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According to the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections website, there are 54,468 active registered voters as of March 4. Republican voters total 24,913, Democratic voters total 14,787 and voters from other parties total 14,768.
Sisters Clare, left, and Maeve Merryman battle the sun and the blacktop in the Sombrero Beach Run on Feb. 28. See page 22.
NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly
BOAT FIRED ON BY CUBAN MILITARY WAS REPORTED STOLEN FROM BIG PINE KEY PROPERTY
Alleged thief was among four killed in open-water shootout
night vision equipment, a drone, tactical knives and counterrevolutionary insignia, among other items.
Aboat that reportedly entered into an open-water gunfight with the Cuban military on Feb. 25 was reported stolen from Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys, according to multiple reports.
The man accused of the theft, Hector Cruz Correa, was one of the 10 armed men aboard, and one of four killed in the gunfire, according to Cuban officials. The other six remain in custody.
On Feb. 25, the Cuban Ministry of the Interior reported that a “speedboat” registered in Florida, with the registration number FL7726SH, approached within 1 nautical mile of the Cuban coast near Cayo Falcones. When Cuban Border Guard troops approached the vessel, the ministry said, the crew of the intruding boat opened fire, injuring the Cuban boat’s commander, Yosmany Hernández Hernández.
Calling the intrusion an “attempted armed infiltration for terrorist purposes,” Cuban officials said they found a full complement of weaponry aboard the boat, including assault rifles, sniper rifles and handguns, nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests,
Later the same day, the owner of the intruding boat, Angel Walter Montera, reported his vessel as stolen from Big Pine Key, contacting the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office less than 12 hours after news of the confrontation broke.
According to Montera’s report, he had discovered his vessel missing when he visited its dock on Avenue G in Big Pine Key around 9:30 that morning. He told deputies he stored the boat at the canalfront vacant lot in exchange for doing construction work for the lot’s owner, but hadn’t checked on it personally in over a week. A white Chevy pickup truck registered to Cruz Correa, who Montera said does tile work for him, was left in the lot.
Montera said he initially believed Cruz Correa had taken the boat without permission to go fishing, and tried several times to call him with no response. But later that day, Montera began receiving calls after news broke that the intruding vessel’s registration number matched his missing 1981 24-foot Pro-Line, and he called in the theft just before 5 p.m.
Montera told deputies that Cruz Correa was in the process of repairing two other large vessels and had
borrowed a trailer from him to store one of the boats. Interviewing neighbors in Montera’s report, an Avenue G resident said she saw a man board the boat around 6:30 the night before.
“She found it odd … since the owner, Angel, is known by her … and he doesn’t usually go out this late,” the report states.
Visiting the Avenue G site on Feb. 26, the Keys Weekly found Homeland Security Investigations agents and sheriff’s deputies on site. The white Chevy pickup with a plate matching Montera’s report was still in the lot. Several passing neighbors said they were surprised to see the boat gone, as it had been used infrequently in recent months and they believed Montera to be ill.
That same day, Cuban vice minister of foreign affairs Carlos Fernández de Cossío released the names of the four men killed in the offshore firefight, including Cruz Correa, Pavel Alling Peña, Michel Ortega Casanova and Ledián Padrón Guevara. Also aboard were Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara,
1. A photo released by the Cuban Ministry of the Interior shows the vessel that allegedly engaged in an open-water shootout with the Cuban military. The boat was reported stolen from Big Pine Key the same day by its owner, who said a tile contractor took it from the dock. CONTRIBUTED
2. Photo released by the Cuban Ministry of the Interior show weapons and ammunition allegedly carried aboard a 24-foot boat headed to Cuba from the Florida Keys on Feb. 25.
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
from page 4
MARATHON COUNCIL UPS VACATION RENTAL FEES
Increase will be $200 or less, not $1,000 as proposed
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Marathon’s vacation rental owners will see their licensing fees increase in the coming year – but not by the $1,000 margin originally proposed to the Marathon City Council.
Backing off significantly from the figures posed in January, the council voted unanimously on Feb. 24 to approve a $100 increase for registration and renewal fees for all rentals with two or fewer bedrooms, with a $200 increase for rentals with more than two bedrooms. The newly-approved fee schedule increases the new license fee to $1,200 and renewal fee to $1,100 for a one-bedroom rental.
In January, a proposal from city staff floated a $1,000 increase to both new and renewed rental fees, raising the base cost for a new onebedroom rental license to $2,100 with an annual $2,000 renewal fee.
Adding together the costs of code enforcement staff, vacation rental agents, vehicles, fuel and software, along with other salaries and costs, an analysis provided by Deputy City Manager Brian Bradley also included 10% of the city’s parks and recreation and fire/EMS budgets, calculated at roughly $199,000 and $878,000, respectively.
The new fees, the original agenda statement read, would generate $1.23 million for the city budget, reducing Marathon’s planned deficit spending in the upcoming year by 52%.
For months, fees assessed to vacation rentals have been discussed as one of Marathon’s few legally-permissible changes to rental management, as state statute has preempted further modification of the city’s vacation rental ordinance since 2011.
In the last 15 years, the city has changed its vacation rental fees six times – most recently with a $100 increase approved in 2022. The most controversial raise came in 2015, when a 3-2 vote increased the vacation rental renewal fee from $250 to $500.
Other changes to the ordinance, staff have repeatedly cautioned the council, could result in removal of Marathon’s local control over vacation rentals, dismissing the city’s seven-night minimum stay and forcing reliance on sparse state-controlled enforcement agents.
A line of public commenters told the council they supported bringing the city’s fees in line with its expenses if needed, but questioned justifying a 100% increase with parks and fire budgets – particularly as rental homes already pay higher rates of ad valorem taxes to support the departments without homestead exemptions.
Real estate broker Brian Schmitt said his company manages 171 rentals from 163 owners averaging 2.4 bedrooms apiece. The homes, he said, generate $8.5 million in annual revenue –more than 50% of which goes to local businesses for maintenance and management expenses.
“To try and tax them without reasonable basis is probably not fair,” Schmitt said.
“If I’m a property owner of a three-bedroom (vacation rental) house, I can’t be homestead exempt, so I’m paying the full rate of tax,” said Grassy Key resident John Walton. “That covers EMS, fire and parks and rec. That sounds like you’re double-taxing here, whether you call it a tax or not.”
Former councilman Jeff Smith said he viewed the proposed increase as a question of risk that could have significant tax repercussions for locals.
“Your existing (vacation rental) revenue represents around 15% of your ad valorem tax revenue,” Smith said. “I know everything’s defensible, but I heard ‘defensible’ on many items that have gotten us in trouble over time. If we jeopardize this and lose to the preemptive statute of the state of Florida … I don’t think the community would be too happy with a 15% tax increase and the inability to manage vacation rentals.”
Councilman Lynn Landry said he couldn’t justify including fire and EMS services in a fee increase, as rentals accounted for 18% of Marathon’s single-family homes, but only 5% of emergency calls over the past year. He argued that impacts to Marathon’s parks could instead be offset by raising existing parking fees for visitors at Sombrero Beach.
“I’m convinced a lot of our housing issues are because we have about 1,400 vacation rentals in this town that locals can’t live in,” said councilman Kenny Matlock, who originally requested the fee analysis. “They are good, but they do have some negatives on our small community. … We’ve increased this fee six other times – this is not some uncharted territory.”
City Attorney Steve Williams told the council that “no (number) through the last 45 minutes has raised my alarm that you’re in danger of losing your ordinance,” but that “the further you get away from zero, the more risk.”
Vice Mayor Debbie Struyf said a fee increase could disproportionately affect smaller rentals with lower revenues, eventually proposing the unanimously-approved fee increase. The council directed staff to pursue a third-party study analyzing the city’s fees against its costs.
Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, Amijail Sánchez González and Roberto Álvarez Ávila, Cossío said.
A statement from the Cuban Ministry of the Interior characterized the group as Cuban nationalists living in the U.S., “most of (whom) have prior records involving criminal and violent activity.” It said Sanchez Gonzalez and Cruz Gomez were wanted members of the country’s terrorism watch list.
“Anti-Cuban groups operating in the United States resort to terrorism as an expression of their hatred against Cuba and the impunity they believe they enjoy,” Cossío said.
In another statement the following day, Cuban officials said the men originally left Marathon Key in two boats, but had continued in one boat when the second had technical difficulties. Originally reported as a “speedboat,” images later released of Montera’s vessel showed it as a single-outboard vessel set up as a commercial fishing and trap boat, including commercial licensing numbers on the hull.
“The detainees … face charges for armed assault, illegal entry into the national territory and crimes associated with terrorist acts, violence and illicit arms trafficking,” the Cuban government said.
Montera told sheriff’s deputies that Cruz Correa, who was born in Cuba and lived in Homestead, had two young daughters still in Cuba. Ortega Casanova’s brother told the Associated Press soon after the firefight that Casanova was on an “obsessive and diabolical” quest for Cuba’s freedom.
The incident comes amid alreadyheightened tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, including an oil blockade and other economic pressures to topple the country’s communist regime. Cuban officials gave a nod to the tensions in preliminary statements after the shooting.
“In the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar of the Cuban State in safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring stability in the region,” the statement read.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the incident wasn’t tied to a United States government operation, but said he deeply distrusted the Cuban authorities’ version of events and that the U.S. embassy had yet to receive access to the detained passengers.
“It’s highly unusual to see shootouts on the open sea,” Rubio told reporters. “We are not going to base our conclusions on what they (the Cuban government) have told us … and we’ll respond accordingly.”
STATE BILL THREATENS EVENT FUNDING
Pride, Goombay & other ‘diversity’ programs face uncertain future
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
If a bill circulating in Tallahassee passes in the coming week, then this could be the last year for events such as Key West Pride, Goombay, Womenfest, Black History Month, the Headdress Ball and others.
House Bill 1001, titled Anti-Diversity in Local Government, would ban cities and counties, including tourist development councils (TDCs), from “funding, promoting or taking any official action” to support programs or events related to diversity based on “race, sex, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation,” states the bill’s text.
If HB 1001 passes, then TDC funds could not support Key West Pride, Goombay, Womenfest or other socalled diversity programs, said Rob Dougherty, executive director of the Key West Business Guild, which also operates the Gay Key West visitor center on Duval Street with TDC funds.
“If this passes, the city and county couldn’t allow any of their streets, parks or properties to be used for parades, the street fairs, concerts or other events,” said Dougherty.
“We could only continue to receive that funding if we dropped the ‘Gay’ from ‘Gay Key West,’” Dougherty told the Keys Weekly this week.
Key West City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Sam Kaufman is also monitoring the bill and has asked city manager Brian L. Barroso for any updates from the city’s lobbyists.
“It would be very helpful to understand how this legislation could potentially impact city funding streams or allocations of city resources, as well as any downstream effects on funding opportunities for our local non-profit partners,” Kaufman wrote to Barroso.
The city commission meets Thursday, March 5.
Dougherty and the business guild are urging people to contact Florida
Keys state legislators State Sen. Anna Maria Rodriguez and State Rep. Jim Mooney to oppose HB 1001.
“This isn’t just about the LGBTQ community, but in these cases, it’s all about the +, which includes all our allies. Their support has always been crucial,” Dougherty said.
The House bill and its matching one in the state Senate are sponsored by State Rep. Dean Black and State Sen. Clay Yarborough, both Republicans. But some of their fellow Republicans have opposed the bill in committee votes thus far. It is slated for a full House vote within the week.
“This legislation is drawing bipartisan concern,” states an update from Equality Florida. “During its final House committee hearing, State Rep. Michelle Salzman (R-Escambia) publicly criticized HB 1001 as ‘all over the place’ and ‘incredibly vague.’ And when the vote was called, State Rep. Chip LaMarca (R-Broward) broke ranks and joined Democrats in voting no.”
Florida Keys and Key West tourism officials are closely monitoring the bill, which, if passed, would affect Key West’s tourism revenue and TDC’s support for events that drive tourism.
“The potential economic impact is significant,” Dougherty wrote in an update to his members. “The LGBTQ+ visitor market has long been a cornerstone of Key West tourism. A reduction or loss of these events would have ripple effects across our entire business community. (These events) collectively generate substantial revenue for hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, bars, shops, attractions and services. These events drive visitation, extend length of stay and contribute meaningfully to tourism-related tax revenues. If public promotional support and TDC funding are eliminated (with the passage of HB 1001), 2026 may well be the last year we are able to produce these events.”
According to the Monroe County TDC, Key West Pride historically has at-
A proposed bill in Tallahassee would ban government funding and other public support for ‘diversity’ events such as Key West Pride, Goombay, Womenfest and others. Keys Weekly file photos
tracted up to 1,000 out-of-county visitors each year and this year received $74,500 in TDC funds to promote the event. Other events that would no longer be eligible for TDC funding or any public support under HB 1001 include: Tropical Heat, Womenfest, Key West Burlesque, Randy Roberts Live and “The Birdcage” starring Christopher Peterson.
“HB 1001 is still moving through the legislative process and has not become law,” TDC president Kara Franker told the Keys Weekly on March 3. “We are monitoring it closely. All TDC event grant funding is awarded using content-neutral criteria focused on measurable tourism impact, including projected overnight visitation, economic benefit and marketing reach. It would be premature to speculate on the bill’s potential impact on tourism or visitor numbers at this stage, but we will of course comply with all applicable laws as they are enacted.”
Call your Florida Keys state legislators to offer support or opposition to pending legislation. Scan the QR code to email them.
State Sen. Anna Maria
Rodriquez: District office: 305-470-2552, Tallahassee: 850-487-5040
State Rep. Jim Mooney: Key Largo district office: 305-315-0780, Tallahassee office: 850- 717-5120
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LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE FOR PRESTON BREWER
Sentencing is final chapter in 2023 shooting death of Garrett Hughes
Brewer enters court on Thursday, Feb. 26 for sentencing after being found guilty last month of first-degree
in the 2023 shooting of Garrett Hughes. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
The victim’s side of the courtroom gallery was a sea of red on Thursday afternoon, as the parents, relatives, friends and supporters of the late Garrett Hughes united in the red of Conch Pride to hear Hughes’ shooter, Preston Brewer, be sentenced.
“You have been found guilty by a jury of your peers and adjudicated guilty of murder in the first degree. I hereby sentence you to spend the rest of your life in prison without the possibility of parole,” Judge Mark Jones announced after asking Brewer, who was convicted last month, to approach the bench to be sentenced.
There was no cheer or celebration from the gallery in red. Only a sigh of relief that the case was over and justice had been served.
Brewer declined to say anything when invited to do so by the judge. And the family and friends of Garrett Hughes did not give victim impact statements, choosing not to give Brewer their time or emotion, prosecutor Colleen Dunne said.
The proceedings opened with Jones denying a last-ditch motion for a new trial that was filed by Brewer’s attorneys. It’s a common, though not typically successful, move following a guilty verdict.
Family and friends and supporters of Garrett Hughes wear red for Conch pride at shooter Preston Brewer’s sentencing hearing on Thursday, Feb. 26.
Before sentencing Brewer, Jones spoke of the tragedy of the shooting that “happened in the blink of an eye, and nothing I can say can change the situation today. But maybe something I say may change the way someone behaves in the future,” Jones said, acknowledging the effect of the shooting on the local community and the media attention the case has garnered since it occurred in February 2023.
Jones then discussed the responsible use of firearms.
“If a person chooses to own and carry a deadly weapon, a firearm, to have that firearm loaded with the type of bullets that we saw during this trial, that can rip a man’s guts apart, he better damn well use it responsibly and in a lawabiding manner.”
“Pride goeth before the fall,” Jones said. “This case is a great example of that principle. … One man has lost his life and one will spend the rest of his life in prison.”
Scan the QR code to see video of the sentencing
FORMER CHIEF FLIGHT NURSE SENTENCED IN TRAUMA STAR DRUG THEFTS
Aformer chief flight nurse with Monroe County Trauma Star has been sentenced in a case related to drug thefts.
On Feb. 25, the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office said Lynda J. Rusinowski was sentenced by Circuit Judge Mark Jones to 60 days in Monroe County jail, followed by five years of drug court probation. She must finish the Intervention Projects for Nurses treatment program, complete 50 hours of community service, attend three Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous meetings per week and submit to two urinalyses per week.
Charges were levied after Rusinowski unlawfully obtained and used medical-grade narcotics, including fentanyl, Dilaudid, Versed, ketamine and morphine from Monroe County Fire Rescue’s Trauma Star program. She also falsified official records to conceal the thefts.
The case was presented to a Monroe County grand jury following an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, the Monroe County Clerk’s Office conducted an audit related to the Trauma Star controlled substance records. Collectively, the
investigation and audit identified numerous discrepancies within controlled substance logs and inventories, including missing controlled substance vials and falsified log entries used to mask the diversion of narcotics over a period of time.
Rusinowski, 59, entered an open plea without a negotiated sentencing agreement, leaving sentencing to the judge’s discretion. Rusinowski entered an open plea of no contest to 14 counts of grand theft of a controlled substance and three counts of official misconduct.
Also, Rusinowski was ordered to pay $553 in court costs, along with restitution of $1,152.19 to Monroe County Clerk of Court for the cost of the controlled substances, $2,850 for investigation costs by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and $1,500 for prosecution costs.
During the investigation, the state attorney’s office said, Rusinowski acknowledged her conduct and sought substance abuse treatment.
“This case involved the misuse of controlled substances by someone in a position of medical trust. While the defendant acknowledged her conduct and sought treatment, the diversion of these medications required a criminal response,” said major crimes prosecutor Colleen Dunne.
— Keys Weekly staff report
Preston
murder
Judge Mark Jones sentences Preston Brewer to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Lynda Rusinowski
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
A. Recognition of Five Years of Service to the City of Marathon: James Williams - Public Works, Landscape Technician II
B. Temporary Distribution of Signatory Authority and Other Duties (Councilmember Matlock)
CITY MANAGER REPORT
*A. MCSO Marathon Substation Report
*B. Grants Update
*C. Public Works Report
*D. Park and Recreation Report
*E. Engineering Report
*F. Marina Report
*G. Code Report
*H. Wastewater Utilities Report
*I. Building Report
*J. Marathon Fire Rescue Report
K. Florida Commerce ACSC Administration Permit Contact Line (Informational)
QUASI-JUDICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Resolution 2026-19, Consideration Of A Request By MarineMax East, Inc., For A Conditional Use Permit
Pursuant To Chapter 102, Article 13 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (“The Code”) Entitled “Conditional Use Permits”, Authorizing The Continued Operation Of A Marina With Associated Fuel Sales And Storage At The Property Located At 77 Coco Plum Drive, Which Is Legally Described As Section 5, Township 66, Range 33, On Coco Plum Beach, Including Lots 3, 14, 15, 16 And 17 Of The Unrecorded Lime Grove Estates Plat, Marathon, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Number 00100750-001600, Nearest Mile Marker 54.
B. Resolution 2026-20, Approving The Ranking And Allocations Of The Market Rate And Affordable Residential Building Permit Allocation System (RBPAS) For Period 1, Year 2026 (January 14, 2026 To July 13, 2026); And Providing For An Effective Date.
ORDINANCES FOR FIRST PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Ordinance 2026-01 An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending Chapter 6 “Buildings And Building Regulations”, Article 2 “Building Code”, Sec. 6-54 “Application Procedure For Permits Under Allocation System” Of The Code Of Ordinances; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; And Providing For An Effective Date.
B. Ordinance 2026-02 An Ordinance Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending The City Of Marathon’s Comprehensive Plan Modifying Chapter One, “Future Land Use Element,” And Intending To Modify Table 1-1, “Future Land Use Densities And Intensities,” Modify Policy 1-3.5.13, “Inventory Affordable/Workforce Housing,” Modify Policy 1-3.5.14, “Establish A Land Acquisition And Conservation Advisory Committee,” Modify Objective 1-4.1, “Provide Workforce-Affordable Housing Building Permit Allocations,” Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce After The First Hearing By The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date.
City of Marathon City Council Agenda
9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 5:30 P.M.
(*Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval of Agenda)
C. Ordinance 2026-03 An Ordinance Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending The City Of Marathon’s Comprehensive Plan Modifying Chapter Two, “Housing Element,” And Intending To Modify Policy 2- 1.1.3, “Affordable And Workforce Housing Report,” Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce After The First Hearing By The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date.
D. Ordinance 2026-04 An Ordinance Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending The City Of Marathon’s Comprehensive Plan Modifying Chapter Three, “Infrastructure Element,” And Intending To Modify Policy 3-3.4.1, “Pursue Funding Sources,” Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce After The First Hearing By The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date.
E. Ordinance 2026-05 An Ordinance Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending The City Of Marathon’s Comprehensive Plan Modifying Chapter Four, “Conservation And Coastal Element,” And Intending To Modify Policy 4-1.2.14, “Establish And Coordinate Acquisition Programs,” Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce After The First Hearing By The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date.
F. Ordinance 2026-06 An Ordinance Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending The City Of Marathon’s Comprehensive Plan Modifying Chapter Five, “Intergovernmental Coordination Element,” And Intending To Modify Policy 5-1.2.4, “Coordinate All Transportation Improvements,” Modify Policy 5-1.2.10, “Render Appropriate Development Permits,” Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce After The First Hearing By The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date.
G. Ordinance 2026-07 An Ordinance Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending The City Of Marathon’s Comprehensive Plan Modifying Chapter Seven, “Transportation Element,” And Intending To Modify Policy 7-1.1.3, “Address Short Term And Long Term Strategies To Reduce Clearance Time,” Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce After The First Hearing By The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date.
H. Ordinance 2026-08 An Ordinance Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending The City Of Marathon’s Comprehensive Plan Modifying Chapter Nine, “Implementation And Review Element,” And Intending To Modify Policy 9-1.2.2, “Annual Work Program And Evaluation,” Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce After The First Hearing By The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date.
I. Ordinance 2026-09 An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending Chapter 102 “Development Application Review Procedures”, Article 6 “Comprehensive Plan Amendment”, Amending Figure 102.22.1 “Comprehensive Plan Amendment Review Process”; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The Department Of Commerce In Accordance With State Law.
J. Ordinance 2026-10 An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending Chapter 102 “Development Application Review Procedures”, Article 7 “Land Development Text Amendment”, Amending Figure 102.28.1 “Land Development Regulation Text Amendment Process”; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The Department Of Commerce In Accordance With State Law.
K. Ordinance 2026-11 An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending Chapter 102 “Development Application Review Procedures”, Article 8 “Development Agreement”, Amending Section 102.32 “Procedure For Consideration And Approval”; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The Department Of Commerce In Accordance With State Law.
L. Ordinance 2026-12 An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending Chapter 102 “Development Application Review Procedures”, Article 11 “Rezoning”, Amending Figure 102.62.1 “Rezoning Review Process”; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The Department Of Commerce In Accordance With State Law.
M. Ordinance 2026-13 An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending Chapter 102 “Development Application Review Procedures”, Article 13 “Conditional Use”, Amending Figure 102.80.1 “Conditional Use Permit Review Process; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The Department Of Commerce In Accordance With State Law.
N. Ordinance 2026-14 An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending Chapter 102 “Development Application Review Procedures”, Article 17 “Appeals”, Amending Figure 102.98.1 “Appeals Review Process”; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The Department Of Commerce In Accordance With State Law.
O. Ordinance 2026-15 An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending Chapter 102 “Development Application Review Procedures”, Article 18 “Beneficial Use Determinations”, Section 102.104 “Final Determination By Council”, Amending Figure 102.104.1 “Beneficial Use Determinations Process”; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The Department Of Commerce In Accordance With State Law.
P. Ordinance 2026-16 An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending Chapter 102 “Development Application Review Procedures”, Article 19 “Vested Rights Determinations”, Amending Section 102.110 “Final Determination”; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The Department Of Commerce In Accordance With State Law.
Q. Ordinance 2026-17 An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending Chapter 103 “Zoning Districts”, Article 3 “Use And Intensity Tables”, Tables 103.15.1 “Uses By Zoning District” And 103.15.2 “Density, Intensity And Dimensions For Zoning Districts”; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The Department Of Commerce In Accordance With State Law.
R. Ordinance 2026-18 An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending Chapter 107 “General Development Standards”, Article 2 “Transfer of Building Rights”, Section 107.17 “General Provisions”; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The Department Of Commerce In Accordance With State Law.
City of Marathon City Council Agenda 9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon Tuesday, March 10, 2026 5:30 P.M.
(*Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval of Agenda)
S. Ordinance 2026-19 An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending Chapter 107 “General Development Standards”, Article 12 “Floodplain Management”, Section 107.101 “Permits”; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The Department Of Commerce In Accordance With State Law.
T. Ordinance 2026-20 An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Amending Chapter 110 “Definitions”, Article 3 “Defined Terms”; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Commerce; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The Department Of Commerce In Accordance With State Law.
U. Ordinance 2026-21, An Ordinance Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Modifying Chapter 32, Section 32-34 Of The City Code Of Ordinances, ‘Tow Away Zones’ To Add A New Tow Away Zone On The West Side Of 107th Street From U.S. Highway 1 To Aviation Boulevard; Providing For Removal Of Any Sections Of The Code Found In Conflict With This Change In The Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Incorporation Into The Code Of Ordinances; And Providing For An Effective Date.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
A. Resoluton 2026-21 Authorizing A “Piggy-Back” Purchase Pursuant To The City’s Purchasing Policies And Procedures And Approving The Purchase of one (1) 2026 Chevy Silverado 3500HD Regular Cab 2WD With Utility Body And Crane Attachment Under The Florida Sheriff’s Bid 2026 091521-NAF & 032824-NAF From Alan Jay Fleet Sales, In An Amount Not To Exceed $113,135.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date
*B. Resolution 2026–22, Accepting The Ranking And Recommendation Of The City’s Evaluation Team Of The Community Park Soccer Field Refurbishment RFP; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute A Contract With The Top Ranked Firm XGD Systems, LLC In The Amount Of $378,844.26; And Providing For An Effective Date.
*C. Resolution 2026-23, Authorizing The City Manager To Execute A Shoreline Setback Waiver On Behalf Of The City As An Affected Riparian Rights Owner Of Adjacent Property To Pacifica Marathon, LLC., Located At 57784 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key And Having Real Estate Number 00373740-000000.
*D. Resolution 2026-24, Approving And Accepting Warranty Deeds For The Conveyance Of Lands From Christine M. Morshedi Recipient Of A Residential Dwelling Unit Allocation Award; Authorizing Their Recording In The Public Records Of Monroe County, Florida; And Providing An Effective Date.
*E. Resolution 2026-25, Approving And Accepting Warranty Deeds For The Conveyance Of Lands From Liron Gozlan Recipient Of A Residential Dwelling Unit Allocation Award; Authorizing Their Recording In The Public Records Of Monroe County, Florida; And Providing An Effective Date.
*F. Resolution 2026-26, Approving And Accepting Warranty Deeds For The Conveyance Of Lands From Austin Notgrass Recipient Of A Residential Dwelling Unit Allocation Award; Authorizing Their Recording In The Public Records Of Monroe County, Florida; And Providing An Effective Date.
*G. Resolution 2026-27, Awarding The Contract For The Area 3 Influent Piping System Upgrade To Reynolds Construction, LLC In An Amount Not To Exceed $126,870.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date
*H. Resolution 2026-28, Nominating Property For Purchase By The Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Land Authority For The Purposes Of Supporting Affordable Housing (Re No. 00342080-000000); AndProviding For An Effective Date
*I. Resolution 2026-29, Authorizing A “Piggy-Back” Purchase Pursuant To The City’s Purchasing Policies And Procedures And Approving The Purchase Of Fifteen (15) Portable Radios And Accessories Under The Florida Department Of Management Services Alternate Contract Source (Acs) No. 43190000-22-Naspo-Acs For Public Safety Communication Products, Services And Solutions From Motorola Solutions, Inc. In An Amount Not To Exceed $128,419.18 And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date.
J. Resolution 2026-30, Approving Amendments To The Rates And Rental Fee Schedule For The Use Of Boot Key Harbor City Marina Facilities; and Providing An Effective Date.
*K. Resolution 2026-31, Approving A Separation Agreement And General Release Between George Garrett and The City of Marathon; Authorizing The Mayor To Execute The Agreement And Appropriate Funds; and Providing For An Effective Date.
*L. Resolution 2026-32, Approving Change Order No. 2 To Contract Between The City And LPS Utilities, Inc., DBA LPS Contracting. Increasing The Contract In An Amount Not To Exceed $134,975.00 For Completion Of The Site Utilities And Adjustment To Two Finger Piers; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Change Order And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.
M. Resolution 2026-33, Authorizing and Approving A Change Order To The Contract For The Construction Of Phase 1 Force Main For The Deep Injection Well Project to DBE Utility Services in an amount Not to Exceed $1,485,359.16; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Appropriate Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.
Pursuant
LINCOLN FILES FOR COUNTY COMMISSION RACE
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln will seek another term to serve the Florida Keys this fall.
A full-time resident of the Keys since 1999, Lincoln served on the Marathon City Council from 2015 to 2018 before her two terms on the Monroe County Commission as District 2 representative. Her district covers Boca Chica in the Lower Keys north through the Seven Mile Bridge and includes the north side of U.S. 1 up to the neighborhoods behind the Marathon Airport. At press time, she is the only declared candidate for the position.
“I still have a passion to serve my community, and the best way I know how to do that is by being an elected official,” she told the Weekly by phone on March 3. “Because I was once on the Marathon City Council, and because I’m so active in Rotary and the Chamber (of Commerce), I feel I’ve stayed in tune with what our community wants.”
In 2025, Lincoln was sworn in as president of the Florida Association of Counties. It’s a position she said has opened doors statewide to allow Keys voices to be heard.
“Now when I’m walking the halls in Tallahassee, I don’t just hear ‘commissioner,’ I hear ‘hey, president,’ and it’s a staffer from another county,” she said. “They vote on the things that are important to our county.”
She listed improvements to Big Pine Community Park, a rebuild in the works for the Sugarloaf Key fire station and the county’s successful launch of an artificial reefs program as hallmark achievements in her last term.
“When I became a commissioner, it was right after Irma. Big Pine was really hit the hardest, and I’ve seen that community turn around,” she said. “On any given day you go to the beach, to the park there, and it’s packed with kids playing soccer and tee ball, adults playing bocce ball. There’s just so much going on, and I’m still wanting to make that a better place for our families.”
related employees throughout the island chain, but admitted the commission is “tapping the brakes” as its Southcliff Estates project in Key Largo faces ongoing vacancies and a strong resident pushback to initial rental rates.
“We’re going to stop, and do a study to make sure we’re providing the right product in each individual community,” she said.
The county commission has weathered several high-stakes challenges during Lincoln’s most recent term, from large-scale changes to Monroe County Fire Rescue and the Tourist Development Council following a 2023 drug diversion scandal and several critical audits of county departments and oversight. In 2025, a 50% funding cut to nonprofits fueled by the county’s Human Services Advisory Board and elimination of roughly 20 staff positions kept meeting rooms full as the commission looked to comply with directives from the Florida Department of Government Efficiency.
“When the government above you is telling you what you need to do, then you have to,” she said, reiterating the need for the county to build its own disaster reserve fund in the face of large-scale FEMA overhauls. The county’s current budget will add $2 million to those reserves this year.
“We’ve been really blessed not needing to use those funds, but we know it’s just a matter of time,” Lincoln said. “We could have cut the entire $4 million out of the budget (for nonprofits), but we cut it by 50%,” she said. “We’re looking at ways, if we can’t give funding from our ad valorem taxes, can we maybe get more grant money, or are there other ways to make sure the community is receiving services they need?”
And while the county has made great strides in the fight against derelict vessels, she listed projects like an upcoming Boca Chica mooring field and returning commercial air service to the Marathon Airport as top items of unfinished business.
She told the Weekly she’s eager to deploy the rest of a $35 million tourist development tax surplus to support workforce housing builds for tourism-
Locally, Lincoln volunteers with the Guardian ad Litem program, representing the interests of abused children during legal proceedings. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Marathon, Marathon Chamber of Commerce and Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, and serves as a Take Stock in Children mentor.
The qualifying period for the 2026 county commission election runs from Monday, June 8 to Friday, June 12. Lincoln joins current Mayor Pro Tem David Rice as the only prefiled candidates, with Rice set to run for reelection in Marathon and Islamorada’s District 4.
Michelle Lincoln
KCB THROWS A BASH
Key Colony celebrates 69th anniversary with annual parade, block party
It may be one of the Keys’ smallest cities, but the celebration to mark 69 years since Key Colony Beach incorporated proved that local pride isn’t measured in square miles. The annual Key Colony Beach Day, hosted by the KCB Community Association on March 1, lined the streets around City Hall with dozens of vendors and food options, while live music and the sirens from “Barracuda Races” set the tone for a day of revelry. A parade with local dignitaries, first responders, business leaders and civic organizations – and even a band atop a pontoon boat – proceeded from 15th to 1st Street to get the party started on a day of local camaraderie to honor the “Gem of the Florida Keys.”
— Keys Weekly staff report
Residents and visitors of Key Colony Beach mark nearly seven decades since the city’s incorporation at the annual Key Colony Beach Day, an all-day concert, shopping spree and block party on March 1. Photos by ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly
JURY CONVICTS MIAMI MAN IN VIOLENT HUMAN SMUGGLING SCHEME
Afederal jury in Miami convicted 32-year-old Victor Rafael Arcia Albeja, of Miami, on Feb. 20 for his role in a violent human smuggling scheme that brought Cuban nationals from Cuba to Key Largo.
According to prosecutors, Arcia Albeja was part of a group that kidnapped and extorted Cuban migrants, holding them captive and threatening brutal harm to force payments from their families.
U.S. Attorney Jason Quiñones said six defendants convicted for their roles in a South Florida-based smuggling and extortion scheme treated them as commodities, imprisoning them, beating them with machetes, staging mock executions and putting guns to their heads to extort ransom from their families.
“These are not immigration violations. They are violent federal crimes. If you exploit desperation for profit in South Florida, you will be hunted down, prosecuted federally and face the full weight of the law,” Quiñones said.
The jury convicted Arcia Albeja of conspiracy to kidnap, four counts of kidnapping, conspiracy to bring an alien to the U.S., bringing an alien to the U.S. and four counts of violent crimes in furtherance of racketeering. Arcia Albeja faces a maximum sentence of life in prison on the kidnapping-related charges. He also faces up to 10 years in prison on each of the alien smuggling counts and up to 20 years in prison on each count of violent crimes in furtherance of racketeering.
Arcia Albeja was the last of six defendants to be convicted in the case. Others were Osmel Benitez, 40, of Opa-Locka; Victor Manuel Perez Cardenas, 40, of Tampa; Jhonny Walther Izaguirre Lopez, 46, and Yoelys Prada Ramos, 45, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Jose Angel Marrero Rodriguez, 52, of Houston.
According to the evidence presented at trial, in March and May 2024, Arcia Albeja and Perez Cardenas transported Cuban nationals by boat from Cayo Coco, Cuba to Key Largo. Benitez and other members of the smuggling enterprise then transported them to a safe house in
Miami Gardens, where members of the enterprise demanded $15,000 per person from the migrants’ families and friends.
To enforce payment and deter noncompliance, members of the enterprise used threats and violence. When the migrants brought in March 2024 failed to pay, Prada Ramos showed them a video depicting a man battering a victim with a machete, then shooting the victim dead.
Arcia Albeja and other members of the enterprise said no migrant would be released until full payment was received.
On May 18, 2024, Arcia Albeja and Perez Cardenas brought some 15 Cuban nationals to Key Largo. After some attempted to flee, members of the enterprise pursued them. Meanwhile, Perez Cardenas drove some of them to the safe house. There, enterprise members threatened them with harm if payment was not made. When several families failed to pay, five Cuban nationals were taken to a vacant farm property in northwest Miami-Dade County used for cockfighting.
At that location, members of the enterprise resumed their efforts to collect the smuggling fees, including staging and recording acts of violence and sending the videos to their families. One Cuban national testified that Izaguirre Lopez put her on a FaceTime call with her mother, put a gun to her head, and told her mother that if she did not pay, she would receive her daughter’s head. In another instance, Benitez and Arcia Albeja forced one of them to participate in a mock hanging while being beaten with a machete.
When the extortion scheme failed, members of the enterprise attempted to transport the Cuban nationals to Louisiana for forced labor to satisfy the smuggling debts. On May 20, 2024, law enforcement stopped Izaguirre Lopez on the Florida Turnpike in Sumter County, arrested him and rescued the Cuban nationals.
“The depravity of this kidnapping and smuggling operation is almost beyond description,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles.
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
William Martin
THEY WENT BIG
Surf Style opens 55,000-square-foot store with three-day party
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
When one of the largest beach stores in the world opens its doors, a ribbon cutting isn’t enough.
For three days straight from Feb. 27 through March 1, the staff at Surf Style in Marathon gave locals and visitors an opening extravaganza to celebrate the company’s 55,000-squarefoot flagship location. Kids climbed aboard a mechanical bull shark for a bucking ride, rocked airbrush T-shirts and tested their steady legs on the store’s perpetual wave FlowRider attraction – following the example set by pro surfers dropping in throughout the weekend.
Giveaways galore, drink tastings, product demos and a performance by the Marathon High School band followed a ceremonial grand opening by the Marathon Chamber of Commerce with local business leaders and elected officials.
Guests of honor for the festivities included world-renowned artists and conservationists Wyland and Guy Harvey, who showcased their merch lines while offering photo ops and signings with fans.
The pair of artists collaborated on the mural gracing the front of the new store, dubbed “Whaling Wall #87 – Florida’s Radiant Reef.” Marking 25 years since its original painting in 2001, the store surprised both with a cake to rededicate the mural and partnership, which Surf Style agreed to preserve during construction at the request of the Marathon community.
“Once they found out what it meant, they did everything they could to make sure it was restored,” Wyland told the Weekly.
Surf Style welcomes shoppers to its flagship location in Marathon during a three-day grand opening extravaganza from Feb. 27 through March 1. The weekend included meet-and-greets with artists Wyland and Guy Harvey, the creators of the storefront mural and now partners with the company. Photos by ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly
BYRON DONALDS VISITS MARATHON
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
ne of Florida’s top gubernatorial candidates paid a visit to the Middle Keys as the Keys Common Sense Conservatives PAC hosted Rep. Byron Donalds for a luncheon in Marathon on March 1.
SATURDAY &
BRUNCH 11am - 2:30pm
Regular menu available and BRUNCH items including chorizo breakfast burrito, guava French toast, crab benedict and BOGO mimosas & glasses of sparkling wine
DAILY
Serving the U.S. House for Florida’s 19th district, including the southwest Florida cities of Naples, Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Donalds announced his candidacy for Florida’s top post in February 2025 after earning consider-
ation by Donald Trump as a potential running mate in the 2024 presidential election.
Filling the events tiki at the city of Marathon’s Oceanfront Park, Donalds addressed local voters, elected officials and law enforcement personnel before moving to Sombrero Beach. The representative assisted the Turtle Hospital in releasing rehabbed juvenile green turtle “Miller,” fully recovered and ready for release after being found floating and lethargic in the Upper Keys in early February.
1. Byron Donalds poses with members of the keys Common Sense Conservatives Political Action Committee. 2. State Rep. Jim Mooney, left, and county commissioner Holly Raschein, right, welcome Donalds to the Middle Keys. 3. Donalds greets county commissioner Jim Scholl. 4. Islamorada Village Council member Anna Richards welcomes Donalds. 5. Donalds, right, helps Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach release rehabbed green turtle ‘Miller,’ fresh off treatment for biotoxins, at Sombrero Beach.
Photos by Natalie Danko and Alex Rickert
FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS
TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE (ABOUT AGING)
Two truths and a lie. It’s a game – a drinking game I played in college with my dormmates. A great icebreaker and an even better hangover. The rules are simple. You say two true statements about yourself, plus one lie. If the other person figures out the lie, you drink. If they get it wrong, they drink. I was terrible at this game. Turns out, I’m a horrible liar. I lost. A lot.
By now, you’re probably wondering where this article is going. I’m getting there, I promise. But first, let’s play.
Can you spot the lie?
Aging is inevitable. Aging is graceful. Aging is individual.
Find the lie? If you guessed aging is graceful, you’d be right. That one’s a total lie.
In my younger years, I’d be throwing back a shot of tequila for losing that round. These days, I like to live a little wilder and throw back a double espresso instead. So yes, I just crushed your dreams of aging gracefully. But here’s the good news: You can age well. And that distinction matters more than we’ve been led to believe.
Somewhere along the way, aging got wrapped up in a very polished, very unrealistic narrative. Smooth skin. Effortless energy. Linen pants. Green juice. No joint pain. No mood swings. No Googling “why does my knee make that noise?” That’s not aging – that’s marketing. Aging is real. It’s human. And it’s anything but graceful. Aging well, on the other hand, is achievable and it has nothing to do with chasing youth. Aging well means feeling strong, steady, capable and at home in the body you’re living in now. It’s carrying your groceries without thinking twice. Climbing the boat ladder without bracing yourself first. Getting off the floor without needing a plan or an audience. That’s the goal. Not perfection. Not rewind. Capacity. What helps us age well? First,
let’s talk about movement – not workouts, not punishment, not “earning” your food. Simple movement. Walking. Lifting things occasionally. Stretching like you mean it. Letting your heart rate rise sometimes and your stress levels come down more often. Consistency beats intensity every single time, especially as we age. Second, and I say this with love, muscle is not optional. Muscle is a metabolic insurance plan. It protects your joints, bones, blood sugar and independence. You don’t need to become a bodybuilder, but if your idea of aging gracefully involves avoiding anything heavier than a wine glass, we need to have a conversation.
And finally, the most overlooked factor of all: your nervous system.
Chronic stress ages us faster than birthdays ever will. Poor sleep, constant rushing, emotional tension – these things quietly undo even the “healthiest” lifestyles. Calm isn’t lazy, rest isn’t weakness, and slowing down isn’t giving up, it’s recalibrating.
People who age well laugh. They connect, get sunlight, eat food they enjoy, and feel useful and seen. They don’t try to control themselves harder. They build lives their bodies don’t have to fight against. So no, I’m not interested in aging gracefully. I’m interested in aging honestly. Strong enough to live fully. Flexible enough to adapt. Grounded enough to enjoy the view. Wrinkles included. Because getting older isn’t the problem. Losing your relationship with your body is. And if you’re still breathing? You’re still in the game.
...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC.
JENNIFER HARVEY
SUN CHASERS Racers
brave the heat in Sombrero Beach Run
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Runners and walkers braved the rays to get their steps in at the 2026 Sombrero Beach Run on Feb. 28. Living up to its motto of “come for the run, stay for the sun,” entrants enjoyed back-toback 10K, 5K and kids’ fun run events, with some braving the 15K challenge by running both races consecutively. Sponsored by the Key West Southernmost Runners, proceeds from the annual race support Keys Area Interdenominational Resources, a Marathonbased nonprofit organization that provides food pantry, housing assistance, emergency and relocation support among other services.
THE WINNERS’ CIRCLE
1. Lucian Burns - 17:34 2. Allan Taylor - 19:03 3. Anthony Kelhower - 19:28
1. Helena Bursa - 23:00 2. Molly Joly - 23:42 3. Georgia Robison - 24:14
1. John Thomas - 42:30
Anthony Pallaria - 42:43
Jakub Bursa - 45:38
1. Molly Joly - 46:34
Helena Bursa - 48:37
Charlotte Michaels - 49:46 1. Led by Marathon High distance runners, the 5K field takes off at the gun.
2. Even in a ‘fun run,’ a sprint for the finish is a must.
3. Chloe Rodriguez, left, and Ariella Dworniczak stick together in the 10K.
4. Jesus Parra passes the first mile marker.
5. Jose Libano shows some love in the 10K. 6. Best T-shirt of the morning. Hands down. 7. Oran Hesterman hits the finish line.
8. A crew from Spain makes the trip across the pond just for the Sombrero Beach Run.
by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly
Photos
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Flappers, colorful suits and cigars descended on Marlin Bay Resort on Feb. 28 for the Marathon Business and Professional Women’s 2026 Keysino Night.
Trying their luck at over a dozen gaming tables with professional casino staff from Casino Party Nights Florida, the Gatsby-themed revelers gambled the evening away in one of Marathon’s classiest annual fundraisers, cashing out at the end of the night for a chance to win high-dollar raffle prizes.
“The highlight was the venue –that was a big hit, and everyone loved the theme,” said event organizer Lorna Sanchez. “We were excited to see everyone jump in and embrace it.
Estimated proceeds from the evening totaled $10,000 to support BPW’s Stacy Kidwell Memorial Scholarship, awarded each year to a Marathon High School senior, along with adult scholarships for women furthering their education and other local charitable initiatives.
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STAGES ARE SET FOR SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL
200 Nashville music-makers come south April 29-May 3
The annual Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI, has announced the lineup for its 30th anniversary event April 29-May 3. Additional songwriters and show schedules will be announced later this month at keywestsongwritersfestival.com.
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Rams Head Presents will welcome more than 200 BMI creators to the festival, when Music City makes its way to the Southernmost City.
uengling
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BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM
• Unique & interesting menu
• $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots
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• New Sandwich Options
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Free and ticketed shows at the Key West Theater will feature prominent songwriters like Ashley Cooke, Hardy, Brian Kelley, Chuck Mead, Rissi Palmer, Bruce Robison and Robert Randolph.
The festival launches Wednesday, April 29 with the Sunset Pier Kickoff Party at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, featuring Jeffrey Steele and the Brummies. On Saturday, May 2, Ernest will host the annual free public block party at the Main Stage on Duval Street.
“Sunday Songs: Music & Mimosas” will return to Williams Hall on Sunday, May 3, while Rams Head Southernmost Bar & Restaurant will serve as the event headquarters.
BMI songwriters Bob DiPiero and Jeffrey Steele, who helped establish the festival in the late ’90s with festival founder Charlie Bauer, return this year. They are joined by perennial local favorites Chuck Cannon and Tia Sillers, alongside Wendell Mobley. James Slater also returns, continuing his streak of consecutive appearances since 2004. The festival’s history continues with the return of Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman, who first appeared in 2005, as well as Danny Myrick and Bobby Pinson, both of whom have been event highlights since 2007. With their 2008 debuts, Doug Johnson, Robert Earl Keen and Bridgette Tatum have cultivated a steadfast following in Key West.
The lineup is further bolstered by musicians such as Rebecca Lynn Howard, Phil Barton, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose, who have been integral to the event since 2010. Following their 2013 debut, Ryan Beaver and Tyler Reeve will return, as will Jack Ingram and Lee Thomas Miller, who first joined the festival in 2015. Taylor Phillips, Aaron Raitiere and Trent Tomlinson will perform after their initial mark on the festival in 2017. Ronnie Bowman will perform for his ninth consecutive year.
This year’s 30th annual Key West Songwriters Festival takes place April 29-May 3 and will again feature a free musical block party on Duval Street on Saturday, May 2. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
The Key West Songwriters Festival has served as a place of discovery for the likes of Chris Stapleton, Randy Houser and Jamey Johnson, who first performed at the event in 2005. This tradition of identifying generational talent continued with early appearances by Thomas Rhett, Dustin Lynch, Kacey Musgraves and Charlie Worsham in 2011, followed by 2013 debuts from Drew Baldridge, Gary Clark Jr., and Caitlyn Smith, as well as Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Hardy, Walker Hayes and Maggie Rose in 2016. In recent years, the festival has maintained its status as a launchpad for headliners, hosting Morgan Wallen and Ashley McBryde in 2018, Ernest in 2019, Carter Faith and Riley Green in 2022, and Elle King and Ella Langley in 2023.
About BMI
BMI represents the public performance rights of over 22.4 million musical works created and owned by more than 1.4 million songwriters, composers and music publishers.
About Rams Head
Rams Head Presents provides programming for the Key West Theater and the Key West Amphitheater in Key West and for the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis. The company bought the Key West Songwriters Festival in 2021 and launched the Annapolis Songwriters Festival in September 2022.
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CATE WORDEN
What is your favorite thing about living in the Keys? I love the tight-knit community! Yes, everyone knows everyone’s business and there’s the coconut telegraph, but people also care and look out for each other. What’s a local business you couldn’t live without? Irie Island Eats. They have delicious food and the owners are so supportive and generous within our local community.
What is your greatest fear? Complacency.
Which living person do you most admire? My mama, GayAnn Tangen. She has endured so much in life and yet still holds firmly to her faith and purpose here on Earth. It’s a true miracle she’s still alive today and I’m so grateful for her unconditional love.
What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show right now? TV Show: “When Calls the Heart.” My kids enjoy watching it with me and we discuss the time period as part of history. I’m a teacher so I can make anything educational!
Book: The Bible.
Movie: “Pride and Prejudice.”
What’s a talent you wish you had? To sing and play the piano well. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why? My husband always makes fun of me because I don’t like change, so maybe to learn to embrace it more?
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 Cate Worden, who is a Florida Keys native through and through. After leaving for college and starting her family with her husband Allen, who is the owner of Selevel General Contracting, she returned home 11 years ago to raise their four sons, ages 5 to 12.
As a certified teacher, she stays busy leading a local homeschool group, conducting academic evaluations and managing the books for the family business. When she isn’t volunteering in youth sports or at her church, you can find her on the volleyball court at the MHS gym or at home with the boys and their poodle, Mickey.
What is your most marked characteristic? Patience.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Snuggling with my kids.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A butterfly, because they are gentle and graceful and beautiful.
What’s a habit you’d love to break? Overthinking things.
What is your greatest regret? Generally, any time I offend or hurt someone’s feelings, because I never mean to.
What’s something you’re really proud of? Delivering four babies naturally! Three with no pain medication, including one weighing over 10 pounds.
What is your most treasured possession? My water bottle – I literally take it everywhere.
What do you most value in your friends? Authenticity.
What’s a simple pleasure that brings you joy? Chocolate and a nice hot bath.
What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? I’m naturally a free spirit and not a planner or go-getter.
What are your favorite & least favorite smells? My favorite smell is gardenia flowers. My least favorite is rotting seaweed.
JAMES DAMON CHAPLIN 1966-2026
Marathon lost a lifelong resident when 60-year-old James Chaplin passed away in his home on Knights Key on Feb. 19.
Born in Marathon at Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Jamie’s family were well-known Marathon settlers whose mother arrived in 1949 and father in 1952, later establishing Chaplin Real Estate.
Jamie attended a brand-new Stanley Switlik Elementary School, where he served as a patrol officer and played Little League baseball while also playing in the rhythm band. He then attended Marathon High School, where he played football and basketball and formed lifelong friendships with classmates like Ben Daniels. He graduated in 1984 and enrolled in Palm Beach Junior College before transferring to the Fort Lauderdale Art Institute.
Upon returning to his hometown, he founded the Island T-shirt Factory where he designed and printed custom T-shirts for local businesses and events.
He also ventured into the family business after earning his real estate license. He was certified to appraise real estate and eventually founded his own firm, Florida Keys Appraisers.
Never one to pass up a good time, Jamie was wellknown throughout town as an affable jokester. He was also active in the Marathon Community Theater and appeared in several productions, including “A Few Good Men.”
Jamie is survived by his parents, Bettye and James; his brother Stephen, and nephews Camron and Cooper of Marathon. A celebration of life is planned for the near future. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made in Jamie’s name with Marathon Community Theater or a Monroe County animal shelter.
FELIX
3-year-old male domestic shorthair.
Looking for: A nice, quiet, cozy home.
Turnoffs: I’m not sure yet – I’m just getting used to things here.
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.
PEANUT
1-year-old Peruvian guinea pig.
Looking for: A home for me and my brother; we’re best friends.
Turnoffs: Guinea pigs can get scurvy if they don’t get vitamin C.
BUGSY
3-year-old shih tzu/poodle mix.
Looking for: You. Me. Kids. Other dogs. The whole package.
Turnoffs: I’d prefer to be with you than be left alone.
Name: Royce Schmidt
Historical figure: Stan Lee
The coolest thing I learned was that he was the one who created Marvel, and he didn’t go to college.
Name: Owen Loftus
Historical figure: Jackie Robinson
The coolest thing I learned was that he was the first African American to play professional baseball, and he was a four-sport college athlete.
Name: Luna Fauber
Historical figure: Hatshepsut
The coolest thing I learned was she was one of very few female rulers in Egyptian history, and ruled longer than any of the others. She proclaimed herself as king, not queen, and wore a false beard sometimes.
Name: Kevin Diaz
Historical figure: Ray Charles
The coolest thing I learned was that he wrote his music with a Braille notation system.
Name: Asniel Marrero
Historical figure: George Washington
The coolest thing I learned was that he was the leader of the Revolutionary War, and our first president.
Name: Skylor Willis
Historical figure: Buzz Aldrin
The coolest thing I learned was that he saved the Apollo 11 with a felt-tip pen. He put it in the ignition switch when the switch broke off.
The coolest thing I learned was that he fought against the British and warned people to save the town.
Historical
The coolest thing I learned was that in 1964, she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She graduated college with honors, which was very rare for blind and deaf people at the time.
Name: Mila Lordi
Historical figure: Amelia Earhart
The coolest thing I learned was that she was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic solo, and when she was younger she hunted rats with a rifle.
Name: Jordanna Garcia-Herrero
figure: Helen Keller
Name: Martin Ornelas
Historical figure: Paul Revere
FIFTH GRADE’S FAMOUS FACES
Switlik students honor pillars of history in wax museum
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Stanley Switlik fifthgraders took parents and guests on a stroll through history for the school’s annual Living Wax Museum on Feb. 25. Tasked with selecting a noteworthy figure –from recent decades in the U.S. to thousands of years ago across the globe – each student created a poster of fun facts about their selection, narrating their discoveries in costume in the school’s cafeteria. Visiting the school the following week, the Keys Weekly sat down with several standout students to learn a little extra history.
Photos contributed
Name: Aden Cruz
Historical figure: Christopher Columbus
The coolest thing I learned was that he sailed the sea in 1492 and died in 1504.
Name: Allie Pettegrow
Historical figure: Betsy Ross
The coolest thing I learned was that she was an entrepreneur and opened a business sewing with her husband.
Name: Olivia Hurley
Historical figure: Judy Blume
The coolest thing I learned was she wrote a lot of books and liked shopping in Key West.
A property that is being rented for six months or less must have a tourist development
Giddiness can sneak up on you. When it does, it often makes me think of that James Taylor line, “Ain’t it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind,” even though I haven’t gone out of my way to listen to James Taylor in decades.
... 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.
Taylor was talking/singing about going to an unspecified Carolina in his mind, but I’d just spent an hour in a dentist’s chair that was very specifically on Big Pine, getting my teeth worked over by various complicated cleaning implements, and getting told I was brushing my teeth too aggressively and maybe I should try brushing with my non-dominant hand. Which did not seem like a preamble to giddiness, or having a friend hit you from behind.
But giddiness was lurking out there somewhere.
I drove unsuspectingly around the island for a while after the appointment, my mouth still tasting like baking powder, paying my respects to the gators at the Blue Hole, checking out the salt ponds on Koehn Avenue and on Watson Boulevard. Then I drove over the No Name Key Bridge, which the Sunday before had been filled with hundreds of kids pulling tiny fish out of the water, measuring them, throwing them back, and generally having a great time during the Kids Fishing Tournament, put on by the Lower Keys Rotary and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Five days later the bridge was populated by four or five men with fishing poles and five-gallon buckets, and a lone brown pelican watching over them like a bored security guard at the mall.
I parked and walked down to the end of the road. Historically, this was the landing for the car ferry from Lower Matecumbe, which ran from 1927 until 1938, when the Overseas Railroad was converted into the Overseas Highway. So for a decade or so it was a bustling place, not just with the 20 or so cars that disembarked twice a day, but also because of the No Name Lodge, which was right next to the landing, and which in historic photos looked to have about six or eight cabins, a main building with a restaurant, and a couple sizable fishing boats moored there.
The lodge apparently survived into the 1940s, according to the historian Jerry Wilkerson, but was abandoned by the 1960s. The shoreline near the ferry launch was restored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection with the help of the Audubon Society in 1983. (It’s unclear if it was Florida Keys Audubon or Florida Audubon, but yay, Audubon. And FDEP.)
To get to the shoreline you need to weave between a couple of large chunks of limestone, no doubt put there to keep people from driving into the water. But when you reach the water’s
BUSHWHACKED BY EXUBERANCE
edge, you would never know any of those things were there. And honestly, I didn’t know most of that until I’d done a little Googling.
It was a perfect Keys winter afternoon. Cloudless, cool, only a little windy. There wasn’t much going on out on the water — no boats, no pelicans, no cormorants flapping low over the waves. The world out there felt like a still life.
There’s a dock to the north of there that sometimes has some birds, and there were a couple royal terns standing on the pilings.
Then I looked down at the ribbon of sargassum hugging the shoreline, and it was going off. There were 80 or 100 birds in the midst of a quiet feeding riot.
There were a couple of yellowlegs standing on the seaweed, which I usually think of as brown, but when I stared at it through my binoculars it contained a lot of green.
There are two species of yellowlegs in the world, greater yellowlegs and lesser yellowlegs. And they look insanely similar. If they call, they are easy to tell apart, as the lesser gives a double-note call and the greater gives a three-note call. But that’s usually when they are flying away. If they aren’t calling, one of the field marks is that the bill on the greater looks about one-anda-half times the length of the skull, and the bill on the lesser looks about twice the length of the skull. Also, the bill on the greater appears ever so slightly upturned.
Size is a really tricky thing to determine. Human perception of large versus small can be highly variable. I don’t even trust myself trying to scale things. What makes it easier, though, is when the two species stand next to you and give you a straight-up size comparison. Which was what was happening out on the sargassum.
The most obvious thing to the south of me was a flock of white ibis, almost all adults, most with bills and legs that skewed toward the orange end of the color spectrum, but two or three with bills and legs hue-ing toward the
reddish end of the color spectrum, meaning they were closer to being ready to breed.
On a dead snag lying low across the water were a half dozen ruddy turnstones. Ruddy turnstones are often described as Harlequin-esque in the field guides, but these were all in non-breeding plumage. They looked less wayward members of the commedia dell’arte than actors just after a show, freshly scrubbed of their makeup.
Oddly, the turnstones seemed to be avoiding the ground, huddling up on the branch as if they were playing The Floor Is Lava. Which for all I know they were.
The birds that were slaying me, though, were the least sandpipers, the smallest shorebird species in the world. They’re about the size of a quartered lemon (cut horizontally) and weigh about the same as an AA battery. And this, along with a broad array of toes, gives them the ability to walk across the undulating landscape of sargassum and treat it like part playground and part smorgasbord.
I actually sat down on the ground to watch them, to take pictures, to follow them with my binoculars. To take in how they could casually move through a scaled-down landscape that few other creatures could. Which is when I noticed all the giddiness, ebullience, glee – whatever you want to call it – snuck in.
In an instant, this whole tableau exploded, disappeared itself, leaped up and sped off in multiple directions. Everyone but the ibis, that is. And then I saw it, this brown comet skidding across the foreground, 10 feet above the water, trying to change direction on the fly. Literally.
It fanned out its long tail and flapped its shortish wings – the telltale traits of a Cooper’s hawk – and after a long moment it did manage to reverse the vector of its momentum, slowly at first, then quickly. Soon, it too was out of view.
The giddiness stuck with me for a while, though. Or maybe that was just the appreciation of my newly clean teeth.
MARK HEDDEN
THE PALM LEAF SKELETONIZER
An adult palm leaf skeletonizer on a cabbage palm. Their larvae cause aesthetic damage to various palm tree species in Florida. LYLE BUSS/UF-IFAS Entomology Department
is the University of Florida, IFAS County Extension environmental horticulture agent and master gardener volunteer coordinator.
Have you ever noticed the fronds on your palms looking dry and brown, with accumulations of crumbly brown pellets stuck to them? If so, you may have palm leaf skeletonizers. The palm leaf skeletonizer, Homaledra sabalella, is a small moth native to Florida and the Caribbean. The moth itself is inconspicuous, but the feeding damage caused by its larvae can alarm homeowners and landscapers. While the adult moths feed on nectar, their larval, or caterpillar, stage feeds exclusively on palms.
Researchers have recorded these caterpillars feeding on 78 palm species, including many popular landscape plants such as coconut, cabbage, fan and thatch palms. The species earns its name from its feeding pattern, referred to as “skeletonization.”
Skeletonization occurs when the soft tissue of a leaf is eaten away, leaving behind thicker veins and giving the leaf a lace-like skeletal appearance. This pattern is shared by many moth species, but if you see this feeding damage on a palm, you are likely observing the palm leaf skeletonizer.
Unlike many seasonal pests, palm leaf skeletonizers are active year-round. They feed gregariously, gathering in groups on both the upper and lower surfaces of fronds and forming tubes from their droppings,
referred to as frass.
Identifying a palm leaf skeletonizer can be easy if you know what to look for. You may never see the adult moths or even the caterpillars, as they are well hidden under their frass. What you will likely notice is the skeletonized leaves. This, in combination with an accumulation of frass, which looks like small brown pellets, is a strong sign that you have palm leaf skeletonizers.
The good news is that despite their dramatic feeding patterns, palm leaf skeletonizers rarely cause serious harm to palms. Their damage is primarily cosmetic. For homeowners who want to minimize their presence, early detection is key. Regular inspection of palms can help you spot the frass tubes and skeletonized patches before damage becomes widespread. Fortunately, managing them doesn’t require harsh chemicals or even a trip to the hardware store. In fact, horticultural soaps and oils, and other insecticides, have little effect on the caterpillars, as the frass tubes provide them with protection from these products. Instead, the best methods for lowering palm leaf skeletonizer populations are mechanical. You can easily control caterpillar populations by washing them off of the leaves with a strong hose or a wet sponge; this is best if the leaf is still mostly green, as the damage left by the caterpillar will not heal. Another option is to prune the infested leaves and dispose of them by securely sealing them in plastic bags.
If you suspect palm leaf skeletonizers on your property or want guidance creating a management plan, the UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension Service can help. Contact Liah Continentino for more information: Continentino-liah@monroecounty-fl. gov or 305-998-9580.
PLAQUE HONORS THE LATE MERRICK DUNN’S AFFINITY FOR BASEBALL
From top: A plaque adjacent to the Harry Harris baseball diamond honors Merrick Dunn.
Family, friends and the community honor Dunn during a plaque dedication ceremony. County commissioner Holly Raschein, right, speaks. Standing from left are Johnny, Colin and Lauren Dunn and Josh Moreira, Upper Keys Little League president. Photos by CINDY SMITH/Contributed
As another Upper Keys Little League season began the evening of Feb. 28, a community gathered before the first pitch at the Harry Harris Park ballfields for a special ceremony to honor the late Merrick Dunn. By the fields where Dunn played is a plaque honoring his love for the sport. Dunn tragically passed away in a car accident on May 5, 2025. He was 15 years old.
Monroe County Commissioner Holly Raschein helped bring the plaque to fruition in working with her colleagues on the commission and John Allen, county parks director. Raschein said she was approached by Josh Moreira, Upper Keys Little League president, about memorializing Dunn. “He was always at the park playing baseball. It was a big part of his life and family’s life,” Raschein said. A large crowd of family, friends, teammates and the community looked on as the plaque was unveiled at the park.
Palm leaf skeletonizer damage and frass tubes on a cabbage palm.
BRIEFLY
Artists can apply for Anne McKee grants
The Anne McKee Artists Fund is accepting applications for grants to individual visual, performing, and literary artists who reside in the Florida Keys. Grant applications can be submitted through March 31. The Anne McKee Artist Fund standard grant ranges from $500 to $3,000 per person for project-based work. Three youth-based scholarships are also available — one for young people ages 14 and over, one for those under age 14, and the Jon McIntosh Student Grant for high school seniors’ artistic advancement. The third annual Joint Performance Grant is available as well. The award is open to an individual or group in the performing arts — including music, film, dance, comedy and theater – and a recipient will have the opportunity to stage a performance at the Tennessee Williams Theatre Cabaret, along with lighting and sound assistance valued at $9,000. Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need and/or to promote recognition of emerging talent. Other factors considered are a history of dedication and excellence in the applicant’s area of expertise, and a demonstrated commitment and involvement in the Florida Keys cultural community. More information is at www.mckeefund.org.
Yacht Club Educational Foundation hosts annual fundraiser
The Marathon Yacht Club Educational Foundation, doing business as Middle Keys Sailing,will host an annual fundraiser on Sunday, March 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Marathon Yacht Club pool deck. Come meet the sailors, listen to steel drum music, eat chefprepared food and participate in duck races. The evening will offer a 50/50 raffle and both silent and live auctions. More information is available from the yacht club at 305-743-6739.
Friends of the Library hosts annual book sale
The Marathon Friends of the Library will host an annual book sale on Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Marathon Public Library. The organization is seeking donations of gently-used books, dropped off at the library during open hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday).. Money collected from the sale goes to supporting the library’s many special events.
Marathon Elks announce $11.5K in donations
On Feb. 24, the Marathon Elks Lodge 2139 announced donations to two Marathon community partners. The first was a $3,500 check presented to the Marathon High School student group Champions for Change, to support their four-day prevention week activities from March 23 to March 27. The second donation was a $6,000 check and $2,000 in grocery gift cards given to Sarah Bartus of Presents in Paradise. Initially formed to provide gifts to underprivileged local families around the holidays, the program now supports families and children all year long. Donated funds will support basic needs like clothing, hygiene items, bedding and other household items for children with single parents or families nearing poverty.
Shriners thank community for annual drive donations
The Marathon Shrine Club is thanking the community for continuing support of the Shriners’ Charity Drive held on Feb. 14. In addition to donations from passing cars at the intersections of 107th and 109th Street, the Shriners received donations and labor from the Marathon City Council, Marathon Chamber of Commerce, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Bealls Outlet, Driftwood Pizza, the Keys Weekly Newspapers, and the Mahi Shrine Florida Keys Masonic Lodge 323. All funds collected go to support Shriners hospitals and especially the Transportation Fund at Mahi Temple. These funds are used exclusively to transport Keys and South Florida children to the Shrine Hospital in Tampa or to one of the other Shrine Hospitals scattered around the country. At these hospitals, children are given completely free state-of-the-art orthopedic care and burn treatment. The charity drive raised more than $31,000 for 2026. If you know any child under the age of
18 that could benefit from orthopedic, spinal cord or burn treatment, call a Shriner at 800-237-5055 and get the ball rolling.
Sanctuary Advisory Council meeting in Marathon
On Tuesday, March 10, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will meet at 9 a.m. at Marathon City Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy. NOAA and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries leadership team members will join the meeting, which is open to the public. The council will receive updates from its two working groups, which will include an opportunity for council input and discussion. In addition, staff from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute will present updates on their work in sponge restoration in Florida Bay, as well as takeaways from the Florida Keys Marine Science Conference and Workshop. A public comment opportunity will be offered at about 2:15 p.m. An agenda and supporting materials will be posted at floridakeys.noaa.gov/sac.
Garden Club invites scholarship applicants
The Marathon Garden Club invites Marathon High School college-bound seniors to apply for the Nancy Miller Garden Club Scholarship. The scholarship is for a student with an interest in the environment, horticulture and science who intends to major in the areas of STEM. The application is under the “CCAPS Scholarship Opportunities” tab on the Marathon High School website, with additional hard copies available at the high school. Applications are due on Friday, April 10 and the award will be presented on Class Night.
Feeding South Florida hosts student art competition
Feeding South Florida is hosting its seventh annual “Feed Your Creativity” art competition, accepting submissions through April 30. Elementary, middle and high school students throughout Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties are invited to compete for the opportunity to have their artwork displayed on one of Feeding South Florida's semi-trailer truck wraps – a 36-foot moving billboard that travels throughout South Florida. The 2026 campaign focuses on “food that connects,” highlighting the importance of how food connects us all, while raising awareness about summer hunger. The artwork should inspire others, spark meaningful conversations and help individuals understand the importance of sharing meals and supporting indi-
viduals in our community. Judging will take place May 1-7. Winners will be announced at Feeding South Florida’s warehouse at Pembroke Park on May 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. The truck reveal celebration will be held at the school of the first-place winner on May 29. All students’ artwork will be displayed at Feeding South Florida’s Pembroke Park and Boynton Beach warehouses. More information is at feedingsouthflorida. org/fyc26.
Special Olympics seeks Summer Games volunteers
Special Olympics Florida is seeking volunteers for the Monroe County Summer Games, held on March 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marathon High School. Volunteers can join Special Olympics for a day of fun and sports, including teams and athletes competing in basketball, cheerleading, cycling, soccer, track and bocce. Individuals, groups and businesses can host a booth in the athlete village to provide an activity and/or giveaway item, serve as a general volunteer, officiate a sport, volunteer as a health professional at athlete screenings or donate funds to support the games. Scan the QR code for more information.
Come take a class at the Marathon library
The Marathon library has a wide variety of class offerings, ranging from photography to book clubs, robots, virtual reality and more. Scan the QR code here to see the schedule and get involved.
Marathon Moose hosts weekly bingo night
The Marathon Moose Lodge located at 11601 1st Ave. Gulf hosts a bingo night every Monday, open to the public, beginning at 6:15 p.m. in the lodge’s renovated, smoke-free hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. Six-game packets are available for purchase, plus two bonus games (shotgun and coverall). Players must be 18. Water, soda and light snacks are available for purchase.
Join the Elks Club for breakfast specials
The community is invited to join the Marathon Elks Club at 8239 Overseas Highway each Sunday for weekly breakfast specials, served from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Every $10 plate served helps support the Elks’ local charitable efforts. All are welcome.
Having Fun in the Middle Keys
THIS WEEKS ENTERTAINMENT
THURSDAY, MAR 5 CANDACE 6PM
FRIDAY, MAR 6
FLORIDA FLOYD 3PM
FOUR SHEETS TO THE WIND 8PM
SATURDAY, MAR 7
MIKE ROONEY 3PM MAASAI 8PM
SUNDAY, MAR 8
TONY MANFREDI 3PM DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM
MONDAY, MAR 9
JOHNNY LIVE 3PM BITTER CREEK 6PM
TUESDAY, MAR 10
TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY JAMES HARTSO 3PM COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM
WEDNESDAY, MAR 11 LUKE SOMMERS 3PM PAINT PARTY 5:30PM TRIVIA 7PM
• DELICI OUS FOOD - TRY OUR FAMOUS CHIC KEN POT PIE OR AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS! THANK
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
Well, folks, we’ve made it through another eclipse season, and now we begin to take stock of the radical changes that have taken place in the world. Eclipse seasons amplify and accelerate the shifting terrain of the world, propelling us into an unforeseen future. What has been changing in your world?
This total lunar eclipse in Virgo has us throwing away the playbook we’ve been using, and realizing the plans that we had in place are not necessarily working. The best thing we can do is let go, no matter how much time and energy we put into those detailed maps. As we sort through the debris of this eclipse season and move forward, be kind to yourselves as you navigate this new terrain. Mercury is still retrograde in Pisces, so do your best not to get caught up in confusion over the literal meaning of words, and try to catch the vibes being expressed. Jupiter’s upcoming transit encourages us to remember what makes us feel abundant, to return to joyful practices from our past and find happiness in quieter, personal pursuits. The theme of this week is to take stock of all that is outside of our control, to acknowledge it and pay attention, but to ensure we are also finding moments of quiet joy. Here are your horoscopes for the total lunar eclipse in Virgo and the sun in Pisces trine Jupiter in Cancer. Read for your rising and sun signs.
PISCES
Feb. 19 - March 20
When it comes to partnership, Pisces, it is best to forget what you think you know so you can show up and be present to what is right in front of you. Don’t let your preconceptions obscure the fact that partnership requires compromise, and don’t hold on so tightly to what you think you want that you lose sight of the other. Finding joy in your creative outlets will help you to be confident in yourself.
ARIES
March 21 - April 19
You may have an image in mind of how your daily routines and habits should go, but it may not reflect the reality of how you are able to operate. Don’t be hard on yourself when you fail to live up to ideals that are inherently out of reach. Drop the plan and settle into routines that actually fit your life. Finding joy at home in your quiet time will feed your soul now.
TAURUS
April 20 - May 20
Creativity can be expressed in many ways. Sometimes it takes grueling planning and some-
times it is instant and spontaneous. However you express yourself creatively, now it is time to throw away the blueprints and see what arises in the moment. Spontaneity can be your best muse. Right now, you might find great happiness in returning to creative practices from your younger days.
GEMINI
May 21 - June 20
Our home and family lives become comfortable because they’re so familiar. That familiarity can be a double-edged sword, as it can also lead to complacency. Under this sky, look at your home and family with fresh eyes and see what needs to be shaken up. At the same time, you have a great opportunity to make some money at work, particularly through a venture that should be revisited.
CANCER
June 21 - July 22
We all have our own particular ways to communicate: words we choose, methods we use, and topics we cover. What if you threw away the script and shared something that has been desperate to be expressed? What can you share with us that is out of character for you? On another note, you have brand-new ventures available to you when you remember what makes your heart sing.
LEO
July 23 - Aug. 22
Making money and supporting yourself in this world can become really routine, but there are always new avenues available if you break the mold you’ve created. If you could choose your source of income, what would it be? What holds you back from pursuing it? Perhaps you need to reconsider your options. At the same time, solitude will really energize you now.
VIRGO
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
It is never too late to reinvent yourself. It doesn’t have to be a big, flashy reveal (although it can be); even the smallest changes can reverberate into major shifts. What idea about yourself has been holding you back? Let that go and surprise yourself with who shows up. Spend some time appreciating the friends who have been with you for the long haul.
LIBRA
Sept. 23 - Oct. 22
Sometimes, you can be your own worst critic and your own worst saboteur. This past eclipse asked, “What if you stopped doing that?” What if you stopped holding yourself up to unachievable standards? The time you spend with yourself could be a hype session if you stopped
WHAT HAS CHANGED?
seeking perfection. Also, celebrate the reputation you have built for yourself. You’ve come a long way.
SCORPIO
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
You have a network of support, and it’s probably even larger than you realize. Under this sky, I recommend dropping the criteria of what support means for you. Yes, it is important to define your boundaries, but even for a short while, expand your definition of support. Appreciate all the ways that people try to help. Also, take some time to remember the great adventures you’ve been on when you need a pick-me-up.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
Your work life may need a change. Perhaps you are looking for a new job, a promotion or just a new way of doing what you’ve always done. I would recommend looking outside of your usual range of work opportunities to see what else is out there. Your career does not need to follow a prescribed plan. Remember how you have found joy through sharing your resources with others.
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
The way you view the world is shifting, Capricorn, and it’s time to let go of any rigid philosophies that no longer serve you. If you’ve been clinging to a specific “truth” or long-held belief just because it felt safe, this eclipse has likely shown you cracks in the foundation. Be open to a new perspective. On a lighter note, you’ll find that your partnerships offer a surprising amount of joy right now if you lean into your shared history.
AQUARIUS
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
Sharing resources and collaborating with others requires planning and firm boundaries. However, this eclipse asked you to toss the plan aside and see what else is out there. How else can you invest with others in a way that you have never tried before? Also, find simple joys in your habits and daily rhythms by looking back at what worked for you in the past.
Founded by Betty Debnam
WELCOME TO IRELAND
St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, is a national holiday in Ireland. It celebrates one of that country’s special saints.
It is not a national holiday in the United States, but many Americans celebrate anyway. Even people who have no Irish ancestors like to pretend they’re Irish for a day!
ST. PATRICK
St. Patrick was a missionary in Ireland during the fifth century. He was taken there as a slave when he was a teenager.
After he returned to his home in Britain, he believed he was called to go back to Ireland and spread Christianity.
IRISH FOLKLORE
Ireland is famous for its folklore, or traditional stories that are passed down from generation to generation.
A favorite symbol of Ireland is the leprechaun (LEP-ruh-kawn). To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, The Mini Page learned about this crafty little fairy.
MEET A LEPRECHAUN
A leprechaun is a mysterious or magical being. According to Irish legend, leprechauns live in the countryside with humans, but they’re rarely seen by people.
Most pictures of leprechauns show jolly little elves with pink cheeks and smiles. You
might see these on items for sale around St. Patrick’s Day, or on cereal boxes.
Folklore experts say leprechauns are indeed small, but their clothing is usually untidy and old. They might wear an old blue or green coat, short pants, woolen stockings and a wide-brimmed hat or stocking cap.
Instead of being happy, leprechauns are more likely to play tricks on humans. In fact, Irish people used to leave milk, cheese, bread or other foods on their doorsteps at night to keep the local leprechaun from making mischief, or trouble, at their homes.
Leprechauns are also thought to be miserly, or greedy for money. They make their homes in abandoned barns or churches, or in the woods or in caves.
LEPRECHAUNS AT WORK
Leprechauns are thought to be shoemakers. They make and repair shoes for other fairies, who wear out their shoes quickly with all the dancing they do. Some people believe that you can tell when you’re close to a leprechaun’s home because you can hear the tapping of his little hammer as he works on shoes.
Other legends tell of leprechauns being builders and stonemasons, metalworkers and even bankers. Leprechauns also love music and can remember old tunes that have been forgotten by humans.
Words that remind us of Ireland are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
The Republic of Ireland is an island country in Europe. It shares the island with Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. Ireland is also known as the Emerald Isle because of its lush green hills and fields.
A LONG HISTORY
Experts believe Ireland has been inhabited by people for more than 8,000 years. Many of the traditions that are still honored in Ireland began with some of these early people.
THE CELTIC HARP
In the 1500s, King Henry VIII added the image of a harp to the currency, or money, of Ireland. Since then, the Celtic harp has been a symbol of that country.
Today, all Irish currency has the Celtic harp on it. “Eire” (AIR-uh) is the Irish word for “Ireland.”
RESOURCES
ON THE WEB
• bbc.in/4ba8oIu
AT THE LIBRARY
• “Leprechauns and Irish Folklore” by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce
ECO NOTE
Some unusually gifted dogs can learn the names of new objects simply by overhearing their owners talk, according to a study published in the journal Science. Austrian and Hungarian researchers found that so-called “gifted word learner” dogs correctly identified new toys after listening to conversations in which humans named the objects without directly addressing the dogs. In tests, these dogs performed at least as well as when they were taught words directly. The behavior closely mirrors language learning seen in human toddlers around 18 months old.
MINI
: The famous Cliffs of Moher are on the west coast of Ireland.
Illustration by Jean-noël Lafargue
March 5, 2026
COLLISION COURSE
Conchs and ’Canes lacrosse teams headed for showdown | P.9
Marathon Softball Somerset South Homestead 2/23 W, 16-1
Coral Shores Baseball Keys Gate 2/24 L, 8-0
Coral Shores Girls Lacrosse Lourdes Academy 2/23 W, 9-6
Key West Baseball NSU University School 2/24 W, 10-7
Key West Girls Lacrosse South Plantation 2/24 W, 16-6
Marathon Baseball @ Moore Haven 2/24 W, 14-2
Key West Boys Lacrosse South Plantation 2/24 W, 17-4
Marathon Baseball @ Fort Meade 2/25 W, 8-1
Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Coral Reef 2/25 W, 9-3
Key West Boys Lacrosse Florida Christian 2/26 W, 11-5
Marathon Baseball @ Glades Day 2/26 W, 14-1
Coral Shores Baseball South Homestead 2/26 W, 19-1
Key West Baseball Sunset 2/27 W, 5-0
Coral Shores Baseball ABF Academy Homestead 2/27 W, FF
Key West Girls Lacrosse Palmetto 2/27 L, 14-6
Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Belen 2/27 L, 18-3
Key West Softball Marathon 2/27 W, 9-1
Key West Baseball Sunset 2/28 W, 8-2
Coral Shores Softball Everglades City 2/28 W, 23-9
Coral Shores Softball Community School of Naples 2/28 W, 15-7
Key West Boys Lacrosse Belen 2/28 L, 20-2
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
KEEFE
Sterling Keefe is the first ’Cane to win a regional championship in a decade. But Sterling is not done yet – now his eyes are set on a state championship.”
– Dante Jiovenetti, Hurricanes head wrestling coach
31-10
4-0 record so far this season in regional matches
Two weeks ago, Coral Shores junior Sterling Keefe left the mat as the runner-up in the 157-pound class at the FHSAA’s 1A District 16 championships. Last week, he made sure there was no doubt.
Keefe went a flawless 4-0 at the Region 4 tournament, battling through a stacked bracket to claim the regional title and cement himself a spot at the state championships. What makes Keefe stand out goes well beyond the scoreboard. His relentless work ethic, the attention to detail and quiet commitment to improvement make him a contender for a state medal. A steady leader in the wrestling room, Keefe sets the tone with his focus, pushes teammates to elevate their intensity and carries himself with a positivity that’s contagious. Whether he’s ahead on points or fighting from behind, his composure never wavers. For his strong performance last week and the work he has put in all season long, Coral Shores’ Sterling Keefe is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly
Hurricane Anaia Woods evades the defense of Lourdes Academy on Feb. 23. The Lady ’Canes prevailed 9-6 as they prep for a clash against Key West later this month. NATALIE GOODWIN/Keys Weekly
Sterling
Junior, Coral Shores Wrestling
fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.
sean mcdonald
grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.
The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.
Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050
Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com
SIX FOR STATES
Key West and Coral Shores wrestlers advance to the big show
Ahalf-dozen of the Keys’ top wrestlers will have their chance to make a statement on the state stage this week. With the Keys’ top male wrestlers still vying for spots, one local athlete’s ticket was already punched for the FHSAA 1A State Championships in Kissimmee on March 5 to 7. Lady Conch Maria Holushko’s regional runner-up finish guaranteed her a place in the brackets. On Feb. 27 and 28, the boys fought it out to claim their places in the Region 4 championships held at Cardinal Gibbons High School.
Coral Shores’ Sterling Keefe was the big winner last week. Keefe went 4-0 to win the 157-pound competition, punching his card to states. Joining Keefe are teammates Sebastian McCoy and Gavin Matheis. McCoy finished second after going 3-1, losing his final match in a close decision in the 120-pound competition. Matheis was 4-1 at regionals, placing third in the 132-pound weight class. His only loss was by decision, making it clear all three Hurricane grap-
plers have a shot at state hardware.
Coral Shores finished fourth as a team out of the 27-team pool. But they weren’t the only ones making a statement on the mats. Key West finished 11th and qualified two more wrestlers for the big show.
Joining Holushko will be Allens Alexandre and Michael Guzman. Guzman was 4-2, losing both matches to the same wrestler, but improving the score in the second go-round. Guzman placed fourth in the 165-pound competition. Alexandre finished second in the 285-pound class with a 3-1 record at regionals.
The six wrestlers are the final winter sport athletes from Monroe County in contention for state glory. They will compete at Silver Spurs Arena in a three-day tournament beginning Thursday, March 5 at 12:20 p.m., with final matches taking place late in the afternoon of Saturday, March 7.
tracy mcdonald
Gavin Matheis
Sebastian McCoy
Michael Guzman
Sterling Keefe
Maria Holushko
Allens Alexandre
Photos by Tracy McDonald
1. Darreld Treminio hits the ball for the Conchs.
2. Kade Maltz rounds second base after a hit for the Conchs.
UNBLEMISHED
Conchs hang on to perfect record; Cirina, Quargnali top state rankings
As the calendar flips to March, the Key West Conchs baseball team has yet to suffer a loss.
NSU University School pulled ahead with a 1-0 lead against the visiting Conchs on Feb. 24, and both teams put runs on the board in the third to head into the fourth inning knotted up at 5-5. Key West poured on four more in the fourth to take a lead the Sharks were unable to catch. In all, five Conchs put in work on the mound, and Key West’s bats racked up nine runs. Auggy Davila stacked up four RBIs with a single and a triple and Darreld Treminio had two base hits. Donovan Thiery and Kade Maltz doubled while Xavier Perez, Nelson Ong and Jackson Bernhard singled in the 10-7 win.
Key West’s next victim was Miami Sunset, who came to town Feb. 27 and 28. In game one, the Conchs struck in the first inning, when a pair of walks set the stage for a threerun Donovan Thiery home run. Thiery then went on the defensive for the rest of the game, striking out eight batters, walking one and giving up just three hits in six and two-thirds innings. Nelson Ong finished up with the final out to seal the win. Thiery was 2-for-4 at the plate and Tyrone Cervantes, Davila, Maltz, Ong and Treminio accounted for the rest of Key West’s seven hits.
In game two, Sunset got on the board first, scoring one in the first inning, but the Conchs answered with three to take a lead they never surrendered. Maltz and Jackson Bernhard had two hits each while Perez, Davila and Ong added base hits. Maltz started on the mound for Key West and ended with five strikeouts, one walk and four hits surrendered over five and two-thirds innings. Cruz Holmes finished out the final one-third inning before the game was called due to unsafe conditions. Heavy fog rolled in, obscuring the outfield and making it impossible to continue. Next up for the 7-0 Conchs is a three-game series against a visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama ballclub March 5-7.
3. Marathon’s Gabriele Cirina, left, and Massimo Quargnali top Florida’s rankings for RBIs and defense behind the plate.
4. Fog envelops the Rex on Feb. 28, obscuring the outfield.
Photos by Maicey Malgrat, Justice Lee Isom and Taylen Knowles
and gave up just three hits over six innings. Cirina finished it out, facing three batters and fanning them all.
Game three ended in a 14-1 romp over Glades Day on Feb. 26. Cirina and Chapman had two hits each out of the team’s total of eight, making it seven in three games for Chapman. The Fins stole five bases and were perfect in the field. Cirina pitched five innings before the mercy rule went into effect, striking out eight, walking one and giving up just two hits to the Gators.
Cirina’s powerful bat stretched his ranking in runs batted in from third in Florida last week to first place. His 18 RBIs moved him to sixth in the entire nation. Catcher Massimo Quargnali has played perfect defense and is tied with multiple players for first place in Florida rankings. Quargnali has 82 putouts and an assist out of 83 total chances so far this season. Those numbers place him second nationally.
Marathon took a road trip last week to test their resolve against a trio of District 8 Rural teams. If their trip is any indication, the Dolphins are poised to make a repeat run at a district title later this spring. The Fins outscored their opponents 36-4 in three games, winning them all with runs to spare.
The victories began Feb. 24 at Moore Haven, where Marathon trounced the Terriers 14-2. The Fins piled on 11 hits, three of which came off the bat of Jack Chapman and two from Roco Piscetello. Reef Rella completed five innings on the mound, striking out 10 with two walks and surrendering three hits and two runs before the mercy rule was invoked.
The following night, it was the Miners of Fort Meade who endured an 8-1 beating. Marathon stacked up eight hits, including two each from Chapman, Jason Stubblefield and Gabriele Cirina. The Fins were perfect in the field and Dylan Williams struck out nine, walked two
On Feb. 24, Coral Shores made the quick trip to Keys Gate for their first of three games last week. Mailon Aguila, Keller Blackburn and Andy Cone each singled in the 8-0 loss. The following night, the Hurricanes were on the road again, this time at Somerset South Homestead, where Coral Shores poured on the runs for a four-inning mercy rule win. Riley O’Berry had three hits, including a double, to lead the offense. Cone added a single and double to the Hurricane hit total of nine. Coral Shores kept the scoring fast and furious with 10 walks and 11 struck batters. Emileano Barrios pitched four innings, striking out six, walking one and surrendering three hits in the 19-1 win.
A Feb. 27 forfeit by ABF Academy Homestead put the Hurricanes at 4-3 with just over half of the regular season remaining.
Ariel
recently broke the Conchs’ school record in pole vault. MAICEY MALGRAT/ Keys Weekly
ON YOUR MARKS
Track season opens with a bang as two Key West records fall
On Feb. 24, Coral Shores hosted Key West and South Dade for an earlyseason tri-meet on the track. South Dade won both the boys and girls competitions, with Key West finishing second and Coral Shores third.
Hurricane hurdler Xavier Johnson won the 110 high hurdles in 17.76 seconds. Johnson was the only Coral Shores individual winner, but a pair of relay teams placed first. Adrik Gadea, Colton Connolly, William Roberts and Alaric Rodriguez won the 4x400 relay while Victor Lopez, Tristan Sanchez, Tristan Rios and Jaime Cary teamed up to win the 4x800.
Lady ’Cane Julieanna Oddo finished first in the 100 hurdles with a time of 18.41 seconds for the lone Coral Shores win in the girls events.
Key West fared best in the field with a pair of wins from Jeff Dejean. After winning the 100-meter dash in 11.38 seconds, he went the distance in long jump with a 20’9” leap. Josh Johnson was the individual discus winner, tossing it 129’5”.
The Lady Conchs cleaned up with wins from Alyssandra Camargo in the 800 (2:41) and Emerson Jackson in the 400 hurdles (1:24.61) for a pair of wins on the track. Key West’s girls swept the jumping events, with wins from Maicey Malgrat in high jump (4’4”), Lilly Good in pole vault (7’6.5”), Jordan Greene in long jump (14’2.5”) and Capri Miner in the triple jump (29’10.5”).
The Hurricanes hit the road two days later to compete at Monsignor Pace. The ’Canes had four individual winners against the Spartans. Oddo won the 100-meter high hurdle race and improved on her time earlier
in the week by finishing in 18.22 seconds. Ali Wheatley cruised for a first in the 3,200-meter run in 11:35. Alaric Rodriguez finished the 800 in 3:03 to claim first and Karla Guitierrez won the discus event for the lone field win for Coral Shores.
On Feb. 28, Key West participated in the annual Pine Crest Panther Relays and multiple Conchs broke the top five in the 19-team event.
Ariel Newton won the girls pole vault competition, clearing the bar at 11’9.75” – just shy of the school record she set earlier this season with a 12’3.75” jump. Audrey Smith also set a school record earlier this season, and she re-broke her own girls javelin mark with a secondplace 133’7” toss. Colleen Barter finished fifth in the girls high jump event with a 4’7.75” feat, and Nevaeh Key placed fifth in pole vault with a 6’10.75” clear to round out the Lady Conchs’ top finishers.
Jeff Dejean finished second in the long jump with a 21’11.5” leap.
Ian Torreaba Lopez’s 10’4” pole vault was good for fourth place.
SETTING THE BAR
Lykins
and Childress power their way to the top
Marathon and Somerset Silver Palms traveled to Coral Shores for a boys weightlifting tri-meet on Feb. 25. Somerset came away with wins in both the traditional and Olympic events, with the Hurricanes in second and Dolphins in third.
Kyle Derobertis (129 pounds), Tyler Bettner (139) and Aaron Lykins (183) were all double winners for Coral Shores. Lykins was the top lifter in the Olympic contest according to the Sinclair coefficient, which determines the strongest athlete factored against their body weight. He snatched 175 pounds and clean and jerked 225 to put him at the top of the lifters in that event.
Nick Calderon (219) won the Olympic event for his weight class, splitting the wins with teammate Fredy Flores, who won in traditional. Kevin Gonzalez (169) won the traditional event in his weight class to round out the winners for Coral Shores.
Marathon had two weight-class winners in Trevor Wofsey (Unlimited) and Max Childress (199). Both Dolphins won the traditional event at their weights. Childress was the top lifter overall, in the traditional event. His matched 225-pound clean and jerk and bench press lifts gave him the edge in the Sinclair standings.
Boys weightlifting is the first of the spring sports to open as well as close. March 27 marks the end of the regular season, with districts scheduled for April 11 at Key Largo School.
and Marathon High School’s Max Childress
Audrey Smith, here throwing the discus last spring, is the new owner of Key West’s javelin record.
Newton, here clearing the bar last spring,
Coral Shores’ Aaron Lykins, left,
Photos by Natalie Danko and Tracy McDonald
CONCRETE MADE TO LAST
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ROUGH WATERS
Conchs softball dominates Fins 9-1; Hurricanes hammer northern competition
One of the first in-county rivalry matchups of the young softball season ended in a resounding win for Key West over Marathon on Feb. 27.
Coming off a blowout win in their home opener two weeks earlier, the Fins’ luck ran out Feb. 27 when they headed to Key West to take on the Lady Conchs. Brianna Brenner struck out a dozen Dolphins in Key West’s win. Offensively, the Conchs amassed 12 hits with two apiece from Lucy Katz, Arianna Garcia, Kaleaya Dickerson and Mia Waldner. Chloe Kongos, Kaylee Williams, Charlie Bracher and Lilee Gage accounted for the rest in Key West’s 9-1 win.
The Dolphins held their own for two scoreless innings, but a disastrous third inning led to a ninerun deficit the Fins could not overcome. Dani Perdomo, Anastasia Boose, Maeve Merryman, Trinity McLeod and Elianys Roque all singled and Madelyn Thornton doubled for six Dolphin hits.
Earlier in the month, Marathon enjoyed a 16-1 win in their home opener against Somerset South Homestead on Feb. 13. Boose started in the circle for Marathon, striking out eight, walking one and allowing just two hits and one run in four innings of work. The Fins piled on 10 runs in the first to make a Somerset win very far out of reach.
Thornton had a single, double and triple while Merryman hit a pair of singles and Boose tripled and doubled with four RBIs to her credit. Dahlia Westdickenberg, McLeod, Shaina Robinson and Roque accounted for the rest of Marathon’s 11 hits in the mercy-rule victory.
Coral Shores played two games on Feb. 28, beginning with the Gators of Everglades City. The Hurricanes delivered a spectacular display of 28 hits, led by Caylyn Gwilliam, whose four hits and five RBIs included a home run. Also homering were Kayden Costlow, Addison Grady and Alyvia Prince. Costlow had four hits while Grady and Prince
smashed three apiece. Presley Bagwell had three hits and four RBIs for the Hurricanes and put in four innings of work in the circle, fanning eight. Then Mira Jones, who had two hits, stepped in and pitched to complete the 23-9 mercy-rule rout.
Game two was a 15-7 win against the Community School Seahawks of Naples. Prince pitched seven innings for the Hurricanes, striking out seven, walking one and giving up 11 hits. Jones and Costlow added four hits and a home run each to their stats to lead the scoring for Coral Shores. Chloe Stanley had a single, a triple and a home run; Lily Underwood had three base hits and Vanessa Cawley doubled and homered. The Hurricanes had 23 hits in all to make it 51 in a single afternoon.
at a
3. Kaleaya Dickerson slides into third base as Sara Robinson attempts the tag.
4. Anastasia Boose pitches for the Dolphins.
5. Charlie Bracher heads to first base after drawing a walk.
6. Maicee Gage hits the ball. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly
1. Brianna Brenner pitches to a Dolphin.
2. Trinity McLeod swings
pitch as Shylo Sanchez prepares to catch it.
STORM’S A-BREWING
Expect a battle when Key West and Coral Shores clash later this month
With winning records and similar finishes against common opponents, lacrosse teams for Key West and Coral Shores are headed for clashes on the pitch later this month.
Coral Shores played Lourdes Academy at home in an exciting Feb. 24 matchup. Shay Stober and Addy McNew scored two goals each while Ivy Tiedemann, Alexis Mahaffey, Allegra Fucaraccio, Eleanor Perchalski and Lela Goodrich netted one apiece. Eliyana McLeod scooped up seven ground balls and caused three turnovers and Zeffie Crocket added to the chaos with three caused turnovers of her own. Sidney Friedman had a second-quarter shutout with seven saves during her half of play while Lola Stober registered seven saves and had a third-quarter shutout in goal for the Hurricanes. The strong goaltending helped boost Coral Shores to a 9-6 victory over Lourdes. The Hurricanes went on to defeat Westminster Christian 8-3 on Feb. 26 for a 4-1 start to the season.
The Lady Conchs picked up a road win against South Plantation on Feb. 24. Mavis Bishop scored three goals and won six draw controls while Taylor Gibson netted three goals and two assists and picked up three ground balls. Colbie Turner, Teagan Shea, Eisley Whitehead and Adriana Dall scored two apiece. Turner won six draw controls and Whitehead added five assists. Diyaq Alwani and Alexandra Konecna saved three each in goal for a resounding 16-6 Conch win. Three days later, a visiting Palmetto defeated Key West 14-6 to put the Conchs at 3-2 so far this season.
Both Keys teams are proving to be strong contenders in FHSAA’s 1A District 16. The Lady Conchs and ’Canes meet head-to-head Thursday, March 26 at 4 p.m. in Key West for what is guaranteed to be an exciting matchup.
1.
In boys lacrosse action, Coral Shores defeated Coral
2. Shay Stober drives for the go-ahead goal to put Coral Shores in the lead against Lourdes Academy.
3. Anaia Woods reverses the ball for an attempt on goal.
4. Allegra Fucaraccio receives a pass from her teammate.
5. Alexis Mahaffey advances the ball.
NATALIE GOODWIN/Keys Weekly
Reef 9-3 on Feb. 25, then fell to Belen Jesuit 18-3 three days later. Key West had no problem beating South Plantation on the road Feb. 24, then toppled Florida Christian at home two days later in a 11-5 win. The Conchs’ final game of the week was against Belen Jesuit. The Wolverines have outscored their opponents 90-12 this season, and their rapid-fire play was no different against the Conchs, who suffered their first loss of the season to Belen, 20-2.
Like the girls teams, the boys have much in common against like opponents, and when the teams face one another on March 25 at Coral Shores, it should be nothing short of a showdown.
Addy McNew scoops a ground ball for Coral Shores against Lourdes Academy on Feb. 23.
Visit Florida Keys has funding available for those interested in applying for Destination or Turnkey event funding for events to take place between October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027; or for pre-promotion funding for Destination events to take place between October 1, 2027 and December 31, 2027.
The deadline for receipt of applications is March 25, 2026, and applications must be downloaded from the County’s Bonfire platform.
For more information, please email grants@fla-keys.com.
Publish: February 5 & 19 and March 5 & 19, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, March 19th, 2026, 3:30 PM LOCATION: City of Key Colony Beach, Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach.
The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2026-508], entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA; AMENDING ORDINANCE 2025-497 FUTURE LAND USE POLICY 1.5.1 FOR A SCRIVENOR’S ERROR REGARDING PLAN DENSITIES FOR COMMERCIAL, RESORT, AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS THE INTENSITY SHALL BE AT LEAST 20% OF THE LOT; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; REPEALING ANY INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.”
The Business Impact Statement is available for review on the City of Key Colony Beach’s website at www.keycolonybeach.net and at City Hall at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach.
Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, March 19th, 2026, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to the City Clerk, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record.
To be published: On or before March 9th, 2026 City Clerk City of Key Colony Beach, Florida
Publish: March 5, 2025. The Weekly Newspapers
Richard E. Schugar, O.D. Tropical Optical 81933 Overseas Highway Islamorada, Florida 33036
Effective March 31, 2026, Dr. Richard E. Schugar will be retiring and will no longer be practicing at Tropical Optical, 81933 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036.
Patients’ medical records will remain at Tropical Optical, 81933 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036. Please call 305-664-2665 to schedule appointments, to request medical records or for any questions starting March 31, 2026.
Publish: March 5, 12 19 & 26, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
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
are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts. com
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, March 19th, 2026, 3:30 PM
LOCATION: City of Key Colony Beach, Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach.
The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2026-508], entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA; AMENDING ORDINANCE 2025-497 FUTURE LAND USE
POLICY 1.5.1 FOR A SCRIVENOR’S ERROR REGARDING PLAN
DENSITIES FOR COMMERCIAL, RESORT, AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS
THE INTENSITY SHALL BE AT LEAST 20% OF THE LOT; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; REPEALING ANY INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.”
The Business Impact Statement is available for review on the City of Key Colony Beach’s website at www.keycolonybeach.net and at City Hall at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, March 19th, 2026, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to the City Clerk, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record.
To be published: On or before March 9th, 2026 City Clerk City of Key Colony Beach, Florida Publish: March 5, 2027 The Weekly Newspapers
CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT
HEARING
“SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2026-509” NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, March 19th, 2026, 3:30 PM LOCATION: City of Key Colony Beach, Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach. The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2026-509], entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA, ADDING SECTION 6-45 SEAWALL CONDITIONS; COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS; ENFORCEMENT TO CHAPTER 6 BUILDINGS, ARTICLE II DANGEROUS STRUCTURES; ADDING SECTION 9-13 CONCERNING VIOLATIONS OF SECTION 6-45 FOR BUSINESS TAX
RECEIPTS PURPOSES TO CHAPTER 9 BUSINESS TAXES, PE/RMITS AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS, ARTICLE I IN GENERAL; AMENDING SECTION 9-28 CONCERNING VIOLATIONS OF SECTION 6-45 FOR RESIDENTIAL RENTALS TO CHAPTER 9 BUSINESS TAXES, PERMITS AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS, ARTICLE II RESIDENTIAL RENTALS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; REPEALING ANY INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.”
The Business Impact Statement is available for review on the City of Key Colony Beach’s website at www.keycolonybeach.net and at City Hall at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, March 19th, 2026, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to the City Clerk, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record.
To be published: On or before March 9th, 2026
City Clerk - City of Key Colony Beach, Florida
Publish: March 5, 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
NOTICES
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 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 right of way boundary line of United Street a distance of 100 feet to the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land herein described, thence at right angles in the Northwesterly direction 84.17 feet to a point; thence at right angles in a Southwesterly direction 26.3 feet to a point; thence at right angles in a Southeasterly direction 84.17 feet to a point in the Northwesterly direction along the said right of way line of United Street a distance of 26.3 feet back to the point of Beginning. SPECIFIC LOCATION OF REAL PROPERTY:
421 United Street Key West, Florida 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
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
CIVIL DIVISION
CASE #: 25-CA-001240-M Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC
Plaintiff, -vs.-
Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, Assignees, Creditors, Lienors, and Trustees of John Paul Rao a/k/a John P. Rao a/k/a John Rao, Deceased, and All Other Persons Claiming by and Through, Under, Against The Named Defendant(s); Kimberly Lynn Rao a/k/a Kimberly Rao a/k/a Kimberly L. Rao-Paszkiewicz a/k/a Kimberly Rao Paszkiewicz a/k/a Kimberly Lynn Paszkiewicz; Unknown Spouse of Kimberly Lynn Rao a/k/a Kimberly Rao a/k/a
Kimberly L. Rao-Paszkiewicz a/k/a Kimberly Rao Paszkiewicz a/k/a
Kimberly Lynn Paszkiewicz; Coco Plum Terraces Condominium Association, Inc.; Katherine Melinda Rao; Unknown Parties in Possession #1, if living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s); Unknown Parties in Possession #2, if living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) Defendant(s) NOTICE OF ACTION FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS-PROPERTY TO: Kimberly Lynn Rao a/k/a Kimberly Rao a/k/a Kimberly L. Rao-Paszkiewicz a/k/a Kimberly Rao Paszkiewicz a/k/a Kimberly Lynn Paszkiewicz: 2521 Southwest 71st Terrace, Apartment 206, Davie, FL 33317 and Unknown Spouse of Kimberly Lynn Rao a/k/a
Residence unknown, if living, including any unknown spouse of the said Defendants, if either has remarried and if either or both of said Defendants are dead, their respective unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, creditors, lienors, and trustees, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against the named Defendant(s); and the aforementioned named Defendant(s) and such of the aforementioned unknown Defendants and such of the aforementioned unknown Defendants as may be infants, incompetents or otherwise not sui juris.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action has been commenced to foreclose a mortgage on the following real property, lying and being and situated in Monroe County, Florida, more particularly described as follows: CONDOMINIUM UNIT NUMBER 110, COCO PLUM TERRACES, A CONDOMINIUM ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM THEREOF, FILED. ON NOVEMBER 13, 1990, IN OFFICIAL RECORD BOOK 1150, PAGES 1955-2015 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA; TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED SHARE IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS APPURTENANT THERETO AND SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM. more commonly known as 105 Avenue D, Apartment 110, Marathon, FL 33050. This action has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defense, if any, upon LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, whose address is 750 Park of Commerce Blvd., Suite 130, Boca Raton, FL 33487, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this notice and file the original with the clerk of this Court either before April 4, 2026 with service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court on the 26TH day of February, 2026.
Kevin Madok,CPA Circuit and County Courts
By: Leslie Rodriguez Deputy Clerk Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.540 Notices to Persons With Disabilities If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, ADA Coordinator, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
SPANISH: Si usted es una persona discapacitada que necesita alguna adaptación para poder participar
de este procedimiento o evento; usted tiene derecho, sin costo alguno a que se le provea cierta ayuda. Favor de comunicarse con Cheryl Alfonso, Coordinadora de A.D.A Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 por lo menos 7 días antes de que tenga que comparecer en corte o inmediatamente después de haber recibido ésta notificación si es que falta menos de 7 días para su comparecencia. Si tiene una discapacidad auditiva ó de habla, llame al 711.
KREYOL: Si ou se yon moun ki kokobé ki bezwen asistans ou aparêy pou ou ka patisipé nan prosedu sa-a, ou gen dwa san ou pa bezwen péyé anyen pou ou jwen on seri de èd. Tanpri kontakté Cheryl Alfonso, Co-ordinator ADA, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652O’mwen 7 jou avan ke ou gen pou-ou parèt nan tribunal, ou imediatman ke ou resevwa avis sa-a ou si lè ke ou gen pou-ou alé nan tribunal-la mwens ke 7 jou; Si ou pa ka tandé ou palé byen, rélé 711.
Publish: March 5 &12, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND INTENT TO FORECLOSE
To: All persons listed below, their guardians, heirs and assigns, record owners of the unit week(s) as showing, all located in Monroe County, Florida comprised of Unit Weeks as more particularly defined in and governed by that certain: Declaration of Condominium for FLORIDA BAY CLUB OF KEY LARGO, a condominium, recorded in O.R. Book 871 at pages 1215, et seq. Public Records, Monroe County, Florida. You are hereby given Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose on behalf of THE FLORIDA BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC. a Florida not-for-profit corporation. You may cure the default and redeem the timeshare interest by paying the amounts secured by the Association’s lien on your unit week(s) as showing below in cash or certified funds to Timeshare Truste at any time prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Sale.
Unit/Week Owner Name Address City, State, Zip Default Year Amount Due Per Diem C02-03 Betty J. Pearson 7016 NW 169th StreetHialeah, FL 33015 2023 $4,229.89 $2.09
A02-03 James Lewis Mitchell III a/k/a James Mitchell III, Julian Mitchell a/k/a Jullian Berry Mitchell 801 South Street, Unit 3903 Honolulu, HI 96813 2024
$2,946.78 $1.45
B04-02 James Lewis Mitchell III a/k/a James Mitchell III, Julian Mitchella/k/a Jullian Berry Mitchell 801 South Street, Unit 3903 Honolulu, HI 96813 2024
A01-06 Christopher Ian Meyerson 4136 Shadowood Parkway SE Atlanta, GA 30339 2020
$10,375.85 $5.12
A01-09 Clifford E. Brown, Linda K. Brown 8205 Rio Bend Ct., N. Richmond Hill, TX 76182 2023
$2,947.39 $1.45
If you fail to cure the default as set forth in this notice or take other appropriate action with regard to this foreclosure matter, you risk losing ownership of your timeshare interest through the trustee foreclosure procedure established in section 721.855, Florida Statutes. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT AS A MATTER OF LAW TO SEND TO THE TRUSTEE WRITTEN NOTICE THAT YOU OBJECT TO THIS PROCEDURE. UPON THE TRUSTEE’S RECEIPT OF YOUR OBJECTION, THE FORECLOSURE OF THE LIEN WITH RESPECT TO THE DEFAULT SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEDURE ONLY. You have the right to cure your default in the manner set forth in this notice at any time before the trustee’s sale
of your timeshare interest. If you do not object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure, you will not be subject to a deficiency judgment even if the proceeds from the sale of your timeshare interest by the TRUSTEE are insufficient to offset the amounts secured by the lien.
STAACK & SIMMS, PLLC, d/b/a TIMESHARE TRUSTEE
51 S. MAIN AVENUE, SUITE 319 CLEARWATER, FL 33765
PHONE: (727) 441-2635
FAX: (727) 461-4836
Website: www.staacklaw.com
Publish: 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
Description
Sale
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
Account Number: 1238074
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
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
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-57
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/623
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1238066
Parcel ID: 00186080-000000
Description of Property: BK 15 LT 5 CUTTHROAT HARBOR ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 OR477-583 OR729-436 OR1295-1982 OR1456-1353
Names in which assessed:
RICE SYLVIA L, SHARON RICE
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am. Dated this February 6th, 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-58
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following
Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/628
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1238147
Parcel ID: 00186160-000000
Description of Property: BK 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
Names in which assessed: RICE SYLVIA L, SHARON RICE
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 6th, 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-60
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following
Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and
Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/627
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1238139
Parcel ID: 00186150-000000
Description of Property:
BK 15 LT 12 CUTTHROAT HARBOR
ESTATES FIRST ADDN CUDJOE KEY PB5-60 CUDJOE KEY OR593-348 OR1378-2014/18
Names in which assessed: PHILLIPS AND TRICE INC
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 4th, 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
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
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 6th, 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-63
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/137
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 1055107
Parcel ID: 00054500-000000
Description of Property: KW PEARLMAN ESTATES PB3-100 LOT 10 BLK 1 OR53-296/97
OR488-705 OR596-29 OR767-255
OR795-1163 OR796-2319/20
OR884-500 OR2244-1571/72L/E
OR2979-699D/C
Names in which assessed: COLLIE NITA
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 4th, 2026
KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
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 By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-66
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/1411
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 9101739
Parcel ID: 00483401-019800
Description of Property: UNIT 198 KEY LARGO OCEAN RESORT CONDOMINIUM OR2611977 OR2924-70
Names in which assessed: IRIARTE PEDRO E, MARIA T IRIARTE
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 6th 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT &
COMPTROLLER
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2025-67
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
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 is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY, holder of the following
Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder on www.monroe. realtaxdeed.com
Sale Date: March 25, 2026 Sale Time: 10:00am.
Dated this February 4th 2026 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy
Clerk Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-69
Notice is hereby given that, FIG 20, LLC FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY,
holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/1509
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023
Account Number: 9104855
Parcel ID: 00499821-001000
Description of Property: BOAT SLIP #10 LTS 18-20 BK 10 KEY LARGO OCEAN SHORES ADD PB4-124 OR971-333 OR1021-917 OR1785-1713 OR1785-1714 Names in which assessed: BLEKE JAMES H 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 MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy
Clerk
Publish: February 12, 19 & 26 and March 5, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2025-71
Notice is hereby given that, KEYS FUNDING LLC-5023, holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate No: 2023/1644
Date of Issuance: June 01, 2023 Account Number: 1669377
Parcel ID: 00545870-000000
Description of Property: BK 3 LT 3 AND 4 WINSTON PARK SUB PB4-104 KEY LARGO OR159265/266 OR161-490 OR407-199200 OR448-224Q OR707-398D/C OR783-1500 OR786-1768 OR801-1073D/C OR802- 351D/C OR811-545 OR925-294 OR998509 OR1105-2378 OR1285-
1387/94(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 PB2107 G57-181 G57-321 OR10-33 OR442-183 OR446-637
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
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
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 ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.-
BOAT SLIP FOR RENT
Dockage up to 60’ Islamorada - Bayside, 50 amp service. Price LOWER than marina. Call 860-982-4517
EMPLOYMENT
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 TBD - based on skill. Email: Natalie@cecflk.com
Specialty Hardware of Marathon - Retired? Have hardware knowledge? Want to keep your brain stimulated? Come see us at Specialty - we are looking for a full or part time person. Hardware knowledge a must. Apply in person at 10730 Overseas Hwy. Marathon 1-305-743-3382.
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, 9:30am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.
Now Hiring in Key West: Vacation Sales Coordinators. Up to $2,000 Sign-On Bonus. Please contact Brea.RollinsSimms@vacationclub. com for more information
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.
Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. FullTime Medical Assistant/ RN - Pediatric experience preferred. Must multitask in fast-paced setting. Also hiring Full-Time Front Desk Staff - Experience with insurance verification and EMR required. Strong multitasking skills. Pay is commensurate with experience. Email resume to: flkeyspeds@gmail.com HIRED IN LESS THAN FIVE WEEKS!!!
HOBBIES/COLLECT.
PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
TURN YOUR CARDS INTO CASH! Marathon collector buying any and all Pokemon cards & collections. Call 401-256-0645.
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. 904237-9090 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
2BR/1BA Duplex in Big Pine Key for rent. With boat & wildlife reserve access. Furn. $3500/ mo - unfurn. $3300/mo. Call Ray 413-6953043 or 305-897-0563 PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or E-mail: Anneke @keysweekly.com
SARA’S ESTATE SALE on Big Coppitt Key @ 104 Sirius Lane, FRI-SUN March 6-8, 9a to 1p, all three days. We’re calling this the treasure hunt house, and it’s a donot-miss sale. Standouts: antique butcher block table, massive half clam shell, big repro dive helmet & working slot machine. We have vintage toys, dolls & board games, and bits of Key West history, sponges & old bottles. Odd things: a butter churn, airplane model engine parts, powder horn & candle form.. Art lovers: vintage KW prints, tropical stained glass, embroidered reef scenes & wooden fish. Tools: vintage tools, welding machine, acetylene torch, drill press, tool boxes, battery tools, lobster traps, bait freeze & fridge, dive weight, lead sinkers. 2 sets of dishes, pink glass, blue glass, platters, xmas tableware. Lasting furniture: bamboo, wicker, spun fiberglass, cast aluminum bistro set & so much more. To see the full sale, visit estatesales. net. (Turn off US1 at MM10 Circle K on to Boca Chica Road, and follow the signs; park with consideration.)
PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com
NOW HIRING!
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
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Finance Department:
ACCOUNTING REPRESENTATIVE
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $27.37/hr - $30.66/hr
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:
SOLAR SALES FOR SALT ENERGY, LLC. - Dynamic, local company looking for good people to grow with us. Located in Marathon, we have been engineering, installing and servicing solar energy systems in the Keys, South Florida and Caribbean for over 30 years. We are looking for a Team player with a great attitude, excellent communication and sales skills, who is excited to share the benefits of solar energy. Initially, this position will be representing the residential and small commercial sector of the company, focused primarily in the Florida Keys.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Visit customers’ homes to perform site surveys and provide tailored solar solutions.
• Prepare and deliver compelling sales proposals and negotiate terms to close deals.
• Communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project implementation and complete customer satisfaction.
REQUIREMENTS
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with customers.
• Self-motivated, target-driven and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering an outstanding customer experience.
• Strong understanding of solar energy systems and industry best practices, preferred.
EDUCATION: High school diploma required. College degree in business or communication preferred.
JOB TYPE: Full-time. WORK LOCATION: In person.
PAY: Base pay plus bonus commissions. Benefits: 401(k) matching, PTO. SALT Energy, LLC., 2992 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050. Send resume and cover letter to Lisak@saltenergy.net.
SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN
(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician)
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hr. - $51.94/hr.
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Generation Department:
I & E TECHNICIAN
INSTRUMENT & ELECTRICAL
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hour - $51.94/hour
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Generation Department:
OPERATOR/MAINTAINER
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $40.15/hr - $44.97/hr
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.
KEY LARGO
Behavioral Health Counselor (CAT)
Prevention Specialist
Case Manager (Adult)
KEY WEST
Case Manager (Children)
Mental Health Technician (PT or FT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) Crisis Counselor
Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Prevention Specialist
MARATHON
HR Assistant/Recruiter
Mental Health Technician Driver
Registered Nurse (FT, PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (FT)
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 Shifts (PT)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary. JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS!
team/Job Opportunities/location/zip
SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE APPRENTICE
and
of marine mammals.
DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program, in addition to, life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. EOE
COME JOIN THE FAMILY!
Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Medical Assistant, Ortho-Tavernier,
- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
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.
