Marathon Weekly 26-0226

Feb. 26, 2026

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ opens at MCT | P.20

MARATHON FIRES

GARRETT

3-2 vote shakes City Hall | P.4

IT’S THE BEACH’S BIRTHDAY

KCB Day is this weekend | P.10

Waterfront living at Key Colony Point

Experience sweeping ocean views and unforgettable sunsets from both levels of this beautifully updated end-unit oceanfront residence. With a coveted corner location, this residence is wrapped in extra windows and natural light, creating a bright, airy coastal atmosphere you'll feel the moment you walk in. The spacious primary suite is a private retreat, featuring an extended sitting area on the enclosed balcony with mesmerizing blue-water and sunset views, a custom-designed bath, and generous walk-in closet. At the heart of the home, the gourmet kitchen offers abundant cabinetry and stunning granite countertops, flowing seamlessly into the sun-filled living and dining areas. A wet bar and panoramic ocean backdrop set the stage for easy entertaining, sunset cocktails, or quiet mornings with the sound of the waves. The impeccably maintained community offers resort-style amenities, including a large oceanfront pool with expansive sun decks, a fishing pier, grilling and private lounging areas, covered garage parking, bike and kayak storage, guest parking, shuffleboard, and tennis/pickleball courts. Perfectly located near marinas, dining, shopping, and local attractions, this light-filled end unit offers the best of oceanfront living. It is a licensed 7-day rental with rental history.

9709 Overseas Hwy.

Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Diana Striker keysweekly.com

Controller Lauren Pope lauren@keysweeky.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

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

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

POSTMASTER:

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050

News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

@KeysWeekly

@theWeekly

Members of

1Team USA’s hockey teams returned home from the winter Olympics in Milan Cortina with gold medals around their necks. The men’s and women’s hockey teams swept the top podium for the first time, both beating Canada 2-1. For the men’s team, it was the first gold medal in 46 years. The women's team has won three golds, four silvers and one bronze in the eight Olympics they've entered since 1998.

Audrey (Stephanie Zajac, left) and Seymour (Anthony Kehn) find themselves in a carnivorous pickle in ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ opening this weekend at Marathon Community Theatre. See page 20. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

MARATHON COUNCIL FIRES CITY MANAGER GEORGE GARRETT

Agenda addition ends in 3-2 vote; Mayor Del Gaizo privately requested resignation

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

In a Tuesday night bombshell, the Marathon City Council voted to terminate City Manager George Garrett without cause via a 3-2 vote in its Feb. 24 session.

Councilman Kenny Matlock, a longtime outspoken critic of Garrett, added a review for the manager as an agenda item at the start of Tuesday’s session, later making the motion to fire him without cause. He declined to publicly provide a reason for his motion, stating he’d been advised that providing a cause for termination could expose the city to legal action.

“These are not knee-jerk reactions, and there are lots of plans in place,” said Matlock. “I’m going to rip the Band-Aid off.”

Matlock was joined by Vice Mayor Debbie Struyf, who seconded his motion, and Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo, who eventually provided the tiebreaking vote. All three remained tight-lipped throughout the session as to the specifics behind their vote to oust Garrett.

The decision brings an end to a six-year period as Marathon’s top official for Garrett, who was promoted in October 2020 from his prior post as planning director.

Speaking to the Weekly by phone the following morning, Del Gaizo said she had privately requested Garrett’s resignation twice within the past month – once roughly two weeks before the meeting, and again on Feb. 24.

“I felt that some things were complacent, stagnant and procrastinating,” Del Gaizo told the Weekly by phone on Feb. 25. “This wasn’t going away – people weren’t stopping reaching out to me and complaining about the city manager, and in my mind, I

If that is your biggest downfall, caring for your constituents, I have a problem with George Garrett no longer being our city manager. … We have consistently watched our government make a fast decision and regret it. ”

— Marathon lawyer Patrick Stevens

didn’t think there would be a change. … When it came down to thinking of one person or the community, I had to put the community first.”

Council members Lynn Landry and Robyn Still opposed the motion, also requesting that the discussion and decision be postponed to the next council meeting and added to the city’s published agenda.

“Personally, I think that this was straight from a ‘performance review,’ to ‘fire,’” Landry said. “I can’t be on board with a motion to fire a manager (without) a plan. … Let’s do a national search, and let’s leave George in place to make sure that this person gets brought up to speed, instead of just firing the city manager and chaos ensues.”

Matlock argued that City Attorney Steve Williams, City Clerk Diane

Clavier and Deputy City Manager Brian Bradley could assume Garrett’s duties until a new manager was selected. Per the terms of Garrett’s contract, he may continue to serve in his current role for up to 30 days.

Public support divided

While Garrett’s review was not included in any public agenda, multiple residents and civic groups contacted the Weekly in the days before Tuesday’s session, stating that the council was “expected” to terminate Garrett’s contract.

The concern drew a sizable crowd in the council chambers, with several parties bringing prepared statements both in favor of and against Garrett’s continued employment.

Supporters extolled his network of state and local connections and ability to guide Marathon through complex lawsuits and environmental concerns, acknowledging that his longstanding policy of “getting to yes” and accommodating resident concerns at times overstepped boundaries.

“George Garrett is the kind of city manager that will take the shirt off his back to try and help somebody,” said attorney Patrick Stevens. “He may not always be right with what the code is at the time, but he's doing it because he cares about the people. If that is your biggest downfall, caring for your constituents, I have a problem with George Garrett no longer being our city manager. … We have consistently watched our government make a fast decision and regret it.”

Detractors referenced years of what they said were unresolved concerns with communication and response times from staff to residents, particularly in areas of permitting, code enforcement and land use. They said hot-button developments like the upcoming Florida Keys Resort on Sombrero Boulevard had eroded public trust in city leadership.

“We've seen processes that didn't feel transparent. We've seen situations where oversight should have

97 Coral Ln, Key Colony Beach

E Ocean Dr #1-308, Key Colony Beach

PANORAMIC WATER VIEWS

W Ocean #414D, Key Colony Beach

FLORIDA HOUSE PASSES PROPERTY TAX ELIMINATION PROPOSAL

Senate’s ideas loom as governor pushes for a November ballot initiative

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

On Feb. 19, 80 Florida House members said “yes” to an initiative that would ask voters whether they support abolishing all property taxes, besides those collected for school districts, on homestead properties.

Filed by Republican Rep. Monique Miller, of Palm Bay, House Joint Resolution 203 proposes a state constitutional amendment that would gradually eliminate non-school ad valorem taxes on homesteads over a 10-year period; it would be achieved through annually increasing the homestead exemption by $100,000.

“Floridians are clamoring for relief in the form of property tax,” Miller said on the House floor. “The House is working hard to answer the call.”

With House approval, HJR 203 awaits consideration among members in the Senate, who haven’t released a property tax proposal as of Feb. 25. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently said he’s working closely with Senate members on a ballot initiative as it relates to property tax.

Joint resolutions such as Miller’s HJR 203 need approval among threefifths of the state legislature. If that’s achieved, state voters would be asked if they support erasing all property

as cities grow, staffing grows and equipment costs.

“We know new fire trucks have gone up 140%,” Bartleman said. Bartleman’s amendment was rejected by the Republican majority.

Concerns were also shared among Democratic members over the property tax burden possibly shifting to commercial properties and renters.

Before the discussion and debate on the floor, Florida House Speaker Danny Perez told members that they arrived at a “turning point of session” with a proposal that may be the most “aggressive legislation ever passed by a legislative chamber on property taxes in the U.S.” Talks over eliminating property taxes were heard a year ago by Gov. Ron DeSantis, but he’s yet to release any specific proposal.

When session ended last May, Perez convened a 37-member House Select Committee on Property Taxes. Out of the committee came several proposals either to reduce the property tax burden on certain groups, such as property owners over 65, or eliminate them altogether.

Perez said the House is open to the Senate’s ideas, provided they ever materialize.

“This chamber has collapsed the space between what we say and what we do,” he said.

will not be as generous as the plan in the House to eliminate all non-school property taxes on homesteads.

State Rep. Jim Mooney, who represents the Keys and a portion of south Miami-Dade, voted in favor of HJR 203. In an interview in January with the Keys Weekly, Mooney said he voted “yes” on House joint resolutions, like 203, in committee to give voters the ultimate say.

“It doesn’t mean I like it, but it would be unfair for me to vote ‘no.’ I can’t make the call for the voter,” he said.

Charles Chapman, legislative consultant for the Florida League of Cities, said proposals like Miller’s would end up becoming a tax shift.

“The burden will shift to businesses, the renters, because fees, assessments, higher non-homestead millage rates could replace the homestead tax break,” he said.

Miller acknowledged local government budgets rose exponentially over the years. For instance, she said Orange County saw a 90% increase in its budget in the last five years. She said municipalities will need to have hard discussions about spending.

taxes, besides ad valorem dollars for schools, at the November 2026 election. House joint resolutions do not need the governor’s approval to reach the ballot.

The measure would need at least 60% of Florida voters to say “yes.” If the voter threshold is met, the phaseout would begin Jan. 1, 2027. State legislators would need to approve a bill to implement the phaseout and eventual property tax elimination.

HJR 203 also prohibits local governments from reducing services provided by first responders below the dollar amount of the current fiscal year. Thirty opponents to the measure, all Democrats, voiced concerns during the House session on how the funding cuts could affect essential services among Florida’s 400-plus municipalities.

“You are freezing budgets for local governments for public safety while decreasing — eliminating — a huge chunk of their revenue. How are they supposed to do that?” said Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani, of Orlando.

Democratic Rep. Robin Bartleman, who represents Broward County, introduced an amendment to ensure long-term public safety funding by requiring the state to backfill public safety costs for municipalities. She said Miller’s proposal creates a “floor and ceiling” for public safety. She said the bill doesn’t keep track of future needs

Senate Appropriations Chairman Ed Hooper said last week that the chamber will be careful with what they do. He said the chamber’s plan

‘This may be

Some governments already had those talks. Monroe County slashed 45 full-time positions and discontinued Freebee rideshare service in the Lower Keys during the last budget cycle. And 50%, or $1.1 million, in county funding was cut for human services nonprofits.

the most aggressive legislation ever passed by a

legislative chamber on property taxes in the U.S.’ — Florida House Speaker Danny Perez

Florida State Capitol complex. FILE PHOTO

BUNDLE

Isla Bella

COCKTAIL

Key West Cooking Show

10AM - 3PM

MARATHON CINEMA

SOLO MIO

If you’ve never seen grown adults cheering on their favorite bait fish in the race of a lifetime, the Barracuda Races at Key Colony Beach Day are a must-try. The event returns this Sunday, March 1. ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly

COMMERCE CORNEr

We are here to provide the best boat ownership experience in the middle & lower keys. As the world’s largest lifestyle retailer of recreational boats and yachts, MarineMax is dedicated to connecting people with life-changing experiences on the water. More than just a boat retailer, we offer a complete range of services, expertise, and support to help customers fully embrace the boating lifestyle. Guided by our mission and united by our passion, we empower people to discover the transformative power of being on the water.

Whether you are looking to purchase your first or your next, we offer premier boat brands such as Boston Whaler, Scout and Sea Ray…. Hands-on training and factory authorized service. Our waterfront facility is conveniently located just off Coco Plum drive at the beginning of town. Our dry storage department makes it easy for you to be a boat owner!

SIXTY-NINE AND STILL FINE

Key Colony Beach Day celebrates city’s incorporation this Sunday

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Key Colony Beach is throwing a birthday party.

On Sunday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the “Gem of the Florida Keys” will celebrate the 69th anniversary of its incorporation in 1957 with Key Colony Beach Day, presented by the Key Colony Beach Community Association. Set to take place again near KCB’s City Hall, the day packs the tiny city with vendors, food trucks, live music and a parade – plus the signature “Barracuda Races.”

“It’s going to be a great day,” said KCBCA president Ted Fischer. “Thank you to all of our sponsors who made this happen.”

The Keys Weekly has all the party details in one convenient place:

The tunes: Live music runs from 1 to 5 p.m., beginning with “Elvis” and shifting to a set from the Rick Lieder Band at 3 p.m.

The parade: The celebration’s annual parade begins at 11 a.m., led by grand marshal Jim Figuerado. Local businesses and organizations are welcome to participate by contacting Larry Smoot (moboatin24@gmail.com) to register. Line-up will begin at 10:30 a.m. for vehicles at the 15th Street circle, and walkers and bikers will be staged at Sunset Park. The parade will

proceed from 15th Street to 1st Street. The “Barracuda Races”: OK, we’ll admit, they’re not really barracudas. But step up to KCB Day’s classic booth and bet your cash on the fastest bait fish you can find – the pilchards hit the watery race course every few minutes. A 50/50 raffle throughout the day provides even more chances to win with drawings in the morning and afternoon.

The vendors: More than 65 vendors are scheduled to attend until 4 p.m., including art booths, fishing gear, apparel, nonprofits and more from throughout the Keys.

The food: Four food trucks will provide the day’s dining options, including Pop’s Smoke Shed, Tommy T’s, the Pretzel Bar and Greek Food Express USA. The Inn at Key Colony will provide breakfast sandwiches and Bloody Marys in the morning, along with the Rotary Club of Marathon’s traditional beverage booth with beer, wine and soft drinks.

The auction: A silent auction will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with proceeds supporting the dolphins, seals, sea lions, birds and tortoises at the nonprofit Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key. Donations for Payton’s Promise Sanctuary, which provides care for senior and special-needs dogs, are also accepted at a free face-painting booth.

$7 Menu

• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!

• 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm

uengling

* $2 Pints of Yuengling and Bud Light!

BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM

• Unique & interesting menu

• $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots

LUNCH & DINNER

• New Sandwich Options

• Diver Speared Local Fish

• Prime Rib • Lobster • Cook Y

Great Seafood Selections

SUSHI

Toro

Lionfish

Fresh Uni arrives on

Hamachi collar

BUILT TO COMPETE

Two local robotics teams for youngsters inspire Marathon innovators

JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

In a Keys community better known for fishing than circuit boards, two programs are shaping the next generation of innovators.

Ruckus Robotics, operating under the nonprofit Ruckus Inspires, and the Stanley Switlik Elementary School robotics team are providing Marathon students hands-on opportunities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math).

Ruckus Robotics began with a single child’s curiosity.

“A couple of years ago, my son got really interested in robotics and was looking for something to do, and realized there really wasn’t anything related to robotics in the Keys,” said Catherine Snowden, one of Ruckus’ coaches. “So he ended up forming Ruckus Robotics, which has now grown to be Ruckus Inspires.”

What started as a small group has expanded into a broad hub for students ages 7 to 16. While robotics remains the core, students now explore rocketry, combat robotics, coding and film production.

“They’re really focused on everything encompassing that STEAM,” Snowden said. “Since we are a (nonprofit), we work on getting grants and donations so that we can keep it at no cost for the kids.”

The group meets four to five

evenings a week in a space donated by local outdoor audio and lighting company Coastal Source.

Across town at Stanley Switlik Elementary, robotics happens an hour before the first school bell rings. Teacher and coach Abi Willis stepped in to lead the VEX Robotics program to ensure it remained available for local students.

“The teacher before me ended up having to move out of the Keys, and so I took it over when she decided to move, because I wanted my son to still be able to participate,” Willis said. Her son, Skylor, was also one of Ruckus’ first members.

The Switlik team, open to fourth and fifth graders, competes in the international VEX Robotics program. This year’s challenge, “mix and match,” required robots to stack colorful pieces to score points. Many students participate in both programs to maximize their experience.

“In both robotics clubs, I have made new friends and have gotten to hang out with people I wouldn’t normally be with,” said Skylor Willis. “I have learned how to code robots with different programs and have gotten a chance to drive (robots). I got to learn how to build with VEX parts. I like thinking of ideas and putting them into reality.”

In January, the Switlik team traveled to Miami to face 22 teams. Despite it being their first year, one Switlik alliance finished fourth overall.

“Our students have learned so

much about building and coding robots, as well as how to plan and work collaboratively with each other,” Willis said. “It was amazing to see them planning out their game strategy with students they had never met before.”

Marathon’s roboticists are also seeing success in the FIRST LEGO League.

“With our LEGO League team, they went to the qualifier, and for the second year in a row, they won the Champions Award, which means they are the highest-ranking team in all categories at their event,” Snowden said. “They also won the Robot Performance Award, which means they have the highest-scoring robot during the competition.”

Beyond the trophies, the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team is working on high-level engineering.

“Our FTC team also won the firstplace Design Award for their robot, which is about a 25-pound, 18-by-18 robot,” Snowden said. “It’s designed to shoot balls into a target.”

These programs offer more than just hobbyist skills; they provide a path to the future. Participation through the high school age opens the door to about $80 million in scholarships.

Between early mornings at Switlik and late nights at Ruckus Inspires, Marathon’s young innovators are proving that big ideas can thrive on a small island.

Team Ruckus’ ball-launching bot wins the Design Award at the South Florida First Tech Challenge League Tournament.

Team Ruckus’ First Tech Challenge team celebrates their Design Award.

Luka Harrington, left, Owen Loftus and Skylor Willis pose with VEX robots they built at the before-school robotics club. CONTRIBUTED

The Stanley Switlik robotics team. From left: Landry Sayer, Fernanda Navarrete Estrada, Sienna Medero, Luka Harrington, Aden Cruz, Martin Ornelas Villegas, Kevin Diaz, Owen Loftus, Skylor Willis, Diego Torres Cordero, Jeffrey Crisp, Eric Jolly, Everett Widney and Gunner Roberts.

COMMISSIONER HOLLY RASCHEIN KEYS COMMON SENSE CONSERVATIVES

cordially invites you to a bar-b-que with special guest

CONGRESSMAN BYRON DONALDS (R-FL)

Sunday, March 1, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Marathon, FL

Oceanfront Park, MM 52.5, Gulf

Maximum contributions to Byron Donalds for Governor are $3,000 per person or business entity

To RSVP Contact Amanda Emmons | amanda@byrondonalds com | (321) 217-7573

Republican Candidate Florida Governor to Benefit Byron Donalds for Governor Approved by Byron Donalds,

LOUISE SCHWENKE 1948-2026

Louise (Weezie) Schwenke, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, born May 21, 1948, passed away on Feb. 14. She lived in Marathon for 40 years.

She is predeceased by her long-time love Steven Ogle; her parents Joseph and Louise McBride (nee Henes); her sisters Alice, Rose, Peggy, Theresa, Cecilia and Catherine (Cassis) and her brother Joseph McBride Jr.

She is survived by her son Richard Turner (Rick), her grandson and granddaughter and many nieces and nephews.

Louise passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. She was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 154. She had special support from her extended family of Post 154, and neighbors Steve and Susie, Jerry and Carol, and her long time friend Cindy.

A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Post 154. The date and time will be announced in the near future.

R.I.P. Weez.

from page 4

MARATHON COUNCIL FIRES CITY MANAGER

GEORGE GARRETT

been stronger and accountability clearer,” said local charter captain and former council candidate Dustin Huff. “When trust starts to erode between the city manager, the council and the people who live here, that's a serious problem, and once the trust is gone, it's very hard to get back.”

Review process debated

In January, Landry requested formal reviews for both Garrett and Williams. A performance review for Williams was published in advance as a consent agenda item in Tuesday’s session, but not for Garrett.

Of the five council members, Matlock was the only one to submit a written review for Garrett, awarding the manager a 0 on a scale of 1 to 5 in areas of policy execution, dedication and integrity along with a 2 in communication.

“I used a 0 on some … because the performance was so low I do not feel it deserves a point,” he wrote. “I would be happy to discuss further.”

Asked following the meeting why they had not submitted reviews, both Landry and Still told the Weekly that illnesses, travel and other logistical issues had delayed their submissions. Del Gaizo and Struyf said they withheld formal reviews to avoid triggering an automatic 3% to 5% salary raise for Garrett, per the terms of his contract, if he were to receive an “above-average” review.

Asked following the meeting why he felt an immediate termination was necessary rather than a written reprimand or performance improvement plan, Matlock said he felt reprimands were already given without a visible improvement.

These are not knee-jerk reactions, and there are lots of plans in place. I’m going to rip the Band-Aid off.”

Councilman Kenny Matlock

“He’s been directed many times by council to do things, and he does not perform,” Matlock said, declining to elaborate further on the advice of legal counsel. He referenced a contentious review when Garrett’s contract was renewed for three years in 2024, questioning why the review had initially been skipped on Tuesday’s agenda after it was requested a month prior.

“It’s a sad day when you can fire a city manager without giving him an explanation of why someone felt that way,” Still told the Weekly by phone. “It went from a review to a motion to terminate, with really no review. If there was a plan, who made a plan and what is it?”

Next steps

Let’s do a national search, and let’s leave George in place to make sure that this person gets brought up to speed, instead of just firing the city manager and chaos ensues.”

— Councilman Lynn Landry

While the council gave direction to Williams to negotiate the terms of Garrett’s severance at Tuesday’s meeting, they stopped short of appointing an interim manager.

Per the terms of Garrett’s contract, he may continue to serve as the city manager for up to 30 days at his current salary, budgeted at a base rate of $219,650 per year for 2025-26. If terminated without cause, he is entitled to a lumpsump severance payment of 20 weeks of his base salary, plus payment for all accrued and unused vacation time.

Numerous sources confirmed to the Weekly that Garrett reported to City Hall on Feb. 25. He could not be reached for comment before press time.

The Keys Weekly will update this story online at keysweekly.com

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!

How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? Almost seven years. My best friend lived here at the time and this was always my home away from home. What’s a local business you couldn’t live without? Irie Island Eats.

What is your greatest fear? Not seeing everyone I know go to Heaven. Which living person do you most admire? My mother. She’s been through so much and still continues to love people unconditionally. `

What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show right now? My favorite book is the Bible and my favorite show is “The Chosen.”

What is your greatest extravagance? Makeup and perfume.

What’s a talent you wish you had? I’ve always wished I could sing.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why? To take more chances in life, because I feel like I hold back on opportunities sometimes.

What is your most marked characteristic? Humility.

Who is one of your real-life heroes? My dad.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Being around people I love.

PRECIOUS PERRY

Steak & Lobster House/Precious Paradise Cleans

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 Precious Perry. An Orlando native, Precious moved to the Keys in 2019. When she isn’t serving guests at the Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House, she’s busy running her own business, Precious Paradise Cleans LLC. In her downtime, you’ll find her roller skating or soaking up the sun out on the water.

LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISE WITH LOCAL FACES

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A red panda because they are so adorable.

What’s a habit you’d love to break? Being late.

What is your greatest regret? Not treating people the way I would want to be treated.

What’s something you’re really proud of? How far I have come from where I used to be.

What is your most treasured possession? My dog Kona.

What do you most value in your friends? Honesty.

What’s a simple pleasure that brings you joy? Coffee.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Never take advice from someone whose shoes you wouldn’t want to be in.

What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? I have a fear of public speaking.

What are your favorite & least favorite smells? My favorite smell is Delina la Rose (perfume) and my least favorite are paper mills.

What’s one of your all-time favorite movie quotes? “I was one way and now I’m completely different, and the thing that happened in between was him.” – “The Chosen”

Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.

City Council

Lynny Del Gaizo, Mayor

Debra Struyf, Vice-Mayor

Lynn Landry, Councilmember

Kenny Matlock, Councilmember

City Manager

George Garrett

City Attorney

Steve Williams

City Clerk

Robyn Still, Councilmember Agendas can be found here https://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/meetings

Diane Clavier, CMC

LEARNING TO FLY

ROTARY MYTHBUSTERS EDITION

We’ve heard it… “Oh, Rotary? That’s for retired people in polos who meet for lunch and talk about business cards.”

Let’s clear a few things up:

Myth #1: You have to be retired Reality: Our members include business owners, mayors, re ghters, yogis, realtors, nurses, shermen & women, nonpro t folks, and yes, some retirees who usually can outwork everyone else at our “fun”raisers. Rotary is a great way to build relationships for both career and personal reasons.

Myth #2: You have to be invited We’re always looking for new faces and there’s no formal invitation needed. Reach out to us about the details and come check us out as our guest. You probably already know someone in Rotary anyway!

Myth #3: Meetings are boring Some weeks, we have fascinating speakers, from beekeepers to

government mucky mucks. Some weeks, we laugh a lot. Some weeks, we plan projects. Some weeks, we eat PIZZA! It might not be described as thrilling…but our 80+ members don’t think it’s dull either.

Myth #4: You need tons of free time

Rotary isn’t a second job. You participate when you can. Even one project makes a di erence. And now we have an evening option with our Companion Club.

Marathon Rotary is simply neighbors helping neighbors. We are organized enough to get things done and casual enough to enjoy it.

Curious? Reach out, visit a meeting and see for yourself. We promise: no sales pitch, no pressure, just lunch or a happy hour and maybe some new friends.

For more information: www.marathonrotary.org or scan this QR code

Inspired by Marathon’s Wild Bird Center, Annika Baltzersen brings avian advocacy to Capitol

A14-year-old whose visits to Marathon inspired a love for precious bird species in the Sunshine State is now making her voice heard in the state Capitol.

The granddaughter of longtime Marathon residents Richard and Nancy Warner, Annika Baltzersen has spent the past six months lending her support — and creative energy — to an effort to give Florida’s official symbols a colorful update.

Inspired by her many visits with Kelly Grinter at the Marathon Wild Bird Center, where she developed a deep appreciation for Florida’s endangered wild birds, Annika is advocating for two pieces of legislation moving through Tallahassee: House Bill 11 and Senate Bill 150. The bills propose naming the American flamingo as Florida’s new state bird and designating the Florida scrub jay as the state’s official songbird. The mockingbird is currently the state bird; there is no state songbird.

“I’ve known Annika since she was a baby. They come visit us at the Bird Center every time they’re here,” Grinter told the Weekly. “She’s very, very curious and just wants to learn. She has a great mother who introduces all

kinds of stuff into their lives. We’ve done necropsies on birds together, and Annika is always very interested. She’s a very intelligent young lady.”

Working closely with the bills’ sponsors, state Rep. Jim Mooney and Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, Annika helped develop outreach ideas to spread awareness and rally support across the state. She built a website, newbirdsforflorida.com, launched a companion Facebook page New Birds for Florida, and even designed merchandise whose proceeds benefit a Florida scrub jay conservation group in Volusia County.

Annika has made multiple visits to the state Capitol to share stickers, meet with legislators and talk about the importance of recognizing the state’s native wildlife and protecting their habitats. She has also written dozens of emails to lawmakers, urging them to vote “yes” as the bills progress through their committees.

What started as a small 4-H civics project has become Annika’s personal mission: to help Floridians everywhere take pride in their natural heritage, one colorful bird at a time. She thanked Mooney, Rodriguez and their teams for welcoming her to the Capitol and helping her learn how Florida’s legislative process works.

“I was psyched to see her take this and run with it,” Grinter said.

At press time, HB11 had passed the House 112-1 and is awaiting consideration by the Senate Rules Committee before heading to a Senate vote. If the legislation passes this session, the new state birds would take their perch on July 1.

– Keys Weekly staff report

Annika Baltzersen pays a visit to state Rep. Jim Mooney to promote her New Birds for Florida campaign, supporting House Bill 11 and Senate Bill 150 in their bid to designate the American flamingo as Florida’s new state bird and the Florida scrub jay as the official songbird. CONTRIBUTED

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

RARE, WEST-FACING POINT LOT

•

•

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

It’s mean, it’s green, and it … sings? There’s a new exotic species growing on stage at Marathon Community Theatre. But forget sunlight, Miracle-Gro and water; in “Little Shop of Horrors,” opening this weekend, a massive alien plant is pulling the puppet strings to inspire carnivorous chaos.

When downtrodden flower shop worker Seymour Krelborn (Anthony Kehn) finds himself suddenly famous for his fast-growing oddity, his boss Mr. Mushnik (Jerry Nussenblatt) sees an opportunity to secure himself a cushy retirement.

There’s just one dilemma: While the plant’s leafy tendrils are starting to help Seymour earn the attention of his coworker and secret crush, Audrey (Stephanie Zajac), its bloody cravings are starting to outgrow the occasional prick of Seymour’s finger. And with freshly-killed body parts a bit hard to come by, Audrey’s womanbeating, motorcycle-riding dentist boyfriend Orin (Mary Stella) starts to look like a special on the menu.

It’s a show full of conflicting realities for every character, from a loveable underdog turned murderer in Seymour to strength underneath a ditzy exterior in Audrey. And a dentist getting high as a kite while threatening his patient with a rusty drill is no laughing matter – but somehow, that’s exactly what you’ll do anyway.

“Seymour starts out as a good guy, and you really get to see his descent into evil, but he’s also very sympathetic,” said Kehn, fresh off appearances as “Rocky Horror Show” centerpiece Frank-N-Furter and flying monkey Nikko in “The Wizard of Oz.”

HORRIBLY HUNGRY

Marathon Community Theatre debuts ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

“Orin is such a despicable human being, so it’s finding a balance between making the audience hate you while they also laugh at what you do,” added Stella.

The show takes audiences back to early1960s Skid Row in New York City – easily imagined by Nussenblatt, who grew up on the doorstep of the poverty-stricken neighborhood in the 1950s and ’60s.

“This character is almost me – the only difference is I’m adding the accent,” he said, giving a nod to his Orthodox Jewish education along with Mushnik’s Yiddish vernacular sprinkled throughout the show.

Voiced by Jesus Ruiz, the four iterations of the “Audrey II” – the last of which is about the size of a car – undoubtedly steal the show. But rather than rent pre-made versions of the carnivorous terror, the crew chose to build each one from scratch, led by puppeteers Destiny Lee and Sam Merrell.

Lee said she leaned on her degree in puppetry from Bowling Green State University in building and animating each plant, pulling multiple all-nighters in the process to arrive at the final versions.

“I would say it’s at least 500 hours of work for all four,” she estimated.

Stepping from the stage to the other side of the curtain is MCT mainstay John Schaefer, who directed “Little Shop” after 22 years under the lights. Though his cast universally praised their leadier, he told the Weekly the experience was more of an education than he’d planned for – and one that quickly filled the hours of his recent retirement from the post office.

“I thought I knew what it took to be a director,” he laughed. “I learned a lot about what I didn’t know.”

“I’m most proud of getting through it and making this thing happen,” he added. “I want people to know that this cast has worked damn hard, and I think they’re putting on a good show that even non-musical people will enjoy.”

“Little Shop” runs from Feb. 26 to March 21, with 8 p.m. shows on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays plus 3 p.m. matinees on March 8 and 15. Tickets are $38, available at marathontheater.org or by calling 305-743-0994.

Seymour (Anthony Kehn) feeds the Audrey II a gory meal. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Urchins Crystal (Abbi Colella), Ronette (Jeanie Schwenke) and Chiffon (Michelle Dobler) add the doo-wop soundtrack for Audrey (Stephanie Zajac) and the cast of ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’

Sadistic dentist Orin (Mary Stella) wields his favorite tool: a rusty drill.

Mr. Mushnik (Jerry Nussenblatt, right) and Seymour (Anthony Kehn) pull their flower shop out of the gutter behind the fame of an unusual — and deadly — plant.

‘COLD-STUNNED’ SEA TURTLE RELEASED OFF ISLAMORADA

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.

‘Groundhog’ rehabbed at Turtle Hospital

Agreen sea turtle, rehabilitated at the Florida Keys’ Turtle Hospital after being rescued Feb. 3 suffering from cold stunning, was released Feb. 19 into Florida Bay off Islamorada.

“Groundhog,” named for the day before her rescue, was discovered in distress during a record cold spell that resulted in unusually frigid waters in the typically balmy Upper Keys. The reptile was found floating and lethargic — symptoms of the hypothermic reaction called cold stunning, which occurs when sea turtles are exposed to cold water for a prolonged time — and transported to the Turtle Hospital for treatment.

“Groundhog was one of the first sea turtles to be rescued in the Florida Keys due to a ‘cold-stunning’ event, and the very first to be released today,” said Bette Zirkelbach, manager of the world’s first state-licensed veterinary center dedicated solely to treating sea turtles.

“We warmed her up, we treated her with fluids (and) a broad-spectrum antibiotic,” Zirkelbach added.

She and other hospital staff members released the nearly 50-pound

female at Founders Park Beach in Islamorada. Spectators cheered as Groundhog crawled into the shallow water and started swimming away.

“Groundhog was a quick recovery,” said Zirkelbach. “She was probably in good health when she was cold-stunned, good body weight and she was good to go home today.”

Seven other cold-stunned turtles were rescued in the Keys during the same weather event. Some had other challenges such as boat-strike wounds or the tumor-causing disease fibropapillomatosis, and are still recovering at the Turtle Hospital.

Another cold front moved through the Keys late Sunday, but Zirkelbach said area waters have warmed up and she doesn’t anticipate a repeat cold-stunning event.

The Turtle Hospital opened in September 1986 and has treated and released more than 3,000 injured sea turtles and assisted scores of hatchlings gone astray after exiting their nests.

4-year-old male black mouth cur.

Looking for: I’m a ladies guy, I prefer being with women over men.

Turnoffs: It’s been a rough year.

WEST

2-year-old male Siamese mix.

Looking for: I’d like to be your one and only.

Turnoffs: Other cats.

STORMY

4-year-old female domestic shorthair.

Looking for: A family - for almost three years now.

Turnoffs: I’m just shy, and I prefer to have my own space.

The approximately 50-pound green sea turtle ‘Groundhog’ awaits release. Right: Turtle Hospital staffers Taylor Zapata, left, and manager Bette Zirkelbach place ‘Groundhog’ during a Feb. 19 release at the Founders Park beach in Islamorada. ANDY NEWMAN/Turtle Hospital

HENDRIX

Roger Steinfeld, MD Cardiology

Joan E. Homan, MD Cardiology

BUFFETT’S MUSICAL LEGACY TO CONTINUE

Board approves proposal for former recording studio

Jimmy Buffett’s former recording studio at the Historic Seaport (officially named the Key West Bight) will continue as a recording studio, and will be enhanced with a museum, tours, private recording sessions and photo opportunities, along with an outdoor margarita bar.

Long known as Shrimp Boat Sound, the boxy little windowless building that’s covered with stickers sits along Key West’s Harbor Walk, between Schooner Wharf Bar and the Conch Republic Seafood Co.

That building, which Buffett’s company had leased from the city and used as a recording studio, is now empty and in need of repairs. In the wake of Buffett’s September 2023 death, his estate canceled its lease this past June and emptied the building of all recording equipment.

The city of Key West owns all the buildings and property surrounding the seaport and leases them to restaurants, bars, boats and watersports businesses, providing significant revenue to the city. The Bight Board approves proposals for those leases and oversees the bight’s management.

That board earlier this month approved a joint proposal from Robert Spottswood Jr. and David Bernsen, and directed the city manager to negotiate a lease with the partners, who have pledged to donate all profits from the recording studio (not the bar) to Key West charities.

The partners’ proposal states: “Our joint vision combines a work-

ing recording studio and museum honoring Jimmy Buffett’s legacy with a bar featuring margaritas and tropical drinks along with a memorabilia retail and ticketing center. The integrated concept includes:

“1. Working Recording Studio: Restore the historic studio to operational status with modernized update (that was planned after Jimmy’s last recording session) to carry the studio forward. We have secured commitments from renowned artists including Mac McAnally, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, and the Coral Reefer Band.

“2. Museum and Tours: Offer affordable tours showcasing the studio restored to Jimmy Buffett’s era with today’s technology, featuring his actual equipment, instruments, and memorabilia, with private and experiential recording opportunities available.

“3. Margarita and Tropical Drink Bar: A bar operation showcasing Key West’s music, arts, and fishing history with limited indoor seating and outdoor seating for up to 20 persons.

“4. Retail and Memorabilia Sales: Unique merchandise, Jimmy Buffett lifestylethemed art, and Coral Reefer Band memorabilia.

“5. Live Entertainment: Live broadcasts, streaming, podcasts, and musical performances featuring participating artists (with proper permits).

“6. Venue for Hire and Charitable Events: Utilize the space for private events, weddings, functions, and approved charitable and fundraising events.

“We note that this concept has been initially approved and supported by Margaritaville Enterprises to ensure proper and legal use of the Buffett name at the Studio on Lazy Way Lane.”

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

YOU THINK IT’S TRENDING –YOUR BODY THINKS IT’S TIME

Have you ever noticed that once you get a new car — or someone you know does — suddenly that exact car is everywhere? The one you swore was rare. The one you thought you’d be the first to own.

It didn’t magically multiply overnight. Your awareness just changed.

There’s a name for that, but that's not important right now. Here’s the part that matters: Once something lands on your radar, your brain starts flagging it as important. You notice it more. You see it more. It feels louder. And right now, a lot of people are having that same experience with health. Suddenly, it’s protein everywhere. Sleep scores. Lab work. Preventive care. Wearables. Conversations about metabolism and longevity. It feels like wellness exploded out of nowhere. But here’s the mic drop: It didn’t.

Your body has been trying to get your attention long before the algorithms caught up. Most people assume they start caring about their health because it’s trending. In reality, they start noticing health because something inside them is ready for change.

Maybe it’s fatigue that coffee can’t fix anymore. Maybe it’s stiffness when you stand up. Maybe it’s restless sleep. Maybe it’s realizing you don’t feel as strong, energized or present as you used to.

That moment, that quiet internal nudge, is where personalized and preventive care actually begins. Not in a doctor’s office, in a lab report or on a smartwatch. It starts with awareness.

For decades, health care worked like a smoke alarm. You waited until something felt wrong, then reacted. Pain showed up. Numbers were off. Symptoms got loud. But we’re living in a different era now.

Personalized care means your health isn’t based on averages, it’s based on you. Your energy patterns, stress levels, movement habits, sleep and history.

Preventive care means you don’t wait for your body to start yelling before you listen. You start paying attention while things are still adjustable. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?”

the better question becomes, “What does my body need right now?” That’s a powerful shift. And it doesn’t require perfection, extreme

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

routines or expensive interventions. Most prevention happens quietly, in small choices that don’t make headlines: Taking a walk instead of sitting through another scroll session. Going to bed 30 minutes earlier. Strength training so your joints and bones stay resilient. Eating enough protein to preserve muscle as you age. Managing stress before it quietly piles up in your nervous system.

These things aren’t flashy, but they are effective.

Personalized care also means understanding that what works for your neighbor, your spouse or your favorite influencer might not work for you, and that’s not a failure. Your body responds to your environment, your hormones, your schedule and your life experience. There is no universal blueprint.

That’s what makes this moment in health so exciting. We’re moving away from one-size-fits-all advice and back into a relationship with our own bodies. And here in the Keys, we already have a head start. We have sunshine, fresh air, walkable streets and water everywhere. We have natural opportunities to slow down, reconnect and move our bodies in ways that don’t feel forced.

Preventive care doesn’t always look clinical. Sometimes it looks like walking the beach in the morning, sitting on your porch instead of rushing, cooking at home more often, calling a friend, floating in the ocean. Moving because it feels good, not because you’re punishing yourself. Your body is constantly giving you feedback. Personalized care simply teaches you how to listen. So, if it feels like health is suddenly everywhere, here’s another way to look at it: Maybe your body has been quietly asking for attention all along. And now, finally, you’re ready to hear it. Because the goal isn’t just to live longer, it’s to live better.

JENNIFER HARVEY

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

The boxy little building that long housed Jimmy Buffett’s recording studio will continue as a recording studio, museum and outdoor margarita bar. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

‘MY’ TRUCK VS. THE OLD SEVEN MILE BRIDGE

KEY WEST BACK IN THE DAY

During Key West’s “bad old days,” the scariest thing I ever did was drive a malfunctioning Toyota truck across the old Seven Mile Bridge from the Lower Keys to Marathon.

It might not sound scary, but at that time the two-lane bridge was the width of a two-car garage, and my truck’s “malfunction” was an uncontrollable side-to-side shimmy.

CAROL SHAUGHNESSY

has lived in Key West for 40-plus years, witnessing and writing about the island’s renegade past, shipwreck salvage adventures and colorful presentday characters.

The truck had no business developing a shimmy. It was almost brand new, bought by my fiancé Phil from a local dealership — a spot where scammers felt safe plunking down cash for cars.

He purchased the truck, his surprise gift to me after a lucrative “business deal,” one day while I was waitressing at the Top of the La Concha.

The Top, with its worn carpet and super-sized picture windows, stood on the seventh floor of the then-shut-down La Concha Hotel on Key West’s Duval Street. It was a favorite hangout for high-rollers and local notables, offering a breathtaking panorama of the island.

Its parking lot, seven stories below, was easily visible from the picture windows. When Phil strolled into the bar that day, he directed me to the parking-lot view.

“Look down there,” he said proudly, pointing at the vehicles. “See the blue truck? That’s yours.”

It was really his, of course, though he insisted it was mine. Occasionally I even took the wheel to navigate the island’s streets.

Navigating across the terrifyingly narrow old Seven Mile Bridge, however, was something else entirely.

Actually, it was simply known as the Seven Mile Bridge then — because this was before 1982, when a wide modern bridge replaced the dangerously weather-worn older one.

The original span had carried traffic since 1938, as part of the Overseas Highway that stretched from the mainland to Key West. Adapted from a former railroad track, its northbound and southbound lanes were each just 11 feet wide — with no shoulders.

1. The extent of the truck’s shimmy proved quite startling to Phil, who gave the author the vehicle. CONTRIBUTED

2. This shot of cars stopped on the Old Seven Mile Bridge illustrates the bridge’s frighteningly narrow traffic lanes. RAYMOND BLAZEVIC/Florida Keys History Center

The journey across the bridge was gorgeous, offering sweeping vistas of blue-green water on both sides, but drivers rarely noticed. They were too busy dodging oncoming traffic, gripping their steering wheels with white-knuckled intensity, and praying.

That’s what I wound up doing one afternoon in 1980. Phil was waiting at a marina in Marathon, 50 miles north of Key West, after a brief cruise to Bimini — and I agreed to pick him up.

Most of the drive went fine. “My” truck rolled easily over small bridges and through island hamlets, passing roadside eateries and tropical vegetation.

As I reached the Seven Mile Bridge and started across it, however, my hands tightened on the wheel. It was a daunting drive, and everybody in the Keys knew that.

A couple of oncoming cars whizzed by, followed by a large van that seemed frighteningly close but passed safely.

Just as I told myself I could handle this, the truck began to shimmy.

Initially the shimmy felt minor. Seconds later, it escalated until the truck was bouncing from side to side like a ping-pong ball on steroids.

The seven-mile length of that bridge felt like 70. I fought the wheel all the way, attempting unsuccessfully to control the shimmy. I pounded on the horn, trying to warn oncoming cars each time the truck bounced into their lane, and muttered prayers when it bounced back to graze the bridge rail.

After what seemed like hours, I shimmied off the bridge into Marathon — miraculously alive, without serious damage to the truck or any other vehicle — and pulled into the marina where Phil stood.

“Your truck seems to have a little shimmy,” he commented, opening the driver’s side door as I slid over into the passenger seat.

“It sure does,” I said, limp and exhausted. “But it’s YOUR truck.”

•

•

KEY WEST AUTHOR HAYS BLINCKMANN DELIVERS A COMING - OF -AGE STORY

THAT KEEPS RUMBLING LONG AFTER THE LAST PAGE WITH ‘TINY LITTLE EARTHQUAKES’

Growing up in the 1980s on a remote horse farm in North Carolina was not easy for 9-year-old Elliot Hase. After her parents’ divorce, she rarely saw her father and was forever chasing her mother’s attention. Smart and shy, Elliot idolized her big sister Poppy, even when she kept making the same mistakes. Together, they navigated their mother’s alcoholism until Poppy began to follow the same destructive path. Elliot felt alone. Television was her constant companion throughout childhood.

We follow Elliot through Connecticut and Martha’s Vineyard as her mother chases fresh starts and flees her troubles. Elliot reinvents herself at boarding school and later at Tufts University, as she continues searching for a way to help her sister and mother, whom she loves with all her heart. This tender story told through a child’s eyes is heartbreaking — and it’s simply impossible not to root for Elliot every step of the way.

Key West author Hays Blinckmann perfectly captures the perspective of a child through an adult voice in a style that’s devastating, funny and nostalgic for a time gone by. She was featured on Good Morning America on Feb. 18 and will sign copies at Books & Books at The Studios of Key West on Wednesday, March 4.

Let’s meet Hays:

The title ‘Tiny Little Earthquakes’ is so memorable. How did you choose it? When I’m writing, there’s always a phrase that lingers. Elliot, the main character, says her life is built on “tiny little earthquakes.” All of her trauma was based on a multitude of smaller events, not one big catastrophe. And every time Elliot got her footing, another calamity would happen – usually caused by an outside force like her mother and sister.

Elliot’s voice is incredibly authentic; she’s observant, funny and wise beyond her years. Was it difficult to write from the perspective of a child navigating adult chaos? The story is largely based on my childhood. So, really, TLE was about going back in time and connecting with my younger self. I did not want to write a young adult novel, so I let Elliot be more mature in her word choices and humor. And basically, I was the same smart-ass back then as I am now.

The 1980s setting feels so vivid, from TV reruns to music and clothes. How much of this came from memory versus research? Memory. I binged TV before binging was a thing. Also, much of Gen X was timestamped by our favorite shows, music and movies. Most of my memories

were connected to one of those things. Just a little fact-checking to make sure I got the years right.

In your epilogue, you hint that this story draws from your own life. How did you decide what was safe to fictionalize and what stayed true? At first, I put everything on the page. Then, I am a firm believer in editing. Content editing took months; we stripped out unnecessary anecdotes that didn’t advance the story arc. Fictionalizing allows a bit of flair and a sense of separation between me and the characters, so I had more license with the dialogue.

One of the most striking things about this book is how it balances sensitive subject matter, addiction, grief and family secrets with humor. Was that intentional or did Elliot’s wit surprise you? In life, I have always had to balance how much I share and how I share it, especially when I was a child. I will pepper in a joke at the most somber of events. In the book, when adults pitied Elliot for her home life, humor was her tool for deflecting attention.

Elliot’s relationships are complicated and deeply loving. What do you hope readers take away about family dynamics, especially imperfect ones? Exactly that. Relationships, especially with parents, are imperfect. The message is yes, it’s okay to be angry, but it won’t serve you in the long run. Finding compassion and understanding for those who hurt is more beneficial. You don’t necessarily have to forgive them, but understanding why they are the way they are goes a long way.

You used to work for the Keys Weekly. How did your time as a journalist shape you as a fiction writer? BEST THING EVER. It was like CrossFit for writing; I learned a tremendous amount. Sara Matthis, retired editor of the Weekly, was an amazing teacher/boss/coach. She taught me the value of getting to the point without boring people – and to cut another 100 words, lol.

The Keys have such a rich literary history. Where do you see yourself in that? After 25 years of living here, raising my kids and surviving multiple hurricanes, it’s not always a vacation, but it’s home. I am a Key West writer, not a writer who came to Key West. I want people to know Key West isn’t the end of the road; for some of us, it’s where everything begins.

A cattle egret seen recently near Higgs Beach. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

... 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.

The sky was a giant blue bowl, inverted and empty. I couldn’t even find a turkey vulture. Where could they all possibly have gone? Maybe they needed an afternoon up the Keys, as we all do from time to time.

I pulled into the park behind the dog park at Higgs Beach and stopped by the pond, which, when it has water in it, usually holds a few surprises. But this late into the dry season it was a micro-desert, parched and empty except for, for reasons unclear, a dozen rocks and a dozen roosters. Which I guess was also a surprise.

Nearby was the quarteracre of land where the FAA tower used to stand, which can be a great place to see birds after recent rain. I’ve seen a dozen or so species there, usually wading birds like great egrets, great white herons, snowy egrets, and roseate spoonbills. It’s a great habitat largely because it is surrounded by an octagon of chainlink fencing and nobody spends much time grooming it.

There are rumors the county or city wants to turn it into pickleball courts, which seems a waste. There are quite a few pickleball courts a few yards away. (Besides, pickleball mania is relatively new. Wouldn’t it be wise to wait a couple years and make sure pickleball isn’t the roller disco or hacky sack of racket sports?)

The only bird I could see on the other side of the green chainlink fence was a lone white ibis plunging its long decurved bill down into the ground. Only a white ibis tends to poke its bill up and down into the ground with the speed of a hepped-up oil derrick, and this one hadn’t yet lifted its head. When it did, its long decurved bill was missing, replaced with a modest wedge. It wasn’t a white ibis; it was a cattle egret.

The bird began to range around the dried grass of the octagon, bobbing its head most of the time, but occasionally speed waddling in a more upright, duck-like posture. Periodically it shoved its face down into the stubble of grass, no doubt trying to snatch up food.

Herons and egrets tend to catch things with the tips of their bills, then throw their heads backwards to fling whatever they caught toward their throats. Sometimes it happens in one go, sometimes they have to fling their head back multiple times to make it work.

The most dramatic version I ever saw was out near the bridge over Riviera Canal, when a great blue heron caught a small snake. The bird had the tail end of the snake down its throat, but the snake kept wrapping itself around its bill. The heron would shake it loose, manage to swallow another inch or two of the snake before it wrapped itself around the bird’s bill again. This happened over and over again. It took a long time to reach the inevitable conclusion.

A CATTLE EGRET IN THE LAND OF NO CATTLE

It was hard to see in detail, but the cattle egret behind the green chainlink didn’t look to be doing a lot of head flinging. There was a lot of head stabbing, but no flinging. I hoped it was getting some kind of return on its efforts. Maybe some small bugs were tossed back so easily that we hardly noticed.

I decided to watch the bird for a while, largely because I never pay much attention to cattle egret, and because I wanted to see it catch something. I have photos of them with worms and bugs in their mouths, but I wanted to see what this bird might pull off. Also, while they are very common in most of the U.S., you don’t often see them in the Keys.

I pulled the car up near the fence to work as sort of a blind, and tried to get my camera to focus through the open diamonds of chainlink, which it did about a third of the time, leaving a soft crosshatching in the foreground.

I did see the bird throw its head back a few times, but not when I was holding up either binoculars or camera.

I think part of my neglect of cattle egrets is that they are the least dramatic members of the Ardea family, home of egrets and herons. Though in some ways they are outliers among their kind.

Like most herons and egrets, they are monomorphic, the sexes virtually indistinguishable, at least to the human eye. They are generally white, but during breeding season pick up some brown patches the color of weak tea. (This one had brown on the crown of its head.) Compared to their other family members, their bodies are a little thicker, their necks a little shorter, their legs a little stubbier.

While most Ardea tend to nest near bays or creeks or lakes, cattle egrets seem to be take it or leave it when it comes to water, sometimes nesting near it, sometimes choosing more upland habitats. As their name suggests, they are often associated with cattle, finding their prey in bovine footprints.

As of 85 years ago, no one had seen a cattle egret in North America, as they are an Old World species. They were first spotted in the Americas in Guyana in 1930. It was thought that some of the farm laborers who had emigrated from India, where they are common, had brought them as pets, but that theory was dismissed when it became known that the ones in Guyana were a different species than those from India.

The general belief is they got to South America on their own volition and spread from there.

The first cattle egrets in North America were seen near Lake Okeechobee by a biologist named Willard E. Dilley, who recalled seeing the birds sometime between January 1941, when he first moved to Clewiston, and the summer of 1943, when he joined the Navy during World War II. They were spotted on the shores of the lake again around 1946.

From there they spread out across the lower half of the U.S., appearing in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maine and Long Island, New York throughout the ’50s.

All this comes from a 1954 paper written by Sandy Sprunt Jr., who was head of the Audubon Tavernier Science Center for decades.

The report also has a fun note about the first time a group of cattle egrets was spotted in Key West. Four were reportedly seen on Nov. 8, 1953 by the late, great Frances Hames, who from the 1940s until the late 1970s was the go-to birdwatcher here. (There is a famous story about her once getting arrested while birding on Boca Chica because the MPs thought she was a spy.)

“I had not expected to see the cattle egret here because he is supposed to be a bird of ‘open cultivated country’ and not of the mangroves and mudflats along the coast,” she wrote.

The little patch of land where the FAA tower used to be is not open cultivated country, but it’s probably the closest we’ll get in Key West.

THIS WEEKS ENTERTAINMENT

THURSDAY, FEB

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

CHRIS McNULTY

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

If everything in your world feels louder and more amplified, welcome to eclipse season. Between the annular solar eclipse on Feb. 17 and the total lunar eclipse on March 3, nothing is exactly what it seems, major tectonic shifts are taking place below the surface of awareness and the energetic frequency of the world is amped up. During this time, it is best to tread lightly and pay attention to what is happening around you. Engage when you feel called to get involved in the events and spectacles taking place, but keep your wits about you. Be vigilant, protect your peace and absorb the lessons available in the cacophony. Amid the heightened energy of eclipse season, the planet of communication and travel, Mercury, is turning retrograde in the sign of Pisces and will appear to travel backward for three weeks. While Mercury is retrograde in Pisces, communication is likely to be very murky and misunderstandings can run rampant. Mercury in Pisces communicates through feelings, tones and vibes rather than through succinct and clear words, and the vibes will probably not be crystal clear. Try to get communication in writing during this time rather than assuming that you understand the emotional cues. Under a retrograde Mercury in Pisces, it is a great time to revisit old creative projects, to reimagine possibilities for your life and to reflect on how you are living out your dreams.

Here are your horoscopes for Mercury retrograde in Pisces during eclipse season. Read for your rising and sun signs.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

This eclipse season is amplifying your awareness of solitude and partnership. Perhaps you find that you need more of both but finding the bridge between them proves elusive. Perhaps learning to sit in silence with someone you love is the clear fix. Over the next three weeks, you have the opportunity to reimagine who you are in this quickly changing world. Dream big.

Aries

March 21 - April 19

Under this sky, you are given the opportunity to really dive deep into your own unconscious, exploring the nooks and crannies of your psyche. These next three weeks, reflect on the ways that you unconsciously both support and sabotage yourself. Take the wheel. Eclipse season is amplifying your friends and your routines. Lean in to the people and habits that work best for you.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

Trust your intuition when it comes to the vibe check of the people in your circle. We all have friends who are genuinely supportive and friends who stick around for transactional reasons. Pay attention and reconsider some folks in your field. Your work and your creative projects are particularly loud in your life right now. See if you can merge them in some way.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

Can you build your home while fulfilling your need for exploration? This eclipse season is about watering your roots and extending your branches. There is a balance to be struck between nesting and travel, and you have the means to figure it out. If your work life starts to seem a bit confusing, trust your intuition and reconsider some of your work choices.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

Your collaborative efforts and your local environment are probably pretty amplified right now. Perhaps you have a number of projects in the works with other folks in your community, and your attention is needed in many places. Dive in and the fruits of your labor will be spectacular. Over the next three weeks, revisit or reflect on plans you have to expand your horizons. Let your thoughts simmer for a bit.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

Throughout this eclipse season, you are probably hearing an important partner and your finances making lots of noise. Are the needs for both at cross-purposes? How can you make these two important facets of life sing together? It is time to start rethinking the ways that you have been sharing resources with others. Perhaps it is time to find a new venture.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

In some ways, you are what you do. You are in the process of redefining yourself through your actions, finding schedules that work better for you and amplify your identity. Ride the wave and find sustainable ways to keep the progress going. You may need to revisit a conversation with a partner in your life. The words might be a bit clumsy, but trust the vibes you feel.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 22

There are times in life when taking space from other people is just what the doctor or-

dered, and now is the time for you to do that. Your creativity needs incubation, so close out the rest of the world and set yourself to making something. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be you. Over the next three weeks, reconfigure your routines to better fit your emotional needs.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

Home and friends don’t always blend. They can occupy two distinct spheres of life. Right now, those two spheres are particularly loud, Scorpio. How can you give both your place of respite and your support network the heightened attention they need? Revisit some old creative projects now and see if you can breathe new life into them.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Your work and your local neighborhood/ familiar surroundings are vying for your attention, Sag. How can you make some significant changes in these areas of your life that honor your needs? Perhaps some new work in a new locale or bringing what you already do into your neighborhood would suffice. Reimagine your home and family these next few weeks and see what arises.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Communication comes in many forms, and many times it is the nonverbal cues that speak the loudest. Pay attention to what you are communicating with your body language and your emotional expressions. Perhaps you aren’t getting your desired message across. Traveling and spending go hand-in-hand, but maybe there is a way to expand your horizons without breaking the bank.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

It is not uncommon to define oneself by the company and the causes we keep. During this eclipse season, you are supported in transforming yourself and your invested energy into a version that suits you the best. Over the coming weeks, take some time to reflect on your personal values to ensure your purchasing and spending are in alignment.

Founded by Betty Debnam

ARE YOU A GRAMMAR HAMMER?

March 4 is National Grammar Day. The special day was started in 2008 by Martha Brockenbrough because she wanted to help her students with grammar in a positive way.

This week, The Mini Page reminds us of ways to use good grammar both in writing and speaking.

WHAT IS GRAMMAR?

Grammar is a set of rules for how language is structured. The rules may be about sentences, phrases and words. The oldest book about grammar was written more than 2,000 years ago. As languages change, grammar changes, too.

You can speak your native language without learning much grammar, but grammar can help a student learn a foreign language more quickly and easily.

EXAMPLES OF GRAMMAR

English grammar has some basic guidelines that demonstrate good grammar. Here are a few:

• A sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with a period, question mark or exclamation mark

When will you come home?

• Most sentences have subject-verb-object structure.

John loves Mary.

• The subject and verb must agree in number.

Sam works downtown.

Grace and Grant love jigsaw puzzles.

• Adjectives (words describing nouns) are usually placed before the noun. This is different in some other languages, such as Spanish.

The Millers have a huge dog!

¡Los Millers tienen un perro enorme!

• In English, many words that sound the same (homophones) are spelled differently and have different meanings. Do you know the difference between these homophones?

Their, they’re, there

Its, it’s

Your, you’re

• Proper nouns, which are the names of things or people, are spelled with a capital letter.

The class wrote a letter to Elise after her surgery.

• An apostrophe is used to show possession, but where it is placed matters.

One boy: The boy’s dog ran away.

More than one boy: The boys’ dog ran away.

• Apostrophes can also be used in contractions, such as aren’t (are not) and shouldn’t (should not).

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

MINI FACT: We can speak and write more clearly when we use proper grammar.

GRAMMAR QUIZ-A-ROONIE

Can you figure out the answers to these grammar questions?

1. Find the object in the following sentence: Mom bought a watermelon.

2. What is the pronoun in this sentence? Alice loves to play with her toys.

3. Can you find the contractions in these sentences? Petra can’t ride a bike yet. She’s only 2.

4. Identify the adjectives in this sentence: We traveled down a long, winding road.

5. Circle the correct word choice in this sentence: Brent and Jan are going to sell they’re/ their/there car next month.

6. Insert the correct punctuation at the end of this sentence: How many doughnuts did you eat ____

7. Find the proper noun in this sentence: Austin finished his quiz quickly.

8. Circle the correct word choice in this sentence: Fiona read too/two/to books over the weekend.

9. Can you see what’s wrong with this sentence? We have’nt been to the movies for weeks.

10. Circle the correct word in this sentence: My classmates is/are really smart!

Answers: 1. store; 2. her; 3. can’t, she’s; 4. long, winding; 5. their; 6. ?; 7. Austin; 8. two; 9. haven’t; 10. are.

RESOURCES

ON THE WEB

• nationalgrammarday.com

• bit.ly/MPgrammar

AT THE LIBRARY

• “Grammar Rules!” by the editors of TIME for Kids

ECO NOTE

ADJECTIVE, APOSTROPHE, EXCLAMATION, FOREIGN, GRAMMAR, HOMOPHONE, LANGUAGE, NATIVE, OBJECT, PERIOD, PHRASE, PROPER, QUESTION, RULES, SENTENCE, SPEAK, STRUCTURE, VERB, WORD, WRITE.

The Iberian lynx, once on the brink of extinction with fewer than 50 mature animals left in the wild two decades ago, has become a global conservation success story, with wild populations now surpassing 2,000 across Spain and Portugal. Once devastated by habitat loss, hunting and a sharp decline in the number of rabbits (the lynx’s primary prey), it faced neartotal extinction by the early 2000s. Europe’s LIFE LynxConnect project has aided the species’ recovery by enhancing genetic diversity, increasing population size and expanding the lynx’s range.

HOMETOWN THROWDOWN

Wrestlers pin down district titles | P.5

Marathon Baseball NSU University 2/16 L, 5-1

Marathon Softball Immaculata-LaSalle 2/17 W, 17-2

Key West Boys Lacrosse Coral Reef 2/17 W, 10-7

Coral Shores Baseball Dade Christian 2/17 L, 9-4

Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Westminster Christian 2/18 W, 9-3

Coral Shores Girls Lacrosse Palmetto 2/18 L, 16-3

Marathon Baseball Dade Christian 2/18 L, 7-3

Key West Girls Lacrosse Lourdes Academy 2/18 L, 11-5

Key West Softball Western 2/19 L, 12-6

Coral Shores Softball South Somerset Academy 2/19 W, 19-16

Coral Shores Baseball ABF Academy Homestead 2/19 W, 5-4

Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Keys Gate 2/20 W, 20-2

Coral Shores Girls Lacrosse Keys Gate 2/20 W, 13-0

Key West Boys Lacrosse Cardinal Gibbons 2/26 W, 9-4

Marathon Baseball Berean Christian 2/20 W, 11-1

Key West Baseball Pace 2/20 W, 10-3

Key West Baseball St. Brendan 2/21 W, 8-4

Key West Softball Westminster Christian 2/21 W, 7-2

Key West Softball Westminster Christian 2/21 L, 10-5

Key West Girls Lacrosse St. Cloud 2/21 W, 16-3

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

2/27 Key West Softball Marathon 7

2/27

2/27

2/27

2/28

3/3

3/5

HOLUSHKO

Sophomore, Key West Wrestling

Maria just continues to get andbetter is proving that she’s one of the best wrestlers in the state of Florida.”

— Conchs head wrestling coach Chaz Jimenez

Key West’s Maria Holushko is doing big things this season through relentless dedication and a work ethic that refuses to waver. The Lady Conch wrestler embraces a grueling training schedule and does whatever it takes to chase championship standards. Competing in one of the toughest districts in the state, Holushko finished as district runner-up before following it a week later with a regional runner-up finish to punch her ticket to the state tournament in March. With a dominant 25-4 record this season, she continues to prove that hard work shows up on the mat. For her phenomenal gains and commitment to the sport of wrestling, Key West’s Maria Holushko is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

25-4 place at regionals record this season ON THE COVER FEBRUARY 26

Coral Shores’ Jack Brown has his opponent on the ropes in the 165-pound weight class at the FHSAA District 16 championships in Key West. See page 5. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

Maria

Maria Holushko shows off her FHSAA 1A Region 4 silver medal Feb. 21. CONTRIBUTED

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

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Manuela C. Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

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

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

POWER AT THE PLATE

Marathon softball starts with a W; Key West blasts three homers

Catcher Madelyn Thornton leads the Dolphins in just about every hitting stat available after a big three-hit game last week.

NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

I9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

t’s been a hot start to spring for the Florida Keys’ three softball squads.

Marathon started the season with a win over Immaculata-LaSalle on Feb. 17. The Lady Fins dispatched the Royal Lions in just five innings via mercy rule. Anastasia Boose went the distance in the circle, striking out nine batters, walking one and giving up five hits over five innings. The Fins racked up seven stolen bases and six hits with three – a triple and two singles – off the bat of junior Madelyn Thornton. Elianys Roque tripled and Sara Robinson and Shaina Robinson each singled in the 17-2 victory.

Four days later in Key West, Arianna Garcia’s three-run homer in the second inning broke things open as the Lady Conchs picked up steam and rolled over the Warriors of Westminster Christian, 7-2. Maicee Gage added a solo shot in the same inning to stretch the lead beyond the Warriors’ reach. Garcia added a second hit, a single, in the sixth inning. Lucy Katz had a pair of hits and Shylo Sanchez, Kaleya Cervantes and Kaleaya Dickerson added one apiece. Brianna Brenner struck out eight in seven innings, walking one and giving up eight hits in Key West’s first win of the season.

Later that afternoon, the teams squared off again, this time with a different result. The Warriors came out swinging, pulling ahead with a three-run lead after the first inning. Westminster kept the pressure on until the end, winning 10-5 over the Conchs.

Chloe Kongos and Cervantes had three hits each and Williams, Sanchez, Dickerson and Maicee Gage added one hit each. Lilee Gage had a solo homer in the sixth, but 11 Conch hits would not be enough to overcome a determined Warriors team. Ryleigh Harnish handled the pitching in game two, striking out five, walking five and surrendering a dozen hits over seven innings.

Coral Shores won their season opener against Somerset South Homestead in a clash of the ’Canes. Coral Shores won 19-16 against the other Hurricanes in the Feb. 19 contest.

tracy mcdonald

DYNASTY ROLLS ON

Conch wrestling streak stretches to 17 district championships; Holushko punches ticket to states

On Feb. 20, South Florida’s best 1A wrestlers converged on the Southernmost City for the District 16 championships. When the final bout was complete, Key West’s trophy case was a bit more crowded, with their 17th consecutive first-place finish.

In addition to the team title, the Conchs saw a pair of individuals crowned with district titles. Michael Guzman (165 pounds) defeated two opponents via technical fall, piling on the points on his way to the podium. Allens Alexandre made short work of his final opponent, pinning him in under 30 seconds for district gold.

In second place were Kyle Condella (138), Jacob Ferguson (126), and Donald Kirkpatrick (113). Angel Morales (175) and Aristerne Richardson (106) brought home bronze and Jaylyn Annylus (144), Kascper Kowalik (215) and Prometheus Delacerda (132) finished in fourth. All 10 will advance to regionals at Cardinal Gibbons this week.

Coral Shores finished fifth overall, but took more titles home to Tavernier. Three Hurricanes stood in the top spot on the podium and nine wrestlers advanced to regionals with top-four finishes.

David Beltran won the 175-pound division. Beltran, a state qualifier last season, looks primed for a return to Kissimmee this year. Joining him as a district champ are Gavin Matheis (132) and Sebastian McCoy (120). Both athletes pinned all their opponents at districts and have what it takes to make it all the way to the big show this season.

Sterling Keefe (157) and Nathaniel Tristram (150) were district runners-up and will have a shot in the next round, as will third-place finishers Jeramiah Ortiz (144), Jack Brown (165) and Ethan Struhs (138). The final Keys regional qualifier is Ricardo Mack, a freshman who finished fourth in the 190-pound competition.

Marathon, in its first year of varsity wrestling, brought three athletes to the event, two of whom were middle school students. Despite the obstacles, the Fins finished in eighth place, picking up 18 points in the final meet of their inaugural season.

The following afternoon, two Keys athletes represented Monroe County in the girls wrestling Region 4 1A championships. Maria Holushko of Key West and Marathon’s Autumn Wolfe earned their spots in the brackets with outstanding

district performances earlier this month.

Holushko punched her ticket to states after amassing a 3-1 record at regionals, defeating two opponents by fall and claiming the runnerup spot in what is easily the toughest region in Florida. Holushko did not lose until the title match, to the same athlete who defeated her at districts. The sophomore sensation will represent the Southernmost City in early March at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee at the state championships.

Wolfe’s first-round loss gave her a tougher path at regionals, but the resilient sophomore won her next two matches to keep her hopes of a state berth alive. A second loss at the tournament, however, meant Wolfe’s first year of varsity wrestling ended at regionals.

top: Kyle Condella of Key West works the arm of his opponent in a 138-pound bout Feb. 20.

The referee raises George Eggers’ hand in victory in a 157-pound match.

Coral Shores’ Jeremiah Ortiz picks up some back points against Marathon’s Charlie Buttner in their 144-pound bout.

Nathaniel Tristram works to free himself.

TRACY McDONALD/Keys

From

STRONG START Upper and Middle Keys lifters begin the long road to states.

With the girls weightlifting season officially complete, the gentlemen are picking up the pace on the long road to their own state championships in early May. Last week, the Hurricanes blew into Marathon on Feb. 18, picking up dual wins against the Dolphins. The ’Canes outscored the Fins 52-30 in the Olympic competition, then 54-28 in traditional lifts.

Coral Shores’ Nick Brown (119 pounds), Kyle Derobertis (129), Tyler Bettner (139), Jake Companioni (169), Aaron Lykins (183), Fredy Flores (219) and Mason Aussubel (238) were dual winners at the event. The athletes won both the Olympic and traditional competitions.

Coral Shores’ Jacob Franks won the traditional event in the Unlimited category, splitting with Marathon’s Trevor Wofsey, who won the Olympic event. In the 154-pound class, Marathon’s Matthias Martinez-Velez won the Olympic event while Coral Shores’ Kevin Gonzalez had the upper hand in traditional.

Marathon’s lone dual winner was Max Childress, in the 199-pound category. Childress and Martinez-Velez were state qualifiers in 2025, and Lykins, Bettner and Roberts were close after strong regional finishes last season.

Top row, from left:

Caden Powell gets a 135-pound clean and jerk over his head. Matthias Martinez-Velez is good on his 155-pound clean.

Aaron Lykins’ 175-pound snatch lift gets the all-clear from the judges.

Kevin Gonzalez performs his opening 145-pound clean and jerk lift.

Middle row, from left: Xavier Johnson attempts a 205-pound clean and jerk.

Max Childress gets low on his 165-pound snatch lift.

Bottom row, from left: Chris Paul cleans his opening 140-pound lift.

Connor Malone pauses during his 105-pound clean and jerk.

JUSTICE LEE ISOM/Keys Weekly

STORMING THE COURTS

Lady ’Canes improve to 3-1 after pair of wins last week

On Feb. 17, the Lady Hurricanes swept Keys Gate in a resounding 7-0 win on their home tennis courts. Emma Sogegian, Allyson Rosendale, Kaiyenna De Ron, Harlee Beler and Jillian Thiery won in No. 1 through 5 singles. Sogegian and Rosendale added a win in No. 1 doubles, then de Ron and Beeler won in No. 2 doubles for the clean sweep.

Two days later, Coral Shores headed south for a matchup against Marathon. In girls action, Emily Alvear of Marathon started things off with a win in No. 1 singles. After that, it was a storm surge, with the remainder of the wins coming from Hurricanes.

De Ron, Beeler, Thiery and Parker Kelly won in No. 2 through 5 singles. Thiery and Kelly then won in No. 1 doubles while Vanessa Gabriel and Emily Rosu took the W in No. 2 doubles for a 6-1 win for Coral Shores.

Marathon’s boys dominated Coral Shores in the matchup, winning 7-0. Tanner Snowden, Matt Delgado, Graham Murphy, Kase Daughtry and Eduardo Garcia all picked up singles wins. Snowden and Delgado teamed up for another win in No. 1 doubles while Murphy and Daughtry did the same in No. 2 doubles.

The Royal Lions of Immaculata-La Salle were a royal pain for Key West in a Feb. 17 contest in Miami. La Salle defeated the Conchs 7-0. The boys fared better, with a pair of wins from Andrei Lehene and John Picco in No. 1 and 2 singles.

Coral Shores takes a break in the tennis match against Marathon Feb. 19.

MICHELLE THIERY/Contributed

Marathon’s Matt Delgado, left, Eduardo Garcia and Graham Murphy aim for a win. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

BATTLE TESTED

Keys lacrosse teams prove themselves on the turf

The Lady Conchs hit the road on Feb. 18 to play a talented Lourdes Academy lacrosse team, which came out with a vengeance. Key West knocked Lourdes out of contention at districts last season, giving the Bobcats the fuel they needed to overcome the Conchs.

Mavis Bishop scored three goals and Colbie Turner netted two. Adriana Dall was credited with an assist and the team collectively picked up 19 ground balls and caused five turnovers, but it was not enough to overcome Lourdes, which ultimately won 11-5.

On Feb. 21, a visiting St. Cloud High School was overwhelmed early with a flurry of Conch scoring. The 16-3 win was truly a team effort in which even the newest members played a role. In all, Key West won 29 ground balls and caused a dozen turnovers. Turner won 10 draw controls, caused two turnovers and snagged an interception. The senior captain also scored five goals. Bishop scored six and was responsible for six of the team’s ground balls, five draw controls, three caused turnovers and an interception.

“It was a beautiful game on our part, great transitions, lots of hustle to get the ball back. Everyone got to play and everyone contributed in one way or another,” said Conchs coach Marissa Giacopuzzi, whose team stands at 2-1.

The Lady ’Canes also stand at 2-1 after a win and a loss last week. Coral Shores lost to Palmetto 16-3 on Feb. 18 on the road, but won against Keys Gate at home in an impressive 13-0 shutout.

Boys

The boys of Coral Shores improved to 5-1 after a pair of wins at home last week. Both wins were against district opponents, a testament to the strength of this year’s Hurricane squad. On Feb. 18, Coral Shores defeated Westminster Christian 9-3 in a contest that was closer than the score indicated for much of the game. Five unanswered fourth-quarter goals spelled disaster for the Warriors, though, and a fantastic display in goal by Brock Bynum for the ’Canes gave Coral Shores the win. Bynum had 18 saves for the Hurricanes to anchor the defense.

Offensively, James Mitchell led the scoring with five goals. Finn McDonough netted two and Christian Gonzalez scored one with two assists. Zane Martinez added one goal and three assists to the team total. Feb. 10 was a much more lopsided matchup, as the

Hurricanes delivered a 20-2 loss to Keys Gate. Mitchell, Gonzalez and Martinez all racked up multiple goals, while Theo Shugarman, Andres Alvarado and Bynum scored their first varsity goals. Jace Jackson netted one goal and was crucial in the faceoff circle along with Connor Daniels.

“We were happy to pick up a couple district wins last week,” said Hurricane head coach Chris Carrow. “The boys played a very gritty game against (Westminster).” He added that the team has two big games this week, including Coral Reef and Belen Jesuit.

Key West’s boys kept their perfect record intact with a pair of wins last week. The Conchs won 10-7 at Coral Reef on Feb. 17 despite a limited roster. The goal-scoring was spread around, with Raffael Rice and Kieran Smith leading the charge with two each.

Mateo Lopez was outstanding in goal, saving 17 and keeping the Conchs in the game. “Mateo was key in keeping us ahead with countless saves when we needed them most,” said coach Alberto Piceno.

Piceno was also pleased with Smith’s play on both sides of the field, praising his athleticism, grit and strong understanding of the game. The game ball, however, went to Rice, whose faceoff wins helped tip the odds in favor of Key West.

The Conchs then defeated Cardinal Gibbons 9-4 on Feb. 20 to move to 3-0 this season. Carlo Vernieri led the charge with six goals, while Sawyer Hill added two and Max Louchheim accounted for the final goal against Gibbons. Owen Dougherty was credited with two assists while Lopez added 15 saves.

Vernieri received the game ball in the home opener, despite feeling under the weather. “Carlo, who is always looking to involve everyone and create for others, took it upon himself to give us six much-needed goals,” Piceno said. “He wasn’t feeling 100%, yet he did what was necessary to help us get the win.”

FAST OUT OF THE GATE Hurricanes track stars make a statement in season opener

Just one week into the season, Coral Shores’ track and field team set the tone at the 2026 Southridge Spartan Invitational. This year’s event included hundreds of athletes from 38 South Florida high schools, making for some stiff competition. Three Hurricanes were up to the challenge, placing in the top 10 at the meet.

Sophomore Ali Wheatley wasted no time hitting her stride. Wheatley raced to a third-place finish in the 3,200-meter run, finishing in 11:32. That beat her prior personal best by more than a second. Wheatley was a state qualifier in the event as a freshman, and if her performance last week is any indication, she is on her way to medal this season.

Alaric Rodriguez finished ninth in the boys 800-meter race. The senior distance specialist crossed the line in 2:04. Julieanna Oddo started her junior season off with a personal best. Oddo finished 10th in the 100-meter high hurdles, completing the race in 18.26 seconds.

Coral Shores’ Ali Wheatley CONTRIBUTED

1. Owen Dougherty (1) and Carlo Vernieri (4) scramble for a loose ball. 2. Owen Dougherty (1) takes a shot on goal. 3. Raffael Rice (21) wins a faceoff against Cardinal Gibbons Feb. 21. 4. Reif Wallen (3) reads the field for his next move. TRACY

Prep baseball bats heat up for big wins across Keys BARRELS BLAZING

Tested by South Florida rivals, Monroe County baseball squads continued their winning ways last week.

Key West’s Kade Maltz and Xavier Perez both went 3-for-4 at the plate against Monsignor Pace on Feb. 20, fueling a frenzy of 11 hits to defeat their longstanding rivals with conviction. The Conchs outhit the Spartans 11-4 to help avenge a midseason loss to Pace last year.

Donovan Thiery put in five innings of work, striking out nine, walking two and surrendering just two hits. The Spartans were unable to pencil in a single run against the FSU commit.

The win ended a 17-year drought for Key West against the Spartans, in a rivalry which has spanned more than half a century. The Conchs last defeated Pace in 2009 in a playoff game at home after losing to them twice in the regular season.

On Feb. 22, a visiting St. Brendan School held their own against the Conchs until late in the game. Maltz started on the mound and did not surrender a single run, effectively shutting down the St. Brendan School offense.

The bats were sleepy for both sides, however, until the sixth inning, when the Sabres strung together four hits and a pair of walks to take a 4-0 lead over the Conchs. But Key West had a clear answer for St. Brendan. In their half of the sixth, the Conch bats were wide awake, and six hits and some strategic sacrifices helped the Conchs pile on eight runs. Key West held down the fort in the seventh inning to preserve the win. Perez and Thiery each added a pair of hits, including one double apiece. Nelson Ong smacked a pair of singles and Maltz, Kristian Masters and Jackie Niles accounted for the rest. Key West was perfect in the field and the win preserved their perfect 4-0 record.

Marathon traveled to Fort Lauderdale on Feb. 16 to take on the Sharks of NSU University School. The Sharks took an early lead and never let up, ultimately winning 5-1. Roco Piscetello, Dylan Williams and Massimo Quargnali had the only hits against the Sharks, and Gabriele Cirina had an RBI off a fielder’s choice. Cirina and Piscetello shared the pitching duties, putting in three innings of work each.

Two nights later, the Fins were at home against the Warriors of Dade Christian. The Dol-

phins took an early lead after Cirina homered over the right-field fence for a 1-0 lead. That would keep the Fins in the lead until the fifth inning, when both teams managed two runs. Dade Christian took over in the sixth inning, adding a pair of runs, then added three more in the seventh to end the game 7-4 in favor of the Warriors. In addition to Cirina's bomb, Quargnali, Andrew Suarez and Piscetello each logged a single. Williams started on the mound, spanning five innings and striking out seven, walking three and surrendering four hits. Piscetello and Jack Chapman put in an inning of relief each in the loss.

The Fins returned to their winning ways Feb. 20 in a display of patience against the visiting Berean Christian Bulldogs. The game was scoreless until the bottom of the fifth, when the Fins scored three runs, then piled on eight more in the sixth to apply the mercy rule to the Bulldogs.

Chapman had three hits, including a triple, while Suarez and Buigas added two hits each. The Fins’ bats were hot, amassing 11 hits to the Bulldogs’ one. Miscues did not help Berean; the team piled up seven errors to compound the effects of Marathon’s heavy hitters.

Cirina struck out eight, walked four and surrendered no hits and just one run in five innings of work. Chapman closed out the final inning for the 3-2-1 Fins.

Coral Shores kept an even record last week, with one win and one loss. The loss came at the hands of Dade Christian, which bested the Hurricanes 9-4 on Feb. 17. In their home opener, Emileano Barrios logged a pair of hits while Riley O’Berry, Maykol Bonito, Mason Clark, Keller Blackburn and Andy Cone added one apiece to the team’s total of seven hits. O’Berry pitched three innings while Barrios, Cone and Jack O’Keefe chipped in for relief.

On Feb. 19, a road trip proved more fruitful for the Hurricanes. Glade Harrelson started on the mound for Coral Shores, giving up two hits and no runs over 3-1/3 innings of work. Harrelson struck out three and walked five. O’Berry was 2-for-4 while Bonito, Clark, Barros, Cone and Mailon Aguilla had one hit each. The 5-4 win put the Hurricanes at 2-2 on the season.

Marathon’s Gabriele Cirina currently stands in third place in Florida in RBIs with 13. He is 16th nationally and is first in 1A Rural as well as FHSAA’s Rural District 8. JUSTICE LEE ISOM/Keys Weekly

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI

Notice is hereby given that on March 9th, 2026, Leonard Richford

Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows:

103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Steele, Sarah 1327, 1272

Neuzill, Bill 1557 Johnson, Rachel 1763 McGuirre, Cindy 1625 Pena, Steven 1403 Slate, Spencer 1409 Publish:

February 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on March 11, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, 33037, 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, ESTABLISHING ARTICLE III

SECTIONS 5-26 THROUGH 5-31 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE; CODIFYING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AD-HOC COMMITTEE ON NOISE FOR THE KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RETROACTIVE TO MAY 16, 1995;

SETTING FORTH THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE; ESTABLISHING THE COMPOSITION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE; SETTING FORTH THE TERMS OF OFFICE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE; SETTING FORTH THE PROCEDURE FOR THE FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE COMMITTEE; SETTING FORTH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NUMBER OF MEETINGS TO BE HELD BY THE COMMITTEE; SETTING FORTH THE POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE; SETTING FORTH THE ADVISORY NATURE OF THE COMMITTEE; SETTING FORTH THE PROVISIONS FOR AID BY COUNTY STAFF; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the March 11, 2026, meeting, which will be posted beginning on March 3, 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 March 11, 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/60832 c9dcf67bb7ac 0c21791?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 21st 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 26, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 2017-CP-000046-M

IN RE: GUARDIANSHIP OF JAY HUGO HOSEK, a Ward.

NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF GUARDIANSHIP ON CHANGE OF DOMICILE OF RESIDENT WARD

The guardianship of JIRINA HOSEK, the Ward, file number 20 l 7-CP000046-M, is pending in the Circuit Com1 for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the guardian and the guardian's attorney are set forth below.

Attorney for Guardian

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

BRIAN C. TAYLOR, ESQ.

Taylor Trust Law

733 East Baseline Road, Ste. 117 Mesa, AZ 85209

Guardian

JINIRINA HOSEK

125 N. Val Vista Avenue

Apache Junction, AZ 85119

A Petition to Terminate Guardianship Upon Change of Ward's Domicile has been filed upon the grounds of change of domicile of the Ward. The guardian will apply for discharge on February 28, 2026. The jurisdiction of the Ward has been transferred to Arizona.

Any objection shall be in writing and shall state with particularity each item to which the objection is directed and the grounds on which the objection is based. Any objections to the final report or Petition to Terminate Guardianship Upon Chang of Ward's Domicile shall be filed WITHIN THE LATER OF 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THE PETITION TO TERMINATE GUARDIANSHIP UPON CHANGE OF THE WARD'S DOMICILE OR THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

A notice of hearing thereon shall be served within 90 days after filing the objection or the objection is abandoned. The date of the first publication of this notice is February 19, 2023.

RODOLFO SUAREZ, JR., ESQ.

Florida Bar Number: 013201

9100 South Dadeland Blvd., Ste. 1620 Miami, FL 33156

Telephone: (305) 448-4244

Facsimile: (305) 448-4211

Publish:

February 19 & 26, 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-28-M IN RE: ESTATE OF PAMELA BURROUGHS CRUTCHFIELD

Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of PAMELA BURROUGHS CRUTCHFIELD, deceased, whose date of death was September 26, 2024, 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: CATHERINE SIDWELL 1120 Pauline Ave

Charleston, SC 29412

Attorney for Personal Representative:

BRIAN M. CASEY

Florida Bar Number: 92715

WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC 9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-8118

Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Brian@keysclosings.com

Publish:

February 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-59-M

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF CONNIE ANN MELIN

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of CONNIE ANN MELIN, deceased, whose date of death was January 20, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at

Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: February 26, 2026.

Personal Representative: Jason J. Hardy 5901 Ruth Drive Edina, Minnesota 55424

Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish: February 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-32-M

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF PETER M. TYSON Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Peter M. Tyson, deceased, whose date of death was December 22, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving

The following is an upcoming GMX procurement opportunity:

spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: February 19, 2026.

Personal Representative: Frances M. Latham 673 Linden Ave. Ridgefield, New Jersey 07657

Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney

Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish:

February 19 & 26, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO: 2025-CA-129-K Premier Capital, LLC Plaintiff, Vs Carolyn M. Delgado and William J. Delgado

Defendant,

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that pursuant to a Pluries Writ of Execution issued in the Circuit Court, of Monroe County, Florida, on the 29th day of January, 2026, in the cause wherein Premier Capital, LLC is Plaintiff and Carolyn M. Delgado and William J. Delgado was defendant, being Case No. 2025-CA-129-K in said court, I, Richard A. Ramsay, Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida have levied upon all right, title, and interest of the defendant, in and to the following described real property to wit:

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:

From the warranty deed that states the following described land, situate, lying and being in Monroe County, Florida to-wit: Legal Description(s) –On the Island of Key West, Monroe County, Florida, and known on William A. Whitehead’s map delineated in February A.D. 1829, as part of Tract 11 but better known as part of Lot 3, Square 9, Tract 11 according to Charles W. Tift’s Map of said Island recorded in Deed Book “L” Page 564, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the Southwesterly right of way boundary line of Duval Street with the Northwesterly right of way boundary line of United Street and run in a Southwesterly direction along the said

For detailed information please visit the Procurement Department website at http://www.gmx-way.com/business/solicitations, or call the Procurement Department at 305-637-3277 for assistance.

Publish: February 26, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

33040

All bidders must have a valid

Driver’s License with them and must register with the clerk at location of sale prior to start time of sale. I shall offer this property for sale, at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building located at 5525 College Road, Key West, Florida 33040 in the County of Monroe, State of Florida, on the 2nd day of April, 2026, at the hour of 10:00

A.M. or as soon thereafter as possible. I will offer for sale all of the said defendant’s right, title, and interest in the aforesaid real property at public auction and will sell the same subject to all taxes, prior liens, encumbrances and judgments, if any, to the highest and best bidder for cash or cashiers check in hand. The proceeds to be applied as far as may be to the payment of costs and the satisfaction of the above described execution.

Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida this 10th day of February, 2026.

Richard A. Ramsay Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida

By: Donald Stullken

Deputy Sheriff In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Civil Division no later than seven says prior to the proceeding at (305)809-3041.

Publish: February 19 & 26 and March 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

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 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: 2023/626

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

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 15 LT 13 CUTTHROAT HARBOR

ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 OR477-583 OR702-550 Names in which assessed: BEAUPERTHUY LUIS 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 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

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

The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-65

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: 2023/780

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

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:

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

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

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-68

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

Description of Property:

Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance,

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

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,

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

BLEKE JAMES 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 2025-70

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

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

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 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 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 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 2025-77

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: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy

Clerk

Publish:

February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

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 BIG PINE KEY OR72-304 OR470-241E OR796-1415Q/C OR838-590 OR1072-1451/OR1107-976 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

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

Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. Full-Time Medical Assistant/RN - Pediatric experience preferred. Must multitask in fastpaced 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

Boat rental company in Marathon looking for help with boat detailing & boat cleaning. Call 305-481-7006

HIRING:

Office Administrator in Marathon. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), experience with QuickBooks or other accounting software preferred and must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Full time – Mon-Fri. Pay TBDbased on skill. Email: Natalie@cecflk.com

Specialty Hardware of Marathon - Retired? Have hardware knowledge? Want to keep your brain stimulated? Come see us at Specialty - we are looking for a full or part time person. Hardware knowledge a must. Apply in person at 10730 Overseas Hwy. Marathon 1-305-743-3382.

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.

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

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.Rollins-Simms@ vacationclub.com for more information

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Grounds Caretaker, Full-time Carpenter, Electrician & Housing Assistant. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: greenel@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 ext. 225. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

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. HIRED IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS!!!

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

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.

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

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 OBO Marcia, Realtor 305-303-0238

YARD SALES

SARA’S ESTATE SALE on lux TINGLER ISLAND in Marathon @ 78 Tingler Lane, THIS Fri. Feb 27 & Sat, Feb 28 from 9a-1p both days. Emptying this fantastic waterfront estate in the Middle Keys: four poster queen, day (trundle) bed, white sectional couch & big coffee table, modern barrister glass fronted bookcases, recliners, big TV, standing lamps, side chairs, glass topped cane dining table & chairs. Mid mod: folding desk cabinet, console table & filing cabinet. 2 craft/ sewing tables & rolling craft cabinets & closet shelving/wire basket system. Exceptional cache of gear for Boot Key harbor blowboaters (life sling, inflatable dinghy, charts, etc.) + vntg john boat. Cook’n love: sm kitch appliances, pots & pans, fish & shell plates, oversized bubble wine glasses, table linen & napkin rings. Also: plants, pot feet, outdoor furniture, umbrellas, cushions. Photos at estatesales.net. (Turn off US1 at MM50 on to Sombrero Beach Road, and turn L at Tingler. Follow the signs; we got a guy on the gate!)

YARD SALE: NEXT Sat & Sun, March 7 & 8 from 9A-2P. Outdoor furniture, Tools, Fishing equip, Small boat w/elect. motor, Misc. household items. 167 Lorelane Place, Key Largo.

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

OUTSIDE SALE REPRESENTATIVE

Company car & cell phone provided, salary $50k-$90k. Must be bilingual.

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Customer service, full-time, we will train.

Apply by e-mail: keylargo@jms .com Apply in person: 94775 Overseas Highway, Key Largo

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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

To apply: text contact information to 305-431-1109

5101 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIERS

Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.

DOCKHANDS

Duties include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking. Morning & a ernoon hours available.

BOAT RENTAL STAFF

Flexible hours & competitive wages. Need to have experience driving boats and a working knowledge of the Islamorada area by water. Duties include taking reservations, giving captains lessons and routine boat maintenance.

Email Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com Please include contact information and any relevant experience.

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

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician)

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hr. - $51.94/hr.

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

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

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.

pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience:

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

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.

RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals. DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program, in addition to, life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. EOE

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, $15k Bonus

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Administrative Assistant

- Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus

- Cook, Dietary, $5k Bonus

- Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem

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

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

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (Echo & Vascular w/Ultrasound), $25k Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, MRI, $25k Bonus

- Physical Therapist, $25k Bonus

- Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem

- Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem

team/Job Opportunities/location/zip

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

- Pool Medical Technologist

- Pool Pharmacy Tech

- Pool Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab

- Registered Nurse, ICU, $15k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, $25k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator, PT & FT

- Lead Phlebotomist, Laboratory, $10k Bonus

- Manager Environmental Services, FT

- Medical Technologist, $20k Bonus

- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (MRI & X Ray), Radiology, $25k Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $25k Bonus

- 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

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

*Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net

THEME: THE OSCARS

ACROSS

1. Traction aid

6. Freddy’s street 9. Reach a high 13. Italian bowling 14. Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk’s alias, Gary ____ 15. Jolly good one 16. Parallel grooves 17. Many, many moons 18. “Take it back!” 19. *”Song Sung Blue” Best Actress nominee 21. *Movie with most 2026 Oscar nominations 23. Make a seam 24. Vampire’s tooth 25. Tai’s partner 28. South American monkey 30. Naphthenic acid + palmitic acid

35. Pilot’s stunt

37. Forbidden, to a baby 39. Vampire of Greek mythology 40. Italian wine region

41. Not Astroturf 43. Alpine lift 44. Sports figures, e.g. 46. Cantina pot 47. Email folder 48. Not vivid and bright 50. Nessie’s abode 52. *Jamie Foxx won for his role in this 2004 biopic 53. Eagle’s nest 55. Unreliable newspaper

57. *2026 nominated film with Stone and Plemons 61. *ChloÈ Zhao’s nominee 64. Newton or Stern

65. Romanian money

67. Star-crossed one

69. To the point

70. a.k.a sodium hydroxide

71. Novelist Zola

72. Formerly, formerly 73. Aye-aye 74. “He ____ it like it is”

DOWN

1. Not NBC or ABC

2. Reluctant

3. Pantyhose hue

4. DNA and RNA, e.g.

5. Cups and saucers

6. 20-20, e.g.

7. *”One Battle After Another” Best Actor nominee

8. High IQ society

9. *#7’s nominated co-star

10. “Anything ____?”

11. Wing-shaped

12. K to Romans, pl.

15. Like athlete’s foot

20. Behind on rent, e.g.

22. Night spot

24. At last

25. Necklace fastener

26. Popular garden perennial

27. I to Greeks, pl.

29. *2026 nominated Benicio del

31. Benatar and Morita

32. Fly in ____, or a reminder of the past

33. Tarzan’s swing rope

34. *Fictional table tennis champ

36. *Nominated “F1” star

38. Nobel Peace Prize capital

42. Sacrum, pl.

45. Communicating with spirits event

49. Hawaiian flower garland

51. *Inspiration for #61 Across

54. Pep gathering

56. Lawn ornament

57. Angler’s hope

58. ____-friendly

59. Needlefish, pl.

60. Brewer’s kiln

61. Color wheel elements

62. Like fairytale stepmothers?

63. Be a snitch

66. Payment for an eye

68. Hi-____ graphics

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

Whether you’re building a large commercial building, FDOT bridge, or a customdesigned home, we have concrete mix designs for every project. Thanks to decades of experience, our team can create custom mixes with high-quality additives for specific project needs. We offer the largest variety of materials and operate the only FDOT-certified ready-mix plants in the Florida Keys. Call us for all ready-mix concrete, block, aggregate, rebar and bagged good needs.