

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 8879016

Parcel ID: 00072081-000265

Description of Property: TOWNHOME UNIT 165 KEY WEST GOLF CLUB DEVELOPMENT

OR1377-750/825DEC OR14372363/70 OR1532-214/216

OR1532-195/197 OR1775-442/44 OR2305-227/28 OR2608-311/12 OR3188-1391 OR3195-0484

Names in which assessed: PERFECT HORIZON LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 5th 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-74

Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC-6023, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2023/1413 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023 Account Number: 9101808

Parcel ID: 00483401-025000

Description of Property: UNIT 250 KEY LARGO OCEAN RESORT CONDOMINIUM OR26111059 Names in which assessed: GONZALEZ NORMA, GONZALEZ SANDRA, GONZALEZ VICTOR, GONZALEZ VICTOR JR All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 5th 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-75

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-65

The Weekly Newspapers

Unless such certificate or

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are

Certificate No: 2023/1419

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1594181

Parcel ID: 00484570-000000

Description of Property: BK 4 LT 5 REVISED PLAT OF SUNRISE POINT KEY LARGO PB3-11 G62-338/39 OR743-262 OR1589862/63 OR1594-1594 OR15941595 OR2795-666 OR2915-641/42 OR2977-1108

Names in which assessed: PHOENIX HOLDINGS MONROE INC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 4th 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this February 5th 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-73

Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC-5023, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate

Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC-6023, holder of the following

Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2023/295 Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1104582

Parcel ID: 00090966-000300

Description of Property: APT NO 4 ROCK HARBOR CONDOMINIUM NO 6 OR778-247

Names in which assessed: TIELEN GISELA B All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the

highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale

Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 5th 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-77

Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC-2023, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/1546

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 9105033 Parcel ID: 00512020-000100 Description of Property: BK 6 LOT 3 BOWENS ADDN TO RIVIERA VILLAGE KEY LARGO

PB2-107 G57-181 G57-321 OR10-33 OR442-183 OR446-637 OR509-399D/C OR546-1006D/C OR778-1346 OR1057-331 OR12001985 OR1304-1165 OR1515-1787 OR1658-2040 OR1905-374 OR1906-1917 OR1906-1918

OR2325-2329 OR2997-1157CT

OR3030-1994 OR3185-2249

Names in which assessed:

4 EL HOLDINGS LLC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 5th 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish:

February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-79

Notice is hereby given that, JPL INVESTMENTS CORP , holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/299

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023 Account Number: 1106402

Parcel ID: 00092240-000306

Description of Property: UNIT 206 SEA GULLS A CONDOMINIUM OR800-643 OR1084-421 OR1084-422 OR1114405 OR1177-185 OR1460-2192 OR1799-1186/87 OR1963-267 OR2468-1096/97 OR3141-0876

Names in which assessed: EASTON JAMES LLC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 5th 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By:

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-86

Notice is hereby given that, KC ENTERPRISE INT LLC, holder of the following

Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2018/1017

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2018

Account Number: 1419656

Parcel ID: 00342000-000000

Description of Property:

PUERTA DEL SOL PB3-117 KEY VACA 10 FT RESERVED FOR FLORAL PARK LYING WEST OF EL PASAJE ST OR156-78-80

Names in which assessed: B A R INC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 5th 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-87

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following

Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/737

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1290726

Parcel ID: 00223520-000000

Description of Property:

BK 4 LT 22 THE LADIES ACRE 1ST ADDN LITTLE TORCH KEY PB5-102 OR604-43 OR806-1004 OR9721589 OR3033-1890 OR3060-1546

Names in which assessed: HUGO FREDERICK

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 5th 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-88

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following

Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2023/770

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 1347795

Parcel ID: 00275790-000000

Description of Property: BK 1 LT 14 KINERCHA PB1-74

OR1107-977 OR1348-1594Q/C

OR1351-1933/45FJ OR13481594Q/C OR2148-1218/19Q/C OR3136-1236 OR3170-549

OR3170-0551

Names in which assessed: SEVEN EIGHT INVESTMENTS LLC

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 5th 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk

Publish:

February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

2025-89

Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No: 2023/1508

Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023

Account Number: 9104848

Parcel ID: 00499821-000300

Description of Property:

BOAT SLIP #3 LTS 15-17 BK 9 KEY LARGO OCEAN SHORES ADD

PB4-124 OR985-1195 OR1021-965

OR1134-1079 OR1406-2434

OR1573-105 OR2810-249

Names in which assessed: BAILEY JENNIFER LEE

All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com

Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.

Dated this February 10th 2026

KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

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

BOATS FOR SALE

1996 21' SEA CAT with twin Mercury 60hp motors just serviced. Trailer included. Located in Big Pine Key. $14,000 OBO 513-491-1240

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

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

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

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

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

Outside Sales RepConstruction Equip Rental Co. Company Car, Cell, salary+ Comm. Bilingual. Apply: keylargo@jmsfl. com or in person at 94775 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo

Assistant ManagerFull-time/we train. Customer service . Equipment rental Co. Apply: keylargo@jmsfl. com or in person at 94775 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo

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. FullTime 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

PART-TIME USCG CAPTAIN – MARATHON. Local captain needed to run owner’s 55’ twin engine trawler while owner fishes. Sunrise–2/3 PM typical. Good opportunity for newer captain to log hours on a larger boat. Pay DOE. Call/Text 970-901-1138

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

Plaza Grill in Marathon looking for experienced server. Text contact info to 305-431-1109

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 TBD - based 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.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time Bartender/Server. Private club, evening shifts available TuesSaturday, bartending experience required. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com or call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time Maintenance Person. Up to 20 hours a week. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com or call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

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.

Now Hiring in Key West: Vacation Sales Coordinators. Up to $2,000 Sign-On Bonus. Please contact Brea.RollinsSimms@vacationclub. com for more information

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

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.

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.

HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNERWW

2BR/2BA elevated canalfront home with dockage. 1,550 sq. ft. 1 Avenue F, Marathon, FL $1,759,000 404-503-7500

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. 904-2379090 or 904-338-1207

3 BR/2 BA home for rent in Key Colony Beach. 75' premium dock. $4,000/month + utilities. F/L/S 786-229-0228

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

LOTS FOR SALE

Oceanside 2 Lots for Sale in Tavernier. 1 w/active permit, pilings already in place, walk to Harry Harris Park w/boat ramp, etc. 186 Dove Creek Drive, Tavernier. $425,000 Marcia, Realtor 305-303-0238

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

SARA’S SALVAGE & ESTATE SALE @ CANALFRONT HOME on lux Duck Key @ 248 W Seaview Drive,Fri, Feb 13 & Sat, Feb 14 from 9a-1p both days. We’re selling everything and the kitchen sink! The entire house is fitted with impact windows (matching indoor louvered shutters) and sliding doors. Selling electric roll down shutters, ACs, fans, washer/dryer. We have an incredible, large (23 cabinets!) Kraftsmaid kitchen with appliances and granite countertops. We have fishing rods, reels, copper/brass diving helmet and marine bits and bobs plus kayaks, paddleboard, water lily. Selling outdoor furniture, TVs, beds, dressers, books. More photos at estatesales. net. (Turn off US1 at MM 61, follow the signs and park with consideration.)

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

FULL-TIME POSITION PUBLIC WORKS LABORER

The City of Key Colony Beach is seeking a full-time Public Works team member. The position includes completing daily tasks and working on projects, ensuring the safe and ef cient maintenance and repair of public infrastructure such as roads, right of way, stormwater systems, parks, facilities, vehicles and equipment.

Salary: $58,000 to $75,000 DOQ

Bene ts include Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance, Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, and the Florida Retirement System (FRS).

Application forms can be found at www.keycolonybeach.net; see “I WANT TO” then “APPLY FOR A JOB.”

Equal Opportunity Employer

Submit resume and application by mail or in-person to: City of Key Colony Beach

Attn.: Michael Guarino

P.O. Box 510141

Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 Or email Michael.guarino@keycolonybeach.net

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.

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

Must have experience with

We are willing to train the

• Restaurant Host/Hostess • Busser/Food Runner • Dishwasher

• Security Be part of a Four Diamond resort where hospitality meets paradise!

Apply online at CheecaJobs.com or email your resume to HR@cheeca.com

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

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

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

KEY LARGO

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.

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, TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Administrative Assistant

- Clinical Pharmacist,

- Cook, Dietary, $5k Bonus

- Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem

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

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

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (Echo & Vascular w/Ultrasound),

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, MRI,

- Physical Therapist,

- Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem

- Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem

- Pool Medical Technologist

- Pool Pharmacy Tech

- Pool Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab

- Registered Nurse, ICU,

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center,

- Registered Nurse, Surgery,

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator, PT & FT

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

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.

Working Project

Construction Foreman

For complete details and to apply, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

- Lead Phlebotomist, Laboratory,

- Manager Environmental Services, FT

- Medical Technologist,

- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (MRI & X Ray), Radiology,

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology,

- Patient Care Manager (Nurse Manager), Surgery, $20k Bonus

- Patient Financial Associate, $1k Bonus

- Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem

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

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

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

- RRT 2, Respiratory Therapy, Per Diem

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

- Security Officer, Per Diem - Supervisor Supply Chain, FT

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.